On May 13th, 2025, The Crane Wives played at The Ritz, Raleigh, as part of their “Beyond, Beyond, Beyond” tour. The tour is named for the band’s latest album, which was released in September of last year. “Beyond, Beyond, Beyond” is the band’s fifth studio album. The Crane Wives have been releasing music since 2011, during the heyday of indie folk.
I think a venue like The Ritz that tends towards standing room only is perfect for a band like The Crane Wives. Nowhere felt far from the stage, and even when I chose to stand in the very back to get a break from the crowd I could still see everything. The Crane Wives are extremely close to their fanbase, so the literal proximity also made a lot of sense.
Cristina Vane
Prior to this concert I wasn’t familiar with the name Cristina Vane. I am so glad to be familiar with that name now. From the first few words she sang I was floored. Her voice was beautiful and lilting with drawl that bent words around the chords she was playing. She played a resonator guitar that she plucked like a banjo, creating unique bluesy music. When I thought I couldn’t like this musician anymore than I already did, she brought out her actual banjo.
Her songs were deeply personal, telling stories about her life. In “Little Girl From Nowhere” Cristina Vane explores the feelings she has being from so many places. Born in Italy with half-American, half-Guatemalan heritage, she explained to the crowd that it can be difficult to answer the question of where she’s from.
Her performance was so energetic and fun to watch. In anticipation of just how fun to watch, Dan Rickabus the drummer of The Crane Wives had to come on stage before she began playing and explain that for a solo artist people clapping and stomping to the music can become overwhelming. I thought it was a nice gesture, but I did not anticipate just how difficult it would be to follow these instructions. The rhythm and power behind each song and the way she played her instruments made it obvious why this disclaimer was required.
The Crane Wives
I have been a fan of The Crane Wives for a while. Their music always strikes some emotional chord with me, often because of the earnest lyricism. Lyrics aren’t all this band has to offer though. The band’s two vocalist-guitarists perform intermingling harmonies that are almost haunting at times. These harmonies are supported by powerful bass lines and instantly-recognizable drum beats. I suspected just from listening that this band would be an incredible show live, and I was happy to be proven right. Their performance was even better than I could have imagined.
The showmanship began before the band was even on stage. During the switch between opener and headliner, a man in a deer mask and full suit came on stage. Wordlessly he went to each spot that a band member would be and placed a lantern on the ground. Blue light and fog added to the cryptic, mysterious energy. The deer man turned around to face a projector screen which lit up with the words “The Crane Wives” and the crowd went wild.
On one side of the stage was Emilee Petersmark, the first of the two vocalist-guitarists. She was a ball of energy, swinging her guitar around with her as she danced across the stage. She threw her hair back and forth to the music with a passion that was infectious. Kate Pillsbury, the other guitarist and vocalist, stood on the other side of the stage. She had an energy of her own kind, providing haunting vocals to the songs while playing off of Emilee. Multiple times throughout the show these two met in the middle of the stage for a sort of dueling-banjos style face off. They would sing right at each other, or with each other, or both. This dynamic was infectiously fun.
In the back, taking up the middle of the stage between the two singers were the bassist and drummer. Ben Zito guided the band’s frenetic energy with his bass while drummer Dan Rickabus set the pace with his drums. At one point towards the end of the concert the drummer drew out the introductory drums to one of the band’s most popular songs, “Curses”. The crowd went into fits of laughter each time he got closer to actually completing the drum hits that signaled the start of the song. Once he actually did it though, the crowd practically exploded. I haven’t heard a sing along that enthusiastic in a very long time.
The dynamic between the band and the crowd was touching. At one point someone threw something up on stage. If you go to any concerts you know that this is a huge no-go. The object turned out to be a crocheted gift with a square representing each member of the band. Instead of scolding the crowd, the band encouraged them to throw any gifts to empty spaces on the stage. “I love how creative our fans are,” Kate Pillsbury said. This warmth and trust between band and fan is something very rare and special.
The Crane Wives will be continuing to tour throughout the United States until August. In September, the band will begin a tour of the United Kingdom. Every stop they make along the road is in for an absolute treat.