Shauf and the search for SpongeBob

I went into this show as a fan of Andy Shauf and was completely blind for the opener Hayden Pedigo. Pedigo stepped on stage with three guitars and joked that it was probably excessive for a solo act, but each guitar was crucial for his sound. With the first notes he played, he transported me into a reverb-soaked desert oasis. His guitar playing was like the soundtrack to some sort of cinematic apocalyptic Western movie.

Between songs, Pedigo shared stories about his inspirations, which included the soundtracks from the movies No Country for Old Men and Brokeback Mountain. His music had that same haunting, wide-open feel that was perfect for deep contemplation. He joked that his goal was to transport us to his hometown of Amarillo, Texas, where "the land is so open, you can see the back of your own head."

After Pedigo's last song, Andy Shauf took the stage solo (with only one guitar). I have only known Shauf's full-band performances, so this was a new treat with just good ol' Andy and his trusty guitar. He performed stripped-down versions of some of his oldest singles, including Satan, and also played a selection of tracks from his latest album, Norm. Shauf's solo performance allowed his vocals and intricate guitar playing to shine in a completely new way. 

Between songs, it was also nice to see his personality shine through with him cracking dry and witty jokes while tuning. Someone in the audience asked him what he's been up to during his two-night stay in the Twin Cities, and he enthusiastically replied about his visit to the Mall of America. While at the Mall of America, Shauf rode the SpongeBob rollercoaster, not once, but twice! His playful reference to the rollercoaster became a sort of running inside joke with the audience throughout the whole evening. 

The evening finished with a standing ovation and an encore performance of Hometown Hero. I think the choice to skip some of his biggest hits in favor of deep cuts and singles helped make the show feel more intimate and special. The venue of the Parkway Theatre also helped capture this feeling with soft lighting and a small seated audience. The combination of Pedigo’s vast soundscapes and Shauf’s cozy, humorous set made for an unforgettable evening. Plus, I’m now seriously considering a trip to ride that SpongeBob roller coaster.

Photos: Matthew McDonald  
Review: Hunter Hagedorn