Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for August, 2015

MagFest_11x17_082815SUPERFINALMagnolia Fest 2015 Schedule Announced! Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Avett Brothers, The Del McCoury Band, Keller Williams Grateful Gospel, Lake Street Dive, Jeff Austin Band & more

The 19th Annual Magnolia Fest on October 15-18, 2015
at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL
3076 95th Dr, Live Oak, FL 32060
www.musicliveshere.com | www.magnoliafest.com

More information and tickets → www.magnoliafest.com/tickets/

Magnolia Fest is excited to announce the schedule for this Fall’s event from October 15-18, 2015 at the majestic Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL.

Thursday night headliners include are The Motet followed by Lake Street Dive, Others set to play Thursday include a festival opening set by The Lee Boys followed by Band of Heathens and The Congress along with another full stage of music throughout the day.

Friday night’s main headliner is Tedeschi Trucks Band and other main acts include The Del McCoury Band, Steep Canyon Rangers, Col. Bruce Hampton, Roosevelt Collier & The Travelin McCourys, a late night set from The Motet, The Lost Bayou and others on all 4 stages.

Saturday sees The Avett Brothers headlining and 4 stages of music including Jeff Austin Band, New Orleans Suspects, Rebirth Brass Band, Jim Lauderdale, Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons, another set with Col. Bruce, and a late night show by Donna the Buffalo.

Donna also closes out the night Sunday with their traditional Suwannee music revue of musicians guesting with them to close out the festivities. Others playing Sunday are Keller Williams Grateful Gospel, a second set by Jim Lauderdale, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, and Big Cosmo.

Experience four days of camping, live music, unique arts and crafts, a wonderful selection of foods and beautiful fall weather at a stunning setting in a one-of-a-kind premier music park with 500+ acre campground nestled on the shady banks of the historic, tea-colored Suwannee River with lush overgrowths of Spanish moss. The park also has nearly 12 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and nature exploring, as well as canoe and bike rentals. There’s also campfire pickin’ throughout the festival by attendees and performers alike; you just never know who may show up to play in this energetic and family friendly musical celebration.

Tickets are on sale in advance and at the gate. Ticket rates are $200 until October 14th and $210 at gate. All weekend tickets are inclusive of all taxes and fees, and include 4 days of primitive camping and music. Kids under 12 are invited to join for free. Fans can also upgrade their experience with VIP tickets for $350 through 8/30 ($400 after that) which includes dinner, discounts, VIP Lounge, festival poster, & other perks. The Live Oak Music And Arts Foundation (LOMAF) will have a booth with raffles to raise money for the local music and art programs in the area.

Spirit of Suwannee is located just north of Live Oak, FL between Jacksonville and Tallahassee, about 30 minutes south of the Georgia State line, about 45 minutes north of Gainesville. For RV hook ups, cabin rentals and golf cart rentals, please visit the park’s web site at www.musicliveshere.com call SOSMP at (386)-364-1683. For further information and tickets, please visit → www.magnoliafest.com/tickets.

Magnolia Fest 2015 Full Lineup
Tedeschi Trucks Band
The Avett Brothers
The Del McCoury Band
Keller Williams Grateful Gospel
Lake Street Dive
Jeff Austin Band
Roosevelt Collier & The Travelin McCourys
Steep Canyon Rangers
Rebirth Brass Band
New Orleans Suspects
Donna the Buffalo
Jim Lauderdale
The Motet
Col. Bruce Hampton
Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons
Lost Bayou Ramblers
CeDell Davis
The Lee Boys
The Congress
Band of Heathens
The London Souls
Nikki Talley
The Applebutter Express
Whetherman
Grits & Soul
Sloppy Joe
Quartermoon
Grandpa’s Cough Medicine
The Corbitt Brothers
Quebe Sisters
Big Cosmo
Berry Oakley’s Skylab
Habanero Honeys
Flagship Romance
This Frontier Needs Heroes
JacksonVegas
Bryce Alastair Band
The Mojo Gurus
Back From The Brink
Parker Urban Band
Bonnie Blue
Ivey West Band

Stay up to date with Magnolia Fest news at  www.MagnoliaFest.com, www.facebook.com/MagnoliaFestfl, www.twitter.com/MagnoliaFest, and www.instagram.com/magnoliafest.

Read Full Post »

Photo 1 is by Scott Woody, photo 2 is by Simply Pickin' & the 3rd one is by Debbie Ryder

Photo 1 is by Scott Woody, photo 2 is by Simply Pickin’ & the 3rd one is by Debbie Ryder

Celebrating the Life and Music of Billy Constable at Isis
Thursday, Oct 8, 2015

7:30pm – 1:00am
743 Haywood Rd, West Asheville, North Carolina 28806
http://isisasheville.com/events/celebrating-the-life-and-times-of-billy-constable-2/

RSVP on Facebook here

Billy Constable was a well-known and much loved bluegrass musician from WNC who had been battling terminal brain cancer for the better part of a year. He lost his battle on Saturday, August 22nd, 2015.

His friends have organized a memorial event, The Billy Constable Memorial Jam, to honor this kind-hearted, talented man and the great contribution he has made to the music community of WNC and beyond. It will take place at Isis Restaurant and Music Hall in West Asheville on Thursday, October 8th from 7:30pm-1am.

“The outpouring of stories and memories online about Constable give an idea of the scope of a life dedicated to musical passion, and they tell the story of a kind, gentle soul, always willing to teach to anyone who wanted to learn,” writes Brian Swenk in Boone’s Mountain Times.

Included will be a memorial slideshow and a celebration of his life in a night of live music with Billy’s longtime musical compadres. We hope you will join us as we celebrate the rich legacy he has left us. Suggested donation is $10 at the door. Proceeds to benefit the Constable family. If you cannot make the show, but would like to donate, please do so at http://www.gofundme.com/nuj8ks

The lineup so far includes:
Sassagrass
Butch Robins
Steve McMurry (of Acoustic Syndicate)
Jon Stickley & Lyndsay Pruett (of Jon Stickley Trio)
Bearwallow (2015 MerleFest Band Competition Winners)
Amanda Platt (of The Honeycutters)
Taylor Martin
Sam Wharton
Darren Nicholson Band (of Balsam Range)
Blue Wheel Drive
Robert Greer (with members of Town Mountain)
Jim Rollins
Adam Masters
Billy Cardine
Bobby Miller
Jason and Jacob Burleson
Mary Lucey

more to be announced

More about Billy Constable:

Born March 23, 1959, Billy Constable was a well known and much loved musician from WNC.

