See What’s Waiting For You At The Festy Experience Including The eTown Stage & Chickapig Farm

The 8th Annual Festy Experience Is Kicking Off At Infinity Downs Farm
Thursday-Sunday, October 5 – October 8, 2017
Featuring:

The Infamous Stringdusters, Ani DiFranco, Drive-By Truckers, Elephant Revival, Sam Bush Band, Beats Antique, The Jerry Douglas Band, Joan Osborne, The Travelin’ McCourys, and more!

The Festy Experience Presents The eTown Stage and “Almost eTown”
Featuring Host Nick Forster and Guest Host Danny Barnes

Visit the Chiackapig Farm

Full weekend and Single Day Tickets On Sale Now → www.thefesty.com

Charlottesville, VA — The Festy Experience is excited about “The eTown Stage,” a new partnership with eTown, a nationally syndicated non­profit radio broadcast/podcast focused on educating and entertaining diverse audiences through music and conversation in order to create a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable world.

For over 25 years, eTown’s Nick & Helen Forster have produced musical, social, and environmental programming to uplift and inspire listeners around the world. eTown listeners come for the music… and stay for the message.

Their social and environmental focus makes eTown a perfect fit to host The eTown Stage, a third stage premiering at The 8th Annual Festy Experience. Throughout the weekend, eTown co-­host Nick Forster and acclaimed banjo bellwether Danny Barnes will present “Almost eTown,” a series of 30 ­minute conversational performances. Danny Barnes & Nick Forster will also be featured with their full band on The Skyline Tent Stage on Thursday night.

Almost eTown will consist of shorts sets and interviews with artists already performing at The 8th Annual Festy Experience which takes place October 5-8, 2017 in the Blue Ridge Bowl at Infinity Downs Farm, a 387-acre property in Arrington, Virginia at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This year’s full festival lineup includes The Infamous Stringdusters, Ani DiFranco, Drive-By Truckers, Elephant Revival, Sam Bush Band, Beats Antique, The Jerry Douglas Band, Joan Osborne performing the songs of Bob Dylan, and lots more.

In addition to Almost eTown, The eTown Stage will be home to family yoga, local artist performances, and workshops. The Festy aims to give the ultimate laid back festival experience which is fun for the entire family: camping, outdoor activities, craft food and beer, the 22nd Annual Blue Ridge Burn (5k/10k), and stellar music on three stages!

See the full schedule for each stage →  www.thefesty.com/lineup-by-day.

The Festy is also excited to host the Chickapig Farm! Chickapig is a new strategic and fun board game created in Charlottesville. Chickapig breeder and game creator (and luthier) Brian Calhoun joined forces with his farming buddy and musician, Dave Matthews, to bring this game from farm to table where players dodge opponents, hay bales, and an unruly pooping cow. There will be games to play on site as well as a life sized version!

Environmental sustainability is important to the organizers and they are eliminating all waste from single-use plastic cups. Instead every All Weekend ticket comes with a free commemorative steel pint cup from The Festy’s Partner, Klean Kanteen, which they can use for free water from filling stations placed throughout site as well as beer purchases.

The Festy Experience ~ Full 2017 Lineup:
The Infamous Stringdusters
Ani DiFranco
Drive-By Truckers
Elephant Revival
Sam Bush Band
Beats Antique
The Jerry Douglas Band
Joan Osborne
The Travelin’ McCourys
Sierra Hull
Danny Barnes & Nick Forster
EmiSunshine
Garrettgrass Gospel Hour
Della Mae
Cabinet
Shook Twins
Billy Strings
Sarah Siskind & Sunliner
Carl Anderson
Phoebe Hunt & The Gatherers
Love Canon
Maggie Koerner
Dori Freeman
Erin Lunsford
Gallatin Canyon
Tara Mills

Location: Blue Ridge Bowl at Infinity Downs Farm
1510 Diggs Mountain Road
Arrington, VA 22922

Infinity Downs Farm is conveniently located just 35 miles south of Charlottesville and 30 miles north of Lynchburg, (it is also the site of LOCKN’ Festival). The property features outdoor amphitheaters, open fields, campgrounds, hiking, and over 7 miles of biking trails. Stay tuned for more information about outdoor activities and workshops.

Tickets, more information, and updates at www.TheFesty.com,
www.twitter.com/thefesty, www.facebook.com/thefesty, and www.instagram.com/thefestyexperience.
If you have any questions please contact us at info@theartistfarm.com or 434-220-4000.

