Introducing Sleepytime Gorilla Museum: A Masked Unmasking
Their one-night only stop in Denver, camping out of a “crashed-green” tour-bus from 1954, introduced me and my friends to their brand of Heavy Gypsy Folk ‘n’ Roll for the first time. I cringe with understatement to say that I enjoyed Sleepytime. The entire show was like a fast train crashing into a loud symphony.
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  • Leftover Salmon is breaking up or taking a break?
    Leftover Salmon after 15 yrs says no more.. a hiatus or good-bye for good? read more..

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  • Leftover Salmon is breaking up or taking a break?
    Leftover Salmon after 15 yrs says no more.. a hiatus or good-bye for good? read more..

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  • Mark Karan interview - 4/21/01
    Mark Karan interview

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  • Railroad Earth
    With nearly 400 shows and tens of thousands of road miles now behind them, Railroad Earth has become a staple on the national touring and festival scene, and built a huge following of loyal fans that document and trade every note they play, and often join them on the road for multiple nights. These fans call themselves “Hobos,” and the band considers them to be the fuel that keeps this engine chugging along. Railroad Earth’s next album is planned for release in Spring 2004. Till then the band will continue to bring their music to the stage from East to West. So keep an ear to the ground and listen for Railroad Earth, because they'll be rolling through your town very soon.

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  • ten2nine
    "I hate to break the news to you, but you guy's may have finally put all the pieces together. This new ep is the best work I've heard from you ever! The writing, lyrics and music is superb, the performance is top notch and [Jim Leguilloux's] production gives it a true professional gloss." - Ron Gilmour, Power 104 Kelowna, BC

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  • Metharia
    The debut on the band was on 18th January 2000, when Metharia won the festival "Le Quattro Notti Rock." In June 2003 they are one of the three winners of the "NMC festival,' in Marcerta winning the award for the best live performance.

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  • Signal Path
    Armed with new jungle juice, they are warming up and ready to play. They opened up with a latenight show in Atlanta and continued on to Mountain View Jam Festival in North Carolina. Coast to coast, they'll be working their way to SummerCamp, Wakarusa, and High Sierra Music Festival.

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  • T-Band
    Jim Dooney plays guitar and does most of the lead vocals. He is great at getting everyone involved in the fun by taking requests or choosing the perfect song for any situation. Amy Anderson plays the stand up bass and sings harmony. Amy is the musical backbone of the band. Her playing punch and solid timing keeps us all together in our all acoustic environment. Robert Griffith plays banjo and sings harmony. Rob drives the band with lightning fast fingers and great improvising skills. Rich Egan plays mandolin and does some vocals. Rich keeps your feet tapping and your fingers snapping with his rhythm chops and is great at playing tasteful solos."

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  • Shanti Groove (September 2003)
    Shanti's groove moves along acoustical and electrical lines, combining the voice of jazz and rock with back porch bluegrass and funktified percussion. Bringing their unique sound to venues nationwide, the band provides a musical celebration of the 'groove' kind.

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  • Kelly's running column
    In this column I want to talk to you about Ghent. Ghent is the capital of the province East-Flanders in Belgium, a small country in Europe, and has about 225, 000 inhabitants.

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  • Kelly's running column
    In this column I want to talk to you about Ghent. Ghent is the capital of the province East-Flanders in Belgium, a small country in Europe, and has about 225, 000 inhabitants.

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  • Curious Yellow (August 2003)
    After fronting a couple bands in the mid 90s in California and spending the next several years developing his musical and songwriting talents in Japan and Minneapolis, Adam Lancaster landed in Denver in 2000 and founded the band. The band took on many formations and seemingly endless lineup changes for about a year until the perfect complimentary additions of Gregg Rosenthal (drums), Josh Eckhoff (guitar), and Matt Novack (bass, vocals) created a sound and style beyond what Adam could have hoped for. This new talented group immediately began writing songs and reworking old songs to create music and a performance that attracts and engages every listening audience. The personal and musical bond between each member deepened quickly and the dedication from everyone to develop the band to its fullest possibilities is evident.

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  • New Monsoon (June 2003)
    Utilizing congas, timbales, tabla, banjo, bongos, Dobro, ghatham, Didgeridoo, electric and acoustic guitars, bass, drum kit and keys, the band offers a plethora of textures, rhythms, ideas and moods. New Monsoon absorbs elements of sound indigenous to world culture and incorporates them into a variety of colorful and original rhythmic compositions.

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  • One Way Rider (May 2003)
    "One Way Rider has taken Nashville by storm! It was an honor to have them perform on the Interstate Radio Network a network of over twenty stations that broadcast from Music City and airs nationwide and in Canada. Locally in Nashville, the IRN broadcast on WSM 650 AM, the home of the Grand Ole Opry. The response was great! We cant wait to have them come back on the air and play for us again. It was so good to be with folks that live and love the bluegrass way, truly a blessed family. David and Valerie are a great example of what a family can accomplish together."

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  • Smokestack (January 2003)
    “The quality of playing blew me away. All four guys were stars, but that keyboard player is a superstar. Very Hornsby in his writing and singing, very Medeski with his jams. I have had the CD for a few months, and being a little familiar with the songs impressed me even more.” CanJam News Toronto, Canada

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  • The Miltones (December 2002)
    Formed in the summer of 2000, the Miltones have already performed over 350 shows in under 28 months. Their high volume of gigs has enabled the band to mature and explore a range of musical directions that make them a formidable artistic act. Simultaneously their music seems to embrace a level of healing and celebration that make them both accessible and fortunate for the audiences they have attracted.

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  • Ripple (November 2002)
    When Ripple started out in an Old Tappan, NJ basement during early 1978, none of us thought we would be discussing the possibilities of playing together for 25 years. But that’s exactly what happened. From the early day’s of playing friends parties (usually when the Parent’s were away) to all the great nightclubs and other interesting venues we’ve performed at during the years, we’ve met some amazing people and formed life long friendships that will long out live the Band.

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  • Fair To Midland (September 2002)
    Brett Stowers and Nathin Seals offer a rhythmic passion that leads the humble gentlemen in their avant-garde sound. The unearthed discord and unconventional cries of frontman Andrew Sudderth infused with guitarist Cliff Campbell's melodic fury tumble into a captivating creation of sonics, cultures, and confusion. Combined with the subtle offering of Matt Langley on keys, FTM glides past the expected boundries and gracefully throws their intense rock harmonies to the flame.

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  • The Few (July 2002)
    "We did it in chunks, whenever he was available," says Burnside. "Living there, and playing in the clubs, it raises your game." The result, an explosive, hooky collection that echoes Burnside's love of the Replacements and fascination with the Cure, is startling from a 22-year-old who took up guitar only three years ago.

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  • One Cat Left (May 2002)
    Pete’s former association with TOM MARSHALL of PHISH led to the band AMFIBIAN. It was here in this situation that Pete found his voice and his motivation..

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  • Mt. Kilimanjaro!
    In one scene we saw a hippo in the river, a croccodile laying on the bank just beside it, and a waterbuck stanking near in the grass!

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  • Grateful Web Interview with Madison House and SCI Ticketing
    SCI interview

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  • Sativa Gumbo (April 2002)
    Sativa Gumbo

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  • Pamela's stories from Africa
    This month I'll continue teaching English at the school, organize a second beekeeping seminar, begin making fuel-efficient stoves, and track down another place to buy modern breed roosters.

