News
Summer Concert Announcement: Ray Johnston Band & The Gate Band April 30, 2015 09:10
Live & Listen is pleased to announce that our 2015 Summer Concert will feature Ray Johnston Band (Dallas, TX) and The Gate Band (Montgomery, AL). This will be Live & Listen's fourth benefit concert in Montgomery, completing one of the original goals of establishing four annual events in the Capital City. We couldn't be more pleased to team up with The Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama once again.
Ray Johnston, a Montgomery native, has seen his musical career soar to new heights with his Dallas-based band since they began in 2009. Ray is a former walk-on player for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team. After his basketball career was cut short by leukemia, he switched his focus to music and formed the Ray Johnston Band, which recently packed the Dallas House of Blues for a special pre-release show. Johnston’s effort to build a music career while battling one of four leukemia relapses was documented by HDNet TV (now AXS TV) as an eight-part series titled “Ray Johnston Band: Road Diaries.” Johnston has dedicated “Supernatural,” a track from Against The Grain, to Be The Match and has become a spokesman for the national marrow donor program, which connects blood-cancer patients to marrow donors for lifesaving transplants. Bringing Ray back to Montgomery for our second benefit show with The Cancer Wellness Foundation is an exciting opportunity for us, and we know that Montgomery will share in that sentiment.
(Ray Johnston Band - "More Crown Than Coke" - Official Music Video)
-Q&A w/ Ham Wilson - Founding Member of The Gate Band-
CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival: Free Weekend Passes (Fri. 5/1 - Sun. 5/3) April 29, 2015 11:01
That “magic feeling on the mountain” continues like nowhere else in the Southeast! Come join us on May 1-3 and Oct 2-4 of 2015 as we celebrate our second year of spring and fall festivals. Held at the beautiful Horse Pens 40 in Steele, Alabama, this friends and family event features 3 days of music and mixed media arts. Enjoy yoga, rock climbing, glass blowing, blacksmithing, disc golf with a PDGA tourney, camping, hiking, kid’s activities, food and drinks, crafts and more.
CukoRakko is the Creek Indian word for ceremonial ground, stompground, big house and dance ground. This perfectly describes the phenomenal energy that can be felt at this historic outdoor nature park. Horse Pens 40 is a natural wonderland of unique rock formations nestled atop Chandler Mountain in the foothills of the Appalachians. Located on top of the third highest mountain in Alabama, the stone formations here are said to be among the oldest naturally exposed stones in the world, dating from 600 million to 1.3 billion years old. This sacred ground has a vivid history. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit this incredible natural amphitheater.
(Highlights from CukoRakko - Fall 2014)
Catskill Chill Music Festival Announces Line-Up For "A Farewell to Minglewood" - Sept 18-20 April 28, 2015 14:05
Catskill Chill Music Festival has announced the line-up for “A Farewell to Minglewood” which will take place September 18-20, 2015, in Hancock, New York. The Chillfam will come together for one last celebration at the much-loved Camp Minglewood before the event moves to a new home in 2016.
At the top of this year’s artist line-up is Lotus, Zappa Plays Zappa, Lettuce, Electron, The Motet, Dopapod, Kung Fu, Twiddle, Break Science, Turkuaz, The Werks, Particle & Fam, and George Porter Jr. & The Runnin' Pardners. The festival’s headliner will be announced onMonday, June 8.
As is tradition, the Chill will feature a number of tribute sets, which are always fan favorites during the weekend. Dopapod and
Particle, the only band that has performed at every Chill since its inception, will have the honor of closing out the weekend at Camp Minglewood, bringing an all-star cast of Chillfam guest performers on stage with them for the celebration.
