Backstage With Brandi

Jo with Brandi Carlile

Jacksonville, OR – Thanks to Donna Briggs and Britt Festivals for the rare and fun opportunity to be backstage after last night’s concert with Brandi Carlile. Whit was needed as photographer, and I was able to tag along!

Brandi has been to Britt five times now – three times as the opening act and twice as the main headliner. Whit and I have seen her three times here. She seems to get better and better as the years progress. She spoke about her Britt history onstage during her show, and mentioned,  “When you are the opening act, you dream of the day when YOU are the one onstage when the sun goes down, the lights go up, and it’s this mystical experience!”

Phil Hanseroth, one of Brandi's "Twins" in the band, bonds with Gary and Tim Balfour

After donning special security passes, Whit and I, with a small contingency, were allowed to meet this popular group. We have been backstage twice now – the first time was last year, when we were invited to meet Smokey Robinson (on my Birthday). What a treat! Smokey was by himself, with a small “receiving” line, and he spoke and hugged every one of us in turn in a quiet, rather intimate space.

Last night had a totally different feel – some of Brandi’s band members also came to say hello, and Brandi herself flitted in and out of the casual “reception” room (which is also the guest performers’ regular space to have drinks and food).

Brad Barr of The Barr Brothers jams backstage with Phil Hanseroth

The Barr Brothers, the terrific opening act for the evening, were also in the area, and Brad Barr, lead vocalist, was actually playing the backstage piano. Later, when Jeb Blows joined in with his fiddle, we had our own mini-concert!

Christian and Jill Hamilton with Brandi

Most interesting to me were the band members’ comments about the evening at Britt. All of them expressed this was one of their best concerts ever.  When pressed for reasons, Jeb Blows, Brandi’s mandolin and fiddle player, stated with twinkling eyes (yes, I thought he was very cute!) that the Blue Moon, the perfect weather and the great connection with the audience made the show very special to them. Brandi shared this sentiment and also added that just being in Jacksonville for the day was so wonderful – she ate in town at the Jacksonville Inn and Umi Sushi, and was able to relax in our special hamlet.

Brandi with Tim & Gary Balfour

Thanks Brandi and her band for an amazing concert – we look forward to seeing you next year!

Only a few Britt concerts left this year – don’t miss out! www.brittfest.org.