For bluegrass fans it doesn’t get much better than YarmonyGrass: picturesque Colorado weather, great friends, and top-notch picking in one of the most beautiful parts of Colorado. From August 15^th to the 17^th, bluegrass lovers gathered at Rancho Del Rio for the ninth annual YarmonyGrass festival, and the results were more than pleasing.

Rancho Del Rio

Even if Keller Williams wasn't the one-man extravaganza in today’s music industry, his stage presence would still be undeniably compelling. But to ring in the New Year, K-Dubz wasn't alone; the Travelin’ McCourys joined him in funkin’ up the stage with their jovial blue grass jive and sublime jam solos.

What a glorious day yesterday was! The second day of Rhythms on the Rio 2014 was jam-packed with musical goodness in the rarified air of the southern Colorado Rockies.

Starting of the yesterday’s slate of artists was Ashley Raines, the winner of this summer’s singer/songwriter contest. Raines offered originals that ranged from bluesy tunes to more Americana fare, warming up the audience for what was to come.

Keller Williams has announced his latest album release, DOS. DOS is a live-recorded collection of songs from the Grateful Dead with all proceeds benefiting the Rex Foundation. Keller’s talent and passion as a musician and for the Grateful Dead is reflected beautifully in DOS.

The beach has always defined my summer. Whether as a child anticipating two weeks at the shore for the other 50 weeks each year, as a teen working at a summer camp and spending every daylight at or near the water’s edge, or in my twenties when I learned the fun of service industry work and living on my own at the Delaware Beaches; beach and summer have been synonymous. Four decades are staring me in the face and now, after just a few experiences in the past few years, I will add shows at The House of Blues to that list of the signs of summer.

The pop-up and its small footprint we would call home for the next 4 nights was ready. The sun had long since set and the kids were happily snuggled under doubled over blankets in the 1975 Apache Mesa. The evening’s cold temperatures were more than the few packed layers of cotton could defend against, so Laura and I were doing our best to think warm thoughts and be thankful for the reprieve from last year’s unbearable heat as we sat outside in the still and dewy night.  Her vapor filled exhalation was caught in the beam from her headlamp, over top of the festival’s program.

An unbelievable line-up. Food made fresh, local and right. Camping that’s just enough jam-session, just enough ‘kick back and watch the sunset.’ An energy that is beyond description. It’s the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in the foothills of the Catksills outside of Albany, NY, July 17-20 and its high time you came to this premier bluegrass extravaganza. Nickel Creek has reunited and the Del McCoury Band will be there to celebrate for 2 nights in honor of silver haired leader’s 75th birthday.

Memorial Day weekend always produces a number of different and distinct music festivals across the country, however one Midwest festival in particular has proved for countless years that they know how to throw a unique concert experience complete with a diverse music selection, an enthusiastic and experienced crowd, and a little help from the weather gods. This year’s annual Summer Camp Music Festival was one for the ages, providing fans with an unforgettable experience that won’t be outdone anytime soon.

Blending a unique variety of roots reggae, rock n’ roll, and electronic dub, Minneapolis-based trio Jon Wayne and The Pain brought their signature “Reggae-Tronic Dub” sound to the beautiful grounds of Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois this past weekend for an unforgettable performance at the annual Summer Camp Music Festival.

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.