Category: Bluegrass/Country

  • Billy Strings Announces Summer 2024 Tour Dates

    Billy Strings has announced additional tour dates for 2024 that find he and his band playing back-to-back nights in Bridgeport, CT, State College, PA, Worcester, MA, Inglewood, CA and Berkeley, CA.

    billy strings tour dates

    The summer dates are just the latest added to Strings’ extensive 2024 run, which also includes upcoming stops at Tampa’s Yuengling Center (two nights), St. Augustine’s St. Augustine Amphitheatre (three nights, all sold out), Lexington’s Rupp Arena (two nights, one sold out), Greenwood Village’s Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre (two nights, both sold out), Minneapolis’ The Armory (sold out) and Rosemont, IL’s Allstate Arena (two nights) among others.

    Raised in Michigan and now based in Nashville, Strings is known as one of music’s most compelling artists. Most recently, he released “Meet Me At The Creek > Pyramid Country > Must Be Seven > Meet Me At The Creek (Live at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Winston-Salem, NC 3/4/23),” a 38-minute live performance that showcases the energy of Strings’ electric concerts. Watch below.

    The track follows “California Sober,” his GRAMMY-nominated collaboration with legendary artist Willie Nelson and Strings’ first project since partnering with Reprise Records, as well as his latest full-length album, Me/And/Dad, which features Strings alongside his dad, Terry Barber, and was nominated for Best Bluegrass Album at this year’s GRAMMY Awards.  

    Since his 2017 debut, Strings has been awarded Best Bluegrass Album at the 63rd GRAMMY Awards, Artist of the Year at the 2023 and 2022 Americana Music Awards, Entertainer of the Year at the 2023, 2022 and 2021 International Bluegrass Music Awards, Best New Headliner at the 2022 Pollstar Awards and Breakthrough Artist of the Pandemic at the 2021 Pollstar Awards among several other accolades. He has also performed on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” PBS’ “Austin City Limits” and “Bluegrass Underground.” 

    Tickets for the new shows will be available for pre-sale starting March 13 at 10am local time with general on-sale following Friday, March 15 at 10am local time. Full details can be found here.

    BILLY STRINGS 2024 TOUR DATES

    April 12—Tampa, FL—Yuengling Center

    April 13—Tampa, FL—Yuengling Center

    April 17—Savannah, GA—Enmarket Arena

    April 19—St. Augustine, FL—St. Augustine Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

    April 20—St. Augustine, FL—St. Augustine Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

    April 21—St. Augustine, FL—St. Augustine Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

    April 26—Lexington, KY—Rupp Arena

    April 27—Lexington, KY—Rupp Arena (SOLD OUT)

    May 11—Conroe, TX—Big As Texas Festival

    May 17—Greenwood Village, CO—Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

    May 18—Greenwood Village, CO—Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

    May 21—Minneapolis, MN—The Armory (SOLD OUT)

    May 24—Rosemont, IL—Allstate Arena

    May 25—Rosemont, IL—Allstate Arena

    June 22-23—Columbus, OH—Buckeye Country Superfest

    July 14—Whitefish, MT—Under The Big Sky Festival

    July 19—Redmond, OR—FairWell Festival

    July 26—Bridgeport, CT—Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater

    July 27—Bridgeport, CT—Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater

    July 30—Worcester, MA—DCU Center

    July 31—Worcester, MA—DCU Center

    August 2—State College, PA—Bryce Jordan Center

    August 3—State College, PA—Bryce Jordan Center

    August 10—Quincy, WA—Outlaw Music Festival

    August 17—Berkeley, CA—Greek Theatre at U.C. Berkeley

    August 18—Berkeley, CA—Greek Theatre at U.C. Berkeley

    August 23—Inglewood, CA—Kia Forum

    August 24—Inglewood, CA—Kia Forum

  • Frog Release First Ever Live Performance Film, “Unplugged and Unhinged” Ahead of Upcoming Tour

    New York cult group Frog announces the release of their first ever live performance film, “Unplugged and Unhinged” on March 8. The live film marks the band’s upcoming Northeast tour coming mid-March.

    Unplugged and Unhinged frog

    The video was recorded at a sold-out show at Manhattan’s famous Canary Club this past December. The performance captures the band playing acoustically for the first time ever. “Unplugged and Unhinged” also offers the first official recordings of their expanded lineup. The band is comprised of leader Daniel Bateman and his brother Steve Bateman.

