The breakout duo took the stage before Peck’s headlining set
What do an artist from Canada, a married couple from the blackest neighborhood in Washington DC and a gay South African in a Zoro mask have in common?
Country music.
Superstar husband and wife duo The War and Treaty (aka Michael and Tanya Trotter) performed a killer set that brought DC’s Anthem to a fever pitch on Sunday (June 30th). “Blank Page” received the loudest ovation, with its loving sentiment and the passion in the pair’s eyes drawing in the crowd.
“Hey Driver,” their duet with Zach Bryan, was as stellar and soulful by themselves as it is on Bryan’s album. “Call You By Your Name” echoed the classic anthem “Shout.” Throughout their set, the killer harmonies that first wowed a nation at the 2022 CMA Awards whipped the crowd into a response deserved of the largest arena headliners.
The headliner for the night, Orville Peck, combines classic old-west bravado with modern camp for a winning combination. However, much of the media attention has been on Peck’s shtick: keeping his identity—now confirmed to be the alter ego of punk drummer Daniel Pitout—hidden behind masks and under a cowboy hat. This night, he opted for a less elaborate mask, shiny black hat, and silver shimmering sleeveless vest.
But it misses the biggest point: his music is damn good.
His deep voice—a product of his native South African roots—exudes emotion and depth. It can also turn an innuendo phrase with a wink. The peddle steel is never far off, as in “Drive Me, Crazy.” It’s a love story with a horse-trotting beat that happens to be about two truckers. Heartfelt moments and funny lyrics abound. Yet Peck sells it authentically.
Again. Classic sound, modern sentiments.
Another favorite of this reporter was “Blush,” a full-bodied country song that could have been at home on any late 90s/early 00s record.
Opening the show was Canadian singer-songwriter Goldie. She left an impression of her great writing abilities with her song “Angels and Saints.”
So what of this eclectic bill? Before you ever see the glimmering stage show from Peck or watch the Trotters fall in love on stage, you hear the music. It speaks to the soul and draws you in. Black, gay, man, woman. None of that matters when enveloped in “three chords and the truth.” At a show on the last day of a month where that celebrates being united by individuality, this bill was an incredible reminder that music holds immense power to bring all types together under one roof.
