In the early 1970s, a group of musicians came together with a shared love for bluegrass and pushed the boundaries of music. The result was Old & In the Way—a short-lived but legendary group featuring Jerry Garcia on banjo, David Grisman on mandolin, Peter Rowan on guitar and vocals, Vassar Clements on fiddle, and John Kahn on bass.

Though the band only performed together for about a year, their impact was monumental. The live album Old & In the Way (1975) became one of the best-selling bluegrass records of all time, bringing this unique sound to countless new ears. For many listeners, it was their very first introduction to bluegrass. The band’s repertoire—songs like Midnight Moonlight, Wild Horses, and Panama Red—combined tradition with improvisation, honoring the genre’s roots while infusing it with a free-spirited, almost jam-band sensibility.

Fast forward to today, and the music of Old & In the Way lives on through a special collaboration between two artists deeply connected to its legacy: Peter Rowan and Sam Grisman.

Rowan, a founding member, was the distinctive voice and songwriting force behind many of the group’s most beloved tunes. His career has spanned decades and styles, but his role in shaping Old & In the Way remains central to his story.

Sam Grisman brings a family tie that runs just as deep—he is the son of David Grisman, the founding player whose partnership with Jerry Garcia produced not just Old & In the Way but decades of genre-defying acoustic music. By joining forces with Rowan, Sam bridges generations: honoring his father’s role while bringing fresh energy and interpretation to the material.

Why It Matters

For fans of bluegrass, folk, and The Grateful Dead alike, seeing Rowan and Grisman perform Old & In the Way songs is much more than a nostalgic trip. It is a chance to experience a living thread of music history.

It’s also a reminder of just how groundbreaking that music was. At a time when bluegrass was still largely defined by tradition, Old & In the Way showed that the genre could be both deeply authentic and adventurous.

In many ways, their performances are about continuity—keeping alive a spirit of collaboration, experimentation, and reverence for tradition that made Old & In the Way so influential. And just like the original band, Rowan and Grisman’s collaboration continues to blend genres and generations, proving that great music always finds fresh ways to resonate. They invite new listeners into the fold while rekindling memories for those who first discovered bluegrass through Garcia and his bandmates back in the ’70s.

Whether you’re a lifelong Deadhead, a bluegrass devotee, or simply someone who loves live music, witnessing Peter Rowan and Sam Grisman celebrate Old & In the Way is an opportunity to connect with one of the most important crossroads in American music history.

Catch Peter Rowan with Sam Grisman Project on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in the Longworth-Anderson Series at historic Memorial Hall. Buy your tickets today, then check out our Spotify playlist and get ready for the big night!

—Kyle Fugate

Before Cheryl had even seen a concert at Memorial Hall, before she had taken a seat in its historic theater, she felt something resonate deeply within her. “I was running a business incubator—Bad Girl Ventures—that hosted events in Memorial Hall,” she recalls. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I could be a part of that.’ Although, it wasn’t even about the music at first. It was the building. The energy. The potential.”

That sense of potential quickly transformed into action.

FINDING A PLACE—AND A PURPOSE

Cheryl’s involvement with Memorial Hall began with a phone call out of the blue. “Bill Baumann reached out,” she says. “We kind of knew each other from the [Cincinnati] Art Museum. He was looking for new board members to step in for those retiring in 2012.”

At the time, she hadn’t even attended a concert at the venue. That changed with Rosanne Cash. “The acoustics were amazing. It was unbelievable.”

Still, her early focus remained squarely on the business side. “We brought in a strategic planner and honed in on our mission. It had to be formalized to succeed. That planning process helped deepen our relationship with 3CDC and led us to identify how to put the right people in the right roles.”

FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE HALL

When asked what made her fall in love with Memorial Hall, Cheryl lights up. “The intimacy of the theater was so beautiful. Even before it was remodeled, I remember going up the stairs and thinking—there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. That feeling never left.”

That emotional connection, coupled with her business acumen, fueled her years of dedicated service. But she’s quick to admit the programming didn’t always match her personal tastes.

“I’m a rocker,” she laughs. “I love heavy rock. American roots music? Not really my jam. I was honest about that from the start. I wasn’t going to attend all seven or eight concerts a year. But I could still promote Memorial Hall and its preservation. That was where I felt I could contribute most.”

PIVOTAL MOMENTS AND FORWARD MOMENTUM

Among the most impactful decisions during her tenure was the introduction of a strategic plan. “You have to formalize things to be successful,” she says. “That clarity helped us work better with 3CDC, align the board, and plan for the long-term health of the building and organization.”

Cheryl outlines a bold vision for Memorial Hall’s future, centered on three major phases:

Roof Restoration – Securing the physical structure of the building.
New CRM System – Investing in tools that support deeper engagement and data-driven growth.
Sustainable Endowment Planning – Building a fund for perpetuity that supports ongoing growth and artistic excellence.

And of course, more concerts. As the relationship grows with 3CDC, the vision to host more concerts, and in turn, reach a larger audience, will be the future.

ADVICE AND A CONTINUED LEGACY

“To this day, I’m still shocked when people say they’ve never heard of Memorial Hall or have never been inside. We need to keep getting the word out.”

Though she’s now officially a trustee emeritus, Cheryl remains deeply connected. “I look forward to mentoring. I still care about what’s going on at the Hall. I love the venue.”

She’s also continuing her work in the community—as President of the Board for the Cancer Vaccine Coalition and through her involvement with the Art Museum. “It’s time to give back,” she says simply. Thank you, Cheryl, and congratulations on being named Trustee Emeritus!

—Kyle Fugate

Keeping the Spirit Alive: Peter Rowan & Sam Grisman Revisit Old & In the Way

A Legacy of Passion and Purpose: Cheryl Coy Stamm's Journey with Memorial Hall