Here we have—singer-songwriter Todd Snider (usually a solo fellow) and bassist Dave Schools (Widespread Panic) leading the charge, Neal Casal (guitarist for Ryan Adams, Chris Robinson); Chad Staehly (of Great American Taxi) on keys, and King Lincoln drummer Duane Trucks (nephew of Butch Trucks, who worked the set for the Allman Brothers, if you want a reach of a tie-in)—the Hard Working Americans. It’s a solid crew.

If part of your plan for Warren Haynes’ 25th Christmas Jam was to get in town early to have a leisurely night Thursday at the Asheville Music Hall, Roosevelt Collier and Friends threw a pleasant kink in the plans.  Kinks usually get a bad rap but in this case, this evening’s kink was very kind.  The Asheville Music Hall is right in the same area as all your favorite Asheville entertainment establishments at 31 Patton Avenue.  If you have yet to visit Asheville, you will find the ‘Strangers stopping strangers, just to shake their hand.” f

After a brief hiatus while bringing together a fresh lineup, Cornmeal is back at it…and in a big way!  After playing a few select shows in November and December, the band is stronger than ever and ready to announce their first tour in almost a year.