Mama Tried

Mama Tried is a 5-piece band from Charlottesville, Va., with Susan Munson on guitar and vocals, Charlie Pastorfield on guitar and vocals, Stuart Holme on bass, Kent Raine on drums, and Sam Johnston on keys, vocals and harmonica. These five play high-energy versions of early Grateful Dead songs, plus their own impressive material, with a heavy accent on improvisation.

Even though their name is taken from a Merle Haggard tune, they are definitely a “jam band,” with the ability to go out exploring while remaining cohesive, then get back smoothly to the original song, and make it all sound good. Members in Mama Tried also perform with some of Charlottesville’s favorite bands, including Alligator, Mojo Pie, The Cows, and the Skip Castro Band. These seasoned musicians will not disappoint!