Vince Herman specializes in planning parties for jambands.
Vince Herman, the renowned musician from Leftover Salmon, answers the phone with a warm greeting that feels like an auditory embrace, reflecting the warmth of his personality despite being miles away. He shares that he is visiting his partner in North Carolina before setting off on a series of concert dates for Leftover Salmon, including the Rowdy Summer Nights Tour with The Infamous Stringdusters and Kitchen Dwellers as well as upcoming fall shows. The band is celebrating its 35th anniversary.
Recently, the band co-headlined a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre with the Kitchen Dwellers, which featured special guests like Bill Payne, Nicki Bluhm, Jason Carter, and others. Just like the Red Rocks event, their latest album, Let’s Party About It, features collaborations with artists like Del McCoury, Sam Bush, and Jeff Coffin, among others.
Reflecting on the band’s longevity, Vince expresses amazement at how his son, who was born just a few years after the band started, is now embarking on tours of his own with his band. Despite various changes in the band’s lineup, Vince credits the consistency in quality to the band’s ability to recruit talented individuals deeply passionate about their craft.
During his conversation, Vince emphasizes the band’s ability to bring joy and light-heartedness to their audiences. He mentions how festivals create a positive environment where people can come together and enjoy themselves, highlighting the best of humanity. Despite the current chaos in the world, Vince remains optimistic, drawing inspiration from the positive interactions he has witnessed over the years.
Discussing the evolution of Leftover Salmon’s musical style, Vince shares that they have transitioned from their original description of polyethnic Cajun slamgrass to more contemporary labels like progressive bluegrass or jamgrass. While acknowledging the rich history of bluegrass music, Vince sees a bright future for the genre, fueled by its authentic nature and the connection it fosters to musical traditions of the past.
In essence, Vince Herman’s insights and reflections shed light on the enduring spirit and creative energy that have fueled Leftover Salmon’s musical journey over the past 35 years. From the band’s ability to adapt and thrive despite lineup changes to their commitment to bringing joy and optimism to their audience, Leftover Salmon continues to inspire and uplift with their unique blend of music and community.