Legendary Artist David Bowie Dies at Age 69 January 11, 2016 07:24

Legendary British singer/songwriter David Bowie has passed away at age 69, after an 18-month battle with cancer.  His son, film director Duncan Jones, confirmed the news via Twitter early this morning, and a statement was issued on Bowie's social media accounts:  "David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief." 

Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all. pic.twitter.com/Kh2fq3tf9m

— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) January 11, 2016

Bowie was an English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, arranger, painter, and actor. He had been a figure in popular music for over four decades, and was known as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s. His androgynous appearance was an iconic element of his image, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s.

Well known for his flamboyant alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, Bowie's other hits include "Let's Dance," "Space Oddity," "Starman," "Modern Love," "Heroes," "Under Pressure," "Rebel, Rebel," "Fame," "Life on Mars," and many more.  Bowie released his latest album Blackstar this past Friday, on his 69th birthday.  The influential singer-songwriter and producer excelled at glam rock, art rock, soul, hard rock, dance pop, punk and electronica during his eclectic 40-plus-year career.  

Thank you for a lifetime of transcending music and memories, Mr. Bowie.

Dave Matthews & Trey Anastasio Jam On "Everyday > Bathtub Gin" :: 12.17.03 January 9, 2016 15:38

In celebration of Dave Matthews' 49th birthday, we're taking a look back on an epic moment from the 2003 Dave Matthews & Friends tour.  In the video footage below, Matthews and Phish frontman Trey Anastasio are seen performing Matthew's hit song "Everyday" followed by the Phish classic "Bathtub Gin" during the encore at Madison Square Garden.  

Dave Matthews & Friends wass an American jam band that was put together for a tour to support Dave Matthews' solo debut, Some Devil. Most of the musicians participated in the album's production.  The band consisted of Dave Matthews (rhythm guitar/lead vocals), Trey Anastasio (lead guitar/vocals), Tim Reynolds (lead guitar), Tony Hall (bass), Brady Blade (drums/backing vocals), and Ray Paczkowski (keyboard).  

Several members of the band have long histories playing together. Matthews and Reynolds met in the 1980s at Miller's in Charlottesville, Virginia, where Matthews was a bartender and Reynolds and his band TR3 played on a regular basis. Matthews and Anastasio likely met on February 5, 1993 at Warren Haynes's Ritz Power Jam, where DMB, Haynes, Anastasio, and John Popper performed "All Along the Watchtower" together. Paczkowski and Anastasio met in Burlington, Vermont and have been playing together in Anastasio's various solo projects since 2001. Tony Hall later joined Anastasio's solo band, Trey Anastasio Band (formerly 70 Volt Parade), in 2005.

After the release of Some Devil, the band went on a 12-stop tour in the winter of 2003 and 2004. The band made its public debut as the musical guest on the November 8, 2003 edition of Saturday Night Live, performing "Save Me" and "So Damn Lucky". They also performed at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival on June 11, 2004, the Vegoose Music and Arts Festival on October 29, 2005, and also headlined a 3-day cruise in February 2006. 

Watch Dave & Trey performing "Everyday > Bathtub Gin" here:

Dave Matthews & Friends :: 12.17.03 :: Madison Square Garden

Set 1: Bartender, Lie in Our Graves, Satellite, Typical Situation, #40, Where Are You Going?, Dancing Nancies

Set 2: Dodo, Trouble, Up and Away, Solsbury Hill, Gravedigger, Up On Cripple Creek, Oh, American Tune, Stay or Leave, Oh, Sister, Some Devil, So Damn Lucky, Hey Bulldog, Grey Blue Eyes, Spanish Moon, Save Me, Sweet Up and Down

Encore: Everyday^[1], Bathtub Gin^[1], Fool In the Rain

[1] Trey and Dave acoustic.

Notes: Emmylou Harris & Spyboy opened. The first set was performed acoustic by Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds (no Trey). “Everyday” and “Bathtub Gin” were performed acoustic by Trey and Dave Matthews. Trey teased “Stash” during the opening sequence to “Dodo.” 

