Feedburner

6-Time Grammy® Nominated DIXIE DREGS Launch U.S Tour This Spring with Original Band Lineup for the First Time in 40 Years

What happens when an unconventional band of critically acclaimed musical virtuosos reunite to perform a tour with their original band line-up for the first time in 40 years? Their fans line up for tickets to see them play.

Fans of the The Dixie Dregs (aka The Dregs), are responding positively to the Dawn of The Dregs Tour, which begins in Clearwater, Florida on February 28 and continues with shows on the East and West Coasts through April of 2018.

Since a video announcement about the tour, posted on social media in July by Dreg's drummer Rod Morgenstein, Dregs fans from around the world have responded with enthusiasm. A date at Atlanta's Center Stage sold out in a matter of hours, and the other shows currently on sale are tracking to sell out in advance of their dates as word spreads about the tour.

"We knew there was still an audience for the band, but the degree to which they have responded has been overwhelming," said Dregs bassist, Andy West. "A fan from Canada posted on our Facebook page that he has tickets for at least four shows, and may get tickets for other shows as well," adds West. That's how strongly Dregs fans are reacting to news about the band's reunion.

Reuniting the original members of the band after 40 years is a story within itself. Andy West continued to create music and play in several solo projects, but his daytime job for most of those years was as Technology VP for a high-level software company in Arizona. Violinist, Allen Sloan went back to school, became a practicing anesthesiologist in North Carolina. Keyboardist Steve Davidowski continued to make a living from music as a session player in Nashville, and currently plays with various bands near his home in North Carolina.

Original Dregs drummer Rod Morgenstein maintains his position as the original drummer of the multi-platinum selling '80's band Winger, is a member of the band Jelly Jam with Ty Tabor (King's X) and John Myung (Dream Theater), and is also finishing his twentieth year as a much sought-after Professor of Percussion at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

For guitar aficionados, Dregs co-founder and chief composer, Steve Morse needs no introduction, and his place in the pantheon of guitar greats is certain. Although his gig for more than 20 years has been as guitarist for Deep Purple, his career started with the Dixie Dregs. 

The band traces its true beginnings to the band Dixie Grit, which started in a Georgia high school with Steve on guitar and Andy West on bass. Dixie Grit morphed into the Dixie Dregs at the University of Miami School of Music, where Allen Sloan (violin) and Rod Morgenstein joined up with Steve and Andy, who were the "dregs" of Dixie Grit.

The members of the Dixie Dregs remained committed to attending the University of Miami School of Music, which hosted a lively and talented musical community during their tenure, including future greats Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, T Lavitz, and Bruce Hornsby, among many others. In 1975, the group's demo album, The Great Spectacular, was recorded at the University of Miami and then re- released on CD in 1997.

After graduation, the band moved back to Augusta where Steve Davidowski (keyboards) completed the band that would eventually emerge and become known simply as The Dregs. The band paid its dues and honed its skills playing in bars and venues throughout the South in the mid-70's. They established themselves in the firmament of American instrumental music, seamlessly fusing rock with progressive and jazz elements to create a uniquely instrumental-driven style that has stood the test of time.

Based on a short demo and a tip from former Allman Brothers keyboardist Chuck Leavell along with legendary Allman/Dregs tour manager Twiggs Lyndon, Capricorn Records signed the Dixie Dregs to record Free Fall (1977). The success and critical acclaim of Free Fall announced the Dixie Dregs to the world, and after its release, they would become a cult favorite band that would have a lasting influence on much of modern rock.

For a complete list of dates visit: http://dixiedregs.com/tour/

Leftover Salmon 10/19/2017

Posted by: jerryfriend | October 23rd, 2017

Hank Smith, from Hank, Patty and The Current, sat in with Leftover Salmon
Glory in the Territory - Leftover Salmon's first appearance at The Haw River Ballroom

It's amazing what happens when you add percussion, electricity, and a dash of Cajun flavor to Bluegrass. The Triangle, home of the IBMA's, has no shortage of great Bluegrass. I heard a girl comment last night "EVERYONE here plays banjo...". And yet, we were blown away by Leftover Salmon at the Haw River Ballroom.

Trey Anastasio, Avett Brothers, Blackberry Smoke and more!

Damian Marley, Mike Gordon, Lotus, Perpetual Groove, New Masterstounds and more added!

Phase 2 Additions Include Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Mike Gordon, Lotus, Noname, David Shaw (of The Revivalists), The New Mastersounds, Goldfish, Perpetual Groove, ProbCause, Roosevelt Collier Trio , Andy Frasco & The U.N, Dimond Saints, Frameworks, The Heavy Pets, SoDown, Jonathan Scale Fourchestra, Yellowhammer, Stokeswood, Voodoo Visionary, Jaden Carson Band, Beebs & Her, Money Makers, Scholars Word, Parker Urban Band, Universal Green, Earphorik, and Many More...

