NYE with Railroad Earth @ Roseland Theater - Portland, OR

        Railroad Earth has been through quite a year, losing one of their talented founding members, Andy Goessling, and yet they keep on truckin’. Letting the fans feel the transition is not on the agenda. After we spoke with violinist/guitarist Tim Carbone about the beneficial Positive Legacy fundraiser for Andy and their plans to record a new album, the bluegrass group rolled through Portland, Oregon for two nights of New Years celebration at the Roseland Theater.

Along with locals, the Shook Twins, Railroad Earth brought down the house for the final two nights of 2018. Night One’s set started with “Everything Comes Together” and included more favorites such as “Came Up Smilin’,” “Mighty River” and “Storms.” Also included was a heartfelt cover of “Terrapin Station” by the Grateful Dead. Katelyn and Laurie Shook joined on vocals for the encore of “Sing for Me.” 

The second night was appropriately festive and the setlists reflected the fun to be had. After opening with “Lordy, Lordy,” Railroad played into more upbeat favorites like “Dandelion Wine” and “Bird in a House,” which was followed by Arlo Guthrie’s “City of New Orleans.” The band’s tour manager, Phil Kalstrom, sang in place of Arlo, beaming uncontrollably. He made another appearance in the second set as Father Time to help the crowd count down the new year and reflect on loving each other. After the countdown, the band welcomed the Shook Twins back to the stage and played “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan for the first time in their career. The rainbow lights began blasting and Erik Yates joined the band on flute as they soared into 2019 with a big, magical rendition of “Like a Buddha.” The set ended with “Warhead Boogie” into “Elko,” and the evening closed out with an encore of “Take a Bow.” With a successful year in the rearview, and a fabulous musical sendoff executed, the band and crowd took a bow to say farewell to 2018.