Sun, 02/22/2015 - 5:16 am

It had been nearly a year since Jeff Austin took the stage at George’s Majestic Lounge. This time he did so with his very own band and his very own style: electrifying. From the moment The Jeff Austin Band took over a red hot stage from openers, Old Salt Union, the energy never waned. Opening their set with the classic “Raleigh and Spencer” we knew immediately that Austin was there to please the fans. Only briefly pausing in-between songs for tuning and funny looks, the entire evening was filled with an emotional high that will have us reeling in the good times for days to come.

Visiting a few tracks off Austin’s newest album The Simple Truth, the band showed us that the newest album is a mere template to live performances. Extending verses, stretching out solos, traversing genres like the globe, Austin proved his passport, indeed, has been everywhere as he cashed in flyer miles in the form of audience praise.  Whether focusing on a five minute psychedelic run from outer space or fetching a series of classic mandolin riffs from his back pocket, Austin pulled out all the stops.

A song written by Danny Barnes, “Maintain” could possibly be the funkiest song played by a string band in recent memory. Barnes’, deep, gruff vocals blend like no other with Eric Thorin's stylings on upright bass. Thorin, popping, slapping, strings rattling against the fingerboard, this one man rhythm section kept everyone right in the groove. 

As talented and capable as Austin is at leading the ensemble, it was refreshing at times to see him step back as Barnes and guitarist Ross Martin leaned to make eye contact into the next transition. Trust is an understatement when speaking of this groups’ dynamics. During the set we were reminded of just how much fun performers are allowed to have on stage. Like children on a jungle gym, Austin and his pals were in pure bliss as they monkey’d around on the strings.

One thing Austin seems to reiterate in many statements is that he will not be pigeonholed as a performer. He prefers not to sound like anything other than himself and that’s exactly what the audience received Friday. A good ole Jeff Austin performance. Some may even say that this four piece string band played ‘bluegrass’. However, I would liken it to a group a friends with eclectic tastes taking a stroll across a ‘blue pasture’.  At times I was imagining a James Brown banjo quartet because of the amount of soul coming off the stage.

If given the chance, The Jeff Austin Band in 2015 has to be on your ‘can’t miss list’. You will find no other group of performers more in-tune with their goals; providing wonderful music and a great atmosphere for their fans.  Many Thanks to The Jeff Austin Band for the musical ear worms I won’t be trying to shake anytime soon and the reputable Georges Majestic Lounge for the great hospitality.

Mon, 04/20/2015 - 12:21 pm

#nevermissasundayshow

Sounded a general advisory from the official Yonder Mountain String Band's official Facebook page. Kinfolk swarmed from as far as 250 miles away to fill George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville, Arkansas last Sunday in anticipation for the country’s premier bluegrass/jam sensation.

Being only my second time seeing YMSB with the additions of Jacob Jolliff and Allie Kral, the best analogy to describe the changes this ensemble has seen within the past year would be an automotive one. As if a group of friends had a reliable, classic bus that they loved to drive around. Now that bus has been outfitted with top-end performance parts and is the meanest machine on the street.

Having opener Ben Sollee give the audience an unforgettable performance on the cello, conditions were prime for a fantastic evening. Yonder, opening their performance with the classic, ‘Ramblers Anthem’, showed that they could give new flavor to an old song. I’d heard other violinists sit in on this tune, but none of them played that melody like Kral.  How Ben Kaufmann can lay it down on the bass and still sing melody is beyond me. Kaufmann, having just rejoined the group from a recent illness seemed to be back in full swing. 

Next came an original written by Dave Johnston and Adam Aijala, ‘Rain Still Falls’.  I’d never heard this song with a full, traditional 5 piece string Quintet. Again, the way Jolliff and Kral just melt into the landscape that Aijala, Johnston and Kaufmann create is mesmerizing. Taking turns, leaning in and out of microphones, I can say the chemistry of Yonder Mountain String Band is stronger than ever.

‘Katy Daly’, a traditional string piece played by the likes or Ralph Stanley gave newcomer and virtuoso mandolin player Jacob Jolliff no problems. In-fact, I’d like to take this time to point out: “That boy is trouble on the Mandolin”. I mean that in the sincerest way possible. Jolliff can shred his mandolin finer than most career chefs can a head of lettuce. 

After songs: ‘Straight Line’, ‘The End is Not in Sight’, and ‘Fathers Arms’ the audience had their pipes warmed and ready to try and sing along with Kral as she gave a riveting performance of ‘Nails In My Coffin’.  One would be hard-pressed to find a violinist with pipes like that or, rather someone with a set of pipes that can hang in with some of the county’s best string band.  Yonder has found treasure in the form of Allie Kral.

Visiting one of their more recent albums, The Show, ‘Isolate’ seemed to temporarily slow things down as the band prepared to end their first set with a lightning fast run of ‘On The Run’ directly into ‘Girlfriend Is Better’ ( a fantastic cover lifted from The Talking Heads) and then finally back into ‘On The Run’. The last songs and their transitions occupied a blissful 20 minute jam that had the audience on high during the intermission.

‘Mental Breakdown’ accompanied the patrons as we took our places for the second set. Jolliff and Aijala traded riffs back n forth like elementary school lunches as the audience raved. For the next track, green floods came down on Kaufmann as he laid down his instrument and stepped up to the microphone. The audience knew exactly which song was next as Kaufmann lectured the audience on the importance of sharing in preparation of ‘Holdin’.

Another set of sing along covers came next in the form of ‘Dominated Love Slave’, a fantastic choice for the dirty minded, originally played by Green Day and Aimie originally played by Pure Prairie League. Using the song, ‘Idaho’ each of the 5 members got to shine as they passed solos and melodies like hot potatoes while Adam Aijala provided the verse and hooks.

Almost in tribute to the upcoming Fare Thee Well Tour, next came the overwhelmingly funky and extended jam on the well-known ‘Shakedown Street’. Lasting well over 10 minutes and taking blind left hand turns into new dimensions, this jam was in full stride as soon as the melody caught on with every patron of Georges singing along.

After “tearing loose” on the Dead cover, Yonder and the audience where allowed to regain their composure with ‘Pride of Alabama’, ‘Harvest Moon’, and ‘Finally Saw The Light’.

Closing out the set with a glimpse of a space-y track with somewhat dissonant chords, ‘Only A Northern Song’ quickly transitioned into ‘Its Hard To Be A Saint In The City’ and landing back again on ‘Only A Northern Song’ where they stayed and jammed until the cows came home.

For their encore and in shear appreciation for the audience’s attendance, Yonder, took the time to learn The Game of Thrones’ theme song (in light of a popular t.v. event that same evening) and closed out the encore and the evening with the classic ‘Sharecroppers Son’ which again had Jolliff busy on the mandolin cutting board.

Mon, 05/11/2015 - 9:28 am

Start talking about festivals that cater only to the almighty funk genre and watch your list quickly shrink. A brief internet search would lead me to believe there are very few such festivals. My friends, I am proud to report back from the very first Phunkberry Music Festival.

The venue itself is worthy of an award.  Nestled among some of the most hidden ozark mountains, these views are true burglars of breath. The main stage is massive. The entire Chicago Symphony Orchestra could fit. Plenty of vendors offering food and a multitude of other items had Shakedown Street bustling night or day, rain or shine. Aside from main stage, a smaller stage within the late night tent also served as a dry acoustic jam house when weather conditions forced the sound crew to take action. Lastly, the free public bathhouses, general store and safeberry crew had everyone comfortable and feeling at home.

Stepping out of the car, one of the first things mentioned is “The Shrine”, and whether or not you have seen it. This is in reference to a shrine to honor the great Jerry Garcia. Taking the trek up the hill to view the monument takes little effort or preparation as it is discernible from main stage. Upon first sight the viewer may feel a slight exhilaration and excitement from the short trek up the hill, or rather from the powerful effects of the monument itself. I noticed that no matter how talkative a group may be heading up to the shrine, as soon as they arrive to the rock bluff that the monument sets upon, everyone is silenced.  Towering pillars with artistic foam flowing in and out welcome you into the arms of the shrine. Below a large portrait of the legendary Mr. Garcia are offerings, trinkets and other items previous visitors have placed. Kindred Spirits turning away from the shrine, eye level with the tops of mountains that seem within reach, can now see the entire venue just hanging in place, among the ozark mountains. This eagle’s view of the good times happening below beckons you back from the serene and right back into the festival vibe. It’s good to take even an emotional break.

The line-up, headlined by Dumpstaphunk & Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, included Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bernie Worrell. Other performers holding down main stage were Freeverse, Isayah’s All-Stars, 1. Oz Jig, and Friends of the PhamilyAtta, Fractal Sky and Crate2Crate gave funky, late night, electronic sets in the tent. 

Phunkberry, produced by Deadhead Productions, is only the latest installment of fantastic events thrown in Northwest Arkansas. Highberry, an annual Independence Day celebration held outside of Ozark, Arkansas has continuously grown from its first year in 2010. Highberry features an eclectic line up of artists not afraid to take on any genre. Headlined by Railroad Earth, Keller Williams, and Ott, check out the rest of the 2015 line up here. This fall, another event will be back at The Farm outside of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Hillberry Music Festival is said to be a gathering of strings to celebrate folk, bluegrass, and other backwoods genres. Acts will include The Schwag, Mountain Sprout, Tyrannosaurus Chicken, Arkansauce and many more.  With the emphatic success of Phunkberry, I am already buzzing about Hillberry this fall.

