The Bourbon Theatre had a full weekend with The Talbott Brothers performing on Friday, Wookiefoot on Saturday, and Leftover Salmon on Sunday.

While the Wookiefoot and That 1Guy show sold out and brought in plenty of enthusiastic, oddly-dressed guests, the attendance of Leftover Salmon was comparable in bulk and in fervor.

Outside the Bourbon on Sunday night, the outdoor front patio was full with concert goers smoking, talking and awaiting Leftover Salmon’s performance. Inside, the front room in which the main bar sits was full of people drinking, talking and awaiting Leftover Salmon’s performance. Then, the large theatre room was full, too—the entire balcony section of seating, all of the floor seating, the space around the bar, the space around the dance floor, and progressively, the dance floor.

The dance floor promptly filled up and by the end of the night, all of the individuals occupying it had danced at least to some extent and were likely sweaty. It seemed that everyone in house, workers included, had nothing less than a satisfactory night.

Leftover Salmon delivered with their impressive multi-instrumental capabilities; their upbeat, engaging, danceable songs; and their charm as they humbly played an undeniably great show and warmly interacted with the audience, making the whole night’s experience feel group-oriented and friendly for all.

In turn, the audience delivered. Leftover Salmon has an obvious following in the Lincoln and surrounding area and these fans seemed determined to make it to this show. Those familiar with the band, those new to the band, and all of those in between filled The Bourbon for Leftover Salmon (there was no opening act). The energy of the entire space was high and positive.

The Bourbon Theatre and the culture of Bluegrass have at least one thing in common: being welcoming of friends and fun. That’s just what this night was full of: people enjoying the night, the music and each other’s company. Life in Lincoln is good on nights like these.

Leftover Salmon seemed genuinely appreciative and impressed by the enthusiasm of the crowd. The main singer, Vince Herman, told the audience it was good to be back in Lincoln and that Lincoln has become “the customary place to end tours.” This may be the end of their “fall tour” but the Boulder band has many more tour dates to come this winter.

While on stage, the members of the band were smiling through so much of the show. They were enjoying what they were doing and were nowhere else but in that moment. The attitude was reciprocated by the audience as well.

Other highlights of Leftover Salmon’s live performance include:

• the array of instruments used by the musicians including acoustic and electric guitars, drums, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass and lots of vocals;
• the mixture of types of songs played including swaying, slower songs, fast, stomp-able, danceable songs, and moving, romantic songs;
• and the one-of-a-kind renditions of loveable songs “When the Levee Breaks” (Led Zeppelin) and “Sweet Child O Mine” (Guns N’ Roses).

One last note: the band describes their music as “polyethnic cajan slamgrass.” It’s fitting.

Don’t miss Leftover Salmon next time they visit.
The band’s newest album is Aquatic Hitchiker.

Like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and check out their website for more information.