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Leftover Salmon: Celebrating 20 Years Part 4

By: Michael ‘Jersey’ Gerity

Download the final part of our Leftover Salmon Celebrating 20 Years sampler here.

Every once in a blue moon, a group of musicians will get together and find that they have unleashed a spark of musical and personal compatibility that will not only change their lives but the many lives of the people around them as well. They might not see the longevity of what they are creating at that point, but as the years roll by and the band endures, the magic shines through in their music and amongst the troupe of fans that returns their energy.

If you’ve been following the first three parts of this series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) then you have come to realize that Leftover Salmon is a band of this ilk. And like Salmon instinctively do, the band recently returned to the exact site of their spawning some 20 years ago. It was at The Eldo in Crested Butte, Colorado in December of 1989 where the journey began, so it was only natural for the band to kick off their four-show holiday anniversary run back where it all got started.

Here in part four of “Celebrating 20 Years” it seemed fitting to have Vince Herman and Drew Emmitt recall the recent run of shows and what it meant to the both of them.

“It was taking it all the way back to the beginning,” explains Emmitt. “There was a lot of intense energy in that little room. I don’t think I’ve seen that many people in The Eldo before. It was a wall of sound in a very small space.”

Vince Herman :: 12.28 :: The Eldo by Jackson Photo

“For me, it was huge personally. I’ve been here now in Crested Butte for almost ten years. So for me to be able to play with Salmon in my hometown for all my friends and give that to my community was huge. I was so psyched we were doing it here,” adds Emmitt. “It was incredibly significant and really fun.”

For a band that has nearly 375 songs in their repertoire, it was any one’s guess what they might play that first night in Crested Butte.

“Vince just really wanted to be old school and he said, ‘You know what? Let’s play everything that really slams.’ Because he really wanted people to slam dance,” Emmitt says. “And I agreed with that.”

The band brought out many of those early slam-grass zingers to get things going down in Crested Butte, saving their ballads and long epic jams for the Boulder and Denver shows.

“For me, it did reveal what’s happened over the years,” says Herman. “It was like, ‘Mission accomplished!’ And it was so cool to see a lot of the same people that were at that first show and what’s become of their lives and you know, up to the same tricks kinda thing – in brand new ways.”

“One of the things that was a revelation to me was thinking about getting there in the beginning and not having a repertoire. You think twenty years later there is this whole repertoire of tunes and all this stuff. But we had absolutely nothing when we rolled into there that we had played together,” Herman recalls. “Lefthand [String Band], at that point, had been playing really fast and the Salmonheads were playing fast but with a drummer and an accordion player, so we just figured out what it was we could pull off. It turned out the more bluegrassy, rowdier stuff caused slam dancing; and probably to the crowd’s surprise and to ours. But slam dancing was kind of a thing at the time. It didn’t have any intention, but it was obvious where to go once those people showed up. And then they showed up again.”

Leftover Salmon & Friends :: 12.30 :: Boulder Theater
By Jackson Photo

Of course what Herman is talking about is the birth of their sound, an amalgamation of music that they coined Polyethnic Cajun Slamgrass, which would ultimately go on to help pioneer the jam band scene.

After the Crested Butte show, the band returned to Boulder, their other Colorado home, where they played two nights leading up to New Year’s Eve at the historic Boulder Theater. It was a family gathering and the vibe was one of optimism and hope as the Emmitt-Nershi Band took to the stage to open things up.

As we awaited Salmon’s arrival, it seemed appropriate that just Herman and Emmitt appeared first on the stage for an acoustic rendition of a Woody Guthrie tune and a heartfelt welcome and thanks for twenty wonderful years.

“Everybody came out of the woodwork, all the old friends. It was wonderful,” says Emmitt. “To be honest with you it was a little more overwhelming when we did our last shows at the Fox before the hiatus. That was intense, with a lot of emotion. This was more relaxed and happy. I think this was more of a beginning, with a sense of something we are going to keep doing, and finally after twenty years we have figured out how to do it and have it make sense and have everybody still be able to do their other projects. And it’s great. It was a real nice way to kick off a new era for us.”

Leftover Salmon & Friends :: NYE :: Boulder Theater
By Jackson Photo

Like many New Year’s shows, the anticipation began building early and the room was charged with a special glow. It is said in Salmon folklore that it was a blue moon the night of their first show in 1989. So, it was only appropriate to celebrate twenty years of this band in a special, surreal way on the night of another blue moon. It seems with these fish, things really get done, well, twice in a blue moon.

Salmon was scheduled to play three sets with no opener. When the lights dimmed, we were off. There are many simultaneous things happening to make this sound called Leftover Salmon and if you have been to a Salmon show, you know the carnival atmosphere I’m speaking of. So, peruse the setlist (at the end of the story) and use your imagination to envision how this band rejoiced in their rebirth at twenty years and how this following of LoSers helped bring in the New Year.

To commemorate this historic four-night run, the band and their management went the extra mile to accommodate the fans. The Eldo show in Crested Butte was broadcast on KBUT and streamed live on their website. It was a great way for all the folks that didn’t get tickets to this intimate show or just couldn’t make it out to Colorado to listen. Likewise, the Boulder shows were streamed in High Definition and will be available through the On Demand stream throughout the month of January. Both shows were also filmed for a possible future DVD.

Continue reading for more on Leftover Salmon’s 20 Year Celebration…

Leftover Salmon & Friends :: NYE :: Boulder Theater
By Jackson Photo

“The Millennium Hotel was Salmon headquarters over the New Year’s run in Boulder. Most of the band and many fans were staying there,” explains John Joy of Salmon’s management team. “An organized poster signing on New Year’s Day took place at the hotel bar and it was dubbed ‘Bloodys with the Band.’ Longtime Leftover Salmon artists Jason Rizzi and Scramble Campbell, who collaborated on the poster art and the set design that went with the 20th celebration run, where both on hand displaying their work. It was a fantastic event where the entire band was there signing posters for over three hours straight with a constant flow of fans, some great storytelling, and even some picking going on in the hotel lobby with some of the members of Elephant Revival along with Vince Herman’s two sons, Colin and Silas. It was the perfect way to erase the hangover from the night before and to reminisce on what a great twenty years it has been.”

“Painting with Leftover this New Year’s was like riding a roller coaster into a new decade,” says Scramble Campbell. “There were plenty of friendly, familiar faces with the music, which simply made my brushes dance. Friday’s gathering was the perfect way to start the year off smooth. It was an honor to be invited to be in their historic 20th anniversary.”

Emmitt & Herman :: 01.02.10
Ogden Theatre by Jackson Photo

“Needless to say it was a trip to work with Scramble to commemorate twenty years of LoS,” says Jason Rizzi. “Scramble has a deep respect for music, art and culture; I appreciate that about him. It’s a blast just to be around him. He’s got amazing intuition, a big heart, and a swell sense of humor if you catch him at the right moments. This three piece project was a joy to work on and has certainly ‘Scrambled’ my mind up real good in the process.”

“I feel this 20 Year Celebration undoubted marks a new era for Leftover Salmon and their Polyethnic Cajun Slamgrass following family,” adds Rizzi. “The band is really playing at the edge of magic, and honestly embodies the spirit of renewal and celebration.”

But just when you think it can’t get no better, it does! The final show at the Ogden Theatre in Denver on January 2 was billed as “Salmon and Friends” with Herman and his Great American Taxi opening.

“From the twenty year perspective, it was really cool to be able to do that, because that is where my focus is now, [with] Salmon being a thing we revisit at times,” says Herman. “It’s a great repertoire of tunes that I would hate to see go away because it’s really fun to play them and share them with the family we’ve had listening to those tunes. But, the focus of my writing now is in Taxi.”

“I think we might start integrating some of our newer stuff since Salmon stopped touring and there might be the possibility of introducing some other stuff, here and there. I think as we get more in the groove with this that will begin to happen,” says Emmitt. “In my opinion, I think it’s still okay to put this thing back together as it is and as it was. By in large, that’s what people really want to hear anyway. I think we are playing some of these songs better than we ever have. There is always the possibility for something new. Just let things unfold. I think at this point with this band we don’t need to push it, just let it all happen – just see what happens and what develops and go from there.”

There were many guests and friends that sat in with the band in Boulder and that began right from the start of the final night. Just sighting two drum kits onstage, the crowd knew we were in for a rousing treat. It was an underlying tribute and benefit for Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward, who is suffering from severe liver disease. With both longtime Salmon drummers, Jeff Sipe and Jose Martinez, behind the kits, the band sounded better than ever.

“It was like a monster – powerful, with a light laughter thing over the top of it,” remarks Herman about the two-drummer set-up.

Leftover Salmon & Friends :: 01.02.10
Ogden Theatre by Joe Belinky

Guests kept filling up the setlist, with Bonnie Paine of Elephant Revival on washboard, the Peak To Freak horns (Danny Sears and Justin Jones), Joe Jogerst on accordion, and Yonder Mountain String Band‘s Jeff Austin on mandolin as well as Sally Van Meter, who played a big role in the evening, ripping through many tunes on the pedal steel.

“It had been so long since we played with Sally. You hear her play the acoustic stuff and you kinda forget she gets absolutely raunchy on that thing,” says Herman. “Her and Drew definitely had a great dueling, slippy-slidey thing going on.”

Pete “Dr. Banjo” Wernick was also a friend that sat in on a number of songs, bringing a real full circle moment for Herman.

“It had been way to long since I had seen Pete,” says Herman. “Hot Rize is the reason I moved to Colorado, wanting to get out of West Virginia and get into some new bluegrass scene. And Hot Rize was the center of that. I thought it was incredibly poignant to have Pete there.”

But, the bulk of the evening was dedicated to the numerous rousing renditions with Cracker‘s David Lowery and Johnny Hickman, who’d once played a New Year’s gig in Denver with Leftover, then stayed on to recreate some of the magic found on the collaborative 2003 O’ Cracker Where Art Thou? album. Herman sums it up, “The Cracker stuff was just so fuckin’ fun.”

As the Ogden show wound down four magical nights, you could see the infectious joy across the faces of everyone on the stage and in the crowd. The music spoke for itself and now after twenty years of ups and downs, it might be said that Leftover Salmon may have found a new niche.

The LOS family has now grown to encompass a number of side projects, and the delicate balance of these influences has set a new direction. Salmon has always been a unique and special sound and gathering, so it should be no surprise that when this bunch assembles the magic is sure to follow.

They are bringing the goods and are once again throwing the special kind of party that they’ve become famous for. So, when the call comes, both band and fans will be ready to reconvene and come together in the church of Polyethnic Cajun Slamgrass.

This video is from the Boulder Theater HD Live stream that was offered the night of the shows. Both Boulder Theater shows are available now for on demand streaming in HD. Details available at leftoversalmon.com.

Download the entire Leftover Salmon Celebrating 20 Years

free double album sampler here:


Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4

Continue reading for NYE Run setlists and album track list details…

Collaborative Art by Scramble Campbell & Jason Rizzi – Celebrating 20 Years of Leftover Salmon

Show poster available here.

12.28.09 :: The Eldo :: Crested Butte, CO

Set I: Intro, Ain’t Gonna Work, Zombie Jamboree, Whiskey Before Breakfast > Over The Waterfall, Rabbit In Log, Tu N’as Pas Aller, Gold Hill Line, Soul Shakedown Party >
Hot Corn/Cold Corn, Squirrel Heads And Gravy, Almost Cut My Hair, Bosco Stomp >
Rocky Road Blues > The Shape I’m In > Hell Yea I Drink > Rocky Road Blues

Set II:
Tangled up in Blue > Sing the Blues > Funky Town > God Save The Queen > Sing the Blues > Tangled up in Blue, Jugband Son, Bill’s Boogie, Other Side, Dear Ole Dixie, Lovin’ In My Baby’s Eyes, Down In The Hollow

E: Band Introduction, Steam powered Airplane, Rise Up

Download the 12.28 Eldo show here.

