In 1969, Jerry Garcia wanted an outlet to play pedal steel and John “Marmaduke” Dawson was looking to get his songs out to the San Francisco music scene and general American public. This was the evolution of the New Riders of the Purple Sage and they have trotted onward like cowboys on horseback ...view article
Tucked away between cornfields, off of the Illinois river, a gathering of sweet vibes and phenomenal music took place Memorial Day weekend. Several hours away from Chicago across from the scenic yet then flooded river bank, Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe Illinois held home to this festival. Summer ...view article
A studio album from a band that thrives on live performances can cut both ways. On the one hand, they’re chock-full of tight, compact songs that benefit (for good or bad) from multi-layered studio production values. (What would the Grateful Dead’s “Terrapin Station” be without its eerie, ...view article
When we woke up at the hotel Sunday morning it was raining hard. It looked like it had been raining all night. When we left the festival the previous evening things were really muddy, and we figured it was going to be even worse today. We checked the schedule and saw that things were getting ...view article
Traveling to the smack dab middle of America the weekend Camp Euforia was held made the state of Iowa surprisingly refreshing. Having a festival under the vast open plains and between the rows of corn made this flat land a thrill. Bumping music creatively flowed from a variety of artists including ...view article
Although the newest offering from Del McCoury offers a few surprises in the songlist, it offers a treasure trove of flawless musicianship from one the world’s tightest and most talented groups. At this point in history The Del McCoury Band is, and has been for quite some time, the benchmark ...view article
With a brisk start to November in Chicago, a crowds outside the House of Blues barred the chilly winds for a late night party. Conspirator, featuring Aron Magner and Marc Bownstien of the Disco Biscuits as well as BoomBox, a breakthrough duo featuring Russ Randolph and Zion Rock Godchaux. These bands ...view article
The 22nd Annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam began as an opportunity for local Asheville area bands to jam. Originally, the money raised would go to various charities. As the event grew in size Warren settled on Habitat for Humanity because he could see where the money was going.
What is it about certain bands that inspire fans to travel insane distances while on tour? Catching as many shows as they can possibly see in a limited amount of time? Some of my friends and family often question why I do it, why fly or drive thousands of combined miles to see the same band play ...view article