Greensky Bluegrass – The Palace Theater – St. Paul MN – February 24th 2023

First Avenue and The Palace Theater presents Greensky Bluegrass with special guests Daniel Donato and Comsic Country

Review and photo by Kyle Hansen

So the last week has been an insane snow storm. Everything was pretty much closed for two days. So after snow plowing, shoveling and dealing with 18 plus inches of snow, getting out seemed like a really good idea. I was really looking forward to the bluegrass show at the Palace Theater. I was also going in blind, not knowing much about each band. Sometimes this is amazing to discover music you never knew about.

First up was Daniel Donato and Country Cosmic. he is a 27 year old guitar player from Nashville. He has been playing guitar since he was 12 and it shows. His story is something. There is a short bio on his web page. Click the link above to get all the info on Daniel and his Cosmic Country.

These guys hit me right away with an amazing tune called Half Moon Night. Instantly it had a nice country warm feel. We needed something uplifting after the week we had. I was amazed right away the talent the four guys on stage had. The blazed through an instrumental called Arkansas Traveler. This one reminded me of hanging at the cabin at the camp fire. There was only 3 other songs on the set list. Hi-Country – Chore and Faded Lovin’. even though there were only 5 songs it was an amazing set. Daniel’s guitar playing is incredible. The rest of the band made everything look so easy. I love when bands do this. I did check out the the band on Spotify but did not see any of the tunes they played on there. So they maybe new or just not released yet. I did start following them to enjoy later.

When I was done shooting the first three songs, industry standard. I sat in the back and listened to the band and watched the crowd. I twas obvious everyone was ready for a night out. I saw people of all ages, dead heads, lots of country folk and even a guy with a death metal shirt on. So it was a huge mix of all kinds of people. I also talked to some fans about different kinds of music and concerts we have been to at First Avenue and other favorite bands we have seen.

I will admit again I did not know much about the band before tonight. So I did some research. They were formed in 2000 in Kalamazoo Michigan and have 11 albums under their belt. Their latest release is Stress Dreams which came out just a year ago. They have also released a 9 track live Ep called Courage for the Road which was from 2021. They came out and went into Wheel Hoss. Everyone just started cheering and dancing. Again another sign everyone needed a night out. It also started to smell like a concert and drinks were all around. It also so cool how bluegrass bands sometimes don’t have a drummer but can keep the beat and pace. I did groove on the style the band has. It is more a country bluegrass feel which I found quite pleasing.

The stage was a great light show. As you looked at it before it started it did not seem like much but man when it stared it was amazing. WIth a half circle behind the band it lit them up and the theater. It made for great photos. They also has spot lights that would light the member that was playing at the time during the songs. I am sure the ones smoking the wacky weed were enjoying it also.

The band had 2 sets and an encore tonight. First set had 8 songs second set was 9 songs and the encore had 2 songs. See below for full set list. The thing I like about tonight is they were very easy to listen to for a first timer. Fans of the jam bands – The Dead – Phish and those types of bands should definitely put them on the must listen to list. I thank both bands for a wonderful loose fun show tonight.

Set 1 – Wheel Hoss – New & Improved – Can’t Make Time – Just to Lie – Train Junkie – Beauty and Pain – Hit Parade of Love – Ain’t No Bread in the Breadbox

Set 2 – Handle With Care – Like Reflections – Wish I Didn’t Know – Monument – Grow Bananas – All For Money – Who is Frederico? – Alcohol and Pills – Bone Digger

Encore – Until I Sing – Windshield