Weekend at The Cave | May 28-30, 2021 | Murphysboro, IL

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Weekend at The Cave | May 28-30, 2021 | Murphysboro, IL

The Shawnee Cave Amphitheater Announces Memorial Day Music Event, “Weekend at the Cave

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Highlights:

  • Shawnee Cave Amphitheater brings back music after a decade

  • All Star Jamgrass Lineup

Murphysboro, IL - Shawnee Cave Amphitheater announces a stellar bluegrass lineup for it’s Memorial Day weekend event. The event will take place May 28-30 with music all three nights, for these family friendly shows. Weekend at the Cave is bringing some of the best progressive jamgrass bands back to beautiful Southern Illinois. The lineup includes Sam Bush Band, The Infamous Stringdusters, Leftover Salmon, Keller Williams, Kyle Tuttle Band, & Chicken Wire Empire.

Shawnee Cave Amphitheater is being brought back to life after being purchased by new owners nearly a decade ago. The vision for the property is a new experience based destination venue to drive tourism to Southern Illinois. The land surrounding the amphitheater borders up with The Shawnee National Forest. From hiking gems such as Little Grand Canyon or Inspiration Point, to rock climbing at Alto Pass, mountain biking at Touch of Nature or fishing at Cedar Lake the possibilities are endless. Located in the heart of wine country and Illinois BBQ capital, Murphysboro Illinois, the Shawnee Cave Amphitheater makes it easy to come for the music, and leave wanting to explore all that Southern Illinois has to offer.

The new owners of the venue have been hard at work to make this a new experience for event goers-

“We nearly tripled the size of the stage and poured concrete around it to provide an accessible venue for all guests. Other additions to the property include a Shakedown midway area for food and craft vendors and a stage for daytime/ late night performers. Our ‘stay and play’ vision fits with the recreation opportunities in the area by providing true southern hospitality. Over the next year we hope to host experience based events, build our brand, and increase lodging accommodations.”

The event itself will take place over the three day holiday weekend. There are ticket options to fit everyone’s needs from single day general admission, to 3 day weekend VIP passes. You can opt to camp on site or there are many options to camp nearby as well. There will be local musicians, vendors, and food trucks throughout the daytime providing entertainment for all camping guests. They plan to showcase the local community to make this a memorable and safe event to both visitors and locals. This is a socially distanced event with very limited passes. They will be enforcing all state mandated COVID-19 regulations. Follow Shawnee Cave Amphitheater on social media for the most up-to-date information.

About Shawnee Cave Amphitheater

A live performance venue like no other. Tucked into the Beautiful Shawnee National Forest this magical venue has so much to offer its visitors. Originally constructed in 1969 the Shawnee Cave Amphitheater has been hosting legendary acts for decades. Muddy Waters, Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, Head East, T.G. Shepard, Tanya Tucker and many others have performed in this beautiful naturally formed shelter. The acoustics of this one of a kind venue have proven to be unmatched.

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Kyle Tuttle Releases New Live EP

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Kyle Tuttle Releases New Live EP

Some exciting news from banjo shredder, Kyle Tuttle…

Highlights:
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Kyle Tuttle Live in 2020 released Friday, February 26.
- The album is available on all online streaming platforms, including Spotify, Google Play and Apple Music.

Album Art by Wicked Awesome 

Album Art by Wicked Awesome 

Nashville, TN—Kyle Tuttle released his second album, a live EP Kyle Tuttle Live in 2020, on Friday, February 26th, almost a year to date when the album was recorded. The album features songs recorded live two different nights, at The Mill & Mine in Knoxville, TN on February 26, 2020 and The Hunt House in Atlanta, Georgia on February 28 2020, opening for Railroad Earth. At the time of recording, no one knew what the next year would bring. It was Kyle Tuttle Band’s (KTB) first tour of the year, and subsequently also the last before COVID-19 hit.

Kyle Tuttle Band brings high energy jams with a rocky, bluegrass style. The band consists of James Kittleman on drums, Julian Pinelli, fiddle, and Ben DeBerry on bass. The live EP brings a handful of covers such as “Mystery Train” originally by Junior Parker, which is the first released single available on Friday, February 12. Tuttle also brings some of his originals like “Birdie Strut” which is an upbeat instrumental with a catchy flow.

“It felt great to be hitting the road with fresh energy. Spirits in the van were high. That energy is captured well on these tapes. New material and arrangements had the band still on our toes, and that’s when the magic really happens,” says Tuttle.

Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon raves, “Kyle Tuttle Live in 2020 is proof that, yes, there were signs of life and even outright joy in 2020. The band sounds great. Tight rhythm section, and the fiddle and banjo take you to good places while you say ‘dang that’s some good playing!’ High level musicianship and innovative tones played with fun in mind. Put it in your ears now.”

Listen to the new album on Spotify here

Charm City Bluegrass Festival | Baltimore, MD | April 28, 2018 | Photo by Will Rawls

Charm City Bluegrass Festival | Baltimore, MD | April 28, 2018 | Photo by Will Rawls

Upcoming Shows

3/11 Nashville, TN - Station Inn

3/20 Cincinnati, OH Riverfront Live with Rumpke Mountain Boys

Stay up to date on all upcoming shows and news by visiting www.kyletuttle.com


About Kyle Tuttle

International Banjo Champion Kyle Tuttle is shredding his way through the jamgrass scene. Since moving to Nashville in 2012 Kyle has shared the stage with many epic performers, most notably as a member of the Jeff Austin Band for 3 years. Kyle has also worked closely with Jamgrass legends Larry Keel, Travelin’ McCourys, Leftover Salmon, Greensky Bluegrass, Billy Strings, and Railroad Earth. In addition to being seen around the jamgrass circuit, Kyle is a studio musician in Nashville, and recently produced the Chain Station album ‘Backroads’.

Charm City Bluegrass Festival | Baltimore, MD | April 28, 2018 | Photo by Will Rawls

Charm City Bluegrass Festival | Baltimore, MD | April 28, 2018 | Photo by Will Rawls

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Cabin Fever Reliever 2020

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Cabin Fever Reliever 2020

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Harrodsburg, KY- Terrapin Hill Farm’s “Cabin Fever Reliever” music festival announces a stellar bluegrass lineup to kick off the festival season, April 16-19th. The festival takes place just outside of Harrodsburg at Terrapin Hill Farm, deep in the rolling hills of central Kentucky.

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The Grammy award-winning Infamous Stringdusters are headlining this year along with The Lil’ Smokies, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades with two sets over the weekend, Rumpke Mountain Boys, Old Salt Union, Fireside Collective, The Sweet Lillies, The Grass is Dead, banjo master Kyle Tuttle as artist at large as well as local favorites Restless Leg String Band and many more. You can find the full line up here.

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Terrapin Hill Festivals are run by a small but loyal staff and they’ve been doing things the right way for over 20 years. They produce three festivals each year: Cabin Fever Reliever in April, Family Reunion in July, and Snuggleween at the end of October. Cabin Fever Reliever is the first festival of the year and the biggest of the three due to the timing and outstanding lineup, but you won’t be overrun by huge crowds in this intimate setting. The festival is a hidden gem, in one of the most beautiful and relaxed venues in the Midwest.

