2020 has been a heck of a ride, full of ups and downs, at times seeming hard to find light in the darkness.  Shining stars exist throughout, however, bringing us through the craziness. Among those beacons of light, new music by our favorite artists is certainly something that guides us.

Horseshoes and Hand Grenades recognizes the difficult year we have all had, and are incredibly thankful for their devoted fans.  That is why their fifth studio album, Miles in Blue, was just released on Wednesday, November 25th.

For a band that considers themselves a family, sharing this new music ahead of the holiday is purposefully special.

“Music can be one of the finest medicines!” says Horseshoes and Hand Grenades’ guitarist and vocalist Adam Greuel.  “We all know how gnarly 2020 has been. We want to provide the community that surrounds our music with something that might help them get through the times and bring a smile to their faces…we figured that there was no better time to release this album than Thanksgiving because, well, we're thankful!”

Back in January 2019, when 2020 was still a distant dream, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades went into Pachyderm Studios in Cannon Falls, MN with 18 songs of original material.  Each of the five band members contributed to the songwriting, resulting in a true showcase of the bands’ talents, and a glimpse into each of their personalities.

“This album kind of captures our collective and individual experiences of ‘growing up’,” Adam Greuel shares. “2018 was the busiest year we'd had as a band and I think we all started to feel the tensions of being on the road versus being home. When you're out on the road playing music with your best buddies, doing what you love as your job, you're also missing being home with your family, your partner, your little quant fishing holes. You start to feel those miles on your body and wonder if maybe you should take some time to rest up. I think some of our individual experiences of being on the road are wrapped up in this record. I think most humans feel these types of tensions as life gets busy and we have to really consciously make the decisions to nurture relationships with the people we love."

So, with just 6 days to work with, 6 days that would lead up to and conclude with the total "blood moon" super-moon Eclipse of January 2019, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades and their individual and collective wealth of life experiences stepped into the studio.

To produce the project, they recruited Chad Staehly of Great American Taxi, Hard Working Americans, and, most recently, The High Hawks, of which Greuel is a member.

“I'll admit I was a bit leery when they told me they had eighteen songs that they wanted to record in a matter of six days,” says Staehly. “Once we dug in and got started though it was apparent that it was going to be really easy to do. The band had been touring hard and were a well-greased machine.”

The large amount of material, combined with the short time frame and possibly some lunar magic resulted in a recording process that at times was “hit record and play.”

“The music really played the band and everyone served the songs in the highest way possible,” recalls Staehly.  “Amazing things can unfold when a band is making a record and there are trust and good vibes in the room. We had that in aces, and everyone did their best.”

The result is a studio recording that manages to capture the true vibe, energy, and emotion of this unique quintet.

Miles In Blue begins with the tune Broke, penned by Russell Pedersen (banjo, vocals), which was released as the album’s first single, along with a video.

"It's a broad anthem to anyone who has to work, which is basically everyone,” says Pedersen of Broke.  “The real crux of the tune stems from all that is lost while working a job, any job. ‘Broke’ is a plea to the world to take every tiny moment and savor it all you can. You know, it's a lot better to be fiscally broke than morally. Hug your partner, tell your kid you love them, and call your Mom and Dad. Don't lose sight of what you're really working for."

Broke, written well before 2020 had cast itself upon us as a year that will never be forgotten, is certainly a poignant message, one that proves even more relevant now in 2020's shadow.

“With the time period being what it is, it's been a great moment for bands to get creative with their careers,” Greuel says, with a note of positivity.  “We can't be out on the road playing shows, but we can do things like live streams, songwriting, and releasing an album!”

Thankfully, that is just what Horseshoes and Hand Grenades have done, and Miles In Blue is a testament to the talent, ambition, creativity, and growth of these five friends from Wisconsin.

Producer Chad Staehly sums it up: “We had so much fun making this album, like fall out of your chair laughing kind of fun, and we all cried and had our hearts broken too. This album has it all, the full range of emotion and what goes into living. There's also plenty to dance to on the album and songs that make you want to throw your hands up in the air like you just don't care.”

