Bluegrass band Trampled by Turtles was originally formed as a side project so the original four members could take a break from their Rock bands, but the exercise was comfortable and rewarding enough to warrant giving up Rock and moving full-time to Bluegrass.   

Since remodeling and reopening last year, downtown’s Taft Theatre already was programming a more adventurous concert lineup than usual. This year, the venue has already announced shows by more “mid-level” groups like Trampled By Turtles and JJ Grey & Mofro, both cult faves and Southgate alumni.  

Trampled by Turtles is no ordinary Bluegrass band. The Duluth, Minn., quintet coalesced seven years ago when vocalist/guitarist Dave Simonett and mandolinist Erik Berry started moonlighting as an acoustic duo outside of the confines of their local Rock outfits. They're about to release their fifth studio album, 'Palomino.'