Flatland Cavalry : The Wandering Star Tour at The Dome, Oakdale Theatre, November 22, 2024
On a seasonably cold night, the Oakdale Theatre’s Dome, in Wallingford, Connecticut, came alive with Flatland Cavalry. The Texas-based Americana band are currently touring in support of their latest album, Wandering Star. The venue’s intimate atmosphere combined with the venues roof of exposed wooden beams, offered the perfect setting for a show that blended country, folk, and a touch of southern rock,
The lights dimmed, and the five-piece band took the stage to the roaring applause of a packed Friday night crowd, ready for a night of heart touching melodies and lyrics that resonate the rugged beauty of Texas From the opening song, the band’s frontman, Cleto Cordero, demonstrated his natural charisma, effortlessly connecting with the audience. His clear, soulful voice served as the perfect vehicle for the band’s intricate musical compositions. As he sang songs from Wandering Star like “Last American Summer,” the crowd hung on every word, nodding in agreement as the lyrics wove tales of travel, love, and longing. His voice, smooth yet powerful, paired beautifully with the band’s sound. His acoustic guitar playing brought warmth and complexity to the music, making his presence felt throughout the night. Although Cordero is front and center, he is only one part of this band.
From years of playing together the band has an unmistaken chemistry which is most evident during instrumental breaks, where each member has their moment to shine. Jonathan Saenz on bass provided a solid foundation for the band’s sound and his backing vocals added a layer of harmony that helped to elevate Cordero’s lead. Jason Albers on drums displayed his mastery of subtle shuffles and forceful beats, keeping the band in the groove the entire evening. Reid Dillon added an extra layer of texture with his versatile lead guitar. His playing was particularly notable during songs like “Sleeping Alone,” where his guitar complemented the song’s wistful, yearning lyrics. For my money Wesley Hall on fiddle/violin was the standout. HIs fiddling weaved in and out of the band’s arrangements. Whether playing fast-paced bluegrass-style solos or mournful melodies Seale brought a richness to the performance, creating a distinctly Texas country sound that was perfectly at home in the Dome.
The setlist was a balanced mixture of material from Wandering Star, fan favorites from earlier albums, and covers by John Denver, Gillian Welch, and Fleetwood Mac. The band played a good mix of upbeat songs and somber ballads. One of the many highlights were the acoustic performances of “Don’t Have To Do This Like That,” “Three Car Garage,” “Sleeping Alone,” and “Landslide” sandwiched into the set. The crowd was particularly responsive to “One I Want” from the release Humble Folks, “Stompin’ Grounds,” and the final song of the set “Some Things Never Change” which had many fans singing along and raising their drinks in the air.
What set this performance apart was the undeniable authenticity that exuded from the band. Their passion for the music was evident in every note played, and their interactions with the crowd. The entire night was a celebration of the music, of the shared experience between the band and their devoted fans. The band’s energy was infectious, leaving the audience with smiles on their faces as they exited into the cold, rainy night.
Flatland Cavalry’s concert at The Dome at Oakdale Theatre was an unforgettable night, filled with a heartfelt performance which connected to the audience. The band proved that they are masters of their craft, capable of blending musical styles and heartfelt stories into a show that feels both personal and universal. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to their music, Flatland Cavalry delivers a live experience that is not to be missed.
Flatland Cavalry will be playing the Grand Ole Opry House on December 9th and ringing in the New Year in Fort Worth, Texas.
Flatland Cavalry Website: https://www.flatlandcavalry.com
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Show Review: Flatland Cavalry & Colby Acuff Ryman Debut