Plus Thursday, October 26 Pre-Party Lineup Adds Including 2 Sets by Umphrey's McGee, Luthi, SoDown, Evanoff, Psychedelic Monks, Yamadeo

WWW.SUWANNEEHULAWEEN.COM

Suwannee Hulaween today has announced a second round of additions to this year's musical lineup, rounding out the bill with their most uniquely crafted and blended lineups to date. Hulaween returns to the historic Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park for its fifth year, once again setting the bar high in the international festival space not only offering an expansive roster of world-class live and electronic talent but a fully experimental experience.

Hulaween continues to bewitch and tantalize music fanatics of all tastes and strides with an impressive array of legends and rising stars alike. Phase two sees the addition of reggae icon Damian Marley, multi-instrumentalist powerhouse Mike Gordon, experimental electronic Jam band Lotus, The Revivalist lead vocalist David Shaw, female hip-hop wordsmith Noname, South African electronic music duo Goldfish, the intoxicating jazz-fusion band The New Mastersounds, bass-quenching duo Dimond Saints, anthemic electronic-rock band Perpetual Groove, and much more. While Thursday pre-party on October 26th at Spirit Lake doubles its impact with 2 Sets by Umphrey's McGee, Luthi, SoDown, Evanoff, Psychedelic Monks, and Yamadeo.

The phase two lineup joins an already all-star lineup featuring preeminent live acts like the global Jam phenomenon that is The String Cheese Incident, The Disco Biscuits, Greensky Bluegrass, and Lettuce along with contemporary music's most in-demand live acts like Ween, Run The Jewels, Portugal. The Man, Nick Murphy (Chet Faker), and Nathaniel Rateliff. Hulaween is also inviting dance music titans like Bassnectar, GRiZ, RL Grime, Claude VonStroke, Beats Antique, FKJ, Shiba San, and Manic Focus to electrify the dance floor.

Hulaween is not only defined by their forward-thinking, diversified musical lineup but also by its breath-taking art installations, awe-inspiring production, live performers, yoga, immersive workshops, and insightful speaker sessions, producing a creative space with limitless entertainment, adventure, and mind-opening exploration on the wondrous, naturally stunning Spirit Lake grounds.

With it's unparalleled combination of musical talent, finely curated artistic programming, and an unmatched festival location, Hulaween's distinguished experience is one that can't be found anywhere else.  

About Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park

Set in the midst of 800-acres of Spanish moss-draped oak and cypress along the black Suwannee River and complete with the largest bat house in the southeast U.S, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is one of the most beautiful live music venues in the country. The park also offers guest comforts including a general store, full-service restaurant, free showers, indoor bathrooms and water stations.

For More Information, Tickets, and VIP Packages for Suwannee Hulaween 2017, please visit:

WWW.SUWANNEEHULAWEEN.COM

Suwannee Hulaween Full 2017 Lineup

The String Cheese Incident (Three Nights)

Bassnectar

Ween

GRiZ

Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley

Run The Jewels

Nick Murphy (Chet Faker)

RL Grime

Portugal. The Man

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

The Disco Biscuits

Claude VonStroke

Vince Staples

Greensky Bluegrass

Marian Hill

Kamasi Washington

Mike Gordon

Lotus

Lettuce

Beats Antique

Benevento / Russo Duo

FKJ

Moon Taxi

Stick Figure

Big Wild

Noname

The Polish Ambassador

David Shaw (of The Revivalists)

Keys N Krates

Destructo

Shiba San

Manic Focus

Here Come The Mummies

TOKiMONSTA

Future Rock

Spafford

Jacob Banks

Space Jesus

Tank and the Bangas

The New Mastersounds

TAUK

The Jerry Douglas Band

Goldfish

Crywolf

Dumpstaphunk

Poolside

The Nth Power "Wake up & Live Bob Marley Tribute"

Dirty Dozen Brass Band

The Russ Liquid Test

Big Something

Phantoms

Michal Menert

Dimond Saints

Son Little

Marco Benevento

Perpetual Groove

ProbCause

Jon Stickley Trio

Roosevelt Collier Trio

Magic City Hippies

Aqueous

Andy Frasco & The U.N

Frameworks

The Heavy Pets

Acoustic Syndicate

SoDown

Jonathan Scale Fourchestra

Yellowhammer

Stokeswood

Voodoo Visionary

Jaden Carson Band

Shak Nasti

Beebs & Her Money Makers

Parker Urban Band

Scholars Word

The Galbraith Group

King Baby

Displace

Heather Gillis Band

Cadillac Jones

The Resolvers

Universal Green

Lemon City Trio

Earphorik

 

