Guitar-master, educator, and songwriter Eric Lambert returns to Colorado for the first time since performing at the 2011 Rockygrass festival. He has been on the move since then, and this time, he is bringing his own brand of original Acoustic-Americana dance music to the Front Range. Accompanied by a talented casts of musicians, Eric Lambert & Friends will be traveling up and down Colorado’s Front Range, from Nov. 24 – Dec. 10, making stops in cities along the way, including Fort Collins, Laporte, Denver, Pueblo, and Boulder. Special guest Chuck Morris, percussionist from Lotus, will be joining the band for two of the shows.

“It is so great to be returning to the beautiful state of Colorado to perform my music for old friends as well as new ones,” Eric shared. “I have a new line up in my band, and I can’t wait to get on the road with these guys and play for the music lovers of the Front Range.”

One of the newest members of the band is Lukas Simpson. From Goshen, IN, Lukas is a full-time musician and music educator involved in many projects including performing in the Goldmine Pickers, and Hard Travelin’ Boys, and teaching guitar, mandolin, and banjo at TG Music, Elkhart Premier Arts, and Northridge Middle School. He also studied mandolin and guitar at Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. This is Lukas’ first tour with Eric Lambert & Friends and first time touring the Front Range. His talent, approach, and thoughts about music make him an amazing fit and addition to the ensemble.

“I'm very excited about being a part of this tour with Eric Lambert & Friends,” said Lukas. “Everyone in the group is stellar, yet humble musicians who take a relaxed, melody-driven approach to acoustic music; also my approach. I feel like we all jive well together and will give our audiences something they can groove and relate to,” he said.

“Eric and I were talking the other day about our mutual affection for old-time music. The key difference between old-time and bluegrass is that old-time is dance music (traditionally contras, squares, circles) and bluegrass is performance music. Although I wouldn't categorize our music as either old-time or bluegrass, we're much more interested in getting our audience up and dancing than inundating them with speed and virtuosity,” Lukas concluded.

From Chicago, Eric Lambert & Friends are sweeping audiences off their feet, bringing happiness and positivity to everyone in their path with their interactive, high energy performances. Improvisation and artist interpretations are common, keeping the music and experience fresh from show to show.

The ensemble for the Front Range tour will feature Eric Lambert on lead guitar and vocals, Lukas Simpson on mandolin and vocals, Dan Rogers on bass, and Pat Fiddle on the fiddle and vocals. Special guest Chuck Morris of Lotus will be playing drums with the band for two shows; Nov. 24 at The Laughing Goat in Boulder and Dec. 10 at Sancho’s Broken Arrow in Denver.

This tour is going to heat up Colorado’s Front Range with an original, explosive musical experience for audiences of all ages. Be sure to see a show near you and let us know what you think.

Front Range Tour Dates:

Nov. 24:    The Laughing Goat – Boulder, CO with Chuck Morris of Lotus

Nov. 27:    Avogadro's Number – Fort Collins, CO

Nov. 28:    Quixotes True Blue – Denver, CO

Nov. 30:    Spotlight Music Café – Fort Collins, CO

Dec. 1:      Bar Double S – Laporte, CO

Dec. 4:      Conor O’Neill’s – Boulder, CO

Dec. 5:      The Downtown Bar – Pueblo, CO

Dec. 6:      Skylark Lounge – Denver, CO

Dec. 10:    Sancho’s Broken Arrow – Denver, CO with Chuck Morris of Lotus

Dec. 12:    Vaudeville Mews – Des Moines, IA

Dec. 13:    Meadows Avenue Tap – East Peoria, IL

From the recording studio to the open road, Eric Lambert & Friends (ELF) kicks off a new tour this weekend. The Winter Wallow Tour will take the band through their home states of Indiana and Illinois, providing the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, and play some well known haunts.The tour unfolds this week, beginning Friday, January 11 at Max’s Place in Bloomington, IN. The Stuttering Ducks will get the night started off right. Then it’s on to Indianapolis for a big Saturday night in the state’s capital. Eric Lambert & Friends headline The Mousetrap for the first time on January 12, with Midwest Rhythm Exchange opening. They will head back to Bloomington on Sunday, January 13 to perform at The Switchyard’s weekly music and food gathering, which includes a Pot Luck dinner. The event is open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring a dish to share and join in on the community-style flare.On January 19, ELF heads to the neighboring state of Illinois for shows in Wyoming, McHenry, Rockford, Frankfort, Chicago, Charleston, and back to McHenry. On Sunday, February 10, they will be playing Schubas Acoustic Brunch. The popular brunch in Chicago is family-friendly with delicious food cooked up by head chef Alberto Garcia. The music is served up organically and is unplugged, and reviews highlight Schubas bloody Mary’s as amazing, being made with their specially-crafted mix.The final show of the tour is Winter Roots 2013, happening at Mackey’s Hideout in McHenry, IL on Saturday, February 23. The 3rd Annual ‘indoor winter festival experience’ will feature the hot music stylings of The Henhouse Prowlers, Eric Lambert & Friends, Sisters & Brothers, Sean Shiel, and more. Definitely an event not to miss!Eric Lambert & Friends have been on the move performing across the country, from Colorado to North Carolina. The band will feature the same ensemble this tour as in recent tours; Eric Lambert on guitar and lead vocals, Dan Rogers on bass, Lukas Simpson on mandolin and vocals, and Pat Fiddle on fiddle and vocals. The group has been traveling and performing together for the past few months, and are currently working on a new studio record.“We are looking forward to getting back to our roots and playing music for familiar faces,” shared Eric Lambert. “While it is always great to get out into the world and stretch your legs, there’s no place like home.” The Winter Wallow schedule is shown below. You are invited to share the dates with family and friends near those locations. Warm up a cold, winter evening wallowing with Eric Lambert & Friends.Eric Lambert & Friends Winter Wallow 2013 Tour Dates: Jan. 11:      Max’s Place – Bloomington, IN with Stuttering DucksJan. 12:      The Mousetrap – Indianapolis, IN with Midwest Rhythm ExchangeJan. 13:      The Switchyard – Bloomington, IN with a Pot Luck dinner before the showJan. 19:      Wyoming’s Pour House – Wyoming, ILJan. 26:      Mackey’s Hideout – McHenry, IL with Jeremey BatesFeb. 1:        Mary’s Place – Rockford, ILFeb. 9:        Smokey Barque – Frankfort, IL – Eric Lambert Solo Show Feb. 10:      Schubas Tavern – Chicago, IL – Sunday Acoustic BrunchFeb. 22:      Mac’s Uptowner – Charleston, ILFeb. 23:      Winter Roots – Mackey’s Hideout – McHenry, IL

Learn to play the guitar ‘bluegrass-style’ from world-class guitarist, Eric Lambert, in the comfort of your home, at your own pace, and for less than a single in-person lesson. Presented by TrueFire.com, 1-2-3 Bluegrass is a course designed by Eric to introduce you to the exciting world of bluegrass guitar through a series of easy to understand lessons explaining the use of chord patterns, picking techniques, the capo, the metronome, and some classic bluegrass tunes that you can play at your local jam session. Thanks to modern technology and the provided rhythm tracks, you will also be able to pick together virtually.If you're new to the bluegrass style of guitar, you'll be pleasantly surprised to know that you don't need to know a lot of chords or have a degree in music theory or even know how to read music for that matter -- it's really quite simple. All you need to know is a few bluegrass techniques, all of which are covered in this interactive video course, and you'll be off and running.Eric Lambert has organized this course in six easy-to-understand sections. You'll learn everything from rhythm playing and chord voicings to melody playing and soloing, as well as repertoire. Within each of the sections, Eric presents three essential techniques you must know in order to become a proper bluegrass guitarist.Some of the techniques you’ll learn:

• Work on chord shapes in G, C, and D - for that bluegrass vibe
• Walking the bass - to create energy beneath your chords
• Half step dissonance - to get that ol' banjo sound
• Hammering thirds - add some real character to your rhythm and solo playing

In the last section, Eric will show you the rhythm parts, the melody, and some soloing for six bluegrass standards. You'll learn how to play Carter Family classic “Wildwood Flower,” “Rolling in My Sweet Baby's Arms,” “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” and more. He has also included slow rhythm tracks, medium rhythm tracks, and fast rhythm tracks so that you can work yourself up to speed as you go along. You'll also find charts, tabs, and other necessary learning tools to get up and running in this unique style of guitar.For the past 35 years, Eric Lambert has been professionally teaching music, including the fiery art of flat picking, which is a style he has become known for playing and teaching. “It is the excitement of the style that originally drew me in years ago,” he shared. Eric is also an accomplished performing artist with over 40 years of experience with an impressive resume that spans 10 countries as a solo artist and band mate. Some career highlights include playing with Virgil Kane along with Alabama and George Strait, and being apart of bands such as Big Shoulders, Heartsfield, Valerie Smith Band, and Chicago’s award-winning Henhouse Prowlers. Recently, he launched his own national-touring band, Eric Lambert & Friends.However, education continues to be a focal point in Eric’s life and is a way for him to give back. “With this new interactive, affordable course anyone with the desire can learn this exciting style of guitar playing,” he said. “I’m thrilled to be working with the geniuses at TrueFire. Thanks to their technology and support, my guitar lessons are available to everyone around the world. How awesome is that,” he continued enthusiastically. “Knowledge is a gift that is meant to be shared with others.”Download Instantly $19 - http://truefire.com/set_cart.html?add=9672Order the DVD $29 - http://truefire.com/set_cart.html?add=96711-2-3 Bluegrass Feedback:“My schedule wouldn’t allow me to take face-to-face lessons this session, but I have downloaded the 1-2-3 class, and it’s the next best thing.” --Tom Cramer, Frankfort, IL“I bought it and love it. Thank you for the great lessons Eric.” --George McAvin, Eastvale, CA“Just a note to let you know how much I enjoy and appreciate the bluegrass lesson you offer on TrueFire. You really have a great teaching style! Hopefully there will be more in the future.” -- Ben Fusco, Anthem, AZ

