Tedeschi Trucks Band Welcomes Sam Bush At Telluride Bluegrass

The 53rd annual Telluride Bluegrass got underway on Thursday with Tedeschi Trucks Band returning to headline the first day at the scenic Colorado event. The “King of Telluride,” bluegrass veteran Sam Bush, joined the band led by Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks for a pair of songs during their main stage set.

Bush earned his “King of Telluride” title in 2024 when he made his 50th straight appearance at the festival – a streak that began at the second installment. Bush’s sit-in with Tedeschi Trucks Band followed an earlier main stage set with the Telluride House Band alongside Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer, Stuart Duncan and Chris Eldridge.

Thursday’s subsequent Tedeschi Trucks Band performance at Telluride Bluegrass leaned into their deep repertoire of covers, launching with a get-going take on “Got My Mojo Workin’.”

Sprinkled throughout the setlist were additional takes on “I Walk on Guilded Splinters” by Dr. John, “Beck’s Bolero” by Jeff Beck, “You Can Make It If You Try” and “Everyday People” by Sly & the Family Stone and “Stand Back” and “Dreams” by The Allman Brothers Band. The encore was a pairing of The Rolling Stones’ “Loving Cup” with The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From Friends.”

Sam Bush’s stint with TTB was built around two songs from the Derek & The Dominos’ album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. Bush added electric mandolin to back-to-back offerings of “Bell Bottom Blues” and “Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?”

TTB filled in their Telluride set with originals, including a trio of songs from their latest album, Future Soul — “Crazy Cryin’,” “Who Am I” and “What in the World.”

Telluride Bluegrass Festival continues today, Friday, June 20. A livestream, including a replay of Thursday’s Tedeschi Trucks Band performance with Sam Bush, is available with a nugs subscription.

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Watch Telluride Bluegrass 2026 Livestream on nugs

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Setlist (via TTBase)

Set 1: Got My Mojo Workin’, Crazy Cryin’, Who Am I, I Walk on Guilded Splinters, What in the World, Stand Back, Isaac & Kebbi > Let Me Get By, Bell Bottom Blues[1], Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?[1], Until You Remember, You Can Make It If You Try > Everyday People, It Ain’t Fair > Dreams, I Want More > Beck’s Bolero

Encore: Loving Cup > With a Little Help From My Friends

Notes:

• [1] with Sam Bush