Come one, come all to the 2012 Mighty High Mountain Fest. This year's festival will be taking place the weekend on May 18th, 19th, and 20th. This year's lineup will include three nights of Dark Star Orchestra, two nights of Railroad Earth, as well as appearances by Cornmeal, Cabinet, and Klyph Black and Rumor Has it. The newest additions to the lineup include New Riders of the Purple Sage, George Porter Jr. and Runnin' Pardners, Pink Floyd Tribute Band The Machine, McMule, Wigjam, Reflections, Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Orchestra, and Matt Reynolds.
Dark Star Orchestra's shows are built off the extensive catalog of the Grateful Dead. On any given night the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead's 30 years of extensive touring or use the catalog of original songs and often played covers to create a unique set list for the show. This allows music fans both young and old to share in the experience. Dark Star Orchestra presents its critically acclaimed live show at esteemed venues from coast to coast and internationally. Grateful Dead classics are performed in the same way that an orchestra interprets music of classical composers. The composer spirit is derived and channeled as the players capture the excitement and innovation of the original performances and compositions. Touring nationwide for eleven years to the tune of over 1800 shows since forming, the band's determined commitment to "raising the Dead" has drawn national media attention.
Railroad Earth is one of America's greatest bands playing today, plain and simple. They sing of our nation's changing landscape and social ills with a commitment reminiscent of Woody Guthrie, while interpolating instrumental timbres that could have been pulled from Celtic or Cajun culture. And as anyone who has caught them live will attest, their concerts are imbued with the fire-in-the-belly passion of straight-ahead, blue collar rock & roll. Then there is the newest album from the New Jersey sextet, which is the most cohesive embodiment of their myriad gifts to date-hence the decision to simply call it Railroad Earth, showcasing nine new selections that draw strength and inspiration from an acknowledgment of our shared past, while also embracing new ideas and celebrating diversity, just like America when she is at her best.
Formed over 10 years ago, Cornmeal has grown from humble beginnings into a nationally recognized live music institution. 10 years together is no simple task these days, especially when the last five have seen the band spending over half the year on the road. Heavily influenced by American roots and folk music, Cornmeal blends lightning fast tempos and impeccable harmonies into an unrivaled live performance that continues to expand upon the five-piece acoustic-electric groups' vast musical repertoire. While steeped in the tradition of the past, Cornmeal continues to forge their own path, pushing the boundaries of bluegrass, Americana and folk for a whole new generation of music lovers. With a rapidly growing fan base and ever-evolving sound, Cornmeal challenges the recipe of the bluegrass sound and live performance.
When it comes to the music of Cabinet, the essential bywords are soul, simplicity, and serious musicianship. In concert, the combination of these qualities invariably yields an experience that is so celebratory and moving that the very word Cabinet takes on a new, vivid meaning for anyone in the audience. An inclusive and engaging energy is the uniting through-line as Cabinet weaves bluegrass, country and folk influences to powerful effect. Tight dynamics punctuate gorgeous, soaring harmonies as down-to-earth rhythm and lyrics give way to dreamy jams that are the musical equivalent of the backroad scenic route. But this impressive result is no accident. Pappy Biondo (banjo, vocals), J.P. Biondo (mandolin, vocals), Mickey Coviello (acoustic guitar, vocals), Dylan Skursky (electric bass, double bass), Todd Kopec (fiddle, vocals), and Jami Novak (drums, percussion), all love and live music. They each have a nuanced approach and possess broad talents in their own rights. But the passionate, affirming, and joyous musical world that they create together is Cabinet.
Featuring 3 members of the Zen Tricksters and special guests, Klyph Black and Rumor Has It is a bluesier, rootsier band. The rabid fan bases of the diverse band members is going to drive interest in this new band. The players have done time with Donna Jean Godchaux's solo band (from the Grateful Dead) as well as being touring members of the J Geils Band and the Rolling Stones (sax player Arno Hecht was the touring sax player for the Rolling Stones' Steel Wheels tour). In addition to Black (who will move to guitar in Rumor Has It), the group will feature Zen Tricksters guitarist Tom Circosta and drummer Dave Diamond, along with bassist Al Buonanno, saxophonist Arno Hecht and guitarist John Sparrow.