Growing up in Avery county, he came from a rich lineage of musicians including; Lulu Belle and Scotty Wiseman, Lawrence Wiseman, David Wiseman, Fiddling Jimmy Wiseman, banjo picker Kent Wiseman, and Billy’s mother, Lois.

Billy formed his first band Leather Britches, and at the age of 14 he hit the road professionally joining Charlie Moore’s band in the early 1970’s. He went on to play with Doug Dillard and in the 80’s his family band The Constables was formed. They also appeared with the late great Rose Maddox in that band. In addition he played with Dick Tyner and Train 45, Ray Parks, and toured with Kenny Baker and Josh Graves.

In recent years he recorded with the Big Daddy Bluegrass Band with Steve McMurry, and Curtis Burch, Larry Keel, String Cheese Incident, Acoustic Forum, Hypnotic Clambake, and formed his own band Sassagrass.

He has shared the stage picking with; Vassar Clements, John Hartford, Butch Robins, Mac Wiseman, Leftover Salmon, Byron Berline, Sam Bush, Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, Jim and Jesse, and the Osborne Brothers, to name a few.

Steeped in the rich knowledge of traditional bluegrass and Appalachian music, but reaching far beyond into gypsy jazz and other eclectic forms of music, he is well known as a musician’s musician.

A master of guitar, banjo, and mandolin, Billy has often been credited with teaching his musical compadres how to play and “play it right,” and we have all become better musicians and better people for knowing him.

Thank you Billy, for sharing your gift with us.  ~ written by Deb Ryder

Read Full Post »

AMABAnner2The Honeycutters, Town Mountain, and Organic Records
Showcasing at AmericanaFest 2015

The Honeycutters. Photo by Sandlin Gaither.

The Honeycutters. Photo by Sandlin Gaither

Honeycutters AMA Showcase
Saturday, September 19th
9pm at The Listening Room
217 2nd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
www.listeningroomcafe.com

The Honeycutters, an Asheville, NC-based original country roots band, released their third studio album, Me Oh My, on April 21, 2015 with Organic Records®. Fueled by the powerful songwriting and vocals of founder Amanda Platt, Me Oh My moves her into the spotlight as producer, band leader, and principal creative force behind the band. With songs that are honest and relatable, part chagrin and part hope, Platt’s voice carries a timeless appeal.

Me Oh My debuted at #33 on the Americana Music Chart and was listed 11 weeks straight in the Americana top 30 chart! They also were just voted Western North Carolina’s Best Americana/ Country band five years running in Mountain Xpress‘ annual Reader’s Poll.

Led by songwriter Amanda Anne Platt, The Honeycutters include Tal Taylor on mandolin, Rick Cooper on bass, Josh Milligan on drums, and Matt Smith rounds out the band on pedal steel, electric guitar, and dobro to create a sound that carries just as well across the bar room as in a church or a theater. Platt’s songs are shaped by a raw honesty that comes straight from the heart and emits a sort of melancholy happiness.

“The new album is the one I’m most proud of to date.” Platt says, “I took much more of a driver’s seat in it’s making, and the process has forced me to do a lot of growing up… I feel like I’ve really found my voice. I’m very excited about the line up of the band, and the songwriting includes some of my very favorites.”

Platt self produced the album along with the help of engineer and assistant producer Jon Ashley. They laid down the all original 14-track album in Echo Mountain Recording Studio and Mixtown Studio in Asheville, NC and it was mixed and mastered just down the road at Crossroads Studios in Arden, NC.

“From the first track – ‘Jukebox’ – to the closer (‘A Life For You’) this is a perfect album of tunes that – in most cases will have you dancing around the room (or at least tapping your toes).” —Steve Ramm, Amazon

“…Platt’s songwriting could be placed in the exceptional category, at least from the evidence Me Oh My presents in her favor. It’s not just the sorrow and sincerity, it’s the insight and the resonance.” —Saving Country Music

“Vocalist Amanda Platt has a voice that’s complex, sweet and aching. Even more potently, she writes songs that folks are citing as up there with the best of the field, such as Mary Gauthier and Lucinda Williams.” —Craig Havighurst, Music City Roots

Town Mountain. Photo by Sandlin Gaither.

Town Mountain. Photo by Sandlin Gaither.

Town Mountain AMA Showcase
Friday, September 18th
Midnight (12am) at The Station Inn
Closing Set, Directly after Willie Watson
402 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
www.stationinn.com

Town Mountain’s hard drivin’ bluegrass sound, tight harmonies, and stellar in-house songwriting have become the band’s trademark. They light up the stage with their honky tonk edge and barroom swagger, featuring a Jimmy Martin-style bounce and confidence that is countered at times by a laid-back John Hartford-esque groove. Town Mountain includes Robert Greer on vocals and guitar, Jesse Langlais on banjo and vocals, Bobby Britt on fiddle, Phil Barker on mandolin and vocals, and Adam Chaffins on bass.

Town Mountain is prolific in songwriting with each member contributing to their well-supplied vat of original material. They’ve been finalizing their next studio release which was produced and engineered by GRAMMY winner Dirk Powell in his studio, The Cypress House, in south Louisiana.

Town Mountain is about to release of Town Mountain: The Dead Session this summer. “Each member of this band has enjoyed the music of the Grateful Dead for quite some time,” says vocalist and guitarist Robert Greer. “It seemed only fitting for Town Mountain to pay respect to some musical heroes in this year, their 50th year of existence.” They recorded an impromptu set of two of their favorite songs from the Grateful Dead’s catalog at Echo Mountain Studios in their hometown of Asheville, NC.

They released their first official live album Town Mountain: Live At The Isis in the summer of 2014 following 2012’s Leave The Bottle and 2011’s Steady Operator (which were both produced by Mike Bub, five-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year). Town Mountain was nominated for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s 2014 Award for “Emerging Artist of The Year” following 2013’s honor of receiving IBMA Momentum Awards for “Band of the Year” and lead singer Robert Greer for “Vocalist of the Year.”

