The Rabbit Hole

PREVIEW | Jeff Coffin Mu'tet

2009-11-04T11:01:00.004-05:00

Jeff Coffin Mu'tet
Wednesday November 11
Doors @ 8 Show @ 9
$12 ADV $15 DOS
Double Door Inn
Click Here For Tickets

In support of the new album MUTOPIA

From Jeff's website...

"The Mu’tet is led by 3x Grammy winning saxophonist & composer Jeff Coffin. On tour with Dave Matthews Band since July, 2008 and with Bela Fleck & the Flecktones since 1997, Coffin strives to expand himself, his band mates and listeners with music flavored by his wide musical interests. Drawing from African, New Orleans, Indian, funk, jazz, folk, Gypsy, rock, fusion, Brazilian and other styles of music, Coffin sends shockwaves down people’s spines with his fierce soloing and inspiring compositions. A passionate and curious player, Coffin is known to use guitar effects on his sax and flute as well as sometimes playing two, count ‘em…two, saxes at the same time!"

"On drums is the legendary Jeff “Apt. Q-258” Sipe. Jeff & Jeff have been playing together for many years and Sipe recorded on the Mu’tet cd BLOOM as well as an upcoming duet project with Coffin. He is renowned for his mind bending drumming with the Aquarium Rescue Unit, Trey Anastasio, Susan Tedeschi, Phil Lesh, Project Z, Jonas Hellborg & Shawn Lane, Leftover Salmon, Alex Machacek, The Jimmy Herring Project, and many, many others. When Jeff Sipe unleashes his whirlwind of rhythms and grooves they have to be seen and, especially, heard to be believed."

"Bill Fanning rounds out the horns on trumpet. Bill has performed with Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, the Mu'tet, Glenn Frye (of the Eagles), George Garzone, Jon Faddis, Maria Schneider and George Russell. In 2005, Coffin produced Bill's debut CD, "Parakletos". A brilliant improvisor and musician, more about Bill can be found by visiting www.fanmanmusic.com.Felix Pastorius, son of bass great Jaco Pastorius, roots the Mu’tet on electric bass. He has been playing with the group since 2002 and is also featured on MUTOPIA. Felix recently toured the US with the Heavy Pets and has been living and playing in NYC. At 6’ 6” tall, Felix is a gifted composer and a monster bassist with the chops and sensitivity of someone twice his height."

"Guitarist, Bobby Lee Rodgers tours with the Mu’tet for the first time in November 2009! BLR spent the better part of a decade releasing four albums and touring the globe with his band, The Codetalkers. In early 2009, Bobby Lee decided that his music had moved to the point that it was no longer represented by The Codetalkers name, a band that he started in Atlanta with Colonel Bruce Hampton, and began touring under his own name. Following a tour with Jeff Sipe (Aquarium Rescue Unit, Leftover Salmon), Bobby Lee Rodgers and Friends performed a pair of sold out shows at the world-renowned Savannah Music Festival in early 2009. He was joined by Marcus Williams (Fiji Mariners) on drums, Ike Stubblefield on the Hammond B-3 organ, Shannon Hoover (Jonathan Scales Fourchestra) on bass, and Joe Craven (Jerry Garcia) on fiddle and percussion. This lead to a knockout performance at the Wanee Festival in June, which included a trio comprised of Rodgers, Stubblefield and Williams."

NEWS | MerleFest 2010 Initial Line Up

2009-10-27T09:45:00.007-04:00

It's that time of year again. As the weather begins to change, MerleFest 2010 slowly creeps towards us. This year's festival has been scheduled for April 29, 30 & May 1, 2. The initial line up was announced a few days ago, but this only serves as a starting point, as more artists will be added in the coming months. Stay tuned...

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LINE UP
MerleFest 2009 PHOTOS

Line Up Notables:
Doc Watson
Richard Watson
The Avett Brothers
Elvis Costello
Little Feat
Sam Bush
The Lee Boys
Cadillac Sky
Steep Canyon Rangers
Steve Martin
The Steeldrivers
The Duhks
Balsam Range
The Belleville Outfit
Rhonda Vincent and The Rage
Missy Raines and the New Hip
Brave Combo
Donna The Buffalo
The Waybacks
Dailey and Vincent
Great Big Sea
The John Cowan Band
Buddy Greene
Scythian
W.P.A.

