“In 1969, for their third album, the Grateful Dead eschewed outside producers and created Aoxomoxoa themselves, beginning a run of self-produced albums that would continue until 1977. Scrapping the first sessions, which were recorded to eight-track tape, the Dead now had 16 tracks with which to experiment their psychedelic sound, with an album that included entirely Robert Hunter-penned lyrics for the first time.” - Archivist David Lemieux

Springboard Music Festivals, dubbed the “music discovery festival”, announces its third location and debut in Memphis, Tenn., May 31 - June 2. For three days, emerging artists from all over the world, industry professionals and locals will gather at the Visible Music College to celebrate the future of music.

Kaya Fest 2019 has just announced that Kes the Band has been added to the line-up.  When Kes the Band hits the stage, nobody ever stays in their seat.  Their music and high energy performance creates an infectious excitement that can never be denied.  Inspired by their native melting pot nation of Trinidad and Tobago, Kes fuses together a unique blend OF SOCA, calypso, reggae AND POP to bring the sounds of the Caribbean to the world stage.

RICKIE LEE JONES is that rare musician who has transcended the singer/songwriter mantle by incorporating different radio genres from the get-go and she continues that tradition on the forthcoming album KICKS, her newest collection of songs from the great American songbook. Due out June 7, the album spans two decades (50s-70s) of pop, rock and jazz, presenting her unique and sophisticated interpretations of these songs.

On Saturday, May 11, 2019, the Bishop Gunn Crawfish Boil returns to Bluff Park in Natchez for its second southern celebration of Natchez, music and food. The event will feature a full roster of live music, an endless supply of crawfish by C&M Crawfish, delicious food and beverages and a family-friendly atmosphere along the Mississippi River. The BGCB line up includes Bishop Gunn, Tyler Childers, Black Stone Cherry, Southern Avenue and Magnolia Bayou. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Mighty Pines are a soul-inspired roots rock band influenced by the wide rivers and red-brick streets of St. Louis. With soaring vocals and thoughtful composition, the two principle songwriters shift the band’s sound from catchy rock ‘n’ roll to earthy instrumentals. The Riverfront Times heralds the band as “a talented young quartet engaged in the roots and rhythms of bluegrass but mixed with a more contemporary ear for harmony and production.”