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Widespread Panic at Red Rocks 2017, Studio 54 Gets Greased.

 

Words and Photos by: Phil Santala

Studio 54 as, it was known, happened Sunday at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. It was Widespread Panic’s 54th consecutive sold-out show at Red Rocks. This year has seen a shift for the band, and many of the fans. Gone are the days of 30 and 40 show summer tours. This summer finds the band holding court at a few select festivals and multi-night runs. At least for now John Bell has stated that the band is “trying it on for size.” What the future holds for touring is unknown to all at this time.

The worry might be that given such limited engagements over such long stretches that the band might not be as cohesive on stage. Over the course of 3 shows in Colorado none of the multitude of fans I spoke with shared this concern or thought after Friday’s 1st set. The opposite seemed to be true. The band seemed as tight as ever, perhaps the best they have sounded during the Duane Trucks era. They sounded fresh, well rested, and ready to ride till the last note fell. Numerous die-hards commented that JoJo Hermann seemed to be lighting the keys up all weekend, while others felt they had never seen bassist Dave Schools smile more on-stage. John Bell was of course the consummate John Bell. The steady captain and cool leader that he has become known to be.

The speculation as to where the weekend run would take us was blown out the window after chord one of night one’s first song. “Postcard” opener?! The band would show that not only were they rested and ready to play, but that all bets were off all weekend. They also are no longer constrained to the proverbial “what have we played for 3 shows.” Sure Postcard has opened shows, even the storied 2011 Red Rocks run. But still, wherever it does, you know you’re in for a hell of a time. The often seen 1st set opener “Let’s Get Down to Business” seemed to further this point as a second set opener. Other standouts from the opening night included a “New Speedway Boogie” rap by Dave during “One Kind Favor” and the Machine>Barstools and Dreamers.

 

Saturday’s show featured a eloquent rendition of the Bob Dylan classic “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.” In it’s 9 appearance at a Panic show, this ballad does well. It pairs nicely with JB’s whiskey-smooth growls and gruffs. It allows the full range of his baritone to tenor to be shown. Earlier in the set a “Walkin’”, without it’s distinct pause, capped the Colorado mandated “Surprise Valley” sandwich. The encore Saturday night really lit the engines, almost literally. 4 massive Disco balls had graced the stage for the Studio 54 run. Coming out the the encore break they would be put to good use. A recorded video with audio of a rocket launch shook the stadium as the band came back onstage and launched the venue into orbit with a “Disco> Low Spark> Tie Your Shoes> Low Spark.” Jaws hit the floor, feet hit the air, whiskey ice wasn’t the only thing being melted.

Sunday was the day of bust outs. The 1st set the boys took “Galleon” back off the shelf. Still just as smooth as ever and showing no signs of rust or age after 1,092 shows gathering dust. It sounded so good I heard people commenting: “I don’t know why they ever put that one up on it.” Not to be outdone by themselves Panic wedged an “E on a G” onto “Last Dance.” during the second set. Another 2001 shelved song, this one 1,052 shows ago. It worked wonderfully as a musically interlude to the Neil Young song. Normally I find that song played late enough during an encore or second set that it has found it’s way into what is technically your “monday morning” already. This time, with the early Sunday shows at Red Rocks, you’re far more likely to “make it home by sundown, feeling that the day is through as you return back to where you come from.”

