Article Contributed by Dan Ward
Published on 2026-07-13
Paul Hoffman and Company | July 8th, 2026 - photos by Dan Ward
Summer is here; long days with high humidity send folks looking for things to do outside, and in the lovely hamlet of Buchanan, MI, the heat is on. The heat has people looking for shade as children splash in the local creek. In 2020, the town was voted “Nicest Place in America to Live,” a well-earned title and one they try to live up to. The community has a free concert series that has become legendary, and tonight they are turning up the heat even more as Greensky Bluegrass’ Paul Hoffman is putting on a concert.
The night starts out with local bluegrass band Redbud Ramblers. The band takes the stage to great applause as Daniel Regal on guitar, Hank Nelson on guitar, Stephen Kowalski on upright bass, Michael Rowland on mandolin, and Beth Helm on fiddle play their own brand of bluegrass favorites.
They get the music going with “Old Man at the Mill” and jump right into “Feel the Blues Moving In,” with Beth singing and playing inspired fiddle. Hank gives his all with “Honky Tonk Blues,” showing off his grasp of the great Hank Williams’ finest work. Michael brings some heat of his own with “Stealin’,” which lets him shine on the mandolin.
Bassist Stephen takes his turn at the mic with “The Breakup Song,” then turns it over to Daniel, who sends out “Where Is My Mind.” The fans are up and enjoying the music as Hank digs into an uplifting version of “Ida Red.” “Tear My Stillhouse Down” gets the whole band up and jamming out.
Beth comes back to the mic with a beautiful version of “Two More Bottles of Wine.” The Redbud Ramblers have a loyal following, which is well deserved, as they continually hone their craft, bringing new songs to their fans. Now they ease into the end of their show with “Riding That Midnight Train.” The band closes out the set with a very cool and bluesy version of “White Rabbit.”
A quick stage change, and Paul Hoffman greets the crowd to massive applause. He digs right into the set with Greensky Bluegrass hits “Reverend,” “Don’t Lie,” and “Worry for You.” He sings with a fine, clear voice, and his playing is impeccable. Paul has an easy way about him, and he speaks to the audience as though he knows them all personally.
“While Waiting,” “Past My Prime,” “Courage for the Road,” and “Fixin’ to Run” flow like a cool stream while his fingers dance across the strings. The music and the man move in a common thread; Paul appears to be one with his instrument, and the words feel spoken from the heart, not rehearsed. He continues with “Screams,” another magic moment.
Paul covers Don Henley’s “End of the Innocence” with a tender touch, then heads right back to familiar country with “Living Over,” “What You Need,” “Grow Together,” and “Lose My Way.” Each one is a gem that reaches into the crowd, seeking out the fans who have been waiting to hear Paul’s sweet lyrical voice.
Paul gives insight into the songs, telling short introductions between groupings. He truly wants the fans to be part of his concert experience. “All for Money,” “In Control,” and “Leap Year” drift through a vastly diverse audience. Fans are all transfixed on the music.
Young children play with new friends while parents relax, the serenity of the venue not being wasted. Here, the old-time hippy relates tales of the past to eager young fans just discovering this purely American musical form. I meet jugglers, who are performing for enchanted kids. Standing just beside them is the area’s beverage manager chatting with a nuclear engineer. All are welcome.
Next up is a gentle and heartfelt version of Dave Bruzza’s “Broken Highway.” Paul gives the song his own feel. He gives great intensity to “What You Need,” “Old Barns,” and “All Four,” bringing the fans some of their favorites with a full measure of Paul’s own feeling.
The sun has finally passed the horizon and the air begins to cool. Children and dogs are drifting off on the cool grass, but Paul has a few more songs for the fans. “No Idea” and “Windshield” wind down the memorable set before giving way to “(Learning How to) Forget About Us.”
Paul has brought his best for the fans, and they have enjoyed every moment. He closes the night with “Jaywalking.” He is rewarded with a standing ovation and a place in the town’s history. Long from now, folks lucky enough to have attended will remember the night Paul Hoffman, one of the nicest musicians on stage today, sang to one of the nicest places in America.
