News
Edited by Staff
3/24/00
The New Deal Cancels Remainder of Tour
The New Deal has canceled a portion of its current tour due to an illness in the band. They will play two remaining dates, tonight at the 4th Street Jazz Club in Reno, NV and tomorrow at Black Cat in San Francisco, CA. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
Mickey Hart Band, Phil & Friends Mail Order Info
Tickets for the upcoming Mickey Hart Band tour will go on sale April 1 through local outlets. The band features Hart, Vince Welnick on keyboards; Gladys "Bobi" Cespedes, vocals and percussion; Rahsaan Fredericks on Bass; Humberto Nengue Hernandez, percussion and vocals; Rick Schlosser on drums and Barney Doyle on guitar. Mailorder tickets are available now for a portion of the shows. There is a four-ticket limit per show. Taper tickets will be available for the reserved shows, with a two-ticket limit per show. For more information visit http://www.gdtstoo.com/GDTSTOOMickeyHartBand.html .
Mail order tickets for Phil & Friends' April Tour are still available for The Orpheum Theatre in Boston, MA on April 10 and 11, The Tower Theatre in Philadelphia, PA April 13 and The Beacon Theatre in New York City on April 19. For more information visit http://www.gdtstoo.com/GDTSTOOPhilSpring2000.html .
Mockingbird Foundation Signs Publishing Deal
The Mockingbird Foundation has announced that it has reached an agreement with Miller Freeman, Inc. to publish The Mockingbird Project: An Encyclopedic Companion to the Music of Phish. It is due to be released in January of 2001. The book will include contributions from thousands of fans (including Jambands.com editor and author of The Phishing Manual, Dean Budnick). Also included will be show reviews, creative essays, in-depth song histories and a collection of nearly 1,200 setlists, which Phish archivist Kevin Shaprio assisted in verifying. Phish lyricist Tom Marshall will write the book’s forward. All proceeds from the book will be donated to charity. For more information, visit http://www.phish.net/mockingbird .
Announcing The 1st Annual Jammy Awards
On June 22, Jambands.com will host the 1st Annual Jammy Awards at Irving Plaza in New York City. In the tradition of the Grammy Awards, the show will feature several award categories (many of which will be voted on by fans directly through Jambands.com), performances, all star jams, and surprise guests. “I can assure you that one of the jams we’ve already put together will make it all worth while,” says Jambands.com editor Dean Budnick. “Not only that, but we’re gonna have four or five more, that will really crisp your noodle. On top of that, we’ll have awards, celebrity presenters and free stuff. It’s gonna be a real celebration of the scene.”
There will also be a free aftershow party at Wetlands Preserve following the awards ceremony.
Many more details including bands, awards and ticket information will appear on Jambands.com within the next few weeks.
3/23/00
The Slip to Perform at Freihofer’s Jazz Festival
The Slip has been confirmed for Freihofer’s Jazz Festival, taking place June 24 and 25 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga, NY. The line up also features Cassandra Wilson, David Sanborn, Bruce Hornsby, Maceo Parker, Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, The John Scofield Band and Spyro Gyra. Performances will take place on two stages, from noon to midnight on Saturday June 24 and noon to 10:30 p.m. on Sunday June 25. For ticket information call the SPAC Box Office at 518-587-3330.
Mike Gordon’s Film Wins Award at SXSW
Phish bassist Mike Gordon’s new film “Outside Out” has received the award for Best Midnight Film at the South By Southwest Film Conference and Festival. The film made its debut at SXSW on March 12. The movie is about a teenage guitar player, played by Phish's assistant road manager, Jimi Stout, who orders an instructional video in hopes of mastering his instrument. He aquires "The Outstructional Video" which is narrated by Col. Bruce Hampton, and urges players to "unlearn" music theory in order to find their true musical identity. The film features original music composed by Gordon and includes performances by James Harvey, Russ Lawton and Gordon Stone as well as Buddy Cage, Vassar Clements, Jon Fishman, Bela Fleck, Adam Frehm, Gabe Jerret, Craig Johnson, Stuart Paton, Mark Van Allen and Heloise Williams. "Outside Out" also includes music from Aquarium Rescue Unit and Col. Bruce Hampton. For more information on the film, visit http://www.outsideout.com .