12.30.09 :: Boulder Theater :: Boulder, CO

Set I: Woody Guthrie (acoustic w/ only Drew and Vince), Voodoo Queen Marie (w/ Gerry Cavagnaro), Look Mama A Boo Boo (w/ Gerry Cavagnaro), Get Me Outta This City, Hot Burrito Breakdown, Get ‘er Rolling (w/ Tyler Grant & Joe Jogerst), Zydeco Boogaloo (w/ Joe Jogerst), Blue House (w/ Joe Jogerst), Let’s Give A Party (w/ Joe Jogerst), Delta Queen (w/ Gerry Cavagnaro), Hard To Handle (w/ Gerry Cavagnaro), Doing My Time > Danger Man > Doing My Time (w/ Andy Thorn), Y’all Come (w/ Guests)

Set II: Riding On The L&N, Midnight Blues, Tu N’as Pas Aller, Railroad Highway, Wild Bill Joes (w/ Silas Herman, Eric Torin, Eli Emmitt) Alfalfa’s, Whipping Post, Head Bag (w/ Joe Jogerst), She Caught the Katy (w/ Gerry Cavagnaro), Oklahoma (w/ Glenn Keefe, Gerry Cavagnaro, Joe Jogerst), Quinn the Eskimo (w/ Billy Nershi)

E: Iko Iko > Rise Up (w/ all guests in the house)

Download the 12.30 Boulder Theater show here.

12.31.09 :: Boulder Theater :: Boulder, CO

Set I (Acoustic): Rocky Road Blues, Come On In My Kitchen, Molly and Tembrooks, Lovin In My Baby’s Eyes, Shuckin The Corn (w/ Bonnie Payne), Blue Moon of Kentucky (w/ Bonnie Payne), Just Before The Evening, Blue Night

Set II: I Know your Mother > I Know You Rider > Jack London > Honkey Tonk Woman > Jack London > Honkey Tonk Woman > I Know Your Mother> I Know You Rider, Dance on your Head, 99 Years (w/ Gerry Cavagnaro), Washington at Valley Forge (w/ Gerry Cavagnaro), Just Keep Walkin, Breakin Thru, Carnival Time, Troubled Times, Rodeo Geek, Whispering Waters, Euphoria

Set III: Just when you think it can’t get no better (w/ Joe Jogerst), New Year’s Countdown > Auld Lang Syne, This Is The Time, Up On The Hill Where They Do The Boogie, Mama Boulet, River’s Risin, Two Trains (w/ Gerry Cavagnaro), Ooh Las Vegas (w/ Gerry Cavagnaro), Wheel Hoss (w/ Silas Herman), Going around the World (w/ Silas Herman), Madam Rosin (w/ Joe Jogerst & Gerry Cavagnaro), Big Mamou (w/ Joe Jogerst & Gerry Cavagnaro)

E: Let it Bleed (w/ Joe Jogerst & Gerry Cavagnaro), White Freightliner

Download the NYE show here.

01.02.10 :: Ogden Theatre :: Denver, CO

Set I: Jokester, Down In The Hollow, Steamboat Whistle Blues (w/ Pete Wernick), Day Break in Dixie (w/ Pete Wernick), High On A Mountain Top (w/ Pete Wernick), On The Road (w/ Pete Wernick), Gimme Da Ting (w/ Sally Van Meter & Bonnie Payne), Bend In The River (w/ Joe Jogerst, Bonnie Payne & Sally Van Meter), Get Off This (w/ David Lowery & Johnny Hickman / Horns – Danny Sears & Justin Jones), Mr. Wrong (w/ David Lowery & Johnny Hickman / Horns – Danny Sears & Justin Jones), Teen Angst (w/ David Lowery & Johnny Hickman), 44 Blues (w/ Sally Van Meter / Horns – Danny Sears & Justin Jones), Better (w/ Sally Van Meter / Horns – Danny Sears & Justin Jones)

Set II: Let’s Give A Party (w/ Sally Van Meter / Horns – Danny Sears & Justin Jones), Lonesome Road (w/ Sally Van Meter), Who Put The Pepper In The Vaseline (w/ Pete Wernick, Sally Van Meter & Bonnie Payne), Out In The Woods (w/ Sally Van Meter), Little Maggie (w/ Sally Van Meter & Pete Wernick), Bosco Stomp (w/ Sally Van Meter & Joe Jogerst), Can’t You Hear Me Calling (w/ Jeff Austin & Sally Van Meter), Bill’s Boogie (w/ Jeff Austin & Sally Van Meter / Horns – Danny Sears, Justin Jones), Sweet Potato (w/ David Lowey, Johnny Hickmen & Sally Van Meter / Horns- Danny Sears, Justin Jones), Eurotrash Girl (w/ David Lowery, Johnny Hickman, Sally Van Meter & Jeff Austin), Lonesome Johnny Blues (w/ David Lowery, Johnny Hickman, Sally Van Meter & Jeff Austin)

E: Pasta On The Mountain (w/ all guest)

The Ogden show is free with your NYE download.

Continue reading for Leftover Salmon Celebrating 20 Years track list…

Just unzip the folder and play. If you drag in to iTunes, all show information, comments, and even album art will be imported and displayed. Download and add each part to your iTunes or burn to CDs as they become available to complete the double album set!

Track Listing for Part 1 of the Leftover Salmon Celebrating 20 Years Sampler

1. Blister in the Sun 3:59 – 05/04/1991 McCabe’s Boulder, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Gerry Cavagnaro, Michael Wooten, Rob Galloway

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Violent Femmes

2. Just Before The Evening 4:02 – 05/04/1991 McCabe’s Boulder, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Gerry Cavagnaro, Michael Wooten, Rob Galloway
Songwriter/Composer Credits: Drew Emmitt – Leftover Salmon

3. Whiskey Before Breakfast/Over The Waterfall 3:47 – 05/04/1991 McCabe’s – Boulder, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Gerry Cavagnaro, Michael Wooten, Rob Galloway

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Traditionally arranged by Leftover Salmon

4. Who Stole My Monkey 4:42 – 05/25/1991 Stage Stop – Rollinsville, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Gerry Cavagnaro, Michael Wooten, Rob Galloway

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Zachary Richard

5. Mystery 4:19 – 10/02/1993 – Fox Theater – Boulder, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Michael Wooten, Tye North, Joe Jogerst

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Mark Hallman

6. Weights 3:53 10/02/1993 – Fox Theater – Boulder, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Michael Wooten, Tye North, Joe Jogerst

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Drew Emmitt – Leftover Salmon

7. Dance On Your Head 4:12 – 10/19/1994 Music Farm – Charleston, SC

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Michael Wooten, Tye North

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Vince Herman / Mark Vann – Leftover Salmon

8. Head Bag 5:34 10/19/1994 Music Farm – Charleston, SC

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Michael Wooten, Tye North

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Vince Herman – Leftover Salmon


Track Listing for Part 2 of the Leftover Salmon Celebrating 20 Years sampler:

9. Hot Burrito Breakdown 3:47 – 08/07/1995 The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Michael Wooten, Tye North

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Chris Ethridge / Gram Parsons

10. River’s Rising 6:59 – 07/14/1996 Great American Music Festival – Winter Park, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Michael Wooten, Tye North

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Drew Emmitt – Leftover Salmon

11. Funky Mountain Fogdown (with Pete Sears) 4:43 – 04/14/1997 The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Michael Wooten, Tye North

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Mark Vann – Leftover Salmon

12. Up On The Hill Where We Do The Boogie 4:16 – 02/16/1998 JR’s Dickson Street Ball Room – Fayetteville, AR

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Jeff Sipe, Tye North

Songwriter/Composer Credits: John Hartford

13. Little Maggie 4:12 – 02/22/1998 Tipitina’s – New Orleans, LA

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Jeff Sipe, Tye North

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Traditional, Arranged by Leftover Salmon

14. Mama Look a Boo Boo (with Karl Denson) 4:11 – 04/22/1999 Ogden Theatre – Denver, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Jeff Sipe, Tye North

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Harry Belafonte

15. Ooh Las Vegas (with Trey Anastasio) 7:38 – 09/20/1999 Rialto Theater – Tucson, AZ

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Jeff Sipe, Tye North

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Graham Parsons

16. Nobody’s Fault But Mine (with John Bell, Jeff Austin, Pete Sears and John Cowan) 8:47
09/09/2000 Planet Salmon – Lyons, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Jeff Sipe, Tye North

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Nina Simone


Track Listing for Part 3 of the Leftover Salmon Celebrating 20 Years sampler:

17. Austin Five (Mark Vann Original, Never Released) 5:53

03/26/2001 The Canopy – Urbana, IL

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Mark Vann, Bill McKay, Greg Garrison, Jose Martinez

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Mark Vann

18. Teen Angst (with David Lowery) 5:12
09/24 & 09/25/2002 David Lowery’s Studio – Richmond, VA

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Noam Pikelny, Bill McKay, Greg Garrison, Jose Martinez

Songwriter/Composer Credits: David Faragher/David Lowery/John Hickman – Cracker

19. Dark Hollow (with Del McCoury) 4:09

11/09/2002 The NorVa – Norfolk, VA

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Noam Pikelny, Bill McKay, Greg Garrison, Jose Martinez

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Bill Browning

20. Rocky Road Blues (with Mike Gordon) 4:30

12/04/2002 Higher Ground – Winooski, VT

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Noam Pikelny, Bill McKay, Greg Garrison, Jose Martinez

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Bill Monroe

21. Ain’t No Use (with David Grisman) 7:28

01/29/2003 McNear’s Mystic Theatre – Petaluma, CA

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Noam Pikelny, Bill McKay, Greg Garrison, Jose Martinez

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Joseph Modeliste/Arthur L Neville/Leo Nocentelli/George Porter Jr.

22. Ain’t Gonna Work Tomorrow (with Sam Bush and Ross Martin) 6:47

02/20/2003 Fox Theater – Boulder, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Noam Pikelny, Bill McKay, Greg Garrison, Jose Martinez

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Traditionally arranged by Leftover Salmon


Track Listing for Part 4 of the Leftover Salmon Celebrating 20 Years sampler:

23. Breakin Thru 7:36

12/31/2004 Fox Theater – Boulder, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Noam Pikelny, Bill McKay, Greg Garrison, Jose Martinez

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Drew Emmitt – Leftover Salmon

24. Catfish John (with Michael Wooten) 7:55
12/31/2004 Fox Theater – Boulder, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Noam Pikelny, Bill McKay, Greg Garrison, Jose Martinez

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Bob McDill / Allen Reynolds

25. Valley Of The Full Moon 4:02

07/28/2007 Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Noam Pikelny, Bill McKay, Greg Garrison, Jeff Sipe

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Drew Emmitt – Leftover Salmon

26. Ask The Fish 11:00

07/28/2007 Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Noam Pikelny, Bill McKay, Greg Garrison, Jeff Sipe

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Vince Herman – Leftover Salmon

27. Vampire Blues 7:04

10/31/2008 Fillmore Auditorium – Denver, CO

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Noam Pikelny, Bill McKay, Greg Garrison, Jeff Sipe

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Neil Young

28. Rise Up, Wake and Bake 3:19

07/03/2009 High Sierra Music Festival – Quincy, CA

Band: Vince Herman, Drew Emmitt, Noam Pikelny, Bill McKay, Greg Garrison, Jose Martinez

Songwriter/Composer Credits: Drew Emmitt/Vince Herman – Leftover Salmon

JamBase | 20 Years Strong

Go See Live Music!


