While the events of 9/11 have certainly colored the days that preceded them, 2001 was a rather robust one here at ol' Jambands.com. The year saw a rush of new, notable albums (for more details, take a look at our year-end charts). Festivals multiplied as many bands hosted their own, facilitated by the proliferation of homespun, on-line ticketing services. Japan continued to support jam/groove bands with many groups making the trip, including: Deep Banana Blackout, Karl Denson, the Disco Biscuits, Galactic, Steve Kimock Band, moe. The Slip and Soulive. New projects drew together familiar faces including Oysterhead, Project Z, Slang, Vida Blue and the Word. Meanwhile other emerging groups gained notoriety including Particle, Railroad Earth and most notably, Robert Randolph. Meanwhile, the hardest working man in the music busines, Warren Haynes (who wrested the title from James Brown in a jailhouse ceremony) helped anchor three separate groups: the Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule, and Phil & Friends, while also releasing the Deep End Vol 1 with Matt Abts and a slew of bass players. At the same time a number of groups announced they would take extended, indefinite breaks, including Agents of Good Roots, Calobo, Jiggle (who played their farewell gig at BerkFest before Gamelan brought them together again three months later), Ominous Seapods (although Dana Monteith and AWOL Pod Max Verna performed as a duo during the final days of Wetlands- with the closing of that club a major story in its own right), ThaMuseMeant and Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies (which also regrouped during the final days of Wetlands). Ahh yes, and no Phish unless you were at Jason Colton’s wedding (but plenty of cool projects by the individual band members). One other significant story is the ongoing efforts of charitable groups such as the Mimi Fishman Foundation (Mimi passed away in 2001) the Mockingbird Foundation, Panic Fans for Food, Strangers Helping Strangers and many others. On a personal note, Relix became our publisher early in the year, which not only helped keep this site vibrant but also has allowed us to participate in the growth of the magazine as well. Oh yes and the Jammys raged as well…

What follows are the actual news stories taken from our archives along with an occasional introductory remark or two, just to give you a flavor of the year that passed.

1/4/01
Allman Brothers Band Announces Beacon Theatre Dates with Warren Haynes

The Allman Brothers Band has confirmed eight dates at New York City’s Beacon Theatre in March. The shows will take place March 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23 and 24. Special guest and former ABB member Warren Haynes will be performing with the band for the run, however sources say it is still unknown if he will rejoin the group permanently. Haynes with fill the guitar slot left vacant by Jimmy Herring, who will continue touring with Phil Lesh & Friends for the immediate future. The Allman Brothers’ line-up for the Beacon shows will consist of Haynes, Derek Trucks, Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks, Oteil Burbridge, Marc Quinones and Jaimoe. Tickets go on sale January 13 through Ticketmaster.

1/8/01

NEMO Adds Jam Band Category

NEMO has announced that this year, for the first time it will be adding a category for jam bands. The Music Showcase and Conference, which returns to Boston, MA April 19 20, gives unsigned bands the opportunity to perform in front of industry professionals. NEMO also features the Boston Music Awards, which take place at the Orpheum Theater. “Jam bands have always been an important part of the live music scene,” says Jim Morgan, Showcase Director for NEMO. “With more and more of them springing up everywhere, NEMO would love to be able to showcase the cream of the crop’ at our annual event here in Boston, to both the music industry and the general public.” Any band that is interested in submitting a press kit can visit www.nemoboston.com for more information. The deadline for submissions is Friday, January 12.

1/10/01

Lesh, Gordon, Claypool and Flea Among Guests on Allen Woody Tribute Album

Gov’t Mule members Warren Haynes and Matt Abts are currently in the studio recording a tribute album for Allen Woody, who passed away last August. The CD will feature a long list of guest bass players that were of great influence to Woody. The line-up includes Les Claypool (Primus, Flying Frog Brigade), Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead, Phil & Friends), Mike Gordon (Phish), Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report, Santana, Jazz is Dead, The Other Ones), Bootsy Collins (James Brown, P-Funk), David Schools (Widespread Panic), Francis Prestia (Tower of Power) and Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers). A release date has not yet been set. More details will be announced soon.

1/18/01

Mimi Fishman Passes Away at 64

Mimi Fishman died Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center in Central NY. Fishman was the mother of Phish drummer Jon Fishman. She made several appearances on stage with Phish in the early nineties and could often be seen dancing in the front row at shows. Mimi was also very active in the fight against Glaucoma and helped create the Mimi Fishman Foundation, which holds events and auctions that benefit Glaucoma research and recently expanded its list of charitable recipients. “Her love for everyone will always be there,” says David Shulman, of The Foundation. “She had such a positive attitude towards life and believed in the expressions of free thought and the opportunity of helping others. Mimi touched the hearts of many and will be dearly missed by everyone.” She is survived by her husband Dr. Leonard, sons Jon and David, and daughter Julie Trawinski. The family has requested that contributions in Mimi’s memory be made to The Mimi Fishman Foundation, 12685 Dorsett Road #264, Maryland Heights, MO 63043.

1/19/01

Les Claypool Sits in with Galactic, SnoCore Tour Begins

Les Claypool sat in with Galactic last night at The Palace in Los Angeles, CA. Claypool joined the band midway through the set for "Sweetleaf". The SnoCore Icicle Ball Tour began Wednesday at The Joint in Las Vegas, NV and features Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade and Lake Trout (Drums & Tuba will come on board beginning February 4). On Wednesday, Skerik sat in with Galactic during “Charlie Dozen” and “Two Clowns” at the end of the set. Claypool’s sets thus far have included covers such as The Beatles’ “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “A Little Help From My Friends as well as Pink Floyd’s “Pigs.”

The tour stops at Santa Cruz Civic tonight in Santa Cruz, CA. For the complete itinerary, visit www.galacticfunk.com.

2/7/01

Members of Widespread Panic and Vic Chestnut Reunite as Brute

Members of Widespread Panic and Vic Chestnut performed as Brute Saturday night at the 40 Watt in Athens, GA. Chestnut collaborated with Widespread on the 1996 album Nine High A Pallet, which was released under the name Brute. Saturday’s show featured all members of WSP, with the exception of percussionist Sunny Ortiz. The set list included “Puppy Sleeps,” “Mr. Hard-On,” “Expiration Date,” “Aunt Avis,” “Got It All Wrong,” “Blight,” “Morally Challenged,” “Protein Drink” and “Sewing Machine.”

Widespread drummer Todd Nance and his side project, Barbara Cue also performed. The set featured appearances by David Blackmon as well as WSP members Jojo Hermann (keyboards) and John Bell (guitar).

