Article Contributed by Dan Ward
Published on 2026-03-30
Photos by Dan Ward | Shipshewana, IN | March 26, 2026
Hoosiers are known for their down-home sensibilities. They think of people, comfort, and kindness, so it is no surprise that a concert at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center is a pleasant time for the whole family. The venue is stocked with everything that makes live music great, and all the little details are included. Tonight, the Blue Gate gets to shine some Hoosier hospitality on first-class talent: Wild Horses and Trampled by Turtles.
As folks arrive, they are greeted by a grand hall full of memorabilia from past shows. Names appear on signed guitars and photos covering every wall. Bill comes out to greet the crowd and pulls them into a friendly conversation about the bar and the local specialty—homemade pretzels. He doesn’t waste much time before introducing the first act. Wild Horses, the husband-and-wife songwriting duo, take the stage with big smiles and wonderful harmonies.
Jed LaPlant (guitar and vocals) and his wife Ariana LaPlant (fiddle, keys, and vocals) are joined by Landon Pahl (bass and vocals) to form Wild Horses. They open with “Dear Loretta,” and Jed’s voice is clear, sweet, and mesmerizing. Ariana and Landon blend perfectly with him. “When I Was Younger” carries a haunting quality, as Jed’s lead vocals are answered by Ariana’s smooth obligato. This dynamic continues in the soft and sentimental “Sioux Falls.”
The band has a light touch, with instruments providing a gentle framework for each song. “Like the Sea,” “The Ledge,” and “Son of a Gun” allow the audience to absorb the delicate guitar strumming alongside rich violin and bass lines. Ariana handles the violin with a fiddler’s vibrancy and a violinist’s grace, while Landon uses the bow effectively to maintain the musical flow.
Jed offers some inspiring insight on “All That’s Left,” an uplifting song with an infectious beat. For their final tune, the band invites Trampled by Turtles’ cellist Eamonn McLain to join them on “Man in the Mirror.” Performed around a single microphone, the group radiates joy, clearly enjoying the moment together. Wild Horses has a new release coming later this year, with singles expected before summer.
The venue itself deserves recognition. There is no bad seat in the theater; the plush seating is clearly designed for comfort rather than maximum capacity, complete with cup holders. The sound fills the room evenly, and large screen monitors allow guests stepping out to continue watching the show. A full audio-visual production crew ensures a seamless experience, while designated areas allow guests to grab food and drinks without missing a note.
Trampled by Turtles enters backlit, immediately diving into “Good Times.” Erik Berry (mandolin) and Ryan Young (fiddle) command the front of the stage. Erik stands tall, hair and beard flowing from a stage fan as his fingers blaze through solos. Ryan dances with his fiddle like a mongoose facing a cobra, wrestling it into submission before pulling out soaring tones as the band transitions into “Starting Over.”
Dave Simonett (acoustic guitar, vocals) provides the unmistakable voice of the band. His delivery powers “Middle Valley,” “Bloodshot,” and “Victory,” each building on the last. The night is still young, and his voice carries the audience deeper into the journey.
“Banjo” Dave Carroll launches into lightning-fast picking on “Help,” followed by a solemn and heartfelt version of “Shenandoah.” A hush falls over the crowd as the band delivers the evocative strains of this 150-year-old American classic.
Tim Saxhaug (bass) brings a visible energy that kicks into high gear during “War,” as the room erupts in red-and-white lighting chaos that matches the song’s intensity. His joy is unmistakable. The band then shifts back into a calmer mood with “Voice Memo,” highlighted by a beautifully expressive mandolin line.
The emotional ride continues as the band delivers fan favorites. As Dave begins “Whiskey,” the crowd erupts. They follow with “Are You Behind the Shining Star,” with Eamonn adding tambourine from his shoe.
Eamonn McLain (cello) proves essential throughout the night. Whether plucking or bowing, his contributions add depth and warmth. “Annihilate” and “Separate” give him room to showcase his rich, resonant tone.
“Out of Time,” with its complex melodies and rhythms, gets the room swaying before the band bursts into the high-speed favorite “Risk,” featuring blazing solos from every member. They then slow things down with the reflective “Pisces” and “Midnight on the Interstate.”
After a long, continuous set, the band delivers the anticipated “You Wait So Long.” Dave notes the venue’s hard stop due to noise ordinances but invites Wild Horses back onstage for one final song. Together, they stretch across the stage and perform “Alone,” adding layers of harmony to an already poignant piece.
The crowd claps, cheers, and howls—there is no leaving without “Codeine.” The band obliges, closing the night with a spirited performance that hits right at curfew. A perfect evening.
