The first episode of The Light Side, a lighting design podcast, is now available for download. Each month host Luke Stratton will sit down with various lighting designers, directors, and programmers from the live music industry to find out what makes them tick, what tools they use to get the job done, and what life is like on the road.

The first episode features Umphrey’s McGee lighting designer and director, Jefferson Waful. Topics include preparation and design, equipment, console layout, and Waful’s journey into the world of lighting design. The Light Side podcast will feature a different guest each month. Upcoming guests include Greg “The Laser Shark” Ellis of Pretty Lights, Saxton Waller of ROY G BIV Light and Show Design (STS9), and Michael Smalley of Twin Designs (Bassnectar, Pitbull).

Luke Stratton is the lighting designer and front-of-house audio engineer for the Northeastern jam-rock quartet Dopapod. The group is currently on tour and will ring in the New Year with a  two night run at the Madison Theater in Covington, KY.

The Light Side is available at lukestrattondesigns.com/thelightside and on iTunes, Google Play, and Sound Cloud.

Northeast jam quartet Dopapod have announced the March 31 release of II Saw Live Dopapod Evil Was II. Available digitally through all online outlets, the record features choice cuts selected from live recordings over the course of their 2016 Fall Tour and their short Colorado run from earlier this year.  Though the band is regularly releasing high quality soundboard recordings of most performances, the succeeding live installment follows up on the aptly titled I Saw Live Dopapod Evil Was I released in 2011. The track list includes new song “Trickery”, which remains unreleased on any studio recording. Full tracklist is below, including notable familiars such as “Trapper Keeper”, “FABA”, “Picture In Picture”, and more.

Ahead of this Friday, fans can now pre-order the album that includes an instant download of the track “FABA” and having the album delivered immediately upon its release.

Pre-order available here

Track Listing:

• Trapper Keeper > Mudwalkin’ > Trapper Keeper (1/29/17 - Frisco, CO)
• Priorities (11/17/16 - Stroudsburg, PA)
• FABA (12/30/16 - Covington, KY)
• Hey Zeus!  Que Tal? (12/9/16 - Iowa City, IA)
• Nerds (12/14/16 - Ann Arbor, MI)
• Psycho Nature > PLSS > Psycho Nature (1/29/17 - Frisco, CO)
• Vol. 3 #86 (12/14/16 - Ann Arbor, MI)
• Trickery (12/15/16 - Kalamazoo, MI)
• PIcture In Picture (12/30/16 - Covington, KY)
• Present Ghosts (11/17/16 - Stroudsburg, PA)
• STADA (11/18/16 - New York, NY)
• Bluetooth (12/2/16 - Charleston, SC)
• Blast (12/2/16 - Charleston, SC)
• Bubble Brain (12/2/16 - Charleston, SC)

Dopapod kicked off their 2017 Spring Tour with a three night run at Brooklyn Bowl in New York.  The tour continues on throughout the rest of April including two nights at Paradise Rock Club in Boston, MA and The Theatre Of Living Arts in Philadelphia, PA.

Dopapod Tour Dates:

