Chesterton, Indiana, sits at the southern end of Lake Michigan and has produced several notable athletes—as well as comedian Jim Gaffigan. Lately, a number of up-and-coming bands have emerged from this small town, and tonight, I’m lucky enough to see one of them: the Watershed Ramblers, Chesterton’s own bluegrass band.
Back in 2022, Alex Gottschlich and Ian Soto formed the group, originally called the Main Street String Band. Consisting of guitar, mandolin, and bass, they quickly began gaining a following. They started with the obligatory open mic nights, then moved on to hosting, and eventually playing at bars, all the while refining their sound. In 2023, they rebranded as the Watershed Ramblers and continued their ascent, playing better venues and crafting their own music.
The band expanded in 2024 with the addition of Wes Goodpaster on banjo, a change that elevated their sound to a new level. The current lineup features Alex Gottschlich on guitar, Ian Soto on mandolin, Wes Goodpaster on banjo, and CJ Morse on bass—the newest member of the group.
Tonight, they’re playing at The Livery, an excellent venue in Benton Harbor, MI, which recently upgraded its lighting and sound system. The sound was always solid, but suddenly, we’re treated to an enhanced listening experience we didn’t even know we needed.
The band takes the stage and opens with the England Dan and John Ford Coley hit Showboat Gambler, followed by an original, Turkey in the 10th. This pattern—pairing well-chosen covers with originals—forms a setlist that both delights fans and showcases the band’s talents. Alex’s vocals and guitar expertise drive the performance, while Ian and Wes add color with tasteful riffs and serious picking. CJ anchors it all with steady, straightforward bass lines.
The covers are a delight. Alex gives us a glimpse into his influences, evoking nostalgic smiles with songs rarely heard live these days, such as The Dillards’ Old Home Place and Jim Croce’s Bad, Bad Leroy Brown. Meanwhile, the band's original material—Drifting, Warmer Days, and Lonely Hurting Blues—showcases their depth as songwriters.
The Livery has long been known for its outstanding beer and fresh, thought-provoking food. They go out of their way to book top-tier artists, and both locals and out-of-towners have come to treasure the venue’s intimate setting. Their website is easy to navigate and features an updated beer and food menu along with upcoming events.
The second set kicks off with a definite fan favorite, Dark Hollow, followed by one of their own, See You Go, before launching into That’s What Love Will Make You Do. The band plays with tight cohesion, the result of countless hours woodshedding—or should that be water-shedding? Their harmonies and musicianship shine throughout the night. When they start the intro to Willin’, my ears perk up. I’ve heard them tackle this one before, and once again, they do the original justice while adding their own signature touch. Soulful and heartfelt, they bring the rebel trucker’s tale to life. They close out the night with two fan-favorite originals: The Rain and Heartland.
Time slips away, and the band bids the crowd goodnight. I head down for a final picture, but the fans won’t let them go just yet. With cheers and pleas for one more, the quartet obliges with a perfect encore—Indiana Night, an original that leaves the audience deeply satisfied.
Look for the Watershed Ramblers on all streaming services. Heartland, Indiana Night, Drifting, and Our Time are conveniently grouped together on YouTube for your listening pleasure. Their EP is available online, with more content expected in 2025. A CD or vinyl release may be on the horizon—maybe we fans should start a fundraiser? In the meantime, keep an eye out for the Watershed Ramblers and, most importantly, get out to a show.
