The Portland native band Blind Pilot brought their talents to a nearly sold-out Boulder Theater on Monday night.
Blind Pilot is a six man ensemble with a focus on spreading their soft, indie vibe. They formed in 2007, after lead singer Israel Nebeker and drummer Ryan Dobrowski performed at local venues all around the west coast, using bicycles as their only form of transportation. Blind Pilot now consists of Luke Ydstie (bassist), Ian Krist (vibraphone/drums), Dave Jorgensen (trumpet/piano), and Kati Claborn (banjo/dulcimer/vocals) in addition to the two original members.
The members of Blind Pilot help Martha Scanlan and Jon Neufeld perform a rendition of Bob Dylan's "Went To See The Gypsy." (CU Independent/Kai Casey)
The concert kicked off with opening act Martha Scanlan and guitarist Jon Neufeld joined Scanlan onstage to play a set of bluegrass music. During Scanlan’s last song, the members of Blind Pilot made a guest appearance in a rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Went To See The Gypsy.”
Blind Pilot late came out to screaming, cheering fans in the packed theater. The band played “We Are The Tide,” the title track from their second album, as their spirited, last song. The crowd clapped and stomped long after the band left the stage, forcing ensamble to come back on stage for a three song encore.
The night culminated in an acoustic version of “3 Rounds And A Sound,” the title track from the band’s first album. The audience, per Nebeker’s request, remained utterly silent for the majority of the song, until Nebeker invited the crowd to join in a sing-along.
The theater rang with voices of Blind Pilot and fans alike.
After the show, the members of the band came down to mingle with the crowd, sharing laughs and taking pictures with their fans.
From start to finish, Blind Pilot showed off their gentle, fun-loving vibe, fitting in with the down-to-earth Boulderites.
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Contact CU Independent Staff Photojournalist Kai Casey at Kai.casey@Colorado.edu.