But before you wake up in the mornin’ Widespread had one last bust out to take break off. The band returned to the stage for the encore with the Studio “54” numbers behind them. A closer look at the members had found a pretty distinct wardrobe change had taken place. Every member of the band, including Edie Jackson, had changed into a black shirt with white “GREASE” emblazoned on it, with “Home Team” and a picture of the late-great Col. Bruce Hampton on it (You have to assume Jimmy  Herring had his on, under the top unbuttoned button of his long sleeve). Grease you ask, WTF is that? Is it a reference to the Late Col. Bruce Hampton’s Band: Hampton Grease Band. Sure is! But it’s more than that. Grease, you see, it’s a way of life. An attitude about living…and music…and well death. In 2014 the late Hampton said: “See, our main ambition in life aside from growing a bosom on top of our heads is to die on stage and when we die on stage that will be when we ultimately reach Grease.” Poster artist printers at Ruby Sue worked up the shirts for the band and the crew. The band put them on and launched into the most fitting tribute possible. The last bust out of Sunday was the last full song the Late-Great-Grandfather of Jambands ever sang/played before he greased his way off of this mortal coil and into the cosmos beyond. In it’s 1st appearance since 7/8/2003, 955 shows ago, the band absolutely killed the Cream song: “I’m So Glad.” John Bell and could not have done any better. 52, no 54 shows into their tenure at Red Rocks the band showed why they are always ready to ride. The stalwart encore song “Can’t Find My Way Home” closed out the run. I’m a huge fan of this cover. John Bell’s vocals are always shine thru on this, and the song sums up so much. Sorrows and hardships, big joyous sounds and low rumbling waves, window panes and open roads. Widespread Panic carries us, their fans through it all. They do it for themselves, because it’s what they love to do. But in doing so they do it for us as well. Man, do they do it for us! When we’re tired of weeping, tired of moaning, tired of being wasted, tired of not finding our way home they remind us of all that is possible. To be glad, to be sad, to be so far from home, yet so close to it. Cheers to finding your way home!

Full Photo Album can be found HERE

Wheels of Soul Tour 07-05-2017 Wolf Trap, Vienna Va.

Wheels of Soul Tour 07-05-2017 Wolf Trap, Vienna Va.

Hot Tuna ~ The Wood Brothers ~ Tedeshi Trucks Band

We arrived at Wolf Trap to be greeted by some of the kindest Park Police that you’d ever want to meet and that set the tone for what was about to be an amazing evening of great vibes and great music!

Jorma Kaukonen said: “What an honor to be playing with Susan & Derek and The Wood Brothers”!

Oliver Wood said: “Every night is just a little bit different, that’s pretty magical and inspiring to us”!

These comments, made by the musicians themselves, speaks volumes about what the audience had the pleasure to experience. The show began with Hot Tuna playing a rocking 7 song opener to get everyone’s blood flowing.
01. Ain’t In No Hurry

  1. I See The Light
  2. Day To Day Out The Window Blues
  3. I Can’t Be Satisfied
  4. Roads And Roads And
  5. Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed Man
  6. Hit Single #1

This was basically a hometown show for Jorma and Jack and that, in and of itself, adds to the positive vibe of their performance. However, it was obvious by all of the musician’s interactive smiles throughout the evening, that this vibe was way deeper than just a homecoming!

Jorma’s playing and singing were right on point. The fans’ expectations were exceeded by his vocals and precise and awesome guitar work. Then there is Justin Guip on drums. Justin’s drum skills were not only there to keep the tempo, they really added to the excitement of the performance.

And then we come to Jack Casady, consistently one of the best dressed bass players to ever come out of the San Francisco scene! Jack’s decisive bass came through at all of the crucial moments, rhythmically and harmonically, to solidify the musical marriage of this entire project! The energy of these three musicians on stage was just electrifying!

 

Next Up ~ The Wood Brothers

Oliver Wood – Guitar and Vocals, Chris Wood – Bass and Vocals, and Jano Rix – Drums, vocals (and anything else that makes noise)

  1. Keep Me Around
  2. Shoofly Pie
  3. Sing About It
  4. Payday
  5. One More Day
  6. Spirit
  7. Postcards From Hell
  8. Honey Jar

Often called “The Masters of Soulful Folk” there is no question in my mind why Derek & Susan chose The Wood Brothers to join them on “The Wheels of Soul” tour! For over a decade Chris and Oliver Wood played very different music, in very different bands, and as a result of that, they did not see each other much at all! Chris was playing Jazz and Exploratory Music with Medeski, Martin, and Wood. Oscar was performing with Tinsley Ellis, while also writing songs and performing in his own band King Johnson. In 2005, Oscar was invited to sit in with his brother in Medeski, Martin, and Wood. After that show they both knew that they needed to be playing music together. In 2006 they released their 1st album “Ways Not to Lose” and they have been winning ever since! Their charismatic presence and chemistry is sure to captivate you.  It certainly captivated the Wolf Trap audience and really set the stage for the Tedeschi Trucks Band to come on next!

