Palmyra Fills the Jefferson with Love.
During the encore at Friday night’s album release show at Charlottesville’s Jefferson Theater, Sasha Landon announced to the crowd, “It’s been perfect, so thank you.” One of the three songwriters and members for the Shenandoah Valley-bred folk trio Palmyra, along with Mānoa Bell and Teddy Chipouras, Sasha wasn’t wrong. It was perfect. Not only did Palmyra deliver a powerful and heartfelt 17-song set featuring every track off their new album, but they did it in a way that brought together many of us who make the Charlottesville music scene so incredible.
Old Hank had priors tonight but we’ve been anxious to see Palmyra after he named the fellas’ show at the Southern last year one of his favorites of 2024. I gathered up Sarah (Ms. Bazz), plus Eli and Anna, and we headed to the Downtown Mall. The weather was incredible, the margaritas and food at The Bebedero were on point as always, and we were excited for the show.
We got into the Jeff just past the 8 p.m. start time and heard music already coming from the stage. Palmyra brought along a couple of bands to open, Holy Roller from RVA and Bendigo Fletcher, a Louisville, KY-based outfit. After grabbing the standard Jefferson PBR at the bar, we made our way to the floor to check out what Holy Roller had to offer.
None of us were familiar with the six-piece band from down I-64, but it didn’t take me long to turn to Eli and say, “Holy shit, who are these guys!?” They were soulful, with an intensity that scratched the itch of what I always look for at a show. Horns, a keyboard, tambourine, guitars, and drums…all played by talented musicians who cared about what they were doing and were clearly having fun on stage. Yes, please. Holy Roller is a band I’m going to keep an eye on, and if they’re playing nearby, I’ll be there.
Between Holy Roller and the headliner, Bendigo Fletcher took the stage and brought a taste of their indie folk style to the Jefferson. Not only did they have chops, but after doing some research, I realized they’re supporting My Morning Jacket on their upcoming tour in a few cities. That is no small feat, and it immediately gave them credibility in my book. They did a great job setting the tone for Palmyra to take the stage.
Then it was time for Palmyra. Not long into their set, Sasha said, “We’ve sold more than double the number of tickets tonight for this show than we ever have before.” Of course, this was basically a hometown show for the trio. Nonetheless, it was a big deal, and the energy in the room proved it. Palmyra opened with "Restless," the title track and first song of the new album, and the pedal was to the metal from there. Songs two and three from the new album followed right in order. "Palm Readers" got the crowd moving and shaking. The line from that track, repeated throughout, “I’m so lonely tonight”, struck me in the midst of this crowd that made me feel anything but lonely. I have to believe…and I’m pretty damn sure…that the band didn’t feel lonely either. Palmyra curated an atmosphere that was inclusive and welcoming, and not a soul in that room didn’t feel it. I give Palmyra a ton of credit for this. However, this is also what we have and what we’ve built in our little city; and it is beautiful.
The newly released single "Arizona" followed, with fan favorites "Happy Pills" and "Palm Readers" not far behind. During the first encore song, "Jubilee," Sasha said, “I love you all so much,” looking over at his bandmates while they huddled together, belting out the lyrics. While I feel he was speaking directly to Mānoa and Teddy, I couldn’t help but feel this was also a message to everyone at the Jefferson that night. They closed the night covering Whiskey Shivers’ “Cluck Ol’ Hen”, bringing out the members of both Holy Rollers and Bendigo Fletcher to close things down. A fun and fitting way to end the night.
Mānoa, Teddy, Sasha and the rest of the Palmyra family only have one first full-length album and one album release show for it, and we were all there to share that moment with them and each other. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration, a shared experience of music and togetherness. A truly beautiful night.
Keep the beat,
Bazz
