The Kitchen Dwellers and Fireside Collective brought fire to Union Craft Brewing on December 28, 2024, kicking off their New Year’s Run in style. Fireside warmed the  packed crowd with soulful bluegrass, while the Dwellers’ galaxy grass magic turned the brewery into a cosmic dance party. Don’t miss the final stops—this tour is one for the books! Tickets are still available for both nights at the Brooklyn Arts Center in Wilmington, NC. Get your body moving and start 2025 grooving with some galaxy grass jams!

In the bluegrass and Americana music world, certain names are quickly rising to the top, and Wyatt Ellis is undeniably one of them. Two years ago, there were hushed whispers of awe of this ‘new kid’  when he attended the DelFest Academy. Last year, in 2023, Ellis joined Billy Strings onstage as part of Doc Watson's 100th Birthday Tribute and then followed it up with appearances at MerleFest, joining Peter Rowan on stage and mixing it along with some of the legends of the mandolin at Mando Mania.  

This year, after the release of his debut album,  Happy Valley, Ellis continues to grow and emerge as a fan favorite on the summer music festival circuit. His performances at the genre's most prestigious festivals, MerleFest and Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival cement his status as a standout talent.

In April, at MerleFest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, Ellis continued to impress with a performance that was both high-energy and deeply heartfelt. Known for its commitment to preserving and celebrating the legacy of Doc and Merle Watson, MerleFest is a festival where every note counts. Wyatt Ellis rose to the occasion with a set that honored the festival's roots while pushing the boundaries of the genre. His ability to connect with the audience was evident as he effortlessly navigated between fast-paced tunes and soulful ballads.

In June 2024, Ellis, along with his touring band, performed for the first time at Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.

Earlier this month, Ellis continued to captivate the audiences in upstate New York at the Grey Fox Bluegrass Music Festival with his impeccable musicianship and stage presence. The festival, renowned for its eclectic lineup and vibrant atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for Ellis to showcase his unique blend of traditional bluegrass and modern influences. His set was a masterclass in both technical skill and emotional depth, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move.

Ellis has garnered the attention of his musical peers. It was only a few years ago that Sierra Hull began to mentor a young Wyatt Ellis, and he was embraced by the legends and more established artists and joined them on stage. This year, it seems like moths to a flame; other artists in the bluegrass community are drawn to Ellis and eagerly joining him on stage. This year, we have witnessed the mesmerizing and sizzling sit-ins he's brought to the stage throughout these two festivals. The list of those who have joined Ellis on stage at times seems too numerous to mention, as we have witnessed him perform both onstage and backstage with countless musicians. Just off the top of our heads, we recall memorable sit-ins by mighty musicians, including Peter Rowan, The Kruger Brothers, and Jim Lauderdale. 

What set Ellis apart at both festivals was not just his technical prowess but his ability to infuse every performance with genuine passion and creativity.  Whether through a virtuosic solo or a poignant lyric, Ellis demonstrated why he's quickly becoming a name to watch in the bluegrass community.

As the festival season continues, one thing is clear: Wyatt Ellis is not just participating in the bluegrass scene — he's shaping its future. Just a few weeks ago, the International Bluegrass Music Association (IMBA)  nominated Ellis for two awards, "Momentum Instrumentalist Artist" and "Best New Artist" - and we are sure this isn't the last time we'll see his name on one of those ballots.  

Wyatt Ellis will perform today, July 26th, at FloydFest 24 ~ Horizon.

• 3:00 pm -3:45 pm at the Oasis Stage
• 5:00 pm  - 6:00 pm Recording a session at the FloydFest Bus Stop 

If you are unable to attend his FloydFest performance, please check Wyatt Ellis's upcoming tour schedule.  As Ellis's musical prowess and popularity grows, so does his tour radius!  Take notice of Wyatt Ellis as he performs at just a few more festivals this summer, including The Newport Folk Festival, Bristol Rhythm & Roots, AMERICANAFEST, the International Bluegrass Music Festival, and Watermelon Pickers Fest just a little over 60 miles from Washington, DC, in Berryville, Virginia.

