Laramie coffee fans were treated to more than espresso Tuesday night when Seattle folk musician Ian McFeron performed at the downtown Coal Creek Coffee and Brewery.
McFeron, often compared to iconic artists such Bob Dylan and Ryan Adams, visited the Laramie community in hopes of promoting his newly released album, Time Will Take You.
According to his website, McFeron dedicates himself to creating a fan base the “old-fashioned way:” on the road.
Hayley Burke, a University of Wyoming student, said McFeron’s music “has an original, home-style feel that was very country.”
McFeron even recognized members of the audience who followed him and his band when they were touring in Colorado.
The intimate and cozy location of the concert complimented the folky, low-key music of McFeron and his accompanist, Alisa Milner.
Milner has a musical background as an idler with her family and toured Europe in an “All-Girl-Honky-Tonk band.”
The duo has been surrounded by music since they were young. McFeron writes the songs, chords and lyrics and Milner writes her accompaniment and harmonies.
The musicians made themselves equally available and approachable before and after the show and during intermission, sitting on the couches next to the door and talking with attendees.
McFeron’s goal for his music is to create a moment he can share with other people. He wants “to bring music to people live in the moment, and if they like it, send it home with them.”
“Song doesn’t have to be a solitary place,” he explained. “We are doing something unique to us and writing from the heart, hoping it means something to people.”
McFeron’s music is centered on connecting people, creating moments and helping listeners escape to better times. He is humble about his work and likes to interact with his audience.
McFeron and Milner have been touring together since 2002 and sharing their music and talents with each other and with people across the continental U.S. They do about 180 shows over the year, several of which are in Wyoming towns such as Laramie, Jackson and Casper.
They featured songs off their albums as well as a couple of new songs. McFeron introduction of some of his new music before the show, “It’s always fun playing fresh songs.”
The song they introduced to their Coal Creek audience captured the theme of the laidback, feel-good music. The duo plays half of their music acoustic and the other half with their whole band, including artists on bass and other instruments.
Without the extra musicians, it was up to McFeron and Milner to play piano, fiddle, cello and guitar while complimenting each other with vocals and harmony.
Amanda Weaver, a UW student, said she enjoyed the group’s vast musical abilities.
“I’m impressed with all the instruments they can play,” she said.
The small, intimate venue allowed for McFeron and Milner to accomplish their artistic goal of blending together a room through their use of music.
“Music has the ability to blend lines and meld a room together,” McFeron said. “When this moment happens, you savor it.”