NEWS | Sylvia Theater To Host $5 Milkjug Showcase!

2009-06-07T19:41:00.012-04:00

Local, independent music. That's what it's all about. I've teamed up with Milkjug Records to bring a killer 4 band showcase to the Sylvia Theater in York, SC. Set for Friday, June 19, we will present Rock Hill's own Elonzo. In addition, there will be sets from Case Federal and The Agents, Moses Cherry and The Topless Gospel Choir and Andy Wood. This event if ONLY $5! That's right kids, 4 bands for 5 bucks. No excuses.

Friday, JUNE 19th
Sylvia Theater
York, SC
Doors @ 8:30 / Show @ 9
$5

$2 Bud's ALL NIGHT!

*plus*

get 20% OFF at the Coal Yard Restaurant & Lounge when you present your ticket
(day of show only)

click for FREE audio!

Elonzo
Case Federal & The Agents
Moses Cherry & The Topless Gospel Choir
Andy Wood

PHOTOS | Josh Phillips Folk Festival 5.29.09 - Neighborhood Theatre, Charlotte, NC

2009-06-05T13:05:00.004-04:00

Click For More Photos

PHOTOS | MerleFest 2009

2009-05-02T21:08:00.014-04:00

The sights of Merlefest 2009. Once again, the time honored tradition of pickin' & grinin' in the Appalachian mountains with some of the finest musicians around showed no signs of slowing down. Click to see a slide show of some of my favorite photos from the weekend.

Click For More Photos

PREVIEW | MerleFest 2009

2009-04-20T21:57:00.007-04:00

Humble beginnings as a Wilkes Community College fundraiser has seen MerleFest become a world renowned music festival. This musical event was known as the Merle Watson Memorial Festival until the summer of 1994, when it simply became MerleFest.
Sometimes dubbed the "Superbowl of Bluegrass", this year's artist line-up includes Doc Watson, Sam Bush, Del McCoury Band, Tony Rice, Emmylou Harris, David Bromberg, Linda Rondstadt, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Travis Tritt, The Duhks, and many many more. MerleFest begins its 22nd year and is set for April 23-26, once again on the campus of WCC. Don't expect to get your drink on here, MerleFest is alcohol free.
Offering four days of performances by almost 100 performing artists on 15 stages, MerleFest is sure to have something for everyone. Even the kids have the Little Pickers Area, which offers up plenty of arts and crafts. There's also unique musical acts selected with children and the young at heart in mind. Oh, and there's free parking and shuttle services too.
The Appalachians of Western North Carolina set the perfect mood for a can't-miss weekend of stellar music with roots that spread deep below the festival grounds.

MerleFest
April 23-26
Wilkes Community College
Wilkesboro, NC
www.merlefest.org
CLICK HERE FOR TICKET INFO
Be sure to check back, as photo coverage from this year's MerleFest will be posted soon.

PHOTOS | 3.27.09 The Papa String Band w/ Todd Cecil: Sylvia Theater - York, SC

2009-04-01T19:15:00.002-04:00

(click for more photos)

NEWS | Phish to Headline Bonnaroo & Langerado Canceled

2009-02-03T19:03:00.004-05:00

Most already heard the rumor that Phish would be playing Bonnaroo this year (set for June 11-14). Well get your drugs, ask off work, and drain that savings account ($250 if you get it early, yikes!). Along with Phish, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Beastie Boys, & Nine Inch Nails will perform at this year's Bonnaroo.