"The bottom line of the whole scene is simply stated: there is nothing in the world like a Grateful Dead concert–period. Never will be." This quotation from Jon Williams is even more true today than when he said it in 1974 in the Grateful Dead Movie. The uniqueness of a Dead show–or any Dead-related project–is steeped in a complex medley of American-born music, drawing from rock n' roll, jazz, bluegrass, gospel, fusion, and country and blended with a heavy dose of 1960s psychedelic energy. The band's catalog also contains hundreds of original songs and covers from which they build unique setlists each night. This impressive blend of musical showmanship is further embellished with deep exploratory improvisations, ensuring that every single Grateful Dead show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for each audience and band member.

The fans of the Grateful Dead, also known as Deadheads, are also a significant part of what makes a Grateful Dead concert so special. This tight-knit community is a family of music lovers that has developed over the nearly 60-year history of the band. Their fanhood, often bordering on rabid fanaticism, is on full display at every show as they follow the Dead across the country, speaking to each other about Dead culture in an almost-secret language trying to figure out what songs could be played at the next show.

This year was no exception, as Bobby Weir, founding member and rhythm guitarist of the Dead, took the stage with his Wolf Bros and the Wolf Pack to close out the summer concert season with a sold-out show at Baltimore's Pier Six Pavilion on September 28, 2023. Bob Weir's guitar work is just as unique and rare as the band's music. While most rhythm guitarists occupy a quiet niche in bands, playing simple chord progressions to guide the singers and lead guitarist through the music, Bob has created his own playing style that few can emulate. His distinctive strumming is reminiscent of the left hand of an expert jazz pianist banging out chords during an intense saxophone solo instead of a rock n' roll band playing in an arena. Bob's particular style serves as the dynamic canvas on which the Grateful Dead's improvisational music is painted and functions as the perfect counterpoint for incredible solos by all of his band members. Composed of Don Was on upright bass, Jay Lane on drums, and Jeff Chimenti on keys, as well as a string and brass quintet known as the Wolf Pack, featuring Alex Kelly (cello), Brian Switzer (trumpet), Adam Theis (trombone), Mads Tolling (violin), and Sheldon Brown (tenor and alto saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet, flute and bass flute), along with Barry Sless on pedal steel, Bobby's Wolf Bros and the Wolf Pack provide a rich sonic landscape to explore the Dead's extensive catalog.

Walking up to the venue through Shakedown Street–Deadhead's slang for the tailgate party in the parking lot before shows and a reference to one of the band’s most famous songs–it was clear it would be a memorable evening for those in attendance. The parking lot vibrated with fans' energy as they danced around in tie-dye, and vendors sold their homemade posters, stickers, and glass art. As the band started playing the first notes of "The Music Never Stopped," clumps of Deadheads gathered on the lawn and in the aisles began dancing–twirling and spinning in a distinctive hippie waltz that would not end until the final notes rang out. The opening song seamlessly segued into "Easy Answers" and back into "The Music Never Stopped." The first set continued with a cover of Bob Dylan's "Desolation Row" and "Me & My Uncle" that featured extensive soloing from Sless on pedal steel guitar that turned the tune into a country ballad, demonstrating the band's ability to seamlessly infuse country western and big band sounds into the Dead's music. 

Next, the band launched into a somber and slow version of "Even So," a staple of Bob Weir's solo shows. Alluding to the song's reference to "the wolfman at the door" and the band's name, Weir let out several long howls as the full moon hid behind the clouds hanging over Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Seamlessly transitioning again, the band continued with another Weir original, "October Queen" without taking a break. Bobby & Wolf Bros closed out the first set with the upbeat shuffle "Deal," which featured an exquisitely phrased pedal steel guitar solo. 

During the break, concertgoers were treated to a fireworks show launched from Camden Yards, celebrating the Baltimore Orioles winning the American League East Championship–a monumental moment for Orioles fans. This brief but incredible display drew cheers from the crowd for several minutes as they celebrated one of their favorite artists and the success of the local MLB team.

Bobby & Wolf Bros opened the second set with a vivacious violin solo during "The Winners," and the second set continued with a series of classic Grateful Dead songs, beginning with "Estimated Prophet," which featured incredible horn solos from the Wolf Pack, and then they transitioned into "New Speedway Boogie" and then to the classic segue of "China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider." The string and brass quintet provided potent punches of jazzy big band energy–expanding the potential for exploration in the Dead's music. The band continued with an incredible version of "The Wheel," which one fan claimed felt like a summer vacation with its reggae-inspired jam led by Jeff Chimenti's keyboard solo and the string and brass quintet's melodic riffs.

