The WeatherVanes

The WeatherVanes’ refreshing folk-rock harmonies blend rootsy instrumentals with pop and blues sounds.

Allison Frick
Special to Metromix
November 30, 2011

The WeatherVanes’ refreshing folk-rock harmonies blend rootsy instrumentals with pop and blues sounds. The result is groovy, toe-tapping music with a classic touch that gives the Alexandria-based quartet a truly original style and a song collection that ranges from narrative ballads to harmonica-infused jams.

On November 9, the group participated in Rock To the Max, a contest that called on musicians to help the Razoo Foundation, Community Foundation and United Way with Give to the Max: Greater Washington, their 24-hour fundraiser for local non-profits. The WeatherVanes rallied and beat out other local artists to generate the most money for their charity of choice: Arlingtonians Meeting Emergency Needs (AMEN), which provides financial relief to Arlington residents facing unexpected financial burdens. In total, Give to the Max generated over $2 million that benefitted over 1,300 non-profits.

But the giving doesn't stop there! In exchange for their fundraising efforts, The WeatherVanes won the opportunity to perform at the Rock To the Max Concert at the Hard Rock Cafe D.C. on December 13. Doors are at 7 p.m. and the music starts at 8.

And you won't want to miss this show! The WeatherVanes may have formed just under a year ago, but collectively the technical training, musical backgrounds and personal tastes in the group add up to decades of experience. Front man Jackson Edwards, drummer Seth Brown, bassist Marc Kannenberg and keyboard player Dustin Brandt are in sync when it comes to their vision for the Vanes and it shows in their performances. Their first EP, "Making Strangers," is available now on iTunes and their second: "Morning Light" will be released soon.

Tickets for the Rock to The Max concert are available online by clicking here for just $7. Tickets will also be sold at the door for the same price. Ticket proceeds will go to Hard Rock Cafe's philanthropy program that benefits WHY Hunger.

Check out our interview with The WeatherVanes and make sure you stick around till the end for a live acoustic rendition of "Morning Light!" - Metromix DC

The WeatherVanes

Next Show: Friday, March 23: Black Cat Main Stage, 9pm ($10 admission)

If you like Montgomery Gentry, Ray LaMontague, Johnny Cash or Lynyrd Skynyrd, you’re sure to dig the gritty deep rock and roll country sounds of The WeatherVanes. - DC Music Download

The WeatherVanes

Next Show: Friday, March 23: Black Cat Main Stage, 9pm ($10 admission)

If you like Montgomery Gentry, Ray LaMontague, Johnny Cash or Lynyrd Skynyrd, you’re sure to dig the gritty deep rock and roll country sounds of The WeatherVanes. - DC Music Download

The WeatherVanes - The headliner went up next and I thought it would be a bit more of the same. The starting point and approach was similar, although their were drums, bass, keyboards/mandolin backing the singer/guitarist. The first song showed a great dexterity with the acoustic guitar sound that had a great rock feel in addition to the Americana folk underbelly. His slide moves were clever and really livened up the song. He went to electric guitar for half of the nearly hour-long set and really had some flash moves that rocked out a lot more than I expected. The songs were put together well and always maintained a rootsy base. The keyboards gave a great high end sound, while the rhythm section was strong, but not overpowering. The band was able to raise it up a notch as a unit, which shows me they have done this for a while and have a great command of their fine material. This just may be the area's finest band at American-based folk-rock, with the emphasis on rock. They did a Tom Waits cover which fit their style and were quite funny, although I don't need to be reminded of the next band five times. The crowd of 30-ish was excellent tonight and really wanted some fun on a Wednesday night. These guys delivered. - DC Rock Live - David Hintz

Saturday, March 24, 2012

The WeatherVanes - Well, if you want accomplished arrangements from four guys that have the songs and the ability and comfort to play off of each other with a touch of soul, then here is the band that puts it all together tonight. Americana folk-rock that folks a bit more when they are acoustic, with the switch to electric guitar focusing them more on rock. I will pause while you catch your breath from that startling revelation. The keyboardist adds some banjo and mandolin as well, so they do vary the sounds nicely which keep things fresh over a long set. But as interesting as it all was, my mind wandered as I was reminded of how much the look of this band reminded me of the Eagles of Death Metal. But sound-wise, not even close. This is sharp heartland music that Axl Rose also would 'not get'. But the sizable crowd tonight got it and showed their appreciation. The crowd had thinned a bit due to the hour but probably surpassed 200 tonight, making this a highly successful local show here at the Black Cat. Do check out the WeatherVanes some time soon if you even remotely enjoy this type of music. - DC Rock Live - David Hintz

Saturday, March 24, 2012

The WeatherVanes - Well, if you want accomplished arrangements from four guys that have the songs and the ability and comfort to play off of each other with a touch of soul, then here is the band that puts it all together tonight. Americana folk-rock that folks a bit more when they are acoustic, with the switch to electric guitar focusing them more on rock. I will pause while you catch your breath from that startling revelation. The keyboardist adds some banjo and mandolin as well, so they do vary the sounds nicely which keep things fresh over a long set. But as interesting as it all was, my mind wandered as I was reminded of how much the look of this band reminded me of the Eagles of Death Metal. But sound-wise, not even close. This is sharp heartland music that Axl Rose also would 'not get'. But the sizable crowd tonight got it and showed their appreciation. The crowd had thinned a bit due to the hour but probably surpassed 200 tonight, making this a highly successful local show here at the Black Cat. Do check out the WeatherVanes some time soon if you even remotely enjoy this type of music. - DC Rock Live - David Hintz