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Archive for February, 2017

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Anastasia Music Festival is a Three-Day Celebration of Bluegrass Music

At The St. Augustine Amphitheatre Thursday, March 16-Saturday, March 18, 2017

Stage Schedules & After Parties Announced!
www.anastasiamusicfestival.com/schedule/

St. Augustine, Fla. — In an epic three-day celebration of traditional and modern bluegrass music, the Anastasia Music Festival will feature over 20 of the brightest bluegrass stars performing live at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Thursday, March 16 through Saturday, March 18.  Set to perform are The Del McCoury Band, David Grisman’s Bluegrass Experience, Sam Bush, Elephant Revival, Fruition, Cabinet, Jeff Austin Band, The Travelin’ McCourys, Mandolin Orange, Sierra Hull, The Broomestix, Dustbowl Revival, Joe Pug, Jon Stickley Trio, The Honeycutters and more!

Anastasia Music Festival is excited to announce late night parties each night! On Thursday, Taylor Martin will host the “Anastasia Park Players” at Hoptinger St Augustine. Firewater Tent Revival Band hosts Friday night, also at Hoptinger St Augustine. Jon Stickley Trio & Friends perform Saturday’s late night at Elks Lodge. Expect lots of special guests and late night fun! Music will be on three stages of music at the St. Augustine Amphitheater and runs until 10pm on Thursday and 10:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights with the late night parties starting directly following.

“Bluegrass music has such a rich history and to host a three-day festival celebrating the genre at the Amphitheatre is truly special,” says Ryan Murphy, Director of the St. Johns County Cultural Events Division which owns and operates the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. “We hope that music fans of all ages and families from all over will come out and enjoy traditional and modern bluegrass among the natural park setting of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre.”

This family-friendly event also features a Kid’s Tent on Friday and Saturday featuring fun activities for children and Brenda Star Walker will host daily yoga on Friday and Saturday. Children 10 and under are free with paid adult admission. Information on camping packages and other accommodations are available online at www.anastasiamusicfestival.com.

The Daily Lineup:

Performing on Thursday, March 16 will be Fruition, The Broomestix, The Honeycutters, Grits & Soul, Nikki Talley, Taylor Martin, and more to be announced. Gates are at 3pm with music starting at 4pm and music ends on Thursday at 10pm.

Friday, March 17 will feature performances by The Del McCoury Band, David Grisman’s Bluegrass Experience, The Travelin’ McCourys, Elephant Revival, Fruition, Cabinet, The Broomestix, Dustbowl Revival, Mandolin Orange, Jon Stickley Trio, The Honeycutters, Joe Pugg, Grits & Soul, Nikki Talley, Taylor Martin, Flagship Romance, I Like Dandelions, and Paper Bird. Gates are at 11am with music starting at 12pm and ending at Friday at 10:30pm.

Saturday, March 18 performances include sets by Grateful Ball with The Travelin’ McCourys and Jeff Austin, Sam Bush, The Del McCoury Band, Cabinet, Fruition, The Jeff Austin Band, Sierra Hull, Mandolin Orange, Jon Stickley Trio, Dustbowl Revival, Joe Pugg, Taylor Martin, Nikki Talley, Town Meeting, West King Band, Alastair – Byrd Revue, Robbie Dammit & The Broken Strings, and Remedy Tree. Gates are at 11am with music starting at 12pm and ending at 10:30pm.

More information on all the performers can be found online at www.anastasiamusicfestival.com in addition to camping and hotel accommodations, as well as volunteer and vending information. VIP, Three-day, and Single day tickets for the Anastasia Music Festival are on sale now at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Box Offices, online at ticketmaster.com, all authorized TicketMaster outlets, or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Anastasia Music Festival Full Lineup- 2017
The Del McCoury Band x2
David Grisman’s Bluegrass Experience
Sam Bush
Elephant Revival
Fruition x3
Cabinet x2
Jeff Austin Band
The Travelin’ McCourys x2
Mandolin Orange x2
Sierra Hull
The Broomestix x2
Dustbowl Revival x2
Joe Pug
Jon Stickley Trio x2
The Honeycutters
Grits & Soul x2
Nikki Talley x2
Taylor Martin x2
The Applebutter Express
Paper Bird
Flagship Romance
Town Meeting
West-King String Band
Alastair-Byrd Revue
Remedy Tree
I Like Dandelions
Robbie Dammit & The Broken Strings
Steve Pruett

