The temperature was perfect, and there was an early start to the night with the leader in British funk, The New Mastersounds. The Wales Ambassador, Eddie Roberts and his boys took the stage and wasted no time at all. Their flavor of funk is a unique, intricate, classy guitar-heavy instrumental sorcery. On this night, they even added a horn section to join them. As a side note, once at an ARISE Music Festival press conference that I was leading, I unexpectedly asked Roberts why he thinks that the tiny area of Great Britain produces so much brilliance in music, art, literature, etc. It was an idea that always baffled my mind how an area the size of Kansas can make so much beautiful art. His answer was brilliant. He responded after a pause with, “Misery.” Everyone in the room got a laugh, and one of my life long-burning questions was revealed. When their set came to an end after only 45 minutes, Roberts thanked the crowd and said that it seemed short, but that was because they are so used to often playing for 3 hours plus.

The 6th annual Spread The Word Festival, showcased some of Colorado’s most diverse and eclectic talent, spanning from ferociously fast picking and heavy-hitting bass decibels, to smooth funky jams and everything in between. Spread across five stages, Denver’s Fox Street Compound morphed into a psychedelic playground for fans to enjoy artists, food trucks and tunes galore.

Formula 5 embarks on their 2018 Summer Tour with stops at familiar haunts across the Northeast and North Carolina and featuring festival performances at Tumbledown and Adirondack Music Festivals, as well as their own Rock the Dock Music Festival on July 13. August will bring the band back to North Carolina for a pair of shows, as well as a Curveball pre-party in Watkins Glen on August 15, one night before gates open at Phish’s eleventh festival.

Formula 5 Summer Tour Dates

There’s no better way to celebrate the release of recorded music than to go play it live.

It’s not that Toronto’s The Slocan Ramblers are old-fashioned, it’s that they’re making bluegrass that harkens back to an older need. They’re not here for the concert halls, they’re not here for the flash and glitz of the music industry, they’re here to grind out the hottest tunes they can, picking fast and furious through traditional and original pieces, and they’re here to sing their songs to hardworn people looking for release.

Cleveland Ohio might not be the reggae capital of the world, but the grit and determination to establish themselves despite locational barriers made the men of Tropidelic all the more eager to make their dream a reality. From dorm room project to a nationally touring band, their momentum shows no sign of slowing down.

Australian born and New Zealand raised, Sammy Johnson, is an interesting person to describe. From homeless to a household name, his story is inspiring, and his passion for his art shows in every facet of his life. With wisdom beyond his years and an over the top personality to match, there are not many who meet him who do not immediately form a strong opinion of him, far more often good than bad. An extrovert, to say the least, he makes it his mission to make his audience feel the same love for music that he does.

Today, The String Cheese Incident releases their latest creation, "Otherside." Produced in the spirit of collaboration with high energy electronic/pop trio TELYKast and organic dance music songstress Ruby Chase, the result is a powerful song which highlights each artist’s recognizable musicianship, backed by distinctive production and songwriting. The song was released today as part of The String Cheese Incident’s continuing Sound Lab Series

Grammy-nominated reggae act Raging Fyah has traveled far from their home of Kingston Jamaica to spread their message. One of modern-day Jamaica’s most popular and successful bands, they have had no lack of a platform to display their music. Their classic sound is a constant reminder of the roots that founded reggae music. An interpretation of a genre that is untainted and pure focusing on themes of spirituality delivered with an optimistic view.

Singer/Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Zach Gill has announced a four show run slated for California this August.   Billed as an “Evening With” these shows will take a dip into his solo catalog, highlighting compositions from his recent solo album Life In The Multiverse, and 2008’s Stuff as well as songs from his role as one of the founding members of ALO.