The fun begins on Friday night at The Vic, a place that Salmon has simply owned from way back in the day... and their Vic dominance has continued through to last year's New Year's Eve celebration. This year, they are amping up the fun with support from Old Shoe and The Big Wu. Shoe brings a decidedly local flavor to the proceedings, riding high on the release of Family, which was recently featured on WXRTs Local Anesthetic to enthusiastic praise from host Richard Milne (check that second link for an interview with the band). The Big Wu adds more organic, improv-leaning tunes to the party -- completing a lineup resembles a slice of the Telluride stage as much as anything we've seen in these parts lately.
For the next two nights, the action moves to a bit cozier room, the West Loop's City Winery. And while the atmosphere may be toned down, the talent sure won't be. To call this guy a Telluride veteran is understating it just a little. It is not an exaggeration to claim that Jerry Douglas occupies rarified air -- to me he is synonymous with the dobro -- and with thirteen Grammys, he has certainly made the instrument his own. But don't take my word for it, he is touring behind his latest record Traveler, which features contributions from Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Dr. John, Del McCoury, Bela Fleck, and Sam Bush. Yeah... those guys.
Want to see the legend that can even inspire other legends? Enter our contest for a pair of tickets for Saturday night's gig HERE.
It's back to Colorado (via Nashville) on Sunday, when City Winery is hosting two shows with The Traveling McCourys and special guest Bill Nershi. If you're a fan of Nershi's bluegrass side of String Cheese Incident, this is a great opportunity to experience it up close and personal, with the rock solid McCourys as his musical foils. They're worth a trip regardless of the special guest, but with Nershi in the fold, there may even be a "Jellyfish" or "Texas" in store for you. There's even some rumors of some special / surprise guests at this show, too. Early or late? The Bluegrass Ball will both a 6:30 and 9:30 show on Sunday night. We have tickets to give away for both of them!
Check out our contest page for more information on how you can see this show for free.
