Concert Review: The Goldsmith Brothers (Dawes) At The Groton Hill Music Center

As a longtime rock-and-roll fan and live music photographer, I have photographed Dawes many times. However, this was my first time photographing lead singer Taylor Goldsmith and his brother, drummer Griffin Goldsmith, performing together as a duo.

That opportunity came on July 30, 2026, at the Groton Hill Music Center in Groton, Massachusetts, a beautiful venue with incredible acoustics.

At 8:00 p.m., the concert kicked off with a lively acoustic performance from Taylor and Griffin, who delivered a setlist consisting mostly of songs written by Taylor. With plenty of local supporters in the crowd, the duo's energetic performance left the audience feeling excitement and joy as they savored this exceptional night of music.

California natives Taylor and Griffin draw upon a lifetime of shared experiences in their songwriting and performances. As a duo, each brother must command the audience while carrying an equal share of the musical responsibilities. At Groton Hill Music Center, they did just that, delivering a captivating and successful performance.

The brothers gave a terrific show to a sold-out crowd of 1,000 fans, who welcomed them enthusiastically and connected deeply with their music. The audience also recognized the tragedy they had endured a year earlier, when the Eaton Fire swept through Altadena, destroying much of Taylor's home and all of Griffin's. The fire also claimed Taylor's instruments, including an impressive collection of vintage guitars.

Five years older than Griffin, Taylor began playing music when he was 11 years old and immediately started writing songs. Griffin complemented his brother's songwriting and vocals with solid drumming throughout the evening.

Growing up in Los Angeles, the Goldsmith brothers had music in their blood. Their father, Lenny Goldsmith, was a musician who toured as the lead singer of Tower of Power in the 1980s.

"Because my dad was a musician, I thought being a musician was just the coolest thing you could do," Taylor said. "When I was in school and had to fill out those little forms that asked, 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' it was always the same answer: 'I am going to be a singer.'"

This was an incredible night of great music at a fantastic venue.