Railroad Earth's Horn O'Plenty concerts have become an annual Thanksgiving tradition, featuring multiple nights of performances by the band along with special guests opening each night. Since 2006, the band has graced the stage at the Sherman Theater every Thanksgiving, marking the commencement of the holiday tour season. This year, RRE chose Serene Green and Owl & Crow to open the shows on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively.
Serene Green, a traditional bluegrass band from Pennsylvania, comprises Quentin Fisher (Mandolin), Michael Johnson (Guitar), Steve Leonard (Banjo), Sam Zolla (Bass), and Katelynn Casper (Fiddle). They delighted the audience with a mix of originals and covers, including a stunning rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind,” featuring Casper in the challenging lead vocal role.
Owl & Crow, performing on Saturday night, included Pennsylvania bluegrass legends JP and Pappy Biondo, regulars at the Sherman Theater. Known for leading the Scranton-based bluegrass band Cabinet with their Mandolin and Banjo, the duo, as Owl & Crow, switched to acoustic guitars to deliver Appalachian flair. They even invited RRE’s Tim Carbone to join them on the Fiddle for several songs.
Railroad Earth is celebrated for their eclectic musical style, blending elements from various genres into their concerts. Expect a dynamic range of sounds, from foot-stomping, dirt-kicking bluegrass tunes to introspective, folk-inspired melodies. Their live performances are notable for skillful improvisation. Known for extended jams, the band allows each member to showcase their musical prowess, taking the audience on an immersive musical journey. RRE's dedicated fan community was evident at Horn O’Plenty, as evidenced by the substantial food donations contributed at the entrance. The band, featuring Todd Sheaffer (Guitar/Vox), Tim Carbone (Fiddle/Vox), John Skehan (Mandolin/Vox), Carey Harmon (Drums/Percussion), Matt Slocumb (Keys), Dave Speranza (Bass), and Mike Robinson (Banjo/Pedal Steel/Guitar), left a lasting impression on their fans with their shows.
Friday night's performance was a blend of classics like “Bird in a House” from their 2002 debut album, “Goat” from 2004’s The Good Life, and “Elko” from the 2006 live album. The night also featured newer tracks such as “Slippin Away,” debuted at Horn O’Plenty 2019, and “Blues Highway” from their latest album, 2022’s All for the Song. The show concluded with a tribute to the Grateful Dead through their rendition of “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo.”
Saturday continued this high energy, with the first set featuring songs primarily from 2006 and earlier, such as “Lordy Lordy,” “Hunting Song > Mourning Flies,” and “Said What You Mean,” culminating with a unique performance of the title track from their latest album, “All for the Song.” The second set, highlighted by “Mighty River,” included classic originals like “Stillwater Gateway,” “Head,” and “Bread and Water.” The night ended with two fan favorites: an 18-minute “Like a Buddha” and the set-closer “Hard Livin’.” The encore fittingly featured the 2008 eponymous track “Railroad Earth.”
Be sure to catch Railroad Earth in Mexico during Strings and Sol, or during their upcoming New Year's run in the Pacific Northwest.
Railroad Earth - November 24th
Set 1:
Seven Story Mountain
Dandelion Wine
Bird in a House
The Forecast
Black Elk Speaks
Slippin' Away
Blues Highway
Any Road
Set 2:
The Great Divide
Chasin' A Rainbow
Happy Song
Came Up Smilin'
Chains
Way of the Buffalo
The Cuckoo
Goat
My Favorite Spot
Grandfather Mountain
Elko
Encore:
Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo
Railroad Earth - November 25th
Set 1:
Lordy Lordy
It's So Good > Saddle Of The Sun
Hunting Song > Mourning Flies
Said What You Mean
Crossing The Gap > Grandfather Mountain
All For The Song
Set 2:
Where Songs Begin
Mighty River
Bread And Water
Lovin' You
Stillwater Getaway > Showers of Rain (Was That You?)
Head
Like a Buddha
Hard Livin'
Encore:
Railroad Earth
[Setlists for Railroad Earth's performances on 11/24 and 11/25 follow, courtesy of Keith Litzenberger]
