2026 RHYTHMS ON THE RIO LINEUP!

Few bands stick around for thirty-five years. Even fewer bands leave a legacy during that time that marks them as a truly special, once-in-lifetime type band. And no band has done all that and had as much fun as Leftover Salmon.

Since their earliest days as a forward thinking, progressive bluegrass band who had the guts to add drums to the mix and who was unafraid to stir in any number of highly combustible styles into their ever evolving sound, to their role as a pioneer of the modern jamband scene, to their current status as elder-statesmen of the scene who cast a huge influential shadow over every festival they play, Leftover Salmon has been a crucial link in keeping alive the traditional music of the past while at the same time pushing that sound forward with their own weirdly, unique style.

The band now features a lineup that has been together longer than any other in Salmon history and is one of the strongest the legendary band has ever assembled. Built around the core of founding members Drew Emmitt and Vince Herman, the band is now powered by banjo-wiz Andy Thorn and driven by the steady rhythm section of bassist Greg Garrison, drummer Alwyn Robinson, and dobro player & keyboardist Jay Starling.

The current lineup is continuing the long, storied history of Salmon which found them first emerging from the progressive bluegrass world and coming of age as one the original jam bands, before rising to become architects of what has become known as Jamgrass and helping to create a landscape where bands schooled in the traditional rules of bluegrass can break free of those bonds through nontraditional instrumentation and an innate ability to push songs in new psychedelic directions live.

Salmon is a band who for more than thirty-five years has never stood still; they are constantly changing, evolving, and inspiring. If someone wanted to understand what Americana music is they could do no better than to go to a Leftover Salmon show, where they effortlessly glide from a bluegrass number born on the front porch, to the down-and-dirty Cajun swamps with a stop on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, to the hallowed halls of the Ryman in Nashville, before firing one up in the mountains of Colorado.

Based in the rustic Kootenay mountains of Western Canada, Nathan Gurley and Sean Rodman of nationally renowned electro-folk duo Moontricks draw inspiration from the ongoing cycles of the natural world. Both volatile and constant—like nature’s best offerings—the band finds solace and beauty in the fusion of seemingly disparate elements.

There’s a kind of technicolor campfire quality to their uniquely hybrid sound: Each track is steeped in tradition and polished with a futuristic sheen, mixing organic folk, roots rock, and old-time blues with modern electronic production. Since its initial release, the band’s breakout hit “Home” has reached over 10 million streams, and their original tracks have been licensed for a wide range of television networks, including Netflix and Fox Sports.

With the release of their debut full-length album Currents via Westwood Recordings, the duo reveals an ever-evolving, cohesive blend of introspective writing, soulful, gritty blues, boot-stomping basslines, and intricate electronic arrangements. Vast, intimate, and dazzling, Currents is an album about settling into feeling comfortably lost, and being okay with not knowing it all. It’s about finding joy and inspiration in the act of seeking.

Fusing old school string band instrumentation with rock and roll exuberance, The Brothers Comatose cement their status as standard bearers of a thriving, innovative West Coast roots movement on their intoxicating new album, Golden Grass. Recorded with co-producers Greg Holden and Tim Bluhm, the collection is as diverse and enthralling as the California landscape itself—at times carefree and breezy, at times wild and rugged—with lush, organic arrangements full of rich vocal harmonies and driving guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and upright bass. While the record marks the group’s first release with newest member Addie Levy, the result is quintessential Brothers Comatose: a warm, joyful reflection on identity and the ties that bind from a band that knows exactly who they are (and exactly where they come from).

Founded by Ben and Alex Morrison in 2008, The Brothers Comatose first emerged from San Francisco with their 2010 debut, Songs From The Stoop, which helped earn dates with the likes of Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Greensky Bluegrass, and Trampled By Turtles. In the decade-and-a-half that followed, the critically acclaimed quintet would go on to release five more full-length LPs, rack up nearly 50 million streams, land festival slots at Outside Lands, High Sierra, and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, tour with Lake Street Dive, The Devil Makes Three, and Yonder Mountain String Band, and build up a devoted following thanks to their raucous live shows and relentless schedule.

Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Clay Street Unit mixes the acoustic instrumentation of bluegrass and folk with the amplified energy of Americana and country. The result is a singular interpretation of American roots music that blurs the borders between genre and geography, fusing the influence of the Rocky Mountains with the traditions of the Appalachians. Driven forward by drums, sharp songwriting, and the chemistry of good friends and musical brothers who’ve shared countless hours on stage, Clay Street Unit’s music doesn’t just nod to the band’s influences; it reshapes them into something new. With their debut album on the horizon, Clay Street Unit are staking their claim as torchbearers of something both fresh and familiar, nodding to the foundations of American music while sharpening their own progressive edge.

Electronic rock duo BoomBox, consisting of brothers Zion Rock Godchaux and Kinsman MacKay bring heavy organic grooves and soulful beats that penetrate through the dancefloor, and on to all facets of the human experience.

Founded in Muscle Shoals, AL in 2004 by singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Zion Rock Godchaux, BoomBox has grown and evolved alongside loyal fans across the globe. At the same time, the San Francisco Bay Area native stays true to the vibrations that have been moving bodies on the dancefloor since the beginning.

BoomBox has a signature type of groove rooted in a back-beat driven style, wrapped around smooth vocals and original lyrics. BoomBox songs also pull from a wide range of genres to cultivate a fusion of music that appeals to a broad audience. “The sound is about pulling from anything that you’d hear coming out of a boombox, and distilling into a distinctive style,” explains Godchaux. It’s this formula that gives BoomBox the unique ability to connect with any crowd regardless of age or origin.

“There’s a special kind of chemistry between two brothers playing music together,” says Godchaux. BoomBox shows are characterized by a mixture of drum machines and live-mixed computer beats laid down by Mackay, which create the foundation for Godchaux’s electric guitar riffs and soulful vocals to layer on top of.

In addition to touring with their live sets, the duo can also be found dropping down and dirty DJ sets at special club and festival appearances. Regardless of which form of BoomBox you may encounter, be prepared to be getting down like there’s no tomorrow.

The Traveling Wildfires is a supergroup created and led by Grammy Award-winning musician and American Banjo Hall of Fame Inductee Dom Flemons, “The American Songster”. Flemons is widely recognized as a roots music icon, and he is one of the founders of the groundbreaking Carolina Chocolate Drops, making him one of the most influential voices in the music industry. His newly anticipated young band features a powerhouse lineup of multi-instrumentalists whose collective talents deliver high-energy performances and innovate new sounds that showcase the depth of American roots music. Flemons formed The Traveling Wildfires as the next chapter in his lifelong mission to celebrate, preserve, and innovate within roots music traditions and beyond. Inspired by his GRAMMY-nominated Folkways albums “Black Cowboys” and “Traveling Wildfire” and the 20th Anniversary of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, his new supergroup is taking it to another level. Flemons has performed as a soloist for over a decade and has collaborated with world-renowned musicians, from Tyler Childers, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Yo Yo MA, Taj Mahal, Mike Seeger, Tony Trischka, Sam Bush, Leyla McCalla, and many more. Now, the musicians joining Dom Flemons’ supergroup are Bassist/Fiddler Brian Farrow (formerly Gangstagrass), Banjoist/Guitarist Tray Wellington (formerly New Dangerfield), and Singer/Drummer Dante Pope (formerly Old Crow Medicine Show). Each member of the band brings a cool new style, an enormous amount of music experience and connections, and they have all exchanged in powerful music collaborations at venues and festivals across the country. Together, Dom Flemons and The Traveling Wildfires create a sound that’s both fiery, fresh, and fiercely rooted in a good time—while carrying the cultural musical legacies of Bluegrass, Country, Folk, Blues, and Black string band music into the present and future.

Magoo is a progressive bluegrass quartet from Denver, Colorado, redefining the boundaries of modern bluegrass with fearless creativity and world-class musicianship. Known for their dynamic live performances, the band delivers a powerful blend of intricate arrangements, tight three-part harmonies, and extended improvisations that bring new life to the genre.

Their debut album What a Life arrives in February 2026, capturing the group’s adventurous spirit and balance between heartfelt songwriting and soaring instrumental work. The record honors the roots of bluegrass while boldly exploring its modern evolution, featuring a guest appearance from bluegrass legend Sam Bush on fiddle and harmony vocals and mastering by two-time GRAMMY Award winner David Glasser at Airshow Mastering.