While the performance schedule alone is reason enough to attend this annual event, it is the intimacy and unique grounds that make Catskill Chill one of the most highly anticipated festivals of the season and this year is expected to sell out. With a limited capacity, no campsite is more than a few minutes walk to the stages and anyone can make their way up to the front for their favorite sets. Hosted at a secluded performing arts summer camp where childhood dreams merge with the music festival culture, the “Chillfam” as Chill’s loving community have coined themselves, bunk-up in 16-32 person sleep away camp-style cabins, creating decorated theme camps intermingled amongst the campers. The festival also features free parking, free camping, daily yoga, live art, a farmer’s market, craft and food vendors, a communal bonfire nightly and an open mic.
Blind Faith tickets are sold out but Early Bird tickets are currently available. Details on VIP Packages, which will be purchased separately from weekend passes, will be announced in the coming weeks.
CATSKILL CHILL 2015 LINEUP:
Lotus
Zappa Plays Zappa
Lettuce
Electron
The Motet
Dopapod
Kung Fu
Twiddle (Original & Dead sets)
Break Science
Turkuaz
Dopakuaz plays Studio 54
The Werks
Particle & Fam
George Porter Jr. & The Runnin' Pardners
Stratosphere All-Stars
The Nth Power
Red Baraat
Moon Hooch
Govinda
Consider the Source (Electric & Acoustic)
Pink Talking Fish
American Babies
Luke the Knife
Juno What?!
Chillfam All-Stars Herbie Hancock Tribute
High & Mighty Brass Band
Exmag
Nadis Warriors
DJ Logic
Borahm Lee
Caravan of Thieves
Love Canon
Brock Butler Acoustic
Borboletta
Jen Durkin & The Business
BRYAC Funk All-Stars
Aqueous
Marvel Years
Natalie Cressman
The Ballroom Thieves
The Primate Fiasco (Electric & Acoustic)
Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan
On the Spot Trio
Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
Shwizz
FiKus
ShwiKus plays the ‘80s
The Brummy Brothers
Relative Souls
Strange Machines
Solaris
Speakerbot
Wyllys
Horizon Wireless
Funky Dawgz Brass Band
Haley Jane and the Primates
Wiley Griffin Acoustic
Little War Twins
The Breakneck Boys
For more information visit:
www.CatskillChill.com
www.facebook.com/CatskillChill
Twitter + Instagram: @CatskillChill | #Chillfam
CukoRakko Pre-Party Featuring Sidewalk Chalk & Jeffrey James - Montgomery - Thurs 4/23 April 22, 2015 11:52
The Saza Serious Sound Series is bringing CukoRakko to Montgomery on Thursday night! CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival is a dynamic family event at historic Horse Pens 40 in Steele, AL, just north of Birmingham, the first week in May and first week in October.
CukoRakko will be hosting their first ever Montgomery Outreach Pre-Party with Ropeadope Records artists, Sidewalk Chalk, from Chicago. You don't want to miss this powerful night of music and art. Check out some of their latest videos below. There will also be visual art on display from Abstract Mafia and other artists and activities to be announced, as well as our friend DJ Jeffrey James before and after the band.
Come enjoy The Sanctuary, Montgomery's newest music and arts venue in the Capitol's oldest neighborhood, Historic Cottage Hills. Join us in learning more about this great venue, neighborhood, band, and festival.
Visit Helicity Montgomery to learn more about the growing cultural movement in the capitol city.
(Sidewalk Chalk - "Blue" - From their latest release, Shoulder Season)
SIDEWALK CHALK (Chicago, IL)
With the release of its sophomore album, Leaves, Sidewalk Chalk continues to lead the contemporary evolution of hip-hop, soul, and jazz. The band’s roots are firmly planted in Chicago where all eight members bring their respective talents together to update a sound first heralded in the Native Tongues era but never so musically diverse. The group’s unique arrangement allows them to incorporate numerous styles seamlessly: an MC and female vocalist; a trio of keys, bass, and drums; a horn section with trombone and trumpet; and a tap-dancer.
In contrast to the 2012 debut release, Corner Store, this new album finds the group venturing into a grittier space and capitalizing on a subtle approach that is at times hauntingly beautiful. Leaves represents change, both the loss of something dear and the excitement of exploring something new. “The album is about growth, growing pains, and letting go of the past if need be,” states MC Rico Sisney. Vocalist Maggie Vagle adds, “It’s also about unfolding into a new color. Shedding to shine brighter."