Eric Lambert & Friends (ELF) have embarked on a Spring Fling with the Chicago suburbs and beyond. The new show dates span March and April, with stops at many new venues. The rockin’ Americana stringband will be bringing their original music experience to the great people of Peoria, Chicago, Lombard, Crystal Lake, Rock Island, LaSalle, and Rockford, IL, as well as Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN, and the famed Lamasco Bar & Grill in Evansville, IN in April.On Friday, March 15, ELF will be heading to Haymarket Brewery in Chicago’s west loop for the first time. Only two years in the making, Haymarket Brewery was founded and is run by former Rock Bottom brewer Pete Crowley and Sausagefest organizer John Neurauter. Inspired by working-class roots, they offer an impressive array of 32 craft selections, featuring more than 10 house-brewed varieties and some visitor brews. The kitchen is led by chef Christopher McCoy, who is plating up house-made seasonal sausages, cured bacon, Amish rotisserie chicken, pizzas, and fresh burgers ground daily, as well as seasonal, sustainable seafood options, appetizers, salads, and more. There is no doubt ELF and Haymarket will make a fantastic paring and award winning night out in Chicago.The following evening, Saturday, March 16, will offer a great music event for people of all ages. Eric Lambert & Friends are thrilled to be the featured artists in the Maple Street Chapel Folk Concert Series in Lombard, IL. The folk concert series was the brainchild of the late folk singer Bryan Dagenhart and is proud to bring local and nationally-known folk musicians to its stage in a monthly series of concerts that run from October through May. Tickets are on sale now and are going fast!On Saturday, April 6, Eric Lambert teams up with his previous bandmates, The Henhouse Prowlers, for an explosive show at The Mousetrap in Indianapolis, IN. Eric Lambert & Friends will open the show with a bang, followed by the Prowlers. There’s sure to be improvisational music and sit-ins with this pairing.Finally, at the end of the month ELF travels to Indiana’s southern border to perform at Lamasco Bar & Grill on April 26, known as Evansville’s best venue for live, original music, great food, and good times. It sounds like the band will fit right in there, and can’t wait to check out this cool venue.“This is going to be a fun run of shows close to home, so we can celebrate Easter with our families and continue finalizing the new record before summer festival season arrives,” said Eric. “We are bringing our original rockin’ Americana stringband music to many new venues on this tour, which is also very exciting. We're looking forward to seeing lots of new faces in the new places,” Eric concluded.Learn more at: www.ericlambert.comSpring Fling 2013 Dates: March 15:  Haymarket Brewery – Chicago, ILMarch 16:  Maple Street Chapel – Lombard, IL Maple Street Chapel Folk Concert SeriesMarch 23:  Duke’s Alehouse – Crystal Lake, ILMarch 29:  Rock Island Brewing Company (RIBCO) – Rock Island, ILMarch 30:  9th Street Pub – LaSalle, IL Supporting The Matt Pittman ExperienceApril 6:      The Mousetrap – Indianapolis, IN Supporting The Henhouse ProwlersApril 13:    Mary’s Place – Rockford, ILApril 25:    Max’s Place – Bloomington, IN The Stuttering Ducks OpenApril 26:    Lamasco Bar & Grill – Evansville, IN

Great sound is serious business in the music business. Eric Lambert & Friends, featuring Eric Lambert on guitar, Dan Rogers on bass, and Pat Fiddle on mandolin and fiddle, are thrilled to take that commitment a step further and recently signed their first endorsement deal with K&K Sounds Systems. From Coos Bay, Oregon, K&K have established themselves as a premier manufacturer of the highest quality acoustic amplification products in the world. Their handmade products include top-quality pickups, microphones, and preamps for a variety of acoustic instruments.All the acoustic instruments in the band are equipped with K&K pickups. “I use the Pure Mini in two of my guitars, as well as the Twin Internal in my mandolin,” said Eric Lambert. “The Pure Mini by K&K enables me to plug in and have a consistent, natural tone with appropriate volume night after night, venue to venue,” he said. “The fact that I can count on the same response and performance every night is important to me. The Pure Mini also allows a flatpicker like myself to play with a natural approach and sound dynamic. I don't have to compromise my technique to compensate for the pickup.”“I use a K&K Pure Bass acoustic pickup in all of my acoustic basses,” said Dan Rogers. “After I started using them about a year ago, I have found that the tone of their passive pickups is far superior to the stock active pickups that come in almost every acoustic bass I have picked up.”The band members agree, K&K is the only way to go. “K&K's systems are easy to install and they just sound darn good,” Dan shared. “In my experience, most pickup systems just don't deliver the natural, woody tone of my instrument. K&K does this and does it flawlessly,” he continued.Eric Lambert won’t go any other way. “After experimenting with and purchasing other products, I was turned on to the K&K Mini and my search was over. I think it's the best sounding, dependable product on the market in terms of amplifying acoustic instruments. It supplies the volume and tone required to play large venues and is extremely consistent,” he said.Everyone is excited about the deal and what it means. “I feel honored by the endorsement deal with K&K,” Eric said. “I use their products, believe in their products, and have been complimented for my live sound in 15 countries. I never hesitate to recommend the Pure Mini or Twin Internal to pickers who want better tone.”“K&K has done a lot for me,” he continued. “K&K means good tone, and to be endorsed by the company immediately suggests that our ensemble is one of quality, and that we're serious about how we sound,” Eric concluded.“I am very excited to be a K&K endorsed artist,” said Dan. “I have been preaching the K&K gospel since I began using their products and I look forward to continue doing so,” he said. “It feels great producing music that is close to my heart, and to be recognized by a company that helps make my performances possible. And the endorsed artist discount certainly doesn't hurt either,” he chuckled.Founded in Germany in 1984 by Dieter and Karla Kaudel, K&K Sound Systems has positioned themselves as an acoustic pickup authority with all products being designed and manufactured in-house and by hand, enabling them to quickly react to customer and market needs. Specific requests for customized products are easily met for musicians, dealers, and manufacturers. In an effort to capture more of the pickup market, K&K relocated their headquarters and manufacturing plant to Coos Bay, Oregon, USA in 1995. "Germany is not exactly the acoustic guitar capital of the world," Dieter shared.Read the full, fascinating K&K story here: www.kksound.com.Learn more about Eric Lambert & Friends here: www.ericlambert.com.

Rockin’ Americana stringband Eric Lambert & Friends (ELF) return to colorful Colorado for a packed two-week Rocky Mountain Tour from May 3-19. The emerging trio, led by acclaimed guitarist, songwriter, and music educator Eric Lambert, along with friends Dan Rogers on bass, and Pat Fiddle on mandolin and fiddle, will be traveling peak-to-peak across much of the state from Fort Collins to Durango with many great stops along the way.ELF shared their original music experience with the Front Range last November and are looking forward to returning and revisiting some of the venues they played, in addition to fresh locations they’ve been wanting to check out. Then they head west into the mountains for new towns and music-loving fans.“I can't wait to visit all of my friends and fans in Colorado and share what ELF has been working on the past five months,” said Dan Rogers. “The last time we came through we were welcomed with open arms and had such a great response that we knew we needed to come back as soon as possible.”Changes have occurred in the band, and they are more committed to than ever to progressing and delivering a good time, every time. “We are now a three-piece band,” said Eric Lambert. “Musically we have grown immeasurably since our last visit to Colorado.”“Since we last visited Colorado, Lukas Simpson left the band, so we have invested a lot of time in developing our sound as a trio,” Dan shared. “I'm very happy with how tight we've gotten. I think we all feel confident in ourselves and each other to keep the groove solid and bodies moving,” he said.“We love playing music for the beautiful people of Colorado,” Eric said with a smile. “We plan to break out some new music and see a lot of old friends in Nederland, Denver, Fort Collins, and Boulder. I’m also looking forward to playing some new towns, such as Carbondale, Durango, and Grand Junction,” he concluded.Home to legendary music festivals such as Rockygrass and Telluride, and new-grass bands such as Leftover Salmon and Yonder Mountain String Band, the state’s progressive views make it a great place for ELF to share their unique sound and experience. “Colorado seems to be at one of the epicenters of the Americana/Folk/Bluegrass scene, and we look forward to sharing our original music and take on traditional tunes in such a thriving music scene,” said Dan. “Eric's precise flatpicking style, Pat's brilliant work on the mandolin and fiddle, and my approach to playing the bass makes for a pretty impressive sound and altogether great time.”From Chicago, IL, Eric Lambert & Friends are burning up the Americana scene and quickly becoming known for their interactive, improvisational music and high energy performances. The talented ensemble enjoys musical conversations among each other, creating a unique and inspiring experience. They are sweeping audiences off their feet, and bringing happiness and good times to everyone in their path through their rockin’ original music.Learn more at www.ericlambert.com.ELF’s Rocky Mountain Tour 2013 Dates: May 3     Swing Station - LaPorte, COMay 4     Twisted Pine Brewery - Boulder, COMay 5     Whistler's Cafe - Nederland, COMay 6     Sancho's Broken Arrow - Denver, COMay 8     Barkley Ballroom - Frisco, COMay 9     The Black Nugget - Carbondale, COMay 10   Cruisers - Grand Junction, COMay 11   Derailed Saloon - Durango, COMay 12   Dolores River Brewery - Dolores, COMay 14   Tommyknocker Tavern - Creede, COMay 15   Front Range BBQ - Colorado Springs, COMay 16   City Star Brewing Company - Berthoud, COMay 17   Avogadro's Number - Fort Collins, COMay 18   Quixote's True Blue - Denver, COMay 19   Elevation Beer Company - Poncha Springs, CO*Elevation’s One Year Anniversary Celebration

Rockin’ Americana stringband, Eric Lambert & Friends (ELF), featuring acclaimed guitarist Eric Lambert, along with Dan Rogers on bass, and Pat Fiddle on mandolin and fiddle, will be performing live at a Chicago suburban historical landmark on Saturday, April 20. ELF debuts at Two Brothers Roundhouse, located at 205 N. Broadway Street in Aurora, IL, performing three hours of music, beginning at 9 pm. Two Brothers Roundhouse is conveniently located with access to CTA and Metra trains making it the perfect place to safely enjoy an evening out with family and friends.From Chicago, IL, Eric Lambert & Friends are burning up the Americana-Rock scene and quickly becoming known for their interactive, improvisational music and high energy performances. The talented ensemble of musicians, led by world-class guitarist, singer/songwriter, and music educator, Eric Lambert, enjoy musical conversations among each other on stage, creating a unique and inspiring experience at each show. They are sweeping audiences off their feet, and bringing happiness and good times to everyone in their path. With the historic energy of the Roundhouse and ELFs original music, this show will be hard to top.“I don't think I've ever played at a historical building like this before,” said Eric Lambert. “I'm totally looking forward to it, and the opportunity to play the Roundhouse. I believe any place that old has a lot of good spirit in it, and I can't wait to get connected to it,” he shared.The Two Brothers Roundhouse, is a historic building originally constructed in 1856 as a roundhouse for the Chicago and Aurora Railroad and served in this capacity until 1974. It was abandoned until 1995, when a group of investors led by Walter Payton purchased it and converted the building into an entertainment complex. Two Brothers Brewing is the newest tenant to this building, which is the oldest limestone roundhouse in the United States and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Learn more about Eric Lambert & Friends at www.ericlambert.com.