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All festivals at Terrapin Hill are family friendly and primitive camping is included with each ticket. The festival organizers pride themselves on keeping ticket costs low while providing a great experience for an audience of all ages. Advance tickets are available online now or can be purchased at the gate. For all things Terrapin Hill and to purchase tickets, check out their website

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Lotus' Summerdance Festival 2019

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Lotus' Summerdance Festival 2019

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This Labor Day Weekend, Lotus returned to Nelsons Ledges Quarry Park to host their annual Summerdance Festival, and it was another full send. A unique venue in terms of festival grounds, NLQP in Garretsville, Ohio is situated next to a state park and holds a nicely sized freshwater lake that is remnants of a limestone quarry that had filled up decades ago. Its clear blue green waters are one of the best swimming spots in Ohio and even have a strange occurrence of freshwater jellyfish inhabitants that can been seen in some parts of the quarry. The quarry is a perfect place to cool off, hang out on the beach with friends or bring a giant float which is the popular leisurely activity during the pre-music hours and when the weather gets hot. This year a few fans took a different approach and had been enjoying a good float on a giant log until they parked it and my friend and I hijacked the log and took her for a quick spin around the lake. She was an awkward vessel but fun nonetheless. It was silly and super enjoyable. The water temperature was absolutely perfect this time of year for any lake activity, and anyone who did not take a swim or jump off the Ledges definitely missed out.

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The location of the stage near the beach and water is also unique to NLQP. Guests attending the park can swim and relax knowing that no music will be missed while doing so. The quality sound system and speaker array are truly fantastic. Music comes through with superbly crisp notes and tones (kudos to the sound crew for such a great job). My campsite on the lake was a short walk away but the sound was still sharp and clean from the stage even at a distance. The clarity at such distance was certainly impressive.

3 nights of Lotus at a beautiful venue with swimming and camping is truly a wonderful thing, and so was this years music. This years SD festival’s supporting artists included, Cut Chemist who threw down some great stuff early in the day. Paris Monster (previously unknown to me) was a fun one and consisted of instrumentation, live production and drumming, Moon Hooch on the horns was upbeat and had the crowd enjoying the moments.

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When Saturday turned into night Lotus delivered the funky vibes as the packed crowd got down creating a buzz of dancing, wiggles, hugs and laughter. Groups met up and held down fort with friends. Shenanigans ensued as flamingos and suitcases of spaghetti appeared on the scene. This is a party and not your regular venue indoors. Laser pointers, rage sticks, pool noodles, and various toys fill the frame nearly everywhere you glance. The outpouring of fog from the stage creates fantastic silhouettes of the band. As the lighting pans out from the stage the crowd gets kissed by light and the numbers of the crowd really show. There are a lot of people packed in pretty tight, It's nearly impossible to move through the crowd. The floor is made up of beach sand and the occasional book bag all the way up to the front of the stage, which is without a rail. Instead there is a wood timber reinforced wall supporting the stage where fans hold strong as if rail riding.

The energy of all things in motion is easily noticed as something special. The low tone of Jesse's bass sends a clean deep pulse through the heart of the grounds. Rempel sways and shreds at the front corner of the stage being lit by the LD just enough to appear through as the wind clears the fog on occasion. Chuck and Mike G are hidden in the dense fog trapped in the stage; they are heard but rarely seen. Luke appears in opposite corner to Rempel and the typical Lotus formation is complete. The music flows beautifully throughout the evening as heavy deep electronic groves, modular tones and a sample heavy night completely crush this set. A "Bellweirder" variation of the track bellwether and many other songs back into bellwether takes over the majority of the set and things get dark and funky. Personal favorites of the sequence “Pluck,” “Sickly Child,” and “Ra Ako St” deliver the goods. A three song encore of “Kesey Seed,” “Cream on Chrome,” and “Shimmer and Out” wraps up the evening. The time flies by and the music is never quite long enough it seems.

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Sunday morning the clouds appeared and put an end to the sunshine and good weather. During the day I took a relaxing kayak paddle and spent some time in the woods as I waited for Lotus the return to the stage for the last sets of the weekend.

A constant drizzle during the beginning of the set as Lotus starts it off with the classic “Spiritualize.” The tempo slows a bit as they move into a cover of Radiohead’s “Airbag.” While it’s nice to see new songs on their set lists, in this case…for my taste, it isn’t a great song choice, as it breaks the flow of the set.

As the skies flash behind the stage, an announcement to go take cover and prepare for a storm comes through. Within a minute the rain becomes strong and people race to get to shelter. I run back to camp to dry and put my camera gear away for the evening. I was bummed this was the reality of my evening, but heavy rain and camera gear don’t play well together. The music again takes main focus from here.

While at camp, Lotus had taken stage, and when Jesse's bass hit those first few notes roughly 25 minutes after the break, the woods lit up with screams and hollers. The crowd quickly returns to the stage and the show continues in the rain. An appropriate and personal favorite “Livingston Storm” into another favorite, “Slow Cookin” makes its appearance this set as well as a killer “Suitcases.” The set ends with a Summerdance fan favorite and classic Lotus tune “Umbilical Moonrise” and puts smiles on the faces of fans who love this band. It all feels like a big family and the vibes are high within the crowd. Lotus has done it again, delivering a fantastic weekend of high energy funk and jam; keeping the dance strong. This is one I'll be listening to for years, thanks to the recordings available on Lotus Bandcamp and also on Nugs. Be sure to give them a listen or download them forever.

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Finally, Im happy to report that a recently announced 2 night Lotus show at my local venue, The Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio for November 16th and 17th is next up, and I couldn't be more excited. There is no such thing as too much Lotus; this band stays fresh and exciting no matter how often I see them. LoFam for life! Big thanks to Lotus band members and crew, Opus One Productions, NLQP staff and The Lot Scene for the support.

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John Hartford Memorial Festival #9 - Final Lineup & Contest Details

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John Hartford Memorial Festival #9 - Final Lineup & Contest Details

Heading into its ninth year, the John Hartford Memorial Festival, a family friendly event, is on a mission to preserve and continue the legacy, music, and ideals of John Hartford; one of America's most beloved songwriters, performers, and musicians. The John Hartford Memorial Festival, “The Most Laid-Back Festival in America”, has announced their final line-up along with the kick-off of their John Hartford Band Contest and Songwriter’s Challenge.

They began accepting entries for both contests on January 1, 2019. Deadline to enter the John Hartford Band Contest is February 28, 2019, and the deadline for entering the Songwriter’s Challenge is March 31, 2019. Win cash, booking opportunities, and perform on the Hartford Stage, a.k.a. “The House That Bill Monroe Built!” Please click HERE to visit the Band Contest page or HERE to visit the Songwriter’s Challenge page for more information on how to enter, to read interviews with, and to hear music from past winners.

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This year’s headliners this include Sam Bush, The Tim O’Brien Band, Laurie Lewis, Della Mae, Great American Taxi, Larry Keel Experience, The Special Concensus, Rumpke Mountain Boys, The Way Down Wanderers and many more!

Check out our photo coverage of last year’s John Hartford Memorial Festival, courtesy of contributing photographer, Will Huston.

