Railroad Earth is six-piece band formed in 2001 that calls New Jersey home; that is, when not living their dreams on the road. Currently on tour, Railroad Earth is set to play The Domino Room in Bend on Wednesday, Feb. 24.
Railroad Earth has been described as a bluegrass-Americana rock 'n' roll band. Although drummer Carey Harmon tells the Source that with such a wide range of different musicians in the band, it is difficult to pin down one genre of sound they make. "It's American music, not trying specifically to be a bluegrass band or a rock band, and yet it's all in there...." Many minds in music can be a tricky thing. One thing they can all agree on, however, is the emotional connection that comes with the creation and appreciation of music. "[We are] just trying to move people with what moves us and just have some fun," says Harmon.
The name Railroad Earth comes from Jack Kerouac's "October in the Railroad Earth." Kerouac, a pioneer of the Beat Generation, is most famous for his stream-of-consciousness style of writing in "On the Road." His spoken word poems were very much influenced by his surrounding during the 1950s and 1960s.
This group has played in Oregon a few times before, and this will be the second time at The Domino Room. Harmon says the band is looking forward to entertaining the people of Bend. "In a world made up increasingly of virtual relationships and activities, it is even more special that people gather to do something in person together," he says.
Harmon doesn't let the rising popularity of Railroad Earth affect his ego. In fact, he is still in a bit of disbelief that the dream of so many musicians is his reality. "Getting paid to make music is hard to come to terms with. It's a blessing and I'd do it anyways," he says.
Railroad Earth
Wednesday, Feb. 24
doors 7 p.m., show 9:15 p.m.
The Domino Room, 51 Greenwood Ave., Bend
$27 adv., $30 door.
