Looking Ahead To This Weekend's Sloss Music & Arts Festival March 20, 2017 01:55

Photo by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography

Share this post from our Facebook page and tag a friend in the comments for a chance to win a pair of GA Tickets + a framed SlossFest poster from The Beveled Edge.  The Beveled Edge will be on site framing posters all weekend.  

These is no question that the music scene in Birmingham, AL is currently thriving as much as any city in the country.  With longstanding venues such as Oak Mountain Amphitheater, Alabama Theatre, Sloss Furnace, WorkPlay, and Zydeco, you wouldn't think there would be much need for more. The continuous growth across the city has more than warranted new venues such as Iron City and Saturn, as well as the restoration of the historic Lyric Theatre. On top of the existing presence of live music on any given night, Birmingham is also the home of one of the newest major music events in the country, Sloss Music & Arts Festival. 

Without spoiling all of the details, Sloss Music & Arts Festival is a two-day music and lifestyle event that takes place at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday, July 14th and Sunday, July 15th, 2018. The complete lineup can be found on the graphic listed below.  As we prepare for what is sure to be an epic weekend, we're listing off a handful of reasons why you simply don't want to miss SlossFest 2018.  

As part of our SlossFest preview coverage, we're giving away two General Admission weekend passes to one lucky winner.  In addition, the winner will also take home an official framed SlossFest poster from The Beveled Edge, who will be on site all weekend. To enter this contest, you must share this post directly from the Live & Listen Facebook page and tag a friend in the comments section of the post.  Make sure that your Facebook privacy settings are designated to 'public', so we can see that you shared the post on our end  A winner will be announced on Friday, July 13th.

Click Here: Purchase SlossFest Tickets Today!

SlossFest is a celebration of the unique, creative culture that makes life in Birmingham so unique.  In just four short years, SlossFest has established itself as a major national event, which features many of the biggest names on the music festival circuit, while also providing a tremendous opportunity for so many promising up-and-coming acts. 40 bands on 4 stages in one centralized Birmingham location.  What more could you ask for?

This year's lineup is anchored by Canadian indie rockers Arcade Fire, as well as singer/songwriters Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell. The Birmingham-born talent will be featured early and often, most notably with the local legends St. Paul & The Broken Bones, as well as alt-rockers Moon Taxi, which features multiple band members who are also natives of the Iron City. Expect a powerful blend of American rock from The War on Drugs, while bands like Rainbow Kitten Surprise should provide a unique take on modern indie rock. Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy is another performer who we expect to gain high praise from the Birmingham faithful. 

While much of the hype surrounding many other festivals of this nature points toward the jam rock, folk, indy, and alternative acts, SlossFest will feature a healthy serving of major names from the electronic and hip hop scenes. This year's lineup will feature the likes of GRiZ, Vic Mensa, Louis The Child, Jai Wolf, Hippie Sabotage, amongst others.  

Every major festival must have the major national names from across the musical spectrum to anchor the lineup, but filling those open daytime spots with the right acts is just as important.  You never know what point in the day might be your most ideal moment, where you find yourself watching a new band who becomes the best surprise of the weekend.  We're confident that you'll find just that with local performers such as Taylor Hunnicutt, Will Stewart, Dead Fingers, and Captain Kudzu this weekend.

While there will be more than enough music to keep you entertained, you can't forget that SlossFest is a true music and arts festival.  Many of Birmingham's most vibrant live painters, visual artists, and specialists from all elements of the local artist community will be on site showcasing their work and helping create the festival scene. 

Whether you're looking for a certain food truck, a funky clothing boutique, or even special handmade jewelry, SlossFest will feature a massive roster of vendors from across Alabama and beyond.  As this festival continues to grow, the list of vendors has increased and one could spend much of the weekend simply shopping and supporting the various traveling businesses if they had enough time.  One of our favorite local vendors, The Beveled Edge, will be selling a variety of posters from different shows, while also providing on-site framing for official SlossFest posters.

Starr Hill Brewery will be on site with their Craft Works area this year.  Located directly next to the beer garden, Starr Hill will be showcasing beers exclusively available in the All Access area.  As one of the most award-winning craft breweries on the East Coast, Starr Hill Beer was made for live music.

The Piggly Wiggly Craftly Beerly Garden will showcase a variety of the finest craft breweries from the great State of Alabama, as well as the Southeast!  Whether you're a fan of the malt or the hops, this beer garden will have something for everyone.  Entry to the tent is free for all guests ages 21 and older, and each brewery represented will be available for purchase at participating Piggly Wiggly stores.

Click Here: Purchase SlossFest Tickets Today!

Check out the official highlights from SlossFest 2017 here: 

Kick Off Your Weekend With The Werks' New Album 'Magic' March 17, 2017 13:42

Widespread Panic Announces Three-Night Red Rocks Run March 17, 2017 11:07

Fool's Paradise Releases Complete Weekend Schedue March 17, 2017 09:31



Photos by Keith Griner: Phierce Photo

Americana Artist Lottie Launches Campaign For Upcoming Album March 16, 2017 17:28

SunSquabi Releases Funky New Single "Dexter" Featuring Nick Gerlach March 16, 2017 14:35

Photo by Jason Siegel Photography

Standing at the forefront of the epicenter of the electro-funk scene, Colorado trio Sunsquabi have championed the thriving genre as one of the culture's integral live acts. In 2016, Sunsquabi took their live show across North America, to festivals from Electric Forest to Camp Bisco, or their local world renowned amphitheater- Red Rocks. Gearing up for a massive 2017, Sunsquabi are kicking off the year with their highly anticipated sophomore EP 'Deluxe' still to come via GRiZ's All Good Records. 

