When: Thursday, April 7, 2016 Where:The Augusta Common in Downtown Augusta
Tickets:TheMajorRager.com Pre-sale: Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 10 AM EST
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Friends With Benefits Fund announces line-up for the 3rd Annual The Major Rager in Downtown Augusta, Georgia.
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Umphrey's McGee, the powerhouse rock group who headlined the inaugural Major Rager, is set to return this April featuring "All Night Wrong" a special set of cover songs. You're sure to recognize the songs, but the unique style with which these virtuosos play them combined with their one-of-a-kind light show is sure to amaze.
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Another familiar name, The Revivalists out of New Orleans will once again showcase their high energy performance at the Augusta Common. Earphunk, also from New Orleans, will open the night and bring the funk to the home of James Brown.
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After the show, Sky City will host TAUK, a New York improvisational rock fusion band. TAUK will feature "TAUKing McGee" a special set performed with members of Umphrey's McGee in an intimate setting.
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A portion of proceeds from The Major Rager will benefit Turn Back the Block, a faith-based, nonprofit organization whose mission is to revitalize the Harrisburg neighborhood through the rehabilitation of existing housing stock and the promotion of home ownership therein. - Join us Masters Thursday, April 7 for the 3rd Annual Major Rager with Umphrey's McGee, The Revivalists, and Earphunk at the Augusta Common on Broad Street between 8th & 9th Street in Downtown Augusta, Georgia.
Friends With Benefits Fund announces line-up for the 3rd Annual The Major Rager in Downtown Augusta, Georgia.
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Umphrey's McGee, the powerhouse rock group who headlined the inaugural Major Rager, is set to return this April featuring "All Night Wrong" a special set of cover songs. You're sure to recognize the songs, but the unique style with which these virtuosos play them combined with their one-of-a-kind light show is sure to amaze.
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Another familiar name, The Revivalists out of New Orleans will once again showcase their high energy performance at the Augusta Common. Earphunk, also from New Orleans, will open the night and bring the funk to the home of James Brown.
-
After the show, Sky City will host TAUK, a New York improvisational rock fusion band. TAUK will feature "TAUKing McGee" a special set performed with members of Umphrey's McGee in an intimate setting.
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A portion of proceeds from The Major Rager will benefit Turn Back the Block, a faith-based, nonprofit organization whose mission is to revitalize the Harrisburg neighborhood through the rehabilitation of existing housing stock and the promotion of home ownership therein. - Join us Masters Thursday, April 7 for the 3rd Annual Major Rager with Umphrey's McGee, The Revivalists, and Earphunk at the Augusta Common on Broad Street between 8th & 9th Street in Downtown Augusta, Georgia.
Five-piece, instrumental jam outfit STS9 continued their 2015 Autumn Tour last night, taking the stage at Birmingham's Iron City, one of the Southeasts premier intimate venues. In the midst of a red hot run through the southeast, expectations were high as the hype surrounding STS9 2.0 has only built stronger throughout 2015. The Sector 9 faithful arrived with force, creating the energy and perfect atmosphere for what was to come.
Set 1 kicked off in super funky fashion with "Call Jam > Tap In," before an explosive take on "Kabuki," an old school favorite which sent the evening into full stride. The heavier, electronic side of STS9 was showcased with "Grizzly," building an energy which would never let down. Guitarist Hunter Brown was firing on all cylinders during "Frequencies 2 > 3" before "Totem" seemed to have the whole room marching in place. A seamless transition into "Hubble" gave Birmingham it's first taste from Interplanetary Escape Vehicle, the groups first studio release from 1998.
Hunter Brown (guitar) of STS9
Another beautiful segue made way for "Orbital." Alana Rocklin (bass) and Zach Velmer (drums) carried the tempo and led some lengthy jamming before a segue back into "Hubble." The raucous Birmingham crowd was given a moment to catch their breath before the set's final jam, "Nautilus > Aimlessly." The rejuvenated creativity that we have seen with STS9 2.0 shined during "Nautilus," and Rocklin carried the jam perfectly into "Aimlessly." The hype surrounding this tour was validated to say the least, and you knew that the second set would be big.
After a brief intermission, the lights dimmed and STS9 was back for what quickly became the best set I have seen from this band. I'm far from an expert, and I have not followed STS9 as closely as many others, but this one was special. The band picked up rigth where they left off with "Really Wut?," which includes a vocal sample during the intro reminiscent of something from Queen (at least that's how it felt at the time). Another perfect segue made way for the "Four Year Puma," another gem from Interplanetary Escape Vehicle that builds and builds until it sends the crowd into an absolute frenzy. Puma has always been a personal favorite of mine, and they built it beautifully on this night.
STS9 @ Iron City Bham - 11.18.15
Another famliar vocal sample opened things up for the spacey "Scheme Reprise," one of the band's more electronic tunes from the 2011 release, When The Dust Settles. The room erupted once again as the intro to "King Pharaoh's Tomb" hit; another heavy hitting old school Sector 9 jam. "Breathe In" was next, and I could talk about this song for days. One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard from any band, "Breath In" is an absolute journey, giving you a taste of just about everything STS9 has to offer. Another heavy hitter came in "When The Dust Settles," which I figured to be the set closer. I was wrong, and the number one song I came to hear, "Ramone & Emiglio," was tacked on, just for safe measure. Honestly, this seemed to good to be true, and I could not have drawn up a much more enticing STS9 set. David Phipps' piano-led outro towards the end of R&E always gets me, and it was perfect on Wednesday night in Birmingham.
It seemed as if there were only a few viable options for an encore for this show, "Baraka" being one of them. One of the band's prettiest, most peaceful melodies was a perfect choice to wind down an absolute rager of a show. Once again, I'm no expert, but any night with STS9 that ends with "Baraka" is a great night. It had been over a year since seeing this band, with my last show being October 25th, 2014 in Asheville, NC. That show was cut short due to some unfortunate circumstances in the crowd, and I was eager to shake that strange feeling that has lingered for quite some time. This was a truly inspiring performance from a band that never ceases to blow my mind. The chemistry that STS9 has found with Alana Rocklin is truly special. Their creativity and attention to detail seem to be at an all time high, and it's a great feeling to see such consistent positivity surrounding this band once again. Those headed to New Orleans, Austin, and Dallas are in for a treat, as there is no question that this tour will end in epic fashoin.