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  • Yamagata (June 2001)
    Yamagata

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  • JSwine (October 2000)
    JSwine

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  • Mark Karan (August 2000)
    Mark Karan

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  • Moses Guest (September 2000)
    Moses Guest

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  • Uncle Sammy (July 2001)
    Uncle Sammy

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  • Solomon Grundy (April 2001)
    Solomon Grundy

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  • Tonal Vision (May 2001)
    Tonal Vision

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  • Cosmic Dust Devils (December 2001)
    Cosmic Dust Devils

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  • Purple Buddah (November 2001)
    Purple Buddah

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  • Shakedown Street (February 2002)
    Shakedown Street

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  • Dark Star Orchestra (December 2000)
    Dark Star Orchestra

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  • YES: Close to the Edge
    We don’t listen to Yes to dance, we listen to Yes to journey.

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  • 5.8.77 - Cornell University - 28 Years Later...
    In particular my favorites are Loser, TLEO, Jack Straw (for its fluidity and perfect groove, how often do you think of this song for its groove?!), BE Women (again for the ease and fluidity of Jerry's playing and the rest of the band not getting in the way), Row Jimmy (some of Jer's best slide work ever!), and Dancin' (finding the non-stop, eternal groove).

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  • 5.8.77 - Cornell University - 28 Years Later...
    In particular my favorites are Loser, TLEO, Jack Straw (for its fluidity and perfect groove, how often do you think of this song for its groove?!), BE Women (again for the ease and fluidity of Jerry's playing and the rest of the band not getting in the way), Row Jimmy (some of Jer's best slide work ever!), and Dancin' (finding the non-stop, eternal groove).

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  • Sweet Home Sellout
    Big Wheels keep on turning, Carry chicken in a rotisserie, I guess we finally figured out, yeah, It’s us, not Neil, who sing for Pepsi

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  • Etown: Leo Kottke/Mike Gordon plus Mary Gauthier
    Etown announes Leo Kottke/Mike Gordon plus Mary Gauthier taping Tuesday, June 21. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 13th.

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  • Etown: Leo Kottke/Mike Gordon plus Mary Gauthier
    Etown announes Leo Kottke/Mike Gordon plus Mary Gauthier taping Tuesday, June 21. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 13th.

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  • New Mimi Fishman Auction has begun!
    The Grateful Web is thrilled to power this May Mimi Fishman auction. An eclectic auction blend of a traditional "Mimi" charities as well as Rock the Earth, and the Conscious Alliance. The auction items are eclectic as well, spanning decades of rock and art with signed items and several ticket/pass packages from bands including: String Cheese Incident, Yonder Mountain String Band, Mike Gordon of Phish has donated the first guitar he ever bought. Ben Harper autographed posters, cult classic rock band Gentle Giant signed DVD and VIP pass for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. The auction ends June 1st.

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  • New Mimi Fishman Auction has begun!
    The Grateful Web is thrilled to power this May Mimi Fishman auction. An eclectic auction blend of a traditional "Mimi" charities as well as Rock the Earth, and the Conscious Alliance. The auction items are eclectic as well, spanning decades of rock and art with signed items and several ticket/pass packages from bands including: String Cheese Incident, Yonder Mountain String Band, Mike Gordon of Phish has donated the first guitar he ever bought. Ben Harper autographed posters, cult classic rock band Gentle Giant signed DVD and VIP pass for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. The auction ends June 1st.

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  • Dresden Dolls Impaled on Nine Inch Nails: A Visceral Concert Review
    “I know,” said the girl, “I almost can’t take it!” I told her, “This crowd’s a sea of writhing flesh like drunken maggots on fresh road kill!” That statement evidently caught the attention of the obligatory nine-foot-tall-guy that always stands beside you at concerts. He said, “You’d better finish that beer before you spill it on me.” “You finish it!” I joked. But then he grabbed my beer, chugged it, the lights blacked out, we sardined with a deafening roar, and Ross vanished.

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  • Phishy, Phishy, Phishy. How do you get your Phix?
    A couple of weeks ago Mike asked me to go to the Phix show at the Fox and write a review; I'm not going to write a review of a cover band, I told him. You'll wind up with ridiculous lines like "Paul was really channeling Trey on that cover of Moma Dance" or "their version of Punch You in the Eye almost made me feel like it really was Phish."

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  • Phishy, Phishy, Phishy. How do you get your Phix?
    A couple of weeks ago Mike asked me to go to the Phix show at the Fox and write a review; I'm not going to write a review of a cover band, I told him. You'll wind up with ridiculous lines like "Paul was really channeling Trey on that cover of Moma Dance" or "their version of Punch You in the Eye almost made me feel like it really was Phish."

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  • eTOWN: Judy Collins and John Cohen 7/26/05
    Judy Collins and John Cohen etown RADIO SHOW TAPING. Sunday, June 26. TICKETS : $15.00 The Boulder Theater Box Office 303.786.7030

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  • eTOWN: Ray LaMontagne with Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion
    etown RADIO SHOW TAPING of Ray LaMontagne with Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion. Sunday, July 10, 7:00pm WHERE: The Boulder Theater 2034 14th Street Boulder , CO

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  • Tangerine Dream: Force Majeure
    The track »Through metamorphic rocks« found its roots in the sudden malfunction of an out board piece of equipment. The malfunction occurred during the final mix and accidently became part of the song's basic structure.

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  • Jethro Tull : Stand Up
    Tull's 'Sleeper' Album may be its tightest.

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  • Kraftwerk: AutoBahn
    When the synthesizer was born, and stereo recordings were still young, four young Germans made the ultimate celebration of driving in stereo and electronic sound on their Album side, "AutoBahn."

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  • Kraftwerk: AutoBahn
    When the synthesizer was born, and stereo recordings were still young, four young Germans made the ultimate celebration of driving in stereo and electronic sound on their Album side, "AutoBahn."

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  • Tony Furtado lines up some Coloroado dates
    Tony's on tour now, swinging through Colorado soon.

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  • 10,000 Lakes Festival Confirms Artist Lineup
    10,000 Lakes Festival Confirms Artist Lineup; Adds Black Crowes and More Third Annual Music Festival to Host Over Thirty National Acts Over Three Nights in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota July 21-24

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  • Dark Star Orchestra Provides Fun and Nostalgia in NY
    DSO is not just your average Grateful Dead cover band. There is a huge debate in the music world about cover bands and I don’t know what to think, but at the very least it is always fun. Can you really ask for more? Well, yes, but let’s come back to that question after a quick review of their show Wednesday night near Albany in Clifton Park, NY.

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  • Dark Star Orchestra Provides Fun and Nostalgia in NY
    DSO is not just your average Grateful Dead cover band. There is a huge debate in the music world about cover bands and I don’t know what to think, but at the very least it is always fun. Can you really ask for more? Well, yes, but let’s come back to that question after a quick review of their show Wednesday night near Albany in Clifton Park, NY.

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  • Big Head Todd and the Monsters at Red Rocks
    “Music…touches the soul…[and] often makes you feel so good about the less than wonderful day we may have had. I can’t believe that any of us that love music can stand by and watch this insanity continue, knowing that we are directly responsible for some really bad days for real families in Iraq.”

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  • Big Head Todd and the Monsters at Red Rocks
    “Music…touches the soul…[and] often makes you feel so good about the less than wonderful day we may have had. I can’t believe that any of us that love music can stand by and watch this insanity continue, knowing that we are directly responsible for some really bad days for real families in Iraq.”