Here's a complete list of Initial Artists:

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Phish (2 Shows - 1 late night)
Beastie Boys
Nine Inch Nails
David Byrne
Wilco
Al Green
Snoop Dogg
Elvis Costello Solo
Erykah Badu
Paul Oakenfold
Ben Harper and Relentless7
The Mars Volta
TV on the Radio
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Gov’t Mule
Andrew Bird
Band Of Horses
Merle Haggard
MGMT
moe.
The Decemberists
Girl Talk
Bon Iver
Béla Fleck & Toumani Diabate
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Galactic
The Del McCoury Band
of Montreal
Allen Toussaint
Coheed and Cambria
Booker T & the DBTs
David Grisman Quintet
Lucinda Williams
Animal Collective
Gomez
Neko Case
Down
Jenny Lewis
Santogold
Robert Earl Keen
Citizen Cope
Femi Kuti and the Positive Force
The Ting Tings
Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Kaki King
Grizzly Bear
King Sunny Adé
Okkervil River
St. Vincent
Zac Brown Band
Raphael Saadiq
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Crystal Castles
Tift Merritt
Brett Dennen
Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Revue
Toubab Krewe
People Under the Stairs
Alejandro Escovedo
Vieux Farka Touré
Elvis Perkins In Dearland
Cherryholmes
Yeasayer
Todd Snider
Chairlift
Portugal. The Man.
The SteelDrivers
Midnite
The Knux
The Low Anthem
Delta Spirit
A.A. Bondy
The Lovell Sisters
Alberta Cross

Langerado Canceled
After a great year last spring, a Langerado representative states, "Langerado has always put the fan experience first. Unfortunately, during these difficult economic times, and facing a first year in a new venue, it's become apparent that we cannot execute a production that lives up to the high standards of our past events. Putting Langerado on hold was the toughest decision we have ever had to make. We are very grateful for the support of the greater-Miami community and the music community during this difficult time."

All tickets will be refunded. Go to www.Langerado.com for more.

NEWS | Dead 2009 Tour

2009-01-01T18:44:00.003-05:00

The rumors have been flying over the past month about a possible Dead tour in 2009. Well, it's finally confirmed. A tour beginning in Greensboro, NC on April 12th will be the first Dead tour since 2004. Original band members, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann will be joined by guitarist Warren Haynes and keyboardist Jeff Chimenti.

Get ticket info HERE

April 12 Greensboro NC Greensboro Coliseum
April 14 Washington DC Verizon Center
April 15 Charlottesville VA John Paul Jones Arena
April 17 Albany NY Times Union Center
April 18 Worcester MA DCU Center
April 19 Worcester MA DCU Center
April 21 Buffalo NY HSBC Arena
April 22 Wilkes-Barre PA Wachovia Arena @ Casey Plaza
April 24 Uniondale NY Nassau Coliseum
April 25 New York NY Madison Square Garden
April 26 Hartford CT XL Center
April 28 E. Rutherford NJ IZOD Center
April 29 E. Rutherford NJ IZOD Center
May 1 Philadelphia PA Wachovia Spectrum
May 2 Philadelphia PA Wachovia Spectrum
May 5 Chicago IL All State Arena
May 7 Denver CO Pepsi Center
May 9 Los Angeles CA The Forum
May 10 Mountain View CA Shoreline Amphitheater

NEWS | Widespread Panic in Asheville, NC

2008-10-27T19:58:00.002-04:00

Widespread Panic announced today that the Asheville Civic Center in Asheville, NC would host a two night run there on November 28 and 29, 2008. Tickets go on sale November 1 at 10am EST.

Check out tour dates and get tickets HERE.

NEWS | Phish simulcast petition

2008-10-20T19:12:00.003-04:00

Alright, so you already know that by now most of the millions of people who gave a stab at getting Phish tickets were sorely disappointed. Not to mention, Phish specifically stated they would tolerate no scalping of this much anticipated come back run at Hampton Coliseum, and that is exactly what's going on. Tickets are being sold at hundreds of dollars over face value.
Phish fans expect more. A petition has been started to arranged some type of simulcast for the three-night event. Here is what the petition says:

Dear Phish and Red Light Management,
This morning, 10/18/08, thousands of Phish phans got shut out of tickets by ticketmaster. Please sign a deal to simulcast at theaters and/or other arenas, your March 6th comeback performance or the whole Hampton run. There are a lot of folks that have supported you guys for many years and should be a part of this landmark show. Just because they couldn't enter a security check faster than others shouldn't mean that they can't enjoy these shows. I believe this would not only benefit the phans but would also help the city of Hampton by not having thousands of ticketless phans descending upon Hampton that weekend. We all want to share in the groove, so please make this happen!

