August 2012

On April 2, 2011, the band known as LCD Soundsystem ceased to exist. During a sold out show at Madison Square Garden, James Murphy, the founder of LCD Soundsystem, and a bunch of his best friends came together to play their last show ever. It was almost four hours in length, featuring special guests Reggie Watts, members of Arcade Fire, and many others.

As I arrived at the festival grounds Sunday, August 26th, I regrettably walked in right as Grant Farm was playing their closing chords. I heard their forward-flowing jamgrass sound from the walk down. This Nederland and Front-Range mainstay band led by National Flatpicking Champion Tyler Grant is one of the hottest local bluegrass acts to catch.

In case there was any confusion regarding Yonder Mountain String Band’s capacity for throwing down an amazing show that everybody can enjoy, the band brought out three little girls on stage during a cover of Danny Barnes’ “Funtime” who danced and whipped their hair with more fervor than Willow Smith herself.

This coming Labor Day Weekend, August 31, September 1 and 2, Phish will play three shows at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO, just outside of Denver. All three shows will be webcast live at LivePhish.com. The webcasts are available for pre-order now, along with an event t-shirt.

Stony Plain Records, Canada’s roots music label, announces an October 9 release date for ….First Came Memphis Minnie, a loving tribute to the pioneering blues woman produced by multiple Grammy-nominee Maria Muldaur, featuring special guests including Rory Block, Ruthie Foster, Bonnie Raitt, Phoebe Snow and Koko Taylor.