Ticket Giveaway: Roosevelt Collier's All Star Throwdown :: Saturday 1/16 :: Aisle 5 Atlanta January 8, 2016 10:48

Roosevelt Collier's All Star Throwdown W/ Fletcher's Grove Presented by Live Music Daily and Don't Fret Entertainment
Saturday, January 16
9PM // $10 ADV & $15 DOS

Click Here: Purchase Tickets

It's always a pleasure to team up with our friends at Live Music Daily, and this is a lineup we couldn't be more excited about.  Saturday, January 16th will make for an epic throwdown at Atlanta's Aisle 5, and we're giving away a FREE PAIR of tickets to one lucky winner.  Simply share this post from our Facebook page and tag a friend who you would like to take to the show.  We will announce a winner on Monday, January 11th at 5:00 PM.

Photo by Josh Brick Graphics

Roosevelt Collier

Soft-spoken by nature, south Florida-bred Roosevelt Collier does his hollering on the sacred steel guitar. Brought up in the tradition of the House of God Church, Roosevelt built his reputation alongside his uncles and cousins in The Lee Boys, known for their spirited, soul-shaking live performances. Seated front and center, "The Dr." leaves an indelible mark on listeners, flooring audiences with his lightning-fast slide work on the pedal steel. At festivals, he is a regular "Artist at Large," performing alongside many of music's most prestigious acts, from the Allman Brothers, to the Funky Meters, to Los Lobos to the Del McCoury Band. Whether on tour with the Lee Boys, bouncing from stage to stage at festivals, or hosting an allstar get down in Miami, when Roosevelt takes the stage, the ear-to-ear grins can’t help but be contagious.

Joining Roosevelt will be Mark Raudabaugh (Donna the Buffalo), Matt Slocum (Col. Bruce Hampton and The Aquarium Rescue Unit), Kevin Scott (King Baby) and Rick Lollar (King Baby)

Watch Roosevelt Collier, Jeff Sipe, Oteil Burbridge, & Kofi Burbridge jam on "Papa Was a Rolling Stone":

Fletcher's Grove

Known for their high-energy shows, the band mixes pulsating bass lines, dual-guitar solos, and an eclectic percussion section that makes standing still nearly impossible. By maintaining a solid focus on perfecting musical intricacy and creating seamless improvisation, Fletcher’s Grove has captured the imaginations of thousands in the Mountain State and beyond.

Throwback: Talking Heads at The Capitol Theatre (11.04.80 - Full Video) January 7, 2016 16:17

Today we look back on a killer performance from the Talking Heads, recorded live at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey on November 4th, 1980.  This performance boasts arguably the best Heads lineup of all time, featuring original members David Byrne (lead vocals, guitar), Chris Frantz (drums), Tina Weymouth (bass), and Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar), as well as King Crimson guitarist Adrian Belew, Bernie Worrell (keyboards), Busta Cherry Jones (bass), Steve Scales (percussion), and Dollette McDonald (vocals).  

This show occurred just four weeks after the release of the band's fourth studio album, Remain in Light, making much of the material performed brand new.  Many groundbreaking Talking Heads' tunes such as "Once In A Lifetime," "Crosseyed and Painless," "Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)," and "Houses in Motion" were in their freshest stages, having been played live very few times.  This material was a reflection of Byrne's interest in "world music," therefore the band had expanded in order to perform these more complex arrangements.

The album peaked at number 19 on the Billboard 200 in the US and at number 21 on the UK Albums Chart. Two singles were released from Remain in Light: "Once in a Lifetime" and "Houses in Motion" as well as promotional single "Crosseyed and Painless". The record was certified Gold in the US and in Canada during the 1980s.

Watch the full performance here:

Setlist: Psycho Killer, Warning Sign, Stay Hungry, Cities, I Zimbra, Drugs, Once In A Lifetime, Animals, Houses In Motion, Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On), Crosseyed And Painless, Life During Wartime

Encore: Take Me To The River

2nd Encore: The Great Curve

Talking Heads was an American rock band formed in 1975 in New York City and active until 1991. The band comprised David Byrne (lead vocals, guitar), Chris Frantz (drums), Tina Weymouth (bass), and Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar). Former art school students who became involved in the 1970s New York punk scene, Talking Heads integrated elements of punk, art rock, funk, and dance music with avant-garde sensibilities to become a pioneering post-punk and new wave group. Fronted by the anxious stage persona of frontman Byrne, the group produced several commercial hits and a number of multimedia projects throughout its career, and often collaborated with other artists, such as musician Brian Eno and director Jonathan Demme.

