I already knew the Hellman family had challenged the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass staff to come up with a worthy alternative to the annual musical gathering in Golden Gate Park the first weekend in October. I knew they had been shooting video with various artists in music towns like Austin, Nashville, and of course San Francisco. […]
Trae Sheehan on a Stocked Cooler, Sound Engineering, and Painting Fences
Singer-songwriter Trae Sheehan talks about touring in a minivan without hub caps and the first song that he wrote (which contained only two chords).
Bonnie Whitmore on Gluten Free Touring and Not Wasting Time on Regret
Austin-based Bonnie Whitmore talks about why she named her first tour vehicle “Shirley” and shares some life advice she saw written on a dive bar bathroom wall.
Monday Morning Video – Steve Earle Mini Acoustic Set
An acoustic mini-set from Steve Earle is a fine way to kick off the week, right? It includes the Earle classics “Copperhead Road” and “Guitar Town”, along with his Guy Clark tribute “Goodbye Michelangelo” and a cover of the Allman Brothers’ “Midnight Rider”.
Thriving Roots 2020 – Mayer’s Highlights
THE SCENE It’™s a glass half empty, glass half full kind of situation. The Americana Music Association awards and conference is an event that I eagerly await and always enjoy every year (mild understatement). A chance to catch up with friends both old and new, gain some knowledge at the panel discussions, and, of course, […]
Thriving Roots 2020 – Shawn’s Highlights
One of the highlights of my year is the annual Americana Music Association conference and awards show in Nashville in September. Needless to say, it didn’t go on this year. The AMA brain trust had enough time, and common sense pragmatism, to realize this was going to happen. So they put on an alternate, virtual […]
Clay Rose of Gasoline Lollipops on Carpentry, Miracles, and Drive-Through Daiquiri Stands
Clay Rose of Colorado’s Gasoline Lollipops talks about a high voltage electrical shock and recalls when he first got hooked on music.
Heidi Newfield on Twizzlers and Never Having a “Plan B”
Heidi Newfield talks about investing in real estate, her transition from a tour van to a tour bus, and her dog Gustus.
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2020, Part 1
Remember It, The Northern Belle (from the Die With Your Boots On Records release We Wither, We Bloom) You’d never know from their music that The Northern Belle hails from Norway. Their brand of Americana is bathed in Southern California sunshine in more ways than one. This is music warm and lavish, not to mention […]
Arlo Guthrie on Boiling Guitar Strings and Making a Living in Folk Music
Legendary singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie talks about a way to eat healthy while on the road, the vow that he made after his first gig, and remembering what you thought you forgot.