An unusual mix of music came to Maryland this winter's night. Unusual, but like "peanut butter and chocolate," the blend tasted fine. Jewish flavors, Celtic cadences, world beats, punk rock attitudes, and modern rock style all rolled into one memorable evening. The Cave, in Hagerstown Md., has become a hotbed of Christian's cutting edge music. Although, sadly the Cave is closing down because of finances and neighbor's complaints, the Cave manages to keep it's head up and to bring in some fine concerts until the 1st of June. Northwestern Maryland is very thankful, indeed. This Saturday night brought in three of Christian rocks finest shows under one bill. 

Opening the show, right on time, was the world beat eclecticism of Psalter. The stage was swelled with people, ten or eleven at a time, with at least four percussionists. Guitars, and two violin players fill out the distinctly Jewish ambience of this intriguing, picturesque band. Psalter has a genuine Jewish look complete with peyos or sidelocks, the hanging curls of hair on the side of an orthodox man's face as instructed in the Leviticus' law. Looking like they stepped out of "Fiddler on the Roof," and playing a hybrid of traditional Jewish music and Eastern flavored rock music, Psalter took over the crowded Cave, and kept out attention with their distinct brand of cool praise music. Psalter's threadbare look, and that they, too, have found their own musical soup based in a broth of punk music and ethnic rock, made them a good complement with the second act of the night, Ballydowse. 

Ballydowse comes out of the Jesus People, USA ministry of Chicago.  In the ministry, in the band, on the road; living together like this makes Ballydowse a family on several levels; these guys are the real deal. Starting the show with prayer, Andrew Mandell says that "rock and roll is totally stupid," they just want to glorify God with their music, and they do. Ballydowse is a true mix of styles, musically and fashionably. Eight men and women dressed like Irish country folk, working class punk rockers, trendy urban folk rockers, punked out metal heads, and home-from-work factory labor, come together to mix and match musical backgrounds and sounds to make a truly different, wonderful rock symphony. Primarily a blend of Celtic music and punk rock, Ballydowse takes, Irish drums and didgeridoos, with power chords and driving beats to pound home some serious subject matter written about in their songs. Lead singer and song writer, Andrew Mandell, stops between songs to tell stories, or give background to his lyrics. He talks about loving God, and/or a living faith, with accompanying works. He discusses the world and dire situations around the globe, informing his audience, and then giving them ways to help. The cast of characters includes backing vocalists, two or three guitars, a violin player, mandolin, various percussion instruments, pipe didgeridoos, whirligigs, and various other noise makers. Andrew's wife, Robina Mandell, also handles some lead vocals and has a sweet soprano that floats above the drone. (when she's not being a mom, that is... delightful side note: the Mandell's very young daughter came up on stage during the performance, to show Mommy and Daddy a picture she had drawn. Mommy and Daddy bent down to look at it, and gave her a little kiss before she went bounding off, stage right.) Playing for more than an hour, Ballydowse was bright and exciting. The music and the band are remarkable, and certainly indelible.

After the crowded stages, including the uproar and clamor of Psalter and Ballydowse, the stage is cleared off, and then the last musical act of the night changes everything, including the atmosphere. The ripped Tee-shirts and the dirty jeans of the previous two bands are replaced by the European fashion sense of Starflyer 59. However, neatly trimmed hair, pressed clothes, and the sparse equipment are only the first distinctions you would have to notice about these bands. Starflyer 59 is a modern rock trio with a clean, easy sound that was crisp and wonderfully played by Jason Martin (guitar, vocals), Wayne Everett (drums), and  Jeff Cloud (bass). The mood is transformed, but the Spirit is still there as Starflyer is moving from one song to the next, mesmerizing the enthusiastic crowd with some great musicianship. The music is flawless, full of thick echoing guitar, reverberating bass, and seemingly effortless drum playing. With soft velvety vocals, and like a dream the band went through about ten songs including: Drive A Lot, EP Night, Do you Ever Feel That Way?, Traffic Jam, Play the C Chord, Help Me When You're Gone, and Dual Overhead Cam. Starflyer quietly takes the night, and kicks its butt. Without the fanfare or the display of the other bands this night, Starflyer 59 let the music do the talking, and spoke artistically, lushly, and beautifully. 

A diverse musical stew, to be sure, but a great night for the diversified music fan. I do not think these bands are touring together as a three bill, but if you have an opportunity to see any part of these bands live, do try. We, the people at the Cave on Saturday, February 5th, were delighted with the musical mix this winter's night.