Read more about the 9th Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival held each spring in historic Brown County, at the Bill Monroe Music and Camping park, located in beautiful Bean Blossom, Indiana. www.hartfordfest.com

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Sound Bridge Music Song School Scholarship

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Sound Bridge Music Song School Scholarship

Sound Bridge Music Song School Scholarship

Press Release and Phone Interview

for The Lot Scene by Parker

Sound Bridge Music is a non-profit organization in Colorado working to help musicians connect with communities that may not have the opportunity for music that many others have.  Sound Bridge brings outreach and healing and joy to these and countless others through their yearly programming.  Even more marvelous, new to 2018 is their Song School Scholarship Program!  From Sound Bridge:

“As part of Sound Bridge Music’s pillar program to provide professional development opportunities for Front Range musicians at all stages of their careers, Sound Bridge Music is pleased to announce that it is sponsoring 2 full scholarships for Planet Bluegrass’ 2018 Song School. Drawing participants from across the country and around the world, this program has changed lives and launched careers. 

In offering this scholarship, Sound Bridge Music endeavors to provide two individuals the opportunity to participate who might not otherwise be able afford it. The scholarship includes full tuition, camping fee, vehicle fee and three-day pass for the 2018 FolksFest, which immediately follows Song School.”

What a phenomenal opportunity!  So many thanks to the good people of Sound Bridge Music for making this happen!!

FYI:  APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, APRIL 6TH!!!

We here at The Lot Scene had the honor of interviewing Sound Bridge Music Board Member Amy Ansari about her organization’s new Scholarship for Planet Bluegrass’s 2018 Song School Program.  Amy, herself, is an alum of the Song School and she told us she started writing and playing guitar three years ago finding that telling her story through song proved a hugely profound healing experience.  Friends begged her to go to Song School and she finally did and hasn’t looked back since.  As a huge fan of the School this is what Amy had to tell us about Sound Bridge’s new offer:

TLS:  Thanks for joining us today.  Could you please tell us your name and what you do there at Sound Bridge?

AA:  My name is Amy Ansari and I am Board Member for Sound Bridge.

TLS:  Fantastic.  Now, to begin, could you please tell us a little bit more about Sound Bridge’s relationship with Planet Bluegrass and how that developed?  It seems like a really good marriage to us here at TLS.  

AA:  That marriage is actually in its infancy stage.  Similar to how Sound Bridge is starting its second year.  We just got our nonprofit status.  So, we’re at this infancy stage where we have several Board Members, including myself, who have gone to Song School and have learned and developed and grown from that experience.  It was such a profound experience…we were talking with Trish about it and she and her husband who run their own company wanted to donate money to the cause of musicians going to Song School.  And so, from that developed this scholarship…to have that opportunity.  

TLS:  Great.  That sounds really awesome.  Planet Bluegrass does such an amazing job with everything they do.  And their educational outreach is top notch.  We love seeing Sound Bridge and Planet Bluegrass in league so early on because that can only mean great things for both organizations.  

AA:  Yes.  I totally agree…I totally agree.  Very excited about all of it.  

TLS:  You seem very excited about it.  That’s wonderful.  It sounds like this new Scholarship that Sound Bridge is offering is an incredibly good opportunity for musicians from two different kinds of applicant pools.  Established artists and new artists will both be applying — could you address that please because we find that rather interesting.

AA:  So, Sound Bridge thought it was very important to actually honor the artists who are already out there who are making it their lifelong dream to be musicians and support the music industry with their music locally.  As well as give the new artist the opportunity to step into Song School and step into the world of music and empowering themselves to do it.  We wanted to have two different tracks there to support those two different types of artists.  The most important thing, however, is that their hearts are in the right place and that they want to explore the opportunity of themselves as well as their skill.  We just want to honor both sides of the coin of musicians.  

TLS:  Seems as though that will make a serious impact.  And that Scholarship sounds very enticing.  So, in terms of awarding the Scholarship, who will be selecting the finalists?

AA:  We’re going to have five people on a committee to determine who will get the Scholarships, two of whom are very closely associated with Song School and Planet Bluegrass and who helped articulate the very core components of what Song School represents and how we can look for those in the applicants.  The other two folks are Song School alumni several times over.  And the other is yet to be determined, but, yes, we’re going to have a committee.  

TLS:  That sounds like it should be the perfect selection crew for such in important task.  We’re sure there are a lot of people very excited already about this brand new opportunity.  We think its really incredible that Sound Bridge is offering that much more in the way of music, music outreach, and music education to those here in Colorado who can really use it.  Great job, guys!

AA:  Thanks!

TLS:  Well, that’s all we have “officially” for today, however, we wanted to open it up to you if you had anything else you wanted to talk about regarding Sound Bridge, Song School, the Scholarship, or anything else.  Please, go right head.

AA:  Thank you so much.  Sound Bridge is continually looking for musicians who want to support our mission of musicians making a difference.  If you become a Sponsored Artist with Sound Bridge we will support you by helping with marketing for shows…we provide a “Concert Series” for the artists featuring private, intimate settings where their fans can come and enjoy a show.  We are partnering with organizations and companies where artists can set up their own concerts, we’ll promote for them and have their fans come to a smaller setting where they can get more in contact with the artists they love.  We also have different programs that we have going on that connect musicians who are interested in working with at risk youth or homeless shelters or elderly facilities — those populations that don’t really have opportunities to connect with musicians.  We provide the platform for the musicians between them and the facilities that want to share that music.  We are working many different avenues right now to help support our local musicians as well as giving back to the communities that need music the most. 

TLS:  All amazing to hear.  You guys really are doing some incredible work.  We are huge fans here at TLS already.  Music is a powerful force for good and Sound Bridge is making it a force for good, to be sure.  Bravi!  

AA:  Thank you.  It’s was a dream of mine to work with a music non-profit that gives back the way music has given so much to me.  It was magic to find Sound Bridge and the people who make it possible.

TLS:  That’s fantastic.  Thanks again for your time today and your work with Sound Bridge!  We here at TLS really looking forward to working with you in the future!

AA:  You’re welcome.  And thank you guys!

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The Travelin' McCourys Discuss New Festival, New Album, and Selling Banjos to Jerry Garcia

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The Travelin' McCourys Discuss New Festival, New Album, and Selling Banjos to Jerry Garcia

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Updated 2/16/18 @ 9:13pm to include additional details about the McCoury family's plan for a new festival, courtesy of Cumberland Times News (You can read that full article HERE)...

When the Travelin' McCourys were live on 91.9 WFPK, an independent radio station out of Louisville, KY this afternoon, it didn't take DJ, Laura Shine long to ask Ronnie McCoury how his dad, Del was doing. Ronnie let her know that Del was currently in Cumberland, MD "saying 'hello' to the folks and announcing that we're going to have another festival in the area in the fall (early Fall next year, according to Cumberland Times News)." 

When asked if it would be called DelFest 2, Ronnie said, "I'm not exactly sure what they're going to call it, but, uh it's going to be more of like a beer, food, & music fest." That really sounds like something I can get behind! According to reporting by Cumberland Times News (article HERE), the festival will be a global theme, with music, beer, and food from around the world. According to the McCourys' manager, Stan Strickland, the new festival was the brainchild of High Sierra Music's Roy Carter. Just like DelFest, he envisions a family event, but wants this two-day festival to spread out from the Fairgrounds to Downtown Cumberland. I imagine we'll be hearing more details as the festival plans start to come together.

Ronnie also let us know that the Travelin' McCourys just got finished mixing their studio album this week. That's fantastic news for all of us who have been waiting SOOO very patiently! He said that he hopes the yet-to-be-named album will be available in about 3 months. By my math, they're hoping to have it ready for DelFest 11 over Memorial Day Weekend (purchase your tickets here). Let's hope that's the case. I can't wait to give the full album a listen.

A recent photo that Ronnie had posted on the Travelin' McCourys' Facebook page (seen below) prompted the interviewer to ask Ronnie about the time he sold Jerry Garcia a couple banjos in the early 90's; a deal apparently brokered by the great David Grisman. When Jerry invited Del (who had met Garcia in 1972, but hadn't seen him since), Ronnie, and Robbie McCoury to the Capital Centre in Washington, DC to close the sale, they ended up hanging out with Garcia for about an hour and a half after their sound check. Ronnie remembered fondly Jerry Garcia looking over to Robbie and him saying, "You know, your dad was a big inspiration to me when I started." 

Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Robbie McCoury, & Jerry GarciaPhoto by Allison McCouryPublished w/ permission from Allison McCoury

Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Robbie McCoury, & Jerry Garcia
Photo by Allison McCoury
Published w/ permission from Allison McCoury

According to Ronnie, Del McCoury was responsible for introducing a local Baltimore song called "Dark Hollow" to the bluegrass world in 1963 when he played with Bill Monroe in his band, the Blue Grass Boys; a band Jerry Garcia had seen play live. "Dark Hollow" later became part of the Grateful Dead catalog. Ronnie proudly suspects that his dad played a part in bringing that song to the Grateful Dead's attention. 

Ronnie McCoury & Jerry GarciaPhoto by Allison McCouryPublished w/ permission from Allison McCoury

Ronnie McCoury & Jerry Garcia
Photo by Allison McCoury
Published w/ permission from Allison McCoury

Ronnie also spoke about an interaction that his wife (Allison McCoury) had reminded him about. He said that since they came from the world of requests (common in bluegrass music), he didn't think twice about asking Jerry if the band would play "Rain & Snow," an old mountain song, which Del had played in the early 1970's and which the Grateful Dead recorded (as "Cold Rain & Snow") on their 1967 studio album "The Grateful Dead" and first debuted live at Magoo's Pizza in Menlo Park, CA on 5/5/1965. Ronnie said that it was the first song they played when they went on stage that night, but thanks to a little help from his wife, Allison, I was able to figure out that it was actually the 2nd song they played. They opened up the show that night (3/20/1991) with "Feel Like a Stranger" before going into "Cold Rain & Snow."

You can listen to that complete show from the Capital Centre in Landover, MD HERE:
Archive.org - Grateful Dead | Capital Centre | Landover, MD | 3/20/1991

Back Row: Ronnie McCoury, Robbie McCoury, Bruce HornsbyFront Row: Del McCoury, Jerry GarciaPhoto by Allison McCouryPublished w/ permission from Allison McCoury 

Back Row: Ronnie McCoury, Robbie McCoury, Bruce Hornsby
Front Row: Del McCoury, Jerry Garcia
Photo by Allison McCoury
Published w/ permission from Allison McCoury
 

Del McCoury, Allison McCoury, & Jerry GarciaPhoto by Ronnie McCouryPublished w/ permission from Allison McCoury

Del McCoury, Allison McCoury, & Jerry Garcia
Photo by Ronnie McCoury
Published w/ permission from Allison McCoury

Here is the Facebook live video of the entire interview, including performances of "Cumberland Blues" and "Let Her Go."

Big thanks to Allison McCoury for sharing these photos with us!

The Travelin' McCourys are on tour now, and you won't want to miss them!
CLICK HERE for a list of tour dates and to purchase tickets.

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Larry Keel Experience @ Gypsy Sally's - Friday, January 12th, 2018

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Larry Keel Experience @ Gypsy Sally's - Friday, January 12th, 2018

Gypsy Sally's
Washington, DC
Friday, January 12th, 2018

Doors: 7:00pm
Show: 9:00pm
Support: The Woodshedders

I have it on good authority that Larry Keel Experience [Larry Keel (guitar), Jenny Keel (bass), & Jared Pool (mandolin)] are "ready to whoop it up big time!!" tomorrow when they headline Gypsy Sally's in Washington, DC! Larry Keel is a lot of things: he's a flat pickin' guitar legend, an avid fisherman, a lover of nature, peace, and equality...but one thing he's not is a liar. So, when Larry tells me they're "ready to whoop it up big time!!" I tend to believe him. 

If you've been there before, you know how small Gypsy Sally's is (est. 300 capacity), so don't sleep on getting tickets! 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

My favorite description of Larry Keel and his playing comes from Greensky Bluegrass...dobroist?...dobroer?...dobro player, Anders Beck: 

“Larry is the yin and the yang...he will break your heart with a waltz, but he can also scare the hell out of you in the next song. He plays on the edge...no, strike that - he creates genius guitar solos while staring over the edge and laughing maniacally.” — Anders Beck, Greensky Bluegrass

The Woodshedders will be getitng the party started, so don't be late!

*click on images to enlarge...*

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BoomBox Brings You Those 'Dirty Disco Blues'

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BoomBox Brings You Those 'Dirty Disco Blues'

“You hear about different forms of magic around the world,” he goes on. “The West, in general, has its own voodoo influenced by the blues. That’s what shaped me as a musician growing up in this country. It’s hard to put in the words, but you know it when you hear it.”

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New Music & Tour Dates from Toubab Krewe

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New Music & Tour Dates from Toubab Krewe

Out of the Toubab Krewe camp (Asheville, NC)...

The dynamic instrumental quintet Toubab Krewe are excited to announce the upcoming release of their third studio album, Stylo, and coinciding tour. To celebrate the release of their new album, Toubab Krewe are offering an exclusive PledgeMusic campaign that allows fans to pre-order Stylo before it’s released to the public on March 2nd, 2018. The PledgeMusic campaign, which launches today at pledgemusic.com/toubabkrewe, offers exclusive merchandise with a portion of proceeds benefiting non-profit Seed Programs International. In February, Toubab Krewe will hit the road after a two year hiatus and return to clubs and stages across North America for a 2018 album release tour (a full list of shows below).  

Stylo (pronounced Stee-lo) will be released in follow up to Toubab Krewe’s critically acclaimed sophomore album TK2 (released in 2010). Over the last seven years, the band has developed and evolved their authentic blend of Appalachian and West African music traditions. The result is a jubilant collection of eight-songs steeped in the group’s experimental and genre-bending sounds that have propelled them for more than a decade. The album’s lead single, “That Damn Squash”, draws from influences as diverse as Pakastani film scores, New Orleans funk, and Wassoulou grooves.  The track’s dynamic melody ricochets across the strings of electric and acoustic guitars, Casio and Realistic keyboards, while djembe and bass guitar drive the beat (click here to watch the animated video). “That Damn Squash”, now available on all major streaming services, is a just taste of what Stylo has to offer.

Toubab Krewe’s PledgeMusic Campaign features a variety of options for various budgets and interests. Pledge packages range from customly designed clothing to an exclusive Toubab Krewe seed garden with collectors box, as well as opportunities to interact with band members via private instrument lessons on Skype, and private concerts. A portion of all proceeds will support Seed Programs International (SPI), a non-profit organization based in the band’s hometown of Asheville, NC. Seed Programs International provides quality seeds and critically-needed expertise to impoverished communities in developing countries. With every pledge Toubab Krewe receives for physical merchandise, the band will send out a limited edition “That Damn Squash” seed package to the fan, allowing them to grow their own Toubab Krewe squash plants. SPI will then ship out a vegetable packet to a family or humanitarian organization in need.

