Phish has been my favorite band for the last 20 years. Since then, I have seen them 179 times. In addition, I have been a fan of jazz music since I was born. My grandfather was a jazz guitarist with Artie Shaw and a few other big bands in Philadelphia. Therefore, to say that I was excited to see two of my favorite genres (yes, I said Phish was a genre) of music collide and collaborate is a true understatement.

Founded in 2009 by bandleader Tyler Grant, the Cosmic Americana band Grant Farm is set to release a third album, Kiss the Ground, on June 10.

Fruition rambled through the Front Range, high on the November 9^th release of the new EP, Holehearted Fools. The Portland Americana quintet performed 4 of the new 5 song EP recorded with Colorado friends, Grant Farm. Fruition is Jay Cobb Anderson (Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar), Kellen Asebroek (Piano, Vocals), Mimi Naja (Mandolin, Guitar, Vocals), Keith Simon (Electric Bass), and Tyler Thompson (Banjo, Stomp Box, Drums).

The last day of Rhythms on the Rio 2015 was clear and sunny—and really quite pleasant temperature-wise. The day’s event began as Saturday’s did with YogaDurango offering an hour all-levels yoga class for festivalgoers. This free class was well attended by about twenty, very obvious advanced yoga practitioners yesterday, who were stretched out on the grass and under canopies. Today’s participants were fewer. But yoga seemed to set a tone for a laid back kind of day today, though the music was definitely hot.

Fruition and Grant Farm shared the stage September 25^th at the Bluebird Theater in Denver to release their 4-song joint EP titled Meeting On The Mountain. The combination of Fruition’s bluegrass-Americana and Grant Farm’s country twang made for a great show with lots of friends, high-fives, and dancing.  Denver was Fruition’s second stop in an 8-show tour showcasing the new album.

No single thing makes a festival the “best festival ever.” Sure, one great band can make it really good. Or maybe the campground scene was where it was at. But it’s really when you group those moments with the ones of unbearable laughter, silly dancing, and inspirational people that a festival becomes the “best ever.” And you know what? The Northwest String Summit consistently brings the best.

What a glorious day yesterday was! The second day of Rhythms on the Rio 2014 was jam-packed with musical goodness in the rarified air of the southern Colorado Rockies.

Starting of the yesterday’s slate of artists was Ashley Raines, the winner of this summer’s singer/songwriter contest. Raines offered originals that ranged from bluesy tunes to more Americana fare, warming up the audience for what was to come.

What more can one ask for than a night of great musicians and a good mix of country, rock and bluegrass? Probably not much except to have those musicians be the members of Grant Farm… and maybe include a special guest.

The first ever ARISE Music Festival is scheduled to take place this summer August 14 -18, 2013, in a picturesque mountain setting near Loveland, Colorado at Sunrise Ranch.  The festival features 5 stages with national and internationally renowned musical acts, as well as favorite regional and local talent, a mini film series, yoga and healing workshops as well as discussion forums with global leaders in environmental advocacy.  The ARISE weekend will be highlighted by performances of over 100 acts throughout 3 days and 3 night

Suwannee Springfest 2013 was a rainy, thundery affair, but it still exceeded expectations for a supreme gathering of musical talent and a raucous good time. And hey, though it was rainy, as in torrential downpours with heart pounding thunder and lightning, the show went on (a damn good show) without much of a hitch.