Photo Credit: Josh Frances

On Saturday, June 29, Guster resumed its touring schedule after a two-week break from the stage. The band’s initial weekend appearance occurred at The Green at Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vt., representing a home state gig for members Ryan Miller and Luke Reynold. Adding to the night’s highlights was an unannounced appearance by Bonny Light Horseman member and area-native Anaïs Mitchell. 

During the performance, billed as an all-Guster affair, the alt-rockers welcomed some esteemed and high-powered help. The night took an unexpected turn when Mitchell took the stage, singing Tom Petty’s “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” with Miler, ultimately embodying the same spirit as Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks’ Bella Donna recording. The collision of Guster and the Bonny Light Horseman orbits was bound to occur, given Josh Kauffman’s producer credit on the band’s latest LP, 2024’s Ooh La La. 

The following day, Sunday, July 2, Guster appeared at Capitol Groove in Hartford, Conn., where torrential rain poured down on the final day of the festival gathering. Seemingly unbothered and ready to rock, Guster delivered their festival slot, carved out by Miller’s puddle stomp adjacent to the crowd, during the band’s delivery of “Doin’ It By Myself.” See the referenced photo below via the band’s official Instagram account.