In the early morning of January 21, 2019, in the shadow of the Total Supermoon Blood Moon Eclipse, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades shared in drinks and merriment as they had their final in-studio listen to Miles In Blue.

One of the tracks on the album is a Russ Pedersen instrumental titled Eclipse.

The serendipity of the moment was not lost on the band, as Greuel recalls.  “It really gave us this feeling that everything was just as it was supposed to be. There was a magical feeling in the studio for this one.”

PURCHASE HERE

Mark Pietrovito is not afraid to rely on his friends when the need arises.  The former mandolin player for Part & Parcel is blessed with many of them and doesn’t take any for granted.

Recently, Pietrovito found himself at a crossroads in his life.  His band, comprised of some of his longest and best friends, had just called it quits. He was looking for a new direction while facing adversity on many fronts.

He used songwriting as a tool to pass the time and fell into an extremely prolific artistic period. His struggles, as well as his achievements, began to emerge in the music. 

Eventually, things began to brighten in Mark’s world.  He settled into life after his band.  He got sober.  He started to embrace the happiness again.  And he was sitting on a ton of new songs that reflected his journey - both personally and artistically. 

At that point, Pietrovito did what he has always done - he reached out to his friends.  

Mark began by connecting with artist and producer Brian Dale Allen Strouse, who helped to start the process of bringing the new music to life.  He then called on some of his best friends in Tenth Mountain Division to serve as his backing band.  He recruited Pennsylvanian folk artist, Little Flowers, for additional vocals.  

GoodFolk, as this new venture would be dubbed, was coming to fruition - with the help of Mark Pietrovito’s friends.

“The beauty of GoodFolk,” Pietrovito says, “is that it’s a collaborative effort between me and whatever friends are around!  The lineup isn’t ever permanent.”

One of the friends who happened to be “around” was Fritz Boniface (Deer Creek Sharpshooters), who also helps manage the Home Ranch in Clark, CO.  Pietrovito chose this as the location to finally give life to his collection of songs.
 
A few days were spent soundproofing a cabin, and Boulder’s Cosmic Collective supplied gear and helped to build a studio space.  Brian Dale Allen Strouse and Little Flowers flew in from Pennsylvania and were joined by Tenth Mountain Division and Kay McKenzie (Three Wire Winter).

In just a few days, the entire album that would be Thanks For Being My Friend was recorded.  During the process, the group did what friends do; they rode horses, explored the property, played music, and poured themselves into the project.

The recordings that came from this session reflect the attitudes and relationships surrounding the artists in that time and space.  While many of the songs dive into deeper waters, the light still manages to shine brightly through. 

I Can’t Swim, the first track to be released, features the full band of Tenth Mountain Division along with Little Flowers’ vocals.  The song is catchy and playful, but in a sarcastic sort of way.  Of I Can’t Swim Pietrovito says, “I think it makes mischief out of struggle.”

Living Proof is one of the few older songs on the album, written several years ago, but remaining true to the original composition.  The recording features Andrew Cooney (Tenth Mountain Division) and a brief backing vocal from Little Flowers. 

“I wrote this tune years ago, it always stuck with me,” Pietrovito says. “I think it’s about a life-long sort of love.”

From the opening track of Blue, with its danceable, uptempo beat combined with introspective lyrics, it is evident that this album will cover a mountain of terrain.
 

“Nothing is as it seems, 

there are angels talking in my dreams.  

They give advice to me, 

but nothing comes for free.”

~Blue

 And that is an ongoing theme of Thanks For Being My Friend - that nothing is as it seems.  

An apparently mournful song like Many Things will have you happily humming along to the catchy and uplifting melody. From the folk ballad of Everybody to the self-reflective Scapegoat, these songs tell deep stories and paint intricate pictures.   
 