“Phil Barker’s ‘Lawdog’ sounds like an unearthed classic, and the group’s tight harmonies alone make this record [Leave the Bottle] a treat…”– Juli Thanki

“While it remains a bluegrass band in all things instrumentation and touring the bluegrass and festival circuit, its sound crosses into American roots and even outlaw country, perhaps as a result of the gritty, mournful tone of Greer’s vocals. It is reminiscent of the 1970s truck-driving film sound, the perfect accompaniment to a car chase through the south á la ‘Smokey and the Bandit.’”  —Durango Herald, KDUR DJ Bryant Liggett

ama_AD3.5x7.5Organic Records Presents:
The Carolina Ball
Friday September 18th, 5-8pm
at Dan McGuinness Pub
1538 Demonbreun St.
Nashville, TN 37203
www.danmcguinnesspub.com

It’s Friday Happy Hour and this Asheville, NC’s Organic Records® brings you new bands from North Carolina! Come hear the Americana-Honky Tonk sound of The Honeycutters, the classic Country of Merle Haggard’s favorite young band The Malpass Brothers and the working class ballads of Appalachia’s Aaron Burdett. All in Nashville’s beloved Irish house, Dan McGuinness Pub from 5-8pm on AMA Friday.

Organic Records is an eclectic home for a variety of artists that are singularly unique and defy categorization. In a time when music is becoming less defined by genre, Organic artists are developing their own musical identity outside the confines of traditional classifications. Organic Records is their natural habitat. Organic is an independent label based near Asheville, NC. They promote, distribute and market music created by original artists who defy genre categorization. Organic Records is a division of Crossroads Entertainment and Marketing, Inc.

Their team, with decades of music marketing, licensing, distribution and promotional experience, brings artists to the world marketplace. Their award winning, state-of-the-art recording studio has been in operation since 1993 and provides artists with a world-class recording experience. Their marketing division has promoted award-winning and GRAMMY®-nominated albums, and our radio promotion department has achieved multiple #1 singles. Organic Records is dedicated to the sustainable career of their artists and achieves this through cooperative efforts with their artists, their fans, media outlets, and industry relationships.

See all the full schedule for AMA nightime showcases here: http://americanamusic.org/showcase-lineup

Full AMA conference schedule: http://americanamusic.org/daily-schedule

Free AMA Phone App with daily schedules: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/americana-music-fest-conference/id1027451265?ls=1&mt=8


Cheers and see you at AmericanaFest!

Dreamspider_pub_logo_cmyk

Read Full Post »

IBMASo honored and thrilled to announce that I just found out I got nominated for an
International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Momentum Award for Industry Involvement!

… AND Isis Restaurant and Music Hall got nominated for an IBMA Momentum Award for Festival/Event/Venue

.. AND Woody Platt from Steep Canyon Rangers is nominated for IMBA Momentum Award for Mentor!

Asheville’s rockin’ out IBMA this year!

See all the Momentum Award nominees and the IBMA Awards nominees at https://t.e2ma.net/message/mm5ki/a9qbfm

~Cheers!
Erin Scholze, Dreamspider Publicity

Dreamspider_pub_logo_cmyk

Read Full Post »

js3_LostAtLastCoverArt015Jon Stickley Trio Independently Releases Lost at Last on October 6, 2015

Rapid-fire Flatpicking Guitar
Combined with Melodious, Sultry and Wild Violin
And Deep Groove Drums

“At the unlikely intersection of Bluegrass, Jazz and Punk lies the Jon Stickley Trio. A true fusion of American music, this virtuosic trio exploded onto the landscape, leaving listeners scratching their heads, wondering what exactly it was they were hearing, and desperate for the next song to begin. For their second record, Lost at Last, JS3 has, like an open-wheel, open cockpit-race car, abandoned anything frivolous or unnecessary, and this stripped-down, streamlined JS3 is built for speed, dangerous as hell, and irresistible.”
Travis Book, The Infamous Stringdusters

Jon Stickley Trio is set to independently release a 2nd album, Lost at Last, on October 6, 2015. The originality and sheer energy of this genre-bending ensemble serves as a welcome wake up call for those who experience it. With roots in gypsy jazz, bluegrass, and hip-hop, Jon Stickley Trio combines Jon Stickley’s rapid-fire flatpicking guitar with the sultry and wild, yet refined, melodies of Lyndsay Pruett (Futureman) on violin set over the deep groove of Patrick Armitage (Atmosphere) on drums. The three have fused their collective styles into a repertoire of exciting and innovative original music along with some captivating covers.

Lost at Last was recorded in the band’s hometown of Asheville, NC at the iconic Echo Mountain Studios under the watchful eye of producer Dave King (The Bad Plus). While recording the album, King referred to the band’s imaginative sound as “this whole other thing.” King’s creative energy and inspired musical approach led the band deeper and deeper into the heart of their musical consciousness, which led to the solidification of their musical identity.

“Working with our producer Dave King was a life changing experience for us all,” says Stickley. “He is an intense, master musician, but also a hilarious, life-loving, positive, HEAVY, ‘unimpeachable’, inspiring dude! He helped us find ourselves, and his mark on the album is undeniable.” Jon goes on to say, “We succeeded in capturing a lot of spontaneous energy.

Jon Stickley Trio. Photo by Heather Hambor.

Jon Stickley Trio. Photo by Heather Hambor.

Fan-funded through Kickstarter, Lost at Last features eleven tracks including six original tunes. It opens with ”Point-to-Point,” a song that could sum up the Trio’s personality, ranging from delicate syncopated pizzicato interplay to a powerful electo-rock climax featuring Jon’s distinctive flat-picking style. “Darth Radar” is already a crowd favorite at the Trio’s live shows; it was originally inspired by the modern dubstep artists, Skrillex and deadmau5, but over time has settled into an upbeat groove, with elements of ska and the fleet single string tremolo one might hear from Dick Dale, and other surf guitar gods. “Rice Dream,” is Jon’s subtle prayer for Tony Rice, who is one of his biggest musical influences. The song highlights Jon’s nimble picking style and soft harmonic chimes as well as the haunting beauty of Lyndsay’s violin.

