Dead Floyd is a four-piece band based out of Fort Collins Colorado. They formed in 2009 and have been delighting audiences everywhere they perform. They have very successfully combined the music of the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd into a sound and light extravaganza. The highly talented and diverse musicianship in this band enables them to not only perform the music as it was, but to also carry it beyond their predecessors in new and modern directions. Dead Floyd take you on an unpredictable journey back in time with a freshness and exploratory creativity in each number they play. The element of set list surprise the vast amount of music at their fingertips and out right ability to deliver has set this band apart in the tribute band genre. The devoted fan following inspires them to carry on with love and respect for the music they so beautifully interpret. Dead Floyd allows us all to enjoy the timeless legacy of two of the greatest stories ever told.  Grateful Web recently had a chance to speak to Dead Floyd drummer, Stu Crair.

GW: Hi Stu, Thank you for taking the time to chat today! I want to begin by talking a bit about the nine date tour that starts tomorrow at Cactus Jack's in Evergreen Colorado?

STU: Yes, the tour is called Shine On Your Crazy Fingers Tour. We are performing in some cities that we have never played before and revisiting some that we have. Including some of our favorite venues in Colorado - the Aggie Theatre in Fort Collins, Frozen Dead Guy Festival in Nederland and two dates in Steamboat. We are trying to be really strategic about where we go, this tour is the most encompassing tour we have done. we are heading back to Chicago, Utah and Indy for the first time. So we are excited about playing new cities and engaging with new audiences.

GW: How did Dead Floyd begin as a band and how did you come up with the concept of combining the Grateful Dead & Pink Floyd together for your live show?

STU: Charlie Humphreys, our guitar player/vocalist, and myself were in another funk/jazz band called The Grip. That band was slowing down and we were looking for a different project. What is now Dead Floyd was supposed to be a one night only engagement with the help of friends Matthew Goldberg and Josh Miller. My idea was to play a 'Monsters of Classic Rock' style show, do some heavy jamming, add in a little of the funk, and, in the end, play these songs closer to a funk/jazz style instead of like a cover band.  It turned out that Charlie knew an incredible amount of Grateful Dead tunes and Josh knew just as many Pink Floyd tunes, so we kept it simple and whittled it down to the two bands.  The concept was very well received, and it continues today the same way as it did in 2009 when we formed the band.

GW: Does Dead Floyd ever play the same set twice or does it differ from show to show?

STU: It absolutely differs every show. It's basically a Grateful Dead take on both bands. Sometimes Grateful Dead tunes sound like Pink Floyd tunes and vice versa.

GW: Re-creating the music of the Grateful Dead & Pink Floyd seems like a unique and challenging undertaking, what are the most challenging aspects for the band if any?

STU: Well we are a four piece and the Grateful Dead had another guitar player and drummer. Pink Floyd was basically a four piece but often times had extra musician’s backup singers etc. So, the challenge is, how do you fit this music into a four-piece format. It’s kind of a weird Phish approach to Grateful Dead covers as we are all huge Phish Fans. Charlie and Josh have such strong vocals and the ability to keep the rhythms going even during solos.  So our challenge is just taking the song and doing it in our unique way to fit our band size.

GW: Does Dead Floyd ever take requests from the audience or deviate from the set list?

STU: Sometimes we do because people connect with this music is so many ways. Every now and then someone will approach us and say, "someone in my family has passed on and we played this song at their funeral, can you please play it in their honor?" You can tell it would mean so much to them, so we will because we understand the power of the music we are playing. Sometimes we will deviate from the set list, depends on the mood of the crowd, so we may change it up every so often.

GW: Have you ever considered doing a live recording/cd and do you allow the audience to record your shows?

STU: Yes we absolutely allow all types of recording, audio, video and photos. When we get a good high quality recording, we put them on archives and the fans can download them for free. We have never really considered selling a live recording.

GW: Is there any date in this upcoming tour that really stands out and that you are really looking forward to?

STU: I have to be biased and say I am looking forward to the hometown gig in Fort Collins. We have not played at the Aggie Theatre in a while and it’s always a fun time when there are many of your friends and family in the audience. They are all very unique in their own way. Frozen Dead guy in Nederland is really weird and we have done it for eight years now, so that is another show we are always looking forward to. We are looking forward to all of the gigs and very excited to play in some cities we have not played in before.

GW: I want to circle back for just a moment. Is the current lineup of yourself, Josh, Charlie and Matt the original line-up or has it changed over the years?

STU: Yes, we are all original members since 2009. Including our lighting tech - Jake Gibson

GW: In that time span of eleven years what has been the standout moment for Dead Floyd?

STU: There are a couple, and very early on we played the Aggie and that was really special for us since we all live so close to the venue. I remember going home after sound check etc. When I came back at 8:30 and that was basically doors. The room was packed, so that is a fond memory for all of us. This was our second show, so we were floored by the response. Playing in Arizona at the Orpheum Theatre was also amazing, it was an old theatre and it was very well attended and just a beautiful venue to play. There has been many including the Boulder Theater. 

GW: Have you ever considered changing things up a bit, such as playing an acoustic set first then taking a break and coming back and rocking the house electric like the Dead did in the early eighties?

STU: We have done some stuff similar to that, but not a full on acoustic set with the four of us. So there is a possibility of doing something like that in the future.

GW: Stu, Thank you for being so gracious with your time today, and we look forward to keeping track of Dead Floyd on this current and future tours.

The Aggie Theatre and the home town crowd of Fort Collins welcomed the second show of Dead Floyd’s Shine On Your Crazy Fingers Tour with open arms last night. The guests were treated to support acts All Night Train (Allman Brothers Tribute) and the Night Shades (Funk and Rock). Soon after the two opening acts completed their sets, Dead Floyd took the stage and never gave it back. From the opening notes of Help On The Way, the evening vibe was set. You could feel the energy of the crowd bouncing off the four musicians on stage. The sound and lights swirled around the room in a kaleidoscope of color. The never-ending story that is the music of the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd were together again as only Dead Floyd can present it.

Charlie Humphreys searing guitar licks and vocals cut through the room like a knife with precision and taste. Josh Miller’s powerful voice and never-ending heart-pounding bass notes are well complimented by the precision and power of Stu Crair on drums. Matthew Goldberg on keys keeps the rhythm flowing with his versatility and an acute sense of what is happening with the other musicians on stage. When you mix all the musical components of the four musicians together you end up with a fiery gumbo that has no bottom in sight. Lighting director Jake Gibson has been with the band since they began in 2009. He stimulates the room with creative imagery giving each song its own identity and the crowd a visual pallet of colors. The first set included Slipnot, Arnold Lane, Slip, Franklins, into what I personally felt was one of the best versions of Sugaree I have ever heard. Take it back was the next song on the list and One More Saturday Night was the final tune to close out the first set. The second set was a well-executed array of crowd favorites including Happiest Day's Shakedown Street, Feerless, Music Never Stopped, Have A Cigar, Other One, Throwing Stones, Run Like Hell and the final tune Brokedown Palace.

Dead Floyd played a heck of a home town show last night and is currently on tour in Colorado, Utah, Illinois, and Indianapolis.

Check out the link and tour schedule for Dead Floyd included here.

Check out more photos from the show.

The Allman Betts Band are currently on tour and they are delighting audiences in every city they play. They have their 2019 debut album Down To The River and another album in the can and ready for a summer release in 2020. The band is poised, well-rehearsed and performing amazing live shows. They are turning on legions of new fans not only to their music but also the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band.

Devon Allman and Duane Betts are handling lead vocals and guitars, along with Johnny Stachela ripping up the neck of his Gibson with the slide. The rhythm section consists of Berry Duane Oakley on bass, John Lum on Drums and R.Scott Bryan on percussion and vocals. John Ginty rounds out the seven on keyboards. The band is a very cohesive unit that can improvise and create as they go. The Allman Betts material is contemporary, punch in the gut rock and roll, with no limitations. The three-part guitars that weave and wind together are all different but fit together like a musical puzzle. They are friends and musical partners and it shows on stage the energy between them is fun to watch and it brings the audience into their world for a couple of hours and it’s a cool adventure to be a part of.

I caught up with the boys last night at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Jackson Stokes and his band lit up the stage with a fiery opening set. Jackson has a long history with Devon and all of the members of the band. He is now fronting his own band with his debut record and touring with The Allman Betts Band as well as his own headlining gigs.

When the Allman Betts Band took the stage and all hell broke loose. The opening number Airboats & Cocaine is a rocker and set the tone for what was to come. The set was a well thought out and well executed mix of Allman Betts Band tunes, along with classic Allman brothers Songs such as A’int Wasting Time, Blue Sky and Jessica with Devon and Duane swapping back and forth on the vocals. The instrumental Mahalo about halfway through the set is a melodic adventure of musicianship. The innovative song structure that this tune envokes is stunning to the senses. The set closed out with Down To The River from the first Allman betts album. They then soon returned to the cheering auditorium only to stun the crowd with Purple Rain by Prince, followed by the soulful and heartwarming song Long Road beautifully sung by Devon.

This group of musicians are truly brothers. They have incredible passion for the music, the audience, and one another. They are a family on the road, they take care of business and each other. Thanks to all of the members of The ABB and crew for always making me feel welcome.

Check out more photos from the show.

The Drive-In style set up at the ranch was in the same fashion as going to the movies, except this movie theatre had a real PA system. Cars were parked in rows and the social distance tailgating was highly successful. There were limited VIP tables set up in front of the stage for a bit more intimate viewing. Robert Randolph started the show with some of the members and introduced Devon and Duane a few songs in. At that point, the musicians on stage were from five different bands. With this kind of eclectic mix of musicians and incredible improvisational skills on hand, anything can happen and it did. The show was unrehearsed other than a run-through of a few songs at soundcheck.

The setlist consisted of classic tunes such as Foxy Lady, Midnight Rider, I Shot the Sheriff, and many other cool tracks with a little different spin on them. Each player brought their own sound, style, and technique to the table, leaving a virtual attack on your musical tastebuds. The audience fully embraced what was happening and the set was exciting and unpredictable, just the way a jam should be. These musicians have abilities beyond the norm and even in these troubled times of uncertainty everyone forgot about it for a few hours and had a great time.

Check out more photos from the show.

High Plains Buffalo Jam - Cheyenne Wyoming 7/25/2020

Terry Bison Ranch hosted a super jam last night at the ranch.  The guitar army consisted of 

Robert Randolph

Devon Allman & Duane Betts - (Allman Betts Band)

Charlie Starr - (Blackberry Smoke)

Adam (Shmeeans) Smirnoff - (Lettuce)

Adam Deitch -(Lettuce) - drums

Deshawn Dvibes Alexander - keyboards

Nick Schendzielos - bass

Blue skies, incredible musicians, great friends, and a postcard backdrop were all on tap at this much needed mountain music festival. Todd Sheaffer, lead singer and guitar player with Railroad Earth, headlined the first day of the festival. Music echoed through the valley as laser lights bounced off the hills in perfect harmony. There were plenty of happy folks and plenty of room to spread out and dance. Day number two was perfect sun-soaked bliss in the shadow of Horsetooth Mountain.

Jeremy Garrett of The Infamous Stringdusters was the headliner. He was performing in a trio on fiddle, guitar, and vocals along with a bass player and drummer, a different and epic musical moment for all in attendance. The stage was packed all day with Bluegrass, Rock and Grateful Dead jams playing to an ever-growing audience. By night fall the lasers beamed off the foothills while the kids they danced to shake their bones like they have not danced in a year.

It was an incredible effort by everyone involved from the production crew, artists, and guests it was a great two days in foothills of Fort Collins Colorado.

Once again Thanks to Donovan and Dawn for graciously hosting.

Traveling around the western portion of the United States in a large Four Winds RV Todd & Chris are keeping the vibe alive. They have been playing outside gigs from breweries to backyards. They rolled into Boulder this week after a long haul from Salt Lake City. Chris Thompson played the first acoustic set of both original compositions and covers. Chris is a unique singer songwriter, lyrically gifted his style is engaging and up-lifting. His smooth style of playing and the tone of his six string is distinct and robust.

Todd’s storyteller style captivated the intimate gathering of friends on hand. His music winds through folk, rock, blues, country and Celtic styles with well-crafted arrangements and vocals that complement the lyrics he has so truthfully written. It is always a thrill to see his fans singing every word of his songs during his performances. His music has deep meaning to many and he is a cherished part of our musical culture. Thanks to all the guests for supporting these gifted troubadours of song.

Thanks to Annabel, Peter, and Lyric for hosting.

Thanks to Kelly and Alyse.

The Sweet Lillies were excited to take the stage in front of a sold-out crowd last night. The guests were just as enthusiastic as they welcomed and embraced the String Americana band from Boulder. This band has no restraints went it comes to progressive styles of music, they incorporate many genres with acoustic instruments, well-crafted arrangements, and band equality on stage. What gives them a universal appeal is diversity in backgrounds and influences. They have incorporated just about everything they have ever heard and fell in love with musically. With all those different styles and seriously accomplished musicianship you have a gumbo of goodness coming from the stage.

Having a string band does not mean you cannot spread your wings beyond folk and bluegrass and this band certainly surprises you with funky dance vibes, hip hop and pop all while adhering to the stringed instrumentation they have homed in over many years of playing live shows, recording music and many hours of windshield time. They wowed the crowd last night with creativity, undeniable craftsmanship and songbird vocal abilities.

All of this joy coming from four incredibly talented and humble people that I am honored to work and spend time with as often as possible. The Sweet Lillies new single 'My Brothers Hill' is out now, and their next album Common Ground is due out on June fourth on the bands recent signing to Americana Vibes Records.

The mountains took on a bit of rain last night and caused a brief delay for the much anticipated two night sold out run from Head For The Hills. Benny Galloway took the stage first playing his signature style of Americana inspired songs. His talents run deep as a singer, songwriter, producer and he is well respected among his peers and is typically referred to as the one and only Benny “Burle” Galloway.

Head For The Hills were next and it was clear they were excited about playing to such a welcoming crowd at a venue they have frequented for many years. For well over a decade H4TH have been bringing their unique style of cutting-edge modern string music to music lovers everywhere. They are an eclectic quintet utilizing their influences that have shaped them as individual musicians and a band of brothers. Building on a traditional folk and bluegrass foundation the band takes you on a wild ride of well-crafted lyrically inspired arrangements that are highly danceable and equally sincere at the same time.

The socially distanced crowd felt the vibe coming from the stage as the band announced this feels like a real concert and we are so happy to be here. They continued to melt the smiling faces of the guests as the set weaved in and out of genre’s, moods, and tempos. They are devoted to the music, the fans, and the moment and we are lucky to have them residing in Colorado.

Thank you to Dani, Will, Dan, Cody, Dom, Pilgrim and the entire staff of The Mishawaka for always making me feel welcome and for keeping us all safe during these challenging times on our planet.

Check out more photos from the show.

Finger Picking Good on the farm last night! Charlie Parr made is inaugural appearance at Ravensdale Farm to a very enthusiastic sold out socially distanced crowd. When you combine authenticity, sincerity and imagination I think that best describes Charlie. Then you throw in the fact that he can flat out pick and play slide guitar along with it and that is when the magic happens.

Armed with a couple of resonator guitars, a brass pinky slide, and a stomp box, he takes you into a kaleidoscope of sound and adventure. His voice and guitar seem to be as one as they fit together like a puzzle and reflect the ongoing world around him. His approach to blues-based folk, bluegrass and Americana styles are from the heart. He is passionate for the songs and respectful to the elders that he admires musically and lyrically. If you look back on the great guitar pickers and singers from our past you find people like Howlin’ Wolf and Robert Johnson and for our time you find Charlie who in my opinion is a national treasure.

When future students of music look for influence, I am sure the songs that Charlie has written will be on the list and help them on their journey of discovery and learning. Charlie has made good use of the uncontrolled time off we have all had over the past year by writing new music. His new album Last Of The Better Day’s Ahead will be released on July 30th, 2021. Jason Downing, owner and disciple of joy at Ravensdale Farm, joined Charlie on Harmonica for a few numbers to close out the evening.

Thanks Julie, Jason, Storm and Zion for hosting.

Ravensdale Farm keeps delivering the vibes with each show. Yesterday this magnificent piece of land just west of Fort Collins, Colorado hosted Jennifer Hartswick and Brendan Bayliss. Both of these very talented musicians have rich and diverse backgrounds. They are well established in the music industry and have resumes that span many genres of music both onstage and in the recording studio.

These two have a unique chemistry that presents honest and sincere music along with charisma and wit. Both Jennifer and Brendan are musically gifted, confident, and joyful to the senses. Jennifer’s voice is soothing, spontaneous, and infectious. Her trumpet playing exudes passionate precision. Together they are entertaining as well as nostalgic.

Jen and Brendan covered some ground with their song selection unveiling some classic hits spanning several decades of music. I have to think covering Dolly Parton, Radio Head, Simon and Garfunkel and Eric Clapton to name a few shows just how diverse and deep their musical influences are. They portrayed these songs written by others with respect and originality that made them sound new again. I don’t think I was the only one tearing up during John Prine's ‘Angel From Montgomery.’ Overall, they performed a sweet mix of tunes that could not have been better for this weird yet wonderful time we're all experiencing together. Thank you, Jennifer, and Brendan, for your contributions to our musical culture.

Thank you, Julie, Jason, Storm and Zion, for your hospitality.

Fort Collins came out to party last night. New Belgium Brewery hosted the first Thursday Night Live concert with Colorado's favorite newgrass quintet Wood Belly. It was a beautiful evening with plenty of sunshine, cold beer and great friends enjoying live music together. The vibe was fun, festive and long overdue.

Wood Belly has been making their mark on the Colorado music scene since 2018. They have a progressive modern sound with traditional roots that span bluegrass, folk and Americana. The band has incredible equality on stage, sharing the vocals and solos they support one another with enthusiasm and encouragement. The band is armed with freshness, charisma and ability to slay your senses with pure musicianship and heart. It’s refreshing to see a band take a modern approach on such a timeless genre and create a new sound loaded with energy, craftsmanship and overwhelming energy.

Wood Belly is standing on solid ground with a lot of momentum, support from the community and new music coming out very soon. Check out their social sites and website for much more info on the band.

The Sweet Lillies new studio album Common Ground is officially available everywhere you find your music. The band celebrated with a big crowd at Number Thirty Eight last night. The weather was warm, clear and the band was excited to perform for many friends, family, and new listeners.

Special guest Tyler Adams adding his improvisational keyboard vibes to the songs was a real treat and he can sing pretty high too. Playing new tracks from the album as well as covering songs from the Grateful Dead, Crosby Stills and Nash and Cypress Hill, the set list was full of surprises.

Common Ground takes you on a poetic journey of song, instrumentation, and truth. The compositions are well crafted, diverse, and honest. The tracks are a contemporary take on traditional Americana, blues, bluegrass, folk, and rap. All songs are written by Becca Bisque, Julie Gussaroff and Dustin Rohleder with the exception of "My Brothers Hill" written by Oliver Bates Craven and "Breath of Birds" by Ellowyn Kane. Harmonies are beautifully placed and not one instrument dominates the recording. Producer and guest musician Timothy Carbone from Railroad Earth did an incredible job on this recording. Overall, this record is a stunning adventure of life in a song.

John “JoJo" Hermann most notably known for his role as songwriter, keyboard player and vocals with Widespread Panic. He joined the Athens, Georgia based band in 1992 and is still with them today.

He has a long rich musical history and is known for his New Orleans style jazz and blues piano playing as well as covering many classic songs from his early influences such as Professor Longhair, Otis Spann, and Otha Turner. He has had several side projects over the years including JoJo and his Mojo Mardi Gras Band as well as collaborating with Luther and Cody Dickinson from The North Mississippi Allstars.

This past Monday night, JoJo Hermann played an intimate backyard gig in Boulder Colorado to a group of adoring fans. It was an amazing gathering of friends and family, many who have not seen each other in quite some time. The evening began with a tornado in the distance to the east, but after this brief weather concern the skies turned bright and beautiful and the evening was filled with song, dancing and the sheer joy of friendship. JoJo played many classic New Orleans jazz and Blues covers as well as original songs he has written over the years including my personal favorite "Squirrels In The Attic." The crowd on hand was excited to have him playing what was probably one of the coolest gigs any of us have ever attended. He is a master keyboard player with boogie boogie in his blood. His deep influences that stem mostly from the south are enhanced by his feel on the keys. He released his debut solo album Smiling Assassin in 2001 and several more over the years. His love for alternative rock, jazz and blue-eyed soul shines through his soul and into yours as you listen to him play. What a treat it was see and hear JoJo play solo in such a beautiful setting. He played two sets of music with a brief intermission, the set lists are included in the photo gallery.

Thanks Annabel, Peter and Lyric for hosting.

Todd Park Mohr was born in Colorado in 1965, attended Columbine High School, Colorado State University and University of Colorado Boulder. Mohr formed his namesake band Big Head Todd and The Monsters with friends from high school and toured Northern Colorado achieving mainstream success in the early to mid-nineties.

Since then, BHTM has sold over three million albums and have packed stadiums around the world, with Mohr being the primary lyricist, guitar player and vocalist. Todd played a local show in his old stomping grounds of Fort Collins last night. The sold-out crowd welcomed him with open arms. I knew the minute I saw the array of resonator, steel and acoustic guitars the audience was in for a blues show.

Typically, Mohr is playing with his band BHTM where there is a bigger thicker sound with bass, percussion and keyboards. It was nice to see this unplugged version of Todd’s many talents. Mohr has what’s called a sweep picking style, this means he plays single notes on consecutive strings with a sweeping motion of the pick. Todd has been influenced by jazz and blues music his whole life, and it has shaped his sound and worldwide appeal. He dug down deep into the blues barrel last night pulling out many classic tunes as well as fan favorite BHTM hits.

The set list was a vast assortment of classic and traditional blues covers from Lead Belly’s classic Midnight Special to Robert Johnson and of course some select BHTM hits including It's Alright. Todd’s diversity, background and influences were on full display last night. His respect for the many musicians that have paved the road before him is as heartwarming to experience as the music itself.

Tab Benoit packed the house last night and boy was he happy to be playing live music. The Fort Collins crowd welcomed him and his band with open arms and hearts. When Tab is not melting your face with his guitar and vocals you can usually find him behind the drum kit, yup he is multi-instrumental. He is not just a drummer he plays the drums with energy and power.

Alastair Greene opened the show with Benoit on drums and Corey Duplechin on bass. The trio rocked the house, playing music from Greene’s catalog of music including songs from his Whiskey Bayou Records release The New World Blues. Alastair on guitar and vocals, Benoit on Drums and Duplechin on bass, the trio delivers classic electric blues rock. New World Blues was mostly recorded live, produced by Tab and recorded at his home studio in Houma, Louisiana.

Next on stage, Benoit along with Duplechin and now Terence Higgins on drums, poured gasoline on the fire with the signature sounds and style of Bayou blues, rock, and Chicago blues. Tab’s voice is clean and crisp with powerful range and deep emotion to the lyrics. Funky blues with hard hitting guitar riffs filled the room. Benoit’s guitar tone is simple, clean, and distinct.

There is limited to no guitar effects other than what is offered by his signature Category 5 Amplifier. He began playing as a teen and with proximity on his side he learned guitar from some of the best Blues guitarist in Louisiana. Since then, he has been on his own road of writing and performing for over thirty years. Benoit has many irons in the fire, including being devoted to wetland preservation in his home state of Louisiana. The only thing I see wearing down around Tab is the maple neck of his Telecaster. He has preserved the music and the attitude of a culture and genre with love and respect to the artists that have influenced him.

Wynonna Judd is one the most respected and well recognized female singers on the planet. With nineteen number one hits including those of the Judds, establishing her as one of the best selling female artists of all time. She and her band The big Noise are currently on tour playing incredible venues across the country including the Mishawaka Amphitheatre this past Thursday night.

The Judds mother daughter duo disbanded in 1991 and Wynonna began a solo career. In her solo career she has released eight studio albums, a live album, a holiday album, and two compilation albums, in addition to more than 20 singles. Her most recent recording was Wynonna & the Big Noise, released on February 12, 2016, and she released the single "Cool Ya'" that same month. In 2021 Wynonna was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. When you ask her about the induction, her response is “well, it’s about damn time!"

The Mishawaka is a beautiful Amphitheatre nestled in the Poudre Canyon in LaPorte, Colorado and the Poudre River basically runs right through the venue. It's an intimate locale for the caliber of talent that are always eager to the play on the historic site. Thursday's vibe was electric and full of anticipation. For many of the fans it was their first time at the Mishawaka and their first time seeing Wynonna & The Big Noise.

Sugar Britches opened the show performing an acoustic set of country music in direct support of Wynonna. Brian Johanson on lead vocals and acoustic guitar along with Ansel Foxley on dobro and vocals are two very talented musicians. They capture the true essence of country music with style, excellent musicianship and influential diversity. The songs are well crafted honest stories of life, from love songs to breakup songs with lyrical qualities that are truthful and witty. Brian writes music from his heart adding clever hooks and that have storyteller appeal while Ansel’s guitar skills on the dobro are simply remarkable.The sincerity in the music that can make you laugh and cry in the same sentence along with the unplugged feel was very welcoming for the audience and very well received. Check out Sugar Britches site (link included) for the 2019 release Don’t Make Her a Mix Tape Yet You Idiot.

The Big Noise took the stage next and performed about thirty minutes of original music and few select covers including One Way Out by the Allman Brothers. They also played a stunning instrumental called Sarasota inspired by the Allman and Betts families. Cactus Moser, Wynonna’s husband, is the drummer and primary vocalist of The Big Noise. Moser and the band warmed up the crowd for the main event, the fiery passionate redhead Wynonna.

When Wynonna appeared on the stage the crowd went nuts. She looked and sounded stunning. Her long fire red hair was blowing in the breeze as she and the band tore through what has become an historic catalog of music. By the third song the white Gibson acoustic made its first appearance and she played that thing like it owed her money. She commanded the stage with poise and grit with her larger than life attitude and uncompromised talent. Wynonna takes the genres of country, rock and Americana to new levels of excellence. She plays with heart, soul and passion. Her music is a message that is relatable, inspiring, and a celebration of life. What a treat for the crowd to see and hear this award winning superstar in such a beautiful natural setting.

September 3rd, 1977 signifies the day my journey into the Grateful Dead Culture began. At 15 years old I was not sure what I was getting involved in but took a chance anyway. It was a time in my life full of exploration and adventure and all of these other people including the band seemed to be on the same path. There were no high tech amenities like we have today. The people were the device and we all moved carefully and respectfully around the planet looking for our bliss. The movement was adventurous and unpredictable with an adaptive nature that most of the time worked out. The most important lesson the decades of following the band taught me was respecting my fellow brothers and sisters, and learning how to give and receive love. The journey is still happening it’s just different now, the times have changed and the simplicity of how we once got by on our own and with our fellow travelers is just a swipe away. Following the good ole' Grateful Dead around was time well spent as many relationships were harnessed in the lots and the fields. Many of those people I met are still a part of my life and that’s what it was all about. Thanks to the Grateful Dead for providing the infrastructure and the songs to fill the air.

I bought the following month's issue of Rolling Stone magazine pictured above - It has survived these past 44 years as did I.

Samantha Fish and her band performed their debut show at the majestic Mishawaka Amphitheatre last night. This Colorado gig has been highly anticipated by music fans for many months. Fish is a messenger of poetic truths that land on your soul. Lyrically gifted with the art of expression and armed with a no-hold-back attitude she is poised to get your attention. Her guitar playing is an extension of her character, she can play soft or she can let you have it with searing guitar solos that leave you exhausted with excitement.

Samantha and her touring band consist of Ron Johnson on bass, drummer Sarah Tomek, and Matt Wade on keyboards. This incredible lineup of musicians deliver the material with raw emotion, powerful expression and precision. Samantha loves to play to a live audience as she relentlessly tours the world. She has strong persistent work ethic, ambition and is a Tour de Force of talent. From the opening note, and especially if you have never seen her perform, you know you are in for a night of rock and roll magic.

Local artist Grace Kuch brought her unique blend of blues guitar and vocals to the party last night. She was joined by Dave Wisbon on vocals and keyboards who is also from Fort Collins, Colorado. The duo played original compositions by Kuch as well as a few select covers. They complimented each other perfectly as Grace has a beautiful soft but powerful vocal delivery while Dave has more low end to his vocal range. With Dave on the keys banging out beautiful rhythms and Grace on guitar they were the perfect act to open the show. Grace met Samantha Fish when she was ten years old at The Blues From The Top Music Festival in Colorado and has been inspired ever since. She was thrilled to be supporting Samantha last night. At seventeen years old Kuch is highly decorated with awards from many entities including the Colorado Blues Society presenting her with best youth performer three years in a row. She is driven, motivated and gaining national attention everywhere she goes. Keep your eyes on Grace Kuch, she is recording new music and also pairing up with blues legend Ronnie Earl on a track titled Got That Style. Jackson Stokes joined the duo for the last number.

Create Records artist Jackson Stokes took the stage next. He is from St. Louis and grew up in a vibrant music scene. He typically plays with a full band and tours the country as a headlining act. Stokes has also been on supporting tours with the Allman Betts Band and many others over the last few years. Armed with his six string, incredible vocal range he commanded the stage and had the audiences’ full attention. He played original compositions that have memorable hooks and intricate arrangements, his solos are precise and melodic and it all flows together beautifully. The crowd loved Jackson and gave him a warm Colorado welcome.

Samantha Fish exploded onto the stage next, taking her brand new Billboard #1 album Faster out for a test drive. Samantha looked stunning dressed in a black and white studded leather jacket, black leather pants, and white stiletto boots. Her white Gibson Sg was her first tool of choice as the band ripped through the title track Faster. The crowd went nuts at the conclusion of the powerful opening number.

Samantha and her band continued the musical assault on the audience, they ripped through All Ice No Whiskey and Twisted Ambition, both new tracks from the Faster album. These songs are powerful guitar driven arrangements that capture the emotion and feel of the album. Samantha and the band deliver the material with high energy, out of the box attitude, and style. Her stage presence is on another level, you can't keep your eyes off her. Her energy is infectious and takes you along for a thrilling ride. The audience was blown to pieces over what they were seeing and hearing.

The set list also contained crowd favorites like Kill Or Be Kind, Bitch On The Run, Dream Girl and many other songs from Faster and Bell Of The West. Guitar changes are abundant when you attend a Samantha Fish show. She favors her Gibson SG but also plays a Gibson Reverse Firebird, her signature Delaney, a Fender Jaguar, and of course her Hanley’s Cigar Box Guitar. All of these instruments present different tones and are all well equipped to handle the tenacity of Fish's playing style.

Samantha is touring with some incredible musicians. The rhythm section of Ron Johnson and Sarah Tomek is like a freight train pushing down the track with no brakes. They are the heartbeat of the band and simply keeping time is an understatement. They are exploring and improvising as the music unfolds. Sarah brings so much energy to the vibe of the music with her heart pounding beats and fierce expressions. Matt Wade on keyboards is a constant source of the arrangement. When Samantha is melting your face with a solo, he plays with a smooth touch on the keys and can hammer down on the organ for the rich full sound that makes this band a very well rounded machine.

The show had many incredible moments and to pinpoint any single one would be hard to do. Samatha’s voice on Dream Girl was downright heart piercing. Her delivery of Hypnotic was exactly as it’s titled; Black Wind Howlin', Loud and Bulletproof were pure power; and the encore Go Home followed by Shake Em’ Down with Jackson Stokes were all examples of Samantha’s diversity and commitment to deliver the best possible show she can every night. She loves to tour and play to new audiences the world over and we are all very grateful for her commitment to her craft.

We caught up with Samantha Fish the day before her new album Faster was released. Here is what she had to say

GW: What track on your new album Faster do you think will catch on the most?

SF: Better Be Lonely is a throwback to my original sound while still evolving forward. Hypnotic is very different, I am singing in falsetto and the guitar takes a wild turn in the middle. All Ice No Whiskey has a little bit of everything and is very in the moment. It’s hard for me to pick one individual song. I know I’m telling you what I like and I hope everyone likes the songs too.

GW: Where was the album recorded and roughly how much studio time did it take to complete?

SF: The Village in LA, it’s my first west coast record. There was a lot of pre-production with numerous hours on the front end. I started writing on my own when the pandemic hit. Martin Kierszenbaum is my producer and co-writer. He was in France working with Sting and I was in New Orleans and we would work together remotely after his sessions. The actual studio time was about ten days. With so much preliminary work already done we got in the studio and executed the songs quickly.

GW: Can you tell me a little bit about the collaborations with other writers on this album?

SF: Martin and I co-wrote Faster and Hypnotic. And Jim McCormick and Kate Pearlman also contributed to the album. I have worked with Jim and Kate before and they each bring a little something different to the writing. Being in the studio with Martin brought a level of positivity and great energy to the project. We cut All The Words live, the only ballad on the album, and he played grand piano. The collaboration between Jim and I goes back the deepest as far as time goes, we have written together for the longest period.

GW: Do you feel your style is evolving to a more contemporary rock sound?

SF: I try not to dictate exactly what I think it is. This album is definitely more contemporary and mainstream than anything I have done on my other albums. I give a lot of credit to the production quality of the record as well.

GW: Other than you and Martin who were the other musicians that played on the record?

SF: We brought in Josh Freese on drums, he has played with Guns and Roses, Nine Inch Nails and the Replacements. Diego Navaira on bass from the band The Last Bandoleros is also on the album. They both did an amazing job and are highly skilled and talented players.

GW: Faster has a wonderful flow, do you organize the tracks in specific way?

SF: Yes, sequencing is an understated important art form. The flow of the record is incredibly important, you are telling a story with each track. In a way it’s a lot like a movie, if the scenes are out of order you will not know what’s going on. So yes, it is very deliberate and a joint collaboration between myself, Martin the producer, and the record label. All The Words is the last track as I tend to end my albums with a ballad.

GW: Question for the gear heads. Did you use any specific instruments to achieve a certain tonal quality on any specific tracks?

SF: For the majority of the record I used my Gibson SG. I was thrilled to hear the studio had a Fender Super Reverb and a Fender Deluxe and we favored the deluxe amp straight through with the SG and no pedals, just dry. That amp has incredible tone and really suited every track.

GW: Did you play any acoustic or cigar box on the record?