See for yourself, and sign the petition now!
Oh yeah, you don't have to sign up for PayPal at the end.

NEWS | Gov't Mule's New Bassist

2008-10-03T13:34:00.008-04:00

Not sure how long this one slipped past me, but you read right. Gov't Mule will embark on a fall tour debutingnew bassist, Jorgen Calsson.

Balancing evocative songs and expressive improvisation, Gov’t Mule is a band rooted in both the personal and musical chemistry between its members. “It’s not one of those groups that can make a change overnight,” explains founding guitarist/vocalist Warren Haynes. It is only after six months of rehearsing, jamming, and hanging out with bassist Jorgen Carlsson that he has been added to the band as their new permanent bass player, replacing Andy Hess (pictured), who joined in 2003.

Read more > NOW

Tea Leaf Green to play Orange Peel

2008-09-09T15:44:00.003-04:00

Back on the east coast! You can catch TLG in support of their new album "Raise Up The Tent". They will be making several stops in the southeast including the Orange Peel in Asheville, NC and the Pour House in Charleston, SC.
With the departure of bassist Ben Chambers, don't miss your chance to see TLG with new bassist Reed Mathis. You may know Mathis from other projects he's been involved in (Steve Kimock Band and The Coalition of the Willing tour).S
Scroll down a bit to see a short review and images from the last time TLG played the Pour House in Charleston!

9/19 - The Orange Peel - Asheville, NC

theorangepeel.net
tealeafgreen.com

INTERVIEW | Yonder Mountain String Band's Ben Kaufmann

2008-06-27T09:29:00.004-04:00

Yonder Mountain String Band hails from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Their unique style of progressive bluegrass has earned growing fan base. A mix of jam and bluegrass, Yonder lends itself to improvisation and a chance to make new music at every show. We recently caught up with bassist Ben Kaufmann while the band was on its way to last week’s show at in Myrtle Beach. We talked about everything from life on the road to song writing:

CITY PAPER: Yonder has recently started a summer tour. How’s that going?
BEN KAUFMANN: We’ve been on the bus the last three days driving from Colorado. It’s a long trip. You get that, sort of, frazzle in your brain. I now know what it’s like to sleep at 75 m.p.h.!

CITY PAPER: You just got back from playing a few festivals [Telluride and Bonnaroo]. How did those go?
BK: They were great. The band played really well. There’s massive amounts of people, and it’s always fun to see if you can move them in the number. Telluride was really good. It’s kind of become our home festival, sort of, having been there so long now. Everybody there is aware of who we are. Bonnaroo still feels like we’ve got to prove ourselves. At Bonnaroo, we’re really aware that there’s a lot of crossover fans. For people who aren’t familiar with who we are, we look like a bluegrass band, so if they’re going to check us out then we really need to impress them. Playing for that many people is just a trip!

CITY PAPER: With large festivals like Bonnaroo, are you more apt to play certain songs or covers to draw in that crossover crowd?
BK: The rule these days is “all original music.” If we feel like it will make a good impact then we’ll do a cover, and make sure it’s a good one. At Bonnaroo we played “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne. We don’t want to become that bluegrass band that plays covers, you know? So, we want to be very careful of what we play and when we play it. Certainly for a gig like that, we figured it would be a good place to play something like that, and people were certainly having a great time with it. You can probably get away with one cover per set.

CITY PAPER: In terms of setlists, how do you determine what you will play night to night?
BK: We travel with a list of what we’ve played at every show we’ve ever done. For one, we don’t put in the setlist anything we did the last time we played [at that town]. Then, we don’t play anything we played the night before. We’re really strict about it, too. Most bands will play the same set with one or two exceptions, but for us it would just drive us up the wall if we did that! I don’t know if it’s because we were raised with remote controls and short attention spans, but, honestly, if we didn’t mix it up to that degree, I’m not sure we’d still be together.

CITY PAPER: Yonder has four singers and songwriters. How does a normal studio session run?
BK: Most times we’re writing individually. Some people write on the bus, but more often than not, it’s ideas that are developed at home.