Before the full EP drops, the band are giving us another glimpse of the record with EP cut "Dexter" feat. jam scene staple Nick Gerlach out today. Yet another laid-back funk production, "Dexter" sees Sunsquabi fuse both organic and electronic instrumentation through the use of synth, drum kits, keyboard, guitar strums, Gerlach on saxophone, and more. An ample follow up to the EP's thriving first singles "Pygmy Up" Feat. Russ Liquid, and "Cinnamon" Feat. Late Night Radio, "Dexter" will be an insta-favorite among fans of a more classic jam based Sunsquabi sound. 

Looking ahead to the remainder of 2017, anticipate additional tracks from the full 'Deluxe' EP prior to the project's full release. In addition, fans will be able to catch the Sunsquabi experience live at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, a return to Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado, Summer Camp Music Festival, and a series of North America tour dates outlined below. Stay tuned for additional updates to come and pick up your copy of "Dexter" here.

Listen to SunSquabi's new single "Dexter" here:

SunSquabi returns to Alabama for an evening at Tuscaloosa's Druid City Music Hall on Friday, April 21st!

SUNSQUABI TOUR DATES
Mar 24- Blue Moose Tap Room -Iowa City, IA
Mar 25- Bottom Lounge- Chicago, IL
Mar 31- Brooklyn Bowl- Las Vegas, NV
Apr 13- The Bottleneck- Lawrence, KS
Apr 14- Club Dada- Dallas, TX
Apr 15- Empire Control Room- Austin, TX
Apr 16- Empire Control Room & Garage- Austin, TX
Apr 21- Druid City Music Hall- Tuscaloosa, AL
Apr 23- 420 Sweetwater Festival- Atlanta, GA
Apr 26- The Broadberry- Richmond, VA
Apr 28- Higher Ground- South Burlington, VT
Apr 29- American Beauty NYC- New York, NY
Apr 30- Wonder Bar- Allston, MA
May 03- El Club- Detroit, MI
May 04- The Miramar Theatre- Milwaukee, WI
May 06- Red Rocks Amphitheater- Morrison, CO
May 26- Summer Camp Music Festival- Chillicothe, IL
Aug 03- Werk Out Music Festival- Thornville, OH

Find Tickets HERE

A three-piece suit, live electronic experience. Hailing from Colorado, SunSquabi has been picking up steam after a breakout year in 2016, marked by their debut release on GRiZ’s All Good Records. The bands 7-track EP “Odyssey” takes listeners through a laidback electronic, funk fueled journey. Joining the band on their latest EP, Big Gigantic & GRiZ himself lend their talents to the project. Continuing to shatter expectations of what a “Live-Electronic” band should be, SunSquabi effortlessly transitions between synth-bass heavy vibes to smooth jam-like grooves.

SunSquabi spent the better part of 2016 touring across North America making debut appearances and show stealing performances at festivals including… Electric Forest, High Sierra, Camp Bisco, Hulaween & more! The live-electronic trio is gearing up for their biggest year yet, including stops at Red Rocks, Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas and their largest headline tour to date!

2017 will see SunSquabi’s second release on All Good Records, The “Deluxe” EP, out later this Spring. “Pygmy Up” the lead single featuring Russ Liquid was released at the top of year, followed by “Cinnamon” with Late Night Radio. Look out for the “Deluxe” EP to pick up where “Odyssey” left off and continue to solidify the SunSquabi sound.

Joe Russo's Almost Dead: An Experience Like No Other March 16, 2017 10:39

Words by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

After having a few days to rest, travel, and recover, it only seems right to sit down and reflect on the unforgettable experience I had this past weekend.  Joe Russo's Almost Dead played its first ever show at Brooklyn Bowl on January 26th, 2013 for what was thought to be a one-time-only special occasion.  The show was born as a result of "The Freaks List," an NYC-based email list which would throw an annual event at Brooklyn Bowl.  For the 2013 event, The Freaks requested that Joe Russo, Marco Benevento, Dave Dreiwitz, and Scott Metzger switch things up from their regular existing Led Zeppelin tribute (Bustle In Your Hedgegrow) and instead perform the music of the Grateful Dead.  Russo would then recruit renowned guitarist Tom Hamilton to complete the five-piece lineup.

Once this month's JRAD Brooklyn Bowl residency was announced, I decided that there was no excuse not to travel to New York for the first weekend.  After attending LOCKN' Festival last August and catching my first two JRAD sets, seeing them again has been a top priority.  Thursday night marked the band's 100th show, and walking into that venue for the first time is a feeling that I'll never forget.  I'm going to do my best to run through each night's setlist and provide some select video footage, but as many already know, these guys throw in more teases, reprises, and flat out curve balls than anyone you'll find. 

Those familiar with "Beat It On Down The Line" know those first five beats that kick off the song.  In honor of the band's 100th show, BIODTL opened up the show with 100 beats before busting into the Dead classic. The set continued with fiery takes on "Bertha," Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried" and "Help On The Way" > "Slipknot."  While the Dead would normally segue into "Franklin's Tower," JRAD is no ordinary Dead tribute.  An extended "Throwing Stones" jam had me convinced that was where we were headed, until "New Minglewood Blues" busted into full effect.  The always beautiful "Ramble On Rose" would follow, providing a nice sing-a-long, which is always good for the soul.  The first set ultimately closed with the band's first ever live original, "Keeping It Simple."  If you can find a band of this magnitude that debuts its first original at its 100th show, I would love to hear about it. 

