Dark Star Orchestra announced more details about their two night Philly New Year’s Eve celebration at the Electric Factory, taking place on Dec. 30 and 31. A two-day admission deal offers fans a pass for both nights for only $59.95, which includes some perks on the New Year’s Eve including catering, a special commemorative poster, and a complete multi-media journey featuring cirque performers throughout the performance. DSO has also joined forces with the legendary West Coast festival design team at Peak Experience Productions.

The evening's “Let It Shine!” theme, which politely demands a little bit of audience participation, is a key part of the celebration. Dark Star Orchestra wants to know what you are grateful for and what you want to shine some love and light on in 2016. The next part of the plan is to actually include each fan’s thoughts and wishes as part of the New Year’s show. Concertgoers on the Dec. 31 are also encouraged to participate in a costume contest.

Peak Experience Productions producer Johnny Dwork applies his mentor’s core philosophy to every event his team works their magic on. That mentor is legendary concert impresario Bill Graham, and his basic philosophy is that event-goers are more than just a source of revenue.

Peak Experience Productions' mission states: "We believe that each and every one of our event attendees deserves safe, respectful community celebrations that offer nothing less than genuinely profound inspiration and deep, healing joy. Through our audience-participatory activities we strive to help our event attendees be 'the Hero in the movies of their lives.' Our overall goal is to offer a sense of intelligent, spirited, highly creative adventure that is largely missing from the status quo concerts being produced these days...".

These will not be status quo concerts. November 18th this year marked Dark Star Orchestra's 2500th live performance. It's notable that Dark Star Orchestra surpassed the 2,318 show marker, which is the number that the Grateful Dead reached during their own 30-year career. DSO is still in full swing, so it’s hard to say how high they’ll climb and thus how many people they’ll reach. And well those numbers seem like a whole lot of shows, both bands are far out-gigged by the heaviest hitters of them all: The Beach Boys, weighing in with an impressive 5,545 career performances.

Performance tallies aside, this has been a historic year for the Grateful Dead, the band whose music and scene Dark Star Orchestra so eloquently recreates at each and every one of their performances. Throughout 2015 the Grateful Dead continue to celebrate 50 long, strange years since the band's inception, as well a Grammy Hall of Fame induction for their 1970 album American Beauty. Dark Star Orchestra will once again honor the Dead's tradition of ringing in the New Year with a bang this December 31.

More details are available at ElectricFactory.Info, and tickets are available now at ticketmaster.com.

Rock n Roll Resort v7 is returning to the newly renovated Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson, N.Y., bringing fans another amazing weekend with artists from all over the country Friday, March 31st through Sunday, April 2nd.

This year’s lineup includes the highly acclaimed New Orleans quartet The Nth Power, who will bring fans three full sets of music throughout the weekend. The Nth Power are known as a “relentlessly funky and soulful band [who] believes in music as a higher power, tapping into an energy that is simultaneously sexy and spiritual.”

Also bringing you two full sets are Pink Talking Fish (PTF), a hybrid tribute fusion act that takes the music from three of the world's most beloved bands.  For anyone partial to the sounds of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads or Phish, PTF will hit that nostalgic sweet spot and simultaneously rev fans up through a truly a unique and special concert experience.

Additional artist highlights include Beau Sasser Trio, Formula 5, Madaila, The Primate Fiasco, Gang of Thieves, Cousin Earth, and Goose. Ben Silver, founding member of Chicago house-collective ‘Orchard Lounge’ has also been confirmed for a special late-night VIP ‘Lounge Set’, plus more acts, special guests and roaming artists to be announced.

“We’re on our seventh year, and we’ve really fine-tuned things more and more with each successive event. Last year’s “Low Key” event showed us how much our guests truly care about the family atmosphere and the intimate environment.  It’s absolutely about the music, but rekindling with your peers seems to be how our guests truly want to start off the festival season.  Rock n Roll Resort isn’t a festival, and we never had a playbook for ‘Throwing an indoor resort-party’,” said Shannon Plaquet, event founder and organizer.