A Collection of Michael Houser Interviews and Jams January 6, 2016 14:04

Lettuce Announces 'Fool's Paradise' With GRiZ, Vulfpeck, Chris Robinson's Soul Revue + More January 6, 2016 13:18

Twiddle Announces "Fox To The Rocks: Summer 2016 Colorado Tweekend" January 6, 2016 10:31

Vermont four-piece, Twiddle has announced "Fox to the Rocks: Summer 2016 Colorado TWEEKEND". On Friday, June 3rd, they will perform three very special themed sets at the Fox Theater in Boulder with a full horn section dubbed the Frendly Horns. The following night, they return to the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater appearing with The Disco Biscuits and Ghostland Observatory.
 
Tickets to the Fox Theater show are only available as a package that also includes a ticket to the Red Rocks show. Tickets for the package go on sale on Wednesday, January 6 at 10am MST at http://bit.ly/1Pe88DC. Tickets for Red Rocks only can be purchased on Friday, January 8 at 10am MST at http://bit.ly/1kJvrg0.
 
Twiddle  recently celebrated the release of their acclaimed album, PLUMP, with several sold out shows in Brooklyn, Boston and Burlington. To listen to PLUMP visit www.twiddlemusic.com/plump.

  
 
"Fox to the Rocks: Summer 2016 Colorado TWEEKEND"
Friday, June 3 | Fox Theater – Boulder, CO
Saturday, June 4 | Red Rocks Amphitheater
 
ADDITIONAL TOUR DATES: 
Thursday, February 18| Portland - Port City Music Hall
Friday, February 19 | Providence - Fete Music Hall
Saturday, February 20 | Syracuse - The Westcott Theater
Thursday, February 25 | Buffalo - The Town Ballroom
Friday, February 26 | Clifton Park - Upstate Concert Hall
Saturday, February 27 | New York - Irving Plaza
Friday, March 4-6 | Okeechobee, FL – Okeechobee Music Festival
Thursday, March 10 | Washington, D.C. - The 9:30 Club
Friday, March 11 | Philadelphia - TLA Philly
Saturday, March 12 | New Haven - Toad's Place
Sunday, March 13 | New Haven - Toad's Place

Meeting in the fall of 2004, the founding members of Twiddle immediately recognized creative chemistry. By their second semester at Castleton State University, Mihali Savoulidis and Ryan Dempsey were carefully intertwining harmony and fantasy, birthing band staples like “Frankenfoote” and “Gatsby the Great". Twiddle took Castleton by storm, toured the northeast, and composed a catalog of original music before becoming upperclassmen. 2007 manifested Twiddle’s debut release, The Natural Evolution of Consciousness. This breakout album showcased the band’s eclectic inspirations, imaginative lyrical abilities, and superb instrumentation. Twiddle’s sophomore production, 2011’s Somewhere on the Mountain, delves into the human spirit, speaking to our ambition, grief, and love. Live at Nectar’s (2014), is a double disc live album recorded in August of 2013 at Burlington, Vermont’s Nectar’s. A clear hallmark of their career, Live at Nectar’s truly captures Twiddle in their element, the live experience. 

“…keep an ear open for up-and-coming jam-heads Twiddle.” - Rolling Stone

“…quickly ascending the ranks as one of the most buzzed about bands in the jam scene for good reason.” – Jambase 

ONLINE:
www.TwiddleMusic.com
www.facebook.com/TwiddleJamFunk
Twitter + Instagram: @TwiddleMusic
www.SoundCloud.com/TwiddleMusic

Live & Listen's Phish New Year's Pre/After-Party Guide December 29, 2015 14:10

As we prepare for an amazing four nights of Phish in New York City, it is no secret that an overwhelming amount of after-parties are available as potential landing spots upon leaving Madison Square Garden.  Most are located within simple walking distance of MSG, and the lineups each night could not be more enticing.  Many of the hottest rising acts in the festival scene, such as Snarky Puppy, Dopapod, The New Mastersounds, The Motet, Particle, and Pink Talking Fish (just to name a few), will all be potential options as the massive crowd empties into the streets of Manhattan on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night.  