“You’ve got to make it to the top

If you’re gonna fall from grace

If you hit the bottom before me

Just save a little space”

~ Everybody

Fin des Temps is a duet with Little Flowers that could easily find itself on any pop chart, while Ghosts dares the listener to rethink their own existence, but maintains a melody that won’t easily fade from your head. A song like Sad is anything but, delivered with a straight-up rocking guitar solo along the way. 

The album’s closing track, Bitter Truth, displays an image of an artist struggling through a difficult time, with the refrain “I feel I’m breaking down.”  Yet the song manages to frame the image in hope.

From top to bottom, it is hope that permeates every note of GoodFolk’s debut album. Hope in struggle, hope in sin, hope in life.  Hope has brought Mark Pietrovito to the place in which he now finds himself, and the journey is laid out for all to hear.

The chorus of Scapegoat repeats, “Well I’m just trying to find my way.”  

Luckily, Mark Pietrovito has many good folks to help him find it, and for that, he says Thanks For Being My Friend.

Thanks For Being My Friend can be pre-saved on Spotify now.

PRESAVE LINK  

Pianist Erik Deutsch took his first piano lesson at age 6 and has since spent a lifetime studying and honing the craft, taking it to its outer limits and beyond, melding styles and melting faces in crowds of all genres, shapes, and sizes.

Deutsch exists in many musical worlds, performing and recording with jazz, pop, rock, bluegrass, and country artists alike.  His resumé includes working with The Chicks, Norah Jones, Rosanne Cash, Citizen Cope, Charlie Hunter, Shooter Jennings, Joe Russo, Devotchka, The Motet, Sam Bush, Levon Helm, John Scofield, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzman, Greensky Bluegrass, Del McCoury, Chris Robinson, Warren Haynes, Stanton Moore, Karl Denson, and Steve Berlin, to name just a few!

In 2016, Erik Deutsch joined forces with Polyethnic Cajun Slamgrass pioneers and jamgrass legends, Leftover Salmon, serving as keyboard player until his departure in 2020.  While Deutsch’s time with Salmon was brief, it marked a memorable and transformative time in the band’s 30-plus year history, and Erik quickly became a fan favorite.

SOCKEYE SALMON

As part of a band that stretches boundaries and bends genres at every turn, Deutsch discovered countless areas for exploration within the structure of the extremely prolific Leftover Salmon catalog. Leftover Salmon’s jam sound is punctuated by an incredibly strong rhythm section, anchored by long-time Salmon bassist, Doctor Greg Garrison, combined with the driving force of Alwyn Robinson on drums.  

As Deutsch became more comfortable performing with Leftover Salmon, his musical rapport with Garrison and Robinson strengthened and grew.  The band started leaving Deutsch onstage with the drums and bass for extended breakdowns, as the stringed instruments took a brief step to the side.  These breakdowns - funky, driving, and psychedelically jazz-driven - eventually led to the formation of a Leftover Salmon side-project: Sockeye.  

Sockeye, featuring Deutsch, Robinson, and Garrison, quickly gained a reputation for bringing something completely different to the jamgrass audiences, offering a welcome change of pace.   Through the vehicle of Sockeye, Deutsch, along with Garrison and Robinson, felt the ease and comfort to explore a space that spoke more to the jazz and funk roots of all three musicians, while still making room for the string instruments that would often enter the picture.

It was while wearing this diverse musical attire - jazz, funk, pop, country, bluegrass, and now the eclectically powerful trio of Sockeye - that Deutsch began to compose Shape of a Monster.

SHAPE OF A MONSTER

Leftover Salmon was preparing to record Brand New Good Old Days, and while Deutsch had contributed to tracks on the previous Salmon album and was certainly an invaluable member onstage, he had yet to pen an original track for the band to record. 

“It seemed that something fast, exciting, and technically challenging might be a fun direction to explore,” Deutsch says.  “Something with a melody that could be played in unison between multiple members of the band whilst giving our outstanding rhythm section a chance to really loosen up and play.”

What emerged might have seemed a little out of character with the band’s typical repertoire, but one of the most admirable calling cards of Leftover Salmon throughout its thirty-two-year career has been the stunning range of repertoire. Deutsch recalls, “It often felt like there wasn’t anything we couldn’t at least try to pull off.” 