Watch JRAD perform its first ever live original "Keeping It Simple" here:

The second set kicked off with one of my all time favorites, "The Music Never Stopped."  This was just one of the many times that guitarist Scott Metzger truly shined. While each band member had countless moments throughout the weekend, it blows my mind how well Metzger emulates Bobby (Weir).  From the style of play to overall demeanor/vocals, he has truly mastered his role in the band.  A lengthy jam on Jimi Hendrix's "Third Stone From The Sun" and "Music Never Stopped Reprise" provided for some truly wild improvisation, and just when I was thinking we were headed for a "Wharf Rat," Hamilton led a perfect transition into "Row Jimmy," which ultimately flowed into "Crazy Fingers."  Metzger shined yet again throughout "Estimated Prophet," and the "Jack Straw" > "Morning Dew" which closed out the show was simply perfect.  It never ceases to amaze me how thorough the Dead's catalog is. That, coupled with JRAD's creative spin, makes every night feel like a "greatest hits" set.

Those who have attended multi-night runs with one of their favorite bands know the level of excitement upon arriving at the venue each night.  Walking back into Brooklyn Bowl for night two was exciting, to say the least, and there was much anticipation for what was to come.  Hamilton led the band through a rocking "Don't Ease Me In" to open things up, before a cover of "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)" had us all dancing and singing along.  I couldn't help but feel like this was an appropriate nod to International Woman's Day, but who knows.  A lengthy jam ultimately led into "China Cat Sunflower," and while the Dead would normally move straight into "I Know You Rider," JRAD went with "Feel Like A Stranger."  After a brief moment to regroup, the band fired into "Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodleoo," which had an especially sentimental aspect for me.  Something about the lines, "Hello baby, I'm gone, goodbye. Farewell to you old southern skies, I'm on my way" really hits home.  While JRAD doesn't follow all of the Dead's traditional pairings, a perfect take on "Lost Sailor" > "Saint Of Circumstance" closed out the first set in epic fashion. The lengthy "Terrapin" jam during "Saint of Circumstance" left even more anticipation for set two.

Watch a clip from "Saint of Circumstance" here: 

The rocking vibe picked right back up as "Greatest Story Ever Told" started off the second set, and what seemed to be a transition into "Black Throated Wind" eventually led into the band's first cover of Led Zeppelin's "Moby Dick" since April of 2015.  This one flowed beautifully into a "Music Never Stopped Reprise," which was yet another JRAD debut.  Hamilton slowed the pace a bit as he led the way through "Candyman," before all five band members chimed in for a flawless, upbeat take on "Uncle John's Band."  The debuts continued with a "Stella Blue" jam, and the "He's Gone" that followed threw me for a major loop as they teased the theme song from the Netflix hit series "Stranger Things."  You could hear "The Wheel" coming from a mile away, and it certainly didn't disappoint.  After a lengthy tease of "St. Stephen," the band worked through the always soothing "So Many Roads," just before "Sugar Magnolia/Sunshine Daydream" just about lit the place on fire and closed out the set.  The encore started in classic Dead form with "Ripple," which was followed by the first "U.S. Blues" since JRAD's first show in January of 2013.  You can imagine the crowd reaction when those opening notes hit.

Watch a clip from "Sunshine Daydream" here: 

While the idea of a three-night run was once intimidating, it's damn near impossible to pass up the opportunity these days.  While there are a million other things one could get into while visiting New York City, my friends and I had unfinished business at the Bowl. This was no easy ticket to find either.  The lowest price on the secondary market was right at $200 including fees, and you just knew that it was a special night.  This set started off with more serious exploration before dropping into a "Cassidy" > "Let It Grow Jam" > "Born Cross Eyed Jam."  It's moments like this where this band truly transcends the "tribute" aspect.  These extended teases, jams, whatever you want to call them...they will keep any Dead fan engaged and paying attention to every note.  The anticipation built throughout this level of improvisation is what separates this band from just about any other, for me personally.

Before we get too off track, "Tennessee Jed" was up next, and Tom Hamilton and Marco Benevento had a hell of a lot of fun with it.  Benevento's lengthy solo even contained a nice rendition of "chop sticks" that had the entire room laughing.  Metzger then busted out "Chuckles," an original from the WOLF! catalog, which made for yet another JRAD debut.  Finding a way to work in The Champs' "Tequila" is never a bad idea, and why not work it back into a "Chuckles Reprise"?  Next, came a great cover of Johnny Cash's "Big River," and the "Box of Rain" that followed couldn't have been placed any more perfectly.  One of Jerry Garcia's finest, "Althea," was played to perfection, and the "Throwing Stones" that I was waiting for all weekend closed the set with a bang, to say the least.  No matter where you stand in the political spectrum, this one is as powerful as ever considering our current climate. 