    They are joined by returning co-founder Tom White. Frog shares the video a week prior to their upcoming tour which follows the band’s latest album, Grog. The tour begins March 14 in Philadelphia and wraps up March 23 with a location to be announced. The band will stop in Brooklyn’s legendary club, Knitting Factory on March 15.

    Frog’s performance showcases the band’s live abilities with their soulful, twangy, foot-tapping tunes. To watch the live performance, and to see more of Frog’s work, click here.

  • Gangstagrass Release Funky New Sophomore Single “Good at Being Bad”

    NYC Bluegrass hip-hop group Gangstagrass has released their latest funk-infused single titled, “Good at Being Bad.” The group stands for a unique and true musical genre of their own creation that merges the styles of country/bluegrass and hip hop. The latest single from the group exhibits their talent and diversity greatly.

    Gangstagrass has also revealed a new 10-track album titled, The Blackest Thing On The Menu. The group delves deeper into the fundamental sounds of each genre, while preserving their own unique blend and sound. “Good at Being Bad” is complete with masterful mandolin playing, dynamic production, and energetic vocals.

    The tune seamlessly blends funk with Gangstagrass’s distinctive fusion of bluegrass and hip-hop. The group originated in Brooklyn, but the sound they possess transcends city, state, and country. They are a diverse blend of sound, and the two genres reflect a coming together of American values.

    This rebellious collective has achieved unparalleled success in crafting an innovative sound rooted in historically significant heritage. Gangstagrass emphasizes the value of education, frequently conducting workshops for K-12, college students, and adults of diverse backgrounds. Whether through engaging Q&A sessions, historical lessons, or spontaneous music tutorials, the group staunchly advocates for imparting well-rounded knowledge to everyone. 

    “Working with Gangstagrass was awesome. I had been hip to them for a few years and was really diggin’ what they were doing. Mixing bluegrass with hip hop! Quite out of the box thinking. A lot of worlds coming together. I have always been a fan of bluegrass and have worked on a few records. When we got in the studio, I thought the band was exceptionally talented. Also, I was a rapper myself in the late 80’s and early 90’s, so this scratched my classic hip hop itch with a new school twist. So, to record these amazing lyricists with a live smackin’ band… what more could you ask for!!”

    Boo Mitchell

    Gangstagrass’ music is a must-listen. Their amazingly different sound is something to certainly lay your ears on.

    To listen to Gangstagrass’ latest single, “Good at Being Bad,” via streaming service, click here.

  • Discover Béla Fleck’s take on ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ 2024 Tour Dates

    Banjo great Béla Fleck has announced his latest project, expanding and exploring George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, just in time for its centennial.

    Béla Fleck Rhapsody in Blue

    Available on February 12, 100 years to the day Gershwin premiered the work at Aeolian Hall in NYC, Fleck will pay homage to the legendary composer while redefining an American classic. Fleck’s Rhapsody in Blue album includes three variations: “Rhapsody in Blue(grass),” “Rhapsody in Blue(s),” and the classic orchestration, but with banjo featured instead of piano, performed by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Eric Jacobson. “Rhapsody in Blue(grass),” also commemorates the 100th birthday of the great Earl Scruggs. The set also features Gershwin’s “Rialto Ripples” and “Unidentified Piece for Banjo,” an unrecorded and unreleased gem discovered at the Library of Congress.

    “It’s very much like a ragtime tune through a Gershwin lens, with a highly catchy melody and some surprising harmonic moves at the ends of phrases,” Fleck says. “He didn’t write out the harmony, but the implications seemed to point clearly towards ‘I Got Rhythm’ types of chords, though a little more quirky. To keep the authenticity of the piece, I played it on an old gut-string, five-string banjo.”  

    Béla Fleck was born and raised in New York City, and over the last four decades, he has boldly gone where no banjo player has before. He has earned 16 GRAMMY awards in different areas, including country, pop, jazz, instrumental, classical, and world. Fleck has had a lifelong love for Gershwin and his compositions. He took his homage further and decided to incorporate bluegrass instrumentation instead of a full orchestra for some areas.

