Review: Patrick Watson @ South Street Seaport

Patrick Watson @ South Street Seaport - July 6, 2012
Photos/Review: John Dabrowski

There could not have been a more perfect venue for Patrick Watson to perform in New York City than South Street Seaport. The boats rocking effortlessly back and forth. The skyscrapers standing tall as the sun drowns into darkness. As part of The River to River Festival 2012, Patrick Watson and Loney, Dear captivated the audience with tremendous sets of wonder and lightness. What is particularly pleasing about this festival is its reach. Many in attendance had no idea of the genius that are Patrick Watson and Loney, Dear, yet happened to stumble upon the stage and were swayed by the sounds.

Sweden’s Loney, Dear uplifts, delights and startles listeners with its finely combed, delicate music. As the set emerged, I watched as a beautiful, blonde child danced with her father and then proceeded to perform karate moves in sync with the rising tone of singer, Emil Svanängen. It was truly special to watch. Loney, Dear was honored to be able to play for the crowd, who allowed the music to wash over and cleanse. The audience even provided a nice F note to accompany one of their songs.

When Patrick Watson came on the stage, I could sense something magical was about to ignite. I was right. Hailing from Montreal, Patrick Watson recently released Adventur es in Your Own Backyard and this performance was his only NYC date until the fall. Light bulbs draped his piano and among the stage, blinking and dimming and shining alongside the haunting and hulking sound. There is a playfulness to the band and I could immediately sense their closeness. What Patrick Watson unleashes allows for connection and closeness, and the crowd was enamored, wanting more until the 9PM curfew came.

Both Patrick Watson and Loney, Dear allowed for their sets to awake and rejuvenate. Below, check out check out both of their current releases and future tour dates...



Patrick Watson 2012 Tour Dates
Sun. July 15 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Frederik Meijer Gardens #
Mon. July 16 - Lewiston, NY @ Artpark #
Fri. July 20 - South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground #
Sat. July 21 - Pawtucket, RI @ Hope Artist Village Courtyard #
Wed. Sept. 5 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Thu. Sept. 6 - Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
Fri. Oct. 12 - Austin, TX @ Zilker Park (Austin City Limits Festival)
Thu. Dec. 6 - Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall &

# w/ Andrew Bird
& w/ The Barr Brothers




Loney, Dear 2012 Tour Dates
WED 25 JULY – SAT 28 JULY Storsjöyran Festival 2012 Östersund, Sweden
SUN 29 JULY Slussens Pensionat Orust, Sweden
FRI 3 AUGUST Urkultfestivalen 2012 Näsåker, Sweden
SAT 4 AUGUST Broöppning Härnösand, Sweden
FRI 17 AUGUST – SUN 19 AUGUST Summer Sundae Weekender 2012 Leicester, UK
FRI 17 AUGUST – SUN 19 AUGUST Green Man Festival 2012 Powys, UK Find tickets