When I was asked if I wanted to see the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (NGDB) play a show on their Farewell Tour, naturally, I wanted to attend. They have long been a favorite of my husband, and I am of an age where I truly appreciate their music.
The NGDB was formed in Long Beach, California, in 1966. They toured extensively as an Americana band from 1978-1983.
In 1983, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band shifted toward country music, led by the singles “Shot Full of Love” and “Dance Little Jean.”
In my opinion, they have always been a country band, especially since the recent shifts in country music to become more inclusive.
Since 2018, the band has consisted of Jeff Hanna and his son Jaime Hanna, both guitarists and vocalists, along with Jimmie Fadden (drums, harmonica, vocals), Bob Carpenter (keyboards, accordion, vocals), Ross Holmes (fiddle, mandolin, vocals), and Jim Photoglo (bass guitar, vocals).
The opening night of the NGDB Farewell tour was one for the books as the band not only performed their hits, “Mr. Bojangles,” “Cadillac Ranch,” “An American Dream,” and, of course, the much covered and iconic “Fishin’ in the Dark,” but on the night I attended they had surprise guests Larkin Poe and Emmylou Harris.
On Thursday, Matraca Berg (Jeff Hannah’s wife), Suzy Bogguss, and Gretchen Peters, aka Wine, Women, and Song, opened for NGDB as they sang hits that they had composed in one of the best writers’ rounds I have ever attended.
One of the highlights of the evening was when Harris was featured on “Oh Cumberland.” Also, Larkin Poe, who had recorded some songs with the NGDB, performed “The Pain of Loving You” with the band and Harris.
Carpenter sang lead on a song that Jeff Hanna co-wrote alongside Marcus Hummon and Robert Boyd for Rascal Flatt, “God Bless The Broken Road.
Because I am such a huge harmonic fan, one of my evening favorites was the energetic “Bayou Jubilee/ Orange Blossom Special” featuring Fadden wailing on his harmonica. How he can do that while simultaneously playing drums is still a mystery.
Poe performed the song “I Shall Be Released” for the encore, which the band previously recorded on NGDB’s album, Dirt Does Dylan.
On the final song of the evening, everyone got on stage and took turns singing all five of the verses of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” It was truly a magical evening.
“‘All The Good Times’ perfectly describes our career,” said the band in a statement. “Playing our music for Dirt Band fans worldwide has been an incredible experience for us. The most important part of that has been the connection to our audience—that beautiful communal give and take is like nothing else. That’s the very spirit we’ll be celebrating as we head into our farewell tour. We’re really looking forward to seeing you folks. Good times will be had by all!”
The band will continue their Farewell Tour in 2025 with special guest Brit Taylor opening for them.
You can follow the NGDB on their website, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and all streaming platforms.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
