Mon, 04/06/2015 - 3:21 pm

Nestled in the Sierras at the base of Squaw Valley Lodge, Winter Wonder Grass opened its door for the first time on the West Coast to deliver a top notch line up of Bluegrass music. The previously only located in Colorado festival spread its wings to expand to another Grass loving area in Tahoe. Billed as a Beer and Music festival the bill, did not lie. Every major brewer on the West Coast was in attendance from Lagunitas, Tahoe Favorite 50/50, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Green Flash and many, many more! Bringing their amazing concoctions for all to try. Free beer tastings were available daily for the first few hours of the day and Sierra full sized beers accompanied Golden Road Brewing for sale, after tastings had ended.

The festival, located in a parking lot at Squaw was a cozy little environment. Not too large and not too small. Getting in was easy and efficient, something that seems minor, but makes a difference. Wristbands were given so you need not hold onto that one printed ticket copy for 3 days. Hoping that paper stayed in one piece, was a worry of no one there. The grounds were packed with a large main stage in the center and located in the two beer tasting tents to the rear, were two more stages! The music never stopped. When the main stage would end, the two side stages would kick off. Even when you needed to get another tasting or full beer, there was always music. Worried about who to pick to see, no need. Both small tents had bands playing multiple sets, except for a few local groups at the start of the day. The tents, heated for those cold ones, never felt too crowded and the flow of the event was well staged. Too many times you walk too far to get from stage to another, not a factor at Wintergrass. In the rear of the festival was the Bonfire tent. The name gave away the fact that the plastic doors sealed in a nice and toasty room. Also located in the Bonfire tent was an Open Mic style stage where attendees who play music could sign up and let the Bluegrass world hear what they got. A nice touch to break down the wall between fans and performers.

Food was provided by two food trucks and local classic and favorite Moe’s BBQ made sure folks were stuffed. An awesome garbage system had staff making sure that the waste footprint was as minor as possible. Almost 90% of all waste was either composted or recycled. Attendees received a nice tin pint glass from Klean Kanteen is you purchased a 3 day pass. Many attendees also purchased ski combo passes that allowed them to shred, the little snow left on the hills, and then take in the tunes. I passed on the skiing and was glad I did. The music was all around spectacular and I would have missed far too many great sets if I had gone floating on the…uh…sadly little amount of manmade snow left on the hill.

Friday night had the headliner Infamous Stringdusters fly out the vibe still resonating form the Colorado Winter Grass sessions a few weeks before. Those boys can bring the heat like no other. Picking and plucking fast as I have seen in a long time no matter what grip the cold had. Starting off Friday thought was Southern California’s rising stars The Dust Bowl Revival. Kicking things off on the main stage and graced the smaller stages twice more that day! Their music seems to strike a chord that lives so comfortably between the dance vibe of flapper era swing, to the horn of New Orleans and back down to the roots of Americana and Rock. The sound this band emits is so comforting of all things American music, it’s impossible not to smile at the incredibly talented group.

The Brothers Comatose, who have opened and played at so many great California shows, festivals and with many bands are impossible to deny a rightful place in the upper escallop of the live music world. Solid performers and great songs deliver what is so great about live music these days. Real, honest, and downright spectacular tunes from real people. Not studio manufactured shells. Tahoe favorites Dead Winter Carpenters did not disappoint. Jenny Charles and her fiddle flowed wildly over the stage as Bryan shredded out some killer guitar sections. Having seen them recently in San Francisco, this show was leaps and bounds better as a healthy band is better than an ill band any day of the week. It was refreshing set that had me remembering why Dead Winter is so dang fun. Front Country played at the other side of the small tents. Sadly I had’t seen them before but very much enjoyed what I heard. I can’t wait to see what they can do in the future and definitely added to my tour alerts.

Friday night housed a late night show at the Olympic Village with The Dustbowl Revival and Dead Winter Carpenters, show #4 for Dustbowl and #2 for Dead Winter. Most all the bands at Winter Grass played more than 1 set or sat in with others. And of course Sam Bush sitting in at any time was a magical treat for the festival. I did not attend any late nights Friday but the word round the campfire the next day was it was incredible. "A hell of a kick off for the weekend” one festival goer said.

Saturday brought another wonderful day. No rain or snow and sunny skies. At the village before the festival started, bluegrass bands played in front of stores and musicians and goers a like walked all over. It was not uncommon to see the band you saw the day before in line in front of you at the coffee shop. Something about that feeling of a festival makes it just 10x better than others. Local football stars from the 49ers were staying nearby and even the new coach Jim Tomsula was seen rocking out to some bluegrass.