Setlist: STS9 @ Iron City Bham - Birmingham, AL - 11.18.15
SET I: Call Jam > Tap In, Kabuki, Grizzly, Frequencies 2 > 3, Totem > Hubble > Orbital > Hubble, Nautilus > Aimlessly
SET II: Really Wut?* > Four Year Puma, Scheme Reprise, King Pharaoh's Tomb , Breathe In, When The Dust Settles, Ramone & Emiglio
Live & Listen and Weeks Bay Plantation are pleased to announce that an anonymous sponsor has donated a pair of tickets to the Auburn vs. Alabama game. We're giving you a chance to see one of college football's biggest rivalries for free. All individuals in attendance at the Blueberry Jam Sessions on Sunday, November 22nd will be eligible to win. The Iron Bowl ticket giveaway will serve as a benefit for the Wounded Warrior Project. Stay tuned for further details, as we plan to announce the Iron Bowl ticket winner on stage during Sunday's activities.
The fiercest rivalry in all of college football takes place each year in late November as the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers meet in a series known as 'The Iron Bowl'. To date, the teams have played each other 78 times in four different locations: Birmingham (53x), Tuscaloosa (9x), Montgomery (4x) and Auburn (12x). Alabama holds the all-time series lead with 42 wins to Auburn's 35 with just 1 tie game in 1907.
The 2015 Iron Bowl will be played at Jordan Hare Stadium, as the #2 ranked Crimson Tide travels to Auburn seeking to secure their place in the SEC Championship and a hopeful spot in the college football playoff. Auburn, who started the season ranked 6th nationally, looks to rebound from a disappointing season and increase their stock in a post-season bowl game. The game is scheduled for 2:30 PM CST and will be televised nationally on CBS.
Tonight marks a special night of live music in Montgomery as Alabama based Beatles' tribue band NOYOKO takes the stage of the Capri Theatre. NOYOKO are five Beatlemaniacs who grew up, on and around the music of The Beatles. NOYOKO honors the music of The Beatles by recreating their music live on stage as meticulously as possible. Consisting of five musicians who've spent countless hours in live performance and studio session work, NOYOKO strives to perform The Beatles music as close to the original sound, playing all the hits but specializing in the deep cuts and b sides you've probably never heard performed live.
Members are Doug Lee, formerly of Dogwood, Hotfoot, Roadside and many others as well as a current member of The Paybacks. Tony Wachter, a thirty year veteran of the recording studio as engineer, producer and vocalist on countless recordings. Chris Byars, studio session drummer, educator and in demand live drummer. Mark Aaron Smith, from the groups Dogwood, Hotfoot, Hotel and many others. Greg Gentry, current Payback, Wringer and many other local ensembles. NOYOKO has the experience, the chops and the Chutzpah to pull off such an ambitious project as performing the timeless, classic music of The Beatles, selling out shows across the South East.
Doors will open at 7:00 PM CST and showtime is scheduled for 8:00 PM. Limited tickets will be available at the box office for $15. Don't miss out on an evening full of your favorite music from The Beatles!
Photo by Michelle Carroll Stancil - The Southern Rambler
The Blueberry Jam Sessions will be held onWeeks Bay Plantation in Fairhope, Alabamaon Sunday, October 18th and Sunday, November 22nd at 2:00PM. On Sunday, November 22nd, we are thrilled to welcome The Revivalists as our headlining act, as well as Earphunk, McLovins, and Maradeen. Each session will feature four bands, offering a wide variety of musical talent while crossing into multiple genres, creating the feel of a one-day music festival. Both events will benefit The WISP Foundation, aimed at raising awareness for safe and organic farming.
We're now offering a 20% discount on General Admission tickets for all veterans and active military. Use promo code "military" when completing your order, and present your military ID when picking up your tickets at Will Call on Sunday 11/22. A percent of all military tickets will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP seeks to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world.
Reports overnight from Spain tell us that New Orleans music legend Allen Toussaint has died at the age of 77. Toussaint was on tour in Madrid, and suffered a heart attack shortly after his performance. The legendary songwriter, producer, arranger, and performer was widely considered as one of the most influential figures in New Orleans music.
Many of Toussaint's songs became familiar through versions by other musicians, including "Working in the Coal Mine", "Sneaking Sally Through the Alley", "I'll Take a Melody," "Southern Nights," "Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky," "Ride Your Pony," "Fortune Teller," "Play Something Sweet (Brickyard Blues)," "Get Out of My Life, Woman" and "Mother-in-Law." Toussaint’s' touch as a producer and arranger had tremendous range, including legendary artists such as: Paul McCartney, Joe Cocker, Dr. John, Aaron Neville, Art Neville, The Meters, Irma Thomas, Lee Dorsey, and many more.
Toussaint was credited with grooming legendary New Orleans funk group, The Meters. The four-piece served as the house band at Sanu Enterprises, Toussaint's record label, before achieving their own worldwide fame in 1973. He later built Sea-Saint Studio with his fellow New Orleans R&B/Funk legend, Marshall Sehorn. The studio would attract the likes of Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, Robert Palmer, and Patti LaBelle. LaBelle recorded the hit song "Lady Marmalade" at Sea-Saint in 1974.
While Toussaint was regarded with the highest praise as a songwriter, producer, arranger, he had little to no interest in performing early on. He much more preferred to write and work for other artists, who he claimed gave him more inspiration than he himself. This all changed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when Toussaint relocated to New York City. After much notable collaboration, including working with Eric Clapton and Elvis Costello, he began releasing albums of purely original work and began performing solo much more often. Already a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame, and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2013. Later that year, Tulane University named Toussaint an honorary doctor, alongside the Dalai Lama and Dr. John.
Toussaint's influence on New Orleans and American music cannot be overstated. He was a legend in every sense of the word, and his impact will be forever seen and heard in the music he created.
Etta James, Dr. John, and Allen Toussaint - "Groove Me"
Allen Toussaint - "Sneaking Sally Through the Alley"
Keller Williams announces 2016 Winter Tour featuring his newest project, The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes. This winter you can see a number of Keller’s projects; Keller Solo, Keller & The Keels, numerous KWahtro dates with special guests Cabinet as support, and much more.