    “A piano player can play Rhapsody a lot faster than I can,” adds Fleck. “But the truth is, they’ve played it so much that it sometimes gets rushed through. I’d listen and think, ‘There is so much in there but it’s going by so fast that I’m not getting it all.’ That gave me a window into a way to reinterpret those parts on banjo. It could be a new experience for listeners rather than hearing it banged out on piano for the twenty-fifth time. It might even be revelatory.”

    Photo credit: Jeremy Cowart.

    He’s joined by the core band from his GRAMMY-winning My Bluegrass Heart band: Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz, and Bryan Sutton. Rhapsody in Blue(s)—the blues version—features longtime Fleck collaborators Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and Victor Wooten.

    Béla Fleck added a solo banjo rendition of Gershwin’s “Rialto Ripples,” a ragtime novelty that initially flopped when it premiered in 1916. “My wish is that George Gershwin might have loved it, that he might have thought, ‘Hmmm, this is not what I expected, but the musicians certainly brought something different to it.’”

    On May 4, 2024, at Carnegie Hall, Rhythm, Raga & Rhapsody will celebrate the music of Béla Fleck, including his New York premiere of Rhapsody in Blue performed with the Aeolian Orchestra, conducted by Eric Jacobsen. The multi-artist night will also feature My Bluegrass Heart, tabla master Zakir Hussain, pianist Bruce Hornsby, and woodwind player Anat Cohen.

    Rhapsody in Blue will be available on LP, CD, and streaming. Order here.

    Bela Fleck 2024 TOUR DATES

    March 9 Lincoln, NE Lied Center for Performing Arts ~
    April 3  Buffalo, NY  Kleinhans Music Hall ^
    April 4 Oakville, Ontario Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts ^
    April 5  Kingston, Ontario Kingston Grand Theatre ^
    April 6  Stowe, VT Spruce Peak PAC ^
    April 9  Ottawa, Ontario Centrepointe ^
    April 10  St. Catharines, Ontario Partridge Hall ^
    April 12  State College, PA  The State Theatre ^
    April 13  Goshen, IN Goshen College ^
    April 14  Lexington, KY Lexington Opera House ^

    April 24  Skokie, IL North Shore PAC *
    April 25  Kohler, WI Kohler Memorial Theatre *
    April 26  Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre *
    April 27  Wilkesboro, NC  MerleFest *

    April 28  New Orleans, LA  New Orleans Jazz Festival
    May 4  New York, NY Carnegie Hall (Rhythm, Raga & Rhapsody)

    June 13  Groton, MA  Groton Hill Music Center ^

    June 14   Kingston, NY Ulster PAC ^

    June 15   Hartford, CT The Bushnell ^

    June 16  Kennett Square, PA  Longwood Gardens

    June 18   Boulder, CO Chautauqua Amphitheater #

    June 20  Telluride, CO  Telluride Bluegrass Festival (house band)

    June 21  Telluride, CO  Telluride Bluegrass Festival #

    July 12  Vancouver Island Musicfest #

    July 16  Breckenridge, CO Riverwalk Center #

    July 17  Aspen, CO  Aspen Music Festival #

    July 18  Santa Fe, NM  The Lensic PAC #

    July 27  Lyons, CO RockyGrass ^

    Oct 18  Pelham, TN  CaveFest ^

    Ticket information 
    *My Bluegrass Heart
    ^Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn
    ~Béla Fleck w/ Symphony
    # Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Zakir Hussain featuring Rakesh Chaurasia

  • Outlaw Fest 2024 Tours at Four Major Venues this Summer

    Some of outlaw country’s greatest names have announced a nationwide tour, Outlaw Fest 2024. The tour sees several dates across the country, with four across New York State. Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, and Alison Krauss are some of the names slated to perform this summer.

    The inaugural Outlaw Music Festival made its debut in 2016 in Scranton, PA. The event was so well received that Blackbird, Rothbaum, and Nelson have developed it into one of North America’s biggest annual touring franchises. Musicians such as Neil Young, Van Morrison, ZZ Top, Eric Church, Bonnie Raitt, Luke Combs have been involved in years past.

    “This year’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour promises to be the biggest and best yet with this lineup of legendary artists. I am thrilled to get back on the road again with my family and friends playing the music we love for the fans we love.” 