SF: No acoustic and no cigar box. I brought the cigar box with me but it felt I was forcing it and I just needed to let it be. Nothing on this record jumped out at me as a cigar box song. Don’t worry, I am still keeping it in the show and will continue to write with it.

GW: Thank you for being so gracious with your time.

SF: You're welcome and thanks for your time as well.

Samantha Fish has experimented, explored and literally exploded onto this recording!

The new Rounder Records release ‘Faster' was officially released on September 10th, 2021. Fish is on a fast track to expanding her fan base with such a diverse and powerful offering. This record has style, attitude and a more contemporary rock & blues feel, with all kinds of ear pleasing extras. Samantha gained guidance and direction from renowned producer, songwriter and musician Martin Kierszenbaum (Gaga, Sting, Crow). He produced the record and co-wrote with Fish on some of the tracks and also played keyboards, percussion and guitar on select cuts. The duo was joined by John Freese on drums (GNR, NIN & The Replacements) and Diego Navaira on bass from the band The Last Bandoleros. Jim McCormick and Kate Pearlman also collaborated with Fish on writing. The theme of this record goes something like this - take charge of your life and don’t be afraid to go for what you want and what you need. That type of energy and ambition is highly contagious to the listener and pulls you in to her vulnerability, personal expression and mood. Fish’s vocal delivery is like a kaleidoscope of sounds and emotions depending on where you are on the record - downright raw and edgy with confidence and power, uplifting and loud to a softer delicate expression filled ballad.

The title track ‘Faster’ welcomes you to the record in a *holy shit* kinda way. The track is explosive and gets your heart racing. Dying to hear what’s next that would be All Ice No Whiskey with the easy to understand message of ‘I need substance in my life and you don’t have any, come back when you get some’. From there the album progresses into guitar driven compositions that rock you with clever arrangements and empowering emotional truths. This is one of the most radio and video friendly albums that has come along in a long while. Rather than go through each song I’m going to leave you with track number twelve, titled All The Words. This song is so relatable to pretty much everyone since it describes letting go, even though you know horrible pain will soon follow. The only ballad on the album is a heavy one, these kind of things need to be said as they help us cope and get on with life and it takes a strong willing person to share that kind of vulnerability with the world.

It’s so apparent Fish lives her life as a story teller of truth, she never hides behind anything or anyone and has clearly taken command of her life as her songs demonstrate. This album is clearly a highly visible look into the caliber of artist she is. I’ve purposefully left out details about the other nine tracks so you can pick up this record and enjoy it as much as I did with no expectations or prior knowledge of the recording other than knowing there are cool and unexpecting twists and surprises. On record debut day ‘Faster' quickly landed at number two on iTunes Top Forty Rock Albums, sitting second behind Metallica and ahead of Iron Maiden. Fish currently has the #1 Blues album on Billboard Top US Charts. If asked to categorize Samantha Fish, I would say she is musical and her songs come from her heart and life experiences. Where ever her songs hit you that’s the category they belong to.

Thank you Samantha Fish for your honesty, diversity, creativity and love of rock and roll.

Track List - Faster, All Ice No Whiskey, Twisted Ambition, Hypnotic, Forever Together, Crowd Control, Imaginary War, Loud, Better Be Lonely So Called Lover, Like A Classic & All The Words.

Lake Street Dive's latest album "Obviously" debuted at #5 on Billboards top albums chart while also peaking at #1 on American/Folk and #2 on both current rock and current alternative albums chart. Many tracks on the new release were on full display last night at Red Rocks as it’s 2020 release date was postponed until March 12 2021.The album covers a wide range of topics from climate change to womanhood and relationships while holding onto the pop, R&B, rock and jazz sounds and style they are well recognized for.

The band has been busy promoting the new album the last few months making appearance’s on Ellen, The late Show and NPR’s Tiny Desk (home concert). The tracks are truthful, honest, emotional compositions that are engaging, thought provoking, tasteful and fun. The blend of genres with a wide range of influences come together very nicely on the recording. The contemporary sound along with current topics during this shared emotional time in our world are front and center on this album. The band has been touring and having fun sharing these new compositions with fans around the country and by the looks of the audience singing all the words back to the band last night it has been a successful endeavor.

Lake Street Dive left no seats unfilled last night at the iconic Colorado venue. You could feel the anticipation of the crowd growing with excitement as the clock clicked towards showtime. The beautiful early fall evening and warm temperatures only enhanced the concert experience. When the band hit the stage you could feel the massive amphitheater erupt with joy. The band was as excited to be playing Red Rocks as the crowd was to see them burst into the opening number Know That I Know.

The stage was set for an incredible night of music with the band covering tracks from the new album as well as many other recordings from past albums. Rachel Price was so happy to be playing the iconic venue that she had a *holy shit* moment on stage as she looked up at the wall of people in front of her. The crowd was blasting the stage with energy and the band was feeding off the excitement and emotion. Rachel's voice had power, sweetness and an emotional prowess that is breathtaking. She was dancing and using every inch of the massive stage provided. The lighting and sound were amazing and enhanced the performance to dizzying heights on the live music scale.

The set list only gained momentum with tracks Bad Self Portraits, Hypotheticals, Hush Money and many more new and older crowd favorites. This band is so diverse as Rachel Price’s jazz and cabaret influences are executed beautifully, she commands the stage with confidence and attitude. Bridget Kearney on upright bass and vocals is stoic and solid and lays down incredibly fluid and heart pounding bass lines. Aki Bermiss kept the arrangements flowing nicely as his touch on the keyboards is tasteful and melodic. Mike Calabrese on drums and vocals keeps it simple and steady from his equipment to his playing style, he is a rock behind the drum kit. Guitar player James Cornelison, is the newest member of the band and Red Rocks first timer, he did an amazing job.

Overall the show was dynamic, fun, danceable and very well executed.

The Disco Biscuits are celebrating twenty years since their first gig at the Mishawaka. They played their debut show on July 5th, 2001 and then again in 2002 and 2003 with two shows each year. The most recent show from the joy spreaders of improvisational jam was on September 18th, 2010, they were billed as Tractorbeam for that gig. The band, venue and fans are very excited about this 2021 three-night run at the magnificent Mishawaka. The Disco Biscuits stated in an announcement that they have been actively seeking outdoor venues to deliver their music to the people safely. We can’t wait to return to Poudre Canyon where it seems effortless to put on a great show in the magical setting that is the Mishawaka.

This Pennsylvania born ensemble have been bringing the brotherly love of music to fans for over two decades and continue to evolve and explore their sound. The affinity these friends shared for psychedelic rock, electronic, blues, jazz and classical music is as strong today as it was in 1995 when they put the band together. The melodic arrangements coupled with repetitive drum beats and the ability to explore and create on the fly gives them a very distinctive sound. Their style has been described as Trance Fusion. They have successfully incorporated all of these genres along with extreme musicianship to create the magical vibe that has kept them at the forefront of the improvisational jam scene for many years. Their music has a very adventurous element that transcends genres and leaves you to determine where it takes you.

Last night the Mishawka was transformed into a rock and roll oasis of sound, lights and vibrations. The production crew of the Disco Biscuits worked tirelessly to transform the venue into a magical kaleidoscope of color with light beams swaying back and fourth across the foothills surrounding the venue that could be seen for several miles as you drive up the twisty mountain roads towards the venue.

The chilly temperatures did not curb the enthusiasm of the guests. The Mishawaka was packed with fans from all over the state and beyond our borders. Many folks I spoke with were attending all three nights of the run and couldn’t be happier about their current situation. Many devoted fans put in the same miles as the band zigzagging across the country and experiencing bliss through music and friendship.

When the band walked out on stage you could feel the temperature rise in the audience. The fab four of electronic jam music were excited to be back on the Mishawaka stage after such a long hiatus. The crowd welcomed the band with a warm Colorado welcome. The unique aspect of the band is the individuality that each member brings to the performance. They all have an acute awareness of what the other members are up to and the music is constantly evolving and taking shape as the songs progress and grow.

The jam started with House Dog Party Favor, it was a nice progressive build with the bands distinctive style of delivery. The crowds energy and excitement build with each note as the arrangements flow and swirl through the air taking over your mind and body. The spectacle of sound, lights and energy from the stage bounces off the guests and back to the band as they become one entity of joy. The set progressed with We Like To Party, Munchkin Invasion and Mr. Don. The band was sounding tight as ever and after the break they unleashed a musical assault of goodness. The 2nd set - Story Of The World, Lake Shore Drive, Confrontation, Above The Waves back to Story Of the World.

The ear pleasing mind bending tones along with the incredible vibe and visuals made opening night and the triumphant return of the Disco Biscuits to the mighty Mishawaka a night that will be remembered and cherished by all. On a personal note it was amazing to see my dear friend Mo, she is working behind the scenes with the Disco Biscuits. It was a great surprise to see her and I am sure her skills, personality and ambition are a great asset to the band. Thanks to the Mishawaka Team for providing this incredible opportunity for so many people to enjoy.

Sean and Sara Watkins are currently touring in support of their new album Brother Sister. The sibling’s duo-centric record has a big sound and a big feel for two people. Sharing in the vocal responsibilities and with Sean on guitar and Sara on fiddle, they both provide the musical dynamics on the masterfully engineered sound of the album. The record has an honest sincerity and their writing skills are truthful, energetic and personal.

Many of you know Sara and Sean as two thirds of the platinum-selling Grammy winning trio Nickel Creek. They have explored the Americana musical landscape and have pioneered a unique and relevant sound that has left an undeniably positive legacy on American musical history. Formed in Southern California in the late eighties they have released numerous albums, toured and enlightened listeners around the world. They had a breakthrough year in 2000 with their platinum selling self titled album produced by Alison Krauss, earning Grammy and CMA nominations. In 2003 the band reached Grammy status with their fourth album 'The Side' for best contemporary folk album. Sara and Sean are continuing to implement their incredible talents on our musical imaginations and we are delighted.

To put this band into a category is your own decision based on how it effects you personally. They have bluegrass, folk, country, rock, pop and contemporary influences that are melded together with exciting energy and relevance. From a long list of accolades and awards these musicians have covered some ground and it’s exciting to see what pops up next.

On this night the duo performed at the historic and elegant Armory in Fort Collins, Colorado. The room is musically nostalgic with massive portraits of legendary artists neatly placed around the brick and wood room. The sound and lighting is state of the art and enhances the concert experience to a level ten for the guests. The stage was set for a down home intimate concert from Sara and Sean.

The sold out crowd was treated to a living room type concert from the duo. Masters of the strings and years of playing live together their sibling connection is apparent in the songs and the delivery of them. The content is highly relatable and give you a sense of the closeness between the too. The connection between them is apparent in the writing but also in their live performance. Both gifted musicians they are one with their instruments. Sean's guitar skills are elegant and subtle with a technical style that can go anywhere he wants. Sara’s fiddle playing is classy and emotional, her solos are distinct and precise pieces of her feelings, she is extremely comfortable with her instrument and each note she plays tells a story in itself.

They delighted the crowd with familiar family folk music trading back and forth on the vocals and coming together on beautiful harmonies that were spirited and moving. They had a real sense of individuality and togetherness on stage. Giving each other space to move and create within the arrangements and the feeling of togetherness only siblings can achieve. Vocally the duo grabs you and pulls you into the conversation of the song, lyrically the songs are a journey of life's highs and lows and having these gifted artists tell us those stories is a blessing. It was a lot of sound, vulnerability and musical prowess for two people to share with a room of strangers. They captivated the guests for ninety minutes with simplicity and truth through song and in the end that is why everyone is there.

Southern rockers Blackberry Smoke have been busy with their newly released record (May 28th, 2021) "You Hear Georgia” and The Spirit of the South Tour that was postponed in 2020 for a year due to the pandemic.

The tour, featuring special guests The Allman Betts Band and the Wild Feathers, kicked off in late July of 2021 and ends in late October with Red Rocks in Colorado being the final stop.

Each show on the tour concludes with a star studded finale that pays tribute to a number of various influences that have inspired many past and present southern rock bands. Additionally, The Allman Brothers Band Museum the Big House had a mobile set-up at the venue featuring never before seen archival items ranging from hand written lyrics, iconic clothing and jewelry worn by the band as well as stage played instruments.

The Allman Betts Band are continuing to leave their mark on rock & roll history, in the studio and on the road. They are truly captivating audiences everywhere they play and turning out some incredible recording's in between a busy touring schedule with their latest album Bless Your Heart released in July of 2020. Devon Allman, Duane Betts, and Berry Oakley Jr. are the sons of Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, and Berry Oakley, founding members of The Allman Brothers Band. They have had an influential life to say the least and the original music they compose and perform is a testament to their upbringing and the lives they now live. They always include a handful of their father's songs at each gig they play. They are joined on-stage by Johnny Stachela on guitar, John Lum and R. Scott Bryan on percussion and John Ginty on keyboards.

The Wild Feathers, introducing their fourth full length album ‘Alvarado' to the world just three weeks ago, opened the Spirit of the South Tour at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Formed in 2010 in Nashville, The Wild Feathers are an American country rock band covering a lot of ground recording and touring. They have an expanded outlook on music as they explore heartland, southern and alternative rock. The Wild Feathers opened the show with a highly energetic set, covering songs from The Alvarado album as well as other songs featured on earlier albums. They have great stage presence, vocal abilities and are all around great players. This was their first time at Red Rocks and they received a warm Colorado welcome on a very chilly night.

The Allman Betts Band were up next and they brought some serious heat to stage opening their set with Magnolia Road from the Bless Your Heart album. King Crawler and Savannah’s Dream from the same album were up next with Devon and Duane sharing the lead vocals as well as guitar solos on the songs giving the audience a great mix of vocal styles. Johnny Stachela on guitar/slide adds amazing fullness to the sound with his scorching solos and rich tone. Berry Oakley Jr. on bass is the understatement of the year, this guy embodies the bass guitar as if it’s an extension of himself. He was crushing the low-end and you can feel the notes in your chest as they bounced off the giant monoliths surrounding the stage. John and Scott provided the constant heart beat on percussion and John Ginty puts all of his weight into the Hammond B3 as he leans on the keys. The band covered Midnight Rider and My Blue Sky by the Allman Brothers Band as well as Down to The River and closed out a brilliant set with Pale Horse Rider.

Blackberry Smoke brought Southern Rock to the rocky mountains next, opening their set with the title track to their newest album “You Hear Georgia.” Charlie Starr fronts this band with amazing vocal abilities, impeccable skills on the guitar and stage presence that grabs you and pulls you right on stage with him. He has a vibe with the guitar as it moves freely with him around the stage while he melts your face with guitar licks. The band is nothing short of a hard driving guitar army slaying the audience with memorable arrangements and incredible tones from the large assortment of guitars played throughout the set. There were many highlights during the fifteen song show as the band ripped through plenty of favorites including songs from the new album and many more. Live It Down, Good One, Hey Delilah, One Horse Town and Ain’t Much Left were also on the set list. Double drummers and double background vocal goodness as well as keyboards and bass round out this kick ya' in the teeth rock band. The band gave a special nod to the the Atlanta Braves when they finished the tribute part of the show in Braves jerseys. The audience are devoted followers and were having the time of their lives singing along with Charlie and stomping their feet!

All of the musicians joined Blackberry Smoke to close out the evening. Each band took their turn on stage and paid tribute to the Southern Rock bands that have inspired and influenced them. Jimmy Hall, who was the lead singer, saxophonist and harmonica player for the super southern rock group of the 70's Wet Willie, was in the house and he came out singing his ass off and playing some very tasty harmonica on Keep On Smilin’. The artists covered many notable southern rock anthems. Spooky by the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Tuesday’s Gone by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Southbound and Whipping Post By The Allman Brothers Band were all played in honor of the Sprit of The South!

What a fantastic evening!! Thank to all of the bands, crew and guests for making this such a memorable night. Thanks to Chris, Martin and Rueben for always looking out for me.

Leftover Salmon has been doing their thing since 1989. They have endured many weird and unpredictable times as a band, there have been personal changes, hiatus time from touring, but the one thing that stays true and consistent is the magic of their music. Formed in 1989 in Boulder, Colorado LOS has broken the genre barrier - if you dig rock, country, bluegrass, slam-grass, zydeco and jam, this is your band!

Over the past 30 years they have released ten albums, have toured extensively and have established themselves as artists with undeniable creativity and ambition to make amazing music. They have all had side projects along the way and with that comes many diverse influences and styles to the music they make together. Longevity in the ever changing music business is difficult for any artist but LOS has always stayed true to the music and the fans. They not only bring mind bending technical arrangements with pin point precision they present it to the fans with loving enthusiasm and heart. 

Leftover Salmon has not only been influential on the jam band scene, they have been pioneers of it and continue to develop the sound and culture of the music they create and explore. They have painted their own picture that depicts traditional bluegrass style with adventure, psychedelic vibes and nontraditional instrumentation. The music is inspiring, highly danceable and flat out foot on the gas fun. We are all very fortunate that these guys are out there making music to help us forget about the everyday for awhile. There are not many bands that create this type of atmosphere and that’s why we stay on the bus and the band plays on.

It has been quite some time since Leftover Salmon has played in Fort Collins and the guests were happy to have them back. When a band shows up with banjo’s Les Paul’s, lap steels, dobro’s acoustic guitars and mandolins, I would say they have the string thing covered. Blending all of these different instruments along with percussion, keyboards and bass guitar it opens up a world of sound to the audience. They opened the set with Liza, they sounded well rehearsed and the vibe was set for the evening. The first set had a great flow with Gold Hill next into Lumpy and Flyin at Night. The crowd was soaking up all of the picking goodness as the band gained momentum the energy in the room was high. The arrangements and melodies are very diverse and each song builds on it’s foundation but can go anywhere the band chooses. Brand New Good Ole Day’s into Red Fox, Two Highway’s, Boogiegrass and Hollerwood, rounded out the first set. I was not present for the second set, but I am sure it was a barn burner.

The inaugural WWG in 2013 began in the parking lot of Crazy Mountain Brewery in Edwards, Colorado and has since grown to a multi-state, multi-genre extravaganza. WinterWonderGrass has cemented it’s place in music festival folklore. With locations in Colorado, California, and Vermont and attracting music fans from all over the country this festival not only provides the infrastructure for world class music ranging from bluegrass, roots, folk and much more, it also provides world class skiing and riding at each location. You can shred on the mountain all day and then head down to the festival grounds and dance your heart out. With Steamboat resort providing the powder and WWG providing incredible entertainment this event is a yearly destination for many and a locals reminder of why they choose to live in Colorado.

WWG is much more than a music festival, it’s an outpouring of love, community, sustainability and gratitude for our surroundings. Each event encourages and supports sustainable event production practices. Recycling and compost stations are abundant as well as kid zones, multiple stages and a vast array of artists to entertain you for three days. A portion of proceeds from each WWG event are donated to local charitable organizations. Food vendors and local craft beer are everywhere on site at affordable prices with lots of variety to choose from.

The talent runs deep each year and this season is no exception, in fact it’s kind of mind blowing! Some bands have played the festival in past years and some are new to the event. There are shows on the main festival site all three days and shows on the mountain top. Headliners at this years event include Trampled By Turtles, The Wood Brothers, Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real and Yonder Mountain String Band. Many more crowd favorites will be on hand each day providing sets in tented areas as well as the main stage. There are many local Colorado bands performing including the WinterWonderWomen, The Sweet Lillies, Lindsay Lou, Bridget Law and countless others. (Artist line-up is included in this article).

Quotes -

Bridget Law - "WinterWonderGrass is a festival for the hearty, with an emphasis on the ‘heart’. The community is rich, nature is real and as long as the acoustic instruments don’t get too cold even they have a good time!"

The Sweet Lillies - "We are beyond excited to come back to one of our very favorite festivals in the world. WinterWonderGrass has our hearts…all the friends, love and the great music lifts our spirits and brings so much joy. We can’t wait to see everyone there."

The vision of Scotty Stoughton, along with years of planning, creating and building one of the best music festivals on the planet, is on the horizon. There is a mountain of staff, volunteers, vendors, artists and photographers all working hard to provide the guests with an amazing magical experience at Steamboat and we welcome you all to the rocky mountains for WinterWonderGrass 2022.

WWG - Tickets, lineup and general info - https://winterwondergrass.com

Jamestown Revival are well into a tour that fills up their calendar deep into March. They are promoting their new stripped down release “Young Man”. The new album is the first project by the duo without electric guitars, leaving a lot of room to emphasize their skillful songwriting, intricate finger picking styles, and stunning vocals. “Young Man" has been carefully crafted, beautifully produced, and a refreshing example of musicianship.

Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance have a deep and meaningful history. They grew up together in Magnolia, Texas and have a friendship that is as close as it is musical. Inspired by many genres of music and many gifted songwriters they have a combined palette that evokes Americana, folk, blues and bluegrass. This assortment of styles represents the music they like to listen to and compose. They have combined these inspirations along with ambitious songwriting skills and an unsurpassed work ethic that takes you with them on a musical exploration of truths.

The new album and tour are exciting and exactly what music fans need right now. With coming of age and self identity themes the album has a level of comfort that resembles sitting around a campfire with a bunch of guitars and really good ideas. Robert Ellis who produced “Young Man” is touring with Jonathan and Clay and Fort Collins, Colorado was lucky to have them last night.

Robert Ellis had a busy night as he opened the show sitting at the piano wearing a stunning rhinestone spaceship illustrated suit that would make Graham Parsons blush. He brought style and levity to the packed room with his charming demeanor, and skillful piano and guitar playing. He played a few love songs titled, Your F#@&ing Crazy and Passive Aggressive. He would later return to perform with Mipso and Jamestown Revival.

Above Mipso, below - Robert Ellis with Mipso.

Mipso has been touring with Jamestown Revival and they clearly have been enjoying every minute of it. They combine many different string instruments along with an eclectic array of musical genres that define their cool and comfortable sound. With an Americana vibe and foundation the band builds on the roots of their southern heritage with songs that are folk focused with gospel and country accents along with impeccable vocals that give them a traditional sound while maintaining a contemporary edge. They definitely had some fans in Fort Collins and were very well received by everyone.

Soon after Mipso’s set the stage went dark and a familiar and welcome sound came to my ears. The introduction music for Jamestown Revival was the classic track Black Water by The Doobie Brothers. Never seeing Jamestown Revival, I knew by this song selection they were cool, nostalgic and influenced by great musicians.

The band was stacked with talent and instruments as they took their respective spots on the stage to a very warm welcome by the audience. They began setting the mood for the night with a beautiful rendition of the song Coyote. The title track of their new release and title of the current tour "Young Man" was next on the list. This song grabs you and brings you in to the conversation. Lyrically the song is easy to sing along with and has a definite hook with lots of radio appeal.

There were plenty of cool moments to follow with new and older material including Moving Man, Way It Was, Midnight, Revival and many more. The band displayed serious soulful commitment to their craft as the audience fed the stage with energy and excitement. Devine instrumentation and stunning vocals were pouring from the musical tap of these gifted players as they weaved an undeniable web of inspired and emotional compositions. Every member of this band is essential to their sound, they are as individual as they are one. The show was an inspiring look into American music performed by passionate players filled with ideas, ambition and talent.

The Fort Collins crowd and Grateful Web thanks you for playing here.

Beth Hart has an honest and raw approach to her music. Her highs and lows have no constraints as she has no problem sharing them with the world through her songwriting. Honest, factual accounts from her upbringing to her current place are on full display on anything she has ever put pen to paper. Without hesitation Hart bears her soul with explosive power, emotional backbone, and raw vulnerability. For over two decades she has pushed down walls, escaped her demons, embraced her God given talent and given the gift of compelling storytelling in masterful musical style that stands alone and above expectations.

Hart continues to gain critical acclaim and continues to grow as a songwriter and performer. She has recorded several albums that have awarded her headlining tours at some of the most desirable venues in the world. She has collaborated with Bonamassa and Beck, performed for a sitting president, and captivated music fans around the world. Maybe it's her renegade attitude and downright punch in the stomach vocal delivery of her music whether it’s on your turntable or in your favorite concert hall. The consistency of her talent and relationship with her ever growing audience is magical and moving.

Hart is currently on "The Thankful Tour" in the United States and moving overseas in the summer months. She is also releasing a new album “A Tribute To Led Zeppelin" that comes out on February 25th, 2022. Hart was definitely influenced by Robert Plant and she shows a ton of courage and respect covering some of Zep’s classic hits such as "Black Dog", "Stairway To Heaven", "Whole Lotta Love" and many more classic hits from the Gods Of Thunder. This is a highly anticipated release and from what I have heard she absolutely nails it!

Quinn Sullivan at twenty two years old is no stranger to the stage. He started taking guitar lessons at the age of three and appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show at the ripe old age of six. He has shared the stage with BB.King, Buddy Guy and released his first album when he was twelve. He cut his teeth early never losing site of his goals, this ambitious young man is rooted in the blues, pop rock world and continues to wow audiences of young and old music fans every time he takes the stage. Last night he was performing in direct support of Beth Hart accompanied by Chris Gooch Bloniarz on mandolin, vocals and piano. They played a stripped down set with several songs from Quinn’s new album Wide Awake. Many people in the audience had never seen Sullivan play before and were impressed enough to give him and Chris a standing ovation. They covered Derek and The Dominos hit "Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad” with Sullivan playing some fiery lead guitar on the track. Check out Quinn Sullivan as soon as you can!

Beth Hart took the stage next and sat solo at the piano. Her powerful vocal and keyboard filled the massive room with excitement and emotion. She let the crowd know how happy she was to be playing live and her excitement was genuine and infectious. When she took center stage with her band for " When The Levee Breaks" by Led Zeppelin the place erupted with energy. Her larger than life personality, stage presence and commanding vocals are a testament to years on the road performing live. She has honed her skills to the point of you can't take your eyes off her. Hart introduced her amazing band next and you can see the adoration between them immediately. They are all very gifted and experienced players and are the perfect fit for Hart’s unique blend of rock and blues.

Hart is a craftsman of storytelling and she wears her heart on her illustrated sleeve’s. She is colorful, soulful and downright truthful! She played several tracks from her “War In My Mind” album, including the title track. The piano melody is haunting and lyrically the song could not be more honest as she describes internal conflict and struggles in her life. She is as open and truthful as she is dynamic on stage. The set was diverse with ballads, blues and rock. Her no bullshit attitude is admirable and courageous. She brings life to her songs, peace to herself and joy to her audience. Hart is a big personality with a big catalog of truths, triumphs and tales to tell.

Stay tuned for much more music from Beth Hart and if you have the opportunity see her live!

What can be said about Karl Denson other than he is one of the hardest working men in show business. Denson is an extraordinary saxophonist, flutist, and vocalist, and his list of accolades is as long as your arm and involves many heavy hitters in the music industry. He’s an alumni of the Lenny Kravitz band and he co-founded and led The Greyboy Allstars. When not touring and playing saxophone with the Rolling Stones you can find him playing with his band Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe.

Wherever Karl is the funk follows. He thrives on playing live and his band members are just as enthusiastic, fun and professional as their fearless leader. Being a member of so many bands over his long, exciting musical career, and notably the Rolling Stones since 2014, Karl is leaving his mark on modern contemporary jazz, funk, rock, and soul music. He is committed to the groove and brings his audience along for the wild ride. Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe continues to tour as a seven piece band and they are currently doing select dates in select cities paying tribute to one of our fallen musical heroes billed as A Diesel Insane, The Music Of David Bowie.

Grateful Web had the opportunity to ask Karl a few questions and here is what he had to say:

GW: It has been awhile since you have toured with KDTU. How is it being back on the road with the guys, and are you performing any new material?

KD: It’s great being back and it’s nice to see the masks coming off. We’re not doing anything particularly new but we do have some new players that have added a new flavor to the mix. We might be doing a couple of Bowie tunes from our tribute.

GW: You have been doing select shows in select markets billed as “A Diesel Insane The Music Of David Bowie". Is this a complete show of Bowie songs or do you perform a set of your music as well?

KD: It’s a complete night of David Bowie.

GW: It must have been tough choosing songs from Bowie's massive, diverse catalog, can you share a few of your favorite tunes you are covering, and are you improvising on the music or following the melodies exactly as he did them?

KD: We are taking some liberties with the songs, improvising and stretching forms. We’re trying to put our own spin on it, but stay fairly close to the originals. My favorite songs would probably be Station To Station, which is my all-time favorite and Oh You Pretty Things.

GW: You will be at the Fillmore in New Orleans in early May, will you be playing at Jazz Fest or any other venues in the city that week?

KD: That show will be our only Jazz Fest performance.

GW: Have you, or are you in the process of recording new music and if so, is there a new release on the horizon?

KD: I’ve been working on kind of a new imprint called Black Thor, which will be some different sounds from what everyone’s used to, some more electronic/hip-hop sounds. The first release will be a fun dance track featuring Big Freeda from New Orleans. We’re also going to do one studio piece shortly which will be coming from an Afro beat bag.

GW: The term 'your voice is your instrument' must have crossed your mind during the recent hiatus from performing, how did you take care of your voice during that time?

KD: The single best thing about the lockdown for me was the opportunity to reassess my overall health. I took advantage of the time to change a few things and I feel a lot healthier now going forward. I had time to rest my voice.

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe brought the heat to a very chilly night in Fort Collins. The band sounded well rehearsed and very tight as they ripped into the opening number "Root Down". With some new players in the band and plenty of pent up energy things just got funkier as the set went on. With two guitar players banging out the riffs, bass, drums, keys and trumpet and of course Karl on sax and flute, Denson's voice sounded well rested and clean as he continued to deliver very strong vocals on “Gossip”, "Time To Pray" and “Freedom”. The band is progressive and exploratory as they improvise and feed off of each others energy. The arrangements move freely with great energy, precision and lots of love. I won’t give away all of the songs in the set, but the nod to the Rolling Stones was a welcome treat as they lit up “Under My Thumb”. Karl appears to be spending as much time in the gym as he is on stage, he looks healthy and fit and it shows in his energy and enthusiasm. The band is currently touring with a date in Jackson Hole, Wyoming tonight and Denver on Saturday so please check them out when they land in your town.

Thanks Karl and the band for coming to Fort Collins and Washington's for hosting!

Garrett Dutton, aka G. Love, has a long and interesting musical history. Dutton began playing guitar at the age of eight and wrote songs as early as his first year in high school. Growing up in Philadelphia and having access to so much musical culture he began busking on the streets of Philly. There he was able to hone his craft that has propelled him to his status today as a prolific artist of modern musical culture. His music derives from a blues foundation with classic blues instrumentation. He then combines modern music, hip hop and funk to create his signature sound. All music is poetry and it seems Dutton’s philosophy is simple - take the musical styles that have influenced you and deliver them to the people in a fun artistic fashion. If you put two of Dutton’s lyrical influences in a room together (Bob Dylan & RUN DMC) and said ok go, you would probably end up with something you've never heard before. That is pretty much what you get when you go see him perform. His diversity and delivery is unique, creative, fun and extremely motivating to your soul.

Boston in 1993, Dutton on guitar, harmonica and vocals met drummer Jeffery “The Houseman” Clemens and began as a duo. Shortly after meeting bassist Jim “Jimi Jazz” Prescott, the two became three and G. Love and Special sauce were born. Prescott is still playing bass with the band today. The current line-up also includes Chuck Treece on drums and Van Gordon Martin on lead guitar. The band is currently on the road after a long pandemic hiatus and they are delighting audiences everywhere they perform.

Grateful Web had the opportunity to ask Dutton a few questions and here’s what he had to say:

GW: - With such a long hiatus from live performances, what did you do musically to stay sharp and keep busy?

G. Love: - We did live-streaming, I did guitar and songwriting lessons and all this transitioned into socially distanced private parties all across the country. It was a financial stream for us and it ended up financing my Christmas record and the new G.Love record called Philadelphia Mississippi, coming out in June of 2022.

GW: - Did you write, collaborate or record new music during the time off from touring, and if so what is the general content of the material?

G. Love: - The basic story for me musically was reconnecting with my old musical partner, Chuck Treece. We were doing a duo which has now morphed into G.Love & The Juice. The Special Sauce is still in-tact and the vibes are great, but I have been wanting to put together a new project for quite some time. G.Love & The Juice is a collective of outstanding musicians. The music that Chuck and I made on the Philadelphia Mississippi record was about the pilgrimage of us taking our hip-hop blues vibe down to record in Mississippi with a bunch of emerging blues artist like Christone Kingfish, Jontavious Willis and some hip-hop legends like Schoolly D, Freddie Foxxx and Speech from Arrested Development.

GW - Has your family influenced your creativity with so much time at home together?

G. Love: - Always, they encompass every part of me. They are my main focus in life and my children provide an endless stream of inspiration and ideas.

GW - How does it feel right now being back on the road performing?

G. Love: - It's like a double-edged sword. I think a lot of musicians got to put pause after being on the road for thirty years. I got to be home with my kids, when my first child was born, I was on a tour bus four hours later. My second child I have been with every moment of his life up until leaving for this current tour. It’s bittersweet to be quite honest. The hardest thing was leaving, while at the same time it’s great to be back on the road performing in front of people. That’s also one of the greatest joys of my life, it feels great!

GW - Are there any gigs/festivals coming up that you just can’t wait to sink your teeth into and play, see friends etc.?

G. Love: - Yeah, the Peach Festival in Pennsylvania on July 3rd. We are playing on Sunday and it will be Super Juice with an eight-piece band, double drummers, keys, horn section, and lead guitar. This band was kind of engineered to headline major festivals and big stages. It’s a big band with a big sound, the musicians are some of the best in the world. I am really excited to bring these people out. There are more concert dates on my website, Philedelphonic.com with the precise dates and cities.

GW: - What is your favorite beer?

G. Love: - G.Love's Juice man! Good Life Brewing Company out of Bend, Oregon. That being said on our Ryder each night we request beer from local breweries in the cities we play. That’s how we say FU to the Dilly Dilly.

Ron Artis II, soul artist from Hawaii, and his band opened the show in Fort Collins last night. The trio exudes energy, companionship and incredible musical skills. With Ron on lead guitar and vocals, Jarod Manis on drums and Ernie Ecraela on bass the band has a great vibe and lots of fun performing. The set weaved in and out of deep blues cuts, to some serious funk and soulful compositions. Ron’s guitar playing and vocal delivery cuts through the room with razor sharp accuracy. The rhythm section of Manis and Ecraela was seriously on-point and had the power of a freight train rolling down the tracks! Ron has this interesting thumb slap strumming style on the guitar that enables him to use all of his fingers on all of the strings at once. He also plays some solos like this and when he did use a pick on select numbers it made his already searing licks even more distinct.

