Slightly Stoopid, a prolific band touring for over a decade – modeling in their own way such acts as the Grateful Dead, Phish, Dave Matthews and similar acts.  “Slightly Stoopid”, is a band name conceived while frivolous and young.  Now after years of touring, they’ve added experience, family life but continues to tour.  Slightly Stoopid talks to Grateful Web about tour experience, music, their continually growing fan base, and how they sustain such touring feat.GW

GW: Dylan Muhlberg of Grateful Web here. I am thrilled to be joined by two men whom I admire very much. Tom Constanten’s professional career began as a member of the Grateful Dead in the band’s early developmental years. His impressive solo career and collaborations on dozens of other albums make him an important fixture in American music.

The Sunshine City’s quartet, COPE keeps it in the family. This St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay band of brothers features Kenny Stadelman (bass), Dennis Stadelman (guitar and banjo), Michael Garrie (drums), and Juan Montero (keys and saxophone). COPE’s two recordings, “Going Home” and “See” are harbingers of their hairy funk, Southern jam, dance party prowess.

Before and after the Pigeons Playing Ping Pong show on St Patrick’s Day, I had the opportunity to chat with the band's front man, Greg Ormont. In the past couple years, he and his three other band members have been touring extensively, playing spectacular shows, and have even founded their own festival, Domefest. If you haven't heard of them yet, I'd bet you will soon.

GW: Thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions, you’ve had a whirlwind SXSW week and GW appreciates your time.  To get started, give us a little history into the evolution of you as an artist.  You’ve been playing for almost a decade, not to mention that music is in your blood because your dad is also a musician.  What was the impetus to become one yourself?  Did you begin, in the days of those solo hole-in-wall gigs, with a clear image of yourself as an Americana artist?

Brian Haas, pianist and de-facto bassist of Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, took a moment from his extensive travels to speak with the Grateful Web about the big year ahead for JFJO, including two new albums, one of which was recorded live in Denver, Colorado at Dazzle Jazz and is slated for vinyl release on Record Store Day.

Tea Leaf Green percussionist and Coyote Hearing Studio engineer Cochrane McMillan recently took time out of his hectic yet welcomed schedule to discuss the balance in his life between the studio he co-owns and his solidified stance in the San Francisco based jam band. The second release from The Coyote Hearing Sessions, The Sideshow, features Steve Adams of ALO and Jesse Lauter as co-producer.

Before Looshuss’ Austin show this month, GW’s Caitlin St. Pierre sat down with the promising new artist. If you haven’t heard of him yet, you will soon. In the past couple years, he’s dropped his debut, self-titled album, won Best Electronic Dance Song at the Independent Music Awards, is gaining traction with fans and listeners, and is currently working on his second record. If you’re in the Austin area you should drop by the next time he plays and buy him a beer, and if you’re not, you can buy his album on iTunes—but be warned: Looshuss is addicting.

The blues is a music that is engrained in our musical history whether you think it is or not. After reviewing Buddy Guy’s show a few months ago, and conducting this interview with Keb’ Mo’, I have been humbled to listen to and record a live history of a music genre that although its members are dwindling, its passion, invention, and legacy will never weaken.

When guitarist Dweezil Zappa, son of guitarist, composer, bandleader, actor, social activist, and pseudo-comedian Frank Zappa created the Zappa Plays Zappa project in 2006, he intended it as a tribute to his father’s legacy, a one-off that might reconnect some old fans and breed some new ones in the process. Eight years down the road his project is more popular than ever.