2/9/01

Jazz Fest Announces Line-up, Widespread Panic and Galactic Among Performers

The line-up for this year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has been announced. The event will be held Friday April 27 through Sunday April 29 and Thursday May 3 through Sunday May 6. Artists performing include Widespread Panic, Galactic, Dave Matthews Band, The funky Meters, B.B. King, Van Morrison, Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers, North Mississippi Allstars, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Roy Hargrove, The Wallflowers, Buckwheat Zydeco, Koko Taylor, Dr. John, Femi Anikulapo-Kuti & The Positive Force of Nigeria, Marcia Ball, Lucinda Williams, Paul Simon, Wilson Pickett, Walter "Wolfman" Washington & the Roadmasters, George Porter, Jr. & his Runnin’ Pardners, Fats Domino and The Neville Brothers among many others.

This year’s festival will honor the 100th birthday of New Orleans’ own Louis Armstrong and will feature a Pavilion in his name in the Fair Grounds Grandstand. “In a year when the Louis Armstrong Centennial is focusing so much attention on New Orleans and its contributions to American and world culture, the Festival will honor that tradition by continuing it,” says Jazz Fest Producer and Director Quint Davis. “Just as Louis Armstrong took great joy in bringing New Orleans to the world, the Festival takes great pleasure in inviting everyone to experience the roots and revolutions of American rhythms."

For the complete line-up, visit www.nojazzfest.com.

2/16/01

Kristin Laurite Murder Case to Be Featured on “America’s Most Wanted”

While traveling alone en route to Californian in August of 2000, Phish fan Kristin Laurite was murdered at a rest area in Arkansas. In the wake of her death, the Kristin Laurite Fund has been established in an effort to find her assailant. One-Eyed Jack has been promoting the fund and will donate 50% of its CD sales in March to the cause. On February 24, television program “America’s Most Wanted” will run a segment on the unsolved Laurite case and will also feature footage of a recent One-Eyed Jack concert. “Kristin was a fond fan of the band and beautiful person," says Joe Boris of One-Eyed Jack. “It was a great loss to this world. She was a very kind and generous soul, what happened was something that I refuse to let go in vain there has to be a greater purpose to this tragedy. I would like to make as many people aware of the dangers of traveling alone as possible, especially with the upcoming festivals in 2001."

A Chris Di Leo painting of Laurite dancing appears on the cover of the latest edition of the Pharmer’s Almanac. The Almanac is also donating a portion of its proceeds to the Kristin Laurite Fund.

For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.kristinlaurite.org.

2/19/01

Members of Little Feat Sit in with String Cheese Incident

Little Feat members Sam Clayton, Fred Tackett, Paul Barrere, Bill Payne and Shaun Murphy sat in with String Cheese Incident Saturday night at the Fillmore in Denver, CO. Clayton (percussion) and Tackett (trumpet) joined the band for “MLT” midway through the first set. Next, Barrere (guitar), Payne (keyboards) and Clayton played on “Born On The Wrong Planet.” To close the set, Murphy (vocals), Barrere, Clayton and Payne performed with String Cheese during The Band’s “The Weight.”

String Cheese’s Winter Carnival continues tonight at Dobson Arena in Vail, CO. Special guest Cel McCoury will open the show. For more dates, visit www.stringcheeseincident.com.

3/13/01

New Album will Feature John Medeski, Robert Randolph and the North Mississippi All-Stars

John Medeski will appear on a new album with The North Mississippi All-Stars and Robert Randolph. Titled Gospel, the CD features Medeski (keyboards), Luther Dickinson (guitar), Cody Dickinson (drums), Chris Chew (bass) and Robert Randolph (lap steel guitar). The album is due out on August 12. More details will be announced soon.

The North Mississippi All-Stars will be appear on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn tonight at 12:35 a.m. EST (technically tomorrow morning) on NBC.

Cicero’s would be back by the end of the year, though

3/16/01

St. Louis-based Venue Cicero’s Catches Fire, ulu Show Moved

ulu’s show scheduled for tomorrow night at Cicero’s in St. Louis has been canceled due to fire. A blaze swept through the restaurant and music venue early this morning. Firefighters are still at the scene. Officials say it is too early to determine how extensive the damage is or what caused the fire.

ulu has rescheduled its Saturday show for the Young Avenue Deli in Memphis, TN. For more information, call 901-278-0034 or visit www.ulu.net.

3/23/01
Chuck Leavell Returns to the Stage with the Allman Brothers Band

Keyboardist Chuck Leavell sat in with the Allman Brothers last night at the Beacon Theater in New York City. Leavell, who first toured as a member of the band in 1972, performed on “All Night Train,” and “Jessica” to close the first set. He then returned for “High Falls” and Southbound” at the end of the second set as well as the encore, “One Way Out.” Guitarist Todd Wolf also joined the band for the encore.

The Allman Brothers return to the Beacon tonight and tomorrow. For more details, visit www.allmanbrothersband.com.

Leavell will tour with Gov’t Mule beginning March 29 at the Ritz-Raleigh Theater in Raleigh, NC. The full schedule is available at www.mule.net.

4/5/01

Relix Becomes Publisher of Jambands.com

Last night during the Relix Magazine relaunch party at New York City nightclub SPA, Relix, Inc. President Steve Bernstein officially announced that he will assume responsibility as publisher of jambands.com. In referencing the vibrant collection of individuals who read Relix and visit the web site, Bernstein stated "These people are out on the scene almost every night, traveling long distances to shows and festivals. They put out tremendous energy. It’s a huge part of their lives! We want to serve this wonderful community because frankly they deserve it." Jambands.com editor-in-chief, Dean Budnick offered his formal thanks to former publishers Peter and Andrew Shapiro of Kind Media and then affirmed, "We’re excited to begin this next phase of Jambands.com. Steve Bernstein is someone who has already showed his commitment to this scene through his efforts with the revitalized Relix. We’re big fans of Aeve, Kathy, Phyllis, John, Jon, Sage and the entire crew. We certainly have a common mission in spreading the good word about ‘music for the mind.’ Plus, anyone who was at SPA last night can attest to the fact that these guys know how to throw a party. We have some intriguing plans in the works- quality entertainment, I promise. So stick around."

For additional information on Relix (including subscription information, and its record label) visit www.relix.com.

4/11/01

The Disco Biscuits and Les Claypool’s Flying Frog Brigade to Perform with Phil & Friends

Phil Lesh and Friends have announced the opening bands for their three-show Berkeley run at the end of June. The first of the Greek Theater shows on Friday June 29 will take place at 7PM without any opener. The next day, showtime is 5PM with special guests The Disco Biscuits. On Sunday July 1 music will begin at 1PM with Les Claypool’s Flying Frog Brigade joining Lesh and his group: Rob Barraco, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, Phil Lesh and John Molo. Mail order ticketing begins Friday April 13 through GDTSTOO.

