Back for more and with a new record, the Joel Rafael Band poured every bit of their folk souls out to the sold-out crowd gathered for this show. With the usual suspects in place, Joel Rafael on guitar and lead vocals, Jamaica Rafael on violin, viola and vocals, Carl Johnson on lead guitar and Jeff Berkley on djembe, the group was ready to make some Meeting Grace magic. Their latest release, "Woodeye," is a collection of songs penned by none other than Woody Guthrie, and it was with songs from this record that JRB constructed their entire first set.

"When the Curfew Blows," "I Ain't Got No Home" and the haunting "1913 Massacre" were just the beginning of the truly spectacular performance that lifted us all spiritually and brought us home with familiarity. From funny songs like "Talkin' Fishing Blues" to the heart-wrenching ("Don't Kill My Baby and My Son"), the band was impeccable and truly reflected the spirit and honored the talents of Woody. Other songs included were "Minor Key," "Pretty Boy Floyd," "Deportee" and a tune that earned Joel Rafael a co-write with Woody, "Dance a Little Longer." The lyrics were part of some newly discovered songs by Woody that had no music. Rafael received permission from the Guthrie family to write music for the lyrics and now shares the credit on the fun, upbeat song.

After a short intermission, the band was back to perform some of their original music from their previous three albums. These songs and the band's performances of them on this night clearly illustrate why the Joel Rafael Band are one of the most popular folk acts on the scene today. Clearly drawing on their influences of Woody Guthrie as well as other folk legends like Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger, the band skillfully and wonderfully brought us "China Basin Digs," "No Looking Back Now" and "My Father's Son" from their albums "Hopper," "Old Wood Barn" and their self-titled first album, respectively. Including other familiar songs such as "America Come Home" and "I'll be Traveling," the crowd erupted in a standing ovation as the second set came to an end.

As an encore, and a fitting way to end an incredible night of music, the band left us with "Mi Amigo" with lyrics that sum up the experience of the evening very well: "Adios my brother/ It's sad to see you go/ Adios mi amigo/ Hope to find you down the road/ Again sometime/ You are a friend of mine."

Thanks to Joel, Jamaica, Carl & Jeff for performing so wonderfuly and thanks to all of you who were able to share this special night!