There was a decidedly day-glo hue to the bluegrass played at this year’s Northwest String Summit (July 16-19). Many of the musical merry-makers, and deadicated patrons alike, appeared to still be basking in the warm fluorescent after-light of the “Fare Thee Well” experience.  The haunting presence of the now officially departed Dead continues to populate and positively inform a new generation of musical/spiritual adventurers.

After having the greatest musical experience of my life for three shows in Chicago at the Dead’s last shows together less than a week before, I did not think it was so possible for that music high to continue, but the lineup and energy of the 2015 All Good Music Festival kept my music fix alive and well. Rolling deep with one of the best crews I have had in a while and an RV led to three days of uninterrupted music from one stage to another.

Today, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Keller Williams announces his Fall 2015 tour plans, bringing a variety of his projects - including Keller Solo, More Than a Little, Keller and The Keels, and the debut of his new Keller Williams Trio featuring Rob Wasserman and Rodney Holmes  - to stages across the country. 
 

This Independence Day weekend, I call upon you all, to celebrate. In recognition of all things we hold dear, take time to cherish. Cherish your loved ones, cherish yourself. This Independence Day, recognize that on whatever whim we may exist, we are here with each other and without that, well, things would be much less interesting. Celebrate your freedom to express yourself through whatever means possible. If only a moment in a hectic day, make that moment yours.

Sights, sounds and sit-ins -- This year's Summer Camp Music Festival was nothing short of spectacular.

What a magical weekend it was indeed at the Dark Star Jubilee. Each year is just as good as the last if not better. I had the honor of attending this festival for the fourth year in a row out at Legend Valley, Ohio over Memorial Day weekend. There are so many positive things to be said about this festival. It is a world of its own filled with beautiful music, positive people, smiles in every direction, and of course Grateful Dead Tunes.

The count down for Dark Star Jubilee has begun. In less than one month, deadheads of all ages will gather at Legend Valley, Ohio for a celebration of the Grateful Dead. This festival is over Memorial Day weekend, May 22-24th in Thornville, Ohio, it will be my fourth year covering this festival, and I cannot wait!

Since his debut album Freek back in 1994, Keller Williams has never stopped pushing musical boundaries when it comes to the exploration of different genres and sounds. The lively, self taught multi-instrumentalist plays whatever he feels is right at the time, most of the time barefoot and always with a big grin on his face.

The Infamous Stringdusters put the spurs to their spring tour with a fret-blazing, shape-shifting show featuring special guest Keller Williams at Eugene’s McDonald Theatre (March 5^th).   The ‘Dusters delivered a convincing account of their distinctive “high country” sound while Williams complimented nicely, both with an impressive opening set and later, playing alongside the headliners.  The pairing made for an entertaining combination of Nashville polish and free-spirited, festival charm.

Years before the actual word 'jamband' emerged as a genre or even a word, the Home Grown Music Network was there helping talented independent bands reach fans on a new level. Through its nationwide collective of bands, venues, stores and fans the Home Grown Music Network (HGMN) has catalyzed two decades of incredible audio offerings including the 2004 launching of Harmonized Records, going on to introduce the world to such powerful scene bands such as Lotus, Perpetual Groove, Garaj Mahal, The Motet and more.