CITY PAPER: Would you say you draw from real-life when you write songs?
BK: I guess so, you know, sometimes the stuff we’re reading, or you could be listening to a piece of music and have an idea. On the other hand, we do get together with the specific purpose of writing as a group. When we were making our last studio record, we really got in to that. Everybody sitting around, improvising ideas, starting with a tempo, starting with a key, or some sort of theme, and trying to produce a song based on that. I think it yields, interesting results, and often times great results.

CITY PAPER: Is any one in the band is a perfectionist when it comes to song writing? Does a song go through multiple revisions before you consider it complete?
BK: Certainly, everything can benefit from another revision, and another revision. That’s how good stuff gets to be great. I don’t think any one of us is a perfectionist. We’re learning from people who could be called perfectionist, and seeing how their work methods yield really good results. Sometimes, it’s very easy to know when a song is done. Other times, you can second guess it forever. Songs are sort of like babies, there’s an incubation period, but once you play that song for people it’s not yours anymore, it is it’s own thing. You can make a new song baby, but you can’t have that one back!

CITY PAPER: Where do you get all the energy for the live shows?
BK: I would love to be able to say nine hours of solid sleep and a healthy diet, but really 50 percent of it comes from inside of us, because we love music and music itself is energizing. Fifty percent of it comes from the audience. If an audience shows up and they’re tired or they’re not into it, or any number of reasons, then we probably won’t perform that great. There has to be a, sort of, meeting of the minds. It can be difficult to maintain, but at the end of the day playing music every night, that’s the fun part. We hope that people are still psyched to see us, and that they will bring their own energy. We don’t have too many bad shows anymore.

CITY PAPER: What’s your favorite song to play live?
BK: Let’s see … I like this song of Dave’s off our last studio record called Wind’s On Fire.

CITY PAPER: As a bass player, who are some bassist that you enjoy listening to?
BK: My father was a musician, and he really influenced my a lot. As for better known bassists, I’d say Billy Sheehan. He has great technique and is just a fiery player. Reed Mathis is great. He’s just one of the most original bassists I’ve heard. Victor Wooten is just amazing. Some others include Stanley Clarke and Edgar Meyer. One of the most under rated bassist, I would say, is Mike Gordon.

CITY PAPER: Yonder has collaborated with many different musicians. This summer you will be sharing the stage with Keller Williams. How did you come to know him?
BK: Well, we would often find ourselves playing the same festivals as him, and that’s kind of how it started. He’s just so creative and unique. One of the most genuine, heartfelt people that I’ve met. That alone make us want to keep in touch with him. His style of music really gives us the opportunity to experiment when we’re on stage together.

Yonder Mountain String Band & Keller Williams
June 28 - House of Blues, N. Myrtle Beach
Tickest $30 ($25 adv.)
www.hob.com or www.yondermoutain.com

Review | Tea Leaf Green: Pour House - Charleston, SC

2008-05-07T12:31:00.004-04:00

Score — a parking space on the front row in an already tightly packed parking lot at the Pour House Friday night. That doesn't happen very often. With all the tour buses lined up on the side of the building, I wondered for a second if Panic was in town, which, of course, I knew they weren't. I arrived early, so I could catch a glimpse of Moonalice's melding of roots, rock, and psychedelia. The band was recently formed by guitarists G.E. Smith (The Saturday Night Live band, Bob Dylan), along with a stellar group of musicians who have contributed to such acts as Hot Tuna and Jefferson Starship. As people poured inside, Moonalice's set flew by, belting out somewhere around 10 songs.

By the time headliners Tea Leaf Green took the stage, the house was packed. My drink kept getting looser in my hand as I tried to muscle up front through a sea of anxious 20-somethings for a few photos. Damn vultures. As I finally settled in near the back, it was, of course, set break. The band would eventually straggle back on stage for another set of sweaty keyboard/guitar heavy jam-rock songs that kept the crowd moving through the night. It's been about a year since I've seen these guys, and there is some definite growth in the tightness of their sound. Next time Tea Leaf Green is in Charleston, I wouldn't be surprised if it was at a larger venue.
(click for more photos)