Official Pre-Party Full Lineup on 10.26.2017

2 Sets by Umphrey's McGee

2 Sets by Joe Russo's Almost Dead

Greensky Bluegrass

Liquid Stranger

The Devil Makes Three

Lettuce

EOTO & Friends

Spafford

Zach Deputy

Kyle Hollingsworth Band

Elohim

Protohype

Buku

The Nth Power

Southern Avenue

Luthi

SoDown

Evanoff

Great Peacock

Custard Pie

Ecology

The Getbye

Psychedelic Monks

Yamadeo

Lockn' Festival 2017

Posted by: jerryfriend | September 6th, 2017

A picture of a Lockn' Festival poster signed by many of the artists
The Lockn Festival is still evolving as it moved into it's fifth year but continues to deliver one of the strongest lineups of the Summer. This year we were treated to artists including, John Fogerty, Ann Wilson with Govt' Mule, Phil Lesh and The Terrapin Family Band, with Bob Weir and Nicki Bluhm, The String Cheese Incident, Umphrey's McGee, Jim James, Keller Williams, Blackberry Smoke, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Eric Krasno, Brandi Carlile, Jorma Kaukonen, plus so many more

Five years in, Lockn' Festival continues to morph as an organic growth. Finding life at Infinity Downs Farm (Arrington, VA), Lockn's spirit is one that stems from the western Virginia communities that have shaped its evolution (under the guidance of Peter Shapiro and Dave Frey), as well as being guided by the necessities of balance between growth and finding that infrastructure sweet spot of high attendance paired with available resources. This all has to be factored in, while ensuring that all attendees have access to the stages and camping, within reasonable walking distance.

Dates include support slots for Cris Jacobs Band, American Aquarium and Reckless Kelly.

Fresh off of their critically acclaimed debut release, Keys To The House, Richmond, VA's The Trongone Band will embark on a fall tour in support of the LP. The band will join American Aquarium, Cris Jacobs and Reckless Kelly for North and Southeastern dates through November.

And the press cheers!

"There's nothing I can say more than when you hear this album, you're going to enjoy it. It will warm you and lift you up. Which is critical at a time when most music is instantly disposable and forgettable. And as a debut, THE TRONGONE BAND has delivered a strong first statement." - Popdose

"Keys to the House is rife with Americana themes about lost love, small towns, big dreams and wanderlust. THE TRONGONE BAND conjures up imagery of boxcar drifters, rolling hills and dirt roads that are easy to close your eyes and get lost in." - Music Fest News

"THE TRONGONE BAND make music that is at once reminiscent of that great classic southern-blues-boogie sound they grew up with as it is forward-thinking and blazing new musical trails for others to follow. Their music is quite simply Southern-Rock Soul."  - An Honest Tune

"The guys just released their brand new album Keys To The House, along with some tour dates down South that reflects their down home charm, beautiful hair, and Southern hospitality that is reflected eloquently in their music, and their ability to showcase all their talents cohesively on stage along with their penchant for sometimes playing barefoot that shows how down to earth and right at home they are." - Music Box Pete

Don't Miss The Trongone Band on Tour This Fall!

Sat, Sep 09, 2017        Beericana @ Sugg Farm Park              Holly Springs  NC                 

Fri, Sep 22, 2017        RJ Rockers Brewing Company          Spartanburg     SC       *

Thu, Sep 28, 2017      Zanzabar                                             Louisville        KY      $

Fri, Sep 29, 2017        Rumba Cafe                                        Columbus        OH      $

Sat, Sep 30, 2017        Beachland Ballroom                            Cleveland        OH      $         

Mon, Oct 02, 2017     Mohawk Place                                                Buffalo            NY      $

Tue, Oct 03, 2017       Boot & Saddle                                     Philadelphia    PA       $

Wed, Oct 04, 2017      Middle East Upstairs                         Cambridge       MA     $

Thu, Oct 05, 2017      Knitting Factory                                 Brooklyn         NY      $

Fri, Oct 06, 2017        The Saint                                             Asbury Park   NJ       $

Sat, Oct 07, 2017        Dogfish Head                          Rehoboth Beach          DE       $         

Sun, Oct 08, 2017       Martin's Downtown                           Roanoke          VA      $

Mon, Oct 09, 2017     The Broadberry                                  Richmond        VA      $

Wed, Oct 11, 2017      Charleston Pour House                       Charleston       SC       %

Thu, Oct 12, 2017      The Altamont Theatre                                    Asheville         NC      %

Sat, Oct 14, 2017        The Raleigh Pour House Music Hall  Raleigh            NC      %

Thu, Oct 26, 2017      Motorco Music Hall                           Durham           NC      ^

Fri, Oct 27, 2017        Clementine                                          Harrisonburg   VA                 

Sat, Oct 28, 2017        Pecan Festival                         South Prince George   VA                 