In contrast to the upbeat feel of the previous songs, Bobby mellowed the crowd with a poignant version of "Standing on the Moon," an incredible ballad written by the Dead's late Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter. Then, the band closed out the concert with the entire "Terrapin Station Suite," a rare treat for Dead fans, as the band typically only played the first portion of the Suite. The string and brass quintet added a vibrant texture to the song's highly composed sections, intensifying the peak of one of the Dead's most epic songs, and Alex Kelly and Mads Tolling battled with dueling cello and violin solos.

As the final notes of the "Terrapin Station Suite" resonated through the air and the crowd erupted in applause, it became abundantly clear that this Wolf Bros concert was another chapter in the book detailing the enduring magic of the Grateful Dead's music and its ability to unite generations of fans. The rich tapestry of sounds, the seamless transitions between songs, the exceptional musicianship of Bobby & Wolf Bros, and the added brilliance of the Wolf Pack all combined to create a night that will forever be in the memories of those in attendance.

The 30th Hot August Music Festival, held on August 19, 2023, at the picturesque Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Maryland, was an exceptional day of music, sunshine, and camaraderie. Against the stunning backdrop of the park's rolling hills, attendees enjoyed performances that catered to different musical tastes and moods. With the temperature in the mid-80s, not a cloud in the sky, and a constant cooling breeze, Mother Nature must have conspired with the festival’s organizers to craft an impeccable setting for the occasion. 

One of the standout features of the festival was the family-friendly atmosphere. Attendees of all ages reveled in the enchanting melodies and captivating rhythms while relishing the delicious offerings from the food vendors scattered throughout the grounds. The aroma of various cuisines wafted through the air, offering a wide selection of food vendors. Union Craft Brewing's ice-cold craft beer provided a perfect respite from the summer heat, adding to the vibrant festival ambiance for those seeking refreshments.

The musical lineup was a tapestry of talent that catered to an eclectic audience at the main Hillside Stage and the smaller Meadow Stage. Natalie Brooke & The Infinity Tribe opened the day at the Hillside Stage with a blend of progressive funk rock and Natalie's signature keytar skills taking the performance to new heights, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong's drummer Alex "Gator" Petropulos holding down the rhythm section. During the second set of the day and the Meadow Stage's opening set, the Jonathan Sloane Trio's mighty blues rock set continued the high energy while paying tribute to Hot August's origins as a blues festival.

Later in the day, local Baltimore legend Cris Jacobs set the Hillside Stage ablaze with his roots-infused performance. Those who enjoyed Cris' set should keep an eye out for his upcoming record—featuring contributions from Jerry Douglas, the Infamous Stringdusters, Sam Bush, Ashby Frank, Lee Ann Womack, Lindsey Lou, and Billy Strings. 

The day took a mellow and relaxing turn with Sunny War's intimate Meadow Stage set that tugged at heartstrings with her raw and emotional lyrics. Ripe then reignited the funk with their upbeat dance music at the Hillside Stage, igniting infectious energy with attendees dancing to the fiery horn section. 

Karina Rykman kept the funky dance jams going at the Meadow Stage by playing several songs off her newly released album Joyride—which Phish's Trey Anastasio produced. Karina's signature smile and dance moves were on display as she played thundering bass lines and her guitarist's—Adam November—distinctive synth looping style. Karina's danceable tunes and her ability to get a crowd grooving show why she was a crowd favorite and why she will be a staple of summer festivals for years.

Another crowd favorite of the day, Oteil & Friends, transformed the Hillside Stage with psychedelic energy, blending original compositions, Grateful Dead classics, and Allman Brothers Band hits. Oteil Burbridge, Steve Kimock, and Duane Betts traded melodic guitar and bass licks throughout the set, which included songs like "Every Hungry Woman," "Dreams," "Cats Down Under The Stars," "Dark Star," and "Mountain Jam." 

Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country was another crowd favorite of the day. Donato showcased his unique psychedelic chicken pickin' style and his band's improvisational prowess across a range of original tunes in a series of long exploratory jams. It was easy to see why this young Nashville-based musician is quickly rising through the ranks of the jam scene. 