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The complete list of Keller Williams confirmed tour dates is as follows:
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-11/12/15 Warehouse Live Houston TX An Evening with Keller Williams and EOTO
-11/13/15 Trees Dallas TX An Evening with Keller Williams and EOTO
-11/14/15 Scoot Inn Austin TX An Evening with Keller Williams and EOTO
-11/27/15 The National Richmond VA “Thanksforgrassgiving” with Travis Book, Chris Pandolfi, Larry Keel, Jason Carter, and Cody Kilby (Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder)
-11/28/15 9:30 Club Washington D.C. “Thanksforgrassgiving” with Travis Book, Chris Pandolfi, Larry Keel, Jason Carter, and Cody Kilby (Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder)
-12/3/15 V-Club Huntington WV Keller Williams Solo
-12/4/15 State Theatre State College PA Keller Williams Trio featuring Rob Wasserman and Rodney Holmes
-12/5/15 Mr. Small's Theatre Pittsburgh PA Keller Williams Trio featuring Rob Wasserman and Rodney Holmes
-12/18/15 Warren Station Keystone CO Keller and His Compadres featuring Drew Emmit, Chris Pandolfi, Andy Hall and Garrett Sayers
-12/19/15 Warren Station Keystone CO Keller and His Compadres featuring Keith Moseley and Michael Travis
-12/31/15 Telluride Conference Center Telluride CO “Tofunkuride” with Keller Williams and More Than A Little
-1/6/16 – 1/11/16 Jam Cruise Keller Williams with More Than a Little
-1/16/16 The Blind Tiger Greensboro NC Keller Solo
-1/21/16 Cain’s Ballroom Tulsa OK The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes
-1/22/16 George’s Majestic Lounge Fayatteville AR The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes
-1/23/16 Revolution Music Room Little Rock AR The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes
-1/28/16 The Copper Dragon Carbondale IL The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes w/ Cabinet
-1/29/16 The Canopy Club Urbana IL The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes w/ Cabinet
-1/30/16 Park West Chicago IL The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes w/ Cabinet
-2/4/16 Plaza Live Orlando FL Keller & The Keels w/ YMSB
-2/5/16 Jannus Live St. Petersburg FL Keller & The Keels w/ YMSB
-2/6/16 B.E. Easy Music & Arts Festival Lake Worth FL Keller & The Keels
-2/7/16 Big Sky Grass Big Sky MT Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys
-2/11/16 Fairfield CT The Warehouse The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes
-2/12/16 City Winery New York NY The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes
-2/13/16 Theatre of Living Arts Philadelphia PA The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes w/ Cabinet
-2/25/16 Port City Music Hall Portland ME The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes w/ Cabinet
-2/26/16 The Higher Ground Burlington VT The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes w/ Cabinet
-2/27/16 Paradise Rock Club Boston MA The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes
-3/3/16 Beachland Ballroom Cleveland OH The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes
-3/4/16 Newport Music Hall Columbus OH The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes
-3/5/16 Mercury Ballroom Louisville KY The Keller Williams KWahtro featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes
-4/15/15 Alyeska Resort at Sitzmark Bar & Grill Girdwood, AK Keller Solo
-4/16/15 Alyeska Resort at Sitzmark Bar & Grill Girdwood, AK Keller Solo
Additional dates to be announced.
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Earlier this year, Keller Williams released his 20th official album, Vape. The release hits during Keller’s 20th year of making music. On Vape, Keller offers up 10 original tracks - some road tested and some brand new. With a hugely successful career spanning two decades under his belt, the music on Vape somehow finds Keller more confident delivering his signature, often off-the-wall storytelling. Backed by a variety of fellow musicians including Samson Grisman/bass, John Kadlecik/guitar, Ronnie McCoury/mandolin, Rob McCoury/banjo, Alan Bartram/bass, Jason Carter/fiddle and others - Keller’s playing has never been more precise and versatile.
Vermont four-piece, Twiddle, are giving fans a sneak peek at the first single off their forthcoming album,PLUMP, due December 8, 2015. “Every Soul” is available now for free download on www.TwiddleMusic.com/PLUMP.
Featuring energetic guest keyboard player Todd Stoops (RAQ, Oktopus), “Every Soul” is a funky dance track with catchy, positive lyrics written by guitar player/lead vocalist Mihali Savoulidis. Stoops, who is a good friend of the band and has performed with them several times, first sat in on “Every Soul” in April of this year.
Savoulidis wrote “Every Soul” in Oregon while hanging out with professional snowboarder and friend, Kevin Pearce. Pearce, who retired from competition after a traumatic brain injury and now focuses on his non-profit organization Love Your Brain, was the inspiration for the line "being kind to your mind is the most important thing.”
To listen to “Every Soul” visit: www.TwiddleMusic.com. Twiddle will be on #TWERKtour with The Werks for the next two weeks. Stay tuned for Winter/Spring tour dates coming soon.
Watch Twiddle's "Latin Tang Super Jam" from Disc Jam 2015 - Video by Adam Lukowski
TWERK Tour Dates 11/6 - Fort Collins, CO @ The Aggie Theater
11/7 - Boulder, CO @ The Boulder Theater
11/10 - Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
11/11 - Portland, OR @ The Star Theater
11/12 - Eugene, OR @ WOW Hall
11/13 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
11/14 - Crystal Bay, NV @ Crown Room @ Crystal Bay Casino
The Dead & Company tour continued on Thursday night in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center. Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart have teamed up with John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, and Jeff Chimenti for the latest Dead-themed project. A handful of original Dead tunes were debuted during two lengthy sets, as the newly formed supergroup continued an unforgettable year of celebrating the Grateful Dead's 50th Anniversary. Tour debuts included "Candyman," "Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodleoo," "Casey Jones," "Iko Iko," "Standing on the Moon," and "U.S. Blues." Dead and Company's tour continues tonight in Washington D.C.
Setlist
Set One: Here Comes Sunshine, Loose Lucy, Candyman, Mississippi Half Step Uptown Toodeloo > Bird Song, Cumberland Blues, Casey Jones
Set Two: Iko Iko > Feel Like A Stranger, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Drums > Space > Playing In The Band > Standing On The Moon > Sugar Magnolia
We want to take a moment to congratulate the winner of the Blueberry Jam Bama/LSU Ticket Giveaway: Scott Globetti of Birmingham, AL. The giveaway was launched on Monday afternoon in an effort to raise awareness for the upcoming Blueberry Jam Sessions on Sunday, November 22nd in Fairhope, AL. Those who purchased a ticket to the event between Monday and Wednesday at 11:59 PM were entered for a chance to win two tickets to the big game. Thank you to all who participated and helped spread the word. Stay tuned for future ticket giveaways leading up to the Blueberry Jam Sesisons!
This weekend's matchup between the #4 LSU Tigers and the #7 Alabama Crimson Tide is shaping up to be one of college football's biggest games yet again. The game is scheduled for 7:00 PM CST at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. LSU enters the game as the SEC's lone unbeaten team at 7-0. Alabama comes in at 7-1. It will mark College GameDay's second appearance in Tuscaloosa this season; the show was on hand for Ole Miss-Alabama in Week 3. College GameDay has attended three of the past four LSU-Alabama games in Tuscaloosa (2005, 2007, 2011 and 2013).