03/29 Columbus, OH: Park Street Saloon

03/30 Pittsburgh, PA: The Rex Theater

03/31 Philadelphia, PA: Theatre Of Living Arts

04/01 Philadelphia, PA: Theatre Of Living Arts

04/05 Portland, ME: Port City Music Hall

04/06 Burlington, VT: Higher Ground

04/07 Boston, MA: Paradise Rock Club

04/08 Boston, MA: Paradise Rock Club

04/09 Fairfield, CT: The Warehouse @ FTC

04/12 Ithaca, NY: The Haunt

04/13 Cleveland, OH: Beachland Ballroom

04/14 Detroit, MI: The Magic Stick

04/15 Grand Rapids, MI: The Intersection

04/18 Urbana, IL: Canopy Club

04/19 St. Louis, MO: Ready Room

04/20 Lexington, KY: Cosmic Charlies

04/21 Nashville, TN: Mercy Lounge

04/22 Atlanta, GA: Sweetwater 420 Festival

04/25 Wilmington, NC: The Throne Theatre

04/26 Carborro, NC: Cat’s Cradle

04/27 Charlotte, NC: Neighborhood Theatre

04/28 Richmond, VA: The Broadberry

04/29 Baltimore, MD: Soundstage

06/09 Stephentown, NY: Disc Jam Music Festival

06/10 Boulder, CO: Fox Theatre

06/29-30 Quincy, CA High Sierra Music Festival

07/01 Ozark, AR: Highberry Music Festival

07/15 Berryville, VA: Pasture Palooza

08/04 Thornville, OH: Werk Out Music & Arts Festival

08/06 Loveland, CO: Arise Music Festival

08/10 Scranton, PA: Peach Music Festival

moe. @ Pappy & Harriet's

tickets

Funk powerhouse Turkuaz is marking the summer solstice by sharing a new live video of their song “Percy Thrills, The Moondog”, orginailly off of the band’s latest full-length release ‘Digitinonium’.  The performance comes from their December 30, 2017 concert at College Street Music Hall in New Haven, CT, a show that helped encapsulate a mighty touring year for the band including live debuts at Red Rocks, Bonnaroo, and more.

The the video comes as the vibrant 9 piece outfit steps into an exciting festival season that began this last weekend with a late night performance at Mountain Jam in Hunter, NY.  On deck is two weekends at Electric Forest, two nights at High Sierra Music Festival, and Levitate Music & Arts Festival. The band will also make appearances at Peach Music Festival, Werk Out Festival, Telluride Jazz Festival, Lock’n, Suwanee Hulwaeen, Jam Cruise, and more.  In September, the group returns to Red Rocks Amphitheatre opening for Greensky Bluegrass.

They’ve become one of Brooklyn’s freshest exports - nine charismatic men and women brightly outfitted to have their colorful nature match their expressive voice.

Turkuaz is a rock band at its core that blends soulful sounds with potent funk grooves. Since hitting the road in 2012, Turkuaz have released a handful of albums, canvassed the US more times over, and continue to gather devoted listeners along the way. A quickly addictive pulse coupled with a reputation for their trademark “Powerfunk” sound has earned steadily growing attention across the nation.

Drawing from the conventions that have ignited their existence and using that spark to forge its own sword, Turkuaz is a band that will make anyone move to their familiar beat, yet stay intrigued by an ability to explore its own complex character comprised of nine striking personalities.

Turkuaz 2018 Tour Dates

06/23 Rothbury, MI: Electric Forest Festival

06/29 Rothbury, MI: Electric Forest Festival

07/05 Quincy, CA: High Sierra Music Festival

07/06 Quincy, CA: High Sierra Music Festival

07/08 Marshfield, MA: Levitate Music & Arts Festival

07/13 Lone Tree, IA: Camp Euphoria

07/14 Madison, WI: Fete de Marquette Festival

07/15 Veneta, OR: Oregon County Fair

07/19 Scranton, PA: Peach Music Festival

07/27 Buffalo, NY: Cobblestone Live

08/02 Thornsville, OH: Werk Out Festival

08/04 Telluride, CO: Telluride Jazz Festival

08/05 Crested Butte, CO: Big Mine Ice Arena

08/24 Arrington, VA: Lock’n Festival

09/23 Morrison, CO: Red Rocks Amphitheatre

10/12 Mount Vernon, KY: Moonshiner’s Ball

10/28 Live Oak, FL: Suwanee Hulaween

01/15-22/19 Miami, FL: Jam Cruise

~ w/ Greenskly Bluegrass

George Porter Jr & his Runnin’ Pardners end the final week of 2020 with the official release of the timely single “Crying For Hope”, their first new studio recording since 2015. To listen, click HERE.

