Show Review - The Devil Makes Three brings Bluegrass to State College
STATE COLLEGE, PA - It was a beautiful evening on Tuesday, Earth Day 2014, and The State Theatre in State College was the host to one of the best sold out shows I have seen as a photographer. Now, for myself I have not seen these acts before, nor have I listened to their music. So, what exactly am I doing here you may ask? I have been told by other bands that I have photographed, that this is one band I am not to miss. I am a photographer folks, and writing pains me at times, but as I sit here attempting to put my experience into words, I know I have that one image that defines what the show was about.
The State Theatre is a community-owned non profit venue located in downtown State College. The facility is a beautifully restored movie theatre which is committed to hosting local and national talent with a focus on the performing arts and film programming. To find out more about the venue check out
thestatetheatre.org.
Joe Fletcher and The Wrong Reasons open the night, and the Country blues Americana music was not only a surprise, but it left me asking myself the question, "if this is the opening act what am I in for this evening?" I found myself mesmerized, imagining myself just kicking back after a long day, drink in hand and some music playing. Yes, I was at concert and I was there to take photos... but thanks to Fletcher's lyrics and stage presence, I was taken on a journey to a different place. If you want to experience Joe Fletcher and The Wrong Reasons you can find the album White Lighter online which is available online thru Amazon or iTunes. Or, if you'd like to know more about the band just go to
joefletchermusic.comAfter a short intermission, The State Theatre, now filled to capacity grew restless with anticipation. The crowd grew silent when the stage lit up and The Devil Makes Three hit the stage with the song "Stranger". The crowd were on their feet and and that set the pace for the whole evening. The rhythm and unique vocal style of guitarist/singer Pete Bernhard matched with the guitar of Cooper McBean would in itself be enough to kick back and enjoy. But, this goes further, as there is no drummer to be found in this band. The timing of this Trio is kept by upright bassist Lucia Turino. It's this combination of talent on stage that coaxes the crowd to dance in the aisles.
The Devil Makes Three's set included the songs "Walk on Boy"., "40 Days", "Old #7" and "Black Irish". However, when they played "Do Wrong Right", the entire State Theatre were on their feet. It was at that point during this show, that I saw what this band was truly about. This band connects with the audience in ways I have never seen before. How do they do it? I don't know, but the old time sounding anthem of "Do Wrong Right" might just hold the key.
The Devil Makes Three is on the road promoting their fourth album and their New West Records debut, I’m a Stranger Here. which can be found on their website,
thedevilmakesthree.com. and on iTunes, Amazon or Google Play. In addition, The Devil Makes Three will be on tour supporting Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss beginning this May.
©1998-2026 Mark A. Kolash