(Sidewalk Chalk - "Get It Right" - From their latest release, Shoulder Season)
Sidewalk Chalk has created a live show that captivates a variety of audiences. The group has already shared stages with Questlove, De La Soul, Action Bronson, Jean Grae, Hiatus Kaiyote and other notables. Individually, band members have acted as musical director(s) for Brother Ali, toured with Jazzanova and played behind Buddy Guy and Talib Kweli. Sidewalk Chalk was named "Most Outstanding Group" at the 2012 Chicago Music Awards, and its MC represented Chicago at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China.
Sidewalk Chalk is: Rico Sisney (MC), Maggie Vagle (Vocals), Charlie Coffeen (Keys), Garrett McGinn (Bass), Tyler Berg (Drums), Jumaane Taylor (Taps), Sam Trump (Trumpet), and David Ben-Porat (Trombone).
(Sidewalk Chalk - "Vibrations" - From their latest release, Shoulder Season)
Hump Day Sale: 20% Off All Apparel - Weds. April 22nd April 22, 2015 08:32
HUMP DAY SALE: Today we are offering 20% off on all Live & Listen merchandise! This includes our Retro Trucker Hats, which are now back in stock, as well as Spring T-Shirts, Women's Tanks, and Kids T-Shirts. Just use the link in the bio of our profile and enter coupon code "humpday" when checking out Don't miss out on this one day discount!
SHOP NOW: Live & Listen Apparel
MADE Paper Presents: Hankfest 2015 April 21, 2015 11:14
----MADE Paper is excited to announce Hankfest 2015! Join us in the A&P Courtyard in Montgomery, AL on May 2nd from 7-11 p.m.for a celebration of Southern Music with a touch of Hank. Musical acts include Dead Fingers, Daniel Elias + Exotic Dangers, Captain Kudzu, and Hank Sr All Stars! Tickets on sale now for $10 at http://hankfest.brownpapertickets.com. Tickets will be $20 at the door. Special discount given at the door to those who have their Fitzgerald Gala ticket and Southern Makers wristbands! ---------------
New Album Release: Keller Williams - "Vape" - In Stores Today April 20, 2015 07:34
Looking for some brand new music this week? Keller Williams has you covered. Today marks the official release for Keller's 20th album, Vape. The record includes contributions from bassist Samson Grisman, guitarist John Kadlecik, mandolinist Ronnie McCoury, banjoist Rob McCoury, bassist Alan Bartram and fiddle player Jason Carter. Vape features 10 original Williams tracks, including some that have never been played live.
Keller Williams Official Store: Purchase Vape Today!
Keller's latest single, "Mantra," can be streamed or downloaded by clicking below:
For all of the latest Keller news, check him out on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
Keller Williams 2015 Tour Dates:
3/27 – Chattanooga, TN @ Track 29 - Wild South Tour
3/28 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel - Wild South Tour
4/3 & 4 – Girdwood, AK @ Alyseka Resort @ The Sitzmark Bar & Grille
4/17 – Mill Valley, CA @ Sweetwater Music Hall
4/18 &19 – Three Rivers, CA @ Earth Jam - Keller Williams Solo + Keller &
The Keels
4/20 – San Rafael, CA @ Terrapin Crossroads - With Phil & Friends
4/23 & 24 – Charleston, SC @ Pour House
4/25 – Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre
5/1 - 5/3 – Republic New Orleans LA Voodoo Dead - 50th Anniversary of the Grateful Dead with Steve Kimock, Bill Kreutzmann, Jeff Chimenti, George Porter Jr.,
5/9 – Virginia Beach VA @ Chics Beach Festival
5/22 – Chillicothe, IL @ Summer Camp - Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass and Keller Williams Solo late night
5/23 – Thornville, OH @ Dark Star Jubilee @ Legend Valley - Keller & The Keels
6/5 – Minden, WV @ Mountain Music Festival
6/14 – Ontario, CA @ Huck Finn Jubilee - Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass
7/1 – Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest - Keller Williams Solo
7/4 – Ozark, AK @ Highberry US Festival
7/11 – Summit Point, WV @ All Good Music Festival
7/12 – Felton, CA @ Santa Cruz Mountain Sol Festival - Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass featuring Michael Kang & Keith Moseley