Jen Durkin to Leave Deep Banana Blackout
Deep Banana Blackout vocalist Jen Durkin has announced that she will be leaving the band this August. In a statement released this morning, Durking explained her decision. “Sorry for my long silence during the recent months as I have been contemplating the future,” said Durkin. “It is time for me to change and it has been a tough decision because I have had so much happiness in DBB. I have to follow my intuition to give more time to different projects. DBB is such a hardworking band and they are so committed to this project that there just isn’t enough time for me to do other things and keep up the pace of touring DBB style. I will be in the band full time until August 13th. I have loved being with you all and will always stay in touch. DBB will no doubt have many years of great music and plenty of surprises to come. I am proud to be an instigator and founding member of this unique and talented bunch. Looking forward to a great summer!”
In a statement released this afternoon, Deep Banana Blackout manager Bob Kennedy spoke about the future of the band. “Obviously, Jen's talents have been a huge contribution to the success of DBB, but as time has worn on it's been increasingly difficult for Jen to give 100% to this highly demanding occupation,” said Kennedy. “We want to let you know that Eric, Johnny, Ben, Fuzz, Volo, Somerville and Cyrus as well as myself, E!, Richeeee, Heather, Jake & Elwood (our cats) and our whole organization are committed to moving forward and are excited to open new doors and new experiences. This, by no means, is the end of DBB. On the contrary, it is a new beginning and we are all anxious and excited to see what's in store. We understand that this may be a shock to some of you. HAVE FAITH! DBB is a large family and we are all working hard to make the transition easy on everyone, you included! You all can count on seeing Jen at future DBB shows. We have been working with a few different singers (that I'm sure you will love) and they will be making guest appearances at upcoming shows. Until then, stay positive while we work to bring you all something new and exciting.”
Deep Banana Blackout plays tonight at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO. For a complete list of tour dates, visit http://www.deepbananablackout.com/dates/datesframework.html .
The Recipe, Ekoostik Hookah and Others to Perform at 4:20 Festival
The Recipe, Ekoostik Hookah, All Mighty Senators, Baaba Seth, Floodplain Gang and the Ordinary Way will perform at the Fourth Annual 4:20 Festival, April 20 at Nation in Washington, DC. The festival will benefit the Fourth of July Hemp Coalition rally, march and concert to be held on the Mall in Washington this 4th of July. Walther Productions is promoting the event and supports the many controversial issues surrounding the use of hemp and marijuana. “The coalition tends to lean more toward the legalization of marijuana and the First Amendment rights to speak in favor of using it for medicinal and recreational purposes," says Tim Walther. “We don't deny them that stance. We happen to lean more toward the environmental benefits of hemp as a natural resource." Tickets for the festival are available now through Ticketmaster Online or charge-by-phone at 800-551-SEAT.
3/22/00
Three Steely Dan Dates Confirmed
Steely Dan has announced three California tour dates to be included in the band’s upcoming summer tour. They will play a two-night stand at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles June 13 and 14 as well as a show June 16 at Irvine Meadows in Orange County. On-sale ticket dates have not yet been announced. The band will kick off its world tour May 14 in Tokyo. A full North American tour will be announced April 9.
Following their performance on the PBS program, “In The Spotlight,” Steely Dan taped a segment for “VH-1 Storytellers” on February 1. In addition to core members Donald Fagan and Walter Becker, the extensive list of musicians includes Jon Herington on guitar, Cornelius Bumpus and Chris Potter on sax, Michael Leonhart on trumpet, Jim Pugh on trombone, Ricky Lawson on drums, Tom Barney on bass, Ted Baker on keyboards and Victoria Cave, Carolyn Leonhart and Cynthia Calhoun on vocals. The performance is scheduled to air in early May.
Mickey Hart Band Tour Announced
Grateful Dead percussionist, Mickey Hart has formed The Mickey Hart Band, which will tour this spring. The band’s line up features Grateful Dead vocalist and keyboardist Vince Welnick, Gladys “Bobi” Cespedes on vocals and percussion, Rahsaan Fredericks on bass, Humberto “Negue” Hernandez on percussion and vocals, Rick Schlosser on drums and Barney Doyle on guitar. The band will have elements of Hart’s world beat influences, but will also focus on his Grateful Dead roots. Songs such as “Fire on the Mountain,” “Iko Iko,” and “Friend of the Devil” among others, will be part of the repertoire. The tour begins May 9 at Nightclub 9:30 in Washington, DC and concludes July 29 at The WOMAD Festival in Marymoore Park in Seattle, WA. For a complete list of dates, visit http://www.mhart.com/Pages/TRDATES.HTML .