Each member of Magoo brings a distinctive voice and musical strength to the project. Dobroist Dylan Flynn, winner of the 2024 RockyGrass Dobro Competition, adds soulful depth and melodic warmth. Guitarist Erik Hill, runner-up in the RockyGrass Flatpicking Contest, drives the band’s rhythmic pulse with power and precision. Mandolinist Courtlyn Bills injects fiery solos and inventive arrangements, while bassist Denton Turner grounds the sound with groove, timing, and subtle dynamics. Together, they form a sound that is rich, cohesive, and unmistakably their own.

Magoo’s recent achievements include first place at UllrGrass Band Competition and Clash of the Strings, second at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition, and a sold-out headlining show at Globe Hall in Denver. Their festival appearances at Winter WonderGrass, Grand Lake Folk Festival, RapidGrass, and Huck Finn Jubilee have solidified their reputation as one of the most exciting new acts in the progressive bluegrass scene.

With What a Life on the horizon, Magoo stands poised for a breakout year, bridging the heart of traditional bluegrass with the fearless innovation of a new generation.

Inspired by the burgeoning art scene, close knit community, and natural beauty of Asheville, North Carolina, newgrass turned eclectic jam band Fireside Collective has spent a decade working towards this very pinnacle.  Original band members Joe Cicero, guitar, Jesse Iaquinto, mandolin, Tommy Maher, resonator guitar, and Carson White, bass, began playing together in 2014 when Iaquinto gathered the group of bluegrass enthusiasts to back up some of his original songwriting. 

When they began touring again after covid, Fireside drew inspiration from jambands like The Grateful Dead,  the group’s agreed upon North Star.  There was significantly more improvisation, changing setlists from night to night, and longer musical movements.  With the introduction of Michael Tillis on drums in late 2023, the sound expanded to include heavy funk elements as well as classic rock and even ventured into techno and world music. By the end of 2024, Fireside Collective had become a true hybrid, with a strong foundation in bluegrass and folk, and healthy doses of rock n’ roll and funk, all blended together in a unique and colorful amalgam of original music.

After Elephant Revival disbanded in 2018 after playing their last show to a sold out Red Rocks, Daniel Rodriguez set out as a solo artist. 

“Daniel cements himself as a solo performer with forthcoming album Sojourn of a Burning Sun.”  – ROLLING STONE

Daniel released his debut collection of songs as an EP titled Your Heart, The Stars, The Milky Way on February 15, 2019. His debut full-length album, Sojourn of a Burning Sun, was released on August 28th, 2020 on BMG Records. Both albums, produced by longtime friend and bandmate, Darren Garvey.

The Lumineers recorded and released Daniel’s song “This Is Life” after adding the words “Merry Christmas” to the chorus, turning it into an instant dark humored Christmas classic. “This is Life (Merry Christmas)” feat. Daniel Rodriguez was released in December of 2021.

Rodriguez and his band supported The Lumineers on their BRIGHTSIDE World Tour in July and August of 2022, playing to sold out arenas and stadiums across North America, with a special homecoming show in front of 40,000 fans in Denver, Colorado.

When they began touring again after covid, Fireside drew inspiration from jambands like The Grateful Dead,  the group’s agreed upon North Star.  There was significantly more improvisation, changing setlists from night to night, and longer musical movements.  With the introduction of Michael Tillis on drums in late 2023, the sound expanded to include heavy funk elements as well as classic rock and even ventured into techno and world music. By the end of 2024, Fireside Collective had become a true hybrid, with a strong foundation in bluegrass and folk, and healthy doses of rock n’ roll and funk, all blended together in a unique and colorful amalgam of original music.

Born out of the vibrant Chicago music scene, Sneezy is a funk-soul jam band that knows no boundaries. Rooted in lifelong friendships and a shared love for collaboration, the band seamlessly blends funk grooves, neo-soul rhythms, hip-hop beats, and rock energy into a sound uniquely their own. With deep ties to their Libertyville upbringing just north of the Windy City, Sneezy’s music is a love letter to Chicago’s rich musical heritage, echoing its soul, grit, and collective spirit.

