Violent Femmes Bring Acoustic-Punk Bliss to Port Chester, New York

"Folk-punk legends Violent Femmes hit Port Chester, New York's Capitol Theatre on Saturday as part of their recently launched fall US tour. With no opening act, Violent Femmes kicked off their set at a nice-and-early 8:15 p.m., as the band members (minus frontman Gordon Gano) marched down the aisle of the historic theater playing various wind and percussion instruments on their way to the stage."

"By the time they reached the stage, Gano was waiting for them with his guitar, and the Femmes soon launched into "Prove My Love," one of nine songs they played from their iconic self-titled debut album. The 1983 LP was also represented throughout the set by such classics as "Blister in the Sun," "Kiss Off," "Gone Daddy Gone," and "Add It Up," among other tunes."

"The Femmes' setup is not unlike a band that's busking on the street, only it's powered by a collection of almost cartoonish instruments. Drummer John Sparrow's drum kit looks like it was put together as a school project, with a barbecue grill among the percussive items in front of him. Meanwhile, Brian Ritchie's basses look like something out of a museum, ranging from what appears to be a one-string stick to his uniquely shaped Big Johnson Hybrid Acoustic Bass."

Violent Femmes performed at Port Chester, New York's Capitol Theatre as part of a fall U.S. tour. The band started promptly at 8:15 p.m. with members (except Gordon Gano) marching down the aisle playing wind and percussion instruments before reaching the stage. The set featured nine songs from the 1983 self-titled debut, including "Blister in the Sun," "Kiss Off," "Gone Daddy Gone," and "Add It Up." The group's street-busking-like setup showcased whimsical instruments: a barbecue-grill drum element, museum-like basses, Gano switching guitars, mandolin and fiddle, and a gigantic contrabass saxophone. The show included a previously unplayed chorus, several standouts, and closed with "American Music."

Read at Consequence