We've laid out each of the after-parties (as well as a few pre-parties) that we have come across below.  If you're looking for a great place to pre-game and/or watch a free stream of each Phish show, look no further than American Beauty (251 W. 30th Street), who will be serving free pizza with each drink purchased, as well as live music following the Phish stream each night. 

Disco Biscuits: Late Night Sets: 12/30 - 1/2

While not listed as "official" Phish after-parties, you can catch late night sets from The Disco Biscuits each night at the PlayStation Theatre in Times Square.

Click Here: Purchase Tickets

Wednesday, December 30th

Start Making Sense: Talking Heads Tribute

Support from HMFO: Hall & Oates Tribute

Irving Plaza :: Doors @ 11:00 PM

Click Here: Purchase Tickets

Dead & Company Bring Out John Popper of Blues Traveler in San Francisco December 28, 2015 13:22

Photo by John Dreller

Dead & Company took the stage for the first of a four night California New Years Run last night, kicking things off at the Bill Graham Auditorium in San Francisco.  The momentum built by the newly formed Dead-themed supergroup continues to build, as can be seen in the setlist below, courtesy of Deadhandland.com.  Bob Weir and John Mayer maintained a steady rotation on lead vocals, as they seem to prefer, and shared the duty on "Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad" to close the second set.

The evening took a truly special turn when it came time for the encore.  Weir and Mayer both took to their acoustic guitars for a beautiful rendition of "Ripple."  The surprise of the evening came with the band's second encore, as they welcomed John Popper of Blues Traveler for a little help on "Casey Jones" to close out the night.  Mayer took lead vocals on the fan favorite, leaving the electric San Francisco crowd plenty to look forward to as Dead & Co. return for night two on Monday night. The band then heads to The Forum in Los Angeles on Wednesday, 12/30 and Thursday, 12/31.

Watch Dead & Company's "Casey Jones" w/ John Popper via kindlot.com

Dead & Company
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium San Francisco, CA

Set I: Truckin’ > Cold Rain and Snow, Brown-Eyed Women, Black-Throated Wind, Standing on the Moon > Cassidy, U.S. Blues

Set II: Samson and Delilah, Deal > He’s Gone > Estimated Prophet > Eyes of the World > Drums > Space > Black Peter, Goin’ Down The Road Feeling Bad

Enc: Ripple*

Enc 2: Casey Jones^

Notes: *Bob Weir and John Mayer acoustic, ^with John Popper

Source: Deadheadland.com

Runaway Gin - A Tribute To Phish Releases Early Winter 2016 Tour Dates December 28, 2015 12:56

Photo by Amy Boyd: Sense & Color Photography

Runaway Gin - a Tribute to Phish, the world's most active Phish Tribute, played 87 shows in 2015 with quite a few sell-outs including the Hard Rock Cafe Chicago on July 4th after the Grateful Dead. They just announced an early Winter touring schedule that will feature their weekly Sunday Phunday shows in Charleston, SC as well as weekend shows in Columbia, Gainesville, GA, Greenville, SC, Greensboro, NC, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Tampa, Black Mountain, NC, as well as the headlining slot for the Charleston Food and Wine Festival.

Photo by Amy Boyd: Sense & Color Photography

For more info, videos and live recordings visit their website here complete with videos by Lazy Lightning, posters, photos, and setlists.

Here are the dates they have released so far for 2016:

January 22nd New Brookland Tavern - West Columbia, SC  
January 23rd the Mule Camp Tavern - Gainesville, GA  
January 29th the Independent Public Alehouse - Greenville, SC 
February 12th the Blind Tiger - Greensboro, NC
February 13th the Rabbit Hole - Charlotte, NC
February 19th Jack Rabbits - Jacksonville, FL
February 20th Skipper's Smokehouse - Tampa, FL
March 4th Pisgah Brewing Company - Black Mountain, NC
March 6th Charleston Food and Wine Festival - Charleston, SC

Throwback: David Byrne Interviews Phish On Sessions At West 54th December 24, 2015 15:56

Wednesday's "Art Jam" To Feature Will Kimbrough, Grayson Capps, & Corky Hughes In Selma December 22, 2015 16:31

Wednesday, December 23rd is sure to make for another special evening of live music in Selma, Alabama, as the Blackbelt Benefit Group is scheduled to host it's 3rd Annual Art Jam.  Art Jam is an art show/concert at the 100-year-old, 260-seat Walton Theatre in downtown Selma.  Art Jam 2015 will feature live music from Will Kimbrough, Grayson Capps, and Corky Hughes with special guest Dead Fingers.  Many will recognize the three names as members of the South Alabama-based supergroup, Willie Sugarcapps. 

