They Like It Live: Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers

posted in: Country • Reviews & Playlists • Rock

This summer we got a chance to chat up Stephen Kellogg of The Sixers, and when Vanguard Records so graciously offered us a chance to catch their “Amazing Fall Tour” (thanks guys!), we couldn’t pass it up. Everyone we talked to in anticipation of the show had only good things to say. Let me rephrase, great things to say. We encountered lots of accidental fans at the bar, most notably that had become fans as a result of seeing them live and never even having heard The Sixers music (which isn’t to say that also isn’t great).

On stage, The Sixers have a lot going on. Kellogg himself plays guitar and harmonica, and is joined by Kit “Goose” Karlson who switches it up between keys, bass and tuba. Brian “Boots” Factor plays drums, mandolin and the banjo. Sam “Steamer” Getz joined The Sixers for the Amazing Fall Tour, lending electric guitar, pedal steel player and bass to the mix (Fun fact: Getz is called Steamer because of his Cleveland ties. Take that for what you will.). But this set up isn’t mutually exclusive. It’s a constant juggling act of instruments and musicians.

The Sixers establish a professional presence while not taking themselves too seriously, something that can only come from extensive touring experience. The band recently released the 2-disc collection Live From The Heart to commemorate their 1,000 live show. A well-oiled machine of audience interaction and flashy instrument playing, The Sixers make it look effortless.

Kellogg opened with the heartfelt “Father’s Day”, then ironically (or maybe not?) moved in to “My Old Man”. The audience soon got into the swing of things with an electrified version of “Start The Day Early”. Everyone loves a good song about moonshine, right? But perhaps the biggest appeal of The Sixers live is Kellogg’s brilliant story-telling between songs. Charismatic and engaging, Kellogg seems to make everyone feel like they’re the only person in a room, despite curating a serious party environment.

The Sixers went on to play several songs from their newest album, including the title track “The Bear” and the unfeigned “Satisfied Man”. The guys navigated away from their country roots for a moment with the fun, upbeat “Shady Esperanto and the Young Hearts Club” (check out the OK Go-esque music video for the good-time track). And at one point, Goose lifted his guitar behind his head to play not one or two chords, but an entire solo.

Despite this being their first headlining tour in two years, The Sixers seem to have it down to pat. “When people ask why they should go see the show, I tell them I’ll give them they’re money back if they don’t like it. ‘Tell me and I’ll send you a damn check. I think you’re going to like it.’ We concur.