Late Night Parties:

Thursday, March 16 @ 10:30pm at Hoptinger St Augustine
“Anastasia Park Players” hosted by Taylor Martin
200 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, FL
No Cover

Friday, March 17 @ 10:30pm at Hoptinger St Augustine
Firewater Tent Revival Band
200 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, FL
No Cover

Saturday, March 18 at 11:00pm at Elks Lodge
Jon Stickley Trio & Friends
1420 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL
Tickets: $10 @ the door

For more information and to stay up to date on news, please visit www.anastasiamusicfestival.com, www.facebook.com/AnastasiaMusicFestival, www.twitter.com/AnastasiaFest17, www.instagram.com/anastasiafest17, and www.staugamphitheatre.com.

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Balsam Range. Photo By David Simchock

Balsam Range Is Casting Acoustic Spells with Mountain Voodoo,
Their Most Recent Release on Mountain Home Music Company

The Boot Premieres a Music Video of “Eldorado Blue”

Filmed at Crossroads Studios near Asheville, N.C., the music video for ‘Eldorado Blue’ provides an intimate glimpse into Balsam Range’s process of laying down tracks in the studio; those clips are juxtaposed with shots of Small Town USA.”

Watch “Eldorado Blue” at The Boot→    
www.theboot.com/balsam-range-eldorado-blue-music-video/

Asheville, NC — Balsam Range is currently touring in support of Mountain Voodoo, their sixth studio album, on Mountain Home Music Company. With it, they are offering something that is sure to continue to mesmerize fans of bluegrass and beyond with elements of jazz, country, gospel, swing, and old-time music that are all infused into the fresh sound of this unique Southern band. It’s five distinct personalities creating one remarkable musical experience.

balsamrangemtnvoodoowallcovMountain Voodoo [Released 11/11/17] is like the book of life “Chapter Six” for Balsam Range; 13-tracks filled with songs of journey, home, sense of place, hardcore drive, and longing. There are fiery instrumental parts alternating with heavy, deep ballads overlaid by the vocal harmonies the group has become known for.

Balsam Range is Buddy Melton (Fiddle, Lead and Tenor Vocals), Darren Nicholson (Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Lead Vocals, Baritone and Low Tenor Vocals), Dr. Marc Pruett (Banjo), Tim Surrett (Bass, Dobro, Baritone and Lead Vocals), and Caleb Smith (Guitar, Lead & Baritone Vocals). The five original members, who are celebrating their 10th year together this March, are all acoustic musicians and singers from North Carolina. They thoughtfully and respectfully adopted the name of a majestic range of mountains that surrounds part of their home county of Haywood, NC where the Smokies meet the Blue Ridge, the Balsam Range.

What Folks Are Saying:

“Fans who grew up in a small town will find plenty to relate to in ‘Eldorado Blue,’ a song that explores the dilemma of whether or not you even want to spread your wings and leave home. Balsam Range describe the song as ‘a story of finding oneself and recognizing contentment in life is something we can all stand to do.’”
Amy McCarthy for The Boot’s World Premiere of the Music Video for “Eldorado Blue

“So consistently impressive that we no longer expect their albums to be ‘better than their last,’ in less than a decade Balsam Range has hit the plateau of excellence few groups achieve. Like The Del McCoury Band, Blue Highway, and Alison Krauss & Union Station before them, a new release from Balsam Range is measured against their individual legacy. Mountain Voodoo lacks nothing.”
Country Standard Time, Donald Teplyske’s Favorite Bluegrass Albums of 2016