The Blueberry Jam Sessions will be held onWeeks Bay Plantation in Fairhope, Alabama on Sunday, November 22nd at 2:00PM. We are thrilled to welcome The Revivalists as our headlining act, as well as Earphunk, McLovins, and Maradeen. This event offers a wide variety of musical talent while crossing into multiple genres, creating the feel of a one-day music festival. We encourage you to bring blankets and/or lawn chairs for the amphitheater. The Blueberry Jam Sessions will benefit the WISP Foundation, aimed at raising awareness for safe and organic farming.
Prior to the event, we will be hosting a pre-party on Saturday, November 21st, with live music from McLovins. The evening will begin with a cookout under the 6 Oak Hammock, which begins at 6:00 PM. Following the cookout, McLovins will perform two sets of music under the oaks. For more info on the pre-party, click here.
This weekend's matchup between the #4 LSU Tigers and the #7 Alabama Crimson Tide is shaping up to be one of college football's biggest games yet again. The game is scheduled for 7:00 PM CST at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. LSU enters the game as the SEC's lone unbeaten team at 7-0. Alabama comes in at 7-1. It will mark College GameDay's second appearance in Tuscaloosa this season; the show was on hand for Ole Miss-Alabama in Week 3. College GameDay has attended three of the past four LSU-Alabama games in Tuscaloosa (2005, 2007, 2011 and 2013).
We are giving away TWO TICKETS to Saturday night's game. Details on the ticket giveaway are listed below.
Paper Wheels, the 10th studio album from Trey Anastasio, is now available through all major music media outlets. Pick it up from Trey’s Store, Phish Dry Goods,iTunes, orSpotify Recorded at The Barn, the songs were recorded live, often in one or two takes. Paper Wheels was co-produced by Bryce Goggin and Trey, and mixed by Elliot Scheiner (Steely Dan, Van Morrison).
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Trey Anastasio Band debuted in 1998 as Eight Foot Fluorescent Tubes as a local band in Vermont fronted by Anastasio on April 17 of that year at the nightclub, Higher Ground, co-owned by his brother-in-law. The band debuted a number of songs heard in Anastasio's live performances today, including "First Tube", "Last Tube", and "Mozambique." TAB is scheduled for two sold-out shows at Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas this weekend.
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"On his 10th solo album, Paper Wheels, Anastasio undertakes sustained and deliberate exploration of the sunny, vibrant feeling that drove so much early-'70s pop and rock — and emerges with sunny, vibrant music that's steeped in that era, but defiantly not a throwback.” - NPR Music
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Listen to "Sometime After Sunset" from Paper Wheels
Today, we remember legendary American guitarist, Duane Allman, who lost his life in a motorcycle accident on this day in 1971. He was just 24 years old. As co-founder and leader of The Allman Brothers Band, Duane’s skills as a guitarist were complemented by personal qualities such as his intensity, drive and ability to draw the best out of others in making music.He is still referred to by his nickname "Skydog."
Allman, a sought-after session musician, performed with such established stars asKing Curtis,Aretha Franklin,Wilson Pickett, andHerbie Mann. In November 1968, producer Rick Hall hired Allman to play on an album withPickett at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. Allman's work on that album,Hey Jude(1968), got him hired as a full-time session musician at Muscle Shoals. This also brought him to the attention of a number of other musicians, such as Eric Clapton. He later contributed heavily to the 1970 albumLayla and Other Assorted Love SongsbyDerek and the Dominos.
TheAllman Brothers Band was formed in 1969 and based in the Southeastern United States. The band's greatest success came in the early 70's. Allman is best remembered for his brief but influential tenure in the band. His expressive slide guitar playing and inventive improvisational skills helped create a legacy which will never face. In 2003,Rolling Stonemagazine ranked Allman at #2 in their list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time, second only toJimi Hendrixand in 2011 he was ranked #9. His tone (achieved with aGibson Les Pauland two 50-watt bassMarshall amplifiers) was named one of the greatest guitar tones of all time byGuitar Player.
On October 29, 1971, in the western part of Macon, Georgia, Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident only months after the release and initial success ofAt Fillmore East.Record producerJerry Wexlergave the eulogy for Duane. His moving portrayal of Duane's uncompromising dedication to Southern gospel, country and blues music and the place he attained alongside the great black musicians and blues singers from the South captured the magnitude of his musical achievements.
Watch The Allman Brothers Band perform "Dreams" at the Fillmore East on September 23rd, 1970
Robert Randolph & the Family Band, hot on the heels of having their recent album "Unclassified" chosen as one of Rolling Stone's best albums of 2003, recently performed at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles and the results were both immediate and impressive. In the week that followed the performance, "Unclassified" enjoyed an extraordinary sales jump of nearly 400%, more than any album by an artist appearing on the awards show. USA Today wrote, "Randolph's steel-guitar sizzle in the show's all-star funk tribute translated into the tallest spike, 384%, more than quadrupling sales of his `Unclassified' to 9,000." Similarly, the group's previous album, "Live At The Wetlands," also racked up a sales increase of over 400%.
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The nation's press was equally enthusiastic. The Chicago Tribune raved, "Earth, Wind & Fire, Parliament Funkadelic, Robert Randolph & the Family Band and Outkast offered a funk primer, with Randolph stealing the show by proving that the pedal steel-guitar -- that staple of country-and-western weepers -- can get down like nobody's business."
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Randolph and his band were spotlighted on the CBS-TV telecast during a special tribute to funk music. Introduced by actor Samuel L. Jackson as being the "new blood" of funk, the band performed their latest single, "I Need More Love," immediately following Outkast on the program. USA Today wrote the funk performances were "highlighted by Robert Randolph's steel-guitar pyrotechnics." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution added, "Robert Randolph & the Family Band were hot enough to scorch the first few rows" at the awards show at L.A.'s Staples Center.
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It was an incredible start for 2004 for Robert Randolph & the Family Band. Nominated for two Grammy Awards, they are continuing their U.S. concert schedule during February and March before traveling to England and Europe, where the band will join Eric Clapton on tour as opening act. Last year, the group won the W.C. Handy Award for Best Debut Recording in Memphis, and were honored with the Best New Band Jammy Award at ceremonies in New York. Their new single, "Going In the Right Direction," is being released to radio this week.
Mike Gordon returns to the road in January, this time hitting the western half of the U.S. with his band on the heels of a well-received June run. The tour will begin with the band’s debut shows in Texas beginning in Austin on January 22 before carving its way west with stops in Flagstaff, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Denver and others.
Mike’s band includes longtime collaborators Scott Murawski and Craig Myers, as well as two recent additions: organ and synth-master Robert Walter and sharp-shooter John Kimock on drums.
