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Greg M. SchwartzFeatures
Roswell UFO Festival: 3 July 2009 - Roswell, NMThe biggest question on the minds of most attendees was not whether there is a cover-up, but when it will end. [30 July 2009] High Sierra Music Festival 2008Despite the forest fires that plagued Northern California, the festival went off without a hitch, providing its own smoking performances and hot jams along with inventive instrumental interplay and socially conscious songs. [8 August 2008] One More Drifter in the Snow: An Interview with Aimee MannThe songwriter looks at the ghost of Christmas past while moving forward. [24 January 2007] College Football: The Most Important Sport in America. Period.Bigger than the NFL, more intense than the NBA, more meaningful than pro baseball, NCAA football is the best game in the country. [6 November 2006] On a Bus Named Desire: An Interview with Soul AsylumFrontman Dave Pirner discusses loss, music, and how their new album The Silver Lining has Soul Asylum back in the rock 'n' roll game. [1 January 1995] Revolution Now: An Interview with QueensrycheQueensryche's 1988 masterpiece Operation: Mindcrime was one of the most ambitious and subversive concept albums ever recorded. With the recently released sequel, leader Geoff Tate explains the genesis of the new album, while his daughter Miranda explains a little about him. Intersections of Musical Directions: An Interview with Keyboard Great Bruce HornsbyHornsby looks back on 20 years performing, considering Russian spies, great flukes, and remarkable collaborations. All Aboard the Mule Train: An Interview with Gov’t Mule’s Warren HaynesAre you an entertainer or are you a musician? Warren Haynes discusses the expanding rift between art and entertainment in a climate that champions celebrity over integrity. ReviewsSound Tribe Sector 9: 25 July 2009 - Morrison, COTthe fact that STS9 could even be considered the Red Rocks event of the year speaks volumes to how far the band has come. [9 September 2009] Old Settler’s Music Festival: 18 April 2009 - Austin, TXFrom bluegrass to the blues, the Old Settler’s Music Festival has been serving up Americana-style roots music since 1987. [9 June 2009] Susan TedeschiSusan Tedeschi could probably make “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” sound soulful, so she has no problem holding the enraptured crowd’s attention with newer material. [10 March 2009] Gov’t Mule + The Disco BiscuitsGov’t Mule’s Warren Haynes was ranked the 23rd best guitarist of all-time by Rolling Stone a few years ago, but the Disco Biscuit’s Jon Gutwillig is giving him a run for the money tonight. [4 March 2009] Arc AngelsWhen the Arc Angel’s first -- and as it turned out only -- album came out in 1992, there was massive buzz and rightfully so. [7 January 2009] Lotus + SeepeopleSSome bands don’t put much thought into where they start and end tours, but most jambands seem to sense that significant locales for opening and closing tours can have a noticeable effect on their musical mojo. [17 December 2008] Railroad Earth + The Watson TwinsIn 2003 Railroad Earth were playing on top of an RV in the campgrounds at the High Sierra Festival, but by this summer’s edition had graduated to the main stage. Now they’re playing two nights at the Fillmore. [28 October 2008] Oakland Rocks for ChangeIt’s the season for political benefit shows, so it’s no surprise when the famously liberal Bay Area comes up with an evening of musical entertainment -- including headliners Hot Buttered Rum -- to raise funds for Barack Obama. [9 October 2008] Power to the Peaceful FestivalMichael Franti & Spearhead’s 10th annual Power to the Peaceful Festival blended groove-oriented music with socially conscious messages. [30 September 2008] Slow Food Rocks FestivalWith a mix of food and beverages, bands, and informational booths, the Slow Food Rocks Festival provided sustenance for everyone. [25 September 2008] Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival – Part Two: Three Fields, Six Stages - Numerous ChoicesConsidering that modern American rock ‘n’ roll received one if its biggest boosts thanks to the “San Francisco Sound” of the late ‘60s, it’s fitting that the city now has a major festival to call its own. [23 September 2008] Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival – Part One: Full HouseConsidering that modern American rock ‘n’ roll received one if its biggest boosts thanks to the “San Francisco Sound” of the late ‘60s, it’s fitting that the city now has a major festival to call its own. [22 September 2008] Sound Tribe Sector 9 + BassnectarUnlike pop bands whose fans come hoping to sing along to their