Now that’s the Spirit

At its core, Delta Spirit’s music conveys an underlying theme of humanity and social consciousness. And after meeting lead singer Matt Vasquez outside of Boston’s the Middle East last week, it’s apparent that he lives with the same compassion he sings about in his songs. While smoking outside the club, a familiar Central Square homeless woman approaches him to ask for change. He gives her a huge hug. “It can be hard out there,” he says. “I’ve been living in a car for three years now.”

After sharing some kind words, Vasquez removes his hat and breaks out in song, evoking an Elvis of the streets. The woman follows suit by singing a verse back on the spot.

“Stay warm,” he says as she kisses him before walking away. It is a warming sight for such a cold night. It feels genuine, spontaneous, and it is the perfect example to introduce the man behind the Delta Spirit.

If you believe that good things happen to good people, 2009 was not the year Delta Spirit had coming to them. With 290 days on the road, there’s bound to be some bad luck, but Delta Spirit’s could probably trump anyone willing to lay their cards down.

From trailers catching on fire and an arrest in West Texas for what members say was really just possession of a trial-pack prescription, to stolen equipment, pneumonia and horrific car accidents involving friends in touring bands, their road hasn’t been paved in gold. But there are always crowds of supportive fans ready to greet them at their next stop. “We’re on our 13th American tour in three years,” Vasquez says. “We always have bad luck, but it’s funny at this point.”

New York

Delta Spirit
Thursday, 8 p.m.
Pianos
158 Ludlow St.
SOLD OUT
www.pianosnyc.com

Friday, 8 p.m.
Union Hall
702 Union St., Brooklyn
SOLD OUT
www.unionhallny.com

Boston

Delta Spirit
Tonight, 9
Middle East Upstairs
780 Mass. Ave., Cambridge
MBTA: Red Line to Central
SOLD OUT

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