Alan Sparhawk with Trampled by Turtles — Heaven (Live at The Fitzgerald Theater)

Why It Matters

The collaboration highlights cross-genre appeal and artist visibility through a high-profile live setting, offering fans a distinctive, emotionally driven interpretation that can broaden audience engagement. Intimate live recordings like this can boost streaming interest and strengthen both artists’ reputations for authentic performance.

Summary

Alan Sparhawk joined bluegrass band Trampled by Turtles for a live performance of “Heaven” at the Fitzgerald Theater, delivering a sparse, intimate rendition focused on themes of loneliness and longing. The short set centers on simple, direct lyrics—“It’s a lonely place… If you’re alone, I want to be there with the people that I love”—with call-and-response phrasing that underscores emotional connection. The collaboration blends Sparhawk’s plaintive vocal delivery with Trampled by Turtles’ acoustic backing, creating a subdued yet resonant live moment. The performance emphasizes mood over spectacle, inviting listeners into a contemplative space.

Original Description

Watch Alan Sparhawk with Trampled by Turtles perform "Heaven" at The Fitzgerald Theater

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Alan Sparhawk joined forces with fellow Duluth band Trampled by Turtles on a new album, called 'Alan Sparhawk with Trampled by Turtles,' released May 30, 2025. The collaboration was a project born organically out of support and friendship, as Sparhawk navigated loss and grief.

Alan Sparhawk and Trampled by Turtles celebrated their 2025 collaborative album with a heartfelt performance at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul on Dec. 11, 2025. The Current captured the entire show on video and will release it in full on Friday, May 29, to mark the one-year anniversary of ‘Alan Sparhawk with Trampled by Turtles.’ Watch a performance of "Heaven" above.

Musicians

Alan Sparhawk – vocals, guitar

Dave Simonett – guitar, lead vocals, harmonica

Tim Saxhaug – bass, backing vocals

Dave Carroll – banjo, backing vocals

Erik Berry – mandolin, backing vocals

Ryan Young – fiddle, backing vocals

Eamonn McLain – cello, backing vocals

Torey Erin – Projections

Credits

Producers – Evan Clark

Audio – Josh Sauvageau

Video – Evan Clark

Camera Operators – Will Keeler, Aaron Ankrum, Christian Ankrum

Graphics – Natalia Toledo

Digital Producers – Natalia Toledo

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