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Danny Barnes Releases All Acoustic Homage to Don Stover, STOVE UP, on March 3

Danny 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.

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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Danny Barnes Awarded 2015 Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo – New Music on the Way

Danny Barnes. Photo by Jame Curtis.

Danny Barnes Wins Sixth Annual Steve Martin Prize For Excellence In Banjo And Bluegrass,
Set to Release Got Myself Together November 2015 Through Eight 30 Records

“As if dedicating your life to an instrument like the banjo wasn’t sufficiently avant-garde, the winner of this year’s Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass is a musician recognized for his experimental approach to that seemingly quaint stringed instrument.”
—The New York Times, Dave Itzkoff

“Saying that Danny Barnes plays the banjo is like saying Lionel Messi kicks a soccer ball. Barnes doesn’t just play the banjo—he plucks it, thrums it, claws it, bashes it, runs it through processors, plays it backward, drenches it in reverb, and layers it over computerized drums, distorted guitars, and weird chicken sounds. His prowess with the instrument makes him a deserving winner…”
—Texas Monthly, Michael Hall

Banjo player extraordinaire Danny Barnes is the 2015 recipient of the 6th annual Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. Described as “one of a kind” and widely acknowledged as “one of the best banjo players in America,” Barnes is recognized for his experimental sound. The raw and unpolished musical breadth of his compositions has propelled him across the industry today. Barnes will be releasing a new solo record, a ten year anniversary re-recording of an earlier album called Get Myself Together [2005]. The new release, Got Myself Together, comes out in November on Eight 30 Records. He will be on the road solo this fall and winter; stay tuned for dates to be announced.

A Texas native now living northwest of Seattle, Barnes is one of bluegrass music’s most distinctive and innovative performers. He is known for blending together different sounds which defy labeling while redefining the banjo’s perceived image in a wide-ranging and four-decade long career. From his early days as the driving force behind the impressive Austin-based Bad Livers, a band of pioneering Americana missionaries, through a prolific solo career and the development of his trademark approach he calls “Barnyard Electronics” (which is also the name of his 2007 album) that incorporates digital technology and various effect pedals to stretch the tonal range of the instrument, Barnes has always listened to his proudly offbeat inner voice. His live shows involve a computer program he built in max/msp and a banjo.

Recently, he was recording in his home lab when a package arrived from Steve Martin with a letter notifying him that he was the recipient of 2015 recipient of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.

“The day that package came from Steve, I had gotten up at like 4am when it’s real quiet and I can get recording done. When FedEx came, I was kind of preoccupied. I saw that it was from Steve and thought, ‘Oh cool… he’s sent me one of his records.’” says Barnes in an interview with John Lawless in Bluegrass Today. “But then I thought… ‘Hey, I never gave him my address.’ I had met Steve earlier this year at a show with the Steep Canyon Rangers, and we got to talk a little bit, but I didn’t remember giving him my address. When I opened it up and saw what it was, I was completely stunned. I was speechless. I’ve never won anything, and it amazes me that anyone knows what I am doing.”

The Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass provides the winner with an unrestricted cash prize of fifty-thousand dollars, as well as a bronze sculpture created specifically for the prize by noted artist Eric Fischl. Created to bring recognition to an individual or group for outstanding accomplishment in the field of five-string banjo or bluegrass music, the prize highlights the extraordinary musicianship of these artists and bluegrass music worldwide. The winner is determined by a board consisting of J.D Crowe, Pete Wernick, Tony Trischka, Anne Stringfield, Alison Brown, Neil V. Rosenberg, Béla Fleck, and Steve Martin. Previous winners have included Noam Pikelny (2010), Sammy Shelor (2011), Mark Johnson (2012), Jens Kruger (2013), and Eddie Adcock (2014).

When asked by Bluegrass Today what he would be doing with the honorarium from his Steve Martin Prize, Danny says, “I’m going to invest it back into the art, back into the banjo community. I have a new record coming out in November, and then I’m thinking of doing a straight up banjo record. I’ve never done that, and I’ve started talking to some of the guys I’d like to have play on there with me. I also have an idea for a contemporary piece for banjo, and I hope to finally get to work on that.”

Got Myself Together hits the streets this fall with another in the works this winter for a straight up banjo record, and he’s also working on a suite of contemporary music for banjo and tuba. Barnes has released over ten albums and has been featured on over 50 others. His most recent album, Junior Sampled [June 2014], is available to stream at http://dannybarnes.bandcamp.com/album/junior-sampled.

