The Squirrel Nut Zippers brought their raucous, Vaudeville-inspired show to The Birchmere in Del Ray last night, performing their entire first album “Inevitable,” in order, to a sold-out crowd.
The lineup, fronted by original bandleader and songwriter Jimbo Mathus, features an eight-piece ensemble, including guitar, keyboards, drums, upright bass, banjo, horns, fiddle, ukulele, and saw. Yes, a saw.
The arrangements are as fresh and as inspiring as they were during the 90s swing revival. The evening ended with encores including their smash hit “Hell” and “Hey Shango,” a catchy Calypso sing-along where the band leads audience members on a Second Line-inspired walk out to the lobby for a meet-and-greet.
Staff photos by Jay Westcott