As the sun set on Jam Cruise, the anticipation for the final night was palpable. My plan was to catch a glimpse of Diggin Dirt in the Black & White Lounge, then make my way to Lotus on the Pool Deck, and finally wrap up the night with Galactic in the Pantheon. However, the universe had other plans.
Diggin Dirt delivered an electrifying performance that left me spellbound. Their set was one of the highlights of Jam Cruise, and I found myself unable to tear away from the stage. After the show, I approached bassist Eric Dobko, playfully lamenting how he had derailed my carefully crafted schedule. With a beaming smile, he replied, “That’s exactly what I was hoping for with the setlist!”
Diggin Dirt, hailing from Humboldt County, California, is known for their unique blend of funk, rock, and reggae. The band consists of Zach Alder on vocals, Rory Urquhart and Zach Gutierrez on guitars, Eric Dobko on bass, Joey Incorvaia on drums, Aaron Gottesman on tenor sax, and Tyler Martin on baritone sax. For this particular set, Thatcher Holvick-Norton joined in on percussion, adding an extra layer of rhythm to their already tight sound.
The music they played resonated deeply with me, evoking memories of the soul music I grew up listening to in the ’60s and ’70s. I was pleasantly surprised to see a group of young musicians, clad in cowboy hats, delivering such a powerful performance. Zach Alder’s vocal prowess was particularly striking; he might just be the best soul shouter I’ve encountered.
Before boarding Jam Cruise 20, I had never heard of Diggin Dirt. A friend had urged me not to miss their performance, and I’m grateful I took that advice. Their first set was initially scheduled for a smaller stage but was moved to the Pool Deck, a well-deserved upgrade.
As the set began, I was immediately captivated by the energy in the air. Alder, with his cowboy hat, commanded the stage, pouring his heart into every note. The rhythm section, featuring Dobko and Incorvaia, laid down an infectious groove, while the guitars of Urquhart and Gutierrez paid homage to the legendary Jimmy Nolen.
The highlight of their set was the twin saxophone attack, which added a rich texture to their sound. They played several of their well-known tracks, including “Operator,” “Superstar,” “Leather Tramp,” and “Milkman.” The crowd erupted when the unmistakable opening notes of “Mississippi Queen” rang out, and Alder’s rendition was nothing short of spectacular.
The pièce de résistance came when they seamlessly transitioned from “Mississippi Queen” into “There Was a Time,” a classic from James Brown’s legendary live album. The energy in the room was electric, and it was clear that Diggin Dirt had left an indelible mark on everyone present.
Fast forward to the following show at the Black & White Lounge, where the band continued to impress. The first half of their set was a tribute to James Brown, featuring classics like “Give It Up or Turn It Loose” and “Cold Sweat.” Alder took a moment to share a personal story, revealing that it was three weeks to the day since he lost his wife, Clare. The heartfelt moment resonated with the audience, and he poured his emotions into a stunning rendition of “Unchained Melody.”
The night continued with a powerful performance of “Chain of Fools,” featuring guest artist Adryon de León. The band closed the night with their signature “Krunk Funk,” leaving the audience in awe.
Diggin Dirt’s upcoming tour dates include performances across California and beyond, and I highly recommend catching them live. Their music is a celebration of funk and soul, and they are a band that deserves to be seen and heard.
In addition to Diggin Dirt, the music scene is buzzing with excitement for an upcoming event featuring The Joe Marcinek Band. This special night will celebrate the music of The Meters, The Grateful Dead, and The Allman Brothers at Terra Fermata. The Funky Dead Allmans will take the stage, featuring a lineup that includes Lefty Hathaway, Mark King, Casey Luden, and more special guests.
The event promises to be a unique musical experience, blending the sounds of these legendary bands into a night of unforgettable jamming. With doors opening at 6 PM and the show running from 7 to 10 PM, attendees can expect a night filled with groovy tunes and vibrant energy.
As the music community continues to thrive, events like these remind us of the power of live music to bring people together. Whether it’s the soulful sounds of Diggin Dirt or the classic tunes of The Meters and The Allman Brothers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
In conclusion, the world of live music is alive and well, with talented bands like Diggin Dirt leading the charge. Their performances at Jam Cruise were a testament to their skill and passion for music. As we look forward to future events, it’s clear that the spirit of funk, rock, and soul will continue to thrive, bringing joy to audiences everywhere.
Source: MusicFestNews
