Greensky Bluegrass: Uptown Theater
Greensky Bluegrass quickly became one of my favorite progressive bluegrass/jam grass bands after I first saw them in September 2016 at the Granada Theater in Lawrence, Kansas.
Since their beginning in the fall of 2000 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, they’ve organically grown a loyal fanbase. Originally formed by Michael Bont, Dave Bruzza and Paul Hoffman, one of the elements that diversifies them is that every set list for each show is different. The Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition which they won in 2006 landed them on the main stage for the 2007 festival. Their Tuesday Letter album was produced by Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth.
All Photos By Kaeleigh Grace
Their touring schedule comprises most of the year and most of their shows sell out. Their music has also taken them all over the world. A notably big achievement for the band this year is being one of the few that have headlined the famous Red Rocks for 3 back to back nights. Members of the band also take time out during the year to be a part of side project groups as well.
Paying homage to the state that brought them together, the band started Camp Greensky in 2018 in Michigan. This festival, however, is one of many they play at throughout the year as well, along with shows on Halloween and always a New Year's Eve show. With ten albums under their belt, as well as all their shows recorded live and available for purchase, it’s easy to notice the love their fans have for this band.
The band is comprised of members: Dave Bruzza (acoustic guitar), Paul “Phoff” Hoffman (mandolin), Michael Bont (banjo), Anders Beck (dobro), Mike Devol (upright bass).
If you have not seen a live show, I urge you to go to the next one near to you. Now, if you’re thinking, "Kaeleigh, I’m not into bluegrass because of that traditional sound that comes to mind," rest assured. Their sound is far from that. They like to describe their sound as “their own version of bluegrass music, mixing the acoustic stomp of a stringband with the rule-breaking spirit of rock and roll.”
If you are one who is not only attentive to lyrics but also moved by them and you aren’t wildly familiar with the band, add them to your daily rotation. They write the kind of songs that are relatable and sometimes hit you in the gut with truth. The band comes together as a unit and gives so much love to those who attend. They are just as grateful to their fans too. The community within this genre might be large, but it’s a tight-knit family. One of the parts that brings a big smile to my face is seeing Paul rocking out on his mandolin as if it were an electric guitar in a rock and roll band - complete with his long hair headbanging.
Not to be overlooked is Lincoln who does an amazing job each show bringing a different light pattern each time.
Greensky came down from Chicago where their set for Halloween, the night before, was all cover songs. And while it was November first, and Anders' birthday, “Phoff” was still wearing remnants from Halloween. As a people watcher, it’s also fun to see what fans wear to their shows as well.
Another unique element to every Greensky show is the length of their sets. They play two full sets for a total of about 3 hours on stage, with a set break in between. The night started off with “What You Need” and included some of my favorites: “The Four” and “Wings for Wheels.”
Set two started with “Fixin to Ruin” and included birthday alcohol shots brought out by The Lil Smokies for all of Greensky after every couple of songs towards the end. Jacob who plays fiddle for The Lil Smokies joined Greensky on stage for five songs and it was a great addition to the night.
“Atlantic City” has to be my favorite cover song they sing, so it’s always a treat to hear it live. “In Control” is a song that is very dear to me. It’s one that I get head to toe chills and my eyes well up with tears when it begins. I always love hearing it live and with the addition of Jake on the fiddle just truly made the song all the more enjoyable.
With all the shows I’ve been to in all the various crowds and settings, I took notice of how kind and respectful the crowd was when I weaved through to take pictures. It was very refreshing. So, thank y’all for being so nice and friendly.
Leaving the venue that night well after midnight, I was so glad to have been in that venue that night as my heart had been filled and it was exactly what I needed. Somehow, every time I see that band, I leave feeling that way and then find myself on this post-show low for a few days after.
As I sit here finishing up this article on November fourth, it is the night of Jeff Austin’s tribute, dubbed “What the Night Brings.” It was originally scheduled to take place at The Mission Ballroom, but sold out within minutes and was moved to the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado. The lineup featured: Bill Nershi, Billy Strings, Brendan Bayliss, Greensky Bluegrass, Hot Rize, The Infamous Stringdusters, Keith Moseley, Keller Williams, Leftover Salmon, Kyle Tuttle, Jean-Luc Davis, Julian Davis, Mimi Naja, Noam Pikelny, Railroad Earth, The Travelin’ McCourys, Yonder Mountain String Band and more, with all proceeds going to the family fund.
In light of his loss and the impact it has made, and as we head into the last two months of the year, make it a point to check on your friends and loved ones. If you are struggling in any capacity, do not struggle in silence. You are loved, you are important, and there is help out there.