In addition to the above, Barnes will be releasing an avant garde “kinda” noise cassette coming out on his own label, Minner Bucket Records which specializes in limited run cassettes, for Cassette Store Day (10/17/15). Only 50 will be made.

Barnes says, “I’ve been at this a pretty long time. The main thing I use to get my ideas across has been the banjo. It has an unusual sound and is capable of a wide range of expression, however it isn’t very developed yet, in terms of what is being done with it in a current macro sense. It’s untapped.”

His skills as an instrumentalist and his open embrace and infectious love of music for music’s sake, have brought him to share the stage and record with a wide array of marquee artists that reads like a who’s who among broad musical landscapes, ranging from bluegrass greats Bela Fleck, Del McCoury, and Sam Bush, newgrass stars Yonder Mountain String band, to Americana artists Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett, and Nickel Creek, to Jam friendly Gov’t Mule, Leftover Salmon, and Keller Williams, to jazz and blues instrumentalists Bill Frisell, Chuck Leavell, and John Popper, to members of the punk and metal Butthole Surfers, Dead Kennedys, and Ministry. He’s collaborated and shared stages with the likes of Bill Frisell, Yonder Mountain String Band, Robert Earl Keen and Dave Matthews, as well as wailed on a flying V guitar with members of the Butthole Surfers.

Stay up-to-date with news from Danny Barnes at www.dannybarnes.com, twitter.com/Wildknees, and Facebook.com/DannyBarnesBanjo.  Also feel free to ask him a question at http://dannybarnes.com/ask-barnes.

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The Motet & The London Souls Added to Magnolia Fest 2015 with Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Avett Brothers, The Del McCoury Band, Keller Williams Grateful Gospel, Lake Street Dive, Jeff Austin Band & more

The Motet & The London Souls Added to Magnolia Fest 2015 with 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 celebrates its 19th year at the magnificent Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL on October 15-18, 2015. Spicing it up a bit more, the festival announces the additions of  this year and adding The Motet and The London Souls to the bill.

On this fall’s lineup are Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Avett Brothers, The Del McCoury Band, Keller Williams Grateful Gospel, Lake Street Dive, Jeff Austin Band featuring Danny Barnes, Ross Martin & Eric Thorin, Oteil Burbridge and Roosevelt Collier Band, Steep Canyon Rangers, Rebirth Brass Band, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, New Orleans Suspects, Col Bruce Hampton, Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons, Lost Bayou Ramblers, The Lee Boys, The Congress, Band of Heathens, Nikki Talley and more!

Festivalgoers enjoy four days of camping, live music, unique arts and crafts, a wonderful selection of foods and beautiful fall weather. Another reason to attend Magnolia Fest is the stunning setting located just north of Live Oak, FL, in The Spirit of Suwannee, a one-of-a-kind music park and premier 500+ acre campground nestled on the shady banks of the historic, tea-colored Suwannee River with lush overgrowths of Spanish moss. There is also nearly 12 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and nature exploring, as well as canoe and bike rentals.

With four stage of music including a natural amphitheatre set into the trees, an expansive meadow stage, a music hall, and another wood-built stage near the vending Magnolia Fest consistently features some of the world’s finest performers in Americana, Roots Rock, Acoustic Blues, Singer/Songwriter, Bluegrass & Newgrass, Cajun/Zydeco, New & Traditional Folk and other forms of American Roots music. 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. Early bird rates are $185 until August 20th; $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.

SOSMP is located between Jacksonville, Florida & Tallahassee, Florida 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 featuring Danny Barnes, Ross Martin & Eric Thorin
Oteil Burbridge and Roosevelt Collier Band
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
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
Bonnie Blue

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.

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Jeff Austin Band Announces Additions to Fall 2014 Tour Including November Dates with The Travelin’ McCourys

Jeff Austin Band Announces Additions to Fall 2014 Tour
Jeff Austin, Danny Barnes, Eric Thorin and Ross Martin on Tour This Fall

JAB announces November Shows with The Travelin’ McCourys as Part of The Bluegrass Ball

Jeff Austin is on tour with Danny Barnes (banjo and vocals), Eric Thorin (bass and vocals), and Ross Martin (guitar and vocals) as the newly formed Jeff Austin Band.