The audience, myself included, were blown away by his peaceful demeanor and his compassionate and truthful acoustic compositions about living in the moment and being grateful for being together - “It’s the simple things” he said. He brought his young daughter Ida Marie out to join him for a number without the band. She was probably about five or six years old and sang beautifully with her dad and also sang a verse solo. What a great treat and what a great experience to see Ron and his band.

G. Love & The Juice took the stage after a short break and the vibe in the room was was high with anticipation. The audience was ready for the funkified jams that G. is well known for and boy did he deliver. The stage presence by every member of the band is a captivating and exciting to watch as they execute the numbers with sharp skills and enthusiasm. G. Love’s style and skills are constantly evolving and his creativity puts you in the groove mood. The four-piece band were tight as they moved through the diverse first set, bringing Rod Artis up to jam after a handful of songs. Armed with his Les Paul and Honer Harmonica G. Love took command of the stage and hearts of the audience from the gun. Opening the set with “SoulBQue" the temperature in the room got hot as they ripped through the number. The set was stacked with many fan favorites including “Go Crazy”, “Thanks and Praise”, “Peace Love And Happiness” and many others. The Friday night crowd in Fort Collins was fully invested in the situation as things got even hotter as the show went on. There is a lot of chemistry between the band and it jumps right off the stage and lands in your lap and as it slaps your ears on the way down you can’t help but be fully immersed in the show. I was not present for the second set, but it included some masterpieces that have been staples of the G. Love live shows for many years including “Cold Beveridge”, “Gin And Juice” and “I-76”. I don’t want to disclose all of the numbers, so when you go see G. Love & The Juice you are surprised and blown away like everyone last night in Colorado.  (Many thanks to the Aggie staff and Josh Pinsky for the excellent lighting).

G. Love and Chuck Treece performed a little warm-up gig yesterday afternoon at Organic Alternatives in Fort Collins Colorado. They played four tunes for the lucky staff, and a roomful of buds. It was an amazing intimate stripped down set of Hip-Hop and Blues music performed with love and care. Thanks to the good folks at Organic Alternatives for bringing G. and Chuck in and for providing a cool setting for these pics and my Grateful Web interview with G.

The first time I heard the words Billy and Strings in the same sentence I was bit confused. My friend Michelle told me Billy Strings was playing at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre in Fort Collins, Colorado. I said ‘Boy, with a name like that this cat better be good, that's a lot of pressure!’ Well, several years have passed since then and Billy has proven to the world that he is deserving of the nick-name Billy Strings, his aunt gave him the when she first saw his musical abilities on multiple traditional bluegrass instruments.

Let’s re-wind a bit. Born William Apostle in Lansing, Michigan in 1992 and raised in Morehead, Kentucky before moving back to Michigan, Billy was influenced early by his picking step-father Terry Barber. Terry introduced him to music from Doc Watson, David Grisman, Earl Scruggs and many other traditional acoustic pickers. Combined with Billy's love for heavy metal and hard rock, and playing in indie and rock bands as a teen, you might say his influences are a wild combination. This would easily explain his energy and Eddie Van Halen style guitar leaps on stage all while playing traditional country, bluegrass and jam styles of music. His ambition and commitment to his craft is explosive and adventurous, the tones that come out of his acoustic guitar are mind blowing as he uses his given gift and modern technology to enhance his sound.

Billy’s first album "Turmoil and Tinfoil" regarded by the Huffington Post as one of the best albums of 2017 and charting at number three on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts firmly put Strings on the bluegrass map. Next up his second album “Home” awarded Billy a Grammy award for “Best Bluegrass Album” at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards. Wow! What an achievement!!

Billy Strings and his band are touring constantly and are making the festival scene their home as well as headlining tours while gaining momentum and new legions of fans every step of the way. The band has a friendship that carries over to the stage and is a complete joy for the fans to witness. Strings also travels with an amazing photographer, Jesse Faatz, who captures his true spirit and emotion with every snap. Strings third re-lease in 2021, titled Renewal, is his latest offering of sound exploration and storytelling all wrapped up neatly with extraordinary musicianship by everyone involved. 

Billy Strings list of accolades, awards and achievements run long and wide. He is a gifted player with no end in sight of his capabilities. He has shared the stage with many of his influences and continues to broaden the genres of music he is playing. He takes music to new heights by adding contemporary arrangements, articulate playing, and diversity to each and every note. In 2021 Billy joined Bill Kreutzmann, founding member and drummer extraordinaire from the Grateful Dead on a run of shows billed as "Billy And The Kids". If you cant find Billy Strings on a stage melting faces and opening minds you can find him on a lake fishing for bass. He is an accomplished angler and puts as much heart and passion into enjoying his life as he does entertaining us all. 

Billy and his band received a warm welcome as they walked on stage at Red Rocks on Friday, May 13th 2022. This was the second sold-out show in two consecutive night’s at Red Rocks. Big smiles from all of the band members as they looked up into the sea of colors, from the colorfully dressed crowd. The vibe surrounding this band is very communal and adventurous, similar in style to the dead heads that followed the Grateful Dead from state to state for many generations. Billy Strings might be creating his own sub-culture and unique genre of music at the same time. 

It was a beautiful breezy evening, the audience was excited and eager to hear what Billy and the boys were about to lay down. They opened the set with “Taking Water” from the Home album. Next up were “Ice Bridges” and “HellBender" both from the Renewal album. After a few songs the crowd was warm and rocking. You could feel the energy coming from the stage to the guests and back again. Billy’s guitar licks swirled around the massive monoliths filling the amphitheater with his soulful picking style. The band sounded tight and tour rehearsed as they ripped through “Dust In A Baggie”, “Psycho" and many other notable tracks from different periods in the bands career.

With Billy holding down guitar and vocals he was joined by Jarrod Walker on mandolin and vocals, Billy Failing on banjo and vocals and on the bass and vocals, Royal Masat. The sound from this quartet of all things stringed is a blessing and a musical gift from their minds and hands to the open arms of the audience. They pick with ease, style and class and are always improvising and exploring the music as it comes to them. The set list was packed with crowd favorites, “Meet Me At The Creek” closed out the show. The crowd was happy. Billy and the band were happy. This incredible band and it’s loyal following were one! “Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones was the first encore followed by “How Mountain Girls Can Love”.

The shows at Red Rocks were a massive success. Billy was so happy to be performing on possibly the greatest stage on the planet with his own band, on his headlining tour, with most of the dates on the calendar already sold-out. People traveled from all over the country in a nomadic fashion of ecstasy for their love of music and friendship. I spoke with many people about their adventures and one young lady in particular summed it all of for me. She was from Billy’s home state of Michigan and I asked her what was the appeal of the Billy’s music to have traveled so far. She simply said “There is no bad shit!!"

Thank you Billy and the band, the entire crew behind the scenes, the Red Rocks Staff, Scramble Campbell and Shay Berry Campbell.

The Infamous Stringdusters have a long storied career as a band spanning sixteen years of musical magic. You can say they are traditional folk musicians with bluegrass roots and style, or you can simply say they are the masters of jam improvisation and all things in-between, and wherever the music lands on your soul is where it lives and grows into your own personal utopia. Andy Hall (dobro), Andy Falco (guitar), Chris Pandolfi (banjo), Jeremy Garrett (fiddle) and Travis Book (double bass) are friends, powerful friends with deep respect for one another and each others abilities as musicians. You can't be a band for so many years without the wisdom of each others personalities and creative souls. The Stringdusters are a band for each other and a band for the people.

The band lives for the live performance and they record music with the live show in mind and how the material will carry over to a live audience. I would suspect that some songs are better in smaller venues and other songs travel farther in larger environments. No matter where you see this band you can rest assured you are in for something a bit different that is constantly evolving on the musical adventure that they bring to the open armed audience each night.

The highest musical achievement other than melting faces and minds with precision performed shows and a catalog of music spanning nine albums, they also won a Grammy Award in 2018 for “Best Bluegrass Album”. This achievement is decided by all musical professionals and is regarded as the highest honor in the music industry. They have won many awards and were nominated for two other Grammy’s in 2011 and 2022, but the biggest award goes the bands own personal commitment to the music and their loyal following of fans. This band omits pleasure and perseverance and they have captured the hearts of many and many more to come.

The latest offering from the Stringdusters is their ninth studio album “Toward The Fray”. This is the bands first album with drums. The album was pandemic-born while the band was separated during lockdown, so the songs were written separately, with many phone demos exchanged in between. The world was and is still going through many transitions that have hit us all in many different ways. This album takes an open minded look into what's happening on the planet and to the human race. "Toward The Fray" asks a lot of questions, and gives answers from a personal perspective of how events high and low are effecting each member of the band.

The introspective writing approach to this album is a defining look into our lives together as brothers and sisters in an ever changing world. The words are an out pouring of love and compassion for the human race. It has vulnerability, sincerity awareness, and honesty. It takes a sobering look at what has gone down these last few years. The band wrote about these issues, they care about them and have shared their point of views with us through music. It is a wake ups call for the human race and Lord knows we need it. Thank you Stringdusters for taking the cultural responsibility to write the truth about what is happening and to confront it straight toward the fray.

The weather was amazing last night and the evening got off to a great start with The California Honeydrops and Karina Rykman warming up the crowd. When the Infamous Stringdusters took the stage the place went nuts as the masters of all things stringed jumped right into “Toy Heart”, the perfect song to start the set. The band sounded tight and tour rehearsed as they picked their way into the hearts of the dancing crowd. As many of you may know Andy Falco is not appearing on this leg of the tour as he and his wife Jasmine are taking care of their new-born son Teddy who had complications shortly after birth that required surgery. Teddy is expected to make a complete recovery. Filling in during Andy’s absence is guitar player Jon Stickley and he is one fine player and is filling the role just fine.

The set continued with many crowd favorites, “I Didn’t Know”, "If Yer Gonna Love" and “Drank”. Each member of the band is a gifted player and soloist and they all took their perspective turns showing the crowd their individual skills. There is a lot of individuality in the Dusters as well as an extreme cohesiveness among them. They played with precision and style with great exploratory fashion and adventure attached. With the set building momentum with each number the crowd was growing more and more excited and vocal. The sound bounced off the giant monoliths with great energy and clarity and its easy to see and hear why Red Rocks is probably the best venue on the planet.

Paul Hoffmann from Greensky Bluegrass joined the party on mandolin for “It’ll Be Alright” and “Living Over” (Mando Jam). It was a crazy night of picking under the stars, the band was excited as they gazed upward at the joyous fans and there was a lot of energy bouncing around the amphitheatre. Phoff, Rykman and the Honeydrops joined in for “Rise Sun” and “I Shall Be Released” the two encores to close the night.

The California Honeydrops played before the Dusters took the stage and simply brought the place to its knees with soulful R&B vibes. They do not adhere to a set list, so what I can say is each number was delivered with sincere emotion and expert musicianship. The horn section with double trombone, saxophone and tuba rang out loud and clear as the band is heavy on brass.

Lead singer Lech Wierzynski’s voice was clear and crisp and cut through the audience with razor sharp accuracy and impeccable tone. Lech also plays trumpet and guitar on select numbers. The mix of genres from blues, soul, R&B and a New Orleans style are punctuated with piano and trumpet rhythms that are cool and flowing deliveries of great instrumentation by all of the members of the band. The Honeydrops are constantly exploring their many collective talents during their live set, with improvisational skills and the ability to adapt to what each member is doing at any given time. They were sincerely fun to watch and gave the crowd a great high energy set of joy.

Karina Rykman opened the show with fire in her heart and amazing passion for her craft. She and her band had never been to Red Rocks, let alone performed there. They were extremely excited and happy. Karina is a an amazing bass player with abilities beyond comprehension. She plays big round chords, thumb slaps and traditional style of bass guitar. The band was largely instrumental with a handful of tunes sung by Karina. The vibe is heavy rock, funk and extremely melodic arrangements that have searing guitar driven rhythms and seriously heavy bass lines and heart pounding drumming. Each song sounded different and took on its only style.

Rykman has amazing stage presence and bounced around the giant stage like a kid on Christmas opening up a new bass guitar. The set was heavy, fun and extremely well received by the audience. They played "Psycho Killer" by the Talking Heads and everyone was singing and pushing the energy right back to the stage. Rykman has a power trio with amazing talent and we can't wait to hear more.

Jerry Garcia’s 80th birthday celebration was celebrated a little bit early last night at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Some birthdays are just too big, so when the stars align you just do it. Jerry was born on August 1st, 1942, and sadly departed planet earth on August 9th, 1995. He will always live in our hearts, minds and souls. Jerry was a beacon of light and inspiration moving brightly through our lives. He loved music down to the very core of his being and his generous gift of truthful inspiring songs will be with us and future generations for as long we keep swirling around on this big round thing.

This special and unique event was not only a celebration of Jerry’s life but a continuation of his legacy. Jerry and the Grateful Dead were a musical movement of peace and love that shaped the lives of so many and his spirit lives on in many ways. Now in partnership with The Garcia Family, Veritas Fine Cannabis, introducing Garcia Hand Picked is extending Jerry’s long-standing legacy in Colorado with three exclusive cannabis strains that are now available in Colorado. The good folks from Veritas were on site handing out information and talking with folks about the new cannabis line at The Jerry Garcia Symphonic Experience at Red Rocks last night.

Jerry was a perfectionist and the good folks curating Garcia Hand Picked have this in the forefront of their minds and are applying all of the necessary love and technology to their products. Combining new genetics with old school values these products are sure to be a hit with everyone that enjoys feeding their head.

The new products being introduced are made of fine quality premium slow-cured indoor flower, the packaging is eco-friendly and made from recycled paper, and the artwork designs are just beautiful and in-line with Grateful Dead art that we have all loved for many decades. Jerry’s Picks are cannabis infused gummies made from all natural ingredients and come in blueberry, blackberry and raspberry. They are modeled after and shaped like Jerry’s guitar picks.

Garcia Hand Picked is hand grown, harvested and packaged in Denver Colorado and is now available. The good folks of Veritas Fine Cannabis along with the Bertha Bus were talking with the guests, handing out beautiful and informative pamphlets as well as showcasing their amazing colorful merchandise. Garcia Hand Picked launched three strains to get things started in Colorado. The strains are “Morning in Marin” a sativa, “Love In The Afternoon” is a hybrid and “After Midnight” is the Indica. Every aspect of Garcia Hand Picked has been carefully curated by the Garcia family to create an experience through cannabis that is as inspiring and creative as Jerry Garcia’s music. I can go on and on about all of the cool strains, merchandise and art, but I will just leave the link here for you all to enjoy.

Joining the party at the historic venue where Jerry loved to perform were Melvin Seals, Dave Schools, Tom Hamilton, Duane Trucks, Jacklyn LaBranch and Lady Chi. They were accompanied by the sixty five member Colorado Symphony Orchestra. When you combine the music of Jerry Garcia, the beautiful and serene setting of Red Rocks along with a massive orchestra and thousands of music fans, magic is sure to happen. The band and orchestra took their places on stage and began the set with Cats Under The Stars from the Jerry Garcia Band album of the same name. The band sounded tight from the first note, Tom Hamilton's voice was crisp and cut through the thin night air with razor sharp accuracy. The whole band had a calm and cool vibe as they looked up at the sea of colorful fans before them.

Jacklyn LaBranch joined the Jerry Garcia Band on vocals in 1982 and was with him until his passing in 1995. Jackyln and the extremely talented Lady Chi sounded wonderful on vocals and their angelic voices bounced off the giant monoliths that surround the venue. Melvin Seals on organ looked really happy and definitely in a groove that he is very comfortable with, he played with Jerry from 1980 to 1995. Dave Schools and Duane Trucks, the rhythm section from Wide Spread Panic, bring their own vibe and expert musicianship while providing a concrete foundation for the music to build from. With Tom Hamilton's strong voice and guitar skills on full display this lineup of musicians really brings unique qualities and fresh ideas to the music.

The set continued with The Wheel, Birdsong, China Cat Sunflower, Mission In The Rain and Deal to close set one. The orchestra provided a massive sound giving the arrangements an exciting adventurous direction with so many different layers of stringed, percussion and horned instruments making the sound so big and full, it sounded like it was coming from all directions as it swirled around the rocks. Set number two was filled with classic songs from many different periods of Jerry’s life starting with Reuben & Cherise, a heart pounding Shakedown Street, Uncle John’s Band, Morning Dew, Run For The Roses, Terrapin Station and finishing the amazing set with Touch of Grey.

The third and final set of three songs performed by just the band consisted of some of the favorite cover tunes Jerry used to include in his Jerry Garcia Band shows. They started with the J.J. Cale classic After Midnight followed by Eric Clapton's Lay Down Sally and ending it all with Dylan’s Tangled Up In Blue. What a gig, what a set list, and what a beautiful tribute to Jerry Garcia.

Live Rowdy, Live Loudly, Stay Up Late, Make Peace, Make Music. These words are the mission statement of Leftover Salmon as they have inspired and helped pave the way for many bands to break free of traditional bluegrass and explore the genre in a more contemporary direction. As a fan, photographer, and writer it seems the band's intentions are simply this - we will melt your face, open your mind and heart with artistic expression, and spread as much love and positivity as we can in the process. This band is well liked not only for the music they create but also for the environment it is created in. The music moves the band in directions that are constantly evolving as the live show overflows with infectious enthusiasm. The audience feels this vibe and fires it right back at them. This creates a swirling movement of musical adventure that takes you inside the band’s musical minds of creativity, weirdness and expression.

Now thirty-three years into their pioneering journey Leftover Salmon features a lineup that has been together longer than any other in the band’s history. In the mid-eighties Vince Herman moved to Boulder, Colorado from Morgantown, West Virginia where he was attending West Virginia University, and on his first night in town he met future band mate and future co-founder of Leftover Salmon Drew Emmitt and they have been friends and musical mates ever since. Drew had a band at the time called the Left-Hand String Band, I assume named after the famous Left Hand Canyon in Boulder. They were extremely popular as they were mixing bluegrass and rock and roll together awarding them immense popularity in the region. Vince joined the band for a while before going his own separate way to dive into his own musical endeavor and forming a band called the Salmon Heads, a Cajun jug band exploring many of Vince’s diverse influences. On New Year’s Eve in 1989 the two bands united together for a show and the energy and enthusiasm could not be ignored and a new band Leftover Salmon was born.

Fast Forward a couple of decades to the current lineup of Vince on guitar and vocals, Drew on guitar, mandolin and vocals, Andy Thorn on banjo and vocals, Greg Garrison on bass and vocals and Alwyn Robinson on drums and vocals and newest member Jay Starling on keyboards, dobro and vocals. All of these players have so much diversity in their musical back pockets its head spinning and impressive as hell. Garrison on bass along with his background in jazz, rock, bluegrass and funk is a powerful versatile artist with great feel for the groove.  His wide range of influences and experience is essential to Salmon’s sound and he has held down the bottom end of this band since 2000. He has played with legends in the industry including Sam Bush, Del McCoury, and the Motet to name just a few, and he also co-founded the Punch Brothers.

Andy Thorn brings a whirlwind of experience both as a player and music scholar. He has a degree in Jazz guitar and I am convinced this man can play anything with strings. Moving to Colorado from North Carolina opened all kinds of creative doors for Thorn. He joined the Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band which took top honors at the 2003 Rocky Grass Bluegrass Festival Band Contest. The band broke up shortly after that and Thorn moved back east to join Larry Keel’s band. He was soon recruited to fill the vacant banjo position in the Emmitt Nershi band that led him to joining Leftover Salmon in 2011.

Alwyn Robinson on drums has crazy abilities to weave in and out of genres, often these genre changes are in the same song. Robinson gives this band such a solid foundation of stability and tempo. When you consider the ever-changing moods, arrangements and improvisational nature that Salmon is known for, Alwyn has to pick up on it quickly and provide the correct timing for everyone else. Growing up in Texas he has been playing in rock and country bands since middle school and high school. He continued on his musical endeavors at Texas Tech that enabled him to hone his jazz and improvisational technics that serve him well every time he takes the stage. He was introduced to Greg Garrison and Greg recommended him to take the seat behind the kit for Leftover Salmon in 2013. The combination of Garrison and Robinson was meant to be and they simply crush it night after night.

Jay Starling from Fredericksburg, Virginia joined Leftover Salmon about a year ago. Starling has a very diverse background in music, he learned to play classical piano as a child and explored guitar, bass and drums as well. He is from a musical family as his father John Starling was the founding member of the highly acclaimed bluegrass band the Seldom Scene. Starling has explored many genres of music and is a wonderful fit in Leftover Salmon. He has known everyone in the band for quite some time and when the keyboard position was offered to him, he took it. His diversity on the piano allows all kinds cool opportunities for the band as he can play the jazzy psychedelic styles on piano and then pick up the dobro for the bluegrass songs. Starling is a great asset to Leftover Salmon and brings a lot of flavors to the sound. Last night was his one-year anniversary of the first live show he performed with the band.

All of these gifted musicians together are kind of mind blowing. The music they make is adventurous, diverse and inspiring. They can take you on many journeys of many genres and sometimes you just stare in amazement and say to yourself or your concert mates, did they really just do that? Well, I can assure you they did. They are not afraid; they are gamblers with guitars and their mission is to deal you the most exciting hand every time they take the stage. Music hits us all in different ways and however our minds and bodies accept it is our own experience. Leftover Salmon provides us these wonderful opportunities for us all to paint our own picture of delight on the open canvas of ourselves.

Grateful Web, talked with Andy Thorn and here’s what he had to say:

GW: Does Leftover Salmon use a concrete set list or does it evolve and possibly change as the set moves along?

ANDY: Drew usually makes the set list and we all offer some input if we’re around. It’s a fun thing to do over dinner. But in 12 years of being in the band I don’t think we’ve ever stuck to it! We call a lot of audibles.

GW: Is Leftover Salmon planning on (or already have) recording new music to be released in the near future?

ANDY: Yes, we just recorded a new album for Compass Records. It was super fun to record in Nashville because of all the friends we got to bring in to play. The album is all covers and will feature appearances by Billy Strings, Oliver Wood and Daryl Anger. Look for it in 2023.

GW: Are all of the band members involved in songwriting and if so, do you write together or individually?

ANDY: Drew and Vince do most of the writing but the rest of us have been adding more of our own songs as well. Co-writing with Vince is super fun. Our last album has one we wrote together, “We’ll Get By."

GW: With Colorado as the backdrop of most of your lives has living here impacted the overall sound of the band?

ANDY: Colorado life has absolutely influenced the sound of this band. You can hear themes of the high country and its river and hollers running through the words of many of our songs. And the Colorado festivals have really shaped the sound of the band. The band formed around the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and you can really hear the influence of Sam Bush and the Newgrass Revival and Hot Rize.

GW: Are there any gigs or festivals on your tour schedule that you just can’t wait to play?

ANDY: We have a bunch of good festivals this year. The vibes are high out there after the pandemic. I’m super excited for Floyd Fest, it’s right on the Blue Ridge Parkway and I always drive up from North Carolina with my dad. I’m also excited for Northwest String Summit, it’s at Horning Hideout in Oregon and it’s the last one.

Red Rocks show RECAP! Leftover Salmon took the stage at Red Rocks last night with big wide smiles as the Colorado crowd greeted them with a loud hearty applause. Vince Herman welcomed everyone as he looked up at the sheer mass of people before him and the band. It was a beautiful warm summer night at the extraordinary amphitheater and the vibe was high! Salmon opened the set with We’ll Get By a recent tune that the band wrote together. The fans were dancing and happy, the band was excited and eager to perform. The eclectic diversity of the band was on full display as they ripped through Something Higher and Boogie Grass. Each song takes you on a whirlwind adventure of personal lyrical expression and divine musicianship. The sounds of strings swirled around the rocks with great clarity and power, like a well-oiled musical machine the band sounded tight, tour rehearsed and overjoyed to be playing on the rocks.

The ten-song set was well thought out and took many musical styles along for a wild ride. Evermore, Brand New Good Ole and Hobo Song were all included in the well mixed gumbo of genres the band stirs up at every live show. They can take you to Kentucky in one song then drop you down in the bayou in the next. The complexity that meets simplicity in the band style is seriously a marvel to experience. Sound Gardens classic song Black Hole Sun was next up and it was heavy, trippy and took you on a wild ride into the heaviness of the lyrics. High Country and All Night Ride closed out the set they performed in direct support of The String Cheese Incident and boy did Salmon kill it. The fans were ecstatic as the band finished and you can clearly feel the love pouring down on them from every direction.

On a personal note, it was great to see my close friends from Fort Collins, Colorado Andrew Waltman working front of house and Christopher Fernald working lights for Leftover Salmon. This band and their crew and friends all feel like family to me, it’s just a cool vibe with lots of love and respect for one another. Thanks to everyone involved for putting on an amazing show. Thanks, Annabel, for always being such a beacon of joy for everyone.

What the Salmon fans are saying:

Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real have a new album out and they are touring across the country to sold out audiences and looking like they are having the times of their lives doing so. Last night in Fort Collins was no exception in the anticipation and excitement this band brings. They are not reinventing the wheel with their music, they are presenting it honestly, organic and raw, with sincerity and superb musicianship. The packed Aggie Theatre was captivated from the opening note of Sticks and Stones the lead off song of the set. Nelson's voice was clear and pronounced as he sang out to the welcoming audience. The band has a great cohesiveness on stage and you can feel the friendships between them shine through their songs.

With a massive and diverse set list on tap there were many fan favorites, acoustic numbers and new material from the new album A Few Stars Apart. Nelson had a lot of time during 2020 when the world shut down. This guy was basically born on the road and has been touring constantly for over a decade. Nelson took some well needed time off to reflect, spend time with family, close friends and be inspired by stillness and the simple joys in his life. A Few Stars Apart conveys these feelings from Nelsons heart to the listener. First and foremost Nelson is a songwriter with great conviction and honesty with himself and his audience. His ability to express himself in the most vulnerable ways and tell a story through song is a gift, a wonderful gift that he shares with the world.

The energy from the stage to audience and then straight back to the band was a circle of expression and excitement and highlights the sheer love and connection that music brings us. Nelson and his band rocked the Aggie in so many ways with so many different styles of music presented with such ambition and heart. This band assaults your senses with clever arrangements, beautiful melodies and expressive lyrical poetry. They are open to ideas in their music - they explore rock, country, and soulful styles of music and perform it with great enthusiasm. What more can you ask for, they are truly America's band!

The Infamous Stringdusters are Andy Hall (dobro), Andy Falco (guitar), Chris Pandolfi (banjo), Jeremy Garrett (fiddle) and Travis Book (bass). This extremely talented group of players and singers have been very busy touring major festivals releasing new music and making lots of people very happy in the process. The new music mentioned is the band's newest single 'Black Muddy River' originally written by Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia and recorded and released on the Grateful Dead’s twelfth studio album In The Dark. The band enlisted Anders Osborne to lend his musical mind and talent to this release. The track is the ultimate nod to Jerry Garcia who was one of the greatest pickers on the planet. The band also dropped this recording between August 1st and August 9th. These days symbolize the day Garcia was born and the day he passed, notably referred to as The Days Between. The Dusters collaboration with Osborne brings new life to the serene honesty of the song with brilliant instrumentation of many different stringed instruments and hauntingly beautiful vocals.

The band didn’t stop there, they have also teamed up with Teton Gravity Research and are releasing a limited edition of The Bluegrass Bears line, inspired by Owsley’s famous dancing bears. This Grateful Dead licensed design is now available for pre-order here. (shop.tetongravity.com/collections/pre-sale-tgr-x-grateful-dead-bluegrass-bears?fbclid=IwAR0ABi-4tr0qkv_NGph6qchz3neUhFpsStdtuctCWr2TELw7t4VSzsURrMU)

The Dusters have been busy playing major festivals across the country including the recent North West String Summit in Oregon and the up-coming GrassFire Festival on August 19th thru the 22nd in Ohio. They are sharing that bill with Trampled By Turtles, Leftover Salmon, Del McCoury Band, Yonder Mountain String Band and many more. The Dusters are a great asset to any festival, they take the exploratory and adventurous live shows they are known for to new and exciting heights every time they take the stage and the festival vibe just elevates their energy to drive the audience and the music to uncharted waters that can only be created on stage.

They consistently produce relevant vibrant music that touches each and every fan in a personal way. They take the art of traditional arrangements and spin it with creative ideas and divine musical interpretation. They are masters of all things stringed and are constantly reaching new and dizzying heights as a band. They thrive on on their live shows and they record music with a live audience in mind. They design and build songs that fit in many different live audience settings and venues.

The band's latest offering “Toward The Fray” is a fine example of writing in the moment for the moment. The pandemic born album is seriously introspective and primarily written by the band members individually because of the lockdown situation we were all found in. The album asks a lot of questions and gives a lot of answers from a personal perspective about events high and low each member of the band were experiencing at the time. This was also the bands first album with drums. The recording digs deep into the personal growth of each band member.

I can’t get into all of the accolades this band has achieved over the years, there are simply too many to mention here. But if I could embellish on just one of their incredible achievements it would be the bands Grammy Award winning album Laws of Gravity that won Best Bluegrass Album in 2018. I also think the bands largest and most pronounced accomplishment is the live connection between them and their audience and the never ending experimentation of relatable and relevant situations we are all experiencing together on the planet through music.

The Infamous Stringdusters walked onto the Mishawaka stage last night with huge smiles. They were so happy to be back at the iconic venue and the fans gave them a warm hearty welcome. The excitement before a single note was played was electric and enthusiastic. The colorful happy crowd were excited as the band opened the show with Night Rio. The stage was beautifully lit by lighting director Jason Gutworth and the band brought in some extra gear to enhance the visual experience. The Dusters have a solid crew of professionals working with them each night.

Well Well was the second song of the set followed by Starry Night and Salt Creek Disco. By this point the band was in another dimension of progressive jamgrass. The music swirled from the stage. Falco’s guitar playing was mesmerizing, his style and feel for his instrument is like nothing I have ever seen. Every note has emotion, with clear and distinct presence, and his expressive delivery draws you into the core of the bands sound. Jeremy Garrett on fiddle is another tour de force of musicality. He chooses his notes so quickly and presents them with incredible accuracy and emotion. His energy was infectious, fun and you can’t take your eyes off him.

The bottom end of the Dusters belongs to Travis Book. His bass playing and overall tone gives the band solid footing to explore many different and diverse arrangements. He is ever present and never leaves a gap unfilled. The sound of his upright bass filled the canyon with deep low end that could be heard for miles. Andy Hall’s solo’s on the dobro and vocal prowess are always fun and exciting to see and hear. He is such a clean player and offers lots of energy and excitement as he assaults your senses to dizzying heights. The band is full of soloists and it’s fun to watch them encourage each other when each member of the band takes center stage. Chris Pandolfi on banjo takes the whole situation to stratosphere levels with his outstanding improvisational skills. His tone and presence are another key asset to the sound, excitement and energy of the band.

Black Muddy River was the fifth song of the set and Andy Falco did an amazing job delivering the poetic honesty of the lyrical masterpiece, originally written by Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia. The band did a beautiful job delivering this classic piece of musical history. Many of the guests knew the lyrics and sang along as it brings back fond memories of Jerry and the Grateful Dead. Pearl, If Yer Gonna Love and I RunTo You closed out the first set. The Dusters have a lot of heart, ambition and soulful goodness to share and it’s always exciting to see what they are going to do next. I was not present for the second set, it was filled with incredible music including Colorado Jam, Don’t Think Twice, Planets, Hard Line, Get It, Tragic2, Home, Destination, PBD, Maxwell, Jackstraw, Fork, Travelin, Toy Heart, Dreadful Snake and Sweet Blue Eyed Darling.

Elephant Revival formed in Nederland, Colorado in 2006. They are an eclectic and diverse group of multi-instrumentalists that have combined their creative skills together resulting in some of the coolest musical ideas ever recorded and performed live. All of the members contribute songwriting and vocals, bringing a solid band cohesiveness to their sound. It’s difficult to describe their style as there are so many influences running through the minds and fingers of these talented musicians. Indie, folk and bluegrass are all present and well-presented from Revival’s musical palette. The band considers their sound to be “Transcendental Folk” because it transcends many musical genres. They incorporate Scottish Celtic fiddle tunes, traditional ballads, bluegrass, folk and Indie styles giving the audience a worldly musical experience.

The many styles and influences that have fueled the band over the years have resulted in exploratory creations that transcend the norm, bringing you inside their adventurous world of music. The creation of artistic energy combined with massive musical skills moves the music through the audience creating harmony between everyone. In 2006 the first show that five of the original members played together was at the Gold Hill Inn in Boulder, Colorado, performing as Elephant Revival Concept. After solidifying the group Concept was soon dropped and Elephant Revival was officially born, releasing their self-titled debut album in 2008 and many more to follow. The band, now continuing their musical journey, has people excited, especially in Colorado where the band has deep roots and adoring fans. It’s nice to have the band back and we are all full of anticipation as I am sure the band is too.

Elephant Revival is Bridget Law on fiddle and vocals; Bonnie Paine on vocals, cello, washboard, stomp box, musical saw and djembe; Charlie Rose on banjo, pedal steel, vocals, trumpet, trombone and cello; Dango Rose on double bass, vocals, mandolin and banjo; Darren Garvey on vocals and percussion; and Daniel Sproul on guitar and vocals. That’s a lot of instruments and a whirlwind of excitement to wrap your head around. The band is equally as excited to be performing together again after such a transformational time for all of us.

Grateful Web had a chance to chat with Bridget Law and here is what she had to say about the band:

GW: After a four year hiatus from Elephant Revival playing gigs together, is there the possibility for more shows in the near future?

BL: This show is a very sacred and special occasion for us all. We are taking things nice and easy. We are hopeful that everything feels good and we can move forward to plan a few carefully selected shows a year, but we won’t know until we complete this performance.

GW: Has Elephant Revival collectively, or any of it’s individual members, written new material and if so will any of it be presented either live, on a new recording or both?

BL: Yes! There will be new material presented! Bonnie Paine has a wealth of compositions and we are eager to feature some of her new songs. Other members have also written some more material and over time we hope to incorporate more new music while staying true to the classics that we love.

GW: With so much diversity within the group as far as influences, different genres covered and the multi-instrumentalists with it’s members, is the band evolving in any new directions musically?

BL: In my humble opinion I would say that we are leaning more into our newer ‘art rock’ sound and a little less on our ‘folky’ roots. By ‘art rock’ I intend to describe the part of our sound that is highly creative, often involving mixed meters and tempo changes as well as theatrical song beds for poetic lyrics. Yet there are still plenty of songs that hearken to our love for Celtic and bluegrass music!

GW: Most of the band members are from Colorado, has the backdrop of our state contributed to shaping the sound of the band?

BL: Absolutely. Nature is almost always the muse.

GW: Daniel Sproul from the band Rose Hill Drive has very diverse guitar skills and mad hard rocker abilities, is his presence in the band changing the sound, dynamics, energy, etc.?

BL: Sproul is an incredibly diverse musician and his guitar tones are a lovely addition to our music. This is our first performance with Sproul, so for now he is focused on the appropriate delivery of our material, which at times requires a smokin’ guitar solo!

He is using a hollow-body electric more than an acoustic guitar which lends itself to some of the evolution I mentioned earlier. But every note I have ever heard Sproul play is layered with soul.

GW: What are, if any, the most challenging aspects of the band being back together after four years apart?

BL: Not getting hung up on patterns of the past. We are all trusting in this evolution and paving the way for a smoother system all around.

GW: Much has happened from the early beginnings of Elephant Revival to now, what would you say was or still is the most rewarding and memorable aspect of the bands time together?

BL: It’s fairly often that I hear a story about how our music has brought people together. Stories of falling in love, connecting family members, or using the music for a special occasion, such as the birth of a child, remind us how important it is to keep our collaboration alive.

GW: There has been a bunch of weird and uncertain times on our planet in the last couple of years and people have gotten creative along the way. Has the current state of our culture inspired, changed or motivated you musically?

BL: Yes. When shit gets weird I connect to the magical aspects of life. Music never ceases to amaze me and I will always nurture it, especially when times are rough.

GW: You have started a family and now have a son named Ravi. Has his presence in you and your husbands lives sparked a new level of creativity that inspires your music?

BL: Ravi’s love for music is pretty uncanny! He keeps us all playing everyday with his obsession for the drums and his motivation to practice. I don’t doubt that he will continue to inspire our music for years to come! I’m very grateful that there is a rumble in Elephant Revival because I want Ravi to get to experience the band in his lifetime.

Elephant Revival’s highly anticipated return to the stage last night in Lyons, Colorado was nothing short of spectacular. The sold-out crowd welcomed the band with open arms and hearts when they took the beautifully decorated stage. The flowing linens that were draped from the stage rafters along with numerous plants and magnificent lighting provided the backdrop for the evening. The band was equally sharply dressed, Bridget Law and Bonnie Paine were both wearing stunning gowns that displayed elegance and style.

The Pasture was the opening song of the set and from the first note you were immediately drawn into the music that transcends all genres, boundaries and completely opens your mind to explore the sounds that are being presented so eloquently. The show felt like a ceremony of harmony, peace, musical culture and skillful presentation. The band is stacked with talent and cohesiveness, they move as one yet display extraordinary individualism at the same time. Bonnie Paine’s emotion and connection to her lyrics is almost sacrificial as her heart is completely open and vulnerable to everything and everyone around her. I stopped taking pictures last night and looked and listened to this woman sing and my heart was open to all she was offering. I don’t typically put emphasis on my personal experience, but I’ve never had an experience like this before.

The set continued with many familiar Elephant Revival tunes including Remembering, Sea Monster, Lighthouse, Reel Mackay, Furthest Shore as well as a new compositions Un Ling and I Thought U Thought both composed by Paine. There were also a couple of cool cover tunes - Crazy by Gnarls Barkley and Have a Cigar by Pink Floyd. The set was a magical, mystical kaleidoscope of luxurious textures that swirled around the open-air venue with clarity, familiarity and sheer elegance delivered with power and passion. Bridget Laws fiddle playing is layered with emotional soulful tones that cut through the night air with surgical precision and raw power. Her instrument is definitely a continuation of her soul that she uses like a voice coming from her fingertips.

Vocally the band has it all and there are many different avenues they can explore with such diversity among the singers and they do just that. The harmonies are elegant and pronounced with rich, soft soulful qualities that make the hair on the back of your neck dance. Charlie Rose has the string thing down; he played an assortment of instruments last night adding so many sounds to the constantly evolving sound of the band. Dango Rose falls into the same category as far as string master, with superb vocals and stage presence he brings a lot of diversity from many different musical influences. Darren Garvey is the ultimate percussionist; with a strong sense of timing and great artistic expression he has impeccable feel for the arrangements and the ability to explore the mood of each song.

Daniel Sproul making his debut performance with Elephant Revival last night is one heck of a guitarist. He has soul entrenched in his being. He can soothe you with softness and melt your face with ferocity and power with his guitar. His contribution to the band is overwhelmingly perfect. Bonnie and Bridget are two extraordinary women that are driven to the highest point of ambition and craftsmanship. Their musical talent and presence on and off stage is powerful, sincere and full of heart and compassion. Elephant Revival provided a magical evening filled with joy, love and an incredible live music experience. They bring clear messages of peace and harmony through their music, what more can you really ask for.

Thanks to Elephant Revival and the good folks at Planet Bluegrass for a real good time.

Dead Floyd is an important part of today’s musical landscape. They are a one-of-a-kind band much like their predecessors the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd. Dead Floyd recreates the music and magic of these two magnificent bands by combining them together in one wild musical adventure of historic, adventurous mind-bending joy. They present an explosive array of the what the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd created by carefully and methodically putting them together in the same set. Imagine if you will the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd playing the same gig and each band taking turns presenting their songs, mind-blowing, right?!

As I mentioned the importance of Dead Floyd is relevant in many ways. They are giving a younger generation an opportunity to hear the music of The Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd in a live setting in one magical show. Many people who come to Dead Floyd’s shows were not old enough or even born when both the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd were touring giants. Other people who attend are well seasoned when it comes to seeing live music including having seen the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd numerous times, they are the ones who come to relive the magic and wonderment both bands have left us by enjoying this conceptual live music experience.

Dead Floyd has expansive, innovative qualities and ideas combined with amazing musicianship. All of these key factors propel their sound and visual experience to dizzying heights. They are constantly exploring and improvising as the show goes on which is exciting for everyone in the band and the audience as well. Keeping the music fresh is key to their sound and their mission of representing these two magnificent bands with love and respect. Dead Floyd also implements the Grateful Dead’s long-standing history of never repeating the same show twice. This concept stretches way further when you have material from two bands mixed together among two sets of music at each live performance.

Speaking of expansive ideas and innovation Dead Floyd has recently transitioned from a four piece to a six-piece band. The core members for the past thirteen years are Charlie Humphreys on guitar and vocals, Stu Crair on drums and Matthew Goldberg on keyboards. They are now joined by Laniece Schleicher (Mama Lenny & The Remedy) on vocals, Todd Smallie (Derek Trucks Band & JJ Grey & Mofro) on bass and Andrew Vogt (Just Jazz) on sax. This evolution of the band is exciting to witness. Adding these talented musicians to the solidness of the core three is kinda mind-blowing, in the sense of the overall fullness of the sound. Laniece is a powerful singer adding all kinds of magnificent vocal qualities and tones to primarily the Pink Floyd songs and backing vocals on the Dead tunes. Todd Smallie is just a beast on the bass as he never lets up on the groove, and he and Stu on drums are a cohesive rhythm section. Having Andrew Vogt on sax opens up the sound of the band even more. Vogt has mad chops on his sax and when he takes a mind melting solo it gives Charlie room to explore the arrangement by playing rhythm guitar. Then when Charlie is melting your face with a searing solo Vogt can do the same which adds that fullness I mentioned earlier. It's a great fit having these six musicians on stage together and IMHO Dead Floyd is just getting started and it’s exciting as hell.

Grateful Web had a chance to talk with Laniece Schleicher of Dead Floyd and here is what she had to say.

GW: Dead Floyd has been together for thirteen years with the same line-up since 2009. How did you becoming a recent addition as one of the vocalists in the band transpire?

Laniece: I’ve had the chance to perform with most of these guys as a backing vocalist for shows with Dead Floyd and Musketeer Gripweed. I was also in the Velvet Rope with Stu, Andrew and Charlie. Stu reached out to me with the opportunity to sing with Dead Floyd for some upcoming shows and I was interested right away just based on who and how they are as people. I knew that in spite of how much time and energy it would take that it would be a really good time.

GW: Sharing the stage with such talented diverse musicians, yourself included, how have you adapted to the overall experience of being in the band?

Laniece: I feel really comfortable with all of them as friends and as band mates so it feels like a natural fit for me to play with them.  I can always count on them to have their shit together in practices and during performances which is hugely helpful.  I know that if I miss something or forget how a certain part goes, that they have my back and that everything will continue to play out smoothly.

GW: Have you always been a fan of the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd, or has this opportunity of being one of the vocalists in Dead Floyd opened up a whole new world of music to you?

Laniece: I’m a Floyd girl for sure. The music of the Dead and Pink Floyd has been a part of the soundtrack of my life since I was a teenager, but learning the songs in this way has been an eye-opening experience. A lot of these songs were in the background of my life, familiar but not necessarily known very well, so it has been really fun to do the deep dive into each of them lyrically and musically.

GW: Dead Floyd keeps the tradition of the Grateful Dead alive by never playing the same set twice. This means there are many songs to learn so what has been your process of absorbing and learning so many songs?

Laniece: So many songs!  When Charlie sent out the initial song list I may or may not have had a slight panic attack.  I tend to learn songs best by listening to them over and over again so my Floyd and Dead playlists usually accompany me during my time in the woods. Since I try to get out into the woods every day, I’m listening to these songs a lot.

GW: Are you singing both Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd songs or splitting up the vocal duties with Charlie Humphreys?

Laniece: I’m singing most of the lead vocals during the Pink Floyd tunes and backing vocals during the Dead songs.  Charlie will occasionally ask me to sing a lead part on a Dead song or he’ll jump into a lead part for a Floyd song. I’m pretty happy to sing whatever they ask me to sing. 

GW: As a female vocalist are there any challenges in singing songs that were originally written and performed by male singers?

Laniece: In some ways yes but a lot of the songs, especially the Floyd songs, are in my vocal sweet spot so I can just let loose. I always want my vocals to enhance the audience experience rather than distract from it. People know these songs like the backs of their hands so I spend a lot of time trying to figure out what would sound the best for folks. The fellas have been really supportive and I trust them to let me know when things sound good or if something isn’t quite working.

GW: Has the overall vibe of the audience and their love for the music of the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd enhanced the live performance experience for you?

Laniece: The fans of this band are very cool and they are really invested in the shows so they are really fun to play for. I feel a lot of joy when I get to see people swaying in the lights and singing along to each and every tune and I love how excited people get when we play something that they haven’t heard in a while.

GW: You have been very generous with your time and we really appreciate your answers. Is there anything we have not asked you that you wish we had?

Laniece: I can’t think of anything, thank you for taking time out of your day to chat with me.

Colorado music fans came out strong last night and packed the mighty Mishawaka Amphitheatre for Dead Floyd. The band was excited to play this home town show and the guests were equally as excited to be there. I spoke with Dead Floyd’s keyboard player Matthew Goldberg before the show and he said the band is always honored to play at the Mishawaka as it’s one of the best venues on the planet. The vibe was high as the band took the stage and the audience was ready for whatever Dead Floyd was serving up for the evening.

From the first notes of Hey Pocky Way, the evening's opening number, you got the immediate feeling of joy and love for this band and the music they play. Charlie Humphrey's voice was clear and crisp and the tone of his guitar had a nice soulful funky vibe that ripped through the canyon crowd. Laniece Schleicher took the vocal lead next on Pink Floyd’s Learning to Fly and she absolutely nailed the moody tones of the song. The band sounded tight and you can tell they were having as much fun as the guests. West LA Fade Away followed and it had a that moody Garcia feel and once again the tone from Humphrey's guitar was on point. Todd Smallie provided the unmistakable bass line of Pink Floyd's classic hit Money. The band took this song on a wild ride exploring and improvising on the tempo changes it's so well known for. Going Down The Road Feeling Bad followed by Wish You Were Here and Bertha was a crazy cool combination of songs to round out the first set.

Pink Floyd’s Have A Cigar opened the second set with Laniece on lead vocals. The band sounded amazing and working together like a wheel that can't slow down they ripped into Not Fade Away, always a crowd favorite. Crair on drums and Smallie on bass are a serious strong rhythm section - they are always in communication on stage without uttering a word to each other they know exactly how to hold the bottom of the band together and you can feel it and see it in the fullness of the sound and the smiles on their faces. Goldberg was hammering out his solos with surgical precision and keeping the arrangements tight and flowing. Vogt on sax played very soulful notes and his placement of power and softness work really well together. Charlie’s stage presence was front and center, he has mad energy and impeccable guitar and vocal skills, he can feel the audience energy and just pushes it right back at them. Laniece on vocals has perfect range for the Floyd songs and she is fully embracing singing with all of these talented musicians. I heard people in the audience talking about her vocal abilities and how impressed they were. Instead of rattling off the remaining songs in the second set, I will leave you with this lovely picture of the set lists and you can let your imagination run around the amazing second set.

Thanks to the Mishawaka Staff and the amazing production staff for always providing top-notch sound, lighting and general coolness. Thanks to Pilgrim for hooking up the disco ball. Thanks to Dead Floyd and all of the guests in attendance. Go see this band!

Rising Appalachia has certainly put their mark on Appalachian Folk Music. They have curated these traditional folk roots with other musical cultures that span the globe. Their ambitious creativity, exceptional musical craftsmanship, and highly independent personalities has yielded them world wide appeal and massive respect in the music industry. They march to the beat of their own drums. Sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith are adventure seekers within their music - they listen to and absorb life as they travel around this great big blue sphere and apply what they’ve learned with enchanting personal qualities through song. Poetic and innovative the sisters are always moving in different musical directions keeping their minds and audiences entertained and excited.

Leah and Chloe have worked with musicians from all over the world and this collaboration of cultures has been fruitful to their sound. Their musical influences are front and center both live and on recordings. They have diverse appeal that extends to many music fans. Combining traditional folk arrangements with soul, hip hop, southern gospel and jazz, Leah and Chloe have extended an open invitation to the world, both lyrically and musically. With seven studio albums recorded since 2005 including countless tours dates and festivals they are always innovative, positive and inspiring. It’s always a joy to witness their joy on stage and their energy fills any room or field with excitement and possibility.

Most recently the band released their sixth studio album “Leylines” in 2019 and “The Lost Mystic Of Being In The Know” their seventh album in 2021. Both of these albums have been reviewed by several heavy hitters in the music industry including Paste and Relix magazine. The song Harmonize from the Leylines album was released early as a video and featured by Rolling Stone magazine. Both of these albums have been described as intoxicatingly abstract and the best musical experience you will have this year.

Grateful Web talked with Biko Casini, percussionist of Rising Appalachia, before the show and here’s what he had to say:

GW: Are you playing music on this current tour that spans the whole career of the band or are you focusing on more current compositions?

Biko: Both, we keep updating our older songs and giving them new life. We continue to recreate our favorites. We are aware the audience loves hearing certain tunes, so we always have a few of those favorites in the set. So we are playing early stuff, re-invented stuff newer songs from the last couple of albums and sometimes songs that have not been released yet.

GW: Does the band use a set list?

Biko: We make up the set list right before we walk out to the stage and we never use a set list over and over.

GW: Are there any shows or festivals on this tour are you most excited about playing?

Biko: We are playing a festival in Utah called The Park City Song Summit and there are lots of labs and workshops for the audience to participate in during the festival. It’s a different model the audience can learn a lot from all they are offering. We love Colorado and coming here is a highlight for us always. Also Cave Fest in Pelham, Tennessee is really special. I grew up in Tennessee and live there now. This is the first time the band is playing there.

GW: Is the band either individually or collectively writing new material and if so can the fans expect a new release in the near future?

Biko: Yeah, we have almost a full album of new material. The way we make a new album is we get enough songs as ideas, sometimes David Brown and I will start it rhythmically or Leah and Chloe will write out the lyrics first or someone will come up with a melody. Once all three of those happen, we get in a room and rough them out then we go and record them. So when we record it’s not stuff we have played a lot. So yes, we are gearing up for some album making this winter.

GW: Is Rising Appalachia currently involved in any other musical projects or collaborations with other artists?

Biko: We are all involved in other projects and collaborations. Leah and Chloe have just finished working on a project called Cradle with three other women. I play with a band called Roots Grown Deep out of Asheville, North Carolina and South Africa as well as my own solo project under my own name. We are all constantly learning, creating and writing, so there are many other projects going on outside of the band.

GW: Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today and giving the fans some cool and current information.

Biko: You’re welcome, my man.

Rising Appalachia performed to a festive sold-out Fort Collins crowd last night at New Belgium Brewing. The new venue provides the artists and guests state of the art sound and lights along with a cool Colorado vibe. Chloe on acoustic guitar and Leah on Banjo were center stage. Biko Casini playing djembe, bara, ngoni, congas and percussion. David Brown on upright bass and Duncan Wickel on cello and fiddle make up the eclectic quintette. From the opening notes of the first song Wider Circles the overwhelming joy that fell over the anticipating crowd was beautiful and serene. Chloe’s voice was subtle and strong as her vocals displayed amazing clarity and tone.

Novels was the next song followed by Synchronicity a newer song. The set was comprised of material spanning the bands career with older songs, fan favorites, and songs from the last couple of albums. Leah took a minute to thank the audience for coming out and expressed her gratitude for playing live shows for a live audience after a weird and challenging pandemic hiatus. The band sounded fresh and vibrant and Chloe and Leah’s vocals were beautifully delivered to the audience as the songs took on their own life of artistic expression and presence. The audience was euphoric and I watched people dance and sing the words of the songs back to the band. Rising Appalachia has a devoted fan following and the love and respect between audience and musicians is mutual and honest.

The amazing night under the vibrant Colorado sky with Rising Appalachia was a special treat. There were a lot of happy people as the band presented their music with great musicianship and style. The set was stacked with goodness and many fan favorites including Indigo Dance, Love Her In The Mornin’, Medicine and several other songs from their extensive catalog of music. There is a lot of individualism within the cohesiveness of the band. They have exploratory qualities and the music always sounds fresh and alive. Songs that you have heard before may sound different as they reinvent them to keep them fresh and fun. The constant evolution of the band is exciting to hear and see. Thank you, Rising Appalachia, for your positivity, poetry, and peaceful messaging through music.

Big Richard, what can I say about these talented ladies? They are all exceptional musicians armed to the teeth with charm, charisma, ambition and wit. They have a strong friendship bond that leaps off the stage to the audience enhancing the entire live music experience to a personal level. They draw you in and hold you there. They are vulnerable, powerful and emotional women who adhere to their musical sensibilities as they assault your senses with joy, musicality and love. They are truly on a journey that early musical pioneers have taken. They are seeking adventure through song and are embarking on an upcoming tour and riding the wave of possibilities. You can probably tell that I am writing this from a personal place. I have deep admiration for the Colorado musical community and these four ladies land right in the middle of all that goodness. They are exceptional at what they do and revered by their peers, friends, families and fans.

Grateful Web had a chat with the ladies from Big Richard and here’s what they had to say:

GW: Are the songs you are currently performing written collectively, individually, coming from past projects, or all of the above?

Bonnie Sims: Yeah, it’s kind of a combination of all the things we each bring to the table, then we shape the songs as a group as far as the presentation and the arrangements. So yes, they are super collaborative.

GW: Is Big Richard planning on recording and releasing material in the near future?

Bonnie Sims: Very near future, we multi-tracked our Telluride set from our recent performance there. We have a Live at Telluride album coming out in the next few weeks and we are very excited about it.

GW: Are there any shows on your upcoming tour of the Pacific North West and surrounding areas that you have been to before and are looking forward to performing there again?

Joy Adams: We are playing a room in Missoula, Montana called the Longstaff House that I have played, that gig is sold out. Also we are playing in my families barn. My family lives north of Spokane, Washington, and we are playing a benefit concert for my nephew to raise awareness about the rare disease called Lowe Syndrome that he was born with.

GW: Are you doing this tour as a foursome or do you have any help as far as the logistics, gear set-up etc.?

Bonnie Sims: We have a tour manager Amanda and she will be our shepherd on this tour. She will be handling scheduling, sound engineering, and pretty much everything else.

Big Richard has very quickly established an exuberant and animated fan base. All of these talented ladies are no strangers to the Colorado music scene and have been playing in bands and solo projects for many years. Last night they performed an exciting set of original and traditional old time Appalachian fiddle tunes, swing tunes and bluegrass for the adoring sold out audience. Big Richard performed before Rising Appalachia and got the crowd in a great mood for what was an amazing night of music.

Bonnie Elizabeth Sims on mandolin and guitar, Eve Panning on Fiddle, Joy Adams on Cello and Emma Rose on upright bass make up this fabulous foursome of musical creativity and talent. All of the members of Big Richard have stunning powerful voices that can cover any style or genre they choose. Last night they slayed the audience with their musicianship and all out ambitious attitudes of presenting the bast damn show every time they take the stage. They opened the show with Hold Whatcha Got and immediately had the audience in a full lather of sweaty dancehall style moves. The set was diverse and fun with so many different twists and turns. The harmonies rang out with beautiful clarity and power as the set continued with It’s Gonna Fall Short. It was a nice mix of original and traditional tunes. Big Richard presented an ass shaking environment for everyone in attendance and poured their hearts out doing it. This band is getting bigger and bigger by the minute and last night's set in Fort Collins was a great opportunity for many people to see the band for the first time.

Thanks to Rising Appalachia, Big Richard, New Belgium Brewing, The Bohemian Foundation and the amazing staff and production crew from Washington's.

Brandi Carlile was born on June 1st, 1981 in Ravensdale, Washington, a rural town southeast of Seattle. She is self-taught on guitar, piano, and vocals and began singing country songs on stage when she was eight years old. Carlile began writing songs and playing guitar at age fifteen. After dropping out of high school to pursue her musical career she became a back-up singer at the age of sixteen for an Elvis Presley impersonator.  She was highly influenced by Elton John’s piano playing and singing as well as many other artists early in her life. These experiences and influences from many styles of music have served Carlile well as she has implemented her musical education to the fullest and fulfilling her own dreams of creativity.

Carlile began her singing career in music clubs in Seattle between 2004 and 2006. She joined forces with twin brothers Phil and Tim Hanseroth. It didn’t take Columbia Records too long to notice the songwriting and vocal prowess of Carlile. She was signed by the label in 2004 and in 2005 the debut of her self-titled album 'Brandi Carlile' was released on Colombia Records. Her album received enthusiastic reviews by many heavy hitters in the industry and she was featured on Rolling Stone’s top ten artists to watch in 2005. The album reached number 1 on the US Folk Album Chart.

Carlile’s story is full of adventure, highs and lows and about everything else an artist with such passion, ambition and attitude would expect to experience. After the release of her debut album, she went out on the road to support the album with the Hanseroth brothers and who are still in her band today. They display great musicianship and amazing stage presence during their live performances. They spent two years on the road honing their songs and live show energy. Carlile's second album 'The Story' was produced by T Bone Burnett and there were many clever aspects to the recording including a collaboration with the Indigo Girls on the song Cannonball. The album peaked at No.5 on the iTunes Music Store’s most purchased list while reaching an impressive No.41 on Billboard’s Top 200 and No.10 on the US Rock Albums Chart.

The above writings are a fraction of Carlile’s story and musical endeavors. She has a list of accolades and achievements a country mile long. She has headlined massive tours, recorded many albums and started a family along the way. She has been nominated and won several Grammy Awards all while capturing the hearts and souls of music fans of all ages and musical tastes. She has a warmth about her writing that is honest and rich with truthful and creative qualities. She and her band present the whole package whether on vinyl or on stage, and she is always smiling and bringing people together with clear and positive messages through her music.

WOW!! I don’t usually start my articles with that word, but it defines the evening. It was a cold wet night in Colorado but inside the venue surrounded by the giant monoliths that encapsulate the audience there was not a spirit in the sold-out house that was dampened by the weather conditions. Brandi Carlile was in town and her devoted fans were ready to rock. The show began with twin brothers Phil and Tim Hanseroth stepping on stage first, both armed with their electric guitars. They launched into a searing dual guitar solo that I swear stopped the rain for a minute. They went back and forth showing their amazing guitar skills as the six-string sound echoed off the hallowed walls of the historic venue. Then all of a sudden, the crowd escalated to a deafening volume when Carlile appeared on the stage with a mile high smile and excitement in her eyes.

Carlile dressed in a sparkling bronze suit and black boots looked stunning. She was all grins and wide eyed excited about being back on the rocks. The band opened the set with Broken Horses and from the first note played the energy level was Rocky Mountain High! The tone of Carlile’s Chet Atkins model Gretsch guitar was raw and clear and blended perfectly with tone of Tim’s guitar. The band sounded tour tight and ready to perform an incredible night of music. The set continued with Mainstream Kid and You And Me On The Rock, featuring opening act singers Lucius joining Brandi on vocals. Later on in the set Carlile was joined on stage by Allison Russell who was the first support act and they performed You’re Not Alone (Allison Russell cover).

Story was the fourth song played along with many other notable hits from many different eras of Carlile’s career. Her voice was clear and crisp as she described her life's journey through song. The production aspect of the show was on-point with everyone sharply dressed and the stage and lighting equally at that same level. The band really compliments one another and all display great energy and presence. Carlile was born to entertain and her momentum is strong and ambitious as hell. Overall, the show is highly entertaining musically, the musicianship is over the top creative and rocking. The stories told are sincere and honest, what more can you really ask for in a live music experience. Carlile draws you in and holds on to you for the entire show and it’s a wild ride. I don't want to spoil any one’s experience by divulging the complete set list as she is playing to another sold out performance tonight back at Red Rocks. I can tell you she covered a vast variety of her songs as well as some select covers by David Bowie, Radiohead, Heart, and Joni Mitchell.

Michael Franti has a peaceful power to his message through music and his actions as a humanitarian and all-around caring human are ambitious, motivating and full of love. Franti is at the forefront of many musical and humane endeavours. He is the creator, spiritual leader, and lead vocalist of the band Spearhead. The band presents a unique blend of hip-hop, funk, rock, reggae, folk, jam and whatever else they feel like throwing at you on any given night. This collaboration of musicians is a blessing to your ears, mind and soul. Franti is an outspoken supporter of many different topics and issues on the planet. He uses his inner human qualities, notoriety and undeniable talent to bring truth and awareness to topics ranging from peace in the middle east to social injustice issues worldwide. His advocacy and cultural responsibility are hero level. He is a man of truth, honor and compassion. Personally, I have met him on a few occasions and he is the most engaging person I have ever met.

Born on April 21st, 1966 in Oakland, California, Franti has a mixed-race heritage and his mother Mary Lofy felt her racist family would not accept him, so she put him up for adoption. He was adopted by Carol Wisti and Charles Franti, a Finnish American couple in Oakland. Charles Franti was a professor in the department of epidemiology at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, he passed away in 2003. Franti has four adoptive siblings Rebecca, Sara, Dan and Matthew. He attended his grade nine school year at Highland Junior High School in Edmonton, Alberta. He then attended Davis Senior High School and the University of San Francisco on a full basketball scholarship.

Michael met a priest during his school years who taught him how to tell stories with pen and paper. Franti's love for writing led him to writing poetry and his awareness and love of words have defined his spirit. He soon bought a bass guitar and from there his musical journey began. Franti was inspired by music he heard on the college radio station KUSF. In 1986 he became part of the industrial punk/spoken word band The Beatnigs. From here Michael’s adventure grew and grew into astonishing compassionate creativity that firmly rests in his heart. We are blessed with his generosity, introspective expression and mindful knowledge that he chooses to share with the world.

Colorado’s KBCO 97.3 FM and Breckenridge Brewery are a Tour de Force in bringing live music to the people of Colorado. They are both purveyors of good vibes, great beer and amazing live music. Yesterday at Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton, Colorado the pairing between amazing music, cold beer and good people were all on tap. The brewery campus in Littleton is well laid out with plenty of room for plenty of people. The sold-out event was just another reason to live and love the Colorado music scene. It’s kind of mind blowing that this state has so many incredible musicians living here and the many that don’t always include Colorado on their tour routing. It’s truly a blessing being a resident of such a remarkable musical market.

Yesterday the powers that be brought Michael Franti and Friends to the main stage for a benefit show. The trio consisting of Michael Franti, on guitar and vocals, Carl Young on bass and vocals and Claudio Urdaneta on guitar, and along with some very tasty pre-recorded drum tracks the three men lit the place on fire. Michael’s energy, love and willingness to completely submerge himself in audience participation is overwhelmingly cool and fun for everyone. By the second song he and his microphone took a trip into the packed concert bowl to sing and dance with the fans. The people went nuts as Michael covered a lot of ground, his six-foot six stature rises above the crowd so he is pretty easy to spot as he weaves amongst fans.

The trio played music from different times in Michael’s musical career. They opened the set with I am Alive and the energy was already at boiling point. Let Your Soul Shine was next followed by The Sound of Sunshine. Michael encouraged several children from the audience to come up and help him sing on that number. The kids were ecstatic about the whole situation. The set was stacked with familiar songs and some new material as well. The band sounded tour tight and the crowd was just digging the energy and love Michael and his bandmates were dropping on their sunbaked souls. The band has a great relationship on and off stage and it really shines through the music as they are having so much fun and the vibe is simply infectious. Michael has the ability to get five thousand people who have never met to hug and love one another. He is a peaceful loving soulful person, with lots to say and play. We are grateful to have Franti in our fold. Ticket proceeds benefit the Do It For Love Foundation. This charity was chosen by Michael Franti.

Seeing Michael Franti in this stripped back band variation was a very intimate feeling with the same high energy, charisma and personal interaction he delivers when he performs with his larger band Spearhead. I would highly recommend seeing Michael Franti in either format as his message, music and mindful respect for people and the planet are always front and center.

Michael Franti and Friends were stage supported by HoundMouth and Stephen Sanchez. Both bands played an array of contemporary, alternative rock music. They both displayed great energy and played their hearts out for the large crowd in front of them. They definitely captured new fans and we are excited to see more of the bands very soon.

Thanks to the fine folks at KBCO 97.3, Breckenridge Brewery, Praytell Agency, and Shaped Music for providing great sound and general coolness to the whole situation. Special thanks to my main man Dom, you’re the best!

The name Duane Betts is very familiar to anyone that is a fan of rock music and especially southern rock. He was born into the amalgam of two historic names in rock and roll. His father Dickey Betts and his band mate Duane Allman were pioneers of southern rock guitar driven music, namely the Allman Brothers Band. It’s not surprising that Duane Betts' early musical influences came from within his family. Betts has harnessed these influences and over the years created his very distinct writing and playing style. He has and continues to carve out his own identity as a prolific song writer and creative multi-genre musician, with much emphasis on rock and country rock and blues.

Betts has a great feel for the guitar, his notes are expressive and soulful and he always delivers them with great passion and precision. He has been in numerous bands over the years and some of those projects were with his friend Berry Oakley Jr. the son of the late Berry Oakley, original bass player of the Allman Brothers Band. One project was called Backbone69 and the other was The Oakley Krieger Band. Betts also played guitar alongside his father in Great Southern and The Dickey Betts Band and was one of the guitar players in the band Dawes in 2015.

Betts released his first solo record titled Sketches of American Music in 2018. The six track EP was a well combined mixture of four original rock and blues songs written by Betts along with some co-writers, one song written by Betts alone and one cover of California Blues written by Dickey Betts. Also, in 2018 it was officially announced that Betts would be a supporting artist and guest of the Devon Allman Project. Devon and Duane go way back as once again the family ties between Allman, Betts and Oakley are long and deep. This touring collaboration ultimately led to the Allman Betts Band. This band featured Betts on guitar and vocals, Devon Allman on guitar and vocals, Berry Oakley on bass and vocals, Johnny Stachela on guitar, vocals and slide guitar, John Ginty on keyboards and vocals John Lum on drums and R.Scott Bryan on percussion and vocals. The band has basically the same configuration as their famous father’s ensemble and they certainly carried the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band to a certain degree, but they also had exceptional music of their own to present to the fans. Most of the members of the Allman Betts Band with many special guests will be back on the road this November and December celebrating the Birthday (December 8th, 1947) of the late Gregg Allman with the billing title The Allman Family Revival.

Shortly after this collaboration of immense talent and ambition they chose to go to arguably one of the most famous recording studios on the planet. Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Sheffield, Alabama was a special room where many classic albums were recorded over the years. The Allman Betts band recorded their debut album Down To The River in 2019 and their second album Bless Your Heart released in 2020. Both albums were very well received by fans and I must say both albums were refreshing takes on straight ahead rock and roll with lots of raw emotion and some old school recording techniques that will keep these albums relevant for eternity.

Last night the Duane Betts Dog Daze Acoustic Tour, featuring Betts, Berry Oakley Jr. and Johnny Stachela, rolled into Greeley, Colorado. The Moxi Theater is a staple in the Northern Colorado music scene bringing both national acts and plenty of incredible local talent year-round to Greeley. I had a chance to catch up with the guys before their set and I asked Betts some questions about the current tour, a new record and the Allman Family Revival. He informed me that there is a new Duane Betts album coming out soon. Johnny Stachela and Berry Oakley Jr. as well as some very special guests will be appearing on the new record. The record was recorded at Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi’s Swamp Raga studio located in Jacksonville, Florida. The record will be Betts’ first full length album featuring ten new songs, he is very excited and proud of the new material and can't wait to share it with the world very soon.

