When I was invited, for the third time, to review the John Hartford Memorial Festival, in its 9th year, I heartily accepted. I also tried to bring people along, because it’s an experience worth sharing. I was at a loss, at first, to explain it. Not just a bluegrass festival. A picking festival? Mostly. But with elements ranging from old-time Americana, root music, classical and rock and jazz- I settled on bluegrass and its extended family. It turns out that ‘extended family’ would come back around a few times.

Genre-melding quintet The Way Down Wanderers have announced the February 22nd release of their independent sophomore album illusions. Hailing from Peoria, IL, the group craft stories inspired by the heartland with a unique blend of sounds stemming from their varied musical backgrounds. Produced by Grammy winner David Schiffman (HAIM, Johnny Cash, Rage Against The Machine), this is not your average roots/rock record.