Leftover Salmon & Railroad Earth & Yonder Mountain String Band

LEFTOVER SALMON – For over 30 years, Leftover Salmon has been a cornerstone of the acoustic/newgrass/jam band scene, drawing inspiration from bluegrass forerunners like The Seldom Scene and Newgrass Revival. They’ve significantly influenced a generation of artists, including Billy Strings and Yonder Mountain String Band, crafting a unique blend of ‘grass hybrids that resonate with a wide fanbase. Their latest album, GRASS ROOTS, delves into their foundational influences, featuring collaborations with icons like Billy Strings, Oliver Wood, and Darol Anger, and marking Jay Starling’s addition with resophonic guitar, lap steel, and keys. Covering classics from Bob Dylan to The Grateful Dead, the album reflects the band’s bluegrass roots while showcasing their distinctive “poly-ethnic Cajun slamgrass” style. GRASS ROOTS celebrates Leftover Salmon’s enduring impact on the genre, blending traditional roots with their hallmark energetic performances and broad musical exploration, underscoring their pivotal role in expanding the audience for traditionally-rooted music.

RAILROAD EARTH – For over two decades, Railroad Earth has captivated audiences with gleefully unpredictable live shows and eloquent and elevated studio output. The group introduced its signature sound on 2001’s The Black Bear Sessions. Between selling out hallowed venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO, they’ve launched the longstanding annual Hangtown Music Festival in Placerville, CA and Hillberry: The Harvest Moon Festival in Ozark, AR—both running for a decade-plus. Sought after by legends, the John Denver Estate tapped them to put lyrics penned by the late John Denver to music on the 2019 vinyl EP, Railroad Earth: The John Denver Letters. Beyond tallying tens of millions of streams, the collective have earned widespread critical acclaim from David Fricke of Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, Glide Magazine, and NPR who assured, “Well-versed in rambling around, as you might expect from a band named after a Jack Kerouac poem, the New Jersey-built jam-grass engine Railroad Earth has let no moss grow under its rustic wheels.”

YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND – Yonder Mountain String Band, at 26 years and Grammy-nominated, stands as a pioneer in the progressive bluegrass and jamgrass genres, blending elements of bluegrass, rock, and improvisation. Their innovative approach opened rock venues to acoustic bands, influencing the scene deeply. In 2024, they’re releasing two albums, embarking on a full tour, and featuring fiddler Coleman Smith. Their first 2024 release, “I’d Like Off,” unveils previously unreleased tracks by the original lineup. The second album, a follow-up to the acclaimed “Get Yourself Outside,” marks their 11th studio record, showcasing the energy and creativity brought by newer member Nick Piccininni and the exceptional Coleman Smith, enhancing their legacy and impact on bluegrass music.