David Nelson (New Riders) and Eric Thompson (Kleptograss) in a rare duet show, with songs and stories going all the way back to their early 1960’s explorations with Jerry Garcia as the Black Mountain Boys. David Nelson went on to front the New Riders of the Purple Sage (still touring!) and Eric Thompson went on to explore many kinds of acoustic music with musicians like David Grisman, Mike Seeger, Laurie Lewis, etc. Eric’s latest band is Blue Diamond Strings with Jody Stecher, Kate Brislin, Suzy Thompson, Paul Shelasky and Paul Knight (they’ll be appearing at the Freight on Thurs. Sept. 18, as part of the Berkeley Old Time Music Convention). If you were missing Jerry Garcia’s presence at the recent Fare Thee Well shows, here’s a chance to hang out with two guys with a lifelong musical and personal Jerry connection.

Suzy Thompson will open the show with a solo set, showcasing her own music including powerhouse blues vocals and guitar, old-time solo fiddle pieces, Cajun music with the diatonic accordion, and originals. In recent years, Suzy has worked a lot as a side musician, backing up such stellar performers as Jim Kweskin, Dave Alvin, Geoff Muldaur and Del Rey. She also keeps busy as the director of two music festivals (Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, and the Berkeley Old Time Music Convention). This is a opportunity to hear what she can do left to her own devices!

visit the David Nelson website

visit the Eric and Suzy Thompson website