After some heavy snowfalls that left Columbus, Ohio, looking dreary for months, it’s finally warming up. With the temperature sitting steady in the 60s, it’s the perfect time to gather on the patio of A&R Music Bar and hear some live music. More specifically, Buffalo Traffic Jam’s Take Me Home Tour.
Although the sold-out crowd was able to shed their coats to enjoy a fine spring evening, they would’ve made the trek in multiple feet of snow to see this show. Before the folk band even took the stage, it was clear to see that they had amassed a dedicated following. A group of girls decked out in merch stood gripping the barricade. One concert-goer admitted that she had paid a total of $500 for two tickets, and gleefully proclaimed that it was worth it to see her favorite band.
The energy in the room was indescribable, but we’ll try our best. In an age where human connection is often lost to screens, the community thrived. Fans struck up conversations with people they didn’t know. They became fast friends, and when the band took the stage, they clung to each other and danced.
MOR
Allow us to back up for a second, though. Before Buffalo Traffic Jam, up-and-comer MOR impressed us all. It’s hard to believe that, as he shared with us, it was his third live show ever. Along with his incredible voice, he mastered the art of the crowd interaction. He talked to us about every song, cracked jokes, and definitely left the stage with some new fans. If the crowd wasn’t hyped for Buffalo Traffic Jam before (they were), they certainly were after MOR’s opening performance.
Buffalo Traffic Jam
It feels like it goes without saying at this point, but A&R Music Bar came alive as soon as the lights dimmed and the band walked on stage. Opening with ‘I Don’t Care,’ the Montana duo immediately struck a cord with the crowd. Singing about running away from a past relationship and finding new beginnings, it seemed to resonate with everyone in that crowd differently. But resonate it did. Right away, the crowd knew every word.
As they moved through their intimate set, they only picked up momentum. Singer Frankie Cassidy’s live vocals were indistinguishable from the studio version. And with the crowd backing him up, it sounded just like listening to a professionally recorded live album. We can only hope they put one out in the future. Between Cassidy’s vocals and Nathan Ross’s seemingly effortless balance of mandolin, harmonica, and guitar, Buffalo Traffic Jam is a must-see for folk fans.
Not only do they excel at it, but they clearly love performing. Even while Cassidy sings about such vulnerable topics as losing and finding yourself, there is a smile on Ross’s face the whole time as he looks out at the crowd. In a time where it’s so common for an artist to go viral and quickly disappear from the spotlight, a truly authentic artist is difficult to find. But as they played through Take Me Home (their most recent EP), some old favorites, and some unreleased gems, each song was performed with equal parts care and excitement.
However, it is absolutely still possible for one song in particular to stand out. The already exuberant crowd lit up for fan-favorite: ‘Fool’s Gold.’ As Cassidy sang about growing up and the fear of lost time, fans sang their hearts out. They held their friends’ hands and danced shamelessly. In short, they basked in the community that Buffalo Traffic Jam gathered at a small bar in Columbus, Ohio.
It’s hard to believe that they only recently started playing headline shows because it seems to come naturally to them. So if you can’t get enough of artists like Noah Kahan or Jonah Kagen, look no further for your next favorite. You’ll want to experience the joy of seeing them grow into what is sure to be an unstoppable force.
If this sounds like your jam, you might be in luck! Most of their upcoming tour dates are sold out. But you might just be able to snag one of the last ones. Check to see if they’re coming to a city near you here!
If your closest show has sold out already, you’ll just have to stream like crazy. And then you can head over to our socials and chat with us about your favorite songs. Or about how you can’t wait to see them on their next tour. Whatever you want to talk to us about, find us at @thehoneypop Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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