I don’t know what normal is anymore. So, I am still a little dumbfounded when people say we are getting back to normal. Or, their slightly more pessimistic counterparts, who assure me that this is the new normal. Tuesday night, seeing Billy Strings play at The Champlain Valley Expo outside of Burlington, VT felt like it landed right between those two paradigms; seizing on the optimistic return to what was, and infecting what is with that same sense of buoyancy.

Today, Runaway Gin, a nationally acclaimed Phish tribute band announced a fifteen-date fall tour. Known as the world’s most active Phish tribute act, the group will make stops at various venues along the east coast before trekking out west. Additional highlights include a hometown tour opener at the Charleston Pour House, a visit to Resonance Music and Arts Festival, and a Trey Anastasio Band after-party in Charlotte, NC.

Everything was right last night in Alpharetta, Ga as Phish made their triumphant return to Ameris Bank Ampitheatre for a sold out crowd, and brought the heat that they famously deliver. The Vermont based jam rockers were armed with a new light rig that made a larger appearance for the first time this tour, as the rig was augmented at the two prior shows.

What a return to live music. The atmosphere was electric. The venue, freshly expanded, and the band… they were dead on. This was Phish’s first-time playing Arkansas. Only 4 states remain that have yet to be graced by the greatness.

Pink Talking Fish is back in action! The band has already played a handful of shows including outdoor pod style events, 2 trips to Colorado, a Beach Road Weekend Pre-Party in Martha’s Vineyard and sold-out performances in Connecticut and New Hampshire.
 

The Grammy Award-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band release their historic, one-off live recording of the seminal Derek and the Dominos album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, performed in its entirety at LOCKN’ Festival in August 2019 alongside special guest, Trey Anastasio, and longtime collaborator, guitarist Doyle Bramhall II.

Trey Anastasio Band (TAB) announces its long-awaited return to the road with an upcoming series of live dates. The tour begins September 17 at Thompson’s Point in Portland, ME and then travels through a two-night-stand at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall on October 2 and 3. The upcoming run marks the first TAB tour for new bassist Dezron Douglas, who joins the band following the recent passing of original member Tony Markellis. Presales begin Wednesday, July 14 at noon ET.

For the second time this year, the jam industry is rallying around Chris Friday, a Burlington-based music industry figure. Earlier this year, Friday received the devastating news that his 11-year-old son, Iggy, contracted Acute Lymphoid Leukemia. This week, several notable bands and artists once again donated a multitude of unique merchandise for auction. The auction runs from July 7th - 11th 5 PM ET.

Registration is open for the Sixth Annual Runaway Open charity golf tournament for Phish fans, to be held in Denver 9/4/21 (the morning of the second show of the upcoming Dick’s run, over Labor Day weekend.)

The lights fell and alone on stage stood Big Red, Trey Anastasio, looking as Dad-like as ever. His big goofy smile sent waves of love, comfort, and release to the sold-out crowd in Manhattan, at the Beacon Theater. As Trey opened the show with a solo "Theme from the Bottom", the audience was sent into a feeling of happiness and familiarity, returning to concerts indoors, a pre-covid relish.