    Willie Nelson

    Chris Stapleton, Sheryl Crow, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers and many more have been a part of the Outlaw Tour as well. Artist and audience come together to share unforgettable music memories. Unique vendor villages with local food, drinks, and shopping are hosted in Live Nation amphitheaters across the country.

    Outlaw Fest 2024.

    The tour sees legendary talent throughout. Each date in New York will see a stellar lineup of outlaw, country, and rock icons. The tour is set to stop in Syracuse at Empower Amphitheater and in Long Island at Jones Beach Theater. The tour also stops at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel and Darien Lake Amphitheater in Buffalo.

    Outlaw Fest 2024.

    2024 OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL TOUR DATES:

    Friday, June 21, 2024 – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta, GA

    Saturday, June 22, 2024 -PNC Music Pavilion, Charlotte, NC

    Sunday, June 23, 2024 – Coastal Credit Union Music Park, Raleigh, NC

    Wednesday, June 26, 2024 – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA

    Friday, June 28, 2024Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse, NY

    Saturday, June 29, 2024Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY

    Sunday, June 30, 2024 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ

    Tuesday, July 2, 2024 – Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA

    Saturday, July 6, 2024Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY

    Sunday, July 7, 2024 – Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey, PA

    Monday, July 29, 2024 – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, CA

    Wednesday, July 31, 2024 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA

    Saturday, August 3, 2024 – Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA

    Sunday, August 4, 2024 – Toyota Amphitheatre, Wheatland, CA

    Wednesday, August 7, 2024 – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, Boise, ID

    Friday, August 9, 2024 – ONE Spokane Stadium, Spokane, WA

    Saturday, August 10, 2024 – Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA

    Friday, September 6, 2024 – Somerset Amphitheater, Somerset, WI

    Saturday, September 7, 2024 – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL

    Sunday, September 8, 2024 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, St. Louis, MO

    Wednesday, September 11, 2024 – Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH

    Thursday, September 12, 2024 – Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

    Saturday, September 14, 2024 – The Pavilion at Star Lake, Burgettstown, PA

    Sunday, September 15, 2024 – Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI

    Tuesday, September 17, 2024Darien Lake Amphitheater, Buffalo, NY

    Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, March 1 at 10 a.m. via OutlawMusicFestival.com. VIP packages will be available, including great seats and exclusive festival merchandise.

  • Jelly Roll Announces Summer “Beautifully Broken” Tour, Coming to Albany, Buffalo and NYC

    Jelly Roll will bring his headline “Beautifully Broken” tour to MVP Arena in Albany on Sept. 24, at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 27, and the KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Oct. 6

    Nashville native singer and songwriter Jelly Roll first debuted at number two on the top country album charts with his debut Whitsitt Chapel, released in June 2023. The album earned him the biggest country debut album in Billboard consumption chart history. 

    Prior to entering the country music scene, Jelly Roll began his career in hip hop, getting inspiration from rappers like UGK, 8Ball & MJG, and Three 6 Mafia. He started selling mixtapes out of his car, releasing tracks from his debut project, The Plain Shmear Tape, in 2003. In 2010, he released “Pop Another Pill” in collaboration with Memphis-based artist Lil Wyte, later leading to the album Year Round by the hip-hop group SNO, of which Jelly Roll was a member. Over the next few years, Jelly Roll continued to release many mixtapes and independent solo albums including collaborations with Lil Wyte, and Struggle Jennings. 

    Following his sweep at the 2023 CMT music awards where he earned three awards to become the most awarded artist of the night, the Billboard Country Power List cover star Jelly Roll was named the country’s “most authentic new artist” by the New Yorker and received the Billboard’s breakthrough award in 2023. His hit single “Save Me” features a confessional, vulnerable expression of self-doubt, set on the stage for his new season of life. It later took him to new heights including a Platinum certification from the RIAA on the heels of his 28-week reign at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart. 

    This summer the artist will bring his “Beautifully Broken” tour to the MVP Arena in Albany on Sept. 24, Madison Square Garden on Sept. 27, and the KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Oct. 6. Tickets will be available starting with various presales beginning on Monday, February 26.  Additional pre-sales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, March 1 at jellyroll615.com.