It was only a short 7 years ago that the Tedeschi Trucks Band was formed and 8 of the 11 original band members are still in the band today! Today the band consist of:

Susan Tedeschi – lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar (2010–present)

Derek Trucks – lead guitar (2010–present)

Kofi Burbridge – keyboards, flute (2010–present)

Tyler Greenwell – drums, percussion (2010–present)

  1. J. Johnson – drums, percussion (2010–present)

Mike Mattison – harmony vocals (2010–present)

Mark Rivers – harmony vocals (2010–present)

Kebbi Williams – saxophone (2010–present)

Tim Lefebvre – bass guitar (2013–present)

Ephraim Owens – trumpet (2015–present)

Elizabeth Lea – trombone (2015–present)

Alecia Chakour – harmony vocals (2015–present)

This type of longevity in a band that tours as extensively as they do, is indicative of a relationship more like family than anything else. While on stage, the playful interactions and smiles from everyone were infectious throughout the entire venue!

 

  1. I Want More
  2. Do I Look Worried
  3. Midnight In Harlem
  4. Don’t Know What It Means
  5. Get What You Deserve
  6. How Blue Can You Get
  7. Will The Circle Be Unbroken
  8. Bound For Glory
  9. Key To The Highway  (Hot Tuna Sits In)
  10. I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free)
  11. The Storm >
  12. Whipping Post
  13. E: A Song For You (Carey Frank on Keyboard and Susan Sings)
  14. You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere  (The Wood Brothers Sit In)

               As the set began with amazing force, “I Want More” into the more soulful “Do I Look Worried” and “Midnight in Harlem” I began to wonder… where did this keyboardist come from? Who is he? Who is Carey Frank?

As the set continued the band began to take a turn down blues alley with a great version of “How Blue Can You Get” and when they started to play “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” which was the song that just recently concluded the service for Gregg Allman’s funeral, my heart began to ache! “Bound for Glory” began to lift the spirits… and then they invited Hot Tuna out to sit in on “Key To The Highway” which quickly became a highlight for many! Watching Derek and Jorma on guitars, and Susan and Jack’s smiles and interactions, you could not help but love this!

The set ended with a gripping rendition of “The Storm” going into “Whipping Post” where Derek became one with the spirit of the music! An awesome tribute to Gregg Allman! But it did not stop there. As the crowd cheered for an encore, Susan and Carey Frank returned to the stage to perform a beautiful version of Leon Russell’s “A Song For You” and then the entire band returned along with the Wood Brothers to end the show with “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere”!

Now let’s review some things that really had me thinking:

June 20th the news hits; Kofi Burbridge has suffered a heart attack! (I hear that Kofi is now doing much better and is on the mend!)

July 1st is the first show on the “Wheels of Soul Tour” is scheduled!

I was so impressed with lots of things during this show. I was completely enamored by all of the smiles and the feelings of love! It really impressed me when Susan came out alone with Carey Frank to perform a song. I was so curious that I contacted Carey to find out how he knew Susan and Derek, because obviously they were connected somehow! When I asked Carey, much to my surprise, this is what he told me: “I got a call less than a week before this tour to last minute sub for Kofi while he recovers. I didn’t know them at all but I have been a huge fan for years. The bassist, Tim and I know each other through his girlfriend, who’s also a keyboardist. They got me into the hat for the gig and then my videos on YouTube and Facebook were my audition.

Then I had 4 days to learn all 60 TTB songs by ear with no sheet music. And now, here I am!”

This, to me, is The Wheels of Soul!

 

Thank You to all who were involved in making this night so special and thank you to the staff at Wolf Trap for such a great vibe!

