The Motet has been a leader of groove music especially in Colorado for several years now. They have always had an all-star musician at each position of their band. It is just a matter of time before they explode into a national powerhouse. The Motet “family” contains some of my most favorite friends, and anyone who knows anything about music would agree that a Motet show is a dance party that you never leave disappointed or somber from.

Tuesday, Nov. 5, Widespread Panic took over South Beach's Fillmore Auditorium for a wild night of pure jams, not something you find every day in Miami. The usual South Beach goers were raided by an inflow of dedicated hippies, both old and young, uniting under one magical roof. Finally, the presence of Panic in this colorful city, it's been far too long for this Georgia native new to Miami.

Unlike the Martha White “self-rising” flour, it takes more than one ingredient, or individual, to lift the spirits of communities affected by natural disasters. On a brisk night in Boulder, Hot Rize brought together a closely linked ensemble of local musicians to do just that. Recognized as a bluegrass-haven, Boulder County hosts an array of talented musicians.

Thousands of eager fans packed through the doors of the legendary First Avenue Nightclub on a blistering cold October night to see a semi-rare Minneapolis performance from the one and only Yonder Mountain String Band. On a seemingly endless winter tour, the band was supporting the release of their newest album YMSB EP 13’, which features four unique tracks each individually written by one member of the band.

Some venues seem to fit the mood of a concert or the concert goers perfectly. The Hi-Dive in Denver is one of these places, with dim colored lights and walls plastered with retro pop art concert posters for the numerous upcoming bands that will be playing there scattered about the various odd knick nacks it screams this is a place to be for anyone who wants to hear indie music in Denver.

The psychedelic rock throw back band from Australia finally found their way back to Boulder to play at the last small venue that they’ll probably fit in. The next time they come to Colorado, I am predicting that it will be at the Fillmore, Red Rocks, or dare I say the Pepsi Center. As soon as the masses catch on to this modern day Beatles flair, it will be exponential growth for the aesthetic band out of Perth.

Most of Fayetteville, AR loves any reason to go out and get down. What’s one of the best reasons to hit the town? Halloween, of course! With shrouded faces and awesome costumes, fans of PANTyRAiD (and partying in general) filled George’s Majestic Lounge to the brim.

Just a week ago, Carlos Burle captured the world record for largest wave surfed. Off the coast of Nazaré, Portugal, the Brazilian dropped into the face of an estimated 100-foot monster and, roughly 20 seconds later, entered the record books with the ride of his life. I am overwhelmed with joy when I listen to a band hit the groove so hard during a jam, it seems like the musicians are riding their own 100-foot wave. Picture Phish’s Ghost from Prague ‘98 or SCI’s Little Hands from Philly ’00.

ON October 26^th I got the honor of seeing Yonder Mountain String Band for their Halloween party at the House of Blues in Chicago. It was a beautiful night out in the city. The House of Blues is nestled right downtown among all of the stately buildings and bright city lights. The interior of the building is just as impressive as its stately surroundings. Every wall is painted and decorated differently and the balconies that are stacked three high are decorated with filigree, which is illuminated by color changing lights.  It is truly a beautiful building.

Halloween looms, and while most avid local music-goers are planning extravagant costumes for the Hallow’s Eve bash of their choice; last weekend the Fox Theatre hosted a rousing 2-night stand by growing “newgrass” favorites Greensky Bluegrass. Hailing from Michigan, these guys throw a range of soulful bluegrass originals, standards, and playful classic covers out on any given night.