“The resort was purchased not too long ago, and it’s undergoing some major renovations. With some of the hottest talent in the funk, jam and electronic scenes, and room packages for two that start as low as $375 a couple, we’re really looking forward to another great event.”

Room info and packages, additional artist announcements, activities, directions and all event info can be found at RocknRollResort.com.

Rock n Roll Resort is returning to the newly renovated Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson, N.Y., bringing fans another amazing weekend with artists from all over the country Friday, March 31st through Sunday, April 2nd.

The lineup for Rock n Roll Resort v7: ‘Feast of Fools’ features a healthy mix of Resort veterans and event newcomers. Acclaimed New Orleans Funk quartet The Nth Power is bringing fans three sets of music for their first time at RRR, and hybrid tribute fusion act Pink Talking Fish featuring resort veteran Eric Gould are performing an extended set to bring fans late into the night on Saturday.

Here is the complete lineup for the seventh annual Rock n Roll Resort:

Pink Talking Fish ♮ The Nth Power ♮ Midnight North ♮ Jen Durkin’s “Steal Your Funkin’ Birthday Blackout” feat. Doug Wimbish (Living Colour) and Special Guests ♮ Lespecial  Madaila ♮Hayley Jane & The Primates ♮ The Primate Fiasco ♮Gang of Thieves ♮Beau Sasser Trio ♮Ben Silver (of Orchard Lounge) ♮Formula 5 Bearly Dead ♮Swift Technique ♮ Tweed ♮Craig Brodhead (Turkuaz) ♮ Goose ♮ Dirk Quinn Band ♮ Mammal Dap ♮ The Alpaca Gnomes ♮Cousin Earth ♮ The Medicinal Purpose  Frank Viele ♮ Kind Bud ♮Lee Ross (The Hornitz) ♮ William Thompson Funk Experiment  Craig Greenberg ♮ Schooley Mountain Band  Sky Daddy ♮ Cosmic Karma Fire Dancers ♮ Master of Ceremonies: Force

“This will be my fourth Rock 'n' Roll Resort - twice I’ve performed with Deep Banana Blackout, and all three times as an “Artist at Large”.  Every time I got to see and perform with an eclectic mix of amazing musicians, played in late night jam sessions and I made tons of new friends,” said Deep Banana Blackout’s Jen Durkin. In addition to her feature performance with Wimbish & “Steal Your Funkin’ Birthday Blackout”, Jen’s returning once again as an “Artist at Large”. Joining her as musical floaters are Turkuaz’s Craig Brodhead, Kind Bud, Lee Ross and Craig Greenberg.

She continued, “The resort itself amazing. There’s a really lovely spa, steam room, a pool and a Jacuzzi - it makes it really nice to get up in the morning and unwind from a hard night of partying.  You don't have to drive anywhere - you can just relax and enjoy your time with friends, but you're still getting a musical-resort experience right here in the northeast. I am so stoked to be celebrating my 50th birthday at the resort this year - ain't no joke, ain't no fooling, you better get your ass to the Rock n Roll resort!"

Room info and packages, additional artist announcements, activities, directions and all event info can be found at http://RocknRollResort.com.

Rock n Roll Resort is back at the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa in Kerhonkson, N.Y. this Friday, March 23rd and going through until Sunday. RRR features multiple stages with dozens of musical acts, art, vending and activities - all in one weekend, under one roof.

Rock n Roll Resort v8: The Grateful Escape features two nights of double headers (two sets). First from Golden Gate Wingmen on Friday, followed on Saturday by two sets of Melvin Seals and JGB. Fans will also get multiple sets from “lethal-funk” pioneers Kung Fu throughout the weekend, and can catch a rare performance from psychedelic funk-rockers The Breakfast.  

Some activity highlights include a fun yoga workout with Taraleigh and Dan Weathers followed by a book signing of Taraleigh’s “How to Rock Your Life”; a pet parade; a short-shorts fashion show celebrating the short shorts of Bob Weir; a tie-dye session to tie-dye just about anything; there will also be poster signings, photo booths and much more...

