Railroad Earth
Jamgrass veterans — fiddle-driven Americana that stretches out live like a freight train taking a curve.
Railroad Earth formed in 2001 in northwestern New Jersey, built around singer and songwriter Todd Sheaffer, who had previously fronted From Good Homes. The group works with acoustic string-band instrumentation — guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, upright bass and a full drum kit — but arranges it more like a rock band than a traditional bluegrass outfit.
The result sits between folk, bluegrass, country and jam-band rock, with Sheaffer's narrative songwriting anchoring long instrumental passages and extended improvisation. Railroad Earth built its following largely through steady touring and a live repertoire that changes night to night, and the band has remained a fixture of the American jamgrass scene since its early years.
Railroad Earth at a glance
Where is Railroad Earth from?
Railroad Earth is from Stillwater, NJ.
What kind of music does Railroad Earth play?
Railroad Earth is tagged jam and bluegrass.
What festivals has Railroad Earth played before?
Railroad Earth has played MerleFest 2026.
Also on these bills
Alison Krauss & Union StationMolly TuttleThe Infamous StringdustersSam BushThe Jerry Douglas BandSteep Canyon RangersPeter RowanJim LauderdaleOld Crow Medicine ShowBlackberry SmokeCharles Wesley GodwinJoy Oladokun
More jam acts
Big GiganticDave Matthews BandMy Morning JacketDaniel Donato's Cosmic CountryEggyGooseGuavatronKarina RykmanO.A.R.STS9Taper's ChoiceThe String Cheese Incident
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