Setlist / Photos / Audio | The Decemberists & Shakey Graves @ Taste Of Chicago 7/8/16

Portland, Oregon's The Decemberists contrasted the hip-hop and alt-rock of the first two nights of The Taste, with a pleasing take on indie-folk for the Grant Park crowd.

Front man Colin Meloy, guitarist Chris Funk, and keyboardist Jenny Conlee combined for soaring and dramatic melodies, wrapped up in folksy narratives.  

The rhythm section of John Moen (drum) and Nate Query (bass) ensured that the band's grooves held up on the outsized outdoor stage, bringing these intimate tales to the eager assembly.

The band focused on some of the material from their 2015 release Florasongs, perhaps hitting a high point with the song "Why Would I Now".

Opening act, Austin, Texas' Shakey Graves offered a noteworthy set as well, turning more than a few heads in the process.  We wouldn't be suprised if this gig gave him considerable momentum for his next visit to Chicago.

The Decemberists Setlist:
The Hazards of Love
The Crane Wife
Why Would I Now
The Sporting Life
Dracula's Daughter
O Valencia!
Riverswim
Make You Better
Anti-Summersong
Calamity Song
Down by the Water
12/17/12
Can't Hardly Wait

Scroll past Phil's gallery below to stream or download both of these sets sourced from the XRT broadcast.