These new, hopefully annual, events held by Deadhead Productions bring a new flavor and old traditions into a blossoming music scene in Northwest Arkansas and we simply can’t sing their praises enough. Never has there been a better reason to explore new events in new territories that host such fantastic music.

I can’t wait to see you all at the next fest.

http://phunkberry.com/

http://www.bootyband.com/

http://www.bernieworrell.com/

http://www.reverbnation.com/freeverselive

https://www.facebook.com/IsayahsAllstars

https://www.facebook.com/1ozjig

https://www.facebook.com/friendsofthephamily

https://www.facebook.com/FractalSkyMusic

https://soundcloud.com/attamusic

http://deadheadproductions.com/

http://www.highberryfestival.com/

http://www.highberryfestival.com/lineup/

http://hillberryfestival.com/

Sun, 05/17/2015 - 11:13 am

“Wakarusa”, an old Native American term meaning “ass-deep” once was used to describe the depth of a river. In more recent times it has been used to describe “the depth of experience” at the festival or more frankly, the amount of fun you can stack on an Ozark mountain. Enough to be ass deep in it.

As an active twenty something embedded like a tick in the Arkansas music scene, I have spoken to more people than I can count who have told me Wakarusa was their first festival experience. We here at the GW want to give an inside look into the magic that is Wakarusa. Whether you’re still wet behind the ears to this whole festival scene or you’re seasoned as grandmothers iron skillet, we’re here with some helpful insight and tips.

Lineup

This line up is incredible. With six stages and music all 24 hours of the day, let’s get one thing out of the way, ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE EVERYTHING. Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Partying (5P). The stage schedule is released and now you can plan your entire weekend. I recommend printing out multiple copies and going to town with highlighters making your own color coordinated system. “Hafta, Wanna, Should, and Maybe” are my personal categories. (There is also the option adding each performance to your online calendar should you decide to use your device all weekend)

Activities

Aside from the music, there’s an entire weekend full of activities to stimulate your mind, body and spirit.

-Friday Night Costume Contest

After getting settled in and getting in the groove, dawn your craziest costumes Friday and meet at the general store (nearest Main Stage) at 6:30pm to join the March Fourth Marching Band in a costume parade! The Costume Contest afterwards will award prizes to the best costumes of the day.

-Drum workshop/demo

12-1pm Friday and Saturday at the Astral Gypsies Tent. No matter if you’re just starting out or just got off tour, come and feel the rhythm with your fellow campmates.

 ***Enter for your chance to BUILD YOUR OWN DRUM. Just be at the Astral Gypsies Tent at 9am Friday and Saturday***

-Build your own Choreo workshop         

12pm Friday and Saturday at the Outpost Tent. Consider yourself a dancer? Maybe just a talented wiggler? Come learn ways to move with others in this choreography work shop by Lee Jeffries.

-Intro/Intermediate Acro yoga

3pm Friday and Saturday at the Main stage Fire Circle. Are you the most flexible person you know? Meet others like yourself and come learn new ways to contort and stretch your body!

-Solar talks

3:30pm Saturday at the Main Stage Fire Circle.  Going green is easier than ever. Come talk with Andy Smith about how the sun can power your life.

-Meditation

Ongoing throughout the entire weekend. Look for Mel Smith’s signs around Main Stage near the hoop troupes to catch the next meditation session. Connecting through love and understanding come fortify your spirit with Mel!

Check out the entire activity list here.

What to bring???

Aside from the usual tent, tarp, canopy, ect.  Here are a few extra things to consider.

You will find no red carpet and no TV cameras. Don’t bring it if you don’t need it : “This aint no damn coachella shit”-T.G.

If an item brings joy to you or someone else and isn’t on the list of banned items found here under Rules and Regulations, bring it!

Totem/Rage staff-  These ARE allowed on the mountain. I personally love seeing the ingenuity and creativeness people bring to identifying themselves or their ‘crew’.  However, I’d like to point out that there is a place and time for everything. What I’m trying to politely say is that everyone has worked their butts off to be here. Performers practicing, patrons grinding it out in their daily jobs and all the support and staff that arrived early to put on the event… So don’t block the view of main stage with a giant statue of reptar. If a performer wanted a giant Eddie Murphy head on a totem bobbing up n down in the front row they’d probably arrange for that themselves.

Water Water Water-  Bring your liquids. Keep in mind the quality of liquids your drink throughout the festival.  Distilled water will flush you of your vital electrolytes and minerals so steer clear of distilled and only buy mineral or spring water. If you happen to run out there are multiple refilling stations that are clearly marked on the map.

Fanny/Backpack – Like a nomad on the mountain, minimizing your ‘runs back to camp’ can save you lots of energy that can be used for partying.

Portable Shade-  Although there are plenty of places to duck out of the sun, There is plenty happening IN the sun to consider bringing your own form of shade. Beach/Sport umbrellas are allowed in the stage areas. At the very least, bring your most reliable hat.

FAQ

-Where can we go to cool off?  

You will find that June in Ozarks can be something out of a tropical swap horror movie.
Thankfully with covered tent stages, ice vendors, free water stations, and on-site showers it is very easy to cool down.

-Where is the nearest actual town?

South down Highway 23 at Turners Bend is nearest gas station. The nearest actual municipality is found further south down Highway 23 in Ozark, Ar.

-How do I contact the festival with questions, etc.?

By Phone: (785)-749-3434 M-F 11am-4pm CST

By Email: [email protected]

Unshakeable Earworms

Here are some tracks that we have been jamming to. We can’t wait to see what gets played this year up on Mulberry Mountain, see you there!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc2n58vzhz8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WfVCOdltuo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLPAStzQqqY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGIgOe-5gUA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFOYXBFoQ28

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJRoJElrSMo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1Czds8rHdU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvUFlzjZZtY

http://www.wakarusa.com/

http://www.wakarusa.com/stage-schedule/

http://www.wakarusa.com/activities/

http://www.marchfourthband.com/

https://www.facebook.com/spazspins (Lee Jeffries)

Wed, 05/27/2015 - 1:43 pm

Never overlook the little guy. Often in the shadows of larger festivals, smaller events are often left by the wayside. Not this little shindig outside of Dover, Arkansas called Creekfest.  The 7th annual Creekfest hosted at Moore Outdoors, headlined by Mountain Sprout, Whiskey Shivers, Arkansauce and 1 oz. Jig gave patrons quite the show. The relatively small campground was perfect for a family oriented festival as adults ran just as wild as the children.

 

Moore Outdoors, a river outfitter, gave everyone the opportunity to get out on the scenic Big Piney River with various rental options. I often take for granted how enjoyable having a festival right on the river is, especially during the summer months. If you have never had the opportunity to get off the river after an invigorating float trip and step right into a concert, I expect to see you out here next year.

National Park Radio, an act that’s been on my “to see” list for a while now really drove home the importance of getting out to see new bands. Just when you think you have your top 5’s all set in stone, here comes a new band like National Park Radio to steal the show and your heart.

Another pleasant surprise was Opal Agafia & The Sweet Nothings. Agafia’s vocals, a soulful mixture of Nicki Bluhm and perhaps Suzan Tedeschi captivated the late night audience well into the early hours of the morning. The previous night’s headliner Mountain Sprout and their special blend of barn burning bluegrass set the bar quite high for the rest of the weekend. Thankfully every musician onsite was up to task.

A set by The Whole Famn Damily, very talented in their own right, impressed me even further with an impromptu, mostly acoustic, and unscheduled performance. With no acts scheduled for Thursday, the sound equipment was nowhere in sight. This didn’t stop The Whole Famn Damily from performing. With more patrons piling in by the second, and no music for them to listen to, these brave souls saved the evening! I was very skeptical if they would even get the sound off the stage… They did that and a whole lot more. Extra special kudos to The Whole Famn Damily.

The highlight of my weekend was seeing hometown heroes, Arkansauce. Showing off a few tracks from their newest and unreleased album, these guys have been hard at work. Seeing them the first time 3 years ago, I have never had such a musical pleasure than to see these guys grow into the britches of a successful string band. Blending style with talent like the great Ralph Stanley and hipper than any mountain string band over yonder, there are only a few national touring groups that these guys should be looking up to, if not already seeing eye to eye. We captured their set here.

With another fantastic Creekfest notched, we can’t stop thinking about next year. Whether out on the water or hanging in camp it really is lovely attending a small event in the middle of nowhere… You can get lost and STILL find your friends.

Until next time!

Thu, 06/18/2015 - 12:30 pm

A pilgrimage for some, a hop and a skip for others, Wakarusa was our home for 4 glorious days. A melting pot of positive energy that could only be described as wholesome as homemade, we relished in the chance to enjoy new music and new friends.

Wakarusa, long known as the one of the best eclectic celebrations in the country, offered a smorgasbord of events to highlight the weekend. Arriving early, one of the most noticeable features was the art. Instillations of all mediums were found all over the sanctuary that was Mulberry Mountain.  I particularly enjoyed finding an escape from the party in a mini art gallery that featured the work of various on-site vendors. It was the unconventional mediums like bamboo, cd’s, and other things I would never think to create with that had me the most mesmerized.