Peace & Blessings,
Stuart Dahne

 

Here is what some of the attendees had to say:

“Once again TTB shows why they are the best band on the road today. Add in a smoking Tuna open and some fun Wood Bros and you have a great night. I was curious to see how they would be without Kofi and they shone.” ~ Andre Moshenberg

 

“A highlight of the evening was the powerful jam “Key to the Highway” with Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady.” ~ Roland Ray

 

“Your soul and mind were brought to a higher ground from the opening notes of Jorma/Jack/&Justin to last one by the TTB.  Those who made the trip to Wolf Trap saw an incredible night faces were plastered with smiles despite the dreadful wind and rain.” ~ Jason Greenberg

 

“Dancing in the rain rolling down the Hill! Ha” ~ Kathleen Prugsawan

 

“Loved the show. The whole night had a great energy from all 3 bands.” ~ Dave Howard

 

 

Solid Sound Festival 2017 Review

Solid Sound Festival

June 23-25, 2017

MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts

Photos by: Tony Vasquez of Vasquez Photography

Review by: Belinda Vasquez

Full Gallery: Solid Sound Festival 2017

The fifth biennial Solid Sound Festival featured three days of music, art, comedy, and activities for kids on the grounds of MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. MASS MoCA was once a factory complex that was transformed into one of the largest centers for contemporary art in the United States back in 1999. The large mill buildings with their history of fabrication and spacious courtyards all nestled in the Berkshire Mountains provided the perfect setting for the festival.

June 24, 2017, Day two of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Photo by Tony Vasquez.

The museum staple exhibitions ranged from the Wall Drawing Retrospective by Sol LeWitt to the Tree Logic by artist Natalie Jereijenko, which is on display prominently outside the main entrance. Also on display over the weekend included works by James Turrell, Tanja Hollander, Robert Rauschenberg, and Chicago artist Nick Cave. Cave’s work entitled Until was astounding in scale to witness in person.

June 23, 2017 Day one of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Photo by Tony Vasquez.

The weekend’s musical lineup included two headlining performances by Wilco, their side projects, and a variety of acts hand selected by the band. Friday was kicked off with Nick Offerman introducing Nancy and Beth, which included his wife Megan Mullaly and Stephanie Hunt. Brother’s Dave & Phil Alvin with The Guilty Ones followed them on the main stage on Joe’s Field.

The crowd could be heard all afternoon conversing about the special evening that was in store. The band has made it a staple of doing something special on the opening night of the festival. In 2013, they performed an all-cover set of songs that were submitted by fans, and in 2015 the band did an entire acoustic concert. So keeping in tradition, they performed the band’s 1996 sophomore release, Being There, which was audience chosen. As if that wasn’t special in its self for an encore they played the critically acclaimed Yankee Hotel Foxtrot in its entirety.

June 23, 2017, Day one of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Photo by Tony Vasquez.

Saturday was the most heavily attended day of the sold out weekend. Festival goers had plenty to choose from which helped the overall experience. There was a full lineup of comedians at the Hunter Center along with Pop Concerts occurring at various locations within the galleries if someone wanted to cool off from the heat.

June 24, 2017 Day two of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Photo by Tony Vasquez.

Jeff Tweedy collaborated with Darin Gray and Chris Corsano of Chikamorachi in the new building 6 for an experimental noise session. Pat Sansone and John Stirratt had play dates with some lucky children on the Gunnar Schonbeck’s instruments. Kacy & Clayton and Joan Shelley both had an intimate pop-up concert in the art galleries.

June 24, 2017, Day two of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Photo by Tony Vasquez.

Kurt Vile and the Violators performed a great opening set before Wilco took the main stage. Their Saturday night set started off with “At Least That’s What You Said” off of the Ghost a Born. Tweedy joked that the band wasn’t going to play the whole album, but that they did play that song on purpose to make the audience wonder. Unlike the first night, Tweedy was way more talkative which provided some great banter moments. The band played a more standard set with a few rarities such as “A Magazine Called Sunset,” “Can’t Stand It,” and “Candyfloss.”

