People have been talking about them for weeks, and now they’re here. Trampled By Turtles is playing tonight at the Yacht Club with opening act, The Boomchucks.

Trampled By Turtles has the classic bluegrass sound where you wonder if sparks will fly from the fiddle or if the banjo and mandolin players’ fingers will ignite, sending the venue up in flames. Invoking the pokiness of turtles is deceiving for the often speed-driven Duluth band.

Since 2003, TBT has recorded in settings ranging from a Catholic church to a desolate mining town, played basements to major festivals, worked with producer Rich Mattson (Ol’ Yeller, The Glenrustles) and cellist/violinist Jesse Greene (Wilco, The Jayhawks), and found a comfortable spot in the top 10 of Billboard’s bluegrass chart. Though they are generally discussed as an alt-bluegrass band, they are often noted for blurring the lines between bluegrass, folk and all forms rock.

After seven years, four albums, one live EP, and endless touring, the band is set to release its fifth studio effort, Palomino, on April 13, 2010. Iowa City folk can hear new songs tonight at the Yacht Club.

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Download: Trampled by Turtles – Empire

Who:Trampled By Turtles with The Boomchucks
When:Tonight at 9pm
Where:Iowa City Yacht Club
Cover:$10