musicreporterblog

Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass

Monthly Archives: July 2016


by Leave a comment

On Huffington Post: Don’t Miss These Acts at FloydFest 16

2016-07-28-1469681418-8857276-ScreenShot20160726at12.00.41AM.png

The following post ran originally on The Huffington Post here:

FloydFest 16 kicks off today with headliners Greg Allman, Warren Haynes, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, Railroad Earth, Anders Osborne, Greensky Bluegrass, Leftover Salmon and Pimps of Joytime along with newcomers Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Shakey Graves, The Wood Brothers, Elephant Revival and the Monophonics.

Other artists include Nahko and Medicine for the People, Rich Robinson, the Otis Taylor Band, The Larry Keel Experience, Con Brio, Banditos, The Legendary Shack Shakers, Dustbowl Revival, Head for the Hills, Honey Island Swamp Band and The Congress.

Continue reading →


by Leave a comment

2016 IBMA Awards nominees announced

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fintlbluegrass%2Fphotos%2Fa.10150670413083759.396971.9031163758%2F10154051066658759%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500

The 2016 IBMA Awards nominees will be announced at 10 a.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, July 27, on Sirius XM’s Bluegrass Junction Channel 61.

Continue reading →


by Leave a comment

The King Bees bring the blues to Green Heron Ale House on Saturday, July 22

The first time my husband and I tried to find the Green Heron Ale House, I’ll admit it, we got lost. Tucked away in the bowels of rural Stokes County, North Carolina, just outside of Danbury, the rustic brew pub and live music joint is located in the shadow of Hanging Rock State Park on the banks of the meandering Dan River. And while it’s not easy to find, it is worth the trip.

Continue reading →


by Leave a comment

On Huffington Post: Mason Via is headed ‘Up, Up, Up’ to perform at FloydFest for the first time

This story also appeared on The Huffington Post here.
Mason Via is transcending musical genres with his unique brand of what has been described as Appalachian funky folk, soulful acoustic, rhythm and bluesgrass and groovy Americana.  His debut album, “Up, Up, Up,” is an eclectic mix of Appalachian string instrumentation, world percussion and soulful vocals mixed with powerful songwriting.
But it’s his country roots that come through the loudest and clearest when he hits the stage. No surprise really when you learn that the Danbury, North Carolina, native grew up in the shadow of Hanging Rock State Park in rural Stokes County on the banks of the Dan River.
“Living in correspondence with nature is one of the main points of my music,” Via, pronounced like “sky,” explains on a new micro-documentary, “Back to the Rock,” on his website.

Continue reading →


by Leave a comment

Royal House returns to The Mad Bean in Madison, N.C., on Saturday, July 16

https://www.reverbnation.com/page_object/page_object_photos/artist_4781600?photo=24665540

Royal House, a Walnut Cove, North Carolina,-based band, is returning to The Mad Bean, 100 S. Market St., in Madison at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 16.

Adam Hincher is the special opening guest.

According to the band’s ReverbNation page, if you like Ben Howard, Bon Iver, Tyler Nail or Ryan Adams, you’ll like Royal House.

Members of the band are Nicholas Bullins on vocals, Jonathan Rhodes on guitar, Mason Wilson on drums, Gopaldas Semeta on bass,  Govinda Semeta on flute and Sandy Uselton on piano.


by Leave a comment

Tickets still available for Victor Wainwright & The WildRoots, Left Hip Pocket at Pop’s Farm on Friday, July 15

Victor Wainwright & The WildRoots will perform with Left Hip Pocket on Friday, July 15, at Pop’s Farm (home of Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival), 675 Hobson Road, Martinsville, Virginia, at an outdoor show presented by Memorial Hospital and The Rives Theatre. Tickets are $15 ($20 at gate) and are available at Woodall’s Music and Sound, Daily Grind Coffee House & Cafe – Martinsville and online. Music starts at 8 p.m.

“This will be one of the most entertaining shows of the year,” writes Bob Phillips on The Rives Theatre Facebook page. “It is an absolutely must see event.”

Serendipity Metro Deli & Coffee House will have a food truck set up at the concern and there will be  Oscar Blues Brewery beer on tap. Camping is not available, however, according to organizers so make sure you plan accordingly.

Continue reading →


by Leave a comment

On Huffington Post: Fourth Event May Prove to be Charm for The Steel Wheels’ Red Wing Roots Music Festival on July 8-10

The following ran on The Huffington Post originally here:

The Steel Wheels is hosting its fourth Red Wing Roots Music Festival on July 8-10 at Natural Chimneys Regional Park near Staunton, Virginia. And a quick glance at this year’s lineup reveals the fourth iteration of this fledgling event might just be the charm.
Continue reading →


by Leave a comment

Martinsville Ballpark Beer Fest, summer shows on tap at Pop’s Farm

Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival fans are already looking forward to the 2017 Memorial Day event, but until then there are several upcoming entertainment opportunities in and around Martinsville, Virginia, to tide you over.

First, the Ballpark Beer Fest is Saturday, July 9, in the grass at Hooker Field. More than 60 types of craft beer will be available plus live music from The Low Low Chariot from 7-11 p.m. Get tickets and more info at http://martinsvillemustangs.com/beerfest.htm

It sold out last year so grab your tickets now OR email roosterwalk@gmail.com to sign up as a beer pourer and get in for FREE!

Then, on Friday, July 15, Victor Wainwright & The WildRoots will perform with Left Hip Pocket at Pop’s Farm for an outdoor show sponsored by The Rives Theatre. Tickets are $15/$20.

Finally, on Saturday, Aug. 20, Martinsville-area native Josh Shilling will bring his band Mountain Heart along with Southwest Virginia-based Annabelle’s Curse for another outdoor show at Pop’s Farm presented by Rooster Walk. Tickets are  $25/$30.