7/17 – Northern Plains, OR @ Northwest String Summit - Keller Williams with The Travelin' McCourys and Keller Williams Grateful Grass
7/23 – Floyd, VA @ Floydfest - Keller Williams Solo, Keller & The Keels, and Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass
8/8 – Alta, WY @ Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival - Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass
8/16 – Scranton, PA @ Peach Fest - Keller Williams’ Grateful Gospel featuring John Kadlecik
9/5 – Stroud, OK @ Backwoods Music Festival
9/13 – Arrington, VA @ Lockn' - Grateful Gospel
10/3 – Mebane, NC @ Homegrown Music Festival
10/4 – Darlington, MD @ Luna Light Festival - Keller & The Keels
New Interview: Todd Stoops (RAQ and Kung Fu) April 17, 2015 09:13
Just last night, we had the pleasure of speaking with one of our favorite musicians, Todd Stoops (RAQ and Kung Fu). Kung Fu was preparing for the final show of their "Dirty Dozen" tour with fellow Northeast jam rockers, Twiddle. We've been lucky enough to follow Todd's career since the early days of RAQ, and simply cannot get enough Kung Fu. This explosive, lethal funk super group has only scratched the surface, and our conversation with Todd only validated why we love this band so much.
VIDEO: Jimmy Herring Playing Jerry Garcia's Travis Bean TB 500 Guitar April 14, 2015 21:29
-Today, Widespread Panic shared a longer video of the musicians jamming on the Grateful Dead song, “He’s Gone” prior to their March 15th show in Spokane, WA. Jimmy Herring can be seen playing Jerry Garcia's Travis Bean TB500 guitar. This six minute video showcases Herring's uncanny familiarity with Jerry's style, having toured with The Dead and Phil & Friends in years past.
-Many will recall that 1998 and 1999 found Herring, with bassist Alphonso Johnson, Dixie Dregs (and former Widespread Panic) keyboardist T Lavitz and jazz drummer Billy Cobham touring as Jazz Is Dead. Jazz Is Dead released three albums; the material was fusion jazz-rock, largely instrumental-only cover interpretations of classic Grateful Dead songs.
New Apparel: Women's Flowy Tanks & Men's Spring T-Shirts April 6, 2015 11:30
Looking Back on AURA: Part 2 April 2, 2015 13:42
New Interview: John Skehan of Railroad Earth April 1, 2015 15:15
FREE LIVE STREAM: Kung Fu and Twiddle 'Dirty Dozen Tour' Opener Tonight April 1, 2015 13:25
Two of the most buzzed about bands on the scene, Kung Fu and Twiddle, are joining forces for a twelve night co-headlining run that kicks off tonight in Buffalo, NY, and Buffalo.FM will be offering a free live audio stream of the show staring at 9pm.
The bands will take turns closing each night but to keep things interesting, it will not be announced in advance. Fans will have to arrive early to find out who takes the stage first.
Download the Phoncert App for iPhone: http://bit.ly/1qI7DVF
Download the Phoncert App for Android: http://t.co/
(Kung Fu - "Do The Right Thing" - Toad's Place - New Haven, CT - 4.20.12)
Kung Fu: With a tight headlock on the nu-funk movement, Kung Fu is quickly popularizing their unique sonic contribution to the music scene. Blurring the lines between electro-jazz-fusion and ‘70s-style street fighter funk, Kung Fu merges early Headhunters and Weather Report mentality with contemporary electronic ideology like yin and yang. Although the ensemble cast enjoys a seasoned pedigree that reads like an all-star jam, Kung Fu has gained a rabid following that has led to sold out club shows around the US and sets at major music festivals. The powerhouse quintet's live show has been described as "lethal funk," "explosive," "jaw dropping," and "musically mesmerizing.” Kung Fu’s second album, Tsar Bomba, dropped in March 2014 and can be heard on regular rotation on SiriusXM Radio’s JamOn. Kung Fu features Tim Palmieri on guitar, Robert Somerville on tenor sax, Todd Stoops on keyboards, Christopher DeAngelis on bass guitar, and Adrian Tramontano on drums/percussion.
