The Devil Makes Three

It's back! We're thrilled to announce that the 4th Annual Rex Foundation Fire on the Mountain Vertical Challenge takes place in Squaw Valley April 6, and registration is now open!  

I ask for a lot. Usually, when it comes to music, all I do is ask. “Can we afford a Phish festival this year?”, “Can we take the kids to this show?” and most importantly “Mike, can you get me into this show?” For those of you reading this after its won the Pulitzer and was picked up by the AP, let me set the stage. Mike Moran is the owner, founder, and editor of gratefulweb.com. It’s his pull that gets me into the shows. Our relationship is based solely on me asking and him obliging. But once in a great while, he does ask me to cover a show.

The Devil Makes Three are one of those bands that seemed to emerge out the gate with their vision cast in concrete. There were no hidden tricks up their sleeves, no gimmicks to lure in some hip audience. From the get-go, they’ve managed to invigorate the old soul of bluegrass music with the kind of youthful spirit it seems it was always meant to possess, and in turn, the group has found themselves to be a shining light in the 21st-century scene.

A snowy Chicago evening at the Concord Music Hall showcased The Devil Makes Three with opening act Roebuck on January 12th, 2018.  The Concord has a gentleman’s club swanky kind of vibe happening.  The animal print and gold leaf wallpaper were entirely in line with Roebuck, and the Ruin & Redemption feel of DM3’s last release.

A pilgrimage for some, a hop and a skip for others, Wakarusa was our home for 4 glorious days. A melting pot of positive energy that could only be described as wholesome as homemade, we relished in the chance to enjoy new music and new friends.

The sun finally came out, and there was a full moon on the horizon. There is no better place to enjoy rocking Americana string band music then Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The bill on this night had two heavy hitting, fast growing, old-time playing bands from two different parts of the country. The Devil Makes Three comes from Santa Cruz, California, and they bring a sort of punk, pirate, darkness flavor to their Americana bluegrass.

The final day of Harvest was one of celebration. We managed to have perfect weather, and even Yonder Mountain String Band was singing the praises of clear skies. As usual, some of the best shows happened on Saturday, the day when we all try to cram in as much music and fun as possible…ready-but-not-ready for our journey home the next day.

For the third year in a row I had the honor to attend one of my favorite events all year.  There is nothing else in this world that can put a smile on my face quite like a familiar Grateful Dead tune can. This year at Dark Star Jubilee was just as beautiful as the last three. I couldn’t have picked a better way to spend my Memorial Day weekend. As I walked through the gates, and to the top of the ridge of the pine trees, I remembered what it was like to feel at home.

Pickathon 2013 (aka Pickathon's 15TH ANNIVERSARY!) is creeping closer by the day, so naturally this means there is more exciting news to share! We're thrilled to announce the addition of Ty Segall, The Relatives, and Jessica Pratt to this year's lineup!

Pickathon is turning 15 and, like a fine wine, it just keeps getting better! Happening Friday, August 2nd - Sunday, August 4th at Pendarvis Farm in Happy Valley, OR (a mere 15 minutes from downtown Portland), this year promises to be the best ever. Since day one, the idea behind Pickathon has always been pretty simple: what does it take to be the best weekend festival of the year for music lovers?

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