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Steve Kimock at The Hamilton

8/4/2015 with Bobby Vega, Jeff Chimenti, Jay Lane, Dan Lebowitz, and special guests performing Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia, Kimock Classics, and MORE!!

Photos and Words by Stuart Dahne

Steve Kimock came to our Nations Capitol on Tuesday August 4th and raised the roof of The Hamilton, 600 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005! First let me give kudos to The Hamilton and all of their staff!!! They have great food and the staff is always really great! This rendition, “In The Spirit of Sound” was comprised of; Steve Kimock on Guitar and steel guitar, Jay Lane on drums, Bobby Vega on Bass, Jeff Chimenti on keyboards, and Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz on guitar as well. The band was also joined by special guest Leslie Mendelson on guitar and vocals. The show features some Steve Kimock originals as well as songs from the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia. There were 2 great sets that just carried you right through the night!

The setlist speaks volumes however you really need to hear this one! If you were unable to attend I highly recommend that you visit Steve Kimock’s site and purchase this download as soon as it is available! http://www.kimock.com/
Set One: Tangled Hangers
Hi Heeled Sneakers
Waiting for a Miracle
Bird Song >
My Favorite Things >
Bird Song >
Scarlet Begonias

Set Two: He Ain’t Give You None
Oh Babe It Ain’t No Lie
How Sweet It Is
It’s Up to You
The Harder They Come
That’s Alright Mama

Solid Sound Music and Art Festival 2015

Solid Sound Music & Art Festival

June 26 -28, 2015

Mass MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts

Review by: Belinda Vasquez

Photo gallery: Solid Sound Music Festival 2015

Photos by: Tony & Brittany Vasquez of Vasquez Photography

The anticipation of the semi-annual Solid Sound Festival has been growing since the last time we made the long trip to the breathtaking Berkshire County for three days of Wilco-curated performances. The weather altered Saturday’s set times a bit, but it wasn’t too much of a damper on the entire weekend. The rain wasn’t going to stop the fans from enjoying the festival.

With several outdoor installations on the grounds and throughout the old textile buildings one feels immersed in creative energy. By the main entrance the Seattle-based collective, SuttonBeresCuller’s, sculpture Big Top Grand Stand is a bright colorful design that draws the attention of the festival-goers. In Joe’s Field the piece Can’t Hear You (Fat Totem), which is part of the Totally Totem series by Marko Remec, is covered in bulbous mirrors providing the source for several selfies and group shots for the entire weekend.

Strolling through the spacious galleries one is rewarded with amazing works by the likes of Sol LeWitt and his Wall Drawing Retrospective, or the works of Clifford Ross and his Landscape Seen & Imagined works. Ross’ work was included in a video installation that provided the source of entertainment for the first night after Wilco’s acoustic set. The installation took place in an open courtyard at the center of the festival with a live soundtrack provided by the indie band Real Estate.

With several interactive experiences for one to enjoy it would be overwhelming to attempt them all. The weekend provided everything from an early morning nature hike to the Hoosac Range to an opportunity to learn how to repair your own Patagonia gear at the custom-built Worn Wear truck. A few lucky fans got to make a drumhead with Wilco’s drummer Glenn Kotche and then perform with him on Sunday in the world-premiere of The Immortal Flux, a commissioned orchestral piece by D’Addario.

