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

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

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

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

Honoring a Cincinnati Treasure: Marvin Smith Way

There’s a new street in Cincinnati with a name that carries the flavor, spirit, and heart of the community—Marvin Smith Way.

For those who know Marvin, the honor comes as no surprise. The man behind Ollie’s Trolley, Marvin Smith is more than a restaurateur—he’s a host with a steady, smiling presence in the lives of so many in Cincinnati. Now, his contributions have been permanently recognized with a street named in his honor.

“When I heard the news that there would be a street dedicated in his name, I teared up—what a befitting honor to be bestowed upon someone who’s done so much for his community,” said Cori Wolff, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society and Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS), at the recent unveiling ceremony held by the City of Cincinnati.

Over the past seven years, Marvin and his team have been an essential partner to our series—not just as caterers, but as collaborators who elevate each event. Every performance night, Marvin brings decades of experience and compassion to the table.

“If you know Marvin, what we advertise as complimentary ‘light’ bites are actually a gourmet buffet dinner, thoughtfully curated for each occasion.”

Ask anyone who’s attended one of the LAS shows, and they’ll tell you: the food is unforgettable—not just for its quality, but for the warmth Marvin brings to each dish. He doesn’t just feed people. He welcomes them, cares for them, and makes every guest feel like they’re family.

“This is because Marvin extends the same pride, creativity, generosity, and hospitality at our events as you'll find at Ollie's Trolley.”

And that’s the magic of Marvin Smith.

“As he will tell you, the key to success is more than hard work and amazing food—but knowing how to treat people right.”

Marvin has made his mark on this city. And now, thanks to Marvin Smith Way, that legacy is carved into the streets of Cincinnati for generations to come.

Thank you, Marvin—for the meals, the memories, and always showing us what true service looks like. This is a recognition that couldn’t be more deserved.

—Kyle Fugate

5 Questions with Cheryl Coy Stamm

Get to know Cheryl Coy Stamm, President of the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society!  In addition to her leadership role with CMHS, Cheryl is Principal Owner at CCS Software Solution Consulting, LLC, Advisory Board Chair of Aviatra Accelerators, and a development committee member of the Cincinnati Art Museum.

We salute and thank Cheryl for five years of dedicated service on the CMHS Board of Trustees, where she is active on multiple committees in support of trustee nominations, marketing & communications, and development & fundraising efforts.

1. What's your first (or favorite) memory of live music?
This is going to date me, but… a Beatles concert when I was little, around 11 or 12 years old.  One of my friend’s parents took us, a group of girls, down to Cincinnati Gardens to see them.  I was screaming!   My parents loved to dance—they would have twist parties at their house and my dad would let me come down and twist in my pjs.  My parents loved music so much and they loved dancing.  I can picture it so vividly.

2. Which LAS concert did you enjoy most?That’s tough… it’s a toss-up between Rosanne Cash and Pink Martini.

3. What do you love about Memorial Hall?
I love the theater in and of itself—the intimacy—it’s so beautiful and makes for a great live music experience. 

4. What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Nobody can outdo me on “Love Shack” and the B-52s.  No matter when I do it (and I do it a lot), it’s my go-to.  And I’ve seen them in concert so many times.  I love the B-52s.

5. Do you play an instrument?
Not currently, but I did take piano lessons for twelve years, all through school, first to twelfth grade.  I can read music—it was all classical.  I took lessons again as an adult, but I still like the fact that I can look at and understand sheet music.  I’m also a tap dancer; as an adult, I tapped in shows.  I love to dance.  I was a fairly good tap dancer, but more for fun.  I would do recitals and there were kids, too… I was in adult group and [my husband] Carlin would be taking pictures and someone would say, “Do you have a child in this program?”  We did Broadway shows like 42nd Street and A Chorus Line.  We had the fishnets, heels, little outfits, and black shorts!

Photograph by Marlene Rounds

5 Questions with Josh Gerth

Get to know longtime Memorial Hall supporter and concert & event sponsor Josh Gerth!

We salute and thank Josh for his service to the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society Board of Trustees and the Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS) Advisory Committee, supporting the development, programming, fundraising, marketing, and execution of this premier series.

1. What's your first (or favorite) memory of live music?
First concert was Paul Simon and might also be one of my favorites… next to Journey, of course.

2. Which LAS concert did you enjoy most?
My favorite LAS concert was Marty Stuart, but I’m really looking forward to John Hiatt in November.

3. What do you love about Memorial Hall?
It is an incredibly intimate and powerful place to listen to live music.

4. Are you a good singer? What’s your go-to karaoke song?
I am terrible singer but I can do a pretty incredible karaoke version of “Baby Got Back”.

5. Do you play an instrument?
See answer above.

5+ Questions with Maggie Brennan

Get to know Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS) Secretary Maggie Brennan!

We salute and thank Maggie for her service to the CMHS Board of Trustees and the Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS) Advisory Committee, supporting the development, programming, fundraising, marketing, and execution of this premier series.

1. What's your first (or favorite) memory of live music?
When I was a kid my dad played in a softball league and following the games we would go to Les Flick's Home Like Inn for dinner and the blues.

2. What LAS concert(s) have you attended? Which did you enjoy most and why?
Lucius. Frankly, I'm a fan of female artists and Lucius can harmonize like no other.

3. What artists do you hope to bring to the LAS?
Vagabon, Ólafur Arnalds, Chet Faker, Tank and the Bangas, Celeste

4. What do you love about Memorial Hall?
I fall more in love with Memorial Hall each time I visit.

5. Describe the Cincy music scene in three words.
evolving, talented, accessible

6. What genres of music do you like?
All and any with the exception of heavy metal and super poppy.

7. What was the most recent CD/vinyl you purchased?
My most recent purchase was from Joy Ike; she had a show at the Music Resource Center in June.

8. What album would you take to a desert island (assuming you had a record player!)? Patty Griffin's A Kiss in Time

9. What songs are on your pandemic playlist? What was your favorite album of 2020-21?
NPR's playlist, Isle of Calm

10. What song reminds you of childhood? “Elvira” — The Oakridge Boys

11. What song reminds you of summertime? “Heavy Metal Drummer” — Wilco

12. What's your favorite love song?
“A Groovy Kind of Love” — Phil Collins

13. What song makes you want to dance? “Radio” — Sylvan Esso

14. Do you play an instrument?
No, but I have had the harmonica and ukulele on a Post-it for a while.

15. How has music impacted your life?
It brings me joy. I enjoy listening to it alone and with friends in person.

16. Who is the most underrated musician?
Kishi Bashi

17. What artists have you met in person?
The Head and the Heart, Of Monsters and Men, Ben Lee

18. If you could go back in time and meet any musician, who would it be?
Nina Simone

19. What advice would you give to a budding musician?
Call me; I'll be your agent.