The guys all seemed super relaxed and enjoying their time together with minimal gear and their vibe was super chill. When I asked Betts about the upcoming Allman Family Revival shows, he said it's exciting to see old friends, play in different cities every night, and meet new people along the way. The Allman Family Revival will be featuring many artists and introducing different artists for different shows is always exciting. Some of the musicians Betts has played with and some he hasn’t. The Revival shows are an opportunity for everyone to get together to celebrate Gregg Allman’s birthday and enjoy each other’s company and it all happens around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The guys took the stage about half past nine last night and the audience gave them a warm Colorado welcome. The room felt exciting and laid back at the same time. The format was Betts on acoustic guitar, Oakley on electric bass and Stachela on electric guitar with all three musicians singing. Betts’ voice sounded clear and crisp as the set opened with "Downtown Runaround," a song off his debut EP Sketches of American Music. "Shinin’" was the second song, a track from the Allman Betts debut album Down To The River. The configuration of acoustic guitar along with electric bass and electric guitar was a really nice mix of instruments. It gave you that unplugged feeling with a bit of a kick. Stachela can soothe your soul with very tasty expressive notes or punch you in the gut and melt your face with licks that will peel paint off the walls. He is a virtuoso of simplicity meets complex and his tone is phenomenal.

The set consisted of songs from Betts Debut EP Sketches of American Music. Other songs he composed with the Allman Betts band as well as some select covers from the Allman Brothers Band including "Done Somebody Wrong" sang by Oakley, "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," "Blue Sky" and "Little Martha." "Althea" by the Grateful Dead was also on the list. The set had a great flow and each song was played with lots of heart and within the intimate club setting the presentation was very personal. There was a new song called "Colors Fade" that the band has been playing every night and it got a great response. The back and forth between Betts on acoustic and Stachela on electric guitars was fun and exciting to watch and hear. Oakley was always in the groove and provided a very solid platform for the songs to take shape. Overall, the musicianship, vocals and presentation were beyond expectation. The intimate setting was like your living room with the guys just stopping by to pick a bit. The audience loved every minute of the performance delivered by the trio. Thanks Duane, Berry and Johnny for a wonderful evening of music.

Support acts were Charlie Overbey and Blues Party. Thanks to the Moxi Theater and staff. Special thanks to Reid Hampton for sound engineering and lighting and to Nate for sound engineering.

Stewart Copeland has one of the most versatile careers in the music industry. He is universally recognized for founding, songwriting and playing drums in the band The Police and for that we are eternally grateful. Copeland is firmly regarded as one of the best drummers in history and his playing style is clearly distinct and recognized in many musical genres. His time with The Police from 1977 to 1986 was during an era of an ever changing and evolving music industry. The Police brought something different to the table as far as musicianship, songwriting styles, complex arrangements and delivering it all with only three players.

They had a rock and roll foundation to their sound while incorporating punk, new wave, pop and reggae giving the public a wide-open pallet of styles. They were prolific in the sense of uniqueness, genre jumping idealism and straight-ahead talent. They also had a lead singer with one of the most recognizable voices in music history. Sting on vocals and bass, Copeland on drums and Andy Summers on guitar made up the super trio that took the world by storm. During their decade together they lit up the charts, toured the world and were one of the most iconic bands of the era and still are today.

Fast forward Copeland's career and you will find he has contributed to projects and collaborations that are unknown too many. After The Police disbanded Copeland established himself composing soundtracks for movies and even video games. He has written orchestral music, opera, and pieces for ballet. His contributions to the music and film industry are standalone impressive and ambitious. The list of compositions he has contributed to film and television are too long to list here, but rest assured he has made an impact and is highly regarded in the industry. His creative spirit, accolades and Hall of Fame inductions are all part of his never-ending story that will forever live on in the world of music, theatre, and film.

Copeland collaborations are equally diverse and interesting. Peter Gabriel employed Copeland to play drums on his song ‘Red Rain’ from his 1986 album ’So’ because of his hi-hat mastery. He has collaborated with Adam Ant, Mike Rutherford, and Tom Waits to name just a few of the eclectic situations he finds himself in. Copeland formed Animal Logic with jazz bassist Stanley Clark and singer songwriter Debra Holland. The trio had great success with their first album and world tour but disbanded shortly afterward. Copeland joined forces with Les Claypool, vocalist and bass player of Primus and Trey Anastasio vocalist and guitar player with Phish to form the super trio Oysterhead. I know this is a brief re-cap on one of the most prolific musicians on the planet, but I just wanted to provide a brief background on Copeland and his extraordinary journey.

Stewart Copeland: Police Deranged for Orchestra is Copeland’s interpretation of many classic Police songs. ‘Deranged' simply means the songs are re-orchestrated by combining a rock band with an orchestra. Copeland on drums was joined by Ashley Tamar, Carmel Helene, and Amy Keys on vocals with Carl Verheyen on guitar, Armand Sabal Lecco on bass guitar and a twenty-seven-piece orchestra with maestro Wes Kenney conducting. Copeland's unique approach to so many familiar classic rock songs with so many talented players was a refreshing nostalgic musical adventure of creativity, longevity, and storytelling. He took the audience on a journey of creative craftsmanship, giving these songs new life with clever arrangements and heart pounding energy.

The moment Copeland touched the stage the energy level of the giant crowd on the green lawn before him erupted with excitement and anticipation. Copeland said, "we are gonna rock tonight” and his energy was infectious and fun. He welcomed everyone in attendance and introduced the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra to a thunderous hometown applause. Copeland and his drum kit were set on a stage left riser while the orchestra was slightly elevated across the back of the stage. The guitar, bass player and singers were all positioned across the front of the stage with Copeland. The whole look and feel of the set-up were cool, giving the feeling of rock and roll and orchestral music coming together to lift your spirits and rock your soul.

Demolition Man was the set opener bringing the anticipating crowd to the quick reality of holy cow this is going to be great night! Copeland's signature quick beats and fiery fills were on full display as the sound system had plenty of punch to get his point across. King Of Pain and Murder By Numbers were the next two songs, the three singers voices blended beautifully together, giving the songs angelic nuance with extraordinary vocal power and control. Roxanne was the fourth song and Copeland said, "you may not recognize this one at first, we mixed it up a bit!" It was cool and melodic and yes, a bit disguised at first, but then it came around to its familiarity and singalong qualities. It was a wonderful display of creativity and presentation.

The set was packed with hits from different periods in The Police’s domination of the music world. Tea In Sahara, One World Is Enough, Spirits In The Material World were all in there. The orchestra gave powerful fullness, calm angelic subtle qualities, and divine interpretation of the songs. Copeland's warm and humorous personality shined through as he told stories of how songs originated in different times and places. He talked about his former band mates Sting and Andy Summers and their adventures together. It was much more than a concert; it was a history lesson of another time and it was very relatable to the audience as we were right there with them on the exploration. All we had to do was turn on the radio to be part of the journey. The Police touched so many lives in so many ways, and their body of work will remain for the world to enjoy long after the lights go down on our generation.

The show powered through hit after hit, the expectation of what was coming next was a calm nervousness since there are so many great songs you want to hear. It really was amazing to hear all these songs played together live. It was alike the world's greatest compilation album of hits delivered to you all in one fine evening. Also on the magical musical docket was Equalizer, Every Breath You Take, Walking In Your Footsteps, Orchestra Jam, The Beds Too Big Without You, Don’t Stand So Close To Me, Message In A Bottle, Regatta de Blanc, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic and Walking On The Moon.

What a great performance and a fantastic evening. Thank you to Stewart Copeland and his band, The Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra, The Lincoln Center, and the Bohemian Foundation for giving the fans the gift of music.

For the past thirty-two years Breckenridge Brewery has thrown down a party that rivals the best music festivals in the country. Yes, it is a bold statement, but when you bring world class entertainment, masterfully crafted beer, and an arsenal of great people together to present the annual Breckenridge Brewery Hootenanny it does not get much better as far as music festivals go. From the festival's humble beginnings in the mountain town of Breckenridge to the expansive Littleton Farm House campus the event has grown along with the brewery and its mission to provide all quality all the time to all people.

Breckenridge Brewery is full of imagination and ambitious attitude, bringing a world class music festival to throngs of people year after year. They have both paddles in the water when it comes to gathering talented artists from around the world to perform at the Hootenanny. They also keep the audience entertained with interactive life size board games, cool giveaways from vendors like Never Summer Snowboards and plenty of great food and beer pairing to satisfy any palette. The brewery is also ecofriendly in its handling of waste. For the last few years Colorado company Eco Minded, a sustainability coaching business, has focused on greening up the music industry by designing custom sustainability programs focused on zero waste. The hard-working Eco Minded crew loves to share knowledge and expertise to help people live a more Eco Minded lifestyle. Check out their site - https://www.eco-minded.org.

Breckenridge Brewery, along with Colorado’s KBCO 97.3 FM, are a perfect pairing when it comes to live music. I could only imagine what the sit-down meeting felt like when Big Head Todd & The Monsters, The Spin Doctors, Railroad Earth, Anders Osborn, Bill & Jilian Nershi and Steve Poltz all confirmed their performances. This incredible line-up of musicianship is one for the history books. Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton, Colorado has become a concert goers’ annual destination. This amount of talent spread over the two days, with each band performing one of their iconic albums in full, was epic!!

With perfect weather on tap for the weekend Saturday was a beautiful fall day with temperatures about seventy degrees. The early audience was treated to a wonderful set by Steve Poltz, who played material from his debut album One Left Shoe. This album was released in 1998 and holds true to the storyteller, sing-along vibe that Poltz is so well known for. He has such youthful attitude towards his musical approach and delivery of his songs. He engaged the audience at every chance he could and drives the music down an adventurous road of truthful expressive lyrical poetry and wit. The audience sang along and totally dug the vibe the one man show delivered. When I first walked up to the stage with my camera Poltz noticed me and said, ‘Let's get the best picture ever!' So, he jumped, I snapped, and I think we got a really great shot!

Anders Osborne took the stage next in the heat of the day and delivered his 2007 Coming Down album in its entirety. I asked him if he has ever played this complete album to a live audience before and he said he had not. Starting out with his acoustic guitar and with his band behind him he opened the show with the title track "Coming Down" and continued to play every track in the order it appeared on the record. This album touches on topics near and dear to Osborne’s heart. The songs are about love, his wife, and New Orleans. Osborne and his band brought these tracks to new life on Saturday delivering them with great energy and power. The dueling electric guitars between Osborne and Jonathan Sloane was a powerful offering of impeccable guitar skills and stage presence. Osborne closed the set with "Different Drum" the title track from his 2016 release Flower Box. The band played an amazing set packed with emotion, high intensity rock and roll, and the pure emotion that pours out of every note Osborne sings.

Railroad Earth decided on The Black Bear Sessions and All For The Song for their two set afternoon of music. With the stage barely cooled down from Osborne’s set the band jumped right in with their signature style of bluegrass influenced Americana that is the foundation of their sound. They used this platform to launch all kinds of progressive rock, folk, jam and jazz arrangements and their sound is literally all over the musical map. The audience was as excited as the band was and the vibe between the two was electric. All For The Song, the newest offering from Railroad Earth, was recorded in New Orleans and produced by Anders Osborne in 2019, and released in 2022. Todd Sheaffer’s voice was magical and expressive, and his guitar tone on his acoustic can be mistaken for an electric guitar at points during the set as it exudes clarity and raw rock tone. The band sounded tight and the obvious fun coming from the stage was infectious and full of cool grooves to dance to. The band's explosive innovative style just comes so natural to these guys and they simply slayed the audience with these amazing songs from both their most recent album recorded All For The Song and their debut album The Black Bear Sessions released in 2001.

Day number two of the Hootenanny was a mirror image of day one as far as the weather was concerned. Bright and sunny was once again on tap in Littleton. Bill and Jilian Nershi took the stage first performing their live album Partnership. The album was recorded at Big Basin Vineyards in Boulder Creek, California on February 14th, 2020, and released in June of the same year. The songs were written over the past couple of decades by either Bill, Jilian or the two of them collectively. They played the entire album with the songs in the same sequence on the record. Bill and Jilian’s chemistry and artistry was on full display as they performed these songs that are so near and dear to their hearts. They both have beautiful voices that are subtle yet pronounced and angelic. Bill's guitar playing is just on another level of musicianship. The two cover songs on the album are Pink Floyd’s "Comfortably Numb" and Hank William's "Blue Love." What a treat for everyone in attendance to hear the group of songs written by Bill and Jilian. By the way, if you dissect the word ‘partnership' you will find Nershi within it.

Spin Doctors took the stage next playing in its entirety the 1991 five-time platinum recording of Pocket Full of Kryptonite. They played the songs in order of appearance on the album with incredible energy, musicianship, and style. Chris Barron, the lead singer, has a powerful voice that was crystal clear and cut through the audience with razor sharp precision. His signature high leg kicks were on full display and higher than ever (the man stays incredibly fit). Back in the early nineties this album dominated the radio waves all over the world and introduced the public to the band's high energy alternative rock, funk and rock and sound. "Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong," "Two Princes," "What Time Is It," "Off My Line" and the rest of the tracks are a testament the band's talent and presentation of showmanship and musicianship. The band had great stage presence and took the audience on a wild ride of nostalgia from the past by playing this classic album. They also played a few songs not from the album including "Rock and Roll Heaven" that will be on their new album expected for release in the summer of 2023. Personally, it was a real trip hearing these incredible songs all played in one set. The band crushed it in all respects and the show was highly entertaining.

Colorado’s hometown heroes Big Head Todd and The Monsters closed out the Hootenanny Festival in fine form. The anticipation from the audience was thick in the mile high air as everyone knew what was coming. The platinum album Sister Sweetly has been ever present in the band’s history and the hearts of their fan base since its release in 1993. They played the full album yesterday and boy did that bring back a lot of fond memories for many people. These songs from this classic album are soulful, rocking, and heartfelt compositions from this incredibly talented, humble, and highly entertaining foursome. Todd Park Mohr’s voice was strong and clear and his guitar playing was an all-out sensory assault of the senses. His approach to the guitar is expressive and powerful with clear and distinct notes that cut right through you. The band is tight with talent, with a full rich sound that never lets up on the groove. The album Sister Sweetly combines rock, blues, alternative rock, and blues in a magical musical gumbo of creativity with distinct and memorable lyrics and arrangements along with clever hooks that you will never forget. BHTM played the songs with great energy and enthusiasm, the audience was moved and rocked with emotion and nostalgia as these songs were and still are ever-present in rock and roll history. The band informed me that there is new music in the works and plans for a new release are in the near future. Big Head Todd and The Monsters absolutely were the right band to close out the season. Thanks Todd, Brian, Rob, and Jeremy for rocking our souls!

Thanks to Breckenridge Brewery, KBCO 97.3 FM, Big Head Todd and The Monsters, Railroad Earth, Spin Doctors, Steve Poltz, Anders Osborne, Jilian and Bill Nershi.

Thanks to Shaped Music, Eco Minded, Never Summer and all the vendors, sponsors, staff and volunteers!

Gasoline Lollipops are an American alternative, country, folk rock punk quintette. The bands musical appeal spans several genres and styles of music as well as many avenues of life’s unpredictable situations. The songwriting that fuels the wild twists and turns this band presents are primarily the doing of Clay Rose. He is the man who wears his words on his sleeve and has no problem sharing them with the world. His mind is full of memories of heartache, love, addiction, peace, and many new beginnings that he experiences now as he grows his family and his musical career with exciting new opportunities. Rose has the persona of a guitar slinger outlaw with his deepest truths illustrated on his body for everyone to see. What you cannot see is his tremendous heart until you spend about a minute talking with him. You may have noticed I am speaking from a personal place as we have been friends for several years and he always blows my mind whether it is with a song or a conversation.

Rose was born into an unpredictable situation filled with geography changes, danger, love and creative influence. His dad was an outlaw trucker while his mom was and still is an impressive songwriter. The parental situation was a bit odd, but I bet it was never dull. Rose’s mom Donna Farar was the musical influence as she has penned several outstanding songs including “Last Thing I Needed”, a song that appeared on Willie Nelson’s 1982 album Always On My Mind. Farar provided the songs to Willie Nelson, and Rose’s father Stephen Ellenburg kept Willie’s head fed throughout the 1970’s. It would be great if Rose’s unique story came out in a book someday.

Rose is certainly not alone in his magnificently mysterious mind of musicianship when it comes to Gasoline Lollipops. They are probably one of the most educated bands out there. Donny Ambory on guitar was born in Michigan and started playing at a young age. His desire to learn his craft and perform has taken him all over the country studying and performing from Texas and Chicago to New York and Boston. He is well versed in blues and country music as he immersed himself in the Chicago blues scene while living there. With many miles traveled and countless gigs played he finished his musical education with a master’s degree from Northeastern University in Boston and now lives in Colorado and absolutely dominates the guitar duties with Gasoline Lollipops.

Bradley “Bad Brad” Morse is a fitting description for the virtuoso on electric bass, upright bass, and vocals. Morse holds down the low-end of the Gasoline Lollipops with incredible feel for the groove and impeccable timing. He has great instincts that allow him to explore the arrangement with exploratory sensibilities that are forever pounding right through your chest. He has lived in Colorado for ten years after graduating from the University of North Florida with a B.A. in Jazz Studies. Morse is also a diverse musician with background and influences stemming from his time playing in jazz ensembles, orchestras, choral ensembles, and bluegrass bands. He has a lot of experience performing, teaching, and living up to his infamous stage name as he brings a myriad of colors to Gasoline Lollipops.

Kevin Matthews on drums has crazy tight timing and knows when to be subtle or when to simply punish his drum kit with power. He takes his craft very seriously and is always learning about the traditional music and musicians that have carved the path through the landscape of live music that he loves being part of. He is also well versed in many genres of music, and you can feel the jazz and soulfulness in his playing style. Growing up in a highly creative family he was encouraged to pursue his dreams and aspirations as a musician. His background and influences swirl all over the musical map. From a young headbanger to an accomplished percussionist Matthew's style is perfect for the alt rock, country punk situation he has landed in.

Scott Coulter is a longtime friend of Clay Rose and the two have known each other since they were five years old. Scott is a student of music, and he has made good use of his time doing so. With a degree in jazz piano from the New England Conservatory he has honed his skills playing with many different bands and many different styles of music. Coulter loves the Hammond B3 organ and all its magical powers. You can live inside of a B3 and never really know the full extent of its capabilities other than it is heavy as hell to move in and out of venues. Coulter adds all kinds of moods and cool textures to the band’s music and keeps the arrangements flowing freely with his expressive touch on the keyboards. I am not sure exactly how everyone else other than Rose and Coulter came together, but I sure am glad they found one another.

Grateful Web had a chance to catch up with Clay Rose and here is what he had to say:

GW: First and foremost congratulations on your new album Nightmares. I this a full album or a EP?

CR:  It is a full album with ten new tracks.

GW: Are the tracks written by you, other members of the band, or was it a collaborative effort?

CR:  All songs are written by me and arranged by Gasoline Lollipops.

GW:  Does Nightmares have a specific theme?

CR:  It’s dark, but it gets lighter towards the end of the album, so hang in there, it will all be worth it.

GW: Will you be playing material from different times in Gasoline Lollipops career at the Aggie Theatre this Friday, or will you be focused on newer material?

CR:  We will play the new album in its entirety, and then we will rock oldies from all our previous albums.

GW:  Where was the album recorded and are there any guest musicians or singers on it?

CR:  We recorded the album at Animal Lane Studios in Lyons, Colorado. The album was engineered by Jay Elliot and Giselle Collazo. It was then mixed by Andrew Berlin at the Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado. The album features back-up singing from Carly Ricks, Giselle Collazo, and Kate Farmer.

GW:  Is Gasoline Lollipops planning any type of tour to promote Nightmares?

CR:  God, I hope not.

GW:  Thanks so much for your time on this.

CR:  You're welcome.

Gasoline Lollipops started their set just after nine o’clock. Clay Rose greeted the audience and talked briefly about the new album Nightmares that was played in its entirety. The album is very introspective honest writing on Rose’s part. The songs touch on plenty of very personal topics about his life growing up including songs about Rose's addictions to drugs and alcohol, his sister that tragically lost her life due to a domestic violence situation, his parents, and many other accounts of life's extreme nature. The album has a handful of new songs and new recordings of earlier material, some dating back a decade. Rose's connection to the audience is highly personal, he takes you along with him deep inside the musical conversation. He expresses deep emotional connection to the lyrics as he shares the backdrop of his life with the world.

Starting the set with Smoke and Steam from the new album set the mood for first part of the show. Most of the tracks including the title track Nightmares are similar in style and tempo. They are stories told by a man who lived every word he wrote. Nightmares has a different feel from past Gasoline Lollipops albums as it peels back the layers of years of life and all it has to offer and take away. These songs are stories that are real accounts of truth with nothing held back and nothing left out. Scott Coulter on keyboards, Donny Ambory on guitar, Bradley Morse on bass and Kevin Matthews on drums all play their significant parts with superb musicianship and great feeling. The audience was treated to a much larger Gasoline Lollipops last night. Special guest guitar player Taylor Sims was flanked to Ambory's left and added plenty of extra roundness to the overall sound of the band. Having an additional guitar player on board gave both Sims and Ambory additional freedom to explore the melodies.

Giselle Collazo, Carly Ricks, and Kate Farmer added beautiful backup vocals. Their voices were powerful, angelic, and beautifully placed throughout the songs. Each singer had diverse ranges, both powerful and subtle qualities to their voices and wonderful stage presence. What a magnificent addition of vocal abilities and tones from these fine singers. The cohesiveness of everyone on stage was extremely tight, well-rehearsed and fun. I was not present for the barn burner portion of the set that Gasoline Lollipops is so well regarded for, but I have seen them enough over the years to know it was a shit kicking, foot stomping party. I bumped into Bonnie Sims on my way out the door and I am hopeful that she joined the party, and that the audience was treated to her incredibly beautiful powerful voice.

Overall, the band sounded amazing, the unique style of music they deliver is over the top expressive and musically masterfully presented. Their personalities are fun and adventurous, and they shine from the stage as bright as the stars above them. Congratulations on your new album and thank you for all the years of making us smile and dance.

Thanks to Gasoline Lollipops, Aggie Theatre staff and production staff, KRFC 88.9 FM Radio Fort Collins, Colorado and special thanks to Alden Olvey for always doing an amazing job lighting the stage.

Musketeer Gripweed was the name of a character played by John Lennon in the 1967 British comedy film titled “How I Won The War." The name is unique and memorable and that is what the band has portrayed with their music since their beginning in 2005. The line-up consists of Jason Downing on vocals, guitar and harmonica, Stu Crair on drums, Matthew Goldberg on keyboards, Ben Hockett on bass, and Lance Ruby on guitar. Together these five gifted musicians take you on a nothing-but-net wild ride of goodness through music. The band delivers rock ’n roll, blues and soul with unbridled energy, high quality musicianship and soulful interpretations of the songs they create.

Musketeer Gripweed’s charismatic, soulful front man Jason Downing steers the ship into uncharted waters every time they take the stage. His delivery of the music is intense, truthful and packed with power. He is a gifted singer with pronounced rock and roll range that lifts the music to higher ground than should be allowed. He can also take you all the way down to very heartfelt moments of passionate lyrical subtlety that melts you where you stand. His interactive relationship with the audience makes everyone in the room feel like they are part of the show. His talent, positivity and confidence jump off the stage, land in your lap and slap the shit out of your senses.

Stu Crair is the perfect drummer for this band as his adaptability to all kinds of tempos and changes is off the charts diverse. He plays with precise, fluid stability and knows exactly how to use his drum kit to full capacity. His touch and fills are powerful and tasteful and his acute attention to what’s going on with the other members of the band while playing is imperative to the overall tightness they create. Ben Hockett is the other player who keeps the foundation in check. His bass lines are distinct and improvisational and he has a fluidity on the neck of his five string that presents powerful poignant notes that the rest of the band responds to. Hockett and Crair build a house every time they play for the rest of the band to work from and in the end they all live together.

Matthew Goldberg on keyboards is such a gifted player, his style is whatever it needs to be in the moment. He has incredibly fast hands with razor sharp reflexes that allow him to explore the arrangements with great knowledge of the tempo. He is a tasteful soloist with great feel for the groove of the song. He keeps the arrangements flowing with fullness and style. Lance Ruby has all kinds of crazy skills, I just don’ to know where to begin with this young man, other than he was paying attention when the guitar gods said 'you will now master your craft'. He comes up with these incredible riffs that give the songs melodic structure that hook you and hold you there. His lead guitar skills are face melting madness. His notes are very distinct and expressive and played with lots of passion. Ruby presents creativity, timing and ambitious attitude on stage combined with great technical skills and stage presence; he is the complete package.

Musketeer Gripweed is celebrating their new album “Long Past Time”. Grateful Web had a chance to talk with lead singer Jason Downing and drummer Stu Crair and here’s what they had to say.

"SHO LOOKS GOOD" - Official music video from the new Musketeer Gripweed album “Long Past Time"

GW: Congratulations on your new album "Long Past Time", what does the title of the album signify and is it the title track?

JASON: For anybody who's ever seen a Musketeer Gripweed show it's fairly standard for me to preach a little bit during the show and teach a little bit, it's just been part of it for so long.  Although my writing style isn't really overt lyrically, it's a pretty big message and it is long past time for a lot of things. Creating more actual equality; denouncing white supremacy; embracing and supporting family planning for all birthing persons; taking action for our environment - lots of big ideas but the general theme is that it's long past time for all of them and I'm quite sure that young people and most other folks are tired of having positive progress delayed. We are and have always been an anti-racism anti-depressor band both lyrically and in the content of our shows. We take a stance, that's important. So really to sum it up I guess it's long past time that all of our brothers and sisters can get a fair share and treat each other with love and compassion, so that has to be the goal, particularly of art and music, I think anyway.

GW: Is “Long Past Time" a full LP of all new original material and does it have a specific theme?

JASON: The album is all original new material, and we had lots to sort through since this is really the second album in a three-album run that we started and had ready to go, or at least lots of songs ready to go, even before Covid. So, when all of that hit and we couldn't play live shows we didn't really skip a beat because we had all of this music to record and write.  And for the first time in our seventeen years, we have a cover on this album of a Ray Charles song "Hard Times”. I can't get enough of Ray Charles. The overall theme of these three albums have been more personal, in terms of writing lyrically though maybe a bit more specific and less vague with the intent. We have one more album we'll be recording next year with songs that we've been working on for a few years as well as ones that we've just written. There’s no shortage over the past seventeen years of original material, that's where our heart is in this band and has always been.

GW: In your long history as a band with just a few line-up changes is your process of songwriting and recording any different now in comparison to say your first album “Peace Will Win”?

JASON: It has been such an awesome thing to have so few lineup changes. When I was calling people and asking them specifically to play in this band it was because they were good human beings, and I'm not joking about that. I wanted to play with fantastic humans who had great quality of character and who could play an instrument as well. Of course, they're all super talented guys, but I think you get to a point where there's so many talented musicians why not play with people who are family that you always treat well and where the goal before the music is to be good to each other. We’re sitting on year seventeen and I feel like that was a good call-in hindsight. Life is a lot different but the thing that's been unique to this band is our writing style has always consisted of everyone contributing. The guys in this band have great lyrical suggestions, we definitely build a better song with everyones input, so it’s cool to have the consistency of equal contribution when writing songs.

GW: Musketeer Gripweed has released several albums since the band’s inception in 2005 and recently the band has released “More Than Ever” in 2020 and now “Long Past Time" in 2022, what is the driving force inspiring the band to record?

JASON: Recording music in the studio and live recorded music is your legacy. Some bands really want to play cover songs, and to be honest, we've been pretty horrible at that over the years. We play some great covers and make them very much our own, but we spend more time working on our own new tunes. That's infinitely more interesting to us anyway than overdoing it with covers or just not taking enough time to create these things that are our Musketeer Gripweed thing that came out of the universe when we're all in a room together.

GW: Musketeer Gripweed has a fairly new member on guitar, Mr. Lance Ruby. What has Ruby’s presence brought to the band as far as the overall sound, direction, etc.?

JASON: Lance is a humble guy, a comic book nerd, and crushes the guitar seventeen ways from Sunday. It's great having new energy in the band because you get diverse perspectives and you start writing songs differently or someone else's perspective is contributing to that. I love him as a brother and a human being, he plays his guitar a lot, that's what he does so that's why he's so good. And we've always been hard rock ass kicking revival music but I'd say that has really been cemented with Lance. You definitely have some big nasty tone songs that remind me a lot of Guns n' Roses or The Black Crowes and as far as that guitar presence, it's just a wall of crunchy guitar.

GW: Where was “Long Past Time” recorded and are there any special guests appearing on the album?

STU: Blasting Room in Fort Collins. Recorded and mixed by Andrew Berlin and Chris Beeble. Mastered by David Glasser at Airshow Mastering in Boulder (who has multiple Grammys and has re-mastered almost the entire Grateful Dead catalog). We brought in the same crew for both albums. Three backup singers (Cheryl Renee, Carl Carwell, Coco Brown) and two local horn players (Joey Leclerc and Zach Rich). They were all amazing to work with.

GW: Are there any plans on the horizon as far as doing more dates to support the new album release?

STU: We are working on something special with KRFC 88.9 FM Radio, Fort Collins and the Colorado State University orchestral department for a unique show in January. Stay tuned!

GW: How has the band evolved over the years and are there any new twists and turns on the horizon for Musketeer Gripweed?

STU: We still enjoy each other’s company and playing music together. I think the music reflects the closeness and continues to evolve. You can hear the difference from each album and the songwriting has grown from extremely simple roots-rock to more hard driving blues with intricate parts. We have a million ideas for the future, but can’t give away too much though.

GW: Once again congratulations on your new album and thank you for your time.

JD: Thanks a ton for caring to ask such thoughtful questions. Hope you get to the album release show at the Aggie on November 5th and if not let's make sure to get you some band stuff, some music to listen to, and some positive vibrations. Thank you, Peace, Jason.

STU: Thanks, we appreciate all the support of you and the Colorado music community!

Fort Collins came out strong last night to celebrate Musketeer Gripweed’s “Long Past Time" album release show. In traditional Gripweed style the home town band lit the Aggie up from the opening notes of the Beatles classic "Day Tripper" to covering the new album “Long Past Time" in its entirety. The new songs were powerful, raw, rocking fruits of the bands laborious efforts in writing a kick ass album. The new tunes were well received as the band test drove the songs for the first time live. "Sho Looks Good" a new tune that is also a music video from the new album was played three songs in followed by the title track "Long Past Time". Gripweed also covered songs from their previous album “More Than Ever” as well as other songs from their career. I thought the roof was going to come off the club when they broke into "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath about eight songs in to the set. The crowd was going nuts at this point and the energy in the room was intense.

Talk about a straight up in your face rock and roll show, the set was packed with hard driving blues-infused powerful songs that stick to your ribs like gravy on a biscuit! The band was excited to see so many happy faces in the crowd. Lots of friends and family came out to cheer on the band including many people seeing Gripweed for the first time. Jason Downing’s energy and vocal abilities are stand-alone powerful, meaningful and expressive. His message of peace and love through music is raw and refreshing. Charisma, style and the flat out love of what he does are always on full display. The band sounded well-rehearsed and tight as ever. Matt Goldberg was keeping the melodies free and flowing on the keys and his solos were fluid and expressive.

Stu Crair on drums and Ben Hockett on bass kept the low end pounding through your chest with freight train ferocity and Lance Ruby on guitar just blows your mind with incredible skills, expressive notes and chunky tone. The addition of Zach Rich and Joey Leclerc on horns gave the band a powerful punch. Adding saxophone, trumpet and trombone on select songs gave the band incredible fullness and energy. These guys are gifted players that also contributed on Gripweed’s new recorded music. Musketeer Gripweed performed one heck of a high energy hometown gig and the new album is as diverse and expressive as the band. It’s always exciting to see and hear what the band is going to do next, and we can’t wait!

West Side Joe & The Men Of Soul warmed up the crowd with a rocking set of original blues rock with a couple of very tasteful covers including "Atlantic City" by Bruce Springsteen and "Don’t Do It" by the Band. Joe Schicke has a great voice and serious guitar skills, these two attributes combined with his diverse influences give the band a signature sound that is traditional blues based, rock, pop and garage rock infused with soulful writing and catchy hooks. Schicke is joined on stage by Steve Amedee on drums, Taylor Tesler on bass and Greg Leistikow on keyboards. This foursome of well-seasoned musicians was killing it and the crowd was way into it. Schicke is a great frontman with a strong band behind him that allows him to explore and improvise on the arrangements with adventurous style. The band released their first album "Keep On Climbin’" in 2021, the album was stacked with great players and singers from Fort Collins, Colorado and has gained critical acclaim and was the number one played album on Colorado radio for the month of June 2021.

Thanks to the Aggie Theatre staff, guests, bands, production crew and Alden Olvey for lighting the stage.

Samantha Fish and her band just finished a four-day run in the Rocky Mountain state of Colorado. They played in the mountain towns of Beaver Creek and Grand Junction and the front range towns of Boulder and Fort Collins. Fish’s touring schedule is as ambitious as it is relentless. She is constantly on the move, either touring and introducing her new collaboration album with Texas guitar slinger Jesse Dayton titled “Death Wish Blues" due out in the spring of this year or touring with her steady band covering an ever-expanding catalog of her music. Fish's band for these Colorado dates are Ron Johnson on bass and vocals, Sarah Tomek on drums and vocals, and Matt Wade on keyboards and vocals. Each of these gifted musicians are incredible players with many years of experience touring, recording and spreading joy to the eyes and ears of many. They all complement each other very well and are a perfect fit for the hard rocking blues rock Fish is providing.

Fish is on an exploratory trajectory when it comes to her sound and style, her broad scope of influences combined with evolutionary visions is landing her new listeners every day. When you dig deep into the origin of blues music and where it lies today it really has come full circle and in Fish’s case full circle means endless possibilities. Blues music began in the deep south of America around the 1860's and incorporated spirituals, work songs, chants and simple narrative ballads from African-American culture. The blues genre exists in pretty much every form of music from jazz to rock and roll.

Blues music made its way to Europe in the 1930's primarily in port towns like Liverpool and New Castle, England. At its height of popularity in the 1950's and 60's there was an explosion of British blues bands that helped shape the sound of blues music today. These musicians were listening to black blues artists including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and John Lee Hooker and when British blues bands hit America you suddenly had white bands like the Yardbirds, the Rolling Stones and the Animals presenting their style of American blues that was guitar and harmonica driven. That style of music influenced a whole new generation of blues rockers and still does today.

Fish has been a great study of what went down so many years ago and it’s apparent in her songwriting style and presentation of the melody. She has a solid traditional foundation of the blues genre with a contemporary youthful approach. Fish’s music can sooth your intellect and rock your soul in the same breath, her creative bone is a soulful kaleidoscope of traditional blues and rock while her delivery is a fresh, fierce alternative to the genre. You might say Fish has created something unique that has no guardrails, speed limit, or solid lines. She's a girl with a guitar and a pocket full of ambition and we can't wait to see what lies around the next corner.

