PAT DOUGHERTY & THE SECOND-HAND OPERA LIVE AT THE SAINT PAUL OPERA HOUSE


They have been called "The loudest folk band in America," and being the only band of the evening to make the speakers clip, it might be a sign that the title isn't ceremonial. Despite the folk exterior, the gentlemen seem punk at heart with intense energy brought to their performance. The band with drinks in hand and some foul language at times, dealt out songs that would begin like a lamb but end like a lion.

The band is known for their stage antics. Be it slicing through quarter inch cables, throwing drum cymbals, running out into the audience for sing-a-long's, or breaking light bulbs (which Dougherty did with his head unintentionally that evening) their concerts are different every time. The band never uses setlists, which makes Dougherty look like a quarterback calling songs in a no huddle offense. Each song was raw emotion and dynamically schizophrenic.

Leaving the intimidating description aside, off-stage they're quite mellow people, and rest assured they're equipped with a sense of humor, which becomes apparent when they poke fun at some audience members smoking an illegal substance.

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