Chompdown, a Wakarusa tradition, filled the bellies of the most dedicated party-goers who hadn’t bothered to quit all night. Music provided by Dirtfoot was as nourishing as the meal, which patrons gladly shared with each other as no ear nor belly left empty. The community coming together in such a magical place as this made this morning, truly spectacular.

The eclectic offerings of music left nothing to be desired. My first time seeing Joe Russo’s Almost Dead left me in awe after a seamless, non-stop set that featured superb musicians shredding from beginning to end. One of my favorite aspects of a festival is all the concentrated talent… This can lead to once in a lifetime collaborations. I must give a shout out to Mouth’s Lucas Parker. This extraordinary musician seemed to be on a stage every time I looked up at one. I never did get to ask just how many sets he sat in on but everyone I saw was superb. I would liken this cat to a young Warren Haynes. If you have yet to check out Lawrence, Kansas’ premiere jazz/rock/jam/fusion ensemble, Mouth, it’s not too late to jump on the boat.

It was a genre that I subscribe to the least that had me raving all weekend. I have long been familiar and a fan of The Roots, who gave a spectacular headliner performance but It was the stylings of Chali 2na, Chance the Rapper and Dilated Peoples that had me wondering why I don’t listen to more hip-hop. A social experiment, by Chance the Rapper had fans singing along to songs they may had not previously known. Inspiring us to make our own moment, reminding fans that “This is OUR show”, This is OUR Wakarusa… and we made it the best one yet.

Check out more photos from Wakarusa 2015.

Tue, 06/23/2015 - 9:14 am

For over 20 years, the genre defying sounds of Slightly Stoopid have satisfied the West Coast and the world’s need for psychedelic, bluesy, soulful, rock with a heavy hint of island reggae. The bands newest album, Meanwhile… Back at the Lab finds its way to eclectic listeners at the end of June just days in advance of their summer tour, Everything is Awesome. Slightly Stoopid will take on the road and more than 40 cities with The Dirty Heads, The Expendables (select dates), and Stick Figure (select dates). Meanwhile… Back at the Lab is currently available for preorder on itunes here.

It has been nearly 3 years since the release of Top of The World that featured collaborations with various popular artists. Meanwhile…Back at the Lab is the 8th studio album and features artists such as Beardo on a heavy hitting punk rock track and Angela Hunte in a contrasting folksy song steeped in island Americana.

The album begins on a very funky note with the leading track, “Dabbington”. The driving rhythm, and groovy bass line are staples the group has used since its creation. The rifts the brass and sax players are assigned for this track are no walk in the park and the winds unapologetically LAY IT DOWN on this one.

The following tracks prove just how flexible Slightly Stoopid has become in their two decades of genre exploration. “This Version”, slowing down the tempo into a nice chill Dub, followed by the easy listening, embellished folk of “The Prophet”. Written by Miles Doughty at the young age of 16 in a collaboration with the late Bradley Nowell, this song is a fresh brother to Sublimes release of “Ain’t No Prophet” on the Everything Under The Sun rarities box set.

It isn’t until a few tracks into the album on, “Hold it Down”, and “Fades Away” that the band dives into the style of reggae they’ve become so well known for. The punk rock track mentioned earlier, “Fuck You” (feat. Beardo) is unique in that it is the only punk rock track on the album but in no way stands out. The dirty funk of “Time Won’t Wait” and the grungy blues of “Rolling Stone” make the fast pasted, distortion riddled rifts of the culture defying punk, fit right in. (How conformist of me to say, right?)

One of the more remarkable abilities of Slightly Stoopid is their ability to change and utilize their vocal techniques on a whim. I like how it’s often not the words that are the focal point. Rather the syllables that make up the words, creating a rhythmic masterpiece that no other instrument, human or not, can recreate. “Guns in Paradise” and “Come Around” are wonderful examples of the percussive instruments the human voice can be.

I found myself singing lines from “Some Call Me Crazy”. It’s a very well written love song that belongs on your ‘sure looks good to me’ playlist. It isn’t until a few lines of the hook that Angela Hunte starts singing the verse on “One Bright Day”, written by Kyle McDonald, and again shows how utilitarian the human voice is.  McDonald has described the songs inception and Hunte’s involvement as:

"One Bright Day was a track we were just having fun playing the ukulele in our friend Jerry Wonder's studio (Platinum Studios NYC).  We pressed ‘record’ and ended up tracking it. Our friend Angela Hunte, who is a very talented artist with an amazing voice, was in the studio hangin' with us and liked the song. (She) blessed it up with her beautiful voice and it was a wrap…. Good times hanging with good friends."

Meanwhile…Back at the Lab brings things to a close on the last two tracks. “Life Rolls On” features the brass again, this time with a wholesome, sweet melody that sweeps you right into “Whatever Your Friends Say”, the closing track.  This new album from Slightly Stoopid is fantastic addition to their existing library of music. Be sure to check them out on their Summer 2015 tour, Everything is Awesome, at a venue near you!

Tue, 06/23/2015 - 4:46 pm

This Independence Day weekend, I call upon you all, to celebrate. In recognition of all things we hold dear, take time to cherish. Cherish your loved ones, cherish yourself. This Independence Day, recognize that on whatever whim we may exist, we are here with each other and without that, well, things would be much less interesting. Celebrate your freedom to express yourself through whatever means possible. If only a moment in a hectic day, make that moment yours.

July 3rd, 4th and 5th is scheduled to bring a celebration that will surely be legendary. Among millions celebrating our nation’s independence, thousands will gather to celebrate the greatest rock band in history in Chicago Illinois. Tickets sold out nearly the moment they went on sale leaving many heads with options...

For those of you who will get to be there in person for the Fare Thee Well concert series, please soak up the experience and the stories to share with the rest of us. Dance for your friends who were unable to attend. Hell, dance for my friends who were unable to attend. As for me, I will be at a similar celebration that’s slightly smaller, on the banks of a river, and in the company of the best family that’s ever been run out of an all night dinner.

Fresh off the stellar inaugural Phunkberry Music Festival this spring, Deadhead Productions is back at Byrd’s Adventure Center to host the 6th annual Highberry Music Festival. This year’s lineup is absolute top notch with Railroad Earth headlining two nights! A post by Railroad Earth on social media read:

“It isn't often we headline two nights of a festival with TWO sets each night but that is just what's going down 7/2 - 7/3 at Highberry Music Festival in Ozark, AR. 3-day passes are a steal and you can grab them at highberryfestival.com. Do it!!”

Also billed for the weekend and 2014 headliner for Highberry, Keller Williams will grace the stage and his endless talent leaves no one with a clue what he may play but you can grab his latest album at http://kellerwilliams.net .  Last year, after his first solo set on Friday that included loop pedals, drum machines, and an assortment of stringed instruments Keller called for ‘requests’ for Saturday. Patrons gladly scribbled on vendor napkins at the chance to hear Keller actually play their song… Saturday came and Keller presented the audiences ‘requests’, of course with the strictest of artistic oversight.

Here is the YouTube video of that entire set. It’s over two hours and just in case you don’t know the musical mastery that Mr. Williams brings to every performance, I encourage you to watch/listen the whole way through.

On the opposite side of the genre genome lives an artist who I am equally thrilled to see again live. Hailing from ‘across the pond’ Ott brings a very worldly approach to his psychedelic dub and trance type sets.  ‘Dub’ a genre defying adjective that is itself a genre can take on many different meaning for a vast array of musicians. Ott’s style is often what I refer to when referencing the genre as it is very organic and easy to identify. Never abrasive or brash, even his psychedelic take on dub is light and very welcoming. Gathering sounds like a globe traveling spice collector, Ott serves up a hint of culture here and a dash of ‘streetwise’ there to cook up the crunchiest of vibes.

There is a scheduled Chompdown on Satuday at 10am. “Chompdown”, Arkansan for a community gathering around music and food is a Ozark festival tradition and provides necessary nourishment to festival attendees.  Other artists on the lineup for the Ozarkan Independence Day Celebration of a lifetime are Earphunk, The Shwag (Grateful Dead Tribute), Random Rab, Mingo Fishtrap, Arkansauce, A Live One (Phish Tribute), Steepwater Band and , Jon Wayne and the Pain. View the entire lineup here!

Fri, 07/24/2015 - 7:27 am

Not many music ensembles stand the test of time. Most can’t even handle the road… 29 years now, Widespread Panic has been king of the road.  Located in a considerably small municipality, the Arkansas Music Pavilion played host to a smorgasbord of colorful ‘spreadnecks’, some who have been on tour with the band all spring and summer and were more than proud to tell tale of a moment at a previous show. Having been two years without visiting our great state, I feel the mostly southern crowd made Panic feel right at home.

Taking on an absolute cold stage with no scheduled opener, these stories along with the buzzing lot scene and a few local pre-parties had anticipations for the stellar night to come running most high. Since the inception of jam bands the scene has been busting at the seams with various intricacies. Staying true to their roots with melodies steeped in blues and southern rock, the simplest things in life are often the most refreshing.  This held true for Friday night’s show. Minimal effects and production, just raw talent melting your face.