Led by the magnetic voices of Brett O’Connor (lead vocals, harmonica) and Jack Holland (vocals, acoustic guitar), and powered by the dynamic talents of Austin Lutter (electric guitar, background vocals), Danny Bauer (keys, background vocals), Austin Koziol (drums, background vocals), Destiny Pivonka (saxophone, vocals), and Tom “Chops” Hannum (bass), Sneezy thrives on the alchemy of their diverse influences. Their music, recorded in places like Asheville’s Echo Mountain Studios, overflows with joy, introspection, and an undeniable groove, capturing the heart of their hard-earned adventures.

Known for turning every stage into a “living room,” their live shows are immersive, soulful celebrations where audiences become collaborators and music becomes shared catharsis. Whether it’s a raucous jam or a tender ballad, Sneezy creates music that connects, comforts, and moves.

If patience is a virtue, then the current state of Magnolia Boulevard plays right into the long-held notion that sonic grandeur evolves in its own time and place — one where the Lexington, Kentucky, rock-n-soul act is aiming to break into a national audience ready and roaring for the quintet’s soaring talents.

“Things happen when they’re supposed to happen,” lead singer/guitarist Maggie Noelle says. “And I’m so proud of this music coming out now with this group of dudes — it’s like we’re finally getting what we kind of deserve.”

“We know who we are now, and we know what we want to do,” adds keyboardist Ryan Allen. “We know what we want to sound like. Everybody involved is on the same path. We’ve got the same mission and we feel good about it. These songs have been cared for and thought about, where everything is happening with intention — there’s purpose behind the music.”

That mission of luminous tone and honest intent is no more apparent than Magnolia Boulevard’s latest self-titled album. Captured by legendary Kentucky producer Duane Lundy, the eight-song LP runs the gamut of genres, all with thick threads of the blues and soul radiating from the tracks.

“We like a lot of different things, so let’s start a band that’s blues and soul, the rest being whatever else we feel like adding,” Allen says. “These are songs and stories of the struggles of Appalachian people, these little snapshots of time of what it’s like to live around here.”

Banshee Tree’s roots run deep. An indie psychedelic pop/rock band with sharply-written songs, jazz inspired solos, saxophone textures and grooves that nod to the dance floor, they’ve spent nearly a decade evolving their sound. That fusion reaches a new peak with Bad Luck, a restless and unapologetically diverse album that captures a critically-acclaimed band chasing down new horizons. Combining their strength as a live act with an experimental approach in the recording studio, Bad Luck makes room for the full range of Banshee Tree’s influences, from the layered soundscapes of the instrumental track “Stellar Jay Theme” to the anthemic, festival friendly folk pop of “Bright Blue Light.” It’s a wide mix, glued together by a band of Colorado based songwriters who’ve always embraced the grey areas between genres. They’ve played everywhere- jam festivals, EDM bills and bluegrass shows with genre benders like Leftover Salmon and The Infamous Stringdusters- and Bad Luck celebrates that history while pushing toward a new future.

Silas Herman is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Nederland, Colorado, with a lifetime immersed in the music scene. After sharing the stage with bluegrass icons like Del McCoury, Sam Bush, and Billy Strings, and a run filling in with the Kitchen Dwellers, Silas now fronts his own project: Silas Herman & The Tone Unit, a progressive bluegrass band built on original songs, high-energy jams and virtuosic playing. Catch him on tour and experience the next chapter of a lifelong musical journey.

Natalie Brooke is a rock star.  A virtuoso funk / rock keys player leading her powerhouse 4-piece band from the Baltimore area.  The explosive act is fronted by Natalie on keys, synth, keytar, and vocals and backed by drummer Nathan Shulkin, Nester on the bass, and Luke Walker on the guitar.  

She kicks off every show with a punch and never lets the energy drop – audiences move, dance, scream, jump, and ride the wild wave of the set with her and the band.  Natalie’s music was once said to be a mashup of Rick James and Rush.  She has an undeniably infectious vibe featuring a fiery blend of fast tempos and sloshy rock elements balanced with her transcendent jazz and classical roots.  Natalie brings an exceptionally unique approach to the keyboard that is equally percussive and melodic that lights up the show with every electrifying note she plays.  She is on a meteoric rise, frequently sharing the stage with pillars of the rock, funk, and jazz scenes.  Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & the UN, Big Something, Cris Jacobs,  Doom Flamingo, Sunsquabi, lespecial, and the Magic Beans are a few of the artists Natalie has played with recently.

