Donna The Buffalo On Tour With New Album: Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday

Donna The Buffalo On Tour With New Album

Donna the Buffalo Set To Unveil First Studio Album in Five Years,
Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday, On June 18

More energized and focused than ever before in their near 25-year career, roots-music troubadours Donna the Buffalo will debut their first studio album in five years, Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday, on June 18 via Sugar Hill Records. The follow up to 2008’s acclaimed Silverlined, which reached the Top 10 on the Americana charts, Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday—the group’s 10^th studio album—proves the band as a consistent steward of Americana music, their signature sound—traditional mountain music infused with elements of Cajun, rock, folk, reggae and country—an eclectic and extraordinary melting pot of such.

In creating the new album, founding members and songwriter-vocalists Jeb Puryear (vocals, guitar) and Tara Nevins (vocals, guitar, fiddle, accordion, scrubboard)—joined by band members David McCracken (Hammond organ, clavinet), Kyle Spark (bass) and Mark Raudabaugh (drums)—convened in a rustic church in Enfield, New York, along with co-producer and fellow upstate New Yorker, Robert Hunter (Branford Marsalis). The building overflowed with vibe, and the music poured out as the group recorded take after live take to old-school analog tape, with as few overdubs as possible. What resulted are the 14 organic and authentic tracks that make up Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday.

“We tried to do the record and keep in tact the things people love about us,” says Puryear. “We’re really excited to start sharing Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday,” adds Nevins, “because making this record was a very personal process that was also a lot of fun.”

The album will be worked at Americana and AAA radio this spring and summer, with the emphasis track being “I See How You Are,” a tune penned by Nevins. In addition, the band will be touring heavily throughout the remainder of the year to promote Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday. Festival dates include MerleFest, The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance, Nashville’s Dancin’ In the District, Strangecreek Music Festival, Blue Ridge BBQ and Music Festival, The Great Blue Heron Festival, Red Ants Pants Festival, Targhee Bluegrass Fest, Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival and MagnoliaFest, among many others.

Donna the Buffalo on Tour
Thu 5/16 Edinboro, PA – Edinboro Art & Music Festival
Fri 5/17 Syracuse, NY – Wescott Theater
Sat 5/18 Monroeville, NJ – Camp Jam in the Pines
Sun 5/19 New York, NY – City Winery
Sun 5/26 Greenfield, MA – Strangecreek Music Festival
Thu 6/13 Nashville, TN – Nashville Dancin’ – Riverfront Park
Fri 6/14 Raleigh, NC – Southland Ballroom
Sat 6/15 Tryon, NC – Blue Ridge BBQ and Music Festival
Thu 6/20 Natick, MA – Natick Center for the Arts
Fri 6/21 Naples, NY – Inspire Winery
Sat 6/22 Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theater
Sat-Sun 7/5-7/7 Sherman, NY – The Great Blue Heron Festival
Fri 7/12 Rochester, NY – Rochester Public Market’s Bands on the Bricks
Sat 7/13 Shirley, MA – The Bull Run Concert Series
Sun 7/14 Norfolk, CT – Infinity Hall
Thu-Sun 7/18-21 Trumansburg, NY – Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival
Fri 7/26 White Sulphur Springs, MT – Red Ants Pants
Sat 7/27 Spokane, WA – The Center
Sun 7/28 Seattle, WA – The Tractor
Mon 7/29 Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge
Tue 7/30 Eugene, OR – WOW Hall
Thu 8/1 Los Angeles – The Mint
Fri 8/2 Pioneertown, CA – Pappy and Harriets
Sat 8/3 San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
Sun 8/4 Santa Cruz, CA – Moe’s Alley
Mon 8/5 Chico, CA – The Big Room @ The Sierra Nevada
Thu 8/8 Park City, UT – Newpark Town Center
Fri 8/9 Denver, CO – Oriental Theatre
Sat 8/10 Alta, WY – Targhee Bluegrass Fest at Grand Targhee
Sat 8/31 Friendsville, PA – The Choconut Inn
Tue 9/3 Bijou Theater – Knoxville, TN
Sat 9/14 Floyd VA – Chateau Mossisette
Sun 9/15 Annapolis, MD – Rams Head Tavern
Sat-Sun 10/19-20 Live Oak, FL – MagnoliaFest

For more information, please visit www.donnathebuffalo.com and facebook.com/donnathebuffalo

The Mountain Sports Festival returns to Asheville on May 24-26, 2013

The Mountain Sports Festival returns to Asheville on
May 24-26, 2013
Introduces Outdoor Gear Builders Village

Get your groove on at Mountain Sports Festival in the spectacular mountain town of Asheville, NC on May 24-26, 2013! Hiking, biking, paddling, running, cyclocross, races, local beer, lots of exhibitors, workshops & an amazing lineup of live music!

