The 28th Annual Christmas Jam Rocked the House Down

Warren Haynes

The 28^th Annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam that took place on December 10, 2016 at the US Cellular Center in beautiful Asheville North Carolina came through with a bang for a night of stellar performances of all kinds.  The event, which is known for having musicians from all backgrounds collaborating to create improvisational jams amongst themselves, kept the fans happy dancing through out the entire long night of music.  The Christmas Jam is and always has been a benefit to support the Habitat for Humanity Foundation.  The event has brought in over 2 Million dollars for the cause throughout the years. 

Lockn' Festival: Same Rockin' Place, Different Time

Bob Weir and Mickey Hart performing at Lock

The first round of the 2016 Lockn' Festival lineup has just been announced, and people are in a rage.  The Lockn' Festival, which will be taking place August 25-28 near Arrington, Virginia , has become the smash hit to close out the summer festival season in recent years.   Having been known for having no overlapping sets, good vibes, and creative collaborations between musicians that can be seen nowhere else, it is easy to see why it has become a fan favorite. 

Celebrating 50 Years of The Grateful Dead

The Grateful Dead at Soldier Field - Fare Thee Well Tour

This past July marked arguably one of the most epic spectacles in the history of live rock n’ roll.  Over the Fourth of July weekend The Grateful Dead reunited for the last three of five shows to mark their 50^th anniversary in what they said are the final shows that they will be playing as a complete group on a short tour they called Fare Thee Well.  They chose Soldier Field in Chicago in Chicacgo, Illinois as the venue for these magnanimous performances because it is the last location that The Grateful Dead played with late front man Jerry Garcia before his untimely passing.   The group brought on Trey Anastasio of Phish fame as a Jerry replacement, as well as keys players Bruce Hornsby and Jeff Chimenti.  Despite the pressure of having such large shoes to fill, Trey did a great job singing lead vocals on many songs as well as switching off lead guitar with Bob Weir.  With around 70,000 people attending each night, these shows were truly for the record books.  They could not have chosen a better location.  The warm summer nights and beautiful scenery including the surrounding skyscrapers looming in the background provided the perfect aesthetic for a phenomenal  musical experience.

Get Ready for Lock'n 2015

Phil Lesh

The second weekend of September will truly be an exciting spectacle in central Virginia.  The rural town of Arrington will be turned into a rockin' festival of epic proportions when the annual Lock’n festival returns for a four day celebration of musical improvisation and collaboration.

Warren Haynes' 26th Annual Benefit Continues Tradition

Warren Haynes with Billy and The Kids

The 26^th Annual Christmas Jam presented by Warren Haynes returned to the US Cellular Center in Asheville, North Carolina for what was unpredictably one of the most diverse events in the show’s long history.  The night was a mixed bag full of musical collaborations and musical styles.  2014’s event was chock full tributes.  The musicians paid homage to rock and roll legends throughout the night, especially Phish, The Beatles, and Neal Young. 

An Inspiring Weekend at Fall LEAF Festival 2014

The Mystical Arts of Tibet performing at LEAF Festival

Photography by David Oppenheimer
Article by Jeremy Chrzan

Once again, the Fall 2014 LEAF Festival came and left with a bang.  October’s event once again featured the best in family entertainment and culture in Western North Carolina.  Located in Black Mountain, NC, about 15 minutes from the cultural mecca of Asheville, the LEAF Festival is nestled beside the serene Lake Eden at Camp Rockmont.  Since its inception in 1995, LEAF has become well known for its diverse cultural atmosphere with family friendly vibes.  LEAF has been voted the best music festival for camping and kids two years running in the local periodical Mountain Xpress.  The event occurs in the spring and fall of every year and typically sells out every time.  Fall LEAF really lives up to its name, with the leaves on the trees on their way to changing into a beautiful palette of reds, golds, and yellows.  Despite the cold, the fall LEAF packed a solid punch of exceptionally good times for all in attendance.

Back on Top: Steely Dan

Donald Fagen and Freddie Washington with Steely Dan

Words by: Jeremy Chrzan
Photos by: David Oppenheimer

As one of the most anticipated reunion shows of the summer, Steely Dan graced their fans in Asheville, North Carolina by playing a marvelous show at the world-renowned Biltmore Estate.  With the stage adjacent to the majestic Biltmore House with views overlooking the beautiful grounds and the epic Blue Ridge Mountains, the venue added a visual element to the concert experience that was second to none.  It had been drizzling all day, but to everyone’s avail the precipitation held off for the show which allowed for a truly stunning sunset over the westward mountains facing stage right.  The show was packed, featuring a sold out crowd of mostly older spectators that looked to be collectively reliving their youth.