The Phil and Friends spring tour begins this Friday at the Sunrise Theater in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

4/16/01

Allman Brothers Band Announces Summer Tour, Warren Haynes Rejoins Line-up

The Allman Brothers Band has announced its summer tour dates. The line-up will feature Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks, Jaimoe, Marc Quinones, Oteil Burbridge, Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes, who will also tour with Phil Lesh & Friends this summer. The 2001 Peach Odyssey Tour kicks off June 15 at Oak Mountain in Pelham, AL and will include stops in Tennessee, Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland and South Dakota. Several more dates will be added in August.

Although Haynes has rejoined the ABB, he will also remain a full-time member of both Phil & Friends and Gov’t Mule.

The complete tour itinerary is available at www.allmanbrothersband.com.

4/17/01

Phish Announces Live Release Series; New Website Launched

Phish has announced a new live release series, called "Live Phish." The series will feature complete, unedited Phish concerts from the band’s vault. The initial six shows will be released this summer. Concerts that were recorded on digital multi-track tape will be remixed and mastered and shows that were taped live to two-track will be mastered and released as is.

Phish.com has been completely revamped and consists of several new features including an FAQ section and Doniac Schvice columns. Trey Anastasio summer tour dates are expected to be announced by the end of the week.

Anastasio is currently recording in his Vermont barn with Oysterhead, which also features Les Claypool and Stewart Copeland. Oz Fritz (Tom Waits, Primus, Bill Laswell) is engineering the album. Recording will continue through May. A release date has not yet been set.

4/18/01

Tom Tom Club, Robert Randolph Added to Gathering of the Vibes

Terrapin Presents has just confirmed the addition of The Tom Tom Club and Robert Randolph to this year’s Gathering of the Vibes, which will take place June 29 July 1 in Red Hook, NY. The Tom Tom Club features Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, founding members of The Talking Heads. Other bands performing at the festival include Bruce Hornsby, Dickey Betts Band, John Scofield, Soulive, Steve Kimock Band, Baba Olatunji, Les Claypool’s Flying Frog Brigade, Merl Saunders and his Funky Friends, Max Creek, Deep Banana Blackout, Strangefolk, Joules Graves, Lake Trout, Sloan Wainwright, Wild Magnolias, Lake Trout, ulu, Uncle Sammy, Addison Groove Project, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, The Grapes of Vaudevillian Fantasy and The Rafter Bats. More acts are expected to be announced within the week. Tickets are on sale now.

For more information, visit www.gatheringofthevibes.com.

5/3/01

Late Summer Tour Package to Feature Ratdog, Rusted Root and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe

Metropolitan Entertainment Group has announced plans for a summer tour in the tradition of the Furthur Festival. The line-up will include Ratdog, Rusted Root and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. An acoustic act will also be confirmed in the weeks to come. The tour, which is yet to be named, will hit 15-20 cities and will run from early August through September. The majority of the shows will be held at outdoors venues.

Specific dates and venues will be announced soon.

5/23/01

Dickey Betts Band to Tour in Support of New CD

The Dickey Betts Band will release its new album, Let’s Get Together, in July. The CD includes a wide variety of styles including Latin, bebop jazz and blues. The group consists of Betts (guitar, vocals), Mark May (guitar, vocals), David Stoltz (bass), Kris Jensen (saxophone, flute), Mark Greenberg (drums), Matt Zeiner (keyboards, vocals) and Frankie Lombardi (percussion).

The band is currently touring with .38 Special and The Charlie Daniels Band. The tour hits Jannus Landing in St. Petersburg, FL tomorrow. The Dickey Betts Band will play the Gathering of the Vibes July 1 in Red Hook, NY and then continue touring throughout the month. For more information, visit www.allmanbrothersband.com.

5/25/01

John Medeski, Robert Randolph to Join North Mississippi Allstars at Newport Folk Festival

Festival Productions, Inc. has announced the line-ups for the Newport Folk Festival and the JVC Newport Jazz Festival, which will both be held at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI. The Folk Festival will take place August 3 5 and will include a performance by North Mississippi Allstars with special guests John Medeski and Robert Randolph. The festival will also feature appearances by Sam Bush, Emmylou Harris, Joan Osborne, Nanci Griffith and the Indigo Girls among others. For more details, visit www.festivalproductions.net/newportfolk/index.html.

The Jazz Festival is scheduled for August 10 12 and features Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, DJ Logic with special guest Graham Haynes, The Slip, Ray Charles, Wayne Shorter Quartet, David Sanchez Melaza Sextet, Dave Brubeck, Roy Hargrove Quintet, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Roy Haynes Group, Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band and Los Hombres Calientes featuring Irvin Mayfield and Bill Summers. More information is available at www.festivalproductions.net/jvc.

Following some public-squabbling about the Dead archives, this was great to see…

6/11/01

Phil Lesh, Bob Weir & Friends Perform Stealth Show as "Crusader Rabbit"

Phil Lesh and Bob Weir returned to the stage together last night for the first time in more than two years. The pair performed a stealth show at Mill Valley’s Sweetwater Saloon as Crusader Rabbit. The duo was joined by the core of Phil Lesh’s band, Jimmy Herring, Rob Barraco and John Molo for two sets of music. The show opened with a jam and the setlist included “The Eleven,” “Mason’s Children” and “Get Together” (which contains the lyrics “C’mon, people. Smile on your brother. Let’s get together and love one another right now…” Warren Haynes joined the quintet for the encores, “Promised land,” and “I Know You Rider.”

The Phil and Friends summer tour opens June 27 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.

6/13/01

All-Star Line-up to rejoin Mike Clark on West Coast Prescription Renewal Tour

Mike Clark (Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters) has announced the line-up and tour itinerary for his 13 date west coast tour. Joining the celebrated drummer will be Fred Wesley (James Brown) on trombone, 8-string guitarist Charlie Hunter, Robert Walter (20th Congress) on keys, and Skerik (Critters Buggin)on saxophone. The tour opens on June 22 at the El Ray Theater in Los Angeles and concludes at the High Sierra Music Festival on July 5. Tickets can be purchased at www.mikeclarkmusic.com

6/28/01

Jammys Award Winners

Phish won two Jammy awards last night at Roseland Ballroom in New York City. The band’s most recent release, Farmhouse, was named Studio Album of the Year. "I think I can speak on behalf of Mike, Page and Fish when I say how honored we are to receive this award," Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio said in a statement. "In my mind, an album is a snapshot of a period of time in a band’s life. Farmhouse was recorded during a very exciting and turbulent period for us. There was so much emotion in the making of Farmhouse, and out New Year’s show at Big Cypress fell right in the middle of itIt felt cathartic and it means so much to hear that people reacted to the album. We feel very much a part of this amazing scene that has been growing for years. This award ceremony shows how far this musical movement has come. We feel lucky and proud to be a part of it."

