http://soulive.comSoulive has never made any bones about what they do best; it's right there in their name. Since forming in 1999, the trio of guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Alan Evans and keyboardist Neal Evans has carried the torch for the soul-jazz organ trio-that venerable, funky institution pioneered by the likes of Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff and Groove Holmes in the late '60s. Rest assured, when the Evans brothers first brought Kraz by their Woodstock studio, there was plenty of old vinyl spread out on the floor.

In the weeks following pop icon Prince’s untimely passing, hordes of respected entertainers paid their respects through acknowledgement or performance. Once again, an artist’s full depth and impact is celebrated strongest posthumously. That is not to say that Prince’s impact as a musician and atypical sex symbol wasn’t already deeply influential. Take funk saxophonist and bandleader Karl Denson.

Four years into the Terrapin Crossroads experience, a multipurpose Marin County destination at which proprietor Phil Lesh of The Grateful Dead fame presides, the grand opening of the venue’s Backyard took place on April 17 in sunny, celebratory fashion with a headlining three-set Phil Lesh & Friends concert. This marked a major achievement for the venue that already offers a fine local-sourced restaurant, and concert settings that include The Grate Room and the smaller bar stage.

Funk is an American tradition born in the same house as Jazz. Continuing this tradition are veterans Soulive. I had the pleasure of attending one of two shows this past snowy weekend at Cervantes in Denver. Supported by yet another long time vet George Porter Jr. of The Meters brought out his side project Runnin’ Pardners. This evening was filled with bright, colorful and energetic music.

Boasting the kind of ferocious funk collaborations you’d expect to find in New Orleans during Jazzfest, as opposed to the remote Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, Equifunk sets itself apart this summer -- an unsuspecting gem among 2013 festivals.

Soulive drummer and founder Alan Evans is a musical force to be reckoned with. More than 15 years as an integral member of the jazz-fusion group wasn’t enough for him.

Alan Evans Trio kicks off their national tour in support of their upcoming album, Merkaba, beginning February 28, 2013, with over 10 stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Washington D.C, and many more.Alan Evans Trio's much-anticipated follow-up album, Merkaba (Royal Family Records), hits Earth on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, and will be available on CD, vinyl, and digital in select retail outlets around the globe, and neighboring solar systems.Digital pre-order now available on

Kyle Hollingsworth Band will close out 2012 with the return of Hoppy Holidays in Colorado, which will feature Eric Krasno (Soulive) as a special guest at Hodi’s Halfnote in Fort Collins and two evenings with Soulive at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver.Hollingsworth

With summer coming to an end and the leaves on the trees already changing, Catskill Chill was a perfect last hoorah for the 2012 festivals season. You would be hard pressed to find people complaining about the festival, which offered three full days of some incredible times.

Nestled in the Catskill Mountains of New York is the third annual Catskill Chill, with music all day and night from Sept. 7 through 9. This year’s lineup spans across many genres of music including bands like Yonder Mountain String Band, JGB Band with Melvin Seals, Conspirator and EOTO.