Watch JRAD perform "Throwing Stones" here:

The weekend's final set started off smokin' hot with "Deal" > "Good Lovin'," and it's absolutely worth noting that "Good Lovin'" contained a lengthy jam on Olivia Newton-John & John Travlota's "Summer Nights" from the 1978 hit film Grease.  A "Good Lovin' Reprise" then transitioned to Led Zeppelin's "Heartbreaker" (another JRAD debut). "Cumberland Blues" made for some great late night foot stomping and even featured another "Slipknot" tease, before Hamilton absolutely ripped into "Terrapin Station."  Midway through this masterpiece came a jam on "The Other One," and the remaining layers of the "Terrapin Suite" were as much as we could have asked for.  Fingers were crossed for a "One More Saturday Night" encore, and while nearly nothing is predictable about this band, I couldn't have been more pleased to get that one right.  

Those who made it this far through this article have most likely experienced JRAD in some shape or fashion.  Having grown up listening to the Grateful Dead, and taking a special interest in the Benevento/Russo Duo in high school, this band had my attention with its inception nearly four years ago.  Ever since catching the late night sets at LOCKN' 2016, I haven't been able to stop listening to these guys.  They absolutely stole that weekend for me personally, and that takes nothing away from the performances from Phish, My Morning Jacket, Phil & Friends, and others.  Last weekend at Brooklyn Bowl only reaffirmed that Joe Russo's Almost Dead is one of the most electrifying, creative bands of our time.  They take the music of the Dead, add their own creative touch, and legitimately take things to another level.  This experience with this band in its home venue was one that I'll never forget.  And if you're still reading, keep a close eye on those future tour dates and make JRAD a top priority.

Watch JRAD perform "Good Lovin'" here:

Setlists via Joe Russo's Almost Dead Official Facebook Page

Setlist: Joe Russo's Almost Dead - Brooklyn Bowl - 03.09.17

Set One: BIODTL @, Bertha #, Mama Tried -> Help On The Way -> Slipknot! -> Throwin’ Stones Jam $ -> New Minglewood Blues %, Ramble On Rose, Keeping It Simple ^ 

Set Two: Music Never Stopped & -> Third Stone From The Sun Jam * -> Music Never Stopped Reprise + > Row Jimmy @@ -> Crazy Fingers -> Estimated Prophet -> Jack Straw -> Morning Dew 

@ – 100 Beat – Beat It On Down The Line
# – With a “Shortnin’ Bread” (James Whitcomb Riley) tease (MB)
$ – First Time Played By Almost Dead
% – With Throwin’ Stones Teases / Jams (Band)
^ – Almost Dead Original, Written by JR & TH, First Time Played
& – With an “Ode to Billy Joe” (Bobbie Gentry) Tease (SM)
* – Jimi Hendrix original, First Time Played By Almost Dead
+ – Not played by Almost Dead since Suwannee Hulaween, 10.29.15, a gap of 49 shows
@@ – Proceeded by a significant Wharf Rat Tease / Jam – may become a separate track based on length. Also with a Throwin’ Stones Tease

Setlist: Joe Russo's Almost Dead - Brooklyn Bowl - 03.10.17

Set One: Don't Ease Me In, Women Are Smarter -> China Cat Sunflower  -> Feel Like A Stranger @, Mississippi Half Step -> Lost Sailor -> Saint Of Circumstance #

Set Two: Greatest Story Ever Told $ -> Moby Dick % -> Music Never Stopped Reprise Reprise ^ -> Greatest Story Ever Told Reprise &, Candyman -> Uncle Johns Band -> Stella Blue Jam * -> He’s Gone + -> The Wheel @@ -> St. Stephen Jam -> So Many Roads ##, Sugar Magnolia/Sunshine Daydream 

Encore: Ripple $$ (TH) > US Blues %%

• @ – With an “Apache” (Jerry Lordan) Tease (MB)
• # – With a Terrapin Jam (may become a separate track), Ruben & Cherise Teases (TH) & an “Eleanor Rigby” (The Beatles) Tease (TH)
• $ – With a Black Throated Wind Jam (may become a separate track)
• % – Unfinished (no drum solo). Led Zeppelin Cover, not played since 2015-04-22 First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, a gap of 79 shows
• ^ – First Time Played by Almost Dead, included lyrics
• & – Not played since 2015-02-17 State Theater, Portland, ME, a gap of 84 shows
• * – First Time Played by Almost Dead, included a short He’s Gone Jam
• + – With a “Stranger Things” (Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein from the band Survive) tease (MB). Yes, the Netflix series Stranger Things.
• @@ – With “The Simpsons Theme” (Danny Elfman) teases (SM & DD) & Terrapin Teases (TH & MB)
• $$ – Not played since 2015-12-31 The Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA, a gap of 42 shows
• %% – Not played since 2013-01-26 Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn, NY, a gap of 100 shows. Dave broke a string on the Alembic & played his Gibson SG

Setlist: Joe Russo's Almost Dead - Brooklyn Bowl - 03.11.17

Set One: Jam @ -> Cassidy # -> Let It Grow Jam ->
Born Cross Eyed Jam $ -> Tennessee Jed %  -> Jam %% -> Chuckles ^ -> Tequila & -> Chuckles Reprise ^ -> Big River > Box Of Rain, Althea (TH) * > Throwing Stones (SM)

Set Two: Deal > Good Lovin + -> Summer Nights Jam @@ -> Good Lovin’ Reprise -> Heartbreaker Jam ## -> Cumberland Blues $$  -> Terrapin Station -> The Other One Jam -> Terrapin Suite ^^

Encore: One More Saturday Night (SM)

