On Friday night, I went to The Observatory to check out Trampled by Turtles for the first time. When I arrived around 8:45, the parking lot was already full. After parking and walking approximately a mile and a half to the venue, I entered the place and saw it more crowded than I ever have. Keep in mind that the opening band honeyhoney was still on stage. Why is that noteworthy? Because here in southern California, it is pretty rare that the crowd is already in place when the opening band is still playing.
When Trampled by Turtles took the stage, I wondered why I hadn't seen them before. Maybe your conception of a string band is some old guys playing bluegrass or something close to it. Well, this band will challenge that conception for sure. Trampled by Turtles is a band that plays string-band music with a rock and roll energy. All of the members of Trampled by Turtles are pretty sound on their instruments. However, the mandolin player stands out above the rest. I doubt you've seen many guys as fast on the mandolin as this guy. What can I say about this show? Well, it was a lot like a church service...albeit a raucous one. What I mean is that the place was filled with devotees who sang along probably more than they would have at any church. If you get the chance to see Trampled by Turtles, do it. You and all your friends that you introduce to Trampled by Turtles are welcome.
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