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  • Where Did My Mind Go?
    As for the Pixies, I thought they were great. Again, I had heard very little of their music before this time, and I was pleasantly surprised. I am familiar with the Breeders’ music, and figured the bassist, Kim Deal, would be worth it. Besides, aren’t all women bass players awesome anyways?

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  • Where Did My Mind Go?
    As for the Pixies, I thought they were great. Again, I had heard very little of their music before this time, and I was pleasantly surprised. I am familiar with the Breeders’ music, and figured the bassist, Kim Deal, would be worth it. Besides, aren’t all women bass players awesome anyways?

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  • Doc Watson and Kathleen Edwards, 8/1/2005, Boulder
    Chautauqua Auditorium South of Baseline at 9th St, Boulder 303.440.7666

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  • Don't Panic -- 06/24/05 Red Rocks, Morrison, CO
    Red Rocks was the site of Michael Houser's second to last show and has always been a second home for Panic and their fans. Panic's previous three night run at Red Rocks in 2003 after Mikey's death the year before had been very disappointing to most and word from the Spring Tour and the Bonnaroo shows had this Red Rocks stand as being redemption of sorts.

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  • Don't Panic -- 06/24/05 Red Rocks, Morrison, CO
    Red Rocks was the site of Michael Houser's second to last show and has always been a second home for Panic and their fans. Panic's previous three night run at Red Rocks in 2003 after Mikey's death the year before had been very disappointing to most and word from the Spring Tour and the Bonnaroo shows had this Red Rocks stand as being redemption of sorts.

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  • Gathering of the Vibes - August 12th, 13th, & 14th
    So 10 years later, as we move forward with Vibes 2005, we just wanted to let you know that Jerry is very much in our thoughts, and this year we're proud to show tribute to the man who has inspired us all, on so many levels.

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  • Gathering of the Vibes - August 12th, 13th, & 14th
    So 10 years later, as we move forward with Vibes 2005, we just wanted to let you know that Jerry is very much in our thoughts, and this year we're proud to show tribute to the man who has inspired us all, on so many levels.

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  • TW Classic 2005
    Later on, Novastar with front man Joost Zweegers, one of my favorite bands, was performing. This band is really loved. On national level (Belgium), it has been rewarded with three awards earlier this year: Best singer for Joost Zweegers, Best band for Novastar, and Best CD for “another lonely soul”.

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  • TW Classic 2005
    Later on, Novastar with front man Joost Zweegers, one of my favorite bands, was performing. This band is really loved. On national level (Belgium), it has been rewarded with three awards earlier this year: Best singer for Joost Zweegers, Best band for Novastar, and Best CD for “another lonely soul”.

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  • TW Classic 2005
    Later on, Novastar with front man Joost Zweegers, one of my favorite bands, was performing. This band is really loved. On national level (Belgium), it has been rewarded with three awards earlier this year: Best singer for Joost Zweegers, Best band for Novastar, and Best CD for “another lonely soul”.

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  • Ladell McLin's 'Stand Out'
    So what happens when someone comes along who plays with that kind of intensity, whose command of the guitar goes beyond chops to something deeper in the soul, who is so tied to his beloved instrument that he's been known to sleep with it and cover it in roses -- and on top of all that, he's from Chicago.

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  • Ladell McLin's 'Stand Out'
    So what happens when someone comes along who plays with that kind of intensity, whose command of the guitar goes beyond chops to something deeper in the soul, who is so tied to his beloved instrument that he's been known to sleep with it and cover it in roses -- and on top of all that, he's from Chicago.

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  • Phix News, July '05
    In about 2 weeks we will be kicking off our Summer Tour '05. This tour starts off in the midwest, and continues down to the East Coast...we're covering some serious mileage!

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  • Thoughts on American Music and Jerry Garcia
    In light of the Fourth of July I would like to invite all readers to comment with your ideas of what constitutes American Music. We could get a very nice discussion going regarding bands, styles, influences, allusions, imagery, intent, and anything else that might come up about what American Music is, was, means and does.

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  • Thoughts on American Music and Jerry Garcia
    In light of the Fourth of July I would like to invite all readers to comment with your ideas of what constitutes American Music. We could get a very nice discussion going regarding bands, styles, influences, allusions, imagery, intent, and anything else that might come up about what American Music is, was, means and does.

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  • New Mimi Fishman Auction!
    Rare signed photos, magazines, posters including this cool War of the Worlds poster with Tom Cruise & Dakota Fanning's signature. Also, Shakedown Campout, Gathering of the Vibes VIP pass, Trey Anastasio ticket packages & more! Ends 7/25/2005.

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  • New Mimi Fishman Auction!
    Rare signed photos, magazines, posters including this cool War of the Worlds poster with Tom Cruise & Dakota Fanning's signature. Also, Shakedown Campout, Gathering of the Vibes VIP pass, Trey Anastasio ticket packages & more! Ends 7/25/2005.

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  • They Might Be Giants! Fox Theatre, Boulder, CO
    They provide us with good, clean, fun, educational music about factual situations that are either humorous or enlightening in a day and age that more often than not bombards us with lyrics of hate and violence.

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  • They Might Be Giants! Fox Theatre, Boulder, CO
    They provide us with good, clean, fun, educational music about factual situations that are either humorous or enlightening in a day and age that more often than not bombards us with lyrics of hate and violence.

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  • Phil @ Red Rocks
    One of the things I always loved about seeing the Grateful Dead was the feeling that things could completely fall apart at any time and this was definitely the case on this night. I am curious to see how this band evolves but perhaps it was the lack of evolution that I enjoyed.

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  • Phil @ Red Rocks
    One of the things I always loved about seeing the Grateful Dead was the feeling that things could completely fall apart at any time and this was definitely the case on this night. I am curious to see how this band evolves but perhaps it was the lack of evolution that I enjoyed.

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  • Mark Knopfler - @ Red Rocks - 7.19.05
    The show was sweet. The tunes were sweet. They kept the show interesting by varying the tempo. The guitar playing of MK took me on a journey which I find to be more and more rare these days. When I see live music I want to be taken on a journey that leads me through peaks and valleys and leaves me in a place where I always want more. At the end, I wanted more.

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  • Mark Knopfler - @ Red Rocks - 7.19.05
    The show was sweet. The tunes were sweet. They kept the show interesting by varying the tempo. The guitar playing of MK took me on a journey which I find to be more and more rare these days. When I see live music I want to be taken on a journey that leads me through peaks and valleys and leaves me in a place where I always want more. At the end, I wanted more.

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  • Help Build DSO's Setlist & Benefit Rett's Syndrome Research
    The Online Raffle Is Now CLOSED! Thanks to all that participated!! The show is this weekend, August 19-22, at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park! Items included: 2 autographed Bobby Weir photos, 'Truckin up to Buffalo' DVD, Dick's Picks, and lots more!

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  • Help Build DSO's Setlist & Benefit Rett's Syndrome Research
    The Online Raffle Is Now CLOSED! Thanks to all that participated!! The show is this weekend, August 19-22, at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park! Items included: 2 autographed Bobby Weir photos, 'Truckin up to Buffalo' DVD, Dick's Picks, and lots more!