Sunday was a heavy lineup of Wilco’s side projects. The Nels Cline Four performed a stimulating set in the outdoor courtyard. Drummer Glenn Kotche’s group On Fillmore played with a sextet. The band blew away the mostly standing crowd with “Illusionismo da Arvore da Cerebracao” off their new album Happiness Of Living. The Autumn Defense played the album Circles in its entirety ending their set with an epic Love cover of “A House Is Not A Motel.” Mikael Jorgensen performed in the Hunter Center with James Merle Thomas as Quindar. The group’s audiovisual performance, which included film archive footage from NASA, was a mesmerizing electronica experience.

June 25, 2017, Day three of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Photo by Tony Vasquez.

The day concluded with a performance by Tweedy and friends. It started off with the band Tweedy, and then a solo performance with Jeff. Then the entire Wilco band and friends joined the stage to perform various covers. The special set included Sammy Tweedy’s Solid Sound debut, which he sang Graham Nash’s song “Military Madness.” The conclusion came with a Band cover of “I Shall Be Released.”

Wilco and MASS MoCA have created a unique festival that goes beyond the music. Its theme is rooted in a community which encourages us to inspire one another.

June 25, 2017, Day three of the Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Photo by Tony Vasquez.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dispatch

Dispatch 

with special guest Guster

June 28, 2017

Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park

Indianapolis, Indiana

Photos: Tyler Muir 

 

Ghost

Ghost

with special guest

Royal Thunder

June 14, 2017

Louisville Palace

Louisville, KY

Photos by: Tony Vasquez of Vasquez Photography  

Full Gallery: Ghost

 

Setlist: Square Hammer, From the Pinnacle to the Pit, Con Clavi Con Dio, Per Aspera ad Inferi, Body and Blood, Devil Church, Cirice, Year Zero, He Is, Absolution, Mummy Dust, Ghuleh/Zombie Queen, Ritual

Wilco Schmilco Tour

Wilco with

Kacy and Clayton

WTTS Presents

Indiana Farmer’s Bureau Insurance Lawn

Indianapolis, IN

Photos by: Tony Vasquez of Vasquez Photography 

Entire Photo Gallery: Wilco

Setlist: Ashes of American Flags, Normal American Kids, If I Ever Was A Child, Cry All Day, Company In My Back, I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, Art Of Almost, Pickled Ginger, Sunken Treasure, Someone To Lose, War On War, Via Chicago, Impossible Germany, We Aren’t The World (Safety Girl), Box Full Of Letters, Theologians, I’m Always In Love, Heavy Metal Drummer, I’m The Man Who Loves You, Hummingbird, The Late Greats

Encore 1: Random Name Generator, Jesus, etc., Locator, Spiders (Kidsmoke)

Encore 2: California Stars (with Kacy & Clayton)

Hangout 2017 Review

Hangout 2017 Review

Caspian Roberts

Gulf Shores, Al is known for three things: beautiful beaches, great seafood, and Hangout Music Festival. For the past 8 years, Hangout Fest has established itself in being one of the best music festivals in the country, and this year was yet another example of why. I was fortunate to cover this festival again this year, and it seems as if every year it gets bigger and better.

