Leftover Salmon returns to the area Friday when they play the Telluride Conference Center in Mountain Village. For more than 20 years, LoS has infused the bluegrass/jamgrass world with their self-dubbed “polyethnic Cajun slamgrass.” The core remains: Vince Herman and Drew Emmitt share frontman duties, with long-timers Bill McKay (keyboards), Greg Garrison (bass) and Jeff Stipe (drums) still in two. Matt Flinner recently joined up as banjo player, filling the shoes of LoS co-founder Mark Vann, who died of cancer in 2002, and Vann’s replacement, Noam Pikelny, who pursued other projects when Salmon went on a long sabbatical.
Since reforming in 2007, their shows are sporadic celebrations, often reserved for festivals to allow its members opportunities to pursue side projects like Great American Taxi (Herman’s new outfit) and Emmitt’s partnership with Bill Nershi (String Cheese Incident). Herman, who was forced to cancel a recent Durango date due to the passing of his father, Regis, will be with the band on its upcoming run through Colorado ski towns. Elephant Revival is also on the bill. Doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7.