Florida is a place unto itself, by my estimation. Like the other ‘big states’ of Texas and California, it takes on its own unique identity and presence. These states are so large, they are their own ‘region;’ and again by my estimation, include elements of all that is around them. Florida is neither just southern, nor merely coastal. Florida has elements of east coast culture, due in no small measure to the strong concentration of New York retirees, the so-called ‘snow birds.’ Florida also has significant aspects of Cuban and Mexican culture elements, as well.

Grateful Web's Aaron Dietrich was in attendance at Friday night's Ratdog/Gov't Mule show in Eugene, Oregon.

The 2008 Rex Musical Caravan keeps growing, as we announce the availability of a limited number of VIP tickets for the upcoming summer shows where RatDog tours first with Gov't Mule and then with the Allman Brothers Band.  Enjoy access to top-priced, reserved seating tickets at the shows listed below, while also supporting the Rex Foundation.  Each ticket price noted includes a $50 charitable contribution.

RatDog with Gov't Mule at the Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA

The 7th Jammy Awards at the Wamu Theater at Madison Square Garden in the heart of New York City left no one disappointed to say the least.

Attendees of the 12th Annual All Good Festival should plan on staying up late, with the recent announcement that these following acts will be performing Late Night sets:

Gov't Mule (Friday Late Night)

Dark Star Orchestra (Saturday Late Night)

On July 4^th weekend 2008, ROTHBURY emerges as a new American celebration. For this next generation of the rock and roll music festival, ROTHBURY sets forth as a huge party with a purpose. Hosted at the one-of-a-kind Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Michigan, the unique festival site offers trails, forests, fields, lakes and beach fronts, and even on-site lodging, bars and eateries.

Hey kids! Sorry this review is so late, but life always gets in the way once you return from a fest huh? Anyway, I moved to another state so that was a bit disruptive, then I got almost entirely finished with this little piece here, and the house got struck by lightning! And wouldn't it just figure that the two things that got smoked were some files I had open on another computer (including this review) and my beloved stereo! Heartbreak all around. I digress. Hope everyone had a great summer and are finding some cool musical events for the upcoming lovely fall weather.

Thanks for waiting to read about the best part of Wakarusa! The best three shows of the festival lay here in the second half of the review. In this section, I want to tell you which bands earned my top three ribbons of the festival.  Please keep in mind that I could not possibly see all of the bands that played, although I did try to see most.

Bela Fleck & the Flecktones