Medeski, Martin, & Wood (New York)

Somewhere, someplace, someone is debating the future of live and recorded music, speaking in somber tones of changes that have made it difficult to reach consumers, of technologies that have changed society, and of the lack of creativity found in the arts. But in a small but impressive microcosm of the universe known as Medeski Martin & Wood, creativity is alive, flourishing, and filled with outlets for growth and expansion. And somewhere, whatever gods of music there might be are smiling. On the web at mmw.net.

Tony Rice (Danville, VA)

Tony Rice spans the range of acoustic music, from straight-ahead bluegrass to jazz-influenced new acoustic music, to songwriter-oriented folk. He is perhaps the greatest innovator in acoustic flatpicked guitar since Clarence White. Over the course of his career, he has played alongside J.D. Crowe and the New South, David Grisman (during the formation of “Dawg Music”), led his own groups, collaborated with fellow picker Norman Blake and recorded with his brothers. He has recorded with drums, piano, soprano sax, and with straight-ahead bluegrass instrumentation. On the web at tonyrice.com.

The Travelin’ McCoury’s (Nashville)

Ronnie McCoury on mandolin, Rob McCoury on banjo, Jason Carter on fiddle, and Alan Bartram on bass , with featured guests on guitar and vocals, is the latest incarnation of the most awarded band in the history of bluegrass -The Del McCoury Band. Known for their individual prowess on their instruments and their rapidly expanding reputation as collaborators with the members of numerous musical icons from Vince Gill to the Allman Brothers and Phish, this touring unit blends the best of the Appalachian tradition with the improvisational magic of jazz. On the web at delmccouryband.com.

EOTO (Boulder)

Jason Hann and Michael Travis (percussionist and drummer from the band The String Cheese Incident) make up this 100% improvised live Breakbeat/ House/ Drum n Bass/ Trip Hop project. Drawing from the ethos of some of the great DJ’s and computer artists of the world, they use cutting edge technology to create truly original and melodic dance music in the moment, with the undeniable power of live drums. The music is all created on the spot, recorded, then mixed and remixed LIVE to create an ever evolving musical experience. On the web at eotomusic.com.

Particle w/ Michael Kang of String Cheese Incident (2 sets!)

Particle formed in Los Angeles in 2000, features Steve Molitz (keyboard), Eric Gould (bass), Darren Pujalet (drums), and special guest Michael Kang of The String Cheese Incident. Along with The Disco Biscuits and Sound Tribe Sector 9, the group was among the first to blend rock, jazz, funk, and electronica into the milieu of what has been dubbed “livetronica” (a subgenre of the jam band movement where live bands blend the structures of DJ-produced sequenced electronic music into a more traditional live band setting). The group made a name for itself and built an enthusiastic fan base, known as Particle People, by performing energetic late-night sets at festivals such as Bonnaroo. Reliance on word of mouth from fans, rather than advertising, allowed this group to sell out venues such as the Bowery Ballroom in New York City before they finally released their much anticipated first album, Launchpad, in early 2004. Joining Particle for this show is Michael Kang of The String Cheese Incident. Born in South Korea, “Kang” is a multi-instrumentalist among other things, he is known for his role in the popular jam band The String Cheese Incident. The mandolin is his primary instrument, although he plays violin on several songs, and guitar. He is a key part of the band, providing both a melodic and rhythmic sound. On the web at particlepeople.com.

Fareed Haque & Flat Earth Ensemble (Illinois)

Guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque enjoys a career that spans the spectrum of musical styles. Moving easily between jazz and classical guitar… He has performed all of the major guitar concertos, is an active transcriber of baroque as well as South American music and has had numerous modern works dedicated to him. On the web at fareed.com.

Cornmeal (Chicago)

Cornmeal continues to forge a path all their own, pushing the boundaries of bluegrass, Americana and folk for a whole new generation of music lovers. Steeped in the tradition of musical acts such as Old and in the Way, John Hartford, and New Grass Revival, Cornmeal has proven to be an influential presence in the world of roots music. Cornmeal has consistently evolved its sound and stage performance using bluegrass as a springboard for long improvisational work and songs ranging from country, rock and blues to jazz, funk and disco. On the web at cornmealinthekitchen.com.

Break Science feat. Adam Deitch

Break Science is the culmination of a career of beat bending by its brainchild, Adam Deitch. Whether performing a DJ set with drums, programming or helming a live band, Beat Science is club music in the vein of a “live mix tape,” blending live trip-hop, broken-beat, dub, drum & bass and hip-hop. The live band features some of the most talented musicians on the New York scene today (sidemen and producers the Fugees, G-Unit, Matisyahu and more). Guests have included luminaries such as Wyclef, Matisyahu, Rob Swift of the Executioners and Talib Kweli. On the web at myspace.com/breaksciencemusic.