Phish’s concert from 7-11-00 (Nobleville, IN) was the fans’ choice for Live Performance of the Year. Bassist Mike Gordon expressed the band’s gratitude in a written statement: "I have no idea why this show would be voted for live performance of the year, but I can say that Deer Creek has always been one of our favorite venues, and based on my usual pre-show golf-cart cruise, the relaxed vibe in the parking lot always seems a notch above the restWe feel lucky to be able to play improvised music for such a fantastic audience."

Noted rock scribe Anthony DeCurtis presented the Release of the Year to the Grateful Dead for Ladies and Gentlemen and The Grateful Dead. Later, he summed up the breadth and significance of the Meters’ career before George Porter Jr. took the stage to accept the Lifetime Achivement award on behalf of the band.

John Perry Barlow (co-founder of the EFF and long-time Grateful Dead lyricist with Bob Weir) introduced Tom Tom Club/Michael Franti and later handed the Live Release of the Year Jammy to Les Claypool who offered his own inimitable thanks to the crowd.

Paul Shaffer presented the Jam of The Year award to Phil Lesh and Friends with Mike Gordon and then read a letter of thanks from Lesh, who is on the west coast performing with the band.

The following is the complete list of winners.

New Groove of the year: Yonder Mountain String Band
Radio Show: "Jam Nation" (Radio 104, Hartford, CT)
Fan Website: www.Etree.org
Festival: Gathering of the Vibes
Topper/Zahn Award: Howie Schnee
Mimi Fishman Memorial Award: Mockingbird Foundation
Live Album: Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade: "Live Frogs, Set I"
Jam of the Year: Phil & Friends with Mike Gordon (12-31-00)
Release of the year: "Ladies and Gentlemen, The Grateful Dead"
Lifetime Achievement: George Porter Jr. and the Meters

The Second Annual Jammys: A Musical Overview

The Second Annual Jammys took place at Roseland Ballroom in New York City. The show featured more than five hours of non-stop music and presentations. "The idea for the Jammys was to create a night of music where we didn’t know what was going to happen," says Jammys executive producer Peter Shapiro. "We wanted to bring artists who not only hadn’t played together, but hadn’t met and now, after experiencing what went down, it’s a pretty overwhelming feeling."

In addition to the many planned collaborations, the night also had its fair share of spontaneity. Col. Bruce Hampton, Yonder Mountain String Band’s Jeff Austin (mandolin) and Robert Randolph (pedal steel) joined the Derek Trucks Band for a version of "Turn On Your Lovelight." Paul Shaffer sat in with Les Claypool’s Frog brigade featuring Junior Brown for The Beatles’ "Taxman" and King Crimson’s "Thela Hun Ginjeet." DJ Logic and guitarist Stanley Jordan performed with The Disco Biscuits featuring John Popper for Jane’s Addiction’s "Three Days" and Led Zeppelin’s "Bring it on Home." The show concluded with a two-stage dueling jam on The Meters’ classic "Cissy Strut," which followed the presentation of the lifetime achievement award to George Porter Jr. The song featured the Derek Trucks Band with special guests Porter (bass, the Meters), Popper (vocals, harmonica, Blues Traveler) and Jordan (guitar).

7/2/01

Gathering of the Vibes Features Several Collaborations, Rain Delays

John Scofield, Bruce Hornsby, DJ Logic and Buddy Miles sat in with Medeski, Martin & Wood last night to close the sixth annual Gathering of the Vibes at Greig Farm in Red Hook, NY. The festival was plagued by heavy rain and thunderstorms all weekend, which forced event organizers to postpone several performances. After a five-hour rain delay on Saturday, the Thirty Year Jam honoring Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison ensued around midnight on the main stage. The house band, Blue Floyd, was joined by countless special guests including Ray Manzarek, Robert Randolph, Bernie Worrell, Brian Jordan, DJ Logic, George Porter Jr., Danyell Morgan, Jen Durkin, and Fuzz, among others. The show lasted until nearly 4 a.m. and featured a large fireworks display.

Members of Deep Banana Blackout performed with Merl Saunders on Friday during “Child’s Play.” On Saturday, the DBB horn section took the stage with Tom Tom Club for “She’s Dangerous.” Mr. Rourke (turntables) jammed with Addison Groove Project on the second stage Saturday afternoon. Buddy Miles joined members of the Rafter Bats for an acoustic jam in the backstage hospitality tent Sunday afternoon. Ben Groppe (saxophone, Addison Groove Project) and Paulie (percussionist, The Maui Project, Electron) sat in with Uncle Sammy Sunday during a three-hour impromptu set in a vacant barn, which took place during yesterday’s rain delay.

The festival concluded at midnight last night as Miles played drums with MMW and sang “Sweet Home Chicago,” which he dedicated to the late John Lee Hooker.

7/10/01

Bobby Vega Parts Ways with Steve Kimock Band, Leo Traversa Plays Bass at High Sierra

Bassist Bobby Vega has parted ways with the Steve Kimock Band. In a statement posted on his website, Kimock explains: “I found Bobby’s decision to terminate his long-standing and mostly joyous and productive musical relationship with me, the band, crew and fans, in this fashion to be deeply disturbing and bizarre. A feeling I’m sure many of us, including Bobby, share. Bobby Vega quit with no notice. So be it. Nevertheless, I wish him the best in the future and hope he moves on to a better place. I hope the same for everyone involved. Goodbye for now Bobby Vega. We love you.”

Bass player Leo Traversa performed with the band this past weekend at the High Sierra Music Festival in Quincy, CA. Steve Kimock will perform at the Tamarack Festival July 20 22 in Bear Valley, CA. Kimock will sit in with various acts throughout the weekend. A permanent bass player for the Steve Kimock Band has not yet been announced.

For more information, visit www.kimock.com.

7/16/01

Widespread Panic To Make Debut on the "Late Show with David Letterman"

Widespread Panic will make its Late Show debut next Monday night. The band, which will begin a three night sold-out run at New York’s Beacon Theater on Tuesday, is slated to perform on the Letterman program, a week from tonight, Monday July 23rd. Widespread Panic is currently touring in support of its new studio release Don’t Tell The Band.