(Twiddle - "When It Rains It Pours" - Gathering of the Vibes 2014)
Twiddle: Twiddle, a Vermont-based quartet, dismantles most preconceived notions of jam band culture. Their fresh multi-genre approach conjures up rock, jazz, and bluegrass, but above all, masterfully blends reggae and funk. After whimsically jamming 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
The Rolling Stones Announce 15-City North American Tour March 31, 2015 11:47
The Rolling Stones will return to North American stadiums this summer for the 15-city Zip Code tour. The tour will kick off May 24th at San Diego's Petco Park, criss-crossing the country before ending July 15th at Quebec's Le Festival D’Été de Québec. The tour name plays off the jeans-focused cover of the group's classic 1971 album, Sticky Fingers, which it will be reissuing in a deluxe format on May 26th.
The band will play hits-filled sets, as well as selections of what it's calling "special gems" from its catalog. The last time the group toured U.S. stadiums was in 2007.
2015 Rolling Stones North American Tour Dates:
May 30 - Columbus, OH @ Ohio Stadium
June 3 - Minneapolis, MN @ TCF Bank Stadium
June 6 - Dallas, TX @ AT&T Stadium
June 9 - Atlanta, GA @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
June 12 - Orlando, FL @ Orlando Citrus Bowl
June 17 - Nashville, TN @ LP Field
June 20 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Heinz Field
June 23 - Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest / Marcus Amphitheater
June 27 - Kansas City, MO @ Arrowhead Stadium
July 1 - Raleigh, NC @ Carter-Finley Stadium
July 4 - Indianapolis, IN @ Indianapolis Motor Speedway
July 8 - Detroit, MI @ Comerica Park
July 11 - Buffalo, NY @ Ralph Wilson Stadium
July 15 - Quebec, QC @ Le Festival D’Été de Québec
Looking Back on AURA: Part 1 March 25, 2015 17:39
The first full weekend of March provided music fans from across the country with their first major festival of 2015. AURA Music & Arts Festival, hosted in the beautiful national forest at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, boasted many of jam rock's hottest bands, and even two of the scenes original pioneers: The Disco Biscuits and moe. With a potentially questionable weather forecast heading in, the rain held off, for the most part, allowing attendees and performers to enjoy nearly perfect weather from Thursday through the closing set from the newly formed, Break Science Live Band on Sunday night.
Second Annual Oak Street Block Party - April 29th March 25, 2015 13:43
Returning for its second year, the Oak Street Block Party is back in conjunction with New Orleans Jazzfest. The free high-energy outdoor music festival will feature music on three stages (two outdoors and one inside The Maple Leaf) from noon to 7pm on Wednesday, April 29 in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans.
Headlining the event is the Oak Street All-Stars featuring an incredible cast of musicians including Oteil Burbridge,
Enriching the community in which it resides, admission is free and open to the public, but VIP tickets are also available. Proceeds will benefit the Oak Street Community, and WWOZ radio will be onsite collecting donations for the station.
Thank you to our sponsors: Purple Hat Productions, The Maple Leaf, Fiyawerx, Live for Live Music, JamCruise, Bear Creek Music & Art Festival, The Parlor Recording Studio, Parlor Entertainment, Brotherly Love Productions and The Funky Batz.
