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

1909 Memorial Service at Memorial Hall: Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47, G.A.R.
On Sunday, December 26, 1909, the Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47 of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) held its annual memorial service at the newly completed Memorial Hall auditorium in Cincinnati. The preserved program from this event offers valuable insight into how Civil War veterans continued to honor their fallen comrades well into the 20th century.

The Grand Army of the Republic and Post 47
The G.A.R. was a national fraternal organization composed of Union veterans of the American Civil War. Founded in 1866, it played a significant role in shaping post-war public memory, advocating for veterans’ rights, and establishing Memorial Day as a national holiday. Posts were organized across the country by state departments. Post No. 47, based in Cincinnati, was one of several in the area and named in honor of General William Haines Lytle.

About General William H. Lytle
William Haines Lytle (1826–1863) was a Cincinnati-born lawyer, state legislator, and Union brigadier general. He was also a well-known poet, remembered especially for his work “Antony and Cleopatra.” Lytle died in battle at Chickamauga, and his funeral in Cincinnati became a city-wide event. Thousands gathered as his riderless horse, Fallaballaugh, led the procession—boots reversed in the stirrups, a time-honored military symbol of loss. He was laid to rest at Spring Grove Cemetery, and his legacy endures in Cincinnati landmarks like Lytle Park and Memorial Hall.

Memorial Hall and Its Purpose
Memorial Hall was constructed between 1908 and 1909 as a dedicated space to honor veterans of the Civil War and to host civic and commemorative events. Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47 was among the organizations that regularly held meetings and ceremonies there.

Overview of the 1909 Program
The printed memorial program includes several key sections:

Roll of Deceased Members — The front page lists members of Post 47 who died in 1909, along with their Civil War units, dates of death, and ages. These records are particularly useful for researchers and genealogists, offering details such as “Co. D, 28th O.V.I.” (Company D, 28th Ohio Volunteer Infantry).
Order of Service — The memorial program included a structured sequence of musical and spoken elements, such as:
- Patriotic hymns including “America”
- Recitations including “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”
- Vocal and piano performances
- A memorial address by Mr. Harley V. Speelman
- Bugle taps by Mr. Jacob Hoos
- Participation by students from the 27th District School
Post Officers for 1909 — The program also lists the officers of Post 47, including:
- Commander John Brinkman
- Senior Vice Commander Fred Rullkoetter
- Other officers such as the adjutant, chaplain, and quartermaster

The G.A.R. insignia—a five-pointed star with Union imagery—is featured prominently on the program. The piano used for the event was provided by the Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47 , then located at 222–224 West Fourth Street in Cincinnati.

Historical Significance
This document provides a detailed example of how G.A.R. posts commemorated their members and maintained civic visibility. Organizations like Post 47 often participated in public observances, parades, and political events tied to Union veteran identity. Archival references also note that the Wm. H. Lytle Post had an active drum corps in the 1890s.

These materials are valuable for historians studying post-war veteran culture, public memory, and community organization in the early 20th century. They also serve as a resource for those researching family history or the activities of specific Civil War units.

—Kyle Fugate

Special thanks to Colonel Todd Mayer of John R. Little Post Inc. VFW No. 3186 for providing these historical images

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

Memorial Hall and Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47, Grand Army of the Republic