George Porter Jr, the original Meters bassist and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient celebrated his 73rd birthday on December 26, with a livestream from the DBA venue in New Orleans delivered through the StageIt streaming platform. Porter Jr and his Runnin' Pardners band were also joined by special guest, guitarist Anders Osbourne. Fans subscribing to the stream were treated to an advance preview and free download of the "Crying For Hope " single, which was subsequently released to all digital streaming platforms, and available now everywhere.  The full-length studio album Crying For Hope is due to release February 2021.

George will also join the December 31st multi-venue "NYE in NOLA" livestream on Nugs.TV, as a featured guest of Dumpstaphunk, along with other performances by Galactic, Samantha Fish, and Rebirth Brass Band, hosted by Big Freedia and actor John Goodman.

For more information about George Porter Jr, please visit www.georgeporterjr.com

New Orleans' Dumpstaphunk releases the Cut Chemist remix of their latest single “Justice 2020" featuring Chali 2na and Trombone Shorty TODAY on all digital platforms.

Remixed by legendary DJ turntablist Cut Chemist (Jurassic 5/Ozomatli) along with Grammy-nominated mixer Andy Kravitz and bass player of Fishbone, Norwood Fisher, the track takes on new life and continued relevance during an unprecedented political climate within America.  The song's lyrics boast a mantra that recognizes that as humans, even with our differences and all of the injustices "we can change it together if we all stand tall" and that "we are all beautiful." The song was recently chosen by The New York Times as one of the "Top Songs of 2020."

Listen to the new remix HERE.

Where Do We Go From Here, the band’s upcoming album is set to release on April 23, 2021 (via Mascot Label Group / The Funk Garage). The release marks the band’s first full-length album in seven years, and undeniably the most powerful and politically pointed of their career.   Previously released singles include “Justice 2020,” and the contemplative title-track “Where Do We Go From Here.” The record is a sharply relevant statement, even more so than the group anticipated; writing and recording the album just prior to the unprecedented events of the past year.

The album is now available to pre-order on double vinyl, CD, and digital platforms HERE.   

Longtime friends Jon Cleary and Ivan Neville are two of the funkiest keyboard players, singers and band leaders in New Orleans and they’ve come together to celebrate Mardi Gras with you from the comfort of your own home! Expect an evening full of celebration, conversation and a musical gumbo featuring some of the artists’ favorite songs.

Tuesday, February 16th

US Show Time: 6pm PT / 8pm CT / 9pm ET

International (Wed 2/17) Show Times: 2am London / 3 am Europe / 1pm Sydney

And the show will be available to stream for 48 hours after its debut!

Purchase tickets HERE

Join Nu Deco for the final live stream concert of the season! This concert will feature a world-premiere orchestral work from singer/songwriter, composer, producer, and all around keyboard master, Cory Henry; an original work from Nu Deco keyboardist Jason Matthews & Nu Deco Co-Founder, Sam Hyken; and a symphonic exploration into the music of Dr. Dre. The concert will close out with a special collaboration featuring New Orleans based, Tank and the Bangas. Winners of the 2017 NPR Tiny Desk challenge, the five-piece group has a rare knack for combining various musical styles—fiery soul, deft hip-hop, deep-groove R&B and subtle jazz—into one dazzling, cohesive whole that evokes the scope of New Orleans music while retaining a distinctive feel all its own. You won’t want to miss this finale to our virtual season so snag your tickets today! This ticket is for the LIVE STREAMED concert and does NOT include admission to the North Beach Bandshell. Ticket buyers will be able to access the performance on-demand following the live concert for 72 hours. This concert contains language that may not be suitable for younger viewers.

What: Nu Deco Ensemble featuring Tank and the Bangas and a world premiere commission by Cory Henry, plus the music of Dr Dre
Where: North Beach Bandshell / 7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141
When: May 15th at 8pm ET

TICKETS

Kyle Hollingsworth's "Find The Joy" was created one late night in the midst of Holidays of 2020, while cozy at home. It's about finding what brings you joy and appreciating what you have, reminiscing special memories and creating new ones around the Holidays. Hopefully it brings you joy for years to come!

