Sam Grisman Project
When it comes to live music, rain or shine, SLO County is blessed with an abundance of options. And if you live within five minutes of great venues like The Rock or Fremont Theater like I do—well, that’s jackpot city.
Certainly, the winter months favor hibernating in your comfy man cave or hanging out at your favorite watering hole watching hours of football, but local music fans are never shut out.
Since SLO Brew Rock opened several years ago, it’s quickly become the go-to place for avant-garde, eclectic musical offerings you may not find elsewhere.”
Since SLO Brew Rock opened several years ago, it’s quickly become the go-to place for avant-garde, eclectic musical offerings you may not find elsewhere. Ryan Orr and their entire staff work hard to find under-the-radar bands eager to make a pit stop on the Central Coast.
And 2025 promises to be more of the same with an excellent early year line-up, as the Sam Grisman Project headline on Friday, February 14.
You might recognize the name: Sam’s father, mandolinist Dave Grisman, was a long-time collaborator with Grateful Dead guitar/vocal icon Jerry Garcia in the early 1990s. Sam Grisman, founder and bassist of the Project, carries on that acoustic, folk legacy by offering up unique, original songs with his recently formed group.
As part of their extensive West Coast tour this month, Sam Grisman Project brings their large ensemble band to SLO Brew Rock on Valentine’s Day, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m. Expect a variety of songs: Dead covers, Garcia-Grisman tunes, and original tracks from their recent Temple Cabin Sessions album.
The Rock continues its diverse line-up with UK rockers New Tomorrow playing a 20th anniversary tour show on February 21, then all-female California-based Led Zeppelin tribute band Zepparella performs on February 27. Local rock fans don’t want to miss either one.
Not to be outdone and fresh off a nearly sold-out Yachtley Crew show earlier this month, the Fremont Theater keeps the party vibe going with its recent announcement that 1970s soft rock pioneers Ambrosia will be headlining on Saturday, April 5.
If you still don’t think yacht rock is a bona fide musical phenomenon, check out Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary now streaming on Max. Trust me, it’s their world: we’re just living in it.