Little Feat closed the 2023 Hot August Music Festival with their distinctive southern jam echoed through the hills. Keyboardist Bill Payne led the band in several of the band's classic hits, including "Fat Man in the Bathtub," "Dixie Chicken," and "Spanish Moon." As the final notes of Little Feat's set rang across Oregon Ridge Park, it was clear that the 30th edition of the festival will be remembered as a remarkable chapter in its storied history with jam legends, local favorites, and future stars of the jam scene providing a perfect sonic landscape to celebrate the day.

It is hard to imagine that is has been a little over a week since The Outlaw Music Festival steamed into Merriweather Post Pavilion on September 24, 2021.  The crowd was treated to a spectacular evening of live music bringing celebration and musical bliss to one of the regions historic venues that was dormant during the pandemic.  

The festival featured musical guests Kathleen Edwards, Gov’t Mule, Nathaniel Rateliff and The Nightsweats, Sturgill Simpson, and the one and only red headed stranger himself, Willie Nelson 

Nathan Payne was on hand to help capture this night of unforgettable musical moments.

Every festival you go to is going to have great music, but it's the sights and sounds that happen off the stage that gives a festival its unique character and culture. The Festy Experience - "The Telluride of the East" - has a very distinct personality: family friendly, world-class bluegrass music, and the space to roam and enjoy all aspects of the festival grounds.

Telling people that you're a family-friendly festival is a selling point that many an event has claimed to seem appealing to certain demographics.   Until you get to experience something that takes into account all aspects of what parents of little ones and little ones themselves need, you might not even realize what is missing from most.  Festy Experience has formulated the recipe for perfection when it comes to a truly, family-friendly festival.  

​A great lineup is not a bad place to start by any means.  If you've never gotten to see one of the amazing bands that was on the lineup this year in a location where you aren't smushed up against​ a few thousand other people, let me tell you, it's the way to go.  With little ones in tow, you might think that sacrifices will have to be made in order to keep them ​busy and to allow you to also see the music, however have no fear, because you are wrong.  Organizers of the three day event put together a layout that places the fun-filled kids zone, sponsored by Heart Song, right next to the main stage, keeping everyone entertained within a few feet of each other.  Bonus that the kids zone had something for little ones planned from noon to 8, occupying their time with things like a folk music workshop or nature crafts to keep creative little hands and minds busy.  

Another huge bonus to not being packed like sardines because they want to boast a 'sell out' crowd, is that there was always grass to lay out a blanket on, space to spread out and enough room to let kids and adults alike run around and dance their way through the farm without the risk of never being able to find home base again.  Great acts that start on the earlier side also means that you get to enjoy the music and still get tiny ones to sleep at a pretty decent hour, as not to throw off their whole schedule.  

Set up your blanket and chairs on the Blue Ridge Bowl's gentle hill and watch the main stage, walk to eTown stage to hear an interview and small acoustic set with your favorite artist or head to the Kid's Zone where there is something to do every day from noon until 8 pm. Each day The Festy Experience made sure to have something special planned, a late night bonfire performance on a hill, a late night performance in The Blue Ridge Bowl.

Rest assured, The Festy Experience is worth attending either for a single day or the entire weekend. There will be world-class bluegrass music, and there is something to enjoy for everyone. Please enjoy the sights of this festival brought to you by our roaming photographers who captured the "Experience" of The Festy Experience.

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band made their annual summertime visit to Bristow, VA's Jiffy Lube Live on Saturday, August 4th, with thousands of devoted fans flocking to the Northern VA amphitheater for a night on island time with the easy listening icon. Turning the parking lots of Prince William County into Margaritaville for one day only, Buffett's following, known as Parrotheads, spent their afternoon tailgating and preparing for the Saturday night party for which they'd descended on the venue from far and wide. We spent the afternoon partying with the Parrotheads in hopes of getting the true Buffett experience before the show even started.

Our group came prepared with plenty of food, drinks, coolers, chairs, etc. The works. But as soon as we arrived it was clear that we were truly rookies to this scene. The fans around us set up elaborate tiki bars, inflated decorations, blended Margaritas, and - in one case - unloaded an ice luge for liquor, in case you needed a more thrilling way to take shots. Despite the scorching hot sun and humid conditions, this fan base was not deterred from wetting their whistles in anticipation of the party that would cap off the night.