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  • Beth Orton and Turin Brakes with ETOWN at Boulder Theater
    etown, the iconic live radio show that mixes music and conversation is proud to present a radio show taping with live interviews and musical sets by Beth Orton , in an exclusive preview performance along with fellow Brit fave duo Turin Brakes , Wednesday August 11, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. at the Boulder Theater (2034 14th St., Boulder)

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  • Soulive and Raul Midon on ETown
    Show taping to include live performances Wednesday, August 10, 2005 , 6:30 pm at the Boulder Theater (2034 14th St., Boulder)

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  • Mimi Auction Raised $3,455.00 for the Delta Gamma Center!
    The last auction (ending 7/25/05) raised $3,455.00 for the Delta Gamma Center! Thanks to everyone who participated. Stay tuned for more Mimi Fishman Foundation charity auctions powered by The Grateful Web!

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  • Mimi Auction Raised $3,455.00 for the Delta Gamma Center!
    The last auction (ending 7/25/05) raised $3,455.00 for the Delta Gamma Center! Thanks to everyone who participated. Stay tuned for more Mimi Fishman Foundation charity auctions powered by The Grateful Web!

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  • Dark Star Orchestra in Denver
    DSO played Denver, CO last night. The show of choice was Rochester, NY -11/21/1978. Great version of Truckin' to end set 2. Other highlights include Bertha>Good Lovin, & Estimated>Eyes. Lots of folks shaking their bones till 2AM...See the pictures!

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  • Dark Star Orchestra in Denver
    DSO played Denver, CO last night. The show of choice was Rochester, NY -11/21/1978. Great version of Truckin' to end set 2. Other highlights include Bertha>Good Lovin, & Estimated>Eyes. Lots of folks shaking their bones till 2AM...See the pictures!

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  • The Tao of Dark Star
    Since I am not personally talented enough to remember the specifics of most of the shows that I have listened to, other than say the second set opening bass bombs of Cornell 77, the earthquake space of Providence 82, or the unearthly pause between the dying notes of the Playing reprise and Dark Star in Hampton 89, I must take DSO for their word in this regard and close my eyes and pretend that it is the Grateful Dead as they were at that moment in time.

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  • The Tao of Dark Star
    Since I am not personally talented enough to remember the specifics of most of the shows that I have listened to, other than say the second set opening bass bombs of Cornell 77, the earthquake space of Providence 82, or the unearthly pause between the dying notes of the Playing reprise and Dark Star in Hampton 89, I must take DSO for their word in this regard and close my eyes and pretend that it is the Grateful Dead as they were at that moment in time.

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  • Miracle Train
    Brian Lauri (keyboards, vocals) has played in various popular projects around New England including the well known bands Liquid Dead (liquiddead.com), Named By Strangers (namedbystrangers.com), and Green Tea. While earning a degree in music, he has played in many venues including The Knitting Factory (NYC), Harpers Ferry (Mass), and Higher Ground (Burlington, VT).

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  • Miracle Train
    Brian Lauri (keyboards, vocals) has played in various popular projects around New England including the well known bands Liquid Dead (liquiddead.com), Named By Strangers (namedbystrangers.com), and Green Tea. While earning a degree in music, he has played in many venues including The Knitting Factory (NYC), Harpers Ferry (Mass), and Higher Ground (Burlington, VT).

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  • Miracle Train
    Brian Lauri (keyboards, vocals) has played in various popular projects around New England including the well known bands Liquid Dead (liquiddead.com), Named By Strangers (namedbystrangers.com), and Green Tea. While earning a degree in music, he has played in many venues including The Knitting Factory (NYC), Harpers Ferry (Mass), and Higher Ground (Burlington, VT).

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  • Happy Birthday, Jerry!
    Jerry would be 63 today. We love you and miss you more than words can tell...

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  • Happy Birthday, Jerry!
    Jerry would be 63 today. We love you and miss you more than words can tell...

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  • Steve Kimock Band Tour Kicks off New Album "Eudemonic"
    Hailed as one of today's greatest living guitar players, Steve Kimock releases his long anticipated studio album, Eudemonic , on August 23, 2005 (SCI Fidelity Records ).

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  • etown: Shelby Lynne and Otis Taylor, Sunday, August 21, 2005, 7 pm.
    etown : National Radio Variety Show At the Boulder Theater Show taping to include live performances from Shelby Lynne and Otis Taylor, Sunday, August 21, 2005, 7 pm.

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  • Trey Jammin on Jones Beach
    Trey Anastasio played Jones Beach in Long Island. Here's a few pictures & more will follow in the next few days.

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  • Trey Jammin on Jones Beach
    Trey Anastasio played Jones Beach in Long Island. Here's a few pictures & more will follow in the next few days.

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  • Ten Trips Around The Sun and Jerry Lives On
    On the 10th trip around the sun since Jerry Garcia's death, what more can be said about the man?

    The good news is that people ARE still saying things about the big guy, right?

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  • Ten Trips Around The Sun and Jerry Lives On
    On the 10th trip around the sun since Jerry Garcia's death, what more can be said about the man?

    The good news is that people ARE still saying things about the big guy, right?

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  • Gathering of the Vibes 2005
    Reportedly nearly 20,000 people came together in upstate New York for The Gathering of the Vibes' Tenth Anniversary, which juxtaposes the tenth anniversary of Jerry Garcia's death and Saturday night will pay tribute to him, though most of us fans feel the whole weekend is a tribute to him.

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  • Gathering of the Vibes 2005
    Reportedly nearly 20,000 people came together in upstate New York for The Gathering of the Vibes' Tenth Anniversary, which juxtaposes the tenth anniversary of Jerry Garcia's death and Saturday night will pay tribute to him, though most of us fans feel the whole weekend is a tribute to him.

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  • Comes A Time - A Celebration of the Music & Spirit of Jerry
    This very special benefit for the Rex Foundation at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on Saturday, September 24th, 2005 features: Trey Anastasio, Hamza el Din, Mickey Hart, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, Bruce Hornsby, Gloria Jones, Bill Kreutzmann, Jackie LaBranch, Donna Jean McKay, David Nelson, Sandy Rothman, Melvin Seals, members of String Cheese Incident

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  • PRAANG Returns To Cervantes for Two-Night Stint
    Formed under a blanket of thick Colorado snow during the blizzard of 2006, PRAANG returns to Cervantes for a two night stand December 5th and 6th. Featuring Steve Kimock, Jason Hann and Michael Travis from EOTO/String Cheese Incident and Jamie Janover from ZILLA, PRAANG represents a new musical avenue for the four members to travel. Completely improvisational, spontaneous, and unrehearsed, the quartet’s music reflects their fateful existence

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  • THE ROXY IN LOS ANGELES CELEBRATES 35TH ANNIVERSARY
    Los Angeles’ THE ROXY THEATRE first opened its doors in the late fall of 1973. 35 years later, the legendary venue marks this significant milestone as one of America’s longest-running independently owned and operated establishments with two monumental shows highlighting its rich musical history: Zappa Plays Zappa December 10, 11, 12 and 13 and a New Years Eve performance by The Wailers.

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  • THE ROXY IN LOS ANGELES CELEBRATES 35TH ANNIVERSARY
    Los Angeles’ THE ROXY THEATRE first opened its doors in the late fall of 1973. 35 years later, the legendary venue marks this significant milestone as one of America’s longest-running independently owned and operated establishments with two monumental shows highlighting its rich musical history: Zappa Plays Zappa December 10, 11, 12 and 13 and a New Years Eve performance by The Wailers.

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  • Leftover Salmon to play Vail, CO + Upcoming Projects
    Leftover Salmon will perform a full two set show on December 12th at the Dobson Ice Arena. This show will be part of the Snow Daze Festival held each year in Vail Colorado as a kickoff party to the winter season.