SPORTS – Triathlon, 5k, Rock2Rock, Disc Golf, Ultimate, YOGA, Cyclocross

MUSIC – With a great lineup of indie and local bands; Brushfire Stankgrass , Bonerama , Jeff Sipe Trio, The Fritz, The Packway Handle Band, Jason Daniello, Jon Stickley Trio, Bear Down Easy, The Whiskey Grins, Chalwa, Cedric Burnside & Eleanor Underhill Solo!

CAUSES – Asheville Greenworks, Western North Carolina Alliance & Riverkeeper, City of Asheville Parks & Recreation

BEER – In cooperation with Highland Brewing Company  & Oskar Blues

The MSF Festival Village is located at Carrier Park on Amboy Road along the scenic French Broad River in west Asheville offering wide open spaces and plenty of parking and room to spread out and enjoy all the great MSF activities. Directions: http://mountainsportsfestival.com/events/map

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The Mountain Sports Festival returns to Asheville on May 24-26, 2013, with an impressive lineup to entice any pro or amateur athlete to test themselves in mountain sports. The 3 day festival brings in over 15,000 visitors and competitors in Asheville, NC, the center of the East Coast outdoor life.  Along with the competition, athletes and spectators alike will find plenty of action at the Festival Village at Carrier Park, located along the French Broad River in Asheville.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountain region of the Appalachians, Asheville is the venue for a long list of competitive events coupled with entertainment, demos and exhibitors. Many sports festivals offer competition, but few add the mountainous terrain to take it up a notch for serious challenge and endurance.  When not out at the races, the Festival Village is the place to be along the scenic French Broad River in West Asheville.

This year Mountain Sports Festival introduces Outdoor Gear Builders Village. The Festival has worked to bring a focus on local manufacturing, bringing 15 of the mountains most innovative and unique Outdoor Gear manufacturers.  The Outdoor Gear Builders Village will be packed with outdoor adventure gear manufacturers and exhibitors showing off their wares, while demonstrating all the latest equipment with tips and techniques for enjoying the outdoors.

Races and competitions will take place throughout the weekend, beginning with Rock-2-Rock Trail Run in Black Mountain and the Disc Golf Challenge at Festival Village. These events will showcase some of the best disc golf tricks and shots, followed by the Asheville Cyclocross, Race beginning at Festival Village. Things will heat up early on Saturday with a full schedule of high-energy competition highlighted by the Girls on the Run Rise & Shine 5k, Mountain Disc Golf Challenge, French Broad Challenge Triathlon, Dodgeball Tournament and Complimentary Yoga.  By Sunday, the events are still in high gear with day two of the Mountain Disc Golf Experience, Sand Volleyball Tournament, and the Ultimate Frisbee Clinic.

The Festival Village Main Stage will be going solid, beginning Friday night and running through Sunday afternoon with a broad mix of live music featuring local and national acts. This Year’s headliners are locals Brushfire Stankgrass on Friday and Bonerama from New Orleans on Saturday Night. The full lineup includes Jeff Sipe Trio, The Fritz, Jeff Sipe Trio, The Packway Handle Band, Jason Daniello, Jon Stickley Trio, Bear Down Easy, The Whiskey Grins, Chalwa, Cedric Burnside & Eleanor Underhill Solo.

