Auckland’s Tuning Fork was transported back in time last night, courtesy of Pokey LaFarge and his band’s distinctly American brand of modern nostalgia. A rollicking, foot-stomping blend of Bluegrass, Vaudeville, and jazzy storytelling that felt like a vintage postcard come alive.
The evening kicked off with DJ Mr. Crawley spinning an eclectic mix of vinyl gems—yes, real vinyl, crackles and pops included—which set the mood perfectly.
Clad in a leopard-skin necktie and suit jacket, Crawley moved deftly between Ian Dury’s cheeky swagger and Gloria Jones’ legendary take on Tainted Love, spinning classic Soul and Rock’n’roll singles with old-school flair.
A pair of dancers in full 1920s garb swayed to the grooves, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. When Ella Fitzgerald’s These Boots Are Made for Walking came on, the crowd melted into a gentle sway, anticipation building for what was to come.
With that, the band launched into a loose warm-up jam, a playful tease before settling into the first official song, Chicken Shack.
From there, it was an evening of infectious energy, a musical time machine powered by the musical styles of Americana, Jazz, Blues and Folk all rolled into one.
Pokey, clad in a sharp suit, wielded a Fender Stratocaster for most of the set.
His band was a tight-knit unit. Andrea DeMarcus on bass and harmony vocals, Elizabeth Goodfellow on drums and harmonies (who notably played barefoot, scrambling to slip shoes on and off with comedic timing), Erik Miron on guitar and trumpet, and Hank Mehren on keys and organ.
The keys player’s casual green polo was a minor sartorial blip compared to the polished ballroom look of the others, but the music more than made up for any image lapses.
Influenced by his grandfathers—one a banjo player, the other a history buff—he developed an early love for music and American history.
As a teen, he discovered Blues artists like Skip James and later swapped his guitar for a mandolin after hearing Bill Monroe. He adopted the name Pokey LaFarge to reflect his musical journey while hitchhiking across the U.S. after high school, earning a living as a street performer.
Pokey’s infectious laughter and joy were contagious, especially when he handed a guitar pick to an eager fan near the front. A small but significant moment that encapsulated the intimate vibe of the show.
The onstage sound was superbly balanced, providing the musicians with clear and precise monitoring. This clarity carried through to the front of house, where the pristine mix allowed every note to cut through the venue with crystal-clear definition, letting the band’s intricate fusion of vintage Americana and swinging rhythms truly shine.
A sublime sonic experience that captured the essence of LaFarge’s storytelling. Romantic, restless, and steeped in Americana tradition.
One standout thing I noticed about Pokey was his foot tapping. Perfectly in time yet completely offset from the backbeat. I’ve never seen anything like it before. It’s a distinctive quirk that seems uniquely his and adds a subtle layer of character to his performance.
After the show, I caught up with Brett from San Diego and Gabrielle from Australia, both long-time fans. Brett summed it up perfectly. I’ve seen this guy four times, and each time he delivers. He’s like a time capsule. Gabrielle nodded in agreement.
Pokey LaFarge and his band are more than musicians—they’re keepers of a flame, crafting sonic postcards that carry the listener back to a bygone era while speaking clearly to the here and now.
If you missed this show, keep an eye out next time. They’re not just playing music, they’re preserving an Americana dream with style, heart, and a whole lot of Soul.
Paul Marshall