favorite hits, Sound Tribe Sector 9 is a group where the particular songs played seem less important than the overall energy the band summons. [18 September 2008] Blue Turtle Seduction + Five Eyed Hand + Trevor GarrodIt’s always a special moment when a band returns to the scene of one their greatest triumphs to revel in the resonation of that vibe while also seeking to push that energy further. [9 September 2008] Yellowjackets featuring Mike SternYellowjackets with Mike Stern are an incredibly tight ensemble with a modern sound and an impressive ability to vary their dynamics on a dime. [27 August 2008] Los Lonely Boys + Los LobosDespite their disparate dates of inception, it appears that the time for these two Latino-influenced bands to join together for a co-headlining tour has arrived, and there aren’t many double-bills on the road this summer that can match the high-quality tandem of Los Lonely Boys and Los Lobos. [20 August 2008] Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi’s Soul Stew RevivalWhile the Soul Stew Revival is just getting going, the band’s future is as bright as can be, enabling the music world to rest assured that there’s a new generation ready and able to continue down the path blazed by legends like Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, and the Allman Brothers. [15 August 2008] Jefferson Starship + The ZombiesJefferson Starship is a band poised for a big comeback. They’ve got a spectacular new vocalist in Cathy Richardson, a stellar new album, and what appears to be a revitalized Paul Kantner. [8 August 2008] Aimee MannAimee Mann isn’t generally known as a high-intensity rocker, but what sets her melancholy, storytelling type of tunes apart is the way she blends them with her rock background. [4 August 2008] Phil Lesh & Friends - Part 2: Till the Morning ComesOver five nights, the former Grateful Dead bassist played eight of the Dead’s albums in full, in order, culminating with a final, six-and-a-half hour show that was a fitting finale to San Francisco’s Warfield Theatre, which is closing for renovations and will re-open under new management. [1 July 2008] Phil Lesh & Friends - Part One: Brokedown PalaceOver five nights, the former Grateful Dead bassist played eight of the Dead’s albums in full, in order, culminating with a final, six-and-a-half hour show that was a fitting finale to San Francisco’s Warfield Theatre, which is closing for renovations and will re-open under new management. [30 June 2008] SantanaThe concept of being the change the world so desperately needs is one that Carlos returns to throughout the evening. Some musicians are afraid to get political, but not Carlos -- he seems to feel as if his success gives him a responsibility to speak out. [20 June 2008] Hot TunaRock ‘n’ roll must elicit some sort of youth elixir, for these two classic rock warriors sound just as vital in 2008 as they did back in their original heyday. [17 June 2008] Anti-Flag + The Street DogsAnti-Flag draws out a feeling of catharsis that comes from knowing the whole planet hasn’t gone crazy: there are still a few bands in rock ‘n’ roll willing to call it like they see it. [12 June 2008] Yonder Mountain String BandSpecial guest Jon Fishman’s drumming seems to fill a void that drives the band to what must surely be one of their top performances. [5 June 2008] Hot Buttered RumThe band’s precision and virtuoso musicianship is clearly on display, combined with a freewheeling spirit that conjures visions of drunken saloon gigs from a bygone era. The Avett BrothersYou can’t quite call them a power trio, but they put out a big sound. [14 May 2008] The Greyboy AllstarsKarl Denson is a man who flat out knows how to get down, and who always brings an uplifting vibe. Combine that with the supreme talents of the rest of the Greyboy Allstars, and you have a recipe for musical magic. [28 April 2008] Maceo ParkerReferencing Shakespeare, Parker joked: “I always thought the question was to be or not to be... funky!” For Parker, there’s no doubt that the answer was, is, and will always be positive: he’s made a career out of being just about the funkiest cat around. [27 March 2008] Perpetual GrooveIf many bands play a set of songs that only occasionally jam out, Perpetual Groove flips the formula with a focus on jams that only occasionally morph into songs. The effect is one of musical catharsis. [26 March 2008] Tea Leaf Green + Blue Turtle SeductionThe heirs to San Francisco’s jamrock crown, Tea Leaf Green, honor the past by using their influences as a launch pad to boldly explore new sonic territory. [11 March 2008] Umphrey’s McGeeIt takes a supreme talent to inspire fans to travel across the country for a gig, and