Other tracks include the hypnotically enchanting “Goa,” penned by Pruett on the shores of the Indian Ocean, the cinematic and neoclassical “Octapickin,” in which Pruett’s beautiful string arrangements and improvisations take the listener through an emotional dreamscape, and the relaxing and poetic “Pamlico Sound.”

Lost at Last features a handful of covers including The Bad Plus’ “Never Stop”, Tim O’Brien’s “The High Road,” set to a grooving half time feel and break beat reprise, held down by Patrick Armitage on the drums. Lost at Last also features a  ‘Stickley” version of Strength in Numbers’ “Slopes” (written by Bela Fleck, Mark O’Connor). The record also includes a traditional gypsy jazz waltz, “Valse de Wasso,”and ends with “Flight of the Durban,” penned by Stickley’s longtime friend Leftover Salmon’s banjo ripper Andy Thorn.

In their short time together, Jon Stickley Trio has shared the stage with Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters, Leftover Salmon, Larry Keel, and Leon Russell, amongst others. They have thrilled audiences at some of the nation’s top festivals including MerleFest, Floydfest, and Four Corners Folk Fest. Billy Nershi (String Cheese Incident) says, “I’ve had the pleasure of playing with Jon onstage and off. He always plays something I didn’t think was possible.”

This virtuosic band’s experimental compositions are not easily confined, yet remain true to the players’ musical roots lending to an accessible and danceable sound. “The inspiration of blending the rhythmic, fast-paced techniques of bluegrass with songs from the other end of the musical spectrum led to the formation of Stickley’s eponymous trio,” writes Alli Marshall with Asheville’s Mountain Xpress. Through the recording of Lost at Last, the band has honed their fiery, yet sensitive sound to create something that is uniquely the Jon Stickley Trio.

Lost at Last Track Listing
1. Point to Point – original – Stickley
2. The High Road – written by Tim O’Brien
3. Rice Dream – original – Stickley
4. Never Stop – The Bad Plus song – written by Reid Anderson
5. Darth Radar – original – Stickley
6. Octopickin – original – Stickley
7. Slopes – Strength in Numbers – written by Bela Fleck, Mark O’Connor
8. Goa – original – Pruett
9. Valse de Wasso – gypsy jazz song
10. Pamlico Sound – original – Stickley
11. Flight of the Durban – written by Andy Thorn (of Leftover Salmon)

For more information, updates from the road, and tour dates, please visit www.jonstickley.com, www.facebook.com/JonStickleyTrio, and www.twitter.com/StickleyMusic.

Watch the teaser video for Jon Stickley Trio’s music video for “Point to Point” from the new album Lost at Last –>

Jon Stickley Trio on Tour
8/25 Tue – Jammin’ Java – Washington DC (w/ Della Mae)
8/26 Wed – Cat’s Cradle – Carrboro, NC. (w/ Della Mae)
8/27 Thu – Double Door Inn – Charlotte, NC (w/ Old Salt Union)
8/28 Fri – Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC (w/ Della Mae)
8/29 Sat – Private Party – Nebo, NC (w/ Della Mae)
9/03 Thu – Cervantes’ Other Side – Denver, CO (Pre Phish Party)
9/05 Sat – Four Corners Folk Festival – Pagosa Springs, CO
9/07 Mon – Lazy Dog Pub Labor Day Party – Boulder CO (w/ Benny Gallaway)
9/26 -Sat – Snowshoe Mountain – Snowshoe, WV (w/ Shakey Graves and more)
9/29-10/2 Tue-Fri – IBMA Performances TBA – Raleigh, NC
10/3 Sat – House Concert – Selma, NC
10/10 Sat – Isis Music Hall Hometown CD Release Show – Asheville, NC
10/15 Thu – NC State Fair – Raleigh, NC
10/21 Wed – Awendaw Green (4-6pm) – Charleston, SC
10/21 Wed – The Southern (9pm) – Charleston, SC
10/22 Thu – Palmetto Brewing Co – Charleston, SC
10/23 Fri – The Lyric Stage – Tallahassee, FL
10/24 Sat – The Funky Buddha – Boca Raton, FL
10/27 Tue – Terra Fermata – Stuart, FL
10/28 Wed – Guana Banas – Jupiter, FL
10/30-11/1 Fri-Sat – Suwannee Hulaween – Live Oak, FL
11/14 Sat – Red Light Cafe – Atlanta, GA
11/21 Sat – House Concert – Concord, NC
12/2 Wed – Martin’s – Roanoke, VA
12/5 Sat – Cat’s Cradle Back Room – Carrboro, NC
12/11 Fri – Boyd’s Jig and Reel – Knoxville, TN
12/12 Sat – The Basement East – Nashville, TN
12/13 Sun – The Post’s Bluegrass Brunch – Nashville, TN
12/13 Sun – House Concert – Knoxville, TN

More Dates TBA
www.jonstickley.com/tour

Read Full Post »

Help Sheila Shine On:
Cancer Survivorship Benefit for Sheila Shine & SPIRITS RISING at New Mountain on Friday 8/14 w/ Drumming, Music, Great Food and Drink, Dancing and more!

6:30pm doors/ 7pm entertainment; All Ages
Interactive Family Drum Circle with DRUMSTRONG at 7pm (Outside if weather permits)
8:15-9pm KalimbaMan
9:30-11pm: Les Amis
(Feat. Justin & Drew from Toubab Krewe, Adama & Ryan from Zansa, and Kevin “KalimbaMan” Spears)
11:15-12:30: Fireside Collective

Mc’d by poet Barbie Angell

Silent Auction/ Raffle; $10 Suggested Donation (includes raffle ticket)
Office: 828.785.1701
38 N French Broad Ave • Asheville, NC 28801
www.newmountainavl.com
www.facebook.com/events/989675674409942/

ASHEVILLE, NC — New Mountain in Asheville has generously offered their space to host multiple benefits  for Sheila McGuire, or Sheila Shine as most know her. The 2nd of which is set for Friday, August 14th at New Mountain. Performers for the evening include progressive folk-grassers Fireside Collective, the international country music sounds ranging from West Afrique to Western North Carolina by Les Amis (feat. Justin Perkins and Drew Heller from Toubab Krewe, Adama Dembele and Ryan Reardon from Zansa and Kevin “KalimbaMan” Spears), and an acoustic/electronic mix of funk, afro-beat, latin, trance with a dash of rock from KalimbaMan.

