PICTURE THIS: Ben Howard + Bahamas @ The Independent, SF 5/31/12

June 04. 2012 | By Don Albonico

Three people singing and some guitar — it’s about as stripped down as you can get. Afie Jurvanen as Bahamas added two lovely ladies to fill out his sound, and the three of them captured the crowd’s attention with a set of inspired songs. In a daring move, the three of them stepped to the front of the stage, left their mics behind, and serenaded the audience. It’s kind of weird to hear a club of 500 people go dead quiet to hear just three people sing to them, but what a wonderful way to finish off a set.

Bahamas @ The Independent, SF 5/31/12

Bahamas

Bahamas @ The Independent, SF 5/31/12

Bahamas

Bahamas @ The Independent, SF 5/31/12

Bahamas

Ben Howard stepped on the stage with his band mates Chris Bond and India Bourne to a roar of approval. They proceeded to keep the crowd enchanted through their entire set of songs from Every Kingdom. It was a night of firsts. Their first visit to San Francisco, The Owl Mag‘s first look, and a first listen to a brand new song. Ben pretty much had the audience in the palm of his hand. It’s got to be a great feeling to start into a song and have 500 people sing the “Love, Love, Love” chorus at you. We felt privileged to see Ben in a club this size and have a feeling he will playing to much larger venus from now on. We recommend you see either of these bands if you’re given the chance.

Ben Howard @ The Independent, SF 5/31/12

Ben Howard

Ben Howard @ The Independent, SF 5/31/12

Ben Howard

Ben Howard @ The Independent, SF 5/31/12

Ben Howard

Ben Howard @ The Independent, SF 5/31/12

Ben Howard

Ben Howard @ The Independent, SF 5/31/12

Ben Howard

Ben Howard @ The Independent, SF 5/31/12

Ben Howard

Click here for more photos of Ben Howard with Bahamas at The Independent.

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