Samantha Fish and her band exploded onto the Boulder Theater stage Friday night. Armed with her cigar box guitar, leopard print two-piece suit and a whole bunch of rock and roll attitude Fish and her band ripped into Bullet Proof from her 2019 album Kill Or Be Kind. This barn burner of an opening number set the tone for the evening. You could literally feel the energy of the sold-out crowd lift to another level. It was shock and awe from the opening note and Fish’s sensory assault only got fiercer as the set unfolded. The set list was packed with songs spanning several of her albums including the title track from her 2021 release Faster. The set list also included Twisted Ambition, Kill Or Be Kind, Loud, Bitch On The Run, Dream Girl and many more. There were a few select covers added to the mix including Hello Stranger (Barbara Lewis cover) Jim Lee Blues (Charlie Patton cover) and Neil Young’s Don’t Let It Bring You Down. Fish and her band’s powerful delivery of these songs kept the crowd on their feet, and for any new comers to Fish’s music they probably spent some time picking their jaws up off the floor.

Ron Johnson on bass guitar and Sarah Tomek on drums provided a solid punch to the bottom end of the band’s sound. Tomek is all arms, energy and expression as she pounds out the beats that send the band on a wild ride that has no stop signs. Johnson is smooth, steady and powerful and the two together are seemingly joined at the musical hip. Matt Wade on keyboards almost sounds like he is standing on his Hammond organ sometimes as he gets powerful tone and expressive notes out of his instrument. He combines musical craftsmanship along with the knowledge of everything a Hammond B3 is capable of doing and delivers them to the arrangement with pin point precision. Once Fish was done punishing her cigar box guitar, she jumped into her favorite axe, her white Gibson SG. She literary made that guitar scream for mercy as she attacked the neck with ferocity and style. She has incredible timing and knows exactly when to sooth you with expressive notes and stylish grooves then melt your mind with searing powerful solos that are raw and rich with tone. Fish and her band dropped a blues rock bomb on Boulder that will go down as one of the many classic shows the iconic theater presents year after year.

Music fans from all over the state of Colorado and beyond descended on Fort Collins last night to see and hear Samantha Fish and her band rip the roof clean off the Aggie Theatre. It has been several years since Samantha has played the historic theatre and boy did she unload a powerful punch of musicianship and rock and roll attitude. Fish's set began with Bullet Proof, a fan favorite that she delivers with vigor and ferocity. This song shows the audience her powerful vocal range, impeccable cigar box slide playing skills, and extreme stage presence. Fish was on fire from the first note and never once let her foot off the gas. The set continued with All Ice No Whiskey and Twisted Ambition; these two tracks are from her most recent album Faster. Fish’s guitar playing skills coupled with her not shy attitude is front and center during the show. She displays remarkable showmanship with every aspect of her performance.

Fish’s set had all kinds of moods, styles, and melodic adventures that take you inside her creative mind. Her songs cover many topics and many of them are auto biographical and give you a look inside her soul and how she views the world around her. Her lyrical offerings are honest, passionate, and powerful. Fish took the packed house on a hard rocking journey that combined soulful interludes, angelic subtleties and heart pounding arrangements that leave you speechless and satisfied giving everyone a broad pallet of high-quality entertainment. The set was stacked with goodies including Chills And Fever, Highway, Hypnotic, No Angels, Better Be Lonely, Kill Or Be Kind, Watch It Die and many other songs from her always growing diverse and exciting catalog of music. The band did an amazing job, the crowd welcomed them with open arms, and threw buckets of energy at the stage, fueling the fire of this incredibly talented woman and her band.

Eric Johanson from New Orleans, Louisiana has been on tour with Samantha Fish presenting his music as a one man show. Johanson typically fronts a trio of musicians with the addition of bass, drums and himself on guitar and vocals. I had the opportunity to speak with Eric last night and he told me he likes playing these solo gigs as it gives a more intimate vibe to his music. He is using a looping system about forty percent of time during his set and this gives him the opportunity to essentially have two guitars playing at the same time. Once he lays down the rhythm, he can then add his solos over the top of them. Combined with a stomp pedal that he uses as his kick drum Johanson gives the audience a full sound of a band.

Johanson's fingerpicking style on his electric guitar and slide playing style on his dobro is intoxicating, moody, soulful and rocking. He has a rock and blues southern style that carries over well solo. His guitar playing skills are traditional, contemporary and full of artistic flavors. Johanson says he is not really paying attention to genre at this point in his career, he is writing and playing what he feels. His new full album with his band has been recorded and a planned release is early summer 2023. Johanson says the new album, produced by Jesse Dayton, is rock, jam and blues influenced giving the listener a wide range of musical styles to listen to. Hanging around these couple of gigs and talking with people this past week I was asked several times who the cat was playing these shows with Samantha. Johanson is definitely making a huge impression and captivating audiences with his electric guitars, soulful voice and all out ambition to rock you.

Thanks to the band - Samantha, Sarah, Ron and Matt. Thanks to Rueben, Danny and the staff at the Boulder and Aggie Theaters. Special thanks to Blue Star Connection for all of the amazing work you do year-round.

Why does Railroad Earth feel like a Colorado band? Is it the style of music they play that suits a large majority of the musical culture in the Rocky Mountain state? Or is it the fact that they sell out shows here all the time and the fans go nuts for them, or are they that damn talented and inviting that they feel like home? Well, it must be a combination of all of this with significant emphasis on the that-damn-talented part.

Railroad Earth are actually from New Jersey and began their ever-evolving musical journey over twenty years ago. They introduced their unique sound to the public on their first album The Black Bear Sessions in 2001. Since then, they have recorded, released and performed music all over the country to adoring fans. The band's 2022 release All For The Song is the first album they recorded away from their New Jersey home. They enlisted Anders Osborne as the producer of the album giving it a Louisiana homegrown feel with the addition of horns, harmonica and Osborne on guitar.

As far as Railroad Earth’s music both older and newer translating over to the live shows the steam just seems to be getting hotter when it comes to the band's creativity and unpredictability. The live show experience from this eclectic ensemble takes you down an American highway that is laced with many different musical influences that shine through their music with immense musicality and energy. It’s really easy to close your eyes and be absorbed by the adventurous interludes the band is so well known and revered for.

It’s safe to say there are not many styles of music Railroad Earth hasn’t covered than it is to say what they have. Hell, sometimes they cover several genres in one song and you are left standing there saying what the heck was that, and you know that's the appeal and allure of this band and always will be. They are musical magicians that respectfully and honestly keep their musical influences in their back pockets at an easy reach.

Railroad Earth's first night of a two-night run at Washington's was packed with fans from around the state and beyond. I was talking to a young lady from Michigan who was attending several shows including both shows in Fort Collins. The vibe in the venue was boiling over with anticipation of the show and fans were getting in early to secure a great spot up front. Railroad Earth’s team brought in some cool set pieces that were hung above the stage and gave the background a trippy colorful vibe as the lights reflected the painted boards. Their sound and lighting team did a fantastic job making the production of the show very eye and ear friendly.

Todd Sheaffer on acoustic guitar and lead vocals had a cool relaxed vibe, his voice was clear and pronounced, and his guitar playing was nothing short of melodic ecstasy as he picked his notes with careful precision. If you closed your eyes you would swear, he was playing an electric guitar, the tone is so rich and round. Tim Carbone's electric guitar had a super chunky tone that had lots of body and depth, he also sounded great behind the microphone and his violin skills are other worldly as they mesh the musical adventure together with the other players. John Skehan on mandolin and vocals simply attacks his solos and each note slices through the room with sharp distinct clarity and tone. Dave Speranza on bass and Carey Harmon on drums provide a wall of sound that gives the adventurous musical stories being created a solid rhythmic foundation to launch from.

Matt Slocum presents all kinds of rhythm to the arrangements on keyboards with a never-ending flow from his fingertips. Multi-instrumentalist Mike Robinson is a master of all things stringed adding eclectic textures, tones and groove to the improvisational feel of the band. Musically Railroad Earth is an individual effort by all of the players that comes together to create a kaleidoscope of adventure through instrumentation, imagination and some sort of magic we can't really decipher. The connection from stage to audience was more of a friendship vibe then a group of people coming out to see a band, it’s kind of like a family getting together for a holiday meal and sharing tons of joy, stories and love along the way.

Both sets were stacked high with songs from different areas of the bands catalog opening with "Black Elk Speaks" setting the mood in the room to the feeling of wow we are all in a wonderful place. “Bird In A House”, “MM”, “The Hunting Song”, “Long Walk Home”, "Donkey For Sale”, “Storms”, "Seven Story Mountain” rounded out the first set.

After a short break the band returned for the longer portion of the show. Starting the second set with “Head” continuing with “Day On The Sand", “GFATH”, “Black Bear”, “Crossing The Gap”, “Mourning Flies”, “HTOWN”, “1759” and “CO”. All of these songs played relate to life's moments, reflections of past times, and the love and loss the band has experienced individually and together. It is a blessing these guys devote their lives to sharing these incredible moments and their outstanding talent with the world. There could have been some changes or additions along the way during the sets, I was not in attendance for the whole show.

Thanks to Railroad Earth for visiting our state and city, you are our adopted band and are always welcome. Thanks to Washington's and all of the staff for hosting and the fans for supporting live music. Also, thanks to Chris Kresge from 105.5 The Colorado Sound for introducing the band and being a staple in our musical community for so many years!

The Lil Smokies formed under the big sky of Missoula, Montana in 2009 and have created an original assortment of music that can quench the most diverse musical pallets. At first glance the band looks like a traditional bluegrass band with all of the usual stringed suspects including banjo, dobro, fiddle, standup bass and acoustic guitars. They say you can't judge a book by the cover and The Lil Smokies are the perfect example of why you can’t define a band by their instruments. Yes, the sounds that come from these instruments have the traditional tonal qualities you would expect, but what they also have is five diverse musical minds with the high energy of a rock band playing them.

The Lil Smokies have harnessed Americana, bluegrass, folk, rock and pop with a traditional-meets-contemporary delivery and boy has it struck a chord with their fans. The band has a unique and distinct sound that is constantly evolving, maturing and exploring all facets of each member's talents and imagination. They present strong progressive arrangements coupled with superb musicianship, relatable lyrics and great stage presence. Last but not least their ambitious attitudes and drive to create something a bit different enables them to grow as a band and expand their fan base.

The Lil Smokies success is all their own, they have presented music in a stripped-down style and have capitalized on the honesty, simplicity and overall good vibes they present and attract. This band has wildly open doors as far as their future is concerned. They are writing their own musical map with every live show, every recording and every captivating jam they create. The audience is all in and with all of these redeeming qualities the band's feet are firmly on the pedal and the tank is full.

Grateful Web had a chance to catch up with vocalist and dobro player Andy Dunnigan of The Lil Smokies and here’s what he had to say.

GW: Hi Andy, thanks for spending some time with us. I have a list of questions but I thought I would like to start this interview with a more soulful approach. The Lil Smokies are loved by many generations of music fans, what do you love about being in this band?

Andy: Wow, there’s a long Costco length grocery list of reasons why I love being in this band. The cornerstones would be my genuine love for playing music and my love and gratitude for the people who continually come out and sing along year after year. Reciprocity makes the kindle ignite. It's mind-boggling to me that I get to do this for a living. Every year I keep thinking somebody is gonna pull the rug out. The other part of why I love being in this band is my admiration and love for my musical brothers in this band, and my family. We’ve been through so much over the years it's hard to even imagine a life without these beautiful dudes. I love the adventure too; I love being in this band because I love the great unknown. Waking up every day on the road with only a vague idea of what is going to occur is a beautiful thing.

GW: The Lil Smokies are from Montana, how has the backdrop of the Big Sky state influenced the sound of the band.

Andy: I think there’s a thoughtfulness and a pensiveness you can hear in our music that is definitely distilled through time spent underneath the vast big sky and from residing by the mountains, rivers and streams of Montana. It’s a gigantic part of my life, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering.  All my best thinking and reflecting is done in Glacier National Park. It undeniably informs my songwriting.

GW: Does everyone in the band contribute to writing the songs and if so, is it a collaborative effort, singular or both?

Andy: The songwriting is done via myself, The Rev (Matthew Rieger), and Jake Simpson. It’s both a singular and collaborative effort. The three of us do a lot of writing on our own time and then bring our half-baked tunes to the group during rehearsal and we sit down and spend hours arranging them.

GW: The Lil Smokies are influenced by many styles of music that translates into a very exciting diverse live show. When you are writing a song do you think of a specific genre to present the song in or does it take on a life of its own?

Andy: There’s definitely a sound that we’re slowly inching towards in regard to our own music. We like to play a plethora of different styles during our live shows but in the studio, we try to think and write from our own vernacular. We’ve never tried to specifically capture a specific genre. We’re very unified and confident in our ability to continue honing in our own sound. We adhere and cater to each song, that's the most important part of the craft for us.

GW: Is the band currently working on new music to be released in the near future?

Andy: Yes! We’re heading into the studio in a few weeks. We’re working with Robert Ellis to produce a new full-length album. We’re VERY excited about it all.

GW: We all went through a tough time in 2020 and 2021, how did the band stay motivated and inspired during such a difficult time?

Andy: For myself personally I found solace and growth in divorcing myself from the music and the industry life for almost a year. I needed to, I was beyond burnt out and feeling a lot of resentment towards the road and music when Covid first hit. The summer of 2020 I made a point to camp, swim, hike and hangout with old neglected friends and family. Slowly but surely, I began to feel inspired again and an enormous sense of gratitude for my career was born again. Growing as a person and living life outside of the airport was also the lifeline my songwriting had been truly needing.

GW: You have spent a lot of time in Colorado and have acquired a loyal fan base, what is your favorite venue you have played in the Rocky Mountain state?

Andy: Telluride and Red Rocks are pretty hard to beat. Colorado is rich in awe inspiring outdoor amphitheaters, good lord!

GW: During a typical set of music, do you play all original music or are there any favorite cover tunes from some of your favorite artists sprinkled in?

Andy: We like to sprinkle 2 or 3 covers in a set of music, the rest are originals. I’m a big fan of a well-represented and arranged cover song though.

GW: Finally, are there any special gigs, collaborations, live recordings or just overall cool stuff to let the fans know about?

Andy: We’re recording in April and come May we’ll be hitting the road playing everywhere you can think of for the rest of the year, including Iceland with Greensky Bluegrass. Come out and see us and please say hello if you ever see me!

GW: Thank you for being so generous with your time, we appreciate it, and wish The Lil Smokies all the best.

From the ocean to the mountains The Lil Smokies are crisscrossing the planet spreading joy and tasty jams everywhere they go. Fresh off of Jam Cruise and now spending a week in Colorado leading up to WinterWonderGrass in Steamboat, Colorado on March 4th and 5th. They are no strangers to the front range of Colorado and Fort Collins was so happy to have them back at the Aggie Theatre last night. The Lil Smokies' set included music from different times in the band's career and they opened with the song “Fortunes” to set the mood for what was to come.

The band is Andy Dunnigan on vocals and dobro, Jake Simpson on vocals and fiddle, Matt “The Rev” Rieger on vocals and guitar, Jean-Luc Davis on stand-up bass and Sam Zickefoose on banjo. The song selection was full of cool contemporary arrangements that are exploratory, danceable and foot stomping fun. There were plenty of creative tempo changes and with three different singers the audience was treated to all kinds of different moods and vocal tones. The band's stage presence was infectious and the audience gave that energy right back and when this happens it's just like a colorful fast spinning ball of energy the keeps spinning with adventurous unknowns.

The set was packed with fan favorites including “Carry Me”, “Feathers”, “Worlds On Fire”, “Sharpest Edges” and many more. Each song was presented with tight cohesiveness as well as strong individual presence by each member of the band. Dunnigan’s dobro solos are downright powerful displays of musicianship and he is not shy about getting as close to the edge of the stage as possible to get his musical point across. All of the band members are great soloists and all took their collective turns showing their skills and years of hard work. This band’s work ethic and masterful knowledge of all things stringed were on full display in Fort Collins last night. The moods, melodies and magical compositions were out in full force and the crowd loved every minute of the show.

The uniqueness of each song The Lil Smokies performed was like a storybook of the band’s encounters in life and each song is lyrically crafted to tell that story. The music the words sit on is just as expressive and rewarding as the words. What a great night of face melting musicianship! I had left the venue before the extremely talented guest vocalist Emma Rose joined the band for their song “Shadow”, but I did snap a shot of Emma and the band in the green room running through the song before the show.

Thanks to The Little Smokies for visiting Fort Collins and playing your music for us. Thanks to the staff of the Aggie for always providing a safe fun space to rock!

If you have never been to the Blues From The Top Music Festival let me paint the picture for you. If you love music, being outside in the mountain air, great food and hospitality you probably need to be in Winter Park the last weekend of June. Your sensory system maybe be overwhelmed by the picturesque backdrop that surrounds the festival location. The music line-up is a staggering display of knowledge and passion by your hosts, the Grand County Blues Society, bringing the guests many of the best blues and blues rock artists on the scene today for a wild weekend of music.

Rendezvous Event Center located in downtown Winter Park is where all of this musical magic will happen. This town park is well suited and no stranger to hosting this and many other large-scale events. The festival is a state-of-the-art example of high-quality production, organization and fun. The stage is beautifully situated allowing the fans to have a great view from anywhere in the concert bowl. Whether you want to bring your chair and relax or be right in front of the band you can do either. There is great food with lots of cultural variety at reasonable prices to choose from.

Grand County Blues Society is not just hosting a music festival they are committed to the art form of Blues Music. The all-volunteer board are educators of this foundational musical genre and it’s heritage. They continue to bring blues music to every school in Grand County by teaching the history of the music as well as providing knowledge with CDs, DVDs and musical instruments that can be checked out like a library book. The Grand County Blues Society also has a program called Blue Star Connection. This program’s mission is to provide access and ownership of musical instruments to children and adults who have cancer and other serious life challenges. They also implement musical therapy programs as part of their compassionate undertaking of helping people through music. Samantha Fish who is performing at this years festival is a spokesperson for Blue Star Connection and spends time meeting and presenting signed guitars to recipients who Blue Star Connection are working with.

If you are still on the fence about what festivals you will be attending this summer just take a look at the musical line-up. It doesn’t get much better that this. There is some serious girl power with Grace Potter, Samantha Fish, Shemekia Copeland and Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph. Devon Allman Project is bringing some very special friends along to close out the festival on Sunday and so much more. Music Schedule and ticket link included here - https://grandblues.org/bluesfromthetop.

Get up to the mountains, bring you dancing shoes, and enjoy the music and all that Winter Park has to offer including world class mountain biking, hiking, restaurants and more.

The name Melvin Seals is synonymous with the Jerry Garcia Band. Seals spent fifteen years playing keyboards with Jerry Garcia and helped define the sound of the JGB Band. Seals is a gifted player and his love of all music has presented him with many open doors in the music industry. From performing to producing and recording Seals has been on the scene for over three decades and shows no signs of slowing down. His love of jazz, funk, gospel and blues has served him well and his diverse love of musical styles has delighted music fans of all genres.

We used to joke when Seals would play mind bending solos with Jerry that it sounded like he was standing on his Hammond B3. He is such a tasteful powerful player that you can feel every note deep into your soul and that is the divine relationship he has with the audience. Seals is no stranger to the improvisational style he is revered for, geez he helped create it. The soulful expressive nuances that Seals and Jerry traded back and forth were something to behold and cherish.

The same feeling exists with the current line-up of the JGB. All of the members have a deep connection to not only the Grateful Dead’s music but also to the Grateful Dead’s members. John Kadlecik was a founding member, guitar player and singer with Dark Star Orchestra which eventually led him to his tenure with Furthur. Bassist Jean Paul McLean is an accomplished musician and composer and worked for Grateful Dead’s drummer Mickey Hart as his sound engineer for many years. He also worked on Mickey’s Grammy-award winning album Global Drum Project. Jeremy Hoenig on drums is a vital part of the San Francisco Bay area’s vibrant grateful Dead music scene and has played with Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. So, there is your Grateful Dead connection and boy it really couldn’t get any better.

So, you have all of this incredible talent, the next step is take it on the road and that’s exactly what they did and we are glad that all roads led to the Mighty Mishawaka Amphitheatre in Bellvue, Colorado. The concert bowl of the Mishawaka was packed with music fans of all ages. The mountain air was a bit chilly but the crowd vibe was not deterred at all as the band took the stage shortly after ten o’clock. Melvin Seals looked all too familiar perched behind his trusty Hammond B3 organ with dual Leslie speakers placed directly behind him. The sound of the organ rang through the hills with clarity and magnificent tone as they opened the set with 'How Sweet It Is'

John Kadlecik handling the vocal duties sounded great, his vocals were clear and precise, with a distinct similarity and tone to Jerry Garcia’s voice, there is a lot of comfort and familiarity to his vocal delivery. Jean Paul McLean and Jeremy Hoenig held down the rhythm section with authority giving a solid foundation of low-end grooves for the songs to launch from. Seals and Kadlecik took turns throughout the set delivering powerful tasteful solos that filled the air with expressive distinct notes that have lyrical qualities about them.

The set was stacked with JGB favorites including ‘Dynamite’, ‘What A Wonderful World’, ‘Rhapsody In Red’, ’Tore Up’, ’That’s What Love Will Make You Do’, and many more. Each song was delivered like a piece of art that was hand selected from the heavens above. You could feel Garcia’s spirit in the canyon as these four talented musicians continue to present his music with their own interpretations of the songs Jerry so graciously left behind for the world to enjoy forever.

The audience was feeling the vibe from the stage and pushing it right back to the band, like a circle of energy that swirled around the amphitheater picking up passengers along the way. The connection to Garcia’s music is profound and indescribable. Thank goodness these four talented men have the ambition and love in their hearts to keep the flame burning brightly for future generations that may have never had the opportunity to experience the magical, mythical qualities that Garcia invoked upon us.

Dead Floyd always brings excitement to the party. These incredibly adventurous musicians always have a trick up their sleeve when it comes to spontaneous band-to-audience interactions. They perfectly blend Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd music together in such a divine flowing fashion. How cool is it that one band is recreating and reinventing the music of two of the biggest bands to ever record and perform music? The musicianship level is always amazing and last night's performance was full of all kinds of twists and turns.

Dead Floyd must have sat down and had a giant bowl of Wheaties before their performance on Saturday night! Talk about high energy and talk about smiles a mile wide with anticipation that you could feel in every strand of your being. The band delivered a special set of magic that made the canyon walls quake and your body shake. Opening the set with ‘Help On The Way’ into ’Slipknot’ followed by ‘High Hopes’, ’Ship Of Fools’ and ‘Have A Cigar’ the band sounded tight and you could feel their energy cut through the crowd with razor sharp excitement.

Charlie Humphreys on guitar and vocals and Laniece Schleicher on vocals brought the crowd to their knees with their vocal abilities and power. Humphreys' distinct guitar style and tone is very much his own as he delivered the magical offerings of both the bands. Dana Giove on bass, the newest member of the band, has brought new energy to the group. He plays with passion and heart and his infectious smile tells the story without saying a word. Giove and Stu Crair on drums held down the groove like they were joined at the hip bringing improvisational qualities to every inch of every song. Goldberg on keyboards explores every note as his mind hand picks them as fast as his fingers will play them. He kept the arrangements flowing like the water over the rocks running down the canyon behind the stage. Andrew Vogt on saxophone is beyond talented, his musicianship takes you on an exploration of adventure as he weaves many styles and and years of experience into every note he plays.

The set continued with ’The Music Never Stopped’, ‘Young Lust’, ’Sheep’, ’Slipknot’ and ‘Franklin’s Tower’. The crowd embraced the local heroes with open arms and hearts.

I was not present for the opening band Alligator, but I heard they absolutely took a big giant bite out of the Poudre canyon crowd with their renditions of early Grateful Dead songs.

Thanks to the Mishawka Amphitheatre owners and staff for providing the coolest environment on the planet for us all to enjoy!

Well, it’s about time Les! After a twenty-year hiatus from touring, Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade is back out on the road. The band is about a week into the massive forty-one date Summer of Green Tour. Over the years Claypool has embarked on many wild, weird and wonderful endeavors that take the audience along on his creative quest of goodness through his musical mind. That in itself is a remarkable undertaking since everything he does and his many collaborations are all much different in many respects. The one constant is the high-quality musicianship, showmanship and exploratory qualities that go into every one of his projects.

This long-anticipated coast to coast tour is hitting many historic venues, new venues and some large-scale festivals including The Peach Festival in Scranton, Pennsylvania and The Summer Camp Music Festival in Chillicothe, Illinois. Fans will have many opportunities to catch a show or several shows as Claypool and company crisscross the great American landscape providing good clean fun and endless musical possibilities. Select June performances will include a co-headlining set with Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew's Remain In Light Tour. Other acts featured in select cities include Fishbone, Neil Francis, Budos Band, Moon Duo and W.I.T.C.H.

The band is Les Claypool on bass, Sean Lennon on guitar, Harry Waters on keyboards, Paulo Baldi on drums, Mike Dillon on percussion and Skerik on horns. Each set will include a full performance of Pink Floyd’s iconic tenth studio album ‘Animals'. This live performance was originally captured on Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade’s second 2001 live recording ‘Live Frog’s Set 2’. This band formed in 2000, released two live and one studio album, toured several successful US tours, and delighted the most diverse listening crowd known to man.

The sold-out Mission Ballroom was buzzing with anticipation for last night's show. I spoke with fans from Colorado that lined up at 9:30 a.m. yesterday morning to cement their front and center spot for the show. No matter how packed the Mission Ballroom gets it’s well equipped to handle large crowds. There is never a line for bathrooms or beers. The stage lighting and sound could be seen and heard perfectly from any vantage point in the venue. When Claypool and company took the stage, the place erupted with energy that the band so willingly gave right back to the audience opening the show with 'Thela Hun Gingeet’.

The colors that radiated off the brilliant backdrop were perfectly picked to reflect the vibe of each song. Claypool’s bass playing and distinct tone rang through the room with authority and power. ‘David Makalaster’ was the next song followed by ‘Rumble of the Diesel’ and ‘Cricket and the Genie’ featuring Angelo Moore from Fishbone on Saxophone. The band sounded superbly tight and tour rehearsed as they launched into 'Pigs On The Wing’ the first song from from Pink Floyd’s Animals album that was played in its entirety. This epic display of one of the best recordings ever made was an incredibly unique and very much in Claypool fashion giving each song new adventurous twists and turns.

‘Dogs’, ‘Pigs (Three Different Ones)', ’Sheep’ and ‘Pigs On The Wing (Part 2)' followed to complete the Pink Floyd portion of the show. Sean Lennon on guitar had a heavy distinct tone as his mind selected each note with power and purpose that transferred to his fingers with razor sharp precision. The percussion section is really like no other, they blast you from all angles with chest pounding accuracy and timing. Waters on keyboards kept the arrangements flowing with all kinds of moody textures and tones. The troops attacked every song with exploratory instinct that can only be felt not described. ‘Precipitation’, ‘One Better’ and ‘D's Diner' closed out the set and an incredible evening of divine musicianship, magical imaginations and the simplicity of making people happy with music.

Fishbone opened the show and lit up the place with their high energy rock and roll sensory assault. Combining rock, ska, soul, funk, metal and soul you have no idea what’s coming at you next, other than good vibes, positivity and truth through music. Front man Angelo Moore is a rocket ship of power and energy, you couldn’t take your eyes off of him as his vocal power, stage presence and horn playing are other worldly. The second song into the set Moore acknowledged the passing of the great Tina Turner earlier in the day as they burst into a funky, Motown style number. The bands energy was a mile high as they closed out their six-show run with the Frog Brigade.

I spoke with Angelo Moore before the show and he seemed a bit sad that this was the last show of the tour with the Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, but he was onto Las Vegas to play with some other fine musicians and he was excited about that. We talked about the longevity of Fishbone and how the band has endured the crazy rock and roll spinning wheel for over forty years!

Thanks to every musician, fan, and the Mission Ballroom for hosting.

Michael Franti & Spearhead rocked the Rocky Mountains on the current and diverse Big Big Love Tour 2023. The band played at Red Rocks on June 2nd, the Boulder Theater on June 3rd, and the Fox Theatre also in Boulder on June 4th. Each show has brought different dynamics from the band musically and personally. The Red Rocks show had all the bells and whistles, with massive lighting rigs and explosive sound production along with the massive monoliths that overlook the concert bowl with peaceful authority. The Boulder show was an intimate acoustic evening with Michael Franti & Spearhead and the Fox show, a Reggae Reunion with Michael Franti & Spearhead. Each show presenting different creative aspects from all of the musicians.

Michael Franti is a man with a deep soul and a heart filled with love and devotion for his fellow man. He inspires people with peace, love and understanding and even if it gets away from us sometime his message is always present. Fortunately, Franti is very generous with his life's observations and his willingness and ambition to write it all down and turn them into musical reminders of the joy we all have within us. Lyrical truths about life’s offerings always have sun attached to them somehow, someway and he helps us recognize that brightness even if we are blinded by opposition. Franti is like a peaceful prize fighter that battles with his voice, soul and guitar.

Franti is recognized for many musical endeavors, collaborations with other artists and his long-standing band Spearhead. In 2019 Franti released his self-directed documentary ’Stay Human’ which won an assortment of awards at film festivals worldwide. He is also entrepreneur and owns Soulshine Bali a top-rated boutique hotel located in Ubud, Bali that focuses on joy through wellness and music. In 2022 Michael Franti & Spearhead released their 12th studio album ‘Follow Your Heart' debuting at No.2 on the iTunes pop charts. Franti said many of the songs were written about connection, resilience and finding the light in the midst of all the crazy the world is experiencing.

Grateful Web was in attendance at the Boulder Theater show and it was simple stunning! The stage setting was intimate and compact, the musicians sat on stools and performed with both acoustic and electric instruments. The un-plugged vibe was well received by the packed house as the audience sang every song along with Michael and the band. Franti explained how and why each song was composed, where and when they originated and the meaning behind them. He has the ability to make you laugh and cry in the same sentence and that is truly a unique gift from his heart.

Spearhead is Michael Franti on guitar, vocals and stomp box, Manas Itene on percussion and vocals, Carl Young on bass and vocals, Claudio Urdaneta on guitar, Mike Blankenship on keyboards with Greg Hvnsen joining on guitar. This talented eclectic ensemble of musicians brings influences from around the globe to the Spearhead sound and that sound is definitive and uniquely inspiring. The storyteller vibe was highly personal and touching, in the same vein it was a masterfully crafted rock and roll show with lots of twists, turns and genres covered.

Opening the set with ’The Sound Of Sunshine’ certainly set the tone for an incredible evening of music and story. Franti’s voice was powerful and reached every corner of the packed theater. Young and Itene also contributed their vocal skills throughout the evening sending shivers up the spines of all in attendance. Songs were played from many eras of Spearhead's long and lustrous catalog of music including ‘People Need People’, ‘Life Is Better With You’, ‘Ganja Babe’, ‘Follow Your Heart’, ’Stay Human’, ‘Hands Up To The Sky’, ’Say Hey’ and many more. The band and the audience had a serious chemistry going on and I must say I shed some tears of joy last night.

Colorado is the only state on this current tour getting this intimate concert experience from the band and if they are testing the waters, I believe last night was definitive moment that will likely spur more performances in this format. Franti is so well spoken, his writing is incredibly honest, comprehensive, and inspiring. Get out and see Michael Franti & Spearhead, you will be lifted to a higher ground and that's the place to be!

Thanks to Michael Franti & Spearhead. Thanks to the Boulder Theater for hosting an to the theater staff and guests!

Grace Potter is no stranger to playing gigs in Colorado. This week she has two shows at Washington’s in Fort Collins on June 8th and 9th, then she will rock the rocks with Big Head Todd & the Monsters at Red Rocks on June 10th. She will be back in the mountains of Colorado for the Blues From The Top Festival in Winter Park on June 24th and then we will see her again on September 1st when she plays Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival in Snowmass, Colorado. Wow, nice job hitting some of the best venues on the planet Grace!

In the summer of 2021, Potter embarked on an exhilarating exploration of discovery, adventure, and creativity. She set out on a solo road trip to reconnect her soul to a myriad of unknown situations that present themselves with every twist and turn of the endless highway. Held up in roadside hotels along the famed Route 66 she traveled the mother of all roads alone. As she looked over the ever-present asphalt landscape, ideas were coming to her as fast as the odometer clicked off the miles.

All of these unpredictable moments from the road, her personal life, dealing with depression after a miscarriage of twins and everything else life offers us good and bad are present in her writings. Potter describes her time alone and what was yielded by that time as a re-framing of her understanding of her history. This wealth of experience and knowledge have become a public display of awakening for Potter, her family, and her fans. I am speaking of her latest album 'Mother Road’ due out on August 18th, 2023 (available for pre-order now https://www.hellomerch.com/collections/grace-potter). This album is rocking, raw and cinematic, with unbridled truths and vulnerability that has no guardrails, no solid yellow lines, and a full tank of gas!

Potter put together more than a new album, she put together a memoir that is mind-bendingly honest. She has stretched her talents and her imagination further than ever before taking on roles of filmmaker, actress, visual storyteller and I am sure much more. She has created a storybook that explores her inner self-worthiness and willingness to lay it all out there from the highway to the high fi there is no stone left unturned, no bush's left to pee on, and nothing but charisma and attitude to soothe the most eclectic listeners musical pallets. (‘Mother Road’ official video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykjvW7fG8Fs).

Potter is a heavyweight in the music business, but first and foremost she is a warrior of life and all it gives and takes away. She is ambitious and generous with her lyrical offerings in a profound, honest fashion that leaves you touched and rocked to your inner soul. The goddess from the green mountain state has traveled the world, driven the dusty backroads of America, and learned how to use the information she acquires to benefit all of us, and 'Mother Road' just might be her masterpiece.

When Grace Potter hit the stage at Washington’s last night you knew all hell was about to break loose before she sang one word. She was a swirling, spinning fireball of energy covering every inch of the stage to the opening notes of the set opener ‘Medicine’. Potter’s vocal attack on the song was nothing short of mind-bendingly powerful. Her trusty Hammond B3 organ was brought up to speed quickly by Potter as she laid into that thing like the rent was past due. The audience was whipped into a rock and roll vortex real quick by the immense energy and musical ability being launched from the stage.