The peak of 2 set performance came in a spectacular percussive duet. It’s not often I rave about the lights or visual production but it was some of the simplest effects during the drum break that literally had me spinning and highlighted the incredible performance. As the floodlights dimmed the row of lights above the band started to spin, one at a time and right to left. Like we were all inside a horizontal rainstick, beans bumping to the beat… spinning spinning spinning…

Filling in for Todd Nance, Duane Trucks on the drums melded right into the landscape drawn by John Bell, Jimmy Herring and company.  Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz also took part in this 10-minute percussion feature. Hands ricocheting between various instruments, Ortiz seemed better equipped than Inspector Gadget.  Rhythm unorganized at times as the duet sampled worldly tribal influences that brought everyone to their feet. It was like a march to war, sending us out into our respective worlds to continue the good fight.   

Afterward, the band wrapped up the summer segment of their 2015 tour with a performance each in Mississippi and Kentucky. This fall you can catch Widespread Panic October 23rd,24th,25th as they play three consecutive shows in Milwaukee, WI before their annual Halloween celebration, October 30th and 31st in Ashville, NC.   Panic has also just announced that a three-night stint in Atlanta, Georgia to celebrate New Year's Eve on December 29th, 30th, 31st.

Mon, 08/10/2015 - 1:47 pm

How grand is it that in a thriving music culture we find ourselves blessed with genre specific events. Too often I find a billing with ‘everything plus the kitchen sink’. Having variety in a billing is nice. Having a concise theme and being able to attend as much of the scheduled performances as you like is even better.   Earlier this spring we were reminded just how nice that is with the 1st Phunkberry Music Festival that catered to the almighty funk genre. This time its string style of the mountain variety.  No schedule conflicts, No compromising, just one big ‘string band party’ on a stellar farm to welcome Fall in the Ozarks. 

Hosted by Deadhead Productions, the 1st Hillberry Music Festival is proud to present its fine collection of string music. Topping out the bill are local favorites with a nationwide following, The Schwag as they present two nights of Grateful Grass. Alongside are Ohio’s #1 bluegrass band, Rumpke Mountain Boys with their special blend of ‘trashgrass’.  Mark Bilyue (Big Smith) and Cindy Woolf will also present their much acclaimed duo. Rounding out the 2015 lineup: Mountain Sprout, Tyrannosaurus Chicken, Cluster Pluck, The Hatrick, Foley’s Van, Dirty River Ramblers, Arkansauce, Cutty Rye, Big Steel River, Chucky Waggs, Woody & Sunshine, Richie Shakin Nagan and last but not least Arkansas Ground Score. Go to  hillberryfestival.com/hillberry-2015-event-schedule for the complete event schedule.

The Farm

Mentioned earlier, the same stellar venue that held the 1st Phunkberry Music Festival will also play host to Hillberry.  This little piece of heaven is right outside the bustling Eureka Springs, Arkansas and has many Amenities include Bathhouses (not included in ticket), and free shuttles to The General Store for packaged beverages and camping supplies. Shuttles can also be ridden to float the White River or swim at Beaver Lake. 360 degree views from the site located on the top of a mountain with only a few other mountain tops insight gives the feeling of an eagles nest with the Mark Twain National Forest at its back.  Near the back of the venue is a secluded, yet frequently visited shrine to the late Jerry Garcia that pulls a different emotion out of every visitor. I noticed how quiet groups were once they arrived. Even with camera in hand and at the ready, I felt intrusive and inappropriate taking photos while patrons visited The Shrine. There is something truly powerful here. Special shout out to Jamie Seed for letting us borrow his monumental image. I encourage you all to make the pilgrimage to The Farm!

Activities
Did somebody say ‘slip n slide kickball’?

THURSDAY AUG 20th

 1:00pm-Fire Safety

4:00pm-Rock Balance Mind Shop

5:00pm-Slip and Slide Kickball

7:00pm-Mandala Meditation

FRIDAY AUG 21

9:00am-Salute the Sun (yoga)

10:00am-Kids Tie Dye Workshop / 1st Annual Hillberry Picking Contest

11:00am-Explore the Senses (yoga) / Shrine Building with Ralph Shrine

12:00pm-Rock Balance Mind Shop / Acroyoga

1:00pm-Fire Safety / Summer adventures: Essential Oils

2:00pm-Hoop Workshop

3:00pm-In the Air (juggling)

SATURDAY AUG 22

9:00am-Mindful Meditation

10:00am-CHOMPDOWN w/ Arkansauce

11:00am-Love yo self (yoga) / Mini Art Cars with Ralph Shrine

12:00pm-Tie Dye Workshop / Poi Skill Share Double Staff Basics

1:00pm-Fire Safety / Mood support: Essential Oils

2:00pm-Hoop Workshop

3:00pm-In the Air (juggling)

****Kids camp will be FRIDAY and SATURDAY 11:00am-1:00pm. Sarah has fun activities planned just for the kiddos!****

Tue, 09/15/2015 - 7:46 pm

In the wake of an awful set of circumstances, faced with the possibility of a non-existent fall music extravaganza, the fabulous folk of Deadhead Productions have again stepped up to the plate with their announcement of Hillberry 2: The Harvest Moon Festival.  Earlier this year we told you all about the 1st Hillberry Music Festival that occurred this August on the Farm outside Eureka Springs, Arkansas… well party people, get ready to do it all over again!  

Just a few hours before the official announcement of the fate of phases, rumors on the internet were abound that the Midwest may be slightly lack luster in the fall festival department.  Regardless of the reasons, nothing is standing in the way of Hillberry 2: The Harvest Moon Festival as the opening line on the Facebook event states: “THIS EVENT WILL NOT BE CANCELLED!”  Even this is music to our ears.

The lineup shows that not only do the organizers have the backs of patrons, but of performers too.  Artists that were scheduled to play phases were left scrambling to fill dates and connect tour dots. Thankfully many of those performers landed on the Hillberry 2: The Harvest Moon lineup and now have a stellar venue to visit later this fall. The first installment of headliners included Leftover Salmon, Lettuce, Wookiefoot, The Motet, and a Jerry Garcia Tribute by Larry Keels and his All-Star ensemble. A 2nd installment proclaimed ALO would join their ranks as well and announced several other performers.

Rounding out the OBESE lineup are Louisiana’s folk, rock, gypsy, punk ensemble, Dirtfoot, which I liken to a fusion of all things rough and lovely. Wildman and Festival Fanatic, Andy Frasco and The U.N. will surely fuel something so raucous there will be a new rule about it… which will probably be broken next year. A reunion by Don’t Stop Please, a modern local legend that transcends genre labels will have you saying their name by the end of the weekend.

Often starting reggae and ending sets in a psychedelic fusion, Jon Wayne and The Pain isn’t to be missed. Portland’s up and coming alternative country ensemble, Fruition, will serve up a homemade slice of wholesome Americana music.  Tyrannosaurus Chicken, who closed out the inaugural Hillberry Festival last month in a southern/delta blues raging ramble have become a regular staple and we are glad to see them back on the Farm.  The Rumpke Mountain Boys with their special blend of self-proclaimed ‘trashgrass’ are also back for a second time this year. 

The Farm. This little piece of heaven is right outside the bustling Eureka Springs, Arkansas and has many amenities including bathhouses (not included in ticket), and shuttles to The General Store for packaged beverages and camping supplies. 360 degree views from the site located on the top of a mountain with only a few other mountain tops in sight give way to the feeling of being perched in an eagles nest with the Mark Twain National Forest at your back. Most of the venue is suited for car camping in a well kempt field with wooded area in the back perfect for hammocking (no car parking allowed, drop offs only) .

Near the back of the venue is a secluded, yet frequently visited shrine to the late Jerry Garcia that pulls a different emotion out of every visitor. I noticed how quiet groups were once they arrived. Even with camera in hand and at the ready, I felt intrusive and inappropriate taking photos while patrons visited The Shrine. There is something truly powerful here.

A pre-party at Georges Majestic Lounge on October 10th with local favorites: Arkansauce, The Squarshers, and Opal Agafia & the Sweet Nothings will get things started and sooth anticipations while we wait. I look forward to seeing you all on the Farm this October for the Midwest’s brand new event: Hillberry 2: The Harvest Moon Music Festival!

Until then enjoy this clip of Leftover Salmon the last time they visited Northwest Arkansas with Andy Thorn ‘over easy’.

Fri, 10/23/2015 - 10:56 am

A mountain top Harvest Moon Festival is alive and well in the hills of the Ozarks. After Yonder Mountain String Band’s last Harvest Festival in 2014, many of us were left with an itch that needed scratched… The feeling of finding your favorite music festival is indescribable. Reuniting with family and seeing acclaimed artists that simply don’t come around as often you like is what it’s all about. Like finding a home away from home, worthy of the pilgrimage, thousands flocked to the Farm outside Eureka Springs for one of the most festive weekends I have had the chance to be a part of: Hillberry 2: Harvest Moon Festival.

“From the ashes a fire shall be woken”, is a verse from a J.R.R. Tolken poem that reminds me exactly what it was like finding out that Deadhead Productions were stepping in the fill the void of a festival lost. This has been a grand year to be near the DHP team. All the events including the inaugural Phunkberry Music Festival, to their flagship event Highberry Music Festival at the legendary Byrds Adventure Center, and then another inaugural event, Hillberry Bluegrass Festival back at the Farm. Hillberry 2 came as a surprise after an announcement of a cancellation of another unrelated event that occupied the same weekend. Offering his home to throngs of attendees and musicians alike, Mr. Walker got on stage after Leftover Salmon gave an electrifying encore to top off their phenomenal headlining performance to announce that “We WILL be doing this again next year.”

