It was a night where dreams felt tangible, history hummed in the rafters, and the spirit of Woodstock came alive again, this time, through the reverb-soaked sounds of The Heavy Heavy and the soulful storytelling of Dutch singer-songwriter Judy Blank.

The Bearsville Theater, nestled in the storied Catskills and once a hub for the likes of Bob Dylan and The Band, played host to a truly special performance on August 1 in a show that felt as rooted in the past as it was aimed toward the future.

After a pair of shows at Garcia’s in Port Chester, The Heavy Heavy made the trip north to Bearsville Theater in Woodstock on 8/1/25.

Judy Blank got things going early, stepping on stage with charm, sneakers, and wide-eyed wonder. Visiting Woodstock for the first time, she told the audience she’d dreamt of this place for years—literally. Between songs like “Fading Star,” “Toy Heart,” and the Dylan-esque “Tangled Up in You,” she wove personal stories about her musical journey from the Netherlands to Nashville, and how a chance meeting with Oliver Wood (of the Wood Brothers) ultimately led her to cross paths with The Heavy Heavy. Savoring all the nuances of musical history the town has to offer, she even recounted how a fateful jog to Dylan’s old studio earlier in the day nearly made her late for her own set. Her presence was simply magnetic.

Dutch singer-songwriter Judy Blank had her dreams come true in Woodstock on 8/1/25.

Performing in a dress and running shoes, still sweaty from her pilgrimage up the road only added to Blank’s endearing authenticity. Her humor always coming through, especially when she joked about being mistaken for a stoner after landing on the cover of High Times magazine thanks to her song “Mary Jane,” which, ironically, isn’t about cannabis at all. By the time she brought out Tom Holder and Frank Fogden of The Heavy Heavy for a few collaborative tunes, the audience had clearly fallen for Blank. She wrapped her set by inviting fans to meet her at the merch table, but it wouldn’t be the last they saw of Judy on this steamy Friday night.

Frank Fogden (left) and Tom Holder (right) of The Heavy Heavy joined Judy Blank (center) for a pair of songs in Bearsville on 8/1/25.

With the crowd still abuzz from Blank’s performance, the lights dimmed and the cinematic tones of “Parakeets” filled the barn-like theater, opening the door to the swirling, reverb-soaked world of The Heavy Heavy. The five-piece from Brighton, England instantly took command of the room for what would be a mesmerizing ride through kaleidoscopic rock, bluesy grooves, and sun-drenched harmonies. Their sound felt like a transmission from another time. But their presence? Purely of the moment. The seamless segue into “Miles & Miles,” their breakout hit from the 2022 EP Life and Life Only, automatically had the crowd feeling friendly and howling with delight. Comprised of co-founders Georgie Fuller (vocals, keys) and Will Turner (vocals, guitar), along with Tom Holder (bass), Frank Fogden (guitar, keys), and James Porter (drums), the band wasted no time reminding everyone why they’ve become one of the UK’s most buzzed-about exports. The rollicking fan-favorite “Man of the Hills” sounded huge in the storied barn and was easily an early standout of the show.

The Heavy Heavy opened the door to their reverb-soaked world in Woodstock on 8/1/25.

The Heavy Heavy would then treat fans to a healthy dose of fresh material from their debut full-length album One of a Kind, including the sweet and refreshing “Lemonade,” and the tastefully infectious “Cherry.” As the set unfolded, Georgie Fuller shared a deeply personal connection to the area. Her father, a woodworker (or “Woodstockist” as she lovingly put it) once carved a sign reading “Woodstock” for her grandparents. After they passed, she brought it to her own family home and hung it proudly. Playing in the town that inspired it all, she said it was just one of the many beautiful ways that Woodstock has been subconsciously woven into her life story, claiming that every time she visits this area it somehow feels like she’s home. A sentimental notion that grounded the evening’s psychedelic drift in something real and human.

Georgie Fuller of The Heavy Heavy has always felt a strong connection to the Woodstock area.

Following “All My Dreams,” The Heavy Heavy would take a moment to sing the praises of the opening act Judy Bunk before inviting her out to guest on a few songs. Talking about how talented she is and that having her out on tour allows them to play some songs they don’t usually have the chance to, the band was all smiles as they performed “Wild Emotion” and “In the Night Hour” with Judy dancing wildly around them and harmonizing in a way that radiated real camaraderie. It was a fitting collaboration. Two acts clearly in sync, bound by friendship forged across continents and a shared love of American roots music. When they were on stage together, the energy soared as if the room had been cracked wide open. It was a true celebration of shared creative spirit, and the crowd responded in kind. After exchanging heartfelt hugs, you got the sense this show was more like a family reunion than a tour stop. The remainder of the show featured all material from the new album.

Judy Blank joined The Heavy Heavy for a pair of songs at the Bearsville Theater on 8/1/25.

Tracks like “Miracle Sun,” “Lovestruck,” “Feel,” and “Because You’re Mine” leaned into the Stones-meets-surf-psychedelia sound the band has made their signature with equal parts swagger and shimmer. It only makes sense as most of the demos for the album were written during lockdown when the band was listening to a steady diet of Goats Head Soup. A vibe that definitely seeped into their consciousness and helped them shape the atmosphere of the record. Bringing the main portion of the show to a close with a song that embodied the way everyone in the barn was now feeling, “Happiness” was as contagious as it was infectious.

Will Turner and Tom Holder’s explosive licks brought the house down in Bearsville on 8/1/25.

A relatively short show, just when it felt like the night had wrapped, the house lights flickered off and cheers erupted. The band returned for a surprise encore, launching into a lush cover of Father John Misty’s “Real Love Baby,” their take a dreamy, sunlit jam that had the whole barn swaying. They closed with a thunderous rendition of the album’s title track, “One of a Kind” in a performance that doubled as a mission statement and simultaneously brought the house down. With Turner and Holder trading licks, Porter anchoring the storm on drums, and Fuller’s vocals soaring above it all, it was clear this band isn’t just riding a wave of hype, they’re building something real. Before leaving the stage, Georgie told the crowd the band would be signing vinyl and meeting fans at the merch table. “I really want to meet every single one of you,” she said. Judging by the line that quickly snaked through the lobby, the feeling was mutual.

The Heavy Heavy showed Woodstock what the buzz is all about on 8/1/25.

For many in the room, this was their first time seeing The Heavy Heavy in person and it won’t be their last. The band’s retro-modern sound, magnetic stage presence, and genuine gratitude for the moment transformed a hot summer night in Woodstock into something magical. In an era often dominated by digital detachment, The Heavy Heavy proved that analog soul, genuine artistry, and live musical connection still have the power to transport. They’re not just a buzz band. They’re the real deal.

The Heavy Heavy | August 1, 2025 | Bearsville Theater | Woodstock, NY

Setlist: Parakeets, Miles & Miles, Lemonade, Man of the Hills, Miracle Sun, Cherry, All My Dreams, Wild Emotion*, In the Night Hour *, Lovestruck, Feel, Because You’re Mine, Happiness.

Encore: Real Love Baby**, One of a Kind.

*with Judy Blank

**Father John Misty cover