Los Blancos Bring Feeling To Historic Earlville Opera House

They are a true burst of energy with heart and soul, and they blew the roof of the place tonight! - Theater Director, Michelle Connelly

On the first truly warm day in Central NY, Los Blancos, took the stage at a Historic Theater. The Earlville Opera House was built in 1890 and has survived many changes throughout its history, with the most recent phase beginning in 1970. Los Blancos keys/harp player Max Eyle’s father was actually in attendance and was the first Director of this beautiful theater.

Just as the day, the room was warm with an excited audience, intent on hearing Los Blancos debut show at the famed Opera House. The sound in this space was perfect for the band’s very intimate performance.  One could almost compare a show here to a classic episode of VH1 Storytellers.  Colin Aberdeen, on guitar and lead vocals, seemed to sense this and kept the crowd laughing between songs with tales of the various incarnations of his band, playing bar rooms and theaters and everything in between, as well as shenanigans over 25 years of playing regionally and touring.

Man it feels like we are playing at a campfire in here and I’m setting my drink on the back of a pickup...This is an incredible and legendary place, with so many icons having played here before. You can really feel it and it’s an honor to be here.

Colin Aberdeen Los Blancos, Guitar

The Syracuse based band used this show to play many original songs. Of the few covers, Los Blanks dug deep into blues/americana with Dan Penn and Earle King. With Aberdeen’s lead and Steve Winston’s solid bass playing, Eyle was allowed room to get the blues driven tunes in full gear. Lenny Milano held a steady backbeat on the vintage house drum kit from 1965 to complete this foursome with perfect fills, choosing his moments.

Los Blancos as a whole, played the room astonishingly well, earning ovations for solos and commanding the attention of the room. Listening in this mostly wooden space, sounded like a live album that had already been mixed down. It is no wonder both the band and The Earlville Opera House have been at it so long.

The band was able to fuze elements of swing, down home blues, and on some of the slower tunes, a campfire feel that set the tone. Aberdeen actually mentioned this in the second set addressing the audience: “Man it feels like we are playing at a campfire in here and I’m setting my drink on the back of a pickup.” During intermission he spoke about the history of the theater, which boasts many incredible performers over the years. “This is an incredible and legendary place, with so many icons having played here before. You can really feel it and it’s an honor to be here.” Los Blancos has over 200 songs in their repertoire and asked if they made a setlist Aberdeen said, “Sometimes we have an idea, but man we just play what feels right for the room.”

Photo contributed by Sean Nevison

Theater Director, Michelle Connelly, noted that “We are thrilled to have Los Blancos here tonight! They are a true burst of energy with heart and soul and they blew the roof of the place tonight!” The concert tonight was a testament to the theater’s great programming and care in every detail of the show.  The audience could see it in the smiles of the players, and the mutual respect could be felt as each song was enjoyed thoroughly be this very attentive crowd.

If you are around the Syracuse area, make sure to look out for Los Blancos. They are true masters of their crafts and very humble musicians. The audience was won over from the very beginning with the band’s playing and charm. There is certainly something special about Earlville Opera House as well, that brings the best out of its performers – creating a positive and fun atmosphere, in one of the best listening rooms in New York State. This is a must see theater and one of the few Opera Houses left. The first floor is also an art gallery and there are many special events throughout the year as well.

Comments are closed.