At age 23 I was negotiating my first, real job, trying to balance social commitments, a tad self-absorbed, overly anxious and sadly eating apples and peanut butter with a side of cheese and crackers for dinner. (Well, truth be told, my dinner is still this pathetic array, but I moved to expensive gluten free alternatives and predominately goat as a better dairy option.) I was just trying to stay afloat, not making societal contributions.

We are incredibly saddened to share that Old Settler's Music Festival will be postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. Caldwell County officials have made the tough but right decision to prohibit public gatherings of over 500 people at this time in order to protect the health of its citizens which means that we must postpone the festival. The well-being of Old Settler’s community of loyal festgoers, musical artists, sponsors, volunteers and vendors is truly our first priority.

The Wood Brothers have released a new video for "Little Bit Sweet" (Watch/Share). Premiered today by American Songwriter, the song—off the band's latest studio album, 'Kingdom In My Mind'—builds upon a simple, fingerpicked guitar figure with a poignant lyric that speaks to the complexities of love in all forms—familial, romantic and spiritual among them.

Stop. Just stop.

It is no longer a request. It is a mandate.

We will help you.

We will bring the supersonic, high speed merry-go-round to a halt

We will stop

the planes

the trains

the schools

the malls

the meetings

the frenetic, furied rush of illusions and “obligations” that keep you from hearing our

single and shared beating heart,

the way we breathe together, in unison.

Our obligation is to each other,

As it has always been, even if, even though, you have forgotten.

The month of March marks the end of winter and the onset of spring. Last March Tuesday followed suit, with the conclusion of the winter tour of the legendary Colonel of Bluegrass Sam Bush.

Music is the saver. Well maybe not, but there’s no argument it is powerful. These are crazy times. (Coronavirus Apocalypse! Too much? Too soon?) I’m not trying to minimize the situation. I am a sensitive soul and understand as well as empathize with the reality that people are very frightened. The world is uncertain and vulnerable right now. Being that it is such a strange time, we desperately need healthy distractions.

With the house only about two-thirds full, likely due to attendee coronavirus precautions, ALO and Leftover Salmon nevertheless persisted in front of an enthusiastic crowd, many of whose outfits celebrated the show’s artsy moniker, The Fins, Fur & Feathers Fancy Formal. It was the band’s first-ever appearance at the famed Warfield Theatre in San Francisco.

Dear Festival Friends,

It is with heavy hearts and deep regret that we sadly announce the cancellation of Suwannee Spring Reunion 2020 which was to be held at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL, March 19-22. Please read the following note from the Festival Director:

Over the past few weeks, a sublime musical connection went on tour, hitting a series stages throughout the northeast: Psychedelic groove band Circles Around The Sun performing with lead guitarist Scott Metzger. This past weekend, the foursome took the show to none other than Ardmore Music Hall, where they played to a packed, super receptive crowd, playing one of their best showings yet.

After careful consideration of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak, we are making the difficult decision to postpone Leftapalooza 2020. The event is now planned to take place on Saturday August 22nd at Roosevelt Park in Longmont, Colorado. Consistent with the recommendations of the CDC and state and local officials we believe that it is prudent to postpone a large event such as Leftapalooza in the interest of the general safety of Longmont residents, our volunteers, staff, and partners. It is paramount that we continue focus our attention on our community and our economy.