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  • Leftover Salmon to play Vail, CO + Upcoming Projects
    Leftover Salmon will perform a full two set show on December 12th at the Dobson Ice Arena. This show will be part of the Snow Daze Festival held each year in Vail Colorado as a kickoff party to the winter season.

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  • Karrin Allyson Appearing This Weekend At The Iridium Jazz Club
    Over the years, Karrin Allyson has recorded a series of eleven CDs for Concord Records, each of which have showcased her astonishing breadth of repertoire, from standards by Gershwin and Porter to Brazilian bossa nova to samba and Thelonious Monk. She has also taken on French and Brazilian music (From Paris to Rio), the genius of John Coltrane (Ballads: Remembering John Coltrane) and the blues (In Blue).

    •  
  • Karrin Allyson Appearing This Weekend At The Iridium Jazz Club
    Over the years, Karrin Allyson has recorded a series of eleven CDs for Concord Records, each of which have showcased her astonishing breadth of repertoire, from standards by Gershwin and Porter to Brazilian bossa nova to samba and Thelonious Monk. She has also taken on French and Brazilian music (From Paris to Rio), the genius of John Coltrane (Ballads: Remembering John Coltrane) and the blues (In Blue).

    •  
  • Femi Kuti & the Positive Force @ Boulder Theater
    Four years after the DVD Live@Shrine, Femi Kuti returns with a generous, powerful and timeless new album, continuing to explore and push back the frontiers of Afrobeat. Thirteen titles that grab your belly, your feet, your heart and your head. From the ghettos of Lagos to the palaces of corrupt politicians, Day by Day takes us through the winding roads of African paradox. Why is such a rich continent inhabited by the world’s poorest people?

    •  
  • Femi Kuti & the Positive Force @ Boulder Theater
    Four years after the DVD Live@Shrine, Femi Kuti returns with a generous, powerful and timeless new album, continuing to explore and push back the frontiers of Afrobeat. Thirteen titles that grab your belly, your feet, your heart and your head. From the ghettos of Lagos to the palaces of corrupt politicians, Day by Day takes us through the winding roads of African paradox. Why is such a rich continent inhabited by the world’s poorest people?

    •  
  • BoomBox Set to Ring in the New Year at Mile High
    Kicking it all off on Tuesday, December 30th at Owsley’s Golden Road, the headline show will feature special guests Melvin Seals and JGB as well as Steve Kimock and Friends opening the night. BoomBox will take to the stage from 1:30am to 4:30am, keeping the party going until the early morning hours.

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  • BoomBox Set to Ring in the New Year at Mile High
    Kicking it all off on Tuesday, December 30th at Owsley’s Golden Road, the headline show will feature special guests Melvin Seals and JGB as well as Steve Kimock and Friends opening the night. BoomBox will take to the stage from 1:30am to 4:30am, keeping the party going until the early morning hours.

    •  
  • Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's BEWARE Streets 3/17/09
    Though Beware shares spit with its immediate predecessor released this past summer, Lie Down in the Light, it's reach is longer and stronger, more grandiose. Where fiddle and steel contribute their rustic timbre alongside guitars and voices, a thickening thud of low tone rolls beneath, giving the record a bottom that’s fun to watch bounce in new clothes. This indensifies the air and heralds Beware as Bonny’s biggest, most ambitious record to date – yea, bigger and more ambitious than even The Letting Go! A listen or two through and you too may conclude that this could also be the great Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy contempo-country record

    •  
  • Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's BEWARE Streets 3/17/09
    Though Beware shares spit with its immediate predecessor released this past summer, Lie Down in the Light, it's reach is longer and stronger, more grandiose. Where fiddle and steel contribute their rustic timbre alongside guitars and voices, a thickening thud of low tone rolls beneath, giving the record a bottom that’s fun to watch bounce in new clothes. This indensifies the air and heralds Beware as Bonny’s biggest, most ambitious record to date – yea, bigger and more ambitious than even The Letting Go! A listen or two through and you too may conclude that this could also be the great Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy contempo-country record

    •  
  • Ladysmith Black Mambazo @ Boulder Theater
    Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the GRAMMY® Award winning vocal group from South Africa that has conquered nations in its own way with a joyous and spiritually charged brand of vocal music and native choreography, pays tribute to this historical icon with their new Heads Up International release, Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu. Ilembe celebrates not only Shaka Zulu but the sense of perseverance, creativity and pride that he has inspired in generations of descendants.

    •  
  • Ladysmith Black Mambazo @ Boulder Theater
    Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the GRAMMY® Award winning vocal group from South Africa that has conquered nations in its own way with a joyous and spiritually charged brand of vocal music and native choreography, pays tribute to this historical icon with their new Heads Up International release, Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu. Ilembe celebrates not only Shaka Zulu but the sense of perseverance, creativity and pride that he has inspired in generations of descendants.

    •  
  • Gene Ween Band Tour Dates Announced + New Ween CD
    Recorded live at the Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill, NC 12/9/92, the CD comes with a bonus DVD which features clips from Ween's first tour of Holland, and also Stache's in Columbus, OH. As Dean Ween says; "The whole thing is so brown that it's almost black.

    •  
  • Gene Ween Band Tour Dates Announced + New Ween CD
    Recorded live at the Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill, NC 12/9/92, the CD comes with a bonus DVD which features clips from Ween's first tour of Holland, and also Stache's in Columbus, OH. As Dean Ween says; "The whole thing is so brown that it's almost black.

    •  
  • Jazz Museum Events: Nov. 17-21, 2008
    The National Jazz Museum in Harlem begins an exciting full week of public programming with a conversation between executive director Loren Schoenberg and best-selling author, saxophonist and composer James McBride for Jazz for Curious Readers, whose first novel was recently turned into a film by acclaimed director Spike Lee.

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  • Jazz Museum Events: Nov. 17-21, 2008
    The National Jazz Museum in Harlem begins an exciting full week of public programming with a conversation between executive director Loren Schoenberg and best-selling author, saxophonist and composer James McBride for Jazz for Curious Readers, whose first novel was recently turned into a film by acclaimed director Spike Lee.

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  • Swing Into The Holiday Season With George Gee's Make-Believe Ballroom Orchestra
    This Holiday season, The Edison Ballroom and producer Mickey Marchello, former guitarist from the legendary New York Rock Band Good Rats, will welcome the swing era sounds of George Gee and his Make-Believe Ballroom Orchestra as they entertain guests with a new show that evokes a golden era: “Sleigh Bells Swing.” George Gee and his 22-piece Big Band offer the perfect Holiday treat for not only swing and jazz music fans, but also for tourists and tri-state area residents looking for an incredible Holiday entertainment experience.

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  • Swing Into The Holiday Season With George Gee's Make-Believe Ballroom Orchestra
    This Holiday season, The Edison Ballroom and producer Mickey Marchello, former guitarist from the legendary New York Rock Band Good Rats, will welcome the swing era sounds of George Gee and his Make-Believe Ballroom Orchestra as they entertain guests with a new show that evokes a golden era: “Sleigh Bells Swing.” George Gee and his 22-piece Big Band offer the perfect Holiday treat for not only swing and jazz music fans, but also for tourists and tri-state area residents looking for an incredible Holiday entertainment experience.

    •  
  • The Motet performs Talking Heads @ Boulder Theater
    Performing the music of the Talking Heads, The Motet will be joined by Kyle Hollingsworth (SCI) on keys, Fuzz (Deep Banana Blackout) on guitar, Jans Ingber on vocals and percussion, Liza Oxnard on vocals, Joey Porter also on keys, Carrie Sangiovanni on background vocals and Paul McDaniel on bass.

