Photos and Review by: Emily Anderson – EmilyAnderson.me
When listening to Molly Tuttle and the Golden Highway, your entire person will elevate to a higher positivity. The upbeat, quick rhythms with elated smiles between the band and the audience were contagious. During a few short pauses of confession and conversation, she referenced San Francisco as her home. Upon each return, she witnessed the changes and felt the nostalgia for the original San Francisco and California Dream. This is the origin of the “San Francisco Blues.” Of the entire set, my personal favorite was “Crooked Tree” with the stand-out lyrics “who am I to wish I wasn’t the way I am.” All of the songs appeared to resonate with a strong positivity encouraging self-appreciation and acceptance. Safety of self and home.
It was easy to understand why Molly Tuttle won “Guitar Player of the Year” twice and to hear her childhood bluegrass influences. Her authentic unique style with the guitar and accompanying lyrics would just not be palatable to hear differently. Her bandmates, The Golden Highway, were exceptionally talented. Shelby Means killed it on bass. Dominick Leslie looked calm on the mandolin but his hands were rapid. Then Bronwyn Keith-Hynes was jaw-dropping crazy with the fiddle. My mistake of referencing the fiddle as a violin was immediately corrected. This was my first bluegrass concert, so I asked what’s the difference between a violin and a fiddle? He said you don’t spill beer on a violin. Um, ok… The connection between talent and friendship is apparent. I understand they met at Berklee School of Music and remained long-time friends. 
DJ WALKIN’ LOVE blended so well between the two bands, I ran to the front in fear of missing out.
Old Crow Medicine Show busted onto the stage like kids on Christmas morning. The excitement paused for one song “CC Rider” referencing a heartbreak from a girl from Berkeley or is it Berklee? Playing the blues in such a way the sadness was familiar; yet, the upbeat music lent a chuckle to the “oh yeah I remember that.” It was strange to smile and dance during the saddest of songs. Old Crow has a method to make it fun. Even whistling the blues reminded me of Disney’s Mickey Mouse. They just kept on telling the audience to “dig deep down and put your ankles into it – Joy! Joy!” One can’t help but keep dancing.
This group is boundless as it touches on taboo topics with fun and light humor. Such as the tribute to Ukraine. While sung in Ukrainian was special, they added an air boot kicking dance with requests to aim it at President Putin. People were jumpin! This led to a buck dancing contest judged by a few outstanding locals from Oakland. Of course, the blue ribbon winnings of a ½ case of warm beer were a memorable gift. 
Another tribute was to Deford Bailey, celebrating the music of the black
harmonica player and pioneer member of the WSM Grand Ole Opry from 1927 to 1941. Despite his popular performances it was difficult finding basic food and accommodations due to discriminatory Jim Crow laws. Once he was fired by WSM because of a licensing conflict between BMI and ASCAP, he almost never performed publicly. The tribute’s intention is inclusion for the entire spectrum of humanity, a movement to push the music forward, and give all kinds of people a voice.
Molly Tuttle joined in near the end of the show. Before playing “Big BackYard”, the questions were raised on why we have fences? Cages? By opening up, we can all have a big backyard. Yes, San Francisco California was mentioned and it can be everyone’s home. It was a beautiful song of which Old Crow Medicine Show does make a guest appearance on the Album. The live-action rendition was so much better than the studio. The final closing song was “Circle” as what we join can never be broken.
The Old Crow Medicine Show began as buskers and remained together for the last 23 years. They have been together longer than most families and have an authentic bond. This was both Molly Tuttle and Old Crow Medicine Show’s first appearances at Stern Grove, yet there was zero anxiety. When with good friends, family, and adopted family, the place is irrelevant, you are home.