The Stylo 2018 album release tour will make stops in Colorado, the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast. 2018 promises to be a big year for the group with music festival lineup inclusions on Electric Forest and Fractal Beach, with more to be announced soon. A full listing of confirmed tour dates is below, with additional tour date announcements coming soon.

For more information, and to pre-order Stylo, visit: https://www.pledgemusic.com/toubabkrewe

About Seed Programs International:
OUR VISION is a world in which even the poorest, most disadvantaged people have access to viable seed and the knowledge to grow and utilize food.
OUR MISSION is to provide good quality seed, expertise, and training materials to humanitarian organizations working around the world to alleviate hunger and poverty.
WE BELIEVE that by providing people throughout the world good seed and needed training to grow food we can help accomplish the following:

  • Reduce hunger.
  • Improve nutrition by having people grow vegetables rich in micronutrients that are otherwise missing from diets. These vitamins and minerals are essential for prenatal health, safe childbirth, child development, productivity, and long life.
  • Grow livelihood. As you know if you’ve ever grown a garden, with success comes more food than you can eat. Seed recipients sell excess crops to pay for kids’ school fees, medicines, clothing, safe shelter, and other needs.
  • Help people help themselves to reduce their dependency on donated food.
  • Provide skills that can be useful for a lifetime. This is especially true when children are taught to grow food.

To learn more about how you can help fight world hunger, please visit: http://seedprograms.org/

Check out the first single off the new album, “THAT DAMN SQUASH” below...

Be sure to catch Toubab Krewe live on their upcoming tour!

Confirmed Toubab Krewe 2018 Tour Dates:
2/2 - Key Biscayne, FL - Fractal Beach Fest
2/14 - Frisco, CO - Barkley Ballroom
2/15 - Ft Collins, CO - The Aggie ^
2/16 - Denver, CO - Cervantes ^
2/17 - Winter Park, CO - Ullrs Tavern
3/8 - Baltimore MD - 8 x 10
3/9 - Philadelphia, PA - Ardmore Music Hall #
3/10 - Washington DC - Gypsy Sally’s
3/11 - New York, NY - American Beauty
4/11 - Charleston, SC - Pour House
4/12 - Greensboro, NC - The Blind Tiger
4/13 - Raleigh, NC - Pour House Music Hall
4/14 - Charlotte, NC - Visulite Theatre
4/18 - Nashville, TN - High Watt
4/19 - Atlanta, GA - Terminal West
4/20 - Asheville, NC - Ellington Underground
4/21 - Asheville, NC - Ellington Underground
6/21 - 24 - Rothbury, MI - Electric Forest Festival
6/28 - 7/1 - Rothbury, MI - Electric Forest Festival

^ w/ Pimps of Joytime
# w/ Melvin Seals and JGB

Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets

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Bill's Bluegrass Breakdown

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Bill's Bluegrass Breakdown

If you don't know our friend, Bill, you're missing out! Bill Rudd is the Mayor of DelFest and one of the most genuine people and most passionate bluegrass fans you will ever hope to meet. 

This is Bill...

Bill Rudd at DelFest in Cumberland, MD | Photo Credit: Stuart Dahne Photography

Bill Rudd at DelFest in Cumberland, MD | Photo Credit: Stuart Dahne Photography

Bill Rudd loves life, and luckily for all of us, Bill wants us to love life a little more, too. That's why he's been hard at work putting together Bill's Bluegrass Breakdown - a bi-weekly, hand-picked video playlist, narrated by Bill himself! You can find Bill's Bluegrass Breakdown on YouTube as well as Spotify.

If my Facebook feed last night and today is any indication, Episode 3 of Bill's Bluegrass Breakdown (his most recent release) has a rather timely theme. Be sure to check it out and enjoy the fruits of Bill's labor. 

Spotify Playlist Available Here: https://goo.gl/VLq1UX Find The Railsplitters new album Jump In, here: http://www.therailsplitters.com/ It is a bright time for progressive bluegrass music. Festival lineups are frequently filled with a plethora of up-and-coming bands bringing new sounds to the aging genre.

If you'd like to check out Episode 1, you can find it here...

And you can find Episode 2 here...

We will be featuring Bill's Bluegrass Breakdown here on The Lot Scene, but if you would like to subscribe to his YouTube channel to receive alerts when Bill posts a new video, you can find that HERE.

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Leftover Salmon - The Living Room Tour 2017

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Leftover Salmon - The Living Room Tour 2017

LoS-living-room-18x24-WEB-NEW.jpg

I have a few guidelines that I try to live by:

  • Be kind and give more than you take.
  • Trust people, until they give you a reason not to.
  • An Ed Hardy face tattoo is a legitimate reason not to trust someone.
  • When one of your favorite bands is coming to town, you don't think; you buy the ticket and take the ride!

I did a bit of a doubletake when Leftover Salmon announced their acoustic "Living Room Tour" a few months back. I've been lucky enough to see Leftover Salmon in some pretty intimate settings, but seeing Gypsy Sally's on the lineup announcement seemed too good to be true. Gypsy Sally's has been a fantastic addition to the DC music scene over the last few years; often booking bands that should be way too popular for a venue of that size (Gypsy Sally's has a capacity of only 300). Kudos to their talent buyer, Dustin, for bringing some of the nation's best musical acts to the Georgetown waterfront! Unfortunately for the chronic procrastinators out there, tonight's show at Gypsy Sally's is officially sold out. But fortunately, Leftover Salmon has 2 more shows this week within a 2 hour drive of our nation's capital...and somehow there are still a few tickets available for purchase.

Rams Head On Stage (308 Capacity) - Annapolis, MD - Tuesday, 11/14/17 | Purchase Tickets Here
The Broadberry (350 Capacity) - Richmond, VA - Wednesday, 11/15/17 | Purchase Tickets Here

Don't sleep on these shows, friends! I'll be on the Scene to photograph the DC, Annapolis, and Richmond shows, so if you see me, please come say hi.

-Will

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Burning Man 2017

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Burning Man 2017

BURNING MAN 2017

FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE ARCHIVE

for The Lot Scene by Leah Markman with photos by Olivia Jane Christian

Conversations with Dreaming People: Radical Ritual

“The aim of waking is to dream” e.e. cummings 

Every night on playa is a gift. Streets weave and thread through us. Seeds are planted with single words and a wrong turn grows and grows till it blossoms into the unexpected. 

Grasp onto it, even if it’s only for a moment.

Open your eyes wide, don’t miss the signs. 

Open the refrigerator and walk inside. What do you have to lose?

For my third year, I return to my well-spring. My heart-swell of inspiration, the place I truly step into a Being and Body of responsibility, recklessness and kindness. We recreate and create our city, and ourselves—pliable and translucent—overflowing with playful, deep emotional connections that only an environment of stress, hard work and utter unpredictability can bring. 

Serendipity dwells here. She’s known to be one hell of a bitch. 

Try to find her and be left looking for a ghost, before you realize she has been leading your hand the whole time, usually giving the wrong directions. 

