It was the late 90’s as we headed up from Denver through the pass towards Aspen. Our bellies ached and growled with every turn, but no place was open to grab a bite to eat other than fast food joints. “Here we go!” said our driver, “looks like a place up here….” The sign read TONIGHT: LEFTOVER SALMON. Being flatlanders from Missouri at the time, we look at each other and said, “Well I don’t know why they choose to tell you it is leftover, but salmon sounds good.” We parked our car and headed into the bar. Although no food was served, we walked out full on life and full music.
Over the past twenty years, the world has drastically altered its face. The Internet brought us a new way to communicate, investigate, and more. Cell phones are found in the pockets of all, binding us like slaves to the communication highway. Healthcare advances have begun to eradicate diseases that before were untreatable, and even marijuana had been made legal to use for medical purposes in many states! Although this metamorphosis seems to have engulfed our nation and cultures, one thing remains true…the smile that comes to one’s face as the ring of a guitar, mandolin, keyboard, accordion & banjo mixed together for some good old fashion ‘Poly-ethnic Cajun Slamgrass.’ And on December 30th, 2009 at the Boulder Theatre, these smiles were all that could be seen from one end of the room to the other.
The night began with a treat as Drew Emitt and Billie Nershi took the stage with the Emmitt Nershi Band. The cords rang true into their set, even playing the all too familiar String Cheese Incident tune “Black Clouds.” The fans were ecstatic and the euphoric energy that rang out through the crowd quickly spread to Emmitt and guest Vince Hermann; the cords grew faster and faster, so fast that fingers had to be bloody by the end! The crowd was in awe; it was going to be a hard show to beat. But as always, Leftover Salmon blasted onto the scene with that charismatic vigor and poise that fans have come to expect, and played a show that will long be remembered.
Opening the night was Drew Emmitt and Vince Hermann singing the familiar tune “Hey Woody Guthrie” solo; the only other member of the band present being Mayor McCheese. But soon the rest of the crew joined and the slamgrass was in full effect. There was one jam after another, each seamlessly leading into the next. Billy screaming on the keyboard, sending chills through the bodies of those lucky enough to be present.
The night proceeded with a stage full of guest. Each “Salmonite” – as Vince referred to them – was welcomed to the stage, bringing a unique sound to the song they played. The accordion brought a “Mama Boulet” that filled the crowds veins with Cajun blood, making the dance floor a zydeco mad house. An additional guitar brought a crisp sound to “River’s Rising”. And the dueling banjos – well what can you say, it’s dueling banjos!?
Set two brought a more tranquil feeling to the show. The strong vocals of Bill McKay during “Railroad Highway” set minds at ease and allowed fans to sit back and relax while at the same time scream along “Daddy drove and 18 wheeler, he just never drove it home.” It brought back memories of Salmonfests from years in the past.
Perhaps one of the most interesting tunes was a tune called “Alfalfa’s.” “It’s an old Salmonheads tune about a small corner grocery store in Boulder that al the kids wanted to work at” said the gentlemen behind the merchandise counter. It had a great upbeat feeling that made you feel like a young boy full of aspirations and goals. Taking lead vocals, Vince sang out, “….. I want to work at Alfalfas – even though it’s no longer there!” enlightened the crowd in a little chuckle.
Twenty years ago on the way to Crested Butte, Left Hand String Band and the Salmonheads decided to join forces. At that time they had no idea that it would last this long! Hell, “had we known it would last 20 years, we would have picked a better name”, Said Vince Hermann to the crowd of fans awaiting JAM packed night (pun indented)! But for all the fans, there is no better name and no better sound than Leftover Salmon and the yell of Herman screaming into the night … “FESTIVAL!”
