Hooves on the Turf

Download “The Bottom of the River” by Adam Arcuragi | The best time I had during my trip to DC was when These United States played a last minute, unannounced show at IOTA in Arlington, Virginia. It was the eve of President Obama’s inauguration, and one of the bands scheduled to play was unable to get into the city because of blocked highways–so they filled in. It turned out to be one of the funnest shows I’ve ever been to: they got into a highly festive mood, playing with some of their friends before playing their own laid-back set. Adam Arcuragi was one such friend–what?! If you haven’t heard this man’s voice, you must. I’d been totally unaware that he was even in Arlington for a show that night, it was an awesome surprise. And though nobody seemed to know if Mark Charles of Vandaveer was even showing up after having been somewhere in a foreign country, Vandaveer was playing, too–what?! The best-planned unplanned show in my history of concert-going. What’s more, Tom Hnatow of These United States played the pedal steel for every song from all four bands that night: Rose, Adam, Vandaveer, and finally his own. Drummer Robby Cosenza played a few songs less, but he barely left the stage either. Onward for video!

There’re several more videos I want to post from this show, but for now, here’s Adam Arcuragi joined by Jesse Elliott, Tom Hnatow and Robby Cosenza of These United States for two great songs, “Broken Throat” and “The Bottom of the River”. These United is playing Union Hall on Feb 6.

Please link to this page if embedding this video.

Watch in HD.

Websites: Adam Arcuragi, These United States

IOTA Club & Cafe,
Arlington, Virginia
January 19, 2009