Arriving on the lot pretty early, venue staff were determined to contain the festivities from the start, stopping fans from setting up their liquor collections, table games, and canopies. The group parked next to us was well aware of these obstacles, quickly setting up an umbrella to keep out the sun, proclaiming "we know from the last few years that they won't allow the EZ Up." We were assured that if it weren't for the heavy-handed security presence, the pre-show festivities would be truly off the hook with more sand spread over the parking lot, and extensive tailgating setups. Still, they knew it was only a matter of time before they could carry on with their pregame plans once the lot filled with more cars and provided a bit more cover. At that point, one Parrothead from Georgia commented, the security decides, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!"

Amidst the sea of car-top shark fins, "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" signs, inflatable parrots, "Fins Up" tattoos, Hawaiian shirts, flamingos, corn hole sets, and pirate hats, it was clear that every fan in attendance was on Island Time, seeking out a night of relaxation. I encountered one fan with a shirt that read "Margaritaville is a way of life," a message that was crystal clear to me before I even made my way through the crowd of more than 20,000 to get to my seat in the pit. One crew was there representing four generations of Parrotheads (and Parakeets, as the youngest fans are called) in their family. The family patriarch was attending the show with his children and grandchildren. His mother, he had mentioned, was in attendance at the show last summer, but passed away earlier this year. Still, this family was so dedicated to the Parrothead scene that they brought her remains in an urn to be part of their day on the Son of a Son of a Sailor Tour 2018.

Coming into this show, I knew almost nothing about Jimmy Buffett. I knew two or three songs, that he owned Landshark Lager and two restaurant chains, and that he had a cultish following that called themselves Parrotheads. But as soon as I took my seat, I could appreciate his dedication to the brand he has cultivated of "drunken Caribbean rock 'n' roll." The set looks like a dock, complete with seagulls, decorative mermaids, and screens that look like sailboats and shark fins, and Jimmy Steps onstage, barefoot as always, with his wristbands and board shorts, ready to treat his adoring fans to a night of hit songs, lively covers, and localized banter.

From the opening notes of the show through the set-closing "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," Jimmy showed an almost symbiotic connection with his audience, feeding their energy and being fed in return. Beach balls flew through the air all night as Buffett played all of his classics, including "Cheeseburger in Paradise," "Son of a Son of a Sailor," "Volcano," and "Come Monday." And of course, the Parrotheads joined in for a little choreography during "Fins," then transitioned from one song to the next with scripted banter from Buffett. Taking some time to note his frequent visits to the DelMarVa region, Jimmy acknowledged that he had played Jiffy Lube Live upwards of 30 times prior to that night. Jimmy and the Coral Reefers worked through their set with incredible energy and a tightly woven sound before reaching the show's denouement in the final three songs, "Margaritaville," "Why Don't We Get Drunk," and the aforementioned "Changes in Latitudes."

Walking out of the show, and being careful not to step on any passed out Parrotheads on the lawn, I was able to appreciate the size of the crowd. For one Saturday night in August, these 20,000 or so people were given a chance to escape the worries of the real world and enjoy something that was a just pure distillation of fun. It was a care free night that managed to transport these DC area fans to the beach, even if only in their minds and flip flops. After all, it is 5 o'clock somewhere.

That anecdote alone set the tone for the festival — the band loves their dedicated fanbase and they wanted to roll up their sleeves and work their own festival. In fact, for the next three days, fans shared stories of casual run-ins with all members of the band as they freely walked, wandered, and golf-carted around the festival grounds.

After passing through the entrance of the farm, "Domers" were instructed to drive up a small unpaved road to forest camping. The drive up the hill was a bonding experience for all festival-goers. As the road accumulated loose mud, tires began to helplessly spin and cars got stuck in the mud.  A small crowd would run to the car declaring "We got you! We are going to get you up this hill! Now straighten out your wheel." The connection between driver and pusher quickly bonded all "Domers" and made for lasting friendships at campsites. Sometimes cars were held until enough room for a desperate acceleration up the hill could be made. Eventually, everyone made it to a campsite next to the road.