    Jelly Roll “Beautiful Broken” 2024 Tour Dates:

    Tue Aug 27 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center

    Wed Aug 28 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center

    Fri Aug 30 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena

    Sat Aug 31 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

    Sun Sep 1 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

    Tue Sep 3 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center

    Wed Sep 4 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center

    Fri Sep 6 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena

    Sat Sep 7 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center

    Mon Sep 9 – El Paso, TX – Don Haskins Center

    Wed Sep 11 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center

    Fri Sep 13 – Lafayette, LA – CAJUNDOME

    Sat Sep 14 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center

    Tue Sep 17 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center

    Thu Sep 19 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum

    Fri Sep 20 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena

    Sat Sep 21 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

    Tue Sep 24 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena

    Thu Sep 26 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

    Fri Sep 27 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

    Sat Sep 28 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena

    Sun Sep 29 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center

    Tue Oct 1 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center

    Wed Oct 2 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

    Sat Oct 5 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena

    Sun Oct 6 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center

    Wed Oct 9 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena

    Fri Oct 11 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    Sat Oct 12 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center

    Tue Oct 15 – Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena

    Fri Oct 18 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center 

    Sun Oct 20 – Bossier City, LA – Brookshire Grocery Arena

    Tue Oct 22 – Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena

    Wed Oct 23 – St Louis, MO – Enterprise Center 

    Fri Oct 25 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center

    Sat Oct 26 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

    Sun Oct 27 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center

  • Neil Young & Crazy Horse Announces “Love Earth” Tour Coming to Queens This Spring

    Long-term collaborators Neil Young and Crazy Horse have announced their “Love Earth” Tour in support of their new album FU##IN’ UP, making a stop at the Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on May 14 and 15. 

    Neil Young crazy horse queens

    The Canadian singer-songwriter who has been a major music figure known for his willingness to embrace innovation while staying true to his unique artistic vision will team up with his long-term collaborators to release a nine-song body of work FU##IN’ UP on April 26 and in addition to announcing their new album, the duo have released the details of their “Love Earth” which will commence across North America in April and May. 

    The album FU##IN’ UP reveals both Neil Young and Crazy Horse in all their ragged glory playing songs from their long relationship. The duo have played together for over 50 years and the performances of these familiar songs, recorded in 2023, is a true highlight. As Neil explains, “In the spirit it’s offered…made this for the Horse lovers. I can’t stop it. The horse is runnin’. What a ride we have. I don’t want to mess with the vibe. I am so happy to have this to share.” 

    Neil Young art by ‘java’ john goldacker

    Neil Young and Crazy Horse released World Record in 2022 and in Spring 2023, Young, Nils Logfren, Ralph Molina and Billy Talbot released All Roads Lead Home. FU##IN’ UP will feature the core Crazy Horse members as well as Young’s son Micah on vocals, piano and guitar. Fans can pre save their album here

    Neil Young and Crazy Horse will perform their “Love Earth” Tour at the Forest Hills Stadium in Queens for two nights on May 14 and 15 and tickets can be found here.

    Neil Young and Crazy Horse “Love Earth” Tour Dates:

    Wed Apr 24 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

    Thu Apr 25 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

    Sat Apr 27 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

    Wed May 01 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater

    Thu May 02 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

    Sun May 05 – Huntsville, AL – Orion Amphitheater

    Tue May 07 – Atlanta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

    Wed May 08 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater

    Sat May 11 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

    Sun May 12 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

    Tue May 14 – Queens, NY – Forest Hills Stadium 

    Wed May 15 – Queens, NY – Forest Hills Stadium

    Fri May 17 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

    Sat May 18 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater

    Mon May 20 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

    Wed May 22 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

    Thu May 23 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island

    https://youtu.be/CLDBLOZp6aU?si=gzkA2Lyd3rT6gtP3
  • Reggie Harris And Pat Wictor To Perform at Proctors in Schenectady

    Singer, songwriter, guitarist and storytellers in harmony, Reggie Harris and Pat Wictor will take the stage together for a powerfully harmonic concert at the 8th Step at Proctors (GE Theatre) in Schenectady on Saturday, February 24. 

    pat wictor Reggie Harris

    Often known as a performer of uncommon depth and talent; Reggie Harris writes from a personal but accessible place that reveals his deep sense of humanity and a uniquely positive world view. Harris is also known as a one-half of the eminently prominent duo, Kim & Reggie Harris, the musical trailblazer and master songwriter continues to criss-cross the country, carrying the message of joy, unity, tolerance and peace through the powerful medium of live music. 