ShineOnSheila_7_21_15_ByCameronYeager18

Barbie Angell. Photo by Cameron Yeager.

Poet, writer, comedian & artist Barbie Angell will be on the scene as an MC for the event. It will be one of Barbie’s first performances since tying for 1st place in Mountain Xpress’ 2015 readers poll for “Best Local Poet”. Mountain Xpress says she is “known for her mischievous sense of humor, her fanciful, elfin-inspired fashion, and (most importantly) her poetry.”

Doors open at 6:30pm with an Interactive Family Drum Circle with DRUMSTRONG starting at 7pm (outside if weather permits). Bring your drum for an opening ceremony to drum in honor of, or in memory of, for your own fortification or just out of the goodness of your heart.

There will also be a silent auction and raffle including an ongoing raffle to win two VIP tickets to String Cheese Incident’s Suwannee Hulaween in Live Oak, Fl over Halloween weekend (a Hulaween winner will be draw at the next event, taking place on September 24th). New Mountain is also donating tickets to raffle off on the 14th to a handful of upcoming shows including Hard Working Americans (8/21), Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band w/ Jonathan Scales Fourchestra (8/27), Ben Lovett’s Time Machine Dance Party (8/28), and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe+Earphunk (9/19). Also up for raffle are two month-long yoga passes to Veda Studios. There is a $10 suggested donation for benefit (which includes a raffle ticket). Please stay tuned for details on future “Shine On” events.

Sheila Shine at New Mountain. Photo by Cameron Yeager.

Sheila Shine at New Mountain. Photo by Cameron Yeager.

Last year, Sheila was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since August 19, 2014, she has endured five cancer surgeries including a double mastectomy, along with dealing with chronic back pain from an injury she sustained when hit by a drunk driver in 2005. Her final surgery blessedly came back with positive results of being cancer free as of June 19th, 2015. Although she is now receiving Medicaid, the financial burden of having not been able to work, coupled with other health care and living costs, has put her livelihood in jeopardy. In the midst of her health crisis, Sheila has also been fighting to keep her beloved mountain sanctuary home Spirits Rising, in Little Pine Valley of Marshall where she has lived since 2007, which is facing foreclosure.

It is difficult enough to endure a trauma to one’s physical body, let alone have trauma in their sense of security and place of refuge. With the support of a wide network of friends and festival family, Sheila has been able to open up and talk about her experience with others and is working toward manifesting her dream of making her home a mountain retreat for musicians and others with cancer to recuperate.

Now let’s help her get back on her feet financially and celebrate life while doing so.

The Sheila Shine Foundation will blossom by your participating in committing to share your pulse and making tax deductible donations through DrumsForCures’ 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donate via PayPal at scott@drumstrong.org and make sure to note the donation is in honor of in honor of Sheila Shine on the email. This charitable Contribution to DrumStrong will give money to Spirits Rising directly with 10% going to DrumsForCures, as will funds raised at each event.

ShineOnSheila_7_21_15_ByCameronYeager8DRUMSTRONG is a supporting partner in the “Help Sheila Shine On” events where folks will enjoy great music, solid health resources, great art/raffles, fun activities, and a powerful drum circle to BEAT cancer. DrumsForCures produces DRUMSTRONG events raising awareness & funds in support of cancer survivorship, education & research through Rhythm. All cancers, All populations are represented. DRUMSTRONG’s Scott Swimmer writes, “Join DRUMSTRONG Rhythm as we celebrate survivorship and boost our dear friend Sheila to higher ground. Lord knows she needs your support; and in doing so, also benefit thousands of people globally.”

Stay up to date with more news from Sheila & Friends and about the benefits at her facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/SheilaShineOn

ShineOnSheila_7_21_15_ByCameronYeager

Read Full Post »

2015-09-03 - Everyone Orchestra2EVERYONE ORCHESTRA BRINGS IT’S IMPROVISED PERFORMANCE TO CERVANTES’ MASTERPIECE BALLROOM IN DENVER ON THU-FRI 9/3-4

Everyone Orchestra is conducted by Matt Butler
Featured in these appearances are:
Kris Myers (drums- Umphrey’s McGee, Rob Mercurio (bass- Galactic),  Aron Magner (keys-Disco Biscuits), Vernon Reid (guitar-Living Colour), Durga McBroom (Vocals-Pink Floyd), Jennifer Hartswick (Trumpet/Vocals- Trey Anastasio Band), Natalie Cressman (Trombone/Vocals-Trey Anastasio Band), Eddie Roberts (guitar-New Mastersounds)

Also featured on Thursday, Sept 3rd are:
Paul Hoffman (Mandolin-Greensky Bluegrass) &  Jason Hann (Percussion-String Cheese Incident)

It’s a dual venue Phish Pre-Party & Post-Party with Touchpants both nights!
(ft. Colby Dix, Chris Friday, Aram Bedrosian and Jon Fishman)

TICKETING DETAILS
Thursday, Sept 3rd – Phish Pre-Party
EO & Touchpants in The Ballroom
Start Making Sense (Ultimate Talking Heads Tribute) w/ Love Canon, Great American Taxi and Jon Stickley Trio at The Other Side
16+, doors 6pm/ show 7pm; $20 Early Bird / $25 Advance / $30 Day of Show
Tickets: www.cervantesmasterpiece.com/event/930643-everyone-orchestra-denver/

Friday, Sept 4th – Phish Post Party
Everyone Orchestra in the Ballroom and Touchpants in The Other Side
16+; doors 11pm / show 11:59pm
Tickets Ballroom for EO:  
$20 Advance / $25 Day Of Show
www.cervantesmasterpiece.com/event/930999-phish-after-show-everyone-denver/
Friday Tickets Dual Venue:
$30 Advance / $35 Day Of Show
www.cervantesmasterpiece.com/event/932517-phish-after-show-dual-venue-denver/

Cervantes’ is located at 2637 Welton Street, Denver, CO, 80203
www.cervantesmasterpiece.com

Everyone Orchestra’s conductor and founder Matt Butler has been leading a rotating cast of accomplished musicians through entirely improvised performances, since 2001. Butler’s unique style of conducting is groundbreaking in that he has essentially created an entirely new way to perform and experience music. Butler says, “Playing with different musicians, improvising every night, and getting the crowd involved in ways that they can’t be at a regular show has provided an unparalleled live music experience.”