The event began in 2013 and featured the power duo of Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires.  In 2014, the event was headlined by Patterson Hood and The Band of Heathens. This year's event will benefit the Blackbelt Benefit Group's community garden organization, Grow Selma. Several local artists decking the walls of the Striplin Performing Arts Centre, with a silent auction of the live painting from last year, signed by Patterson Hood. An array of Alabama craft beers liquors will be served, adding to the local, homegrown feel of the event. Tickets are $25, doors open at 6:00 PM, and music starts at 7:00 PM.

Blackbelt Benefit Group is a non-profit organization formed in the primary interest of assisting local charities, promoting tourism and providing a variety of entertainment within the Black Belt Region of Alabama.

To accomplish this, BBG focuses their events on many cultural aspects of the region, art, music and food, among others. The end result is a new group of young adults committed to keeping local neighborhoods, schools and parks clean and safe for all to enjoy. BBG likes to boast the amazing architecture and history of Selma and surrounding areas by using revitalized buildings and other places of interest as unique settings for different events. BBG strives to ensure that Selma's community is healthy and growing.

Click Here: Purchase your Art Jam tickets in advance!

Earphunk Releases Initial 2016 Tour Dates December 22, 2015 15:08

New Orleans-based, prog rock outfit Earphunk has released a slew of tour dates for 2016, including shows with the likes of Umphrey's McGee, moe., The New Mastersounds, Papadosio, and Kung Fu.  Christmas weekend in New Orleans will be one to remember, as Earphunk is scheduled for a big hometown show on Saturday night (12/26) at Tipitina's.  The band returns to Austin, TX for New Year's Eve at The Parish.  Early 2016 sees the band through the Southeast (Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Little Rock, Hattiesburg, Baton Rouge, Auburn to name a few) before making their debut at The Tabernacle (Atlanta) in support of veteran jam band moe. on Saturday, January 30th.  The Phunk heads West in February with stops in Denver, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Jackson (WY), Portland, Seattle, Boulder, and many more.  March will see the band through New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and South Carolina, before an appearance at The Major Rager in Augusta, GA alongside The Revivalists, TAUK, and Umphrey's McGee.

Pull out your calendars and make sure to catch these guys in a city near you.  Tickets are available now and can be purchased at Earphunk.com.  For all of the latest info and updates from Earphunk, follow the band on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Phish's 4-Night New Year's Run Webcast At LivePhish.com December 21, 2015 16:38

Phish returns to Madison Square Garden in New York for a four-night New Year's Run to ring in 2016 beginning December 30th. In order to ring in the New Year with everyone, the entire run (including Phish's sold out New Year's Eve three-set performance) will be webcast at LivePhish.com. The band has played thirty-one shows to date at Madison Square Garden since December 1994.

For the first time, Phish is able to offer the New Year's Run in full 1080p HD as well as standard definition. A multi-night pass is available for pre-order now at http://livephi.sh/NYE2015Webcast. If you've got alternate New Year's Eve plans, you can still purchase the LivePhish Webcasts and watch them within a few days from your Stash.

Stay tuned to Live & Listen on Facebook and Instagram for updates from all four nights at MSG!

Click Here: Order Your Phish Webcast Today! 

Wakarusa Music Festival Will Not Return In 2016 December 17, 2015 16:21

On Thursday afternoon, organizers of the longstanding music festival, Wakarusa Music & Camping Festival, announced the the festival will take a hiatus in 2016.  Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival is a four-day music festival held in early June at Mulberry Mountain near Ozark, Arkansas. The festival has been held annually since 2004. Named for the Wakarusa River, the festival was first held at Clinton State Park immediately outside of Lawrence, Kansas. It moved to its present location, just outside of Fort Smith and Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2009.

The festival is known for an eclectic mix of music and has featured artists like Grammy award winners The Black Keys, The Flaming Lips, Wilco, and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. Activities other than music included disc golf, yoga, hiking, and swimming in the Mulberry River.  Legal issues with unnamed financial partners of the festival are cited as the principal reason for the festival's hiatus in 2016.  See below for the official statement released this afternoon.