Umphrey’s McGee delivers with progressive rock that consistently demonstrates a high level of instrumental prowess and stylistic diversity. [29 February 2008] New Monsoon + End of Time ObservatoryWhile New Monsoon's sound has a foundation in classic rock, the addition of Eastern, Latin, and world-music elements has given the band a unique flavor -- it’s that mix, perhaps, that has attracted a cult of followers known as “Storm Chasers.” [22 February 2008] Grace Potter and the NocturnalsWith a voice that oozes classic rock and blues, the 24-year-old Potter is a talent light years beyond the Idol crowd. [8 February 2008] moe.The Fillmore is one of the best places in the world to see a band like moe., who represent a welcome return to the classic psych style first pioneered at the venue some 40 years ago. [23 January 2008] 
The Last Days of Democracy by Elliot D. Cohen, Bruce W. FraserThe way that The Last Days of Democracy cuts through the propaganda of the mainstream media and political establishment provides an antidote for those who wish to open their eyes. [6 December 2007] 
Ryan Adams and the Cardinals: Follow the LightsWhile it may only have two “new” songs, Lights is no toss-off. Each track may as well be new as far as Adams’ musical muse is concerned. [30 October 2007] Smashing PumpkinsAs Smashing Pumpkins prepare for the fourth night of their historic 12-show residency at rock’s most hallowed hall, questions abound. What will be the effect of its two new members, and can version 2.0 match the legendary intensity of the original? [6 August 2007] 
Grateful Dead: Three From the VaultNot one of the Grateful Dead’s “holy grail” performances, but the band is definitely on and the sound is as pristine as anything the band has released. [3 August 2007] 
Perpetual Groove: LivelovediePerpetual Groove are rocking harder than ever, but still jamming out in their trademark melodic way. [19 July 2007] 
Jefferson Airplane: Sweeping Up the Spotlight – Live at the Fillmore East 1969The 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love is upon us, and the music gods have seen fit to bless the masses with some great newly released music from the era. [18 July 2007] Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi’s Soul Stew RevivalSince soul singer Susan Tedeschi and blues guitarist Derek Trucks got married in 2001, fans have been listening closely as if to quiet ticking of untapped musical dynamite, waiting to see when and how it would finally explode. [11 July 2007] 
Various Artists: Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save DarfurWhat if today's musical stars were to wholeheartedly pursue the socially conscious vision that drove John Lennon's solo work? [3 July 2007] Harmony Festival feat. Brian Wilson, STS9, Umphrey’s McGee, Erykah Badu, and moe.Extra-sensory input, Dennis Kucinich, the terrors of 2012, and a weekend's worth of pure California sunshine... [29 June 2007] Sing Out for Seva feat. Mickey Hart and Friends, Tea Leaf Green, and Chris Robinson’s Wooden FamilyWhat happens when San Francisco’s finest pay tribute to infamous activist and hippie extraordinaire Wavy Gravy on his 71st birthday? Psychedelic insanity... [1 June 2007] QueensrÿcheWhile most hard rock bands of the era were focused on rowdy debauchery, Queensrÿche staked a claim as one of the most intelligent bands in the genre. [11 December 2006] The Disco Biscuits pt. 2No Sunday night doldrums here. The weekend may be over, but the Bisco dance party rages on... [5 December 2006] The Disco Biscuits pt. 1Psychedelic trance, all-out improv, and a boon for the Buckeyes. Donna the BuffaloDonna the Buffalo's Tara Nevins is a soulful singer-songwriter, one that could stand alongside better-known talents like Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, and the Dixie Chicks any day. [29 November 2006] Nights of the Living Dead Part 3: RatdogIf you’re into the rock 'n roll lifestyle, Bob Weir has lived one of the most enviable lives imaginable... [16 November 2006] Nights of the Living Dead Part 2: The Rhythm DevilsLike great jazz players, rock musicians with an improvisational background age like fine wine. [15 November 2006] Nights of the Living Dead: A Three-Part Series - The Rhythm DevilsThe indefatigable energy of Grateful Dead music was strong in Ohio as drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann brought their new band, the Rhythm Devils, to the Midwest, followed shortly thereafter by guitarist Bob Weir’s Ratdog. [13 November 2006] Widespread Panic. [3 October 2006] Sound Tribe Sector 9at the Newport Music Hall and you're looking at a night to remember. [18 May 2006] |
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