“We’re so f–king lucky to be here for this!” one Railroad Earth fan exclaimed during night two of the band’s annual Horn O’Plenty Thanksgiving run at Sherman Theater. That sentiment resounded throughout the weekend both in the crowd and on stage as the band treated fans to four celebratory sets over the course of Friday and Saturday nights.
Making its 35th appearance at the Sroudsburg, PA venue, Railroad Earth played with an impressive mix of unbridled exuberance and technical prowess. After the untimely death of banjoist Andy Goessling in 2018 and the departure of bassist Andrew Altman in 2022, the band has hit a fresh stride with its updated lineup featuring newer members Dave Speranza on bass and Mike Robinson on banjo, pedal steel, and acoustic guitar alongside frontman Todd Sheaffer on guitar and vocals, Tim Carbone on fiddle, electric guitar, and percussion, John Skehan on mandolin, bouzouki, and piano, Carey Harmon on drums, and Matt Slocum on keys.
With so many band members constantly switching instruments, every song introduced a new and distinct sonic palette while staying true to the Railroad Earth’s signature blend of bluegrass, folk, and psychedelic rock. Todd’s poetic lyricism shined amongst the multihued light rig piloted by Alex Anderson, though it was the improvised jams that made the shows unforgettable.
The band was locked in, and so was the crowd (despite being slightly diminished compared to previous years due to the draw of Eggy and Dogs in a Pile at The Capitol Theatre on the same nights, plus Dopapod at Brooklyn Bowl on night two). The chemistry between Mike Robinson and John Skehan was especially potent, with the two exchanging smiles across the stage frequently as they traded solos. Each member had his turn to shine—and smile—though, in a whirlwind series of round-robin jams.
Todd seemed particularly pleased leading the charge, his words carrying extra weight as he sang 2019 track “It’s So Good”: “It’s so good to be here again, / It’s so good to see a friendly face, / It’s so good to be here again, / With all of my friends in one place!”
Check out photos and full-show video from the run below, and scroll down to view the complete setlists.
Railroad Earth will close out 2024 with an appearance at Strings & Sol in Puerto Morelos, Mexico and a New Year’s run with one show in Washington, D.C. followed by two nights in Charlottesville, VA. For a full list of the band’s upcoming tour dates and ticketing details, head here.
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Railroad Earth – Sherman Theater – Stroudsburg, PA – 11/29/24
[Video: BigRedAudio]
Setlist: Railroad Earth | Sherman Theater | Stroudsburg, PA | 11/29/24
Support: The Dishonest Fiddlers
Set 1: Chasin’ A Rainbow> Happy Song, Been Down This Road, Lonecroft Farewell, Said What You Mean > Grandfather Mountain, Blues Highway, Any Road, Everything Comes Together
Set 2: Storms, Just So You Know, Old Man and the Land, Mighty River, All Alone, Crossing the Gap > Slippin’ Away, Long Walk Home > Head, Long Way To Go
Encore: Sing For Me
Setlist: Railroad Earth | Sherman Theater | Stroudsburg, PA | 11/30/24
Support: Smilo & the Ghost
Set 1: Black Elk Speaks > Walk Beside Me, Bread & Water, Potter’s Field > The Hunting Song, The Good Life > My Favorite Spot, It’s So Good > Fisherman’s Blues > Seven Story Mountain
Set 2: Monkey, Bird in a House, New Lee Highway Blues > Farewell to Isinglass > Captain Nowhere > Birds of America, Dandelion Wine > Like a Buddha > Runnin’ Wild
Encore: Elko