Everyone Orchestra’s performances in Denver, CO at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom on Thursday and Friday, September 3rd and 4th feature Kris Myers (drums- Umphrey’s McGee), Rob Mercurio (bass- Galactic), Aron Magner (keys-Disco Biscuits), Vernon Reid (guitar-Living Colour), Durga McBroom (Vocals-Pink Floyd), Jennifer Hartswick (Trumpet/Vocals- Trey Anastasio Band), Natalie Cressman (Trombone/Vocals-Trey Anastasio Band), and Eddie Roberts (guitar-New Mastersounds). Special guests Paul Hoffman (Mandolin-Greensky Bluegrass) and Jason Hann (Percussion-String Cheese Incident) will also be joining in on Thursday. Pre and post Phish Parties!

EO_MattButler_CreditMichaelWeintrob_8120-Edit

Everyone Orchestra’s Matt Butler. Photo by Michael Weintrob.

Having marched clearly into uncharted territory, Everyone Orchestra is an avant-garde conceptual and collaborative performance which deeply encourages and requires audience interaction. Both the band and the audience start the show with a clean slate to help co-create a dynamic musical experience, with Butler receiving ideas from the audience to help set the course of action. Tuning in to Butler’s energy and pantomime, The Conductor is utilized as a pivot to the set mood of each passing jam as he communicates musical concepts using hand signs, whiteboard and assorted mime suggestions. The edge of your seat enthusiasm for what is next is the fuel behind the continuous musical experiment of  Everyone Orchestra.

“I feel like it’s part of my job, and paramount, to not have too many preconceptions,” he said. “But the only preconceptions I have going in are to create a really dynamic show from beginning to end, have it have a nice arc, and that all the musicians get a chance to shine. I want to keep them challenged and engaged. It’s a playground for musicians that I’m trying to create,” says Matt in an interview with Examiner.

“[In each city] Butler will have another group with which he can create the beautiful chaos this act is known for. Simply put, there is no set list to be confined to, no certain marks to hit over the course of the night. Butler makes his way to the front of the stage, and it’s off to the races, testing the limits of his players while also showing how good music is when everything clicks in the midst of an improvised set.” writes Examiner’s Thomas Gerbasi. “At this point, Butler almost has it down to a science, at least as much as you can on a speeding car that could veer off the road at any moment.”

EO balances the challenges of live group improvisation with triumphant tension and release conduits of music which head deep into the heart filled with the aspiration of creating shared magical moments.

What is Everyone Orchestra http://vimeo.com/36999515
Musicians Describe Everyone Orchestra http://vimeo.com/33037192
Musicians from across a wide spectrum of styles and backgrounds describe their experiences with Everyone Orchestra.

For more information, tour dates, videos, downloads & more, please visit  www.everyoneorchestra.comwww.facebook.com/EveryoneOrchestra, & www.twitter.com/every1orchestra

Read Full Post »

the barn bannerLevonHelmLevon Helm Studios Presents Donna the Buffalo
Friday, September 4, 2015


“There are many meaningful, inspirational, and important happenings on this musical life journey and I will say that having had the great fortune to meet Levon Helm, and play music along side him was at the very top of my list. Levon was a soulful and beautiful spirit through and through, perhaps the most soulful and inspiring musician I’ve ever heard or watched play. I had the great honor of playing the Midnight Ramble after recording ‘Wood And Stone’ [2011] there and I am very excited to be returning to The Barn with Donna The Buffalo. It is a truly special place. A truly hallowed hall.” —Tara Nevins, Donna the Buffalo

Gates 6pm/ Show 8pm; Seating $35/ Standing Room $25
More info at http://levonhelm.com/midnight_ramble.htm
Levon Helm Studios: 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock, NY 12498
845.679.2744

Distinctive, groove-heavy, and danceable,
Donna the Buffalo is a band for the people

Having started in 1989, Donna the Buffalo just passed the marker as their 25th year as a band and have proven to be a true purveyor of American music. What’s the recipe? To be sure, it’s infused with more spices than you’ll find at a Cajun cookout by way of a southern-fried, rockin’ country old-time jamboree. “For the dizzying array of styles and genres with which they work, Donna The Buffalo maintain a surprising level of consistency… over the course of their 25-year career, they retain a sharp focus that has helped them create some truly lasting music…” writes Elmore. “Few groups are this comfortable as performers, and even fewer would take as many risks.”

DtB_2013_byBillDavis

Donna the Buffalo. Photo by Bill Davis.

Donna the Buffalo is Jeb Puryear (vocals, electric guitar) and Tara Nevins (vocals, guitar, fiddle, accordion, scrubboard) joined by David McCracken (Hammond organ, Honer Clavinet & piano), Kyle Spark (bass) and Mark Raudabaugh (drums). “It’s been really fun with this lineup,” Puryear says. “You get to the point where you’re playing on a really high level, things are clicking and it’s like turning on the key to a really good car. It just goes.”

“You have to do just what you want to do, and everyone likes different things,” Nevins says. “Both Jeb and I come from this background of old-time fiddle music, which is very natural, very real, very under-produced, and all about coming from the gut—flying by the seat of your pants. So we have that in us, too.”

Donna the Buffalo has also announced The Stampede: A tour to raise awareness to the inappropriate use of corporate money in politics. They’ve joined forces with Ben Cohen, Co-Founder of Ben & Jerry’s, who has started stamping slogans on currency in protest (stampstampede.org). “As a band, we have made a long term commitment to join this burgeoning movement,” says Jeb Puryear. “It is clear to us that we will never get significant government action on issues like healthcare, student debt, wall street banks, the environment, and corporate tax evasion until we outlaw legalized corporate bribery of our politicians.”

They are joining forces with legendary American roots music troubadour Peter Rowan to kick off The Stampede in the Fall of 2015 and are looking to snowball the tour into the election year to raise awareness to the topic. Peter Rowan says, “At last, it comes around again; making music with Donna the Buffalo, one of my favorites.”

All Music Guide says their most recent album, Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday (2013 Sugar Hill Records), “highlights everything this consistent band does, and it has a warm, live-sounding production… This is what 21st century Americana sounds like, a little bit of this and that from anywhere wrapped up into a poignant, jamming dance reel, a place where the past and history meet easily in the immediate now and everybody feels like dancing.”

