Railroad Earth and Greensky Bluegrass

Railroad Earth's hemp-friendly fusion of bluegrass, roots rock and more flavors of folk than you can count not only attracts fans of Americana and alt-country, but jam band and Bonnaroo scenesters as well. So yeah, they're the heavies on this bill. But do get your money's worth and be sure to catch Greensky Bluegrass. Hailing from Kalamazoo, Michigan, situated in the Southwest corner of the mitt, the quartet keeps it a bit more traditional than their pals in Railroad Earth, channeling all the right icons: Norman Blake, the Seldom Scene and even mid-'70s New Grass Revival (the choice stuff, before Béla). Of course, this is bluegrass. So manic chops mean a lot to Greensky Bluegrass. Yet they are also masterful storytellers. Mandolinist Paul Hoffman in particular pens some true rural balladry, including "Bottle Dry" and "Tuesday Letter." Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave., 628-3151. 8 p.m. $20 adv, $22 dos. All ages.
Sat., June 21, 8 p.m., 2008