Singer-songwriter Ryan Dilmore’s stripped-down performance at the Little Theatre was simple and lyrical. While
Jazz Fest typically calls to mind images of funky bands playing on big outdoor
stages, Dilmore’s music was a welcome reprieve from the fray.
A Victor native, Dilmore said that the opportunity to perform at the festival was “honestly
a dream come true.” He recalled memories of attending with his
friends before he moved to California several years ago.
Dilmore’s excitement and nervousness were apparent when he
fumbled over words between sets, but he played with a contagious ease.
His lyric-heavy songs were chock full of clever rhymes — something reminiscent
of early Jason Mraz. Although each piece was similar and somewhat bled into the next,
Dilmore’s comfort with his guitar sucked me in. I found myself wanting more.
Unfortunately, festival patrons made it almost impossible
for me to keep my attention on Dilmore. He couldn’t make it through a single
song without a group of people entering or leaving the venue with what seemed
like complete disregard for the fact that a musician was on stage sharing his
art. I know that this is the nature of music festivals, but in this particular
venue, it was highly distracting. At the very least, antsy patrons could have
saved their movement for in between songs.
Although Dilmore wasn’t the kind of act I expected to see at
the festival, I’ll certainly be listening to more of his work.
Tomorrow, I’ll switch gears completely when I take in the
Brubeck Brothers Quartet at Harro East Ballroom. My expectations are high for a
group featuring two members of one of America’s most accomplished musical
families.
This article appears in Jun 25 – Jul 1, 2014.