Donna the Buffalo has toured the nation for over twenty five years with an ever-evolving grassroots sound and plans to keep on doing so for many years to come.

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

What folks are saying about Donn the Buffalo:

“Multi-instrumentalist Tara Nevins and Jeb Puryear, both ace guitarists, split vocals and writing for this band that’s country, old-timey, rock and roll, and well, just all around great. Best tune? Pick any one.” —Vintage Guitar

“I first encountered DtB at MerleFest in the late 1990s. They were to me an unknown band with a weird name in the dance tent. I got seduced by Tara Nevins’ accordion and swishy beats and next thing I knew I was soaked with sweat and losing myself. They’re the EDM of Americana.“ —Music City Roots’ Craig Havighurst

“Initially inspired by Appalachian string music, they’ve since incorporated folk, pop, soul, zydeco, and psychedelic rock. Meanwhile, Jeb Puryear’s reedy tenor and Tara Nevins’ husky comely croon complement each other with their earthy charm, yet as songwriters they each possess their own distinct character.” –Charleston Scene

The beauty of Donna’s presentation and the secret of their success and longevity is the purely organic way they weave genres together without diluting them. Many bands can’t generate this kind of enthusiasm and energy in half as much time and with half as many albums that Donna the Buffalo have over twentysomething years and ten studio albums.” —Cleveland Scene

“They’ve got some real chops in just about every department.” —The Nashville Scene

“Donna the Buffalo is quite simply one of the groovin’est bands in America — a bona-fide American institution.” —New Haven Register

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

Read Full Post »

AMP_PRMeeting_8_2015Asheville Music Professionals Presents:
Music Marketing and Publicity Workshop

at The Grey Eagle on Tuesday, August 25th
Free Event! 6-8pm
185 Clingman Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
www.TheGreyEagle.com

RSVP on Facebook
Find out more at
www.AshevilleMusicProfessionals.com

Join Asheville Music Professionals (AMP) at The Grey Eagle on Tuesday, August 25th for a free workshop on the best practices of marketing for musicians with publicists Crissa Requate and Erin Scholze, author and editor Alli Marshall, as well as non-profit director and events publicist Josh Stack. The workshop goes from 6-8pm and will feature a panel discussion exploring topics ranging from when to hire a publicist, what a publicity campaign consists of, and creative ways to promote your band through social media.

Seyrn performs that evening at 9pm, just after the workshop. Expect a dynamic show featuring layered textures of guitars, ukulele, accordion, bass, violin, banjo and various percussion. The Dallas Observer raves the band displays “beautiful arrangements (both in instrumentation and in vocal harmonies) and an epic “big sky” sound that, at times, seems more fitting washing over dilapidated wooden pews in an old church than the usual torn-up couches, vinyl booths and barstools of area venues.” As a special for AMP attendees, The Grey Eagle is offering a discounted $8 ticket price to the show (reg price $10 ADV / $12 DOS).

Topics covered in the AMP Music Marketing and Publicity Workshop include:

  • How to work with media, when to send a press release and what it should entail, best ways to ensure coverage and what NOT to do
  • Assembling a music team: What are the first steps and each person’s role? How the team ties in to the whole process of growing a band (ie. management, booking agents, publicists, radio promoters and their relationships to venues promoters, journalists, radio programmers, photographers, etc.)
  • When is the right time to hire a publicist?
  • What does a publicist do?
  • What your publicist needs from you
  • What are the press materials band needs for promotion? (ie. professionally written and current bio, high resolution press shots, music videos, tour posters, etc.)
  • The cycle of working a record
  • The importance of radio promotion
  • Cross promoting: when and when not to join forces with another band/nonprofit/business to increase media exposure and draw
  • The importance of social media

More about each panelist:

masonjarmedia-logoCrissa Requate is CEO and Founder of Mason Jar Media. Based in Asheville, NC, Mason Jar Media provides creative publicity and radio promotions campaigns for festivals, artists, events, and brands. Requate has over 10 years experience as a music publicist and moved to Asheville in 2007 from Brooklyn, NY. Her current client roster includes Bonnaroo, Forecastle, Shaky Knees And Shaky Boots, Brewgrass, Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa Festival in Mexico and the WayHome Festival in Toronto. Artists on the Mason Jar Media roster include ALO, Perpetual Groove, TAUK, Earphunk, Rising Appalachia, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, and The Hip Abduction. www.masonjarmedia.com

Dreamspider_pub_logo_rgbErin Scholze is Founder and Sole-Proprietor of Dreamspider Publicity. She offers services to musicians which include album promotion and national publicity for touring bands as well as festival and event marketing, social networking and consultations about the basics of self-promotion. Her current clients include Donna the Buffalo, Everyone Orchestra, The Duhks, Town Mountain, The Honeycutters, Tellico, Jon Stickley Trio, Suwannee Springfest, Magnolia Fest, and Songlines Americana and AAA Radio Promotion. She’s represented a variety of other acts throughout the years, including many from Asheville. Erin headed up LAAFF as Stage Entertainment and Marketing Director from 2002-2010 and also has planned, promoted, and/ or consulted on a plethora of other music events during her career. www.dreamspider.net

rockstars frontAlli Marshall is the Arts Section Editor at Mountain Xpress. She’s been on staff with the local publication since 2003. Alli grew up in Western New York and moved to North Carolina to attend Warren Wilson College. She’s been published in music and lifestyle magazines such as Our State, Metro Pop, Shuffle and Blurt!; her debut novel is How to Talk to Rockstars. www.alli-marshall.com

.

supportfateJosh Stack is Founder and Executive Director of local nonprofit FATE – Funding America Through Entertainment, which media campaigns to publicize corporate philanthropic activity in conjunction with high profile entertainment events. Stack has worked professionally as a musician, and enjoyed PR success in the corporate, nonprofit, and entertainment industries. Clients that he works with include Widespread Panic, Gov’t Mule, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Bruce Hornsby, Jim James, amongst others. www.supportfate.org

1506769_281022212106422_8110020515083775748_nAsheville Music Professionals aims to set the standard for good music business practices while acting as a common voice for the Asheville music industry. AMP offers membership educational workshops, fun events and socials all targeted at advancing local music business. With a focus that extends from touring bands to recording studios, venues to festivals, and gear manufacturers to instrument repair shops, this hard working group of volunteers intends to make a positive impact on the lives of musicians and music lovers like you. The Mission is to provide education, advocacy, connection and collaboration for the people who work and thrive in music in Buncombe County.

