On August 2, fans flocked to The Capitol Theatre for a mesmerizing performance from roots-music veterans Leftover Salmon, alongside Keller Williams’ spirited project Grateful Grass, supported by the talented Kendall Street Company. This was sure to be a night of jamgrass magic at The Capitol Theatre.
Hailing from Boulder, Colorado, Leftover Salmon has fused bluegrass, Cajun, and jam-band styles for more than three decades into what fans lovingly call “polyethnic slamgrass.” On stage, the band—anchored by Drew Emmitt and Vince Herman, with Andy Thorn (banjo), Greg Garrison (bass), Alwyn Robinson (drums), and Jay Starling (dobro & keys)—demonstrated why their evolution continues to set the bar for Americana and jamband music. Their seamless improvisation and deep catalog of originals and covers reminded the audience why they’ve remained a cornerstone of the Americana-jam world.
Keller Williams delivered a unique twist on Grateful Dead favorites through his Grateful Grass project, melding psychedelic improvisation with bluegrass energy. It’s not for bluegrass purists, but for those who love Dead tunes taken off-road, this was the night to be dancing double-time. Keller’s loose, joyful approach—often teetering between reverence and experimentation—gave Dead fans something familiar yet entirely fresh. Whether it was a foot-stomping rendition of “Eyes of the World” or a grassy take on “Franklin’s Tower,” the set showcased Williams’ unique ability to bridge jam and humor, with impressive musicality.
The union of Leftover Salmon’s genre-bending roots tradition and Keller Williams’ adventurous Grateful Dead reinterpretations made for a night that was both nostalgic and refreshingly unconventional. From the first chord to the final encore, the show embodied the spirit of community and exploration—just the kind of musical journey that a Capitol Theatre audience lives for.
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