After last night's rain, it dawned sunny and warm with a few clouds. The humidity was greatly reduced, too, promising to be a great day for music.

For 2009 the Backbeat Foundation spreads across the city presenting more than 30 shows with more than 40 acts at 4 venues:  Blue Nile (BN); Tipitina's French Quarter (TFQ); Republic NOLA (RN); and this year introducing the newest addition of the Studio at Colton (SC).  The Backbeat Jazzfest Series: Let's Be Totally Clear, will be offering music lovers and the musicians they love smoke-free environments at all shows.  The Backbeat Jazz Fest Series will provide an opportunity for Festival goers to personally and intimately experience the magic of our music while supporting a wo

Living in Colorado, the chance of an epic snowfall during the winter can be pretty good.  One such weather occurrence happened in late 2006 when three straight weekends of blizzards hit Denver and the surrounding Front Range.  The city essentially shut down those days, and holiday travels were next to impossible.  In the midst of those storms a highly anticipated two-night run of the Stephen Perkins-led project Banyan was cancelled.  As fate might have it, out of the darkness came light as a new improv group called PRAANG was born.

Recently Grateful Web's Alex Borosody had the opportunity to talk with Matt Butler, the musician and conductor behind the Everyone Orchestra, who we also discovered can add, "great orator" to his list of talents. Never one to shy away from leadership, you could say Matt conducted the interview, as he energetically and expressively weaved eloquent science and philosophy.

A 2 DVD set and 24 page hardcover book featuring Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann (Grateful Dead), Mike Gordon (Phish), Steve Kimock, Sikiru and Jen Durkin. With original material from Robert Hunter and the band, this experience is unlike any other concert. Sit back, relax and take a 72 minute magic ride through time and space.