7/17/01

Warren Haynes, John McEnroe Perform with Spinal Tap

Warren Haynes and tennis star John McEnroe joined Spinal Tap last night at the Beacon Theater in New York City. Haynes (Allman Brothers Band, Phil & Friends, Gov’t Mule) added guitar to “Break Like the Wind.” McEnroe played guitar during “Short and Sweet.”

Spinal Tap, which features Derek Smalls, David St. Hubbins and Nigel Tufnel, plays tomorrow at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. For more information, visit www.spinaltap.com.

7/30/01

The End of an Era: Wetlands Preserve to Shut its Doors After 13 Years, Owner Pete Shapiro Reflects

After nearly 13 years, legendary New York City music venue and activism center Wetlands Preserve is closing. The Manhattan building, located near Greenwich Village, is being sold and converted into residential condos. Wetlands opened on Valentines Day, 1989 and has helped launch the careers of countless bands including Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, Spin Doctors, God Street Wine and The Disco Biscuits, to name a few. Owner Pete Shapiro discusses some of his favorite memories from the club.

“Strangefolk NYE 1997: I had only been there for a year or so, and got to be a part of such a unique celebration. There’s an aura of a New Year’s Eve show. It was a major night for me, because those guys had become friends of mine. It was so memorable. They played ‘til dawn and it just seemed like the night kept going and going.

Bob Weir and Hanson Feb. 13, 1999: I think that really represented the best of what Wetlands can be. Plus it was my idea, for the 10th anniversary, and I wanted to think of the most bizarre thing I could do to make the night special. After thinking about it for days, one day I woke up and thought that the Hanson guys with Bobby would be really bizarre and then I made it happen. I was really happy that we were able to keep it a secret. The majority of the audience didn’t know what the fuck was going on.

The lounge: One of my favorite things about Wetlands has always been just hanging out in the lounge when it’s rocking, and the band upstairs is playing at the same time. One show in particular that I remember was the Jambands.com tour in 1999. We had 16 bands in two nights. There aren’t too many clubs that can pull that off. We might not have always had the best sightlines, but I don’t know too many other clubs where you can see two bands at the same time and I think that’s why Wetlands worked on so many levels. It wasn’t just about going to a show. It was about experiencing a night of music and interacting with people and moving around downstairs and upstairs and hanging out by the bus. There are a lot of little areas of the club and a lot of nooks and crannies. For a lot of venues a big open room is ideal, but Wetlands certainly wasn’t that and in a way the weird layout of the club made it so special.”

The club will remain open through mid-September and is planning some very special shows for the final weeks. In the future, Shapiro plans to promote concerts using the Wetlands name and has not ruled out the possibility of opening another club. “There will never be another Wetlands Preserve, but I hope to do other things with the name. We’re looking for a new space, a better space, but we’re not going to force things. Wetlands deserves more than that. It’s the kind of place that people will still be talking about ten or twenty years from now. There are so many great memories. It will be interesting to see what the legacy becomes.”

8/13/01

String Cheese Incident Performs Eight Sets at Horning’s Hideout

The String Cheese Incident took the stage for eight sets over three days during its second annual weekend at Horning’s Hideout in North Plains, OR. Billed as "String Cheese Incident Summer Camp," the event also featured a mythic theme, "the Meeting of the Lost Worlds." The third of the band’s four sets on Saturday night provided the soundtrack to a "ballet synergie" featuring audience participants who had prepared for two months to represent one of four mythic groups: Middle Earth, Atlantis, Pepperland and Mayan Land. Members of the Motet, which had performed earlier in the evening, later joined the String Cheese Incident for portions of its fourth set which closed out the evening on Saturday. SCI opened up the final day of music with an acoustic set.

String Cheese Incident next performs on August 18 and 19 at the Summit in Mariaville, NY.

8/14/01

God Street Wine to Reunite for Wetlands Farewell Show

Wetlands Preserve continues to confirm “alumni” acts for its final weeks. The New York City venue announced last month that it would be closing in mid-September. God Street Wine will reunite for one show on September 3. Other upcoming concerts include Jason Crosby & Friends (featuring Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Sipe, Lo Faber and Derek Trucks) on August 20, Hootie and the Blowfish September 5 6, The Spin Doctors and the Authority on September 7 and Critters Buggin’ on September 12. More dates will be announced soon.

Michael Franti and Spearhead take the stage at Wetlands tonight. For the complete calendar, visit www.wetlands-preserve.org.

8/21/01

Bernie Worrell Performs with Original P, First Time in 25 Years

Bernie Worrell sat in with Original P Sunday at the Summit Music Festival in Mariaville, NY. It was the first time Worrell had performed with members of Parliament Funkadelic since 1976. Worrell reunited with former bandmates Fuzzy Haskins, Grady Thomas, Ray Davis and Calvin Simon, who along with George Clinton formed Parliament Funkadelic in 1970. Worrell joined the band on stage for the majority of the set.

A trio of band-hosted festivals over Labor Day weekend

9/4/01

Gibb Droll, Members of Cracker, The Radiators Jam with moe.

Gibb Droll, members of Cracker and The Radiators joined moe. on stage Saturday at moe.down in Turin, NY. Droll added guitar to “Happy Hour Hero” towards the beginning of the set. Cracker’s David Lowery (vocals), Johnny Hickman (mandolin), Victor Krummacher (guitar) and Jonathan Siegel (violin) sat in on “Good Guys and Bad Guys.” The Radiators’ full line-up then took the stage for “Suck The Head,” which segued into “Gummin’ Yer Nub.” Keyboardist Ed Volker (The Radiators) remained for “Plane Crash.”

moe. kicks off its fall tour September 14 and 15 at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston, MA. For the full schedule, visit www.moe.org.

Strangefolk and Percy Hill Collaborate as “Mike Paskin and his Kind Rainbow Brother Band”

Strangefolk and Percy Hill took the stage together as “Mike Paskin and his Kind Rainbow Brother Band” Sunday afternoon at the Garden of Eden festival in New Haven, VT. All members of both bands performed in lavish costumes along with Strangefolk tour manager Matt Peskie, who added vocals. The set featured several covers including “Stuck in the Middle with You,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Easy” and “Ripple.”

Strangefolk unveiled nine new original songs over the weekend during its headlining sets. The band also played a handful of covers some of which were voted on by its fanbase – including Widespread Panic’s “Porch Song.”

The group kicks off its fall tour September 13 at The Tralf in Buffalo, NY. For the complete itinerary, visit www.strangefolk.com.

