So it seems that the third time really is the charm. John Doe, the unforgettable front man for the famed Los Angeles band X and a seriously successful solo artist graced our tiny wooden stage for the third time on Sunday at the witching hour of 4 PM. Playing to a capacity filled store, Doe started the set off strong with a beautiful ballad of the perils of drinking on a full mind. The crowd was more than grateful for this intimate hour with Doe, and at one point when John thanked everyone for rushing here right after church and such, more than one person yelled out, this is my church. I think that comment took him a bit by surprise, and it must always be shocking to realize you have that much impact on other humans. Doe kept the vibe of the show at perfect in-store tempo, switching to acoustic guitar about half way in, and peppering some favorites with some slower, newer, sway-ier tunes. I am not sure how many fans realized that Doe has signed on to the YepRoc label and leaning more and more every recording towards that roots-y Americana feel, but it is sure working for him. He has a tenor with just enough rasp to remind you that he has seen it all before, and just enough crisp to remind you to not ever give up the hope of experiencing something new. The soulful way he combines both emotions is what creeps into your memory and stays there hours after he has packed up his guitars and headed north to a bigger stage and the immortal Los Angeles.

-Starr Sink
-photo by David Thornton