A few hundred people made their way to NYC’s Bowery Ballroom on an unusually warm February night this past Wednesday to see folk singer-songwriter Brett Dennen, who has opened for John Mayer and performed at the iconic Newport Folk Festival. Opening for him was an up-and-coming alternative rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio called The Heavy Hours. 

The Omicron variant of COVID ravaged NYC over the holiday season, once again leaving lingering feelings of tension and nervousness surrounding live entertainment. However, it feels like we have turned the corner yet again. For the first time in a very long time, the concert experience is starting to feel “normal.” Most concertgoers at the Dennen show were vaccinated and unmasked, first mingling with friends in the dark yet cozy and comfortable bar area in the lobby before making their way up the stairs to the 600-capacity venue floor. A handful of two-top tables are visible on each side of the upper level. While not necessary at this show, these spots would be ideal for those looking to escape the crowded confines of the general admission crowd below. A few make their way up the steps to that higher level… likely friends and family or VIPs. 

The Heavy Hours set began promptly at 8 p.m., mostly to a room of scattered friend groups huddled together with vodka sodas or beers. While the crowd did not start out particularly enthusiastic, likely due to not being familiar with the group, it did not take long before a bigger crowd started forming and for the tide to turn in the band’s direction. Lead singer Michael Marcagi is a gifted vocalist, almost a mix of The WLDLFE frontman Jansen Hogan and Adam Granduciel of The War On Drugs. The group made the most of their 40-minute set, playing tracks from their Wildfire EP as well as some stand-alone singles. They delivered tight harmonies as a group and some stellar guitar and harmonica solos throughout the set, rocking out on “Desperate Days” and “Don’t Walk Away.”

As the set progressed, they visibly loosened up while still taking in the gravity of the moment. The Bowery may be small, but there is a ton of history in that room and is truly a place that brings out the best in everyone. Marcagi announced it was their first time playing in NYC, which received a genuine ovation from the crowd, who, at that point, had been completely won over. He also joked that SuperBowl Sunday this past week was the worst night of their lives, due to their hometown team, the Cincinnati Bengals, coming up short against the Los Angeles Rams in the big game, so they were so happy to be playing in New York. A highlight of the night was a stripped-down cover of Rod Stewart’s “Ooh La La,” in which all four band members stepped up to a mic at the front of the stage. The crowd, appearing mostly to be within the 15-28 demographic, loved it, singing and swaying along to the classic tune. 

By the time the group began to wrap up their set with “Wildfire”, phones were held up high recording and a select few were dancing to the music. It was clear that they had made their mark in New York, and that Brett Dennen, as experienced as he is, was going to have a hard time following that. A headline spot at a venue like the Mercury Lounge or Baby’s All Right is almost inevitable for these on-the-rise Midwest performers who showed real showmanship, sincerity, and a humble nature up on that stage. 

The Heavy Hours will continue to serve as the opening act for Brett Dennen through March 5^th. 

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