A limited number of tickets are available NOW via a real-time presale athttp://tickets.mike-gordon.com which ends Thursday, October 29 at 5PM ET. Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning Friday, October 30.
01/22 Emo’s, Austin Tx 01/23 Numbers, Houston, TX 01/24 Granada Theater, Dallas, TX 01/26 Rialto Theatre, Tucson, AZ 01/27 Orpheum Theater, Flagstaff, AZ 01/29 The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 01/30 The Observatory North Park, San Diego, CA 01/31 The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA 02/02 Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR 02/03 Neptune Theatre, Seattle, WA 02/05 Park City Live, Park City, UT 02/06 Gothic Theatre, Denver, CO
Anders Osborne has just announced a 31-city 2016 North American Tour. The tour kicks off on February 2nd in Nashville, and includes stops in Birmingham, Atlanta, Charleston, Washington D.C., Syracuse, Chicago, Chicago, Dallas, Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, amongst many more. Special fan club VIP tickets are available now and include a soundcheck meet and greet, a signed silk screen limited edition poster, and an exclusive tour laminate. Head to AndersOsborne.comfor a complete list of tour dates and use the fan club password "ANDERS." Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday November 6th at 12pm EST.
Anders Osborne: Official Bio
Between the potency of his richly detailed songwriting, his intensely emotional, soulful vocals and his piercing, expert guitar work, New Orleans’ Anders Osborne is a true musical treasure. He is among the most original and visionary musicians writing and performing today. Guitar Player calls him “the poet laureate of Louisiana’s fertile roots music scene.” New Orleans' Gambit Weekly recently honored Osborne as the Entertainer Of The Year. OffBeat named him the Crescent City’s Best Guitarist for the third year in a row, and the Best Songwriter for the second straight year. Osborne also won Song Of The Year for his composition, Louisiana Gold.
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Since the release of his 2010 Alligator Records debut, American Patchwork, his 2012 follow-up, Black Eye Galaxy, and his critically acclaimed 2013 EP, Three Free Amigos, Osborne has earned hordes of new fans. He has toured virtually non-stop, either with his road-tested trio, as a solo artist, or as a guest with his countless musical admirers, including Toots and The Maytals, Stanton Moore, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, Keb Mo, The Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. He’s appeared on Galactic’s Ya-Ka-May album, and in 2011 produced and played on critically acclaimed albums by Tab Benoit, Johnny Sansone and Mike Zito.
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Since his recording debut in 1989, Osborne has written virtually all of his own material and contributed memorable songs to a wide variety of artists. Two tunes co-written by Osborne appear on Keb Mo’s Grammy-winning 1999 release Slow Down. Country superstar Tim McGraw scored a #1 hit with Anders’ song Watch The Wind Blow By. Osborne’s compositions have been covered by artists as diverse as Brad Paisley, Tab Benoit, Jonny Lang and Kim Carnes. His songs have appeared in multiple feature films and he can also be seen performing in an episode of HBO’s New Orleans-based drama, Treme.
Amidst a lengthy tour in support of his latest record, Ashes & Dust, Warren Haynes stopped by Warner Bros.Studio in Burbank, CA for a performance on Conan last night. Haynes, easily one of the busiest men in the music industry, was joined by the newly formed Ashes & Dust Band. The new group finds Haynes backed by drummer Jeff Sipe and three-piece string ChessBoxer, which features banjoist Matt Menefee, violinist Ross Holmes and upright bassist Royal Masat. Haynes' latest project has been busy touring and performing music from the Ashes & Dust album, which was recorded with the help of progressive bluegrass outfit Railroad Earth. RRE joined Haynes for a series of dates in support of the album earlier this summer.
The newly formed group performed "Is It Me Or You," the opening track from the album. Conan was clearly a big fan and even asked Haynes for one of his signature guitar picks following the performance. The band performs tomorrow night (10/28) at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles.
Live & Listen and Weeks Bay Plantation are excited to announce that the second installment of the Blueberry Jam Sessions will feature two nights of live music. We will be hosting a pre-party on Saturday, November 21st, with live music from McLovins. McLovins will also play their previously scheduled set on Sunday afternoon. The evening will begin with a cookout under the 6 Oak Hammock, which begins at 6:00 PM. Following the cookout, McLovins will perform two sets of music under the oaks. Tickets for Saturday night are $15 and include dinner (burgers/hotdogs), lakefront camping, and live music. Lakefront camping spots will be reserved on a first come, first served basis, so don't miss out if you plan to camp. Tickets can be purchased at www.liveandlisten.com or on-site at Weeks Bay Plantation on Saturday, 11/21.
Inspired by an eclectic mix of influences like The Meters, The Band and The Flaming Lips, members Jason Ott, Jake Huffman, Justin Berger, and Atticus Kelly combine their songwriting skills with extended improvisations and instrumental ingenuity.
Taking a page from their jam band forefathers, McLovins always try to keep their audiences guessing at what’s to come. Their eclectic setlists and individual musical personas define the band’s live shows. Hailing from Hartford, Connecticut, McLovins have appeared at Gathering of The Vibes, Mountain Jam, The Peach Festival and the legendary Nateva Music Festival, as well as many acclaimed venues across the country. They have also performed with some of the most influential artists on the scene, including Buddy Guy, George Porter, Jr. and Oteil Burbridge.
Recently the band cut an album with Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award winning producer Bill Sherman in New York City’s East Village. The album was released this October and the band is currently on tour. The band continues to evolve, bringing their distinctive, jam-rock productions across the country. Every tour brings a unique energy.
The Blueberry Jam Sessions will be held on Weeks Bay Plantation in Fairhope, Alabama on November 22nd at 2:00PM. W are thrilled to welcome The Revivalists as our headlining act, as well as Earphunk, McLovins, and Maradeen. The afternoon/evening will offer a wide variety of musical talent while crossing into multiple genres, creating the feel of a one-day music festival. The event will benefit the WISP Foundation, aimed at raising awareness for safe and organic farming.
Weeks Bay Plantation will be open for camping at 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 21st for those wanting to spend Saturday and/or Sunday night camping on the farm. Campers will be directed to a reserved, lakefront camping spot upon arrival. All campers must depart from the property no later than 10:00 AM CST on Monday, November 23rd.
Over the holidays, we had a chance to speak with Tim Lefebvre, bassist of Tedeschi Trucks Band. Tim joined TTB in 2013 and was kind enough to elaborate on that experience, as well as share some insight on his elaborate musical background. Learn a little more about Tim's journey below, and look out for another monumental year from Tedeschi Trucks Band.
