Newport Folk Festival has made it a practice to bring fresh faces in front of a discerning crowd of music fans. The 2019 edition was no different and the new artists certainly made a splash. J.S. Ondara only needed one song to bowl me over. I heard him sing “Saying Goodbye” as his last song […]
Newport Folk Festival 2019 Feature – Gregory Alan Isakov Transports Listeners to Other Worlds
When I think about atmospheric music, I picture lots of instrumentation and layered tracks. I don’t picture a guy and a guitar. Gregory Alan Isakov has somehow merged the world of a singer/songwriter with moody ethereal music in a way that defies logic. My wife and I had a chance to sit down with Gregory […]
Newport Folk Festival 2019 – Looking Back at the Big Names
Surprise guests are really nothing new at Newport Folk Festival but the 2019 edition highlighted a particularly timely legendary performer in Dolly Parton. The emcee of the Saturday night performance was Newport Folk Festival stalwart Brandi Carlile (introduced by Executive Produced of the Newport Folk Festival Jay Sweet) who introduced the country legend. Parton regaled […]
Monday Morning Video – Twangville Live in Dallas
We had so much fun in Boston this past Friday that we’re hosting an encore, this time in Dallas. On August 8th we’re teaming up with our friends at Sundown at Granada for a special show featuring Pedigo’s Magic Pilsner and Ronnie Fauss. Adding to the fun – the fine folks at Oak Cliff Brewing […]
Newport Folk Festival 2019 – New Faces
Even though Twangville has been lucky enough to cover many Newport Folk Festivals in the past, the lineup this year has made some great choices to get new faces in front of music fans. The lineup is filled with both new acts garnering critical buzz and underappreciated gems. It’s that dedication to amazing and innovative […]
Monday Morning Video – Johnny Clegg
Anyone who says that music can’t be an instrument of social change has clearly never heard of Johnny Clegg. The South African artist put together a multi-racial band in response to – and defiance of – Apartheid, creating music that blended traditional Zulu street music (and dancing) with Western pop and rock. The result was […]
Newport Folk Festival 2019 – Big Names
This year’s Newport Folk Festival boasts many big name acts and lean towards a jam band atmosphere. Both Phil Lesh and Trey Anastasio will be playing sets. Phil with the Terrapin Family Band (which includes his son Grahame and others based around Phil’s own music venue Terrapin Crossroads in Marin County, California. Trey Anastasio will […]
Monday Morning Video – Join Twangville in Boston
Hey Boston and Camberville! Twangville is bringing together some incredible New England artists for a special showcase later this month. We’ll be taking over the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge MA, one of our favorite listening rooms, on July 26th for one heck of party. Joining us for the night will be The Silks, Todd Thibaud, […]
The 40 Acre Mule – Goodnight and Good Luck
There are many paths a band can take between inception and the first album (assuming they make it that far). The 40 Acre Mule chose to follow a simple formula. First they decided to kick ass and do it loudly. Second they played anywhere and everywhere people would listen, and made it a party. Third […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2019 (So Far), the Songs
Canyon, Joshua Ray Walker (from the State Fair Records release Wish You Were Here) Talk about making a statement on your debut album. Walker’s moving acoustic ballad is both a highly personal reflection on his father’s battle with cancer and his own desire to be a better person. Simply stunning. Full Moon Goodbye, Michael McDermott […]