Indy Rocks to the Soul Circus: A Night with Marcus King

The writing is on the wall in the Egyptian room with pharaohs, gods, and now a King. The rattling of a southern kick drum and the tunes of a phenomenal night still linger in the old halls of the Old National Centre. On July 16th, Indianapolis witnessed a blues revival unlike any other. Sure, this Hoosier state might be known for its endless cornfields and country twang, but on this particular Tuesday, the city traded it’s Middle-America for soul patches as Marcus King and his band rolled into town.

Now, full disclosure: I wouldn't call myself a diehard Marcus King fan. My musical tastes usually lean towards the Indie Rock and Chillwave, the soundtrack But there was something undeniably special about the buzz surrounding this concert. Maybe it was the whispers of a "blues prodigy" piquing the curiosity of even the most dedicated rock fans. Maybe it was the chance to witness something fresh, a genre-bending revolution right here in our own backyard.

Whatever the reason, I found myself swept up in the anticipation of a man who was doing more for music than most do in a lifetime. And let me tell you, the hype was real. The night kicked off with a most humble, and genuine performer named Ceceilia Castleman, a Nashville songstress who silenced the pre-show chatter with her smoky vocals and bluesy riffs. This wasn't just opening for a headliner who can forget easy – it was a captivating performance in its own right, a stark reminder of the hidden talent waiting to be discovered. As I was watching I was reminded that I used to play guitar, but I also never played this well as this girl. So talented, and deserved every applause she got.

Then as soon as Cecilia left the stage the main event was quickly on the way. The air crackled with electricity as Marcus King took the stage. Here was a young man with a stage presence that belied his years. His fingers danced across the guitar fretboard, weaving tales of raw emotion with every note. This wasn't just your grandpa's blues of B.B. King, no, this was a fresh King, and a King who was more than you could imagine. King's sound was a potent cocktail of blues, rock, and a touch of psychedelia, a sound that resonated with even the most hardened country and rock fans in the audience.

Truth be told, as the music washed over me, I found myself humming along to melodies I couldn't quite place. But there was something undeniably infectious about it all. The entire venue throbbed with a collective pulse, a testament to the power of live music to transcend genre and unite a room full of strangers. I also saw many parents bring thier children. I asked one of them while I was there why did they decide to bring thier kid to this blues show. The father of the child looked at me with a grin, and as he patted his kid on the head he explained that King was his son’s favorite singer.

Leaving the Old National Centre that night, the city lights seemed a little brighter, the air a little lighter. My car stereo became a makeshift Marcus King shrine for the ten-plus-playthrough journey home of his song The Well. Sure, I might not have been the most knowledgeable fan walking in, but I walked out a convert, a testament to the sheer power of a soulful performance that left an indelible mark on this Indiana music lover. If you like fresh music check out Marcus King.

Here is the setlist for the night.

1. The Well (with It's Too Late teases at beginning and end)

2. Beautiful Stranger

3. Hero

4. One Day She's Here

5. Aim High

6. Inglewood Motel (Halestorm)

7. Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues. (Danny O’Keefe cover)

8. 8 A.M. (The Marcus King Band song)

9. Honky Tonk Hell. (Gabe Lee cover)

10. Save Me

11. F*ck My Life Up Again

12. Lie Lie Lie

13. Ramblin' Man. (The Allman Brothers Band cover)

14. Goodbye Carolina. (The Marcus King Band song)

15. Wildflowers & Wine

16. Delilah

17. Can't You See. (The Marshall Tucker Band cover)