Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-09-29
Thirty-five years ago, a posse of University of Buffalo-based musician friends got together to play music. Out of freewheeling sessions bursting with bold, genre-defying creativity and tongue-in-cheek humor, a six-headed monster named moe. emerged.
Decades later, moe.’s tireless work ethic, DIY resourcefulness, infectious songwriting and highly engaged fanbase—the Famoe.ly—have enabled the sextet to earn a successful career. Yet, the guys have never rested on their laurels as “jam band pioneers.” They average 100 shows per year and regularly release vital new music, including the band’s latest album, Circle of Giants (ATO), its 13th release.
Circle of Giants was nearly complete when bassist and vocalist Rob Derhak’s 25-year-old son tragically passed away. The album reflects the band’s resilience, channeling their grief into a collection that brims with grace, humor and musical brilliance. Creatively invigorated by the addition of keyboardist Nate Wilson to the full-time lineup, moe. has created a milestone album while processing an unfathomable loss.
“Making this record started off very joyfully, but then we experienced a severely traumatic event. The way through the darkness was to do what we do—make music,” says guitarist and vocalist Al Schnier.
moe. is a brotherhood featuring Derhak, Schnier, guitarist and vocalist Chuck Garvey, drummer Vinnie Amico, percussionist and vibraphonist Jim Loughlin, and keyboardist Nate Wilson. The six-piece band came up in the primordial pouch of the early jam-band scene alongside Blues Traveler, Spin Doctors, Widespread Panic and Phish.
Lauded by American Songwriter for its “mind-bending musicality,” moe. is beloved for its sonic adventurousness, unbridled showmanship, and witty and insightful songwriting. NYS Music has said: “moe. has redefined what’s possible within the genre, leaving a lasting impact and challenging listeners to rethink the limits of musical expression.”
Since releasing its foundational album, Fatboy, in 1992, moe. has issued a vast and varied series of now-classic records. Select studio album highlights include 1998’s Tin Cans & Car Tires, 2004’s Wormwood, 2007’s The Conch, which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, and 2012’s critically acclaimed What Happened to the La Las.
moe. has undertaken innumerable headline tours, played international festival sets from Bonnaroo to Japan’s famed Fuji Rock, performed on music-themed cruises, and appeared at sold-out shows alongside the Allman Brothers Band, members of the Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews Band and The Who, among others. In addition, moe. has both promoted and headlined multiple festivals of its own, including snoe.down and moe.down.
In the past few years, the band’s mettle has been tested as two of its founding members battled life-threatening illnesses. Derhak triumphed over nasopharyngeal cancer, and Garvey bounded back from a stroke.
Much of Circle of Giants was written during the COVID lockdown after the health scares but before Derhak’s son’s passing. The recording sessions were enhanced by Wilson, the new guy, who initially came aboard to fill out the sound while Garvey recovered from his stroke. Wilson came to the sessions bursting with inspiration, savant-level musicianship and a brace of songs.
Event Details
moe. — No Hibernation Tour
Friday, March 26, 2027
Saturday, March 27, 2027
Doors: 7 p.m. | Show: 8 p.m.
Boulder Theater
2032 14th Street
Boulder, CO 80302
General admission with limited seating available
All ages; guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Tickets go on sale Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. at TIXR.
