Trampled by Turtles are from Duluth, Minnesota, where frontman Dave Simonett initially formed the group as a side project in 2003. At the time, Simonett had lost most of his music gear, thanks to a group of enterprising car thieves who'd ransacked his vehicle while he played a show with his previous band. Left with nothing more than an acoustic guitar, he began piecing together a new band, this time taking inspiration from bluegrass, folk, and other genres that didn't rely on amplification.
Simonett hadn't played any bluegrass music before, and he filled his lineup with other newcomers to the genre, including fiddler Ryan Young (who'd previously played drums in a speed metal act) and bassist Tim Saxhaug. Along with mandolinist Erik Berry and banjo player Dave Carroll, the group began carving out a fast, frenetic sound that owed as much to rock & roll as bluegrass.
Their crossover appeal has landed them on the #1 spot of Billboard’s Bluegrass Charts on every record they’ve released while playing marquee festivals like Coachella, ACL Fest, and Lollapalooza. Countless tours with diverse artists ranging from Shakey Graves, Zach Bryan, Wilco, Caamp, Mt Joy, Willie Nelson, Avett Brothers, Lord Huron, and many more have followed, solidifying a loyal fanbase. Their last full-length album Alpenglow was produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy. 2025 began with the band releasing a cover of Bon Iver’s “From Emma” with Caamp’s Taylor Meier (aka Sumbuck) on lead vocals. A few new collaborations are set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Opener - Wild Horses
Wild Horses brings their own rootsy Americana sound from their home in the woods of Minnesota, taking inspiration from the people and places found along the great American Highway. Sharing the stage with the likes of Willie Nelson, Trampled by Turtles, Muscadine Bloodline, and Wilco, they’ve earned a loyal following that continues to grow with every show. They draw listeners in with captivating melodies, a hard-hitting drive, and a palpable stage presence.
Featuring Jed LaPlant on vocals/guitar/kick drum, Ariana LaPlant on vocals/fiddle/keys, and Landon Pahl on vocals/bass, they have shaped a sound that incorporates heartbreaking vocals, standout harmonies, driving beats, and explosive dynamics.
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