Don’t fret that the end of summer is almost upon us. There’s something special to look forward to this weekend. The Life is good festival, which outshines other local music festivals by focusing on positive vibes, optimism and most importantly – family. Attendees at this year’s festival can expect to experience a plethora of free games, hands-on activities, live music performances by national acts, all on top of helping to make a difference in kids’ lives by generating funds to support the Life is good Kids Foundation. Rain or shine, the Life is good Festival will take place on September 21 and 22 at Prowse Farm in Canton, Massachusetts. Glide Magazine recommends seeking out the artists listed below.
Please visit the event’s web page for more details.
Hall and Oates
It should be noted that Daryl Hall and John Oates are the number one selling song-writing duo in music history. They have become major musical influences and one of the most sampled artists today. Their influential sound can be heard everywhere from pop radio harmonies to neo-soul heard by the likes of Fitz and the Tantrums. Recently celebrating their fortieth anniversary of their debut album, Hall & Oates are very much at the top of their game, with a new generation of musicians recognizing their contribution to the music industry and their polished hits always striving the line between guilty pleasures and pop songwriting at its finest.
Dawes
Brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith formed this roots-rock band from California. The members of Dawes were heavily influenced by the soft, acoustic-based music of Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young, Joni Mitchell and the Band. The group’s highly anticipated third studio album, Stories Don’t End, arrived in 2013, but it’s the songs from their first two albums North Hills (2009) and Nothing is Wrong (2011) that have given the band the distinction of holding down the throne of the insightful lyric/sweet melody late 70’s folk rock mantle that Jackson Browne and Neil Young ushered in.
Thao and the Get Down Stay Down
Thao Nguyen first picked up a guitar at the age of 12. She began performing in high school and has spent most of her 20s touring, supporting her critically acclaimed albums. Recently, Thao chose to slow down and settle in San Francisco. Thao then went back into the studio with producer John Congleton to create We the Common. The songs on this album have been described as raw and reckless.
Quinn Sullivan
Blues legend Buddy Guy, who has taken Quinn under his wing – was quoted saying, “You don’t come across talent like this every day. People called Ray Charles a genius? I think you’ve got another one here.” With that kind of accolade, Quinn should be given a listen. Sullivan was given a toy guitar at the tender age three and since then, he has caught the attention of notable musicians and music media alike. Quinn has since been performing at major music festivals, on national TV and radio programs, and touring extensively. Now only fourteen, Sullivan is celebrating his latest release, Getting There, which was released this past spring.
Trampled by Turtles
Hailing from Duluth, Minnesota, the members of this band evolved from playing in punk and rock bands and chose to switch over to acoustic instruments. They claim that they never set out to be a Bluegrass band, but Trampled by Turtles do in fact implement many of the same traditional techniques. But, their differences in influences and demeanor make for quite a unique sound. For their latest release, Stars and Satellites, Dave Simonett (guitar/vocals) said that they “We wanted to make a record that breathes.”
Bahamas
Afie Jurvanen, from Barrie, ON, performs under the name Bahamas. He often plays solo, but when he tours, Jason Tait (drums), Felicity Williams (vocals) and Carleigh Aikins (vocals) will join in. Legend has it that Afie’s guitar is to have once belonged to Link Wray and has been described as having a “huge sound.” Barchords, Bahamas’ most recent album, was released in February of 2012. The majority of the performances were recorded live and the lyrics deal with love, loss, joy and pain – painting a musical image about Alfie’s complicated relationship with a certain woman.
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