Each year Umphrey’s McGee makes a point to stop in at their home town for a mid-summer throw down at the Lawn at White River in Indianapolis, Indiana. This show is never one you should miss. From lightning storms, to blazing hot summer nights, and throw downs in the rain, the show at White river… Continue reading Umphrey's McGee | Indy | 8/8/15 | Review
Sometimes a pet-project grows into a full concept far surpassing the inventor’s original prospects. For veteran bluegrass siblings Sara and Sean Watkins, they likely began their musical Family Hour as a way to ease the strains of rigorous touring in their native Southern California. In their natural habitat of Americana, exploring favorite originals and classic… Continue reading Watkins Family Hour | Berkeley | Review
A mark of continued captivating artistry is evolution. Multi string-slinger, vocalist and songwriter Jackson Emmer truthfully represents his musical identity on his upcoming solo album Last Known Photograph of Jackson Emmer. Many are familiar with Emmer through his phenomenal old-time fast grass outlet, The Howling Kettles. But his upcoming solo breakthrough grows all possibilities. In… Continue reading Jackson Emmer | Last Known Photograph of Jackson Emmer | Review
Since the release of both their sophisticated Similar Skin album in 2014 and the elegant bonus album, London Sessions, which was produced at Abbey Road of last year, Umphrey’s McGee has begun to more frequently perform at up-scale venues across the Midwest. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is among one of these venues. It… Continue reading Umphrey's McGee: A Garden of Genres
Steely Dan brought its “Rockabye Gollie Angel” summer tour to Ravinia in suburban Chicago, and it was a jazzy and classy affair. The two performances at the upscale open-air music venue featured a special set from Chicago-based jazz guitarist Bobby Broom instead of tour opener Elvis Costello and the Imposters. Broom’s Organi-Sation trio, initially formed… Continue reading Steely Dan | Ravinia Festival | Review
Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit‘s reputation rests on freelance improvisation and artisanal jazz and blues, but twenty-five years of observational polish didn’t hurt the second of two nights at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, Colorado. Like old friends shooting the breeze, they’d already revitalized their well-established familiarity. The sights and sounds were… Continue reading The Aquarium Rescue Unit | Fox Theatre
Never miss a Sunday show is a phrase everyone should know. Celebrating their 31st Red Rocks show The String Cheese Incident finished off a great weekend with a Sunday night show. Joined by Nahko and Medicine for the People, Sunday was hot, bright and full of energy. The show was blessed by a traditional Native… Continue reading String Cheese Incident | 7/26/15 | Review
In French the phrase “Je ne sais quoi” means an inexpressible something, a little something extra or a quality that eludes description. With over 20 years of touring under their belt The String Cheese Incident brings that “je ne sais quoi” to their live shows. Whether it be a cover, a special jam or a… Continue reading String Cheese Incident | 7/24/15 | Review
Marco Benevento returned to The 1Up-Colfax on 7/25 for a fun filled evening of Piano Rock. Having never seen either Marco Benevento or his opening act The Jaden Carlson Band I didn’t know what to expect. The Jaden Carlson band is a name worth remembering. Comprised of 15 year old Jaden on Guitar, Will Trask… Continue reading Marco Benevento | 1up Colfax | Review
It’s been more than 20 years since “Candy,” B-52s lead female vocalist Kate Pierson‘s duet with Iggy Pop. Pierson has fulfilled the promise of that Top 40 hit with her first solo effort Guitars and Microphones released earlier this year. Finally, her voice is up front and center, with an overall sound that is heavily influenced by… Continue reading Kate Pierson | City Winery | Review