Most Important Shows of The Decade

JamBase’s Most Important Shows Of The Decade

Everything changed over the last decade. Never mind the political, social and economic upheaval, musically everything changed. Ten years ago we didn’t own iPods or Smart Phones; we rocked a Discman and in some cases an old yellow Walkman. We didn’t download tracks or stream shows; we bought albums and traded live Maxell tapes. Then technology set us free and the record industry collapsed. After peaking in 2000, CD sales have plummeted by more than 50-percent, dropping further into oblivion every year. Meanwhile, digital sales continue to rise and free music (both pirated and authorized) is everywhere, flooding hard drives like never before. Surely this trend will continue for the foreseeable future.

The old model is dead. It’s a new game and the rules are still being defined. One thing, however, is for sure, the music industry needed a colossal change and it’s getting it. The days of boy bands selling 2 million units in a week are gone. And for that, you can thank the digital download. Online music is on the way to making radio irrelevant and no one seems sure if MTV even plays music anymore. It’s not that people listen to or want less music. The way we get it has simply evolved. We no longer need anyone to spoon-feed us lowest common denominator crap. Now we’ve got a billion ways to get turned on to the latest thing, and with advancements in how music is made there’s more to choose from than at any other time in history.

But one thing didn’t change in the past ten years. We still go see live music. As album sales fell through the floor, live music revenue has grown by 150-percent. Here at JamBase, we’ve always known the live experience is where it’s at, and now that all bands (not just the ones this site was founded upon) are forced to survive on touring dollars, the rest of the music world is catching on. That’s one change we’re happy to embrace.

At the beginning of the decade, JamBase was just starting to really take form. Surviving the dot-com bubble burst, we were a small team working out of an even smaller house in Mill Valley, California. Soon we sprouted legs, and as our vision and team evolved, we moved into a real office South of Market in downtown San Francisco, where we’ve been since 2003. Now JamBase has the most complete tour date information anywhere in the world, providing concert listings for AOL, Billboard, Spin, Rhapsody and many more, and our content has evolved into a leading source for live music editorial. Part of our mission has always been to use technology to help you get to the show and we know today’s music fan is often on the move, that’s why we created our lauded iPhone App that puts all our concert info straight into your pocket.

Even a cursory look at the articles on this website over the past decade indicates great change. From the way we look to what we cover, change has perhaps been the only constant at JamBase. Clearly, we report on more than just jam bands now (we like to think we cover the live music scene as a whole, with no genre being off limits), but if we go back to our roots and look at the band that started it all for JamBase (which grew out of Andy Gadiel’s Phish Page), we’re reminded that change is an essential part of life. It’s often hard, but almost always exciting, and if you aren’t changing and evolving, you’re probably dying.


In the past decade Phish quit (2000), came back (2002), quit again (2004), and finally got it right and resurfaced with purpose in 2009. For the most part, this was a messy decade for Trey, Mike, Page and Fish. With personal struggles taking center stage and the music falling off, when the band finished their final set at Coventry in 2004, in many ways, things couldn’t have been worse. The muddy fields were a metaphor for the state of the band and the sloppy performances an indication of just how bad it had gotten. But they overcame their challenges, and that’s certainly part of why we love them. Who amongst us hasn’t made poor decisions and paid the price? And if there’s one thing Americans love it’s a comeback story. During the ’90s this band dominated. The pressures of fame brought stress unlike anything they’d experienced, and in the 2000s they fell hard. But as we close the book on this decade, Phish is back on top in a major way. No band’s comeback has made a bigger impact on our world this decade than Phish, and we couldn’t be happier to have chronicled every step of their triumphant return.

But there’s more to Phish than just sick jams and transcendent rock shows. The ups and downs experienced by the band in many ways mirrored America’s path this decade. Coming out of the ’90s, everything appeared peachy. Mainstream music desperately needed help, but economically and politically, America was mostly doing great. September 11, 2001 thrust change upon us in ways we may never fully understand. Our collective psyche shattered, we’ve been at war ever since. Our economy has collapsed, and we’re facing a rising environmental crisis. Like Phish, America had a rough decade, but hopefully we can grab the strands of hope we’re starting to see and rise to the occasion like our favorite bands seem to do.

While it’s not likely that Phish’s trajectory had any tangible affect on our nation, it definitely affected the music scene. Phish’s hiatus (especially the first one) opened the door for a plethora of talent to flourish. With no one band filling the void, a wide array of acts like The String Cheese Incident, Umphrey’s McGee, STS9, The Disco Biscuits, Keller Williams, and many others were able to rapidly gain new fans and separate themselves from the pack as the premier new crop of jam bands.

Michael Jackson

The changing scene and lack of a clear improvisational concert king also allowed a host of bands hovering on the borders of jam to emerge more prominently in the live music space. With the help of festivals like Bonnaroo, websites like JamBase and open-minded fans like you, artists such as My Morning Jacket, Jack White, Drive-By Truckers, The Hold Steady, Arcade Fire, and The Mars Volta all experienced incredible breakthroughs.

But, that didn’t mean the pillars of the jam scene crumbled in the 2000s. The granddaddy of ‘em all, The Grateful Dead found ways to reform, reinvent and move on after Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995. moe. proved to be one of the most consistent acts of the decade, Gov’t Mule survived the death of Allen Woody, and Widespread Panic managed to find new life with Jimmy Herring after Michael Houser passed away in 2002.

Though we lost some legends, including Johnny Cash, James Brown, George Harrison, Vic Chesnutt and Michael Jackson, we did get a bunch of reunions and even a few rebirths this past decade. Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Cream, The Police, Van Halen, The Pixies, Dinosaur Jr., Polvo, Meat Puppets, Smashing Pumpkins, Gang of Four, Rage Against the Machine, Leonard Cohen and The Stooges all returned to the stage, and all were in consideration (some more than others) for this feature.

In fact, there were pages upon pages of possibilities pored over while creating this list. Trying to determine 10 shows that stood out in a decade packed with powerful performances proved daunting, and we’re sure we left off something critical, which is why we’d love to see you set the record straight by sharing your own list in the Comments Section. But this is our list. After serious internal debate, discussions with artists and industry insiders, and careful consideration of your comments and emails, these are JamBase’s Most Important Shows of The Decade, presented to you in chronological order. It all starts with a special night in Florida that many fans spent the next decade reminiscing about or wishing they’d attended. (Kayceman)

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Phish | 01/01/00

Big Cypress | Seminole Indian Reservation | Everglades, FL

Photo of Phish at Big Cypress by Danny Clinch

The decade began with Phish performing for over seven straight hours from midnight until sunrise in the middle of the Florida Everglades. The band arrived on stage riding their trademark giant Hot Dog as it paraded through the audience to a recording of their song “Meatstick.” As they took to their instruments and finished the tune, the final moments of the ’90s came to a close and an audience over 85,000 strong was led in a Millennium Countdown before the band launched into their anthemic “Down With Disease.” About an hour later, “Heavy Things” (cheesecake!) would be telecast live on ABC Nightly News‘ special New Year’s Eve coverage from around the world to over 100 million people.


Significant for its timing, location and endurance, the show featured some of the most powerful and definitive versions of the band’s staple songs including “You Enjoy Myself,” “Slave to the Traffic Light,” “Reba,” “Sand,” and “David Bowie.” They also showcased several beloved covers including The Velvet Underground’s “Rock and Roll,” Talking Heads’ “Crosseyed and Painless,” The Who’s “Drowned,” and Ween’s “Roses Are Free.” The set was so powerful for the band that after leaving the stage at sunrise they opted not to return for an encore, instead leaving it to Mother Nature and a recording of The Beatles’ “Here Comes The Sun” to send the audience on their way. This ultimate “long gig” left those in attendance satiated, awe struck, and thankful that the world (Y2K) did not come to and end. (Andy Gadiel)

Setlist (courtesy of Phish.net)

Meatstick > Auld Lang Syne, Down with Disease > Llama, Bathtub Gin, Heavy Things, Twist > Prince Caspian > Rock and Roll, You Enjoy Myself, Crosseyed and Painless, The Inlaw Josie Wales, Sand > Quadrophonic Toppling, Slave to the Traffic Light, Albuquerque, Reba, Axilla, Uncle Pen, David Bowie, My Soul, Drowned > After Midnight Reprise, The Horse > Silent in the Morning, Bittersweet Motel, Piper > Free, Lawn Boy, Hold Your Head Up > Love You > Hold Your Head Up, Roses Are Free, Bug, Also Sprach Zarathustra > Wading in the Velvet Sea, Meatstick


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Phil & Friends | 12/31/00

Henry J. Kaiser Auditorium | Oakland, CA

Photo of Gordon, Herring, Lesh & Haynes on NYE 2000 in Oakland by Dave Vann

In no small way, this night was the relaunch of The Grateful Dead NYE tradition. Despite the fact that RatDog had been playing December 31st since 1998, after numerous lineups, Phil Lesh & Friends settled into a stunning aggregate in 2000 that happily reminded many diehards why this music endures. The Dead tribe had set their calendars for decades around where the band would land on key dates like NYE, Mardi Gras, etc. and the buzz leading up to this evening had the same run-away-to-the-circus, butterflies-in-the-tummy vibe that The Grateful Dead always engendered. “The Quintet,” as they came to be known, of Lesh (bass, vocals), Warren Haynes (guitar, vocals), Jimmy Herring (guitar), Rob Barraco (keys, vocals) and John Molo (drums) attacked this music like it was alive – rangy and unruly like days of old – and that in turn put the electrodes to this beloved catalog. For perhaps the first time since Jerry Garcia passed, it felt like there was a real tomorrow for this music. The heightened atmosphere was further elevated by the recent passing of Allen Woody, putting the future of Gov’t Mule in question and leaving Haynes and Matt Abts to open the night as an acoustic duo. Toss in several guest turns by Mike Gordon, which poignantly reminded one that Phish was not holding their annual NYE festivities, and you had a gathering that directly and indirectly grappled with death and rebirth in stirring ways. (Dennis Cook)

Setlist

Show Download/Audio

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The Concert for New York City | 10/21/01

Madison Square Garden | New York, NY

With the World Trade Center attacks of 9/11 still stingingly fresh in our collective memory, Paul McCartney gathered together The Who, Bon Jovi, Macy Gray, John Mellencamp, Backstreet Boys and more, plus film and political luminaries like Adam Sandler, Billy Crystal, Tom Daschle and Harrison Ford for a benefit concert that was a defiant affirmation of the United States’ ability to endure almost anything and thrive. Where most events of this sort truck in near-somber sincerity, The Concert for New York City welcomed in laughter and entertainment, both of which were in short supply for the many NYC firefighters and policemen and their families in attendance. Though studded with stellar turns like Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy doing “Hoochie Coochie Man” and Mick Jagger and Keith Richards getting gospel on “Salt of the Earth,” the pinnacle of the night might be Billy Joel‘s one-two punch of “Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)” and “New York State of Mind,” where MSG exploded as he punched lines like, “They turned our power down and drove us underground, but we went right on with the show,” with an emotion impossible to duplicate. An incredible example of where the worst in human beings can sometimes be a catalyst for the very best in us. (Dennis Cook)

Full Lineup and Songs Played

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Widespread Panic | 04/28/02

Oak Mountain Amphitheatre | Pelham, AL

Photos of Widespread Panic at Oak Mountain on 04/28/02 by Jackie Jasper

As far as anyone knew, this was it. By all accounts, Sunday, April 28, 2002 at Pelham, Alabama’s Oak Mountain Amphitheatre appeared to be Widespread Panic lead guitarist and co-founder Michael Houser‘s last concert. It was the final night of a brief eight-show spring tour that felt like, and in many ways was, the “Goodbye Houser Tour.” Although not an official word had been uttered, most fans knew that Houser had contracted pancreatic cancer, and one could tell just by looking at him up close onstage that his time was drawing near. Although he would bravely perform seven more shows as he began the spring tour two months later, at this point, Sunday at Oak Mountain looked like the final one.

