Pulling up to the Psych Shack, the newly minted outdoor music venue in Willimantic, Connecticut, the excitement was palpable on Monday night. Cars were pulling up on Riverside Dr. promptly at 6:30 and folks spilled out to be assigned their socially distanced squares. While there have been a few venues around the state like South Farm that had live music last year, there hadn’t been many good outlets for local up and comers to play for a crowd. With a couple of tables, caution tape, pallets, sound equipment, and a few other odds and ends, a small group of determined individuals were able to convert an abandoned lot on the back side of 754 Main Street into a haven for music.

Music, fashion, and skateboards were in full effect. Several concert goers were out to make a sartorial statement as they ventured out back out onto the scene. Skateboarders entertained the crowd as the night’s first band, Bohemian Grove, finished up their soundcheck.

The night featured three bands; along with BoGrove were Pond View and Shed Life. All three brought energy and thrilled the audience. As the night’s MC came out and introduced Bohemian Grove with a little freestyle, people quickly turned their attention to the stage and made their way to their spots to settle in. I’d never seen or heard Bohemian Grove play, but the ambient jazz jam band was impressive. From the moment they played their first note, they played nonstop until their set was done, with each band member immersed in the music. While the band played, one of the Psych Shack’s volunteers worked on a Lego set in the middle of the stage, signaling the fun, relaxed atmosphere the group had assembled. The set ebbed and flowed as the group showed off their improv skills, taking turns soloing and showing off their musical chops. By the time their 30 minute set was over, the sun had gone down, and the real fun was about to begin.

The reason I’d shown up at all on Monday night was to see Pond View, a rock three-piece out of Branford. I count them among the most exciting musical acts in the state, and they did not disappoint. Front man Luke Kraszewski has charisma to burn, entertaining with his stage banter and sweet, sweet dance moves. As he moved around the stage, his brown locks had a bounce that could sell any shampoo or conditioner.

Keep Reading: Pond View’s Mouthbreather

Despite recently releasing an EP, Mouthbreather, and having an LP on the way, the band chose to “crash test” new material to great effect. Kraszewski (vocals, guitar), along with Josh Sansone (bass), and Camden Masscaro (drums) were sharp and played with great enthusiasm. Even when Kraszewski cut his finger and was bleeding a fairly decent amount, the band kept rocking. Their blend of indie rock and their stage presence is infectious; it would be hard not to have a good time when they’re on stage. I’d written back in January that Pond View would be fun to see live, and they absolutely were. If you get a chance to check them out, you definitely should.

Between sets, skateboarders again took the opportunity to entertain on-lookers. At this point it’s clear, this is a group of kindred spirits, united by music, out to enjoy themselves in the safety of a socially distanced setting. People had abandoned their squares and spilled into the lightly traveled road where they’d remain for the rest of the show. More than a year after Covid-19 had cancelled shows and dimmed stages across the globe, the music was the reason to be out, but the comradery was what made the evening special. The volunteers and the organizers at the Psych Shack have put together something special – who knows how long it will last for – but right now, it’s exactly what the people need.

The final band of the night was Shed Life, and they brought the spectacle and showmanship you’d expect from a rock band. As they were introduced, the band began playing behind Psych Shack’s resident MC as his freestyled to introduce Shed Life. It was the cool, organic moment we’ve craved over the last 13 months. Singer and lead vocalist Joe Luchuk, along with guitarist Eric Peterson serve as the ring leaders, going back and forth with their stage banter. Playing something of an emo rock-metal, the band unleashed soaring guitars that thrilled the crowd and caused uproar, including the quiet but delightful Evan Delaney. On drums, Jon Christina was steady in a shirt he had borrowed from Guy Fieri. It was Shed Life’s first show since lockdown, and they were in top form, even if Peterson joked that they didn’t have their pre-Covid stamina. The audience was locked in with the band, singing and cheering along; Shed Life gave The People what they needed, wrapping the show up wonderfully.

For its simplicity, the Psych Shack is a well oiled machine. Including last night (Wednesday, April 14th), the venue has hosted three shows, but already is better run than other venues I’ve been to. Litvar’s Joe Lemieux runs the show and does a good job of facilitating things as bands transition. The next show will be Saturday, April 17th with Litvar and Kim Normal. Visit www.psychshack.net for the full line-up of events, and be sure to give them a follow on Instagram for updates. Shows are quickly being put together, and for now, it’s the best place to see the best bands Connecticut has to offer.

When you go…

-          While technically the address is 754 Main Street, 50 Riverside Dr. is what you should punch into your GPS. It’ll get you much closer to where you’re going.

-          You’ll be on asphalt, so consider bringing a chair and maybe a blanket in case you get cold.

-          There are no vendors so snacks and water are a good idea too.

- Remember that you’ll be expected to wear your mask for the entire night!

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Michael Stroneski, editor at mvsicthovght, has started several blogs and multi-media projects you’ve never seen. He is a life-long cheerleader for Connecticut and underground music. You can reach him at contact@mvsicthovght.com.