A high-octane musical celebration will light up Martyrs’ in Chicago on Friday, April 26 as The Leadfoot Band bursts back onto the scene with a new self-titled record officially being released that day. Located at 3855 N. Lincoln Avenue, Martyrs’ is a well-known live music venue on the city’s north side and perfect location for Leadfoot’s CD Release Party. “We are really glad to have Martyrs’ hosting the show, which has been our north side stomping ground of sorts,” said Mike Holtz, percussionist for the band.This is no ordinary show, it’s an original music celebration! Mad Bread and Dog 1 will kick off the event with music beginning at 9:30 pm. Leadfoot’s new CD, “The Leadfoot Band,” will be available for purchase for the first time and is being offered at a discounted price of $10 as a thank you for joining them and supporting the release. There will also be awesome give-a-ways, new merchandise, and limited-edition screen print posters available for purchase.Leadfoot will be highlighting their new music that night, performing all original material that includes many new songs. “I'm really excited to get our new music into people’s hands, and looking forward to seeing a lot of friends and family,” said guitarist Mike Vanier. “This show is going to rock!”From Chicago, IL, The Leadfoot Band is a fierce-pickin' quartet featuring Steve Haberichter on mandolin, Mike Vanier on acoustic guitar, Garrett Degnan on bass (upright and electric), and Mike Holtz on a minimalist drum set. Leadfoot's multi-dimensional grooves vary from intense, to pocket groove, to two-steppin', to bluegrass and newgrass, to straight head banging, pushing their hard driving brand of rock & bluegrass influenced acoustic music farther than before.Following a five-year break, The Leadfoot Band recently reunited and went to work in the studio to capture their original acoustic-rock music served up with lightning fast delivery. “This album is the official mark of our triumphant return after a brief hiatus,” Mike Holtz shared. “It is our first full length album and we are really proud and excited to show how we have progressed as a band. Until now, we have really been known as a "live" band and this album should welcome a change in thought about us,” he said.Produced by Josh Shapera, the new album “The Leadfood Band” captures the originality of the band’s music, while continuing to deliver that fast, beyond-bluegrass sound their fans have come to know and love. “We play acoustic rock with a bluegrass-twist,” said Steve Haberichter; on mandolin and vocals. “I have a rock-style approach to my mandolin playing. There are times I am literally shredding my mandolin instead of technically playing it,” he said. “But we also do a lot of rhythmic stuff with diversity and balance.”The band decided to express more of their musical talents and experiment with different instrumentation on the new album. Mandolinist Steve Haberichter can be heard playing the dobro on some songs, while bassist Garrett Degnan picks the banjo on a few tracks. It also features special guests Pat Sansone of WILCO on keys and singer/songwriter Nikki Giblin singing along on a song.Jamming instrumentals, three-part harmonies, and fiery solos compliments their organic sound that always gets a crowd moving and grooving. Leadfoot has performed across the country, and have collaborated with top artists such as Sam Bush, Railroad Earth, Drew Emmitt Band, Darol Anger, Split Lip Rayfield, Acoustic Hot Tuna, Hot Buttered Rum, Particle, The Special Consensus, and many more.Don’t miss this epic CD release celebration by The Leadfoot Band on Friday, April 26 at Martyrs’. The night of progressive, original fast-grass music is sure to invigorate your soul and spice up your life. “Seeing people enjoying your music and what you wrote is one of the best feelings in the world,” said Steve Haberichter. “We look forward to sharing our new material with the music lovers of Chicago,” he concluded.

Preparations are underway for the 3rd Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival being held in the hills of southern Indiana at the Official Bean Blossom & Bill Monroe Music Park in beautiful Brown County, May 30–June 1. This is the third of what the festival’s creator, John Hotze, and co-promoter, Dan Dillman, hope to see as an event to preserve the legacy and music of the late John Hartford, one of America’s most beloved songwriter/performers and musicians.

John Hartford won Grammy awards in three different decades, recorded a catalog of more than 30 albums, and wrote one of the most popular songs of all time, “Gentle On My Mind.” He was a regular guest and contributor on the Glen Campbell Good Time Hour and the Smothers Brothers Show. He added music and narration to Ken Burns’ landmark Civil War series, and was an integral part of the hugely popular “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack and Down From The Mountain concert tour. But that hardly explains John Hartford.

John Hartford was an American original. He was a musician, songwriter, steamboat pilot, author, artist, disc jockey, calligrapher, dancer, folklorist, father, and historian. John Hartford passed away on June 4, 2001, after a long battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Lifelong friend, John Hotze, decided to take the plunge into the festival world by putting together a memorial festival to honor the late John Hartford. The first John Hartford Memorial Festival took place on the 10^th anniversary of his passing in 2011. John Hartford’s immediate family were in attendance, as well as many extended family and longtime friends, and a small group of die-hard Hartford fans and musicians, who came together to remember and celebrate John’s life, music, and ideals. The great celebration had a line up to match that included Tim O’Brien, Great American Taxi, The Infamous Stringdusters, Greensky Bluegrass, and of course Jamie Hartford & Friends, along with many other great artists and bands who continue to return to this great festival every year.

Hotze, an avid music lover and entrepreneur from St. Louis, is in his third year now for putting on this event. He says, “The mood I hope to achieve at the Hartford Festival is a party mood; a mood of having lots of fun. I think that’s what John would like. He would be all over the campground picking and jamming all night long. I would like to see the jammers get up and dance to the jam-grass and others to get up and flatfoot when some good fiddlin’ goes down. I’d like to hear lots of laughter. I never started this venture for money and I would be very happy to let it just sustain itself both to honor John and provide a venue for more performers.”

(l-r) John Hartford's son Jamie Hartford, John's long-time friend and event founder John Hotze, and bluegrass legend Larry Perkins

Headliners for this year’s festival include Jamie Hartford & Friends, Great American Taxi, Jeff Austin of Yonder Mountain String Band, The Hillbenders, Town Mountain, Mike Compton, Billy Bright & Geoff Union, Larry Keel & Natural Bridge, Rumpke Mountain Boys, and Bawn In The Mash, in addition to other great artists such as Branded Bluegrass featuring Dwight Dillman, park owner and former Bluegrass Boy, along with his son Derek Dillman who performed with Jimmy Martin, and The Henhouse Prowlers, The 23 String Band, Wil Maring & Robert Bowlin, Betse Ellis, Eric Lambert & Friends, and a host of regional and local string bands such as Ryan Spearman & Kelly Wells, The Whipstitch Sallies, Woodstove Flapjacks, The Indiana Boys, Leadfoot, and many, many more.

Hotze went on to say, “My vision is to narrow the scope of the festival to be Hartford centered, that is, book bands & entertainers that have been greatly influenced by John, ones who performed with and were good friends of John, also entertainers that cover John’s songs.”

This statement is evident by the genre busting line-up featuring bluegrass, old-time string bands, and jam band music as well as singer/songwriters, not to mention the ticket prices. Kids 12 & under are free.

Advance ticket prices:

Single day - $40

Full festival - 3 days $90

Ticket prices at the gate:

Single day - $45

Full festival - 3 day $110

Around a thousand people turned out for the 2012 event. This year, Hotze hopes to see at least a 1,000 and believes around 3,000 would be ideal and set the stage for a self-sustaining festival. The event is family-friendly with a fishing pond and playground area, and is known as “the most laid back, relaxed festival in the country.” And the festival is dog friendly. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcomed and may be brought to the shows as long as the people around you are comfortable.

Tim O'Brien at the First Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival

There will also be an Old-Time Fiddling Contest and the John Hartford Songwriting Contest with cash prizes and more. Visit the website for the complete line-up, details and tickets at www.johnhartfordmemfest.com.

The Folk Rock evolution continues as folk singer/songwriter Cody Diekhoff, known as Chicago Farmer, debuts a full band on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at The Tonic Room, 2447 N. Halsted Ave, in Chicago, IL. For the first time ever, Chicago Farmer will perform his original folk music, which is the foundation of his career, while being backed up by a variety of instrumentation, including electric guitar, banjo, drums, and more. Opening the show will be Ed Anderson of Backyard Tire Fire, and acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Eric Lambert & Friends, beginning at 9 pm.

For over a decade, Chicago Farmer has been driving the highways and back roads of America as a solo artist sharing his story and connecting with people through his own style of poetic, sing-a-long folk music. Profoundly influenced by John Prine, Cody has built a reputable career writing and performing songs about his life, travels, and experiences, some with humorous lyrics and others with more serious social commentary, meant to inspire and entertain.   

While recording his new album, Backenforth, IL, earlier this year, Cody heard his music transform with the full band behind it. His folk songs became pure Americana, taking it to a new level. “I’ve been thinking about this all year,” Cody revealed. “The band puts my poetry into motion with a fuller sound,” he said. Fans can expect the music to be folky and grassy, with some good old rock influence. “I still like to rock ‘n’ roll from time-to- time,” he shared.

The Chicago Farmer Band will bring a fresh approach to Cody’s new and classic folk songs, featuring Cody Diekhoff on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Ed Anderson on electric guitar and banjo, Mike Davidov on upright and electric bass, and Nick Nepomiachi on drums. “I’m looking forward to cutting loose and playing music with my friends and sharing these songs in a whole different light,” said Cody. “I’ll still be doing my folk antics, while encouraging fans to dance, groove, and have fun.”

Legendary artists such as Bob Dylan and Neil Young helped define the Folk Rock genre beginning in the 1960’s with their lyrical folk music that was supported by a variety of instrumentation, influencing musicians around the world to look beyond tradition. Today, the genre continues to change and grow with artists such as Chicago Farmer who push the boundaries of their music and combine past influences to create their own brand of original Americana music. The Chicago Farmer Band show promises to be a genre-busting night of all-star talent.

Learn more about Chicago Farmer and purchase show tickets here: www.chicagofarmer.com

Get to know the supporting artists; Ed Anderson / Eric Lambert & Friends www.ericlambert.com

Rocky mountains, the Great Salt Lake, awe-inspiring Yosemite, Midwestern plains, and a deep, dark cave all mark a great journey ahead for Alt-Grass revolutionist, The Hillbenders. Embarking from their hometown of Springfield, MO, the rapidly emerging stars will travel half the country this Fall on their Half Moon Harvest Tour, reaching CO, UT, WY, CA, OK, MO, IL, AR, and TN. The Hillbenders are ready to rock a town near you, officially kicking off the tour on August 21 in Wray, Colorado.

The Hillbenders will quickly find themselves in the shadows of breath-taking Yosemite National Park to perform at the Strawberry Fall Music Festival on September 1. The event is held annually at Camp Mather Labor Day weekend, which boarders the park at an elevation of 4,520 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Situated on 350 acres of mountains, meadows, and pine forest, the festival line up shines as The Hillbenders share the stage with the Del McCoury Band, Peter Rowan's Big Twang Theory, Patty Griffin, The Jerry Douglas Band, and more.

The band's down-time on the west coast will be dedicated to seeing the awe-inspiring sights of Yosemite. “We planned some days off while in CA to have a chance to play around in the park and see the cool sights,” Nolan shared. “We love to travel, but so many times you’re in and out of an event, and don’t get to experience the area. From everything I’ve heard, the park is amazing! It’s great to get back to nature and soak it all in,” he said.

The Hillbenders will then head back towards home, making a stop along the way to perform at The Mercury Lounge in Tulsa, OK on September 5. The following day, September 6, the guys pay tribute to their hometown heritage at the 16^th Annual Ozarks Celebration Festival held on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield. The festival offers an entertaining and educational look at the region's culture and history. The band will be performing as part of the ‘Concert Under The Stars’ series, opening for award-winning singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.

The Hillbenders momentum continues through September and October with performances spanning the Midwest. Look for them at Mother’s Brewery Octoberfest, Melon Days Fall Festival, St. Louis Folk & Roots Festival, RiverStomp Music Festival, and Barefoot Ball at the Basin Park Hotel in Eureka Springs, AR. They end October back in their hometown of Springfield, MO for a show at the Patton Alley Pub on October 25 before packing up again and heading east for two more big shows.

On November 13, The Hillbenders make a special appearance at The Loveless Café in Nashville, TN to perform on Music City Roots. The weekly, two-hour concert and radio show broadcasts live every Wednesday from 7-9 pm (CST), with a mission of reviving and preserving “the historical legacy of live musical radio.” Friends and fans can tune in and view the live video stream from anywhere in the world for this show! Get more information by visiting their website at www.musiccityroots.com.

Finally, they will end their Half Moon Harvest Tour at a one-of-a-kind underground concert hall. On November 16, The Hillbenders debut at Bluegrass Underground with the John Cowan Band. Bluegrass Underground is a radio show recorded live at 333 feet below the earth’s crust at Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, TN. The show takes place inside the cave in a natural amphitheater called the Volcano Room, carved out by water an estimated 3.5 million years ago. The primordial silence and perpetual darkness give way each month to the sounds of the finest bluegrass music on the planet. Regardless of the temperature outside, visitors can always expect the Volcano Room to be a constant 56 degrees.