@ – With a China>Rider Transition Jam Tease (TH)
# – Unfinished
$ – With “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” (Bob Dylan) Teases (Band)
% – With a Spoonful Tease (SM) & a lengthy Marco Solo that included “Chopsticks” that could become its own track
%% – With “Big River” teases
^ – WOLF!! Original, First Time Played By Almost Dead
& – The Champs Original, First Time Played By Almost Dead
* – With a “So What” (Miles Davis) Tease (SM) & a full band “All of my Love” (Led Zeppelin) Jam that could become its own track
+ – With a back & forth between Marco & Scott that teased numerous jazz standards including “St. Thomas” (Sonny Rollins) & “Four” (Miles Davis)
@@ – Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta / Grease Soundtrack Original, (AKA Summer Lovin’ – written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey). First Time Played By Almost Dead
## – Led Zeppelin Original, First Time Played By Almost Dead
$$ – With a “Heartbreaker” (Led Zeppelin) Tease (DD) & a Slipknot! Jam (Band)

Dark Star Orchestra Announces Summer Tour Dates March 15, 2017 15:53

Renowned Grateful Dead tribute act Dark Star Orchestra has announced an extensive summer tour, which kicks off on June 24th in Aurora, Illinois and concludes with a two-night run at Pisgah Brewing Company in Black Mountain, North Carolina on August 18th-19th. Festival appearances include Highberry Music Festival in Arkansas and The Peach Music Festival in Scranton, PA. Tickets for most shows will go on sale this Friday, March 17th via DarkStarOrchestra.net.  VIP packages are available for most shows via the band’s website. See below for a complete list of dates, and stay tuned, as the band plans to add more dates moving forward!

Dark Star Orchestra performs shows from among the nearly 2,500 performances of the Grateful Dead during their 30-year tenure as fathers of improvisational rock. On most, though not all of their performances, Dark Star Orchestra presents the complete original set list, song by song, and in order, while adapting their phrasing, voice arrangements and specific musical equipment for the various eras of the Grateful Dead shows in which they perform.

Members of the Grateful Dead themselves, including rhythm guitarist/singer Bob Weir, bassist Phil Lesh, drummer Bill Kreutzmann, vocalist Donna Jean Godchaux, and keyboardists Vince Welnick and Tom Constanten, have all appeared on stage and performed with Dark Star Orchestra. In November 2011, the group played its 2,000th show in Ithaca, NY.

Dark Star Orchestra: 2017 Summer Tour Dates

June 24 Aurora, IL—RiverEdge Park
June 25 Kalamazoo, MI—Bell’s Cafe
June 28 Indianapolis, IN—Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
June 30 Kansas City, MO—CrossroadsKC
July 1 Eureka Springs, AR—Highberry Music Festival
July 28 Hampton Beach, NH—Hampton Beach Casino
July 29 Hampton Beach, NH—Hampton Beach Casino
July 30 Hyannis, MA—Cape Cod Melody Tent
August 1 Utica, NY—Saranac Brewery
August 2 Buffalo, NY—Canalside Buffalo
August 4 Rochester, NY—Frontier Field
August 5 Jay, VT—Jay Peak Resort
August 6 Portland, ME—Maine State Pier
August 9 Washington, DC—The Hamilton
August 10 Pittsburgh, PA—Stage AE
August 11 Scranton, PA—Peach Music Festival
August 14 Dewey Beach, DE—Bottle & Cork
August 15 Dewey Beach, DE—Bottle & Cork
August 17 Glen Allen, VA—Innsbrook After Hours
August 18 Black Mountain, NC—Pisgah Brewing Company
August 19 Black Mountain, NC—Pisgah Brewing Company

moe. Announces Lineup For The Return Of moe.down Festival March 14, 2017 14:35

After 15 years of hosting the annual festival for it's loyal fan base, jam band moe. decided to take a hiatus from the annual event in 2015. Fortunately, this hiatus lasted only two years, and the band has announced the official lineup for moe.down 16 today, which is scheduled for June 30th - July 2nd at Snow Ridge in Turin, NY.  As the host band, moe. will perform a total of seven sets throughout the weekend, while additional headliners include Blackberry Smoke, Fishbone, Railroad Earth, Ryan Montbleau, Twiddle, and Al & The Transamericans.  Additional performers include Hayley Jane and the Primates, Kung Fu, Mike Dillon Band feat. Jim Laughlin, Mister F, Organ Freeman, Ripe, The Black River, The Hip Abduction, and Wild Adriatic.  

moe.down tickets can be purchased today by clicking here.  Head over to the festival's official website for additional details! 

'Hampton 70' Will Feature All-Star Tribute To Col. Bruce Hampton March 14, 2017 11:16

Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

The godfather of the jam scene, Col. Bruce Hampton, will be honored at Atlanta's Fox Theatre on May 1st in honor of his 70th birthday.  This is a serious cast of musicians getting together to pay tribute to a man who's impact on the music scene cannot be overstated.  This concert will benefit The Fox Theatre Institute and other musician focused charities.