LEAF: Bringing the Funk Back to the Mountains

Bootsy Collins and the Funk Unity Band

Article by Jeremy Chrzan

The LEAF Festival is the region’s premier family friendly camp out and music/arts extravaganza.  This three day multicultural conglomeration of the arts happens twice a year at the beautiful Camp Rockmont on Lake Eden in Black Mountain, NC.  They call it Lake Eden for a reason: the venue is absolutely paradise.  LEAF Festival features astounding mountain views and fun outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, and even a zip line.  LEAF is also the perfect place to bring your whole family.  There are entire stages and installations devoted to entertaining children and teaching them to appreciate music and art.  There are workshops for people of all interests and ages, not to mention traveling visual arts performers and parades that you can find wandering the festival grounds at any time.  One of the greatest things about leaf is the blend of world cultures that all come together to create a melting pot for people to experience. From Contra Dancing and West African percussion to didgeridoo workshops and Qi Gong, this festival has it all.

Moogfest 2014: The Advancement of Culture and Technology

Laser Lights During The Pet Shop Boys

After taking a break for 2013, Moogfest came back stronger than ever in Asheville, North Carolina for an epic five-day adventure of sound and art.  Opting to move from its usual position in late October to beautiful April, festival organizers have saved traveling patrons from the overpriced hotel rooms associated with Autumn in the mountains.  With the addition of the daytime events including lectures, talks, performances, and workshops, Moogfest has secured itself as an east coast commodity.  With the pioneer of electronic music and inventor the Moog Synthesizer, Bob Moog having called Asheville his home for many years, and with the Bob Moog Foundation and the Moog Factory both located in Asheville, it feels natural to bring such an amazing event back to the mountains of North Carolina.  Moogfest carries the strong theme of new technologies, futurism, and synth-heavy music.  Music lovers and geeks unite to watch over 100 musical performances and dozens of educational and interactive talks and workshops.

The Mad Tea Party Jam is Set to Return to West Virginia

The Mad Tea Party Jam

Fans of truly conscious music and art will rejoice at the return of third The Mad Tea Party Jam presented by Appalachian Jamwich.  Taking place amid the astounding beauty of Hedgesville, WV, from June 19-21 this one of a kind festival is sure to rock your socks off.  The Mad Tea Party Jam features some of the best talent in the jam band and electronic scene today.  Along with their Asheville, NC based headliner Popadosio, The Mad Tea Party Jam features talent from all over the country including Dopapod, The Werks, The Mantras, and New York based sensations TAUK and Consider the Source along with many more.  Many of the bands will play two nights.

NASCAR Food City 500 Returns to Bristol Motor Speedway

Bristol Motor Speedway during NASCAR Sprint Cup Food City 500

Coming up next month in beautiful Bristol, Tennessee is the Food City 500 at the Bristol Motor Speedway.  The March 16^th race is a premier event in the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit.  The deafening roar of the engines, the excitement of the race, and the thousands upon thousands of race fans all make this one of the most exciting NASCAR events around.  Featuring the best stock car drivers in the world, NASCAR events are a spectacle unlike any other event.  Bristol Motor Speedway has long been the home to NASCAR fame since the early 1960’s.  Previous notable races held here have been the Southeastern 500 and the Valleydale 500.  The Food City 500 features 500 laps totaling 266.5 miles of pure adrenaline and speed.  Fans come for not just the excitement of the race, but also for a day of tailgating with friends and family.  Kicking off this year’s race is a concert from Colt Ford on the Food City 500 stage.

Looking Forward to Moogfest 2014

Flying Lotus at Moogfest

Moogfest 2014 is fast approaching to the legions of electronic music fans in the southeast.  It is taking place over five days from April 23-27 in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.  Since coming to Asheville, North Carolina in 2010, Moogfest has become the premier urban music festival, bringing the top of the line music and workshops to multiple venues around downtown Asheville.  Moogfest is named after the late Bob Moog, known as the inventor of electronic music and the Moog Synthesizer.  The festival is held in order to honor the creativity and inventiveness that Bob Moog spread throughout his life.  

Furthur Brings Out Guests at All Good 2013

Phil Lesh with Furthur

Furthur, the newest and most epic reincarnation of the Grateful Dead since Jerry Garcia’s passing, attained the much anticipated headlining slot at All Good Music Festival and Campout 2013.  They played two sets during a four hour set Saturday night from 8:15-12:15.  Led by Grateful Dead alums Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, Furthur also features talent from Joe Russo (Benevento Russo Duo, American Babies), Jeff Chimenti (Ratdog), John Kadlecik (Dark Star Orchestra), as well as Sunshine Becker and Jeff Pehrson on vocals.  Their performance was incredibly on point.  As usual, Furthur just kept cranking out the classic tunes with professional musicianship.  It was almost as if this show featured everyone’s favorite songs.  The first set featured jams such as “Uncle John’s Band” and “The Music Never Stopped.”  The last three songs featured Andy Falco, who is the guitarist from sensational bluegrass band The Infamous Stringdusters. 