When I arrived in Gulf Shores on Friday the 19th, I knew I would be in for another great year with Hangout. The familiar sensations of the beach mixed with great music swirled around the grounds. The headliner for Friday was (after schedule changes) Phoenix, and I knew that I had a great day lined up before they took the stage. My weekend began by catching the new rising band 888. Their alt/indie sound was a great fit for the crowd, and was a good foreshadowing of the day ahead. The next band I saw was The Strumbellas. Their alt country/indie rock blend made for a pleasant experience on the Surf Stage, and they played their hit song Spirits. The song truly put everyone in great spirits as we continued our festival experience. I then got to see the new rising band Coin on the Mermaid Stage. They are yet another great alt/indie rock band that formed in Nashville, Tennessee. They played some of their hit songs including Talk Too Much, I Don’t Wanna Dance, and Boyfriend. I had heard this band on the Sirius radio for several months prior to the fest, and they were even better live. Next up on the list was MGMT. I have been listening to MGMT for many years now, and was very excited to photograph and see a live performance. They began with their song Pieces of What, which I feel is a great song to begin with. That song is a slower song that highlights their psychedelic rock genre style. They also played crowd favorites Time to Pretend, Kids, and my personal favorite Electric Feel. It was amazing to see everyone dancing to my favorite song, and after their set we quickly headed across the beach to go catch Weezer’s set. Weezer has been together since 1992, and those 25 years of experience proved that they are one of the best rock bands out there. The beach was full of fans from all age ranges and backgrounds, and everyone was excited to sing along to their favorite songs. From their hit songs which made them famous, including My Name is Jonas, Beverly Hills, Say it Ain’t So, and Buddy Holly, to their new hits including Feels Like Summer, everyone had a reason to sing along with this iconic band. Finally was the (new) headliner of the night – Phoenix. This new wave/alt rock band began in France and has took the world by storm since they began. They closed out the first day by playing their hit songs Lisztomania, Girlfriend, and If I Ever Feel Better. They did a great job and were very energetic on stage, closing night one with everyone excited for the weekend to come.

Saturday began with gloomy skies and fingers crossed that the festival would not be rained out. The day began around noon at the Surf Stage with Magic! This band provided a very energetic start to a gloomy day such as this, and put everyone in high spirits. Next on my list was a band I was not familiar with but had heard great things about. The New Orleans based band Mutemath took the Hangout stage, and they provided a very lively concert that everyone thoroughly enjoyed. My favorite part was their lead singer/guitar player Paul Meany’s liveliness while performing, and their drummer Darren King’s vivacity. This man goes so hard while drumming that he literally duck tape’s his headset to his head to prevent it from falling off. Their set was amazing and made most people forget how dark the skies were getting. I was then fortunate to see a band I had caught at a small series in Auburn, Al called Rainbow Kitten Surprise. The band is familiarly known as RKS, and has gathered quite a following since their set in Auburn. I ran into two women from New York that told me they bought tickets and flew down just to see them play the festival! After their set, I could see why. This band was super energetic, with their lead man Sam Melo jumping and dancing around the stage the entire show. The last band I was able to see on Saturday was Band of Horses. This band out of Seattle is known for their indie rock sound that is blended with a folky vibe. They create beautiful songs such as The Funeral, as well as loud and fun songs such as Is There a Ghost. Their set was amazing, and I planned on going to see The Head and The Heart when it began to pour down rain. Our wishes to the clouds were not received as I had to take shelter to protect my camera gear. After sitting and waiting for an hour, I decided I had to head back to my hotel to protect myself and my equipment; and it wound up being the right decision. I heard that the festival wound up being evacuated as Twenty One Pilots just got into their set. While it was a sad end to the day, everyone was hopeful that Sunday would be better.