Review | Snake Oil Medicine Show: Pour House - Charleston, SC

2008-04-15T13:06:00.005-04:00

Have you ever seen one of those one-man-band guys playing a park corner, and go to toss the guy some loose change but to only realize that there is no container awaiting your donation? This is a man who is playing for the pure joy of his on-lookers.
Those who showed up early enough to the Pour House on Friday night were able to see just that. The V-tones kicked off the night. Afterwards Mad Tea Party, a duo comprised of Ami Worthen on ukulele and Jason Krekel on juke-joint guitar, fiddle, and foot drums, played a unique version uke-abily meets rock-n-rock to a quaint crowd awaiting Snake Oil Medicine Show. Krekel stole the show with his one-man-band style of playing (at times, up to four instruments similtaniouly).
Not to be out done, Snake Oil Medicine Show promply unleashed their unmatched musical fussion of bluegrass and reggae. All the while artist Phil Cheney swaying and painting in time with the rhythm. A true melding of relationship among artist, musician, and crowd exist with both bands and if you missed them, don't fret! Catch them and all of their Asheville buds at the French Broad River Festival the first weekend in May.
(click for more photos)

Review | 3 Doors Down: N. Charleston Performing Arts Center - Charleston, SC

2008-04-02T10:35:00.001-04:00

As I waited with the rest of the packed house at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on Thursday, I heard the sounds of Led Zeppelin over the house music speakers. While Mississippi rockers 3 Doors Down were no Zep, they sure tried to play like it. On tour in support of their forthcoming self-titled album, 3 Doors Down came right out of the gate with their 2000 hit "Kyrptonite." The crowd was amped, and it really set the mood for the night. Big riffs and killer drumming by Greg Upchurch were the story for most of the night. The band's encore song "When I'm Gone" was perfect, given their strong military fanbase (they even showed a slide show of veterans, soldiers, and American flags as the played). They were heavily in tune with their fans, throwing picks into the crowd and giving high fives at any chance. While the show seemed to be a bit on the short side, these guys gave it their all and the sound in the PAC was phenomenal.
click for more photos

Review | Langerado 2008

2008-03-25T13:04:00.004-04:00

Year after year the Langerado Music Festival marks the beginning of spring, and festival season. With a new location at Big Cypress Indian Reservation in southern FL., an extra day of music, and plenty of camping space, the Langerado monster has yet again grown. For those who popped a tent for the weekend, the camp grounds were a mine field of cow patties and vicious ant hills.
There was a diverse line-up that included Beastie Boys, R.E.M., Phil Lesh & Friends, 311, Matisyahu, Theivery Corporation, and The Roots, just to name a few. Throughout the weekend mother nature threw a few curve balls of her own.
The rain on Thursday evening let up just long enough for Les Claypool to take the stage to a chanting and anxious crowd, most of whom waited up to for hours in line once gates opened.
By mid-day Friday temperatures were up and so were spirits, even though a shortage of programs left some festival goers frustrated. Sam Bush made the trip from Charleston the night before and gave the crowd a wonderful show. The stage proximity made it easy to stroll over and catch the always crowd pleasing Wailers. Friday's headliners, the Beastie Boys, tore through a slew of tunes that included Intergalactic, Remote Control, and Sabotage. They also picked up their instruments for a few off their latest album The Mix Up.
Saturday's strong winds tossed some campers' tents like tumble weed. Some disappointing news circulated that the Avett Brothers show was cancelled due to transportation problems. On lighter note, the next time slot was Ben Folds, whom I was reluctant to see. To my shagrine he put on a solid show including a sing-along version of Dr. Dre's Bitches Ain't Shit. A skip and a jump brought me to the pulsating rhythms of Thievery Corporation, who drew a huge crowd. Schedule conflicts forced most festival attenders to choose their music wisely. This particular time I went with Medeski, Scofield, Martin, & Wood over Matisyahu. This proved to be a good choice as the quintet was tight and on time. They drew quite a crowd, considering that they were playing one of the smaller stages. I scurried to the main stage to get a good view of R.E.M. The rock veterans that these guys are show through, coming right out the gate with a good version of What's the Frequency Kenneth? and closing with Man on the Moon. Micheal Stipe wasn't shy about his political agenda, sporting a bright green t-shirt that read "OBAMA". Stipe dedicated the show to Martin Luther King Jr. Near the end of the set some dashed for their tents, while others braved the cold front/storms that had blown in to see the late night shows.
Sunday started with a chilly morning, but soon gave way to comfortable temperatures and a solid day of music. The funky Meters kicked of the day with some classics like Fire on the Bayou, and Just Kissed My Baby. That would lead to a Gov't Mule set that was highlighted by a great rendition of James Brown's It's a Man's World (alluding to the fact that a woman might be president). The festival concluded with a four hour + set from Phil Lesh & Friends. They closed the first set with smokey Help on the Way, Slipknot, Franklin's Tower. Phil is definately still on his game and was having just as good of a time as the fans. The wrapped it up the the notorious Casey Jones.
By Monday morning, exiting the grounds was quite easy, (we were gone by 8AM) but getting out any time before that could've been confusing. There was little to no exit signs (not to if you left at night), and if you were camping, you were probably blocked in. A few snags aside, Langerado has stepped it up a notch and was bigger and better than ever. Hopefully it won't fall into the ranks of Bonnaroo , but it only seems inevitable. Can't wait for next year...
(click for more photos)