“Already accomplished musicians, in a decade they’ve won ten IBMA awards (International Bluegrass Music Association) released five albums, toured nationally, made multiple Grand Ole Opry stops and, in general, have become icons in the world of professional bluegrass. The fellas can both sing and pick.”
Asheville Citizen Times, Carol Rifkin

“Its theme – pride of place and trying to make it in a small town – is visited throughout Mountain Voodoo. The material comes mostly from top bluegrass songwriters, especially band friend Milan Miller, who contributed the swinging honky tonker ‘Hello Heartache.’”
Stream WMOT Roots Radio’s 90 Second Spin with Craig Havighurst

“These guys just keep getting better. How good is this one? There’s a potential song of the year here… the laurels go to Aaron Bibelhauser’s ‘Blue Collar Dreams’, an anthem for working stiffs everywhere that’s been dominating the charts. The song has quite a pedigree.”
Bluegrass Today, David Morris’ Top Albums of the 2016

“The men of the Range continue to make some of the best music in the industry. This is a fitting follow up to Five, which is a LARGE statement. I expect some of the CD to do well through the first qtr/half of 2017.”
Flashpoint Bluegrass Radio, Jeff Miller’s 2016 Bluegrass CDs to Remember

“Stepping over boundaries seems to be a part of Balsam Range’s DNA.”
News & Record/ Greensboro.com, Grant Britt

“They’re groovy. Balsam Range reminds us that bluegrass can be dancing music, hip-swinging music, backbeat music, as rhythmically hypnotic as all the plugged-in genres that formed in its wake. ‘It’s hillbilly soul!’ says mandolin player Darren Nicholson.’”
The Bluegrass Situation, Joseph Terrell

“They kick the album off with a bang. Pure (what they at one time called) Newgrass, the kind of stuff on which Tony Rice and Ricky Skaggs based their reputations. Acoustic guitar (mostly picked), bass, mandolin, fiddle and banjo, and voices. The voices are crucial. You can jig and reel and you can breakdown without vocals but you cannot have the best of what bluegrass offers without voices. Think Seldom Scene and Doyle Lawson. Think harmonies sung by angels. Think harmonies stacked to the ceiling. There isn’t anything like it, or as some of my friends would say, ‘There ain’t nothin’ lak it.’”
No Depression, Frank Gutch Jr.

“Some of the best vocal harmonies I can recall in quite some time… Bluegrass aficionado or not, you absolutely need to hear Balsam Range.”
Elmore Magazine, Jim Hynes

Balsam Range On Tour
2/23-24 Thu- Fri – Wintergrass – Bellvue, WA
3/4  Sat – Balsam Range 10th Anniversary Concert @ Colonial Theatre – Canton, NC
3/11 Sat – Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts – Red Wing, MN
3/25 Sat – Sertoma Youth Ranch Spring Bluegrass Festival – Brooksville, FL
4/1 Sat – Lions Club Brighter Visions Fundraiser – Lake Junaluska, NC
4/7 Fri – Sumter Opera House – Sumter, NC
4/8 Sat – Pamlico Musical Society Concert @ The Red Rooster – Oriental, NC
4/15 Sat – Parrish Auditorium – Hamilton, OH
4/21 Fri – Cary Arts Center – Cary, NC
4/22 Sat – Apple Country Cider Jam – Hendersonville, NC
5/5 Fri – Boxcar Pinion Bluegrass Festival – Chattanooga, NC
5/11 Thu – Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Bluegrass Festival – Denton, NC
5/13 Sat – Rotary Club Fundraiser @ Carteret Community Theatre – Morehead City, NC
5/20 Sat – Buhl, Germany
5/21 Sun – Waldkraiburg, Germany
5/23 Tue – Prague, Czech Republic
5/27 Sat – Willisau, Switzerland
6/1 Thu – Ciener Botanical gardens – Kernersville, NC
6/2 Fri – Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, TN
6/3 Sat – Cold Mountain Music at Lake Logan – Canton, NC
6/16-17 Fri-Sat – Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival – Cashmere, WA
6/24 Sat – Rudy Fest – Grayson, KY
7/2 Sun – Lake Junaluska Conference Center – Lake Junaluska, NC
7/8 Sat – Stecoah Valley Center – Robbinsville, NC
7/13 Thu – Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – Oak Hill, NY
7/22 Sat – Bluegrass On The Square – Corydon, IN
8/4 Fri – Mandolin farms Bluegrass Festival – Flemingsburg, KY
8/5 Sat – Dillard Bluegrass & BBQ Festival – Dillard, GA
8/26 Sat – Ocean Lakes Bluegrass Weekend – Myrtle Beach, SC

