1. Overheard in the crowd “I didn’t know this many people knew who Trampled by Turtles were.” Neither did I. The Monday-night turnout—around a couple hundred—feels more than respectable for the Minnesota bluegrass outfit’s first headlining show in Las Vegas.
2. I nearly tripped over a leashed pug while getting a beer. I planned on seeing Turtles and even an Elephant (see: opener Elephant Revival), but I didn’t expect a small dog.
3. I enjoy TBT most when they’re at their fastest. The barnstorming sextet strum, pluck, slap, pick and bow strings as hands and fingers blur. They also have the vocal chops and melodies to slow it down for a ballad or two, but when you can burn like that, why would you want to?
4. I have a theory that long-haired, manic fiddler Ryan Young was a metal head who accidentally picked up a violin instead one day and never looked back. He shreds sweeping solos up and down the neck with ease (I swear I even saw him double tap once). I’d love to hear what he’d do with some high gain.
5. A strong showing for TBT, overall. While there may have been one too many mellow songs for my liking, I believe there’s a saying about slow and steady winning the race. Either way I’m glad all these people know who Trampled by Turtles are, so hopefully they’ll come back soon.