The lineup was incredible. All sharing the same massive stage, I must give a shout out to the sound crew. Times between sets were blazing and the fact that I could walk anywhere on the property and enjoy the music had me super impressed. Also, the vendor selection was phenomenal, an onsite leather craftsman knocked out much of my holiday shopping and the best selection of food I could imagine kept my camp stove quite idle.

My musical shoutout of the weekend goes to the reunion of Don’t Stop Please and the campfire set by Handmade Moments on top of a bus made into a stage. Anna Horton and Joel Ludford are the front duo for Don’t Stop Please and seem to be the sole members of Handmade Moments. Performing 2 sets of material with 2 separate ensembles with the same unrelenting raw talent kept me in awe. Trading beatboxing duties similar to roommates sharing dish duty gave both members of Handmade Moments a chance to shine. Picking up, setting down, trading back and forth, no instrument ‘belonged’ to any one person. Please, don’t stop seeking out these musicans. This is their calling and you must see it.

Music kicked off on Friday and I relished in the opportunity to see ALO perform their classic jam rifts. The first night of music also brought the first round of colder temperatures. I am so glad Wookiefoot was on fire that evening. I don’t think I would of made it otherwise… 

On Saturday we awoke to a double dose of Chompdown as Arkansauce and Dirtfoot provided music while hungry patrons lined up to receive breakfast that had been donated in piles by fellow festifarians. What a beautiful for thing for everyone to come together and take care of each other. No ear nor belly left empty.

As the sun went down beneath the horizon, Portland’s Fruition came up on stage with their soulful blend of country. I had never seen nor heard a mandolin in accompaniment like that. Funk was next on the menu for the late night headlining shows. Motet then Lettuce got checked off my bucket list as the groove never quit. It was a late night campsite visit by members of Fruition that had me asking if the weekend was one, big, awesome, elaborate dream. Walking up with instruments in hand, “Swings and waltzes just aren’t selling this year, do you mind if we play you some ‘sad bastard’ songs?” I handed them my shine and obliged them to join us.

Experiences like this are why I keep coming back to festivals. When asked why I endure the lines, weather, security, and traffic I like to remind myself, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I cannot express how happy I am to have a Harvest Festival back in Arkansas. Thanks to the wondrous folks at Deadhead Productions the Harvest vibe didn’t miss a beat or a year. I cannot wait to see what this event has in store next year. Join us, wont you? Until next time music lovers.

Check out more photos from Hillberry 2.

Tue, 01/26/2016 - 6:44 pm

Keller Williams' KWatro came to town last Friday. I was anxious to see what songs and what style would be played. I had heard Keller do funk, bluegrass, rock, reggae and pop. Among a few others I am failing to mention. With the addition of three other musicians there is also an entire new ensemble to experience. I had head heard Keller play with The Keels, The String Cheese Incident and Yonder Mountain String Band. After little research I found that two of the musicians, Gibb Droll on guitar and Rodney Holmes on drums had played with Keller Williams previously on other projects and Danton Boller would be providing the bass.

Song selections for the evening included fan favorites the likes of Mantra*, Breathe, She Rolls, and Ninja. My personal favorite of the evening, also appearing on Keller’s latest album, was ‘The Drop’. Like most of his tunes, it is very intricate but the unique syncopated hook reminds me of a death-metal like rift.

The dynamic of this new ensemble allows Keller to do some extraordinary things. First of all, being able to rely on Rodney Holmes for crunchy beats gives Keller Williams the freedom to take a new refreshing take on repertoire classics. Bassist Danton Boller seems very versatile in switching genres and providing a solid foundation for the group to work. Lastly, Keller and Gibb Droll on guitar can run through variations on a melody so very masterfully. Watching the guitar duo reminded me of old pals running a billiards table; setting them up and knocking them down with ease.

Near the end of the evening, Keller Williams announced that he would be setting foot on Mulberry Mountain this summer by joining the ranks of the Highberry Music Festival lineup. This announcement marks his third consecutive time to appear on the lineup. With his two previous performances being nothing short of electrifying, we are quite thrilled to see what he has in store this summer.

*although not on the set list, Mantra was played after the first set break.

Mon, 04/04/2016 - 10:31 am

Wednesday nights at Fayetteville’s Georges Majestic Lounge have a new level of expectations thanks to Yonder Mountain String Band. Warming up the stage, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades will be on tour with Yonder for the majority of spring. Yonder, opening their set with Red Bird, it seemed like conga lines swarmed to the garden stage from the patios and the front bar. The variations on vibrations from boogie to ballad and the intimacy to intricacy showed us why we have been itching for a taste of this year’s upcoming music festival.

Yonder, also headlining Highberry Music Festival June 30th -July 4th; this evenings event was billed as a Highberry Pre-party and according to plan it was a down right hootenanny. Along with crowd favorites ‘Annalee’ and ‘Corona’ my other favorite of the evening was ‘Complicated’ leading into ‘Funtime’, leading back into ‘Complicated’. It was a great example of how bluegrass can be used as a therapy as well as a party inducing inoculative.

Coming back out to a resounding encore, Ben Kauffman admitted that they had no song picked for the moment. Either picking a suggestion from the hundreds or relying on an oldie but a goodie, Yonder’s version of ‘Goodbye Blue Sky’ departed us in arms while Fayetteville locals Arkansauce caught the would-be departures in the Lounge with a “one-two punch” sorta picking event.

Highberry Music Festival, produced by Deadhead Productions, will be held at Mulberry Mountain 4117 Mulberry Mountain Loop, Ozark, AR 72949 June 30th-July 4th. Also scheduled to perform:  Buckethead, Keller Williams, Papadosio, Cornmeal, Jeff Austin Band, Wookiefoot, Dirtfoot, Henry & The Invisibles among many more. Another Pre-Highberry Celebration will be held at Georges Majestic Lounge April 26th when Cornmeal visits Fayetteville.

Check out more photos from the show.

Thu, 04/21/2016 - 7:33 am

A new player has emerged in the bustling field of music festivals. The inaugural Homegrown Music Festival has been announced for July 21-23 at Byrd’s Adventure Center nestled deep in the Ozark Mountains near Ozark, Arkansas. Aside from providing world class entertainment as announced in the first 2 rounds of the lineup, the folks behind Homegrown Music Festival have another mission: to be the areas first sustainable and family friendly music festival.

The Homegrown Music Festival staff, volunteers, vendors, and artists have all pledged to make an extraordinary effort to insure the environmental impact of this event is miniscule. Below we talk with Ben Wright of Henhouse Prowlers about the importance of sustainability. In celebration of Earth Day, we break down this new and grand mid-summer event.

GW:  Please Welcome Ben Wright of The Hen House Prowlers.

What is sustainability? What does this mean to you?

Ben Wright: Sustainability is trying to live with a sense of balance, to me at least.  There are some things that we're all going to do that have a negative impact on the world around us.  It's important to know what that is and own it...and try and balance it out with things that are good.

GW: I am a proponent of the ‘One Earth’ mantra meaning that we have only 1 Earth, and we should treat it in a way that would serve humanity forever.  Do you have any mantras or beliefs that help you live less impactful?

Ben Wright: I try to be aware of where I/we are in the moment.  It's easy to always be looking into the future in this business.

GW: Can you share any of your ‘sustainable weaknesses? Where do you find yourself needing to make improvements to live a more eco-friendly life?

Ben Wright: We're lucky enough to do a lot of travel in this business, but it's clearly not always good for the environment.  When it came time to get a new vehicle we went with Diesel, even though it was significantly more expensive.  Still, driving and flying anywhere isn't good for the environment.  When we're home we all use public transportation, but it's still not enough.  I'd like to think that by the time we need to get another vehicle for touring that electric vans will be more reliable and available.

GW: As a musician, you have done some extensive traveling. What’s the most eco-friendly place you have visited?

Ben Wright: Honestly, Rwanda had some of the most incredible forests and bio diversity, along with being one of the cleanest countries we've even been to as a band.  Also, Europe has a much better handle on recycling and composting than the U.S. probably ever will.  It's impressive.

GW: I often feel that we live in a ‘one use’ society where most goods and services are manufactured, used once and then discarded?  Do you feel the same? How do you think can we change this?

Ben Wright: While I agree with that sentiment to some degree, there are things we can do on our own to fight against it.  As a band we try to spend extra money on products that will actually last longer.  The less we buy cheaply made things, the less people will manufacture them.

GW: Have your ethics as an environmentalist ever conflicted with your job a musician?

Ben Wright: Less conflict and more confluence, I'd say.  I wrote a song on our last album about a passenger train service in Upstate NY that shut down after the interstate was built.  It happened all over the country in the 50's.  There's evidence that the tire companies bought up all the lines and shut them down so that more people would drive cars.

Plus, our manager Vanessa is heavily involved in sustainability for several festivals, including Summer Camp and Shoe Fest.

GW: Arkansas, as the self-proclaimed ‘Natural State’ is one of the most beautiful states I have ever lived in. Can you share any memories you have enjoying our beautiful landscapes?

Ben Wright: Oh my, The Ozarks!