A-Mac & The Height represents a unique musical experience of unity and adventurous fusion of genres. With hook-driven songwriting and a cohesive blend of reggae, hip-hop, funk and alternative rock, the group thrives on overcoming musical boundaries. Their immersive message and feel good energy has proven to bring together beautiful people from coast to coast.

The Denver, CO based band has a charismatic approach fueled by conscious thinking, with lyrics that are uplifting, relatable, and insightful. Bringing an energetic and moving live performance, A-Mac & The Height encourages their audience to partake in a genuine and united musical journey with them. Similarly, the group is known for creating intricate and extended musical passages through improvisation and faith in the unknown.

In addition to fearlessly touring the majority of the United States within their first year of forming, the band has also put out two full length albums. Young, bold and determined, the group is fascinated with pushing the envelope of artistic expression, paying homage to many of the greats including Sublime, Bob Marley, Dr. Dre and Grateful Dead.

After years of experiment and development, Alex Mackenzie-Low (a.k.a. A-Mac – Vocals &  Guitar) has united his latest musical brotherhood, known as The Height. The band features six of Denver’s premiere musicians including Stephen “Eski” Edwards (Bass), Jake Setters (Drums), Johnny Bosbyshell (Keyboards) and Greg King (Lead Guitar). A-Mac & The Height continues to break the mold and expand impact over a wide range of music lovers.

Graham Good & The Painters blend infectious energy with timeless songwriting, delivering a fresh take on Feel-Good music that’s impossible not to move to. Drawing deep on influences in rock, folk, and funk Graham Good leads a band of top-tier, trained musicians whose mission is simple: to make people feel more alive.  

Hailed as “the Messiah of Modern Rock” (Nick Stock, Jambands.com), and known for high-energy shows with heartfelt lyrics, the band has lit up legendary stages across Denver — including Red Rocks, The Ogden, The Gothic, and The Bluebird — sharing bills with artists like Caamp, Andy Frasco, ALO, and The Wailers.

Winners of five Battle of the Bands competitions and seen on The Rock Boat music festival, Graham Good & The Painters are on a fast-rising trajectory. Whether playing a packed festival or a private party, they create a connection that’s real, joyful, and unforgettable.

Mighty Mystic is considered as one of the leaders in the U.S. Reggae scene and labeled by many as one of the more prolific artists to develop outside of Jamaica. He has gripped the scene with ferocious conviction and an uncanny ambition worthy to be mentioned among the greats. He has gone from being a fan of reggae music to being a contributor to the art. Mighty Mystic came on the scene in 2006 after scoring his first international hit with the song “Riding on the Clouds.” However, it wasn’t until the release of his first album “Wake up the World” (2010) that he became a household name. “Wake up the World” boasted several standouts, such as “Revolution,” “Riding on the Clouds,” “Original Love,” and “Slipped Away” with appearances from reggae icon Shaggy and roots rocker Lutan Fyah. Mystic continues to wake up the world with his high energy, message driven brand of reggae music which he emphatically calls “HARD ROOTS.” It is this unique spin on classic reggae blended with Hip Hop & Rock that has catapulted him to the forefront of today’s Reggae Revival. Mighty Mystic is also the younger brother of current Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. When asked, does being the brother of Prime Minister Holness have any impact on your music? Mystic simply says “Andrew has a job to do and so do I, impact or not we both have our own mission to complete”.

Yope is a Durango, CO based rock/funk/jam/fusion band that has been making waves over the past two years in the Four Corners music scene. Our live show is a high energy dynamic display of emotion rich songs mixed with natural improvisation. Yope has graced the larger stages of the Four Corners area such as the Animas City Theatre, Lauter Haus Brewery, and San Juan Brewfest. We’ve shared the stage with national touring acts The Main Squeeze, Rattlesnake Milk, and Dizgo. Our debut album is due for release June 26 and will be toured across the western US the following summer. 

Singles “Brooks” and “Halocline” are now streaming across all major services.

Melody Monroe makes thoughtful electronic music with occasional mischief. Blending looping vocals, textured synths, rugged basslines and intimate songwriting, her one-woman performances move between dance floor, dreamscape, and strange little revelation. A keyboardist, producer, vocalist and poet, she invites audiences into immersive worlds that are playful, reflective and full of feeling.