CONCERT REVIEW: Mihali / Mike Powell / Luke Mitrani @ Putnam Place, 10/22/2022

SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Saturday, Oct. 22, some of the busiest musicians in the business stopped by Putnam Place on what they called a “mini-run.” Mihali & Friends packed the place, as it was a sold-out show. It was a lovely fall evening outside, but inside it was absolutely on fire from start to finish — there were even two opening acts. The buzz around this tour has been absolutely correct, Mihali has never sounded better. 

Luke Mitrani opened the show with a lovely set of some delicious folk and Americana. Followed by Mike Powell doing a blues set that transported me back down south for a little while. They were both ideally suited to get everyone warmed up and ready to go.

I have seen Mihali well over 100 times at this point — and there was definitely some magic in the air last night because this wordsmith has never sounded better. With Scott Hannay on keys, Adrian Tromantano on drums, Dave Decristo on bass, and Mike Oehmen on sax, the reggae-heavy set was everything I needed in my life. And as I looked around, I wasn’t the only one in the sold-out crowd who felt that way. Mihali even threw in some old-school tunes and did a Glycerine medley, which I personally haven’t heard since before the pandemic. 

Sadly, this was probably the last time we will get to see Mihali in such a small venue. It appears as though the next time they will have to book him somewhere with a lot more room. Everyone left Putnam Place last night with sweat on their brow and a smile on their face — there was just something extra special about that set.

Photo Gallery of Mihali, Mike Powell, and Luke Mitrani by Tammie Birdwell