“Wakarusa”, an old Native American term meaning “ass-deep” once was used to describe the depth of a river. In more recent times it has been used to describe “the depth of experience” at the festival or more frankly, the amount of fun you can stack on an Ozark mountain. Enough to be ass deep in it.

The third annual Beanstalk Music & Mountain Festival is set to return to the State Bridge Amphitheater in Bond, CO May 29-31. This years lineup is nothing short of fantasti, with three sets from The Magic Beans, two sets from Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, The Kyle Hollingsworth Band featuring Michael Kang, Iron Horse, The Main Squeeze, Vine Street Vibes, Juno What?!  American Babies, and more.

Revolutionary music may seem hard to come by in these days and times. Long gone is the era of artists like Bob Marley, The Clash, Stevie Wonder and Patti Smith getting airplay and bringing their messages to the masses. But that doesn’t mean that the revolution isn’t still brewing in the hearts and minds of many people around the globe.
 

B.B. King (birth name Riley B. King), was born in Itta Bena, Mississippi in 1925.  HIs career began in 1949 when he signed with Los Angeles-based RPM Records.  B.B. King's influence over modern day blues and rock-n-roll cannot be understated, with nearly every Bluesman and rock-n-roller paying their respects to the 'King of the Blues.'  B.B. King died on May 14th at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada.

One of the prolific 21^st century musical breakthroughs from the East to West is the story of Bombino. Omara “Bombino” Moctar was born in Niger to a family of nomadic Tuaregs near the town of Agadez. Spending much his childhood in an encampment with seventeen siblings, he strayed from the norm of tradition and became infatuated with not only guitar playing, but also the different styles he would be exposed to from travelers and locals alike.

When I published a review of RAH’s last show from the Bluebird Theater a couple of months ago, I knew and predicted that they would take off like wild fire, but I did not know it would happen this quickly. Since that opening gig, they have added bassist, Nat Lombardo, who absolutely tore it up on this night.

Today, Electric Forest’s (EF) Plug In Program launches the “Think For Yourself” campaign.  In celebration of Electric Forest’s spirit of personal expression, and created in partnership with non-profit organizations The Urgency Network and Fight For the Future, the campaign aims to raise awareness around the issues of internet freedom and privacy.
 

Ruf Records recording artist Spin Doctors pay their old blues bar band tab with a June 23^rd release called Songs From The Road, a live DVD/CD out on the label’s award winning series. The ever-popular band from the 90s had radio hits, million plus album sales and a Rolling Stone magazine cover but they always focused on their live performances.

Founded in 2009 and established early on as a mainstay in Austin's finest venues, Austin-based band Sour Bridges has continued its rise, earning regional airplay and notable appearances at roots music festivals like UTOPiAfest, SXSW and more.

Self-dubbed browngrass, “like bluegrass, only dirtier,” Sour Bridges is a funky, rock-inspired group whose distinct sound builds from a steady drumbeat and adds layer upon layer of texture – banjo, guitar, bass, fiddle, electric guitar, keys, boots, and impressive harmonies.

After a busy fall and spring touring schedule across the US, Aqueous has a busy summer ahead loaded with festival slots and high profile gigs. May will mark the groove rock foursomes 3rd consecutive Summer Camp appearance with two sets over two days. Early June will feature a northward journey for a two night stand at Toronto’s Illumination festival with one set themed around the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. June 18 Aqueous will join forces with Dopapod to become “AquaPod” at the 3rd annual Buffalove Music Festival.