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Customer Reviews for Carolina Chocolate Drops

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Read Carolina Chocolate Drops concert reviews and post your own reviews and ratings.

Average rating:

4.8

(95 Reviews) 95

Rating Snapshot (95 reviews)

5 stars

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93 of 95(98%)customers would recommend this to a friend.

Carolina Chocolate Drops Fan Reviews - Ticketmaster

Review 1 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

I was blown away!

Progress Energy Center Meymandi Concert Hall @

- Raleigh @

, NC @

- Fri, Sep 21, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Probably when they performed "Him em up Style", though the Haitian and Gaelic performances were also notable @

Posted 09/24/2012

by BobbyL

Location:Chapel Hill, NC

Featured Review

I heard about the Chocolate Drops before, and saw one of their videos but I did not fully appreciate the group until I saw them live!

Progress Energy Center Meymandi Concert Hall @

- Raleigh @

, NC @

- Fri, Sep 21, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Probably when they performed "Him em up Style", though the Haitian and Gaelic performances were also notable @

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Review 2 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

Caroline Chocolate Drops - Fantastic!

Library of Congress @

- Washington @

, DC @

- Sat, Feb 18, 2012 @

Posted 02/21/2012

by LeesburgMama

Featured Review

They were fantastic! If only the LoC would have more of this type of music. The place was rockin'.

Library of Congress @

- Washington @

, DC @

- Sat, Feb 18, 2012 @

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Review 3 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

Another great concert

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

Favorite moment: They played my sons favorite song for the encore @

Posted 04/10/2013

by 4Sky

This concert was awesome. The Chocolate Drops were full of that good old time energy as you expect them to be. We had another great night at the Birchmere.
Thank you Chocolate Drops.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

Favorite moment: They played my sons favorite song for the encore @

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Review 4 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

4 / 5

Love those Carolina Chocolate Drops

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

Posted 04/08/2013

by LDVirginia

Location:AaAlexandria, VA

These guys put on a fun show. The musical styles were varied and each band member had a chance to really show their talent.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

Reviewer Images:

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Review 5 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

Unbelievable Chocolate Drops!!

House of Blues Boston @

- Boston @

, MA @

- Sat, Apr 6, 2013 @

Posted 04/08/2013

by Anonymous

Location:RI

Saw them live for the first time...Super fun and energetic performance! Great sound and crowd interaction :-) Will definitely see them again!!

House of Blues Boston @

- Boston @

, MA @

- Sat, Apr 6, 2013 @

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Review 6 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

Great music that can only be appreciated in person

House of Blues Boston @

- Boston @

, MA @

- Sat, Apr 6, 2013 @

Favorite moment: Mouth music followed by Rosemary. @

Posted 04/08/2013

by skateguy50

Location:Northbridge

The night started with David Wax Museum playing an unforgettable set that left me wanting more and likely much to the bands delight found me at the merch table buying a cd for the ride home.

After the break the Carolina Chocolate Drops came out with a great evening of music that showcased both their love of music and talent. While they are fun and enjoying themselves they also took time to share stories and backgrounds to the music.

This was my 3rd time seeing them and can't wait to see them again.

House of Blues Boston @

- Boston @

, MA @

- Sat, Apr 6, 2013 @

Favorite moment: Mouth music followed by Rosemary. @

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Review 7 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

Bowery Ballroom @

- New York @

, NY @

- Thu, Apr 4, 2013 @

Posted 04/08/2013

by Anonymous

It was awesome!! They give a great live show. I can't wait to see them again.

Bowery Ballroom @

- New York @

, NY @

- Thu, Apr 4, 2013 @

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Review 8 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

House of Blues Boston @

- Boston @

, MA @

- Sat, Apr 6, 2013 @

Posted 04/08/2013

by Anonymous

One of the best shows I've ever seen! Definitely recommend that you catch them live if you have the opportunity.

House of Blues Boston @

- Boston @

, MA @

- Sat, Apr 6, 2013 @

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Review 9 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

Impressive

Bowery Ballroom @

- New York @

, NY @

- Thu, Apr 4, 2013 @

Posted 04/07/2013

by Frank11217

Location:Brooklyn

how wonderful to see musicians without any pretense or posing...just wonderful music by people who not only know what they're ding but obviously love what they're doing.