Official Statement from the Wakarusa Facebook page:

It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you that Wakarusa will take 2016 off.

‪Wakarusa‬ has been a labor of love for all of us these last twelve years. We have been defiantly independent and unique since our inception. Together we created a magical 5 day event that stood out from the rest. We've taken great pride in what we've created with you and for you over the last decade plus. The Waka community (friends, family, fans, musicians, artists, performers, volunteers, staff) has really been the heart and soul of what Wakarusa IS. This community shares a natural passion for what is truly genuine. Wakarusa is wonderfully original - it is organic, mystical and always marvelously weird, and like Wakarusa, you too are decidedly different and perfectly magnificent.

Throwback: John Bell & Michael Houser Play "Driving Song" Acoustic December 17, 2015 11:28

In January of 2001, John Bell and Mikey Houser of Widespread Panic performed "Driving Song" during an acoustic session on the porch of John Keane's house in Athens, GA. Parts of this sequence were used in the movie The Earth Will Swallow You. The entire song was published on YouTube in 2014 by Geoff Hanson.  

The Earth Will Swallow You is a film by brothers Geoff and Christopher Hanson detailing the Widespread Panic's 2000 Summer Tour, though a substantial portion of the film is behind-the-scenes footage of studio sessions, traveling, and interviews. It includes footage from their performances at larger venues such as the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and San Francisco's Warfield Theater. There are also several clips from smaller venues and impromptu settings (New York City's Central Park).

Much of the concert footage highlights their appearances with other artists, including Taj Mahal, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Jorma Kaukonen, Merle Saunders, and Cecil "P-Nut" Daniels. Most of these artists are given a brief interview segment as well. Perhaps the real highlights of the film are the rare glimpses into the band's life off the road. Much attention is given to their recording in various studios (John Keane's studio, where many of their albums were recorded, bassist Dave School's house), time spent with artists close to the band (Vic Chesnutt, Col. Bruce Hampton), and, more importantly, one-on-one interviews with each member of the group.

Video by Geoff Hanson

The Motet Announces Frontman Jans Ingber's Departure From The Band December 15, 2015 12:39

The Motet has announced that longtime frontman/vocalist Jans Ingber has decided to leave the powerhouse funk group. Ingber's last shows will be December 31st (Atlanta) and January 1st (NYC: Post-Phish). We were honored to work with The Motet in October (Fairhope, AL) and wish Jans and the band nothing but the best in their future endeavors.

Founded and led by drummer Dave Watts, the group began over ten years ago and hasn't let up since. Featuring complex compositions written and arranged by Watts himself, the music tells a story through syncopated rhythms and melodies. As music and technology evolve at an astounding rate, so too has The Motet pioneered their unique sound while continuing to defy categorization. With roots in Jazz, Afrobeat, Funk, Salsa and Samba, The Motet keeps their audiences in a dancing frenzy by layering House and Techno rhythms into a style that is uniquely their own.

See below for statements from both The Motet and Jans Ingber, released earlier this morning.

Statement from The Motet:

2015 has been an amazing year. Huge thanks to our community for being such an incredible part of it!

As we prepare to embark on another exciting year ahead, we must first deliver the news that our brother Jans Ingber has decided to leave the band. Read Jans’ letter below.

NYE in ATL and Jan 1st at BB King’s in NYC (Phish aftershow) will be Jans’ last gigs as a member of The Motet. While this news has not been easy for any of us, we wholly respect and support Jans’ decision to make more time for those things that are important to him. We wish him nothing but happiness and success.

Twiddle Releases Third Studio Album: PLUMP Chapter 1 December 15, 2015 10:48

Twiddle: Terminal West - Atlanta GA: 04.16.15

Twiddle has released their highly anticipated studio album, PLUMP Chapter One, featuring 11 original songs including fan favorites “Lost In The Cold”, “White Light” and “Syncopated Healing”. The Vermont-based quartet recorded PLUMP in their home state using Kickstarter funding that reached their $20,000 goal in less than 24 hours, eventually doubling that total by the end of the campaign, thanks to their loyal and ever-expanding fanbase.

