One might think that The State Theater of Virginia would be in one of the metropolitan hubs on the eastern side of the state.
Nope. Instead, one would have to venture to the mountains of Southwest Virginia, to the gorgeous hamlet of Abingdon, to discover The Barter Theatre, Virginia’s state theater.
Known for a fantastic slate of dramatic productions all the year ’round, each January the theater’s thespians take a break and , for the last seven years, turn the historic stage over to January Jams, a concert series begun in 2013 by The Abingdon Music Experience and now one of the region’s most anticipated musical events.
This year, January Jams continues its tradition of bringing amazing musical acts to one of the most storied stages in the country. Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Sam Bush, Reverend Shawn Amos, Tameca Jones, Drew & Ellie Holcomb, and The Dustbowl Revival round out an incredible collection of artists this month at the Barter Theater.
Saturday marks the final show of the series, with the soulful folk octet The Dustbowl Revival, joined by special guest Seth Walker taking to the stage.
I recently caught up with Zach Lupetin of The Dustbowl Revival to chat about life on the road.
Q&A With Zach Lupetin
BRO – Any pre-show rituals?
ZL – There are eight of us, so we all get ready a little different. I like to peak my head out and see what the energy of the crowd is looking like and create a set list that will get them dancing.
BRO – Favorite on stage libation?
ZL – I’m a gin and tonic guy recently.
BRO – Stage you have not yet played but would love to?
ZL – Playing Red Rocks in Colorado and the Ryman in Nashville would be bucket list items. And Newport Folk Fest!
BRO – One thing you never want to hear the sound technician say?
ZL – “We only have one monitor mix.”
BRO- One item you can’t hit the road without?
ZL – Noise-canceling headphones. They make the long plane and van rides much more doable.
BRO – Three items you’d like to put on your rider, just to see if you could get them?
ZL – Korean barbeque, massages therapists, and hot tubs.
BRO – City that your music has taken you that you never thought you would visit?
ZL – We’ve been amazed at the response in Bozeman, Montana. I had never visited until we played and the warmth of the crowds really got to us. Also, Bristol – on the Virginia/Tennessee border – has been awesome.
BRO – How do you plan for outside time while on tour?
ZL – Most of us in the band love hiking, so if we have a day off in a cool area we will find a way to get outside in nature. It’s important to get out of the van and breathe some clean air. We did find some amazing canyon hikes in Arizona last year. Got a little lost, but we found our way back.
BRO – Most interesting item ever thrown on stage?
ZL – We have a sweet couple of fans in California who make us custom glowing flower crowns. They’re pretty psychedelic!
Zach and his mates in The Dustbowl Revival are in the midst of a hectic couple weeks of touring. Last weekend had them in Alaska, while Thursday and Friday have them in Maryland and Eastern Virginia before Saturday night brings them to Abingdon, Virginia, for the January Jams concert series.
TICKET GIVEAWAY
Speaking of that show in Abingdon, Trail Mix wants to give you and a friend a shot at seeing The Dustbowl Revival for free!
Take a shot at the trivia question below. A winner win of two passes to the show will be chosen from all of the correct responses received by noon on Friday, January 25th!
Please note that we are having difficulty with the answer form on mobile devices. You can also email your answers to [email protected].
Which of John Steinbeck’s novels took place in the turbulent region known as the Dust Bowl in the early twentieth century?
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Find more information on The Dustbowl Revival and their show dates on their website.
Be sure to take a listen to all the great music available for stream and download in the January edition of Trail Mix!
