Strangefolk has spent the past year off the road while founding guitarist Jon Trafton undergoes chemotherapy treatments. But, Friday, Trafton reunited with his bandmates for a special one-off gig at Portland, MEs The Big Easy. Opening with Sweet NE, Strangefolk ran through a number of compositions including All the Same, Windowseat, Devils Road, Drill and Take it Easy on Me. Boasting a setlist written by Trafton, and drawn from fan feedback, Strangefolks performance was inspired, to say the least, particularly Entitled, which closed out the groups first set. Nodding to the groups celebratory spirit Strangefolk also tossed a bit of The Grateful Deads Touch of Grey within Livin’ it Out at the start of its second set. While the groups ability to rehearse together was limited, the band used modern technology prepare for its performance. Trafton compiled CDs of and sent them to his bandmates in order to gear them up for the one-off gig.

Trafton is currently at home in California preparing for another round of chemotherapy treatments. We at Jambands.com wish him the best and hope to see a more extensive Strangefolk tour this spring. Also, be sure to check out site editor Dean Budnicks recent interview with Trafton below.