Charlie Shea and Indya Bratton both on guitars brought melodic heaviness to the driving arrangements. They complimented each other very well, giving one another space to explore and present their instrumentation with unbridled enthusiasm and class. Potter also had her Gibson Flying V guitar around her neck for the second song ‘Ah Mary’ giving even more fullness and creating a guitar army at this point. Potter and Shea were having a guitar duel in the song that was so heavy and powerful it felt like both of the guitars were going to burst into flames and explode. Potter’s stage presence seems to influence everybody on the stage and in the audience. The crowd was way into what was being given to them. With fists in the air, loud cheers, and smiles from the fired-up crowd the evening was off to a smashing start.

The set list consisted of songs from different eras in Potter’s career. It was a great mix of older songs and highly anticipated songs from her new album ‘Mother Road’. The title track was played five songs in and had a really cool rock vibe and storyteller personality that exudes Potter’s writing and vocal delivery style. Her rhythm section of Jordan West on drums and Kurtis Keber on bass really laid down a solid foundation for all of the songs to take shape from. They are seemingly joined at the hip and did an amazing job of keeping the grooves of all of the songs flowing freely. Without divulging all of the songs played, since the band is performing again tonight at Washington’s, let’s just say it was a fantastic mix of older material meets new.

You can feel and see a change in Potter, her time away from the road on tour, and her time alone on those same roads alone has served her well. She seems reborn, revitalized, and absolutely happy. The show was explosive, emotional, and full of lyrical libations that were rocking, soothing and satisfying.

Thanks to Grace, the band, and their staff for visiting Fort Collins. Thanks to Washington’s for hosting these gigs and thanks to the staff and fans.

The 21st annual Blues From The Top Music Festival is officially in the music festival history books. What a great three days in the picturesque town of Winter Park, Colorado. You couldn’t have asked for better weather or grander hosts than the Grand County Blues Society and all of the sponsors that help year after year. It takes an army to put on a show of this capacity, volunteers work year-round making arrangements with artists and vendors making sure they are bringing the best quality entertainment on all levels to this annual magical mountain festival. The town of Winter Park welcomes guests from the state of Colorado and beyond with open arms and hearts. The town offers so many year-round activities there really is something for everyone.

When you talk about great music events Blues From The Top has to be included in that conversation. When you talk about world-class entertainment the festival goes way beyond expectation. Stacked with many of the best traditional and contemporary rock and blues artists on the planet it’s almost like someone dreamed the line-up and that dream came true. There was a kid's stage with the next generation of superstars performing throughout the weekend. There were culinary visionaries feeding the audience with fantastic food choices, and plenty of vendors on hand to send people home with cool and many times one-of-a-kind items. With two decades of growth and expansion under their belts, this festival is a destination for many people I talked to who traveled from many different parts of the country to attend.

Saturday was an absolutely stunning day on so many levels, the weather was perfect, the music line-up was world class and the fans armed with their camp chairs, sunscreen, and coffees waited patiently for the gates to open. Once inside the lush green park welcomes you with an open canvas to set up your viewing area for the day. The mountain air was clean and crisp, the food vendors were firing up their grills and the music filled the valley with sound. Jimmy Carpenter performed on Saturday, unfortunately, I was not in attendance to capture photos. He has not played the festival in six years and some folks told me the set was on fire and they were glad to have him and his band back.

Cedric Burnside followed with his guitar, a firm seat beneath him, and a voice that resonates with his passion, artistry, and devotion to his craft. When an artist can walk out onto a massive stage and captivate an audience alone that says something profound about that artist. He was later joined by his band to perform a few numbers and also joined Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton a bit later on to close out their set.

Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton have a new record out titled Death Wish Blues. The debut collaboration held the number one spot on the Billboard Blues Album Chart for three consecutive weeks and is still in the top ten. They opened the set with an MC5 cover Kick Out The Jams. They ripped through several tunes from the new album as well as a few older tracks from other recordings. The dueling guitar work from Fish and Dayton are heavy, raw, and clean. They weaved rock, outlaw country, punk, funk, Americana, and blues together with a commanding stage presence, powerful vocal range, and impeccably eye-appealing stage attire. The live presentation of the brutally honest lyrics of the songs on this record are powerful captivating examples of the years of exploratory visions from both Fish and Dayton. The band behind Fish and Dayton is Ron Johnson on bass, Mickey Finn on keyboards, and Jamie Douglass on drums. They are all exciting, talented players adding all kinds of flavors and energy to the show.

Galactic brought all of the funky grooves from down south to the Rocky Mountains. Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph was front and center with her powerful vocal range and colorful silk robe. She got the crowd going with her out-front personality and amazing stage presence. The band's signature sound and many styles of music they play shined as bright as the summer sun. The cohesiveness of the band always stands out, they are soulful stewards of all things funky and fun.

Grace Potter closed Saturday's show with commanding authority all while maintaining her mile-high smile, infectious energy, and overall joyous personality. The band behind her is Charlie Shea and Indya Bratton on guitars, Jordan West on drums, and Kurtis Keber on bass. They are nothing short of mind-blowing in the talent department and are well-suited to capture the many styles and explosive songwriting Potter brings to the table. The recent release from Potter titled Mother Road is a self-exploration of time alone on the endless highway, life experiences both good and bad, ambition, heartache, and joy. All of these combined emotions, movements, and introspection have transferred to one hell of an album, perhaps her masterpiece so far. The transfer of these songs from the studio to the stage is ever so powerful and moving. The audience was taken on her journey and left to their own devices on how they interpreted each song. The band brought heaviness, solitude, and one hell of a kick-ass rock and roll show to Winter Park. Potter had mesmerizing power, style, and talent that only she has (or doesn’t have) control of, either way, you can't take your eyes off her. The band's set was an artistic, powerful moving mass of energy that rocked the crowd to its knees.

Sunday’s show was no different as far as abundant sunshine and talent. Backstage was buzzing with musicians who have not seen each other for a while and many new acquaintances as well.  I caught the tail end of Robert Jon & The Wreck and I think there were eight musicians on stage with a big soulful, rocking sound that had the early crowd rocking like mad. Can't wait to dive into this band's music and hopefully see them again soon. The next soulful voice coming out of the speakers belonged to one of the most powerful female blues singers on this earth, Shemekia Copeland. Her voice can melt you where you stand and make the hair on the back of your neck stand up and boogie. She had so much power and unbelievable control that simply captivated the adoring crowd. Copeland’s list of accolades is long and legendary. Her album ‘Done Come Too Far’ was recently awarded top honors by the Libera Awards on June 15th in New York City for Best Blues Record in 2023. She absolutely slayed the Blues From The Top audience and looked amazing doing so.

Blood Brothers Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia lit up the stage next with their guitar and vocal skills. The backing band gave these two a solid foundation of grooves that had such strength and backbone that was mind-blowing and chest-pounding tight. Zito and Castiglia virtually dueled with their guitars creating masterful, memorable melodies and searing guitar solos that were remarkable both in quality and tone. The two heavyweights of the blues rock guitar arena were on fire and the audience was pushing the same energy right back at them. So much style and raw emotion were apparent in every note played as they both showed how the years of committed artistry have served them well. It was a serious sensory assault by the two virtuosos that will forever be etched into the Blues From The Top history book.

Devon Allman Project with Anders Osborne, Larry McCray & Jimmy Hall (yeah, you read that right! ) put together a supergroup of great players that closed out the festival. The set list consisted of songs from Allman, McCray, Hall, and Osborne. Opening the set with “Fired Up” a Royal Southern Brotherhood cover song and fan favorite the band sounded tight from the gun! "Down To The River,” the title track from the debut Allman Betts album was also in the set. There were a couple of Allman Brothers classic hits sprinkled into the mix including “Dreams”, "One Way Out" (Sonny Boy Williamson cover song), and "Midnight Rider".

Allman’s vocals were on point and reached the back of the festival audience with great power and clarity, his guitar playing was extraordinary and his solo on “Dreams" was so melodic and powerful it sounded like it was from an unknown dimension of time and space. Everyone simply killed it. McCray was crazy precise on his axe as was Osborne. Hall lit the place up with his charm, vocal abilities, harmonica playing, and stamina covering "Keep On Smilin” (a Wet Willie cover) and "Jumping For Joy”. Jackson Stokes is a heavy hitter on the guitar and vocals, John Ginty sounded like he was standing on the Hammond organ at one point the sound was so heavy, and Justin Corgan on bass laid down the groove that John Lum on drums capitalized on with his non-stop percussive assault. David Gomez on percussion and saxophone played beautifully and brought great energy to the sound. Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia joined in on guitars for “One Way Out” and Allman and company ended the show and festival with the timeless classic Allman Brothers Band song “Midnight Rider”.

Grateful Web was not in attendance on Friday the opening night of the festival but we wanted to tell you a bit about both bands that played. Drive-By Truckers from Athens, Georgia is as diverse of a band as it gets. They are deeply invested in all types of music and their collective influences run the gamut from George Jones to the Clash and everything in between. The eclectic musical gumbo of all things rock, country, southern rock, pop/punk, and blues has served the band and fans well as they offer something for the most diverse music listening pallets. If you have not checked out Drive-By Truckers, it’s time!

The Record Company closed out Friday night's music with from what we heard a crazy cool rocking set. Fans said it was an incredible set of music from the California trio. Also influenced by many styles of music the Record Company implements all they have studied, practiced, and written about into a powerful stage show. When the band's first full-length album ‘Give It Back’ was nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2017 people took notice and the band has been touring and recording amazing music ever since. We hope to catch up with the guys soon.

If you have never been to Winter Park, Colorado, I can tell you this about the town and the people who live there. The town is small and very accommodating with a ton of personality and extraordinary infrastructure no matter what time of year you visit. The people who live and work there love the picturesque surroundings and their neighbors. The community vibe is strong and friendly and everyone makes you feel welcome. The good folks who organize and implement world-class music events are a cohesive team that does a great job bringing great events year after year.

Next year grab your tickets for Blues From The Top early and get up to the mountains. Bring your dancing shoes, your mountain bike, your fly rod, and your imagination as Winter Park is a great place to use them all.

Winter Park Jazz Festival celebrated forty years of bringing live music to the Rocky Mountains this past weekend in an extraordinary fashion. The two-day event featured amazing artists performing many genres of music. Grateful Web was in attendance for the Sunday festivities and boy the day was packed with fun and great music by all of the bands. The sunshine and blue skies were abundant as the guests arrived and picked their spots on the lawn for the day. The smell of early morning food preparations filled the mountain air with anticipation of great culinary choices throughout the day.

This yearly event has become a destination for music lovers from all over the country and is very popular with music fans in Colorado. Speaking with several different people we found that many travel great distances to not only enjoy the fabulous always changing line-up of artists but also to reunite with family and friends. Speaking with a woman from Colorado and her two sisters from New Mexico, this event gives them a special opportunity to get together each year and enjoy the festival and their sisterhood. There were many vendors displaying and selling their wares that included summer clothing, sunglasses, artwork, and jewelry. The vendor areas were buzzing with people picking up oftentimes one-of-a-kind items.

Tarell Martin & C2 Mass Choir started the late morning set of music with a musical sermon with Stephanie Summers commanding the microphone. Her vocal power and conviction for her faith were completely captivating, honest, and musically genius. The cast of backup singers provided great fullness to each composition displaying amazing tone and range on the harmonies. Let’s just say many people did not attend a traditional church on Sunday morning, instead they went to C2 Mass.

Jazz In Pink, an all-female progressive jazz and soul band, lit up the stage with great musical skills, stage presence, and colorful performance attire. The five-piece band comprised of keyboards, saxophone, flute, violin, bass, and drums were laying down cool technical grooves including great solo abilities. Every member’s contribution to the extremely memorable arrangements that had a great groove, sophistication, and fun hooks were front and center. The band had great interactions with the crowd on stage and off stage at the meet and greet after their incredibly cool set of music.

Norman Brown, what can be said about this man’s ability to entertain? Well, it’s like this, he’s a showman that adheres to showmanship values while he completely slays the audience with his guitar and vocal skills. He grabs onto your senses and I think wakes up a few you may not know you have. His technique on guitar is technical, traditional, and explosive. His smooth jazz fingerpicking style is both melodic and fierce.  His distinct selection of notes is lyrical in emotion and impeccable in quality. The man has the look, the chops, and the personality to soothe the most eclectic musical palette.

Leela James took the stage next igniting a fire in your gut with her lyrical truths. This woman holds back nothing and why should she when there is so much to say. Everyday situations we are all faced with come to life through her songs. Her emotional delivery, diverse vocal range, and punch-in-the-stomach power fill your mind and spirit with excitement and energy. James and the band's presence and musicianship on stage was an eye-opening experience of how music should be presented. The energy and the desire to give the best show possible at all times simply flow from this woman’s heart and into yours.

Winter Park Jazz Festival 2023 came to a close with the one and only Dave Koz and the Summer Horns. When a band has three saxophone players, an incredibly tight band behind them, and a set list stacked with original and classic soul, jazz, funk, and R&B songs, look out! Dave Koz literally is a whirlwind of energy and talent. His stage presence and horn prowess are otherworldly, and if that's not enough there’s Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius also on saxophone right alongside him going toe to toe and note for note. The sound exploded from the stage, the horns together were like a giant pot of musical gumbo constantly being stirred up and dished out to the hungry audience.

Toward the end of the set funk funk funk and more funk is what came from the stage as Dave Koz and the Summer Horns paid tribute to the Godfather of Soul Mr. James Brown. The band was on fire as the crowd's energy was as explosive as the music. It was like a synergy of collective utopia between the two and that is rare my friends. Koz can bring it straight out of you and hold it there even longer than he can hold a note on his saxophone. What a great way to end a fine day of music in the mountains!

There are a lot of unsung heroes when it comes to facilitating a festival of this magnitude. The time, energy, and commitment to endeavors like this are challenging, exhausting but most of all rewarding. The ensemble cast behind the scenes is as explosive as the artists. They are deep in the trenches of the logistics, the set times, the weather watching, and providing a safe and fun atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. This festival had a very communal vibe and the atmosphere was fun, festive, and eclectic. There were people from many different places and it seemed like they all knew each other. There were so many hugs, there was so much laughter and joy on the faces of the guests. Everyone seemed ecstatic about where they were in the moment and if you could freeze a snapshot in time like the one below, you know the feeling.

Thank you to all of the staff, volunteers, artists, vendors, and guests for providing forty years of magic in the mountains, and cheers to many more to come. Special thanks to Al Your Pal for spinning great tunes during the set changes.

When you hear the name Jorma your mind completely overloads with memories of a distant time and place. You cannot help but relive the sounds of the '60s and '70s. This was an era of movement through music that has left an undeniable and unforgettable impression on humanity, social awareness, and musical culture that spans this big round spinning sphere. I really have no idea where to begin other than to convey my deepest respect to Jorma Kaukonen. He is a pioneering father figure of the San Francisco psychedelic musical awakening. Founding member of the Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna who along with the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, and many others started a scene that has not only endured the test of time but has embraced it, carried on from it, and reinvented it many times over.

The musical endeavors these ambitious and adventurous troubadours of experimentation embarked on are not going anywhere. You hear it in modern music today and you see it on the faces of a younger generation that are hungry to experience those same feelings of freedom and love that came from this incredible era of music. The musical movement in America and beyond our oceans stood the test of time and artists like Jorma made sure of it and we are forever grateful for the journey they so graciously shared with us.

This is a bit out of character for a story piece, but I cannot help but convey my first experience of hearing and seeing Jorma perform. 1977 was probably the most eye-opening musical year of my life - not only did I witness the Grateful Dead, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Billy Joel for the first time in 1977, but I also saw Jorma with Hot F**king Tuna. I was wide-eyed, moderately stoned, and had no idea what I was in for when I walked into the arena. I had been listening to Hot Tuna’s album "Burgers” for a couple of days prior to the gig. The venue was the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, New York.

The crowd of about three thousand (capacity of the arena) was much older than me. I sat down and the band came on, they looked like the audience and immediately started to play and play and play and play. I was not sure if I loved it or hated it. I mean were they ever going to stop, how many cigarettes can they smoke? What the f**k is happening here? After five and a half hours the band decided to end the show. I was shell-shocked by all of it and kind of still am almost fifty years later. I will never forget that night, it was not life-changing or anything like that, but it did show me the essence and beauty of this type of music, the conviction these musicians had for sharing it, and the audience's appreciation towards the band.

Last night at the very intimate show at The Armory it was just Jorma, his six-string guitar, and his undeniable passion to perform. He walked out on stage to a standing ovation, picked up his guitar, and began to play. His finger pics looked like shimmering extensions of his hand that have been on a magical musical journey for over fifty years. His fingerpicking style was smooth and fluid as he reached into his never-ending vault of musical offerings. Forever a traditionalist Jorma's foundation of his music stems from the blues masters he has revered for many years.

Opening the set with ‘Ain’t In No Hurry’ by Jimmy Egan, Jorma’s voice was rich and full projecting the lyrics to the back of the room. His phrasing of the words and his finger-picking flowed together in harmony with one another. The audience sat in silence as the lyrics poured out toward them. You could feel the history in the room as the center of the stage hosted one of the greatest interpreters of American roots and blues music. Everyone in attendance knew the importance of his contributions to American music and appreciated his presence in such an intimate setting.

The Boulder Theater welcomes Jorma tonight, so we will not give away too many of last night’s songs. The first set that we were in attendance for weaved a musical road map of different times in Jorma’s career. Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna solo material, and several traditional blues classics were all present. ‘Broken Highway’, ‘Hesitation Blues’, ’Song For The North Star’, and ’Trial By Fire’ were just a few of the choices Jorma shared with the audience. Jorma has been playing intimate shows and connecting with his audience on a very personal level. The songs in his repertoire and his mesmerizing delivery of them is standalone extraordinary, nostalgic, and historical. Everyone in the room last night was treated to something incredibly special.

Thanks, Jorma for visiting our town, thanks to the Armory and its staff for hosting, and all who attended.

The Winter Park and Fraser Colorado Chamber are purveyors of gratitude and fun. Once again, the SolShine concert presented by the Chamber and hosted by Rendezvous Event Center in Downtown Winter Park is now officially in the live music history books. This concert has incredibly special meaning for the residents and out-of-town guests that frequent Winter Park. The town is saying thank you for the never-ending support year after year, not only for the attendees at multi-day and single-day music events but also for supporting the roughly 350 local businesses that are thriving in the mountain town. The SolShine concert is a one-day free event that highlights both local and national talent.

Winter Park is known for providing world-class entertainment on the massive permanent stage at Rendezvous Event Center smack dab in the middle of Downtown. The park is seemingly always hugged by the surrounding Rocky Mountains providing spectacular views from all directions. Welcoming green grass inside the park is a great environment for any event. The vibe in town is cool and laid back during all four seasons of the year. The endless outdoor fun from skiing and snowboarding to fishing, mountain biking, and a great live music scene is a massive attraction to people from every state and other countries.

The creative minds behind the scenes spare no imagination or resources in bringing the best entertainers year after year to the sun-soaked town. The Chamber’s goal is to provide a positive, safe space for everyone to have a great time and I must say they nailed it. The town has great energy and an expanding infrastructure that will provide even more magic and opportunities to the vibrant social scene and the overall economy. Established in 1973 the Chamber is a driving force with many cool open-minded people steering the ship of fun and prosperity.

Backstage was buzzing with anticipation from the artists as they warmed up for their sets. There was great energy everywhere as the audience filled the concert bowl picking their spots for the evening’s festivities. The brief rain showers passed, and the sunshine was ever-present for the remainder of the day, yielding a spectacular evening in the Rockies. Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass was the main course for the evening. They were supported by Pick & Howl and Easy Tiger.

Keller Williams literally rolled onto the stage on his skateboard where he was joined by Keith Moseley on bass, Jacob Jolliff on mandolin, and John Mailander on fiddle. The setlist was packed with Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band songs. Opening with 'Shakedown Street' set the souls of the audience on fire. Keller keeps the arrangements of the songs similar to the original versions and by adding his unique originality and style the songs take on a whole new life. Next up was a really cool blend of 'Cumberland Blues' and ‘They Love Each Other’, the songs magically weaved together with great beauty and artistic adventure. ‘Women Are Smarter’ next was a dance party as the band and audience were now one entity of musical joy. Keller has a way of presenting the songs with familiarity and cleverness, his mind and fingers work as one and the rest is an unexplained adventure. Only he knows, or maybe he does not know, how he takes a song that we have all heard hundreds of times and just sends it into another worldly dimension of divine joy.

Moseley on bass and singing a few tunes provided such a solid platform for the songs to build from. Keller fully used that platform of his creativity; it was seemingly like a launching pad for the rest of the band. Jolliff on mandolin has mad skills and his ever-present strumming was similar to a drummer keeping the whole thing together with great uniformity and man can he shred a solo. Mailander on fiddle, talk about tasteful timing and expressive playing, the guy was really enjoying himself and you could feel it and see it in his mile-wide smile.

The set was cleverly designed giving the audience many different eras of the Grateful Dead’s music all in one neat bundle. ‘Birdsong’, ‘Mr. Charlie,' ‘Feel Like A Stranger’, ‘Candyman’, ’Scarlet>Fire’ and many more were all on the musical tap as the evening progressed. Keller Williams had the audience’s full attention and adoration as he picked and sang a selection of one of the greatest musical catalogs in existence. His creativity and ambition to provide something with vast adventure and exploration is mind-bending bliss. Keller and the band's presence was powerfully innovative, musically moving, and impeccably presented.

Pick & Howl lit up the massive stage with their masterful all-things stringed sensory assault. This band is big and bold and performs as a cohesive unit with great individuality among each member, the musical options for them are wide open. Winning the Colorado Rocky Grass Band Competition in 2022 was a great achievement for the band and they are excited about what lies ahead. They are currently recording new music for a full-length album and are playing several cool shows in Colorado including headlining the Bluebird Theater in Denver.

Jeremy Richard on guitar and vocals, Andrew Gordon on dobro and pedal steel, Pete Barbaro on the mandolin, Paul Larson on banjo, Eric Gordon on bass, and Melissa Stube on fiddle make up this dynamic ensemble of pickin’ goodness. The band test-drove new material yesterday that will be present on the next record, and it was all sounding amazing. Each song had different tempos and flowing arrangements that show the broad styles and influences that have inspired their sound. They delivered traditional styles of Americana and bluegrass with explosive originality and contemporary energy. The band was well-received and played a great high-energy set packed with twists, turns, and superb musicianship.

Easy Tiger is a four-piece high-energy, high-heart Colorado acoustic ensemble that is against road rage and all about saving puppies. They have a great sense of humor, impeccable style, and masterful musical qualities. They are a fun exciting band that played their second gig together yesterday. Andy Straus commands the stage with his big voice and guitar skills, he is joined by Melissa Stube on fiddle (she is also in Pick & Howl), Alex Johnstone on mandolin and Drew Packard on upright bass. The fabulous foursome delivered some killer music yesterday. They had great energy and stage presence along with matching tiger jumpsuits that definitely grab your attention. Americana, folk, and soul-picking goodness are what the Tigers attacked with, and man they did an amazing job. Look out for this band coming to a town near you!

Thanks to the Winter Park and Fraser Chamber staff, volunteers, artists, vendors, and guests.

Devon Allman and Donavon Frankenreiter have set a new Guinness World Record! They performed fifty live concerts in all fifty states in forty-nine days. Allman and Frankenreiter are no strangers to working hard and making people happy. Both men are workhorses in the entertainment industry and this achievement has cemented their ambitious work ethic into the history books forever. If you think about the logistical challenges an endeavor like this brings to the table, one can only imagine the time and effort that went into the journey.

This magical musical extravaganza on stage and behind the scenes deserves recognition and bragging rights forever. Usually, a touring band will have a select number of days off while on the road and the tour routing oftentimes includes multiple shows in the same state. These boys weren’t having any of that as they navigated their way across the United States on a mission and now that mission has come to fruition. Allman on guitar and vocals and Frankenreiter also on guitar and vocals played material from both of their catalogs of music. They assembled a great band with obviously a lot of stamina to bring along on the expedition. Jackson Stokes on guitar, John Lum on drums, Matt Grundy on bass, and David Gomez on percussion and saxophone added their incredible talents and creativity to the mix.

All of the aforementioned musicians have their own musical projects going on and have been in the industry for a very long time touring and recording music. Each musician has a history with Allman and when Allman set forward the idea of the world record attempt no one batted an eye about being part of his surreal concept that had been on his mind for quite some time. So off they went starting in Annapolis, Maryland, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on August 5th, 2023 getting the double state day done right out of the gate. From there the whirlwind of travel was upon them like no other time in their lives. To look at where they started the miles they have traveled and the faces they melted along the way is mind-blowing in many ways.

Grateful Web was fortunate to catch up with Jackson Stokes and the hardest-working tour manager in the business Martin Lewis last night in Las Vegas. They both said a tour like this obviously presents challenges and rewards. The rewards outweigh the challenges by far. The biggest challenge is getting enough sleep with the travel schedule to be in fifty states in forty-nine days. The band was flying to Hawaii just a handful of hours after Las Vegas to play show #49 then from there to Los Angeles for the final show and claiming the world record.

Jackson Stokes has been playing with Allman for a handful of years on various projects including the annual Allman Family Revival that began in 2017. He is also on Allman’s record label Create Records and his sophomore EP titled “Passengers” will be released on October 13th, 2023. Luther Dickinson and Devon Allman co-produced the new record. Along with the new music comes a new tour for Stokes beginning in Charleston, South Carolina on October 26th. Best of luck to Jackson and his band out there ripping it up. In addition to playing guitar with Allman and Frankenreiter Stokes was pulling double duty on the “See It All Tour” opening the shows solo. Tour dates for the upcoming tour are included here - https://jacksonstokes.com/tour/.

The show in Las Vegas was nothing short of extraordinary. Allman, Frankenreiter, and Stokes are a powerful front-line of guitar players. Each of them had their own style, tone, and stage presence that came from years of playing live shows. It felt like a freight train of power as they traded back and forth from rhythm to lead guitar parts, each displaying great technical skills and straight-ahead rock and roll riffs that could peel paint from the walls. I mean powerful riffs that bite into your soul and awaken your senses to another level of euphoria.

The rhythm section of Lum on drums, Grundy on bass, and Gomez on percussion and saxophone was rock solid. These three are the heartbeat, the backbone, and the glue that kept the train smoothly rolling along the tracks and into unknown territories as there was great improvisational skilling being displayed by everyone. The band played Allman and Frankenreiter tunes as well as some they co-wrote. The funky hard-hitting arrangements were like a wall of sound with no solid lines, just passing lanes for the songs to weave in and out of on an endless road of exploration. The band sounded so tight and so comfortable on stage, and even more importantly their friendships shined through with great adoration and love for one another and what they do.

Final stop Los Angeles, California, September 22nd, 2023 the band performed the world record show at the Beachlife Ranch Festival in Redondo Beach, California. What a whirlwind of excitement for the band and fans. A new world record was set and a remarkable feat of ambition and stamina was displayed by everyone involved. Congratulations to Devon, Donavon, Jackson, Matt, John, David, Martin, Rueben, and the rest of the behind-the-scenes team for pulling off this incredible endeavor. You all deserve a trip to Disneyland!

Personally, I was honored to be a part of this journey contributing my photos and words. Backstage Flash

WOW, what a lineup of incredible musical talent the Mighty Mishawaka Amphitheatre presented Friday night at the Poudre Canyon venue. The amount of diversity and talent each musician brought to the stage was staggering on many levels. The uniqueness of this show was that all of the artists know one another and are friends and some of them collaborate together on musical projects. That alone presented a fun family communal vibe on site and magical moments on stage. The vibe was high and the chilly night air was a clear message to dance your tail off and keep your toes warm.

The guests of the Mishawaka Amphitheatre were excited for an amazing night of musical adventure that had no speed limit, stop signs, or guardrails. Kyle Hollingsworth Band headlined the show, they threw away the road map and drove the music into other dimensions of time and space putting a scorching fire into the chilly night air. Most people reading this article will be familiar with Hollingsworth and his genre-bending approach to music. He has an uncanny ability to weave so many styles of music together and sometimes it’s all in the same song. His creative mind is a wealth of musical information that makes its way to his fingertips with lighting speed and razor-sharp precision. Hollingsworth is accustomed to coloring outside the lines of music and his never-ending quest for something different keeps the fans highly entertained and coming back for more.

Hollingsworth on keyboards and vocals was joined by Brian McRae on drums, Tim Philpott on bass and Arthur Lee Land on guitar and vocals. This highly talented quartet of grooves created a mosaic of sound and moods that took on many different colors and textures leaving the audience with a unique performance that will never be repeated. When Hollingsworth is not on the road with his band The String Cheese Incident, he finds cool fun ways to keep the music motor roaring and Friday night at the Mishawaka Amphitheater was a fine example of his abilities as a band leader, performer, and craftsman of the jam.

The band covered solo work by Hollingsworth, and a few select covers including ‘Deal’ by the Grateful Dead, 'Nothing From Nothing Means Nothing' by Billy Preston, and a few String Cheese Incident numbers. Allie Kral and Andy Thorn also joined in on the fun with the band. The set was funky and fun and Hollingsworth’s vocals were clear and crisp and just as you would expect from the maestro of magical moments, there were plenty of those moments to go around. The band's rhythm section McRae on drums and Philpott on bass were solid as solid gets and they laid down some seriously funky vibes. Lee Land is a virtuoso on the guitar his note selection was perfectly synchronized with the tone of his axe making a distinct connection to the arrangements and the audience. The diversity of the band, complex technical arrangements, and highly danceable grooves were all flowing from the rock n’ roll tap.

Andy Thorn and Friends took the stage next. Thorn is a very special person with a heart so big it can be seen and felt by humans and wildlife alike. He has established a relationship with a furry red fox who loves his banjo playing as much as we do. Their divine friendship has yielded some extraordinary music from their unique encounters. When he is not serenading Colorado’s wildlife, he is usually on the road performing or recording with his band Leftover Salmon. He also collaborates with many of his friends on musical endeavors and this past Friday Thorn was joined by Allie Kral on fiddle and vocals, Adam Aijala on guitar and vocals (Yonder Mountain String Band), and Charlie Mertens on bass (Rapidgrass).

Andy Thorn and Friends warmed up the crowd with an eclectic set of music from different eras of their musical careers that had all the feel of traditional-meets-contemporary music. Weaving bluegrass, folk, and Americana styles together with such ease and style was a real treat for the audience and you could tell the band was having a great time providing the vibes.

With vocal duties being covered by Thorn, Kral, and Aijala there were plenty of cool ranges being covered with each song played. It was also kind of a lesson in all things stringed. I mean talk about a master class of fingerpicking, claw hammering, string plucking, bow bending goodness, it was all there. The kaleidoscope of spinning tempos and searing solos by each band member was extraordinary. Kral sang the Narls Barkley song ‘Crazy’ like it owed her money to close out the set. It was so powerful and fun to watch her belt it out. Becca Bisque from the Sweet Lillies also joined on the fiddle to double up the fiddle power.

The Sweet Lillies opened the evening with songs from different eras in their career including compositions from their latest album “Equality" produced by Grammy-award winner Chris Pandolfi from The Infamous Stringdusters. This new offering from The Sweet Lillies became available on Americana Vibes on June 2nd, 2023, and is currently under consideration by The Recording Academy for a Grammy Award nomination for Best Folk Album. The new album has Jason Hahn (The String Cheese Incident) on drums. Guest appearances by Kyle Hollingsworth (The String Cheese Incident) on keyboards and Chris Pandolfi (The Infamous Stringdusters) on banjo on select tracks.

The Sweet Lillies are Julie Gussaroff on upright bass, mandolin, guitar, and vocals, Becca Bisque on fiddle, vocals, and percussion, Dustin Rohleder on guitar and vocals, and Jones Maynard on drums. Opening the show this past Friday night the Sweet Lillies brought their beautiful voices to the Mishawaka stage. Bisque, Gussaroff, and Rohleder all provided unique vocal abilities that blend beautifully. Their singing styles were emotional, high-energy, and poignant extensions of the lyrical poetry they created. Maynard on drums has great concentration and added all kinds of tasteful percussive expressions to the compositions and worked very well with Gussaroff’s hard-thumping bass prowess. Bisque and Rohleder kept the arrangements grooving on fiddle and guitar as well as trading back and forth on solos.

Playing an assortment of songs from their musical adventures and their newest release “Equality" the set touched on many moods and topics, The band’s ability to rock or soothe your soul was on full display, and their infectious energy was front and center and you can’t take your eyes off them. Also playing a few select cover songs including ‘Insane In The Membrane’ by Cypress Hill, ‘I Can Feel It In The Air Tonight’ by Phil Collins, and ’She’s Crafty’ by Beastie Boys, the band showed their diversity and willingness to explore other artists that have influenced them throughout their journey. The Sweet Lillies implement so much attention to detail into their live shows and recordings, they have set the bar to new heights in their musical creativity and we can’t wait to see what they do next.

Bonnie & Taylor Sims sold out the historic Armory Music Venue in Fort Collins last night. The husband-and-wife Texas natives, who have called Colorado their home for several years, have established a loyal, loving fan base here. Armed with fire in their hearts, acoustic guitars, and mile-high smiles, the two were welcomed with open arms by the enthusiastic audience. Joining Bonnie and Taylor were Kevin Matthews on percussion and Bradley Ryan Morse on bass. Both Matthews and Morse are well-established musicians in Colorado and are also in Gasoline Lollipops, one of Colorado’s premier bands.

Bonnie and Taylor Sims released their self-titled debut album on September 15th, 2023. The album is a collection of many different musical styles that the two have been working towards for many years. Americana, country, and folk music are all present on the recording. The duo consistently writes songs from the heart and the road. The collection of songs on this album is a scrapbook of memories, experiences, and life's loves, losses, and lessons. Releasing this album together is just one more step in the Sims' journey. This record is a look inside the hearts and minds of two people who deeply care for each other, presented with beautifully written melodies and introspective songwriting. The album was recorded right here in Colorado at Cinder Sound Studio in Longmont. The recording was mixed by James Tuttle and mastered by Anna Frick.

