by Kate Langenburg

Created on: November 15, 2008

Last Saturday night, the Sherman Theater was alive with electrifying music. Railroad Earth, a bluegrass jam band from Stillwater, New Jersey, rocked the small venue with their show, making up for the last time they were in Stroudsburg.

During last year's show, lead singer Todd Scheaffer was unable to perform because of a family emergency. The rest of the band still put on an amazing jam without him, until he showed up halfway through to surprise the audience. However, the Sherman Theater had already given out tickets to everyone who had purchased a ticket that night, promising them a free makeup show. Saturday night's makeup show went above and beyond any free show I've ever been to.

I think the Sherman Theater is gaining more publicity than it has in the past. Every show I go to there draws in a bigger crowd than the last. In the case of Railroad Earth, all the seats in the middle of the theater had to be taken out to allow room for the large audience.

One thing that gives Railroad Earth such a large fan base is that their sound is unlike any other band. Yes, they're a bluegrass jam band, but there are hints of other genres mixed into each song, like folk. Not only do they have regular bluegrass instruments (mandolin, violin, upright bass, acoustic guitars), but they also throw in random samplings from other instruments, like flute and accordion.

It is easy to tell that they've been playing together for many years. The quality of their live performances blows me away every time I see them. These guys know how to jam! Almost every note is clear and crisp. Not to mention, I am quite a fan of John Skehan's chicken picking on mandolin. On Saturday, front man Todd Scheaffer found a way to contort the notes on his acoustic guitar to make them sound as if he were playing an electric. How does he do it?

I've also noticed that at Railroad Earth shows, the audience seems to come together as a family. The difference in fans' ages is vast, but that doesn't matter. It doesn't take much to turn to the person standing next to you and start dancing with him. In that respect, I couldn't help but note that the whole front of the audience seemed to be dancing and moving together with the music. There's a certain uplifting feeling in the music that connects every member of the crowd.

Members of the band also encouraged the audience to donate money towards environmental protection, specifically the Delaware Water Gap. Apparently, the area of land just above the Water Gap will be cleared of trees. In their place, condos are scheduled to be built. Railroad Earth wants to raise enough money to stop this from happening, a great gesture on behalf of the environment.

So, convinced that you might want to check out Railroad Earth? My recommendation to you is to purchase their 2006 release Elko, which is a 2 disc set that has captivated me since I bought it two years ago. Some of it is live, some of it is not, but you'll find a wonderful smattering of tunes that you won't be able to stand still to. Go ahead and dance. It's okay.

For more information on upcoming shows at the Sherman Theater, visit their website www.shermantheater.com or call 570-420-2808.

Learn more about this author, Kate Langenburg.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.