"Hey folks, I’m excited to be releasing a new Holiday single “Find The Joy.” Last year I made this video, so this season I decided to clean up the track and have our sound engineer, Dros, do some mixing magic! Hope you enjoy." -Kyle Hollingsworth

A San Francisco native, Jerry Garcia created an unparalleled legacy across the American landscape, most notably in his role as a founding member, singer, songwriter and lead guitarist of the Grateful Dead. Unequivocally devoted to the craft of music, Garcia’s other projects included the Jerry Garcia Band, Old & In the Way, Legion of Mary, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Garcia/Grisman, and the Saunders-Garcia Band with Merl Saunders, among others.

From Aug. 1 through Aug. 14, San Francisco will come alive and step back in time with a series of events and activations celebrating Garcia. The Jerry Garcia events invite residents and visitors to explore San Francisco by following in the footsteps of this icon with a visit to the Excelsior District, Garcia’s childhood neighborhood; Haight Street, home of the psychedelic scene; the iconic McLaren Park, where the Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre is located; and Stern Grove, where the band once played.

"Jerry Garcia defined the music and culture of the 1960s and helped to place San Francisco on the map as the place for music," said Joe D'Alessandro, president and CEO of San Francisco Travel Association. "Visitors come from all over the world to see where it all began."

The multi-day celebration was created in partnership with the Jerry Garcia Family LLC, Red Light Management, Stern Grove Festival, San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, ArtSpan, Excelsior Action Group, Haight Street Merchants Association, TogetherSF, San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development, San Francisco Public Works and San Francisco Travel.

“Jerry Garcia was born in San Francisco to immigrant parents and went on to become a cultural figure all over the world, connecting people through the power of music! The Jerry Garcia Family is honored that our father is being honored by the city of San Francisco on the year of his 80th birthday. May the music never stop!” said Trixie Garcia.

From Aug. 1 to Sept 1: Dive into history. San Francisco Public Library’s Excelsior Branch will host a small exhibit honoring Jerry Garcia. The display celebrates his legacy, the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater and recognizes his childhood roots in the Excelsior District. It also includes information about how to access books, music and other resources about Garcia and the Grateful Dead for free with an SFPL Library card. More details at https://sfpl.org/exhibits/2022/08/01/jerry-day-20th-anniversary.

On Aug. 2: Attend Jerry Garcia Night at Oracle Park when the San Francisco Giants play the LA Dodgers.

From Aug. 7 to Aug. 14: Enjoy Haight Street, where it all began, and take a walk back in time with the music and art of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.

From Aug. 11 to Aug. 13: Celebrate the rich culture and diversity of San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood with art, music and food. On Aug.13, the Excelsior neighborhood will showcase unique visual installations and live music at select venues from 7 to 10 pm during the Jerry Day afterparty.

Aug. 12: Sit back and enjoy a panel discussion at Manny’s with Steve Parish, Jerry’s long-time tech and confidante, and David Nelson, one of Jerry’s longest-running Musical collaborators, as they discuss Jerry Garcia and his legacy.

Aug. 13: Give back and hang out at the Ocean Beach Clean-up with the Garcia family and TogetherSF.

Aug. 13: Rock out to the music of Jerry Garcia with Melvin Seals & JGB and Stu Allen & Mars Hotel at Jerry Day, a civic and cultural event that celebrates Jerry Garcia. This year the Jerry Day concert at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park marks the event’s 20th anniversary.

Aug. 14: Groove at the 85th Stern Grove Festival’s Big Picnic with Phil Lesh & Friends. Lesh’s performance at Stern Grove Festival 2022 will mark the first admission-free concert in his hometown in the San Francisco Bay Area in more than 30 years. Scott Metzger of Joe Russo's Almost Dead and Grammy Award-nominated jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan will join Lesh on stage in addition to other notable seasoned session players, including Stuart Bogie, John Molo, Jason Crosby, Katie Jacoby, and Mikaela Davis. Bay Area-native Grahame Lesh, co-founder of the band Midnight North, will also join his father on stage to help round out the lineup. Although festival admission is free, fans must first RSVP in advance to reserve their spot on a first-come, first-served basis via the online portal through www.sterngrove.org. Reservations for the Aug. 14 show start at 2 p.m. PT on Aug. 2.