The city is made with calloused hands and light hearts. I spent hours trying to put words into what this place is while sitting on swing high over the esplanade, watching the cars and people chaotically mingle like a tidal wave. Holding my breath from fear, I stand up to swing even higher. 

This year, my heart broke and fell down my throat. This year, I fell in love with a stranger. This year, I got married to myself. Someone asked me what love is, under the blazing heat we giggled and explored this question, each one of us yelling out an answer until we realized that love has no limits.

My camp welcomed me in midweek during a pink flowering sunset. Arriving late for the first time, the city was electric. The playa adorned a coat of enticement and allure. She teased the last living color of the day and silhouettes dance into the aquatic light of darkness. This is my favorite time of day. Frenzied and alive the night took me. 

One of the many, many compelling pieces of art at Burning Man this year.

One of the many, many compelling pieces of art at Burning Man this year.

I got married at Burning Man. We painted our faces, dressed ourselves in white and wore our best platforms. Rushing through the streets, hungry and late for our ceremony. Vibrations of anticipation soak through the esplanade as we bike by. I’m yelling at passing people, and stop to take a Polaroid of a man sleeping, he doesn’t wake up and I leave him to dream with my gift mischievously tucked away in his pants to develop. 

To say the least, we were late to my wedding. But Burning Man refuses to take my schedule seriously; the time is Now, as my watch likes to tell me.

The Tree of Tenere was alive. People are touching its bark awaiting the waxing moon to rise over the mountain; this is where I made a commitment to myself. 

With unwavering confidence and trust in myself, I lit up my parasol and escorted myself down the candlelit walkway. Surrounded by my camp, which adopted me in with open arms, fresh drinks and dance parties, I vowed to love myself under that sunset, to be true to my path, to trust that I am doing the right thing. We circled around the dazzling tree, witnessing the many individuals stepping forward and into the responsibility of self-love. Each voice echoing through the rainbow leaves. 

But Burning Man has a funny way of making you second guess your direction, turning you around then lighting up a different street if you choose to take it. 

I vowed to honor those words I said to myself as the dust settled into sunset. 

By the end of this week though, I left feeling confused and lost. Many times after leaving BRC the road is clear and the world a clay ball ready to be molded. Today, I find myself questioning the pavement rutted with sinkholes and scorched earth. Ashes are falling from the sky and I wonder what it feels like to run full force into flame. 

Relationships were tried and tested.  I gave my heart to a stranger one night sitting by a fire pit on the outskirts of the city. I watched the sunrise from the tent of someone I love dearly, and I wished to be elsewhere. Yet I did not go, instead I leaned into the fear of falling in love, cuddled into sunrise. I watched a burn I hope to never see again and I loved his soul before I ever knew his name. 

I don’t know why and I don’t need to. We all struggle and fall and some of us run. We always do it wrong at some point. Burning Man has always been a place to dream, to realize our potential, and then do it. It’s a landscape to challenge and redefine the world we live in. It can also shatter our sense of purpose and the ground may fall out below us, engulfing everything in fire. 

We are asked to shed the weight not needed, with grace and understanding. We are asked to step into our dream world and pull from it our nightmares, our desires, and all the hope we can muster to create the impossible and the magnificent. 

What do you have to lose? 

When all that’s left are ashes, its time to rebuild. 

Through all the smoke and the dust, through the dark nights and sunrise champagne, we are given a gift—A toolbox of secrets whispered to us in the wind. 

That we can do better, that we can give more, there is still more work to do and that we are strong enough to do it. 

…Or it was better last year anyway so fuck yer burn and ravens can MOOP better than you. 

 

Dedicated to Aaron Joel Mitchell.  We love you. 

-Sweet and Spicy (Leah Markman)

The author enjoying her natural habitat.

The author enjoying her natural habitat.

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Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival

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Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival

Hey there grass fans!!

 So, what might you be doing July 13-16 this year?  Well, if you can make it, you really should try to get to Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY, in the gorgeous Catskill Mountains for the Grey Fox Festival!  This is a very family friendly event, with lots of activities for kids. (Click here for more info)  Roughly 4,000 people attend the fest each year which boasts an intimate setting with lots of repeat attendees.

And what an incredible lineup!  "Must Sees" include Del McCoury Band, Jerry Douglas Band, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Travelin' McCourys, The Infamous Stringdusters w/ special guests, Steep Canyon Rangers, Gibson Brothers, Jeff Austin Band, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, Billy Strings, Cabinet, Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Balsam Range, Trout Steak Revival, Lil' Smokies...sorry, this list is getting out of hand...but the lineup really is THAT good!  Basically, you don't want to miss much of this amazing music. 

Everyone needs to rest and refuel from time to time, so for those times when you just can't be at the stages, Grey Fox will be running an on-site radio stream of the High Meadow Stage to the campground. The radio frequency will be published in the program you'll receive when you arrive, so be on the lookout for that.  The beautiful people at Grey Fox have put together a guide for you of things to remember to ensure everyone is being their fest selves and doing things the Grey Fox way. Check that out here.

Also, contributing photographer, Jay Strausser (Jakstra Photog) will be taking over The Lot Scene's Facebook page to bring you updates throughout the weekend directly from Grey Fox (assuming the internet gods are on our side).

For all those going, we salute you and hope you have a stupendous time!

Click on the images below for the daily schedule at each stage...

Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival: 2016 SELECTS &emdash;
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival: 2016 SELECTS &emdash;
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival: 2016 SELECTS &emdash;

All photos used with permission from Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival

Click here for more photos from Grey Fox 2016 and years past...

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Mad Tea Party Jam 6

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Mad Tea Party Jam 6

When I tell you that Mad Tea Party Jam is a music festival built on a foundation of love, that isn't just a corny line. Roughly 2 hours from DC & Baltimore, 2-1/2 from Pittsburgh, and 3-1/2 from Philadelphia in a town called Artemas, PA, industry staples, Taco and Elise Olmstead (co-founders of music magazine, The Jamwich) celebrate their wedding anniversary with some incredible bands and a few thousand of their closest friends (pretty savy way of ensuring your never forget your anniversary, if you ask me). Elise was kind enough to sit down with us and discuss what makes Mad Tea Party Jam one of the best small music festivals (or large wedding anniversary parties) in the Mid-Atlantic.

Taco & Elise Olmstead @ Mad Tea Party Jam 5 - Photo by Brian Hockensmith (B. Hockensmith Photography)

Taco & Elise Olmstead @ Mad Tea Party Jam 5 - Photo by Brian Hockensmith (B. Hockensmith Photography)

TLS: This year’s Mad Tea Party Jam is coming up on June 15th-18th in Artemas, PA. Can you talk a little about the size of the festival? Any rough idea how many people you’re expecting this year? Has the festival grown over the years or has attendance remained fairly consistent?

Elise: The Mad Tea Party is a small festival!  We max out at about 3000 people and we like it that way.  We've thrown around the idea of growing it upwards of 10,000 but we're still on the fence.  We like that small festivals have an intimate, family vibe.  It's easy to become friends and get close with everyone at the festival.  The attendance has grown a little bit every year but we remain pretty consistent.

TLS: This year will be #6 for you guys. In a market that’s pretty saturated with music festivals, what do you see as the one or two keys to Mad Tea Party's success and longevity? What would you say you do better than other festivals? 

