Dark Star Orchestra came “high-stepping” into Eugene (Ore.) last Monday night and fulfilled their bold promise to “continue the Grateful Dead concert experience” which is no easy feat. A substantial, multi-generational crowd of familiar faces gathered to glow wild and celebrate the reawakening.

Nashville based psychedelic country garage rock band Blank Range is touring the states in support of their first full-length release from last August "Marooned with a Treasure" on Sturdy Girls Records.

Mike Mizwinksi, popularly known as “Miz,” established himself as a guitar and songwriting talent in the mid-2000s paid his dues in the festival scene and elsewhere. His acoustic and electric guitar talents combined with strong vocals establish a devoted fan base, but Mike was destined for a more introspective musical evolution. His new album A Year Ago Today harkens some of the finest roots songwriters, obscurely enough to not step on the feet of his varied influences.

Occasionally a flower rises up out of the garden of humanity that stands alone in its beauty and inspiration.  In this case, it does so in the form of the Barton Hills Choir out of Austin, Texas.  Headed by elementary school choir director, Gavin Tabone, BHC made their big splash onto the music scene through the Dead Covers Project.  Submitting refreshing renditions of “Touch of Grey” and “Ripple,” the Dead family was instantly charmed by these talented young vocalists.  “And it’s been snowballing from there,” s

Midnight North on February 10 delivered a powerful and endearing three-hour show, dubbed “Experience CSN&Y,” that included a long and powerful set of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young material. Phil Lesh and Eric Krasno guested on big chunks of the proceedings, which took place at Phil’s venerable Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, California.

Last week I had the honor of seeing one of my very favorite bands in my new home of Portland Oregon. Dark Star Orchestra, one of the longest running Grateful Dead cover bands, in fact on their 20th year of touring, graced the beautiful West coast with a lovely winter tour. One of the stops was the Roseland Theater in Portland. I have so much to say about the music, it was on point as always, Dark Star almost never disappoints, but for me, the venue left a bit to be desired.

"You're in a different place.  It's very sensual . . . It satisfies that thing of going to space. You can go into the water and pet eels and octopuses and things.  I really love it; it's an amazing experience."  Jerry Garcia

A special performance by Joe King and Isaac Slade is set for Friday, February 23, 2018 during the Make-A-Wish® Colorado’s Wish Night at the Hyatt Regency Denver Colorado Convention Center. The former Denver schoolmates earned worldwide acclaim after forming The Fray, a pop rock band, in 2002.

Vocalist Kyra Gordon with Pianist and arranger Larry Steelman bring hypnotic and far-out arrangements of two iconic singers: Janis Ian and Janis Joplin. In “Loving Janis” the stylistic interpretations of both Janis Joplin and Janis Ian will encompass jazz, rock and folk arrangements of the iconic performers. Epic song classics including “At Seventeen”; “Jesse”; “Piece of My Heart”; “Bobby McGee” and others will be joyfully sung in a heartfelt tribute by singer-songwriter Kyra Gordon.

As you may have noticed, Grateful Dead music has assumed a life of its own, and the joy it brings, the community it generates, is not only enduring, but also thriving.  And so Dead Heads can return to one of their favorite show sites ever, the Ventura County Fairgrounds, on April 6 through 8 this year to take part in Skull and Roses, a gathering to celebrate Dead-Head-edness and listen to the Golden Gate Wingmen (John Kadlecik, Jeff Chimenti, Jay Lane, Reed Mathis), St