You’ve been involved in just about every facet of music business: recording, producing, movies, television, and multiple bands. At what age did you begin playing music, and when did you realize that this could be a career?
TIM: : I started playing saxophone in fourth or fifth grade in my school band program in Foxboro, Massachusetts. My dad was a music teacher in middle school, so I was obviously surrounded by music as a kid. It was always kind of in the back of my mind that I wanted to do it. I went to college and double majored in Economics and Political Science. I really liked Political Science, but it wasn’t ‘lighting me on fire.’ I went to a few job interviews, and then I got a call to play a gig on a cruise ship. So I played this gig on a ship for about four months. That’s when I decided that I really wanted to pursue it. Also, the band members I was playing with on the cruise ship were all grizzled, 40-50 year old musicians. They were lifers, and they thought I sucked. I was in my early twenties, fresh out of college. I kind of made it my mission to improve. After that, I vowed to stay hungry, pursued a lot of opportunities, and always said yes to anything I was available for.
What has been your approach towards playing with such a diverse variety of musicians over your career?
TIM: I think without knowing it, I’m kind of injecting my sound into it. It’s not a conscious decision where I think, “I’m just going to play my shit,” you know what I mean? I think with Tedeschi Trucks I am doing a little of that. But more or less, I’m trying to serve each genre correctly. Trying to play like James Jamerson, where it’s appropriate, or at least my version of it. It’s just trying to do the right thing with each genre in order to sound legitimate, or genre-correct. The only genre that scares me is Latin music. I can’t ever say that I would be good at that. But with everything else, I give it a shot and try to make it sound legitimate. It’s a fun ride. That’s part of the joy of it.
In October of 2013, you began touring full time with Tedeschi Trucks Band. What led to this opportunity, and how has your life changed since joining a group of such magnitude?
TIM: I think what happened was I did a one-off with Donald Fagen on the David Letterman Show. I think it was the idea of the producer to get me, Keith Carlock, and Wayne (Krantz) back together on stage. John Leventhal was the other guitarist. John came to a gig of ours (me, Wayne, and Keith) at The 55 Bar in New York City. I think John planted the bug in Derek’s (Trucks) ear about my connection with Wayne, and that it might work. I was also out in Austin, Texas at one point playing music, and one of my friends was playing music at a bar with JJ Johnson, one of the drummers for Tedeschi Trucks, which was totally random. So we ended up playing together that night. I had met JJ in LA a few times, so there was familiarity. It ended up being a nice hook up. I think those two situations together led to five-gig audition with Tedeschi Trucks in August of 2013. Apparently, I played well enough to get the gig.
The experience has been incredible thus far. It’s also made me very visible to an entirely different scene of people. It has led to me being on the cover of Bass Player Magazine, which never happened before; doing so much obscure, avant-garde music. Being a member of this band, my public profile has become much bigger. It’s a great group of people to work with. I’m trying to keep my other projects going too. It’s been an incredible ride though. It’s a seriously amazing band to be a part of. I was familiar to playing with a band of that size, because I used to play about four times a year with the Saturday Night Live band. So it wasn’t something that I was finding daunting or anything. It is a collection of really great musicians, and it’s really fun to play that music all of the time. I really look forward to being on stage at every show.
TTB is clearly in high demand and a staple in the major music festival scene. Did you have much experience playing festivals prior to joining the band? What are a few of your favorite experiences thus far?
TIM: Yeah, I played a bunch of festivals, but it was always with jazzier type groups, that tended to lead more towards dub and electronica. There have been several jazz festivals with Tedeschi Trucks that I have already played before. With the Jam festivals, no, I was never a part of those. That’s been really cool; playing in front of so many huge audiences and seeing a lot of great bands. I haven’t personally done much on-stage collaboration at the Jam festivals. I sat in once with The Black Crowes and once with Gov’t Mule, but that’s about it. I try to be respectful. I like to stand in the background, and if anyone ever invites me to play, sure, I’ll go play. It’s quite exciting to watch it all go down though. People lose their mind when they see all of the different collaborations.
What albums end up getting the most play when you guys are on the road? Are there any young up-and-comers that you’ve been a particular fan of lately?
TIM: I don’t know how many of the bands are up-and-comers, per say, although there are some that are pretty damn good. JJ (Johnson) always knows about them, at least more than I do. But I try to stay pretty current. My taste is so eclectic. I’ve been really into this band called Fink, from the UK, for quite a while. It’s singer/song-writer-ish, but it’s really hooky and dubby. For some reason, it really speaks to me. Junip is another one. They’re a Swedish folk rock duo. What else…? I’ve been into a lot of psychedelic, analog kind of shit. Whatever projects Nigel Godrich has been producing; which has included Here We Go Magic, Ultraistic, and of course Radiohead. I haven’t been listening to as much jazz, although I’ve been playing on a lot of jazz records. I’m a big fan of Ambrose Akinmusire, who’s a trumpet player that is a really special talent. In terms of bass players, there’s so many guys that I like. There’s jazz bass player from New York named Linda Oh, who is pretty incredible. There are so many that I could go on and on about.
Over the years, you have experienced first hand how much the music business has evolved. What are your thoughts on the digital music revolution, and what would your advice be to a young artist just beginning their career?
TIM: I think it’s a lot tougher now. I really don’t know what to say to any of them. Traditionally, the places to be have been New York and Los Angeles. I can still vouch for LA in terms of being affordable. But I don’t think New York City is anymore. I don’t really ever advise someone to move to New York, unless they really want to play cutting-edge jazz, and they have saved some money. It’s pretty hard to pull it off in New York, because it’s just so expensive to live there. So there’s that, and I know people aren’t selling records like they used to. That has really changed everything. I think playing live, you keep trying to build audiences. I think that’s the case with Tedeschi Trucks. We’re building up the audience slowly. We aren’t trying to dive into anything that is too much. It’s very smart on the bands’ part. It’s like a slow burn, and I think it’s been working. I’ve been at home basically one week a month for the last year, so obviously things are going well on that front. Whatever revenue there was in records, hopefully it’s making its way over to the live performances. At least that’s what I am gathering. I think it’s still something to look forward to.
Are you familiar with Snarky Puppy? Michael League is a friend of mine. At one point, my band and Snarky Puppy were on tour together. For years, he took Snarky Puppy on the road and put it all on his credit card. They were just sleeping on people’s floors, playing all over. It finally paid off and turned around for them. They just toured their asses off for years. I’m not sure if I know anyone who has worked harder than Michael League. He’s the leader, bassist, and composer of the band. And that’s not a small band. It’s a huge band. And they’re very successful now. Those guys are selling out huge venues now. People love it. The live energy is great. They’re a really fun band to listen to. I’m really happy for those guys.
