The lake might be running low, but the Salmon run is still on its way.
The Leftover Salmon run, that is to say; the storied jam band is on its way to Crystal Bay Casino for two nights in the Crown Room, Friday and Saturday, April 10-11.
Formed in Boulder, Colo. in 1989, Leftover Salmon has been a staple on the national jam and string band festival circuit for decades, keeping fans grooving to its unique blend of jam, rock, folk, bluegrass, self-described as “Polyethnic Cajun Slamgrass.”
The band experienced a major change when founding banjo player Mark Vann passed away in April 2002 at age 39, following a hard-fought battle with melanoma. After playing with a series of replacements, Leftover Salmon went on hiatus in 2004, with members maintaining focus on various side projects for several years. The band resumed touring in 2007 with an unofficial appearance at Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and gradually increased its touring schedule in the following years.
Today, Leftover Salmon includes Vince Herman (vocals, guitar), Drew Emmitt (vocals, mandolin, fiddle, electric guitar), Greg Garrison (vocals, bass), Alwyn Robinson (drums), Andy Thorn (vocals, banjo), and Bill Payne (vocals, piano, organ).
Leftover Salmon released its most recent studio album in November. “High Country” is the group’s first record featuring Payne, who signed on in 2014. Produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, the album features a variety of guest stars.
Described on the band’s website as slipping “seamlessly in and out of character, disposition and style offering the full palette of Leftover Salmon’s aesthetic, from lightening-powered pick n’ grin to thoughtful blues balladry and all in between,” the album features twelve tunes, including ten fresh Salmon originals.
Leftover Salmon is on tour around the country throughout the rest of the year, including major appearances at Delfest in Maryland, Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado, and Summerfest in Milwaukee.