Some tough choices this year. The House Band is up against 3 excellent shows. Same with Greensky vs, Fruition, PM, YMSB. Still support YMSB, they may not be as eclectic as they were with Jeff Austin, but their musicianship has improved. Easy choices Saturday and Sunday. Any ticket will do!
Still prefer the House Band on Sunday, then the Punch Brothers. They should not split those two acts up.
Also, I like having shows back at the Moon. It’s a fine, cozy, basement dump, close to TP and has adequate power.
Well to be clear I’ve seen YMSB over 70 times since 1999. But its been over three years since I’ve paid to see one of their shows. Not a huge fan of the “new yonder” though I’ve always preferred Ben’s songs the best, but I felt like an un-fillable void happened when Jeff left the group. I’m a concert photographer so I see a lot of shows, many of which I would never have chosen to see on my own. I also write lots of album and show reviews, also many times for bands that aren’t always my favorite. Everyone’s reasons for liking certain musical groups varies. Luckily I’m attending TBF not for work but for pleasure. We will probably be limited by budget to only two or three nightgrass shows. I know Punch Bros will be my number one choice, with ER being second ( another band I’ve seen 40-50 times, also one who has a void since Sage left) but they are also old friends of mine, so its more a personal thing of getting to see folks I don’t get to see too often anymore. The reason why I say GSBG plays covers is anytime I ask anyone about them all they ever tell me are quotes similar to “man, they played a killer version of______ cover”. Not that I don’t like cool covers, I do very much. I’m totally down to get my mind blown and face melted by a new group, just not sure we’ll be willing to sock out the extra 80 bucks for a band we know almost nothing about. Again as I said, I’ve never seen them, just trying to get a better feel of what seemingly makes them sooo special??
We jest in good humor, but there’s a reason no one’s going to go out of their way to convince you to put in for the these tix. Besides getting increasingly more difficult to come by each year, the band keeps getting better and better. Many can try to explain but IMHO it has to be experienced to be understood. It’s not a stretch to say their first appearance at the Palm a few years back changed my life. Now I throw the better part of my disposable income at them and hotels/transportation trying to catch them as often as life permits. And I’m far from alone.
We discussed this a bit in a prior post, but to quote myself: GSBG is pioneering a new genre, and we’re lucky enough to bear witness. I’m not sure anyone who’s been to a recent show will call what they’re doing “bluegrass,” in the traditional sense. Nor is it strictly rock or jam or anything - it’s completely unique, and they are defining the scene for others to follow.
Also why is PB missing the boat on Billy Strings? That show with phoff, Anders and Samson Grisman Saturday was RIDICULOUSLY GOOD. Sorry I missed ya there Skubes.
Thanks all I think I’ll leave the GSBG for you diehards, and just enjoy their main stage gig. And focus my efforts on the two bands I’d much rather see in the intimate setting! Cheers for the advice, looking forward to meeting y’all in person, see you in June!!
Skubes speak the truth. My devotion to GSBG is one of the main reasons I fly from Australia. Their music has changed my life immeasurably. They get better every year. They are so talented and they are creating a new genre that pays respect across so much history.
I am completely rusted on forever and ever. And Skubes and Passport share the love!
If that was going down you’d have to be fighting me for front row!!! Out of all the youtube videos I’ve been watching over the last two days trying to catch up on GSBG the best things I’ve found have been the super group of Strings, Grisman, and two dudes from GSBG that toured CO this spring!!! Holy shit that is a great pairing of musiciansAll the descriptions I’ve heard here of GSBG remind me more of Billy Strings or Punch Brothers, at least as far as the genre busting next level bluegrass. But Billy Strings may be the hottest flatpicker playing these days, definitely a show not to miss if his bands in your neck of the woods!! Everyone is right PB missed the boat on Billy Strings, wasn’t he at Rockygrass last year? he’ll be at Delfest if any of yall hit that one.
Yes, yes, yes!! I’ve been checking out those YouTubes also! Damn he is good! And you are right, what a show with David’s son, and Hoffman/Beck, mando/dobro players from GSBG!! I saw Billy at Winter Wondergrass in Steamboat and need to see him again and again! :medal
Well the nightgrass set list is out. I’m kind of bummed about the move of GSBG to Thursday night from their coveted Saturday night at the Palm. That has been the hottest show at TBF the last 3 years at least. I kinda save up all my energy for that night!
Billy Strings definitely needs to get a main stage set soon, the Phoffman Beck Quartet was off the hook!
Question…Do the Nightgrass shows usually go until 2am?..specifically at The Palm. Staying in Mtn Village, and wondering if I will need to leave the show early to catch the gondola? Or is there Uber in Telluride these days? Many thanks!
Good question on Uber. I actually don’t know that? Someone will chime in.
Yeah, the last Gondola is at 2am I believe. I remember a friend having to leave the Greensky nightgrass show a bit early to get there a bit before it closed. The shows usually go until about 1:45/2.