“Bluegrass Underground is a bucket list show for me,” Nolan said with excitement in his voice. “From the first time I learned about it, I was in love! I said to myself, I have to do that,” he continued. But there’s even more to add to this memorable appearance. “We also get to share the stage with John Cowan; one of the most recognized vocalists out there,” he said. “Can you imagine the two of us singing together? That would be unforgettable.”

On the wake of a new album release, Can You Hear Me?, on Compass Records last year, and recently becoming exclusively represented by KCA Artists, The Hillbenders are looking forward to their approaching Half Moon Harvest Tour, which includes many highlights for the guys as they will share the stage with legends and create memories that will last a lifetime. It also presents another opportunity for them to share their high energy, bluegrass-rock fusion music with friends and fans near and far.

“For the past few months, the band has been focusing on business and writing new material,” Nolan said. With a renewed understanding of themselves, their relationship, music, and direction, The Hillbenders continue to step up their game and hone their craft to create a memorable experience at every show. “We hope that by the time our set is done, the fans are as sweaty as we are, cuz they can’t stop dancing,” he said. There will also be new songs being played for those already familiar with the bands catalogue. “You can expect new, exciting tunes to make our set lists throughout the tour,” Nolan concluded.

Drawn together by a mutual desire to write and perform original music, the dynamic quintet, Nolan Lawrence on mandolin, Jimmy Rea on acoustic guitar, Chad Graves on dobro, Mark Cassidy on banjo, and Gary Rea on upright bass, combines the traditions of bluegrass with their own diverse influences, creating a unique and captivating sound, unlike any you’ve heard before. All five members share lead vocals, often incorporating 3 and 4-part harmonies. With tight arrangements, soul-reaching solos, and intricate instrumental parts, The Hillbenders always leave their crowds wanting more.

Learn more about The Hillbenders at www.hillbenders.com.

2013 Half Moon Harvest Tour Dates

08/21    Wray, CO                4^th & Main Grille

08/22    Carbondale, CO      Steve’s Guitars

08/23    Ogden, UT              Ogden Roots & Blues Festival

08/24    Cheyenne, WY        Ruts Fest

09/01    Yosemite, CA          Strawberry Fall Music Festival

09/05    Tulsa, OK                Mercury Lounge

09/06    Springfield, MO       16^th Annual Ozarks Celebration Festival “Concert Under The Stars”

09/07    Springfield, MO       Mother’s Brewery Octoberfest

09/21    Thompson, IL          Melon Days Fall Festival

09/27    St. Louis, MO          St. Louis Folk & Roots Festival

09/28    Tahlequah, OK        RiverStomp Music Festival

10/23    Eureka Springs, AR Barefoot Ball at Basin Park Hotel

10/25    Springfield, MO       Patton Alley Pub

11/13    Nashville, TN           Music City Roots at The Loveless Café

11/16    McMinnville, TN       Bluegrass Underground at Cumberland Caverns

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 in 88 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting over two million people around the country and tens of millions worldwide; a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years. Research suggests that the increase is only partly explained by improved diagnosis and awareness. As ASD continues to gain a grip on our children, a movement to fight back also continues to gain momentum.The 4th Annual Love Shine Benefit Festival will take place Labor Day weekend in Yorkville, IL, raising awareness and support in an effort to understand and end ASD by working with Hope Shine; a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that educates and empowers families affected by autism. The 3-day, family-friendly event will feature music that ‘breaks down borders,’ along with free camping, parking, Wi-Fi, and other great amenities.Guitarist, composer, producer, and music educator Eric Lambert will be performing at the benefit festival on Friday, August 30. “I’m thrilled to have been asked to participate in this great event and help increase awareness,” Eric shared. “Autism affects so many people, including some of my friend’s children. As a society, it’s important to step up and help each other,” he said.Eric Lambert & Friends will be wrapping up the first night of the festival with a late-night set that begins at 12:30 am, following a great day of music. Other acts will include Jaik Willis, Thinner Teed, Herbert Wiser, and many more.Eric Lambert has been pickin' and grinnin' his way into people's hearts for over 40 years. Specializing in the fiery art of flatpicking, he has built a distinguished career writing, performing, recording, and teaching Americana music in and around Chicago, IL and beyond. Traces of rock, folk, bluegrass, country, and blues can be detected throughout his music, delivered with energy, soul, and inspiration. His voice, presence, and precision moves audiences to their feet, while his playful spirit and warm sense of joy makes people feel right at home.The Love Shine Festival takes place Labor Day weekend at Hide-Away-Lakes campground in Yorkville, IL. The private campground comes with a lot of free resources including flush toilets, hot showers, Wi-Fi in some areas, swimming pool, electricity in many campsites, a playground for children, the Fox River with free canoeing if you bring your own canoe or raft (otherwise $5 to use theirs) and fishing (catch and release policy for their lakes and no restrictions for Fox River.) Some other amenities include affordable laundry mat, general store, and full hookup for RVs. Admission is $50 and includes parking and camping.Our children are our future, and together, we can make a difference! Join us at the Love Shine Benefit Festival and help us pick a fight with autism in support of those who need it. For further details and tickets, visit www.loveshinefestival.org.Ticket link: http://loveshinefestival.org/tickets/

Embark on an exciting journey with Eric Lambert’s new CD, “Maiden Voyage,” officially being released on October 26, 2013. The feel-good record is pure Americana, featuring eight new, original songs inspired by Eric’s life and unique views on musical expression. It aims to capture the energy and raw expression of a live performance, backed up by high-quality studio recording. The new album gives listeners a glimpse at who Eric Lambert really is and points to the direction in which his new music path is heading.

The “Maiden Voyage” CD Release Celebration will also take place on Saturday, October 26 at Down Home Guitars in Frankfort, IL. The all-ages show will highlight Eric’s fun-spirited new music and include special guests, making it a night not to miss! “Maiden Voyage” will be available to be purchased for the first time, and at a discounted price at the show. Tickets are on sale now for only $10 and can be purchased by contacting Down Home Guitars at (815) 469-6321 or www.downhomeguitars.com.

It has been five years since Eric’s last record, “Doin’ Alright,” was released. He has been busy touring the world playing guitar with national/international bands such as Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, and The Henhouse Prowlers. But the yearning to write and perform his original music stayed ever gentle on his mind. In 2012, Eric decided to put his focus back on his music, and creating a sound and style of playing that fit his vision and spirit. He launched a band, Eric Lambert & Friends, and began his maiden voyage.

This album marks the beginning of a new chapter in Eric’s life and music, and is a launching pad for his own band. “This is the maiden voyage of what I’m going to do for the rest of my life,” Eric shared. “I’m not exactly starting over, but in some ways I am.”

“I’ve been a side man in other bands for years,” he continued. “It’s time for me to focus on writing, composing, and performing my music, and telling the story of my life. I have things to say lyrically and through my guitar,” he said. “I also enjoy having the freedom to pick with the musicians I think are great.”

Eric has never recorded an album like this before. “The focus of the new record is the feeling of it. There is more improvisation and freedom in the music,” he said. “I like to provide the framework for a song, while leaving room for expression. I love to hear musicians play their instruments; to stretch out and really play.”

He considers the new record to be a measuring stick. “It shows how much I’ve grown as a musician, composer, and a person,” Eric said. “It’s not perfect, and I like it that way. I wanted it to be fun and inspire people to dance and feel joyful.”

A majority of the album was recorded live to capture the feeling, freedom, and excitement of a live performance. The musicians sat in a circle in the studio and played. “The music is full of energy and realism, bridging the gap between straight out studio and live recordings,” Eric said. “I like to let musicians play and do what they do.”

Eric Lambert has been pickin’ and grinnin’ his way into people’s hearts for over 40 years. Specializing in the fiery art of flatpicking, he has built a distinguished career writing, performing, recording, and teaching Americana music. Traces of rock, folk, bluegrass, country, and blues can be detected throughout his music, delivered with energy, soul, and inspiration. His voice, presence, and precision moves audiences to their feet, while his playful spirit and warm sense of joy makes people feel right at home.

Eric’s music resonates the old school philosophy of the groundbreaking musicians who inspired him; music should know no boundaries. Influenced by Duane Allman and Dickey Betts at an early age, Eric discovered country and bluegrass music through the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band album, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." Raised on Chicago's south side, he cites diverse influences as catalysts in shaping his unique roots music sound. His original voice was crafted by blending the bluegrass approaches of Tony Rice, Clarence White, and Norman Blake with those of his main influences such as B.B. King, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, and Old & In The Way.

Eric Lambert’s new record, “Maiden Voyage,” features Steve Haberichter on mandolin, Pat Fiddle on fiddle, Dan Rogers on bass, and Eric Lambert on guitar, dobro, and lead vocals. It was recorded at Thunderclap Recording Studio and produced by John Carpenter and Eric Lambert. Learn more at www.thunderclaprecording.com. The album artwork was hand-drawn by Jon Griffin; www.jiveafro.com.

Set sail with Eric Lambert & Friends for an epic “Maiden Voyage” beginning October 26. It is sure to warm your heart, ease your soul, and get your body moving to the groove. Fill every day with a smile and a song. “I’m grateful to have this opportunity for a new beginning in my life,” Eric said. “And I’m thankful for all those who listen and support what I do,” he concluded.

Learn more about Eric Lambert and buy the new record “Maiden Voyage” on Oct. 26 at www.ericlambert.com.

Enjoy this new song from the album by Eric Lambert, “Cumberland Blues.”

Song link: http://www.reverbnation.com/ericlambert/song/17647180-cumberland-blues

With deep roots planted in Colorado, and a love for the state and people sowed over years, The Hillbenders have announced they will be hosting the Foothills Flood Relief Benefit - Working Together to Help Colorado's Front Range, on Thursday, Oct. 24 at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville, AR. The benefit will include special guests, the Cindy Woolf & Mark Bilyeu Band featuring Jody Bilyeu (of Big Smith). Together they hope to bring more light, hope, and support to a place with people that means so much.“We are all passionate about Colorado,” said Nolan Lawrence, mandolinist for The Hillbenders. “Our family, friends, and fans live there. We are directly linked to the people who have been affected,” he continued. “There are people’s houses we’ve stayed at that are gone and many others impacted. People who have helped us and supported us. Our hearts hurt for them,” he shared.The benefit will include a Silent Auction, offering attendees another way to be involved. There will be a variety of donated items to bid on, big and small, including music, merchandise, memorabilia, and more. All proceeds raised through the benefit will be going to the Foothills Flood Relief Fund through Foothills United Way, located in Lafayette, CO.“This fund is currently providing immediate relief through the Disaster Assistance Centers,” said Heather Spencer, Communications Manager of Foothills United Way. “It is enabling communities like Jamestown, Lyons, Boulder and Longmont to recover. Long-term we work to strengthen the fabric of the community with regard to education, financial stability, health, and basic needs for Boulder and Broomfield counties.”The Daily Camera newspaper in Boulder reported on Sept. 24 that “the 100-year flood that swept across Colorado's Front Range this month damaged nearly 4,000 homes and caused at least $91.2 million in damage to government facilities, roads, and bridges in unincorporated Boulder County alone.”Boulder County Commissioner Deb Gardner told the Daily Camera, "Obviously we can't put a dollar value on the lives we lost, and this doesn't begin to reflect the personal side of the story. But it was an attempt to put a dollar value on structures and the physical devastation."With hearts as big as their vocal harmonies, The Hillbenders hope that by working together as a community and a country, a bigger difference can be made. “I hope that our benefit will generate additional support and funds to be used where it's needed most and for those in need across the Front Range,” said Jim Rea, guitarist for The Hillbenders. “I also hope it helps create more awareness of helping your fellow man when they are in their darkest days,” he said.Financial donations may also be made directly to the Foothills Flood Relief Fund, which has been made possible by the Foothills United Way. The Foothills Flood Relief Fund was established in response to the impact of the severe flooding across Boulder and Broomfield counties, focusing on health and human services. 100% of the donations to this fund go directly to flood relief and recovery efforts. All underwriting and administrative costs have been paid for by the generosity of the community friends and partners of Foothills United Way.From Springfield, MO, The Hillbenders are an aggressively energetic acoustic quintet at the forefront of an alt-grass revolution. They are Nolan Lawrence on mandolin, Jimmy Rea on acoustic guitar, Chad Graves on dobro, Mark Cassidy on banjo, and Gary Rea on upright bass.Learn more about The Hillbenders at www.hillbenders.com.Donate NOW to the Foothills Flood Relief Fund at https://www.unitedwayfoothills.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=3

Cheers erupted from the crowd as the first line up announcement was made for the 4th Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival (JHMF), during the morning Chompdown at their annual Fall Festival & Pickin’ Party that recently occurred. For those who may not know, Chompdown is a pot luck-style gathering where volunteers cook up fresh food and goodies for all to enjoy, adding a community feel to a public event.

