Interviews

Vince Herman came from a musical family, inspired by his grandfather that would sing on holidays when he had a drink or two. He began guitar lessons in the third grade from a local accordion player in a polka band. By the time he reached high school, he had found bluegrass while sipping moonshine and listening to Bill Monroe sing Walls of Time. By 1980, Vince found the Grateful Dead and we are all better for that magic event. Leftover Salmon celebrated its 30th anniversary under the Big Top on New Years' Eve 2019.

Karina Rykman is one of those bass players that can fit into any musical scenario. With her infectious smile and general upbeat way about her, she brings life into every project she is a part of. Whether it be the trio of Marco Benevento or her own, Karina Rykman Experiment, you know the energy will be flowing with every bass note from Ms. Rykman.

Molly Tuttle began her musical journey as a kid growing up in the Bay Area of California. A graduate of the Berklee College of Music, she is transforming the roots of Americana into a sound uniquely her own. IMBA named her guitarist of the year 2017 and in 2018. The Americana Music Association named her Instrumentalist of the Year 2018.  With her first solo album release, When You’re Ready, she is poised to contribute new and fresh thoughts into a genre that can desperately use it.

Those familiar with the phenomenal exploratory bands Phil Lesh & Friends, Moonalice, and David Nelson Band are likely familiar with guitar virtuoso Barry Sless. His Pedal Steel guitar has transformed beloved Grateful Dead classics such as “Box of Rain,” “Peggy O,” “Pride of Cucamonga,” and “Cumberland Blues” into full-fledged country-rock bliss that Jerry Garcia is no doubt smiling down on.

GW: Congrats on the recent sold-out Fox Theatre show -- Tell us a little bit about the New Year's show and your history playing in Colorado.

As another new year rolls in, I can’t say how excited I am to see the Grateful Dead family not only thriving but flourishing. We Deadheads can take pride in having become a borderless, boundless global community where a simple Steal-Your-Face sticker on your pack and a smile will find you a safe haven. And with thankfulness being one of the defining criteria of a Deadhead for the life-changing, enlightening experience the Dead brought to our lives, we have a healthy desire to express that gratitude. What is “it” we’re so thankful for?

GW: Congrats on the recent sold-out New Year's show in Boulder - you guys seem to be building up a loyal following in Colorado. Is CO the home base for the Gasoline Lollipops then? How was the show?

On January 17th, Kathryn Colina will release her debut EP, Recovery, a collection of six songs recorded by the Nashville-based singer following a harrowing car accident, a flirtation with a prescription pill addiction and, ultimately a full recovery from a life-altering event. The six songs were written by Colina and produced by Kevin Leach AKA Sonic Pilot (The Lumineers, ABC’s Nashville) and engineered by Nathan Dantzler (Niall Horan, Hey Violet.) The six songs vary in style, some lean more Americana and some more pop-influenced. Grateful Web had the chance to sit down with Colina just a few weeks ahead of the EP's release to get to know the new and promising artist.

Theo Katzman reminds me of that kid in my junior high art class that was so charming, interesting and easy to talk to.  His music is crazy catchy. His voice is out of this world. He is like the Robin Williams of musical ingénue with vocal characters and complimentary insightful lyrics.  When not touring with Vulfpeck, he is doing his own solo material including his latest EP, Modern Johnny Tackles The Issues.