The venue, set in the heart of Panic Country, was packed with 10,000 serious fans and there was a tension and energy hanging in the humid Alabama air unlike anything I have personally ever experienced. The band rose to the occasion; from song selection (there wasn’t a dry eye during the “Trouble” encore) to execution to the Jerry Joseph guest appearance, it was nearly flawless and one of the best shows of the band’s legendary career. But it was more than just that. It was the way the weather coincided with the music, making it feel like bandleader John Bell had created rain during “Cortez The Killer.” It was the undeniable sense of community. It was the bittersweet, sad-yet-grateful feeling for the opportunity to say goodbye properly and rage it one more time. It was the weight of it all. Standing at Oak Mountain, bitter tears and warm rain washing over one’s face, wrapped in arms from friends both old and new, truly believing this was the final Houser jam, it felt like we were part of history on that day. (Kayceman)

Setlist

Stream this show for free at Panicstream.com

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Bonnaroo Music Festival | 06/21/02 – 06/23/02

Manchester, TN

Photo of Phil Lesh and Friends with Bob Weir at Bonnaroo 2002 by Dave Vann

Selling out 70,000 tickets in advance to an untried mega-festival in the Tennessee hills with roots in the jam scene would have been accomplishment enough, but the inaugural Bonnaroo had ripples far beyond great sales. In no small way, Bonnaroo put this subculture on the larger cultural map, joining Coachella and Lollapalooza as one of few festivals covered by MTV and other mainstream outlets. However, from the start Bonnaroo has embraced tradition and heritage artists AND cutting edge talent in a way no other super-sized fest had, putting the likes of Blind Boys of Alabama and the Del McCoury Band right next to Ween and Les Claypool. In going big from the get-go, Bonnaroo established itself overnight as a destination for music lovers worldwide. Using the abundant energy and vast subterranean network of live music loving jam fans, the organizers launched something part intrinsically “jam” that was also something much, much larger in scope and vision. While subsequent years have found the likes of Tool, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers headlining, for some ‘Roo vets there’s perhaps no more enduring, moving set than Widespread Panic performing one of their final shows with Michael Houser this first year, a pulsating, powerhouse display that included “Testify” with Dottie Peoples, where Dave Schools says he looked out over the crowd and they were “levitating.” In an age where small ideas and limited expectations prevail Bonnaroo actively reaches for grandeur and all those involved are encouraged to stretch beyond their normal limitations and ways of seeing. (Dennis Cook)

2002 Bonnaroo Artist Lineup: Widespread Panic
* Trey Anastasio
* Ben Harper
* The String Cheese Incident
* Phil Lesh and Friends (w/Bob Weir)
* Bela Fleck & Edgar Meyer
* Galactic with Trombone Shorty and Corey Henry
* Gov’t Mule
* Jack Johnson
* Norah Jones
* Jurassic 5
* Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
* Les Claypool
* moe.
* Ween
* Keller Williams (WMD’s)
* Acoustic Syndicate
* The Big Wu
* Blind Boys of Alabama
* Blackalicious
* John Butler Trio
* Campbell Brothers
* Colonel Claypool’s Bucket of Bernie Brains
* Cut Chemist
* The Del McCoury band
* Dirty Dozen Brass Band
* The Disco Biscuits
* Gabe Dixon Band
* Donna The Buffalo
* Dottie Peoples
* Drums & Tuba
* Gran Torino
* Col. Bruce Hampton & The Code Talkers
* Corey Harris
* Lil’ Rascals Brass Band
* Llama
* DJ Logic
* Mofro
* North Mississippi Allstars
* Old Crow Medicine Show
* Particle
* RANA
* Soulive
* Amon Tobin
* Umphrey’s McGee
* Jim White
* Vinroc
* Z-Trip
* Mark Eddie
* Mike Birbiglia
* Vic Henley

JamBase Show Review

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Gov’t Mule – The Deepest End | 05/03/03

Saenger Theatre | New Orleans, LA

Photo of Haynes, Abts, Newsted and Louis at Gov’t Mule’s “The Deepest End Concert” on 05/03/03 in New Orleans by Michael Weintrob

If one ever needed proof that Gov’t Mule was a band adored by their fellow musicians, then “The Deepest End Concert” in New Orleans should provide all the evidence one needs. The culmination of three years of recording and mourning the loss of founding bassist Allen Woody, this five-and-a-half-hour marathon performance found this contemporary classic rock unit joined by some of the finest bassists in the world – Jason Newsted (Metallica, Ozzy, Voivod), George Porter Jr. (The Meters), Dave Schools (Widespread Panic), Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck), Rob Wasserman, Paul Jackson Jr., Mike Gordon (Phish), Roger Glover (Deep Purple), Jack Casady (Hot Tune, Jefferson Airplane), Conrad Lazano (Los Lobos), Les Claypool (Primus), and then Mule regular Greg Rzab. If that weren’t enough, the night also had guest turns from Ivan Neville (Dumpstaphunk), Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Karl Denson and more. A largely unrehearsed affair, the show was rich in what Mule leader Warren Haynes calls “spontaneous composition.” The range of material was off the chain, including Sabbath covers with Jason Newsted, Purple’s “Maybe I’m A Leo” with Glover, and a blinding version of Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon” with studio whiz Paul Jackson Jr. whipping the low end every which way. The art of focused, meaty improvisation has rarely had a finer showing than this gig, which also served to highlight what a ridiculously diverse bunch Gov’t Mule is – a big tent capable of holding just about anything if these cats (and their collaborators) put their backbone into it. (Dennis Cook)

Setlist

JamBase Show Review

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New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

04/28/06-04/30/06 & 05/05/06-05/07/06

Fair Grounds Race Course | New Orleans, LA

Photo of Bruce Springsteen at Jazz Fest 2006 in New Orleans by Michael Weintrob

Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. One of the worst natural disasters to ever hit the United States, around 2,000 people died with several hundred more declared “missing.” When the levees broke on August 29, 2005 water covered 80-percent of the Crescent City. With the pathetic, disorganized response from our government and the days of bedlam that followed, it appeared that America’s most unique, most culturally significant city (giving birth to jazz is often considered this country’s crowning artistic achievement, not to mention the food!) might be gone forever, submerged under six feet of water never to return. And that’s why eight months later when the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival celebrated its 37th year it was much more than just another Jazz Fest.

No one was sure if the organizers would even be able to make the event happen, and there were serious questions about if anyone would come. What transpired was an emotional celebration that marked a critical point in our nation’s history. It was a symbol of hope and a statement of purpose from the city, the musicians and the fans. 4,000 artists performed on ten stages over the two-weekend event, with headliners including Bruce Springsteen, Dr. John, Dave Matthews, Lionel Richie, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint. It was a stake in the ground that said, “We won’t let New Orleans die.” The massive surge of tourist dollars clearly helped, but what New Orleans needed even more was the knowledge that we cared, that despite our government’s lack of commitment, the American people valued New Orleans and we would help bring her residents home. And while there is still so much more that needs to be done, we learned that no flood could drown New Orleans. Music is the blood of the city (and those who flock there), and Jazz Fest 2006 jumpstarted her heart and began the long, slow, still ongoing recovery of New Orleans. All you needed to do was step foot on the Fairgrounds that spring to know it was happening. The smell of crawfish Monica wafting in the air and the sound of The Boss singing, “We Shall Overcome” to hordes of weeping, dancing masses was enough to make us believe again. (Kayceman)

JamBase Show Review

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Daft Punk | 04/29/06

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival | Indio, CA

Photo of Daft Punk at Coachella 2006 by Casey Flanigan

Daft Punk built a pyramid of lights and broke down walls. Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo were hardly the first act to blur genre lines, but what they did at Coachella in 2006, their first U.S. appearance since 1997, shattered the boundaries of electronica. Transformed into robots and perched inside a 40-foot shape-shifting LED covered pyramid, the French duo manipulated the crowd’s movements (serious dance party) and emotions (laughter and tears were both common) with brilliant super anthems like “Around The World,” “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” and “One More Time.” It was pop music, but smart, funny and designed to make you think as well as move. It brought elements from the dance world into stadium rock and the over-the-top production felt like a Broadway play from the distant future. And the fact that two guys not playing any traditional instruments could be this completely captivating was revolutionary. When that pyramid touched down in Indio, all of a sudden music made by machines was for everyone. Rockers pumped their fists, hip hop enthusiasts bounced, teenage girls screamed, doubters instantly became believers and everyone was blown away by the most elaborate, intricate and arguably greatest light show ever put together. It was a life-affirming experience that brought every person to the table, and no one has come close to duplicating it since. (Kayceman)

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Radiohead | 06/17/06

Bonnaroo Music Festival | Manchester, TN

Photo of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke on 06/17/06 at Bonnaroo by Dave Vann

Few bands are more un-hippy than Radiohead, so their Saturday night headlining slot at Bonnaroo ’06 signaled a sharp turn towards modernity for the festival. It was hardly the first time these Glastonbury vets had played for mud flecked, long haired masses, but there’s something resolutely non-jammy about Radiohead and attendees were pretty evenly split between those thrilled to have arguably the greatest rock band in the world serenade them and those who genuinely thought they were a duck out of water at the ‘Roo. However, once they started playing their hyper-alive sound and permeating depth swiftly gathered up the packed crowd. A young, dreadlocked, peasant skirt wearing String Cheese fan told us before the show that she’d never heard a note by Radiohead but was curious based on their rep. A few songs in, having been splendidly tousled by “There There,” “2+2=5″ and a pre-In Rainbows “15 Step,” she bellowed from the back of the huge field, “I like your music!” It was a succinct, heartfelt exclamation and serves to illustrate how intensely moving Radiohead’s music can be. And the band appeared to be just as smitten with the Bonnaroo audience, with frontman Thom Yorke giving as good as he got in a glow stick war and shimmying like a jellyfish that’d just been hit with a car battery. The first encore was almost a second set with eight songs, including a blistering early “Bodysnatchers,” and the second encore delivered us to the celestial plateau of “Everything In Its Right Place.”

Afterwards, Yorke told BBC Radio, “We did this festival called Bonnaroo. We did 2.5 hours. And there’s 80,000 people, admittedly they’ve been smoking the sticky green all day – probably wouldn’t go anywhere anyway. It was just amazing. We played loads of new stuff. We did whole sections of quiet piano songs and it sounds like the most grotesque, self-indulgent nonsense, but it probably is my favourite gig for years and years and years.” (Dennis Cook)

Setlist

JamBase Show Review

Download Option #1 and Download Option #2

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My Morning Jacket | 12/31/06

The Fillmore | San Francisco, CA

Photo of My Morning Jacket on 12/31/06 at The Fillmore by Dave Vann

There have been many epic My Morning Jacket shows over the past decade – their “coming-of-age” afternoon set in the rain of Bonnaroo 2004; their marathon late night set there four years later; the hometown party in Louisville at Waterfront Park in August 2008; and the huge NYE gig a few months later at Madison Square Garden. Any of these concerts could have made our list, but it was MMJ’s New Year’s Eve 2006 run at The Fillmore that takes the cake. The band was experiencing huge growth, both musically and in terms of ticket sales and would soon be dubbed “America’s best live band” by Rolling Stone, LA Weekly and many JamBase writers to name a few. This show put them on one of the most famous stages in the world on the biggest night of them all and they killed it.

