Article Contributed by Patrick Giblin
Published on December 3, 2025
Railroad Earth | Sherman Theater | November 29th, 2025 – photos by Patrick Giblin
Railroad Earth returned to East Stroudsburg this Thanksgiving weekend for their beloved Horn O’ Plenty celebration, once again filling the Sherman Theater with deep jams, earthy grooves, and the unmistakable communal spirit that has defined this tradition for years. From the moment doors opened, the room buzzed with the energy of longtime fans, local heads, and holiday travelers who make this gathering a yearly pilgrimage.
The band—Todd Sheaffer (guitar/vocals), Tim Carbone (violin/vocals), John Skehan (mandolin/vocals), Carey Harmon (drums/vocals), Matt Slocum (keys), and newer members George Guthrie (banjo) and Andrew Ryan (bass)—took the stage with the confidence and warmth of a group that deeply understands its audience. Together, they set the table for a night filled with dynamic interplay, joyful improvisation, and that signature Railroad Earth uplift.
The evening kicked off with a powerhouse opening set from The Dirty Grass Players, who wasted no time igniting the room. Their high-octane bluegrass veered into electrifying territory as they tore into bold tributes to Jimi Hendrix, including ferocious takes on “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)” and “Fire,” delivered with blistering picking and fiery fiddle lines. They also spotlighted original material from their newest release, West Coast Turnaround, balancing swagger with airtight musicianship. By the time their set closed, the Sherman crowd was roaring and more than ready for the main event.
Railroad Earth opened their first set with a glowing “Chasin’ Rainbows,” immediately lifting the room into motion as Todd Sheaffer’s warm, steady vocals anchored the groove. “Saddle in the Sun” kept spirits high before the band leaned into the jubilant charm of “Happy Song,” transforming the theater into a full-throated sing-along early in the night.
From there, the band expanded the landscape with “Great Divide,” one of the first true instrumental journeys of the evening. “It’s So Good” radiated easygoing comfort, followed by a more driving “Crossing the Gap,” tightening the momentum as the set built toward its climax.
The highlight of the first set came in the majestic pairing of “Black Bear > Grandfather Mountain,” a haunting and rhythmically layered sequence that mesmerized the room. Their take on the Tom Waits Mule Variations classic “Cold Water” closed the set with a spirited punch, sending fans into the break buzzing about what was still to come.
Set two opened with a fiery “Lordy Lordy,” immediately followed by the swirling and hypnotic flow of “Head,” which unfurled with patient, spacey groove. “Keep Your Eyes Open” brought a softer emotional touch before the band shifted into the sweeping, tension-filled drama of “Storms.”
A gritty, Appalachian-rooted “The Cuckoo” added edge and tradition to the mix, while a lively, freewheeling “RV” sent dancers spilling across every inch of the floor. A soaring “1759” helped launch the closing stretch, building into crowd favorites “Mighty River” and “Hard Livin’,” capturing Railroad Earth at their tightest, most dynamic, and most deeply connected.
Returning to a full-throated roar from the audience, the band brought the night home with “Long Way to Go,” a perfectly chosen finale for a show overflowing with energy, joy, and musical camaraderie.
As always, Horn O’ Plenty proved to be more than just a concert—it was a reunion, a tradition, and a celebration of community. Year after year, the magic of East Stroudsburg, the Sherman Theater, and the Railroad Earth family converges to create something far bigger than the sum of its parts. And once again, the band delivered a night worthy of its legacy.
