Darlingside Performs as Original Foursome at Universal Preservation Hall, Nov. 3

SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Thursday, Nov. 5, Caffe Lena is proud to present Darlingside at Universal Preservation Hall. This show, postponed from its original date of Sep 30 due to Covid, will be the last to feature David Senft, who has otherwise stepped away from live performances with the band.

If Darlingside’s first album, Birds Say (2015), focused on the past through nostalgia, and their second, Extralife (2018), contemplated uncertain futures, Fish Pond Fish (2020) stands firmly in the present, looking at what’s here, now. Dave Senft (bass), Don Mitchell (guitar, banjo), Auyon Mukharji (violin, mandolin), and Harris Paseltiner (cello, guitar) have created a natural history in song—taking us into gardens, almond groves, orchard rows, down to the ocean floor and under stars.

The band has long been praised for their harmonies and intelligent songwriting, described by NPR as “exquisitely-arranged, literary-minded, baroque folk-pop,” and their dynamic presence (crowded tightly together onstage) have made them a live-performance favorite. But this album showcases their broader storytelling abilities: nature is a looking glass, the songs suggest, with tracks like “Ocean Bed,” “Green + Evergreen,” “Mountain + Sea,” and “Crystal Caving” making metaphors of their titles. An experience of nature is an experience of self; an experience of self is one of natural change cut and complemented by stasis.

In August 2022, bassist David Senft announced that he would no longer take part in their live performances, while still keeping on with all other facets of the band. Darlingside have since been touring the West Coast with new touring band members in place. Since this show was originally scheduled for Sep. 30, before the new touring configuration began, they have decided to perform as originally scheduled, as a foursome with Senft.

Singer-songwriter Caitlin Canty will open the show.

TICKET INFORMATION:

The show will begin at 7:30 pm at Universal Preservation Hall. Tickets are $34.50 and can be purchased here. For more information, visit caffelena.org and/or universalpreservationhall.org.