Saturday kicked off inside with the small tents with The Brothers Comatose enlisting for day 2 of 2 of getting the party started. I cannot stress enough how awesome these guys are. Especially at getting the blood flowing and feet moving. Across the grounds was a local favorite Paige Anderson & Fearless Kin. I had never heard of them before, probably because they are all very young. A man I spoke to up front said he came out to the festival from the east coast to see this band in particular. This took me back but I made sure to take note to look into them. It is always surprising to see young ones carrying on a music that young people tend to not care about. An incredible sight to see, I can only hope to hear and see more of them the future.

On the main stage to kick things off was Scott Law & Tyler Grant. I had no idea who Tyler Grant was but Scott Law is always bringing the heat. The duo was a great mellow way to ease into Saturday. I knew we’d see Scott Law again as he seems to be sitting in with everyone these days. A fantastic treat for all. In the smaller stages we had another round of the Brothers Comatose and Head for the Hills made their way to the smaller stages for a couple show times. Head for Hills is such a solid band, even on a short set. Knowing we had 3 solid sets on Saturday was a guarantee that we’d have some amazing times. On the main stage next came The California Honeydrops, a band that was high on my list to see. I had last seen them at High Sierra and was very excited to see them again. I was raised on Motown classics and this band resonates that style of music for me. Maybes it the horns, but I think it’s the lead singer’s voice. It just brings a certain level of comfort that is undeniable. Then minutes later has your booty shaking and you didn’t’t even realize it. My crew bought tickets to their late night Saturday night, as we stayed super close to the venue and mid set, got me even more pumped for the day and night ahead.

Another round of delicious beer and a quick warm up in the tent brought us some more Head for the Hills but Scott Law and Tyler Grant took over the smaller stages for a set or two. I found it hard to leave the Head for the Hills stages however as time flies at this festival of non-stop music, it was time for Elephant Revival at the main stage. My fiancé had been on a big Elephant Revival kick leading up to the festival and I was beyond excited to see them again. This band is timeless. Pure awesome-ness all around. Guests from the California Honeydrops and Mr. Scott Law sat in for some tasty jams. The night rounded off with Trampled by Turtles, a band I had heard of a ton of times, but never been lucky enough to see live. Amazing lights accompanied the show as they started off in 3rd gear. Picking blazing tunes and blasting the crowd into the atmosphere. The night winded on and my crew headed out a bit early to grab the shuttle and gear up for the late night shows! Dustbowl Revival kicked off at the Tahoe famous Moe’s BBQ followed by a mind blowing, never forget set from the California Honeydrops.

Moe’s small little upstairs room was a personal intimate venue catering perfectly to the festival’s small community vibe. Dustbowl Revival brought the jams and packed the stage with its members. Dancing from upstairs sounded like thunder from below and could be heard outside which was nice for when you had to get some air. This guy at this point was having too much fun and left the camera at the hotel before heading out. Sometimes you need to put down the cam and dance. It was a perfect end to a perfect festival Saturday.

Sunday came too early and bright. Reports of rain and even possible snow had us packing extra layers and excitement. My fiancé and I met a few years back and fell in love with the soundtrack of Greensky Bluegrass and Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers. Sunday was the day we were waiting for. However we had a stop off at the Olympic Village to get the day going by seeing a local San Francisco bluegrass favorite of ours playing an offshoot of the festival on a small stage. The Neckbeard Boys had a stripped down version playing for a couple hours in the square and we decided to knock back a few cold ones to get started there. The fellas brought the heat for being stripped down to a trio and even had another SF favorite Beauty Operators sit in for few tunes, always a treat. Once again this festival and community shows how tight knit it is and we all get to reap the rewards. Even a couple of Greensky fellas came walking by to take in the tunes. Time quickly flew by and I headed in for some shooting.

Sunday’s weather was once again confirmed to be rough by the fantastic security team at the main stage. A quick Doppler check confirmed 6-9 was going to be messy. Snow, rain, and sleet expected. Oh boy, am I glad my camera is weather sealed! However it didn’t’t arrive yet for Head for the Hills. I already raved about these fellas so I’ll just say, it was more of the same amazing awesome sauce we had all been loving all weekend. Shortly after the set it was again announced about the small stage in the rear of the venue for some fans to sign up for an open mic. The announcer mentioned a band who played the night before was incredible and should anyone know who they were, they wanted to book them for next year. How about that?!? Turns out it was the Neckbeard Boys who had played an open mic at 8pm and brought the house down with their take on the "The Weight” by The Band. The guitar player from the Neck Beard Boys was nearby and took the chance to say “HEY HEY THAT’S US HERE!” As the crowd looked around to see the man, the announcer said those words that all up and coming bands wish to hear, “Come find me. You’re going to play here next year!” How about that? Take about a close knit community. Reason #465 I love bluegrass music and the community it cultivates.

