@ZackTeibloom After experiencing 25+ shows in six states,* seeing Umphrey’s McGee feels like meeting up with extended family. You catch up on the new things they’ve been working on, reminisce the good old times and marvel at how much bigger they’ve gotten since the last time you saw them.

You’ve got inside jokes with older cousins (Brendan, Jake and Ryan), You don’t pay much attention to the odd cousin who was adopted (Andy), you get kicks out of the goofy antics of the baby of the family (Kris) and roll your eyes at the annoying uncle who means well (Joel.) More than anything, it just feels comforting to be in their presence. Read the rest of this entry »

 @AndyShore Ok, so maybe when my dad first asked me if I wanted to go to see Loggins & Messina at Ravinia, all I had in mind was getting drunk and singing “Highway to the Danger Zone.” Don’t tell me that doesn’t sound like a blast. Truth be told, having some cocktails and seeing listening to some live tunes at Ravinia is rarely a bad idea. After Dave Mason, the bar had been set high. I was eager to see what Loggins & Messina would follow with. Read the rest of this entry »

 @AndyShore If you frequent these parts, you should know by now that I am a huge fan of Traffic. The glowing reviews of Steve Winwood at the United Center and Mile High as well as the Eric Clapton and Winwood show at the UC should speak for themselves. I didn’t know at the time my dad asked me if I wanted to go see Loggins & Messina at Ravinia, that Dave Mason was the opening act. I didn’t find out until we got there. What a pleasant surprise that was. A few Jack and Coke’s and some delicious BBQ later, I was ready for some rock. Read the rest of this entry »

 Set on an incredible estate with a fabled musical history, Let It Roll is the first major festival at Sunnyview Farm. With stunning sunset views and beautiful camp grounds, Sunnyview Farm is poised to become a favorite new festival grounds for all those looking for diverse musical talent, good vibes, and a conscious atmosphere. There is definitely something new happening here.

Let It Roll features both an indoor and outdoor main stage, with continuous music and no overlapping sets so you can actually see the music you traveled so far to see! This is a family-friendly event with a Kids Tent (kids under 12 are free), games, paved paths and lots of nature to enjoy. With something for everyone, Let It Roll features everything from early morning roots to late-night untz. A full lineup is available at www.ruralliancegroup.org. Read the rest of this entry »

@ZackTeibloom Typically a schedule release is fraught with worry due to unfortunate overlaps, and Fun Fun Fun fest is no exception.

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@ZackTeibloom  New Orleans already has Jazz Fest, my favorite of 2009. They’ve even got Voodoo and Essence. Make room for another festival. Next week New Orleans hosts Project 30-90 Festival with headliners Ghostland Observatory and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Every festival aims to be as green as possible, but Project 30-90 kicks it up a notch. Read the rest of this entry »

@ZackTeibloom Tread lightly. You’re in the company of basterds. When I thought of this contest, I envisioned Iggy Pop and The Sex Pistols tearing each other’s nads off and throwing their heroin needles at each other as they vyed for the title of biggest Basterd of all. Hagel tried to say Matisyahu was the biggest basterd of all. Laughable. He might be the biggest jew rocker of all, but don’t call a Mench a Basterd. The Beastie Boys were nominated (also probably because they’re jewish) but c’mon. They couldn’t hold a menorah next to the flaming torches The Sex Pistols and Iggy Pop would use to start World War 3. If those basterds would even bother to show up. Read the rest of this entry »

@ZackTeibloom They finally replaced the Beastie Boys. The supergroup of supergroups, Them Crooked Vultures just exploded onto the scene and now they’re here to tear you a new one at ACL. If you don’t know yet, Them Crooked Vultures consists of Dave Grohl (of Nirvana, Foo Fighters) ripping shit up on drums, Josh Homme (of Queens of the Stone Age) on vox and guitar and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) keeping it steady on bass.

According to Rolling Stone, The band will perform from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the Xbox 360 stage, just before Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Kings of Leon’s dueling headlining sets. If you’re into rock like we are, it’ll be a killer one-two punch from Them Crooked Vultures into Kings of Leon.

I’m ecstatic. It’s even better than putting someone against Kings of Leon and making us choose. Now we get both. And I have a feeling the crowd at Kings of Leon will be especially raucous after having the biggest supergroup around hyping them up. LONG LIVE ROCK!