For more information, tour dates, and more, please visit www.balsamrange.com. Stay up to date with current news on www.facebook.com/balsamrange, www.twitter.com/BalsamRange, and www.instagram.com/balsamrange.

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Relix Magazine Premieres The Contribution’s “Back This Way”
All Proceeds Donated to Rex Foundation ~ OUT TODAY February 17, 2017

The Contribution is:
Tim Carbone
, Phil Ferlino, Jeff Miller, Keith Moseley, Sheryl Renee, Matt Butler, & Duane Trucks

On Sale Now at:
iTunes | Amazon | cdbaby.com
TheContribution.net | LoHiRecords.com | RexFoundation.org

The Contribution is pleased to release tracks from their upcoming LoHi Records album, Wilderness And Space, one song at a time over the course of seven months, with full proceeds of each single going to a different non-profit. The full ten-song album will be released on vinyl this Fall.

They kick off with the single “Back This Way” which will be available online on February 17, 2017 with all proceeds donated to Rex Foundation. This track was recorded at Bob Weir’s TRI Studios in San Rafael, CA and engineered by Rick Vargas. Head over to Relix Magazine to hear the World Premiere of “Back This Way” →  http://bit.ly/TheContributionRexPremiere_Relix.

The Contribution is the brainchild of Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth (violin, guitar, vocals) together with Phil Ferlino (keyboards, vocals) and Jeff Miller (guitar, vocals) of New Monsoon. Keith Moseley (String Cheese Incident), has been the bass player from the band’s inception along with vocalist Sheryl Renee (The Black Swan Singers). The drum chair has been occupied by Jason Hann (String Cheese Incident), Matt Butler (Everyone Orchestra), and currently Duane Trucks (Widespread Panic). Both Matt Butler and Duane Trucks appear on the band’s new record, Wilderness And Space.

When Relix magazine announced the The Contribution’s debut record, Which Way World [2010], and called them a “jamband supergroup,” they also recognized, “the band serves the songs first and foremost.” Although the band is comprised of some of the scene’s heavy hitters, the first listen to their music reveals their love of 60s pop and soul coupled with their ability to flat-out shred. It’s what makes the band appealing to music lovers from all walks of life.

Since they are in other touring bands and cannot really get on the road together that often, they came up with this unique idea; Carbone wanted to find a way to live up to the band’s name, which in itself provided the clue as to how, and this is what they cooked up as a way to keep it going and give back in the process. Individually the members of The Contribution have been advocates and activists for various environmental and social causes. Now they have thought of a way to meld the two worlds the band holds dear. They are The Contribution, after all.

The group selected a handful of organizations to partner with and are excited to kick things off with Rex Foundation. Created in 1983 by the Grateful Dead and Family, Rex Foundation aims to help secure a healthy environment, promote individuality in the arts, provide support to critical and necessary social services, assist others less fortunate than ourselves, protect the rights of indigenous people and ensure their cultural survival, build a stronger community, and educate children and adults everywhere. Rex Foundation has granted $8.9 million to over 1,200 recipients.

“For more than 30 years, the Rex Foundation has funded organizations most people might never have heard of, but all of whom do meaningful work that we find important. I believe that these same groups need all of us now more than ever, and I doubt there could be any better way to celebrate their work than by coming together with songs in the air and spirits held high,” says Rex Foundation Executive Director Cameron Sears.

Carbone says, “We feel blessed to be able to make this music and have it help people in need… and we would like to empower those who share our passion and provide a resource for them to take action with us.”

