Bogart’s in Cincinnati, Ohio: a short one-and-a-half hour drive to see one of my all-time favorite bands, Band of Horses. The line waiting for the doors to open was long and full of anticipation. Fans had over two hours before the band took the stage, but it was well worth the wait.

This is my third time seeing Band of Horses, who hail from Charleston SC. First was at Bonnaroo in 2015; the second time was at Music Midtown; they’ve never disappointed. I was eagerly anticipating them to take the stage, and this was my first opportunity to see them play at a venue and not to a festival crowd. My restlessness was taken away by the opening act, Bonny Doon.

 They took the stage at their scheduled time and were greeted by a packed house. Their sounds and vibes were reminiscent of The Velvet Underground and Jake Bugg, great pick by Band of Horses for an opening band. They set the mood and warmed up the crowd in just the right way.

 At 9:15 lead singer and guitarist Ben Bridwell took the stage with members Creighton Barretand, Matt Gentling, and Ryan Monroe; the sold-out show erupted. They played through their hits and some deeper cuts through their 19-song, nearly two-hour set. The audience was engaged and sang along to nearly every word of every song. They put on the show I needed and expected. They have never let me down and last night was no different. Great energy, friendly crowd banter, all the hits and a ton of love.

Band of Horses still have seven shows scheduled on their current tour; they play tonight in Buffalo, NY and more than five more shows to come. Almost every one of their shows has sold out, so get your tickets now while they’re still available.