The Last Waltz Ensemble brought their talents to Auburn on Thursday night at Bourbon Street.

The Bourbon Street Bar regulars from Atlanta, which consist of Kris Gloer (guitar, vocals), Mark Kramer (acoustic guitar, vocals), Benji Shanks (stunt guitar), Eric Reed (bass, vocals), Jason Fuller (keyboards, vocals) and Kevin Rustchman (drums), came with two others in tow this night. Efrem Towns (trumpet) and Kevin Harris (tenor saxophone) from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band joined the sextet to add their New Orleans swank.

The ensemble is known for incorporating other musicians from around the southeast, but having the two members from the horn section of Dirty Dozen Brass Band, brought a whole new element to their timeless covers.

The Last Waltz Ensemble promotes themselves as “progressively playing the music of Bob Dylan and The Band,” and it’s easy to see the progression they bring to that music.

They took the stage just shy of midnight and greeted the anticipating crowd with The Band’s “The Shape I’m In.” They bring a new meaning to the words cover song by speeding things up and adding their own twist, not to mention adding the horn section for this show.

Their stage presence was ever entertaining. They may look like your dads, but when it comes to putting on a show, they still know how to party.

They performed Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” and rounded out their first set with The Band’s “Ophelia,” leaving the crowd only wanting more.

Their passion for their set list can be clearly heard. They are like a jam band with purpose.

You can catch the band at River Jam Fest in Arkansas this August or see other tour dates at houndog.net/lastwaltz.

Audience Reaction:

“I love them. I really like the horn section; it adds a lot of flavor. It brings a whole new feel.” – Dylan Weaver


“I’m glad that Auburn is finally seeing some decent music.” – Kelly Shearer


“Their cultural music makes it worthwhile to come out on a Thursday night.” – Adam Hodges