The interactive Wilco timeline featured photos and memorabilia from Wilco’s 20-year history. The band encouraged fans to add to the timeline with their own personal memories as well. It was a wonderful walk down memory lane with Wilco’s fans, recalling all the personal shows and meetings with the band members after their shows. The band has always given generously to its fans and this was a great way to see it all displayed.Even Wilco’s manager, Tony Margherita, browsed the festival alongside the fans, and when he paid a visit to the timeline he could been seen making minor tweaks to a hanging piece that was slightly crooked. In the documentary Every Other Summer, directed by Christoph Green and Brendan Canty, Jeff Tweedy the leader singer and founder of the band Wilco mentions how the artist can’t avoid the fans at this festival. They are sharing an experience with the fans instead of just providing the experience. Solid Sound was Jeff’s “dream” of what a music festival should be. With so many things to explore on the beautiful Mass MoCA grounds it feels that he has made that dream become a reality. You can feel the creative energy past and present in the beautiful old buildings.Seeing so many parents bring their children to experience the festival and pass on their love of art and music was wonderful. There are several kid-friendly activities including the performances of the Story Pirates, poster silk screen printing demos, playing catch with the North Adams collegiate baseball team the Steeplecats, and the various Circus Smirkus shows. The family friendly environment made the entire weekend feel safe. Wilco fans at this festival are respectful and very friendly, and most of them are eager to hear your personal story about the band as well as share their own.Friday’s musical lineup started off with Sadie Dupuis the guitar player and lead vocalist of North Hampton, Massachusetts’, Speedy Ortiz, playing a great set with lots energy and catchy hooks. The laid back New Jersey indie rockers Real Estate were the prefect intro for the Wilco set.

Wilco replaced their electric gear for entire set of acoustic versions of their vast catalog of tunes. Last festival, the band did an entire set of covers. Wilco fan’s love and appreciate the time and energy that goes into these special sets that Wilco incorporates into these special festival weekends. They opened with Misunderstood and when Jeff sang the lines “still love rock n Roll” the crowd responded with uproarious cheers. While Jeff sang Hesitating Beauty he mentions that he was thinking it was much nicer to sing that song now that everyone can get married in reference to the recent Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality. The crowd again responded with approval and cheers. Some other highlights from the set were the versions of Bull Black Nova, One Wing, A Shot in the Arm, and the beautiful cover of Daniel Johnston’s True Love Will Find You In the End.Saturday we caught the jazz guitarist Bill Frisell’s performance with singer/songwriter Sam Amidon. It made for an eclectic and enjoyable set. Later that day NRBQ entertained the crowds in Courtyard D. It was nice to see a crowd of diverse ages dancing together and having a great time. The Richard Thompson Trio rocked the audience in Joe’s field, setting the tone for Wilco’s electric set later that evening.The Brooklyn quartet, Parquet Courts, blew the crowd away with their high-energy punk sound. Before the band came onstage, a few people near the front were talking about how they were ready for some high-energy music and that this band would deliver. Boy, were they right! Coming off their amazing album Sunbathing Animal, the band was a burst of raw power with catchy hooks. Be sure to check this band out if you get the opportunity.

Closing Saturday night, Wilco played in the rain that would continue through the entire set. The band opened with I’m the Man Who Loves You with Glenn Kotche, the drummer, striking a pose for the crowd and making them even more pumped for what they have been waiting for all day. The band really hit its stride with the song Art of Almost. The fans let loose their beach balls, and as one reached the stage, Jeff Tweedy sent it sailing back.

The band continues to play songs from their 20 year, deep catalog of material with Tweedy bantering with crowd between songs about the rain and even referencing that the amount of rain this year is child’s play compared to the rain that happened the second time they held the festival. The band ended the night and the encore with a material from the album Being There, including Kingpin, Monday, and Outtasite (Outta Mind). They rocked out despite the rain and treated fans to some old favorites. Jeff wrapped-up the performance by asking the crowd, “See you tomorrow?”

Sunday the festival began with Wilco signing their poster book, Beyond the Fleeting Moment, featuring concert posters dating back to 2004. The band was doing a rare book signing early Sunday morning for the lucky fans who arrived early to meet all the members. The line moved quickly with fans coming away from their brief encounters with cheesy smiles.Sunday’s music kicks off with artist Jeff Davis playing in the outdoor courtyard, the perfect fit for a Sunday morning. Up Next was Nashville guitarists William Tyler. He has worked with other artists such as the Silver Jews, and Lambchop. His style is tranquil and majestic. It was a great treat discovering his music at the festival.