Other California favorites the T-Sisters got the smaller tents a moving, while Fruition carried on their foot stomping good time across the grounds. The sisters are always such a great time and truly awesome to hear those voices. One of a kind these days and never to be missed. Sadly I didn’t’t make it to Fruition but that was due to the lack of space in the tent. It was tough to get in there and get a beer let alone hear the music. The fans were loving it. But the time for me to move to main stage was here, Nicki and the Gramblers were heading on soon. And then it came….the first few drops.

Rain started slowly, turned to sleet, some hail and then on to snow. It didn’t’t stop anyone from riding the rail up front, singing, dancing and swaying away. Nicki and the Gramblers are gearing up for a new album release soon and the new songs were a pleasure to hear. New fresh tunes that bring out what we all love so much about the band. Everyone is too damn talented in many genres and styles of music. Then the rain took over. A small flood took to the side of the stage but handled quickly and had everyone enjoying the incredible set of tunes sprinkled with the flavor of the elements.

Watching Tim and Nicki doing their thing in the rain was magical. Sam Bush joined as he did so often during the weekend to bring down the place. Scott Law of course sat in and dueling guitars shredded and brought the energy higher and higher. And when you couldn’t think it could do any higher, the set winded down and Greensky Bluegrass prepped the stage.

These guys just seem to keep stepping it up over and over again. With class ‘A’ lights (photographer here) and perfect theatrical timing, it takes bluegrass to another level. I often tell people, when I am trying to describe their sound is that the legendary Rolling Stone said it best, “Defining a genre for a whole new generation.” Can’t say it any better than that. While it is bluegrass, it has this undeniable power of rock. It’s a train, set to full steam ahead and is meticulous as it is powerful.

Sam Bush joined as he did so many times before during the weekend. Lead singer Paul Hoffman took a minute to personalize what it meant to play with Sam. Furthering this aura of an infinite community and endless collaboration. What once was a fan, is now sharing a stage with those who inspired them along their quest as musicians. And isn’t that what you want from these experiences? That feeling that you have been here before, and love where it’s going. Rain and snow couldn’t stop the fun of the finale of the weekend. There were late nights with Sam Bush that I heard were stunning and spectacular, however my weekend went out with bang that night listening to some of my favorites in the rain and snow in the Sierras. I hope this festival comes back, as it is what makes this music and community so fantastic. The only thing that would have or could have made this festival any better was fully covered snowy mountains. Maybe next year.

Sat, 05/07/2016 - 7:19 am

It was a double whammy of new record releases at the Great American Music Hall for the Dead Winter Carpenters and The Sam Chase and the Untraditional. Both bands dropped highly anticipated new albums, but welcomed Marty O’Reilly and the Old Soul Orchestra to get the night going.

I had yet to see Marty O’Reilly live but had fallen into his music the week before the show and was eagerly awaiting his performance. Playing with his band the Old Soul Orchestra, they delivered a nice round sound that was a good kind of familiar. The comparison of Marty and Sam’s music can be made, as they both perform with all they have and scratchiness to their voices, but a great treat was the variety of sound and multi dimensional feeling of his music. The fiddle player in particular was a highlight for me as he shredded his bow down song after song. Something about smaller sized bands that can deliver thick sounds without being too much is something I very much enjoy in my music these days. Watching Marty, snap into his songs was a visual representation of his energy shifting inside, and rolling out to us all. The kind of thing you can’t teach, it just happens. No new album from them on this night, but I look forward to future releases.

Lake Tahoe’s own, The Dead Winter Carpenters have been long time guests of the Bay Area music scene and one of the first bands I ever photographed. Their music floats on the border of so many great genres it’s hard to nail their sound down into one. Front man Jesse Dunn’s voice transports me to a front porch on sunny day and alongside him, Jenni Charles fiddle dances up my spine and brings me inside for a warm meal. Shredding guitarist Bryan Daines adds some delicious desert to the mix. Fulfilling the doctor recommended dose of all the essential nutrients of a great band. In an ever evolving music scene that sometimes seem stale and unoriginal, The Dead Winter Carpenters keep doing what they do so well, while never every sounding stale. The new album ‘Washoe' was released in February of this year, but celebrating it should rightfully continue for a while.

Headlining was San Francisco staples, The Sam Chase and the Untraditional. It is impossible to be in the Bay Area and not know of Sam and his band of talented hooligans. In this strange time in San Francisco culture, his music is capturing so much of what is going on in our society and reflections from the inside as well as outside of our small 7 by 7 bubble. And like so many great songwriters before him, he allows himself to poke and prod, show but hide, and deliver us insight in such a way that we can find our own soulful salvation from the music. Whether you think tech is destroying the city or just another phase of its life, the new album Great White Noise playfully explores all the elements of life in this city and even the world through his eyes. Sam’s music and new album is one that accents the city and the scene we all have come to love and sometimes hate.

