LaFarge sings, hums, whistles way through set at Orpheum Theatre Friday

GALESBURG — Pokey LaFarge & His Band performed Friday night at The Orpheum to an enthusiast crowd.

This was LaFarge’s second appearance in Galesburg; his first was Oct. 3, 2021. Hailing from Bloomington, LaFarge’s style is a mix of blues, folk, country and retro rock. He sang and played guitar and mandolin and was backed by guitar, stand up bass and drums. LaFarge sang every song, at times whistling, humming and even making the sound of a horn.

The show went well over an hour and ended with “Goodbye (Hope Not Forever),” which is the same song he ended his 2021 set with the last time he was in town.

LaFarge made several references to the beauty and great sound at the Orpheum, and at one point performed a song without amplification to take advantage of the theatre’s acoustics. Built in 1916, the theatre has featured such artists as Jack Benny, George Burns, Houdini and Al Jolson. LaFarge even referenced the story about the Marx Brothers gettin their names while performing a show at the Orpheum.

LaFarge’s tour is promoting his latest album: "In the Blossom of Their Shade.” The turnout Friday filled about two-thirds of theatre.

The Dance Hall Doves, featuring Core Weisenberger and Erin Glasnovich of Galesburg, opened the show for LaFarge and played a 45 minute set.

Next up for the Orpheum is a performance by singer Haley Reinhart on Sept. 13. Reinhart, from Wheeling, Illinois, placed third in “American Idol” and toured with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox.

This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Pokey LaFarge performs set at Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg Friday