The three-night extravaganza culminated in a sprawling NYE celebration that included an ambitious theatrical element inspired by the old video game The Oregon Trail. The mood was built upon a “Donner Party meets Little House On The Prairie” theme with the band dressed as settlers and native Americans, and the spirits came to life with a number of well executed skits that eventually found bassist Two-Tone Tommy coming back from the dead and killing his bandmates in retribution for eating him earlier in the show (food was scarce on the trail). And that was just the backdrop for a night of extremely well played classic Jacket tracks mixed with rare nuggets and a slew of covers including AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell,” Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration,” Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long,” Wham’s “Careless Whisper” and Prince’s “I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man.” The show was an instant classic. But like most of the bands that really stick with us, a Jacket concert is more than just a rock show. It’s big, heady stuff and has the ability to open us up and help us feel and connect. It’s an experience, and on NYE 2006 My Morning Jacket seized the moment and created something special. What The Fillmore run announced was a world class band with ambitions beyond just performing their songs well. (Kayceman)

Setlist

JamBase Show Review

JamBase | Happy New Year
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All Good Festival: 2010 Dates

GET THOSE WISH LISTS FLOWING!

All Good ’09 by Kenny Pusey

The 14th Annual All Good Music Festival
will be held Thursday through Sunday, July 8-11 2010. Once again music fans nationwide will congregate atop the wonders of Marvin’s Mountaintop in beautiful West Virginia to enjoy another weekend of no over-lapping sets from some of the nation’s best performing artists.

While next year’s bands are yet to be announced, the All Good Festival is making a “last call” for your wish-list of musicians. Tell event organizers who you want to see at the All Good Festival next year and it’ll automatically enter you for a chance to at a free pair of tickets to the festival. Wish-list submissions can be submitted HERE, and will be accepted until Tuesday, December 22.

The All Good Festival is one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most successful music and camping event and has featured past performances from Widespread Panic, Phil Lesh & Friends, Trey Anastasio, String Cheese Incident, Bob Weir & Rat Dog, moe,The Flaming Lips, Umphrey’s McGee, Ben Harper and Relentless7, Keller Williams, Gov’t Mule, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Les Claypool, Yonder Mountain String Band, Black Crowes, Medeski Martin & Wood, Leftover Salmon, North Mississippi Allstars, Burning Spear, The Disco Biscuits, The Avett Brothers, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and many more.


Jam Cruise Portrait Series

All Photos and Intro by: Michael Weintrob

Three years ago I wanted to do a portrait project on Jam Cruise. I came on board with my camera gear, a backdrop, and a lighting rig. By the end of the cruise I had taken studio portraits of most of the artists that performed. The images came out really well, but they could have been taken anywhere. For the following couple years on the boat I wanted to tell the story of Jam Cruise in some way, and I realized that I needed to find a creative way to capture this unique event.

While attending the Caribbean Holidaze festival I was speaking with my friend Seth Weiner, who also works on Jam Cruise. We came up with the crazy idea of dressing up the musicians like crewmembers. Over the next month we brainstormed how we were going to make it happen. Seth was the point man who connected me with Eugenio Manfredi from MSC Cruise Lines. Eugenio helped us set up the locations and arrange the costumes for the artists.

With more help from Eugenio, I compiled a list of all the different jobs and workers that make the ship run. I then went around to all the different musicians and asked them what role they wanted to be. With the help of Brad Hodge, who handled the lighting, we wound up shooting over 20 individual portraits on the ship. The result is what can be seen in the 2009 Jam Cruise Calendar that was used as a benefit for the New Orleans Musicians Clinic.

Based on the wonderful response and overall success of our portrait project, the next year we came on the boat and continued to shoot unique portraits of artists dressed like cruise workers. The end result is a complete body of work called the Jam Cruise Portrait Series. All of the photos from both years are now available for the fist time right here on JamBase.

-Michael Weintrob

Al Schniermoe.

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

Jam Cruise sets itself apart in many ways, the obvious one being a festival at sea on a ship. The key factor that I didn’t get until I went was just how pro the whole thing was – from all sides. Even the fans on Jam Cruise are at the top of their game. The atmosphere is pretty amazing.

What specifically can you tell us about the photo shoot?

It was actually Michael’s idea. We had been trying to get together all weekend and kept putting it off because we were both busy. The original plan was for me to do a photo shoot in the pool, amongst all of the chaos, in my scuba gear, as I’d been diving every day on the trip. It just never worked out. The uniform was borrowed from the ship’s crew. They were very gracious. The funny thing is that I worked in a commercial dish room like this when I was in high school (in a local nursing home). It was a great time, but there was some pretty gross stuff that came through there. It didn’t take too long for me to get “in character.” It started off fairly tame, but by the end I was soaked and covered in food (and quite ashamed). It reminded me a lot of my teen years.


What do you think of the final product/photo?

I think I look just slightly sexier than Grace.

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“There’s nothing like floating around with a bunch of musical hooligans.” -Grace Potter

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“Jam Cruise has a lot of great artists assembled in one place.” -Warren Haynes

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Jeff RainesGalactic

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

What I have come to enjoy about Jam Cruise is the opportunity to see some of the up and coming bands that have been making waves on the scene. It’s also a great opportunity to catch up with friends from other bands that I don’t get to see as often as I would like.

What about the event lent itself to a photo shoot of this nature?

I think everyone on Jam Cruise finds themselves in the casino at one time or another. Michael Weintrob, in particular, seems to spend most of his nights on the cruise playing blackjack.

What specifically can you tell us about the photo shoot?

I remember that when we walked in Michael was on a first name basis with all the casino employees who were milling about preparing to open for the night. Conceptually this photo was Mike’s baby. Possibly he was just waiting for the casino to open and thought he could save some time by shooting us there.

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“The bottom line for taking the cruise is the highest quality of music on board.” -Col. Bruce Hampton

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Medeski Martin & Wood

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“Jam Cruise is the highest class party of the year.” -Karl Denson

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Ivan NevilleDumpstaphunk

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

It’s a festival in the middle of the ocean where everybody is super close. You’ve got musicians hanging out with fans. You never know what’s gonna happen.

What specifically can you tell us about the photo shoot?

The photo was pretty much Michael Weintrob’s idea. He just came to me and said, “I got this idea; I want you in a janitor’s uniform. Let’s throw away that keyboard. Put it in the dumpsta!”

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Les Claypool

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Zach GillALO

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

Jam Cruise holds a special place in my heart. I guess what sets it apart is that by its nature everyone is sort of forced to participate. Once it sets sail everyone is on the adventure together. Most gigs you are barely there – you arrive in the town or festival and you are gone the next day. With Jam Cruise everyone is more or less there for the entire thing and that’s what makes it fun. I love the hang. As a musician and a fan I get to see and talk with some of my favorite musicians in the world. I love it.

What about the event lent itself to a photo shoot of this nature?

The fact that there are multiple uniform collections on board helps a lot. The vibe on Jam Cruise is so playful that when someone hands you a waiter’s outfit and asks you to put it on, you don’t question it.

What specifically can you tell us about the photo shoot?

I believe the costumes were Michael’s idea, but it’s hard to say. What I do know is that Steve and I used to work as bus boys at a restaurant when we were in high school. Steve was always better than me at folding silverware, and it’s clear from this photo that he has retained his skills. Actually, Steve was much better at the restaurant business than I was. Eventually he was promoted to waiter/bar tender while I remained a busboy for my entire food industry career. It was easy to conjure the mood once we donned the outfits. And yes it was as much fun as it looks!

What do you think of the final product/photo?

I like it. I only wish they let us keep the jackets for future shows.

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Keller Williams & Martin Sexton

Keller Williams

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

I’m a fan before I’m a performer. So, the obvious is the most special for me: The music. The bands; The energy; The big beautiful theater rocking back and forth (literally); funky music in the middle of the night in a low ceiling club. Also special: Being high as a banshee on the top deck, cruising fast in the middle of the ocean, the moon casting shadows, a band like Jazz Mandolin Project with Jon Fishman and Oteil Burbridge playing sheer perfection on the outdoor stage below. Mmmmmmmm good. That’s special.

What specifically can you tell us about the photo shoot?

The theme behind this Jam Cruise photo – which was Michael Weintrob’s idea – was me and Marty in a Chinese restaurant as waiters. The mood was easy to set for this picture since it was real – we were really fighting. You see, not only are Martin and I 9th degree black belts in Kung Su (a cross between Kung Fu and Jujitsu) but the Sexton and Williams family have been feuding for many generations, something about a great great great great great grandfather hitting on a great great great great great grandmother. I can’t remember whose. But the possibility of us being related exists, and each time we meet we battle. Just as our fathers before us did and theirs did before them, and so on. Just like the way our sons shall battle each other to defend family honor. The shot was taken when I was delivering the ancient Williams signature throat-poke, which shifted his trachea and ended the battle. I had to perform an immediate tracheotomy (with a scalpel that I carry for such an occasion) to bring Martin back to life so he could fight again one day.

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Mike Dillon & Skerik

“Where else can you jog around a ship deck with Motorhead on your iPod, see Cuba, and discover The Lee Boys?” -Skerik

Continue reading for the next photo…

Ian NevilleThe Funky Meters

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

The fact that all the musicians hang for basically the whole cruise. Usually we are all scattered out (sleeping arrangements and what not), or just leave after the gig. The boat is a perfect communal musician hang. You get to jam with different guys than normal or just catch other bands you wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to see.

What about the event lent itself to a photo shoot of this nature?

I guess we didn’t look like deck hands or chefs that day. Always funny sitting around anywhere with the four of us. There is really no telling who will drag the conversation into the realm of insanity.

Continue reading for the next photo…

Mark MullinsBonerama

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

Jam Cruise is an amazingly unique and special experience unlike anything I ever get to do. Many people say it’s like Jazz Fest on a boat but I didn’t see any Shrimp Creole or Crawfish Bread in the buffet line. And if I did, well, I’d probably run away! It’s basically the coolest cruise I can imagine being on with all these great musicians everywhere and non-stop, solid, non-cruise ship music everywhere you turn. Perhaps the best thing is sharing it with people that truly respect the music we do. [It's] just the greatest vibe mingling with everyone in the stairwells to the elevators to the side stage areas. Awesome!

What about the event lent itself to a photo shoot of this nature?

We cornered off an area of the buffet seating area at like 6 p.m., (perhaps not the best time of day to try this) and were borrowing clothes off the restaurant crew while they were working. It all began to attract attention as we got into it. People are trying to eat at these tables right next to us and we’re pulling out our horns, spit dripping off of them fresh from the morning’s jam room festivities. It was ugly.

Continue reading for the next photo…

Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington & Charles Walker

Continue reading for the next photo…

Porter Batiste Stoltz

“I love Jam Cruise because it is a great time for Ara, my wife, and I to energize our love for each other and the music I love and live for. Is it too early to book for 2010? SMILE!” -George Porter Jr.

Continue reading for the next photo…

Sharon Jones

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

It was my first time on Jam Cruise, and I thought it was a one of a kind concert experience. There’s more bonding with fans, festival staff, and other performers then there is at a regular show or even a festival. Because your spending a much longer amount of time with everyone. I really liked that aspect of it. And the Jam Cruise audience was one of my favorites that I have performed for. Everyone was really enthusiastic and enjoyed themselves. It made performing a lot of fun for me and for the Dap-Kings.

What specifically can you tell us about the photo shoot?

I was a stewardess. I’m pretty sure that was suggested to me. Next time I want to be the captain!

Continue reading for the next photo…

Ryan Stasik – Yacht Rock

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

Jam Cruise is special to me because it is a very intimate voyage, where all the musicians and fans hang out and rage as hard as possible together as one. No one wants to retreat to their tiny cabin. They want to be part of the magic that surrounds them. No one knows what is lurking around each corner, whether it’s two of your favorite artists jamming together or a new lifelong friend to be made.

