When it comes to modern-day interpretations of the American Songbook that is Grateful Dead, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead is causally setting the bar. With an illustrious thirty years of Dead tunes to choose from, former Furthur drummer Joe Russo and his grateful gang of East Coast friends are reinvigorating songs and arrangements that have been played to a pulp.

GW: This is Dylan Muhlberg of Grateful Web here with Bay Area music legend Greg Anton. Greg began his professional career in the late 70s drumming with Keith and Donna Godchaux’s Heart of Gold Band. Later he cofounded the prolific Jam Band Zero. Since he’s participated in countless musical endeavors and projects. He’s a lawyer and an advocate for marijuana legalization. And now he’s an author. But instead of an autobiography he wrote a novel.

The Ballroom Thieves are performing in Denver, Colorado this weekend (https://www.facebook.com/events/989757557708115/).  This will be a unique and an exciting experience to catch this rock-folk trio particularly at this intimate Denver venue (Larimer Lounge).  When I think folk, I typically think perhaps of enjoying thoughtful inspirational music on the couch.  Ballroom Thieves is that plus upbeat, rock flair in a concert hall -- armed

GW: This is Dylan Muhlberg of Grateful Web. I am joined by legendary music photographer Bob Minkin. Bob’s eye for capturing the perfect moment reveals his subjects with unparalleled intimacy. As a teenager of the mid-1970s, Bob began following the Grateful Dead extensively after a nearly two yearlong hiatus from touring. His tact and respect got him closer to the band than any photographer before him.

It all started back in 1960 when the folk craze was happening. People didn't know the difference between real folk music and popular folk music. The whole thing was pushed by the commercial success of groups like The Kingston Trio. Those were folk songs, but they were commercialized and popularized so they sounded like pop music. Much more compared to the Appalachian versions of those same songs.

Grateful Web recently got the chance to chat with veteran music business multi-tasker and author Dennis McNally. His third book, On Highway 61: Music, Race and the Evolution of Cultural Freedom explores the significance of African-American music in the evolution of cultural freedom by examining the historical context and deeper roots of mainstream American’s cultural and musical progression.

A mainstay in the New Orleans music scene, Papa Mali has shared the stage with the likes of Bill Kreutzmann, Willie Nelson, Henry Butler and a diverse array of other musicians. He won’t quit playing music unless it starts to feel like work, and it hasn’t yet since the mid-70s when Papa Mali first graced the stage. He has a new album coming out very soon, which has already been recorded and will be out at the very first of the year. Follow Papa Mali on social media to get the scoop.

Drummer/percussionist Jason Hann of EOTO and the String Cheese Incident recently took time out his on the run touring schedule to speak with the Grateful Web’s John Schumm. Currently in the midst of EOTO’s multi-month spanning Outer Orbit Tour, the all-live improvisational electronic duo continues to enhance the audio and visual front they’ve helped revolutionize.

Monika Leigh featured on The Voice (Season 5) continues to sharpen her talent and pursues her musical, career goals.  Embarking on her latest project, Monika Leigh and The Swamp Rebels, Grateful Web talks to Monika Leigh in Colorado before her show in Denver.

Grateful Web:  Hi Monica.  This is Vinh Nguyen with Grateful Web.  How are you?

Monika:  Hi Vinh!  Good.  How are you?

Ever since the Harvest Music Festival lineup has been released, I’ve been pouring through the music of slated artists to find my favorites. A lot of the musicians I wasn’t too familiar with, including Under the Willow. From the first song I heard, I knew this was a band I could easily love.