Bowery Ballroom @

- New York @

, NY @

- Thu, Apr 4, 2013 @

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Review 10 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

Didn't know what to expect - ended up loving it!

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

Favorite moment: What do they call the dancing that accompanied some of the songs? Flat footing? I don't know but it was sure entertaining. @

Opening act(s): Bombadil? They think that they are more clever than they actually are - probably works for them in Chapel Hill. Not here. @

Posted 04/07/2013

by chuckmal

A fantastic concert in a fantastic venue.
Went to see the Carolina Chocolate Drops at the Birchmere (Alexandria, VA) on April 3. I really didn't know what to expect. Because of their Grammy award, I was concerned that this band was over-hyped. NOT THE CASE! A very solid and engaging performance.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

Favorite moment: What do they call the dancing that accompanied some of the songs? Flat footing? I don't know but it was sure entertaining. @

Opening act(s): Bombadil? They think that they are more clever than they actually are - probably works for them in Chapel Hill. Not here. @

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Review 11 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

great show, great venue

Bowery Ballroom @

- New York @

, NY @

- Thu, Apr 4, 2013 @

Posted 04/06/2013

by robren

Really enjoyed the mixture of influences. As a Solas fan I got aware of CCD through Shamock City and YouTube. I was surprised and delighted to hear two Scot's Gaelic songs.

Bowery Ballroom @

- New York @

, NY @

- Thu, Apr 4, 2013 @

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Review 12 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

Danced a Jig

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

Posted 04/06/2013

by AccordionLover

Location:Silver Spring

Carolina Chocolate Drops - Great music and talented musicians that appreciate the origins of the music.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

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Review 13 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

CCD

Bowery Ballroom @

- New York @

, NY @

- Thu, Apr 4, 2013 @

Favorite moment: every moment @

Posted 04/06/2013

by SleuthPro

Location:N.Y.

Awesome Show as always. I come see them everytime they come to N.Y.

Bowery Ballroom @

- New York @

, NY @

- Thu, Apr 4, 2013 @

Favorite moment: every moment @

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Review 14 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

Carolina Chocolate Drops: Bowery Blrm 4 Apr 2013

Bowery Ballroom @

- New York @

, NY @

- Thu, Apr 4, 2013 @

Favorite moment: Gidden's Civil War song @

Opening act(s): Bombadil @

Posted 04/06/2013

by RHGirl57

Location:NYC

Top 50 Contributor

Just before the last song I turned to rtb and said, “Why aren’t we following the Carolina Chocolate Drops around the country?” and rtb didn’t know why. It’s a mystery – this is a band I’d happily give my life to. mollyT said that YouTube does not prepare you for just how great this band is. I didn’t get a chance to ask melisub or violaleeblue what they thought but it sure looked like they enjoyed themselves. And thank you! Kenny for reserving two tables for us so we could really enjoy this show far from the sold-out crowd. rtb and I were there early and it was fun watching people trying to score a table and trying to figure out why we rated. In one case someone came right up to me and asked. I was disappointed that they didn’t think I was a celebrity.

Openers Bombadil made a ghostly entrance in their blinding white suits. They are also from North Carolina and they also switch instruments throughout their set. The music is different than CCD – it’s based more on their vocal harmonies but still fit into the folk genre. Everything on the internet indicates that the band has four members but there were only three musicians performing last night. An interview I found with (drummer/producer) James Phillips confirms that Bryan Rahija (guitar) is going to graduate school and is now a satellite member, so he was the missing person. The rest of the band is Stuart Robinson (keyboards) and Daniel Michalak (electric bass). But, as I said, they switched instruments – there was also a ukulele in there – and they sang a cappella for one or two songs with some very nice harmonies. The songs were funny and sweet – about awkward love, the laundromat, and the South and sweet tea.

