If you’ve ever wanted to know what fun sounds like, attend a Pigeons Playing Ping Pong show. The Baltimore-based funk-jam has a huge following, and it’s clear from the moment the four-piece steps on stage that you’re in for a night of pure joy.
The band recently kicked off three nights in Washington, DC with shows at The Atlantis, followed by two sold out shows next door at the 9:30 Club, where These Subtle Sounds was able to catch the group on their first night.
Having met in college at the University of Maryland, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong have been going strong since their debut in 2010. And going strong might be an understatement, as the quartet have amassed a dedicated following through their constant touring schedule and, more importantly, the fun and infectious attitude on-stage.
“We are so glad to be back at our home away from home!,” singer/guitarist Greg Ormont told the crowd before launching into “Show Me.” The band – Ormont, Jeremy Schon on guitar, Alex Petropulos on drums, and Ben Carrey on bass – proceeded to rock through the night. One song melded into the next with a particularly funky rendition of The Rolling Stones classic, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” that seemed to stretch and float with a brilliant drum fill by Petropulos.
The first set of the night ended with the electronic notes of “Skipjack” – a fun and fast number that had me wondering how fast they could play, especially Carrey on bass with those staccato bass notes, as Ormont and Schon traded licks and showing off a bit.
After a brief break, the band came out for a second set, kicking off things with “Too Long” from Pizazz. One of the highlights of the second set was an extended jam of “F.U.” which then slid into a cover of “Hungry Like The Wolf” by Duran Duran before then heading right back to finish up the song.
Wrapping up a fantastic night, the band a very funk-laden cover of Pink Floyd’s “Have A Cigar.” After that two night stay at the 9:30 Club, the band have a run of shows starting end of January through the Spring with stops in Philly and Pittsburgh before heading West. It’s a show not to miss.
The set list included:
Show Me
Somethin’ for Ya
Pop Off
Offshoot
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (The Rolling Stones cover)
Offshoot
Feet on the Ground
Henrietta
Skipjack
Set 2:
Too Long
Fall in Place
Spacejam
The Hop
F.U.
Hungry Like the Wolf (Duran Duran cover)
Beneath the Surface
Dawn a New Day
Have a Cigar (Pink Floyd cover)
Here are more photos of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong rockin’ the 9:30 Club on the first of two sold out shows. All photos copyright and courtesy of David LaMason.
