There is no room for error here. Everyone will see it and hear it. Fortunately for Route 3, leader Jared Adams has a wealth of concert experience. In a coffeehouse that is packed with 30 people he played like it was for 3,000. Coffeehouse singers are a dime a dozen, but Route 3 is a not a coffee house band. It just happens to be a band thatwill play anywhere and anytime. Adams love for his music is evident. He wasprobably going to be playing that night anyway, so why not do it for some folks who probably had no idea how good it was going to get.
Adams’ songwriting and vocals have captured plenty of national attention through Route 3’s recordings and concerts. In the intimate setting of a coffeehouse Adams shows the talent is authentic, not studio created. With the ability to adapt to any venue Adams shows himself as the consummate professional – more worried about the audience than his ego.

The set included many songs from Route 3’s recordings, including the Don Chaffer (Waterdeep) produced “Slightly Certain.” From that title cut to “The Final Say” Adams and Tim Maloney, drums and percussion, managed to create a full band sound from just two musicians, much to the delight of the crowd gathered inside on a Saturday night. Adams also has the veteran performer’s gift of knowing how to banter with the audience without thinking he is a standup comic at the same time. He knows they are there for the music, and good music does not require explanations. This is a group to catch live, whether Adams fronts it alone or with a full band in tow. Any venue, any time – this group is worth the trip.

-Derek Emerson
Hope College Arts Coordinator