Chuck Ragan live at MotorCo Music Hall - Durham, NC
- Leigh Ramsdell
- Jun 27
- 2 min read
Live music is something not to be taken for granted. Especially when you see a live show that the performer puts his heart and soul into it! This has been true every single time I have witnessed Chuck Ragan play. It doesn't matter if it's in Hot Water Music or his solo performances, I always walk away with a sense of purpose. I have no idea what that purpose is but when something moves you like an incredible live show you just feel like you need to ramp up this thing called life.
Am I getting too deep? Probably but I just saw Chuck Ragan so blame it on him, Ha ha.
On June 26, MotorCo Music Hall had Chuck out with Brian McGee and local Durham, NC band Overton. Brian McGee was first. You may know him from early 90's punk band Plow United. It's usually a good bet that when you take someone from punk roots that moves to American folk, singer/song writer you're going to get something that sits in your ears like a hummingbird foraging nectar. I have no idea what I just said but Brian McGee's set was great and I am a fan of all his stuff.
Next was local band, Overton. The best I can describe them is part punk sprinkled with a little stoner metal just for fun. It was a great rocking set with some dark humor mixed in. I can't remember the name of a song but it was about a true story of a man that was brain dead and received a pig heart. If you get a chance to see them, then do it(play a show, not transplant a pig heart to a brain dead person). There is nothing like rocking out and laughing at the same time. I didn't get any photos of them but look them up.
Chuck came out and delivered. The show was one of those experiences that hits differently than most solo singer shows. It has the intimacy of a singer/songwriter set but the energy and grit you expect from Hot Water Music. Even though he is just one man on stage with acoustic guitar and the occasional harmonica, you feel like there is an entire band there. Chuck stomped his boot for percussions, threw his whole body into songs and got his words across with his gravelly, full-throated, raw vocals we all know and love. And while I'm writing this, every Gravel Bike rider better listen to him! Ok, back to the story... Near the end of the set Chuck had Brian McGee come back to the stage and the two did a great cover of Blaze Foley's, "Clay Pigeon". See the video above. The show was great!
If you get a chance, go see any of the bands in this story. But I have a special place for Chuck Ragan not only for the fact that I love his music but also because he saw me the drunkest I have ever been which was on my 30th birthday but that is another story... -Leigh.
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