It was with this spirit in mind that Shape of a Monster was born.

And then 2020 happened.

Just before the global pandemic put a halt to live music, Deutsch accepted an offer to join The Chicks (previously The Dixie Chicks) for a global tour, ending his time with Leftover Salmon.  As Salmon made preparations to release Brand New Good Old Days, it made sense that Shape of a Monster would no longer be included, although Deutsch is still featured heavily on the album’s other tracks.

GIVING SHAPE

Deutsch was given control of what he and Leftover Salmon had already laid out for Shape of a Monster, with the freedom to take it in any direction he chose.

“So there it was—the track in my hands—free to be whatever it wanted to be,” Deutsch recalls. “I thought I’d add some cats.”

His first thought was to bring in all-world saxophone colossus, Jeff Coffin, and percussionist-to-the-stars Mauro Refosco.  Coffin, most widely known for his work with Dave Matthews Band and Belá Fleck and the Flecktones, also offered to release Shape of a Monster on his label, Ear Up Records.

With the additions of Coffin and Refosco, the track was then mixed by Leftover Salmon’s sound engineer, Mario Casilio. Casilio’s thoughtful and intricate mixing helped to shape the monster, one that stretches boundaries while floating amongst different genres, moving between previously unchartered realms.

“Shape of a Monster sounds like being in a high-speed car chase through the Taj Mahal while simultaneously being on stage rocking out with Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd,” Jeff Coffin relates.  “What an amazing juxtaposition of sound!”

The diverse musical background of Deutsch, combined with the eclectically broad stylings of Leftover Salmon and the intricate touches from Coffin and Refosco lead to a track unlike anything previously produced by any of the artists involved.

As Deutsch describes Shape of a Monster, “Imagine Shakti meets Tony Rice meets Keith Jarrett meets Funkadelic at a house party hosted by Leftover Salmon and Miles Davis in Beirut.”

Shape of a Monster, on Ear Up Records, available on streaming platforms July 23, 2021. Shape of a Monster can be pre-saved on multiple platforms now.

PRESAVE LINK

The Great Blue Heron Music Festival in Sherman, New York, took place once again the first weekend in July. For nearly 30 years, this annual event has drawn thousands of fans from across the U.S. It is a tradition for many young and old, as an event to celebrate music, nature and the spirit of self-expression.

This year, The Heron organizers have expanded on this concept with an extended summer music series, aptly named, “Beyond the Blue.”

These weekend events, running from the middle of July through Labor Day weekend, are an extension of the long-standing Great Blue Heron Music Festival with its eclectic and diverse lineup of artists. This concept of smaller-scale festivals was piloted out of necessity during the pandemic. Organizers now embrace the approach as an opportunity that best aligns with the farm’s commitment to regenerative stewardship of the land while still honoring their mission to transform lives through music, agriculture, art and education.

“Our goal of this season, and the future, is to create a vibrant Great Blue Heron experience that honors both the traditions of the past and the land, by operating at a scale that doesn’t over-stress the natural and human resources we are entrusted to care for,” Julie Rockcastle, festival co-founder states. “The genre-focused Beyond the Blue mini-festivals present diverse and family-friendly experiences all summer long that enable us to welcome more people who share our passions for music, the outdoors, and sustainability.”

Beyond the Blue I kicked off the summer series with sweet harmonies, funky bluegrass and soulful rhythms from artists Dirty Blanket, Folkfaces and Bella’s Bartok.

The series will continue on July 30, with Beyond Blue II, a full day of progressive Reggae beats, island vibes and thunderous Native American sounds. Event headliner, Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad, often referred as “The Grateful Dead of Reggae,” will grace the main stage, along with Keith Secola, Root Shock and Mosaic Foundation.

On August 20, Beyond the Blue III is jam-packed with electrifying funk and electro-rock with event headliner, Jimkata. This trio, based in Ithaca and Los Angeles, stretches boundaries with bold arrangements fueled by swirling synthesizers and anthemic hooks.

