There’s a line in Almost Famous that I always think about. In response to a group of new “fans” following around Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup), Stillwater’s enigmatic guitarist, Fairuza Balk’s character Sapphire says, “They don’t even know what it is to be a fan, you know? To truly love some silly little piece of music, or some band, so much that it hurts.” I always think of that quote when I think of Turnpike Troubadours, my favorite band since I was 25. I first saw them in a tiny college bar in San Marcos, Texas, shortly after their album Goodbye Normal Street was released. In the years since that night, the band has headlined historic venues, the Ryman and Red Rocks among them, and released a string of stellar country albums. But I always go back to standing shoulder to shoulder in a crowd of 300 people and that feeling of, as Sapphire said, loving a band’s music so much it hurts. I’ve always been more William Miller than Penny Lane, but Turnpike Troubadours are still my Stillwater, and that’s honestly the greatest praise I could ever give any band. The Oklahoma outfit will make a stop at Ascend Amphitheater as part of their extended Wild America Tour in support of their 2025 Shooter Jennings-produced album The Price of Admission. Whether you’re a certified Band Aid or a new fan, it’s sure to be magic.
7 p.m. at Ascend Amphitheater
310 First Ave. S.
