Singer-songwriter Jeffrey Lewis delivered a surprise rendition of Boyz II Men’s hit song “End of the Road” during a secret session performance at the End of the Road Festival on Saturday afternoon. Lewis, a prominent figure in the anti-folk scene, closed out his intimate set with the 1991 R&B classic, offering a unique interpretation that included a spoken-word interlude.
A Festival Set with a Twist
Lewis, known for his witty and often politically charged lyrics, was the final act to perform at one of the festival’s “secret sessions.” These unannounced, intimate performances are a popular feature, offering festival-goers a chance to see artists in a more stripped-down setting. As Lewis prepared to play his last song, he explained his initial thought process for selecting a track.
“I was like, it’s End of the Road and this is a great opportunity to play Michael Hurley’s song ‘The End of the Road’. It would be perfect,” Lewis recounted to the audience. However, he discovered that another band, Yo La Tengo, had already performed a song with the same title on the same stage earlier in the festival. “They think of all the great ideas first,” Lewis quipped, acknowledging the situation with characteristic humor. “So that just leaves me with this option,” he declared, before launching into his chosen cover.
Humorous Barbs and Festival Nostalgia
The Boyz II Men track was given a distinct Jeffrey Lewis treatment, complete with an ironic spoken-word segment. In this interlude, Lewis playfully addressed the festival organizers, stating, “End of the Road, I love you even though you haven’t booked my band in ten years. I wish you’d think of Jeffrey Lewis & the Voltage every once in a while… cos I still think of you.” This lighthearted jab alluded to his previous performances at the festival, noting that his last appearance was some time ago, making his playful critique of the booking choices all the more amusing.
Jeffrey Lewis’s Musical Identity
Born in New York City, Jeffrey Lewis has carved out a unique niche in the music world with his prolific output of dozens of albums. His work is characterized by sharp, observational lyrics delivered in a plainspoken folk style. He is widely associated with New York’s “anti-folk” movement, a scene that also includes influential acts like The Moldy Peaches. This movement often blends folk sensibilities with punk rock’s DIY ethos and lyrical directness, frequently incorporating social commentary and dark humor.
A Diverse Setlist
Beyond the notable Boyz II Men cover, Lewis’s secret session setlist featured a mix of new material and unreleased songs. Among the tracks performed were “What the Living Hell is Up with Me and Sex?” and “Just Fun.” He also presented a song described as a “revisionist history satire,” which reportedly offered a darkly comedic take on historical events, reimagining a violent incident with altered outcomes for prominent figures.
Looking Ahead at End of the Road
The End of the Road Festival, known for its eclectic lineup and scenic location, continues its programming with more secret sessions scheduled for Sunday. These intimate performances offer a unique way for attendees to connect with artists away from the main stages. The festival’s commitment to showcasing a diverse range of talent, from established anti-folk legends to contemporary R&B tributes, underscores its reputation as a significant event on the festival calendar.
Jeffrey Lewis’s performance, particularly his unexpected choice of covering Boyz II Men, highlighted the spontaneous and often surprising nature of festival performances. His ability to blend musical genres, deliver sharp social commentary, and engage the audience with humor solidified his status as a captivating live artist. The secret sessions provide a platform for such memorable moments, adding an extra layer of discovery for festival-goers.