Back This Way” is a duet sung as a conversation between a man and a woman whose relationship is suffering because the man is always away from home. He could be a musician or a traveling salesman (kind of the same thing) or in the military. It’s an argument that somehow, through love, turns out well. Carbone and Renee take the lead on vocals, backed by Miller, Ferlino, and Mosely, with Matt Butler holding it down on the drums.

Other organizations which will be featured include Conscious Alliance and HeadCount, as well as a handful of others that support the arts, environment, and health. Wilderness And Space will be released on LoHi Records, of which Carbone is one of the partners along with Hard Working Americans’ Todd Snider and Chad Staehly (Gold Mountain Entertainment), and entrepreneur/marketing veteran Jim Brooks.

For more information and music, stay tuned to www.TheContribution.net, www.facebook.com/TheContribution, www.twitter.com/thecontribution, and www.instagram.com/thecontribution.

Hear more about the Wilderness And Space project from Tim Carbone →  https://youtu.be/_6qfJzD97Ak.

Read a great interview with Carbone at Shows I Go To →  http://showsigoto.com/the-contribution-new-music/

Listen in to a podcast interview with Carbone at Ragin’ Randy Entertainment http://raginrandyentertainment.com/interview-tim-carbone-the-contribution/

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Suwannee Spring Reunion Adds Sara Watkins, Hot Buttered Rum, Tornado Rider, and more
March 23-25, 2017 at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL

Get Tickets atwww.suwanneespringreunion.com
Early Bird Pricing Through 2/22

LIVE OAK, FL — Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is happy to announce the final lineup for the Suwannee Spring Reunion on March 23 – 25, 2017, at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida.  Joining some of the stellar acts already announced are Sara Watkins, Hot Buttered Rum, Tornado Rider, Roy Book Binder, Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project, Nikki Talley, Ralph Roddenbery & The B-Sides, Grass Is Dead, Lon and Lis Williamson,The Adventures of Annabelle Lyn, Bobby Miller and the Virginia Daredevils, Whetherman, Flea Market Hustlers, The Applebutter Express, Habanero Honeys, Old Dawgs New Trixx, and Artist at Large: Mickey Abraham.

Artists that have already been announced include Donna the Buffalo, Jerry Douglas Presents Earls of Leicester, Peter Rowan Band, Jim Lauderdale, Jeff Mosier with Pickled Holler, Verlon Thompson, and Joe Craven. See the full line-up below.

Along with two stages of music, Suwannee Spring Reunion will have hands on and performance workshops featuring festival artists. All the kids can get really excited too because Tania & the Magic Moon Traveling Circus and Suwannee Spirit Kids Music Camp will be providing a weekend to remember.

Expect camp pickin’ parties, wonderful food and crafts, and enjoy the Park’s many other attractions including disc golf, miles of hiking and biking trails, the bat house, and the chance to venture Way Down Upon The Suwannee River.

Festival Director Beth Judy says, “I am so excited about Suwannee Spring Reunion. To me, when spring is in the air, it is a very special time of year to gather with friends and family. This festival is truly a reunion; we have artists coming together who have been at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in different incarnations many times over the years, so much they are family. It’s a coming home too for many friends, family, and chosen family joining together to celebrate life love & music under the oaks.”

Tickets are on sale now with a price increase in one week on February 22nd. Suwannee Spring Reunion is offering a multi-day ticket that includes festival admission for three days of music, as well as primitive camping on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Advance tickets are only $99 + taxes and fees; Students and military with a valid ID are $89.45 + taxes and fees. Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Get your tickets now, because prices at the gate will be higher! Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is located between Jacksonville, Florida & Tallahassee, Florida about 30 minutes south of the Georgia State line, about 45 minutes north of Gainesville and is host to a variety of events.

For more information and to reserve camping, please visit www.suwanneespringreunion.com.