About Mountain Sports Festival

The Mountain Sports Festival is organized by a volunteer group of community oriented citizens dedicated to the presenting of a well balanced series of outdoor events that encourage participation on all levels.

www.MountainSportsFestival.com

Ashleigh Flynn Releases “A Million Stars” TODAY May 14th On Tour With The Wood Brothers This Spring

Ashleigh Flynn Releases “A Million Stars” TODAY May 14th
On Tour With The Wood Brothers This Spring

A Million Stars is now available at
iTunes: http://bit.ly/17pV0Kq & CD Baby: http://bit.ly/11Bv8tO
Featuring Chris Funk, Todd Snider, Annalisa Tornfelt & more

Portland, Oregon-based Ashleigh Flynn releases her latest CD, A Million Stars today, May 14, 2013. It is Flynn’s fourth studio effort on her own Home Perm Records, is produced by Chris Funk, her longtime friend and musical collaborator, best-known as the Decemberists’ multi-instrumentalist. The record features Todd Snider and many of Portland’s most talented musicians including, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee-Drizos, Nate Query, John Moen, Annalisa Tornfelt, and the Stolen Sweets singers, among others.

Kind Words About A Million Stars:
“Her songs are stories first. That they’re backed by occasionally dark, occasionally rollicking instrumentals depends on what the songs themselves call for. Sure, her Kentucky roots are always showing, but ‘Prohibition Rose’ swings with a subtle Vaudeville style, while ‘The West Was Won’ sounds like it could have come off a Juliana Hatfield disc.” –Kim Reuhl, NoDepression First Spin

“If you enjoy the music of Brandi Carlile, Patty Griffin or Nanci Griffith, you’re sure to fall in love with singer/songwriter Ashleigh Flynn. Not only is Flynn a talented musician, with stellar vocals, she’s most notably gifted storyteller with a vibrant and upbeat stage personality.” –Kathy Belge, LesbianLife at About.com

“Ashleigh Flynn represents the next generation of true songwriters. She rules!” –Nanci Griffith

“One of my favorite people to perform and hang out with is Ashleigh Flynn. Her lyrics are smart, she’s got a voice full of soul, and she knows how to handle a crowd.” –Todd Snider

Ashleigh Flynn On Tour
Wed 5/15 Tallahassee, FL – Mockingbird Cafe
Sun 6/2  Ithaca, NY – The Haunt*
Tue 6/4 Burlington, VT –  Higher Ground Showcase Lounge*
Wed 6/5 Fall River, MA – Narrows Center for the Performing Arts*
Thu 6/6 Norfolk CT – Infinity Hall*
Fri 6/7 Londonderry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall*
Sat 6/8 Boston, MA – TOAD
Sun 6/9 New York, NY – The Living Room
Thu 7/11 Portland, OR – Portland Parks Summer Concerts – Wallace Park
Fri-Sun 7/12-14, 2013 – Veneta, OR  Oregon Country Fair
Sat-Sun 7/21-22 Long Beach, WA – Adrift Hotel
Fri 8/2 Hood River, OR – Springhouse Cellars+
Thu 8/15 Sauvie Island, OR – Farm Tune Series -Kruger’s Farms

*Opening for The Wood Brothers
+ Opening for Black Prairie

Ashleigh Flynn was featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting LISTEN to the full interview

More About A Million Stars
A Million Stars continues the inspired narrative Flynn began on earlier records with tales deeply rooted in the American experience. The most profound seed of inspiration for the new record was a watercolor painted by her young niece depicting a cowgirl atop her horse under a starry desert sky. Who was this girl so confidently astride her mount? Calamity Jane? Surely there were others like her? Discovering the painting led her on a quest to learn more about the women of the westward expansion, unnamed heroes that history had largely overlooked.  

The album’s twelve tracks represent true blue Americana featuring a bit of folk, blues, country and rock. The title cut, “A Million Stars”, chronicles the story of Cattle Annie and Little Britches, two cowgirls who rode the outlaw trails in the late 1800s, disguised as men, so as to gain entrée onto the frontier, a place not seen fit for a woman. “See That Light”, a seemingly fun little blues ditty but with a strong message, features Todd Snider, Flynn’s musical mentor, who plays the voice of reason and, in his sermon to those who might judge certain types of love unlike their own, warns of the resulting harm caused by such hypocrisy. Other highlights include a bluegrass tune “Dirty Hands and Dirty Feet”, an overall tribute to Loretta Lynn;  a vintage jazz tune about Portland’s own “Prohibition Rose”; and “A Little Low”, a memorial to one of her friends, Nancy Bergeson – Assistant US Federal Defender who was murdered, and whose murder is still unsolved. “Walk Awhile”, recorded live at Search Party West, features party goers on parts of the chorus adding a fun and unique element.

