Acclaimed mandolinist and bandleader David Grisman is no stranger to Berkeley’s Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse. The storied folk and Americana venue has undoubtedly seen the likes of dozens of incarnations of Dawg music with countless shows. The crowd at the Freight is respectful yet boisterous, out of their seat yet out of the way, absorbed yet moveable.

On Saturday, December 22, a mile-long, hippo-shaped asteroid soared at a distance of 1.8 million miles from Earth, and a closer pass will not occur until 2070, reports The Independent.

“Love Will See You Through: Terrapin Nation for Butte County – A Musical Benefit for Victims of the Camp Fire” brought together Phil Lesh and a whole lot of friends for a stunning performance at a very sold-out Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, Calif., on December 19.

If you’ve seen Dead and Company even once, you most likely have witnessed the infectious energy and enthusiasm radiating outward from the band’s bassist, Oteil Burbridge. It’s hard not to take notice of, or even have impacted you profoundly. Whether he’s playing beside members of The Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead, or JRAD, there’s never a time when Oteil Burbridge isn’t smiling or dancing around in place on stage, compelled by and compelling others to the sublime music he’s making. 

The WinterWonderGrass Festival had its first ever foray to the east in mid-December. It was a warm welcome to the beautiful Vermont Green Mountains at the Stratton Ski Resort. There’s a saying in New England, and it especially applies to Vermont this time of year. If you don’t like the weather, wait an hour. This adage proved true over all three days of the WinterWonderGrass Vermont festival. Opening day Friday started out mild, mid-40s a bit grey. Everything looked perfect for a fine festival kick-off.