Show Reviews

The Black Crowes never got enough credit for their guitar work. The Robinsons wrote some great songs and their performances continually kicked ass. But the chemistry that Rich and Marc Ford had during his two tours of duty in the Crowes were Allmanesque. With so many Crowes shows from that period available (both as bootlegs […]

“It’s not easy for women in rock,” Garbage singer Shirley Manson told the capacity crowd at Orlando’s Hard Rock Live on August 9th. “You have to put up with a lot, but those who can deal with it are some of the toughest women.” She then spoke about what an honor it is to be […]

In a way, Pickathon is the antithesis of the Bonnaroos and Coachellas of the world. The intimate festival takes place on a farm just outside of Portland, Oregon and plays host to a lineup that looks more like it was chosen by someone at NPR than by a team of corporate marketers. There are no […]

It was worth attending the 7th Annual Grateful Dead Meet Up at the Movies if only for the first twenty minutes. With Jerry Garcia beaming wide and often and Brent Mydland singing (and smiling) with as much gusto as he played, while drummers Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart bounced along in tandem behind them;“Touch Of […]

“Thanks for being open-minded about who’s on the stage and who’s not. This is cool for me, because it’s new, it’s old and we’re heading in a new direction,” offered Rich Robinson, founding member of the Black Crowes and the heart of of his current band, the Magpie Salute, during their mammoth set at Boston’s […]

Phish Marks Maple Night With Exploratory Improvisation (Golden Age/Swept Away>Steep) (SHOW REVIEW/PHOTOS)

While Wilco’s performance at Portland’s Thompson’s Point on July 30th is unlikely to excite their fanbase like other recent New England performances, their two hour set of Experimental Americana was a demonstration of what makes Wilco as beloved as they are and why they’re worth seeing in concert over and over again. Earlier this summer, […]

Newport Folk Festival’s third day always moves just a little slower. The first part of the day – as groggy festival-goers wander in a bit later – is packed with gospel and choir music to ease us into a third day of being on our feet in the hot sun. And the sun shone down […]

Austin bluegrass favorites Wood & Wire hit Portland on Wednesday, July 26 for a show at the White Eagle Saloon. Though they are still playing mostly smaller rooms, Wood & Wire are most definitely one of the most exciting young bluegrass acts currently in the scene. The group’s acoustic instruments made a nice fit for […]

In a strange turn of events, Saturday at Newport Folk Festival might have been one of the coldest on record. The temperature barely broke 70 degrees and the wind blew relentlessly as festival-goers wandered the grounds in hats, scarves, coats and even gloves. It wasn’t until a late afternoon set on the main stage by […]

Though the first day of Newport Folk Festival typically begins on the smallest of the three stages, with an early start time and a lesser-known act, this year’s opening set felt like the most important of the weekend. Matt the Electrician took the stage for a long overdue performance at the fort. As an artist, […]

Austin City Limits tapings are some of the best shows you can experience in the music capital of Texas. There is no opening act, the use of cell phones is prohibited, and more often than not, the artist makes the performance special in some way. For her ACL debut, Angel Olsen used witty banter and […]

Float Fest is a bold endeavor that has paid off once again. Bringing thousands of music-loving Texans to the Cool River Ranch in San Marcos, in the middle of a scorching deadbeat summer, has liability written all over it. However, the festival founder, Marcus Federman, along with his crack team pulled off another spectacular festival […]

As the last rays of light glimmered over the Red Rocks of Morrison, Colorado, a thickness could be felt in the air. It was a heady stew of man made fog and anticipation, that thick, stifling air that only comes before both a literal and metaphorical downpour. After what felt like an eternity, but was […]

In support of the band’s latest release and 16th studio album, the Book of Souls, legendary British heavy metal rockers, Iron Maiden stationed themselves at Mansfield, Massachusett’is Xfinity Theatre July 19th to wage a musical battle with their legion of loyal fans. Fans, who have been waiting not only for their favorite band to return to […]

So the Green River Festival is all grown up, but don’t worry, it still has enough small festival feel to retain its charm. After its 31st year, the three-stage, three-day festival now put on by Signature Sounds has come of age as one of its acts, Lake Street Dive, has gotten big enough to headline […]

After an uninspired techno performance by Heathered Pearls and a grandiose yet bland performance by Tycho, Phantogram took over Orlando’s Hard Rock Live needing to carry the weight of the night’s entertainment. They were more than up to the task. Supported by a three-piece backing band, Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter took the stage to […]

The idea of kinfolk has always been a vital part of the ethos behind Yonder Mountain String Band, even down to the way the jam grass stalwarts curate their own music festival. On July 13-16 the band played host to the 16th edition of their Northwest String Summit Festival in North Plains, OR just outside […]

In the newest installment of Wannabe, artist Chris Prunckle reviews No Poets, the new album from Andy Thomas’ Dust Heart, in his signature six-panel comic strip form. Click on the image for full resolution (best viewed on desktop): No Poets by Andy Thomas’ Dust Heart

Weekend shows are typically favored and especially highlighted during a summer itinerary. Halfway through their Wheels of Soul Tour, Tedeschi Trucks Band landed their merry ship in the heart of Dixie on Saturday night at Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre. Having built a solid reputation with support choices on previous tours, TTB has continued tradition with […]