The Nashville-based Wood Brothers fashioned an alternatively raucous and introspective set last month (1/29) at the McDonald Theatre (Eugene, OR), displaying both their folksy, acoustic-blues roots and some expansive new growth. 

The spotlight shines bright on those for whom it shines, and for some artists, a single misstep or fall can all but extinguish their spirit.

Then there is the phoenix. Born in flames, it lives and dies in flames before a moment of stillness. Where only ash remains, smoke returns and the phoenix is returned, revitalized and ready for another lifetime of experiences.

Terrapin Flyer have long been respected for their Grateful Dead interpretations and their tendency to team up with impressive members of the extended Dead family. The Chicago cover group hit Portland’s Star Theatre February 11 as part of a Mardi Gras Tour, presented by the Grateful Web and day-glo’d by the Merry Pranksters, with old friends Melvin Seals (Jerry Garcia Band), and Mark Karan (The Other Ones, RatDog) helping to hold down two stellar sets of New Orleans-charged tunes.

Thirty minutes before show time on February 9, the musicians had all arrived at Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, California, but band leader Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz was not finished prepping. Backstage, Lebo, bass player Steve Adams, and a three-piece brass section worked on a special arrangement of “China Cat Sunflower” that sounded like a tie-dyed New Orleans Mardis Gras Brass Band.

Dr. Dog has emerged from The Psychedelic Swamp in the San Francisco Bay Area, and hit the road hard.

Appearing at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz, CA on Sunday January 31 for the third stop on a North American tour that runs through late March, Dr. Dog is giving their freshman recording effort new life.

The members of the Disco Biscuits, Tom Hamilton, and Mike Greenfield have in some way, shape, or form been dominating the music world for the past few years. Without even touring heavily or touring with several different bands, this group of musicians has been drawing a deserved amount of attention nationwide.

Stick Figure is no longer a one-man reggae act from Massachusetts. In the midst of a headlining tour that’s seen sold out shows at every turn, the five piece band revolving around the music of Scott Woodruff is turning up the heat. Following shows in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, the gang descended upon The Gothic Theatre in Denver (ok, Englewood) for another packed performance in support of their newest album, ‘Set in Stone.”

This past Friday night at the Gothic Theatre in Denver, CO, two bands collided to make one of the funkiest sounds and meaningful tributes to other artists that they have ever made. The energy in the room was evident by the crowd’s fearless dancing. These are two of the fastest-rising bands in our music scene, and together with some special guests, they produced. Analog Son was created by guitarist Jordan Linit (Kinetix, Ableminds) and bassist Josh Fairman (Kinetix).

Readying themselves for an extensive winter tour that reaches as far East as Chicago, Bay Area bluegrass group Hot Buttered Rum performed a low key and blistering show on a Saturday night at Moe’s Alley in Santa Cruz, CA.

Keller Williams' KWatro came to town last Friday. I was anxious to see what songs and what style would be played. I had heard Keller do funk, bluegrass, rock, reggae and pop. Among a few others I am failing to mention. With the addition of three other musicians there is also an entire new ensemble to experience. I had head heard Keller play with The Keels, The String Cheese Incident and Yonder Mountain String Band.