NEEDTOBREATHE “The Long Surrender” Tour

Moody Amphitheater sits in the middle of Waterloo Park, eleven acres of restored green space tucked into downtown Austin just a few blocks from the Capitol. The sun goes down behind the skyline, the lights on the towers come up, and suddenly the city is part of the show. On September 12th, NEEDTOBREATHE, a folk-rock band from Seneca, North Carolina, performed an evening line up showcasing their newest album, “The Long Surrender,” at the Moody Amphitheater.

They were preceded by Drew and Ellie Holcomb, indie-folk singers who have been married for over 20 years, writing and producing albums together since their time at the University of Tennessee. The two bands have a history of collaborative performances and friendship. Drew put it plainly when the tour was announced, calling the new NEEDTOBREATHE record a homecoming.

The Night of the Concert

I parked across the street from the concert venue in the Capital Visitors Parking Garage. Information about acceptable items may be found here. After a short walk, I approached the entrance. Ticket and security lines were minimal. I was soon in the amphitheater. Being a scorching summer day in early September, I first purchased water at the bar where a plethora of other drinks and concession snacks were available. A few food trucks perched around the bar area offering hamburgers and tacos and specialty cocktails. I found my seat in the general admission section and waited for the performance to begin.

Ellie and Drew Holcomb emerged with their classical Southern flare, welcoming the audience and introducing the members of their band. September 12 was Ellie’s birthday, so near the beginning of the performance the audience sang and celebrated her. The couple proceeded to perform a medley of songs from each of their respective albums, seamlessly synchronizing folk and Christian inspiration. Ellie’s raspy voice, which can go from a whisper to a roar within a measure, complemented the sterling and heartfelt resonance of Drew’s voice. Ellie’s performances of “Flowers” and “Where can I go – Psalm 139” were especially moving to the audience.

Then after a short intermission where the audience could refill water and purchase additional snacks, the set for NEEDTOBREATHE was set up. Over the course of the first performance, the sky had melted from a bright blue to lighter blue to light purple, and the moon was now visible. The Capital’s Goddess of Liberty peeked over the roof of the amphitheater, merely a silhouette against the cooling sunset.

Acapella suddenly emanated throughout the sloping amphitheater. Gentle, graceful, somber, the bodies of the voices converged together in the center of the stage in a tight semicircle. They sing, “It’s the long surrender on our knees / where Heaven gets found / we will wait with the lost and weary / while You turn the weight of our sorrows into a crown.” These introductory lyrics embody the honesty and quiet strength that characterizes their newest album. The restoration of broken humanity, fractured relationships, shame are overshadowed by realities of daily surrender to a greater plan, reposturing with childlike faith, and experiencing peace through vulnerability. Minor songs proceeded, incorporating familiar melodies and pieces of past records, demonstrating the continuity of raw and vulnerable disclosure which eager fans embraced. People stood swaying, arms raised, and dancing around the peripheries of the amphitheater.

Both NEEDTOBREATHE and Ellie and Drew Holcomb performed beautifully, and the night sky was visible (as much as one can see starlight in the middle of a city) exiting. I highly recommend attending a concert at Austin’s Moody Amphitheater. Future line up can be accessed here.