Photos from the Goddamn Gallows concert at RIBCO on June 20, 2013, with opener Lou Shields. For more work by Matt Erickson, visit MRE-Photography.com.
The Goddamn Gallows:
Seeking a reprieve from the unyielding noon sun at the 2012 Summer Camp Music Festival, I head to the Soulshine Tent for a bit of shade and cold drink. Upon entering the tent, I see festival musician Jaik Willis and a camper wrapping up a music jam together. I take a seat, and Jaik invites a young woman to the stage who is next on the open-mic list. With her cowboy hat pulled down tight and a with slow foot tap; she starts her a cappella version of "Me & Bobby McGee." Within moments you can hear the rasp build in her voice as she works her way toward the chorus. Her brow wrinkles, and - as if she were kicked in the stomach - she buckles over and unleashes her vocal wail. She tears through 'til the end and quietly passes the mic back while the small group of observers erupts into cheers, and I think to myself: "This is Summer Camp. Expect the unexpected." I don't remember the young woman's name, but her passionate one-off performance was unforgettable.
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