Save the Leftovers

Vince Herman with Leftover Salmon

Leftover Salmon, the bluegrass rock stars from Boulder, Colorado, took to the stage Friday afternoon at All Good Music Festival and Campout 2014.  Their set was right in the middle of the day after Dark Star Orchestra and before the John Butler Trio, so needless to say the crowd was ultra hyped.  The best part of All Good Festival is the lack of overlapping sets, so the audience can sit in one place and see all of the music that they want to see.  Accordingly, the fans on Friday afternoon were content as could be, especially the ones lying in the hammocks in the wooded area.  Leftover Salmon came through with their expected high energy performance that had the crowd hootin’ and hollerin’. 

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue Bring the Funk

Trombone Shorty 

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue is a brass band from New Orleans who brought such fresh flavor and style to All Good Festival 2013.  The six members of the band, including Shorty of course, brought a unique vibe and style to the stage with two percussionists, two saxophones, guitar, bass, and of course a trombone.  They even had an extra percussionist sit in with them for a few songs.  Their sound is a combination of jazz, blues, and the most authentic sounding effortless New Orleans funk you can imagine.  These guys have such a high energy style that they can keep every song fresh and sounding brand new.  Orleans Avenue has been creating quite a buzz lately and they accordingly they earned themselves a prime Saturday afternoon slot before Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. 

North Mississippi Allstars – Deep South Rock Comes to All Good

Luther Dickinson with the North Mississippi Allstars

The North Mississippi Allstars brought the heat to the main stage Sunday afternoon at All Good Music Festival and Campout 2013.  Their blend of southern rock and blues was exactly what the doctor ordered for the crowd who had been there partying since Thursday night.  The North Mississippi Allstars are a three-piece featuring Luther Dickinson on guitar and vocals, Cody Dickinson on drums and keyboard, and Chris Chew on bass.  It is hard to believe that so much sound can come from only three people.  The Allstars’ set was filled with a variety of first-rate tune including some classic covers.  They played “Hear My Train a Comin’” by Jimi Hendrix and “Goin’ Down South” by R.L. Burnside amongst others.  During the show, each member of the band swapped places and instruments, so all three played each instrument.  This is very unique demonstrates the musical ability of each of these fine musicians. 

The Infamous Stringdusters Show Bluegrass Finesse at All Good

The Infamous Stringdusters

The Infamous Stringdusters blasted the All Good Festival 2013 crowd in the face on Saturday night with some of the most fluent strings in the business right now.  This award winning band has quickly become an all around fan favorite within the past few years.  Besides getting the privilege to play alongside bluegrass legends such as Del McCoury, Sam Bush, and David Grisman, they Infamous Stringdusters have also started their own annual music festival in central Virginia called The Festy Experience.

The Ragbirds Span Genres at All Good Music Festival

Erin Zindle with The Ragbirds

Coming out with their debut All Good Music Festival and Campout 2013 performance Sunday afternoon was the up and coming band, The Ragbirds.  This quintet from Ann Arbor, Michigan has been touring across the country since 2006 and has played alongside notorious bands such as Cornmeal and Dirty Dozen Brass Band.  The Ragbirds are led by siblings TJ Zindle on guitar, and Erin Zindle, who plays violin and serenades the crowd with her heavenly voice.  At first listen, they sound like a group of traveling gypsies in some strange land.  There were so many noticeable influences in The Ragbirds’ music.  Their songs incorporated Americana as well as traditional music from other cultures, such as Latin and middle-eastern.  

Phil Lesh - Big Plans for 2014 after Free Show in Central Park

Phil Lesh

It is old news that the latest Grateful Dead formation, Furthur featuring Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, is taking a 2014 hiatus after their sold-out four-night event in January called Paradise Waits at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Mexico.  After their bash on the beach, Weir and Lesh both intend to keep playing music, focusing on their solo projects.  This is understandable considering Furthur’s intense touring schedule over the past four years.  It was just announced that Lesh, 73, is teaming up with heavyweight music promoter and Relix Magazine publisher Peter Shapiro to pursue an easier way to keep the music going after 46 years on the road.

Grace Potter On Top

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

The ever-growing musical prowess of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals has become something that fans music fans of all types can appreciate.  That is why it is such a pleasure to see them return to the All Good Music Festival and Campout 2013 to host a Saturday night prime time slot on the Dragon Stage from 6:00 until 7:30.  Between Grace’s on stage charisma, voice, and beauty, she is the perfect leader for a band that has been building up quite a rock-star reputation over the past few years.  Grace Potter and the Nocturnals put on quite a spectacle for their loyal fans on that sunny evening at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio.  The highlight of their set that had everyone talking was their cover of The Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil” which featured a surprise sit-in from none other than Bob Weir, an original member of The Dead.  In return, Potter would sit in with Furthur, who played after The Nocturnals on the same stage, to collaborate on a rendition of the Grateful Dead classic, “Turn on Your Lovelight.”