Stern Grove Festival Executive Director Bob Fiedler said, "We are so excited to be presenting Phil Lesh and Friends on August 14, as one of the founding members of the Grateful Dead keeping the music of Jerry and the group alive today. This show carries on the great tradition from the band's early years of playing free shows for the public."

“The Grateful Dead’s legendary history is infused with the magic of music in our parks,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “From the 1967 Human Be-In at Golden Gate Park to Deadheads keeping the magic alive at McLaren Park and Stern Grove today, nature and music go together. We are thrilled to be part of this incredible celebration.”

"We're ecstatic to bring the annual Jerry Day celebration back to Jerry Garcia Amphitheater for its 20-year anniversary. We're even more excited to see the City come together as we celebrate Jerry Garcia's musical legacy and visit his San Francisco roots in a true, authentic way. Whether it's the Excelsior District, the Haight, or Stern Grove, visitors will get a feel of his humble beginnings, accomplishments as an artist and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, and his ability to captivate fans from around the world," said Jerry Day Founder Tom Murphy.

“San Francisco Public Library looks forward to welcoming Jerry Garcia and Dead fans to the Excelsior Branch Library to learn more about the life of one of San Francisco’s most iconic artists,” said City Librarian Michael Lambert. “We are thrilled to be a part of this citywide celebration and to have this opportunity to raise awareness about all of the cool resources, including music, we have in our collection, all of which are free to borrow with a SFPL library card.”

ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO TRAVEL

The San Francisco Travel Association is the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. Tourism is San Francisco's largest industry. More than 25.8 million people visited the destination in 2019, spending in excess of $10 billion. More than 86,000 jobs are supported by tourism in San Francisco.

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This spring, The Bandit is back, in the Netflix reboot of 1977's iconic Smokey and The Bandit! In the new incarnation, Smokey and the Jambandit, jamband greats were tapped to play out the excitement this time of bootlegging hoppy craft beer from Colorado to Connecticut. In the shadow of the great Burt Reynolds character, The Bandit, played by Goose keyboardist Peter Anspach and his mustache, the outlaw rolls into the Rocky Mountain state to collect his craft beer bounty, only to be met by stubborn Sheriff Buford T. Justice, played by beer aficionado and fellow keyboard legend, Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident, who is never happy to relinquish a great beer, especially the hoppy variety he is so known to enjoy. Mischief ensues along the way, while runaway bride Carrie, played by the versatile Jennifer Hartswick, jumps into the speeding Pontiac Trans Am to spice up the fast-paced cross-country journey in a "total lack of respect for the law!"

Premiering this spring, look for Smokey and the Jambandit on Netflix's new Couch Tour series.

About Kyle Hollingsworth
Thirty years ago, Kyle Hollingsworth set out on a career in music.  With a wealth of desire and an abundance of ability, Hollingsworth has established himself as a formidable and versatile music talent deftly able to contribute, collaborate, compose, and communicate on a number of levels and within a vast spectrum of musical environments. Today, as a member of acclaimed jam masters The String Cheese Incident, Hollingsworth is revered by both peers and fans for his ability to write and perform in a mosaic of styles, from rock to classical, ragtime to bebop. Playing in SCI has allowed him unrestricted access to the world of music, and has bestowed on him the kind of fearlessness a composer needs to flirt with such disparate genres. Those who’ve seen SCI know that they can jerk from funk to bluegrass on a chord change. “In the jam world, where there are no set ways of doing things, we’re not afraid to move in and out of genres,” he says, “and because of that I’ve learned to be creative, not only onstage but in the studio. I can get on board with something pretty quickly. You have to.