While the rain let loose outside, everyone inside St. Louis’ Delmar Hall was riding a nearly four-hour wave of uplifting, groovy, funky, psychedelia jams by Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and opener Yam Yam on March 23, 2023.
The central PA-based band, Yam Yam delivered an hour of their jazzy, New Orleans-style funk jams they’ve become known for. The crowd immediately began grooving to the quintet’s mostly instrumental, lively compositions. They added a few surprises during their time including a bright cover of the theme song to The Price is Right, saxophonist Jason Mescia eating spaghetti out of a Doritos bag at one point, and ending with a cover of “Staying Alive” with possibly a hint of Sanford and Son’s theme song at the very end.
The now-packed house came even more alive the moment Baltimore-based Pigeons Playing Ping Pong burst on the stage at 8:45 p.m. The die-hard flock of fans roared and surged forward while the energy swelled to new heights. Greg Ormont’s magnetizing smile, piercing blue eyes, and animated facial features and body movements helped keep the hype high during their nearly three hours of two sets. The lights swirled hypnotically and the positivity radiating between musicians and fans fed off one another and kept growing throughout the night. It’s a wonder the entire building didn’t lift off its base and glide effortlessly through the air. The continued rhythmic grooves of bass, guitar, and drums washed over and through fans eliciting cheers and adulation throughout the night of nonstop joy.
Find all photos from the concert here: https://bit.ly/PigeonPPP23cz
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong setlist: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/pigeons-playing-ping-pong/2023/delmar-hall-st-louis-mo-bbbdd2a.html
In my work life, I help nonprofits and small businesses with media and public relations. In my what I love to do life, you can typically find me photographing either wild horses or concerts.
