If you weren’t in attendance last night to rock out with Baumer, The Explorers Club, and Ben Walker Radio, you missed out.

Most of you probably know I’ve been itching at the bit to see headliners Baumer since the album debuted, and it was worth the wait. Nate Boykin’s vocals are even more captivating live than they are on the recording, and the band is tight. The set was short because they just started playing with their new drummer, Josh, but they will be playing again in town towards the end of the year. Denouement had the crowd spinning and banging. As they closed the set, the ‘pit’ at New Brookland Tavern became more and more active.

The Explorers Club warmed up the stage for Baumer quite well with their fun-loving retro set. Instrumentation ranged from B3 organ to three front guitars to accordion. Four-part harmonies and surf-lover lyrics drove this band into a really entertaining set. I hadn’t heard these guys before, but would love to hear them again. (Where’s the CD, guys?)

Ben Walker Radio embodies a familiar but unidentifiable sound, and they started the night with a tight, well-played set. They land somewhere between Toad the Wet Sprocket and Phil Spector. I’ll admit that I’m not really familiar with their songs so it was tough to really get into the live set, but I appreciate their talents a lot and would like another taste.

If you missed this show, all three bands are in big with the Columbia music scene, and you’ll have opportunities to see them again. Keep an ear to the Spot for show announcements.