Railroad Earth dazzled at the Town Ballroom with two dynamic sets that pleased die hard fans and new fans alike on April 11. The Northeast Spring Tour only contains four dates and Buffalo was lucky to be one of them.

Railroad Earth, a bluegrass inspired Americana band from New Jersey, filled the historic Town Ballroom stage as a 7-piece for their 2025 Spring Tour. The current members of Railroad Earth: Todd Sheaffer (guitar, harmonica, vocals), Tim Carbone (violin, accordion, electric guitar, vocals), John Skehan (mandolin, bouzouki, piano, banjo, vocals), Carey Harmon (drums, hand percussion, vocals), Dave Speranza (acoustic bass, electric bass, vocals) were joined by Brooklyn’s Mike Robinson (Acoustic guitar, steel pedal, banjo) and the mighty Matthew Slocum (Keyboards). Railroad Earth has been touring since 2001 and it was clear that many fans in the audience have been travelling to see them since the beginning.

Their dynamic set paid homage to animals whilst in Buffalo with the likes of “Way of the Buffalo,” ‘Black Elk Speaks,” and opening their second set with “Goat,” and playing an old favorite “Black Bear.” The set reminded us of how music can feel like a warm embrace from those you have not seen in years. Each member humbly gave space for each musician to speak through their instrument as songs wove in and out from each other. Sheaffer’s vocals and Carbone’s violin rooted each song adding their dynamic sound that is unique to Railroad Earth. The set finished with their namesake song: “Railroad Earth” and a singalong encore of “Bringin’ My Baby Back Home.”

Railroad Earth will play in music festivals around the country starting in May. They will play the Grassfire Festival in Garrettsville, Ohio on July 3, 2025.

Setlist: Set 1: Seven Story Mountain, Bread & Water, Been Down This Road, Chains

The Forecast> Lonecroft Farewell, Way of the Buffalo> Black Elk Speaks, Drag Him Down

Set 2: Goat> 1759> Black Bear, Came Up Smilin’, RV, Just So You Know, Warhead Boogie>

Railroad Earth

Encore: Bringin’ My Baby Back Home