Recently, the music world has been teeming with musicians who have stepped up to either replace or support bands that they are not necessarily permanent members of, yet. My last three reviews (Yonder Mountain String Band, STS9, Electron) have detailed surprise replacements/additions who have extremely floored die-hard audiences of the original lineups.

The 2^nd annual ARISE Music Festival was full of magic, wonder, music, acrobats, dancers, poets, and artists of all kinds just as it was last year during its debut. After reviewing the pre-party in Boulder and attending the open house on site, I knew that the creators and help of this amazing festival would come together once again to produce a loving, creative, and musical environment, which would provide endless delight for everyone involved.

When the sun peeks over the hillside, and you hear music wafting through the air coupled with the lilt of a family of birds you’ll know you’re in the right place. There will likely be a few groups of people stumbling by, chatting and laughing. Your tent will become a sauna as the sunshine fills the clear sky. You’ll crack open your first beer of the day, sip your breakfast wine or wander along the few paved paths to find some food. Golf carts will whizz by as you stop to take in the scenery, suck in a deep, clear breath and get ready for the days ahead.

Nederland, Colorado natives, The Magic Beans are thrilled to release their first double album Sites & Sounds.  This double album showcases the band's multifaceted, genre-blending, music through original song writing and years of road-testing.  The first disc, Sites features The Bean's roots-music side highlighting their mastery of rock, bluegrass, and americana.

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

The Magic Beans step on to the stage and come out swinging with Jabu Jabu’s Belly, the bouncy feel-good tune that the crowd warms up to immediately. Scott Hachey is sporting his notorious smirk and a brand spanking-new guitar, a sexy ‘Singing Mountain” acoustic built of bone and abalone down in Pinecliffe, Colorado.

Z2 Entertainment is proud to present The Magic Beans with The Main Squeeze at the Fox Theatre on Friday, March 22^nd.  Tickets go on sale Friday, December 7^th for $12.00 in advance and $14.00 day of show.

With the Kinfolk Celebration and NedFest right around the corner, I decided to trek down to the Boulder Theater on Thursday night to give my ears a little warm-up session with WhiteWater Ramble and local Boulder band The Magic Beans.