The afternoon was filled with Wilco side projects from Glenn Kotche performing with Jeffery Zeigler followed by the performance of The Immortal Flux in the Ross Gallery. Nels Cline collaborated with artist Norton Wisdom in the Hunter Center for a performance piece entitled Stained Radiance. The Autmun Defense also performed in the Hunter Center along with the film Spirit of Akasha.Bringing the festival to a close was Jeff Tweedy and son Spencer Tweedy’s band simply called Tweedy. The festival schedule listed it as Tweedy featuring Jeff Tweedy & Friends. Most of the set was a mix of their album entitled Sukierae, but Jeff also showed his range and did several covers with various guest artists from the weekend, including covers of Madonna’s Into the Groove, John Prine’s Grandpa Was A Carpenter, Neil Young’s Harvest Moon and Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s The Losing End. He also covered John Lennon’s God, and Mavis Staples’ You Are Not Alone, which Jeff had written and produced for her album. Tweedy closed with California Stars. It was a fitting closing song for me since it was the first song that made me fall in love with Wilco. I am looking forward to 2017, and I can’t wait to discover new music and art and, of course, to see Wilco again.

The Jeff Austin Band at the 8×10

Photos by Stuart Dahne

The Jeff Austin Band came into Baltimore’s Federal Hill to rock The 8×10! As I was waiting to go inside there were lots of people walking by going to the big Billy Joel concert at the stadium, what a contrast in crowds it was! I am sure that Billy Joel rocked out but the real show was happening at the 8×10!!!! The Jeff Austin Band; featuring Danny Barnes, Ross Martin and Eric Thorin just tore up the house!!

Sloss Music and Arts Festival

Birmingham, AL – July 18-19^th, 2015

Written by: Rosemary A.W. Roberts

As summer festivals continue to be a major driving force in the live music realm, promoters and producers stretch their creative muscles in search of unique concepts and locations for fests. The inaugural Sloss Music and Arts Festival in Birmingham, AL on July 18-19^th 2015 threw down an iron gauntlet, placing an enticing indie-rock lineup in the midst of a former iron-forging facility that has been a National Historic Landmark since 1981. Sloss Fest embraced its industrial atmosphere, as banners hung beside the two large “Blast” and “Steam” stages depicted working miners, and the smaller “Shed” stage was inside a steel-beamed old building. One of the hottest attractions (quite literally) was the Sloss Metal Arts Iron Pouring demonstration, where you could choose or design a mold into which workers poured flame-orange molten iron, creating unique souvenirs. Other art vendors were on hand with sculpture, jewelry, and clothing; there was also an API Poster Show featuring several current concert art studios. The culinary arts were included too, with microbrew beers on tap, food trucks and tents, Sprout and Pour Juice, Sweet Tea from Royal Cup (only in the South, y’all!), and tasty frozen treats from Steel City Pops. There was a free water refill station, but it would’ve been helpful to have these in more locations to better serve the masses in the extreme heat of mid-July; but besides the water, it seemed overall the Sloss setup was a winner.

The music was scheduled quite well, with acts that alternated slots on the Blast and Steam stages on opposite ends of the open concert grounds, and the Shed hosting acts throughout with 30 minutes between them. Saturday’s lineup found Paul Thorn with his authentic country storytelling songs early afternoon, and Icelandic newcomers Kaleo started off slow but hit their stride with “All the Pretty Girls”, and then bluesy-rocked their set out in the Shed. Noah Gunderson contributed an enjoyable alt-folk flavor to the fest. The heavy-hitters of the indie-rock scene began appearing, with Lord Huron sounding like a ray of sunshine, deliciously danceable, a highlight of the day. Next up was First Aid Kit, and these Swedish sisters came on with beautiful vocal harmonies, wearing gorgeous white dresses with long hair flowing. Both Klara Söderberg on guitar and her sister Johanna on keyboards danced while playing, making for a great show; this band is beautiful to see and hear. There was considerable excitement surrounding the appearance of Young The Giant, who featured a driving, full, feel-good sound. They played fan favorites “It’s About Time”, “Cough Syrup”, and “Mind Over Matter”, and their set was great from open to close. Back on the Blast stage, Band of Horses brought their chill-out rock to the stage, and the crowd went wild for “Ghost In My House”, “The Great Salt Lake”, and “The Funeral”. Then the intensity of Cage The Elephant took the crowd by storm, with wild stage antics and hit songs like “Take It Or Leave It”, “Cigarette Daydream”, and “Ain’t No Rest For the Wicked”. To wrap up the first day, alt rock giants Modest Mouse put forth a surreal set that alternated between whimsical and hardcore, playing some tunes off their newest album like “Lampshades On Fire”, and also older crowd-pleasers like “Ocean Breathes Salty” and “Dashboard”.