John Bell, Members of Little Feat Sit in with ekoostik hookah

Widespread Panic guitarist John Bell, along with members of Little Feat, performed with ekoostik hookah over the weekend at Hookaville at Buckeye Lake Music Center in Hebron, OH. On Friday night, vocalist Shaun Murphy (Little Feat) joined the band for “Gimme Shelter.” Little Feat members Paul Barrere (guitar), Richie Haywood (drums) and Bill Payne (keyboards) then took the stage for “Music” to end the set. Percussionist Sam Clayton (Little Feat) emerged for the encore, “Life is Good.” Earlier in the evening, ekoostik hookah’s Steve Sweney (guitar) and Johnny Polansky (percussion) sat in with Little Feat for “Fatman in the Bathtub,” “It Takes a lot to Laugh it Takes a Train to Cry” and “Rag Mama Rag.”

On Saturday, John Bell joined hookah for “And When I Die.”

9/11/01
Because of the tragic events that unfolded Tuesday, Jambands.com sends its thoughts and prayers to our friends, colleagues and family in New York City and throughout the country

9/14/01

Umphrey’s McGee to Perform Tonight in New York, Addison Groove Project Cancels

New York’s Lion’s Den will re-open tonight after being closed since Tuesday. This evening’s show, which was originally scheduled to be a co-bill with Addison Groove Project and Umphrey’s McGee, will now feature Dexter Grove and Umphrey’s. Addison Groove Project released the following statement this morning: “In light of Tuesday’s tragic event, we feel that playing just a few blocks from the rescue operation would be unimaginable to us. However, we fully respect the decision of Umphrey’s McGee and Dexter Grove to go ahead with the show.”

Umphrey’s McGee offered these sentiments: “Our hearts go out to all those who were affected by Tuesday’s terrible tragedy. However, if we continue to live in fear, then the enemy has won. With that in mind, we will continue with our scheduled show at Lion’s Den in the hopes that music will help sooth all of our agony.”

Addison Groove Project will perform two sets tomorrow at Northern Lights in Clifton Park, NY. Strangefolk was originally scheduled to headline the show, but because of travel issues will no longer be able to play.

moe. Shows to Go on as Scheduled; Rob Derhak Speaks Out

moe. has announced that its tour will go on as scheduled. The band will kick off its fall tour tonight at The Orpheum Theatre in Boston, MA. Bassist Rob Derhak released the following statement yesterday.

“Hi everyone, I would like first to say that everyone here with moe. feels the deepest sympathy towards the victims of this unbelievable act of terrorism. The band has always thought of New York as it’s home, and those feelings are stronger now more than ever. As I was watching the Today Show on Tuesday morning, they broke into what I thought was going to be a story about a freak Cesna crash into the world trade center, I felt my heart drop as I watched the second jumbo jet fly directly into the other tower. As I went numb, I knew right away that this was the worst day our country has seen, in my lifetime. As many of you have been glued to your T.V. sets, I’m sure you all know the events, in order, as they unfolded. Not sure how to react, and still having trouble believing, and comprehending what took place, I just watched and took in all the information they were feeding me. Then today, I learned that one of my close friends and colleagues here with moe. has lost dear friends of his own. I also learned that another friend was trapped in his apartment, a block away, watching the destruction and the horror of people’s last ditch efforts to save there own lives. He witnessed people jumping a hundred stories, sometimes two or three at a time, holding hands to give each other courage. Before I knew any of that, I listened to the T.V. from another room, preoccupied with what I was doing. I heard a story about a man who was on one of the flights. This man simply called his wife with his cell phone and told her what was happening, that the plane was hijacked and that he wasn’t going to make it. He told her that he loved her and his children very much, and goodbye. I heard this and immediately tried unwillingly to place myself in that man’s shoes, and the minute that I did, I broke down into a full on cry. How horrible his last minutes must have been. Who the fuck deserves to have anything like this happen to them?’ I thought. Then it dawned on me, this is exactly what the sick fucks, who committed this horrific act, wanted to accomplish. Sorrow, anger, and frustrated helplessness, these are the weapons of people who have no regard for life, and innocence. Someone who I respect dearly once said to me, Always remember what your enemies do to you, there will be a time, when they least expect it, and when they are most vulnerable, to pay them back in full.’ With this in mind, we plan on doing all of our shows. If nothing else to prove that life goes on. We also hope that we are providing, if for only a few moments, an escape and an opportunity for people to take their minds off of the events on the last few days.”

For the complete tour schedule, visit www.moe.org.

9/25/01

The New Deal Releases Debut Album

The New Deal’s self-titled debut album was released today on Jive Electro. The trio is currently touring in support of the CD. The tour includes stops in California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. DJ Harry is opening the group’s shows this week.

They play tonight at OHM in Portland, OR. For the complete itinerary, visit www.thenewdeal.ca.

Wetlands to Reopen This Weekend

New York’s Wetlands Preserve has announced that it will reopen this weekend. The club was originally scheduled to close its doors on September 15, but was forced to cancel its remaining shows due to the attacks on September 11. This Friday, fans will get a chance to visit the venue; however no live music will take place. “We’re going to be playing the best music from our archives that was recorded here at the club over the years,” says Wetlands owner Peter Shapiro. “We thought it would be a nice way for everyone to come together.” There is a possibility that live music will take place Saturday night. More details will be announced in the coming days.

Although there will not be a cover charge on Friday night, donations will be accepted at the door. All proceeds will be donated to relief efforts in New York City.

10/1/01

Robert Hunter Performs at Final Wetlands Show

Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter played a short set of acoustic originals Saturday at Wetlands Preserve in New York City. It was the club’s final night of music after nearly 13 years and Hunter’s first performance in almost two years. “Playing here is a way to express some kind of one-ness with the city," he told the New York Daily News. "So I decided to un-retire." The night included a long list of musicians, some of which had been announced late last week, such as Justin Wallace of ulu, Joe Russo of Fat Mama and Topaz. Unannounced performers included Fuzz, Hope and Bryan Smith of Deep Banana Blackout, Jen Durkin and members of Conscious Underground and Jeff Mattson of Zen Tricksters, among many others.

“Saturday’s show really came together in just a couple of days,” says Wetlands owner Peter Shapiro. “It was just about having regulars from the club perform. There’s no better way to open the night than with the father of the scene kicking it off and kind of blessing the club. Having Robert come play “Ripple,” “Terrapin Station” and “Box of Rain” was very appropriate. It all came together just a couple hours before the show and that was also fitting for Wetlands.”

The show lasted until nearly 6 a.m. Sunday morning. Larry Bloch, the club’s founder and original owner, then took over in the DJ booth and spun tunes until 8:15 a.m. There was more than 100 people still dancing at the end.

There are currently no plans to re-open Wetlands at a new location, although Shapiro has not ruled out the possibility. “We’ll see what happens in the future. There’s a lot of legacy here. We’re going to take a break for while and let it sink in. I feel really good with what we were able to do. We’ll see what happens down the road.”