More Information:
www.oakstreetblockparty.com
Facebook event: http://on.fb.me/1HEU1bi
#OakStBlockParty
New Interview: Jason Shepard of Scarlet Begonias March 20, 2015 07:35
(Photo by Phillip Douglas Photography)
In just two weeks, on April 3rd, 2015, we will host our first Spring Concert in Downtown Montgomery at The Warehouse at Alley Station. In the spirit of The Grateful Dead's 50th Anniversary, Scarlet Begonias (Augusta, GA) will make their first ever trip to Alabama. While this group is a relatively new project, the group consists of five seasoned Georgia musicians who have made a major splash with recent performances of The Dead's Europe '72 and American Beauty albums. This week, we sat down with Jason Shepard (guitar/vocals) to find out a little more about how the band came to be, and what we can expect on Good Friday.
-Check out the FULL INTERVIEW by clicking HERE-
Friends With Benefits Reveals Major Rager Print March 12, 2015 10:36
Friends With Benefits (Augusta, GA) and Masthay Studios (Hartford, CT) have revealed the artwork for next months big event, The Major Rager, featuring Gov't Mule, Lettuce, The Revivalists, The Omega Moos, and Funk You. Our friends in Augusta had AJ Masthay base this off of the old "Greetings from Augusta" post cards from the 1950's. Only 200 of these prints will be available, and they will only be for sale at the start of the concert. . First come first serve. Check out Friends With Benefits and The Major Rager on Facebook for chances to win a free copy of this print. Another amazing piece of artwork from one of the best in the business, AJ Masthay!
*The Major Rager will be held Thursday, April 9th, 2015 at The Augusta Commons in Augusta, GA. After Party will be held at Sky City w/ The Omega Moos and Funk You. Check out the promo video below!
Kid's T-Shirts Are Now Available! March 11, 2015 12:05
Our first round of children's t-shirts are now officially available in our merchandise catalog. We have the following sizes: 12-18 months, 2T, 3T, and 4T. Baby Shirts are 12M-18M and printed on Monag 100% cotton shirts. Children's shirts are available in 2T, 3T, and 4T and printed on Gildan 100% cotton shirts. All local orders will be delivered within 24 hours. Don't wait too long as we only have a limited amount in stock!
Summer Camp 2014: Trey Anastasio Band March 10, 2015 07:22
(Photo by Chad Smith Photography)
Summer Camp Music Festival is held annually in Chillicothe, IL over Memorial Day Weekend. While the festival is "hosted" by moe. and Umphrey's McGee, last year featured a set from another one of our favorites, Trey Anastasio Band. Summer Camp recently released two professionally recorded videos from the 2014 TAB set ("Black Dog" and "Night Speaks To a Woman"). Videos were directed by Jay Blakesberg and edited by Andrew Feigl.
-For further information and all things Summer Camp, click here-
The Road To AURA: Jake Huffman of McLovins March 4, 2015 07:33
We couldn't be more excited about being a part of The 6th Annual AURA Music Festival this weekend at The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL. As a part of the festival's promotional efforts, a number of this year's performers are participating in a feature called "The Road To AURA". For our next installment, we caught up with Jake Huffman (drums/vocals) of The McLovins to find out what we can expect from youngest seasoned vets on the scene.
(Photo by Phillip Sunkle)
Full Story: The Road To AURA: Jake Huffman of McLovins
New Interview: TAUK March 3, 2015 11:09
The Road to AURA: Dave Watts of The Motet February 25, 2015 22:14
Valentine's Day with Umphrey's McGee and TAUK February 25, 2015 12:25
Umphrey's McGee fans in the Southeast were treated to their second consecutive Valentine's Day show in North Carolina last week, as the band's Winter Tour rolled through The Ritz in Raleigh. Last year's Valentine's show was in Asheville, NC at a sold out Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. This night in Raleigh was no different, continuing a frequent trend of sold out nights for the Chicago-based rockers. Support came from TAUK, a dynamic jam/funk quartet based in New York. TAUK has quickly become one of the jam scene's hottest rising acts, making for as exciting of a night of live music as one could ask for.
--Full Story w/ Photo Gallery: Valentine's Day with Umphrey's McGee and TAUK