Pretty Lights (Boulder)

Pretty Lights is the musical vision of the ultra-versatile Colorado based producer Derek Vincent Smith, accompanied in the live setting by drummer, Cory Eberhard. Together these two achieve a raw energy rarely reached in the realm of electronic music. At a time when music lovers from almost all subcultures, and genres are finding common ground in the basic form of bangin’ beats, Pretty Lights is giving the people what they want; electro organic cutting-edge party rocking beats that fill venues with energy and emotion, and send dance floors into frenzies. On the web at prettylightsmusic.com.

Future Rock (Chicago, IL)

Future Rock is electronic sensory overload. The trio has steadily been touring the US, electrifying audiences and developing a dedicated following during their journey. Their legendary late night performances at festivals and after-parties have quickly confirmed their status at the top of the live electronic scene. Coupled with an explosive light show, FR certifies an unparalleled multi-sense experience. The Chicago-based trio exhibits an uncommon grasp of minimalist, yet visceral, rock. Skillfully manipulating live loops, synthesizers, filters and an electronic drum kit, the trio succeeds in creating a larger-than-life sound that sends crowds into frenzies. On the web at futurerock.net.

BoomBox (Alabama)

BoomBox evolved through the common visualization of a pair of forward thinking artists from diverse musical backgrounds. Raised by supportive and musically inclined parents, both Godchaux and Randolph had an obsession with music at very young ages. As much producers as they are musicians, it is Randolph’s understanding of soundscape and Godchaux’s knack for songwriting that keeps BoomBox resonating at higher levels. On the web at thisisboombox.com.

Eliot Lipp (Brooklyn, NY)

Since his debut in 04′ on Prefuse 73’s Eastern Developments label, Lipp has been a major factor in the world of electronic music. His past releases on Mush, Hefty and Money Studies have also earned him praise from fans and critics everywhere. On the web at myspace.com/eliotlipp.

Jason Webley (Seattle, WA)

In the Spring of 1998 Jason Webley quit his day job, picked up his accordion, and hopped onto a Greyhound bus with the intention of playing in the streets until his money ran out. Nearly ten years, five albums and over a dozen countries later, Webley is still rambling across state lines and howling at the tomato moon. Along the way, Webley has garnered devoted fans everywhere from Moscow to Mexico City. On the web at jasonwebley.com.

Oakhurst (Denver, CO)

Oakhurst has had a reputation for torching bar and theater stages throughout the US with its unique sound and unbridled stage energy for years. But lately, the band has also created a stir on major festival stages, cruise ships and European tours. The band’s adept picking, sweet harmonies, and citybilly swagger have cleary come from playing 200+ shows a year in such varied environments. Oakhurst’s unpretentious, go-for-it interpretation of a genre that’s often handled too reverently, sparks interest in bluegrass by folks who don’t know Doc Watson from Doc Holliday. On the web at myspace.com/oakhurst.

The Station (Springfield, IL)

Musical worlds colorfully collide in the form of The Station. Paired in a music scene long-dominated by excessive, guitar-heavy outfits dropping into 10-minute jam after jam of trading solos, they have been able to discover a newly-formed and rarely traveled crevice in today’s wall of sound. While guitar-rich in essence, The Station has managed to produce a sound void of the same all-too similar, stagnant riffs. On the web at thestationmusic.com.

The DeWayn Brothers (Kansas)

From the front porch of the Flinthills in East Central Kansas comes The DeWayn Brothers. The DeWayn Brothers are a fast paced insurgent bluegrass band drawing influences from old timey bluegrassers, to punk rock and metal, their shows are high energy from start to finish. With the best female vocalist in the midwest, Jamie Lee belts out songs of lost loves and bad guys, to The Boy singing about death and drinking, or just picking a good ol’ banjo song about gettin rabies from your own dog, DeWayn is pushing their Kansgrass sound all over the country. On the web at myspace.com/thedewaynbrothers.

56 Hope Road (Chicago, IL)

56 Hope Road is a band bonded like a family, and as a result, their music has an unmistakable honesty and openness. Uncanny, intuitive communication creates an easy interplay on stage, making even the most layered tunes sound effortless. They allow the joy of spontaneous creativity to color their song-based arrangements – neither losing their musical center, nor restricting its growth. On the web at 56hoperd.com.

The Hipnecks (Columbia, MO)

Combining musical elements of Rock, Jazz, Funk, and even Bluegrass, the five members of The Hipnecks have conjured a sound all their own,” -Vox Magazine. That sound has been called a “jambalaya” by press and “country fried jam” by fans alike. Take it from the name, The Hipnecks, which combines the words “Hippie” and “Redneck” as affectionately as it unites trucker hats and flip-flops. On the web at thehipnecks.com.

M.O. Theory (Charleston, SC)

M.O. THEORY is the alias of Justin Aubuchon, an experimental electronic producer currently based in Charleston, South Carolina. M.O. THEORY has shared the stage with Bassnectar, Eliot Lipp, Pretty Lights, OTT, Daedelus, Boombox, Beats Antique, Biodiesel, & more. On the web at myspace.com/motheory1.

