Greensky Bluegrass rang out 2024 with a jubilant, genre-blurring party at Denver’s Mission Ballroom, packing the venue with devoted fans ready to greet the new year in style. With Fruition as the opening act—and later, surprise collaborators—this New Year’s Eve show offered everything a fan could want: tight pickin’, unexpected covers, heartfelt originals, and a communal spirit that reminded everyone why live music reigns supreme.
Kicking off the evening, Fruition delivered an infectious opening set that showcased their signature blend of Americana, jam, and folk-rock. Their energy immediately lit up the Mission Ballroom, encouraging early arrivals to stake out their spots on the dance floor. Vocal harmonies soared on crowd favorites, and the group’s chemistry prepped the audience for a long night of celebration.
Greensky Bluegrass wasted no time diving into the first set, igniting the room with “New Barns” before seamlessly moving into the triumphant strains of “Leap Year.” The audience responded in kind, cheering and swaying to the band’s skillful interplay. “Distracted” showcased Greensky’s penchant for both precision and improvisation, while the classic “How Mountain Girls Can Love” honored the bluegrass roots that still anchor their sound.
From there, the band hit their stride with “Take Cover” and “Past My Prime,” two modern staples that showcased the band’s progressive approach to the genre. “Entirely Mine” provided a lovely breather—tender and reflective—before they capped off the set with the energetic romp of “Living Over,” leaving the crowd fully primed for more.
Set two opened with a bang as “Reasons to Stay” and “All Four” kept the momentum rolling. The well-loved “A Letter to Seymour” flowed effortlessly into “In Control,” demonstrating how the group’s originals can transform into intricate jam vehicles. “All For Money” felt anthemic, with the crowd belting out the chorus in unison. By the time “Kerosene” arrived, the anticipation for midnight was palpable.
Then came the countdown. Right on cue, Greensky ignited the room with “Auld Lang Syne,” the entire ballroom singing and clinking glasses as confetti drifted overhead. In a move that’s become something of a tradition for major Greensky celebrations, they unleashed a streak of inspired covers—each song seemingly tied together by the theme of “love.”
“Turn on Your Love Light” brought everyone back to classic R&B territory, with the band exploring the tune’s jam potential. Immediately following, “Whole Lotta Love” descended like a thunderbolt, turning the ballroom into a swirling sea of dancing fans. The band showed no signs of slowing as they tore into “Power of Love” and “Kissing My Love”, each one given a distinct Greensky spin.
When Fruition returned to join Greensky for “Could You Be Loved,” the energy reached a euphoric peak. The Bob Marley favorite took on a joyous, acoustic flavor, with both bands weaving their voices and instruments in a vibrant swirl of rhythm and harmony. The combined stage presence radiated camaraderie, a fitting celebration of the night’s collaborative spirit.
After a short break, Greensky reemerged for a lone encore of “Run or Die.” It was the perfect closer—urgent, driving, and emblematic of the band’s ability to fuse progressive rock elements with their rootsy instrumentation. By the final notes, the Mission Ballroom buzzed with the heady mix of new-year optimism and post-show reverie.
From the carefully chosen originals to the debut of high-energy covers, Greensky Bluegrass delivered a masterclass in pacing, musicality, and showmanship. Fruition’s strong opening set and inspired guest appearances provided a lovely collaborative arc to the evening. All in all, it was a high-spirited New Year’s Eve bash that left fans talking about the highlights—and, undoubtedly, eager to see what Greensky Bluegrass will do next.
