The Dead South Brings The Chains & Stakes Tour To Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas

On a warm Saturday night in Las Vegas, Brooklyn Bowl was the epicenter of an old-timey, foot-stompin’ ruckus courtesy of The Dead South. The Canadian folk-bluegrass quartet brought their unique brand of rowdy charm to the Vegas strip, and they didn’t disappoint.

THE BUILDERS AND THE BUTCHERS:

These guys were AWESOME and a very solid choice to open this show. The Portland based band, known for their blend of folk and indie-rock, delivered a raw and electric performance that had the crowd’s energy at a high going into the headliner’s set.

Lead vocalist Ryan Sollee, with his distinctive voice that blends gravelly intensity and the soulful power, owned the stage with a charisma that drew the audience in. His performance was matched by the band’s HUGE sound—a mix of banjo, acoustics, and percussion that brought their songs to life. The band also took many opportunities to speak to the crowd about how grateful they were to have us all there.

I left this show and immediately added this band to my Spotify playlist, and I’m definitely looking forward to their next show in Vegas! Right now, The Builders and The Butchers only have one other show scheduled – their 20 year anniversary show in Portland, OR on October 30th.

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THE DEAD SOUTH:

Despite the set being delayed heavily due to unfortunate sound issues prior to the band starting, from the moment The Dead South took the stage, the atmosphere crackled with an infectious energy. The band’s distinct style – a blend of bluegrass, folk, and a touch of punk – set the tone for what would be a night of pure, unadulterated fun. With their dapper, old-world attire and a lineup featuring banjo, cello, guitar, and mandolin, they immediately transported the audience to an old era, all while blending in a contemporary twist.

The setlist was a carefully crafted journey through their discography. Despite this being the tour for their recent album ‘Chains & Stakes,’ they did a great job showcasing tracks from their hit albums such as ‘Good Company’ and ‘Sugar & Joy.’ During their third song, ‘The Recap,’ a MASSIVE fight broke out in the crowd, forcing the band to stop the show until security could remove the rowdy audience members. This delayed the set another 5-10 minutes, but the band resumed the song and kept the energy high. We were all particularly hyped for ‘In Hell I’ll Be In Good Company,’ a song that has become an anthem for fans (and was the first Dead South song I had ever heard) and was performed with the kind of energy that could make the devil himself tap his feet. The band’s tight harmonies and the rich tones of the cello created an awesome sound that was both haunting and exciting.

Frontman Nate Hilts, with his signature attire and charismatic stage presence, led the charge with his intense and sweet voice. The banjo work of Caelum Scott and the intricate mandolin play of Scott Pringle were standout features, each taking turns in the spotlight and receiving well-deserved cheers from the audience.

Brooklyn Bowl, with its intimate setting and excellent acoustics, proved to be the PERFECT venue for this performance. The venue, known for its eclectic vibe and excellent sound quality, allowed The Dead South’s intricate stage arrangements to shine. The audience was FULLY engaged from start to finish, dancing and singing along, creating a communal atmosphere that made the night feel like a celebration among friends.

As the night drew to a close, the band delivered an encore that perfectly capped off the night. The final song, a high-energy rendition of ‘Banjo Odyssey,’ had everyone on their feet, clapping and singing in unison.

The Dead South is scheduled to continue their North American ‘Chains & Stakes’ tour through December of 2024, and head over to the UK in March of 2025.

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