The vibes were cozy and chill at White Oak Music Hall in the downstairs room as Devendra Banhart, hailed by many as the leader of “freak folk,” graced the Houston crowd with an intimate evening of musical communion. Supported by opener Kate Bollinger, the atmosphere was already set for a laid-back night of sonic exploration.
As Devendra and his band stepped onto the stage, there was an instant connection with the audience. He casually strolled to the edge of the stage, exchanging waves and glances with fans, setting the tone for what was to come. Opening with “Twin” from his latest album “Flying Wig,” the magic began to unfold.
In his signature style, Devendra seamlessly transitioned between English and Spanish, reflecting his diverse fanbase. “Buenas noches, como estan?” he greeted the audience, emphasizing his Houston roots with a casual “My name is Devendra, and I was born here.”
As the evening unfolded, he informed the audience that they were taking song requests — something he is notorious for doing at his shows. The audience eagerly shouted out song requests including fan favorites such as “Quedate Luna”, “Baby”, and “Mi Negrita”. Banhart jokingly revealed he and his band members made a “blood pact” right before coming out on stage, vowing to “never to play that song [“Mi Negrita”] ever again. But of course, he couldn’t resist the enthusiasm of the crowd, grinning as they started playing the popular song.
Injecting moments of levity throughout the set, Devendra invited audience members to share their jokes, fostering a sense of community and making the audience feel as if they were catching up with an old friend. A shoutout to local bookstore, Kaboom Books, added a touch of hometown pride to the evening.
Before bidding farewell, Banhart joked about Houston’s notorious traffic, morphing it into a disco-infused rendition of “Fig in Leather.” But it wasn’t over yet, as an encore prompted by a fan’s note culminated in a heartfelt rendition of “Santa Maria de la Feira”, “Long Haired Child”, and a final flourish with “Carmensita.”
Leaving the venue, the vibe was one of eager anticipation, with Banhart’s eclectic performance leaving fans hungry for more. As the night wrapped up, it was clear that for Devendra Banhart and his devoted following, the music never stops flowing.
About Author
