The Livery in Benton Harbor, Michigan, knows great music and goes out of its way to bring talented new groups to the stage. Once young groups get a taste of the food, fun, and incredible fans at The Livery, they can't wait to come back—to a place that feels like home when you're on the road.
Them Coulee Boys, composed of brothers Soren Staff (lead guitar) and Jens Staff (mandolin), Beau Janke (banjo), Neil Krause (bass), and Stas Hable (drums), have made a name for themselves as innovators in funky bluegrass music. Tonight, they're at The Livery promoting their new album, "No Fun in the Chrysalis," and fans have come from far (Chicago) and near (Fairplain) to hear these storied musicians.
Thirty minutes before doors open, Soren and Neil come down to meet the fans. The line is growing long, but they take the time to reminisce about past concerts and discuss future plans. Tonight's gig marks the midpoint of a Midwest run concluding in Pennsylvania. Soren asks earnestly if anyone has song requests, and a large group from Chicago calls out for "Knuckleballer." Soren gets a nostalgic look in his eyes, remarking, "That's a good one." Neil expresses hope they'll play "10 Foot Tall," noting that in a thousand concerts, they've only missed performing this quintessential tune once, and it just didn't feel right.
The band takes the stage, giving the audience a taste of their new album. The opening trio—"Change etc.," "Up Close," and "As Long as You Let Me"—are the first three tracks and encapsulate the distinctive Coulee Boys style. Fan favorites follow, including the first song the band ever wrote, "Cool on Down."
Soren then announces it's time for something different, something he was initially worried wouldn't fit their style but has since become one of his favorites. The new song "Ghost (in 4 Parts)" is unlike anything we've heard from the band, yet it fits perfectly. Starting soft and growing intense, Beau extracts otherworldly sounds from his electric banjo, pushing the music into new realms. The enthusiastic crowd response makes it clear this is a future favorite. The first set closes powerfully with "Hammered," a fan favorite Soren wrote for his mother.
During the set break, I chat briefly with Jens, the instantly likable mandolin player and Soren’s brother. Jens impressively doubles as the band's agent, expertly handling fan interactions, selling merchandise, and managing finances on the road. Despite his many talents, he remains humble and approachable, warmly engaging with the growing crowd. The Livery’s booking agent stops by, recalling the band's first performance here years ago when they opened for Pert Near Sandstone. Their 30-minute set earned a standing ovation and calls for an encore, convincing him immediately that Them Coulee Boys should return often. Later in the set, Soren shares a more humble version of this tale from the stage.
Whether performing for an intimate group of ten or a crowd of ten thousand, Them Coulee Boys always connect deeply with their audience. The second set is pure magic, expertly crafted to draw the crowd deeper into their musical orbit. Soren begins with a couple of captivating solo songs before the band rejoins for a stunning performance of "I Won't Be Defined." The beautiful "Mountains" from the new album recalls classic country music and is played masterfully by these talented young musicians. The eagerly awaited "Knuckleballer" energizes the audience, prompting dancing and cheers. "It's OK" and "Sign of the Times" build momentum, leading into the audience-participation favorite and band mantra, "Find Your Muse."
Typically introduced by Beau, a sudden broken G-string sends him scrambling, so Soren calls upon Jens to demonstrate the audience participation—rubbing hands for a swishing sound followed by an overhead clap. Jens struggles humorously to meet his brother’s standards, and when Neil is given a chance, he comically misses his hands altogether. The spontaneous comedy delights the crowd, perfectly showcasing the band's genuine charm and spontaneity. Once Beau is back in action, the band delivers a memorable rendition of "Find Your Muse."
Next comes the highly anticipated "10 Foot Tall," igniting fans to dance and sing along with joyous enthusiasm. The band briefly steps offstage for the obligatory show-ending moment before returning to thunderous applause for an encore. They launch into an electrifying, unleashed version of "Can't Always Get What You Want," bringing the house down. Them Coulee Boys clearly know how to have fun!
Be sure to check them out on all streaming platforms and grab your copy of their latest album, "No Fun in the Chrysalis."