Sun, Oct 29, 2017       Sellersville Theater 1894                     Sellersville       PA       ^

Fri, Nov 03, 2017       Neighborhood Theatre                        Charlotte         NC      ^

Thu, Nov 09, 2017     Terminal West                                                Atlanta                       GA      ^

Sat, Nov 11, 2017       Skipper's Smokehouse                        Tampa             FL       &

 

* with Travelin' Kine

$ with American Aquarium

% with Cris Jacobs

^ with Reckless Kelly

& with Reckless Kelly and Cottondale Swamp

 

Find The Trongone Band Online:

Official: http://www.trongoneband.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pg/thetrongoneband

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trongoneband/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiclzonFWP2xnu9vDXRkAlA

Water in the Desert set to release on October 20

Two-time Grammy-winning bassist Oteil Burbridge is announcing a new solo album Water In The Desert. Produced by David Ryan Harris, every track on the record was written by Burbridge and features an all-star cast of some of his favorite musicians including his brother Kofi Burbridge on keys, Dave Yoke on guitar, Lil' John Roberts, Sean O'Rourke on drums, Miguel Atwood Ferguson on strings and outstanding vocalists Alfreda Gerald and Mark Rivers.  Water In The Desert will be released on October 20, 2017.

"I started writing the songs on this record about ten years ago," said Burbridge. "They are all songs about love in some way; finding out how to love yourself, hoping that another loved one will love you just as you are, believing in someone when they find it hard to believe in themselves, love gone wrong, or finally finding the "perfect fit." I feel like every problem we have on earth in some way comes back to the lack of love. That's really what this record is about. "

Burbridge has been in the music business touring and recording for over three decades. His first step into the national spotlight came in 1991 when he became a founding member of the Aquarium Rescue Unit featuring Col. Bruce Hampton, a cult classic that has stood the test of time. That led to his membership in the classic rock group The Allman Brothers Band. Since 1997, his work with the band has earned him two Grammy nominations for best rock instrumental, in 2003 and 2004. Over the years, Burbridge has shared the stage with rock and blues legends such as Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Levon Helm, Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Billy Gibbons, Chuck Leavell, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Johnny Winter, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, and Trey Anastasio. In 2012, Oteil received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his 15-year contribution to the Allman Brothers Band as the longest running bassist in the band's history.  

Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart  joined forces with John Mayer in 2015 to form "Dead & Company" with Burbridge on bass and Jeff Chimenti on keys. The band toured the US in the fall of 2015 and the summer of 2016 and 2017. These tours included sold-out shows at Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, and Citi Field and a headlining spot at Bonnaroo Music Festival. Plans for future Dead & Company shows are underway, including the destination event "Playing in the Sand" in Riviera Maya, Mexico in February 2018.

Oteil & Friends on Tour with Melvin Seals -vocals; Eric Krasno - guitar; John Kadlecik - guitar/vocals; Jay Lane - drums; Weedie Braimah - percussion; and Alfreda Gerald -vocals.  *Melvin Seals will not be performing on the November 6 & 9 dates.

TOUR DATES:

October 31 -- The Ardmore Music Hall;  PA

November 1 -- Pour House; Charleston, SC

November 2 -- Georgia Theatre; Athens, GA

November 3 -- Salvage Station; Asheville, NC

November 4 -- Neighborhood Theater; Charlotte, NC

November 5 -- The Lincoln Theatre; Raleigh, NC

November 6 -- Fillmore; Silver Spring, MD

November 7 -- The Rex Theater; Pittsburgh, PA

November 8 -- Soundstage; Baltimore, MD

November 9 -- Le Poisson Rouge; New York, NY

The Big What? 2017

Posted by: jerryfriend | August 24th, 2017

Matt Butler brings his improvisational spin to this year's Big What and it was incredible

Joy. That was the overriding emotion seeping through three days of fist-pumping grooves, smiling faces and swaying sun-soaked bodies at The Big What. A festival filled exclusively with bands whose sound is a celebration, and the joyous people attracted to that energy. 2017 has been a banner year for BIG Something.

Umphrey's McGee with Aqueous

Posted by: jerryfriend | August 13th, 2017

Umphrey's McGee at Red Hat Ampitheater
Mixing it up in the middle with Umphrey’s

As I sat in my seat at Umphrey's McGee at Red Hat Amphitheatre on Friday night, I had an epiphany. We were in the very back of the seats, where that section comes to a point against the lawn. I watched all the fans walking around us to make the turn at the point.

FloydFest 2017-Freedom

Posted by: jerryfriend | August 8th, 2017

FloydFest 2017-Freedom
A Tribe Called FloydFest

There's an interesting aspect of attending FloydFest that you don't expect but everyone seems to experience in some way or another--trying to explain to people what FloydFest is actually like.

Pages

Subscribe to Leeway's Home Grown Music Network