Bonnie And Taylor Sims also have another musical project together called "Everybody Loves An Outlaw.” Formed in 2017, this alternative rock, soul, country, and blues project has yielded the duo a global hit song “I See Red”. They signed a recording contract with Columbia Records, recorded at the famed Village Studios in Los Angeles, and had a whirlwind experience in the process. "I See Red” has over 200 million streams and 68 million views on YouTube. The song, written by Robbie Nevil and performed by Bonnie Sims, is a gut-wrenching, powerful display of Bonnie's dynamic vocal range. The song’s content is a brutal depiction of love, betrayal, and revenge and has made a global impact in current modern music. The song was featured in the Polish soft-core film “365 Days” and has been covered by contestants on the hit television shows "The Voice" and "America’s Got Talent." The song went viral in 2020, capturing emotions that many of us have felt at one time or another. I can’t even write about this song without getting chills up my spine; it’s so powerfully raw and painful.

Grateful Web had a chance to sit down with Bonnie Sims and ask her a few questions, and here is what she had to say:

GW: How long have you and Taylor been writing and performing together?

Bonnie: 17 years.

GW: Will you be playing songs from your debut album at the Armory in Fort Collins?

Bonnie: Yes, we will be playing all the songs on the new recording, plus some Everybody Loves An Outlaw songs.

GW: When you perform as Everybody Loves An Outlaw, do you use other musicians to complete a full band, or do you and Taylor handle it solo?

Bonnie: It depends on the location of the gig. We just did a gig at the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, and we had studio musicians join us.

GW: Your gig at the Armory has Kevin Matthews on drums and Bradley Ryan Morse on bass guitar. Is this your steady lineup when you perform as Bonnie and Taylor Sims?

Bonnie: Yes, we love Kevin and Bradley, and they are our go-to rhythm section.

GW: In what ways, if any, is this new record different as far as the content and writing style?

Bonnie: It’s the most mature and personal writing we have ever done. It has more of a storyteller feel to it.

GW: You have been very generous with your time; thank you.

Bonnie: You’re welcome.

Last night’s gig was historic in many ways. The Armory is one of those venues that has hosted many of the greatest musical acts in the world. Being no strangers to playing on some of the most iconic stages on the planet, such as the Whisky a Go Go and the Troubadour in Los Angeles, California, Bonnie and Taylor felt right at home and were thrilled that the first show of the album release tour was sold out. Opening the show with ‘I am A Woman,’ Bonnie’s voice filled every corner of the packed room with crystal-clear clarity and power. The tone of her electric guitar was deep and round, providing the perfect backdrop for her vocals. Playing the new album in its entirety in a live setting was a wonderful way to introduce these new songs with all the emotional and physical aspects in plain sight. The on-stage endearing moments between Bonnie and Taylor and the joy they expressed toward each other were inspiring to see.

If one were asked to sum up Bonnie’s voice in three words, they would be velvet, leather, and whiskey. The textures and tones of her range were a kaleidoscope of power, sincerity, and emotion, all being pushed out from deep down in her soul. 'The Cigarette Song' early in the set was a great example of Bonnie’s vulnerability and vocal range as she took the audience back in time to her childhood and the first time she smoked a cigarette—I’m certain that song awoke many people’s memories of the first time they experienced the same thing. Bradley Ryan Morse laid down one heck of a tasty bass solo during this number. Every song had a different style, tempo, and groove, giving the audience a fantastic assortment of what this band is all about.

Taylor Sims, on electric and acoustic guitars, has the string thing down. No matter what instrument he is holding, he selects just the right notes at the right time to express the feeling of the song with distinct, memorable riffs and tasteful solos. His voice was comfortable and draws you into the musical conversation. His buttery tone and delivery had many layers, and his phrasing of the lyrics was packed with finesse and warmth. The rhythm section provided by Matthews and Morse was as solid as it gets. They both improvise and explore the song as it takes shape, and you can feel the foundation being built as they go. It really was cool to see these four people work together so cohesively. The set was stacked with the new songs and a few older ones, too. ‘I See Red’ was the second to last song and once again highlighted the vocal strength from Bonnie. The whole show was one big highlight reel amassed with many musical twists and turns.

On a final note, Taylor Sims recently won the “Outstanding Secret Ingredient” award by 105.5 The Colorado Sound. The Annual Awards Ceremony, held in Boulder, Colorado on November 6th, 2023, was a great night for many local musicians, venues, and solo artists. This award is very deserving of Taylor and basically recognizes him as the ‘special sauce’ in the Northern Colorado music scene. When he is not creating musical magic with his wife Bonnie, you can find him playing with many other talented musicians around the front range of Colorado and beyond. He is one hell of a guitar player and singer with a great personality that lights up any stage he sets foot on. Bonnie Sims also stays busy in another band called Big Richard. This powerful all-female quartet is crushing the club and festival scene with their unique mix of Appalachian fiddle tunes, bluegrass, folk, swing, and country. Go see this band when you can.

The opening act last night was Darling. Hanna Doreen Brown on lead vocals and guitar and Meg Rice on stand-up bass and vocals performed a fantastic set of original music. This past summer, the EP “Hello Darling” was released, and those songs were played last night to a wonderful reception by the audience. Hanna Doreen Brown has a whimsical Americana style to her songwriting. Her voice was subtle and distinct, and every word she sang was pronounced and clear. The simplicity and technicality of the arrangements worked very well together, and the harmonies between Brown and Rice were beautiful. Towards the end of their set, Veronica May, who is also a fantastic singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, joined in on two of the songs. The three-part harmonies were exquisite and tasteful, and the songs were fun and freely presented with class and fun energy.

Congratulations to Bonnie and Taylor Sims; we can’t wait to hear what’s next!

Thanks to The Fort Collins Armory for hosting, to Emma Holt for the beautiful lighting, the production crew, and to all who attended.

Fifty-eight years have passed since their 1965 Colorado debut at the Denver Coliseum. Much has changed since then as far as concert venues and technology, but the one thing that has not changed is the pure rock n’ roll the Rolling Stones deliver with fire and fury to the ever-present adoring fans! The Stones are coming back to Colorado, and we can’t wait to welcome them on June 20th, 2024, at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver's premier sports and music stadium.

The band was in and out of Colorado during the '60s and '70s, having a long storied history with the Rocky Mountain state that reads like a fantasy trip of rock and roll extremes that have endured the test of time. The band seems to love the vibe here as they have been coming back for so many decades, wowing crowds at every show. They played in Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1969 and 1975, and both shows were on Colorado State University property. One of those venues is Moby Arena on campus in Fort Collins, and every time I pass the building, I think about what the show was like in the smallish basketball arena. The other show was in front of forty thousand Rolling Stones fans at Hughes Stadium just west of the campus that has since been torn down, but once again the memories of rock and roll exist in the open field that once hosted the Stones.

They have played at the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1978 and 1981 and Denver in the '90s and 2000s. They might as well take up residency in Colorado, and we will certainly make them feel at home. With all of this history of years past, thankfully it leads us to the present day. The band is still healing from the loss of Mr. Charlie Watts, the original drummer, but they have found a way to carry on with a new album, a major U.S. tour, and Steve Jordan now behind the drum kit. Charlie was a big fan of Jordan and recommended him as his replacement if needed.

The band sounds amazing, the new music is fresh and full of life. Mick Jagger’s voice sounds extraordinary on the new tracks, and we can’t wait to hear some of these songs in a stadium setting. The new album "Hackney Diamonds," the first studio recording in eighteen years from the band, was well worth the wait. Two of the tracks were recorded with Charlie before his passing, and Bill Wyman also joined the boys in the studio. So, the original rhythm section of Wyman and Watts is on the album. Jordan provided the drumming on the rest. Special guests Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, and Stevie Wonder are also on the record.

The whole thing is exciting as hell, and if you are a Stones fan, I am sure you are excited to see the band in 2024. The pre-sale details are included here - https://rollingstones.com/tour/.

Brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson have been on a musical journey together for almost thirty years. They both possess acute knowledge of many facets of music and the music industry. You might say it’s in their blood, coming from a very musical family. This knowledge and inspiration were largely inspired by their father, legendary producer and musician Jim Dickinson. Since they were teenagers, they have been producing records for themselves and have applied their creative skills in various ways. The traditional blues and rock roots that have influenced them their whole lives have provided a solid foundation from which to launch many different ideas and styles.

The brothers have collaborated with many artists over the years, giving their sound many different avenues to explore. They are always eager to try different techniques in the studio and on stage, keeping freshness and growth as vital parts of their vibe. Both Luther and Cody have separately produced albums for some heavy hitters in the blues/rock world, including Samantha Fish, Lucero, and Otha Turner, to name just a few. They possess a contemporary, youthful vitality that bursts through in their own musical endeavors and in the music of other artists they work with. Well-respected and sought-after producers, the Dickinsons are known not only for their allure but also for their genius musical skills in a live show setting that captivates the heart and soul.

Grateful Web had a chance to talk with Luther Dickinson at the Aggie last night, and here’s what he had to say.

GW: The first four dates of this current tour are all in Colorado. How has it been going so far?

Luther: It’s been wonderful, very cold but the audiences have been great. We love Colorado and are thrilled to be back.

GW: What have you been up to other than touring?

Luther: I recently turned fifty and decided to wrap up some lingering musical projects that have been around for a while. It feels good to get them accomplished.

GW: Can you tell me a little bit about the Vibratone guitars you are using on stage?

Luther: The guitars are hand-built by myself and some friends. We have built ten so far. I have a few with me and I just love the wood we are using and the tonal quality we are getting out of them.

GW: Are you working in the studio, producing records for other artists?

Luther - Yes, I have been working with Devon Allman, Donovan Frankenreiter, and Jackson Stokes.

GW: You have been very generous with your time. Thanks so much and have a great show.

Luther: You’re welcome, and thanks for coming out to see us.

The first four dates of this current tour have been in the Rocky Mountain state, and believe me, Coloradans are thrilled about this. Denver, Boulder, Frisco, and Fort Collins, Colorado, were all treated to fantastic evenings of musical magic by North Mississippi Allstars. Grateful Web caught the show in Fort Collins on a brutally cold night outside, but it was hot as a pistol inside when the Allstars took the stage.

North Mississippi Allstars are Luther Dickinson on guitar and vocals, Cody Dickinson on drums and vocals, and Ray-Ray Holloman on bass. There is something about the simplicity of a rock trio that is always intriguing. When three musicians can captivate an audience with skill and emotion minus a heavy stage production, those musicians have done their job. Luther's voice and guitar skills go hand in hand, both filled with deep-rooted soul and emotion.

His guitar arrangements, blues-driven, heavy, and melodic, resonated with the audience. The tone from his Vibratone guitars, coupled with his Category Five amps, was chunky and raw. He does not rely on a massive pedal board, instead embracing the simplicity of playing straight-ahead rock and roll without a lot of fluff.

Luther can steer his guitar playing in many different directions. His fingerpicking style can be as subtle as it is downright dirty and hard-biting. No matter his approach, he always delivers expressive, memorable note selections and hooks. His passion for what he does exploded from the stage, sending shivers through everyone in the room. The band operated as a well-oiled rock and roll outfit. It’s not every day you get to hear contemporary blues and rock and roll delivered with such passion and heart.

Playing a selection of songs from various eras of their career, the set was marked by diversity. The rhythm section of Holloman and Cody Dickinson, like a wall of sound, built a constant foundation for Luther’s guitar to launch from. Cody also took center stage as lead vocalist for a few numbers. The crowd dug the blues rock vibe and made the boys feel welcome. Many in the audience had been following the Dickinson brothers for over two decades, myself included.

Thanks to North Mississippi Allstars for visiting Fort Collins, Colorado. Don’t be strangers; come back soon. Thanks also to the guests, the Aggie for hosting, and the entire production crew for always putting on a great rock show!

Since I have no idea where to begin when it comes to describing Steve Poltz, I will start with our very first interaction. In 2022, Poltz was playing a show (probably his best show ever) at Breckenridge Brewery in Denver, Colorado. I arrived at the gig a little late, and he was already on stage performing. I had never heard of Poltz other than seeing his name on the artist list for that day. As I was walking towards the stage, he was singing and talking with the audience at the same time, making them laugh. I thought, "Okay, this guy seems fun and kind of weird, that's right up my entertainment alley." I unpacked my camera gear and walked out to the front of the stage. Poltz noticed me immediately, and I got a bit nervous because he already seemed pretty unpredictable.

Poltz finished up the song he was playing and made a direct beeline in my direction. He stood right in front of me and said, "Hey, do you want to make the best picture in history?" How could I not take advantage of not knowing what was to come, and politely and excitedly said yes, I would. He said, "Okay, I will count to three, and all you have to do is snap on three and leave the rest up to me." Once again, I obliged with a solid yes. Poltz then counted, and on three, he jumped higher than anyone his age has the right to—we are the same age, so I know this for a fact. I would have pulled a hammy on that move. He asked, "Did you get it?" and I said, "Yes, I did."

After his set, I was waiting for him on the side of the stage to show him the best photo in history, and he said, "Oh my god, you got it, and it’s amazing." We chatted for a bit, and after that day, I have not seen him in person until yesterday. Since then, the photo has been on the cover of The Joshua Tree Voice Magazine in April of 2023 and is also the cover shot on the Steve Poltz website (link included here - https://poltz.com/). I have a feeling Poltz makes many friends in this manner, and boy, am I glad he did. After really digging into his musical journey, I quickly discovered it's pretty far out, adventurous, and downright cool. Poltz could write a song about a space heater and make it interesting and fun; he simply has the ability to entertain an audience with such ease and joy it almost seems unreal. His songwriting is like a moving picture of inspiration and knowledge that comes from somewhere else in the universe, and the cool thing is he sings about it.

Over the years, Poltz has gained many fans and accolades for his thought-provoking and often times comical lyrical truths. His personal interaction with his audience and his uncanny ability to spread joy to the world is inspiring. He writes music from what his eyes capture, his ears hear, and his heart feels. He may think there is no rhyme or reason to his craft, but there is an outcome for everything on this planet, and his happens to be making people happy. He is an unsung hero in some ways as he has penned many beautiful compositions for other artists; you could almost call him the Prince of Folk. He co-wrote the multiplatinum Billboard smash hit ‘You Were Meant For Me’ with his longtime friend Jewel. Poltz’s busker persona, charming wit, and clever delivery of his music work together like nothing normal should.

Well, I hope Steve Poltz can redeem double frequent flyer miles as he flew to Colorado twice yesterday. His first flight was getting ready to land in the Rocky Mountain state when it was determined too dangerous to land with the winter weather bearing down on the Denver airport. The flight flew back to Salt Lake City and returned to Colorado later in the day once the weather cleared. As exhausting as that sounds, Poltz arrived at the gig on time, he was in great spirits, and performed a great set. Armed with his guitar and quick-fire wit, he played music from several different eras of his career and some newer material as well. The consummate storyteller described the origins of the songs and how they came to fruition.

The audience was either tapping their feet or laughing hysterically during the show. Poltz, part singer/songwriter, guitar player, and comedian, shared funny stories of his everyday life. He told a story about meeting Barbara Walters and sitting on her lap while he played her a tune. He told stories of songwriting collaborations with some very colorful characters that inspired some of the weird and wonderful music he played. Poltz had a cool finger-picking style using all of his fingers to pick his well-selected notes on his road-worn Taylor guitar.

Poltz also had a looping setup that enabled him to record layers of his voice and guitar and play it back to the audience. He was adding lyrics over the pre-recorded segment, creating a new song on the spot. The song was about writing songs for someone else and not dealing with the bullshit that comes along with it. The show was great, Poltz is an anomaly of goodness and joy. His approach to music is so clever and unique, offering the listener a perspective they probably never considered. Stay tuned for new music from the denim troubadour, and if you are ever in a position where you might be meeting Poltz and you think he may be hungry, get him a veggie burrito; take my word for it.

Shanna in a Dress opened the show for Poltz and will be opening tonight in Denver as well. Her songwriting was personal, witty, and delivered with style and class. Full of introspective observations of life and love, and with great storytelling abilities, her songs flowed beautifully through the room. It’s not often you get two amazing artists in the same room on the same night who can slay you with a song and make your ribs hurt from laughter. Shanna in a Dress did an amazing job entertaining the audience, and we hope to see her back in Fort Collins soon.

Thanks to Steve Poltz and Shanna in a Dress for visiting Fort Collins. Thanks to Phil Einsohn at 7S MGMT, and thanks to The Armory’s staff and guests.

One might say The High Hawks are a modern-day Roots supergroup, or perhaps just great friends who love to make music together. Either way, it's real magic happening that can't be ignored. You could not put together a more road-savvy group of personalities. These guys all met on the road, passing through the same venues and sharing time on the festival circuit. They are road warriors who have seen it all, lived the traveling musician lifestyle, and have graciously shared, and continue to share, their experiences with the world.

All of the High Hawks members share the common bond of amazing songwriting and musical skills. Perhaps the universal powers that none of us can see brought them together. Taking into account the diversity and similarities of each of these musicians and putting them in a recording studio together must have been a gift from somewhere, right? The band came together in late 2019, and within the first few months of 2020, we were all introduced to, and hopefully will never experience again, a worldwide pandemic. This may have slowed their momentum down a bit as far as playing live shows, but now they are gigging, and people are loving the band.

"Mother Nature’s Show" is the group's second album, recorded in January 2023 and officially released on February 16th, 2024. The symbolism of starting this recording project on the first day of the new year has served the recording well. It was a collective new beginning for the band, and the record has been very well received by the public and critics. The album resembles a concept album as it takes the listener on a journey, a musical travelogue of time, places, people, and situations encountered on the endless highway of a musician's life. "This aforementioned album theme happened during the recording process and was total happenstance," says Vince Herman, vocalist-guitarist of the High Hawks.

Herman, who is one of two frontmen in the band Leftover Salmon, was joined by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Tim Carbone from Railroad Earth, Chad Staehly from Hard Working Americans on keyboards and vocals, Adam Greuel on guitar and vocals from Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, Brian Adams from DeadPhish Orchestra on bass, Will Trask on drums from Great American Taxi, and Kevin on cowbell. If that is not a crazy fine mix of talent, I don’t know what is. All of the musicians and the other bands they are currently in, or have been members of, are similar in style to the High Hawks. They all have an improvisational instinct and an adventurous attitude when it comes to their music, so this could not be a more perfect ensemble they find themselves in.

Last night, The High Hawks brought the Sunday night crowd at the Aggie to a euphoric state of mind. Opening the show with the title track on the band's latest album release, “Mother Nature’s Show,” the band sounded hot right out of the gate. The music swirled from the stage with glorious openness, adventure, marksman-sharp delivery, and superb musicianship. It seemed like an unspoken connection was happening between the musicians and the audience as they ripped through the opening number. Encapsulating grooves that stirred your thoughts with joy and emotion filled the room. The sheer tightness of the band was front and center with clear and distinct instrumentation from everyone. “Somewhere South,” also from the new album, was next on the setlist. The song describes heading to a warm place down south to avoid the cold, harsh winter in the high country. The new music video link for “Somewhere South” is included here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7Veov5Oe5k.

The High Hawks' alt-country, psychedelic rock, and soul sound was a downright foot-stomping party. Influenced by many of America’s greatest musicians, you felt the roots of Americana shine through their music. With four vocalists in the band and three guitar players during several songs, the sound was robust and round. Herman, Carbone, Greuel, and Staehly all delivered their unique vocal styles with fiery fistfuls of power. Their harmonies were beautifully executed, soulful examples of their passion for their craft. Seeing Herman play electric guitar and electric slide guitar was a bit different than his usual acoustic guitar role in Leftover Salmon. Personally, that was a real treat to see him rock out! During the song “Temperature is Rising," that Carbone sang, Herman, Greuel, and Carbone had an electric guitar solo duel, they went back and forth swapping searing licks, getting more powerful and intense as the song progressed.

The set was laid out beautifully, weaving together funky swampy jams, rock and roll, blues, ballads, and waltzes. The rhythm section, with Adams on bass and Trask on drums, was like a solid thick wall of bottom end. They kept the grooves tight and flowing as the rest of the band dug into the arrangements with stylistic instrumentation. The architecture of the songs was layered with chunky rhythm guitar parts from Herman, Carbone, and Greuel. Staehly on keyboards lit up every song with flowing fingerwork that cascaded along the keys like a musical fountain. His soloing skills were prominent and precise with some very tasteful looseness and noodling charm. Anything Carbone touches that has strings on it comes to life with superb clarity and precise note selection, whether he was playing fiddle or guitar, he raised the energy meter into the red with his quickness and instinctual note selection.

About three-quarters of the way through the set, guitar virtuoso Taylor Scott appeared to deliver some fiery electric guitar work on two numbers. Scott is a monster guitar player with amazing instinct and heart. He lent his guitar chops on a cover of Willie Nelson’s “I Get Off On You” and “Backwater Voodoo,” a song by Tuttle, Pool & Greuel from their Cosmic Nudge album. Wow, what a gig, the High Hawks are soaring through the rock & roll landscape with dizzying ambition and serious musical backbone. The band was cohesive, loose, and fun; they brought infectious energy from everywhere. It was nice to see the friendships and respect the band has for one another come through the music; that is what makes a band special and brings the audience back every time.

Wood Belly kicked off the evening of music in fantastic fashion. Performing several genres of music including bluegrass, roots, rock, Americana, folk, and blues, you might say the band has an expanded and diverse musical palette. Recently enlisting Dylan French on drums and Brennan Mackey on bass, the band now has many new doors opening for them musically. Before the rhythm section was added, Wood Belly was a string band and a damn good one. They are deeply rooted in traditional Americana picking styles that span the aforementioned genres, but now they have a bigger, bolder sound, giving the band even more musical avenues to explore.

Chris Weist on acoustic guitar and vocals, Chris Zink on dobro and vocals, and Arron McCloskey on banjo, electric guitar, and vocals are thrilled to be exploring different styles of music with French and Mackey on board. Last night’s set was a gumbo of goodness. The band is adhering to their musical roots while exploring and expanding their sound in cool and interesting directions. Having bass and drums in the band yields many opportunities for the music to grow. They rocked the house last night - the band is bigger, the sound is bigger, and the opportunities are endless for Wood Belly. I was talking with some fans of Wood Belly, and they absolutely loved the newly expanded lineup and move towards a more electric sound.

Thanks to all of the musicians, the audience, and the Aggie staff. Special thanks to the Aggie sound and lighting crew and Silas Herman for doing sound for the High Hawks.

Tumbledown Shack is a five-piece band that has been recreating the magic of the Grateful Dead's music since 2019. Paying tribute to one of the most inspirational bands on the planet and covering one of the largest catalogs of music ever assembled is an arduous and ambitious task. Right off the top, many thanks to this band and many other bands around the world that focus on the preservation and presentation of the timeless music of the Good Ol' Grateful Dead. Tumbledown Shack continues to grow and evolve as a band by exploring many eras of the Dead's music. They explore the early sound of the band from the 1960s up until the untimely passing of Jerry Garcia in 1995.

For a young band, who were all in their very early stages of life when Garcia passed, they have great adoration and respect for the music of the Grateful Dead and the culture that came with it. When you stand back and take a look at the world of the Grateful Dead, it's a lot for the naked eye to digest. If you lived within the nomadic culture that followed the band, you know what I mean. There have been many opportunities for the next generations of fans after the Grateful Dead to taste the sweetness of the music. Dead & Company, probably being the biggest as far as longevity, as well as Phil Lesh & Friends, Furthur, The Dead, The Other Ones, RatDog, and on. The folks who weren’t around yet or not old enough to experience the Grateful Dead received the same but different experience from the surviving members of the band.

Grateful Web had a chance to talk with Luke Hahn-Zollo and Tony Bellucci, both guitar players in Tumbledown Shack, and here's what they had to say:

GW: What do you enjoy most about the Grateful Dead's music?

Zollo: The Grateful Dead have been one of my favorite bands since I was a teenager. Lyrically, the words are beautiful and timeless, while the music is inspired and full of possibility. The overall scene and community that followed the band were always interesting to me, and the music is simply a genre unto itself.

GW: What is the most rewarding aspect of performing the music of the Grateful Dead?

Zollo: I am never bored performing these songs; they draw influence from blues, folk, jazz, and rock. The massive repertoire of songs is another huge appeal. There is so much music, and on any given night our goal is to make the songs sound fresh and fun for the audience. The Dead’s music is a celebration of community and spirit; its magic brings people together, and that's what makes me happy.

GW: Is Tumbledown Shack performing all eras of the Grateful Dead's music?

Bellucci: We cover most eras of the Dead's music, including early Pigpen songs like "Golden Road." The band generally leans towards the eighties era, but personally, I am a big fan of the seventies. The next goal of the band is to step into some of the later Garcia-Hunter, Weir-Barlow compositions, including "Lazy River Road," "Corrina," and "Liberty."

GW: What gives you the most joy from listening to and performing the music of the Grateful Dead?

Bellucci: The universality of the lyrics is what grabs me the most. It takes a great deal of talent to encapsulate a human experience as it relates directly to the listener. The music dances and comes to life just like the pages of a good book. I get great detailed images in my mind from many of the songs, including "Black Peter," "Lady With a Fan," and "Wharf Rat." It really feels like the songs belong to the listener.

My favorite thing about performing the music of the Grateful Dead is the freedom and adventure it presents. There is so much space for interpretation and improvisation within the songs it never gets old. The songs are continually fun to play as they allow the musicians to inject themselves into the music. There are endless possibilities in the music. Bob Weir is a great example with his many different bands and interpretations of the arrangements, musically and lyrically, over the years.

Last night, Tumbledown Shack played at 830 North in Fort Collins, Colorado. They have been playing there on the first Wednesday of each month for a few years now, establishing a great fan following. Opening the first set with "Sugaree" brought a great vibe to the room right out of the gate. On vocals and lead guitar was Luke Hahn-Zollo, Chris Bell on keyboards and vocals, Cragon Sims on bass and backing vocals, Tony Bellucci on rhythm guitar, and Joel Zeiner on drums. The rhythm section, provided by Sims on bass and Zeiner on drums, provided a solid, robust foundation for the music to take shape from. Zollo’s voice was strong and clear, his guitar skills and the tone of his instrument were very reminiscent of Garcia's playing style, and his improvisational instinct was clearly his own. Keeping the arrangements of the songs flowing with melodic adventure was Bell on keyboards and Bellucci on rhythm guitar working in tandem, providing cascading melodies of sound that had cool, flowing, highly danceable grooves.

Zollo and Bell traded vocal duties on select songs, each bringing their unique vocal styles and ranges to the party. Their soloing abilities were also expressive and distinct, capturing the true essence of adventure through music. The set rolled on with "Ramble on Rose," "Golden Road," "Mighty High," "Row Jimmy," "Cassidy," and then a very special guest, Boots Jaffee, joined the band on harmonica for "Miracle" and "Easy Wind." If you are not familiar with Jaffe, he was a member of the Grateful Dead's road crew from 1968 through 1976. He was the pyrotechnics expert for the band and has stories to tell that will burn off both of your ears. "Easy Wind," "West L.A. Fadeaway," and "The Mighty Quinn" closed out a great first set.

Each member of Tumbledown Shack has a great deal of passion for the music of the Grateful Dead. You can hear it in their voices, see it in their expressions, and feel it in your heart. They are all gifted musicians with great dedication to the preservation of the timeless music they play. Last night's show was a great example of cohesiveness, looseness, and the adventurous spirit these men have playing together. There was a lot of individuality as well as full band exploration happening, and that was cool to see. Bands like Tumbledown Shack are so necessary in providing the richness and colorful culture of the past to new generations of music fans. For us older folks, we couldn’t be more appreciative of reliving the memories of the Grateful Dead. I was not in attendance for the second set, but I am sure it was a ripper! (setlist included below)

Thanks to Tumbledown Shack, 830 North's production staff, and all of the guests that came out.

Most national touring bands don’t typically play ten shows in one state, but then again, moe. is not your typical band. They are more like a musical montage spinning at furious speeds, constantly gaining momentum from each other and their loyal fan base, lovingly and respectfully called moe.rons. Hailing from upstate New York, the band feels more like they are from all fifty states as they have made forever friends and fans throughout their journey. moe. has enhanced, nourished, and expanded peoples' lives much like a healthy marriage. Heck, they have been a band for thirty years—longer than most marriages, which are usually to one other person, not a whole group of people. They have persevered, ignored patterns and trends, and have transcended their space in time on this planet by generously sharing their craft.

When you look at the musical portrait moe. paints on any stage and in any location anywhere in the world, there is one certainty: that is damn fine music. Music so inspirational and moving that you want to pass it on like an athlete passing the baton in a relay race. You want to tell your friends; you want to share the emotion with your kids. If you don’t have kids, you want to have kids so you can share the joy you get from the band with them. What can you say about this band that is beyond description and has not been said before? Well, it’s simple; you don’t have to say anything. Your expression of joy is enough to convey the feeling you get from the band to the person dancing next to you. That vibe between everyone cascades around the room with great momentum and unspoken energy, filling souls and minds with blissful satisfaction.

Bands come in and out of our lives, and moe. is not going anywhere but up. They have successfully cultivated uniqueness; they are gatherers of followers, most of whom have been there from the very beginning, while others have been scooped up along the way. Starting their musical journey three decades ago was a very grassroots situation for the band. And it still feels that way. You have the mesmerizing synergy and the unknown of what they might try next, all supported by a massive, empowered fan base. But after all is said and done, moe. is still a grassroots band with a rather large extended family.

The band divides their creative time between the studio and the stage. They have made good use of both these important aspects of their career. With a dozen albums released and countless days and nights performing for audiences around the world, the band continues to leave an undeniable contribution to the history of modern music. moe. is a creation of its own design; they might not even know what they have done, but as I mentioned earlier, the depiction is in the mind of the listener, and that belongs to that person to interpret any way they see fit.

The sold-out first night of the band's two-night run at Washington's was electrifying, even before entering the building. Grateful Web spent a few minutes chatting with eager moe. fans to gather their thoughts on the band and their music. Some attendees had been to all the Colorado shows, while others were experiencing moe. for the first time. We talked to a couple who hadn't seen a moe. show in twenty years. The crowd's age range was broad, from the young to the well-seasoned. It was thrilling to see a new generation of fans digging the music just as much as those who could sing along to every song and appreciate every nuance of the band's live performance.

When moe. took the stage the room erupted with excitement, it felt like the audience was saying hello to old friends creating a cool vibe right out of the gate. Al Schnier on guitar and vocals, Chuck Garvey also on guitar and vocals, Rob Derhak on bass and vocals, Vinnie Amico on drums, Jim Loughlin on percussion and newest member now into his second year with the band Nate Wilson on keyboards and vocals. Personally for me I had not seen the band in a few years so the anticipation of a keyboard player was really high for me. The bands already full sound just got bigger, bolder and broader in many ways. Wilson on keyboards had acute sensibilities about filling spaces with improvisational melodies keeping the rhythm of the wildly intellectual arrangements flowing freely. What a spectacular addition to the band and the guy can sing.

Opening the show with 'Time Again' set the venue ablaze. The improvisational prowess of each band member leaped from the stage directly into the audience. The swirling kaleidoscope of sound that the journeymen of jam produced was truly extraordinary, as their exploratory nature captivated your soul. The shared guitar responsibilities between Garvey and Schnier amounted to a mind-altering sensory onslaught. Despite their distinct styles, the energy and feel of their play were harmoniously aligned, powered by their respective guitar rigs. Both Garvey and Schnier, with their face-melting capabilities, could scorch the earth with their searing guitar solos and simultaneously cool it down with their loose, robust rhythms. Derhak, anchoring the front line of the stage on bass, was as solid as they come. His thick grooves enveloped the room, filling every inch with deep, resonant bass lines that offered clear, distinct notes and a soulful vibe.

The undeniable force behind the drums was Vinnie Amico. He incorporates pretty much every genre of music into his drumming style. Blues, rock, jazz, funk, they are all in there. He is so adaptable to the music going on around him and picks up on everything so fast it was fascinating to witness. His percussion partner, Jim Loughlin, had an array of instruments around him, and he put them all to the rock and roll test. The mix of a traditional drum kit from Amico coupled with the eclectic line of instruments by Loughlin, including xylophone, vibraphone, conga drums, and more, built a wall of sound that was thick, technical, and foot-stomping fun.

The sets were full of tasty treats including ‘Paper Dragon’, ‘Again and Again’, ‘Meat’, and many more, including ‘Rocky Mountain Way’ to close out the show. We have included a photo of the full set. The show was amazing, the band was having fun as was the audience, and the energy between the two was electric. moe. knows what to do and they do it over and over again, delivering a musical journey to an ever-growing audience that is awe-inspiring. If you are going tonight to the last show of the Colorado run, have fun and enjoy the wild ride!

Thanks, moe., for visiting Fort Collins, and thanks to Washington’s staff and all of the guests.

Are you still on the fence about which music festivals you will be attending this summer? Well, look no further than the world-class 22nd annual Blues From The Top Music Festival in picturesque Winter Park, Colorado. Every year, the hills come alive with the sound of music, and this year is no exception. The festival not only presents incredible musical talent each year, but it also provides one of the most beautiful locations on the planet to host this amazing three-day event. Rendezvous Event Center is located in the heart of downtown Winter Park, within walking distance of fantastic lodging accommodations, great restaurants, and all of the other amenities the town has to offer. So, if you want to get up early and do some fly fishing or mountain biking before the music starts each day, it’s literally at your fingertips.

There are several ways to enjoy the festival, and they are all good! You can bring your camp chair and set up on the lawn, you can gather in front of the stage for an up-close and personal view of your favorite artists, or you can enjoy a VIP experience (VIP option included in link) - https://grandblues.org/bluesfromthetop/. Any way you choose to take in the sights and sounds of the festival will be memorable and exciting.

The vibe of the festival is so cool and laid back that many of the artists will meet and greet after their sets at the festival merchandise area to sign official merchandise items and chat with fans. The layout of the festival has a lot to offer as far as diversity in the music, food, and on-site vendors selling everything from guitars to gumbo. Giving The Gift Of Music is Blue Star Connection, the non-profit organization’s mission is to provide access and ownership of musical instruments for children and adults with cancer and other serious life challenges. More information on Blue Star Connection included here - https://grandblues.org/bluestarconnection/.

Thanks to the Grand County Blues Society for your never-ending support of the arts!