Suwannee Springfest celebrates its 18th year at the magnificent Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL on March 20-23rd. Festivalgoers can enjoy four days of camping and live music, arts and crafts, and a selection of great foods. Suwannee Springfest consistently features some of the world’s finest performers in Roots Rock, Bluegrass & Newgrass, Acoustic Blues, Singer/Songwriter, Cajun/Zydeco, New & Traditional Folk and other forms of American Roots music.

The 25th annual Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Festival will rock once again at Memorial Day weekend, May 24-25, at Rancho Santa Susanna Community Park, 5005 Los Angeles Ave., in Simi Valley. The event features two full stages for each of its musical genres. Music will proceed non-stop each day from 12 noon until 7:30 p.m. Tickets, $22 adults 13+ ($20 online until May 1) and $15 children 7-12, are available online at http://www.simicajun.org or at the gate. Parking is ample and free. Fast-moving California Hwy.

Jimkata has released, Feel in Light, a four-track EP recorded with producer Jocko Randall at his MoreSound Studios in Syracuse, who also produced the band’s last full-length album, 2012’s Die Digital. Feel In Light represents the continued evolution of Jimkata, exploring themes of love, triumph and appreciating second chances in life. Jimkata’s refined electro-rock sound is one of a band that has found its voice after years of experimentation.

The third annual The Mad Tea Party Jam, presented by Appalachian Jamwich, takes place June 19-22 in Hedgesville, WV.  The music and arts festival will be headlined by Papadosio, two nights of The Werks, two nights of Dopapod, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Mantras and more.The event will host multiple stages, an electronic dance tent, and late night music to 5AM and later.  The arts will also be a prevalent component to the experience and patrons can enjoy looking through a transformative art gallery, exploring art installation

The music lineup for the 9th annual Lightning in a Bottle Music and Arts Festival has been announced, featuring Moby, Little Dragon, Phantogram, Gramatik, Beats Antique, Amon Tobin, Baauer, Gold Panda, Simian Mobile Disco, Claude VonStroke and more!

Though jazz connotes many meanings to many different people something most can agree upon is that jazz necessitates devotion to an instrument. How that layout translates is wide spanning. Jazz can also be narrowed down stylistically by place of origin. Chicago and New York jazz will have signature qualities and different style. Modern day, the city of New Orleans is host to the hardest working jazz community and even broader live performance in general.

Forecastle Festival returns this summer led by hip hop royalty, Outkast; 21st century rocker, Jack White; and alt-rock renaissance man, Beck.

Tea Leaf Green percussionist and Coyote Hearing Studio engineer Cochrane McMillan recently took time out of his hectic yet welcomed schedule to discuss the balance in his life between the studio he co-owns and his solidified stance in the San Francisco based jam band. The second release from The Coyote Hearing Sessions, The Sideshow, features Steve Adams of ALO and Jesse Lauter as co-producer.

Before Looshuss’ Austin show this month, GW’s Caitlin St. Pierre sat down with the promising new artist. If you haven’t heard of him yet, you will soon. In the past couple years, he’s dropped his debut, self-titled album, won Best Electronic Dance Song at the Independent Music Awards, is gaining traction with fans and listeners, and is currently working on his second record. If you’re in the Austin area you should drop by the next time he plays and buy him a beer, and if you’re not, you can buy his album on iTunes—but be warned: Looshuss is addicting.

As most of you can imagine, life for a touring band is never easy. From late nights to creative fights, there's a reason why only so many bands withstand the challenges of being on the road whilst maintaining a personal sense of freedom. We, Papadosio, created the Rootwire Music & Arts Festival in an attempt to paint on our own canvas.