Flynn has performed at many a music festival including Bonnaroo, Bumbershoot, Falcon Ridge Folk, High Sierra, Gamble Rogers, Sisters Folk, and most recently the 30A Songwriters Festival in Florida. She has also traveled the globe, peddling her wares, and regularly warming tours for Todd Snider and Nanci Griffith, as well as opening shows for John Hiatt, Shawn Colvin, and Band of Heathens, among others. American Dream (2008) landed Flynn spots on many national & internationally syndicated radio programs that celebrate Americana music, including Mountain Stage, WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, and NPR.

For more information, please visit: www.ashleighflynn.com

Town Mountain Spring and Early Summer Tour Dates

Town Mountain Spring and Early Summer Tour Dates

Town Mountain is ready and reelin’ to travel the country this spring and summer! They will have stops in the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky, Colorado, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Washington and Oregon. Notable events include performance at the Leftover Salmon’s Bluegrass Throwdown, John Hartford Memorial Festival, ROMP, The Hampton Taphouse Festival, The Festival of Bluegrass, RapidGrass and much more!

Stay tuned for a new music videos coming your way from Town Mountain this season, including a track from Leave the Bottle [Pinecastle Records 2012]. They will be launching a new covers series that will kick off with their version of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire”. This will premiere on The Bluegrass Situation this June (http://www.thebluegrasssituation.com).

Based in Asheville, NC, Town Mountain is Phil Barker on mandolin and vocals, Robert Greer on lead vocals and guitar guitar, Jesse Langlais on banjo and vocals, Bobby Britt on fiddle, and newest member Jake Hopping rounds them out with his rock-solid bass. One listen to their instantly memorable songs, and it’s plain to see why Grammy-winner Mike Bub would align with the group to produce Leave the Bottle as well as 2011’s Steady Operator.

“I’m not sure what the definition of bluegrass would be in words alone, but if that definition was set to music, it would probably sound something like Town Mountain’s Leave the Bottle… I could go on,” says Bluegrass Today’s David Morris, “There are no duds, and no filler songs on this project. But you get the point. This, my friends, is how bluegrass is supposed to sound.”

Leave the Bottle effortlessly covers a wide array of styles in the stringband spectrum featuring the stellar in-house songwriting that has become the band’s trademark. There’s the barroom swagger and honky tonk edge of tracks like “Up the Ladder” and the title track “Leave the Bottle”, the Jimmy Martin style bounce and confidence of “Lawdog” and “Lookin’ in the Mirror”, the Irish flavor of Bobby Britt’s “Four Miles”, and the laid back John Hartford style groove of “Greenbud on the Flower” among others. But no matter the style, the band’s delivery gives every tune a true and honest feel.

Town Mountain On Tour Spring and Early Summer Tour Dates
Fri 5/10 Chapel Hill, NC Merritt’s
Sat 5/11 Harrisonburg, VA The Clementine Cafe
Fri 5/17 Bloomingdale, GA Randy Wood Guitars
Sat 5/18 Panola, SC Birdfest at Pineland Farms
Sun 5/26  Black Mountain, NC Pisgah Brewing w/ Leftover Salmon’s Bluegrass Throwdown with Elephant Revival & Dangermuffin
Fri 5/31 Bean Blossom, IN John Hartford Memorial Festival
Sat 6/1 Carbondale, IL The Hangar 9
Sun 6/2 Chicago, IL The Red Line Tap
Mon 6/3 Urbana, IL The Iron Post
Tue 6/4 Lancaster, WI House Concert
Wed 6/5 Madison, WI High Noon Saloon w/ Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
Thu 6/6 Bangor WI Leo and Leona’s w/ Horseshoes & Hand Grenades and Cactus Blossoms
Fri 6/7 Cincinnati, OH THe Crow’s Nest
Sat 6/8 Lexington, KY Festival of the Bluegrass
Thu 6/13 Lexington, NC High Rock Outfitters
Fri 6/14 Tryon, NC Blue Ridge BBQ & Music Festival
Thu 6/20 Salem, VA Private Event
Fri 6/21 Raleigh, NC The Pour House Music Hall
Sat 6/22 Hampton, VA Hampton Taphouse Festival & After-Party
Sun 6/23 Norfolk, VA Town Mountain BBQ Picnic @ Norfolk Taphouse
Wed 6/26 Lexington, KY Willie’s Locally Known w/ Tyler Childers and the High Wall
Fri 6/28 Owensboro, KY ROMP: Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival
Sat 6/29 Belvidere,TN Circle E Guest Ranch 2nd Annual Bluegrass Festival
Thu 7/4 Gold Hill, CO The Gold Hill Inn
Fri 7/5 Fort Collins, CO Acoustic Bridge Musical Potluck
Sat 7/6  Idaho Springs, CO Clear Creek RapidGrass Bluegrass Festival
Thu Thu 7/11 Charlotte, NC Whitewater River Jam at US National Whitewater Center
Fri 7/12 Fairfax, VA Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series at Royal Lake Park
Sat 7/13 Gardners, PA Bluegrass On The Grass
Sun 7/14 Mount Solon, VA Red Wing Roots Music Festival
Tue 7/23 Bellingham, WA The Green Frog
Thu 7/25 Seattle, WA Tractor Tavern
Fri 7/26 Skamania, WA Columbia Gorge Bluegrass Festival
Sun 7/28 Eugene, OR Sam Bond’s Garage
Fri 8/2 Saxapahaw, NC Haw River Ballroom w/ Big Fat Gap

