Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Imagine Festival Adds Camping in 2016


Atlanta's premier EDM festival, Imagine, allows attendees to enter further into an imaginary aquatic world by adding camping and a new venue to this now three-day event.  While the venue is yet to be released, camping can now be added to festival tickets starting at $69. 

There are four camping packages available including GA Camping, VIP Camping, GA RV Camping (no hook ups) and VIP RV Camping (with hook ups).  All campsites feature lush grass fields, oversized camping plots,  close proximity to the festival entrance, and will include unlimited use of shower and bathroom facilities with air conditioning and plumbing. More information regarding the campgrounds will be released with the official venue announcement coming soon.

Imagine will continue to build on its immersive aquatic fairytale with an abundance of performers, live acts, unique atmospheres, vendors and The Imaginarium’s variety of sacred teachings, ceremonies, and transformational workshops.

Expect the return of a carefully crafted lineup showcasing innately talented artists who pride themselves on unique production styles alongside euphoric live sets and world-renown heavy-hitters.

Announcements relating to the new venue, new improvements, and the 2016 lineup will be released soon. The festival is scheduled for August 26, 27 & 28, 2016.

To see how amazing this adventure can be, check out our live review of Imagine 2015. Tickets and more information can be found at www.imaginefestival.com



MerleFest Spotlight: Scythian



It's time to start gearing up for North Carolina's most coveted celebration of music: MerleFest 2016. This homage to bluegrass, Americana and folk music will take place from April 28 to May 1 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C., where artists such as John Prine, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, The Wood Brothers, and The Steep Canyon Rangers will perform.

Dance-inducing Celtic rock and American folk band, Scythian, will once again bring the party to MerleFest.  "Named after Ukrainian nomads, Scythian merges Irish, gypsy, and Americana with thunderous energy, technical zest, and soulful songwriting, beckoning crowds into a barn-dance rock concert experience."  

Performing Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the festival, Scythian promises to deliver an exciting set on each stage, including the dance tent.  The band is highly anticipating their return to MerleFest; guitarist and vocalist Dan Fedoryka states, "...we're looking forward to coming back to the fest we feel is a second home to us in a state we love. We have to say, it's also a fest where we feel the love. We've never experienced such positive interactions with attendees and every year we leave reinvigorated and convinced that we're musically on the right path. What can I say, there's no place like MerleFest!"

Scythian has spent the last year touring in support of their latest album, Old Tin Can. In April, ahead of MerleFest, the band will release their album in the land that inspired them, Ireland.  They take touring to a whole new level by inviting 180 of their fans to join them while performing at various Irish hot spots for eight days of barn-stomping fun. To learn more about this traveling party, visit Scythian's website.  

Scythian's next North Carolina show will be played at Blind Tiger in Greensboro on March 11.  This is just in time to celebrate St. Patrick's day with a band immersed in authentic Irish tradition.  

We'll keep you posted on specific play times and locations for Scythian as MerleFest gets closer.  Visit the festival's website to purchase tickets and for lineup details.     

Monday, February 15, 2016

Okeechobee Fest Spotlight: Hermitude

Hermitude is by no means new to the electronic scene, they have been serving up beats since the early 2000's, steadily making their way to main stages at a variety of festivals. If you haven't seen this musical genius made up of two Aussies, Luke Dubber and Angus Stuart, then Okeechobee is the place to do it.

The duo is often commended for their tight musicality and the ability to create their music live. With the use of a calypso drum, the pair meshes together sounds of jungle, hip-hop, and EDM.  They are sure to get the crowd moving at the Aquachobee Beach on Sunday with their strobing lights mixed with intense beats.

Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival is an eclectic event that combines several music genres on five signature stages.  The fest takes place in, you guessed it, Okeechobee, FL on March 4-6 on over 800 acres of pristine grasslands, clear lakes, and exotic tropical woodlands.  Visit the Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival website to purchase tickets and to see the complete lineup and schedule.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

PineCone Presents I Draw Slow


The PineCone - Piedmont Council of Traditional Music has brought some of the best music to the Triangle in recent months and Raleigh will play host to yet another outstanding act later this month.  The Triangle's deep appreciation for bluegrass and Americana music has been on display with The Kruger Brothers and Mipso recently playing to sold out crowds and it is with great excitement to announce that I Draw Slow will be this month's featured artist at Fletcher Theater in the Duke Energy Center.


On Friday, February 26, the Ireland-based group will be making their way back to Raleigh for the first time since playing the IBMA Music Festival in the fall of 2014. Upon listening, it doesn't take long to pick up on the Irish influence, but it is the blending of modern Americana and traditional bluegrass that fosters their truly original sound.  After getting started in 2008, the five members of I Draw Slow (Dave Holden, Louise Holden, Adrian Hart, Colin Derham, and Konrad Liddy) have been fortunate to perform all over the world and in March 2014 released their third album, White Wave Chapel.  If their electric performance at the IBMA festival is any indication of what is to come, you'll be glad that you got your tickets for a night with I Draw Slow.  Tickets are still available and can be purchased through TicketMaster.  Tickets can also be purchased by calling PineCone's box office at 919-664-8302 or visiting the Duke Energy Center box office in downtown Raleigh.  Be sure to check back following the performance for an in-depth interview with the band and a recap of the night at Fletcher Theater.