Saturday’s weather, though very hot, had the reprieve of a thunderstorm that passed nearby the festival grounds which reduced the temperature nicely; but Sunday brought the real heat. However, with great music to fuel the cool vibes, the fans still came out in droves. Artists like Judah and the Lion, Sturgill Simpson, Zella Day, and The New Pornographers got the ball rolling, and Manchester Orchestra, Purity Ring, and Tyler the Creator followed that evening. Swiftly gaining fans across the country, St. Paul & The Broken Bones drew quite a crowd with their high-energy soulful sounds. Longtime listeners were pleased to find Primus amongst the Sunday talents, and The Avett Brothers finished the night in style.

Overall, Sloss Fest was a huge triumph, succeeding in nearly every aspect by which music festivals can be judged. The music was totally top-notch; it was great to see all these alt rockers in Birmingham, and refreshing to have the scheduling set up such that you could easily see and hear just about everyone. The community seemed very supportive, and they had a great turnout (about 25,000 attendees) which was awesome to see, especially for a first try. The really great news is that Red Mountain Entertainment plans to keep the fires of Sloss burning, as 2016 Sloss Fest is already confirmed. Keep an eye on Sloss Fest, it’s definitely a fantastic music festival to attend!

Van Halen at Red Rocks

Van Halen at Red Rocks Amphitheater

with Kenny Wayne Shepherd supporting ~ July 20, 2015

Written and Photos by: Jacob Drabik

Red Rocks Park has been at the top of my list of music venues to visit for a long time, so I check their schedule from time to time to see who’s playing. I look for an excuse to visit Denver, see a show, explore the city, and go hiking for a few days, and I can’t think of a better excuse than Van Halen with David Lee Roth. So, my wife and I along with her brother and sister-in-law arrived at the park early, set up camp with the other tailgaters, and went exploring.

Red Rocks is a beautiful park, and being more than six thousand feet above sea level, the air was just as thin as everyone warned us it would be. The height provided for amazing views of Colorado, and we were admiring the scenery from the geologic overlook just above the Upper North Lot when we noticed rain off in the distance. By the time we hiked back down to the lot, the temperature had dropped dramatically, and it wasn’t long before we were huddled in our car to get out of the rain.

Although the rain made for cold and miserable conditions, the amphitheater’s seats were full and the audience was engaged when the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band took the stage. An intense Shepherd powered through traditional blues licks while Noah Hunt grinned from ear to ear. Hunt’s vocals paired well with the band and the audience seemed pleased despite the weather.

Right before Van Halen took the stage, the rain subsided and the whole place brightened, which seemed perfectly fitting when Van Halen opened with “Light up the Sky”, which made our group of hard-core Van Halen fans ecstatic. When the band took the stage, Alex Van Halen was tearing up his kit, Wolfgang Van Halen looked earnest, Eddie Van Halen was enthusiastic, and David Lee Roth swaggered up with a huge, cocky smile.

The band played strong for well over two hours. They played all their most famous songs, and a surprising amount of deep album cuts. Besides “Light up the Sky”, we were delighted to hear “Drop Dead Legs”, “In a Simple Rhyme”, and “Dirty Movies”—we questioned whether they’ve ever played those last two live before this tour.

