Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
- From 6:30 PM
Sam Grisman Project at Garcia’s Chicago: Acoustic Roots and What to Know
The Sam Grisman Project draws on music Sam Grisman encountered growing up around his father David Grisman’s home studio in Mill Valley, California. At Garcia’s Chicago on Friday, Nov. 13, that history informs an acoustic performance by a rotating collective—not a fixed Chicago lineup or a published set list.
A repertoire shaped by listening
Sam Grisman is a bass player and bandleader. His father, David Grisman, is a mandolinist, composer and producer who hosted recording sessions and rehearsals at home. The musicians Sam recalls encountering there include Doc Watson, Jerry Garcia, John Hartford, Mike Seeger and Tony Rice. That background helps explain why the project is framed around music passed between musicians and its influence on a new generation, rather than as a tribute to a single artist.
Sam has singled out the early-1990s recordings his father made with Jerry Garcia in the house where he grew up. He has also described the appeal of hearing musicians work across original songs, covers and traditional or old-time tunes. The project says its repertoire includes beloved material alongside original music by its members. That describes its broader approach, not a confirmed set list for this Chicago show.
Further reading: Sam Grisman Project | About the Rotating Acoustic Collective — SAM GRISMAN PROJECT ↗ · Sam Grisman Project — Garcia's Chicago ↗
The collective is larger than the night’s roster
The group’s published roster spans guitarists Max Flansburg, Logan Ledger, Sam Leslie, Henry Moser, Jesse Harper and Jefferson Hamer; mandolinists Dominick Leslie, Joe K. Walsh, Matt Flinner and Jesse Appelman; clawhammer banjo player Victor Furtado; fiddlers John Mailander, Alex Hargreaves, Nate Leath, Shad Cobb and Phoebe Hunt; cellist Nat Smith; and Dobro player Todd Livingston. These are members of the rotating collective, not a confirmation of who will perform in Chicago.
The project also frequently collaborates with singer, songwriter and bluegrass pioneer Peter Rowan. Its biography connects that relationship to David Grisman and the Old and In the Way legacy. Rowan’s broader association with the project does not establish an appearance at the Nov. 13 show.
Further reading: Sam Grisman Project | About the Rotating Acoustic Collective — SAM GRISMAN PROJECT ↗ · Sam Grisman Project — Garcia's Chicago ↗
An acoustic setup changes the room’s listening etiquette
For this performance, the band says it uses condenser microphones to amplify acoustic instruments and voices. Garcia’s asks guests to keep conversation for before or after the music, or for the set break. That request is especially relevant in a format where the performers are not relying on a louder electric stage sound to cover the room.
Further reading: Sam Grisman Project — Garcia's Chicago ↗
On the bill
The Friday listing names the Sam Grisman Project as the act. No opener, Chicago-specific musician roster or set list is published for this date.
Friday, November 13, 2026 · Garcia's Chicago
- Sam Grisman Project
Before you go
Friday, Nov. 13: doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 8
The show is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13, 2026. Garcia’s lists doors at 6:30 p.m. and music at 8 p.m.; an end time is not published.
A separate Sam Grisman Project show is listed for Saturday, Nov. 14, also at Garcia’s. It is a different date and event.
Sam Grisman Project — Garcia's Chicago ↗ · Garcia's Chicago ↗ · Garcia's Chicago, Upcoming Events in Chicago on Do312 ↗
A ticket is required; the price is not stated
The supplied event information does not state a ticket price. Online ticket fees apply. The event listing says sales are final, with no refunds or exchanges, and that tickets can be transferred through a Ticketmaster account.
Garcia’s says its ticketed shows require a ticket to enter, dine and drink; this is not a dinner-only visit. The venue identifies Ticketmaster and its own website as official ticket sources.
Sam Grisman Project in Chicago at Garcia's Chicago ↗ · Sam Grisman Project — Garcia's Chicago ↗ · FAQ — Garcia's Chicago ↗
Admission is 18+
Guests must be 18 or older to attend this show. Alcohol purchases are limited to guests 21 or older with valid ID.
The listing includes a dance pit and several seating formats
The event listing identifies a General Admission Dance Pit in front of the stage. Garcia’s describes Premium tables closest to the stage and Reserved tables behind them on the main floor; both have table service and cabaret-style seating, so guests may share a table. Private booths are available for groups of up to six.
General Admission/Standing Room is on an elevated level around the sides of the room, with standing space and easier bar access. The venue describes it as its most affordable option. These are venue descriptions, not a guarantee that a particular ticket type will be available.
Getting to Garcia’s Chicago
West Loop address and transit
Garcia’s Chicago is at 1001 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, near Washington Boulevard and Morgan Street. The venue lists the Morgan Green/Pink Line station about a six-minute walk away, the #20 Madison bus about half a block away and Ogilvie Transportation Center about 0.6 miles away.
Nearby paid garages and lots are available, and the venue partners with SpotHero for advance parking reservations. Use the map links to calculate directions from your starting point.
FAQ — Garcia's Chicago ↗ · Garcia's Chicago, Upcoming Events in Chicago on Do312 ↗
Before you make a plan
What time does the Sam Grisman Project play?
On Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. No end time is published.
Is Peter Rowan confirmed for the Chicago show?
No. The project describes Rowan as a frequent collaborator, but the Nov. 13 event listing does not confirm his appearance.
Sam Grisman Project | About the Rotating Acoustic Collective — SAM GRISMAN PROJECT ↗ · Sam Grisman Project — Garcia's Chicago ↗
Can guests under 21 attend?
Yes, guests must be at least 18 to attend. Alcohol purchases are restricted to guests 21 or older with valid ID.
Is there a ticket price listed?
The supplied event information does not state a price. Online ticket fees apply, and the event listing says all sales are final, though tickets may be transferred through a Ticketmaster account.
Sam Grisman Project in Chicago at Garcia's Chicago ↗ · Sam Grisman Project — Garcia's Chicago ↗ · FAQ — Garcia's Chicago ↗
What public transit serves Garcia’s Chicago?
The venue lists the Morgan Green/Pink Line station about a six-minute walk away, the #20 Madison bus about half a block away and Ogilvie Transportation Center about 0.6 miles away.
Location & Google Maps
Garcia's Chicago
1001 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.