By Caitlin Varner Dec 20th 2011

We all have those songs that bring us back to a certain cherished memory. One cord of the melody and we flashback to a particular moment in time or imagine a familiar face. They are the soundtracks to our lives, fitting in to the scenes of our pasts so perfectly and wiping contagious smiles across our faces. You know what I’m talking about. Well, past and future managed to come together on Sunday, December 18th at the Belly Up Tavern with performances by Josh Damigo and Shawn Colvin. Colvin delighted us with her songs that take us back to those wonderful moments years ago, while up-and-coming Damigo set the stage for a soundtrack that will bring us back to these days we are creating now.

Local artist, and all around humble San Diegan, Josh Damigo took the stage Sunday night with a performance that could only be described as flawless. Damigo had the entire audience captivated with his great personality and witty stories that accompanied each song and somehow managed to have the audience laughing one minute and wiping tears the next, especially during his performance of “Never Going to Let You Go” (a song he wrote for his brother, Nathan, who is now in prison after an unfortunate PTSD episode). In all of the many concerts and intimate performances I’ve attended, I’ve never once had a show stand out like this one. With traces of Jason Mraz and Trevor Hall, he has what I like to call “couldn’t have said it better myself lyrics”. Relying more on vocals than on his guitar, he consumed the audience with his voice that cut through the air with such precision and tenderness you suddenly forgot to breath. At one point, he even stepped away from the mic and sang organically to a crowd gasping in amazement. At that point it was not only easy to see how and why Damigo has already received so many local music awards but to also ask the question, why is this guy not signed?! His performance was captivating and inspiring, and there is no question in my mind that he earned many new fans that night.

After an incredible opening act, Shawn Colvin, in all of her elegance, took to the stage and presented us with a show that no one will forget. She opened with a song by the Bee Gees and did incredible covers of “Not a Drop of Rain” by Robert Earl Keen, “Just My Imagination” by the Temptations, “California Girls” by Katy Perry and several more. She had the audience roaring with laughter when she reenacted a recent performance with America’s sweetheart Taylor Swift which involved a riser and some very sore quads, and when she sang for us a song she wrote for her 13-year-old daughter which went something along the lines of, “I’m the only person in the world. I’m the only person in the world. You’d think that I’d be sick of myself but nope, I’m still the only person in the world.” Excited applause went through the crowd when she began to sing her Grammy winning hit, “Sunny Came Home”. This being a song that highlights wonderful memories in my life, I shared the excitement of everyone in the room. As the perfect follower and closing, she sang her popular song “Diamond in the Rough” and took a bow to her fans. Walking off stage with a standing ovation, she delighted us with an encore and sang a cover of “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley and her song “These Old Walls”. Even after more than 25 years in the music scene, Colvin is still able to draw in fans, new and old, and put on a performance that keeps you engaged, laughing, and begging for no end.

For me and all the others who had the privilege of being in the audience that night, Sunday was a show for the soul. Josh Damigo brought more to the stage than I ever expected, and without doubt he will be a part of my life’s current soundtrack. Shawn Colvin’s heartwarming and impeccable performance left us all with beautiful memories, gleaming smiles across our faces and feelings of content, ease and awe. I could only think of one way to end this already gushing review and that is to share with you a few words of advice. First, if you ever have the opportunity to see Shawn Colvin live, do so. And second, clear  your schedule for Friday December 30th and head to Lestat’s to witness a truly amazing performance by Josh Damigo. You will not be disappointed!

 

Shawn Colvin www.shawncolvin.com

Josh Damigo joshdamigo.wordpress.com