Twin sisters Brit and Brooke Graeff make up the dynamic folk/indie pop duo Good Graeff. This past Saturday their unique mix of musical and vocal prowess was on full display for two hours on, of all places, an Ybor City streetcar.
In partnership with the Gasparilla Music Festival, the TECO Line Streetcar System has launched the Streetcar Live Concert Series. Every first Saturday of the month, from 7-9 p.m., the series will showcase different up-and-coming local artists. The ride begins in Central Ybor, at stop No. 1 Centennial Park, and continues through to Channelside and Downtown, stop No. 11 Whiting Station, eventually circling its way back to Ybor.
This is a truly one of a kind experience—not only does one gain exposure to great talents at an insanely low price (one-way trolley fare is only $2.50, and round trip is $5.00), but also the concert takes place in an intimate, distinctive setting found only in Historic Ybor.
While all of these upcoming concerts will undoubtedly be wonderful and entertaining, few will compare with the honest, authentic performance Good Graeff gave Sept. 6. It is hard to believe both sisters are self-taught musicians. Brooke’s heartfelt lyrics, strikingly beautiful voice, and smooth guitar chords, along with Brit’s melodious, hauntingly splendid cello wielding and vocal harmonies instantly convinces the listener that the sisters must have been born knowing how to craft melodies and lyrics together into beautiful, unique songs.
One of the most distinct parts of this performance was the wide age and demographic range throughout the audience—young children, teenagers, college students, the middle aged, and even the elderly were all in attendance, which only added to the diversity and appeal of the concert. The fact that so many people were packed onto a trolley to hear this music, makes it all the more clear the effect Good Graeff’s style and sound has on an audience. The fact that they debuted many new songs to the audience was an added treat, making the concert an even more special occasion.
Not surprisingly, the duo’s back story is just as amazing as their music. After getting their start on street corners in Sarasota, FL during their teenage years, the two sisters split up. While Brooke travelled up to Canada, exploring Toronto and Vancouver as a foley artist, Brit went across Europe and India, eventually settling in Hanoi, Vietnam. In 2012 the two reunited there, and again on a street corner, Good Graeff was begun anew. According to their website, they still have a strong fan following in Vietnam. Now that they are back in the States, they have been touring around the country nonstop, promoting their EP Better Half all the while creating new music.
This concert series should prove to be a hit with fans of local music groups and music lovers in general. This particular combination of a beautiful, cozy setting and an awesome, enigmatic band, a music-filled evening like the Streetcar Live Concert Series creates the desire for a repeat session. One would be hard-pressed to leave concerts like this on a bad note. Streetcar Live provides a fun-filled diversion from everyday life. I was simply blown away by the amount of fun I had listening to two talented artists, and I will most definitely be in attendance at another Streetcar Live performance in the future.
For those who didn’t get a chance to hear Good Graeff or would like to see them again, the band will be back in Tampa on Oct. 25 to perform at the Midflordia Amphitheater Coral Skies music festival.
Claire Farrow can be reached at claire.farrow@spartans.ut.edu.