Roth was a trip throughout the show. He ran, danced, and jumped around the stage. He waved his mic stand around like a lance. He changed jackets half a dozen times. He and Eddie appeared to have real chemistry. They seemed to be tossing jokes back and forth, and physically playing off each other during several songs. But Roth also seemed to trade in the roll of the band’s lead-singer for the opportunity to perform as an individual entertainer. He was more engaged in storytelling and philosophizing than nailing all the lyrics. There were several longer monologues where he seemed to lose the crowd, but Eddie would follow up with a rousing guitar solo to win everyone back.

Except for Wolfgang, everyone in the band spent time front and center with long, intricate solos. This allowed for Alex and Eddie to show off their masterful musicianship, and Roth to play a little guitar and pontificate. Each time the other members would vacate the stage to catch their breath. This lead to a longer set without a break for an encore. It was really wonderful. The show was smooth and steady, and those two hours flew by.

Sitting high up in the amphitheater looking past the stage at all the tiny, little house lights spread out across the Colorado landscape, we fell in love with the venue. There is nothing like experiencing the majesty of Red Rocks in person. Or David Lee Roth, for that matter.

Fare Thee Well – Celebrating 50 Years of Grateful Dead – Chicago, IL – July 3-5th, 2015

Written by: Rosemary A.W. Roberts

In my five years as a writer/editor for Jams Plus Media, I’ve written quite a number of reviews, some easier than others; I’ve got some experience under my belt. But after attending the Fare Thee Well 3-day concert experience in Chicago celebrating 50 years of the Grateful Dead, I was reluctant to write anything. No matter what words I choose, no matter what songs or moments I try to describe, I feel it will not fully do justice to what occurred in Soldier Field July 3-5^th 2015, where 70,000 fans gathered to revel in the Music created by one of the most iconic American bands of all time. Having been fortunate to see one Grateful Dead concert in my life (4/7/1995 in Tampa, FL), and then having mourned the loss of the incomparable Jerry Garcia a few months later, it was clear that even if “The Music Never Stopped”, it would certainly never be the same again. When I heard about the 50^th Anniversary Fare Thee Well concerts, my first reaction was “That’s cool, but I don’t really want to go; after all, ‘He’s Gone’, and even though I love Trey Anastasio, it just won’t work.” Fortunately, my husband Clayton convinced me that if we could score tickets, we should make every effort to go see Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bob Weir one more time, playing the music that changed our lives 20 years ago. Plus, with the talents of Trey Anastasio, Jeff Chimenti, and Bruce Hornsby on board, the lineup was solid, and we should be in for a real good time.

It was my first time in Chicago, and it was amazing to see how welcoming this beautiful city was to the Deadhead community descending upon it. The Field Museum had an “Everything is Dead” exhibit which included Tickets-By-Mail envelope art, a rose-crown bedecked dinosaur skull, a variety of memorabilia, and Jerry Garcia’s “Tiger” guitar. The hotel lobbies and hallways played Sirius/XM’s Grateful Dead channel, while Giordano’s delivered their signature deep dish Chicago pizzas in ‘Steal Your Face’ boxes. Upon entering Solider Field for the first show on July 3^rd, we were offered long-stemmed red roses by the staff, as well as full-color program booklets. Large photos of the band members were hung like banners throughout the stadium. An energy of excitement and joy pervaded the crowd as the GA-floor spaces and all levels of the stadium began to fill to capacity. When the band came onstage, the audience erupted in cheer as “Box of Rain” filled the air: how poignant that the final song played at Jerry Garcia’s final show with Grateful Dead at Soldier Field in 1995 became the starting point for our celebration.

Noteworthy highlights from 7/3/15 included: Bob Weir bringing an unexpected “Passenger” into the first set, Bruce Hornsby’s piano being turned up nicely on “Crazy Fingers” and “Franklin’s Tower”, Trey Anastasio being allowed into the driver’s seat for “Bertha” and drawing Bob into guitar intensity for “The Music Never Stopped”, and the entire second set finding the band firing on all cylinders and sounding fantastic.