We awoke Sunday to still Gloomy skies, but no torrential rain. The first band I saw that day was Lukas Graham. This Danish pop and soul band was amazing, and drew a huge crowd to the Hangout Stage. The band did a fantastic job and sang beautifully crafted songs including Mama Said, You’re Not There, and the crowd favorite Seven Years to close out the set. This was actually their first ever festival in the United States, and I’d say it was a great one to make history on. Next on the list was Franz Ferdinand. This Scottish band is alt/indie rock influenced, and did a great job of making the crowd dance. Their lead guitarist Alex Kapranos was extremely lively on stage and pumped everyone up. I then ran back to the Hangout stage to see Young the Giant’s performance. This alt/indie rock band has gotten huge lately, with their songs being played all over the radio stations across the world. They played some of their favorite songs such as Cough Syrup, Mind Over Matter, and My Body, as well as their new hit song Silver Tongue. Their performance was so energetic that it was contagious, and the huge crowd were all dancing around. Next up on the Surf Stage was Chance the Rapper. The Grammy winner took to the stage and provided a great experience for old fans and new fans alike. He performed several songs from his older albums, as well as some from his newest one. My favorite songs from the set included Angels, Smoke Break, Cocoa Butter Kisses, and Blessings. Chance wound up closing out my weekend while performing my personal favorite Same Drugs. His performance was a testament to his faith as Chance constantly referred to the glory of God and everything he felt blessed with. It was a beautiful expression of his soul and it resounded throughout one of the largest crowds I had ever seen at Hangout Fest. While I had to leave the festival to catch a ride back home, Mumford and Sons closed out Hangout Fest with a bang, and I was sad that I could not see it. Everyone flocked to the stage to see the last performance of the weekend, and they did not disappoint. The indie folk band played songs including Little Lion Man, White Blank Page, Believe, and The Cave. They closed out Hangout Fest with The Wolf and sent everyone home satisfied.

As I say every year, Hangout Music Festival is my favorite time of the year. It kicks off summer in a perfect blend of vacation and music, and really has something for everyone. They continuously get bigger and better every year, and I would highly recommend to anyone that they should experience it at least once.

Michael Kiwanuka

Michael Kiwanuka 

June 7, 2017

MOKB Presents

Deluxe at Old National Centre

Indianapolis, IN

Photos by: Tony Vasquez Vasquez Photography

Entire Photo Gallery: Michael Kiwanuka

Setlist:

Cold Little Heart, One More Night, Bones, Black Man in a White World, Falling, I’ll Never Love, I’m Getting Ready, Home Again, Rule the World, The Final Fram, Father’s Child

Encore: Love & Hate

 

Sam Amidon The Following Mountain

OUT NOW ON NONESUCH RECORDS

The Following Mountain, the newest solo album by experimental folk artist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Sam Amidon, is out on Nonesuch Records.

Created with producer Leo Abrahams (Brian Eno, Regina Spektor) and Amidon’s frequent collaborator Shahzad Ismaily, The Following Mountain represents a new approach for Amidon, who shifts here from his previous norm of re-working traditional folk songs and presents nine wholly original compositions, with some lyrics drawing on traditional sources. The album features a rare guest appearance by drummer Milford Graves, known initially for his work in the 1960s with free jazz legends Albert Ayler and Sonny Sharrock, as well as guest appearances by percussionist Juma Sultan (Jimi Hendrix) and saxophonist Sam Gendel.

“The Following Mountain is a walk through the thickets of the imagination,”Amidon said, “… a personal mythology of sounds and visions and characters. It is my first album of original music, but is still linked to the Appalachian music I love, as well as improvisation, beats, Don Cherry, Vermont, London.”

The Following Mountain is Amidon’s sixth album and follows Lily-O, his 2014 Nonesuch Records collaboration with guitarist Bill Frisell.

The Following Mountain
Track List
1. Fortune
2. Ghosts
3. Juma Mountain
4. Another One Gone
5. Gendel in 5
6. Blackbird
7. Trouble In Mind
8. Warren
9. April

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: nonesuch.com, samamidon.com, facebook.com/samamidonmusic or follow @samamidon on Twitter and Instagram.

PREVIEW: DelFest X, What’s it all About?

2017 will mark the 10th year that Del McCoury and his family will be bringing DelFest to Cumberland Maryland. It was somewhere around 13 years ago that Del McCoury started talking with Roy Carter of High Sierra Music and started to turn a dream into a reality, although it wasn’t until the community started to get behind the festival that it really took off! Over the last 9 years there have been many acts pass through the festival, from the very first year with acts as wide and varied as Vince Gill, David Bromberg, The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, Dierks Bently, Sam Bush, and Keller Williams just to name a few. You never know who will show up at DelFest from year to year, but one thing that you can be sure of is that it’s gonna be a good ole time! When I asked Ronnie McCoury about some of the highlights over the years for him, He mentioned how High Sierra introduced them to The Lee Boys and that led to a musical collaboration that was just plain fun!!! Of course he told me of how cool it is when you get to step up on stage with someone like Trey Anastasio or Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi and the list goes on, however one thing that they also try to remember and honor are the elder statesman of this music.  Those amazing players such as Bobby Osborne, J.D. Crowe, Bobby Hicks, and Jerry McCoury…. “Any time that you get to play with those guys it’s just magic” … “years go by quickly and you just don’t know if they will ever be back”!