PLUMP captures the band’s fresh multi-genre approach that conjures up rock, jazz, and bluegrass, but above all, masterfully blends up-tempo reggae with deep grooves, funky baselines and powerful lyrics. PLUMP features guest keyboardist Todd Stoops on the danceable single, “Every Soul”, which can be heard on rotation on SiriusXM Jam On, and saxophonist Kenny Brooks on the lyrically driven track “Be There.”

Dismantling most notions of jam band culture, Twiddle is shooting up the rows of festival lineups and packing prominent theaters around the country. Stay tuned for PLUMP Chapter Two in 2016.

PLUMP Chapter One - Track List:
1. Complacent Race
2. Amydst The Myst 
3. Lost In The Cold
4. Every Soul ft. Todd Stoops  
5. Five
6. Syncopated Healing
7. Dusk Till Dawn
8. Polluted Beauty 
9. Be There ft. Kenny Brooks
10. Indigo Trigger
11. White Light 

Twiddle: Biography

Meeting in the fall of 2004, the founding members of Twiddle immediately recognized creative chemistry. By their second semester at Castleton State University, Mihali Savoulidis and Ryan Dempsey were carefully intertwining harmony and fantasy, birthing band staples like “Frankenfoote” and “Gatsby the Great". Twiddle took Castleton by storm, toured the northeast, and composed a catalog of original music before becoming upperclassmen. 2007 manifested Twiddle’s debut release, The Natural Evolution of Consciousness. This breakout album showcased the band’s eclectic inspirations, imaginative lyrical abilities, and superb instrumentation. Twiddle’s sophomore production, 2011’s Somewhere on the Mountain, delves into the human spirit, speaking to our ambition, grief, and love. Live at Nectar’s (2014), is a double disc live album recorded in August of 2013 at Burlington, Vermont’s Nectar’s. A clear hallmark of their career, Live at Nectar’s truly captures Twiddle in their element, the live experience.

Warren Haynes Announces Special Guests For Gov't Mule's NYE Tribute Show December 9, 2015 08:58

On New Years Eve, Gov't Mule will play a special three-set tribute to the famous "Summer Jam" festival of 1973 at The Beacon Theatre. Mule is scheduled to play a standard two-set Mule show on 12/30.  New Years Eve will feature a special tribute to the Grateful Dead (Grateful Mule - Set 1), a special tribute to The Band (The Mule - Set 2), and a special tribute to the Allman Brothers Band (Allmule Brothers Band - Set 3).

Warren Haynes has announced a slew of special guests for the evening: Steve Kimock & Lincoln Schleifer (Grateful Mule), Larry Campbell (The Mule), and Chuck Leavell, Jack Pearson, Paul Riddle (Allmule Brothers Band).  Tickets for 12/30 are still available and can be purchased by clicking here.  Tickets for 12/31 are also still available and can be purchased by clicking here. 

Hogs For The Cause 2016: Greensky Bluegrass, Shovels & Rope, Twiddle + MORE December 8, 2015 15:04

Hogs For The Cause has released it's lineup for 2016.  The seventh annual New Orleans-based barbecue competition/music festival will be held in New Orleans on April 1st-2nd, 2016 and will feature Greensky Bluegrass, Shovels & Rope, Deer Tick, Twiddle, Dragon Smoke, Tab Benoit, American Aquarium, The Deslondes, Kristen Diable, Phil Cook, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Great Peacock, Sweet Crude, Luke Winslow-King Electric Trio, and Motel Radio.

Hogs for the Cause is a non-profit, annual fundraising barbecue competition and music festival that raises money for families with children fighting pediatric brain cancer. We raise money through ticket sales, direct donations, food sales, sponsorships, and fundraising efforts spearheaded by teams in the barbecue competition.

Every year, more teams (90 at last count) compete to claim the Ben Sarrat Jr. High on the Hog Grand Champion title. The competition is fierce, and the winners claim bragging rights not only in barbecue mastery, but more importantly, fundraising prowess. Teams are a motley mix of some of the region’s best chefs, professional barbecue teams from around the country, and backyard barbecue fanatics, and all teams sell food to the public to raise money for the Cause. Winners are declared in seven categories: Whole Hog, Ribs, Pork Butt/Shoulder, Porkpourri, Sauce, Fan Favorite, and Fundraising Champion.

For more details and ticket info, head over to the Hogs For The Cause Official Website!