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones Confirmed for Berkfest
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones are the first band to be confirmed for the 3rd Annual Berkshire Mountain Music Festival. The festival will feature five stages of music and will be held at Butternut Basin Ski Resort in Great Barrington, MA August 11 – 13. On-sale ticket information as well as several more bands will be announced soon. For more information, visit http://www.berkfest.com .
Blues Traveler to Play Red Rocks July 4th
Blues Traveler has announced that they will play Red Rocks Amphitheater July 4 in Golden, CO. Up until last year, when frontman John Popper was hospitalized for chest pains, the band had played Red Rocks every Fourth of July for each of the last seven years. Popper later underwent surgery to clear a blocked artery. Blues Traveler is currently working on a new album, which is due out later this year. It will be the band’s first release since the death of bassist Bobby Sheehan who died of a drug overdose last August. Bass player Tad Kinchla, brother of Blues Traveler guitarist Chan, was hired in November. Tickets for the Red Rocks show are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Further details on Blues Traveler’s summer tour plans will be announced soon.
Opening Act Booked for Oysterhead, Several Shows to Coincide with Jazz Fest
Superfly Productions has just announced that Garage A Trois, featuring Charlie Hunter, Galactic drummer Stanton Moore and saxophonist Skeric (a.k.a. Nalgas Sin Carne), will open for Oysterhead May 4 at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. Oysterhead features Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio, Primus bassist Les Claypool and former drummer for The Police, Stewart Copeland. The show is part of a nighttime concert series being produced by Superfly that will take place during Jazz Fest, April 28 – May 7. “In booking our shows for Jazzfest time, Superfly looks to present acts that appeal to a younger generation of music fans,” says Superfly publicist Amy Davidson. “We try to offer an eclectic mix of acts, such as indie rock band Luna, jam bands String Cheese Incident, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, and Galactic, groove-driven jazz band Medeski, Martin and Wood, and the one-time performance of Oysterhead.”
Galactic will perform April 28 at The Masonic Temple Theatre at 9 p.m., while Wilco will take the stage at The Howlin’ Wolf at the same time. On Wednesday, May 3, Luna will play The Howlin’ Wolf at 9 p.m. and String Cheese Incident will perform on the Cajun Queen Riverboat departing at 10:15 from the Poydras St. Wharf. Oysterhead and Garage A Trois invade The Saenger Theatre May 4. Bela Fleck & the Flecktones and String Cheese Incident will perform May 5 at The Saenger Theatre starting at 8:30. Later that night, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe will take the stage at The Howlin’ Wolf at 2 a.m. Three Superfly shows will take place on Saturday May 6: Medeski, Martin & Wood and The Corey Harris/Henry Butler Duo at The Saenger Theatre at 9 p.m., Jazz Mandolin Project featuring Jamie Masefield, Ari Hoenig and Chris Dahlgreen at Tipitina’s Uptown at 1 a.m., and Deep Banana Blackout at The Howlin’ Wolf at 2 a.m.
Tickets for String Cheese's riverboat show go on sale today at 10 a.m. MST. All other shows go on sale this Friday. For more information, visit http://www.superflypresents.com .
3/21/00
The Boston Phoenix Adds Jam Band Category to Annual Music Poll
The Boston Phoenix/WFNX Best Music Poll has included two Jam Band categories to this year’s ballot. The Local Jam Band category has Another Planet, Guster, Jiggle the Handle, Miracle Orchestra, The Rockett Band and The Slip listed as nominees, while the National Jam Band category features The Allman Brothers, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, Galactic, Medeski, Martin & Wood, moe. and Phish. The winners will be announced in the May 19 edition of The Boston Phoenix. To vote, visit
http://bostonphoenix.com/cgi-bin/ballot.pl .
Jam Bands Nominated for Memphis Premier Player Awards
The Memphis chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has just announced the nominees for the Premier Player Awards 2000. The nominees for Band of the Year include Big Ass Truck, North Mississippi All-Stars,The Memphis Jones Revolution and FreeWorld. "The Premier Player Awards are such a great time,” says Freeworld bassist and Premier Player Awards board member, Richard Cushing. “We always enjoy getting to hang out with our musical friends. It's a real community
function. For me, just being nominated for an award means I win. It's an honor in and of itself.” The awards ceremony will be held March 30 at The Pyramid Arena in Memphis, TN. Tickets are available now by calling (901)525-1340.
