I probably would have made my way to Southpaw last night regardless of what was going on, just to see the old place one last time before it closes. (Tonight is the official last night.) But, they went out with a bang, with bluegrass superstars Michael Cleveland and Firekeeper ripping through a 90 minute set filled with old favorites and new originals, most from last year's release, Fired Up. Cleveland showed why he's a nine-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association's Fiddler of the Year award, playing with fiery intesnsity, spraying rosin all over his fiddle. His playing would be remarkable under any circumstances; when you realize that Cleveland is blind, it's nothing short of miraculous.

Cleveland's bandmates in Firekeeper are all extraordinary musicians in their own right: Ashby Frank (mandolin), Glenn Gibson (banjo and dobro), Charlie Lawson (guitar), and 21-year old Blake Bowen (bass). Lawson, in particular, wowed the audience with his rendition of Jimmie Rodgers' "Blue Yodel No. 1 (T For Texas)," holding one note for eight bars. The whooping, hollering crowd ate it up.

"I didn't know you listened to this music up around here," Cleveland said, coyly.

The Six Deadly Venoms - who bill themselves as "NYC's Premier Bluegrass Band" - played a solid opening set, fronted by former hop-hop producer and guitarist Elio Schiavo. Starting off the evening were local traditionalists The Birdhive Boys.

Video from last night below. More pics on the photo page.