    Upstate NY-based artist performs for audiences of all ages and his 2018 album Ready To Go was ranked as the #5 CD on the Folk DJ Charts and was in the top 30 on the US Folk DJ charts for 5 months of 2018. The title cut was the  #1 song for May 2018. In 2019 Reggie and Greg Greenway released Deeper Than the Skin in response to their challenging and insightful presentation of the same name. Reggie is currently a rotating DJ featured on Prisms: The Sound Of Color on SiriusXM’s The Village.

    Pat Wictor, of the late lamented band “Brother Sun” is a songwriter rooted in traditional blues, but ranging much wider than that. His strong clear voice and tasty slide guitar accompaniment characterizes his performance, and have made him highly sought after in backing up innumerable other performers on recording and performance. Wictor first burst onto the folk and acoustic scene as an innovative slide guitarist known for fresh and memorable interpretations of traditional and contemporary songs. Since then, he has made his mark as a singer-songwriter penning lean and poetic songs that honor and extend rural blues and gospel traditions. For seven years he toured as one third of Brother Sun, the powerful harmonizing trio with Joe Jencks and Greg Greenway, garnering critical acclaim, two #1 CDs on the Folk DJ charts, and a continent-spanning tour schedule.

    Pat spent his early years in Venezuela, the Netherlands, Norway, England, and East Texas and his time abroad gave him an outsider’s wide perspective and set him on a journey to understanding America – and his own American-ness – through music. His early experiences of living amidst different languages and cultures made him accustomed to charting his own course and being ready for the unexpected.

    Tickets for Pat Wictor and Reggie Harris at the 8th Step at Proctors (GE Theatre) in Schenectady on February 24 are $26 advance, $28 day of show and $40 Gold Circle (front center section seats & 6:30 pm Meet & Greet onstage), are available here. 

  • Daniel Donato Brings the Sunshine During A Sold Out Snowstorm Show at Bowery Ballroom

    Tuesday, February 13, was a sleet-streaked Tuesday, as the Big Apple got its first snowfall in two years, but within a few notes of Daniel Donato’s standout playing, New York City’s iconic Bowery Ballroom melted away into sun-drenched paradise as the sold out crowd packed in.

    23 shows deep into his 2024 winter/spring tour, Donato is a regular visitor to New York State recently selling out Brooklyn Bowl just late last year, so it is a treat getting to see him in such an intimate venue. It’s clear Donato and his band are destined for greater things. Whether he’s strumming out phaser-soaked melodies or channeling his southern drawl through machine gun-like rapid-fire guitar riffs, Donato’s virtuosity, honed through hard practice, is simply breathtaking. His guitar becomes an extension of his soul, delivering lyrics like “..the country boy lived within the sky blue telecaster” with a palpable authenticity. 

    Donato’s synergy with his road warrior bandmates creates a groove that feels like a well-worn freight train. Will McGee on electric and standup bass, Nathan “Sugar” Aronowitz on keys, organ and guitar, and Will Clark on drums. Donato and his crew exude an aura of rock and roll royalty, with a crew whose uniform of black cowboy hats and boots evokes the “Memphis Mafia.”

    From the onset, drummer Will Clark’s metronomic beat set the stage for a musical journey that refused to relent. Clark’s percussive prowess seamlessly navigated through various styles and tempos, providing the perfect foundation for Donato’s cosmic country odyssey. A standout of the night was Aronowitz’s multi-instrumental talents, stepping up from the keys to deliver exceptional guitar work during “Dancin In The Desert” and organ playing that is seemingly otherworldly. 

