Joe Hertler, hopefully better with the Rainbow Seekers

Joe Herlter is the bandleader of a self proclaimed “sublime folk tinged with Motown, funk and pop” band. At first glance he gives a whimsically hipster John Mayer impression. On Tuesday, July 31, all MIPA students were encouraged to hear him play a solo concert.

With all the hype about the concert from UpStart on Twitter and all of the talk about the concert in the hallway, I was pleasantly surprised to see I would be able to hear it from the dorm, until he started singing.

What was heard from the window tempted me to close it. Unfortunately the heat overcame the desire to mute the screechy harmonica mixed with poorly written, cliché lyrics.

Granted, the style of music was not one that could be found on my ideal playlist, a repetitive and more obviously novice Mumford and Sons. His songs soon blended together as though it was one unbreakable looped track.

Although not much can be said about Joe Hertler’s style (musical or fashion), he had a real connection with the audience and a great sense of humor that almost made up for his hobo beard.

Joe Hertler’s screechy harmonica playing, hobo beard wearing, folk/ Motown/ funk/ pop concert started late and ended early. More silence sounds good to me.