Please visit www.TownMountain.net for more information and further tour dates.

Leftover Salmon Hosts a Bluegrass Throwdown with Elephant Revival, Dangermuffin Acoustic, and Town Mountain at Pisgah Brewing Sun 5/26

Leftover Salmon’s Bluegrass Throwdown with Elephant Revival,
Dangermuffin Acoustic, and Town Mountain

Pisgah Brewing Outdoor Stage & Late Night inside the Taproom
Sunday, May 26, 2013

Pisgah Brewery serves up a plate of FATE
$2 of every ticket sold to this showcase of bluegrass talent will benefit local nonprofit Funding America Through Entertainment (FATE) supportfate.org

Get Tickets Here: http://bit.ly/15QTAJ3

Colorado Slam grass pioneers, Leftover Salmon, take the outdoor stage at Pisgah Brewing Company for a bluegrass throw down on Sunday, May 26, 2013 in Black Mountain, NC on Memorial Day weekend. The gate opens at 4:30pm with opening performances by Elephant Revival and Dangermuffin Acoustic, and a special late night show in the taproom with Town Mountain. The show begins at 5:30pm and there will be numerous food vendors and local beer on tap.

This is a one of a kind musical experience provided by one of Asheville’s finest craft breweries. The outdoor stage provides an expansive setting for this musical conglomeration. Additionally, ticket buyers will be contributing $2 of each ticket to local nonprofit, Funding America Through Entertainment (FATE), who will funnel the donations to local human service organizations. “At Pisgah Brewing Company, we pride ourselves on our community involvement and outreach. FATE gives us a vehicle to join philanthropy with our concert events,” says Benton Wharton, spokesman for Pisgah Brewery. In January 2013, Pisgah Brewing joined Town Mountain in helping generate food for 6000 meals at a FATE event.

Tickets are available in advance for $24.50 and $30 day of show.  A $55 Hopster VIP ticket includes early entry to the event, a private guided tour and tasting, and exclusive VIP viewing area close to stage with cash bar.

DETAILS AT A GLANCE:
Leftover Salmon with Elephant Revival, Dangermuffin Acoustic
Pisgah Brewing Outdoor Stage
Late Night with Town Mountain inside the Taproom
Sunday, May 26, 2013

Gate opens at 4:30pm, Event starts at 5:30pm
$24.50adv/ $30dos
828/669-0190
150 Eastside Drive Black Mountain, NC 28711
pisgahbrewing.com

Leftover Salmon

Leftover Salmon is back! NPR’s Mountain Stage heralded Colorado’s Leftover Salmon as “one of the most beloved acts on America’s summer-festival circuit” as they’ve returned from an eight year hiatus touring with their new album Aquatic Hitchhiker [released May 22 on LoS Records]. Exploring new new sonic territory, AOL’s The Boot listed Aquatic Hitchhiker as one of the best Americana albums of this year. Stay tuned for new songs from LoS this summer delivered from Breckenridge Beer!

2012 was a great year for Leftover Salmon hosted an epic block party in downtown Denver, released a behind-the-scenes documentary “Salmonlandia,” toured relentlessly, and scored a spot as Discovery Channel’s first-ever house band on “After the Catch,” the post-show special for the Emmy-winning series “The Deadliest Catch.”