Set One: Box Of Rain, Jack Straw, Bertha > Passenger, The Wheel > Crazy Fingers > The Music Never Stopped

Set Two: Mason’s Children > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain > Drums > Space > New Potato Caboose > Playing In The Band > Let It Grow > Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin’s Tower

Encore: Ripple

One of the best ways to celebrate Independence Day is with the Grateful Dead, and 7/4/15 held magic beyond compare. By now the band was truly finding a comfortably communicative style, especially in “Tennessee Jed”. With Anastasio on lead vocals for “Standing On the Moon”, I was brought to tears, and the “Lost Sailor > Saint of Circumstance” was phenomenal. This night in particular the Rhythm Devils were on point, as Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann put forth a primal tribe-driving “Drums”. During “U.S. Blues” they showed video footage of the Empire State Building in NYC being lit up in synch with the song, and then a fabulous fireworks show ensued to finish the evening with a bang.

Set One: Shakedown Street, Liberty, Standing On The Moon, Me & My Uncle, Tennessee Jed, Cumberland Blues, Little Red Rooster, Friend Of The Devil, Deal

Set Two: Bird Song, The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion), Lost Sailor > Saint Of Circumstance, West L.A. Fadeaway, Foolish Heart, Drums > Space > Stella Blue > One More Saturday Night

Encore: U.S. Blues, (Fireworks Display)

For the final show on 7/5/15, the band left it all on the stage, with an absolutely solid first set from beginning to end; for me, hearing Phil Lesh sing a beautiful “Mountains of the Moon” leading into a true Grateful Dead classic jam was top-notch. Not to be outdone, the second set brought intense rock in “Truckin’”, supreme beauty in “Althea”, tear-jerking tenderness in “Days Between”, and full crowd involvement for “Not Fade Away”. The “Touch of Grey” encore gave us one last nostalgic dose of happiness, and during “Attics” they showed photos of all band members, both past and present, eliciting huge cheers from the crowd.

Set One: China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Estimated Prophet, Built to Last, Samson and Delilah, Mountains of the Moon > Throwing Stones

Set Two: Truckin’ > Cassidy > Althea > Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > Unbroken Chain > Days Between > Not Fade Away

Encore 1: Touch of Grey

Encore 2: Attics of My Life

In 50 years of Grateful Dead songwriting, concerts, and musicianship, “What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been!” The musicians on stage in Chicago truly did the Grateful Dead legacy proud, and the audience was supportive throughout, certainly grateful for every song, for every note. Fare Thee Well, Grateful Dead; we love you more than words can tell.

Vic Wooten – Seminar and Show

Seminar held at Sam Ash Music Store with the show following at the renowned Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, IN July 18, 2015

Solid Sound Music Festival Day Three

Solid Sound Music Festival June 28, 2015 at Mass MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts day three highlights featuring: Jeff Davis, William Tyler, Nels Cline, The Autumn Defense, Glenn Kotche & Jeffery Ziegler, and Tweedy.

More photos can be found here: Solid Sound Music Festival 2015

Photos by: Tony & Brittany Vasquez of Vasquez Photography

Sunday June 28, 2015 Jeff Davis at Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA. Photo by Brittany Vasquez.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Jeff Davis at Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA. Photo by Brittany Vasquez.

Sunday June 28, 2015 William Tyler at Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Nels Cline & Norton Wisdom’s Stained Radiance Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Stained Radiance: Nels Cline & Norton Wisdom Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Nels Cline & Norton Wisdom’s Stained Radiance Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Glenn Kotche & Jeffrey Zeigler Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA. Photo by Brittany Vasquez.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Spirit of Akasha: The Autumn Defense ft. The Windy Hills Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Felice Brothers Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Tweedy Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Soild Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Tweedy Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Soild Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Tweedy Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA. Photo by Brittany Vasquez.