2017 Suwannee Spring Reunion Lineup
Jerry Douglas Presents Earls of Leicester
Donna the Buffalo
Sara Watkins
Peter Rowan Band
Hot Buttered Rum
Jeff Mosier w/ Pickled Holler
Verlon Thompson
Jim Lauderdale
Joe Craven
Tornado Rider
Turtle Duhks
Roy Book Binder
Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project
Lon and Lis Williamson
Nikki Talley
Ralph Roddenbery & The B-Sides
Grass Is Dead
Grandpa’s Cough Medicine
Virginia Daredevils
Whetherman
The Adventures of Annabelle Lyn
Flea Market Hustlers
Quartermoon
Sloppy Joe
The Applebutter Express
Habanero Honeys
Old Dawgs New Trixx
Mickey Abraham – Artist at Large
Tania & Magic Moon Traveling Circus
Suwannee Spirit Kids Music Camp

For more information and to reserve camping, please visit www.suwanneespringreunion.com.

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DannyBarnes_StoveUp_frontcover.pngDanny Barnes Releases All Acoustic Homage to Don Stover, Stove Up, on March 3, 2017
Featuring Danny Barnes along with Jason Carter, Chris Henry, Mike Bub, and Nick Forster

Danny Barnes is already known as an iconic American musician, a banjo playing innovator who’s earned high praise from everybody from Bill Frisell and Dave Matthews to Steve Martin, who presented Danny with the Prize for Excellence in Banjo in 2015. From the days with his groundbreaking Austin band, the Bad Livers, to his two decade solo career experimenting with electronic music, jazz, old time string band music and more, he’s a genre bending, rule breaking original who prefers to color outside the lines.

Now, with Stove Up, out March 3, 2017, he’s showing us that it was always a choice, that he’s always had the chops to play straight ahead bluegrass banjo with the best of them. With a top-flight band backing him up, Danny turns in an amazing set of tunes that demonstrate his respect for tradition and his commitment to his own musical voice.

“Happily, with Stove Up, our five-string hero steps out of the lab and into the sunlight where his pre-war Gibson can really shine,” says Tim O’Brien. “Producer and guitarist Nick Forster wisely loosens the reins and lets his pack of thoroughbreds set a fast pace around the bluegrass track. Mandolinist Chris Henry, with his bone-dry tone and expanded traditional approach, is a particularly inspired foil to Barnes. Along with Forster, much decorated fiddler Jason Carter, and everyone’s favorite bassist, Mike Bub, they cut through some beautiful territory, including two Don Stover’s compositions—”Black Diamond” and “Rockwood Deer Chase.” Three vocal tracks peek through the instrumentals and give new listeners a look into the quirky mind of Barnes… These are live and lively performances where you can almost hear the musicians smile.”

Recorded in eTown Studios in Colorado, Stove Up was produced by Nick Forster and engineered by James Tuttle. The mixing and editing were done by the great banjo player Scott Vestal and it was mastered by David Glasser at Airshow.

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Danny Barnes. Photo by Monica Frisell

Danny says, “After 45 years of practicing, this is the first acoustic bluegrass record I’ve ever made. Nick, Mike, Jason, and Chris are bluegrass royalty! It was a sure enough honor to be able to make Stove Up, a loving homage to the great Don Stover.”

One of his banjo heroes, Don Stover, was the inspiration for this project simply because Don knew how to play bluegrass banjo in a way that fit the style, showed respect for Earl Scruggs and others, but it still sounded like him, had his own voice. Danny delivers on all fronts here, from scorching banjo fiddle duets with Jason Carter (“Paddy on the Turnpike,” “John Hardy,” and “Bill Cheatum”) to faithful versions of Scruggs (“Flint Hill Special” and “Fireball”), or a Grandpa Jones tune (“Eight More Miles To Louisville”) to a reinterpreted Rolling Stones song (“Factory Girl”) or his own originals (“Isotope 709,” “Charlie,” and “Get It While You Can”). This generous set of music sounds like what it is – great musicians having fun playing music in real time.

Danny says, “All these tunes on here (except the ones I made up), I’ve been playing and working on since I was a young boy. I’m STILL working on this stuff. My plan = never give up.”