The season finale, Beyond The Blue IV, will take place on Labor Day weekend with more than 20 artists gracing the stage including Pokey Lafarge, a musician influenced by old-time country, blues, folk, and Western swing. Another headliner, the acclaimed singer/songwriter Ryan Montbleau has spent much of his life crisscrossing the globe on a perpetual search for meaning, purpose, and understanding. A quest that’s defined not only his music, but his very sense of self.

While widely known for its connection to music, The Heron is also an award-winning campground with amenities suitable for those who prefer comfort as well as secluded, primitive sites. Families and groups are welcome to enjoy the land with its lush pastures, deep woods and wetlands, along with a sandy swimming beach. Voted the #1 campsite in the U.S. by HipCamp, The Heron is open daily for seasonal camping from May through October along with the Green Heron Growers Farm Store.

Beyond the Blue II & III feature a full day of music on Saturday. Attendees are welcome to come just for the day, or make a weekend out of it by camping Friday and Saturday night to truly enjoy everything The Heron Farm has to offer.

Beyond the Blue IV is a full weekend festival, with music scheduled Friday through Sunday.

Tickets for all events can be found at https://theheron.org/events

LEARN MORE:

The Heron Farm & Event Center

BEYOND THE BLUE II  

Reggae and Native Rock: July 30, 2022  Event Link

BEYOND THE BLUE III  

Funk Fest: August 20, 2022  Event Link

BEYOND THE BLUE IV 

September 2-4, 2022  Event Link

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival has announced the exciting lineup for its 2-day beachfront music festival at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, MD on September 30 and October 1, 2023.
 
By celebrating the best in regional and national bluegrass, jamgrass, and Americana music, the festival expects to attract fans from across the region as well as throughout the country to enjoy the special destination of Annapolis, Maryland, and the entire Chesapeake Bay area.

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival headliners include Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth, Keller & The Keels, and Melvin Seals & JGB.

Other national touring bands include Fruition, Lindsay Lou (band & artist at large) Cabinet, Cris Jacobs & Smooth Kentucky, Jon Stickley Trio, Arkansauce, The Dirty Grass Players, The High & Wides, Wicked Sycamore and the Baygrass House Band - Geraldine.

Sandy Point State Park provides a perfect backdrop for this one-of-a-kind beachfront festival.  Attendees will enjoy music on 2 alternating stages, with stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and ample space to spread out and enjoy themselves in comfort and style.

Annapolis Baygrass will also feature locally curated culinary options, including fresh lump crab cakes, roasted and raw oysters, gourmet BBQ, wood-fired pizzas, and vegetarian delicacies. Attendees will enjoy tasty microbrews at the Baytoberfest Beer Garden and fresh craft cocktails, mocktails and wines at the waterfront Blue Crab Beach Bar provided by local and regional beverage partners.

An exceptional VIP option will be available for those wishing to upgrade their experience with exclusive viewing areas, dining and lounge pavilion, chef-prepared hot meals, fresh-shucked oysters, snacks, free beverages, VIP parking, private entrance and more.  
(Learn more at www.baygrassfestival.com/VIP)

Annapolis Baygrass is a family-friendly event, with plenty of offerings for all ages.  Activities include interactive artist and conservation workshops, yoga classes, beach and yard games, a Kidzone, a craft vendor village and more.

More than a music festival, Annapolis Baygrass maintains a dual mission - to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and to support local Mental Health Awareness programs.
Baygrass’ environmental ethos is evidenced in its adoption of the sustainability model, making it one of the only green festivals in Maryland.
(Learn more at: www.baygrassfestival.com/green-initiatives)

“The Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival was born out of our team’s love of progressive bluegrass music, the desire to generate a fun community-oriented vibe and a passion for protecting the Chesapeake Bay,” says festival co-founder Ron Peremel.  “We created a unique music festival where just by having fun you're helping the Bay. As we like to say: Every Jam Saves the Bay!"