Peter Rowan, Pokey LaFarge, and Pert Near Sandstone will be performing at the 2014 festival, happening May 29-31, at Bill Monroe’s Music Park & Campground, in Bean Blossom, IN. The festival is off to a strong start with an all-star lineup, with many more great acts to be announced in the near future. Last year’s event hosted over 50 bands, and always includes an appearance and performance from John Hartford’s son, Jamie Hartford. Jamie’s fine pickin’, singing, and representation of his father’s songs can give you the feeling that John Hartford himself is on the stage performing.

Heading into its fourth year, the John Hartford Memorial Festival is on a mission to preserve and continue the legacy, music, and ideals of John Hartford; one of America’s most beloved songwriters, performers, and musicians. Tradition and progression come together at the festival, as the event creator, John Hotze, intends and believes Hartford would want. “All the musicians and bands who perform at the fest bring a very different style of what we now call Americana music to Bean Blossom, which I think John would love and enjoy being part of if he was still alive,” shared Hotze.

John Hartford won Grammy awards in three different decades and recorded a catalog of more than 30 albums. He wrote one of the most popular songs of all time, “Gentle On My Mind,” which is one of the most played songs in the history of recorded music and was recorded over 400 times. John was also a father, author, artist, steamboat pilot, disc jockey, calligrapher, dancer, folklorist, and historian.

The John Hartford Memorial Festival is a 3-day, family-friendly music festival that takes place in beautiful southern Indiana at the Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground in Bean Blossom, IN. The park offers cabin rentals, shaded camping, electric hook ups for RVs, hot showers, a fishing pond, playground, golf cart rentals and more, and is conveniently located next to Brown County State Park. Campground and campfire acoustic pickin’ is encouraged and a usual sighting around the festival.

Three-day tickets for the 4th Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival are on sale now for only$75. Camping and cabin rentals are additional and paid separately. For a limited time, JHMF is offering an exclusive, groundbreaking ticket special where you pay $25 (non-refundable down payment) upfront, and pay the remaining balance by May 1, 2014. That’s an unprecedented deal that won’t be sticking around long. Ticket prices go up January 1, 2014, so get your tickets now to get the best deal.

“I don’t know of any festival that makes it that easy to have so much fun,” said singer-songwriter Wil Maring, who most notably performs as a duo with former Bluegrass Boy and two-time national fingerpicking and flatpicking guitar champion, Robert Bowlin.

There will be a Chompdown on Saturday, May 31 from 10 am – Noon for all to participate in, and a Children’s Tent with planned activities. Pickers and players are invited to participate in the Old-Time Fiddling Contest and the John Hartford Songwriting Contest with cash prizes and more.

Order your tickets today to get the discounted price! Visit the website for further details and tickets. www.johnhartfordmemfest.com

About the Artists

Grammy-award winner Peter Rowan is a singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades. From his early years playing under the tutelage of the Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe, to his time in Old & In the Way, and breakout as a solo musician and bandleader, Rowan has built a devoted, international fan base through a solid stream of records, collaborative projects, and constant touring. www.peter-rowan.com

Pokey LaFarge is a musician, songwriter, bandleader, entertainer, innovator, and preservationist, whose well-rounded arsenal of talents has placed him at the forefront of American music. Over the last decade, LaFarge has won the hearts of music lovers across the globe with his creative mix of early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and western swing, all while writing songs that ring true and fine in both spirit and sound. www.pokeylafarge.net

Pert Near Sandstone rejuvenates American stringband music with raw energy, quickly becoming a force on the roots music scene. Their tightly-crafted original music lends itself to the modern audience, incorporating old-time and bluegrass traditions. Take old time music off the back porch, throw out the hillbilly reputation, and put it in the hands of a group of guys that like to work hard and play even harder. www.pertnearsandstone.com

The John Hartford Memorial Festival has released another line up for the 2014 festival, happening May 29-31 at Bill Monroe’s Music Park & Campground in Bean Blossom, IN. Joining the initial line up of Peter Rowan, Pokey LaFarge, and Pert Near Sandstone will be Jamie Hartford & Friends, Danny Barnes, Larry and Jenny Keel, Mike Compton, The HillBenders, Leroy Troy, Bawn in the Mash, Rumpke Mountain Boys and many more. New to the festival will be Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys, The Haunted Windchimes, Scenic Roots, Julia Belle Swain Band, Old Salt Union, The Crunchy Western Boys, Sloppy Joe, The Downtown County Band, and Maria Carrelli.
Heading into its fourth year, the John Hartford Memorial Festival is on a mission to preserve and continue the legacy, music, and ideals of John Hartford; one of America’s most beloved songwriters, performers, and musicians. “I’m thrilled to be a part of honoring John’s memory and to bring life back into the songs he crafted,” said Mike Compton.
“I think John’s passion for sound and lyrics has been felt for decades, and has altered the path of string band music,” Compton continued. “He’s sort of the granddaddy of this Jamgrass scene. There’s an awful lot of his repertoire in the bedrock of the scene, from before the Aereo-Plain album to the present. John would be thrilled to know this festival is going on. Shoot, I reckon he does,” he said.
Grammy and IBMA award-winning recording artist Mike Compton has achieved a worldwide reputation as one of the modern masters of bluegrass mandolin. He has recorded with Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys, and made music with John Hartford, recording a half-dozen records and touring extensively with him until John’s death in 2001. “Working for John for a half dozen years wasn’t always easy, but it was a growing experience for me that has shaped a lot of what I do now,” Compton concluded.
The John Hartford Memorial Festival is a 3-day, family-friendly music festival that takes place in scenic southern Indiana. The park offers cabin rentals, shaded camping, electric hook ups for RVs, hot showers, a fishing pond, playground, golf cart rentals and more, and is conveniently located near Brown County State Park. Campground and campfire acoustic pickin’ is encouraged and a usual sighting around the festival.
New to next year’s festival will be John Hartford Storytelling. John’s friends will share their memories and stories with the audience. While this informally happens every year, it will be an organized event held under the Boogie Tent at specific times. There will also be a Chompdown pitch-in breakfast with live music on Friday, May 30 from 10 am – Noon for all to participate in, and a Children’s Tent with planned activities. Pickers and players are encouraged to participate in the Old-Time Fiddling Contest and the John Hartford Songwriting Contest with cash prizes and more.
Three-day tickets for the 4th Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival are on sale now at a discounted price of $75. Camping and cabin rentals are additional and paid separately. For a limited time, they are offering an exclusive, groundbreaking ticket special where you pay $25 (non-refundable down payment) upfront, and pay the remaining balance by May 1, 2014. That’s an unprecedented deal that won’t be sticking around long. Festival ticket prices go up to $100 on January 1.
Order your tickets today to get the discounted price! Visit the website for further details and tickets. www.johnhartfordmemfest.com
2014 John Hartford Memorial Festival Line-up
Peter Rowan
Pokey LaFarge
Pert Near Sandstone
Jamie Hartford and Friends
Larry and Jenny Keel
Danny Barnes
The HillBenders
Rumpke Mountain Boys
Bawn in the Mash
Mike Compton
Leroy Troy
Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys
The Haunted Windchimes
Wil Maring and Robert Bowlin
Scenic Roots
The Henhouse Prowlers
The Downtown County Band
Eric Lambert & Friends
Julia Belle Swain Band
Ryan Spearman and Kelly Wells
Flatland Harmony Experiment
Deep Fried Pickle Project
Crunchy Western Boys
Betse Ellis
Colin O’Brien
New Old Calvary
The Whipstitch Sallies
Alex Riffle & the Stiff Riffs
Hickory Robot
Whiskey Bent Valley Boys
Sloppy Joe
Old Salt Union
The Worley Boys
Huckleberry Green
Ray Lawrence Jr
Maria Carrelli
White Lightning Boys
Cluster Pluck

With a new record in their pockets and tighter group of musicians, Eric Lambert & Friends have refined their approach and taken off on a year of sharing their original rockin’ Americana music with a wider audience of fine-pickin’ music lovers. Expanded touring, new material, live show streaming, more recording, and fresh music videos are some of the things fans can anticipate for 2014. They also promise a newer, exciting listening and visual show experience.The ensemble ranges from a trio to a quartet, consistently featuring Eric Lambert on guitar, Pat Otto on mandolin, and the newest upright bassist Jake Cullen. “I believe the band has transformed from a good band to an outstanding live experience,” said Eric Lambert. “Pat Otto has upgraded our musicianship immeasurably. He brings energy and intensity, that overall, makes us a better band,” he shared. “Our ability to improvise in the moment has improved greatly with the addition of Jake Cullen on bass and our song list has become much deeper and much more diverse.”The band will perform in six states the first few months of the year as part of their Winter Wallow, making stops in Minneapolis, MN, Milwaukee, WI, Valparaiso, IN, Rockford, IL, Perrysburg, OH, Covington, KY, Chicago, IL, and the legendary Bill Monroe Music Park in Bean Blossom, IN for the John Hartford Memorial Festival in May. And that’s all before summer even starts! More shows are expected to be added.“I'm looking forward to our first run of the year, taking us up to Minneapolis, Winona, and Milwaukee,” said Eric. “I've always enjoyed Minneapolis and getting an opportunity to take the new band up there is exciting,” he said. “I hear the Icehouse in Minneapolis is a fine venue and we're pumped to perform there.” Many more great shows in the Midwest follow their northerly stops. And much more good news is in the works for the band and Eric Lambert & Friends fans.Eric Lambert & Friends new record, Maiden Voyage, topped the list of the 10 Best Chicagoland Albums of 2013 by music columnist Tom Lounges of The Times newspaper, and placed #22 on the International (Euro) Americana Music Chart. “Eric Lambert has released his finest collection of original songs to date,” said Tom Lounges. Roots music reviewer and DJ, Remo Ricaldone, from Italy said, “I think it’s an amazing collection of music that deserves to be known here.”The year ahead is glimmering with greatness for Eric Lambert & Friends. “Our minds are right and we're open and prepared for whatever comes our way. Bigger shows, more collaborations, international travel… the sky is the limit,” Eric concluded.Learn more about Eric Lambert & Friends and view a current list of their upcoming shows at www.ericlambert.com.Eric Lambert & Friends Winter Wallow 20141/15         Icehouse – Minneapolis, MN1/16         Ed’s No Name Bar – Winona, MN1/17         Linneman’s Riverwest Inn – Milwaukee, WI1/24          Mary’s Place – Rockford, IL1/25          Front Porch – Valparaiso, IN1/31          Whatever Bar – Kankakee, IL2/1           Tres Hombres – Carbondale, IL2/7            Twisted Q – Homewood, IL2/8            Two Brothers Roundhouse – Aurora, IL2/15          The High Note – Pekin, IL2/21          Max’s Place – Bloomington, IN2/22           Mary’s Place – Rockford, IL3/21           Blue Grass & Green Acres 2014 – Perrysburg, OH3/22           The Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center – Covington, KY *SOLD OUT*3/23           Uncommon Ground w/Heidi Howe – Chicago, IL4/ 5            Max’s Place – Bloomington, IN4/26           The Watering Hole – Howard, WI5/2             Lamasco Bar and Grill – Evansville, IN5/10           Takin' Time Concert Series – Clearwater, MN5/29-31     John Hartford Memorial Festival – Bean Blossom, IN

