Snapshots: The Secret Decemberists Performance

The band took the stage shortly after 8:30 to a room full of sweaty and eager anticipation. Taking mostly audience requests, the packed room buzzed with energy as Colin Meloy and his lit-rock cohorts tore through a stomping, extended jam rendition of "The Island". The band didn't neglect crowd pleasers like "Eli the Barrow Boy" and "O Valencia!" as well as rarities like "The Engine Driver". A version of "16 Military Wive"s intro'd with the chorus to The Doobie Brother's classic "Black Water" alluded to the band's abiding love of classic rock.

The mood was light and the band were all smiles, interspersing the set with intimate moments like taking a request from "Steve", a fan who, like many others, was stuck outside peering hopefully into the sweltering club. The highlight of the evening came during the encore. Re-taking the stage to roaring applause, hoots, and hollers Meloy decided to take the festivities out to the street. After making their way through the sweaty, teeming horde of ecstatic fans to the sweet release of cool night air, the band launched into raucous sing-a-long of "The Mariner's Revenge Song". Reaching the portion of the song involving a whale devouring the Mariner's ship, the crowd performed their part admirably, filling the Austin night with screams of mock agony and faux terror. It was a cathartic moment for many, the final ecstatic release from the agony of spending an entire day wondering. Wondering if it was worth it. The hours under a blistering July sun filled with the anxiety of whether they would make the cut and get to share in a truly unique performance. In the end, the countless beaming faces and palpable buzz of excited conversations re-living the night's highlights said it all.