Despite the snowpocalypse that engulfed Ithaca this weekend, the show still went on at the State Theater on Friday evening. The thoughts of cold winter nights and snow-covered streets melted away as The Avett Brothers put on an energetic two-hour show of enchanting folk-rock music. Playing to a sold out crowd, the North Carolina band fed off their fans’ overwhelming enthusiasm, allowing The Avett Brothers to play a passionate set that clearly expressed their love and devotion for their musical endeavors.

The Avett Brothers began writing and performing together in 2000, and thirteen albums later, the band has continued to produce records that are innovative and fresh while still being well received by their always growing fan base. The group is comprised of brothers Seth and Scott Avett, both of whom provide primary vocals on all of the band’s tracks in addition to playing a wide variety of instruments, Bob Crawford on the upright base, and Joe Kwon on the cello. With the primary foundation of a banjo, acoustic guitar, and a base, the band evokes tangible emotions with their basic folk aesthetic.

The Avett Brothers took the State Theater stage with confidence. It was clear that the band felt at home in front of the Ithaca crowd and the multitude of fans were equally as excited to see the group return to town. With a kick in their step, the Avett Brothers opened the show with one of their new songs, “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise,” a heartfelt rock anthem that articulate a feeling of indecision and lack of control.

Throughout the years, The Avett Brothers have explored a wide variety of influences, allowing them to produce music that is infused with a variety of genres. Drawing musical aesthetics from folk, pop, punk, country and bluegrass, the group has a dynamic sound. Performing the fast paced, punk infused honky-tonk “Wanted Man,” next to slower and more subdued “Down with the Shine,” the show’s ever changing tone kept audience members on their toes.

Seth and Scott Avett seemed incredibly different on stage. Besides their matching scruffy beards, the siblings have a distinct presence when they perform. Scott seems to overpower his brother, as he exudes confidence and uses his superior banjo skills to flirt with the audience, while Seth seems more reserved, focused, and serious on stage. Donning a cowboy hat and a bright red flannel shirt, Scott took on the persona of folk heartthrob.

Yet, in the middle of the performance, Scott gave Seth his time to shine. As the rest of the band members left the stage, Seth was left alone to play “The Ballad of Love and Hate” on his acoustic guitar. The song details the dysfunctional relationship between two characters, Love and Hate, who come to realize that even though they are polar opposites, they are each other’s soul mates. Flooded in blue light, Seth sang the final words of the song, “I’m yours and that’s it forever, your mine and that’s it forever.” The crowd openly accepted Seth’s gentle love story and embraced its unlikely ending.

Coming off of the release of their most recent album, I and Love and You, the band showcased their newest tracks throughout their performance. The record came out in September 2009 and was clearly well received by fans, who seemed to know the words to every new song the group played. “January Wedding” proved to be a favorite tune, as it was comprised of a melody that draws on the band’s fundamental sound, and contains lyrics that express the band’s belief in simplistic and wonderful love (a constant theme throughout a majority of The Avett Brothers’ songs).

Another new crowd pleaser was “Slight Figure of Speech,” a ‘50s style pop song. Placed amidst slower, more country inspired songs, “Slight Figure of Speech” was another nod to the band’s ability to mesh together a variety of genres in one two hour show.

The band still managed to play their old hits, too, including “Pretty Girl from Annapolis” and “Paranoia in B Flat Major.” These beloved songs were met with hoots and hollers from the audience, solidifying their place as some of The Avett Brothers’ greatest hits.

As the show drew to a close, the band lingered on the stage, thanking the crowd for providing a wonderful atmosphere and supporting the band with unconditional admiration. As the house lights dimmed, Scott spent an extra few minutes to shake hands with every fan that stood up at the front of the stage. With a tip of his hat, he exited along with the rest of the band, leaving the audience in awe.

Together with their fans, The Avett Brothers provided the State Theater with a great night of music that a wide range of individuals could admire and appreciate.