The 2014 John Hartford Memorial Festival (JHMF) Songwriting Contest has begun accepting entries, marking the start of its second year inspiring songwriters to go where they haven’t gone before. The songwriting contest is a little different than most, as it takes part in ensuring the legacy of John Hartford continues and thrives. Contest winners are awarded with a main stage performance and free 3-day festival ticket.Many great songwriters have come and gone, but few have been groundbreaking trendsetters. John Hartford started a movement in music and this festival is a great example of the wake that has spread across the vast ocean of what we have come to call Americana music. The bands selected to perform at JHMF are encouraged to play a Hartford song or talk about his inspiration on them.The JHMF Songwriting Contest is expanding on that and challenges entrants to write a song either about John Hartford or to mention one or more of his song titles. As a result, entrants have had to learn more about Mr. Hartford and his music. Last year’s contest was a great testimony to the power of the influence of John Hartford’s music. It was a difficult task for the judges to score the winners. The scores were very close.The 2013 First Place winner was Scott Carnder, mandolinist for Cincinnati-based Hickory Robot, with his original song Hartford’s Bend. “I first heard the phrase while reading a Wikipedia article about John,” shared Scott. “It said his home was built along a bend in the Cumberland River and that he would radio the riverboat pilots to help them navigate the turn, so on their charts that point was labeled ‘Hartford's Bend,’” he said.“As soon as I read the words I knew there was the title of a song. It sounded magical, a place where you could escape the worries of your day-to-day life. Much like the Grateful Dead or The Band, John could create little worlds in his songs, a mythical America still unexplored, but with John's unique and whimsical sense of wonder and joy. Hartford's Bend was my attempt to capture that spirit, that freedom,” Scott continued.“It was a genuine honor to win the 1st John Hartford Memorial Songwriting Contest and to have even the smallest connection to John's legacy. I'm grateful to have been able to pay tribute to his music, which has brought me so much happiness and inspiration. I want to thank Will Kimble for encouraging me to enter the contest in the first place, which I'm certain I wouldn't have done otherwise, and give a huge thanks to the wonderful folks of the JHMF for the award and the opportunity to play Hartford's Bend on the main stage of Bean Blossom, where so many of my musical heroes have stood.  That was a Goodle Day,” concluded Scott.The 2nd Place winner was Jim Clark, from Marion, IL, with his song, The Fiddle Man. “When I heard about the songwriting contest my wheels started spinning. A great excuse to get creative about a super creative guy and way back hero of mine,” Jim said. “John’s writing is what made me realize, hey, I can write what I want to write. I am my own gate keeper and maybe someone will even like it. Thanks John,” he said.Allie Burbrink, from Bargersville, IN, guitarist and banjo picker from the band, The Whipstitch Sallies, was the 4th Place winner, with her song Carefree Gum Tree Canoe. “I have been learning more about John and his music every year that I've gone to the festival, but participating in the contest inspired me to do even more reading and listening,” Allie shared. “I had learned about his love of steamboats, and I was familiar with his cover of "Gum Tree Canoe," so I combined those ideas to write a song retelling it from a new point of view and with a steamboat-y twist at the end,” she said. “The more I listen to John's music, the more I want to try emulating his various styles but with my own twists. I am very fortunate to have been introduced to him through this festival and contest and to count him as a musical mentor, even though I never met him in person,” Allie concluded.Katie Burk is a fiddler, songwriter, and artist from Indianapolis, and also a member of the Whipstitch Sallies. She was a top ten finalist with her song, Moving On. "Being part of the songwriting contest was a positive experience for me in several ways,” she shared.“Researching John Hartford's songs allowed me to understand his legacy more fully, especially after getting to the festival and meeting some of his personal friends and fellow musicians. As I learned more about John Hartford and his songs, I noticed the recurring idea of living life simply as a romantic rebel with a great sense of humor. The challenge for me was to format the song and melody in the style of Hartford's songs, which is very distinct. Hartford's songs are vivid stories: a tall order for any songwriter to accomplish. I highly recommend participating in the contest,” Katie said.Song entries are now being accepted through May 4, 2014. Anyone can enter. Tap into that creative matter of your mind, summon up the Muse and enter your original John Hartford-inspired song. Contest winners get to perform their original song on the main stage and win passes to the festival to enjoy the great line-up, including Peter Rowan, Pokey LaFarge, Pert Near Sandstone, Jamie Hartford and Friends, The Keels, Danny Barnes, The HillBenders, Hickory Robot, The Whipstitch Sallies, and many more at the legendary Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground, which is also home of the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum.Visit the festival website at www.johnhartfordmemfest.com and click the Songwriting Contest banner for all the details. Stop by the JHMF Songwriting & Fiddle Contest page on Facebook and give us a “Like” to stay updated on the latest news.

The line-up of great bands and artists has been expanded for the 4th Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival, taking place May 29-31, 2014 at the Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground in Bean Blossom, IN. Joining the festival line-up this year will be Great American Taxi, The Freight Hoppers, Sam Grisman (performing with Colin O’Brien), Branded Bluegrass, Chicago Farmer, Jalan Crossland, o Bardo e o Banjo, Woodstove Flapjacks, John Till, Indiana Boys, and The Leadfoot Band.Great American Taxi (GAT) will be returning to the John Hartford Memorial Festival for one special performance. The band has performed at every festival and have been big supporters from the beginning. “The first year Great American Taxi played the festival we were supposed to headline the last night on the main stage,” recalls Chad Staehly of GAT.“As many will remember, that never happened as a vicious storm rolled in and forced us to move under the pavilion. We set up on a few tables and still played for everyone,” he said. “I think that was a defining moment in the trajectory of the festival and what it has become. The John Hartford Memorial Festival has formed a big giant family. The vibe is great and you get this feeling that we’re all in it together, honoring the great tradition of John’s music and his sense of community and family,” Chad shared.Some things that set the John Hartford Memorial Festival apart from other festivals is the meaning, mission, living history, and sense of family at the event. “I see all these young pickers, more and more, showing up every year and that is encouraging both for John’s legacy and the state of roots/acoustic/bluegrass/Americana music,” said Chad. “John’s spirit, the festival grounds at Bean Blossom, the people and the bands that turn out every year for this gathering are my favorite things about being involved with this festival,” he said.The John Hartford Memorial Festival is a 3-day, family-friendly music festival that takes place in scenic southern Indiana. The park offers cabin rentals, shaded camping, electric hook ups for RVs, hot showers, a fishing pond, playground, golf cart rentals and more, and is conveniently located near Brown County State Park. Campground and campfire acoustic pickin’ is encouraged and a usual sighting around the festival.New to this year’s festival will be John Hartford Storytelling. John’s friends will share their memories and stories with the audience. While this informally happens every year, it will be an organized event held under the Boogie Tent at specific times. There will also be a Chompdown pitch-in breakfast with live music on Friday, May 30 from 10 am – Noon for all to participate in, and a Children’s Tent with planned activities. Pickers and players are encouraged to participate in the Old-Time Fiddling Contest and the John Hartford Songwriting Contest with cash prizes and more.“This is an early summer event that’s not to be missed,” said Chad. “It will set you on a path of happiness for the rest of the season. The friends you will make there and the fun you will have will be unrivaled by anything else you do all summer! Show up early and stay late, you won’t regret it,” he concluded.Tickets are on sale now for the 4th Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival. Visit the website for further details and to purchase tickets. www.johnhartfordmemfest.com2014 John Hartford Memorial Festival Line-up ADDITIONSGreat American TaxiThe Freight HoppersSam Grisman (performing with Colin O’Brien)Branded BluegrassChicago FarmerJalan Crosslando Bardo e o BanjoWoodstove FlapjacksJohn TillIndiana BoysThe Leadfoot Band

A colorful, exciting season is upon us; a sign of new beginnings, and the launch of Eric Lambert & Friends Spring Fling 2014. Their upcoming tour spans two months and features great shows and travel opportunities, including stops in St. Louis, MO, Indianapolis, IN, Minneapolis, MN, and the legendary Bill Monroe Music Park in Bean Blossom, IN. The band has been lighting up the Midwest, and expanding their reach.

Following a successful Winter Wallow tour, which included two sold out shows, Eric Lambert & Friends are ready to rock their Spring Fling and everyone who joins them. “Some of the things I am looking forward to this spring is good traveling weather, and the opportunity to get outside and play some rockin' Americana string band music,” said Eric Lambert.

Their blooming Spring Fling includes many great shows, beginning with Cicero’s in St. Louis, MO on Friday, April 4. The band’s stop in Indianapolis, IN on Saturday, April 19 marks the first performance for a new acoustic music series. Eric Lambert & Friends help kick off the fresh series, founded and run by local musician and sound engineer Dan Bent, happening downtown at the Wheeler Community Arts Center. It focuses on providing quality music events by exceptional instrumentalists and singer-songwriters in a smoke-free, family-friendly, sit-down listening-room environment.

“I am one of several presenters working to bring talented artists to pleasant, affordable venues where the artist and audience can really connect,” said Dan Bent. “I chose the Wheeler because I really like the intimate feel we get in that room. I'm also happy to contribute to the resurgence of the Fountain Square area as a center for nightlife close to downtown Indianapolis,” he said.

The following weekend, Saturday, April 26, Eric Lambert & Friends kick off their festival season early, performing at the Ladies of Bluegrass 7^th Annual Bluegrass Festival near Green Bay, WI with Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Art Stevenson & Highwater, and more. On May 10, they perform at the Takin’ Time Concert Series in Clearwater, MN and a few weeks later, close their Spring Fling with a bang at the John Hartford Memorial Festival the last weekend of May.

“One of the highlights of the tour will most definitely be the John Hartford Memorial Festival,” shared Eric. “Three days of pickin' and hanging out with some of the most beautiful people and some of the finest pickers,” he said. Eric Lambert & Friends have two official performances at this year’s festival; part of an outstanding line-up including Peter Rowan, Pokey LaFarge, Pert Near Sandstone, Jamie Hartford & Friends, Great American Taxi, The HillBenders, and many more. “You never know who you might find collaborating and sharing the stage there,” he said.