Sunday June 28, 2015 Tweedy Solid Sound Music Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Groovin’ on the Gallatin 2014 Video Review

Words/Video by: Phil Santala

As southwest Montana’s premier homegrown music festival Groovin’ on the Gallatin combines the best of local and regional touring acts. Festival front men and promoters Jason Meyers and Pete Lease have worked tirelessly (and pro-bono) to help grow this annual cultural event. Groovin’ works to bring together not only musicians and fans, but local ecological non-profits as well. Proceeds have been raised to benefit Blue Water Task Force, which is focused on monitoring the quality of the Gallatin river watershed, and raising public awareness of the ecological impact of developments in the area. Now in it’s 5th year the event puts patrons with-in spitting distance of the eco-system it helps to promote.

Set in an idicl valley just north of West Yellowstone the event shows off the best of Big Sky, MT. From pink sunsets to flowing streams, all seen about 50 feet from the main stage, the festival brings it all home. Currently patrons are allowed on site camping and cabins, their own beer and are encouraged to make new friends with those around them. But as the festival grows amenities might change. Years to come all these might be fond recollections of a time when the event was much smaller in scope and size. If you have the time to spend in woods and are looking for a down-home, yet up-and-coming, music festival…well then…welcome home friend.

More info on this years (and future years festivals) can be found here:

http://www.groovinon.com

SLOSS FESTIVAL – Come Melt Some Iron

So if you have not heard about this Inaugural festival in Birmingham, AL shame on you! Sloss Festival is sure to hit a home run right out of the gates. You can still get tickets right HERE.

The Inaugural Sloss Music & Arts Festival is a two-day music and lifestyle event taking place at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark on Saturday July 18 and Sunday July 19th of 2015. An event that will not only bring great music to Birmingham, but will also highlight the regional craft beer and specialty cocktail scene and focus on a selection of incredible food. The SM&AF offers something for everyone whether it’s an exploration into a special culinary world inside of Nick ‘N Friends, being able to browse some of the country’s finest poster makers or participating in hands on iron pouring brought to you by the Metal Arts Program at Sloss Furnaces.

This event is about more than 30+ bands on 3 stages, it’s a celebration of the unique, creative culture that makes life in Birmingham so special.

During a post war period, Col. James Withers Sloss not only promoted the development of Southern rail, but became one of the chief proponents of Alabama’s postwar industrial development.

In 1871 he struck a deal with the L&N Railroad to complete a 67-mile gap of the South and North Railroad between Birmingham and Decatur. Ultimately reaching the Gulf of Mexico, the L&N invested more than $30 million in furnaces, mines, wharves, steamship lines and other Alabama operations.

In the early 1880s, with the backing of Henry DeBardeleben, Sloss founded the Sloss Furnace Company, and two years later ‘blew-in’ the second blast furnace in Birmingham. Called City Furnaces, the plant was located at the eastern edge of downtown, at the intersection of two major railroads.

After its first year of operations, the furnace had sold 24,000 tons of iron. At the 1883 Louisville Exposition, the company won a bronze medal for ‘best pig iron.’

Sloss received National Historic Landmark designation in 1981 and opened its gates in September 1983, as a museum of the City of Birmingham. Its collection consists of two 400-ton blast furnaces and some forty other buildings.

Nothing remains of the original furnace complex. The oldest building on the site dates from 1902 and houses the eight steam-driven “blowing-engines” used to provide air for combustion in the furnaces. The engines themselves date from the period 1900-1902 and are a unique and important collection—engines such as these powered America’s Industrial Revolution. The boilers, installed in 1906 and 1914, produced steam for the site until it closed in 1970.

Sloss is currently the only twentieth-century blast furnace in the U.S. being preserved and interpreted as an historic industrial site. The dramatic scale and complexity of the plant’s industrial structure, machines and tools make the Sloss collection a unique contribution to the interpretation of twentieth-century ironmaking technology and presents a remarkable perspective on the era when America grew to world industrial dominance. At the same time, Sloss is an important reminder of the hopes and struggles of the people who worked in the industries that made some men wealthy, and Birmingham the “Magic City.