For room info and packages, complete artist and activities schedule, and FAQs check out RocknRollResort.com.

Today, Let’s Danza! announces “Moneyhook”, its debut studio release.

The catchy synth-driven single was written and produced by Tom McKee and Clay Parnell, both of whom cut their teeth as members of Philadelphia-based indie-electronic pioneers Brothers Past starting back in 2000.

“The song is meant be sort of a commentary on the inevitable arc of fame,” McKee said.

Let’s Danza! has a few upcoming tour dates on the calendar, including a show this Thurs. April 19th at the Fillmore in Philadelphia supporting The Disco Biscuits. The band will also be performing at Camp Bisco, which takes place in Scranton, PA July 12th through 14th.

“Most of this year we’ve been focusing on the studio rather than the stage,” McKee said. “We’ve been putting together a bunch of new songs that we’re going to release over the next few months, one at a time. ‘Moneyhook’ is the first one - I like to think of it as the side A of our digital 45. Side B is called Every Colour of the World, and the two pair really nicely together. That will be the next song to drop.”

“Moneyhook” was written, recorded, produced and mixed entirely by McKee and Parnell, a first for the two longtime bandmates. Additional synths are provided by Let’s Danza! synthesist Ian McGuire.

“We were figuring out new material, new work spaces, and new gear,” Parnell said. “While Tom and I have been working together for a long time, we took a fresh approach to these sessions and laid a foundation for the future releases that we have planned.”

Drums were provided by Chuck Treece, a Philadelphia-based musician and skateboarder who has toured with McRad, Bad Brains and Urge Overkill. Treece has recorded with Billy Joel and regularly works with producers like Joe Nicolo and Scott Storch.

“We were lucky to get a seasoned studio pro in on the drums,” Parnell said. “Chuck not only brought amazing drumming to the sessions but also his knowledge and experience as a force in the studio and as a producer.”   

Let’s Danza! plays live electronic music that employs a unique two-keyboard setup and rotating drummer concept. McKee is flanked by Philly-based synthesist Ian McGuire, whose other projects include CIA and McZwang. Parnell, well known for his work with Brothers Past, BioDiesel and most recently Particle, provides the low end. The band rotates drummers to keep things fresh. Past special guests have included Mike Greenfield (Lotus), Allen Aucoin (The Disco Biscuits), Kito Bovenschulte (Particle) and Scotty Zwang (Ghost Light, Dopapod, RAQ).

In partnership with Warner Music Artist Services, Hiouchi Jewels hand made “Rose & Bolt” Grateful Dead jewelry collection is now available for pre orders at RoseandBolt.com. Shipping for orders throughout North America starts April 1.

“The Grateful Dead’s music has been an important part of my life and an inspiration for all of my creative work,” said designer Sarah Lewis. “So this collaboration is a dream project for me. I’ve carried my modern bohemian aesthetic from Hiouchi Jewels into this collection, adding the iconic Grateful Dead Roses & Bolts to each piece. The Grateful Dead is so much more than music- it’s a lifestyle, a community, a vibrant, unique culture. It’s truly an honor to have my jewelry join the rich lineage of licensed Grateful Dead artwork and merchandise.”

Rose & Bolt is a collection of handmade rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, all featuring roses and the classic 13 point lightning bolt. Elegant, delicate styles come in sterling silver, rose gold and 16k yellow gold. Bolder statement styles feature turquoise stones and quartz crystals.  Although “Rose & Bolt” carries similarities to Sarah’s classic Hiouchi Jewels Collection, many aspects are new. She’s never before used rose gold, so this is her debut of this metal, which is appropriate for the rose motifs in the collection. Sarah has always typically made jewelry for people who identify as female, so she is excited to debut her first unisex / gender neutral collection.

Rose & Bolt jewelry will prove to be coveted pieces in any Deadhead’s collection. This unique line is sure to attract fans of all ages and genders, paying true homage to the classicism of the Grateful Dead.

Catskill Mountain Jubilee is returning to Blackthorne Resort in East Durham for its second annual event this Aug. 11 to 14. This year features four nights of music, with two full performances from Dark Star Orchestra Fri. Aug 12 and Sat. Aug 13, two sets from The Disco Biscuits Sun. Aug. 14, plus Chali 2na and Cut Chemist on Thu. Aug 11.

Single day tickets are available at noon on Fri. July 1. Three and four day ticket packages and RV passes are available for purchase at Tixr.com. Lodging is sold out. More info at CatskillMountainJubilee.com.

Music starts Thursday night and goes through until Sunday evening, other acts include Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Chali 2na & Cut Chemist, The New Deal, Star Kitchen, a special DJ Logic and Friends lineup featuring Billy Martin, members of The New Deal and Trey Anastasio Band horns, a Mushroom Jazz set from Mark Farina and two sets from The Garcia Project.

Lineup: Dark Star Orchestra (2 Sets) • The Disco Biscuits (2 Sets) • Karl Denson's Tiny Universe • The New Deal • Star Kitchen • Chali 2na & Cut Chemist • Dogs In A Pile • DJ Logic & Friends featuring Billy Martin, Jamie Shields, Dan Kurtz, Jennifer Hartswick, James Casey, Natalie Cressman • Aqueous & Friends featuring Craig Brodhead • The Garcia Project (2 Sets) • Sophistafunk • Mark Farina (2 Sets) • Orchard Lounge • Spaga • DrFameus featuring Glyfiks • Julia Govor • Muscle Tough • Kick The Cat • LionDub (2 Sets) • ICHISAN • Beg, Steal or Borrow • Freegrass Union • Sundub • Mike Greenfield • Yesmann (Craig Brodhead) • Baked Shrimp • Rose Ganache • Mizeyesis • Mara • SMInk • Kandyshop • Nah Mean?

Giving back is a big part of the Jubilee community, the festival contributes a portion of its profits to charitable causes. Last year over $15,000 was contributed to three different nonprofits; Mental Health Associations of Columbia-Greene Counties (MHACG.org), Community Action of Greene County (CAGCNY.org) and I Got A Friend Somewhere (IGAFS). Check out the “Partners” section on the website to find out more or make a direct donation. Catskill Mountain Jubilee is brought to you by Drop the Mics and Full Circle Music Productions.

The third annual Catskill Mountain Jubilee announced phase II of its 2023 lineup, the event is returning to Blackthorne Resort in East Durham, New York, just thirty miles from Albany and a short trip from Boston, New York, Philly or western NY.

Some notable additions to the lineup include two sets of Twiddle, BlueStar Radiation featuring Lotus’ Tim Palmieri with Rob Derhak, Nate Wilson and Vinnie Amico from Moe., Mihali (solo), Sophistafunk, The Englishtown Project, Ben Silver & Allen Aucoin, Gratefully Yours and many more.

Full Lineup: The Disco Biscuits (4x) • Twiddle • Legion of Melvin ft. Karl Denson • Mihali • Dogs in a Pile • Ben Silver (Orchard Lounge & Allen Aucoin (The Disco Biscuits) • Sophistafunk • Bluestar Radiation • Desert Dwellers • Space Bacon • Eastbound Jesus • The Englishtown Project • Gratefully Yours • The Frank White Experience • Beg Steal or Borrow • Capital Zen • Rose Ganache • Eugene Tyler Band • The Laura Leigh Band • Mike Greenfield • Hilltop •  DJ Panta Leon • Mentally ILL • Newpy Hundo • Leila • Kale • SMInk • Band of Els • One Eyed Jack • Scroll • Mutt Farm • IKO the DOG

The venue features on-site lodging, swimming pool, playgrounds, RV parking, and plenty of room for camping Thurs. through Sat. night. More festival info and weekend passes are available now at CatskillMountainJubilee.com.