I saw Carolyn Striho and band play the Trinity House Theatre in Livonia, Michigan on Nov 22, 2025. Here are my impressions:
1. Strong start! The mix was perfect right from the jump. It was immediately evident that the band was looking to achieve (and DID achieve) the best overall sound for the audience. No "grandstanding" on anyone's part either in the lead-off song or in the rest of the concert.
2. ENERGY. Everyone's energy was great, especially Carolyn's. She is a phenomenal "front person"! She throws her entire being into the songs, it is clear, including expression through bodily movements.
3. Songwriting! Several times during the performance, I caught myself thinking: "Now, damn, what was the name of that song again? I need to hear that a lot more times!"
4. Raw emotion, including some outside of the "feel good" range. "Enchante" was in some regards difficult to hear, but VERY powerful!
5. Capable handling of cover tunes. "Hurt" was masterfully done, beyond good! I might like her version better than Johnny Cash's even. "Wild Horses" was a perfect number for the encore, too! I love that song, and Carolyn and the band really did it justice!
6. Spicy, smooth, tasteful guitar stylings! I would be remiss if I didn't mention Scott Dailey's guitar playing. It was exciting without being overly ostentations or showy. It was stirring, and intellectually interesting. I liked pretty much every note he played.
7. Intimacy. When, near the end, she came out into the aisle (playing her mahogany colored Guild) and faced the stage I experienced a sudden (but not unwelcome) dysphoria. Suddenly, she was not just some rock idol up on stage, but an actual living, breathing human being, a mere 30" away from me! Of course, it helped that I snagged a great seat!
8. Poetry as an interlude to one song was also a powerful device Carolyn used in this concert.
That's about it, I guess. Color me "thoroughly pleased" with the entire evening. I highly recommend seeing her perform when you get the opportunity!
Dweezil Zappa
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