Music is the saver. Well maybe not, but there’s no argument it is powerful. These are crazy times. (Coronavirus Apocalypse! Too much? Too soon?) I’m not trying to minimize the situation. I am a sensitive soul and understand as well as empathize with the reality that people are very frightened. The world is uncertain and vulnerable right now. Being that it is such a strange time, we desperately need healthy distractions.

With the house only about two-thirds full, likely due to attendee coronavirus precautions, ALO and Leftover Salmon nevertheless persisted in front of an enthusiastic crowd, many of whose outfits celebrated the show’s artsy moniker, The Fins, Fur & Feathers Fancy Formal. It was the band’s first-ever appearance at the famed Warfield Theatre in San Francisco.

Over the past few weeks, a sublime musical connection went on tour, hitting a series stages throughout the northeast: Psychedelic groove band Circles Around The Sun performing with lead guitarist Scott Metzger. This past weekend, the foursome took the show to none other than Ardmore Music Hall, where they played to a packed, super receptive crowd, playing one of their best showings yet.

South Florida received an uncanny treat in the form of a free Marco Benevento show at the beautiful Hollywood ArtsPark in Hollywood, Fl. A late Winter chill, by Florida’s standards, would do little to keep fans from coming to see keyboardist Marco Benevento, well-known amongst jam band aficionados for his role in the Grateful Dead cover band, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead.

The Allman Betts Band are currently on tour and they are delighting audiences in every city they play. They have their 2019 debut album Down To The River and another album in the can and ready for a summer release in 2020. The band is poised, well-rehearsed and performing amazing live shows. They are turning on legions of new fans not only to their music but also the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band.

Front Country isn’t just a cover band. I started exploring their original music which is perfectly crafted and powerful. Their talent as a group is undeniable, each musician bringing a special gift. Though I must call out Melody Walker for lead vocals, guitar and percussion. She reminds me of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. She also embodies artist like Diana Ross, Anita Baker, Nora Jones, Alicia Key and Jennifer Hudson. All spectacular company.

For the last couple of weeks, the talented and notorious Robinson Brothers have been making their way westward on their Brothers of a Feather Tour, playing intimate venues on two continents and showing audiences that neither has lost their love for music, the road, nor each other. With tickets going on sale February 10th, all 11 dates were sold out by day’s end and many venues, within minutes.

On a cold, sleepy midweek night in February, two of the country’s best jam bands descended on the Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and the growing like wildfire Goose were on an extended tour that included two sold-out nights at the legendary Troubadour club in Los Angeles, just a few nights before. A pair of Seattle fans that had been following the band across the southwest for the previous seven shows were pleasantly surprised to find a half-full venue at this stop in the rural college town of SLO.

Letitia VanSant released her sophomore album, “Circadian.” Her debut record was “Gut It to the Studs.” I was intrigued by the description of this Baltimore-based singer/songwriter as distinct, vibrant and folkie with strong indie arrangements. Unfamiliar with her sound, I had a listen.

The marquee boasted “Almost Sold Out” at the Arcada Theatre in St Charles, Illinois along the beautiful Fox River on a Friday night, 2/21/2020. Any fan of technical guitar playing was in the house as Eric Johnson performed screeching guitar solos and heavy rock for the first half.  If I thought this was going to be a new age type show I was wrong.  Eric Johnson was fishing for the biggest sound and he caught a whopper.