To increase Mental Health Awareness and connect the public to wellness resources, the festival has partnered with VA Way, a non-profit organization run by Baygrass co-founder John Way, an Army Veteran and a Certified Veteran MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) Instructor.

“I have attended hundreds of shows and festivals for over 20 years and have seen firsthand how music has the power to heal the mind. We have a rare opportunity with Baygrass to bring important mental health information to a large audience in an incredibly positive and supportive setting,” says Way.

For more information about the Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival, including the full lineup and ticket sales, visit the festival's website at www.baygrassfestival.com.

Rhythms on the Rio Music Festival has announced the Full Lineup for the annual music festival in Del Norte, CO.  Rounding out the list of headliners is the Grammy Award-winning jamgrass quintet The Infamous Stringdusters.

The Infamous Stringdusters join the previously announced headliners The Motet and Kitchen Dwellers.

Other additions just announced include Cabinet with special guest Larry Keel, as well as The Larry Keel Experience.  Nosotros and Elder Grown also join the lineup, along with artist-at-large Bob Hemenger.

The festival also announced the addition of Late-night Tent Hosts The Bent Ears and Dane and the Soup.

These latest artist announcements add to what was already a not-to-miss lineup featuring the aforementioned The Motet and Kitchen Dwellers, as well as The Brothers Comatose, Lindsay Lou, Shinyribs, The Hip Abduction, TK & The Holy Know-Nothings, Arkansauce, Mama Magnolia and The Morningside String Band.

Rhythms on the Rio has a reputation for bringing in a lineup spanning several genres and grabbing some amazing up-and-coming artists.  The popular bluegrass and jamgrass bands are often joined by a healthy sampling of funk and soul, and this year is no exception.

The Colorado 5-piece funk outfit The Motet is sure to kick off the dance party for the weekend with their Friday night headlining set.  Kitchen Dwellers, Saturday's headliner, will keep the party in full swing with an energetic twist on bluegrass, folk, and rock as they bring their unique galaxy grass to Rhythms on the Rio.  The Infamous Stringdusters will be closing down the festival on Sunday night, ensuring that no one goes home early!

Cabinet will be bringing their Pennsylvania bluegrass on a rare journey to Colorado, treating festival attendees to a special set with their friend Larry Keel,  who will be sticking around to perform with his band, The Larry Keel Experience. From the opposite coast, The Brothers Comatose will hit the Rhythms' crowd with their raucous West Coast renderings of traditional bluegrass, country, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Attendees are sure to be mesmerized by Lindsay Lou's soulful grooves and beautiful voice, and Shinyribs will surely have the entire crowd on their feet and dancing together.  All who were in attendance in 2022 will be thrilled to see the return of the much-talked-about The Hip Abduction, who won over the crowd with their uplifting jams.  

TK & The Holy Know-Nothings' “psychedelic doom boogie" will fit in perfectly on the Rhythms on the Rio stage, and will certainly create plenty of new fans, as will the hard-hitting hooks of Arkansauce. Mama Magnolia will turn heads with their funk and soul jams, combined with silky vocals and amazing stage presence.

When the Latin-swing band Nosotros fills the Rhythms stage, we'll dare you to sit down!  Funk meets pop, rock meets Hip Hop, jazz meets Reggae when local Elder Grown returns to Rhythms on the Rio.  And we're sure to see an eclectic mix out of Steamboat Springs' The Morningside String Band.

Bob Hemenger returns to Rhythms on the Rio as artist-at-large, adding his smooth sax to sets throughout the entire weekend.  And everyone who was at 2022's festival will be thrilled to learn of the return of the late-night tent and The Bent Ears, this time joined by Dane and the Soup.

All of this adds up to another fantastic party in Del Norte, CO.

Tickets are on sale with attendance capped to maintain an intimate festival feel, so don't sleep on this one!

Tickets:  rhythmsontherio.com/tickets

Website:  rhythmsontherio.com

Facebook:  facebook.com/rhythmsontherio

Instagram:  instagram.com/rhythmsontherio/