Walking into the Pabst Theater is always a treat as it is one of Milwaukee’s most historic landmarks. Even having been to the theater four or five times now, I never seem to get tired of the Baroque architecture - it’s one of the most beautiful theaters in all of America. So it seemed fitting that the classically trained harpist would select this venue to perform tracks from her exquisite new album, Have One Me. 

Even before coming on-stage, Joanna’s harp stood magnificently on the stage, bathed in beautiful blue light as lead-singer of Fleet Foxes, Robin Pecknold, opened the night. Walking on-stage, Robin admitted that he was feeling a bit under the weather and apologized in advanced if his voice wasn’t on par, which wasn’t warranted as his voice soared with impeccable ease singing songs like “Silver Dagger” and “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song.” He kept to himself most of the time, tuning his guitar and performing the next song, but broke from his focus occasionally and conversed with the audience, explaining how honored he was to be asked to open for Joanna who “makes some of the most original music.” Was a bit disappointed though, as I hoped he would perform his cover of Joanna’s “On A Good Day,” which he posted on Youtube a month ago. It would of been the perfect place to do it. 

An hour after Robin had performed, Joanna entered to an eager yet impatient audience who caught of glimpse of her prior, meticulously tuning the strings of the harp. It was well worth the wait though as she plucked out an intimate “Jackrabbits.” Joanna later admitted to the audience she would hire a harp technician to tune it for her, but that she lacked the proper funds. But like any master of their craft, Joanna had to tune her harp multiple times throughout the night. This might have annoyed some fans, but the strict attention to detail pays off with time and every song performed that night sounded top notch. The sprawling “Have One On Me” resonated throughout the hall receiving a helping hand from her band which consisted of drums, trumpet, violins, guitar, banjo and even a recorder! She also performed “Good Intentions Paving Co.,” which sounds far better live than the studio version, in part due to the rumbling drums and rockin trumpet-solo at the end.

Not all songs were from the new album, she played “The Book of Right On” and a great new arrangement of “Inflammatory Writ.” And even despite the expansive length of some her songs, she managed to contain enough energy to perform “Monkey & Bear” to a cheering audience. It was a magical performance to end the night on, but before calling quits Joanna graciously came out for an encore. “Baby Birch” played out with sorrowful passion and catharsis, while her final hurr-ah was “Peach, Plum, Pear.” It a deliciously sweet encore that encapsulated all the beauty and brilliance of Newsom’ avant-garde music. 

Set List: 

• “Jackrabbits”
• “In California”
• “Easy”
• “Soft as Chalk”
• “The Book of Right On”
• “Have One On Me”
• “Inflammatory Writ”
• “Good Intentions Paving Co.”
• “Monkey & Bear”

Encore:

• “Baby Birch”
• “Peach, Plum, Pear”