Scheduled to appear at Hampton 70: A Celebration of Col. Bruce Hampton’s are Widespread Panic members John Bell, Dave Schools, Duane Trucks and Jimmy Herring, Peter Buck of R.E.M, steel-guitar-man Darick Campbell, renowned saxophone player Karl Denson, Drew Emmitt and Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon, Jon Fishman of Phish, banjo-shredder Rev. Jeff Mosier, guitarist Warren Haynes, Drivin’ N Cryin’ front man Kevn Kinney, Atlanta jazz-staple Johnny Knapp, Chuck Leavell of The Allman Brothers Band and The Rolling Stones, Athens rock-troubadour T. Hardy Morris, 13-year old guitar prodigy Brandon Niederauer, John Popper of Blues Traveler, funk bassist Kevin Scott, keyboardist Matt Slocum, Denny Walley of Frank Zappa fame, gypsymetal guitarist Emil Werstler, Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers, the Colonel’s Sling Blade costar and Oscar- award-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton plus Cy Young winner Jake Peavy, and other special guests.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 17 at 10 a.m. ET via the venue’s website.

Backup Planet Set To Release Sophomore Album 'Reactions' On March 31st March 10, 2017 13:39

BACKUP PLANET--the Nashville-based quartet who write arena-size anthems echoing with progressive intricacy, funk swagger, and even a little metallic edge--today (3/9) have announced their sophomore full-length album, REACTIONS, will be released Friday, March 31.

In support of the album, BACKUP PLANET will hit the road with fellow American rock band The Heavy Pets for a 21-date co-headline tour dubbed “The Heavy Planet Tour,” kicking off March 17 at High Dive in Gainesville, FL with stops in Birmingham, Atlanta, Nashville and Brooklyn, NY at Brooklyn Bowl (presented by RELIX), among others, before wrapping May 4 at Sundown At Granada in Dallas, TX. The band’s upcoming tour will also include solo headlining dates (see full itinerary below). For more information and where to purchase tickets, visit: backupplanetmusic.com/events.

The 10-track REACTIONS album was recorded at Syncromesh Studios in Birmingham, AL with producer Jason Elgin [Collective Soul, Maylene & The Sons of Disaster] and showcases the band’s top-shelf musicianship and songwriting, which is spotlighted in “Little Mingo,” “A Different Life” and another album standout, the haunting and heartfelt “Sublimation,” that conjures up a simmering stew of impressive fretwork, percussion, and towering vocals. BACKUP PLANET--Ben Cooper [keys, vocals], Chris Potocik [drums, vocals], Gavin Donati [guitar, vocals], and Blake Gallant [bass, vocals]--released their full-length debut, Element, during 2015 and have shared the stage with the likes of The Revivalists, Papadosio, and more in addition to headlining countless packed shows. RELIX proclaimed them “On The Verge,” and one fateful gig led to signing with powerhouse management firm Red Light Management [Dave Matthews Band, My Morning Jacket, Dopapod, Phish,].

Ben Cooper (left) and Gavin Donati (right) of Backup Planet // aLive Coverage

Track listing for REACTIONS:

“Reactions”

“A Different Life”

“Bad Man”

“Dearth”

“Lookin’ Up”

“Little Mingo”

“Earth As A Dream”

“Sublimation”

“Waste High Jack”

“All In”

Catch BACKUP PLANET on the road:

^ indicates Backup Planet only shows

Trey Anastasio Dives Deep Into Phish Catalog At Solo Acoustic Show [Video] March 9, 2017 12:49

Phish frontman Trey Anastasio kicked off three-show solo acoustic run on Wednesday night at the Academy of Music in Northampton, MA. The buzz about this show began making the rounds quickly afterwords, as Anastasio worked through acoustic debuts of several tunes, such as "Discern," ""Walfredo," "Brian And Robert," "Steam," and "All Of These Dreams," as well as the newer tunes "Winterqueen," "Miss You," and "More."  There was much interaction between Anastasio and the audience throughout the show, as he provided song histories, commented on song choices, and the classic Trey banter that the Phish faithful all know and love.  The crowd even lent a hand on the absent vocal moments in "Limb By Limb."  

Fortunately, YouTube user aerofan2007 has uploaded and shared full video of the show, which can be streamed in full below.  You can even use the 'next' arrow in the video to scroll through each song throughout the show.  The solo acoustic run continues on Friday night at Troy Savings Bank Hall in Troy, NY on March 10th, and concludes at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH on March 11th.

Watch the entire acoustic show in Northampton, MA here:

Listen to Trey's opening acoustic show in Northampton, MA here:

Setlist: Trey Anastasio (Solo Acoustic) - via Phish.net

Academy of Music - Northampton, MA -  03.08.17

The Werks Announce Initial Lineup For The Werk Out Music & Arts Festival March 9, 2017 12:22

Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions

Veteran jam band The Werks has revealed the initial lineup to the 8th annual The Werk Out Music & Arts Festival at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio on August 3rd-5th.  Quickly becoming one of the most anticipated festival of the summer, The Werk Out consistently features several established national headliners, along with many of the hottest up-and-coming bands from across the festival scene.  Host band The Werks is scheduled to headline all three nights, while additional performers include 

Gramatik, The Floozies, Emancipator, Dopapod (two nights), Dumpstaphunk (featuring Ivan Neville), Future Rock, Zoogma (two nights), Sunsquabi, Big Something, Spafford, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, Jahman Brahman, Joe Marcinek Band, CBDB, Brother's Gow, Subterranean, Electric Orange Peel, and many more to be announced. A collaborative TWERKAPOD: A Tribute to the 90s – Vol. 2 set was also announced following last year’s debut featuring members of The Werks, Dopapod and Twiddle. 

See below for highlights from last year's Werk Out 2016, and make sure to head over to the festival's official website for further details and ticket options.  Stay tuned for future updates and lineup additions!

