We were introduced to The Dinner Belles at the Come Together Music Festival and fell in love with the sound and members of this band. Imagine our delight when we heard that Terra Lightfoot, lead female vocalist, was releasing her first EP at The Dakota Tavern.
For a Thursday night, it was loud and proud and full of ruckus.
The crowd was lively imbibing in cocktails and beer, and already on the dance floor when we arrived. Terra and her band were in full command of the stage, knocking out some wicked original rock and roll. To please the ears and fill your senses, Terra is just pure strength and stamina. She is very eloquent with her guitar. It seems like she can get the flavour out of it she wants, reveling in complete control of her own sound. She seemed pumped that she was the boss, at one point jokingly telling a member of her other band that may have been trying to fix sound or tell her something " ..this is not Dinner Belles rehearsal!" She has a vocal presence that shocked and awed many in attendance. It is in fact like watching someone win an epic battle, to finish this night out the way she did. She must have between both bands, played for over 3 hours that night and hosted like a charmer while not on stage. The fact that this was her CD release made the night special to fans and musicians alike.
The Gramercy Riffs played next, changing the dynamic. It was a different sort of sound. A unique combination of 50s style pop riffs, leaning into alternative and edgy. The Dinner Belles gave us dessert with their full sound that takes one's mind to a kitchen jam by a woodstove, and warms the soul like a cup of hot spiced apple cider. Terra lends an invaluable edge to this band as well, and the whole outfit is just full of harmony and smiles. Every member contributes equally giving the feel that they are really a family in music together.
We had fully planned to leave by 12 :30PM and caught the bus at 2 :15AM. That's how good it was! Keep an eye out here at TSR for CD reviews of both Terra Lightfoot and The Dinner Belles. Stay tuned for more!
