On August 18, 2024, Portland-based folk rock band The Builders and The Butchers brought their electrifying performance to The Van Buren in Phoenix, AZ. This wasn’t just another stop on their tour – it marked the grand finale, setting the stage for their upcoming 20th Anniversary celebration. It was clear this wasn’t going to be a quiet folk show – The Builders came to bring down the house. From the first song, the energy was high, with the crowd feeding off the band’s enthusiasm.
The Builders and The Butchers, formed in 2005, have carved out a unique niche in the folk-rock scene. Fronted by Ryan Sollee, with Willy Kunkle, Justin Baier, and Harvey Tumbleson rounding out the quartet, the band has evolved significantly over the years. Their performance at The Van Buren was a testament to this growth and their enduring appeal.
With band members coming in from across the country, this tour proved to be nothing short of exceptional. The energy was palpable as they took the stage, ready to deliver a set spanning their entire discography. It was clear that two decades of making music together hadn’t dimmed their passion one bit – if anything, it had intensified it.
The night was filled with fan favorites and deep cuts alike, with the Builders set visiting nearly every album from across their discography. From their self-titled 2007 debut, to 2013’s “Western Medicine” to 2022’s “Hell & High Water”, no story was left unturned. Standout tracks from the night included:
The night at The Van Buren was a fitting prelude to their upcoming 20th anniversary celebration, showcasing why The Builders and The Butchers remain one of the most exciting live acts in the folk-rock scene. Their ability to break down barriers between performer and audience, coupled with their rich storytelling and musical prowess, ensures that their spark will continue to ignite stages and audiences for years to come.
As The Builders and The Butchers approach their 20th year as a band, this performance at The Van Buren served as both a celebration of their past and a glimpse into their future. Despite their most recent releases “The Spark” (2017) and “Hell & High Water” (2022) being spaced out, the band continues to produce top tier music, engaging storytelling, and one hell of a live show. They’ve shown that you can evolve and age gracefully while staying true to your narrative-driven, folk-rock roots.
In a moment of sincere reflection, Sollee shared some advice with the audience, encouraging them to “Start a goddamned band. Play music. Suck at it. It’s the best goddamned thing you can do.” This raw and honest sentiment encapsulates the spirit of The Builders and The Butchers and their nearly two-decade journey. Ryan Sollee’s passion was evident as he climbed into the crowd to perform the final song of the evening: “Bringing Home the Rain”.
The Builders and The Butchers opened for The Dead South, adding to an already stellar night of music at The Van Buren. Fans eager for more can look forward to the band’s official 20th anniversary celebration, set for Wednesday, October 30, with “The Builders and the Butchers 20 Year Anniversary Portland Spirit Show” in their hometown of Portland, Oregon. This upcoming event promises to be a monumental celebration of the band’s enduring legacy and bright future.
Photos by Jonny Stalnaker & Joe Abbruscato