The last time I saw The Carolina Chocolate Drops headline was in February 2011 but they made such an impression on me that I hadn’t realized it had been so long. At that show it was announced that the absolutely marvelous Justin Robinson was leaving the band and Hubby Jenkins (who also played that night) would be replacing him. Jenkins (guitar, mandolin 5-string banjo, bones) is from Brooklyn and newest member Leyla McCalla (cello, banjo) is from Queens (now lives in New Orleans) and both are very good fits. McCalla’s family is Haitian, so she sang a creole song with Rhiannon Giddens adding a beautiful harmony. The cello adds a nice bottom to the twangy North Carolina sound. Giddens (5-string banjo, minstrel banjo, fiddle, kazoo) sang a beautiful Gaelic song. I don’t know if her accent was accurate but her voice was pure and you could almost smell the heather. Other original member Dom Flemons (4-string banjo, guitar, harmonica, bass drum, bones) danced with his guitar and gave short history lessons for a lot of the songs. I would have loved if they had had hours to play just so he could give complete stories about each song and their histories.

CCD opened with “Old Black Annie” and the dancing (whether standing or sitting) never stopped. Giddens didn’t do any solo dancing, unfortunately, but since she just had a baby she is forgiven. Her 4yo was in the back for part of the set delighting the audience with her dancing. When Flemons went to take her off stage the entire audience protested.

Flemons did a dirty ragtime song that had been written during the early career of gospel songwriter Thomas Dorsey. Giddens and Flemons performed a smoking version of “Jackson” that will be in a PBS special about Johnny Cash. We got to sing the chorus for a couple of songs including “Sourwood Mountain.” They did a one-song encore - “Read ‘Em John” – about celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation.

Giddens voice is otherworldly and everyone on stage is such an over-the-top great musician. This is a band that needs to be seen live and needs to be seen by everyone.

Bowery Ballroom @

- New York @

, NY @

- Thu, Apr 4, 2013 @

Favorite moment: Gidden's Civil War song @

Opening act(s): Bombadil @

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Review 15 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

Favorite moment: The jug and the Scottish song in Celtic @

Posted 04/05/2013

by Anonymous

Fantastic musicians, musicologists, and folklorists!

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

Favorite moment: The jug and the Scottish song in Celtic @

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Review 16 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

Carolina Chocolate Drops are SWEET

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

Posted 04/05/2013

by ANPkayak

Location:Baltimore, MD

The musicality of these people is amazing. They bring an energy and enthousiam to performing that is very infectious. It had the crowd rocking and jumping to the music. They are very worth seeing for the good vibes that carry you home.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

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Review 17 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

Opening act(s): Loved Bombadil! @

Posted 04/05/2013

by Anonymous

Venue was great, CCDs were fabulous and mesmerizing. Bombadil was a great opener as well!

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

Opening act(s): Loved Bombadil! @

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Review 18 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

Posted 04/05/2013

by Anonymous

I loved the opener too, bring bombadil back! The chocolate drops were great. The TVs you guys have set up had a delay though, it made it jarring to look at since it was half a second out of sync with the music.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

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Review 19 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

2 / 5

Meh

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

Posted 04/05/2013

by Leprosy1

Location:Alexandria, VA

Too quiet, slow paced for the Flex Stage area. More suited for concert hall. Band seemed very impressed with themselves, though.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

, VA @

- Wed, Apr 3, 2013 @

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Review 20 for Carolina Chocolate Drops

5 / 5

They just get better and better

Concert Hall @

- Ponte Vedra @

, Fl @

- 02/17/2013 @

Favorite moment: The Gaelic/Scottish song is just incredible and I can't imagine what it takes to learn those lyrics @

Posted 02/20/2013

by Anonymous

Location:Atlanta GA

Saw them at the Concert Hall in Ponte Vedra FL. It was a great venue and they played a largely different playlist than when we saw them in Atlanta in December. It was a fresh, outstanding performance from a great group of talented musicians. You not only get great music, but an always interesting history of the music. And a new show everytime!
Love the Drops!

Concert Hall @

- Ponte Vedra @

, Fl @

- 02/17/2013 @

Favorite moment: The Gaelic/Scottish song is just incredible and I can't imagine what it takes to learn those lyrics @

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