On a warm August evening, the historic Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder, CO, became the backdrop for a night of music that was both captivating and deeply personal. Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway took the stage, with Chatham Rabbits opening the night, setting the tone with their rich harmonies and earnest folk tunes. Their performance laid a foundation of warmth and connection, preparing the audience for the musical journey that was to follow.
Molly Tuttle began the evening with a brief yet poignant instrumental, “Sally Goodwin,” played as an introduction to what would be a memorable night. The subtlety of the tune, played against the backdrop of the warm wooden interior, hinted at the depth and emotion that the evening would bring. The transition into "El Dorado" was a seamless glide into a world of vivid imagery, followed by "Evergreen, OK," where the themes of timelessness and connection to the earth were explored with delicate precision.
"Side Saddle" brought a lively energy to the room, with its intricate picking and spirited tempo, a playful reminder of the joy that bluegrass can evoke. This was followed by "Down Home Dispensary," where humor and sharp storytelling combined, painting a picture that was both vivid and relatable. The serene and expansive "Yosemite" brought the mood back down to a reflective tone, the music echoing the grandeur of the natural world it depicted.
In a beautiful tribute, the band played “Open the Present,” a cover that paid homage to the bluegrass greats Jerry Douglas, Russ Barenberg, and Edgar Meyer. The performance was ethereal, each note hanging in the air, creating a moment that felt suspended in time. The audience was then treated to a traditional tune, "Shady Grove," its ancient roots grounding the evening in a sense of musical history.
"Stranger Things" added a mysterious edge to the set, its haunting melody and lyrics pulling the audience into a world where the lines between reality and fantasy blur. The mood lightened again with "Alice in the Bluegrass," where a rabbit, dressed in a whimsical costume reminiscent of the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, danced across the stage, adding a touch of playful surrealism to the performance.
In a surprising twist, the band covered Olivia Rodrigo’s "good 4 u," transforming the pop hit into a bluegrass anthem full of energy and defiance. The connection to Boulder was felt deeply with "Trailer in Boulder Canyon," a song introduced by Kyle Tuttle, who took a moment to mention Silas Herman, son of Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon. Kyle shared that Silas embodies the life described in the song, a nod to the community and lifestyle that is deeply embedded in the Boulder music scene.
A standout moment of the night came when Molly performed "Castilleja" solo, after playfully asking the audience for requests and being met with a cacophony of suggestions. Her choice to perform this song, alone with her acoustic guitar, created an intimate atmosphere, the simplicity of the arrangement allowing her voice and guitar to take center stage.
"More Like a River" flowed with an easy grace, followed by "Streets of Boulder," introduced by Shelby Means, who shared a lighthearted moment with the audience. She mentioned having family in town, including her 9-year-old niece, and joked that her niece would owe her $50 for mentioning her name to the crowd. This personal touch added a sense of warmth and familiarity to the performance.
As the night moved towards its climax, "She's a Rainbow" brought a burst of color and energy, the Rolling Stones cover reimagined with a fresh vibrancy that had the audience swaying. "Dooley's Farm" followed, a rollicking celebration that captured the spirit of the night, and then came "Crooked Tree," a song that took on an added layer of meaning as Molly shared her personal story of living with alopecia. Her decision to remove her wig and embrace her difference on stage was met with thunderous applause, a powerful moment of acceptance and pride that resonated deeply with everyone present.
The set concluded with "San Joaquin," a song that carried the weight of a journey’s end, rich with the emotion of an evening well spent. But the night wasn’t over. Chatham Rabbits rejoined Molly and the band for the encore, delivering "I've Endured" and "Big Backyard," songs that felt like a celebration of resilience and community, bringing the audience together in a final, joyous harmony.
As the last notes faded and the audience began to disperse into the warm August night, there was a sense of having witnessed something more than just a performance. It was a night where music, story, and personal connection intertwined, leaving an impression that would linger long after the stage lights dimmed.