10/10/01

Leftover Salmon’s Mark Vann Diagnosed with Melanoma, East Coast Tour Canceled

Leftover Salmon has announced that banjo player Mark Vann has been diagnosed with melanoma. The band has canceled its upcoming east coast tour, which was slated to begin tomorrow. As a show of love and support for Mark, the group will play four nights billed as “Leftover Salmon & Friends” November 14 15 at the Fox Theater in Boulder, CO, November 16 at the Aggie Theatre in Fort Collins, CO and November 17 at The Fillmore in Denver, CO. Fans are encouraged to send thoughts, stories, prayers and bad jokes to Mark at [email protected]. An account has also been established to assist Mark with medical costs. To contribute, send donations to PO Box 393, Nederland, CO 80466.

10/24/01

Yonrico Scott Recovering After Heart Surgery

Derek Trucks Band drummer Yonrico Scott is recovering after undergoing heart surgery yesterday. The procedure went well and Scott is expected to make a full recovery. In the meantime, the Derek Trucks Band plans to play all dates of its fall tour, which kicks off this Friday at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans. The group will be joined by various guest drummers.

Friends and family that wish to send cards and letters can address them to Yonrico Scott, c/o The Derek Trucks Band, P.O. Box 2833, Burlington, NC 27216.

For the band’s fall schedule, visit www.derektrucks.com.

10/31/01

Phish to Appear on the Simpsons; Live Phish 06 Released

Phish will make a guest appearance on an episode of The Simpsons to air this spring. In "Weekend at Burnsies," Homer enjoys the benefits of medical marijuana. Phish appears at a rally in support of the medicinal herb after its usage is challenged by referendum.

In other Phish news, volume 06 of the Live Phish series is now available in stores. This disc presents the band’s performance at the Worcester Centrum on 11/27/98.

11/1/01

Tom Tom Club, Rahzel, John Barlow Appear with String Cheese Incident For Subway Ride on the A-Train

String Cheese Incident welcomed a number of special guests for its second set Wednesday night at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. The band opened this set with a long segment structured as a tour of various subway stops on New York’s A-Train. John Barlow narrated the trip in the guise of poet Walt Whitman. This segment opened, with "Sweet Georgia Brown" (125th St) and then traveled south to 72nd street (the location of John Lennon’s former apartment, the Dakota) at which point Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth and Tom Tom Club joined String Cheese for "Instant Karma." Following "New York, New York" (42nd St) and "So What" (Greenwich Village) Rahzel appeared on beat box for "No Sleep ‘Til Brooklyn." Barlow later returned for the encore to offer a midnight Halloween invocation in the spirit of Whitman after which Rahzel rejoined the group for "Shakedown Street."

String Cheese Incident will play this evening at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia.

11/5/01

The Disco Biscuits Continue to Spontaneously Score Films

After spontaneously scoring Alice in Wonderland on Halloween, the Disco Biscuits have continued the theme over their last three shows. Thursday at the Wett Bar in Vancouver the group played along to a video of It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. Friday at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, OR the Biscuits performed an improvised soundtrack to Godfrey Reggio’s film, Koyaanisqatsi (an Indian word meaning "life out of balance"). Saturday night the King Cat Theater in Seattle, WA, the band improvised to portions of Tom Tykwer’s Run Lola Run.

The Disco Biscuits’ next show is November 17 at the Catalyst Club in Santa Cruz, CA. For more dates, visit www.discobiscuits.com.

11/6/01

Zambiland Line-up Announced

The line-up for this year’s Zambiland Orchestra has been announced. The show will take place Saturday, December 22 at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, GA. Artists performing include Aquarium Rescue Unit, Blueground Undergrass, Project Z, Yonrico Scott Band, Larry Keel Band, Swami Gone Zambinanas and the "Zambi Corps of Engineers" featuring Jeff Coffin, Ritchie Hayward, John Cowan, Oteil Burbridge, Col. Bruce Hampton, Jimmy Herring, Sam Bush, Tye North, Derek Jones and Jeff Mosier. Lincoln Metcalf will conduct. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to Mark Vann of Leftover Salmon, who was recently diagnosed with melanoma.

For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com. Mail order tickets are also available. Call 404 524 -7354 for details.

11/6/01

Rex Foundation to Hold First Benefit in 6 Years

The Rex Foundation will hold its first benefit concert in six years, December 1 at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco. Performers include Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Bob Weir and Friends, Wake the Dead, Peter Rowan and Merl Saunders and His Funky Friends. The evening is being billed as “The Healing Power of Music” and will benefit various artistic, cultural, environmental, economic and social justice organizations.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or by calling 415 421 TIXS.

With Percy Hill on hiatus and Strangefolk founder Reid Genauer now in business school, many were heartened by this announcement

11/13/01

Nate Wilson will Tour with Reid Genauer

Percy Hill keyboardist Nate Wilson has been confirmed to tour with Reid Genauer and his band next month. In addition to Genauer and Wilson, the group features Percy Hill’s John Leccese on bass, Adam Terrell on guitar, and Andrew Herrick (formerly of Moon Boot Lover) on drums. The group will play December 19 at the Metro Cafn Washington, DC, December 20 at the Grape Street Pub in Philadelphia, PA, December 21 at the Knitting Factory in New York City, December 22 at the Middle East in Cambridge, MA, December 23 on radio program Jam Nation (104.1 FM) in Hartford, CT and December 27 at the Foggy Goggle in Bondsville, VT.

More information will be posted to www.reidgenauer.com in the coming weeks

11/19/01

New Soulive Album Due in March

Soulive’s new album, Next, will be released March 12 on Blue Note. The album will be Soulive’s first studio effort as a quartet and will feature new member Sam Kininger on saxophone. Special guests include Black Thought from The Roots and Amel Larrieux from Groove Theory.

Soulive plays next on November 29 at the Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia, PA. For more dates, visit www.soulive.com.

11/20/01

Page McConnell, Oteil Burbridge and Russell Batiste Announce Two December Shows

Page McConnell (Phish), Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band, A.R.U.) and Russell Batiste (Funky Meters) will play two shows next month. The trio, which spent a couple weeks recording in New Orleans in September, will perform December 30 at Higher Ground in Winooski, VT and New Year’s Eve at Roseland Ballroom in New York City. An album is due out in the spring of 2002.

Tickets to the December 30 show go on sale November 30 and NYE tickets go on sale December 2. Tickets will also be available online at www.pagemcconnelltickets.rlc.net beginning November 25 at noon. For details, visit www.phish.com.