Find out more about Asheville Music Professionals and how to get involved at www.AshevilleMusicProfessionals.com

Read Full Post »

stampede tour poster updatedFINAL-page-001The Stampede: Donna the Buffalo & Peter Rowan on Tour This Fall
“United to Stamp $ Out of Politics”
with Ben Cohen (Co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s)

The Stampede Tour Dates:
11/11 Wed – Ardmore Music Hall – Ardmore, PA
11/12 Thu – Highline Ballroom – New York, NY
11/13 Fri – German House – Rochester, NY
11/14 Sat – The Ridgefield Playhouse – Ridgefield, CT
11/15 Sun – Spruce Peak – Stowe, VT
11/18 Wed – Ziggy’s By The Sea – Wilmington, NC
11/19 Thu – Ziggy’s – Winston-Salem, NC
11/20 Fri – The Neighborhood Theatre – Charlotte, NC
12/2 Wed – Mainstage – Morgantown, WV
12/3 Thu – The Kent Stage – Kent, OH
12/4 Fri – Old Town School of Folk Music – Chicago, IL
More dates TBA

American roots music troubadours, Donna the Buffalo and Peter Rowan, are teaming up with Ben Cohen, Co-Founder of Ben Jerry’s, for The Stampede: A tour to raise awareness to the inappropriate use of corporate money in politics. Peter Rowan says, “At last, it comes around again; making music with Donna the Buffalo, one of my favorites.” In the Fall of 2015, The Stampede lands in Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, North Carolina, West Virginia, Ohio, and Illinois. Stay tuned for more dates to be announced.

The Stampede is led by Ben Cohen, Co-Founder of Ben and Jerry’s. It uses a simple and effective tactic of rubber stamping messages on paper currency as a demonstration of public demand and outrage.

“Since 2000, special interest groups have poured over $11 billion into federal elections. The absurd level of money in politics from corporations and billionaires is raping and corrupting our democracy. The Stampede is a demonstration of public outrage and its working,” stated Cohen.

“As a band, we have made a long term commitment to join this burgeoning movement,” says Jeb Puryear of Donna the Buffalo. “It is clear to us that we will never get significant government action on issues like healthcare, student debt, wall street banks, the environment, and corporate tax evasion until we outlaw legalized corporate bribery of our politicians.”

By special arrangement Stampede rubber stamps, which normally sell for $10, will be available at the shows for a suggested donation of $5. Every stamped bill gets seen by 875 people once it goes into circulation. If 3000 stampers stamps three bills a day for a year it will create 2.8 BILLION impressions as the bills go into circulation.

“Its totally legal and it’s very satisfying to stamp a stack of bills knowing you’re part of a growing grassroots movement putting this message out there,” says Puryear.

Donna the Buffalo

Donna the Buffalo

About Donna The Buffalo:
www.DonnaTheBuffalo.com

Having started in 1989, Donna the Buffalo has passed the marker as their 25th year as a band and have proven to be a consistent purveyor of American music. “For the dizzying array of styles and genres with which they work, Donna The Buffalo maintain a surprising level of consistency. The New York-based band has played around with folk, zydeco, and many other musical ideas over the course of their 25-year career, but they retain a sharp focus that has helped them create some truly lasting music,” writes Elmore Magazine.

Donna the Buffalo is Jeb Puryear (vocals, electric guitar) and Tara Nevins (vocals, guitar, fiddle, accordion, scrubboard) joined by David McCracken (Hammond organ, Honer Clavinet & piano), Kyle Spark (bass) and Mark Raudabaugh (drums). “It’s been really fun with this lineup,” Puryear says. “You get to the point where you’re playing on a really high level, things are clicking and it’s like turning on the key to a really good car. It just goes.”

“You have to do just what you want to do, and everyone likes different things,” Nevins says. “Both Jeb and I come from this background of old-time fiddle music, which is very natural, very real, very under-produced, and all about coming from the gut—flying by the seat of your pants. So we have that in us, too.”

prowan_timbenko1About Peter Rowan:
www.Peter-Rowan.com

Grammy-award winner and six-time Grammy nominee Peter Rowan is a singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades. From his early years playing under the tutelage of Bluegrass veteran Bill Monroe, to his time in Old & In the Way and breakout as a solo musician and bandleader, Rowan has built a devoted, international fan base through a solid stream of records, collaborative projects, and constant touring.

Rowan began his professional career in 1963 as the singer, rhythm guitarist and songwriter for the Bluegrass Boys, led by the founding father of bluegrass, Bill Monroe. “One thing I started to like about the Monroe style was that there was a lot more blues in it than other styles of bluegrass,” reflects Rowan. “It was darker  It had more of an edge to it. And yet it still had the ballad tradition in it, and I loved that.”

Rowan often performs as a solo singer-songwriter internationally and stateside he plays in three bands: the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, a quintet featuring Keith Little, Chris Henry, Blaine Sprouse and Paul Knight; Big Twang Theory and its Texas Cousin Twang n Groove and rock band The Free Mexican Air Force.


StampStampedeLogoAbout The Stampede:
www.StampStampede.org

The Stampede is tens of thousands of Americans legally stamping messages on our Nation’s currency to #GetMoneyOut of Politics. As the amount of stamped money grows, so does the movement to amend the Constitution. The Stampede is a project of People Power Initiatives, a Vermont-based 501c3 non-profit organization.

There is a national movement afoot to #GetMoneyOut of politics. Over 5 million people have signed petitions in support of a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and our lawmakers are beginning to listen. We’re over 33% of the way to an amendment with 16 states voting for it and 150 Members of Congress support it. Every dollar you stamp will reach 875 people, if you stamp 5 dollars a day for a year, that’s over a million.

“Together, we can create a stampede that Congress can’t ignore,” says Ben Cohen the co-founder of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. “Some people say that a constitutional amendment is impossible, but nearly every generation has amended the Constitution to protect and expand our democracy. This is our generation’s fight to win.”

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »