Concert Review: Slaughter Beach, Dog Live at the Fox Theater, 2024

Jake Ewald, frontman for indie-rock band Slaughter Beach, Dog performed live at Boulder’s Fox Theatre on the Hill on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. With assisting vocals from Erin Rae and guitar played by Adam Meisterhans, his set was a thrillingly unique medley of original songs from new album Crying, Laughing, Waving, Smiling and heartfelt covers of music legends Bob Dylan and Blaze Foley.

The Fox Theatre, while small, with a max occupancy of 625 people, is the perfect place for college students and music lovers to experience their favorite indie bands, connect with their peers, or even just enjoy a drink and some live music. Colton Whitehill, who drove out from Denver for the show, described his first impressions of the venue as “intimate”.

Intimate is the exact word for the performance; Ewald’s strong, melancholic voice rang out through the narrow pit as the crowd was washed in sweeping stage lights, warm yellow beams illuminating fans’ gentle sways. Cheering erupted when the singer broke out his around-the-neck harmonica; his bluegrassy rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Buckets of Rain” had everyone humming and singing along. His down to earth sense of humor brought a personal note to the show as he joked with people in the crowd; the room filled with laughter as he accepted a can of Blue Ribbon from an eager fan.

Unlike larger Denver-area venues like The Mission Ballroom or The Ogden Theatre, there is no hassle, no overcrowding at The Fox. A refreshing break from hour-long lines and fighting to claim a decent view in the pit, a night at the Fox is a breeze, with short lines and plenty of personal space. Benches line the walls for those who don’t wish to be on their feet all night and sitting at the bar does not mean being excluded from the action. A major plus, according to Lafayette’s Wendy Middlekauff, is the location. Being close to CU campus and Boulder’s walkable Hill, the “inconvenience of driving”, which often discourages attendance for her, is eliminated. Rather than worry about Denver traffic and Ubers and expensive parking spot scams, fans get to relax with a short walk among the nightlife and enjoy the Hill’s affordable dining options.

Slaughter Beach, Dog’s performance at The Fox was an excellent example of the vast indie music scene in Boulder, made all the more special by the unique charm and accessibility of a small local theatre.


Source List:
Colton Whitehill - coltonmtb@icloud.com
Wendy Middlekauff - w.j.middlekauff@gmail.com