Today we look back to October 26, 2004…

An Important Announcement From String Cheese Incident Regarding Ashlee Simpson

It is rare that we here at Jambands.com will print a band’s press release in its entirety. We make that exception for the following words from String Cheese Incident regarding Ashlee Simpson:

Just about everyone has a comment in response to Ashlee Simpson’s announcement that she needs to lip sync during live performances due to her problems with Acid Reflux Disease. Some responses are critical of Ashlee’s explanation; others are more supportive and sympathize with her struggle.

The String Cheese Incident doesn’t have much to say regarding her recent lip-synching debacle. But they would like to take this opportunity to announce that the band never lip synchs during live performances, even when they are on acid. Perhaps they should, but they won’t.

SCI is at the IU Auditorium in Bloomington this evening and will travel through the Midwest this week, eventually hosting the WePubliCan National Convention on Halloween in Madison, WI.

Phil’s Friends Old and New

Phil Lesh has confirmed that he will play three shows with a new incarnation of Phil & Friends this December. The gigs will take place at the Warfield in San Francisco, CA on December 17-19 with some of the ticket proceeds directed to the Unbroken Chain Foundation. It is unclear who will appear with the bass player on these three dates Lesh’s official statement references only that the fact that I will be doing some Phil Lesh & Friends shows, with changing line-ups, in the Bay Area over the winter months. The first set of shows will bring some old and new friends together. Roster speculation is already well underway.

Mavis Staples, Mike Doughty, Jen Durkin and The Duo Among Galactic Guests

This past weekend during Galactics two-night stand at New Yorks Irving Plaza, a number of performers joined the group, some of whom were previously announced and some of whom were surprise guests. Leading off the latter category is gospel vocalist Mavis Stales who appeared on Saturday for Respect Yourself, and Ill Take You There. Similarly, Marco Benevento appeared with Brian Mitchell that same night during Hamps Hump, while Beneventos partner in the Duo, Joe Russo joined in the next night with Eric Bolivar and Cochemea Cheme Gastelum during Who Took The Happiness. A bit later RANAs Scott Metzger contributed guitar to Church while Jen Durkin added vocals to Woman to Woman. On Sunday, a number of scheduled guest artists enlivened the proceedings with JJ Grey, Eric Krasno and Mike Doughty all sitting in. The current Galactic tour picks up tomorrow at the Library in Oxford, MS.

The Old Is New For Jazz Mandolin Project

Jazz Mandolin Project has announced that it will re-release its eponymous debut next month. _ The Jazz Mandolin Project_ features the trio of Jamie Masefield, Stacey Starkweather and Gabe Jarrett. This version of the disc will also offer two bonus songs recorded this summer at the Bonnaroo Music Festival with Masefield, Jon Fishman, Danton Boller and Michael Mad Dog Mavridoglou. These two tracks, The Country Open and Nozanina, also were recorded for this studio disc giving fans an opportunity to hear two takes on the tunes with varied rosters of performers.