What specifically can you tell us about the photo shoot?

Our band Yacht Rock did not have a photo so this made perfect sense since it was our first gig!

What else can you share about Jam Cruise?

I will never forget the sun setting as we jammed [George Benson's] “Breezin’” on the pool deck while people sipped piña coladas, dancing to the smooth sounds in their captain hats and linens. Ahhh, yacht rock, so smooth, so good!

Continue reading for some more thoughts from photographer Michael Weintrob…

I wanted to personally thank everyone who was involved in the Jam Cruise 6 and 7 portrait projects. Annabel Lukins, Jon Heinrich, Brad Hodge, Mark Brown, Kelly Viau, and Seth Weiner all played a key role in helping me bring my concept to life. Most of all, thanks to all the great musicians who participated in the project. I had such an amazing time working with all of you.

-Michael Weintrob

There are still a very limited amount of cabins available for Jam Cruise 8. Set to sail January 3-8, 2010 with stops in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and George Town, Cayman Islands. This is a once in lifetime trip designed for live music and travel fanatics.

For more on Jam Cruise, see our coverage of JC7 here.


KDTU/Walter: SF 11/27-28

A TINY THANKSGIVING IN SAN FRANCISCO WITH KARL DENSON AND ROBERT WALTER
Last 2009 Shows for KDTU, Greyboy Allstars Announce More Dates

Karl Denson

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe is celebrating Thanksgiving weekend in San Francisco this year with two shows at The Independent on Friday November 27 and Saturday November 28. These will be the last 2009 dates for KDTU, who have been touring nonstop in support of their latest record Brother’s Keeper.

Joining forces with the Tiny Universe is fellow Greyboy Allstars member Robert Walter with his band Robert Walter’s 20th Congress, who will be supporting both nights. Other members of the Congress include Cochemea Gastelum (Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings, Amy Winehouse), Chuck Prada (Black Eyed Peas), as well as Chris Stillwell and Aaron Redfield from The Greyboy Allstars. It will be a family affair so expect quite a few collaborations throughout both nights.

There are still a few tickets left from KDTU Ticketing and TicketWeb.

Doors open at 8:30 p.m., the 20th Congress hits at 9 p.m., and KDTU at 10 p.m.


In other news, Karl will be rejoining The Greyboy Allstars for a short run of dates in December including New Year’s Eve In Denver at the Ogden. It is getting harder and harder for these guys to play with everyone’s individual schedules so if you haven’t seen the band, this is where it all started…


Complete Greyboy Allstars tour dates available here.


KDTU | 10.31.09 | New York, NY

Images by: Rob Chapman

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe :: 10.31.09 :: Bowery Ballroom :: New York, NY

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe honored the King of Pop by covering a bunch of Michael Jackson classics and dressing up as various “Michael Jacksons” from different time periods.

KDTU is on tour now; dates available here.

JamBase | New York

Go See Live Music!


Krasno/Benevento/Russo | Costa Rica

By: Dave Wood & Chad Smith

Benevento/Russo Duo & Eric Krasno :: Summer 2009 :: Villa Caletas :: Costa Rica

Benevento/Russo/Krasno :: Costa Wedding

The adventure began last winter when Chris Gleason proposed to Robin Taxman on Jam Cruise 7. With all of the excitement and boogie going down on the high seas, Chris could easily be forgiven for promising a jam-oriented destination wedding and not delivering. But when he called from NOLA during Jazz Fest a few months later and said that Robert Walter was busy, but could help him with booking, I started to think he was actually serious. His daily updates from the Crescent City were intriguing, to say the least. We heard rumblings of conversations from Lotus, George Porter Jr., Marco Benevento, Galactic, Lettuce, Karl Denson, and the list went on. When he asked if I thought we could all make it down to Costa Rica at the end of July, the gig was on. Chris remained a bit secretive about the artists he was talking to but did reveal that he was trying to score the only Hammond B3 organ for hire in the entire country.

Two months later, I found myself in the San Jose airport renting a 4-wheel drive vehicle with surfboard rack to take us over the mountains to a resort outside of Playa Jaco. 57 people, including many festival veterans and jam band enthusiasts (not to mention guests aged 4 to 74), were making their way to the Pacific Coast for the event. Villa Caletas (the warm smell of?) sits on a mountaintop overlooking the ocean and a dense tropical rainforest. This was to be our venue for the Gleason-Taxman wedding. After the rehearsal dinner, some of the groomsman helped lug the rented B3 to the dining room, up the side of a mountain and 157 shallow steps, and then the band was announced. Chris had lined up the venerable Duo of Marco Benevento and Joe Russo and somehow hooked Eric Krasno (Soulive, Lettuce) to play for us. Actually, the secret had been revealed a few days before when Marco, his lovely wife Katy and their two-year-old daughter Ruby were splashing in the resort’s pool with us. The morning of the rehearsal, Krasno and the inimitable Brandi Mitchell arrived straight from the Gathering of the Vibes Fest in Connecticut, where Lettuce had played the night before. Russo and his girlfriend had also flown in that same morning.

Benevento & Krasno at Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner show turned out to be exactly that; a rehearsal for three musicians at the top of their respective games who had not had much opportunity – a single practice session in Brooklyn – to play together prior to this gathering. With clouds streaming over the surrounding tropical jungle and the humidity adding an extra depth to every note, the three began things with a jammed out version of The Beatles’ “Taxman.” This turned out to be a theme that would be revisited throughout this night and the next. With no setlist, the musicians took turns leading and teaching each other as they explored songs by Stevie Wonder, Santana, and the Allman Brothers, to name just a few. The set was about two and a half hours long when it adjourned and we were left wondering what would be in store for us at tomorrow’s main event.

The music kicked off in the afternoon heat as the traditional Jewish wedding took place shortly after 4:00 p.m. in an amphitheatre overlooking the Pacific. Her proud father escorted the bride down the steps as Krasno and Benevento played a couple more Beatles tunes (“Something” and “All You Need Is Love”). Later, after we had stuffed ourselves on seafood and wedding cake, The Duo plus Krasno took up positions at the end of the Zephyr Palace under the light towers and smoke machines that Gleason had arranged for and kicked things off with a twist on The Meters’ “Cissy Strut.” After a few quick toasts, a long, jazzy “Come Together” signaled that we were in store for a jam heavy and deeply improvisational evening.

Hava Nagila! Hava Nagila!

Chris and Robin were hoisted overhead on chairs as the dancing grew frenetic and Benevento took us on the band’s first go at “Hava Nagila.” This “Have Nagila” was like no other. The momentum and energy just kept building and it almost felt as if we were at a rave (in a good way). Fortunately, Chris had a good grip on his chair or else he would have been launched into the soundboard.

Soul was heavily featured next with funky translations of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle” and Sly & The Family Stone’s “If You Want Me to Stay.” A nimble turn took us Deadheads into familiar territory with a fine, long suite of “Lovelight” > “Shakedown” > “Iko Iko.” The dancing was growing faster and some twirlers were spotted along the sides of the hall. Despite the heat and humidity which had permeated the room – the AC was definitely overmatched by this dance party – most of the revelers were still on their feet, including many of the couple’s family and friends, who had only the faintest idea of what was going on or being played. The two hour first set wound down with a concise reading of “Boogie On Reggae Woman” led by Krasno into “Get Back,” and finally a melding of the Greyboy Allstars’ and STS9′s workhorse “Nautilus.” The degree to which these three musicians were able to combine styles, communicate on the fly, and explore different themes within each song certainly gave no indication that this was one of their first gigs together. In fact, it seemed as though they had been playing together as a trio for years.

This cohesion was never more apparent than during the second set take on the Allman Brothers’ “Jessica.” This was a song they had tackled at the previous night’s aptly named rehearsal party, and while it was solidly done, there were a few rough transitions and clunky pauses. Not so at the reception get-down. Krasno channeled the lead work with a lyrical sense reminiscent of Warren Haynes’ interpretations while Russo anchored the rhythm section and Benevento filled in every other space. Was this truly only three people?

The Happy Couple’s First Swim

The second set featured some of the best elements of the Duo (with themes off of ’04s Best Reason to Buy the Sun) interwoven with Krasno’s tight riffs and rapid scales – a true amalgamation of styles. By this time, anything they chose to play was perfect with the wedding partiers, none of whom had left even this late in the game. As the night pushed on we drooped into a spacier zone with deep psychedelic takes on songs by the JBs, Paul Simon, and The Doors. Zeppelin’s “The Ocean” pounded us as fists pumped and Russo channeled Bonham’s heavy rock theme.

Another two songs (including the Duo’s own “Becky”) left us exhausted and eyeing the infinity pool just outside the doors. But first, a few last nuggets to send us off into the tropical night, including a mellow “Stir it Up” followed by a bride’s jam. Robin had hopped onto the organ bench next to Marco and randomly played the nursery rhyme “Mary Had A Little Lamb.” And why not, it was her wedding! On a night when anything was possible and everything game, our three magicians took off with it and morphed the riff into a 15-minute improv that defied description. Hot revelers with sore feet took to the pool in full clothing, just as Benevento had done after the Duo’s set on Jam Cruise 3 – a fitting ending to a perfect night of intimacy, music, and celebration. Pura Vida indeed!

Soundboard Audio available here.

Continue reading for more pics of this raging wedding…

Duck, Duck, Benevento!

Benevento & Russo

Here comes the bride…


David Kaufman (Chicago musician)

Brandi Mitchell (Krasno’s gal)

Eric Krasno

Russo & Krasno

Joe Russo

The Beneventos

Marco and Ruby

Bride, Groom and Band

Daughter and Dad Dance

JamBase | International
Go See Live Music!


Krasno/Benevento/Russo: Wedding in Costa Rica

By Dave Wood & Chad Smith

Benevento/Russo Duo & Eric Krasno :: Summer 2009 :: Villa Caletas :: Costa Rica

Benevento/Russo/Krasno :: Costa Wedding

The adventure began last winter when Chris Gleason proposed to Robin Taxman on Jam Cruise 7. With all of the excitement and boogie going down on the high seas, Chris could easily be forgiven for promising a jam-oriented destination wedding and not delivering. But when he called from NOLA during Jazz Fest a few months later and said that Robert Walter was busy, but could help him with booking, I started to think he was actually serious. His daily updates from the Crescent City were intriguing, to say the least. We heard rumblings of conversations from Lotus, George Porter Jr., Marco Benevento, Galactic, Lettuce, Karl Denson, and the list went on. When he asked if I thought we could all make it down to Costa Rica at the end of July, the gig was on. Chris remained a bit secretive about the artists he was talking to but did reveal that he was trying to score the only Hammond B3 organ for hire in the entire country.

Two months later, I found myself in the San Jose airport renting a 4-wheel drive vehicle with surfboard rack to take us over the mountains to a resort outside of Playa Jaco. 57 people, including many festival veterans and jam band enthusiasts (not to mention guests aged 4 to 74), were making their way to the Pacific Coast for the event. Villa Caletas (the warm smell of?) sits on a mountaintop overlooking the ocean and a dense tropical rainforest. This was to be our venue for the Gleason-Taxman wedding. After the rehearsal dinner, some of the groomsman helped lug the rented B3 to the dining room, up the side of a mountain and 157 shallow steps, and then the band was announced. Chris had lined up the venerable Duo of Marco Benevento and Joe Russo and somehow hooked Eric Krasno (Soulive, Lettuce) to play for us. Actually, the secret had been revealed a few days before when Marco, his lovely wife Katy and their two-year-old daughter Ruby were splashing in the resort’s pool with us. The morning of the rehearsal, Krasno and the inimitable Brandi Mitchell arrived straight from the Gathering of the Vibes Fest in Connecticut, where Lettuce had played the night before. Russo and his girlfriend had also flown in that same morning.