The Werk Out Music & Arts Festival Initial 2017 Lineup

• The Werks
• Gramatik
• The Floozies
• Emancipator
• Dopapod
• Dumpstaphunk (featuring Ivan Neville)
• TWERKAPOD: A Tribute to the 90s – Vol. 2
• Future Rock,
• Zoogma
• Sunsquabi
• Big Something
• Spafford
• Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
• Jahman Brahman
• Joe Marcinek Band
• CBDB
• Brother’s Gow
• Subterranean
• Electric Orange Peel

Joe Russo's Almost Dead Offers HD Webcasts Of Brooklyn Bowl Residency March 9, 2017 09:55

Photo by Keith Griner: Phierce Photo

Just under four years ago, Joe Russo's Almost Dead made its debut at the famed Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn, New York.  This weekend, the band begins the first of two three-night runs, with tonight's show marking the 100th show for the Grateful Dead-inspired super group.  The usual lineup for Joe Russo’s Almost Dead features drummer Joe Russo, guitarists Scott Metzger and Tom Hamilton, keyboardist Marco Benevento and bassist Dave Dreiwitz. This usual lineup will perform this first weekend's shows (March 9 – 11), while next weekend Dead & Company bassist Oteil Burbridge will sub for Dreiwitz, when Almost Dead returns to Brooklyn Bowl March 16 – 18.

Fortunately for Dead Head nation, JRAD has partnered with nugs.tv to offer full HD webcasts for all six performances.  For all of the specific details and various packages, make sure to head over to the nugs.tv official website.  If you're not yet familiar with JRAD, make sure to check out their scorching take on "Scarlet Begonias" > "Fire On The Mountain" from Brooklyn Bowl on October 5th, 2015 below.  We strongly recommend watching all the way through, in order to catch the absolutely outrageous solo from Benevento.

Watch JRAD perform "Scarlet Begonias" > "Fire On The Mountain" here:

Looking Back: Phish Reunited On This Day In 2009 March 6, 2017 11:54

It's hard to believe that it has been a full eight years, but today marks the anniversary of the first night of Phish's return from a five-year hiatus.  After performing three songs together at the September 2008 wedding of their former tour-road manager, Phish announced that they would perform three reunion shows on March 6, 7, and 8, 2009, at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia.  Following the reunion weekend, the band played thirteen shows of a summer tour, including an inaugural concert at Fenway Park and headlining Bonnaroo 2009 in June with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, along with many others.  Phish has since continued to tour and sell out venues across the country, host three of its own festivals (Festival 8, SuperBall, MagnaBall), and begin annual traditions such as Labor Day weekend at Dick's Sporting Goods Park (Commerce City, CO) and a January destination weekend in Riviera Maya, Mexico.  

Phish’s first public performance since Coventry on August 15, 2004 started with Fluffhead, a song not played since prior to the first hiatus on September 29, 2000 (70 shows). Also of note, several large, white balloons were hung in a circle around the coliseum, lit up by an additional central lighting rig; the balloons (save for a few casualties) would remain for the entire run. Trey introduced Fish as “Dad” during I Didn’t Know. Train Song was not played since May 23, 2000  (111 shows) and Grind was not played since December 30, 1998 (181 shows). During Bouncing, some of the balloons were dripped into the crowd. This show featured the Phish debut of Backwards Down the Number Line. YEM featured a false start possibly as a nod to the January 3, 2003 restarted version. 

Setlist and notes via Phish.net:

See below for multiple videos of Phish performing "Fluffhead" as the opening song:

Joe Russo's Almost Dead Shares Official Recording From Nashville Debut March 2, 2017 15:57

Photo by Keith Griner: Phierce Photo

Joe Russo's Almost Dead recently made a rare appearance in the southeast, with shows at The Music Farm in Charleston, SC and the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN in mid-January.  Fortunately for Deadhead nation, the band has released an official recording of the Nashville show on January 12th.  This performance features many of the "greatest hits" from The Dead's catalog, as well as guest appearances from vocalist Nicole Atkins on "The Music Never Stopped," "Dancing In The Streets," "The Stranger (Two Souls)," and "Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad."  See below to stream the show and view the complete setlist, and head over to JRAD's official website and Facebook page for all of the band's latest updates.

Joe Russo's Almost Dead is Scott Metzger, Tommy Hamilton, Dave Dreiwitz, Marco Benevento & Joe Russo.

Setlist: Joe Russo's Almost Dead - Ryman Auditorium - 01.12.17

Set One: Truckin’ (SM) -> Tennessee Jed @ (TH) -> The Music Never Stopped (SM & NA)> Dancing In The Streets (SM & NA) -> Brown Eyed Women (TH)

Set Two: Help On The Way (TH) -> Slipknot! $ -> Throwing Stones % (SM) -> Dark Star Jam ^ -> Throwing Stones Reprise (SM), The Stranger (Two Souls) (NA) > Let It Grow & (SM) -> He’s Gone (All) > Terrapin Station* (TH)

Encore: Goin’ Down The Road Feeling Bad (All with NA) -> We Bid You Goodnight (Instrumental ending)

• @ – With unknown tease MB
• # – With a “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” (Michael Jackson) Jam (Band)
• $ – TH broke a string
• % – With a Dancin Tease (TH)
• ^ – With a GDTRFB Tease (TH)
• & – With a “Norwegian Wood” (The Beatles) Tease (SM) & a “Kashmir” Jam (SM & Band)
• * – With Ruben & Cherise Teases (MB then Band) an “Eleanor Rigby” (The Beatles) Jam (TH & Band)

Funkify Your Day With Spafford's Latest Live Video March 1, 2017 16:12

If you pay any attention to the jam/festival scene, you've surely heard about the four-piece funk rock act known as Spafford in recent months.  Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Spafford has been making waves across the southwest since forming in 2012, but they since have become one of the hottest bands in the country.  The band is currently in the midst of a major national tour which includes a bunch of dates with Umphrey's McGee, as well as numerous headlining gigs at many of the country's most well known clubs.