My theory on all of that is that if you’re good at something, you’ll eventually get paid for it. You know what I mean? The taste always comes around. I think that’s a thing you can sort of cling to. If you’re good at something, it will happen for you.
The tour dates are filling up quickly for 2015. What are you most excited about entering a new year with the band?
TIM: Well, selfishly, I have one project going on that I can’t really tell you about, but it’s huge. I’ll have to wait to announce it when the record comes out. This band I have in New York, we’re recording with a really big artist. It’s very much on the down low, but it’s gonna be huge. That will come out sometime during Spring or Summer. I’m not sure yet. That’s all I can say about that. I’m excited about that.
Tedeschi Trucks is working on a new record, and I’m also extremely excited about that. A lot of the songs are being co-written by the band. We’ve been doing a lot of collaboration, which has been really fun. I think the band really has it’s own sound now and it’s behooving us to make a new record, so we are working on it. It should be finished before the end of the year. I think we will do some sort of live DVD at some point too. I’m sure we will be pretty busy. Life is good, and I am really glad to be a part of this whole scene.
Today, we remember one of our all-time favorites, Shannon Hoon. Hoon was an American singer-songwriter and musician best known as the frontman of Blind Melon. Hoon was born on September 26th, 1967 in Lafayette, Indiana. His most notable musical influences included the Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and John Lennon. Shortly after graduating high school in 1985, Hoon served as frontman in his first band, Styff Kytten. It was at this time that Hoon wrote his first song, "Change," later recorded on Blind Melon's self-titled debut album.
Blind Melon was formed in 1990, when Hoon made the jump from Indiana to Los Angeles, after meeting musicians Brad Smith and Roger Stevens at a party. His future band mates saw him performing "Change" acoustically and invited him to play with them. Soon after, Glen Graham and Christopher Thorn were brought into the mix, and the 5-piece known as Blind Melon was born.
The band debuted with a four-song demo, The Goodfoot Workshop, in 1991. Blind Melon was signed by Capitol Records later that year and oversaw sessions for an unreleased EP to be titled The Sippin' Time Sessions. The recordings were left unreleased due to the band's dissatisfaction with the production quality, which they felt resulted in "slick and doctored" results. Hoon's friendship and association with Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose accrued additional industry attention for the group, as he provided backing vocals on several Guns N' Roses tracks on 1991's Use Your Illusion I and II albums, including the single "Don't Cry". Blind Melon embarked upon a tour supporting Soundgarden late that year.
At Capitol's suggestion, the band relocated to Durham, North Carolina while beginning work on what would become their self-titled debut album with producer Rick Parashar, known for producing Pearl Jam's Ten.Sessions were held in London Bridge Studio in Seattle, Washington, and the album was recorded mostly live. The record was released in September 1992, and initially sold poorly behind its lead singles, "Tones of Home" and "No Rain", until the latter became an MTV staple the following July. Promoted by a successful music video, "No Rain" helped the band achieve international recognition. The album eventually attained quadruple-platinum status, debuting in the Billboard top 40 on October 9, 1993 and peaking at No. 11 on the Hot 100.
In 1993, the band began touring extensively in support of their debut. They performed multiple dates in Europe and Mexico, supporting the likes of Lenny Kravitz and Neil Young. Tour dates increased in 1994, including a performance at Woodstock and an opening spot on the Rolling Stones' Voodoo Lounge Tour. At this time, the band began experiencing personal and legal issues related to drug and alcohol abuse, leading to multiple stints in rehab for Hoon.
Later in 1994, the band relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana to begin work on their second studio album, Soup. They would take a different approach with this recording, aiming towards shorter tracks with a less conventional alternative rock approach. Even with the album's lead single "Galaxie" debut at No. 25 on the Billboard charts, Soup did not meet sales expectations.
Against the advice of Hoon's drug counselor, Blind Melon hit the road for a tour in support of Soup. The band initially employed a counselor to assist Hoon's rehabilitation, but this attendant was soon dismissed.After a disappointing performance in Houston, Blind Melon was scheduled to play a show in New Orleans atTipitina's. The band's sound engineer, Lyle Eaves, went to the tour bus to wake up Hoon for a sound check but was unable to wake him. Hoon was pronounced dead on the scene, at the age of 28, on October 21st, 1995.The cause of death was attributed to a cocaine overdose.
Watch Blind Melon's Entire Performance at Woodstock '94
The Blueberry Jam Sessions will be held on Weeks Bay Plantation in Fairhope, Alabama on Sunday, October 18thand Sunday, November 22nd at 2:00PM. On Sunday, October 18th, we are thrilled to welcome The Motet as our headlining act, as well as The Locust Fork Band, New Madrid, and The GateBand. Both events will benefit the WISP Foundation, aimed at raising awareness for safe and organic farming. We recently caught up with Nida Threet, vocalist of The Locust Fork Band, to gain a little insight on one of Alabama's longest standing bands.
The Locust Fork Band was born in Tuscaloosa, AL in the early 70's and quickly became a staple in Alabama's music scene. When looking back over the years, what were a few of the bands biggest highlights?
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Nida: The Locust Fork Band formed in 1974. Southern Rock was the key ingredient in the beginning. In 1976, with the addition of 2 female singers, the music added the flavor of western swing, rhythm and blues and songs that featured 4-part harmonies. Some of the personnel has changed throughout the years, but original members, Bill Marshall, Kent Peterson, Dwight Williams, Nida Threet and Rick Byrd maintain the sound of the Locust Fork Band.
Musically, highlights include playing around the Mobile area for Joe Cain Day during Mardi Gras, City Stages in Birmingham, and more parties than we can remember at the University of Alabama and Auburn. Throughout the years, we have been blessed to make many friends while on the road playing across the Southeast. These friends have become staples in our lives over the past 40 years. I think the friends we have made is really the biggest highlight of our career. Every time we play, we hear another story of the influence we have had in the lives of these folks and this, above all else, is the biggest highlight for us.
Locust Fork offers an eclectic, diverse sound; a necessary quality for a band with such longevity. The variety of Southern Rock, Rhythm and Blues, and Western Swing music offers a little something for everyone. Who would you say were some of the band's biggest influences?
Nida: The Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, The Band, Asleep at the Wheel, Bob Dylan.
This Sunday afternoon, Locust Fork Band plays Baldwin County's newest outdoor music festival, the Blueberry Jam Sessions. at 6:00 PM CST. How much time has the band spent playing in Lower Alabama over the years? What do feel makes that area so special?