Elise: One of the things that is most integral to our success is relationships.  Taco is the best at this.  He has a genuine interest and love for people, he can find something in common with a paper bag, I swear.  Having our magazine The Jamwich, and being so immersed in festivals, shows, venues...we meet a lot of people and make a lot of friends.  These bonds we create, we only work to strengthen as years go by.  Our festival being our wedding anniversary also makes it a special and personal event.  There are many festivals where the organizers are unknown or unseen, and we are the opposite.  We are purposefully very present.  I don't know if it's something we do better, but it's something we do differently that really makes an impact.  Whether or not an attendee ever gets to meet us face-to-face, the intention of love that the event is built on ripples throughout every little heart in the place.

TLS: Looking back on when Mad Tea Party Jam was just getting started, what were some of the biggest lessons you learned in the first year or two? Any details you overlooked or things that you made sure to improve over the years?

Elise: We had no idea what we were doing when we did Mad Tea Party Jam 2, the first year it was an actual festival.  The list of things that we overlooked is too immense to even tell you.  We probably overlooked like 50% of the things we needed to plan properly.  We didn't know what a production bible was, we didn't know how to properly run will call.  We didn't have any barricades, enough people staffed so that anyone could sleep. So many of our staff members in the first couple of years just literally didn't sleep. My assistant and best friend Stevie would work the front gate until her voice was gone and she sounded like Minnie Mouse.  So over the years we learned to staff more people, order more supplies, and try to plan earlier.  There's always still things that are overlooked and kinks in the chain, but that's a festival.

TLS: I have not had the opportunity to attend Mad Tea Party Jam myself yet, but I have spoken to a few of my friends who have been, and everyone talks about how great the vibe is…intimate atmosphere, friendly, loving staff and attendees…how do you balance keeping a festival small and intimate with the business side of things…scaling in size, so the festival can be more financially successful. 

Elise: Taco and I are both admittedly terrible at keeping the books and the budget straight.  We're very vision-oriented people.  Our partners at Four Quarters Farm stepped in to help us with a lot of this and kind of reel us in and keep us in line.  What we've learned, which comes with a couple of years experience, is to figure out how many people are definitely going to come out, and then build your budget around that number.  This system doesn't allow for a lot of growth, though, so risks have to be taken anyway.  There's no guarantees, and throwing a festival is a really volatile career move.  If you're thinking about throwing a festival, don't do it ha ha!  It's incredibly rewarding, but we are still trying to pay back debts accrued over the years.  We definitely don't do it for the money.

TLS: Are there any first time bands playing the festival this year that you’re especially excited about showcasing? 

Elise: Yes!  We always bring in a couple of new bands. This year we are incredibly excited about After Funk -- with the word "funk" being thrown around so much, the word is losing its luster, but these guys really revitalize the word!  Chalk Dinosaur is an amazing producer, basically a one-man jam band, Earphorik is incredible, Erothyme has such a cool sound and vibe, Goose has a different folk-y flavor...there are so many new bands to discover this year.

Photo by Brian Hockensmith (B. Hockensmith Photography) - Click HERE to view more of Brian's amazing photos from Mad Tea Party Jam 5

Photo by Brian Hockensmith (B. Hockensmith Photography) - Click HERE to view more of Brian's amazing photos from Mad Tea Party Jam 5

Click HERE to purchase tickets for Mad Tea Party Jam 6!

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Deep Roots Mountain Revival - Initial Lineup Announcement

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Deep Roots Mountain Revival - Initial Lineup Announcement

Deep Roots Mountain Revival has announced its initial lineup for their second annual music and arts festival, happening July 20-22, 2017. Circle this one on your calendar, folks; it's happening a bit earlier in the festival season than the 2016 DRMR, which took place last September. This year's headliners, Brandi Carlile and Lettuce, will be joined by JJ Grey & Mofro, Moon Taxi, White Denim, Drake White and the Big Fire, TAUK, The Hip Abduction, and some of our favorite string bands, including Cabinet, Larry Keel Experience, and Billy Strings, to name a few. The festival takes place in Masontown, WV on the legendary Marvin’s Mountaintop, an incredible, picturesque setting, responsible for quite a few of my earlier festival memories. Check out the intitial lineup below, and keep an eye out for more additions in the near future.

Deep Roots Mountain Revival Initial Lineup:

  • Brandi Carlile

  • Lettuce

  • JJ Grey & Mofro

  • Moon Taxi

  • White Denim

  • Drake White and the Big Fire

  • TAUK

  • The Hip Abduction

  • Cabinet

  • Billy Strings

  • The Eric Krasno Band

  • AQUEOUS

  • Larry Keel Experience

  • Cris Jacobs Band

  • Dead 27s

  • Forlorn Strangers

  • Qiet

More to be announced soon! 

Additional information from the festival:

A limited number of advance price tickets are available for $165 for General Admission and $425 - $575 for VIP, respectfully. Once advance tickets are sold out, GA prices will increase to $185, and will be $225 at the gate. Car camping and RV upgrades are also available. VIP ticket package options include early entry; buffet lunch and dinner; happy hour beer and wine; access to premiere viewing areas at all stages; access to private bathrooms and showers; VIP camping sites; VIP lounge access; a swag bag; and a stainless steel souvenir mug. Tickets can be purchased through the Deep Roots Mountain Revival website: mountainrevival.com.

Marvin’s Mountaintop has been revived as a premier family-friendly music festival in the Appalachian mountains. Children ages 10 and under will be admitted into the festival for free, and new this year, kids ages 11-15 can purchase tickets for $50 with proof of age presented at the gate including birth certificate, student ID, passport, or report card. A variety of creative kids activities for all ages will be announced soon. Grab your ticket, and join us around the campfire for another incredible weekend of rhythm, roots, family, and fun!

For more information on the Deep Roots Mountain Revival, visit www.mountainrevival.com.

WHAT: DEEP ROOTS MOUNTAIN REVIVAL
WHEN: THURSDAY JULY 20th – SATURDAY, JULY 22nd, 2017
WHERE: MARVIN’S MOUNTAINTOP IN MASONTOWN, WV
ADVANCE TICKETS: $165 for 3-DAY GA // $425 - $575 for 3-Day VIP
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: www.mountainrevival.com

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Greensky/Dusters Photoshop Challenge!!

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Greensky/Dusters Photoshop Challenge!!

Ready, set...PHOTOSHOP!!

Greensky Bluegrass and The Infamous Stringdusters have been scaling the bluegrass/jamgrass mountain together for a number of years now, and both bands are at the top of their live music games. While no one will argue that they are distinctly different bands, I know a plethora of people who would plant their fan flag in front of both (there are 13,826 combined people who have joined both bands’ Facebook fan groups as of today). 

We have been lucky enough to witness plenty of sit-ins between members of GSBG and ISD, but as they grow in popularity, getting both full bands to share the stage at the same time is becoming an ever-increasing rarity. We got close at Strings & Sol last Sunday during Greensky Bluegrass’s set, but as Anders Beck pointed out several songs later, his friend and former Broke Mountain band mate, Travis Book, had missed his sit-in, making him the only member of either band who was not on stage.

The Lot Scene thinks it might not be too late to rectify this situation. Please Photoshop Travis Book into the picture below, so we can make everything right with the world. Use any photo of Travis that you want. Be creative, be funny, and enter as many times as you’d like.