11/23/01

The Big Wu Aims to Set Record for Food Donations

The Big Wu will hold a food drive at its “Wu Year’s Eves: 20 Tons of Love” shows taking place December 30 and 31 at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, MN. The December 30 show features The Big Wu, Derek Trucks Band, Sam Bush Band and Sweet Potato Project. The NYE line-up includes The Big Wu, Little Feat, All Mighty Senators and Sweet Potato Project. The band is encouraging each fan that attends the shows to bring four 1-pound cans of non-perishable food. If this happens, enough food will be collected to supply 53,000 meals to people in the Twin City region. These numbers would earn a mention in the Guiness Book of World Records for food gathered at a non-charitable event. “Everyone in The Big Wu is getting things started by donating a whole case of something they’d find in their own cupboards, so we hope everyone who comes out will pitch in to help us make a huge and necessary difference," says guitarist Chris Castino. "We also happen to think the music lineup is outstanding." The concerts will benefit Second Harvest Heartland.

For more information, visit www.thebigwu.com.

11/30/01

George Harrison 1943 2001

Beatles guitarist George Harrison passed away yesterday afternoon in Los Angeles after a long battle with cancer. His wife Olivia Harrison and 24-year-old son Dhani were with him when he died at a friend’s home, around 4:30 p.m. EST, according to the Associated Press. Harrison wrote and sang such classics as "Taxman," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Here Comes the Sun" and "Something."

Former band-mate Paul McCartney told AP "I am devastated and very very sad. We knew he’d been ill for a long time. He was a lovely guy and a very brave man and had a wonderful sense of humor. He is really just my baby brother."

"George has given so much to us in his lifetime and continues to do so even after his passing, with his music, his wit and his wisdom," Yoko Ono told The Press Association. "His life was magical and we all felt we had shared a little bit of it by knowing him."

An informal service will be held today in New York, at Central Park’s Strawberry Fields.

Mockingbird Foundation Donates Another $36K to Music Education

The Mockingbird Foundation has announced that it’s donated another $36,466 to music education for children. Funds are raised from sales of the 928-page book, The Phish Companion and the double-CD tribute album, Sharin’ in the Groove. Grants have been made to the Calimesa Joint Unified School District in Yucaipa, CA, the Shropshire Music Foundation in Litchfield, AZ, the Riverview Elementary School in Sioux City, IA, Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, PA, Feed God’s Children in Flemingsburg, KY, the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts in Richmond, CA, Conte West Hills Magnet School in New Haven, CT and the Colden Center for the Performing Arts at Queens College Flushing, NY. This is the third round of grants made by the Foundation, which brings the donation total to more than $170,000.

For more information, visit www.mockingbirdfoundation.org/funding.

12/3/01

Phish Performs in Boston

The four members of Phish performed Saturday night at Jason Colton’s wedding at the Swiss Hotel in Boston, MA. The band took the stage spontaneously for “Wolfman’s Brother” > “Boogie On Reggae Woman,” and “Loving Cup,” which was played at the request of the bride. Colton has been a longtime employee at Phish’s management company, Dionysian Productions.

It had been 420 days since Phish last performed publicly, at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountainview, CA on October 7, 2000.

12/4/01

Greg Osby and Bob Weir Sit in with Phil & Friends

Bob Wier and saxophonist Greg Osby performed with Phil & Friends last night at the Beacon Theater in New York City. Weir played with the band for entire show. Osby took the stage for the second set, which included “Playing in the Band,” “Bird Song,” “Dark Star” and “West L.A. Fadeaway.”

The show was a benefit for The Unbroken Chain 9-11 NYC Relief Fund.

12/7/01

Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Tie the Knot

Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi were married yesterday at Amelia Island in Florida. The service was performed by Aubrey Ghent, a pedal steel guitar player, who is also an ordained minister. The newlyweds are expecting their first child, a son, this spring.

12/13/01

Allman Brothers Band Enters Studio

The Allman Brothers Band is currently in a New York studio recording material for an upcoming album. Thus far, the group has recorded "Who to Believe" and "Rocking Horse.” The CD will feature a few songs co-written by Gregg Allman and Warren Haynes, who is also co-producing the album with Michael Barbiero (Gov’t Mule, Blues Traveler). “Gregg and I also wrote another song that we haven’t played yet, but it’s pretty much finished,” says Haynes. “There’re a few things that are ready to go now, so we’re excited to be back in the studio and check it out. It’s the first time since ’94. We’re gonna write some new material after [the first session] and of course, individually, we all have a few things that we’re going to put together.”

The band plans to record for another week or so and then return to the studio and finish the album in mid-May.

12/24/01

Special Guests Perform at Warren Haynes Christmas Jam

Several musicians took the stage Friday at the 13th Annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam at Asheville Civic Center in Asheville, NC. The show featured sets by Drivin’ & Cryin’, Blues Traveler, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Phil & Friends and Gov’t Mule. There was also a performance that included Jimmy Herring (acoustic guitar), Edwin McCain (acoustic guitar, vocals), John Popper (harmonica), Oteil Burbridge (bass) and Danny Barnes (banjo). Haynes joined Blues Traveler for “The Mountains Win Again.” Robert Randolph (pedal steel) and Col. Bruce Hampton (guitar, vocals) sat in with Phil & Friends for “Lovelight.”

Rob Barraco (keyboards) and Burbridge performed with Gov’t Mule to begin its set. Popper then joined the group for “Mule” and Mike Gordon (bass) emerged for “Banks of the Deep End” and “Time to Confess.” Dave Schools (bass) then took the stage for “Bad Little Doggie” -> “BMITD.” Randolph then returned for “Almost Cut My Hair.” For the encore, Kevn Kinney (guitar, vocals) and Audley Freed (guitar) sat in on “Rockin in the Free World.”

ARU Reunites at Zambiland

Aquarium Rescue Unit reunited briefly Saturday as part of the Zambiland Orchestra at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, GA. ARU’s line-up (circa mid 90s) featured Col. Bruce Hampton, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Sipe, Jimmy Herring and Count M’Butu. Chuck Leavell also joined the band on Saturday. The set included “Davey Crockett,” “Fixin’ To Die,” and “Shoeless Joe.” A slew of other artists performed including the Yonrico Scott Band, Larry Keel Band, Mike Gordon, Swami Gone Zambinanas and the "Zambi Corps of Engineers" featuring Jeff Coffin, Ritchie Hayward, John Cowan, Burbridge, Hampton, Herring, Danny Barnes, Tye North, Derek Jones and Jeff Mosier. Lincoln Metcalf conducted.

A portion of the proceeds from the show will benefit Mark Vann of Leftover Salmon.