Meriwether: A Southern Spark in Vermont’s Winter

In the frigid chill of a Vermont February, a spark of Southern heat set the stage alight at South Burlington’s famed music venue, Higher Ground. The band igniting this fervor was none other than the Louisiana-based post-punk ensemble, Meriwether, who had taken a detour from their usual balmy surroundings to the snow-laden landscapes of the Northeast.

Meriwether, an outfit hailing from Baton Rouge, has carved a place for themselves in the alternative rock realm since their formation in 2003. Their music, a potent blend of gripping lyrics and stirring instrumentals, had already set the stage for their enduring presence on the music scene. By 2008, when they performed at Higher Ground, the band had gained a formidable reputation, stirring up anticipation for their performance.

On that cold evening, the band was part of an exhilarating line-up, supporting Armor for Sleep and Saosin on tour. With each strum, beat, and lyric, Meriwether poured their Southern energy into the Vermont air, transmuting the venue’s atmosphere into an infectious blend of rhythm and excitement.

In my pursuit to capture these unique moments, I seized the opportunity to photograph Meriwether’s performance. Illuminated under the vibrant lights of Higher Ground, the band members – lead vocalist and guitarist Andrew Reilley, bassist Josh Barbier, and drummer Brett Schexnayder – played with an intensity that was truly captivating. Their essence, both as individual musicians and as a collective force, has been frozen in time through these shots.

Here are a few of the snapshots from that memorable night, each selection offering a glimpse into the raw power of Meriwether’s performance. Although they were chosen at random, these images embody the spirit of the band, their music, and that unforgettable winter evening.