St. Paul & The Broken Bones Announce Alabama World Tour December 8, 2015 11:30

St. Paul & The Broken Bones have announced an Alabama Would Tour for February 2016. A limited number of pre-sale tickets will be available 12/9 at 10 AM CST. General on-sale tickets go on-sale Friday 12/14 at 10 AM CST.

"We are so pleased to announce the Alabama World Tour. We’re bringing it back home to play all over our home state in February 2016."

St. Paul & The Broken Bones is a six-piece soul band based out of Birmingham, Alabama, which formed in 2012. The band is composed of Paul Janeway (vocals), Browan Lollar (guitar), Jesse Phillips (bass), Andrew Lee (drums), Al Gamble (keys), and Allen Branstetter (trumpet). The band tours with both trombone and baritone saxophone as well. They have released one album and two EPs while touring internationally.

Alabama World Tour Dates

2/5 – Saenger Theatre – Mobile, AL
2/7 – Dothan Opera House – Dothan, AL
2/12-13 – 116 E Mobile – Florence, AL
2/18 – The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre at Renaissance Montgomery – Montgomery, AL
2/27 – The Bottling Plant Event Center – Opelika, AL
2/28 – Von Braun Center – Huntsville, AL

 For more details and official ticket info, head over to the band's official website.

Former Stone Temple Pilots Frontman Dead At Age 48 December 4, 2015 08:01

Scott Weiland, the former frontman for rock bands Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, died in his sleep Thursday night, his Facebook page confirmed early this morning.  "Scott Weiland, best known as the lead singer for Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, passed away in his sleep while on a tour stop in Bloomington, Minnesota, with his band The Wildabouts," a post on Weiland's Facebook page reads. "At this time we ask that the privacy of Scott’s family be respected."

The Bloomington, Minn. Police Department issued a statement at 11:15 p.m. PST. "Officers arrived and determined the adult male was deceased," read the release, which did not identify the deceased. The address corresponded to a local Country Inn & Suites hotel. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office will continue investigating the death with updates to come.  Weiland turned 48 on Oct. 27. He long suffered from substance abuse issues.

Weiland was an American musician and singer-songwriter. During a career spanning three decades, Weiland was best known as the frontman for the successful rock band Stone Temple Pilots from 1986 to 2013, as well as the supergroup Velvet Revolver from 2003 to 2008. He had also established himself as a solo artist, releasing four studio albums, a cover album, a live album and collaborations with several other musicians since 1995.

In between stints with STP, Weiland fronted Velvet Revolver which featured former Guns N' Roses members Slash, Dave Kushner, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum. The band released two albums and earned two gold-selling singles, "Slither" and "Fall to Pieces," and a Grammy (for "Slither") before Weiland quit in 2008 to rejoin his prior band. They briefly reunited in 2012 for a one-off concert.

Weiland's onstage persona was known as being flamboyant and chaotic; he was also known for constantly changing his appearance and vocal style, as well as his use of a megaphone in concert for vocal effect.

Weiland will be remembered as one of the great frontmen in rock and roll history, known for his distinctive lower register singing style, a sort of growl that grew ever more popular in the post-grunge years.  Weiland and STP sold 13.5 million records in the US together.  They won a Grammy Award in 1994 for the single "Plush" off of their hit album, Core.

32 Years Later: Looking Back on Phish's First Gig (12.02.83) December 2, 2015 09:03

McLovins Announce 25+ Winter Tour Dates December 1, 2015 10:26

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Photo by Taylor Wallace :: iWally Photography

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McLovins are hitting the road hard this winter with a 25+ date tour, making stops at popular venues such as Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom (Denver, CO) and the Riviera Theatre (Tonawanda, NY).

 

This soulful funk-rock outfit complements a youthful energy with seasoned musical talent. Members Jason Ott, Jake Huffman, Justin Berger, and Atticus Kelly combine their songwriting skills with extended improvisations and instrumental ingenuity. The band recently released a self titled album with Grammy award winning producer Bill Sherman. They tour extensively around the country appearing with the likes of Robert Randolph and the Family Band and making stops at radio stations such as iHeart & AMP Philly along the way. 

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Check out the complete details on McLovins Winter Tour below, and head over to McLovins Official Website for further info.  Video footage of "Talk About It" & "Gold In The World" from the McLovins' new album linked below!

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