The highlights for the family are countless! As a mandolin player when Ron McCoury was on stage with David Grisman & Sierra Hull it was just awesome, however for Rob McCoury playing the banjo on stage with Bela Fleck was a highlight and doing a workshop with Danny Barnes, just 2 banjos and having fun was one that he won’t likely forget! The joy that comes out of what goes on here at DelFest reminds Rob and Ron of the joy that their dad had on stage when they were young, and they attribute their musical careers to a desire that they had from seeing their dad so happy!

If you have never been to DelFest yet I am here to tell you that that joy and happiness is infectious! There are people who have been coming since the 1st DelFest, May 23-25 2008 and new people every year, so I thought that it would be fun to ask some of them how long they have been coming and why! This is what people said:
Kristen McBride ~ This is our 5th consecutive Delfest. It’s our family’s summer kickoff. My kids start asking at Christmas for Delfest!

Julie Cannon Frantz ~ #9. It’s like coming home, to family.

Randi Wallenstein Benesch ~ #9 for us. By far our favorite annual family tradition. Four days to just relax and settle in with close friends and our family, listening to so many great artists, breathing the mountain air and feeling that DelFest magic.

Adam John ~ We have been every year. The intimate vibe and setting are what keep us coming back. Where strangers become friends and friends become family!!!

Beth Cornetta Oros ~ This will be my first, and my first venture into this large of a festival in many years. I am no longer letting anxiety get in the way of doing what I love ❤ I’m gonna Dance on through it!

Rachelle Marilley ~ My first as well. My best friends have been trying to get me to go for the last two years. The stars finally aligned and I am going to the 10th annual DelFest! I am glad it’s on the 10th because it just seems to feel so much more special! I am ecstatic!

Toni Reese ~ My husband and I were asked to go 5 years ago. Since then we have been every year. It’s a time where we stop our busy lives and LIVE! Live in the moment appreciating music and one another. Looking forward to the kind greetings, fresh mountain air and sweet sounds of the strings!

Ed Koller ~ This will be the 7th in a row, every new friend I make feels like family.

Dennis Scott ~ This is number nine for us. We had some friends tell us about the first after we had beach plans. We have been to many music fests and DelFest is by far the best…family friendly, beautiful setting, awesome lineups and where else will you see the namesake and his family not only working the merch tent but camping with everyone else!!?? Thanks for throwing the party Del!

Jaynea James ~ #3 for me! Met a keeper at #1! Both of us from Cumberland. Never laid eyes on each other until then….Oh, the forces of a late night, fire side, sitting on the tailgate of a truck, jam session. That’s what I call Delfest!!

Laurier Joseph Binet ~ 3rd full on and a day!!The String Cheese Sunday was our 1st time, and we were hooked right away! The Smiles, Love ,Goodness out there is something really special, folks we met! Met you Stuart at our first time at the fairgrounds, I just truthfully love this festival!!

Randi Brent Starrett ~ Number 8. What is so special to me is being part of Del’s Army (the PAA 1344) and an organizer of the yearly food drive and the Del’s Army t-shirts that help the Western Maryland Food Bank with canned/dry goods and cash donations. Helping the local community (and one of the poorer counties in the country) is very rewarding. Our motto is good works through music!

And these testimonies go on and on, but if you want to really know, look through these photos and notice the smiles and of course… see us on the 25th-29th at the Allegheny County Fairgrounds for DelFest #10!

All photos © Stuart Dahne Photography

http://www.stuartdahnephotography.com/
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