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 […]
Brendan & the Strangest Ways – Are We Sure the Dawn Is Coming?
As documented by everyone from Ken Burns on down, country music came out of the fields of the South and the mountains of Appalachia. Alt-country, on the other hand, has its roots in the urban centers of the Rust Belt, like St. Louis, Chicago, and Pittsburg. Based on the new album from Brendan & the […]
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.
Monday Morning Video – The Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires Rock Show
Damn, I miss live rock and roll. All the more so after watching this video of Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires electrifying an afternoon crowd at SXSW a few years back. And for those who know me, look for my cameos in front of the stage. Because that’s where you’re supposed to stand […]