Americana Music Took Over The Genesee Theatre As Old Crow Medicine Show Got The Joint Jumpin In A World Of Roots Revival

Mar 17, 2025 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0

Concert Review: Old Crow Medicine Show at the Genesee Theatre – March 15, 2025

By Harrison Kristoff

On a chilly March evening in Waukegan, Illinois, the Genesee Theatre became a hotbed of Americana, bluegrass, and folk with Old Crow Medicine Show taking the stage for an unforgettable night of music. The Grammy-winning band, known for their high-energy performances and innovative takes on classic tunes, delivered a set that felt both timeless and fresh, blending their original songs with covers that had the crowd dancing, singing, and clapping along.

The atmosphere of the evening was set as soon as you walked into the theater. The stage was transformed into a visual masterpiece, evoking the feeling of being inside an old revival tent, a nod to the rootsy, grassroots beginnings of American folk and bluegrass music. Rich, vibrant colors draped the backdrop, with the band’s name emblazoned across a rustic, faux light bulb banner, that looked straight out of the golden age of revival shows. It wasn’t just a set—it was an experience. The embedded lantern-style lights hanging back gave it an authentic, vintage vibe, creating a sense of nostalgia for a time when music was about storytelling and connection. The entire setup was a beautiful tribute to the spirit of Americana, and it was clear that every detail was chosen with care to amplify the energy of the performance.

The night kicked off with a powerful rendition of “Alabama High Test,” a perfect choice to set the tone for what was to come. The crowd immediately responded to the band’s infectious energy, with the opening notes drawing everyone into the celebration of southern roots and storytelling. From the get-go, Old Crow Medicine Show proved they weren’t just a band—they were a force of nature, seamlessly blending old-time Americana with a modern twist that kept the audience fully engaged.

Throughout the evening, the band treated fans to a variety of classic covers, each performed with their signature style. The iconic “Great Balls of Fire” by Otis Blackwell was a particularly show-stopping moment, with the band revving up the audience into a frenzy. Their version was full of wild, unpredictable energy that had the crowd jumping out of their seats, much like Jerry Lee Lewis would have done in his prime.

Another highlight was their take on Hank Williams’ “I Saw The Light.” The band’s mastery of honky-tonk and bluegrass sounds brought a new life to this classic, and the harmonies soared through the theater, filling every corner with the feeling of nostalgic southern charm. The crowd swayed to the rhythm, hanging on every word.

As if the audience wasn’t already fully in the groove, Old Crow Medicine Show kept the hits coming. The group’s spin on Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” was a brilliant moment of folk-infused fun, with the band embracing the story of Leroy’s larger-than-life persona and turning it into a lively sing-along. You could feel the crowd’s joy and energy swell as the night wore on, an undeniable testament to the band’s ability to transform a classic song into something that felt uniquely theirs.

They even took on “Cripple Creek,” a song most famously associated with Creedence Clearwater Revival, and turned it into an unforgettable performance. The bluegrass roots that underpinned CCR’s original version came to life in Old Crow’s hands, and the foot-stomping rhythm had everyone tapping their toes in time with the beat. It was a beautiful display of how a timeless tune can evolve while still staying true to its spirit.

Between songs, the band kept the mood light and engaging, chatting with the audience and sharing stories that made the performance feel like a communal experience. Whether they were swapping anecdotes about their musical influences or riffing on the local scene, the vibe was warm and welcoming.

Of course, Old Crow Medicine Show didn’t neglect their own original material, mixing in fan favorites from their extensive catalog. But it was the cover songs that really gave the show its life, showing off the band’s versatility and deep respect for the artists who came before them.

As the night drew to a close, the energy in the Genesee Theatre was electric. Old Crow Medicine Show had done more than just put on a concert—they had created a musical journey, connecting generations through timeless songs and infectious energy. If their mission was to make every person in the room feel like they were part of something special, they absolutely succeeded.

In the end, it was a show that highlighted Old Crow Medicine Show’s exceptional ability to blend tradition and innovation in a way that resonates with old fans and new alike. From “Alabama High Test” to “Cripple Creek,” the night was a reminder of the enduring power of roots music and the joy it brings to those lucky enough to experience it live. The set design itself, with its revival tent theme, only deepened the connection between the audience and the band, immersing everyone in the world of roots music and providing a sense of timelessness that made the night feel all the more magical.

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