Review: DREW AND ELLIE HOLCOMB: MEMORY BANK TOUR at Lincoln Theatre

I first came to know the talents of Ellie Holcomb when my wife and I were on vacation in Nashville and saw her blow a hole in the roof at Ryman Auditorium. Her pixie like quality, superb vocals and true musicianship introduced me to a true talent in contemporary Christian music and beyond. Her singer-songwriter husband, Drew Holcomb, made a cameo appearance in that concert, and it was then that you saw the love and true joy this couple has for each other when performing together.

Twenty years of marriage and three kids later, the couple is now out on tour promoting their new album entitled Memory Bank. The tour came into the Lincoln Theatre here in DC this past Sunday evening and for a little over two hours you forgot about the madness that is happening around us on a daily basis.

Things started off with an acoustic set from Ellie and Drew. From the first notes of “Where You Gonna Go” onward, you had the sense this was going to be a good time. Other highlights of the first set included “When I’m With You” and “Brick By Brick,” which showcased their relationship in music form.

Ellie has a series of children’s books and albums called “Sing.” Each album features a series of songs devoted to one topic. Previous releases center on creation, remembering, and Christmas. Her newest release will be Spring Songs. One of the songs, “Spring Sings,” just dropped and trust me, it’s definitely worth a listen. Hearing Ms. Holcomb perform it live with her boundless energy was an added bonus.

Not all of the musical goodness came from the Holcombs. The newly formed band Small Time – featuring Holcomb’s keyboardist Jac Thompson and guitarist S. Grant Parker. The duo performed their recently released song “Black Cloud” and the unreleased “Naïve.” It says something when the headliners give time in the middle of their set to feature up-and-coming talent. Look out for Small Time as I think they have a very good career ahead of them.

The second set included songs from the Holcomb’s new album Memory Bank and more, which also featured Jacob Schrodt on drums and Parker playing pedal steel.

Some highlights of this set included the album’s title song “High Seas” and a cover of “Shut Up and Dance.”

Other highlights included Ellie Holcomb’s incredible performance of “Constellations” from her Canyon album. Sometimes you just need the singer and her piano to create an unforgettable musical moment. This was one of those times.

One of the most haunting performances of the night had to be Drew Holcomb with just his guitar performing “Wild World.” It was easily one of my top moments from an evening that had so many.

I highly urge you to see Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s Memory Bank tour if it comes to a city near you. The music and musicianship is off the charts and let’s face it, at this time, we all need an escape. The Holcomb’s are providing us a great service with their music. To paraphrase on of Ellie’s songs “You Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” with this tour. Two plus hours of musical bliss…YES PLEASE!!

Running Time: Two hours and fifteen minutes with one intermission.

Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s Memory Bank Tour was a one-night-only engagement at the Lincoln Theatre on February 23, 2025. The venue is located at 1215 U St NW, Washington, DC.

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