They have added additional tour dates for this Fall including appearances in New Jersey, Virginia and West Virginia in October. New for this November, Jeff Austin Band is linking up with The Travelin’ McCourys  as part of The Bluegrass Ball, the widely successful collaborative festival on wheels the McCourys started, for a week with shows in Dallas, St Louis, Bloomington, Madison and Minneapolis.

These dates are in addition to their previously announced dates out west for shows this October in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Arcata, Eugene, Portland, Seattle and Bellingham. JAB will also be performing two nights at Railroad Earth’s Hangtown Halloween Ball in Placerville, CA where Leftover Salmon and moe. amongst others. Jeff will also be featured as an “Artist-at-Large” at the Ball.

Austin is set to make several festival appearances over the next month, including Grateful Grass sets at Utopia Festival and Lockn’ with Keller Williams, and two sets with JAB at the Phases of the Moon Festival.

Please visit JeffAustin.com for more information and further tour dates. Keep up to date with Jeff on facebook.com/JeffAustinOfficial and twitter.com/Jeffreyaustin10.

Jeff Austin Band on Tour  (Recently added dates in bold)
9/5-6 Fri-Sat – Lockn’ Festival – Arrington, VA*
9/12 Fri – Utopia Festival – Utopia, TX^
9/13-14 Sat-Sun – Phases of the Moon – Danville, IL
10/9 Thu – Mexicali Live – Teaneck, NJ
10/10 Fri – Mill Point Park – Hampton, VA
10/11 Sat – V Club – Huntington, WV
10/12 Sun- Schmitt’s Saloon – Morgantown, WV
10/21 Tue – Orpheum Theater – Flagstaff, AZ
10/22 Wed – Musical Instruments Museum – Phoenix, AZ
10/23 Thu – The Mint – Los Angeles, CA
10/24-26 Fri-Sun – Hangtown Halloween Ball – Placerville, CA #
10/28 Tue – Humbrews – Arcata, CA
10/29 Wed – WOW Hall – Eugene, OR
10/30 Thu – Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR
10/31 Fri – Nectar’s Lounge – Seattle, WA
11/01 Sat – The Green Frog – Bellingham, WA
11/11 Tue – Gas Monkey Bar N Grill – Dallas, TX %
11/12 Wed – Old Rock House – St. Louis, MO %
11/13 Thu – Castle Theatre – Bloomington, IL %
11/14-11/15 Fri-Sat – Majestic Theatre – Madison, WI %
11/16 Sun – Cabooze – Minneapolis, MN %

* Jeff plays with Grateful Grass featuring Keller Williams and Keith Moseley
^  Jeff plays with Grateful Grass featuring Keller Williams and Sam Grisman
# w/ Railroad Earth, Moe., Leftover Salmon and more. JAB plays two days and Jeff is Artist-at-Large
% w/ The Travelin’ McCourys as part of The Bluegrass Ball

 

 

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Jeff Austin Band Announces a Fall West Coast Tour

Jeff Austin. Photo by Señor McGuire.

Jeff Austin Band Announces a Fall West Coast Tour

Jeff Austin, Danny Barnes, Eric Thorin and Ross Martin
Travel Through Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington This Fall

 Celebrated for his fleet fingers and penchant for improvisation on stage, mandolinist, songwriter and vocalist Jeff Austin is on tour with Danny Barnes (banjo and vocals), Eric Thorin (bass and vocals), and Ross Martin (guitar and vocals) as the Jeff Austin Band. They have also have been in the studio with a number of other friends, heroes and mentors to record an album due out early in 2015.

Fall brings the Jeff Austin Band to the West Coast with shows in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Arcata, Eugene, Portland, Seattle and Bellingham. JAB will also be performing two nights at Railroad Earth’s Hangtown Halloween Ball in Placerville, CA where Leftover Salmon and moe. amongst others. Jeff will also be featured as an “Artist-at-Large” at the Ball.

Jeff Austin Band is set to perform at a number of shows and festivals this summer including Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival, Nedfest and Phases of the Moon. Jeff will also be appearing at Gathering of the Vibes, Yarmony Grass and Lockn’ Festival for special Grateful Grass sets featuring Austin along with Keller Williams and Keith Moseley.

