Riot Fest Chicago’s opening day was full of once in a lifetime moments. The most impressive was the early afternoon trifecta of sets by Death, Fishbone and Living Colour on adjacent stages. The sonic threads tying the three African-American rock bands together were loud and clear. Detroit’s protopunk pioneers Death played most of its 1974 debut record and tracks from the latest effort N.E.W., both released on Drag City Records. Fishbone entertained with its trademark upbeat mix of punk, funk, ska and soul.

When you receive news of someone passing away, emotions take hold.  Depending on how well you knew the person, the duration of those emotions can vary.  When the person is your best friend and brother, you relive the loss every day.  As I have learned this year from my time spent with members of Michael Mirro’s family, you also relive the joys.

This was a very special night for me, and Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom was packed for one of the most anticipated and creative artistic creation pre-celebrations in a while. It was an official pre-party for the new rock opera called the Portal being performed at the Glitter Dome in Denver. The earth heart tour featured Desert Dwellers, Kalya Scintilla, Eve Olution, Sixis and Yuyu. The busy bill had the night kick off fairly early, and the performers and audience were prepared for a time of transcendence.

“What we have in mind, is the gift of site, for 36 million,” said event emcee and clown-nosed Seva patriarch and advocate Wavy Gravy on October 10, creating a play on words from his famous “breakfast in bed” announcement at Woodstock.

When a band can joyfully experience first-time approaches to their craft even after 30 years and 11 albums together, it is no surprise that the result will be something sweet.

For southeastern jam band legends and pioneers Widespread Panic, coming together for a live, full band studio recording was something they had never done, until now.