Carbon Leaf plants fresh sound

Kelly Jasper / senior photographer Carbon Leaf, a Richmond band and a JMU favorite, played their first show at The Pub Wednesday night. The band's newest CD, "Indian Summer" is now available in stores across the United States and Canada. Also, the band will tour around the United States for the next seven weeks, said guitarist Terry Clark. The band's cross-country trou begins Wednesday.

Carbon Leaf has played in Harrisonburg more times than hurricanes hit Florida lately, but they just keep coming back for more. The band played for their first time at the Pub Wednesday night.

"I had a blast," lead singer Barry Privett said. "I’m not trying to blow smoke up The Breeze’s ass, but whatever night we come out is always fun and crazy. It’s not like entertaining — it’s symbiotic and natural."

It’s easy to observe the relationship between Carbon Leaf and their fans. Dedicated ones raised their glasses and sing at the top of their lungs, sporadically calling out the names of their favorite songs. The other enraptured listeners were caught in the throng of dedication.

The band had two encores and the crowd remained in an excited frenzy throughout both. No one left before hearing the band’s energetic single, "Mary Mac."

Looking at the crowd, it makes perfect sense — Harrisonburg is Carbon Leaf’s favorite place to jam.

"[Tonight] was awesome — the best Harrisonburg show ever, it felt to me," guitarist Terry Clark said. "It felt incredible."

The crowd apparently had as much fun at the concert as the band.

"They’re such a feel- good, kick-butt college band who loves the crowd," senior Chris Stadmeyer said.

Senior Paul Riley said, "They’re from my hometown of Richmond. I used to see them all the time. You gotta show some love for your hometown."

Freshman Becky Schott also seemed impressed.
"This is my third time seeing them," Schott said. "I love their Irish sound."

Off the stage, Carbon Leaf band members also form relationships with their fans.
After the band played, vocalist and guitarist Carter Gravatt shared a few tidbits from his life when not on the road.

He admitted he wishes more people would ask him what he does in his free time.

"The last little bit of time off I had I spent surfing, playing with my motorcycles, kayaking and working on my new house," Gravatt said. "I’m also getting married in November in Hawaii."
Carbon Leaf hopes to return to JMU this semester or next semester for another show, Clark said.