Railroad Earth performed to a sold out crowd at the 9:30 Club last night, supported by openers Have Gun, Will Travel. If you are not familiar with Railroad Earth, the six-member band plays what some would call “Newgrass” music, but pigeonholing them in one category would not be fair to the band’s unique sound. A mix of bluegrass, rock, and rooted in all things music the band did not disappoint loyal fans Saturday night with their exceptional acoustic sound.
Taking the stage shortly after 9:30, lead vocalist and guitar player, Todd Sheaffer, opened the show with “Been Down this Road,” off of the band’s 2008 album, “Amen Corner.” Fans came out to support the band’s January 14th release of “Last of the Outlaws,” and dance it up to old classics from the New Jersey’s band’s other six albums. The hour long first set was characterized by entrancing solos from Tim Carbone on the violin and John Skehan on the mandolin. With songs such as, “Colorado,” “Long Walk Home,” and “Hard Livin’,” the band had fans feeling more like it was summertime in Colorado at a music festival, rather than at a club in Northwest DC.
Following a short intermission and influx of people, Railroad Earth came back with an equally outstanding second set. It was a pleasure to see such a supportive ensemble of talented musicians having fun on stage with each other and the crowd, enjoying their craft. Ending shortly before midnight, “Bird in a House” and “Long Way to Go” were standout songs in the second set. Sheaffer would go on to say what a treat the evening had been playing for the DC crowd and dedicating a song to Concepción “Connie” Picciotto, a 77-year-old woman who has camped out in front of the White House in protest of Nuclear Arms since 1981.
Railroad Earth and Have Gun, Will Travel will move on to play the Town Ballroom February 12 in Buffalo, New York and will be touring nationally through April 5.
Article and Photos by Diana Stropko