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  • The Motet performs Talking Heads @ Boulder Theater
    Performing the music of the Talking Heads, The Motet will be joined by Kyle Hollingsworth (SCI) on keys, Fuzz (Deep Banana Blackout) on guitar, Jans Ingber on vocals and percussion, Liza Oxnard on vocals, Joey Porter also on keys, Carrie Sangiovanni on background vocals and Paul McDaniel on bass.

    •  
  • Download Phish At The Roxy Now!
    Recorded Live February 19th, 20th and 21st, 1993, this run at the intimate Roxy Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia set the stage for many classic tripartite celebrations to follow. With the second show's near-instant legendary status cemented among fans due largely to a non-stop thriller of a second set which included feats of rock and roll greatness, including a sit-in by a spurious Gene Simmons, At The Roxy captures a magical moment for Phish and their audience during a period of peak songwriting and experimentation.

    •  
  • Download Phish At The Roxy Now!
    Recorded Live February 19th, 20th and 21st, 1993, this run at the intimate Roxy Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia set the stage for many classic tripartite celebrations to follow. With the second show's near-instant legendary status cemented among fans due largely to a non-stop thriller of a second set which included feats of rock and roll greatness, including a sit-in by a spurious Gene Simmons, At The Roxy captures a magical moment for Phish and their audience during a period of peak songwriting and experimentation.

    •  
  • Conscious Alliance Announces Holiday Meal Drive & Rebel Alliance Jam XIV
    Not-for-profit Conscious Alliance - feeding America's hungry through music - ramps up this year's holiday giving with the announcement of their 5th annual "Holiday Meal Drive." With the support of musicians and their fans, and this year in partnership with Whole Foods Market, the organization will deliver full holiday meals to impoverished Native American Reservations for the fifth year in a row. The organization also hosts the Rebel Alliance Jam XIV - a holiday benefit show at Boulder, Colorado's Fox Theatre on November 29th featuring Keith Moseley, Scott Law, Jeff Sipe, Gibb Droll, and special guest Kyle Hollingsworth.

    •  
  • Conscious Alliance Announces Holiday Meal Drive & Rebel Alliance Jam XIV
    Not-for-profit Conscious Alliance - feeding America's hungry through music - ramps up this year's holiday giving with the announcement of their 5th annual "Holiday Meal Drive." With the support of musicians and their fans, and this year in partnership with Whole Foods Market, the organization will deliver full holiday meals to impoverished Native American Reservations for the fifth year in a row. The organization also hosts the Rebel Alliance Jam XIV - a holiday benefit show at Boulder, Colorado's Fox Theatre on November 29th featuring Keith Moseley, Scott Law, Jeff Sipe, Gibb Droll, and special guest Kyle Hollingsworth.

    •  
  • Four Sushi Restaurants and the Toubab Krewe
    For lovers of atypical instrumental rock derivatives, there may be no sweeter words than Toubab Krewe. What’s a Toubab Krewe, you ask? Good question! For starters, Toubab Krewe is a band, five guys who make some of the grooviest music you’ve ever (or maybe never) heard. The only term that really sticks with any consistency is instrumental, since, as the word implies, they only play instruments sans vocals. Other than that, they are a really tough act to peg. Psychic-Afro-dub-rock comes to mind as a possibility, but somehow even that doesn’t do the Toubab Krewe justice.

    •  
  • Four Sushi Restaurants and the Toubab Krewe
    For lovers of atypical instrumental rock derivatives, there may be no sweeter words than Toubab Krewe. What’s a Toubab Krewe, you ask? Good question! For starters, Toubab Krewe is a band, five guys who make some of the grooviest music you’ve ever (or maybe never) heard. The only term that really sticks with any consistency is instrumental, since, as the word implies, they only play instruments sans vocals. Other than that, they are a really tough act to peg. Psychic-Afro-dub-rock comes to mind as a possibility, but somehow even that doesn’t do the Toubab Krewe justice.

    •  
  • Marco Benevento & Friends | Nathan Moore | The Flynn Space
    Many aspects of last Monday night’s show at The Flynn Space in downtown Burlington, Vermont felt as if they had been transplanted from past eras, even different locales. Nathan Moore, the opener of the festivities, was channeling the bravado and freedom of a Greenwich Village bohemian from 1962 and Marco Benevento, the band leader of the night’s all-star headlining troupe, seemed to have an uncanny resemblance in the mind’s eye to a young Miles Davis, breaking free from The Gil Evans Band in 1959 and forging his own musical path. And just like that jazz pioneer who has a stronghold on everyone’s CD collection, Marco has begun to blaze a trail all his own and, on this night, all of the musicians around him were in for a treat, just like the rest of us.

    •  
  • Marco Benevento & Friends | Nathan Moore | The Flynn Space
    Many aspects of last Monday night’s show at The Flynn Space in downtown Burlington, Vermont felt as if they had been transplanted from past eras, even different locales. Nathan Moore, the opener of the festivities, was channeling the bravado and freedom of a Greenwich Village bohemian from 1962 and Marco Benevento, the band leader of the night’s all-star headlining troupe, seemed to have an uncanny resemblance in the mind’s eye to a young Miles Davis, breaking free from The Gil Evans Band in 1959 and forging his own musical path. And just like that jazz pioneer who has a stronghold on everyone’s CD collection, Marco has begun to blaze a trail all his own and, on this night, all of the musicians around him were in for a treat, just like the rest of us.

    •  
  • Umphrey's Mantis Pre-Order Takes Off
    Umphrey's McGee's one-of-a-kind pre-order campaign for their highly anticipated new studio release, Mantis (January 20, 2009 / SCI Fidelity Records) is already being recognized as a brilliant and innovative use of digital technology. The power of this new pre-order concept is in the hands of the fans. Umphrey's offers fans more free bonus content the more Mantis pre-orders they receive; the fans "unlock" levels of content by getting more of their friends to pre-order the album. The idea is to give the fans incentive to help spread the word about the album, and to offer a totally unique music experience.

    •  
  • Umphrey's Mantis Pre-Order Takes Off
    Umphrey's McGee's one-of-a-kind pre-order campaign for their highly anticipated new studio release, Mantis (January 20, 2009 / SCI Fidelity Records) is already being recognized as a brilliant and innovative use of digital technology. The power of this new pre-order concept is in the hands of the fans. Umphrey's offers fans more free bonus content the more Mantis pre-orders they receive; the fans "unlock" levels of content by getting more of their friends to pre-order the album. The idea is to give the fans incentive to help spread the word about the album, and to offer a totally unique music experience.

    •  
  • 'Jacofest' A Tribute to Jaco Pastorius
    The late great bassist-composer Jaco Pastorius, an undeniable force on contemporary jazz during the ‘70s as well as a towering influence on two generations of musicians, will be feted at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York from November 20 - 23. Included in this all-star gala, produced by impresario Charles Carlini, are Pastorius colleagues and former bandmates like trumpeters Randy Brecker, Miles Evans and Lew Soloff, Saxophonists Alex Foster and Butch Thomas, Trombonist David Bargeron, keyboardist Delmar Brown, guitarist David Gilmore and drummer Kenwood Dennard. Featured bass players are T.M Stephens, Matt Garrison, and Jaco's son, Felix Pastorius.