    The crowd’s unofficial uniform of tie dyes, western wear, and psychedelia underscores Donatos ability to tap into a psychedelic Americana renaissance. While his style may draw comparisons to jam aficionados, Donato’s signature sound remains firmly rooted, with an unwavering dedication to his craft shines through. From humble beginnings being introduced to Grateful Dead through a high school history teacher to honing his chops with over 400 sets with Nashville’s famous Don Kelly Band, Donatos’ rise in the music industry has been the product of his own dedication, and the hard work of those around him. 

    daniel donato bowery

    As Donato and his team bid farewell, the audience barely budged, eagerly anticipating an encore. Returning to the stage, they delivered a jumping cover of the Dead’s “Quinn The Eskimo,” echoing sentiments of endless possibilities and boundless horizons. With his new album, Reflector, now out, Donato has proved himself not just as a musician but as a captivating live performer. Fans can look forward to experiencing Donato in NYC again this summer when he joins moe. to play Pier 17. 

    daniel donato bowery

    Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country – Bowery Ballroom, NYC – February 13, 2024

    Set 1: Hi Country, Haldway (In Between), Lose Your Mind> Waymore’s Blues> Mystery Train, Rose in a Garden, Darlin’ Cory [1] , Dance in the Dessert 
    Set 2: Fee Wheelin’> Everybody’s Talkin’, Weathervane> Blue Skies> Weathervane, Cosmic Doo Doo, Better Deal Blues, Chore, Sugar Shack [2], Luck of the Draw, Sugar Leg Rag. 
    Encore: Quinn the Eskimo [3]
    [1] The Weavers cover
    [2]  Nathan “Sugar” Aronowitz  on vocal
    [3] Grateful Dead Cover

  • Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2024 Announces Initial Lineup

    Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2024 has announced its initial lineup, returning to the grounds of Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY for another unforgettable retreat of music, magic, and memories from July 17-21.

    The festival’s lineup includes Del McCoury Band, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Steeldrivers, and many more. Dry Branch Fire Squad, the festival’s longtime host, will once again deliver top-notch entertainment and storytelling throughout the weekend, while newly minted artist-in-residence Della Mae appears across several stages. Tony Trischka’s EarlJam: A Tribute to Earl Scruggs, Le Vent du Nord, and Missy Raines and Allegheny are newly added.

    Also appearing at the 24th annual Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival will be GRAMMY-nominated, three-time IBMA-winning all-star female supergroup Sister Sadie, Celtic-rock sensation SCYTHIAN, singer-songwriter and guitarist Charlie Parr, and multi-instrumentalist Brennen Leigh.

    Each year, the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival offers a distinct experience unlike any other. Music lovers from every corner of the U.S., Canada, and beyond look forward to savoring the magic of the weekend with its eclectic mix of music and collaborations. With a diverse array of on-site activities including music and dance workshops, family-friendly entertainment,  a songwriting lab, yoga, meditation, and multicultural culinary vendors, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival caters to all ages.

    Photo by Jessica Miller.

    Grey Fox has also announced its 2024 class of Emerging Artists. These include trailblazing South Korean bluegrass group Country GongBang plus The Clements Brothers, Into The Fog, The Cross-Eyed Possum, Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light, Mild Goose Chase, and graduates of the American Roots Music Program at Berklee College of Music.

    Single-day and Weekend passes are on sale now.

    Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2024 Lineup

    Hosted by Dry Branch Fire Squad

    Della Mae (Artist-in-Residence)

    Del McCoury Band

    Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

    Tony Trischka’s EarlJam: A Tribute to Earl Scruggs

    Yonder Mountain String Band

    The Steeldrivers

    Hawktail

    The Travelin’ McCourys

    The Gibson Brothers

    Sister Sadie

    I Draw Slow (Ireland)

    Shadowgrass

    Sam Grisman Project

    Wyatt Ellis

    Darol Anger & Bruce Molsky

    Charlie Parr

    The Mammals

    SCYTHIAN

    Chris Jones & The Night Drivers

    Missy Raines and Allegheny

    Pine Leaf Boys

    Charm City Junction

    Casey Driessen’s Red Shoe Stringjam

    Brennen Leigh

    The Faux Paws

    Joe Newberry

    Le Vent du Nord (Montréal, CA)

    Twisted Pine

    Mike+Ruthy (of The Mammals)

    Pictrola

    Zoe & Cloyd

    Unspoken Tradition

    John, Trish & Quickstep

    Jim Gaudet & The Railroad Boys

    Mark Gamsjager & The Lustre Kings

    Mild Goose Chase

    Niamh Parsons & Graham Dunne (Dublin, IE)

    Country GongBang (Korea)

    The Cross-Eyed Possum

    Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light

    Into The Fog

    The Clements Brothers

    Berklee American Roots Music Showcase