The record release show was a great mix of old and new tunes played before a packed house. Special guest and former band mate Ari Daly made a visit for a song or two and Banjo great and member of Crow and the Canyon Austin Quattlebaum sat in for the show. Banjo, Trumpet, Cello, Electric Guitar, Resonator and Acoustic guitar, keys, stand up bass and drums round out an amazing sound. While Marty may be subtle, these guys are a well needed and wanted brick to the head. Every slice of the American music staples can be heard under the weathered sound of Sam’s voice. Equally two parts, soft and rough, the music is the sound of a great big band in a big every changing city.

Near the end of the night Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ was covered by the band and can be seen in the video attached above. A fitting tribute to a legend in a style all too familiar to the fans in the Bay Area. As a San Franciscan live music addict and a lover of all things California the night was a great celebration of two long running West Coast bands new music and a celebrations of the life in the modern day west coast music scene. Recently some press has called the scene and industry nearing death. They obviously don’t get out seeing shows much because after this one night, you cannot help but know, without a doubt, these bands are driving the scene and all is alive and well.

Check out more photos from the show.

Tue, 08/02/2016 - 7:14 pm

To see a performer perform for the first time can be a wild thing. How will they handle the pressure? How will they perform on stage for the first time in front of a roaring crowd? You have to be bold, brave and strong. Fearless in the face of the unknown. You have to put yourself out there. Princess Maya and her band The Breathing Treatments are all of thee above and them some. 

6 year old Maya has been battling leukemia and had her wish was to be granted at the legendary Swedish American Music Hall in San Francisco. Her wish was to be a singer in front of an audience and to wear a yellow dress. The song she’d be performing was Christina Perri's “A Thousand Years.” A band of talented musicians formed her backing band aptly named, the Breathing Treatments. 

Crowds lined up early and eagerly awaited the doors to open. Passerby wondered what was going on, and stores near by had employees taking breaks to hopefully see the show. Many brought flowers for the young star and made large signs to cheer her on. Well before show time the seats were filled and the balcony had to be opened to accommodate the crowd filling the Music Hall to capacity. Lights dimmed at young Princess Maya’s mother took the stage to share the story of her daughters treatment and journey to San Francisco that day. Her speech was not only touching but the video of images moved us all. 

When the Princess walked out, father in one hand and vocal coach in the other, her smile lit up the room and the cheers were deafening. The yellow dress was sparking all over and she commanded the stage. After her introduction she kicked the band of with a signature, “From the top!” Maya nailed it. Hitting the high notes and swooning everyone in the room. There was not a dry eye in the place as she brought the house down. But she wasn’t done yet. Maya stayed to say hello to every fan and sign autographs on her cd for everyone who wanted one. After her work was done she ran around the venue to play with some friends from school and was eventually wicked away into her limo. 

This young girl has the making of a superstar. Having seen her bold first performance, I have no doubt we will be seeing her name in bright lights again.

Wed, 05/24/2017 - 6:19 am

Saturday night in San Francisco welcomed back it’s friends from Southern California The Dustbowl Revival, to share some new tunes leading up to the new self-titled album release, this June 16th. But starting up the night off was Bay Area locals Steep Ravine and Steve Poltz.

Steep Ravine is a genre all their own. Blending many kinds of music, they eased the crowd into the night. Joined by a pedal steel guitar player who brought some subtle twang into the mix. Slowly moving and grooving, they set the scene for what was sure to be a fun night. 

Steve Poltz came up with his own blend of magic. To hold a packed Fillmore with an acoustic guitar and insane talent is not something many can do. Leading the crowd in a cover of This Land is Your Land, he crowd surfed over everyone as they all sang around him. In this day and age, it gave me the chills in a way, I haven’t felt at a show in a long while. Joined by some members of The Dustbowl Revival and Steep Ravine, Steve Poltz closed out his set on a high note leading into the main course. 

The Dustbowl Revival have not only been traveling across the country, but the world. Being invited to China to play their tunes there is no limit to the band’s reach. Their non-stop movement and continuing success was a great precursor to the show ahead. Playing a bunch of songs from their new album, it gave fans new treats, while bring new ones into the fold of what to expect from this amazing band. 

I highly recommend picking up their new album and diving into the live album with parts (mostly) recorded in their home away from home, San Francisco not too long ago. When this band comes to San Francisco, something special happens, they may call Southern California home, but I think perhaps some of their heart, resides in the north.

Check out more photos from the show.