GW: Homegrown Music Festival is aspiring to be one of the few fully and completely sustainable events, have you ever attended a similar event? What was the thing being done that impressed you the most?

Ben Wright: I saw a fest here in Chicago that had people on bikes producing power for the stage.  That was pretty remarkable.

GW: Do you have anything you would like to talk about? The floor is yours, sir.

Ben Wright: (To the organizers) Good work on this festival!   It sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun, all while being mindful.

GW: Thank you so very much for taking the time to speak with us, we look forward to seeing you at HGMF.

Also, be sure to catch Hen House Prowlers at Summer Camp, Delfest, and Sacajawea Bluegrass Festival this summer. Visit http://henhouseprowlers.com/shows/ for full schedules.

Upon Arrival to Homegrown Music Festival, each patron will be given a souvenir plate, cup and utensil to be reused throughout the weekend at vendors. The vendors themselves have pledged not to bring any single-use plastics or papers to the festival grounds. Any paper plates, napkins or things of that nature must be made of recycled materials. Dishwashing stations with water heated by solar power will be manned by volunteers from the Mulberry River Society for patrons to utilize.

Compost will be collected, hauled away and used by a local farmer while recycling will be collected and sorted onsite by Greensource. Lighting and other non-essential electrical needs will be filled by Richter Solar. Any solar energy captured and not utilized will be fed back into the grid to offset the stage and utility needs. Before anyone arrives, HGMF is spreading the word of the wonderful event by printing their handbills on recycled pulp drink coasters and seed packets containing wildflowers.  Needless to say, we are in awe of the environmental efforts of our music-loving brothers and sisters.

Headlined by Leftover Salmon and The Wood Brothers, the intimate stage will also be graced by Town Mountain, Earphunk, Hen House Prowlers, Taarka, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, Arkansauce (x2), Tall Tall Trees and more! 

This eco/family-friendly event will also feature a ‘kid’s tent’ sponsored by Art Feeds along with local artists and teachers and will be a place for families to participate in activities and made crafts of recycled materials. Children 12 and under receive free admission all weekend, and upon request patrons can ask to camp in the camping area designated for families that require an 11 pm lights-out policy and are situated away from the performance areas.

Byrd’s Adventure Center, an Ozark Mountain oasis, located directly on the Mulberry River is a true treasure. Outfitting canoes, kayaks, rafts and more as well as providing well maintained trails from hiking, biking, and off-roading. Camp sites with electricity are available but must be reserved in advance. Visitors and campers will be welcome to visit the well-stocked General Store on-site for supplies and necessities. An on-site bath house with hot showers are also a key part of offered amenities. Unlike other events at Byrd’s, there is a strict ‘no-pet policy’. 

We look forward to seeing you on the Mulberry!

Event Sponsors Include:

Phat Tire Bicycle Company - Hosting a bike ride from Fayetteville to Byrd’s Adventure Center, and they shuttle your camp gear for you! They'll also shuttle your bike only for a fee. Mountain bike rides on Friday and Saturday morning at Byrd’s on the trails for all skill levels.

Richter Solar Energy - Providing solar power for dishwashing stations, art installations, and will be feeding back into the grid to offset energy use. (Fayetteville, AR)

Nature's Water - Water filtration station for drinking water (Fayetteville, AR)                                                                                              

Mulberry River Society - Providing members as manpower to help run recycling/trash pickup and sorting

Patagonia - Assisting a local non-profit with funds for canvas tote bags.

Art Feeds - Running the Kids Tent and focusing on fun yet educational activities to teach children about recycling, upcycling, music, sustainable practices

Pack Rat – Providing volunteers to help educate about enjoying outdoor activities in a sustainable, low impact way. (Fayetteville, AR)

Greensource – Will have a large recycling sorting trailer on hand all weekend, and will haul off all recycling (Clarksville, AR)

Homegrown Arkansas Apparel Co- Facilitating contact with local farmer to get the compost; also assisting in construction projects throughout the spring (Fayetteville, AR)

Clif Bar/GreenNotes Division- Providing volunteers to promote change in food, environment and education.

http://homegrownfestival-ar.com/

http://www.byrdsadventurecenter.com/

 http://henhouseprowlers.com/

leftoversalmon.com/

http://www.thewoodbros.com/

Wed, 07/06/2016 - 5:14 pm

The 7th annual Highberry Music Festival took place this weekend after its trek up Mulberry Mountain from years prior at Byrds Adventure Center.  Art, camping and a spectacular lineup brought patrons from all over the country to enjoy the gorgeous Arkansas scenery and the best company that has ever assembled on a mountain top.  Minimal weather events kept the air cool while musicians the likes of Buckethead, Keller Williams, Wookiefoot and Yonder Mountain String Band stoked the fire onstage.

Kicking things off on Thursday, Buckethead presented classic, futuristic and unimaginable representations of musical genres that nobody could’ve possibly conceived.  The crowd seemed in awe for the first moments of the set, probably wishing they could borrow that bucket-style hat he wears to catch the faces he just melted.

On Friday Papadosio and Wookiefoot provided the mainstage entertainment as Arkansas Circus Acts hosted a wild LED dance party alongside. All the art that accompanied the music this weekend was simply on point. Installations dotted the hillside like colorful fireflies and many gave patrons the chance to interact with the installations.

Being in the same venue as Yonder Mountain String Band’s former Harvest Music Festival, Saturday night was very much like a family reunion. Yonder provided a pair of hour and a half sets with old classics as well as tracks off their newest album, Blacksheep. How refreshing it was to see one of my favorite string bands atop my most favorite mountain.

Keller Williams provided an extra intimate set on Sunday as his set was moved into a tent to avoid imminent weather.  Keller has been a staple at Highberry’s Independence Day events for a few years now. If you have ever caught him while he is feeling especially patriotic, you know how contagious it can be. Directly after, a very thorough fireworks display that could be described as ‘epic’ caught us in awe.

Activities for the weekend included: yoga, various types of flow, and workshops on fungi, paper-making, porta-potty survival, crystal healing, herbal extractions and many others. During the day, a shuttle provided transportation to a nearby river to cool down and swim. The other option was a strenuous hike (worth it) to an amazing waterfall.

This weekend will go down in the record books as one of the best Highberry Music Festivals to date. If you were unable to catch Deadhead Productions’ flagship event, don’t worry there is another chance to catch the fun!  Hillberry: The Harvest Moon Festival will take place outside Eureka Springs, Arkansas on The Farm this fall October 13-16 and is hosted by the same awesome production company. The lineup includes: Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Travelin’ McCourys, The New Mastersounds, Elephant Revival, Larry Keel (Larry Does Jerry), Turkauz, Fruition and many more.

Check out more photos from Highberry 2016.

Mon, 01/23/2017 - 5:04 pm

Normally, being in or around my state’s capital during the precipice of such a divided political event is something I never thought I would do... Taking such great strides out of my comfort zone for the sole purpose of watching a billionaire open for classic rock legend Don Henley, is another, very uncharacteristic decision. However, with the damned awfulness of 2016, I’m taking new strides into uncharted territory in 2017. Albert Einstein’s mantra of: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results” could apply here.

Friday night JD and The Straight Shot opened in the lovely and newly renovated Robinson Center in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. Upon entering, it was easy to see, as a couple in our late twenties, my wife and I were perhaps the youngest in attendance. (Come as you are and rock on) Before, I get to the music, I’d like to air my opinion. Now is usually the time I get the glaring look to ‘stfu’ from the Mrs. But it’s not about the above mentioned political situation nor about age discrepancies, as if any of that mattered to enjoy great music.

Nope, rather it’s about my job as a reviewer. I can’t stand idly by and watch someone purchase their way to the top, even if this their hobby or side hustle. I don’t get to stand up for the little guy very often so I’ll try to respectfully do so now. Others with better skill sets sweat it out for a lifetime and most only dream of an opportunity like this. Still, the music business is just that. A business. In other hobbies which have also turned into massive corporate industries like professional: fishing, bull riding, racing or you name it, a negative review of how someone bought their way to the top would likely never be written. So I look at it like a trade-off: Mr. Dolan might find it annoyingly difficult to obtain a solid review, but as a self-proclaimed lifelong sponge of the arts, the feeling of annoyance is mutual.

Onto the music: The genre of JD and The Straight Shot is a very straightforward alternative country.  The Straight Shots were phenomenal. On a moment’s notice the band could dive into a fantastic and interesting solo.  The lot of them are studio quality musicians. Standout Erin Slaver would be a treasure to any string band. The instances where musicians (other than Dolan) were given a chance to shine came too infrequently and were cut off by someone not holding an instrument. The duo of very technical guitarists who seemed to air the essence of : “yeah, we know, he’s always like this” were much more entertaining than the between song ad-lib which included a 10 minute explanation of a 4 minute song named Ballyhoo which honestly didn’t have many more words than that of the title.

My favorite aspects of the performance were the contents of the original song writing. But it’s rarely flattering to proclaim a song as a radio hit, admit that it isn’t, then proceed to play the song. I felt built up, let down, and disappointed all in the same moment, even when I had heard the song before. Embarrassingly, I and four others in attendance clapped when asked from on-stage if we had heard it previously. It’s a good song, but an awful story. Some of the original music has been featured in very popular movies such as ‘Lawless’. Although they weren’t asked to perform it. Instead Willie Nelson was chosen. Again, great song, awful story. I feel if the material was presented in a different light, it would be more readily acceptable. Mr. Dolan’s singing voice is best in the lower register. When he sings with the gravel and the smoke he could easily hang with many of outlaw countries finest. It’s when he channels a Sinatra-like quality and tries to clean up a lifetime of hard living to sing upper registers, his voice falters, and frankly, that paired with the delights backing him up, unfavorably cuts through and is most memorable.

