Leftover Salmon’s place is secure in the world of jam grass, having blazed a unique path of high-energy music that really defies easy characterization. Even the “jam-grass” moniker only covers part of what they do; in fact their fans have often dubbed the music “slam-grass.”

A Run-Down Of Some Of DelFest 10’s Special Moments [Photos/Videos/Full Show Audio]

Leftover Salmon played two amazing sets, both full of special guests, at the tenth installation of DelFest this past weekend in Cumberland, MD. They did a late night set following Red Knuckles and the Trail Blazers (Hot Rize’s alter-ego) that began about 2:30 am and went on into the very early morning, and an evening set the next day playing a tribute to Neil Young’s Harvest. Listen to that set below, courtesy of Blue Ridge Recording:

The “Harvest” set was stellar, perhaps highlighted by a version of “Down By the River” with Warren Haynes. The band was in top form with Vince Herman celebrating his birthday from the stage. Contributor Jed Metzger was lucky enough to get a quick chat with Vince after the show.

Jed Metzger: Many of us are drawn to Leftover Salmon’s live shows so we can dance. Friday night you came on at 2:30am, it was packed and everybody was moving. My question is, what is the importance to you, to the band, of the dancing?

Vince Herman: It is huge, what happens for us is that all that energy we are putting out comes back at us ten fold and that makes us go, makes us play. It gives each show a personality. We gig off of the mutuality.

JM: On Sunday, you guys were tossing corn from the stage. Can you enlighten the readers?

VH: Well it was my birthday and my wife had sent me some corn…

JM: Right yes, Happy Birthday!

VH: Thank you, well yes there are two means. On the first level from a Native American mindset, corn is sacred. It comes from the earth and is reflective of our relationship to all living things, we like to honor that. On another level, you can use corn to make moonshine. And you can swirl it around in a glass and get this whole corn tornado thing going. Ha!

JM: Excellent, OK here is a fantasy question. If Bill Monroe could hear your tune “Aquatic Hitchhiker,” what do you think he would say?

VH: Ahh, well Bill was not as against progressive music as people would think. Yes, he is the one who started it all and he had a clear idea about the music. At the same time, I think he would say, “I did what I did, now you do you.” I think he would want people to find their own musical voice. To that end, we have and you know I hope he would like it, but I really don’t know.

JM: Right, no it was a fantasy question, holds up to me like “Wheel Hoss.” I guess I want to ask how you and the band feel about getting your music heard? The main internet radio’s bluegrass station has an hour show for progressive bluegrass, so mostly you are relegated to the jam channel?

VH: We don’t worry about it, people who dig us know how to get us. We are not doing this to be popular, we do what we do because it feels right to us and we love what we do.

JM: Well said, you played DelFest this weekend, what can you say about this festival, the way it is the fans it draws, how it is organized?

VH: DelFest is the best! The McCoury family is amazing. Del is so inviting. I honestly
think he is the true embodiment of the milk of Christian kindness.

JM: I have had a great time, last question, we all were stunned by the passing of Gregg Allman, what does he mean to you?

VH: See, Gregg Allman took tunes from street preachers and he brought them to us. He breathed life into them. He is a massive legend. And we lost a library.

JM: Thank you for your time, it has been a true pleasure.

VH: Mine too, I appreciate talking to you.

Jed Metzger is a long long time music lover and has a weekly radio/internet show called ‘Singing’, celebrating the voice as a major instrument. He can be heard on wayofm.org, 10-11am Thursdays.