Garcia’s “Playing in the Band” is a chance to get up close and personal with our performers like never before. Come for the conversation, stay for the education, and leave with a message. We’ll see you at the show! Cosmic Twang plays Garcia’s on Wednesday, March 16.

1. You both frequently play at Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, California. How is playing in New York different than California? In what ways will you bring that California vibe with you to the East Coast for your show at Garcia's?

Scott:

Spending as much time as we do living and playing in the Bay Area, the geographic epicenter of where this whole scene and musical approach evolved 50+ years ago... It'll rub off on ya, so there's that. We are in it firsthand and bringing our own personal spin. That said, any chance to play the east coast, especially New York is TOPS on our list!!! We tend to eat a lot of insane food. Seriously. We eat too much! There is planning involved.

Ross:

There’s a different energy that comes with playing in NY. I don’t quite know how to describe it, but it’s totally electric. It sort of makes you step up your game a little bit. What we tend to do is a little more laid back and loose that a lot of what happens in NY. I’m looking forward to bringing some of the Terrapin weirdness to Garcia’s!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlrU-nIYkx4

2. As you know, we're celebrating Phil Lesh's 76th birthday at The Cap the week of your show. What does it feel like to be part of such a joyous celebration? Can we expect any special Grateful Dead bust-outs in honor of Lesh at your show?

Scott:

To be a part of any opportunity to contribute by making music inside that legendary Capitol Theatre building in any way is a complete thrill, especially when we are honoring our beacon, friend and mentor, Phil Lesh! Let's say the odds are pretty good for something out of that good ol' Grateful Dead songbook to pop up, yes? Only because we love it.

Ross:

It’s an absolute honor to be a part of anything Phil does, really. I mean, the guy is turning 76, he’s been playing and touring for 50 years, and he still shreds 4 hour shows just about every week! Plus, he has a blast doing it! He is always trying to come up with new ways to make the show interesting to him and the fans. He’s a total inspiration.

3. The line-up of Cosmic Twang seems to vary per show, and on March 16, you'll be joined by Jon Graboff, Jason Crosby, Jeff Hill, and Tony Leone. How did you pick this line-up? Can you tell us a little bit about the dynamic between these players?

Scott:

Cosmic Twang is more of an expanding circle and working organic concept than a formal lineup. It's a Country-fied summit of the like-minded with Rock overtones and a strong Psychedelic undercurrent. A musical conversation on well-loved songs of the New American Songbook by great musicians who listen and react to, and with each other in the moment... Lots of guitar, pedal-steel, harmony vocals and some original music in there, too.

Getting to work with these people whenever and wherever we can is a huge part of the fun of this project.

CT can serve it up solid and concise but we are also all about the willingness to veer off into the improvisational unknown if necessary? Part of the thrill for us is putting together different lineups and seeing what can happen? Many of the interconnections between players have been nurtured and elevated at Terrapin Crossroads, in fact so we thrive on the evolving nature of it.

Ross:

We’ve pretty much met all of these guys through PLF / Terrapin Crossroads over the last few years. That’s been one of the best parts about Terrapin. So many incredible musicians coming through and spending time out there. I’m really looking forward to this lineup, some of my all time favorite players!

4. You've both played on the The Capitol Theatre stage before a sold-out crowd of 2,000, but never on the Garcia's stage with a capacity of 250. Are you excited to play an intimate show for the first time at The Cap? What can fans expect from you in this type of setting?

Scott:

The scale of any venue is definitely a thing that makes its imprint on the experience and the music. Playing a sold-out Cap show with Phil Lesh is about as special as it gets! That said, all chances to perform are cool as they are unique to themselves no matter what the stage is or size of the room. We anticipate the intimacy and atmosphere of Garcia's will be super fun to play in with this group especially in light of the week's events. Maybe it'll be super-rowdy?

Ross:

The Cap really feels like a home away from home for me. Pete Shapiro has done such an amazing job with that room. Every detail from the production, to the fan experience, to that rad wallpaper…it’s really a special place. On top of it, they have the best house crew around! It’s always a joy to come to the Cap and I think Garcia’s will be a blast. I’ve had some fun in there for PLF after shows, and am looking forward to bringing the Twang to that stage. And yeah...hopefully it gets super rowdy! I know we will.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wygnd30oMps

Since you guys spend so much time together on the road, would you mind playing a game to see how well you know each other? If so, please guess what the other person would answer to the question below.

5. If you were an animal, what would you be?

Scott:

Some combination of a grizzly bear, snowy owl and golden retriever

Ross:

About a month ago there were some coyotes out at Stinson Beach that were eating psychedelic mushrooms and running around all crazy. I’d be one of those.

6. What movie are you most likely to quote?

Scott:

Get Shorty, Big Lebowski

Ross:

Jerky Boys

7. If you were a super hero, what would you power be?

Scott:

My super hero power is... "CONNECTION”

Ross:

Super cliche, I know, but how much fun would it be to fly??