They emerged on the scene in Boulder, CO in 1989 as one of the first bluegrass bands to add drums and tour rock & roll bars, helping Salmon become a pillar of the jam band scene and unwitting architects of the jam grass genre.  “This is one fish that has only gotten better with age. Fiery solos and elements of country, bluegrass, jazz and jam rock combine into a heady mix of feel-good tunes — and some that carry a hefty message, as well,” said CMT in 2012.

Looking back over the past 25 years of rootsy, string-based music, the impact of Leftover Salmon is impossible to deny. Today, Leftover Salmon is: Vince Herman (vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin); Drew Emmitt (vocals, mandolin, acoustic and electric guitar, mandola, fiddle); Andy Thorn (vocals, acoustic and electric banjo, National guitar); Greg Garrison (vocals, acoustic and electric bass, acoustic guitar); Jose Martinez (drums, percussion).

More information and tour dates at: leftoversalmon.com

Elephant Revival

Elephant Revival is a soulful, seductive quiver of songwriters and multi-instrumentalists that reign from points all across America. Since 2006 Daniel Rodriguez, Bonnie Paine, Dango Rose, Sage Cook and Bridget Law have herded in a greatly applauded neo-acoustic and gyptic revival at festivals, theaters, clubs and house concerts from the Pacific coast to the rolling hills of New England. Elephant Revival plays entirely original music with a few carefully chosen traditional and eclectic cover tunes but their precise genre is hard to pin down.

As independent film director Mikey Eberle elaborates, “When I hear Elephant Revival I am struck by my inability to define it. I am forced to confront the music as it is, connecting to it with a virgin spirit of mind. Consequently it feels like I am experiencing music and all its joys for the very first time.”

More information and tour dates at: elephantrevival.com

Dangermuffin Acoustic

On Dangermuffin’s 2010 release Moonscapes, the Folly Beach, S.C. based trio sang about home. Even they couldn’t have expected the extent of that paradox the album grew the band into a traveling national act, with songs on both SiriusXM’s Jam On, Outlaw Country stations, and slots at major festivals across the country. With the release of their latest album in 2012, Olly Oxen Free, Dangermuffin have returned home. No longer easily dubbed an Americana or roots-rock band, the group’s sound encompasses ska, calypso, and even Southern rock, often within the same song. Like the cry bellowed during a children’s game of hide-and-seek, Olly Oxen Free signals that it’s safe to come out from our hiding spots, gather back together, and celebrate late into the evening.

“Don’t let the name fool you- Dangermuffin is not another run-of-the-mill, directionless jamband. Rather, it’s a trio with immense talent and potential that has gifted songwriting and playing abilities in spades. Just like many a funny named band before them- Phish, The String Cheese Incident and Umphrey’s McGee come to mind- Dangermuffin is likely to become synonymous with those fans who love bands that deliver something new and promising each show.” says Josh Baron, editor in chief of Relix Magazine.

More information and tour dates at: dangermuffinmusic.com

Town Mountain

Local Asheville bluegrass brand Town Mountain released their fourth album, Leave the Bottle, in 2012.  Always contributing to the evolution of the bluegrass form, they toss influence as varied as surf-rock, gospel, and honky-tonk country into their field of play. Banding together in 2005, Town Mountain is Phil Barker on mandolin and vocals, Robert Greer on lead vocals and guitar guitar, Jesse Langlais on banjo and vocals, Bobby Britt on fiddle, and newest member Jake Hopping rounds them out with his rock-solid bass. One listen to their instantly memorable songs, and it’s plain to see why Grammy-winner Mike Bub would align with the group to produce Leave the Bottle as well as 2011’s Steady Operator.

“Centered around strong, soulful vocals, and poised to stay put,” says Wood Platt of the Steep Canyon Rangers, “Town Mountain are true to bluegrass in all the right ways and this new project keeps them firmly connected to the traditions of the genre, while also allowing them to reach out into the broad horizon of string band music.  Leave the Bottle comes highly recommended.”

More information and tour dates at: townmountain.net

About Pisgah Brewing Company

Pisgah Brewing Company is located at 150 Eastside Drive in Black Mountain, N.C. For more information, visit www.pisgahbrewing.com, www.facebook.com/PisgahBrewingCo, or follow them on Twitter @PisgahBrewing.