Austin is headed in a new creative direction with the Jeff Austin Band as he prepares to step into the spotlight as a solo artist. On his forthcoming debut project, Austin’s songwriting remains rooted in Americana inspiration and the frantic energy of the jam genre but also, reaches even further weaving in more mainstream themes, reminiscent of his co-write contribution “Fiddlin’ Around,” that was featured on the 2010 Grammy nominated Dierks Bentley album, Up on the Ridge.

While the upcoming, untitled solo effort is still a work in progress, it can already be summed up succinctly as Austin’s love letter to storytelling. “I love writing a three-minute song with a hook that would grab a five-hundred-pound marlin as much as I like writing something that goes, ‘okay, after the bridge, it’s going to open up and just go wide.’”

Please visit JeffAustin.com for more information and further tour dates. Keep up to date with Jeff on facebook.com/JeffAustinOfficial and twitter.com/Jeffreyaustin10.

Complete Schedule of the Jeff Austin Band Tour Dates:
8/01 Fri – Gathering of the Vibes – Bridgeport, CT*
8/09 Sat – Targhee Bluegrass Festival – Alta, WY
8/16 Sat – Yarmony Grass – Bond, CO*
8/22 Fri – NedFest – Nederland, CO
8/23 Sat – Keystone Resort – Keystone, CO
8/24 Sun – Center for the Arts – Crested Butte, CO
9/5-6 Fri-Sat – Lockn’ Festival – Arrington, VA*
9/12 Fri – Utopia Festival – Utopia, TX^
9/13-14 Sat-Sun – Phases of the Moon – Danville, IL
10/21 Tue – Orpheum Theater – Flagstaff, AZ
10/22 Wed – Musical Instruments Museum – Phoenix, AZ
10/23 Thu – The Mint – Los Angeles, CA
10/24-26 Fri-Sun – Hangtown Halloween Ball – Placerville, CA #
10/28 Tue – Humbrews – Arcata, CA
10/29 Wed – WOW Hall – Eugene, OR
10/30 Thu – Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR
10/31 Fri – Nectar’s Lounge – Seattle, WA
11/01 Sat – The Green Frog – Bellingham, WA

* Jeff plays with Grateful Grass featuring Keller Williams and Keith Moseley
^  Jeff plays with Grateful Grass featuring Keller Williams and Sam Grisman
# w/ Railroad Earth, Moe., Leftover Salmon and more. JAB plays two days and Jeff is Artist-at-Large

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Hear From Jeff Austin About Upcoming Album with Danny Barnes, Eric Thorin and Ross Martin; DelFest Recap

Hear From Jeff Austin About Upcoming Album w/ Danny Barnes, Eric Thorin & Ross Martin

Recap of Jeff Austin “Artist at Large” at DelFest

Mandolinist, vocalist and songwriter Jeff Austin is embarking on the second leg of his Spring tour starting this weekend. Jeff is on tour this year with Danny Barnes (banjo and vocals), Eric Thorin (bass and vocals), and Ross Martin (guitar and vocals). They have been in the studio with a number of other friends, heroes and mentors to record an album; it can already be summed up succinctly as Austin’s love letter to storytelling. “I love writing a three-minute song with a hook that would grab a five-hundred-pound marlin as much as I like writing something that goes, ‘okay, after the bridge, it’s going to open up and just go wide.’” They put together this great video together to tell you more about it: http://vimeo.com/filmcartel/rundownpromo

Jeff was an “Artist at Large” this past weekend at DelFest in Cumberland, MD. He closed out Saturday night headlining slot with The Travelin McCourys, dueting with Billy Nershi on the last song with the crowd going nuts. Listen to the set here: http://bit.ly/RBJiGL. Later that night, he appeared with Railroad Earth and Ronnie McCoury on a three way mandolin jam. On Sunday he appeared with the String Cheese Incident on “I Know you Rider.” Sunday late night (actually monday morning) Jeff played the majority of the set with the Travelin McCourys singing some of his originals.

Needless to say, Jeff is on a mission to deliver the High Octane Bluegrass that he has been known for and will continue to deliver with his new band that include Danny Barnes, Eric Thorin and Ross Martin.

Please visit JeffAustin.com for more information and further tour dates. Keep up to date with Jeff on facebook.com/JeffAustinOfficial and twitter.com/Jeffreyaustin10.

