Article Contributed by Debra Lambert
Published on 2026-06-22
Jeff Hanna | Nitty Gritty Dirt Band | Denver, Colorado | June 18th, 2026 - photos by Debra Lambert
Ooh-wee, ride me high. Thursday night's final show of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s All the Good Times: The Farewell Tour at The Mission Ballroom in Denver left diehard Dirt fans on a high note of misty-eyed, heartfelt smiles.
It’s been 60 years for these guys, from their roots in Long Beach, California, to becoming America’s best troubadours of Americana music, and a perfect blend of... is it folk or rock or country?! And yes, it’s because of them — thanks to their 1972 landmark album Will the Circle Be Unbroken, a collaboration between these California hippies with a love and respect for old-time music, bluegrass, and country legends — that you know about Mother Maybelle Carter, Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Vassar Clements, and know the words to “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” and can shake it to “Orange Blossom Special.” Two other collaborative Circle albums followed, in 1989 and 2002.
They’ve had several iterations and changes of personnel over the decades, with the constants being founding members Jeff Hanna (guitar and vocals) and Jimmie Fadden (drums, harmonica, vocals), best friends for over 60 years. Jeff said to the audience that they figured they have spent more time with each other than with any other humans! Newbie Bob Carpenter (keyboards, accordion, vocals) joined them full-time in 1980, and they’ve hit a resonant combination that now includes Jaime Hanna (Jeff’s son — fabulous singer and lead guitarist, formerly of The Mavericks), Ross Holmes (fiddle, mandolin, vocals — formerly of Mumford & Sons and Bruce Hornsby, to name just a few), and songsmith Jim Photoglo (bass and vocals).
Known for being gracious collaborators, they made this a rich night of music and talent with special guests Alison Brown, for banjo flair extraordinaire; Molly Tuttle, finger-picking guitarist and vocal queen; and Tommy Emmanuel, renowned Australian acoustic guitarist, which made for so many strings being played so well. Thanks to The Mission Ballroom’s state-of-the-art acoustics, the band’s skilled techies, and expert musicianship, every note was resonant, crisp, and clear.
They started out with a feel-good, classic trio of “You Ain’t Going Nowhere,” “Partners, Brothers and Friends,” and “Cosmic Cowboy.” This reviewer had to dance from the get-go, although the venue was set up as all seating. ; ) Then, their Billboard No. 1 single, Rodney Crowell’s “Long Hard Road,” hit us in the feels, as they can do, continuing with “Stand A Little Rain.” Bob Carpenter’s voice has never sounded better. Wow!
Dirt Does Dylan was featured on Jaime’s exquisite vocals on “Girl from the North Country.” This song has it all. It’s sweet, and then Jaime rocks it like a guitar hero. It features everyone: accordion, fiddle, guitar. Alison Brown and Molly Tuttle were then featured in a bluegrassy portion of the evening.
John Prine’s “Grandpa Was A Carpenter,” from Circle 2, brought a funny goof from Jeff — “wingship shoes” for wingtip — and his pause and re-do was in his affable, good-natured style. A sweet moment, and why we love him. Then it was on to “Take Me in Your Lifeboat” for some bluegrass gospel that featured Alison and Ross, and “Sitting on Top of the World” with Molly — and Jeff’s accolades that “the next generation of bluegrass musicians landed on her guitar.”
They hit all the eras. There were more classic Dirt songs that you can sing along to: Jimmie Fadden’s “Fish Song,” with a shoutout to the influences of the day, and “Working Man,” which he wrote. Their new song, “Nashville Skyline,” from their Night After Night EP, written by Jeff’s wife, singer-songwriter Matraca Berg, is so catchy and good, and rich with fiddle. Check out the video!
Tommy Emmanuel was the acoustic guitar secret weapon on “Mr. Bojangles,” and his smiling is infectious and his playing is phenomenal. He jammed out with Jeff on acoustic. Other points of note: Jaime’s acoustic guitar crescendo on “Ripplin’ Waters” and these guys going from tender to rocking. Bob’s beautiful soulful voice on “Broken Road,” which the Dirt did first. Some of us knew it and loved it back then. ; )
Then came a powerhouse finish that you could feel coming: “Fishing in the Dark,” “American Dream,” “Bayou Jubilee,” “Orange Blossom Special,” and “Cadillac Ranch.” There was a full house of joy. They closed with everyone on stage for the encore of Will the Circle Be Unbroken, which was delightfully stretched out between verses and instrumental interludes, into The Weight. What a great night to honor a fabulous run. True to their style, there was so much love for each other and their guests.
Why do we love them so much? Why do I love them so much?!! Their music, their songs, connects us with good times, with Colorado, with personal stories, with a feeling of grooving along, mixed with their affability and naturalness, and their musicianship. And Jeff's hair and Manuel Cuevas jacket. The best in music.
I know they’ve done these songs hundreds, and thousands of times, but they never feel jaded. What a pleasure to celebrate them and their 60 years. Our legends that feel like friends.
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