The Dip 8.15.24 Toad’s Place – New Haven, CT

Words & Photos by Anthony Abu-Hanna

Thursday nights are best spent at concerts, and this past one at the legendary Toad’s Place in New Haven, CT, was no exception. Known for hosting rock and roll royalty like Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Phish, David Bowie, and Johnny Cash, this iconic venue welcomed Seattle’s soul-funk sextet, The Dip, for an unforgettable night of music.

The evening kicked off with Brandi & The Alexanders, a band that genre-bend elements of rock, soul, R&B, and funk. Brandi Thompson’s smooth, soulful vocals drew the crowd in from the first note, while their lively rhythm section kept things fresh and funky. The atmosphere became increasingly festive, with balloons floating through the air as the band played a series of new tracks, keeping the crowd on their toes. Brandi & The Alexanders easily transitioned between laid-back grooves and high-energy numbers, proving they knew how to get a party going and keep it there.

Supporting their latest album, Love Direction, The Dip hit the stage with confidence and high energy. They opened with Doing the Thing, an explosive start that had the audience immediately engaged. The infectious energy radiating from the band was palpable, particularly during fan favorites like Slow Sipper, Atlas, State Line, and Fill Me Up. The horns were a standout, ripping through the set with fiery precision, while the crowd fed off the band’s enthusiasm, tossing massive balloons back and forth through the standing room only floor. There was even a moment where the crowd went wild during a massive keyboard solo, with a sound that evoked the warm nostalgia of classic holiday tunes, much to everyone’s delight.

At the heart of The Dip’s performance was frontman Tom Eddy. His soulful, commanding voice led the way, delivering a masterclass in vocal performance that shifted effortlessly between power and intimacy. Eddy guided the audience through a deep dive into the band’s catalog, touching on older gems like Ain’t Necessary and Sure Don’t Miss You, while performing newer tracks such as Paddle to the Stars and the title track of their new album Love Direction. His vocal presence was prescient, at times feeling as though he was singing directly to each person in the crowd, drawing them deeper into the band’s groove.

To close the night, The Dip treated the audience to Adeline, a slow-burning, soulful groover that allowed the night to wind down into something more reflective. It was the perfect way to end the evening, leaving the crowd with a lasting memory of a night filled with good vibes, great music, and a sense of connection between the band and the fans.

In the end, The Dip proved why they’ve been steadily gaining a devoted following. Their live show was nothing short of spectacular, with an energy that was as infectious as their groove-laden tunes. At Toad’s Place, the crowd was reminded that Thursday nights really are best spent at concerts.

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