Just a couple of weeks into 2018, Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, California, hosted its first House Party of the year with legendary proprietor Phil Lesh and his Terrapin Family Band performing three sets, each with its own guest guitarist, in the intimate bar/restaurant.

A snowy Chicago evening at the Concord Music Hall showcased The Devil Makes Three with opening act Roebuck on January 12th, 2018.  The Concord has a gentleman’s club swanky kind of vibe happening.  The animal print and gold leaf wallpaper were entirely in line with Roebuck, and the Ruin & Redemption feel of DM3’s last release.

Railroad Earth’s, “Captain Nowhere,” falls like a beautiful tear on the tumultuous face of humanity.  Exposing a wonderful maturity throughout, Todd, Tim, John, Andy, and Andrew each freely offer one another all the space they need to create a multidimensional experience, while at the same time bringing about a singular effect.  I marveled over, and deeply appreciated, the openness in which this small sample of songs (6) was delivered.  Not afraid to look directly at what ails us, Railroad Earth sees right past the p

Their namesake from front singer, and San Diego native Dorothy Martin, drew a full house of lock-step fans on this bone-chilling Midwest night. With nothing shy of a frenzied dancing, singing and cheering in the house, Dorothy - lead vocals, Jason Ganberg - drums, Nick Maybury - guitar, Eli Wulfmeier - guitar, and Eliot Lorango - bass, led an unforgettable rockin' communion with the audience.

In the wake of California’s largest wildfire in modern history, Carpinteria’s own Dishwalla played a sold-out concert at the Alcazar Theatre. Formerly known as the Carpinteria Plaza Playhouse Theater, the gem of a venue, with accidental perfect acoustics has returned to its original name, Alcazar Theatre. Carpinteria Community Theatre Inc. who runs the venue renamed the theater based on its regional name.

Two progressive bluegrass titans shared a co-billing last weekend at The UC Theatre in Berkeley, California. Infamous Stringdusters hosted a diverse two-night run beginning last Thursday with Keller Williams and Grateful Gospel. Fans that evening were treated to an array of Grateful Dead classics augmented by a joint group of Keller and the Dusters.

On December 27, SiriusXM presented The Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Rocks! Tour at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Throughout his career, Setzer's innovative and daring musical styles have single-handedly resurrected two forgotten genres of music (rockabilly in the ‘80's and swing in the '90's).

Just before the flames and smoke of the massive Thomas fire put a damper on the Christmas spirit in Santa Barbara County, pop singer Jewel brought her real-life musical family to the Chumash Casino. The special Christmas concert featured the veteran performer singing traditional Christmas songs as well as some of her biggest hits.

In their forth outstanding gig at San Rafael’s Terrapin Crossroads this year, The Rock Collection brought an evening of originals, and beloved covers dissimilar to anything fans had seen of them yet. Any act under the jam band umbrella has to keep their shows diverse night to night, but what makes The Rock Collection standalone is the sheer combination of talent and background that allows the music to take off different directions on any given night.

American rock prodigy Steve Kimock took over Denver’s Cervantes’ Other Side for two nights of funk, rock, and blues this past weekend, playing an exotic orchestration featuring jam-fueled originals and traditional covers alike.