1st Annual Swannanoa Invitational Benefit for Child Abuse Prevention Services Sat 6/1 at Native Kitchen and Social Pub

1st Annual Swannanoa Invitational Benefit
for Child Abuse Prevention Services
Sat 6/1 at Native Kitchen and Social Pub

Free & Family Friendly with local music!
Activities include: 1930’s Style croquet tournament
Doors at 2pm
Tournament Registration Ends at 3:30PM
First Match Starts at 4:00PM
Championship Match at Sunset
Tournament Winners will walk aways with the “Prestigous Golden Mallet”
Award also given to Best Dressed
Tournament Registration fee: $10.00 per pair
REGISTER HERE

Beverages provided by Pisgah Brewing Company

“Every child deserves a fair shot at life.” These should be the words of every parent, but sadly, that’s not the case. On Saturday, June 1, 2013 the 1st Annual Swannanoa Invitational Benefit will take place at Native Kitchen and Social Pub in Swannanoa, NC starting at 2 P.M. The event will benefit Child Abuse Prevention Services, Inc. (CAPS).

Combining awareness, education and fun, the free event will feature activities for the whole family including a single-elimination, 1930’s style croquet tournament, local music and more. The tournament will start play at 4 P.M., culminating with a sunset championship match. The winners will walk away with the Prestigious Golden Mallet. An award will also be given for Best Dressed. Registration for the event begins May 9 online and at Native Kitchen and Social Pub.

“As an organization, we are very passionate about helping children and the child abuse issue is growing problem that is relevant across the world,” said Native Kitchen and Social Pub Partner, Brandon Ellison. Ellison and his wife, Meredith, along with business partners, Casey and Sarah Watkins, have been supporters of CAPS. “All our children have a chance to be the future leaders of our community. Each one deserves a chance to grow with love and support in a non-abusive environment.”

Child Abuse Prevention Services director Bill McGuire added that the numbers are staggering, “One in 5 children will experience abuse, half will be under 6 years old and tragically 4 children will die every day from abuse and neglect.”

“In recent years, funding for CAPS has been cut dramatically, over 20%,” said McGuire, “While a variety of funds from the United Way, private foundations, public donations and grants provide funding for our programs, it’s vitally important that we continue to bring in funds during this time.” In an effort to aid the non-profit, a portion of the proceeds from registration fees and beverages, provided by Pisgah Brewing Company, will go directly to CAPS.

When asked why a croquet tournament, Casey Watkins replied, “ Why not?! It’s such a fun and cool way to help raise awareness and funds for CAPS.  It’ll be a day filled with fun, laughs, great memories, topped off with great local food, music and beverages.” As the championship match comes to a close, the event will feature live music inside Native Kitchen and Social Pub. Watkins adds, “It’s a perfect way to break in the summer season in the Swannanoa community.”

Also appearing at the event will be Smart Start of Buncombe County. The local non-profit will be on-site creating activities for younger children and talking with adults about the importance of sending their early-aged children to school healthy and ready to succeed. Other local non-profits will also take part in the event.

Originally founded in 1990 by local pediatrician Andrea Gravatt, CAPS started with child abuse medical evaluations,which are now done at Mission Children’s Center. Quickly growing with support of the community, CAPS serves as the cornerstone in awareness and prevention of child abuse in the area. Prevention/Personal Safety Education which started on a limited basis is now provided to all Asheville and Buncombe County schools K thru 5, using the “Talking About Touching” curriculum, an interactive program that empowers children with the abilities to be more open about uneasy situations and avoid or get out of abusive situations.  As CAPS evolves, it now offers the following training for adults; ”Recognizing and Responding to Abuse,” ”Stewards of Children,” child sexual abuse prevention training, and Parenting Ed (“Becoming A Love and Logic Parent”). The organization also offers Crisis Intervention/Counseling for children and families who have experienced abuse.

Native was started by two NC couples who recognized the need for sustainable food practices, and a responsibility that we all share when it comes to our soil, water and air. Native strongly believes in supporting farming techniques, which are sustainable, organic and regenerative. These local farms restore the fabric of rural communities, decrease water and air pollution, preserve and build topsoil and produce wonderful crops. The foods they deliver to our tables are high in nutritive value and are without chemical residue. Their support to these dedicated farmers yields healthier ingredients that strengthens our sense of local community, builds our local economy and, most importantly, it is a vital step toward protecting these resources for future generations. It’s important to Native that they not only provide local food, but that they strive to support our local breweries, artists, musicians and community.