If you’re looking for an antidote to the world’s problems, go find Stove Up, this new Danny Barnes record, and turn it up loud. It’s a thing of joy and beauty!

Kind words about Danny and Stove Up

“My friend Danny. The truth. This is the thing that struck me most strongly when I first heard Danny Barnes and is something that continues to grow stronger and clearer. What we hear from Danny is true. It can be coming from no one else. His story. Whether it’s the songs he writes himself or those he chooses to play. He has lived it. He’s not playing ‘at’ it. He ‘is’ it… Danny’s love of, connection to, and history with this music is long and deep. What a joy now to listen to these songs transformed through his lifetime of experience. It is a wonderful thing… Thank you Danny. Sincerely.” —Bill Frisell

“Danny Barnes represents all that is good about heartfelt music. He has deep passion, exemplary technique, great abilities as a songwriter, richly burnished vocals, and the fearsome desire to break through boundaries while still staying solidly rooted in tradition. He’s as fine as they come.”  —Tony Trischka

“For years I’ve said Danny Barnes is the world’s greatest banjo player. It’s the truth, but now with fake news and all the puffery, words have lost their meaning. But that’s okay because the truth is in the music. Listen to DB’s banjo if you wanna hear the truth.” —Robert Earl Keen

“Like Superman squeezing a lump of coal, Danny Barnes can transform crumbling musical remnants into cutting edge innovations, but avid fans have long known that Barnyard Electronics’ chief engineer has some serious traditional banjo chops.” —Tim O’Brien

Danny Barnes on Tour 2017*
2/16 Thu – The Big Easy – Petaluma, CA
2/17 Fri – The Crepe Place – Santa Cruz, CA
2/18 Sat – The Back Room – Berkeley, CA
2/19 Sun – Moe’s Original BBQ – Tahoe City, CA
2/22 Wed – Applegate Lodge – Applegate, OR
2/23 Thu – HiFi Lounge – Eugene, OR
3/9 Thu – Cervante’s Other Side – Denver, CO %
3/10 Fri – Barkley Ballroom – Frisco, CO %
3/12 Sun – The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, CO %
3/16 Thu – White Eagle Saloon – Portland, OR
3/17 Fri – Rock Creek Tavern – Hillsboro, OR
3/18 Sat – McMennamins Grand Lodge – Forest Grove, OR
4/19 Thu – Club Passim – Cambridge, MA ^
4/20 Thu – Caffe Lena – Saratoga Springs, NY ^
4/21-22 Fri-Sat – Durango Bluegrass Meltdown – Durango, CO ^
4/25 Tue – Cabaret at Germano’s – Baltimore, MD ^
4/26 Wed – C-ville Coffee – Charlottesville, VA ^
4/27 Thu – Hill Country Live – Washington, DC ^
4/28 Fri – Milkboy – Philadelphia, PA ^
4/29 Sat – Hill Country Live – New York, NY ^
4/30  Sun – Elk Creek Cafe – Millheim, PA ^
5/4-6 Thu-Sat – Adrift Hotel – Long Beach, WA
5/7-13 Sun-Sat – Al’s Den at Crystal Hotel – Portland, OR
7/13-16 Thu-Sun – Northwest String Summit – North Plains, OR

* All Dates are Danny Barnes solo unless otherwise noted
% Danny with Jeremy Garrett and Andy Falco
^ Danny with Grant Gordy and Joe K Walsh
More dates TBA!

Stay up-to-date with news from Danny Barnes at www.dannybarnes.com, twitter.com/Wildknees, and Facebook.com/DannyBarnesBanjo.  

