The contradictions in John Butler are evident, and, despite his magnificently successful career (with number one albums in Australia and sell-out tours) his is a troubled soul. One of the most successful recording artists Australia has ever produced and a musician whose reputation has begun to rock the waters of both Europe and America, Butler is nevertheless a man on the edge, poised like a beautiful suicide. Where will he go next? Up or down?

It’s peculiar to think about, but the album, as we know, it is dying off. The single already takes precedent, for those bands that are looking to reach the widest number of listens on the pop charts. The major upside to the current state of the music business is that the live concert experience has taken precedent as the best way to make it as a musician. One of the most admirable acts out there right now, gaining the adoration of loyal fans while releasing quality albums, is progressive grass sextet the Infamous Stringdusters.

King Crimson brought their latest in a long list of lineups to Los Angeles on the first day of summer 2017. The two-set show on the longest day of the year was held fittingly at the iconic Greek Theatre, a beautiful outdoor amphitheater located on the forested slopes of Griffith Park.

Grammy and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Legendary Soul Man Sam Moore will join Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi of The Blues Brothers for a special guest performance on the 37th annual edition of PBS’ A CAPITOL FOURTH, broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Named one of the “Top 100 Greatest Singers of All Time” by Rolling Stone Magazine, Moore is best known as one half of the famed Grammy-winning R&B duo Sam & Dave.

Nothing makes Deadheads feel more like VIP than flying away with DSO to beautiful Runaway Bay, Jamaica, January 18-22 for Dark Star’s Jam in the Sand VI.  Fans gets to lounge around by the pool or on the beach with your choice of refreshing beverages while enjoying four full two-set DSO shows, as well as three sets each of Hot Tuna and the Rumpke Mountain Boys.  All-inclusive packages include unlimited food and drink from multiple on-site bars and restaurants as well as a bevy of water sports and tropical activities to pass the time.  Scuba, snorkel, paddle-board, swimming or

The Bad Plus came together at the end of the 20th century and has avoided easy categorization ever since, winning critical hosannas and a legion of fans worldwide with their creativity, unique sound and flair for live performance. Based in New York City, the intensely collaborative trio has constantly searched for rules to break and boundaries to cross, bridging genres and techniques while exploring the infinite possibilities of three exceptional musicians working in perfect sync.
 

Following a national publicity campaign for his 2017 album, No Rain No Rose, Portland Americana and folk songwriter John Craigie will be opening for iconic folk-rocker Jack Johnson on Johnson’s upcoming Summer 2017 Tour. The two met in Hawaii when Johnson came to Craigie’s show and fell in love with his mix of wry folk songwriting and stand-up comedy. After a few days together on the North Shore, Johnson invited Craigie on tour.

The Southeast’s largest comedy festival celebrates eleven years in Asheville this summer with stand up comedians from all around the world. Since its first two day festival in 2006, The Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival (a.k.a. The Asheville Comedy Festival) has grown into one of the country’s most prestigious comedy festivals among both comedians, comedy industry professionals and fans.

Hailing from Richmond, VA and formed by brothers Andrew and Johnny, The Trongone Band is set to release their debut LP, “Keys To The House” on June 30th via Harmonized Records. Drawing from Funk, Blues, Americana and Southern Rock, the quartet is rounded out by keyboardist Ben "Wolfe" White and award-winning bassist Todd Herrington.  The band plans to begin touring this month in support of the album.

Why would a hippie drown themselves in a sea of hipsters and EDM?  If you enjoy Phish, Dead & Co, Greensky Bluegrass, and the like, what would the appeal of Electric Forest be you ask? The miles of music listed on the bill are obscure and barely heard of bands to an aging hippie. Are they even bands? These are questions you may ask yourself while looking at the ticket price. I understand, and in response, I offer you these five counter-arguments for your consideration.