By Ryan Matteson | Photos Ed Oliver

Waking up this morning I wondered if the Avett Brothers ever have an off night. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen the band, but I have to say that they always manage to reach higher and deliver more than the previous time. Last night, in front of a sold out crowd at Madison’s Barrymore Theatre, The Avett Brothers do what they always do – deliver. Big time. Here’s our 9 favorite moments from last night’s show.

1. Nicole Atkins – If you were in the building early you have to agree that the opening set from Nicole Atkins and the Black sea was a great way to start the evening. That band was absolutely on fire behind forthcoming new material. Check out her recent guest dj set on our most recent podcast.

2. “A Lot Of Moving” – I loved that they dipped into their first album, Country Was and I couldn’t have wished for a better song. A traditional bluegrass/country tune that remind me I’ve got an album to revisit.

3. “If I Get Murdered In The City” – Always a favorite. Tonight it was performed solo by Scott Avett with updated lyrics “make sure my daughter knows I loved her, make sure her mother knows the same.”

4. “I Am A Breathing Time Machine, I’ll Take You All For A Ride” There was plenty of new material from I and Love and You, but this was one that rose to the top for me. It’s become one of my favorite songs in their catalog and the harmonies at the conclusion of the song are stellar.

5. Joe Kwan & Bob Crawford – You can’t forget how much these guys bring to the table. They are just as much essential to the formula that embodies the beauty of Avett Brothers albums and the live experience. Their contributions can’t be overlooked or under appreciated.

6. “Slight Figure Of Speech” – Probably my favorite song on the new album. It’s become an anthem in concert. Lots of energy, seemingly gone before it even appears. I love the lyric “They said I hope that you will never change, I went and cut my hair.”

7. “4 Thieves Gone” – The closeout song to the 2006 release Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions also brought the house lights up concluding the show. It was the first time I’d ever heard them play it. Pretty special.

8. “I and Love and You” – Tonight’s put their new album in the spotlight. It’s an amazing album that I am so thrilled is taking them to new levels and increasing their audience base. Let’s not hold success against our favorite bands, we should embrace it and be happy that after years of delivering their dreams are coming true. They made a great record with an amazing producer, that’s not something to be disappointed in or see in a negative light.

9. Drag your friends, they’ll become fans Over the course of about 20 text messages I managed to convince my over thirty friend out of the house and away from his family. The permanent smile on his face throughout the show, seeing the Avett Brothers for the first time was priceless. The last text I received from him, just before midnight reads, “Great Night. Totally Unexpected.”

Discuss: Drop a comment with your thoughts and reviews on the show. What were the highlights for you?

Buy: The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You