The Duke Coffehouse logo—a steaming cup of espresso with eyes—literally sported a frown Thursday night, at least on the last-minute signs that Troika organizers crafted to announce that The Mountain Goats—essentially John Darnielle’s outlet of brilliantly literate and rich song—had to cancel because of illness, apparently a rough bout of food poisoning.
Credit goes to the Troika folks for simultaneously announcing that Darnielle would perform a make-up show. Everyone that arrived to see The Goats were asked to sign a mailing list that will be used to announce substitute show specifics. Most concertgoers also signed a get-well card for Darnielle. I signed “Forget Ferris, Save John.”
The Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers still put on a good, if slightly discouraged show, frontman Perrry Wright playing an almost-solo version of “Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy” for the first time in a year.
To watch: Opening Flower Happy Bird, who play heady, snappy two-piece pop served on the rocks. Great set at Joe & Jo’s.
Troika continues tonight at Duke, J & J’s and 506. Get out.