For more information about registration, CAPS and Native, go to www.nativesocialpub.com.

John Cloyd Miller (Red June) Wins MerleFest’s Chris Austin Songwriting Contest: “Cloud of Dust” Places #1 in Bluegrass

John Cloyd Miller (Red June) Wins 2013
MerleFest’s Chris Austin Songwriting Contest

“Cloud of Dust” Places #1 in Bluegrass Category

John Cloyd Miller won first place in the 21st annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest in the bluegrass category at MerleFest 2013. Miller is a vocalist, guitarist and mandolin player for the Asheville-based band, Red June, a nationally touring acoustic Americana trio that includes his wife, fiddler and vocalist Natalya Weinstein, and multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Will Straughan. The winning song, “Cloud of Dust,” appears on Red June’s 2012 sophomore release, Beauty Will Come.

“‘Cloud of Dust’ highlights the frustrations and resolve of a young man during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.” John says, “This song tells the story of what happens when we abuse our land.” Red June kicked off 2013 with the release of a music video for the song which features powerful archival footage from the Dust Bowl.

John Cloyd Miller. Photo by Terry Manier.

Acclaimed NC traditional musician, Riley Baugus, says, “John’s music reminds me of being in the Blue Ridge Mountains, high on a hill all alone and hearing the sound of the mountains coming from all around and filling your soul with the feeling that everything is just right in that place. His voice is strong and pure and harkens back to a time when there was no need for electronic enhancement and tuning adjustments. In short, John is the real thing and is just incredible.”

The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest offers songwriters the opportunity to have their original songs heard by a panel of professional songwriters and others from the Nashville music industry. The 2013 winners were chosen from more than 700 entries. Winners in the Bluegrass category included 1st Place – John Cloyd Miller’s “Cloud of Dust” (Asheville, NC); 2nd Place – Todd Grebe’s “Master of My Destiny”  (Nashville, Tenn.); and 3rd Place – Aaron Burdett’s “Magpie (Saluda, NC). Previous winners of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest include Gillian Welch, Tift Merritt, Michael Reno Harrell, Adrienne Young, Martha Scanlan, David Via and Johnny Williams.

“The talent this year was amazing!” says Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, coordinator of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. “They gave an inspirational performance on the Cabin Stage on Friday evening, sharing their talents and enthusiasm with the crowd.” For more details about the contest, visit www.MerleFest.org/ChrisAustinSongwritingContest.

In 2012, Red June made their MerleFest debut, performing at the 25th anniversary festival. Later that year they released their second full-length album, Beauty Will Come, and performed at numerous shows and festivals across the country including Music City Roots, Suwannee Springfest, Beartrap Summer Festival, and Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival. The band was selected for an official showcase at The Station Inn in Nashville at the Americana Music Association conference, and was featured in the October 2012 issue of Southern Living magazine with Douglas Rogers writing, “Bands like Old Crow Medicine Show, The Avett Brothers, and Red June have recently put the sounds of Appalachia back on the map.”

Red June at MerleFest by Will Sparklin

A native of Hickory, NC, Miller’s musical background includes deep roots in bluegrass. A self-taught musician, he grew up listening to his grandfather, legendary bluegrass fiddler and NC Folk Heritage Award winner, Jim Shumate. After graduating from Appalachian State University, Miller moved to Utah and joined the bluegrass band Lo-Fi Breakdown. Eventually the band relocated to Asheville, NC, and continued to perform until early 2009. Around that same time, Miller, Weinstein, and Straughan formed Red June (named after an heirloom apple variety), a group that emphasizes songwriting while combining elements of bluegrass, old-time, country and American roots music.

“Beauty Will Come by Red June just may be the most stunningly gorgeous country album in years. Everything about it: from the exquisite three-part harmonies and acoustic loveliness of the mandolin, fiddle, guitar and upright bass…This is the epitome of Americana…” says Mike Greenblatt with Rant’n'Roll Aquarian Weekly.

For more information, visit www.redjunemusic.com or www.johncloydmiller.com.