Benevento & Krasno at Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner show turned out to be exactly that; a rehearsal for three musicians at the top of their respective games who had not had much opportunity – a single practice session in Brooklyn – to play together prior to this gathering. With clouds streaming over the surrounding tropical jungle and the humidity adding an extra depth to every note, the three began things with a jammed out version of The Beatles’ “Taxman.” This turned out to be a theme that would be revisited throughout this night and the next. With no setlist, the musicians took turns leading and teaching each other as they explored songs by Stevie Wonder, Santana, and the Allman Brothers, to name just a few. The set was about two and a half hours long when it adjourned and we were left wondering what would be in store for us at tomorrow’s main event.

The music kicked off in the afternoon heat as the traditional Jewish wedding took place shortly after 4:00 p.m. in an amphitheatre overlooking the Pacific. Her proud father escorted the bride down the steps as Krasno and Benevento played a couple more Beatles tunes (“Something” and “All You Need Is Love”). Later, after we had stuffed ourselves on seafood and wedding cake, The Duo plus Krasno took up positions at the end of the Zephyr Palace under the light towers and smoke machines that Gleason had arranged for and kicked things off with a twist on The Meters’ “Cissy Strut.” After a few quick toasts, a long, jazzy “Come Together” signaled that we were in store for a jam heavy and deeply improvisational evening.

Hava Nagila! Hava Nagila!

Chris and Robin were hoisted overhead on chairs as the dancing grew frenetic and Benevento took us on the band’s first go at “Hava Nagila.” This “Have Nagila” was like no other. The momentum and energy just kept building and it almost felt as if we were at a rave (in a good way). Fortunately, Chris had a good grip on his chair or else he would have been launched into the soundboard.

Soul was heavily featured next with funky translations of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle” and Sly & The Family Stone’s “If You Want Me to Stay.” A nimble turn took us Deadheads into familiar territory with a fine, long suite of “Lovelight” > “Shakedown” > “Iko Iko.” The dancing was growing faster and some twirlers were spotted along the sides of the hall. Despite the heat and humidity which had permeated the room – the AC was definitely overmatched by this dance party – most of the revelers were still on their feet, including many of the couple’s family and friends, who had only the faintest idea of what was going on or being played. The two hour first set wound down with a concise reading of “Boogie On Reggae Woman” led by Krasno into “Get Back,” and finally a melding of the Greyboy Allstars’ and STS9′s workhorse “Nautilus.” The degree to which these three musicians were able to combine styles, communicate on the fly, and explore different themes within each song certainly gave no indication that this was one of their first gigs together. In fact, it seemed as though they had been playing together as a trio for years.

This cohesion was never more apparent than during the second set take on the Allman Brothers’ “Jessica.” This was a song they had tackled at the previous night’s aptly named rehearsal party, and while it was solidly done, there were a few rough transitions and clunky pauses. Not so at the reception get-down. Krasno channeled the lead work with a lyrical sense reminiscent of Warren Haynes’ interpretations while Russo anchored the rhythm section and Benevento filled in every other space. Was this truly only three people?

The Happy Couple’s First Swim

The second set featured some of the best elements of the Duo (with themes off of ’04s Best Reason to Buy the Sun) interwoven with Krasno’s tight riffs and rapid scales – a true amalgamation of styles. By this time, anything they chose to play was perfect with the wedding partiers, none of whom had left even this late in the game. As the night pushed on we drooped into a spacier zone with deep psychedelic takes on songs by the JBs, Paul Simon, and The Doors. Zeppelin’s “The Ocean” pounded us as fists pumped and Russo channeled Bonham’s heavy rock theme.

Another two songs (including the Duo’s own “Becky”) left us exhausted and eyeing the infinity pool just outside the doors. But first, a few last nuggets to send us off into the tropical night, including a mellow “Stir it Up” followed by a bride’s jam. Robin had hopped onto the organ bench next to Marco and randomly played the nursery rhyme “Mary Had A Little Lamb.” And why not, it was her wedding! On a night when anything was possible and everything game, our three magicians took off with it and morphed the riff into a 15-minute improv that defied description. Hot revelers with sore feet took to the pool in full clothing, just as Benevento had done after the Duo’s set on Jam Cruise 3 – a fitting ending to a perfect night of intimacy, music, and celebration. Pura Vida indeed!

Continue reading for more pics of this raging wedding…

Duck, Duck, Benevento!

Benevento & Russo

Here comes the bride…


David Kaufman (Chicago musician)

Brandi Mitchell (Krasno’s gal)

Eric Krasno

Russo & Krasno

Joe Russo

The Beneventos

Marco and Ruby

Bride, Groom and Band

Daughter and Dad Dance

JamBase | International
Go See Live Music!


The Westcott Theater

The Westcott Theater Welcomed Addition to Upstate New York Scene

The Westcott Theater

This September The Westcott Theater entered into its second year of operation and its early success indicates that it will be Upstate New York’s premier live music venue for years to come. From the time of its construction in the late 1920′s until the fall of 2007 The Westcott was originally a movie cinema that underwent a series of ups and downs until low revenue and an oncoming recession forced it to close.

However, in early 2008 Dan Mastronardi of concert promotions company Hollerback Productions and Sam Levy reopened the doors with a fresh idea that would provide Syracuse with quality art by way of providing a midsize indoor concert hall, which is what Central New York has lacked for years. So the aging seats were stripped out, the stage was expanded, a sound booth, light rig, and full service bar were built and the cinema’s transformation in to a performance and arts theater was complete. The Theater is now a 700 person capacity venue with the capability to do both seated and standing events.

Specializing in live music, The Westcott Theater hosts acts that span every genre and has had featured performances by Yonder Mountain String Band, Soulive, The Avett Brothers, Ra Ra Riot, and Hot Tuna, just to name a few. This fall’s lineup is even more impressive than last year’s and with a recent upgrade to the sound system and addition of Intellibeam lighting the upcoming shows should be The Westcott Theater’s best yet. Here is a sneak peak at The Westcott Theater’s fall lineup:

10/07 THE BREW

10/11 THE ORIGINAL WAILERS

10/15 EOTO

10/06 SOULIVE

10/17 PORTUGAL. THE MAN

10/22 BROKEN LIZARD COMEDY TROUPE

10/23 GIANT PANDA GUERILLA DUB SQUAD

10/27 KARL DENSON’S TINY UNIVERSE

10/30 U-MELT

11/01 MINIATURE TIGERS

11/05 STEVE KIMOCK CRAZY ENGINE

11/07 CORNMEAL

11/12 GHOSTFACE KILLAH

11/14 THE PIETASTERS

11/15 MEDESKI, MARTIN & WOOD

11/17 MINUS THE BEAR

11/19 MIKE DOUGHTY

11/24 DARK STAR ORCHESTRA

For a full listing please go here.


Bear Creek Fest Schedule

Bear Creek Festival Announces Music Schedule

JamBase and Bear Creek are thrilled to announce the 2009 Bear Creek Music Schedule. As an added bonus, if you complete your own personalized weekend schedule here you will be entered to win a pair of VIP tickets for the festival.

Set to go down November 13-15 in Live Oak, FL, artists-at-large additions for the event include former Parliament/Funkadelic and Talking Heads keyboard wizard Bernie Worrell, guitar slingers Matt Grondin (Inca Maya) and Cameron Williams (Tishamingo), as well as trombonist Jonathan Lloyd (Dubconscious and Cadillac Jones).

Atlanta’s Cadillac Jones and Jacksonville’s Saltwater Grass have also been added to Bear Creek. Rounding out the recent additions, Ryan Montbleau Band has added a second show and Bobby Lee Rodgers will be joining the Donna Hopkins Band for their Bear Creek set.


Early-bird weekend pass prices will increase from $125 to $140, while VIP ticket prices will rise from $275 to $325, on October 1.

Lineup:

Bear Creek 2008 – The Spirit of the Suwannee by Mahone

Galactic x 2
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe x 2
Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk x2
Robert Walter’s 20th Congress
Lettuce x2
Perpetual Groove
Steve Kimock Crazy Engine
The New Mastersounds x2
Hill Country Revue
Yonrico Scott Band
The Benevento/Russo Duo
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue
Garage A Trois
Donna Hopkins Band feat. Bobby Lee Rodgers
Lotus
Toubab Krewe x2
Papa Mali Band
The Slip
DubConscious x2
Zach Deputy x2
The Pnuma Trio
Bonerama
The Ryan Montbleau Band x2
Telepath
Dr. Claw
Surprise Me Mr. Davis
Break Science featuring Adam Deitch
Brock Butler
Eric Krasno & Chapter 2
Good Enough For Good Times
The Heavy Pets
Pnuma Live PA
On The One
Cadillac Jones
The Malah x 2
Green Hit x 2
Stillwood
The Soular System
Avis Berry’s Soul Revue
Shak Nasti
Nate Wilson Group
Pimps of Joytime
Polyester Pimpstrap
Curious Circus with funkUs
Sol Driven Train ( 1 kids set, 1 big kids set)
Corporal Boil
Catfish Alliance
3rd Stone w/Special Guest: Bernie Worrell
Saltwater Grass
Savi Fernandez Band
Moseley Brown Band
Green House Lounge
Two Foot Level

Artists At Large:
Bernie Worrell
Skerik
Mike Dillon

The Shady Horns (Ryan Zoidis & Sam Kininger)
Kofi Burbridge
Cameron Williams
Matt Grondin
Jonathan Lloyd


KDTU Album Out Now New Tour Dates Announced

New Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe Album Available Now

Additional Tour Dates and Ticket Giveaway Announced


Karl Denson

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe is pleased to announce that the new album, Brother’s Keeper, is in stores now! Brother’s Keeper, the long-awaited follow up to The Bridge (2002), features an all star cast including Jon Foreman of Switchfoot, Meshell Ndegeocello, Marc Ford (Black Crowes), and members of the Dap-Kings, Eric Clapton‘s band and The Greyboy Allstars. The album is available to purchase online through www.karldenson.com and iTunes. The full album is available today and you can check it out right now for free at the end of this article.

The band is currently on the road in support of the new record and we have announced a few new dates – KDTU will be returning to The Independent in San Francisco for two Thanksgiving weekend shows on November 27 and 28. Fan club ticketing starts tomorrow at www.karldenson.com and will go on sale to the public this Saturday through The Independent and all Ticketmaster outlets. Other new dates include 10/4 at the Domino Room in Bend, OR, 10/6 at The Red Fox Tavern in Eureka, CA, and 10/18 at the Pozo Saloon in Santa Margarita, CA.

