Gideon King & City Blog are a jazz-rock fusion project that have become fixtures in the NYC music scene over the last few years. Much like Steely Dan (both in sound and set-up), King leads the band as songwriter and guitarist while inviting a rotating cast of top musicians to join. In just a few years the band has gone from playing small clubs to venues like Brooklyn Bowl, City Winery, and Joe's Pub, and their last album featured artists like John Scofield, Marc Broussard, and Grace Weber.

Dark Horse Records and BMG are celebrating this year's milestone Ravi Shankar centennial with the first ever vinyl release of his renowned 1997 album, CHANTS OF INDIA. Produced by Shankar's longtime friend and collaborator, Dark Horse founder George Harrison, the acclaimed collection will be available on 2x12" LP 180-gram red vinyl, housed in a gatefold sleeve with an exclusive 12"x12" photo print.

Reggae-influenced alternative rock band Iration has announced their seventh full-length studio album Coastin' will be released early Summer 2020 (date to be announced soon) and has also revealed their annual summer touring plans. In support of the new album, the Hawaiian-bred, California-based band will bring their Coastin' Summer Tour along the east coast and west coast this July and August with Tribal Seeds and more special guests to be announced.

Today, Billboard chart-toppers Slightly Stoopid unveil the first round of dates for their annual summer tour. Dubbed Summer Traditions 2020 (a nod to the outdoor summer tour-circuit the band has done annually since 2006), Slightly Stoopid and fans alike will travel the states, sharing good times with one another through music and community as they have done since the band’s inception 25 years ago.

Born from the dark, rich soil of Charleston, West Virginia, Sierra Ferrell cut her teeth on the rail lines, truck stops, street corners and dingy, dimly-lit listening rooms across the land. Like the siren’s call, Ferrell’s voice draws those who hear her hauntingly, soulful thrum into a mesmerizing music experience they’ll never forget.
 

Ismay is celebrating the release of Songs of Sonoma Mountain, their first full-length album, at Sweetwater on Sunday, March 29. In an evening of indie folk music rooted in nature and reflective of the freedom of the outdoors, the Ismay album and podcast release party will open with special guests Kelly McFarling and Erisy Watt. Doors open at 6:00pm; the show begins at 7:00pm.

While thankfulness is inherent to a Deadhead’s makeup, oftentimes, we don’t stop and fully let our gratitude overwhelm us. The Skull & Roses Music Festival in Ventura, California this April 2nd-5th will easily remedy that. Offering a most wonderful setting in a most sacred spot, Skull & Roses provides the perfect opportunity to allow our appreciation to soar. I sense the familiar thrill rise within me as I digest this year's lineup— Billy & the Kids, Oteil & Friends, Jeff Chimenti, Steve Kimock, and George Porter Jr.

Returning for its eight year to the delight of four-season festival goers, WinterWonderGrass Festival will return yet again to Lake Tahoe, California at Squaw Valley Resort on March 27th-29th. Founded by Scotty Stoughton, a lifelong musician and festivalgoer alike, WinterWonderGrass, “aims to cultivate and nurture the relationship between nature, authentic music, and communal family, creating a vehicle for inspiration,” according to its mission statement.

The Allman Betts Band are currently on tour and they are delighting audiences in every city they play. They have their 2019 debut album Down To The River and another album in the can and ready for a summer release in 2020. The band is poised, well-rehearsed and performing amazing live shows. They are turning on legions of new fans not only to their music but also the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band.

Front Country isn’t just a cover band. I started exploring their original music which is perfectly crafted and powerful. Their talent as a group is undeniable, each musician bringing a special gift. Though I must call out Melody Walker for lead vocals, guitar and percussion. She reminds me of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. She also embodies artist like Diana Ross, Anita Baker, Nora Jones, Alicia Key and Jennifer Hudson. All spectacular company.