Runnin' Pardners is George Porter Jr's own unique long term project. Well respected by audiences and promoters as a quintessential New Orleans band, the five piece touring band continues to receive accolades on the jam band and festival scene. George Porter Jr has assembled some seasoned and talented musicians to join him on this project. Familiar Pardners - Brint Anderson (guitar) and, Michael Lemmler (keyboards) and rising stars on the New Orleans music scene Khris Royal (saxophone) and Terrence Houston (drums). Excited about the future of this band and this CD, George Porter Jr. plans to keep a smile on his face." I feel like I am working towards something that will be remembered."
The New Riders of the Purple Sage received a Lifetime Achievement Award from High Times magazine at their Doobie Awards in September, 2002 and performed a brief set (which included "Loneseome L.A. Cowboy" and "Panama Red" with Peter Rowan) at the festivities at B.B. King's Blues Club in New York City. They're back on the road with a revived and inspired lineup, bringing the songs of John Dawson back to the ears of adoring crowds nationwide as well as taking those songs to places they've never been before musically. Led by David Nelson and Buddy Cage, the current touring lineup includes Michael Falzarano (Hot Tuna) on guitar and vocals, Ronnie Penque on bass and vocals and Johnny Markowski (Stir Fried) on drums and vocals.
The Machine, America's top Pink Floyd show, has forged a 20 year reputation of excellence, extending the legacy of Pink Floyd, while creating another legacy all their own. Over the years, The Machine has touched the hearts and souls of many, selling out theaters, large clubs and casinos across North and Central America, Europe and Asia. They have also appeared at renowned music festivals such as Bonnaroo, Riverbend, Gathering of the Vibes, Buffalo's Artpark, and Germany's Rock of Ages. The New York based band focuses on making every show an authentic Floydian experience for their fans. Known for performing a diverse mix of The Floyd's extensive 16-album repertoire (complete with faithful renditions of popular hits as well as obscure gems), The Machine's stellar musicianship, dramatic lighting and video, and their passionate delivery sets them above and beyond the rest.
If music were a map, McMule might be found somewhere on the great divide between yesterday and now, driven on roads forged by the music of plain hardworking country people, where the ancient footpaths of the Scots and Irish cross the great Mississippi Delta. One part whiskey, two parts toil, McMule's music resists playing "tag you're it", with assured vocals, proletarian string band backing and a steady groove. McMule performs at major festivals throughout the Northeast, top shelf music venues such as B.B. Kings in NYC and various cultural events.
Known for their extreme passion, eclectic nature, and sharp sense of rock-and-roll history, Wigjam is a unique jam band that has been performing throughout the tri-state area for over a decade. Wigjam has an energetic style steeped in roots rock, jazz and blues that combines originality, tightness and highly accomplished musicianship to keep their fans coming back for more.
Matthew Reynolds is a reggae, ska influenced musician who plays in 3 bands (Skylar, Howards Alias, and Thinkpol) with his additional solo songs. Mat expresses his life, views and feelings in great metaphorical ways with an easy listening vocal tunes. The music Jerry Garcia played has defined many of us. It has spanned many generations, from Old Time to Bluegrass to Reggae to Blues, to Motown to Rock and Roll and of course Grateful Dead. We grew up with and were shaped by the music of the Grateful Dead. Sharing this music is the goal and love of this band.
More than anything, we appreciate our ever growing group of family and friends. Our shows have turned into a colorful dancing, celebration of like interests and smiles. Reflections plays this music with a vibrancy and joy resulting in a unique energetic sound & thankfully overflowing rooms.
Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra is a 12-piece explosion of righteousness that blends New Orleans party music, Soul in the style of Ray Charles and Al Green, a good helping of jam-bandy Roots Rock and a righteous splash of good, upbeat Gospel without the religious overtones (We like to call it secular gospel). In the group's short history they have already made a big splash in the NYC music scene, sharing the stage with New Orleans stalwarts such as the Rebirth Brass Band, Trombone Shorty, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Bonerama, Big Sam's Funky Nation, the New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars and Eric Lindell. They've sold out legendary venues such as the Highline Ballroom and BB King's.
