Music News You Can Use - June 2013

June: the last few weeks of Spring, and Summer almost here.   In San Francisco, we'll be keeping our sweaters on for the cold fog season.

 

It is also music festival camping season.  I was at the Strawberry Music Festival over Memorial Day - so nice to connect with friends and hear great music.   And make some too!!   Saw some favorites:  John Reischman and also Laurie Lewis with Chad Manning. (He's a fine fiddler and excellent teacher.  Here is a video.  I was at this concert and it was a treat.  Chad's playing is so smooth and rhythmic, no wonder he plays with the best.)   And here is a nice video of John Reischman and the Jay Birds, showing John's fine mandolin playing.  The rest of the band is not too shabby and their vocals are lovely.  Lots of Laurie and Jaybird videos on Youtube for you to cruise. 

 

Richard Thompson was the headliner at Strawberry this year, and he rocked the place with his electric trio.  He is truly an amazing talent, but I have to say I preferred his solo acoustic set at the Kate Wolf Festival last year.   Saw some new bands at Strawberry too, of course.  Here is a video of the Black Lilies with lots more on Youtube.   Strawberry happens twice a year, and I'll be back at there on Labor Day.

 

Festivals!!  The Kate Wolf Festival is coming at the end of June, and I am so looking forward to that.   Last year, KD Lang was the headliner and she delivered absolutely the best performance I have ever seen by anyone ever.  OMG !!   Watch this.  This year's KW line up is pretty tantalizing, and there is plenty of room in my campsite - join me!!

 

And, more festivals!!   Here is a good place to check out summer music festivals going on close to you:  http://www.jambase.com/Festivals/.  Do you already have some favorites?   Oh, please share.

 

I haven't made it to the stage of any big festivals yet (my five year goal), but I had a pretty full month of playing in May, and June is going to be more of the same.  (Life is good !!)  I sure enjoy being a part of Steve Key's Songwriters At Play showcases, and I'll be starting off my June playing a short set at his showcase at Vines on the Marycrest in Paso Robles on June 1st.  I am back at the Kensington Farmers Market June 9th, and fun, fun, fun, I have three children's music shows with Michael Hanna the following week.   Then, the week before the KW festival, I am playing a new venue, the Ruth McGowan's Brew Pub in Cloverdale, Friday June 21st.  Cloverdale is where I had my first regular Friday & Saturday dance band gig, so many years ago.   Reminds me of Joni Mitchell's song 'The Circle Game.'

 

So that's a bit of music news I hope you can use.   Let me know what you are up to and listening to.   Always nice to hear from you.    

John

Roy Zat

Croizat

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