On a warm August evening, the historic Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder, Colorado, became the backdrop for a night of music that was both captivating and deeply personal. Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway entered the stage, with Chatham Rabbit They opened the evening, setting the tone with their rich harmonies and earnest folk melodies. Their performance laid the foundation for warmth and connection, preparing the audience for the musical journey that followed.
Molly Tuttle began the evening with a short but poignant instrumental, “Sally Goodwin,” played as an introduction to an unforgettable evening. The subtlety of the melody, played against the backdrop of the warm wood interior, hinted at the depth and emotionality the evening would bring. The transition into “El Dorado” was a seamless glide into a world of vivid imagery, followed by “Evergreen, OK,” where the themes of timelessness and connection to the earth were explored with delicate precision.
“Side Saddle” brought a lively energy to the room with its intricate picking and spirited tempo, playfully evoking the joy that bluegrass can evoke. This was followed by “Down Home Dispensary,” where humor and astute storytelling combined to paint a picture that was both vivid and relatable. The serene and expansive “Yosemite” brought the mood back to a reflective tone, with the music reflecting the majesty of the natural world depicted.
In a beautiful tribute, the band played “Open the Present,” a cover that paid tribute to bluegrass greats Jerry Douglas, Russ Barenberg, and Edgar Meyer. The performance was heavenly, each note hanging in the air, creating a moment where it felt like time had stopped. The audience was then treated to a traditional song, “Shady Grove,” whose ancient roots wove the evening with a sense of musical history.
“Stranger Things” added a mysterious touch to the set, its haunting melody and lyrics drawing the audience into a world where the lines between reality and fantasy are blurred. The mood lightened again with “Alice in the Bluegrass,” where a rabbit in a whimsical costume reminiscent of the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland danced across the stage, lending the performance a touch of playful surrealism.
In a surprising twist, the band covered Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U,” turning the pop hit into a bluegrass anthem full of energy and defiance. The connection to Boulder was deeply felt on “Trailer in Boulder Canyon,” a song introduced by Kyle Tuttle, who took a moment to mention Silas Herman, the son of Leftover Salmon’s Vince Herman. Kyle shared that Silas embodies the life described in the song, a nod to the community and lifestyle deeply rooted in the Boulder music scene.
A standout moment of the evening was when Molly performed “Castilleja” solo after playfully asking the audience for requests and being met with a cacophony of suggestions. Her decision to perform this song alone with her acoustic guitar created an intimate atmosphere, and the simplicity of the arrangement allowed her voice and guitar to take center stage.
“More Like a River” flowed with easy grace, followed by “Streets of Boulder,” which was introduced by Shelby Means, who shared a light-hearted moment with the audience. She mentioned that she had family in town, including her 9-year-old niece, and joked that her niece owed her $50 if she mentioned her name to the audience. This personal touch gave the performance a sense of warmth and familiarity.
As the evening reached its climax, ‘She’s a Rainbow’ brought a burst of colour and energy, the Rolling Stones cover reinterpreted with a fresh vibrancy that swept the crowd along. This was followed by ‘Dooley’s Farm’, a boisterous celebration that captured the spirit of the evening, and then came ‘Crooked Tree’, a song that took on an extra layer of meaning as Molly shared her personal story of living with alopecia. Her decision to remove her wig and embrace her difference on stage was met with thunderous applause, a powerful moment of acceptance and pride that resonated deeply with all in attendance.
The set ended with “San Joaquin,” a song that carried the heaviness of the end of a journey and exuded the emotion of a night well spent. But the evening wasn’t over yet. Chatham Rabbits joined Molly and the band for the encore, playing “I’ve Endured” and “Big Backyard,” songs that felt like a celebration of resilience and community, bringing the crowd together in one final, joyful harmony.
As the final notes faded and the audience began to disperse into the warm August night, it felt like more than just a performance had been experienced. It was an evening where music, history and personal connection merged together to leave an impression that resonated long after the stage lights dimmed.
