Charles Wesley Godwin Captivates at Thalia Hall In Chicago
Last night, Thalia Hall was packed to the brim as we eagerly waited for Charles Wesley Godwin and his opening act, Drayton Farley, to take the stage. The energy in the room was electric as we knew that we were in for a night of exceptional music.
Thalia Hall has a rich history, beginning in 1892 when it first opened as a public gathering place. The venue has seen it all, from hosting speeches by political figures like Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson to serving as a Czech community center in the 1960s. In 2013, the hall was renovated and reopened as a modern music venue that has since hosted a wide variety of artists from different genres.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FULL DRAYTON FARLEY GALLERY
The evening began with Drayton Farley taking the stage. Farley is a singer-songwriter with a strong blues and folk influence. His voice had a raw and authentic quality that added a layer of grit to his songs. Farley played several original tunes from his latest album, called Twenty On High, it released earlier this year. The crowd was clearly moved by his performance, and he left the stage to a warm round of applause.
As Charles Wesley Godwin took the stage, the energy in the room was amped. He started with "Hardwood Floors," which immediately drew the crowd in. With his deep, gravelly voice and powerful lyrics, Godwin had the audience hanging on his every word. He was accompanied by his full band The Alleghany High. The musicians were clearly talented and worked together seamlessly, creating a dynamic sound that filled the hall. Godwin's set list was a mix of old and new, showcasing songs from his debut album, Seneca, as well as his latest release, How the Mighty Fall. He even featured a few new ones from the upcoming album Family Ties. Each song had a distinct sound and style, with Godwin effortlessly switching between hard-driving anthems like "Lyin' Low" and slower ballads like "Temporary Town".
He even threw in an acoustic version of "Seneca Creek," As he played it, I couldn't help but feel transported back to the mountains of West Virginia, surrounded by rolling hills and crystal-clear streams. The song is hauntingly beautiful, with lyrics that tug at the heartstrings. As the final notes faded away, the crowd was hushed, not wanting to disturb the magical moment that had just taken place. Our personal favorite that made its way onto the set was “Over Yonder”, CWG wrote this shortly after his grandfather passed. Charles was out of the country at the time he got the news, and this song just came to him.
Godwin closed out the night with "Strong," a powerful ballad that left the crowd on their feet, cheering for an encore. One of the highlights of the evening was Godwin's encore, a cover of John Denver’s "Country Roads". As a West Virginia native, this song clearly holds a special place in his heart, and the crowd responded enthusiastically to his rendition.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FULL CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN GALLERY
Overall, Charles Wesley Godwin's performance at Thalia Hall was nothing short of outstanding. His authentic voice, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic band created an experience that was both powerful and memorable. If you're a fan of country, folk, or Americana music, don't miss the chance to see him live. As for Thalia Hall, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for a night of incredible music and unforgettable performances. With its rich history and modern amenities, it's clear why this Chicago landmark has remained a staple of the city's cultural scene for over a century.
For More On CWG Visit His Website
Charles Wesley Godwin Set List 6/1/23 Thalia Hall Chicago, IL
Hardwood Floors
Lyin Low
Family Ties
The Flood
Shrinks And Pills
Jamie
Temporary Town
Another Leaf
West Of Lonesome
Seneca Creek (Acoustic)
Over Yonder
Mud On The Tires (Brad Paisley Cover)
Blood Feud
Minor Imperfections
Two Weeks Gone
Jealous Kind
Jesse
Strong
------------
Rolling (Flat & Scruggs Cover)
Country Roads (John Denver Cover)
