The Ledbetters Deliver an Electrifying Show at New Hope Winery
The Ledbetters.
For the third time in less than a year, The Ledbetters performed to another SOLD OUT crowd at New Hope Winery. Not even the heavy rain and thunderstorms could keep their eager fans from coming out and seeing their favorite tribute band perform an electrifying and high energy set. The Note is the 250 seat premiere music center at New Hope Winery that was buzzing with excitement for the band to make their entrance.
Lead singer Jamie Stem.
As they’ve been known to do, the band opened the show with some mid-tempo songs, including, Indifference, Not For You and Dissident, before going into the crowd favorite Daughter, which the audience gladly sang along to. Lead singer Jamie Stem addressed the crowd, specifically thanking “an entire neighborhood” of 40 people that came out to see the show. He also very graciously thanked me for coming, and shared with the crowd the photograph of his son I gifted him before the show. It was a print taken at their incredible show at the Wells Fargo Center a couple of weeks back. That’s how every member of this band is, very humble and thankful for every person that comes to their shows.
Bass player Rocco DeLise.
From here the band kicked it into high gear, playing iconic hit after iconic hot. Corduroy led right into Evenflow, a song I’m always ready for, knowing that the band literally flies multiple times during the song. First it was both guitarists Steve Piperno and James Burke leaping into the air. The second jump though was a new one, as Steve, always looking to get higher, took a running start and leaped high off of the bass drum.
“Evenflow” where Steve Piperno flies.
Always looking to keep their shows fresh, Jamie discussed how they changed the setlist from their previous New Hope shows. He reminisced about how it was here that they introduced Rats, which stayed with them for several gigs. Tonight they delivered Whipping off of the third album Vitology, and Just Breathe, the beautiful acoutic song off of the 2009 album Backspacer.
Steve Piperno on guitar and everything else.
Six of the last seven songs were off of the first two albums, Ten and Vs. Rearviewmirror sees the band rocking at their hardest, with a tremendous bass solo from Rocco DeLise. As he’s known to do, lead guitarist James Burke wows the crowd with his behind the head solo during Black. The show ended with Steve Piperno flying high again during Porch, and then Jamie leading the crowd in singing along during Alive. Never to be forgotten, drummer John Stover lends a sly smile as he crashes the drums from behind. Full photo set from the show can be found here.
John Stover on drums.
New Hope Winery has become THE place to be every weekend in New Hope. The Tavern at New Hope Winery offers classic, American fare with our own country twist. As I do before every show, I dined at The Tavern with my family. With their menu changing seasonally, they have the ability to create appetizing menus for any event. A really nice touch surprised us when we read on the menu: “In honor of the Ledbetters show this weekend & in tribute to Pearl Jam, the cuisine of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. I dined on the roasted pork chop that was served with white sweet mashed and asparagus over a green peppercorn cream sauce, and to say it was absolutely delicious would be an understatement.
The staff and service at New Hope Winery are always very attentive and welcoming, which starts at the top with the owner, Sandra, who I always make a point to stop and thank for the hospitality of her and her staff.
Next up for The Ledbetters is their return to the Union Firehouse in Mt. Holly New Jersey on April 29th. Tickets for that event can be found by clicking here.