West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Mountain Stage, now in its 40th year as one of the nation’s most cherished and continuing programs in public radio history, descended upon Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, Calif., on August 6. The occasion was to record a live-performance radio broadcast with a diverse, one-of-a-kind lineup that featured the likes of Booker T. Jones, Chris Smither, Karla Bonoff, Steve Poltz, and Amber Rubarth.

When Phish decided to play seven contiguous shows at Madison Square Garden, they ignited a firestorm of bands playing pre-shows and after-parties during the run, which created a festival-like environment. This included the palindrome-loving jam rock quartet Dopapod, This adept group of Berklee School of Music Alums knows how to put on a raging after-party and did just that at Sony Hall in New York, NY on July 29, 2023.

San Francisco Bay Area-based ALO delivered two sets of their infectious brand of songs and jamming on August 6, but the news-headline of the day was the inaugural performance by Jay Lane & The Mayhem. Fresh off tour with Dead and Company, drummer Lane’s Mayhem trio presented a lively, improvisational, and supremely interesting hourlong 3 p.m. set that included material by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, John Lennon, Lane himself, and even composer John Williams.

Six nights of live performances certainly take a toll. However, there was no sign of breaking on the sixth of seven performances by Phish at Madison Square Garden on August 4, 2023. The jam rock squad from Vermont certainly brought the sweltering summer heat inside the Garden in the form of face-melting jams, rarely played originals, and tasty covers.

Cowboy Junkies brought their enchantingly brooding Blues sound to the Lobero Theatre on July 21st as part of the 150th anniversary of the venue. The band took the stage at 8 pm sharp, kicking off the night with a stirring cover of Neil Young’s “Don’t Let It Bring You Down.” The band, which is just as well known for playing covers in their somber style, followed with their hit cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Sweet Jane." From there, the group kept the energy high with each consecutive song.

When you hear the name Jorma your mind completely overloads with memories of a distant time and place. You cannot help but relive the sounds of the '60s and '70s. This was an era of movement through music that has left an undeniable and unforgettable impression on humanity, social awareness, and musical culture that spans this big round spinning sphere. I really have no idea where to begin other than to convey my deepest respect to Jorma Kaukonen. He is a pioneering father figure of the San Francisco psychedelic musical awakening.

One of the greatest venues in Manhattan is the seasonal Pier 17 Rooftop. Located on the water in the Financial District, this venue boasts stunning views of Midtown behind the stage. Seeing one of your favorite bands there is truly special, and that was certainly the case for New York City's own Joe Russo's Almost Dead. This all-star quintet and Grateful Dead cover band delivered two incredible sets before Mother Nature intervened.

Bathed in the warm glow of a summer sunset, music aficionados descended upon the idyllic Vina Robles Amphitheatre on July 19th, eagerly anticipating the symphony of rock melodies from the acclaimed bands, Train and Better Than Ezra. As the evening sun washed the venue in hues of vibrant orange, the stage was primed for a transcendent fusion of music and fellowship.

On July 20, 2023, the Lobero Theatre resonated with the sounds of mastery and innovation as Jerry Douglas, the dobro virtuoso took the stage by storm. A palpable electricity permeated the air, the anticipation crackling like a live wire as fans, their faces glowing with excitement, gathered for a night destined to be filled with melodic enchantment.

On July 26, at the popular all-seasons concert venue KEMBA Live!, in Columbus, Ohio, waves parted, and classic guitars and keyboards came out to play in the hands of Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule.