FESTIVALS
Folk Alliance International | February 22-26, 2012
www.folkalliance.org
The 2012 International Folk Alliance Conference will be held at the Memphis Downtown Marriott Hotel again, bringing together industry professionals and musicians with likeminded goals: to preserve and promote folk music. Events include workshops, panel discussions, networking receptions, along with 200+ official performances and 300+ unofficial showcases. Check the website as the event nears for more information.
Berks Jazz Fest | March 23-April 1, 2012
www.berksjazzfest.com
The 22nd annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, presented by the Berks Arts Council, features an array of musical styles including contemporary and traditional jazz, blues and world music. This year’s lineup includes George Benson, Bela Fleck & The Original Flecktones, The Manhattan Transfer, Chieli Minucci & Special EFX, Tommy Castro’s Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue, Boney James, Minas, Chick Corea, Joe Krown Trio with opening act Debbie Davies Band, Brian Culbertson and David Benoit, Will Downing and Gerald Albright, Global Noize, Anat Cohen Quartet, Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers plus opening act Clarence Spady, all-star jams and so much more! Over 130 events at major venues, clubs and restaurants throughout Pennsylvania’s Greater Reading are made this a truly unique music festival. For more information, including ticketing, artist bios and archived releases, visit the Berks Jazz Fest website.
Mountain Jam 8 | May 31 – June 3, 2012
www.mountainjam.com
Now in its eighth year, the Mountain Jam 2012 lineup features headliners Steve Winwood and Gov’t Mule , along with Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Roots, Ben Folds Five and The Word (featuring Robert Randolph, John Medeski and The North Mississippi All Stars . Also on the bill is the New Orleans funk of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, bluegrass with The Travelin’ McCourys , the funk jazz of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, folk rock with Dawes, Austin-based guitar-slinger Gary Clark Jr., Grammy-winning string band, Carolina Chocolate Drops, indie-pop group Giver and funk/soul/R&B singer and Daptone Records recording artist Charles Bradley. Expect to expose your senses to fresh mountain air and the best in modern roots music, from blues to rock to country.
Billtown Blues Festival | June 10, 2012
www.billtownblues.org
The Billtown Blues Festival, now in its 23rd year, is a family oriented reunion of blues fans who gather at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville PA. Kids under 16 with parents are admitted free. Patrons are permitted coolers ( no glass!) and encouraged to bring lawn chairs and sun screen. The day-long event offers straight-up blues from notable touring blues acts on the main stage, and special presentations in the acoustic tent. This year’s lineup includes Matt Hill and the Deep Fryed Two, Fiona Boyes and Band, JP Soars and the Red Hots, Johnny Winter and the Bernard Allison Group.
Bluesfest International | July 13-15, 2012
www.thebluesfest.com
Canada’s premier blues festival is back again this year, spreading the blues across the great white north from Windsor to London. Windsor’s weekend lineup includes Scott Holt, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and Alto Reed’s Motor City AllStars while London’s lineup includes Ten Years After, Homemade Jamz Blues Band and Harper & Midwest Kind. Can’t decide between Windsor or London? Don’t fret, most of the bands are playing split double-duty bills by performing sets in both cities on alternating days.
Americana Music Festival and Conference | See you in 2012!
www.americanamusic.org
The Americana Music Festival and Conference in September 2011 rings together established artists, rising stars, industry executives and fans in an educational (seminars and panels by day) and entertaining (shows by night) setting; approximately 100 live performances take place in 5 downtown Nashville clubs. Lineup TBA.
Chicago Blues Festival | See you in 2012!
www.chicagofestivals.net/category/city-of-chicago-festivals/blues-festival
The 28th annual Chicago Blues Fest is taking over the lakefront Grant Park again and keeping its tradition of remembering the past and celebrating the future. Friday’s events begin with the Blues in the Schools (Stone Academy students led by local blues artists Eric Noden, Katherine Davis and Erwin Helfer) and ends with a tribute to “King of the Delta Blues” Robert Johnson, featuring David “Honey Boy” Edwards. Saturday’s got performances from the Dwayne Burnside Band, Dexter Allen and a tribute to the late Pinetop Perkins led by Willie “Big Eyes” Smith. Sunday’s performers include Shemekia Copeland, Memphis Gold, and Lonnie Brooks spearheading the 40th anniversary of blues trendsetter Alligator Records.
Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival | See you in 2012!
www.clearwater.org/festival
Over 40 years after Pete Seeger started the Clearwater Great Hudson River Revival movement, the river is a site of recreation and home to one of the country’s leading music and environmental festivals. This year’s installment will showcase live music by Pete Seeger, Drive-By Truckers, Indigo Girls, Billy Bragg, Peter Yarrow and Tao Seeger. This year’s theme is “Clearwater Generations,” dedicated to teaching the next generation how to care for their environment and enjoy live music in the process.
Delfest | See you in 2012!
www.delfest.com
This year’s festival sets up shop on the Allegany County Fairgrounds with an impressive lineup that includes the namesake Del McCoury Band, Old Crowe Medicine Show, Yonder Mountain String Band, Warren Haynes (acoustic with special guests), and many more. Multiple-day passes are available, and the fest’s website reminds attendees to bring their dancing shoes and their smiles.
Gathering of the Vibes | See you in 2012!
www.gatheringofthevibes.com
What started as a memorial party to honor the late Jerry Garcia has turned into a 16-year-strong festival that invites not only Deadheads, but music fans of all genres. Gathering of the Vibes will be making Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT its home this year and will be hosting performances by Furthur (featuring Phil Lesh and Bob Weir), Jane’s Addiction, Elvis Costello and the Imposters, the Levon Helm Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Dr. John and the Lower 911, and more. See the festival’s website for information on tickets and a full festival guide.
Great South Bay Music Festival | See you in 2012!
www.greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com
Located just 90 minutes outside of New York City, the Shorefront Park in Patchogue, NY is hosting the fifth annual Great South Bay Music Festival, where New Yorkers and out-of-towners can enjoy a cool ocean breeze while getting down on a diverse mix of live music, from jazz to rock. Artists scheduled to perform include local acts like alt rock band Silent Generosity and pianist/guitarist Mikey Wax, to big time national acts like Hot Tuna, David Bromberg, Umphrey’s McGee and 38 Special. The festival is also committed to decreasing its carbon footprint, working together with local company Go Solar Inc. to provide live music that’s partially powered by solar energy. Single day and weekend passes are available, visit the festival’s website for more information.
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival | See you in 2012!
www.greyfoxbluegrass.com
This family-friendly four-day festival is all bluegrass, an appropriate mix of traditional, contemporary, old time, new grass, jamgrass and dance bands, along with music workshops, showcases and fun activities for kids. This year’s lineup includes Sam Bush Band, Del McCoury Band, Yongder Mountain String Band, Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Rockin’ Acoustic Circus and Red Stick Ramblers.
Home County Folk Festival | See you in 2012!
www.homecounty.ca
If you want to go to a summer festival and get the passport stamp to prove it, then head to London, Ontario for the 37th annual Home Country Folk Festival. For three days, five stages will host Ariana Gillis, Basia Bulat, James Keelaghan, the Métis Fiddler Quartet and a whole slew of acts yet to be announced. A menagerie of artisans, craftsmen and cooks will be in attendance to peddle their wares. With free admission for the whole weekend, the price can only be beat by that creepy old guy who lives across the street and says he’ll give you a nickel if you come listen to him play guitar in his backyard, but you should probably just come to this festival instead.
Outside Lands Festival | See you in 2012!
www.sfoutsidelands.com
Sprawling across the historic Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, this megafest is celebrating its fourth birthday this year with a stellar line up: Muse, Arcade Fire, MGMT, the Decemberists, Erykah Badu, Warren Haynes Band, John Fogerty, the Joy Formidable, Mavis Staples, Toro y Moi and more. This festival is also one of the greenest in all the land, utilizing the Eco Lands at Speedway Meadow as the green epicenter of the event. Eco Lands will be home to the Panhandle Stage (a completely solar-powered stage where live acts will perform throughout the day and into the night), water bottle refilling stations and valet bike parking so you can rock out all weekend and decrease your carbon footprint while you’re at it.
Pennsylvania Blues Fest | See you in 2012!
www.skibluemt.com/SkiBlue/activities/pa-blues-fest.aspx
This festival was formerly known as the Pocono Blues Festival, but don’t let the name change fool you: it’s still got soul. This year marks the 20th anniversary of live blues music in the Poconos. Five dollars gets you into the onsite prefest jam kickoff on Friday night with Studebaker John and the Hawks, presumably enough to get you warmed up for two full days of blues. Saturday will have performances by Bettye LaVette, Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials, Samuel James and headliner Otis Clay, with Sunday’s performances by Big Daddy Stallings, Magic Slim and the Teardrops, Steve Guyger and Billy Flynn, and Shemekia Copeland.
Philadelphia Folk Festival | August 19-21, 2011
www.pfs.org/folk-festival The Philadelphia Folk Festival has been summoning die-hard folk fans for decades, five of them to be exact, and for its 50th anniversary, the Philadelphia Folksong Society is pulling out all the stops. Arlo Guthrie, David Bromberg Big Band, Justin Townes Earle and Tom Paxton are all slated to appear along with countless others. In addition to camping grounds, the festival will host workshops and a craft fair for when you get tired of folking around.
Riverfront Blues Festival | See you in 2012!
www.riverfrontbluesfest.com
Summer heat got you red hot? Cool down with some blues at the Riverfront Blues Festival. This three-day event brings the likes of Joanne Shaw Taylor, Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King, James Cotton Band, Tab Benoit and plenty more to the riverbanks of Wilmington. In addition to the main stage draws, the Diamond State Blues Society will be sponsoring afterparties with the festival’s main talents at the nearby Sheraton.
Rhythm and Roots Festival | See you in 2012!
www.rhythmandroots.com/general/home.php
Summer might be cooling down, but things in New England are just heating up. Get ready to get down at the Rhythm & Roots Festival where roots music and dance join forces to provide festival goers with a great way to celebrate Labor Day weekend. This year’s list of performers includes Steve Earle and the Dukes (and Duchesses), 7 Walkers, Marcia Ball, Raul Malo, Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble, and the Red Stick Ramblers as the festival host band.
Riverbend Festival | See you in 2012!
www.riverbendfestival.com
The Riverbend Festival is a nine-day music marathon along the Tennessee River with over 100 bands spread across five stages. Whether you’re in the mood for a little country or bluegrass, classic rock or jam bands, something will get you groovin’, or better—turn you on to some new tunes. Still in its early stages, this year’s lineup is bringing in the Beach Boys, Brian McKnight, Dana Fuchs, Huey Lewis and the News, John Lee Hooker Jr., North Mississippi Allstars Duo and more.
Snowy Range Music Festival | See you in 2012!
www.snowyrangemusicfestival.com
In the waning days of summer, the Snowy Range Music Festival is likely your last chance at enjoying it. Located in Laramie, Wyoming, Snowy Range will feature highly entertaining artists including: George Clinton, Blinddog Smokin’, Davina & the Vagabonds, Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband and Trombone Shorty. With mountains as your backdrop and music all around, there is no better way to spend Labor Day weekend.
Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival | See you in 2012!
www.wakarusa.com
The Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival is doing its part to put Ozark on the map as one of the premier sites for outdoor music. In its eighth year, this grassroots operation is bringing in big-time acts, namely Mumford and Sons, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Ozomatli, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue and the Budos Band. One day parking is available, but camping out on the grounds provides the full experience of the great outdoors.
Western Maryland Blues Fest | See you in 2012!
www.blues-fest.org
In its 16th year, the Western Maryland Blues Fest is four days of—you guessed it—nothin’ but blues. Thursday’s event is the free Blues Prelude, followed by two days of nonstop music with Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam, Ana Popovic, George Porter Jr. and Runnin’ Pardners, Devon Allman’s Honeytribe and more. After all that dancing, attendees are encouraged to kick back in a lawn chair, cozy up on a blanket and enjoy free music and some good food at Sunday’s Family Blues Picnic.
FRIENDS
The Iridium
www.theiridium.com
The Iridium, home of Les Paul, is New York City’s best music venue featuring Jazz and Rock. Live music 7 days a week in the heart of Times Square, Manhattan.
Daptone Records
www.daptonerecords.com
DAPTONE RECORDS–that little indie label that could, would and certainly should–continues to bring you the tastiest, most delectable nuggets of Soul, Funk, Gospel and Afrobeat to be found on a vinyl platter. Armed with recipes culled from a former life as Desco Records, we at Daptone earnestly strive to serve only the finest music analog tape can offer.
100.1 FM WDST | Radio Woodstock
wdst.com
Live Internet Radio Streaming. Billboard Magazine has named Radio Woodstock/WDST “Best Station” many times. The recipient of national and regional awards for its eclectic and innovative programming, Radio Woodstock/WDST searches out and promotes the development of emerging artist, while still paying tribute to established talent whose music continues to stand the test of time.
Carl Gustafson
www.blinddogsmokin.com
For more of Carl Gustafson’s road stories. Blinddog Smokin’, known for its intense presentation, dynamic volume swings, and humorous storytelling, brings anywhere from six to ten performers to its shows, and often features in addition, famous guest blues artists like Bobby Rush, Carl Weathersby, Sherman Robertson and Billy Branch. For several summers, award winning British sensation, Oli Brown toured with Blinddog. The big Blinddog bus has carried on tour such notables as Zora Young, Miss Blues, Aynsley Lister, and Holland’s Coen Wolters. The shows are innovative, always colorful, and often dramatic, and in one night may feature many configurations, looks, and song styles.
Christine Ohlman
www.christineohlman.net
The Official Website for Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez.
Manhattan New Music Project
www.mnmp.org
Our vision is to foster innovation in American Culture through Research & Development, Performance and Education in Jazz and related arts disciplines. Our think tank identifies today’s leaders and emerging stars of the avant guard in jazz and showcases them to the world through recordings and performances. We also develop ways to foster tomorrow’s creators and leaders through our education programs. By focusing on student created art we teach basic skills of learning and creative problem solving needed in a global society.
Southside Johnny
www.southsidejohnny.com
Official site of Southside Johnny, featuring tour dates, music downloads, news, writings, photos, videos and all things Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.
