"I look up at blue sky of perfect lost purity and feel the warp of wood of old America beneath me." An influential passage from "October in the Railroad Earth," written by Jack Kerouac, sums up the exultant vibe of Saturday night's Railroad Earth show at the Pageant.

Railroad Earth's Winter Tour 2012 makes a stop at the Pageant.

Under the increasingly-crowded shade tree of a small hill, the 80-degree weather and cool breeze perfectly matched the sounds drifting from the side speakers. Such was the scene of my introduction to Railroad Earth four years ago.

Railroad Earth is perhaps best known for its vast array of influences which include bluegrass, jazz, classic rock and traditional Irish, just for starters.

Progressive bluegrass band Railroad Earth performed at the Pageant in St. Louis on Friday night. All photos by Joanna Kleine.