Nida: We've been playing in lower Alabama since we started in the '70's. Thirsties, Trinity's, Judge Roy Bean's, The Lumberyard, The End Zone...all honky-tonks that no longer exist. But, these clubs were very much alive when we played. We have always loved playing down here and have a great following. We played Joe Cain Day during Mardi Gras many times beginning in 1976 in the graveyard in Mobile. So many people turned out for this party, the city moved it to Bienville Square the following year. After a few years there, the party moved to The Lumberyard and then across Mobile Bay to Judge Roy Bean's and on to parties on the Bay at Camp Cullen. We love this area and are really looking forward to coming back down here again...it has been too long and we look forward to seeing a lot of long-time friends again.
Another one of Alabama's longest standing bands, The GateBand, is also scheduled for Sunday's events. I know the roots run deep between the two bands. How often have you guys shared the stage, and what do you enjoy most about The gate Band?
Nida: We became close friends with members of The Gate Band when we were all playing the bar scene and college parties in the '70's. If there was ever a time when we were in the same town, we would find our way to sharing the stage with these guys. We all have a mutual respect for the musicianship of the members as well as the attitude of fun times.
For those who will be seeing LFB for the first time on Sunday, how would you best describe what they can expect for the band's early evening set?
Nida: I think folks can expect to hear great music and truly enjoy themselves. We usually surprise people who have never heard us before, because they get to see old folks like us still crank it out and enjoy doing what we love the most...making music for our friends.
The Locust Fork Band is scheduled to play the Blueberry Jam Sessions on Sunday afternoon at 6:00 PM CST.
Ham Wilson (left) and Greg Pappas (right) of The GateBand
The Blueberry Jam Sessions will be held on Weeks Bay Plantation in Fairhope, Alabama on Sunday, October 18thand Sunday, November 22nd at 2:00PM. On Sunday, October 18th, we are thrilled to welcome The Motet as our headlining act, as well as The Locust Fork Band, New Madrid, and The GateBand. Both events will benefit the WISP Foundation, aimed at raising awareness for safe and organic farming. We recently caught up with Ham Wilson (guitar/vocals), founding member of The GateBand, to gain a little insight on one of Alabama's longest standing bands.
The GateBand was born in Montgomery, AL in the late 60's and truly took flight during your college years in Tuscaloosa. When looking back on those days, what are a few memories which stand out the most?
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Ham:The GateBand started playing shows all over the Southeast in the early to mid-1970’s. We were playing 4-5 dates a week which really helps to tighten up the sound of a band. With early influences from soul singers (Otis Redding, James Brown, etc.) and British acts, the band progressed into the California sounds of Doug Sahm, Byrds (Gram Parsons) New Riders of the Purple Sage and of course the Grateful Dead. In the mid 1970’s after several visits to Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnics the band brought the Texas music scene back to Alabama with the sounds of Delbert McClinton, Asleep At the A Wheel, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Jerry Jeff Walker. We had a blast making new friends in every new venue.
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Growing up in Alabama, I've consistently noticed the "G8" stickers in all kinds of places for many years. What's the story behind the name: The GateBand?
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Ham: "Gate" was an expression we used as kids to express something positive, fun, and exciting. When the band was originally formed everyone called it Gate! We started using the G8 symbol when we released our studio CD in 1995. We have used the logo ever since. I suspect to the chagrin of the world powers.
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This Sunday afternoon, The GateBand will kick off Baldwin County's newest outdoor music festival, the Blueberry Jam Sessions at 2:00 PM CST. How much time has the band spent playing in Lower Alabama over the years? What is it that makes that area so special?
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Ham:We spent many years playing and doing shows in South Alabama. Some our most enthusiastic friends and supporters are from Mobile and Baldwin County. We spent many nights playing at Thirsties in Mobile, Joe Cain Day, Pirates Cove, Ft. Whiting Armory, Leo Browns, Grand Hotel, Flora-Bama, and many high school and college fraternity parties. One of our original songs on the “Both Sides” CD contains the line “wish we were living in Perdido Bay”. Our time and friends in South Alabama definitely influenced that song.
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Another one of Alabama's longest standing bands, The Locust Fork Band, is also scheduled for Sunday's events. I know the roots run deep between the two bands. How often have you guys shared the stage, and what do you enjoy most about Locust Fork?
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Ham: The GateBand and Locust Fork have known each other for many years and all of us have remained close friends . We have played numerous shows together in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Mobile, Montgomery, Auburn, and many other places. We have always attracted the same tight group of supporters. I think both bands complement each other musically. The fact that both bands are still together and doings shows is a true testament to their love of music and the support of their fan base.
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For those who will be seeing The GateBand for the first time on Sunday, how would you best describe what they can expect for the band's afternoon set?
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Ham: A GateBand show is all about the music and having fun. There are no gimmicks or tricks. Just excellent musicianship delivered with enthusiasm. A truly unique experience.
The Gate Band is scheduled to kick off the Blueberry Jam Sessions on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM CST.
Today, we celebrate the life of legendary singer/songwriter/musician, John Lennon. Lennon was born on October 9th, 1940 in Liverpool, England. Lennon was an English singer and songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as a co-founder of the band the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in the history of popular music. With fellow member Paul McCartney, he formed a celebrated songwriting partnership.
Born and raised in Liverpool, as a teenager Lennon became involved in the skiffle craze; his first band, the Quarrymen, evolved into the Beatles in 1960. When the group disbanded in 1970, Lennon embarked on a solo career that produced the critically acclaimed albums John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band and Imagine, and iconic songs such as "Give Peace a Chance", "Working Class Hero", and "Imagine". After his marriage to Yoko Ono in 1969, he changed his name to John Ono Lennon. Lennon disengaged himself from the music business in 1975 to raise his infant son Sean, but re-emerged with Ono in 1980 with the new album Double Fantasy. He was murdered three weeks after its release.
Lennon revealed a rebellious nature and acerbic wit in his music, writing, drawings, on film and in interviews. Controversial through his political and peace activism, he moved to Manhattan in 1971, where his criticism of the Vietnam War resulted in a lengthy attempt by Richard Nixon's administration to deport him, while some of his songs were adopted as anthems by the anti-war movement and the larger counterculture.
As of 2012, Lennon's solo album sales in the United States exceeded 14 million and, as writer, co-writer, or performer, he is responsible for 25 number-one singles on the US Hot 100 chart. In 2002, a BBC poll on the 100 Greatest Britons voted him eighth and, in 2008, Rolling Stone ranked him the fifth-greatest singer of all time. He was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as a member of the Beatles in 1988 and as a solo artist in 1994.