See Jeff Austin & Friends on Tour at:
5/30 Fri – Pour House – Charleston, SC
5/31 Sat – Penguin Music Fest – Wilmington, NC +=
6/01 Sun – Pisgah Brewing Company – Black Mountain, NC +
6/03 Tue – Lincoln Theater – Raleigh, NC
6/04 Wed – The Hamilton – Washington, DC +
6/05 Thu – The Lyric Theatre – Blacksburg, VA
6/06 Fri – Riverbend Festival – Chattanooga, TN
6/07 Sat – Blue Plum Festival – Johnson City, TN
8/01 Fri – Gathering Of The Vibes – Bridgeport, CT %
8/09 Sat – Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival – Alta, WY
8/16 Sat –  YarmonyGrass – Yarmony, CO
8/22 Fri – Nedfest – Nederland, CO
8/23 Sat – River Run Events Plaza – Keystone , CO
8/24 Sun – Center for the Arts Outdoors Stage – Crested Butte, CO
9/5-6 Fri- Sat – Lockn’ Festival – Arrington, VA%

All Shows with  Danny Barnes, Eric Thorin and Ross Martin unless otherwise noted
* w/ New Master Sounds
+ Leftover Salmon
= w/ Keller Williams
% Grateful Grass ft. Keller Williams, Jeff Austin and Reed Mathis

 

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Jeff Austin & The Here and Now Release Free Soundboard Recording; Add Tour Dates

Jeff Austin & The Here and Now Release Free Soundboard Recording; Add Tour Dates

Jeff Austin & The Here and Now (featuring banjoist Danny Barnes and Larry & Jenny Keel) are thrilled to announce the audio release of a soundboard recording of last August’s show at The Elk’s Lodge in Troy, OH as part of the Gentleman of the Road Festival. The download is available for FREE at www.JeffAustin.com.

Here’s Jeff’s recap of the show:

Late in the evening of August 30th, 2013… or, was it early in the morning of August 31st? Danny Barnes, Larry Keel, Jenny Keel and myself were led into the Elk’s Lodge of Troy, Ohio to play a late night show for a packed room of folks who had spent their day in the blazing late summer sun…enjoying themselves to the fullest. We wondered if they had anything left in the tank… By God, did they ever. Through the sweat, the endless toasts, the folks who faded in the heat of the crowded room… I hope you enjoy a few hours of bluegrass fun between me and some of my dearest friends. Late night from Troy…no holding back now, folks.

Live From The Elk’s Lodge Track List:
1. Bluegrass Breakdown
2. Angel With The Golden Hair
3. The Wedding Song
4. The Mountain Song
5. Red Haired Boy
6. On and On
7. Shit Creek
8. Kentucky Mandolin
9. Groundhog
10. Groundspeed
11. Death Trip > Loser > Death Trip
12. Isotope
13. Jesse James
14. Foggy Mountain Special
15. Sitting Alone in the Moonlight > Foggy Mountain Breakdown > Rag Doll
16. Rattler
17. Bone
18. Crow Black Children
19. Wheel Hoss

The Here and Now on this recording is Jeff Austin (mandolin and vocals) with Danny Barnes (banjo and vocals), Larry Keel (guitar and vocals), and Jenny Keel (bass and vocals).

They link up again for several shows in the Midwest in early March 2014 kicking off at the Cabooze in Minneapolis, before heading over to Milwaukee to the Miramar and then along to Chicago’s City Winery. The final show of the run lands them at Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo.

Starting in early May, Jeff will pick back up on tour with Danny Barnes (vocals), Eric Thorin (bass and vocals), and Ross Martin (guitar and vocals). They will be touring together throughout the year and also heading into the studio this March with a number of other friends, heroes and mentors to record an album.

Jeff Austin & The Here and Now on Tour
3/5 – Cabooze – Minneapolis, MN*
3/6 – Miramar Theater – Milwaukee, WI*
3/7 – City Winery (early and late show) – Chicago, IL*
3/8 – Bell’s Brewery – Kalamazoo, MI*
5/8 – Terminal West – Atlanta, GA +
5/9 – Pour House – Charleston, SC +
5/10 – Aiken Bluegrass Festival – Aiken, SC +
6/6 – Riverbend Festival _ Chattanooga, TN +
6/7 – Blue Plum Music Festival – Johnson City, TN +
8/8 – Targhee Bluegrass Festival – Targhee, WY
8/22 – Nedfest – Nederland, CO

* – w/ The Keels and Danny Barnes, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades supports
+ – w/ Danny Barnes, Ross Martin and Eric Thorin

Please visit JeffAustin.com for more information and to download the live show.
Keep up to date with Jeff on facebook.com/JeffAustinOfficial and twitter.com/Jeffreyaustin10.

