Photos and Review by Jolene Rheault
CHARLOTTE, NC — Saturday night at The Music Yard felt like stepping into a musical vortex where saxophone solos coexist with hot tubs and apologies about cobbler. Kendall Street Company rolled into Charlotte with the kind of energy that turns casual concertgoers into die-hard fans and left no face unmelted in their sonic playground of a setlist.
Louis Smith (Rhythm Guitar/Lead Vox), Brian Roy (Bass), Ryan Wood (Drums), Ben Laderberg (Lead Guitar), and Jake Vanaman (Saxophone/Keys) moved in tight formation throughout the night, building tension and release across a setlist that felt both carefully crafted and wide open.
From the jump, Lady I Love opened the floodgates with a swirl of jazzy guitar licks that set the tone for the rest of the evening. Tracks like Marty Song and Becca’s Dad eased the audience in with familiar grooves and playful lyrics, while deeper cuts like Trapeze gave way to longer improvisational stretches that showcased the band’s ability to push boundaries without losing cohesion.
Later they would launch into Crab Surprise, a track that felt like a bizarre fever dream in the best possible way. Think Zappa goes camping with the Muppets. It’s that kind of show. And speaking of surprises, an epic jam on Laura, I’m Sorry About the Cobbler was one of the night’s unexpected highlights.
They even worked in a killer rendition of I Know You Rider that paid proper homage to the Grateful Dead without being a carbon copy. Their take was loose, breezy, and full of heartfelt harmonies that gave the crowd a moment of blissful nostalgia. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, they closed out with a soul-drenched, brass-heavy cover of Aretha’s Chain of Fools that absolutely slapped.
Later in the evening was Dangermuffin, who brought their smooth, roots-forward style up from the South Carolina coast. Together, Kendall Street Company and Dangermuffin crafted a night of contrast and connection—two distinct musical voices delivering one powerful experience that reminded Charlotte why live music still hits differently when it’s this good.
It’s rare to find a band that can balance musicianship, humor, and crowd connection without dropping the ball. Kendall Street doesn’t just balance it—they juggle it, backflip over it, and then light it on fire just for fun. If you’re into bands that don’t color inside the lines and want a live show that feels like both a party and a pilgrimage, go see them. Bring your weird, bring your water bottle, and maybe pack a snack. These guys don’t mess around.
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