I guess to end a near critical review positively, I’d like to say, I applaud anyone that takes the time to express themselves. I love all art. I may not get all art, but I’d like to think anybody’s and everybody’s form of self-expression is worthwhile. It takes guts to get up on stage, to put yourself out there.

To ALL you warriors of self-expression: fight on.

Afterwards Don Henley further perfected the art of being a spectacular front-man paired with a world-class ensemble. Starting the evening off with a lights out auditorium and Don’s entire ensemble, side-by-side, began singing Seven Bridges Road with the proclamation of angles the exact moment the lights came up. It was magic. Don played tracks from his most recent album Cass County, dedicated to his home near the Arkansas-Texas border as well as hits from the entire span of his career. Witchy Woman, Dirty Laundry and many, many others.  Don said, “Tonight, we’re in like a time machine, and we’re just gonna go back and forth and back and forth”. 

I am ultimately very thankful to have witnessed such performances. On one hand I got to see the epitome of an American Rock Legend with an undying love for his craft. It was inspiring, exhilarating and a joy to see people double my age actually be right about something. Don Henley’s music is a craft. It’s been chiseled and sculpted for decades. It absolutely shows.

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 3:57 pm

Sitting in your favorite outdoor chair, contemplating which is sweeter: The valley breeze lifting off the river to cool your brow, or the soul soothing sounds of an epic summer festival line up. Either way, you’ve decided that you feel more at home than you ever have…”

That’s the sensation I felt last year while doing all of my favorite things, together at once, while also being a good steward of the earth. To me, that’s what Homegrown on the River is all about.

I had the utmost pleasure of sitting down with jam fusion all-stars, TAUK, to discuss touring, the release of their 2016 album, an ongoing basketball call-out, and Arkansas’ sustainable music festival. Homegrown on the River has released its full 2017 lineup and we’re ecstatic. Offering an eclectic collection of world renowned artists and musicians, this first weekend in August is not to be missed. Steep Canyon Rangers, White Denim, Sonvolt, TAUK and Hot Buttered Rum are just a few of the acts gracing the top of the bill. The venue, Byrd’s Adventure Center, offers a slew of outdoor activities like: hiking, biking, swimming, rock climbing, off-road trails for atvs, and boating. The Mulberry River, located ‘just down valley’ from Mulberry Mountain, is a treasure that all outdoor lovers relish. 

This riverside celebration of music, art, sustainability and life made enormous waves in its inaugural family-friendly event in 2016. Homegrown has taken great efforts to include solar power, compost collection, and onsite recycling. Banning the use of single use plastics by vendors, patrons will instead use a reusable plate. Once finished, patrons will be able to use an on-site dishwashing station. This ensures that materials are used as practically as possible while providing an unprecedented service.

 

Festival kits will be available for purchase that include a stainless-steel pint with reusable utensil and plate. However, Homegrown on the River is emphasizing a ‘Bring Your Own’ culture. Organizers say this will assist in advancing their mission of sustainability.  Essentially, using last year’s pint glass is just as cool as owning the new 2017 one.

Other activities and programs will include: Kids Recycling Program, Plant Identifications Hike, Art with Recycled Materials and TriCycle Farms Education classes. Green Fleet Bikes will be on site and utilized to gather waste from the campsites.  Needless to say, we can’t to be on the river the first week in August.

Below is our discussion with Matt Jalbert (guitar), Charlie Dolan (bass) and Isaac Teel (drums) of TAUK.

GW: Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, do you have any memories of the last time you visited Arkansas?

Charlie: Yeah, actually last year at the Highberry Music Festival. (Aside from it being a great set) On our way in we got pulled over by a cop and as he is taking our license and registration his car hits us in the back. He rear-ended us because he didn’t put his car in park. He was in our window when it happened and tried to blame it on us. We explained to him that physics is at work here and that he can’t be right. Then we had to sit there for like an hour to get another cop to write him up. ONLY recently did we receive an actual insurance claim…  

GW: How much of a typical year does TAUK usually spend traveling? What’s one of the first things that you look for when you land in uncharted territory?

Charlie: I’d say we tour about on average for about 140-250 shows a year, and about 200 days a year are spent traveling… and these are all guesses. What do we look forward to? What’s the next thing to eat! Sometimes I only remember the venue where we’re going and what we ate last time.

GW: What does sustainability or environmentalism mean to you?

Matt: For me, environmentalism is just being aware of the role humans play on the earth and what our impact is. Being aware of it is the first step, then doing what you can to help preserve what’s here. That’s great for Homegrown on the River to make the attempts to stay as environmentally friendly as possible. It’s tough for a band. We have to get places, we have to get to the gig. We’re in a big vehicle, guzzling gas. You try to be aware as you can and do the little things that you can. So, it helps when a festival is taking the steps to do that and offset the impact. I think that’s a really positive thing. 

GW: Any tips for maintaining a sustainable lifestyle while on the road?

Matt: Sustainability is something that you could apply to ourselves as well. We need to sustain ourselves too. You’re living in a bus, you don’t know where you’re going, you don’t know where your next meal is all the time. So, we try to keep healthy food on the bus. You have to be aware of what you’re putting in your body and how you are treating yourself. We’re on the road, this like a 7-8-week tour. First you have to sustain yourself.

GW: As musicians do you find conflict or confluence when practicing your environmentalist ethics?

Matt: I think the hardest part is being on the road all the time. It’s not easy to maintain all the things you may do while you’re at home. You can setup a lifestyle for yourself at home where you’re making sure you recycle and do things as environmentally as possible. It’s tough when you’re rolling through the country and trying not to waste stuff. We constantly try take steps to improve as we go.

Charlie: Yeah, you don’t have a kitchen so getting food that’s not in single use plastics is tough. We’ve tried to bring canteens instead of using cases of water. It’s a commitment so you really have to prepare and have the right mind set.  

GW:  Last year, in their inaugural event, Homegrown on the River Music Festival produced enough solar powered energy to offset 80 percent of their total usage. TAUK is also familiar with the practical power of the sun. Tell us about the production of your latest album, Sir Nebula, which was produced in a solar powered studio.  Did performing in a studio powered by the sun influence the ‘cosmic’ feel of this album?

Matt: I don’t know about the influence it had. Who knows, you can’t always tell what’s at work. Where does inspiration come from? No one knows…  But I would say the fact that the studio is running on solar is really cool, and goes to show that you can run an entire recording studio on solar power. They actually have power left over and will get a check. So, you can run an operation on solar…

Charlie: That place is cool because everything inside, including the building is recycled. Everything is already used. The lining on the walls and the padding in the studio is recycled denim. Its intent is to be as environmentally friendly as possible. It defiantly sets up certain vibes when you work there. I would say the good intent helped us.

GW: Let’s give those guys a plug it’s the: Plastic-

Charlie: Solar Powered Plastic Plant Studios in Los Angeles, California.

GW: In your biography, you mentioned how ‘Sir Nebula’ is a more free-form album with more improvisational aspects then previous albums. Once something is recorded and released, is that the end of the improvisational influence for that piece? Are any of your older tracks still evolving?

Matt: Once we record something it’s never finished. Even when it goes on the album. I think ‘Sir Nebula’ definitely had some more loose improvisational feels on the album itself. Which is something we do a lot live so with this album we were more comfortable in the studio where those elements came in and were strong enough that we allowed them to become parts of songs. Some of the songs that we stretched out a bit. Its still a different type of improvisation in the studio. You go in and you do a run-through of a song and all of a sudden that new form can be what you’re basing the recording of that song on. Once that is all finished and we go play it live it can be totally different. Some songs we change the forms of them after they’re recorded. There’s one on the new album called “Where you are” and we just changed the form again recently for playing it live. Sometimes it just translates different.

GW: In other articles about TAUK I’ve read, I’m very impressed with your longevity and ability to adapt. You’ve seen trends and scenes come and go…  How do you look at your art in relation to time? How has your view of your creations changed with time?

Matt: Longevity is a goal, and it’s the name of the game. It’s important that we are able to grow and we’re able to change and we’re able to adapt. That’s what we’re always going to want. We don’t want to be something that’s stagnant. So we’re always trying to work on new stuff and push ourselves in new directions. I feel once you get comfortable with where you are that’s when it can get boring and you never want it to feel boring. It’s always got to be exciting, it’s always got to be a challenge. So, yeah, we want this to last for a long, long time. Part of that is just continuing to grow as a band. Four, five years ago when we were just starting out, there was a lot more questioning. Not that there isn’t any now, but there was a lot more questioning of like, what are you trying to do. We were kind of just dabbling in this idea of having a fully instrumental band. At that point, it was something that we were trying to see if it would work. It started to catch on and as its gone on its become less of HOW are we going to do an hour and a half or two-hour show of instrumentals. It’s become less of that and more of, cool, now we have it down, how can we manipulate it, how can we craft it. We’re a little bit more sure and confident of what we’re doing so I think that allows us to push ourselves and go in different directions.