Submit your entries to info@thelotscene.com by 8pm EST Thursday, December 29th.

In your email, please include the following:

•Name

•Address

•T-shirt size (Men’s large, Women’s medium, etc.)

We will choose our favorite entry and send one lucky winner a care package with some random goodies. Can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!  

GOOD LUCK!!!

Where in the world is Travis Book?

Where in the world is Travis Book?

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Strings & Sol Festival 2016 - Preview

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Strings & Sol Festival 2016 - Preview

Strings and Sol Festival 2016 Preview

for The Lot Scene by Parker and Will

“Just what is Strings & Sol,” you ask?  “Why only the best little bluegrass festy north of the Equator!” comes the reply.  For the uninitiated, S&S is so often that ‘bucket list’ festival, that brass ring of bluegrass bodaciousness that eludes the grasp until that first year of attendance, until those first magical moments in Mexico with your brand new Strings and Sol Family.  Sol Family.  Exactly.  And, for those returning usual suspects, those yearning for that ‘summer camp’ feeling from youth mixed with magnificent music, pool-time paradise, liberally-supplied libations, and exquisite evenings shared with friends and fellow fans, Strings & Sol promises to be all they remember it to be.  And more.  So much more.  Three years in for us here at The Lot Scene and the upward spiral in amazing energy and overall awesomeness of this festival is visibly apparent from all angles.  Cloud 9 runs a very tight and professional ship in general and S&S is no exception.  For our money, this is one of the very best planned, best organized, and best executed festival experiences in our community today.  The overall participant experience is super positive and seems to leave returning folks hoping for more, more, more…that is, if the crazy fast sell-out situation this year is any indication.  But, the fun is just around the corner — only a week away from today, in fact, good people!  So, keep getting your pool floats, sippy cups, costumes, and smiles ready this week in preparation and take a gander below at some good info for your time down in Mexico.  Looking forward to seeing you all at the Sapphire!!  Safe travels, everyone!!

Leftover Salmon and Friends

Leftover Salmon and Friends

Strings & Sol added a new dimension this year on Saturday afternoon with an "Unplugged" session from Greensky Bluegrass. It was especially good and something I hope they continue in years to come. GSBG opened the session on 12 Dec 2015 with "Old Barns" as seen here.

Definitely Not to Be Missed for S&S 2016

1.  Greensky Bluegrass’ pool set from 2-3:30PM on Sunday — these are the types of specialty sets that really set Strings & Sol apart from other festivals you’ve been to. Anyone who caught Greensky’s early afternoon set at the Palapa last year can tell you just how unique an experience these sets can be. The pool set is even a bit later than their Palapa set was last time, so hopefully Max Berde can drag himself out of bed in time to make it this year.

2.  Getting to know the NOW Sapphire Staff — supreme friendliness, outstanding service, and a generally lovely disposition make the resort staff at S&S some of the best we’ve ever encountered.  They love the fest and the music and they’ll definitely love getting to know you.  In fact, many veterans count several friends amongst the staff.  And tipping, of course, is always appreciated.  Your good time is their good time.

3.  Railroad Earth’s Sunset Show from 4-6PM on Saturday — there is nothing quite like sending the Sol off to bed once again than with those fine fellows from New Jersey!  Seriously, a sunset spent on the beach with RRE is magical all in its own amazing way and should be on your list as well.

4.  Unplugged in the Palapa with The Infamous Stringdusters from 6:30-7:30PM on Sunday — yet another incredible and unique offering from S&S.  What a fantastic way to experience such a dynamic band as The Dusters!!  This one’s gonna be very worth it.

5.  Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass from 1-2:30AM on Monday in the Palapa - if you have never seen one of Mr. Williams’ Grateful Grass shows before, then we tell you, you are in for a treat.  Especially with this line-up to choose from.  And, if you have seen one or more before, then you know they aren’t to be missed.  How fortunate we get our very own at S&S this year!!  Really psyched to see that lineup and the setlist — should make for a fantastic closer to the festival.  And with the Dead, no doubt.  Stellar.  

6.  The Positive Legacy Silent Auction from 4-7:10PM on Monday — this auction helps to support a great cause from a fantastic organization.  Positive Legacy puts together the best in music memorabilia and art each year making for one heck of a fantastic opportunity for S&S festival goers.  So many unique pieces up for auction and to help do some good in the world.  Not bad, right?  Not bad, indeed!

7.  A couple of these we can keep nice and simple:  Don’t miss anything involving Larry Keel…

8.  …or anything involving Danny Barnes.  Pretty straightforward there, right?  

9.  Playing in the Sand from 6:15-7PM on Saturday at the Swing Bar — come out and hear your fellow Sol Sisters and Sol Brothers jamming out beach bar style.  Always a good time and you never know who might show up!!

10.  Late nights at the Swing Bar or around the adult pool…so much fun!  Community, conversation, music, merriment, and any number of things await those who brave the wee hours of the morning at Strings & Sol.  Besides, the coffee at the Sapphire is nice and strong!  And for thosewho really know how not to under do it, keep that Swing Bar party going until the sun rises. Trust us, you won't be the only one, and the photo ops can be both hilarious and breathtakingly beautiful.

And so, with that, friends, we look forward to seeing you down south in the warmer climes, drink in hand, feet in sand, head high in the skies of music and magic moments soaring above the Sapphire.  Can’t wait to see those pool floats!!

All the best and iiHASTA MEXICO, AMIGOS!!

-TLS

Greensky Bluegrass

Greensky Bluegrass

Thursday, 10 Dec 2015, was one hot opening night of music at Strings and Sol this year. So many great bands and so much incredible music from each. No exception was Leftover Salmon with sizzlin' good guests Sam Bush on fiddle and Jay Starling on dobro -- magnificent!!

Image Gallery from past Strings & Sols:

Friday's fiery sunset brought with a simmering set from Railroad Earth on 11 Dec 2015 at Strings & Sol 4. Here is the second song from their set: "Lordy, Lordy". Hope you enjoy!! Recorded on tripod. Apologies for the adverse wind effects.

iiVAMOS A STRINGS AND SOL!!

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Keller Williams' ThanksForGrassGiving

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Keller Williams' ThanksForGrassGiving

Keller Williams on the main stage @ DelFest 2016

Keller Williams on the main stage @ DelFest 2016

Growing up, when it came to holidays, my family always had a light-hearted rule: if you do something once and like it or if you do something twice whether you like it or not, it becomes a tradition...needless to say we had a lot of holiday traditions. I guess I've carried that mentality into adulthood. Some of my new favorite Thanksgiving traditions are Keller Williams' Thanksforgrassgiving concerts at 9:30 Club in DC and The National in Richmond, VA.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so with that in mind, here are 17,000 words worth of photos from Keller's 2015 ThanksForGrassGiving at The National...

*Click on images to enlarge...*

This year, Keller is getting some support from his friends, Jeff Austin (mandolin), Jay Starling (dobro), Danton Boller (bass), and Nicky Sanders (fiddle). 

Don't be late - Love Canon will be getting the party started!

To Purchase Tickets:
11/25 - Washington, DC Tickets: http://ticketf.ly/2gdKOvP
11/26 - Richmond, VA Tickets: http://bit.ly/2fmX2RN

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