Last week Denver bluegrass fans were smitten by the presence of a seven-piece bluegrass super-group of some of our favorite musicians for a two night run at the Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom. Adam Aijala and Ben Kaufmann from Yonder Mountain String Band, Drew Emmitt and Andy Thorn from Leftover Salmon, Bridget Law and Bonnie Paine from Elephant Revival, and guitarist Larry Keel all shared the stage for a first tier, foot stomping picking party. Gipsy Moon opened on Friday night, bringing their soulful, eclectic sound to an upbeat collaboration.

On Thursday, May 14, an extraordinary collection of music stars will come together at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD, for the concert event of a lifetime, DEAR JERRY: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF JERRY GARCIA, to honor one of the most influential musicians and cultural icons of our time.

For nearly 17 years, Yonder Mountain String Band has redefined bluegrass music, expanding the traditional acoustic genre beyond its previously established boundaries by steadily pushing the envelope into the realms of rock n' roll and improvisation. YMSB has always played music of their own design, in the process attracting a devout coterie of fans that often resembles a tight knit family on an epic musical journey as Yonder traverses the country with an ever-rigorous tour schedule.

It had been nearly a year since Jeff Austin took the stage at George’s Majestic Lounge. This time he did so with his very own band and his very own style: electrifying. From the moment The Jeff Austin Band took over a red hot stage from openers, Old Salt Union, the energy never waned. Opening their set with the classic “Raleigh and Spencer” we knew immediately that Austin was there to please the fans.

The Jeff Austin Band played last week at the Bluebird Theater in Denver to showcase their new album, The Simple Truth. The performance proved loud and clear that the future is bright for Jeff Austin and his compadres, and that Austin is anything but done playing music after his separation from Yonder Mountain String Band earlier this year.

2015 marks the beginning of a refreshing new chapter for Mr. Jeff Austin. Between the birth of his second child and the upcoming release of his debut solo album The Simple Truth accompanied by Danny Barnes, Eric Thorin and Ross Martin, it’s safe to say that the quirky 40-year-old mandolinist has been staying busy since his departure from Yonder Mountain String Band early last year.

New Year’s Day is always a time of recovery for most. Due to the holidays and previous night’s revelry and celebration ringing in the New Year, it can be difficult for some to motivate. For this reason, many bands take this opportunity to throw down for their dedicated. That is why I wanted to be here for this laid back all-star jam. And it was for good reason. These musicians were ready to play even after a three set New Year’s Eve show the night before.

The 14th Annual Northwest String Summit (NWSS) returns to Horning's Hideout (North Plains, OR) with the finest acoustic pickers and standout electric bands from July 16 - 19, 2015. Located just 20 miles outside of Portland, OR, Horning's Hideout stands as one of the most scenic festival sites in the country; NWSS is the only music offering this year taking place at Horning's Hideout.