The gestalt theory of "the whole is more than the sum of its parts,” was in evidence in Sonoma County, California, on May 22, as the so-called Tree of Life Band delivered a dandy of a benefit show. The group was a one-time conglomerate in support of the Tree of Life Fund, which supports children and young adults living with profound developmental disabilities.

Midnight North, the Bay Area roots and folk act, is the latest in a series of artists to join the newly formed Americana Vibes. The label, launched in December 2020 as part of the Regime Music Group umbrella of companies, is home to GRAMMY award-winning artist, The Infamous Stringdusters as well as Boulder, Colorado-based The Sweet Lillies.

Midnight North kicked off its 2021 live-stage endeavors on April 18, with a masked and physically distanced performance at their original home base, Terrapin Crossroads. The concert was the band’s first show back since the Covid-19 proliferation and leaned heavily on the band’s newly released album, “There’s Always a Story.”

In times like we’ve been living, maybe we could all use a friendly voice to lead us to the other side. Perhaps one of music’s most wonderful capabilities is its undeniable ability to bring us comfort in times of tumult. Surely, the sonic pleasantries and lyrical content of some tunes lend themselves to being that warm blanket that covers you and, say, a whole bunch of your friends.

It is true! We have new music for the world to hear - an entire new album of fresh new music already captured in the studio and awaiting the final creative push over the edge into finality! Patience is a virtue and we must trust our process and release the full album upon its natural completion in the coming seasons.

With all the New Year’s Eve announcements happening as of late, some may forget that their still two months of music until we ring in the New Year. Joining forces for ten dates throughout the Northeast and Midwest, Midnight North and Cris Jacobs Band, is time a co-bill dreams are made of. Last Thursday evening the group landed in Ardmore Music Hall, right outside the city limits (Philadelphia).

Things are getting a little chilly around the country but two groups that are sure to heat up every room they play are Cris Jacobs Band and Midnight North. Ten dates throughout the Northeast and Midwest, there are sure to be collaborations along the way between the groups.

Music-fan tribes of all stripes gathered for the Independence Day weekend to luxuriate in the 29th annual High Sierra Music Festival in tiny Quincy, California, basking in the music, vibes, joy, and friendships old and new. Over the four-day celebration, among the beautiful clear-aired mountainous sky and mountains, fun oozed everywhere, from the scheduled and numerous unscheduled live performances and collaborations to the often luxurious and nicely appointed home bases set up in the campgrounds.

“Love Will See You Through: Terrapin Nation for Butte County – A Musical Benefit for Victims of the Camp Fire” brought together Phil Lesh and a whole lot of friends for a stunning performance at a very sold-out Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, Calif., on December 19.

Midnight North on February 10 delivered a powerful and endearing three-hour show, dubbed “Experience CSN&Y,” that included a long and powerful set of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young material. Phil Lesh and Eric Krasno guested on big chunks of the proceedings, which took place at Phil’s venerable Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, California.