Thursday, February 11, 2016

Okeechobee Fest Spotlight: Dr. Dog

Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival is an eclectic event that combines several music genres on five signature stages.  The fest takes place in, you guessed it, Okeechobee, FL on March 4-6 on over 800 acres of pristine grasslands, clear lakes, and exotic tropical woodlands.  New York Times recently added the festival to a list of places "Where Music Lovers Should Go in 2016."

There are some amazing headliners for Okeechobee:  Kendrick Lamar, Skrillex, Mumford & Sons, Bassnectar, and The Avett Brothers.  The diversity of the genres ranging from Daryl Hall and John Oates to Fetty Wap is sure to please fest fans with bipolar music appetites. 

Over the next few weeks, we'll help guide you through the spectacular Okeechobee options with artist spotlights and must-see acts.  Today, the spotlight is on an American rock band that takes their audience through a psychedelic netherworld: Dr. Dog. 


Dr. Dog has roots reaching back to 1999 when leads Toby Leaman and Scott McMicken were just young lads in the eighth grade.  Time passed and talents grew and the duo became a six-piece.  Hailing from West Grove, PA, the band has gained quite a devoted following since the early 2000's.  In 2004, they were asked to support My Morning Jacket, gaining them more exposure and a heavier following.  Dr. Dog tours regularly and is equally amazing in an intimate small venue setting as they are in a crowded festival atmosphere.

They are currently on the road promoting their latest album, Psychedelic Swamp.  For the Triangle folks, you can see them for two nights at Haw River Ballroom - March 30 and 31.  For all of you fest fanatics, be sure to catch the band at Okeechobee for a neopsychedelic experience.Visit the Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival website to purchase tickets and to see the complete lineup and schedule. 





Cherub, Mike Floss and Gibbz Takeover Ritz Raleigh


There's a stellar lineup at the Ritz Raleigh tonight that headlines 80's inspired synth pop and funk duo, Cherub.  The pair have previously made their way through Raleigh and have notably performed at Lollapalooza, South by Southwest, and Bonnaroo.  They also impressively appear on the lineup for the Euphoria Music Festival and Shaky Beats, two of the hottest electronic festivals of 2016.  



Tonight, Cherub is adequately supported by Nashville's Mike Floss and Gibbz. Gibbz, known in the real world as Mike Gibney, entered the music scene as an audio engineer until he realized that was a "thankless, miserable existence." In this case, misery led to him working with Gramatik who in part helped him enter the next phase of his music career stating, "They convinced me that it's OK to drink copious amounts of alcohol and make everyone within a 30 ft radius uncomfortable. Out of this drunken, obnoxious, offensive mess of a man, GIBBZ was born." 

Now, Gibbz is a part of Gramatik's label, Lowtemp. The description of Gibbz on Lowtemp's website reads, "Gluttonous jerk with a thirst for attention."  Obviously, these guys don't take themselves too seriously and know how to enjoy what they do.  This personality comes across on stage and is clear in Gibbz's debut EP, Who Gibbz a F#@$ and his most recent EP, Chardonnay.  


Join us tonight at the Ritz Raleigh to see the many talents of Gibbz - singer, producer, and entertainer extraordinaire.  Cherub and Mike Floss are sure to keep the party going well into the night, or as long as Raleigh's sound ordinance will allow it.  This is one of those shows where you won't want to miss the support, so get there early.  The party starts at 8 and tickets are $23. 

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Okeechobee Fest Releases Full Daily Lineup Schedules


Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival is an eclectic event that combines several music genres on five signature stages.  The fest takes place in, you guessed it, Okeechobee, FL on March 4-6 on over 800 acres of pristine grasslands, clear lakes, and exotic tropical woodlands.  New York Times recently added the festival to a list of places "Where Music Lovers Should Go in 2016."

The Okeechobee Fest has released their lineup schedule today.  Head over to the their website to see the schedule, full lineup and to purchase tickets.  

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

MerleFest Adds Three Powerful Names to Lineup



MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 28-May 1, 2016, is proud to announce three powerful new additions to the 2016 lineup: breakout Americana star Jason Isbell, legendary Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel and inspiring gospel songster Mike Farris and The Roseland Rhythm Revue. 

These three new artists join over 100 other artists already announced, including John Prine, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dave Rawlings Machine, Brandi Carlile, The Wood Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, Alison Brown, Doug Seegers and more! 

The four-day event, the largest roots and Americana music festival in the nation, takes place on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in the heart of Appalachia. MerleFest continues the legacy of Doc Watson and is a benefit for the college. This homecoming of roots music artists and fans draws nearly 80,000 participants every year. 

The deadline to take advantage of the Early Bird Tier 1 ticket discount is coming up on February 15. A three-tiered pricing structure is offered for MerleFest 2016. The Early Bird Tier 2 ticket discount will run from February 16, 2015, through April 22, 2015, and the third price tier will be gate pricing. Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the Tier 1 discount now. Tickets for MerleFest 2016 are now on sale and may be purchased at www.MerleFest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857.