Trampled By Turtles, April 24, 2025, The Fillmore, New Orleans, Louisiana
On a humid New Orleans night, during Jazz Fest, Trampled by Turtles rolled into town and lit up The Fillmore with a performance that blended raw energy, virtuosic musicianship, and heartfelt lyricism. The Duluth Minnesota-based progressive bluegrass sextet brought their signature sound—a fusion of traditional Appalachian roots and contemporary folk-rock, with the result being an unforgettable evening of foot-stomping, soul-stirring music.
The Fillmore New Orleans is located inside Caesars Casino in the heart of downtown. Inspired by the legendary Fillmore in San Francisco, the space holds about 2,200 people and boasts plush red drapery, and chandeliers that hang like relics of an old-world theater. The acoustics are pristine, with every banjo lick and fiddle run ringing out clearly, no matter where you’re standing. Comfortable and stylish, the venue made for a perfect setting for a band that thrives on intimate connection and musical precision.
Trampled by Turtles is truly a band. All six members line the front of the stage and are given equal time to shine. Dave Simonett, the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, led the charge with his warm, weathered voice—equal parts gravel and honey. His rhythm guitar anchored the band’s complex arrangements while his lyrics added emotional weight to every number, from raucous barn-burners to introspective ballads. Tim Saxhaug, on acoustic bass, held down the low end with understated mastery, keeping the band grounded during their faster, more chaotic numbers. Dave Carroll, wielded his banjo with lightning precision, driving songs forward with a percussive urgency that bordered on punk rock energy. Ryan Young’s solos, on fiddle, were incendiary, untamed wildness. He effortlessly shifted from blistering speed to haunting, melodic lines. Erik Berry, on mandolin, brought intricate picking and rich tonal textures to the mix, filling in sonic gaps with elegant phrasing. Eamonn McLain, on cello, added a lush depth that broadened the sonic palette, allowing the band to stretch beyond bluegrass conventions.
The setlist covered a sweeping range of the band’s discography, from their early raucous roots to the more atmospheric textures of their recent albums. They opened with “All The Good Times Are Gone,” instantly getting the crowd primed for a foot stomping, hand clapping night. The band’s chemistry was evident, weaving an intricate web of harmonies and tempo shifts. Songs like “Victory,” “Alone,” and “Wild Animals” showcased the band’s ability to weave sorrow into beauty, often starting with sparse arrangements that built into swirling climaxes. The real showstoppers, however, were the uptempo numbers “Burn For Free,” “ Truck,” and “The Darkness and the Light.” The band’s stage presence was accentuated by their lighting. The lights were timed perfectly, sometimes bathing the stage in soft amber, other times flashing wildly in sync with the beat. The band’s set ended with a three song encore, concluding with “Wait So Long,” arguably their most recognizable track. Simonett’s vocals soared over a frenzy of strings, Young’s fiddle and Carroll’s banjo trading lightning-fast solos in a dizzying duel. The crowd responded, dancing, hooting, and losing themselves in the music.
As the house lights brightened, the audience was both spent and soaring. Trampled by Turtles proved that even in a city known for its jazz and brass bands, there’s plenty of room for a string band from Duluth to come in, break the mold, and leave a lasting impression.
The band has an extensive touring schedule planned throughout the summer. Dates can be found at their website, http://www.trampledbyturtles.com
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Show Review: Trampled by Turtles and The Avett Brothers at Alpine Valley Music Theatre
Setlist
All The Good Times Are Gone, Annihilate, November, Burn For Free, You Never Let MeDown, New Orleans, Widower’s Heart, Truck, Victory, The Middle, Quitting Is Rough, Keep Me In Your Heart (Warren Zevon), Pisces Queen Of Hearts, Codeine, Drinkin’ In The Morning, The Darkness and the Light, Out Of Time, Wild Animals, Alone
Encore: Good Land, Whiskey, Wait So Long
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