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

The Cambridge Room, in the Dallas House of Blues, may be the most intimate venue around.  With a capacity of 250, and stuffed couches around the perimeter, it feels like you’re watching your favorite band in your own living room.  I was fortunate enough to catch Cornmeal there last Wednesday.  ...view article

Traveling down the winding one way streets in the town of Elgin, IL; to the hip, venue- bar in the downtown area called Mad Maggie's. Family Groove Company played there Friday evening thundering music through the streets. The Chicago based band drew attention to this city's suburbia, a reverse transit ...view article

Grace Potter is a lot more than just a pretty face.  She’s the complete package:   she has a strong voice with a big range, is a superb keyboard player and guitarist, and has the looks, stature and confidence of a super model.  She's a blues/rock force to be reckoned with.  Her band, the Nocturnals, ...view article

The 3^rd annual Head Jamz Music Festival began at the same time a massive heat wave rolled through the States with temperatures soaring over 100 degrees. The humidity that accompanied the opprobrious heat wave was beastly and for those who have been to music festivals in Tennessee, you’ll ...view article

On Thursday, Summer Camp Music Festival kicked off the 12^th edition in fine fashion.  The pre-party has come to be a showcase for Chicago bands, and yesterday featured Zmick, Van Ghost, Family Groove Company, Digital Tape Machine and Cornmeal, all from Chicago.  Also, to end the day ...view article

The Summer Camp Pre-Party kicked off yesterday with a bang, definitely not a wimper.  The weather was nice, a little cool and no rain.  However, there was a little evidence of previous showers; small puddles and a little mud.  Checking in at the festival was super easy, and very well organized.  ...view article

On Wednesday, Mumford & Sons played their rescheduled Dallas show, the penultimate of the Gentlemen of the Road Tour.  The show was originally scheduled for June 11, however, due to a medical emergency involving bassist, Ted Dwane, several dates including Dallas, were moved to the end of the tour.  ...view article