In light of the recent happenings in Bloomsburg (cough-the passing of the ordinance-cough), it seemed like the annual university and town-wide event known as ‘Block Party' was going to be lacking its usual luster. It was hard for any enthusiast of the event to not be apprehensive about the bad weather and threat of meager party activity.
So, when the Wilkes-Barre boys of the bluegrass jam band Cabinet hit the stage at Harry's late Friday night, no one could have anticipated the incredible impact they were going to have – not only on the people in attendance, but also on the morale of Block Party itself. That night, Cabinet earned their place on that stage. They also earned a special spot in the annals of Block Party history as one of the best kick-off gigs in times of party struggle.
Prior to Friday's monumental show, not many were aware of Cabinet's existence. Their music was (and still is) like "Pulp Fiction" and "The Big Lebowski": extraordinary works of art whose unconventionality has earned them a cult-classic-like status. Cabinet is unconventional in the sense that they don't play the types of music college students usually listen to, like pop, rap, or alt-rock.
The band makes use of a banjo, mandolin, acoustic guitar, fiddle, upright bass and drums to create a unique blend of bluegrass, folk, rock, and jam. The members themselves are about as different as their style. Each has his own musical background, and the boys' ages range from early 20s to mid 30s.
With this in mind, it's probably no surprise that such a diverse yet united group of individuals were able to unite the diverse crowd of students and townspeople on the first night of Block Party. Doing this was no small feat either, as Harry's was relatively empty around 10 p.m. when the band was originally scheduled to perform. On top of low attendance, those who were trudging in did so soaked from head-to-toe by a cold, miserable rain.
There were a few fans in the crowd, but they were largely outnumbered by those who had not heard of the band. It seemed like it was going to be business as usual until Cabinet began their first song. By the second tune, people who had never heard of them—let alone listen to their kind of music—were dancing with the enthusiasm of long-time followers.
At this point, it's necessary to mention the high caliber of Cabinet's showmanship. Each member is extremely talented, and that is by no means an exaggeration. Even the musically-ignorant can see how well they play together. Aside from paying attention to their own musical stylings, they were also paying close attention to each other's performance.
Perhaps the most thrilling aspect of Cabinet's live performances is that they simply don't stop. Right when the audience would raise their hands to applaud a song well-played, they would keep going, and somehow bring even more to the song without making it sound even remotely tedious.
The impressive thing is that the band pulled all of this off with such commendable force. Their energy was intense and infectious and got into the soles of everyone's shoes, whether those shoes were skate sneakers, stiletto heels, flats, sandals, or Chucks.
It's no mystery that everybody parties for different reasons. But Friday night at Harry's, Cabinet gave everyone, even those who usually refuse, a reason to get up and dance. With humorous interludes between songs that reminded everyone to "f the ordinance," these Wilkes-Barre boys single-handedly restored students' faith in fun. If nothing else, they were a great initiation into another successful celebration of one of the most beloved student traditions at Bloomsburg.
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