Soul Coughing Breaks Up
After an eight-year career, Soul Coughing has announced that they have broken up. The individual band members will continue working on side projects. Keyboardist M'ark De Gli Antoni is currently in the studio working on the follow-up to his 1999 solo album, Horse Tricks as well as composing music for an upcoing IMAX film. De Gli Antoni will also tour with John Scofield in March and April. Bass player Sebastian Steinberg will continue to work with drummer Yuval Gabay in the band, UV Ray. “The band would like to sincerely thank their fans for all the support they have received over the years," the band said in a statement. "They hope that this enthusiasm follows them into the new endeavors that they are exploring.” No reason for the break up was given.
String Cheese Boating Incident
String Cheese Incident has announced that they will perform on the Cajun Queen Riverboat May 3 in New Orleans. The boat will depart from the Poydras St. Wharf at 10:15 p.m. Capacity is 600. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. MST through the band's website or String Cheese Ticketing by calling (303) 544-5875. Tickets will also be avialable at through Ticketweb or by calling 1(800) 965-4827. There is two-ticket limit per person.
3/20/00
Galactic Releases Tour Dates, New Album on the Way
Galactic has released dates for their upcoming tour. The tour begins Friday at The Bonne Fete Festival in Baton Rouge, LA and includes a two night stand at Irving Plaza in New York City April 14 and 15, as well as a performance at Jazz Fest April 30 in New Orleans. The tour concludes with two nights at The Warfield in San Franciso June 9 and 10. For a complete list of dates, visit http://www.galacticfunk.com/gigs/default.asp . Galactic’s new album, Late for the Future, will be released April 4 on Capricorn. The album was produced by Nick Sansano (Public Enemy, Sonic Youth).
Announcing Jambands Radio
Jambands.com and SonicNet have teamed up to form Jambands Radio. The station is now up and running and features music from a wide variety of artists including The Allman Brothers Band, Calobo, Deep Banana Blackout, The Disco Biscuits, Bela Fleck, Galactic, Gov’t Mule, Grateful Dead, David Grisman, Jazz Is Dead, Leftover Salmon, Medeski Martin & Wood, Percy Hill, Phish, Strangefolk, and String Cheese Incident. “From my perspective, one of the cool things about Jambands Radio is the fact that we’re doing it with SonicNet/MTVi,” says Jambands.com Editor Dean Budnick. “A number of sites have their own radio stations, and that’s obviously something we could have put together, but I like the fact that we’re exposing the bands from our scene to a broader audience.” Jambands Radio is available now via a co-branded tuner hosted and served by MTVi.
Galactic Releases Tour Dates, New Album on the Way
Galactic has released dates for their upcoming tour. The tour begins Friday at The Bonne Fete Festival in Baton Rouge, LA and includes a two night stand at Irving Plaza in New York City April 14 and 15, as well as a performance at Jazz Fest April 30 in New Orleans. The tour concludes with two nights at The Warfield in San Francisco June 9 and 10. For a complete list of dates, visit http://www.galacticfunk.com/gigs/default.asp . Galactic’s new album, Late for the Future, will be released April 4 on Capricorn. The album was produced by Nick Sansano (Public Enemy, Sonic Youth).
ulu, Scofield and Soulive to Perform This Friday
ulu will perform on a bill with John Scofield and Soulive this Friday at Irving Plaza in New York City. Scofield will be joined by his Bump Band, which includes Chris Wood of Medeski, Martin & Wood on bass and M'ark De Gli Antoni of Soul Coughing on Keyboards. The show marks ulu’s first performance at Irving. “It's always been a goal of ours to play Irving Plaza,” says ulu drummer David Hoffman. “To have our first gig at Irving Plaza with John Scofield and our good friends Soulive makes it even sweeter. It will be a night to remember.” Ulu will also join Scofield March 31 at The State Theatre in Falls Church, VA. For a complete list of ulu dates, visit http:///www.ulu.net .
Want to Work for Billy Martin?
Medeski, Martin & Wood drummer Billy Martin is seeking individuals to work as reps for his record label, Amulet Records. Martin founded the label and has released albums by Bob Moses as well as his own percussion collaborations with G. Calvin Weston and Komado Whirligig Orchestra. Anyone interested in working for Amulet should email a brief intro along with a resume to Owen@AmuletRecords.com .
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