Images: Old Man Markley, Mercy Music, Bobby Meader, Jesse Owens October 18, 2012 at the Beauty Bar

Old Man Markley’s audience grows every time they come to town, and that’s no great mystery. Their tunes are sing along-inducing and dance-inspiring, and all seven band members (yes, seven) put everything they have into their live shows.

This tour almost didn’t happen due to an injury suffered by banjo player Jon Rosen but luckily the band’s original banjoist was able to step in at the last minute and keep them on the road. And we’re very glad he did because at this Oct. 18 Beauty Bar show, we were treated to our first listen of a few new songs from their upcoming full length, the follow-up to last year’s excellent Guts n’ Teeth. If they’re any indication of the quality and thoughtful songwriting we can expect from the rest of the record, we’ve got a spot primed in our 2013 favorites list.

Opening for Old Man Markley were a series of some of the best solo folk musicians Vegas has to offer. This was our first time seeing the new solo project of Deadhand’s Brendan Scholz. While primarily known as a premiere ax-man, the stripped down setting really allows his voice and lyrics to shine.

Bobby Meader, opened the show to much fanfare. Meader is a pretty amazing songwriter, and he’s always accompanied by a crowd of people wearing his t-shirts, singing along to every word. The audience he’s built for himself in such a short amount of time is really impressive, and it’s nice to see he has the live chops to back it up.

Meader’s friend and recent tour-mate Jesse Owens started the night off right with his bluesy banjo skills and Dylan-esque vocal delivery. This was my first time hearing Owens and he reminded me a lot of Swedish folk singer Kristian Matsson (aka The Tallest Man on Earth), both vocally and with his sparse and delicate plucking style.

-Ashleigh Thompson and Emily Matview

Photos by Emily Matview | https://www.flickr.com/photos/holdfastnow/

and Tyler Newton | http://500px.com/spottedlens