Fortunately, Spafford and TourGigs have recently released a pro-shot video for one of the bands newest tunes, "It's A Bunch."  The video was filmed live at The Fillmore in Detroit, Michigan while supporting Umphrey's McGee on February 4th, 2017.  This is some seriously funky stuff, and the hype surrounding this band is more than justified.  Check out the video below and see for yourself!

Watch Spafford perform "It's A Bunch" at The Fillmore (Detroit) here:

Official Bio: Spafford

Spafford is a four piece funk rock act hailing from Phoenix, Arizona. The band is comprised of Brian Moss (Guitar), Jordan Fairless (Bass), Andrew “Red” Johnson (Keys), and Nick Tkachyk (Drums). Refusing to be restricted to any musical boundaries, Spafford seamlessly blends together an eclectic mixture of all of their collective musical experience. The heart of their sound is rooted in deep sonic exploration with a focus on improvisational elements. With jams stretching well beyond the typical structures of their songs, fans have flocked to their live shows to experience the unique energy captured within each performance. A focus on blending genres with a deep foundation of patient groove building has helped craft a sound all their own.

Formed in 2012 by happenstance, the band has been building an organic fanbase in the Southwestern United States through word of mouth ever since. As the secret has gotten out Spafford has moved onto national touring, sharing the stage on a coast to coast tour with jam heavyweights Umphrey’s Mcgee in 2017. Reaching the next level in their ascent in an ever changing jam band landscape, Spafford has risen to the top of the next wave of acts by providing quality improvisation and a truly unique musical experience. Spafford has hit the road full time and is bringing their high energy performances nationwide.

Twiddle Reveals Lineup For 2nd Annual Tumble Down March 1, 2017 12:11

Twiddle will host their Tumble Down Festival at Burlington, VT’s Waterfront Park for the second year, with the host band playing four sets over the weekend and a lineup that includes Fruition, Madaila, Aqueous, Midnight North, Lucid, Strange Machines, Holly Bowling and more.

The festival will also offer up late night shows at Higher Ground and Nectar’s throughout the weekend. On July 28, Everyone Orchestra will hit the stage at Higher Ground with members of Twiddle, Fruition, Midnight North and Holly Bowling. Gang of Thieves and Backup Planet will perform at Nectar’s. The following night, Twiddle’s Mihali & Friends will play a show at Higher Ground while Lespecial and Pitch Blak Bras Band will headline Nectar’s. Tickets to the late nights will be sold separately.

Tumble Down is slated for July 28-29. All ticketing information is available here.

Tumble Down Lineup:

Twiddle (4 sets)
Fruition
Madaila
Aqueous
Midnight North
Lucid
Strange Machines
Holly Bowling
Teddy Midnight
Navytrain
The Mangroves

The Peach Music Festival Announces Monster 2017 Lineup March 1, 2017 11:49

Watch Umphrey's McGee & Greensky Bluegrass Join Forces In Asheville February 27, 2017 23:25

Progressive jam rockers Umphrey's McGee recently teamed up with jamgrass sensation Greensky Bluegrass for their 2nd annual Blue Ridge Rockway series at ExploreAsheville.com Arena in Asheville, NC.  To no one's surprise, there were several collaborations between the two bands, with Paul Hoffman (mandolin) and Anders Beck (dobro) joining Umphrey's on stage both nights.  Hoffman even lends a hand on vocals as the 'supergroup' performed the Marshall Tucker Band classic "Cant You See" during Saturday night's show. Thankfully, the fine folks at TourGigs were there to capture the magic, as can be seen in the pro-shot video below.

Watch Umphrey's McGee perform "Can't You See" with Paul Hoffman & Anders Beck here:

Win Tickets To See TAUK + Maradeen At Zydeco (3/6) February 27, 2017 21:02

 

Gov't Mule Confirms New Album + "Come What May" Tour Dates February 27, 2017 15:17

Ween Reveals Summer Tour Dates February 27, 2017 14:49

Alternative jam rock band Ween has revealed its 2017 tour dates, which include a total of 10 shows between June 2nd and July 16th.  The festivities begin in Royal Oak, MI (June 2nd) and continue with stops in Baltimore (June 4th), Brooklyn (June 6th-7th), Cooperstown (June 9th), and Portland, ME (June 10th). After nearly three weeks off, the band will wrap up this summer run with shows in Bend, OR (July 1st), Seattle (July 2nd), and Missoula, MT (July 16th).

A pre-sale for tickets begins tomorrow, Tuesday, February 28 at 10 a.m. local venue time via this link [Password: mollusk]. Regular tickets on sale begins this Friday, March 3 at 10 a.m. local venue time. See below for a complete list of tour dates. For more information, head over to the band's official website.

Watch Ween's night two performance at LOCKN' 2016 here:

The String Cheese Incident Announces Summer Tour Schedule February 27, 2017 14:25