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Jeff Austin & The Here and Now (w/ Danny Barnes & The Keels) Announce Midwest Shows in March

Jeff Austin & The Here and Now (w/ Danny Barnes & The Keels) Announce Midwest Shows in March

Jeff Austin is joining forces with The Here and Now, featuring banjoist Danny Barnes and Larry & Jenny Keel on guitar and bass for several shows in the Midwest in early March 2014.

The tour kicks off at the Cabooze in Minneapolis, before heading over to Milwaukee to the Miramar and then along to Chicago’s City Winery. The final show of the run lands them at Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 6th, 2014 at 12 pm CST.

Mandolinist, vocalist and songwriter Jeff Austin is unstoppable. He is celebrated for his fleet fingers and penchant for improvisation on stage, but those qualities also speak volumes about how he chooses to live. Austin has cultivated his natural musical abilities and allowed himself to be driven by his boldest instincts. In this way, he has been able to build positive, exciting momentum around his life’s greatest passion. While not on the road with Yonder Mountain String Band, Austin is joining forces with The Here and Now and other special projects.

Please visit JeffAustin.com for more information and to download a free EP of Jeff Austin & The Here and Now. You can also keep up to date with Jeff on facebook.com/JeffAustinOfficial and twitter.com/Jeffreyaustin10.

Jeff Austin & The Here and Now on Tour
Wed 3/5/14 – Cabooze – Minneapolis, MN
Thu 3/6/14 – Miramar Theater – Milwaukee, WI*
Fri 3/7/14 – City Winery – Chicago, IL* (early and late show)
Sat 3/8/14 – Bell’s Brewery – Kalamazoo, MI*
*w. Horseshoes and Hand Grenades supporting

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Jeff Austin Adds Dates To Summer Tour

Jeff Austin Adds Dates To Summer Tour

Mandolinist, vocalist and songwriter Jeff Austin is on tour this summer with various friends while not on the road with Yonder Mountain String Band. This weekend Jeff Austin & Friends (Allie Kral, Danny Barnes and Eric Thorin) play Friday August 23rd in Jackson Hole, WY and Sunday, August 25th at NedFest in Colorado.

As Jeff heads towards the eastern part of the country, he will join forces with The Here and Now, featuring banjoist Danny Barnes and Larry & Jenny Keel on guitar and bass. This special late summer tour starts in the midwest near Chicago and loops through The Midwest before heading heading south and then over to over to Oklahoma.

More details have emerged for Jeff Austin & The Here and Now’s sets at the Mumford and Sons Gentlemen of the Road Troy Stopover Downtown Street Festival in Ohio with a daytime set on the Market Street Stage and late-night set at Elks Lodge on Friday, August 30th and a late-night set on Saturday, August 31st at the Market Street Stage. For more about the GOTD

Jeff Austin on Tour:

Jeff Austin & Friends
Featuring Allie Kral, Danny Barnes and Eric Thorin
8/23 Fri – Jackson Hole Live – Jackson Hole, WY*
8/25 Sun – NedFest – Nederland, Co*

Jeff Austin and The Here & Now
The Here & Now Features Danny Barnes and Larry and Jenny Keel
8/28 Wed – Durty Nellie’s – Palatine, IL
8/29 Thu – The Bluebird – Bloomington, IN
8/30 Fri – Mumford and Sons Gentlemen of the Road Troy Stopover Downtown Street Festival – Troy, OH
4:30pm-5:30pm @ Market Street Stage & 11:45pm-2:00am @ Elks Lodge
8/31 Sat – Mumford and Sons Gentlemen of the Road Troy Stopover Downtown Street Festival – Troy, OH
12:00am-1:00am @ Market Street Stage
9/1 Sun – Diamonds in Upper Highlands- Louisville, KY
9/2 Mon – Avondale Brewing Co. – Birmingham, AL
9/4 Wed – Old Rock House – St. Louis, MO
9/5 Thu – The Shrine – Tulsa, OK *Austin & Barnes duo show
9/6 Fri – Cottonwood Flats – Mumford and Sons Gentlemen of the Road – Guthrie, OK
9/7 Sat – Cottonwood Flats – Mumford and Sons Gentlemen of the Road – Guthrie, OK

Take a look at JeffAustin.com for further information and to download a free EP of Jeff Austin & The Here and Now.

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