One of the biggest series of concerts in the late ’70s took place in September of 1979 when a group called Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) rocked Madison Square
Next weekend HT faves Wilco host the second annual Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA. Solid Sound 2011 takes place on June 24 – 26 and includes
This is one hell of a great week for Late Night Talk Show musical guests. On Monday Eddie Vedder will strum his uke on David Letterman in support of his
Now that we’re officially entrenched into the warm weather months, it’s time to start giving some thought to constructing your perfect summer playlist. While some might look to big rock
Whereas in a two or three day festival (like Newport Folk, Treasure Island or Outside Lands) one may feel more an observer, when a festival enters into the fourth day of music, the attendee becomes more than a participant, but rather part of the fabric of suspended reality. Such was the sentiment surrounding Monday at Sasquatch.
After years in the Big Apple, singer-songwriter Amy Speace headed back to Nashville and it appears that the change in scenery certainly hasn’t hurt her songwriting by the dozen offerings on Land Like a Bird.
Canadian singer/songwriter Chad VanGaalen recently released his latest album, Diaper Island (Sub Pop), after recording for the first time at a home studio. The results is an idiosyncratic, eclectic group of songs that represent VanGaalen’s total control of the album. VanGaalen plays all of the instruments on Diaper Island and has also been working to create artwork and animations associated with his songs. Glide spoke with VanGaalen about the inspiration for his album, his songwriting, and his upcoming international tour.
Steve Earle is all over the place lately as actor, writer, activist, and maintaining his first love, music. The tunes get their proper due on this fantastic new release, I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive. The title is taken from Hank Williams final single; Earle has a strong affinity for Williams (titling his first novel the same thing) and as someone who never shy’s away from his idols (see the album Townes) there is history seeping from these tracks, a lot of personality too.
We’ve come to the end of the first leg of Phish Summer Tour 2011. Tonight’s performance at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion in Portsmouth, VA is the 18th and last of the run. Phish has only played at the intimate venue once before this evening, back on June 15, 2010.
[From @Phish_FTR]
Phish played on Father’s Day for the third year in a row tonight. To mark the occasion, the band members welcomed each of their fathers to the stage during the show opening Harpua. This extreme rarity (10th version in 15 years) didn’t feature an extensive narration with guitarist Trey Anastasio taking a quick opportunity to welcome the audience to the show and explain that the tune was performed in honor of a fan a sign for their 31st birthday. The fan was birthday girl Kristen Goess who attended the show with her mother. She brought a sign that said “31 Minute Walls of the Cave” on the front and “For My 31st Birthday” on the back. Kristen not only got Harpua played in her honor, but Walls of the Cave as well (though not a 31-minute version). Trey then introduced all of the band member’s fathers who helped sing the call and response section at the end of the song making for a memorable moment.
[Photo via SpencerBC]
READ ON for the setlist and The Skinny…
Phil Lesh and The Levon Helm Band @ Midnight Ramble, June 17
Part of the joy in seeing live music is the never-ending quest to find the ideal balance of music, setting, sound and ambiance which results in the creation of life long memories. While no concert event can ever be considered “perfect”, on Friday night, June 17, Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble with Phil Lesh set a remarkably high bar and perhaps even set the parameters for concert perfection.
Tucked cozily into the Catskill Mountains in the fertile music grounds of Woodstock, NY, not even a stone’s throw from the legendary Bearsville Studios, is Levon Helm’s private residence with a barn cum recording studio. Guests navigate a long winding driveway and are warmly greeted by a staff seemingly more intent on welcoming and befriending their guests than anything else.
Driveway Driving In
Barn from the Outside
Upon entering the studio, the majestic beauty of the natural surroundings outside are almost eclipsed by the grandeur & elegance of the studio. Carved between the wood beams, exposed stone, folding chairs and benches, was an intimate stage that appeared mysteriously within reach of every one of the 300 guests in attendance. Created by laying a large Oriental rug on top of the barn-board floor and surrounded with guitar & instrument stands perched on a stone hearth in front of a large fireplace, the stage was set for another night of the “Midnight Ramble”.
READ ON for more about Friday’s special Midnight Ramble…
