July 2013

Carline Ray, one of the great jazz pioneers, an activist in women's rights, a performer and educator, and an active member of Saint Peter's Church, died at Isabella House in Manhattan on July 18, 2013. She was 88 years old.Carline is survived by her daughter, Catherine Russell, also a great musician, her sister Irma Sloan, and nieces, nephews, and cousins.Carline Ray was born 21 April 1925, New York City, New York, USA.Although her father, Elisha Ray, was a gifted musician, he had been unable to find steady employment in music.

Nice work fellows! For those unaware of Town Mountain, expect the excellent playing of the banjo, fiddle, upright bass, guitar and mandolin along with the rich vocals on Town Mountain’s album, Leave The Bottle, to grab your ears and spirit immediately.  From pulling off the New Grass practice of taking pop songs and putting a traditional bluegrass spin on the tunes such as Bruce Springsteen’s I Am On Fire (From 2008’s Heroes and Heretics) while keeping the traditional bluegrass sound on lock is another ace up Town Mountain’s sleeve.

Shoe Fest 2013 will be headlined by Chicago's own Cornmeal. The lineup also features The Drew Emmitt Band of Leftover Salmon, Floodwood with Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico of moe. and Artist at Large Allie Kral. Shoe Fest is in its 3rd year and it will take place on September 6-8, 2013 at Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see in Manteno, IL. There will be two stages of music with an emphasis on roots music.The full festival line up includes some of Chicago's finest bands, The Giving Tree Band, Family Groove Company, Henhouse Prowlers and many more.

Grateful Web had an oppturnity to speak with San Francisco based theatrical music ensemble, Rosin Coven at this year's Electric Forest Festival.  Founding member Carrie Katz and her husband Justin Katz spoke about their extremely busy EFF (9 sets in 4 days), Edwardian Ball Roadshow, and their story behind "Make Martinis Not War."

GW: Were you also part of the performers throughout the festival with Father Time and the other almost steam punk characters’ crew?

Kyle Hollingsworth: For me, recently I made a juniper IPA.  I had a basic sense of what I was going to do but I was able to improvise on top of that and jump into that creativity.  Being in that moment and trying to take a leap of faith.  Like if you’re in a jam on stage with String Cheese, there’s going to be mistakes and there’s going to be amazing moments but sometimes when you jump into that void, great things can happen.  I feel the same way with brewing, at least for me.  We were discussing a brew that didn’t actually come out.  We were t