Blues, Rock, and Roots: Tedeschi Trucks Band and Whiskey Myers Co-Headline Wolf Trap | 8.29.25
- Nate Payne
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
Photos & Words by: Nate Payne
This past Friday, the Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park in Vienna, Virginia, was electrified by the soulful sounds of the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, the powerhouse ensemble led by the husband-and-wife duo of guitarist Derek Trucks and vocalist Susan Tedeschi brought a night of fiery musicianship and communal energy that reminded audiences why they’ve become one of the most respected live acts in modern rock and blues.
The Wolf Trap shows, two evenings co-headlined with southern rock outfit Whiskey Myers marked a highlight of the band’s extensive North American tour, which stretches through October. On Friday night, Tedeschi Trucks Band opened the co-bill, handing the Saturday night opening slot to Whiskey Myers, a clever pairing that showcased two groups carrying the torch for roots-driven American music in different but complementary ways.
What makes Tedeschi Trucks Band such a rare force is the collective spirit they channel on stage. It’s almost as if there is a solitary music hive mind always working in unison. This is no ordinary blues-rock lineup, it’s a 12-piece ensemble where every player’s contribution is essential. Derek Trucks, long hailed as one of the greatest slide guitarists of his generation, delivered shimmering solos with both technical mastery and raw emotion. By his side, Susan Tedeschi’s voice, equal parts grit, grace, and gospel carried the band’s anthems with her signature vocal power that makes her one of the greats of soul, rhythm and blues.
The band’s deep bench of talent was on full display throughout the set. Gabe Dixon’s Hammond B-3 swells and vocal harmonies added depth to the arrangements, while the trio of Mike Mattison, Mark Rivers, and Alecia Chakour brought their vocal richness that turned choruses into full-throated celebrations. Rhythm section anchors Brandon Boone on bass and the dual drummers Tyler Greenwell and Isaac Eady kept the groove both tight and expansive, giving the music a heartbeat that drives the rhythmic engine of the band. Meanwhile, the horn section, Kebbi Williams on saxophone, Elizabeth Lea on trombone, and Emmanuel Echem on trumpet, each added their own one-of-a-kind flavor to each jam.
Crazy Cry’n opened the night with a surge, setting the tone for the evening. The band covered I Feel So Bad by Chuck Willis and eventually Derek and the Dominos’ Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?. Later, Until You Remember brought a soulful, introspective moment that highlighted Tedeschi’s ability to turn a ballad into a collective emotional journey.
Set List: Tedeschi Trucks Band | Wolf Trap | 8.29.25
Crazy Cryin'
The Letter - The Box Tops cover
Who Am I
I Feel So Bad - Chuck Willis cover
Devil Be Gone
Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad? - Derek and the Dominos cover
Until You Remember
Isaac/Kebbi Jam
Let Me Get By
Future Soul
Angel From Montgomery - John Prine cover
Sugaree - Jerry Garcia cover
I Want More
Soul Sacrifice - Santana cover
I Walk on Guilded Splinters - Dr. John cover
What separates Tedeschi Trucks Band from many of their peers is their ability to bridge tradition with reinvention. Their concerts are less about performing a catalog and more about creating a living, breathing musical experience one that borrows from blues, rock, jazz, and soul, but refuses to be confined by any of them.
As their Wolf Trap run concludes alongside Whiskey Myers, it’s clear that Tedeschi Trucks Band remains at the peak of their creative and performative powers. For fans, the performances were not just concerts, but a reminder of the enduring power of live music to move, uplift, and unite. Each time I see this band they bring a renewed component of musical expertise that has kept their sound fresh and dynamic for nearly two decades. For more information about Tedeschi Trucks Band, visit the links below.
Tedeschi Trucks Band Social Media
Tedeschi Trucks Band | Wolf Trap | Nate Payne Photography | 8.29.25
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