This spring, Eric Lambert & Friends fans can expect new tunes, more energy, and an ever-growing and improving live musical experience. “The band has become a living and breathing entity of its own,” Eric said. “Our unspoken communication is improving by the show and we continue to raise the bar on our soloing, our groove, and our singing,” he continued.

The trio of Eric Lambert on guitar/vocals, Pat Otto on mandolin/vocals, and Jake Cullen on upright bass, will be performing new original music, as well as some jazz and swing standards. “We're pretty excited about a couple of Django tunes we've been working on,” Eric revealed.

The band is grateful for what they do and the people who make every show a fun, rewarding experience. “Sending lots of love and thank you’s to our friends, fans, and supporters,” Eric concluded.

Learn more about Eric Lambert & Friends and view a current list of their upcoming shows at www.ericlambert.com. 

Eric Lambert & Friends Spring Fling 2014

4/ 4            Cicero’s – St. Louis, MO

4/ 5            Max’s Place – Bloomington, IN

4/6             The Switchyard – Bloomington, IN

4/11           Bootleggers – Maple Park, IL

4/12           Mackey’s Hideout – McHenry, IL

4/18           Champs – Sterling, IL

4/19           Wheeler Community Arts Center – Indianapolis, IN *with Old Truck Revival

4/25           Mary’s Place – Rockford, IL

4/26           The Watering Hole – Howard, WI

5/2             Lamasco Bar and Grill – Evansville, IN

5/7             331 Club – Minneapolis, MN

5/8             The Waterfront – Menomonie, WI

5/10           Takin' Time Concert Series – Clearwater, MN

5/16           Tres Hombres – Carbondale, IL

5/17           Ale House – Bradly, IL

5/29-31     John Hartford Memorial Festival – Bean Blossom, IN

Get ready, festival season is just around the corner! Daily planning can now begin for the 4th Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival (JHMF), who recently released their daily performance schedule on a new dynamic web site. Single day festival tickets are also available for purchase, in addition to the full 3-day pass, so attendees can make their plans now for the event taking place May 29-31. Family, friends, band mates, and fans of American music icon John Hartford gather every year in southern Indiana for an epic celebration honoring his life, music, ideals, and legacy.“We have a great line-up planned for 2014 with a lot of fresh acts for people to take in,” said John Hotze, festival promoter. Bluegrass legend Peter Rowan will be headlining two nights of the festival, Pokey LaFarge will entertain with his creative mix of early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and western swing music, John Hartford’s son Jamie Hartford always delights the crowd covering his father’s songs, and the festival ends on a high note with a special performance by the JHMF Band.Other highlights attendees can look forward to include performances by Pert Near Sandstone, Great American Taxi, Leroy Troy, The Haunted Windchimes, The Freight Hoppers, Jalan Crossland, o Bardo e o Banjo from Brazil, and many more, the John Hartford Songwriting Contest, Old-time Fiddling Contest, community Chompdown, storytelling by Peter Rowan, and music workshops by Danny Barnes, Leroy Troy, Eric Lambert, and more, campground pickin’, shaded camping, golf cart rentals, hot showers, and so much more!The festival delivered this year’s daily schedule on a new, user-friendly web site with tons of useful information, pictures, music, and media, designed by associate Danny Clark from Nashville, TN. “The new web site should make it a lot easier for visitors to find the information they need to make decisions on attending the festival,” said Hotze. “We now have the ability to embed videos & add audio from past Hartford festivals, and build more interaction with fans who have attended the event.”“I will constantly strive to bring festival attendees together in a Hartford loving community,” he continued. “The site will become a gathering place to meet other like-minded folks, and to share their Hartford festival experiences. As the new site continues to develop and improve, I hope it will bring about a party atmosphere to further celebrate John’s life and music,” Hotze concluded.“The John Hartford Memorial Festival has formed a big giant family,” said Chad Staehly of Great American Taxi. The vibe is great and you get this feeling that we’re all in it together, honoring the great tradition of John Hartford’s music and his sense of community and family,” he said. “John’s spirit, the festival grounds at Bean Blossom, the people and the bands that turn out every year for this gathering are my favorite things about being involved with this festival.”The John Hartford Memorial Festival is a three-day, family-friendly (including Fido) music festival on a mission to preserve and continue the legacy, music, and ideals of American music legend, John Hartford. This year it takes place May 29-31, 2014 in beautiful Brown County Indiana at the historic and legendary Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground in Bean Blossom, IN. The festival features performances from 50 Americana/Roots bands on three stages throughout the day and night, with campground jamming around the clock, a songwriting contest, and an Old Time Fiddle contest too! The unique event has a genre busting line-up like no other festival, in honor of John.“This is an early summer event that’s not to be missed,” said Staehly. “It will set you on a path of happiness for the rest of the season. The friends you will make there and the fun you will have will be unrivaled by anything else you do all summer! Show up early and stay late, you won’t regret it,” he said.Join the one-of-a-kind musical celebration of the life, music, and legacy of John Hartford at the 4th Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival, “The Most Laid Back Festival in America." Visit www.johnhartfordmemfest.com for all the information to get you and your family there.2014 John Hartford Memorial Full Festival Line-upPeter RowanPokey LaFargePert Near SandstoneJamie Hartford and FriendsLarry and Jenny KeelDanny BarnesGreat American TaxiThe HillBendersRumpke Mountain BoysBawn in the MashMike ComptonLeroy TroyThe Freight HoppersBranded BluegrassSam Grisman and Colin O’BrienHorseshoes and Hand GrenadesLindsay Lou & the FlatbellysThe Haunted WindchimesWil Maring and Robert BowlinScenic RootsChicago FarmerThe Henhouse ProwlersThe Downtown County BandEric Lambert & FriendsJulia Belle Swain BandThe Aching HeartsFlatland Harmony ExperimentDeep Fried Pickle ProjectCrunchy Western BoysBetse Elliso Bardo e o BanjoNew Old CalvaryThe Whipstitch SalliesAlex Riffle & the Stiff RiffsThe Leadfoot BandHickory RobotWhiskey Bent Valley BoysJalan CrosslandSloppy JoeOld Salt UnionThe Worley BoysHuckleberry GreenRay Lawrence JrMaria CarrelliWhite Lightning BoysWoodstove FlapjacksJohn TillIndiana BoysCluster Pluck

The John Hartford Memorial Festival is quickly approaching, taking place May 29-31 at the historic Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground in scenic Bean Blossom, IN. Heading into its fourth year, the festival is on a mission to preserve and continue the legacy, music, and ideals of John Hartford; one of America’s most beloved songwriters, performers, and musicians.The three-day, family-friendly event features performances from 50 Americana/Roots bands on three stages throughout the day and night, with campground jamming, a songwriting contest, an old-time fiddle contest, community Chompdown breakfast, kids tent and activities, music workshops, and John Hartford storytelling.Eric Lambert & Friends will be returning to perform a main stage set at this great festival on Thursday, May 29 at 3:15 pm.  They will be part of an outstanding line-up that includes Peter Rowan, Pokey LaFarge, Pert Near Sandstone, Jamie Hartford and Friends, Larry and Jenny Keel, Danny Barnes, Great American Taxi, The HillBenders, Rumpke Mountain Boys, Bawn in the Mash, Mike Compton, Leroy Troy, and many more.“I'm very excited and honored to be performing at the John Hartford Memorial Festival once again,” said Eric. “John has influenced me because he dared to be different and could not be pigeon holed into a category. He gave permission to be myself,” he shared. “I really look forward to the pickin’ opportunities we'll have with the amazing and diverse group of musicians performing at the festival. It's the most fun I'll have all season.”New to this year’s festival are music workshops. Eric will be hosting the guitar workshop on Saturday, May 30 at 1 pm. Festival attendees are encouraged to bring their guitar and join in. “My guitar workshop will closely follow my 123 Bluegrass DVD,” he said. “Pickers can expect me to answer questions and demonstrate different types of picking techniques. It will be interactive, audience-friendly, and lots of fun!”Specializing in the fiery art of flatpicking, Eric has built a career writing, performing, recording, and teaching Americana music in the Chicago area and beyond. Traces of rock, folk, bluegrass, country, and blues can be found in his music, which is delivered with energy, soul and inspiration. Learn more about Eric Lambert at www.ericlambert.com. Learn more about the John Hartford Memorial Festival and purchase tickets at www.johnhartfordmemfest.com.

The sound of bluegrass music and the sight of people having fun will be the scene in historic Frankfort, IL, the weekend of July 12 and 13. The 4th Annual Frankfort Bluegrass Festival will take place downtown with fun for the whole family. The free, two day event will feature national, regional, and local bluegrass bands with activities, jamming, crafts, and vendors on Breidert Green (located at Kansas and Oak Streets), surrounded by a town square filled with shops, restaurants, and a children’s museum. This is a family event that offers something for everyone at a price everyone can afford!At the heart of the festival is the music, offering all flavors of Bluegrass, from traditional to progress and everything in between. Relax in your chair or on your blanket and enjoy a line-up of premier bluegrass bands from all over the country, including Town Mountain from Asheville, NC, The HillBenders from Springfield, MO, MilkDrive from Austin, TX, Chris Jones and The Night Drivers from Nashville, TN, Oak Street Ramblers from Madison, WI, The Henhouse Prowlers from Chicago, and more. Music goes from 10 am – 10 pm on Saturday (7/12), and 10 am – 8 pm on Sunday (7/13). Click HERE to see the schedule.Other fun things to do include a kids tent with activities and instrument demonstrations, a jamming tent for people to gather and pick, instrument demonstrations at the Down Home Guitars tent, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie will have wildflower seeds, kids crafts, and more, there will be a reptile show on Saturday, and Mr. D’s Magic and Illusion show on Sunday.Craft vendors will have fair trade clothing, handmade guitars, garden art, and more. The Farmers Market will also be going on Sunday from 10 am - 2 pm. Whether you're in the mood for a quick snack, festival munchies, or relaxing dinners and lunches, great food will be provided by festival vendors and local restaurants.“It's all for the love of the music,” said April Jackson, festival board member. “This year’s entertainment is better than ever, with national headliners from all over the country. I am so excited to meet new people and hear some phenomenal music,” she shared.With old-fashioned streetscapes and streetlights, Frankfort's historic downtown is well known for its old-world charm. There are unique boutiques, quality restaurants, and a children's museum amidst a quintessential small-town setting. While you are at the festival, plan to take some time to explore Frankfort.The community-sponsored event offers families and friends an opportunity to gather and enjoy an exceptional weekend of music, activities, and fun at no cost. This is only made possible thanks to community support and sponsorships.“We are a non-profit and need the support of patrons to continue to make this annual fest free,” said April. “Thank you so much to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and friends of the fest who have donated their time and money, goods and services to help us present this free family festival. We are very appreciative!”Learn more at www.frankfortbluegrassfest.com and view the schedule at www.frankfortbluegrassfest.com/Schedule.html. We’ll see you on the Green July 12 and 13!2014 Frankfort Bluegrass Festival Line-upTown MountainThe HillBendersChris Jones and The Night DriversSpecial ConsensusMilkDriveThe Henhouse ProwlersEric Lambert & FriendsKenny and Amanda SmithDOG 1Sunnyside UpBluegrass EscapeIllinois RailOak Street RamblersThe Templetons

“Inspiration and love goes into everything we do,” said Eric Lambert, as he prepares to leave a lasting impression on the Yonder Mountain String Band audience on Saturday, August 30 in Norfolk, VA. Eric Lambert & Friends join Yonder for a special performance at The NorVa Theatre Labor Day weekend near the shores of Virginia Beach.