    •  
  • 'Jacofest' A Tribute to Jaco Pastorius
    The late great bassist-composer Jaco Pastorius, an undeniable force on contemporary jazz during the ‘70s as well as a towering influence on two generations of musicians, will be feted at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York from November 20 - 23. Included in this all-star gala, produced by impresario Charles Carlini, are Pastorius colleagues and former bandmates like trumpeters Randy Brecker, Miles Evans and Lew Soloff, Saxophonists Alex Foster and Butch Thomas, Trombonist David Bargeron, keyboardist Delmar Brown, guitarist David Gilmore and drummer Kenwood Dennard. Featured bass players are T.M Stephens, Matt Garrison, and Jaco's son, Felix Pastorius.

    •  

 

By

 

Mostly-White-Authors: Aaron and John Souders and Ross Hagen

Half-Thai-Photographer: Tia Pianeet

Cancerian-Monkey-Nils-Message-Transcriber: Megan Garland 

 

On June 10th, 2005, San Francisco Bay-area band Sleepytime Gorilla Museum deconstructed the eclectically cozy Larimer Lounge and reconstructed the crowd into its own festival of mayhem. Experiencing Sleepytime in concert reminded me of taking off all my clothes in church and letting the Lord loose the congregation on my naked corpse. Praise the Lord! This certainly was no church revival, but by the time the show ended, I felt like I had been saved.

 

Their one-night only stop in Denver, camping out of a “crashed-green” tour-bus from 1954, introduced me and my friends to their brand of Heavy Gypsy Folk ‘n’ Roll for the first time. I cringe with understatement to say that I enjoyed Sleepytime. The entire show was like a fast train crashing into a loud symphony.

 

After two opening acts of radio-station style rock, Sleepytime came on stage with a burst of lighting and visual aggression that one never expects in a claustrophobic Denver rock lounge. My eyes ate their appearance with a hunger that hadn’t been satiated since the first time I saw Marilyn Manson in concert. Stop. This in no way meant to compare Sleepytime with Manson.

 

Each member of the band wore long, white, comfy overalls-style dresses with red, flowery “inferiority dots” sewn over their chests. Their faces were painted to match their overalls and their hair even said, “Please come touch me.” Eventually these costumes were overshadowed by the intuitive ingenuity of their lyricism and vocalizations that could out-sing a thousand pop-songs.

 

The most moving Sleepytime songs of the night started out by lulling and swaying the crowd and slowly crescendoed into convulsions of groaning and chanting supported by wild violins and unique percussions. These songs encouraged bizarre thoughts and random associations. I thought to myself: the phrase “sleepytime gorilla museum” can almost serve as an intentionally daft description of America. Can’t it? Sleepytime’s art destroyed every conventional idea I’d ever thought or read.

 

Then they lead us into chants about dumplings and goats and wild cheers for the expanses of Wyoming and Oklahoma, the words to which I fail to recall in totality due to my drunken stupor. Every member of the band obliterated the audience with abject creativity and courtly confidence. And not the court of white people; but a court of jesters and merrymakers. Afterward, they unleashed us in a stupendous clamor to spread their gospel in a holy fervor of religious objectivity.

 

The band works with a freedom that some could call reckless abandon, which would be wrong. It’s not reckless abandon. They work with a well-tuned, unashamed purpose that’s meant for me to experience and for Sleepytime to create. The most impressive instrument the group masterfully played, and without taking for granted, was the audience. We were Sleepytime’s collective instrument, and it was orgasmic to feel them play us like a well-oiled machine. 

 

So, now, just what the hell is Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, you ask? I know no designed associations or past experiences to which to relate this band. And that’s a good thing. The only way to describe this band would be to create wild word-disparities and wholly new experiences that would annoy the hell out of spontaneity. But I would have to realize that I’d have to do that before I ever realized that that is just what needed to be done. So I did just that, and it was like pre-empting serendipity.

 

But just how did my brother and I kick-off this night of musical indulgences and bizarre haircuts? And how would Sleepytime come to prove to me that manipulation is the ultimate form of creation, thus, in turn, slathering a positive connotation on the word ‘manipulation?’ 

 

In our eternal habit of devising plans, we realized we needed a direction, a path to follow. John suggested we take copious notes, which sounded wise and reasonable. Something else was needed, though. And while leaning against the tilt-fearing pinball machines of the Larimer Lounge, the idea struck me, and with our caustic cheer of superhero conviction, we started the night:

 

AARON and JOHN: We’re drunk!

AARON: If we do this, John, you have to promise me one thing.

JOHN: What’s that?

AARON: We have to do something wrong.

JOHN: We will. I promise. When Ross shows up.

AARON: When Ross shows up.

JOHN: Slow down on the smokes?

AARON: Slow down on the smokes.

JOHN: So how do you wanna do this review?

AARON:  Like you said: whip out your pad and write down everything you see.

JOHN: What the hell is Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, anyway?

AARON: There’s only one way to find out.

JOHN: Wait for the damn show to start?

AARON: No! Let’s go get on the tour bus!

JOHN: But I thought we were gonna play some Pinbot and drink PBR?

AARON: No! Let’s just go bang on the door of Sleepytime’s tour bus and let ourselves in.

JOHN: Okay. Are you even sure that’s their tour bus outside?

AARON: It’s crashed-green and rather obscene. It’s gotta be them!

JOHN: Alrighty then, let’s go.

 

***BANG BANG BANG!!!***

 

(someone fumbles with the clumsy bus door and it creaks open)

 

SOMEONE: Yeah?

AARON: Hi! We write for a website called Gratefulweb.net. We’re writing a review of the show tonight. Can we come in and talk to the band?

SOMEONE: Sure, come on inside.

JOHN: Well, that was easy. Hi! My name is JOHN and this is my twin brother AARON. What’s your name?

SOMEONE: My name is NEIL. The GUYS are back here.

 

My buddy Ross first introduced me to Sleepytime Gorilla Museum with an exploration of their overwhelming website. But I still didn’t understand what it all meant. So I asked Ross to write an exploration of these music-auteurs for me. And he did:

 

“The members of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum share a varied history together and a history with other projects, the intricate confluences of which baffle even the most advanced bar graphs, yet fit together quite amicably on a lowly abacus. Three of SGM's founding members, Nils Frykdahl, Dan Rathbun, and Carla Kihlstedt, have worked together for years in various Bay Area musical and theatrical endeavors: InkBoat dance theater company, the loopy prog-rock band Idiot Flesh ("When you want to die, try Cheesus, the snack food that dies FOR you!"), and Charming Hostess, a band inequally enthralled with the vocal and instrumental styles of Jewish klezmer music, Bulgarian choral singing, American gospel choirs, and practically anything else they can toss into their striking musical brew. Although Idiot Flesh has gone the way of the Carolina Parakeet, Charming Hostess continues as a vocal trio under the direction of Jewlia Eisenberg.


            “And now, the current players of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, presented in alphabetical order:

“Matthias Bossi – drum-kit, percussion, oration, puppetry, barbering. Bossi joined SGM in 2004 following the departure of Frank Grau from the band. His impressive chops, godly chest hair, and deadpan delivery lay the foundation for all that is SGM.


            “Nils Frykadhl - guitar, vocals, flutes, percussion guitar, etc. Frykdahl, along with Carla Kihlstedt and Dan Rathbun, was an integral part of several Bay area bands prior to the inception of SGM. In addition to helming SGM, Frykdahl also heads the experimental acoustic and theatrical duo (for lack of a better description) Faun Fables with Dawn "The Faun" McCarthy.