KDTU is giving out a free pair of tickets to the entire tour! Click HERE to enter the JamBase contest.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES


09.16- Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee WI
09.17 – The Cabooze, Minneapolis MN
09.18 – Majestic Theatre, Madison WI
09.19 – Rock Island Brewing Co., Rock Island IL
09.20 – People’s, Des Moines IA
09.30 – Nightlight Lounge, Bellingham WA
10.01 – Capitol Theatre, Olympia WA
10.02 – Showbox, Seattle WA
10.03 – Crystal Ballroom, Portland OR
10.04 – Domino Room, Bend OR
10.06 – The Red Fox Tavern, Eureka CA
10.07 – HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol CA
10.08 – Moe’s Alley, Santa Cruz CA
10.09 – Moe’s Alley, Santa Cruz CA
10.10 – The Mint, Los Angeles CA
10.17 – Smokin’ In The Park, Alpine CA
10.18 – Pozo Saloon, Santa Margarita CA
10.22 – Camp Zoe, Salem MO
10.23 – Bluebird Nightclub, Bloomington IN
10.24 – Double Door, Chicago IL
10.25 – Grog Shop, Cleveland Heights OH
10.27 – Westcott Theater, Syracuse NY
10.28 – Asylum, Portland ME
10.29 – Revolution Hall, Troy NY
10.31 – Bowery Ballroom, New York NY
11.05 – Variety Playhouse, Atlanta GA
11.06 – Music Farm, Charleston SC
11.07 – Orange Peel, Asheville NC
11.13 – Bear Creek Music & Art Festival, Live Oak FL
11.14 – Bear Creek Music & Art Festival, Live Oak FL
11.27 – The Independent, San Francisco CA
11.28 – The Independent, San Francisco CA
12.31 – Ogden Theater, Denver CO (NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH THE GREYBOY ALLSTARS!)
01.03-08 – Jam Cruise, Ft. Lauderdale FL


Lenny Kravitz:Let Love Rule: 20th Anniversary Edition

By: Ron Hart

“Too black for rock radio, too white for urban radio” was the albatross around the neck of Lenny Kravitz when he first burst onto the scene with his soulful voice and hippie wardrobe back in 1989. However, by refusing to fall in line with the demographics and blaze his own unique path of biracial sonic bliss, the son of late sitcom star Roxie Roker found the world catching up with his John Lennon-cum-Prince style in the 1990s, rendering him one of the most popular acts in the world with both rock and R&B fans for the last two decades. Time has been good to Let Love Rule, Kravitz’s moderately popular debut originally released in September of ’89. And the album’s flowery fusion of funk, rock and soul vibes has never sounded better as they do on EMI’s 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition. In addition to a beautiful remastering job, this two-disc set adds some home demos of such key album cuts as the hit title tune and “Mr. Cab Driver” and an exceptional live radio broadcast from 1990. Let Love Rule remains high amongst Kravitz’s finest works, even 20 years later, especially that amazing title track, which really starts to cook once a young Karl Denson kicks out the finest sax solo of 1989.

JamBase | Loved
Go See Live Music!


Post-Phish Red Rox Late Night: Motet, Marco, Conspirator

COLORADOAFTERPARTIES.COM ANNOUNCES LATE NIGHT SHOWS IN DENVER, CO JULY 30 – AUGUST 1

The Motet performs Talking Heads, and Savoy with special guest Lazer Sword just added
To lineup that already features Bassnectar, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Conspirator and more

Bassnectar

Colorado After Parties, presented by Rocky Mountain Entertainment, is a special run of late night concerts from Thursday July 30 – Saturday August 1, 2009, featuring Bassnectar, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Conspirator, The Motet performs the music of Talking Heads, Savoy and Lazer Sword. This exceptional collection of talent hits the stage following Phish‘s performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on those same dates. These shows will go late, and while there will be no alcohol served after 2 a.m., the music will continue until at least 4 a.m.

The party kicks off on Thursday July 30 at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, with electronic sensations Savoy and friends. Savoy is known for high-energy live sets, and their multimedia-oriented shows are exactly what today’s global dance culture is looking for. Also on the bill are West Coast buzz act Lazer Sword, and the return of New Zealand’s Pitch Black. Local up & comers Passage Project and DJ Jack Flash will round out the full night of music.

On Friday July 30, RME will present three after parties across the Front Range. Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe will bring their dynamic brand of energizing funk to the Gothic Theatre for two nights: on Friday July 31 with special guests DJ Mike Relm and DJ Rootz and on Saturday August 1 with special guests the Marco Benevento Trio and DJ Rootz. At the same time across town, The Motet bring their talent and energy to the stage in a rare tribute to the art rock of Talking Heads at Cervantes’ Friday July 31. This is a rare treat for Talking Heads fans, and previous performances have sold out quickly. DJ Click One will support and keep the vibes going all evening. And in Boulder, Bassnectar returns to Colorado for a special 18+ show on Friday July 31 at the Boulder Theater, with special guests Daedelus and Mr. Projectile. Bassnectar has been consuming audiences worldwide with a collision of wobbling, perverted bass lines, hypnotic hide-and-seek adventures, and pretty much anything that strikes his fancy.

Finally, on Saturday August 1, Conspirator, a live electronic phenomenon featuring Marc Brownstein and Aron Magner of The Disco Biscuits, will play Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, with special guests David Murphy (STS9) and ‘Lil Lane (Pnuma Trio). Also on the bill are Break Science ft Adam Deitch and the Passage Project.

Tickets and further info available at www.coloradoafterparties.com.


Sat Eye Candy: Earth Wind & Fire

WE GET ALL ELEMENTAL FOR YOUR WEEKEND

Earth Wind & Fire bassist Verdine White celebrates his 58th birthday today, and that presents a nice opportunity to blow our horn for one of the longest running funk-soul outfits in the game. One of the first groups in the 1970s to actively bring in African elements like kalimba and a unique tribal-meets-Egyptian-glam fashion sense. The germ of their sound was already well intact on their self-titled 1971 debut, which was followed by several more critical and artistic triumphs before their first of many mega-hits, 1974′s still-fresh-as-hell Open Our Eyes. While the band has gotten a touch too slick at times over the years, perhaps too consciously courting public and commercial approval, there’s an underlying creativity and good-as-it-gets musicianship to EWF that has sustained them through decades and currently finds them on a joint headlining tour with equally long-lived pals Chicago. The band also recently performed at the Governors’ Dinner at the White House in February for big fan President Barack Obama. It does not suck to be Earth, Wind & Fire. We can’t say how ‘Air’ is doingÂ…

The birthday boy leads the charge with serious authority on one of EWF’s tightest joints to kick off this week’s selection.

Few take it down and hit ya where you live with such off-handed skill as Earth Wind & Fire, as evidenced by this beloved call for world peace that manages to be sincere without being hokey.

So much of the current soul-jazz scene owes deep thanks to what EWF helped establish. Without this band and cuts like this there’d be no Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe or myriad others adored in the jam scene.

This is what the proverbial ‘good foot’ is tapping to.

Now this looks like a really good time! Don’t be afraid of the disco, children. It won’t biteÂ…hard.

There are many, well, reasons why many ladies love this band. Phillip Bailey utilizes his golden falsetto well here, wooing well despite his clown pants.

Next, a pair of killers with their current tour mates, including a fab turn from Chicago’s Bill Champlin (also Sons of Champlin), one of the great, enduring voices in pop/rock (see our 2005 interview with Bill for more).

In 1978 things were SO groovy for EWF that this is how the world looked to them most days.

The guys show off their facility with doo-wop on this certified classic slow jam.

There’s not a sunnier way we could think of to boot y’all into a lovely weekend than this number, so we’ll conclude here this week. Verdine just murders the low-end on this one, and we want to thank him for his many years of keeping things locked down with such force and style. Happy birthday, brotherman!

And don’t forget, you can eyeball video sweetness 24/7 with JamBase TV.


Bear Creek Additions

Bear Creek Artist Additions and Pre-Party

Bear Creek 2008 – The Spirit of the Suwannee by Mahone

Bear Creek Music and Arts Festival, located in Live Oak, FL, is proud to announce the latest artist additions and roster for the Thursday night, November 12 pre-party.

Additions recently added Include: Robert Walter’s 20th Congress, Toubab Krewe, Dr. Claw, Telepath, Yonrico Scott Band, Donna Hopkins Band, Avis Berry’s Soul Revue and artist’s-at-large Skerik, Mike Dillon, Roosevelt Collier and The Shady Horns.

The festival plans on hosting its annual pre-party on Thursday, November 12 that will feature sets from Toubab Krewe, Pnuma Live PA, The Heavy Pets, Pimps of Joytime, Brother Bean and Gravity A. Tickets for the Bear Creek fest are currently going at $115 and pre-party tickets at $40. Purchases can be made here.

Pre-Existing Lineup:

Galactic x 2
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe x 2
Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk x2
Robert Walter’s 20th Congress
Lettuce x2
Perpetual Groove
Steve Kimock and Crazy Engine
The New Mastersounds x2
Hill Country Revue
Yonrico Scott Band
The Benevento – Russo Duo
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue
Garage A Trois
Fred Wesley and the New JB’s
Lotus
Toubab Krewe x2
Papa Mali Band
The Slip
DubConscious x2
Zach Deputy x2
The Pnuma Trio
Bonerama
The Ryan Montbleau Band
Telepath
Dr. Claw
Surprise Me Mr. Davis
Break Science featuring Adam Deitch
Brock Butler
Eric Krasno & Chapter 2
Good Enough For Good Times
The Heavy Pets
Pnuma Live PA
On The One
Donna Hopkins Band
The Malah x 2
Green Hit x 2
Stillwood
The Soular System
Avis Berry’s Soul Revue
Shak Nasti
Nate Wilson Group
Pimps of Joytime
Polyester Pimpstrap
Curious Circus with funkUs
Sol Driven Train ( 1 kids set, 1 big kids set)
Corporal Boil
Catfish Alliance
3rd Stone
Savi Fernandez Band
Moseley Brown Band
Green House Lounge
Two Foot Level
Artists At Large:
Skerik,
Mike Dillon,
Roosevelt Collier,
The Shady Horns (Ryan Zoidis & Sam Kininger)

More Info Is Available At: bearcreekmusicfest.com.

Bear Creek Music and Arts Festival Montage from Jeremy Sewell on Vimeo.

Check our coverage of Bear Creek 2008 here.


Jam Cruise Vote to the Boat

JAM CRUISE AND RELIX MAGAZINE PRESENT “VOTE TO THE BOAT”

ONE LUCKY BAND WILL WIN THE CHANCE TO PERFORM ON JAM CRUISE 8

VOTE JULY 15 – SEPTEMBER 15 AT WWW.JAMCRUISE.COM

Jam Cruise 7 by Smith

Jam Cruise, the ultimate fan experience where everyone has a backstage pass, is bringing even more to fans with their Vote to the Boat contest. Partnering with Relix Magazine, Jam Cruise 8 will offer fans a chance to get their favorite band on board. Between July 15 and September 15 fans can vote (only once) for one of 10 bands: Big Gigantic, Dubconscious, Flowmotion, Josh Phillips Folk Festival, Nate Wilson Group, Ryan Montbleau Band, The Heavy Pets, The Macpodz, Trampled by Turtles, or Underground Orchestra. Voting begins on July 15 at www.jamcruise.com.

The lucky winner will join incredible lineup, which includes STS9, The Word feat. John Medeski, North Mississippi Allstars & Robert Randolph, Zappa plays Zappa, Galactic, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Maceo Parker, Dark Star Orchestra, JJ Grey & Mofro, Railroad Earth, Steve Kimock’s Crazy Engine, Lotus, Fantastic 4 feat. Robert Walter, Adam Deitch, Eric Krasno & Cheme Gastelum, Toubab Krewe, Eric Krasno & Chapter 2, The Motet plays the Talking Heads, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Hot Buttered, Rum, John Brown’s Body, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Mike Dillon’s Go Go Jungle, The Mother Hips, Break Science feat. Adam Deitch, Dragon Smoke feat. Robert Mercurio, Ivan Neville, Stanton Moore & Eric Lindell, Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes, George Porter’s Super Jam, DJ Logic, Pretty Lights, and special guests Col Bruce Hampton, Skerik, and Will Bernard.

Jam Cruise 8 will set sail January 3-8, 2010 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL on board the beautiful MSC Poesia and will visit the tropical ports of Ocho Rios, Jamaica and George Town, Cayman Islands. In addition to nearly round-the-clock music while on board, Jam Cruisers can enjoy all the adventures Ocho Rios and St. George have to offer: ziplining through the jungle or hiking to Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica, scuba diving and snorkeling in The Caymans, or just basking in the sun during that first week in January.

To book a cabin or to find out more about Jam Cruise 8, please visit www.jamcruise.com.

Check our coverage of Jam Cruise 7 here.