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Anastasia Music Festival is a Three-Day Celebration of Bluegrass Music

At The St. Augustine Amphitheatre Thursday, March 16-Saturday, March 18, 2017

St. Augustine, Fla. — In an epic three-day celebration of traditional and modern bluegrass music, the Anastasia Music Festival will feature over 20 of the brightest bluegrass stars performing live at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Thursday, March 16 through Saturday, March 18. Bands performing include The Del McCoury Band (two sets), David Grisman’s Bluegrass Experience, Sam Bush, Elephant Revival, Fruition (three sets), Cabinet (two sets), Jeff Austin Band, The Travelin’ McCourys (two sets), Mandolin Orange (two sets), Sierra Hull, The Broomestix, Dustbowl Revival (two sets), Joe Pug, Jon Stickley Trio (two sets), and more! See the daily lineup below and stay tuned for more news about after-parties each night after the music ends at several local venues all three nights.

It’s also quite special to note that three generations of McCourys are represented at Anastasia. The Broomestix, a nine-piece R&B/Soul/Funk/Pop group out of the Nashville area, features Del McCoury’s grandson, Evan McCoury, on guitar, very exciting!

“Bluegrass music has such a rich history and to host a three-day festival celebrating the genre at the Amphitheatre is truly special,” says Ryan Murphy, Director of the St. Johns County Cultural Events Division which owns and operates the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. “We hope that music fans of all ages and families from all over will come out and enjoy traditional and modern bluegrass among the natural park setting of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre.”

This family-friendly event also features a Kid’s Tent on Friday and Saturday featuring fun activities for children and Brenda Star Walker will host daily yoga on Friday and Saturday. Children 10 and under are free with paid adult admission. Information on camping packages and other accommodations are available online at www.anastasiamusicfestival.com.

The Daily Lineup:

Performing on Thursday, March 16 will be Fruition, The Broomestix, Grits & Soul, Nikki Talley, Taylor Martin, and more to be announced. Gates are at 3pm with music starting at 4pm and music ends on Thursday at 10pm.

Friday, March 17 will feature performances by The Del McCoury Band, David Grisman’s Bluegrass Experience, The Travelin’ McCourys, Elephant Revival, Fruition, Cabinet, The Broomestix, Dustbowl Revival, Mandolin Orange, Jon Stickley Trio, Joe Pugg, Grits & Soul, Nikki Talley, Taylor Martin, Flagship Romance, I Like Dandelionsn and Paper Bird. Gates are at 11am with music starting at 12pm and ending at Friday at 10:30pm.

Saturday, March 18 performances include sets by Grateful Ball with The Travelin’ McCourys and Jeff Austin, Sam Bush, The Del McCoury Band, Cabinet, Fruition, The Jeff Austin Band, Sierra Hull, Mandolin Orange, Jon Stickley Trio, Dustbowl Revival, Joe Pugg, Taylor Martin, Nikki Talley, West King Band, Alastair – Byrd Revue, Robbie Dammit & The Broken Stringsn and Remedy Tree. Gates are at 11am with music starting at 12pm and ending at 10:30pm.

Stay tuned for more about each night’s after-parties for a list of venues and bands.

More information on all the performers can be found online at www.anastasiamusicfestival.com  in addition to camping and hotel accommodations, as well as volunteer and vending information. VIP, Three-day, and Single day tickets for the Anastasia Music Festival are on sale now at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Box Offices, online at ticketmaster.com, all authorized TicketMaster outlets, or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Anastasia Music Festival Full Lineup- 2017
The Del McCoury Band x2
David Grisman’s Bluegrass Experience
Sam Bush
Elephant Revival
Fruition x3
Cabinet x2
Jeff Austin Band
The Travelin’ McCourys x2
Mandolin Orange x2
Sierra Hull
The Broomestix x2
Dustbowl Revival x2
Joe Pug
Jon Stickley Trio x2
Grits & Soul x2
Nikki Talley x2
Taylor Martin x2
The Applebutter Express
Paper Bird
Flagship Romance
Town Meeting
West-King String Band
Alastair-Byrd Revue
Remedy Tree
I Like Dandelions
Robbie Dammit & The Broken Strings
Steve Pruett

For more information and to stay up to date on news, please visit www.anastasiamusicfestival.com, www.facebook.com/AnastasiaMusicFestival, www.twitter.com/AnastasiaFest17, www.instagram.com/anastasiafest17, and www.staugamphitheatre.com.

 

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