 

“Carla Kihlstedt - violin, trumpet violin, seamstress, vocals, nyckelharpa, autoharp, etc. In addition to her duties in SGM, Kihlstedt is an accomplished classical player and a member of the acclaimed Tin Hat Trio, an ensemble that draws on numerous musical threads both old and new, connecting the most disparate musical traditions in order to forge an authentically new style.  Kihlstedt's "solo" project, 2 Foot Yard, brings us a collection of character pieces with roots both in art song and pop music. Kihlstedt's extensive discography also includes work with Fred Frith, Masada, Tom Waits, and Don Byron.

 

“Michael Mellander - percussion, alto-euphonium, Electric Pancreas, sinks, you name it - he's got it. SGM's newest member, following the departure of founding percussionist Moe! (Moe!kestra!) Staiano, Mellander comes to the Museum from the Immersion Composition Society and brings with him an impressive arsenal of handmade and found instruments and a penchant for mayhem. He is otherwise known as "The Man in the Hat."

 

“Dan Rathbun - bass, slide-piano log, pedal-action wiggler, vocals. Rathbun is the mastermind behind SGM's homemade musical creations and produces not only their albums, but also those of countless others. You have not truly lived until you've pumped your fist and stomped your feet in time with the pulsations of the Wiggler in ‘Pax Romana.’”

 

Now armed with Ross’s knowledge, it was time to interview the members of the band after invading their sacred bus and introducing ourselves:

 

            NEIL YAMAGATA (sound, photography, field recording): Make yourself at home.

AARON (drunk #1): Thanks. So, to get started, what the hell is Sleepytime Gorilla Museum? That’s the one question I wanna ask all of you.

NILS FRYKDAHL (guitar): Sleepytime is a group of people set out to destroy literature in the early 20th century.

JOHN (drunk #2): (repeating for clarity) Set out to destroy lit? . . . 20th century? I don’t understand.

NILS: (laughing at JOHN) Nevermind. Sleepytime was fed up. Essentially we are a rock band from Oakland that likes to play music for our friends. And they come for the ham.

MATTHIAS (puppet master): Sleepytime is a problem unwilling to be solved by the band. What do we do? Well, they bill us as Sleepytime and we have to live up to that. We go and break things. We break things every night. Last night we broke things in Salt Lake City. As a matter of fact, Dan is behind you fixing something we broke there.

AARON: I just wanna say, you have beautiful chest hair MATTHIAS.

MATTHIAS: Thank you.

CARLA KIHLSTEDT (violin): (sewing inferiority dots) We meditate every morning around this table and focus on inferiority. Tomorrow we are having a meeting to discuss moving the morning into the afternoon.

JOHN: When did the band first get together?

CARLA: It was on a Wednesday.

JOHN: I never really got the hang of those. And what do you do Michael?

MICHAEL MELLENDER (pancreas): I keep the band from exploding at the drop of a hat. Look at them now; they are totally intact.

      DAN RATHBUN (bass, the technical guy, the improver, an apologist) *grunts*

MATTHIAS: (singing) “Wyoming is an interminable plateau.” (sings a gutturally haunting song encapsulating the most memorable attributes of Wyoming).

SLEEPYTIME GORILLA MUSEUM (as in the whole band agrees): What the hell is Sleepytime Gorilla Museum? You scrape it and it makes a salty groaning. That is the band.

MICHAEL: (while Dan is pulling out dental instruments behind him) *snort*

JOHN: I wanted to ask all of you what your favorite book is.

CARLA: I don’t have a favorite book, but I have a favorite bug. My favorite bug is the little beetle that plays all the bit parts in the early animations of Ladislaw Starewicz.

JOHN: Who is Ladislaw Starewicz?

CARLA: He was a Polish entomologist who was credited as being one of the creators of stop-motion animation, famous for doing Aesop’s Fables.

NILS: My favorite book is Worstward Ho! by Sammy B.

MICHAEL: The dictionary.

DAN: (still fixing things) Uh.

ALAN (lighting technician): Great Jones Street by Don DeLillo.

 

Alan Willner controls the lightning for the show, and just as the band embraces a freedom with their music, they allow Alan to embrace a freedom with his lightning style. Alan lets there be light on the band not from above but from below and the effect he accomplishes with this slight change up is astonishing. “I use very powerful, 1000 watt par lights and most bands would hate this kind of light shining into their faces because it makes them relatively blind; but SGM likes it,” Alan says. He spends most of his time in New York City doing theatre lighting but loves going on tour with his friends. “Being in the city keeps you on your toes. Going out on tour gives me a chance to experience something different. We find old lights at garage sales or collect them from closed theatres and once I learn the band’s songs, I get as creative as I want and play along with them.”

Sleepiest sleep. Sleepier still till stillest sleep. So sleepest still. As the pedantic din of the bus lightened to a free-spirited roar, I knelt down to observe Carla’s sewing. Her manner was that of a banner and its careful blue letters and red stitching announced the sale of music by “SGM and Freinds (sic).” Carla had sewn a misspelling into the banner.

 

NILS: Carla, I believe the word ‘friends’ ends in ‘ends,’ as it goes.

EVERYONE: (laughter, laughter, laughter)

AARON: MATTHIAS, since you seem to have a knack for beautiful chest hair, will you shave a landing-strip down the middle of my head?

MATTHIAS: Yes. Just lean your head over this trashcan and I’ll start from the nape of your neck. Stand still.

BUZZER (buzzer): Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

AARON: What do you think, guys?

GUYS: It looks good!

AARON: I’m calling ROSS!

(ROSS enters the bus, introduces himself to the band, and then sees the landing-strip shaved in AARON’S head)

ROSS (Spawn of the Matriarch): How did this happen?

AARON: He did it! (AARON points to MATTHIAS) Hey, Ross! Doesn’t your friend MEGAN love Sleepytime? Give me your phone so NILS can leave a message for her. (AARON calls MEGAN and hands the phone to NILS)

NILS: (leaving a message for MEGAN) Well, hello MEGAN, I hope everything is going right with you, and that you've found the Lord this morning waiting for you over your breakfast. I am NILS FRYKDAHL and I am with the Sleepytime Gorilla Museum and we are here to bring you a fiercely religious message of...wait a minute...one of the members of the society is channeling something fiercely religious and I would like to share this sound with you now...(weird monster sound).

(A large truck trundles quickly down Larimer Street past the tour bus)

ROSS: Well, I need to get these drunken twins out of here so you guys can get ready for the show and so I can watch it. That’s what I came for.

JOHN AARON ROSS: It was nice to meet all of you! Have a great show!

SLEEPYTIME GORILLA MUSEUM: It was nice to meet you! Enjoy the show!

(ROSS pulls the lēver on the bus door and helps AARON and JOHN off the bus while singing “Fifty Ways to Love Your Leaver” to his-self)

 

We all finally mixed into the crowd with anticipation and began doing what is so easy to do at the Larimer Lounge, make new friends. There was the girl in the hat, Jahnavi and her friend Kathleen who came down from Boulder, Emily the Bartender, Aaron’s new bud Carla who left for Chicago after Sleepytime’s encore, the Peruvian tour guide Jose and his friend Amanda who brings her dog to the Larimer on Sunday afternoons, and James the retired mechanic who never left the bar and looked right at home.

 

(walking out of the Larimer Lounge after the show)

JOHN: So what did we do wrong?

AARON: Everything!

ROSS: It doesn’t matter, because in the end, we’re all Sleepyheads.

JOHN AARON ROSS: That’s damn right.

 

END

 

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www.larimerlounge.com

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