“I'm really looking forward to opening for Yonder Mountain String Band and sharing our Americana music with Kinfolk, and people of Norfolk,” said Eric. The band is putting fun at the forefront and have a few cool things up their sleeves. “We'll play a mix of originals and covers, and are planning something special for the occasion,” Eric revealed.

Eric Lambert & Friends are thrilled to be meeting up with Yonder Mountain String Band on the east coast over the holiday weekend. “We love what Yonder does and are very supportive of them. We're grateful they brought us on board for the show,” said Eric. “This is an amazing opportunity for us to take our music to a bigger stage and a bigger audience. I've never performed in Norfolk or at The NorVa Theatre. I can't wait!”

The stop in Norfolk is a part of Yonder’s east coast run, which includes visits to Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia. They will feature Jake Jolliff on mandolin for this show, and have the talented Jerry Douglas and Allie Kral joining them for some other shows.

“I hope the audience is excited and energized by our performance,” shared Eric, “and feel the fun, passion, and sincerity we put into our music and performance,” he concluded. Eric Lambert & Friends kick off the show at 8 pm with an explosive performance that will get the celebration started in fierce flatpicking style!

Tickets are on sale now at http://goo.gl/AjXQru. Buy them early and save a few bucks. Doors open at 7 pm, music begins at 8 pm. All ages show.

You love live music. You love your dog. But how often can you enjoy them together?

WOOFSTOCK is bringing you an afternoon of great music, delicious food, and a beautiful place to hang with your dog on Sunday, September 7. While having fun at Wildlife Prairie Park's Old Farm you’ll be supporting Stray Animal Midway Shelter (SAMS), the new no-kill animal shelter in Hanna City, IL, near Peoria. There will be three rockin' acts to entertain you between 2 – 8 pm: Eric Lambert, The Scat Grub Band, and Southbound.

The shelter is just getting started on what will be a miracle to many animals and families in Central IL. “SAMS is a 501c3 no-kill animal shelter that just opened its doors in March of this year,” said Connie Davis, Founder and President of SAMS.  “We receive no funding from city, county, or state governments. We subsist solely on donations and fundraising,” she said.

The event will help the shelter raise funds and awareness for the important work they do. “To date, we have pulled over 130 dogs and cats from "kill" shelters and other precarious situations, and have found homes for over 60,” Connie identified. “In addition to SAMS' operating expenses such as utilities, payroll for 1.5 employees, and vetting, we also still have a healthy spay/neuter assistance program in place,” she shared.

“SAMS needs the support of animal lovers in central Illinois to continue our mission of helping homeless pets,” Connie continued. “We are saving lives by pulling animals from county shelters and other situations and finding them loving homes. We are fueled almost exclusively by volunteer labor, including myself. Proceeds from this event will help with veterinary expenses and upkeep and improvements at the shelter.”

Americana music artist Eric Lambert, from the Chicago area, will be performing at the benefit, offering his support and brining his fierce flatpicking style to entertain the crowd. “I hope to contribute to the success of the event, and do my part in bringing awareness to the shelter,” said Eric Lambert. “I don't believe in killing anything unless it is in a situation where mercy or survival is required. This event is a positive move in that direction. I'm honored to be a part of it,” he said. Eric Lambert performs at 4 pm at WOOFSTOCK.

Attendees and their dogs will be treated to a fabulous musical experience by three bands, plus a tie-dyed t-shirt and bandana. Food and beverages will be available. There will be 15-20 vendors, and a silent auction. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the gate. Don't have a dog? Just pay $15 at the gate to enjoy the live music. Water will be supplied for our canine friends. “This is a beautiful park-like setting on a historical farm; a little version of Woodstock,” Connie concluded.

You and your dog can show your support for this meaningful cause by attending WOOFSTOCK on Sunday, September 7 at Wildlife Prairie Park's Old Farm in Hanna City, IL, or by making a tax-deductible donation to the shelter, or volunteering some of your time. To learn more and get involved, visit www.samsrescue.org or call 309-565-4821.

Event Details

September 7, 2014

2 – 8 pm / All Ages / $30 in advance or $40 at the gate; no dog is $15 at the gate

Wildlife Prairie Park’s Old Farm

309-565-4821

[email protected]

http://www.samsrescure.org

For a little over a decade, Chicago Farmer has been cultivating a field of dreams by entertaining people around the country with his lyrical tales, and catchy sing-a-long songs. Countless miles, chords, and guitar strings have led the traveling storyteller to a major milestone in his glowing career. On Saturday, May 2, Chicago Farmer will perform his Folkin’ 999^th Show at the Beat Kitchen (2100 W. Belmont Ave) in Chicago, beginning at 8:30 pm, featuring special guests, free merch, and something new.

With his original brand of folk music, Chicago Farmer (aka Cody Diekhoff) continues to carve new paths and write new material in the spirit of the “working man.” This month, he will be releasing a new single titled “Man Without A Heart,” which fans can look forward to seeing performed live at his 999^th show on May 2.

“The song is about a guy who decides he’s going to play music for a living, and tells the boss to go to hell,” explained Cody. Perhaps something many people have pondered at one time or another in their life. With strong roots in small-town life and farming, Chicago Farmer’s original music speaks to the common folk, and gives hope.

Andrew Howie of The News-Gazette recently described Chicago Farmer’s music as a “brand of folk [that] is reminiscent of Arlo Guthrie in the way he brings you into the story he tells; you feel like you were there to witness it all, in all its silly glory,” he said. “From major festivals to dive bars across the Midwest, his soulful wail and bare-bones pickin' is truly magnificent.”

The Folkin’ 999^th Show is presented by Harmonica Dunn, and will feature special musical guests, starting off with Ernie Hendrickson, and Edward David Anderson, followed by a fun performance from Chicago Farmer, and ending with a groovy get-down by Chicago’s Under The Willow, to keep the dancing and celebration going into the night.

And who doesn’t love free merch? Chicago Farmer is sharing his love and appreciation by offering everyone at the show an opportunity to win free Chicago Farmer merchandise throughout the event. Just stop by the merch table, pick up a free raffle ticket, and listen for your number during the night. All CD’s will also come with a free sticker, and the first 20 people to arrive will receive a poster signed by the artists… so get there early!

Chicago Farmer is thrilled to be living his dream and pursuing a life of music. He has had the honor of performing with some of his heroes, including the Del McCoury Band, The Wood Brothers, and Todd Snider, at many great festivals and events, and has been coined one of the Midwest’s finest folk singer/songwriters. “It was a dream to move to the big city, and make it happen,” Cody shared. “Everyone made me feel at home in Chicago, and still do.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me, listened to my music, came to my shows, and helped a small town kid’s dreams come true,” he continued. “Being able to share my stories, and do what I do makes it all worthwhile,” Cody concluded.

Event Details

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Presented by Harmonica Dunn • www.harmonicadunn.com

Beat Kitchen - 2100 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618 • www.beatkitchen.com

Doors at 8:00 pm & Show at 8:30 pm / 21+ / $10 adv. - $12 dos.

8:30 pm - Ernie Hendrickson • 9:15 pm - Edward David Anderson • 10 pm - Chicago Farmer • 11:30 pm - Under The Willow

Reserve tickets at: www.harmonicadunn.com/event/772905-chicago-farmer-chicago

www.chicagofarmer.com • #chicagofarmer • #folkin999

Honky-tonk jam band Edge of the West has announced the release of their debut self-titled studio album, available on May 7 via Inscrutable Records.

The 12-track album features a compilation of original songs, mostly from the creative mind of front man Jim Lewin, who takes the lead on vocals and guitars. Recorded by East Nashville's Eric McConnell, the album is a reflection of Lewin’s unique style, influenced by his 70's L.A. roots, his diverse musical career, vivid sense of humor, and inspired by the many musical universes he’s explored.

The record is a lot of fun. While the music belies the band's eclectic craftsmanship, the lyrical subject matter ranges from the everyday to the absurd.  With a comic-book irony, the songs address modern problems without taking themselves too seriously. The album's lead track, "Pleiadian," immediately beams you up into another galaxy and sets the album's cosmic, groovy tone, as the hitch-hiking subject begs for an alien abduction to rescue him from the paranoia of nuclear proliferation. This rolls into the catchy, light-hearted original "I’ll Get You Yet," and heads West from there for Salinas songwriter Larry Hosford's country lament "Got To Be Lonely By Yourself."

The pace picks up again with the barn-burning “Cocaine And Liquor” (also by Hosford and Steven Griswold) featuring Lewin's signature acoustic and Telecaster picking. Further adventures include originals "Hey Cleopatra," a twisted Hollywood Arabesque with a Tex-Mex feel, and "Spy Love," a secret-agent themed cheatin' song, and the Kafkaesque "Car of Mine." The comic book continues, combining soul-searching Americana, straight-up honky tonk, and pop-rock psychedelia. After dancing a while in space, we find ourselves back on Earth for the closing “Castles,” reminding us that in spite of our current dystopia, the power of love never ends.

“I grew up in the druggy pop-culture of L.A. in the 70's, bodysurfing by day and tripping around rock n' roll Hollywood by night with my deviant friends,” said Jim Lewin. “But I really respect and value my different musical roots, and these different renegade artists I've been lucky enough to accompany as a working guitarist for decades. I have a solemn reverence for Country music, having played all over the USA with outlaw country artist Lacy J. Dalton, and before that, cutting my teeth playing a thousand little honky tonks in the 80's.”

"I especially love the jam band genre,” he continued. “My first bands were hippie tribes who played wild parties in the woods. Nowadays the festival scene is thriving and the bands are top-notch. My many years touring with Great American Taxi have kept me connected to that world. I also hold a special love and respect for bluegrass, a rigorous discipline with a wonderful extended family of devotees. Mandolin icon Frank Wakefield mentored me in the style when I was playing with him and it was life-changing,” Lewin shared.

“In Americana-land I've learned a lot from folks like Gillian Welch, Todd Snider, Don Was and others I've collaborated with. I have deep ties to all these worlds and their communities of great people. This album is my way of bringing together these various subcultural realms I've explored” he concluded.

Edge of the West hails from the edge of the continent in Santa Cruz, CA. With country roots, rock n’ roll attitudes, and jam band ways, this group of accomplished road-dogs are colliding worlds, bringing new, yet familiar sounds together to perform danceable, fun music with a lot of heart and transcendent jams. In addition to Lewin, the current lineup features Bill Laymon, David Tucker, and Jon Dryden; heavyweight players who've worked with Norah Jones, Jefferson Starship, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Maria Muldaur, and more. Live, and on record, this band gets it done.

Get going and learn more at www.edgeofthewest.band.

The track listing for the Edge of the West’s new self-titled album:

1) Pleiadian

2) I'll Get You Yet

3) Got To Be Lonely By Yourself

4) Cocaine And Liquor

5) Hey Cleopatra

6) Treasure

7) Angel - Devil

8) Victimless Crimes

9) Looking For You

10) Spy Love

11) Car Of Mine

12) Castles