My first visit to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (a.k.a. "Jazzfest") was sort of a happy accident. In 1988, I was a young 20-something Grateful Dead tourhead, and I heard rumors that Little Feat was going to play their first show since the death of Lowell George a decade earlier. The allure was heightened by the fact that the reformed band would play on a riverboat floating on the Mississippi in New Orleans.

On this day, May 11th, 2024, we celebrate the birthday of Irving Berlin, one of the greatest songwriters in American history. His profound influence on music is as vast as it is deep, resonating through generations and across genres. As we reflect on his incredible legacy, it's clear that Berlin's work not only shaped the landscape of American music but also left an enduring impact worldwide.

The Latin Dead, the innovative 11-piece ensemble known for their vibrant fusion of Grateful Dead classics with Latin rhythms, are scheduled to perform on May 16, 2024. This much-anticipated event will celebrate the inaugural night of Dead and Company’s Sphere residency at Backstage Bar and Billiards, located at 601 Fremont St., Las Vegas.

Westchester County-based singer-songwriter Sean Lippin is set to captivate audiences with the release of his latest single, "Run Away." Known for his emotive lyrics and smooth vocals, Lippin's newest track promises to resonate deeply with listeners around the globe.

The Blues Foundation announced the winners of the 45th Annual Blues Music Awards on May 9 in Memphis.

Guitarist Christone "Kingfish" Ingram emerged as the night's biggest winner, securing four awards, including "Album of the Year" for Live In London. Mike Zito, Bobby Rush, Ruthie Foster, and John Primer also received multiple awards. Congratulations to all of this year's winners!

ND THE WINNERS ARE...(Bold Type; In BOLD)

Terrapin Crossroads Presents has announced that Phil Lesh & Friends will headline their third ‘Sunday Daydream’ Festival at McNears Beach Park in San Rafael, CA, on July 21, 2024. The band, and all musical acts at Sunday Daydream Vol. 3, will celebrate the 50 year anniversary of ‘Grateful Dead at the Hollywood Bowl on 7/21/74’, an iconic show from the band at the height of their musical prowess and innovation.

Sony Music will commemorate the 40th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s history-making Born In The U.S.A. on June 14, with a special-edition release featuring new colored vinyl and expanded packaging. Arriving via translucent red LP, this anniversary edition of Born In The U.S.A. will feature a gatefold sleeve and exclusive booklet with archival material from the era, new liner notes penned by Erik Flannigan and a four-color lithograph. Released on June 4, 1984 - Born In The U.S.A.

South for Winter, the boundary-pushing folk-rock band from New Zealand and Nashville, is renowned for their enchanting melodies and introspective lyricism. They are set to release their highly anticipated album, Of Sea and Sky, on May 16. The album promises to take listeners on a genre-bending voyage through the depths of emotion and the vast expanse of the universe.

Steve Earle’s reimagined version of Tom Petty’s “Yer So Bad” is out today. You can listen to and share the new single HERE. This track is from the highly-anticipated tribute album, Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, set for release on June 21. Pre-order or pre-save the album HERE.

Today, May 10th, 2024, we at Grateful Web are thrilled to honor the birthday of Dave Mason, a true icon of rock music and a seminal member of the legendary band Traffic. Mason's career spans over five decades, marked by stellar musicianship, innovative songwriting, and a distinct voice that has left a lasting impact on the rock and roll landscape.