Album Review | Widespread Panic: Free Somehow

2008-03-06T12:58:00.001-05:00

Well known as a live performance powerhouse on the jam scene, Widespread Panic "road-tests" much of their material, leaving little to the imagination when studio albums are released. With the exception of a few tracks, "Free Somehow" includes a slew of never-before- heard songs. For their 10th studio effort, Panic gets help from producer Terry Manning (Led Zepplin & Al Green).
The album is bookended by upbeat, rock riffs from the new-ish band member, guitarist Jimmy Herring, starting with "Boom, Boom, Boom" and ending with the first single, "Up All Night". In between is where the album takes an unexpected turn. "Dark Day Program" and "Three Candles" let lead vocalist, John Bell (JB), soulfully explore a more solemn side. The emotional "Walk on the Flood" takes a lyrically candid look at Hurricane Katrina, while the surprise of the album comes near the end. "Her Dance Needs Nobody" clocks in at nearly 9 minutes in length, showing off classic Herring solos. This track is quite dynamic, incorporating orchestral-like movements, lending itself an interesting listen.
Don't expect to hear classic Panic on this studio album, just the evolution of Widespread Panic, and that isn't a bad thing. If you ask your resident Spreadhead their favorite Panic album, you'll most likely hear "Everyday" "Ain't Life Grand" or "Til The Medicine Takes". Don't hold your breathe for "Free Somehow".

Review | Yonder Mountain String Band: Music Farm - Charleston, SC

2008-02-20T12:50:00.006-05:00

These Colorado jammers definitely brought their style of bluegrass to Chucktown. The Music Farm played host to Colorado's own Yonder Mountain String Band on Sat. Feb. 16. This was my first YMSB show, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. At first I was intreggued to hear a band go at it sans a drummer, but Yonder does this like no other. Three songs in I didn't even realize they were, for the most part, without a rhythm section. With nearly 10 years under their belts in the bluegrass/jam scene, these vets treated a packed house to a finely executed marathon of bluegrass (the second set alone was over an hour and a half long). The show was fueled by seamless segues and mandolin player Jeff Austin who was cuttin' high energy notes all night long. If YMSB comes your way, don't miss them!
(click for more photos)

Review | Jojo & the Mardi Gras Band: Music Farm, Charleston, SC

2008-02-03T13:10:00.002-05:00

Jojo (John Herman of Widespread Panic) and The Mardi Gras Band brought their 'Nawlins style flavor to the Music Farm Saturday Feb. 2. Beads were flyin' and beer was flowin' as they touched on some old favorites like "Tipitina" and, of course, "Red Beans", which really got the crowd into full swing. Bodies were shakin' in the first set when they tore through classics by Ray Charles, such as "I Got a Woman" and "Mess Around". The second set saw a smooth segue into "Shake Rattle and Roll" (made famous by Bill Haley and His Comets), and Muddy Waters' "I Got My Mojo Workin". It was great to see these guys make a stop in Charleston on their way to what will it sure to be a hell-of-a show Fat Tuesday in New Orleans. Thanks to Joel Frank of The Bridge for the spacious VIP area. Mardi Gras has officially started!
(click for more photos)