GW: I’ve read that you’re hoping to expand your efforts to include composing scores for film and television. If you could create a theme song for any classic film or television ‘reboot’, what would it be?

Matt: …Oh Sh— a reboot?

Charlie: Nightrider.

Matt: How are you going to top that song though? It’s already so good.

Charlie: Just do it new.

Matt: I’d like to rewrite the theme song to… damn, Batman already has a good one, Star Wars has a good one…

Charlie: Power Rangers?

Matt: Man, that is tough, any of those.

GW: Are there any future publications, new albums, film scores, or anything really that you can divulge some details about? We love ‘insider scoops’…

Matt: There’s another album coming. At some point. We don’t know when. But we do know it will happen, at some point. That’s kind of always the case. Hopefully later this year, or early next year we will be getting in the studio again. We already have a lot of new songs in the works.

GW: I’ve heard that you guys have an open challenge against any other band in a game of 4 on 4 basketball. Has anybody taken you up on that? What’s your record against other musicians?

Matt: We’ve played a couple bands so far. With great success. We haven’t lost.

Isaac: Y’all talking about basketball?

GW: Yeah, who have you played?

Matt: Well if we’re going to be honest about it…

Isaac: We’ve played Umphrey’s…

Matt: We’ve played Papadosio, The Main Squeeze,

Charlie: We took on a whole festival one time… at Camp Barefoot.

Matt: We’re ready for rematches too…

Isaac: So, if anybody is feeling froggy… LEAP!

GW: The floor is yours gents, anything you would like to talk about or ask us?

Matt: Come see the shows, check us out.

Charlie: We’re trying to always refine what we’re doing and put out the best show we can and change it up as much as possible. Catch as many shows as you can

Fri, 04/21/2017 - 11:38 am

Arkansauce is set to release their 3rd album at Georges’ Majestic Lounge this Saturday, April 22. Upon first sight, the album art of Arkansauce’s latest release is very striking. A welcomed sight as many within the music industry are leaning toward digital releases with no real visual appeal.  Once opened this album, If I Were You, recorded in studio, provides a rush of the live energy Arkansauce is famous for with an image reminiscent of the experience of seeing them live.

Once popped in the player, I am reminded of the attack plan of a boxer, strong, quick jabs that are very representative of many popular tracks released previously by Arkansauce. After a track or so, you quickly realize the business end of this album has yet to be reached, each track building into the next. Differences between this release and the two prior include a very strong Cajun influence as well as drums and guest musicians.   This album still has a very strong folk feel, but more modern country licks are present as well.

My personal favorite tracks: ‘Canary in a Coal Mine’ is an awesome display of rapidly changing rhythms as well as the mental images it conjures.  ‘Love is a Dangerous Game’ is a very melodic tune with intricate vocals similar to those of Milk Carton Kids. ‘Parks Closed’ is a playful story about sobriety and a trip to rural Arkansas and lends itself nicely to a modern take on traditional folk.

Another first for this album is the instrumental track, ‘Byob’. This track truly shows the technical prowess of Arkansauce while still maintaining a fresh take on traditional music. The annual Telluride Bluegrass Competition is sure to hear this one as Arkansauce is scheduled to compete in 2017. Title track, ‘If I Were You’ displays the melodies, the technical abilities and energy that has been growing around every step Arkansauce takes.

Although the album has some heavier elements than previous releases, dealing with the subjects of death and heart ache on tracks like ‘Everybody Dies’ and others, it ends on an extremely positive and high note with ‘Ride Ride Ride’ a track that should go on your next car trip playlist.

I live for these nights, Cause I’ll die one of these days...” – Arkansauce

I would recommend that you not only add this to your personal collection of music but that you also make it a mission to see Arkansauce live. Listed below is the 2017 Arkansauce schedule.

4.22.17 / GEORGE'S MAJESTIC LOUNGE

Fayetteville, AR  9:30pm – 10:30pm

4.26.17 / PROUD LARRY'S

Oxford, MS  9:00pm – 10:00pm

4.28.17 / BLUE BISCUIT

Indianola, MS  9:00pm – 10:00pm

5.13.17 / FOAM FEST

Fayetteville, AR  7:00pm – 8:00pm

5.27.17 / BUFFALO RIVER CONCERT SERIES

Buffalo Point Campground, AR  7:00pm – 8:00pm

5.19.17 / CHELSEA'S CORNER CAFE

Eureka Springs, AR  9:00pm – 10:00pm

5.20.17 / STRAWBERRY JAM FESTIVAL

Bald Knob, AR  10:00pm – 11:00pm

5.21.17 / BLOCK STREET BLOCK PARTY MAXINE'S

Maxine's  6:00pm – 7:00pm

6.3.17 / ROSE MUSIC HALL

Columbia, MO  5:00pm – 6:00pm

6.8.17 / WALDO BAR

Kansas City, MO  9:30pm – 10:30pm

6.9.17 / THE BOTTLENECK

Lawrence, KS  9:00pm – 10:00pm

6.10.17 / BREW SKIES MUSIC FESTIVAL

Hannibal, MO  7:00pm – 8:00pm

6.14.17 / THE ELDO

Crested Butte, CO  9:30pm – 10:30pm

6.16.17 / TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL BAND COMPETITION ROUND 1

Telluride, CO  1:00pm – 2:00pm

6.17.17 / TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL BAND COMPETITION ROUND 2

Telluride, CO  2:30pm – 3:30pm

6.21.17 / CACTUS JACK'S

Evergreen, CO  9:00pm – 10:00pm

6.22.17 / TOMMYKNOCKER TAVERN

Creede, CO  9:30pm – 10:30pm

6.23.17 / THE BALCONY

Durango, CO  9:30pm – 10:30pm

6.24.17 / THE VICTORIA

Salida, CO  7:00pm – 8:00pm

7.27.17 / GULLEY PARK CONCERT SERIES

Fayetteville, AR  7:00pm – 8:00pm

7.30.17 / MT. STREET MT. STAGE CONCERT SERIES

Fayetteville, AR  2:00pm – 4:00pm

8.4.17 / HOMEGROWN MUSIC FEST

Ozark, AR  10:00pm – 11:00pm

8.5.17 / HOMEGROWN MUSIC FEST

Ozark, AR  10:00pm – 11:00pm

10.14.17 / HILLBERRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Eureka Springs, AR  2:00pm – 3:00pm

Fri, 07/30/2021 - 9:02 am

I never needed you like this before...

What a return to live music. The atmosphere was electric. The venue, freshly expanded, and the band… they were dead on. This was Phish’s first-time playing Arkansas. Only 4 states remain that have yet to be graced by the greatness.

Phish | Walmart AMP | Rogers, AR

As my first time seeing Phish live, I had the event hyped up and it did not, in any way disappoint. Even though Set 1 was very tame, it was air tight. And then there’s Trey’s tone… This tour opener debuted a new guitar for the legendary front man. He loving named it 4.0, which either confirms the beginning of a ‘new era’, is trolling us nerds who care to label such things or both. As long as shows are on the calendar, who cares right?

Page McConnell | Rogers, AR

The opener, ‘I Never Needed You Like This Before’, was very appropriate but in my opinion the hook got a little redundant. I could see that opening up into some very elaborate jams.  Tube got everyone within a mile’s radius grooving and set the pace for the rest of the set.  It was when they went into Free that the tone of Trey’s new axe really shined and cut though the humid Ozark air.

Trey Anastasio | Walmart AMP

Set 2 opened with ‘Down with Disease’ with a teaser of ‘Let it Grow’ and brought much more of what dedicated phans expect out of a Phish experience. It was experimental, daring, and honestly down right weird at times. If you get it, you get it. If not, hopefully you enjoyed the first set. Going straight into a stellar take on ‘Simple’, I feel the band really flexed their prowess as improvisation-ists and at times got really dark. Is that what ‘Make Phish Evil Again’ means?

Jon Fishman | Rogers, AR

My personal favorites were ‘Runaway Jim’ into ‘Weekapaug Groove’ back into ‘Runaway Jim’ (Weekapaug Jim).  It was technical, deep, and I knew all the words. I enjoyed ‘Slave to the Traffic Light’ as a closer bc, we were all about to be stuck in traffic and they just nailed it. The encore, ‘Say it to me S.A.N.T.O.S.’, a relatively new song could have hit differently. I was hoping for a classic banger but Santos was a fine night cap to a stellar evening.

Mike Gordon | Walmart AMP

Many thanks to our hosts, Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion, and Phish for the awesome live music experience.

*Before Santos Trey said they would be coming back to Arkansas and buddy, we’re gonna hold ya to it.*

Rogers, AR | July 28th, 2021

Check out more photos from the show.

SETLIST:

(Soundcheck: Stash, Halfway to the Moon, Undermind, Lonely Trip)

SET 1: I Never Needed You Like This Before[#], Tube > Free, Bouncing Around the Room, 46 Days, Limb By Limb, Wolfman's Brother, NICU, Drift While You're Sleeping

SET 2: Down with Disease[%] -> Simple > Fuego > Plasma > Runaway Jim -> Weekapaug Groove -> Runaway Jim > Rift, If I Could > Rise/Come Together > Slave to the Traffic Light

ENCORE: Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.

[#] Phish debut.   [%] Unfinished.