The following was published October 1, 2005 in the 'Scene & Heard' column in Whatzup magazine, and written by one Adam Atherton.

'Tis none too often I get the opportunity to get out to see bands this time of year on weeknights, but this time around, I was required to make the time.  Wednesday, September 28 brought my omnipresent notebook and myself to the Landing, on Columbia Street to catch a rare set by The Legendary Trainhoppers, the local equivalent of musical history from 1920-1940.

The Legendary Trainhoppers are a veritable who’s who of local music, consisting of Matt Kelley and Chris Dodds (Go Dog Go), the ubiquitous Jon Ross (Definitely Gary), Matthew Freakin’ Sturm, and Damian Miller, Phil Potts, and Dan Smith (Brown Bottle Band).  While I still harbor resentment that I wasn’t asked to join this band, I will put my personal feelings aside, and begin.

The show began for me with a very windy walk across Harrison Street to The Landing.  A storm was on the horizon, but I had been assured the band would be playing, and they already were when I got there.  I arrived to the smell of barbecue chicken, and the sound of what appeared to be “99 Bottles of Beer On The Wall”, in Dodds’ signature vocals.  After finding a place to stand, and talking to a few folks, the band went into the first full song I heard, “Ramble On”.  This song’s outstanding four part harmonies combined with Freakin’ Sturm on bass, and Kelley on mandolin grabbed my attention immediately.  I had seen one other LTH show, their first, and vaguely remember hearing this song in its infancy.  Even so early in the set, it was absolutely clear these cats have taken their time, played these songs, and really put their hearts into a band that I can only describe as equal parts country, roots, blues, and a gin soaked great-uncle that talks about the old days of music.

Lately it seems I have wandered into many shows ready to review some original music, only to find a cover set peppered with originals.  This time around, I got the opposite:  mostly originals, a few scattered (and well thought out) covers, “Handle With Care” by The Traveling Wilburys the first.  Fitting indeed, the Wilburys also being a band made up of all-stars from other bands, eh?  

During “Cannonball”,  another LTH original, and the following Billy Joe Shaver cover of “Georgia On A Fast Train”, there was nary a head or hip that was not moving to the groove.  During my personal favorite, “Banks Of The Cumberland”, with its acapella harmony lead in, and including the best tribute to the Three Rivers since Mad Anthony himself, there were several people around me singing along with the infectious chorus- although it was clearly obvious they had never heard the song before.  Rule # 3 of music:  write it catchy, and they will sing.  Check.

After “Don’t Let the Door”, another original, and a quick break, I paid my cable bill via cell phone, and kicked back during the equally catchy “Sing Me A Song”, and “Steer A Train”, again featuring Dodds on vocals.  A hesitant Freakin’ Sturm took vocal duties over for his song “I’m Not Waiting”, which sounds like it would be a better fit in a Matthew Freakin’ Sturm Band show than the Trainhoppers, then lead into the Bob Seger cover “Get Out of Denver” showcasing Miller’s incredible bass playing, and Freakin’ Sturm on keys.

Alas, every plus has its minus, every yin its yang, every Lennon its Yoko.  Tonight’s was an apparently jealous Mother Nature (Legendary Raindropper?), who decided it was a grand time to bring her fat ass into The Landing and screw up a great show, ending the set about 6 songs early.  Rain fell, the crowd dispersed (slowly), and The Legendary Trainhoppers ended on a great song, Johnny’s  “Folsom Prison Blues”.

With the proper backing, support from YOU reading this, and a little luck, there is absolutely no reason why The Legendary Trainhoppers shouldn’t be the next big thing.  Everything is in place, the songs are nothing short of incredible, the show (2 for 2) a great time.  I’m not going out on a limb by saying, this band is my favorite in Fort Wayne.  With a few more live shows under their stylishly dressed belts, these guys will convert you, too.  I encourage everyone everywhere to hop that train, when you see the Trainhoppers are playing out again, be there.  If you don’t have fun and love this band, let me know….I’ll gladly refund whatever cover you paid*.

Until next we meet, keep it live, keep it local, keep it loud- and for Pete’s sake, let me know where you’re playing!  I’ll be sure to come if you ask, if I’m not busy curled up in the fetal position waiting for my “will you join the band?” call from The Trainhoppers.

*free cover offer only available in Rhode Island.