The Northwoods (St. Louis)

The sound and soul of The Northwoods is both familiar yet new. Listen carefully and you will hear echoes of Simon and Garfunkel, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and James Taylor as they collide with the 21st century. Elijah Palnik and Jeremy Shanas are taking American music in a new direction. The Northwoods restore the beauty of poetry to its rightful place in today’s music through rich, soulful vocal harmonies and an occasional dose of funky, percussive rhythms. On the web at myspace.com/thenorthwoodsmusic.

Speakeasy (Springfield, MO)

Originally formed in the mid 90’s as a three-piece, Speakeasy experimented with a hint of metal and hip-hop funk before evolving into the groove-oriented progressive rock outfit they are today. With chunky, percussive guitars, razor sharp harmonicas, pinpoint three part harmonies, and punchy rhythms, the result is undeniably Speakeasy. On the web at speakeasyband.com.

J Wail (Colorado / NYC)

It is the dawn of an age of digital wizardry where gadgets seem to surge in song, congealing in an amalgamation of buzzes, beeps and blips. The pulsing of machines and pounding of concrete and steel in symphonic collage power our world. J.Wail rises to the call of the sonic traffic controller, poised behind a palette of electronic devices with his Telecaster in hand. The dance floor becomes the launch pad where he fuses live instrumentation with organic electronica propelling mind, soul and booty into the upper stratosphere of sound. On the web at jwail.com.

The Histronic (Minneapolis)

The Histronic is an up and coming Minneapolis based livetronica band specializing in a creative brand of original dance music. Imagine the sound of a house, trance, or funk DJ played by a three piece band (Drums, Bass, Keyboards). The Histronic is an interactive dance party consisting of heavy dance grooves that will make everyone want to bust a move. On the web at thehistronic.com.

Organic Proof (Kansas City)

Organic Proof is keyboardist and producer John Brewer and multi-instrumentalist and live-looper Brandon Draper. Together they create and mix tracks live on stage by looping and performing on a variety of exotic instruments from around the world. Deeply rooted in African rhythms they combine electronica to make a style all their own. On the web at myspace.com/organicproof.

Jake’s Leg (St. Louis)

Jake’s Leg has been in existence in the St. Louis area for over 30 years now. Although different players have come and gone in the band, its musical spirit and intent has stayed intact. On the web at jakesleg.com.

FolknBluesGrass (St. Louis)

FolknBluesGrass is a four-piece acoustic group based here in St. Louis. The band performs their own unique style of folk, blues and bluegrass (hence the name). On the web at folknbluesgrass.com.

Resident Anti-hero (Pacific Northwest)

Resident Anti-Hero is a unique fusion of literature and sound. Sonically, the group is a fusion of undergroup hip-hop, electronica, and rock, mixed with a dub technique. Literarily, the project incorporates a novelistic theme of speculative fiction together with lyric-based poetry. The band’s affinity for instrumentation and effects allows for a distinctive and incomparable Live PA show. Resident Anti-Hero was founded in the rainy forests of the America’s Pacific Northwest by artists/activists concerned with raising political awareness, and combating the lack of relevent culture heroes in modern day society. On the web at spacegnomerecords.com/residentantiherohome.htm.

The Passage Project (CO)

Bringing a new level of originality to the live electronic genre, The Passage Project combines fusion and progressive rock with a wide array of electronic varieties. On the web at myspace.com/thepassageproject.

Sovereign Sect (Fargo, ND)

Combining standard rock instrumentation, state of the art electronics including turntables and over a decade of electronic music experience, the quintet creates a sound that is uniquely Sovereign Sect. Most well known in their hometown of Fargo, ND for throwing all-night raves, Sovereign Sect brings the late night party, no question. On the web at myspace.com/sovereignsectmusic.

MO2 (San Francisco)

Getting their start in San Francisco’s underground club scene, MO2 has since earned a national following by combining four-to-the-floor dance breaks, drum n bass, hip-hop and dubstep with contagious pop hooks and ethereal progressions; their explosive and unique sound continues to leave audiences mesmerized nationwide. On the web at myspace.com/mindorchestra.

Madahoochi (St. Louis, MO)

Madahoochi continues into year twelve, igniting fans with a heavy dose of rock and roll energy. On the web at madahoochi.com.

Michael Jonas (St. Louis, MO)

Michael Jonas grew up in the Cresecent Hills just west of St Louis, MO. in 1998 he moved to Ft. Collins, CO, just as he was really starting to get into bluegrass and old time music. By the time he left Colorado, he was hooked. On the web at myspace.com/michaeljonasmusic.

Thumpasaurus (St. Louis, MO)

DJ Variety of funky beats, smooth grooves, epic jams, serious rockers, poignant ballads, essential classics, fresh tracks, obscure gems, and catchy tunes. On the web at myspace.com/djthumpasaurus.

Alabaster Brown (St. Louis, MO)

Forged on the banks of the Big Muddy, Alabaster Brown melds St. Louis rock, down home jamming, latin beats, and bluegrass melodies into “the brown sound.” On the web at myspace.com/alabasterbrown.

Naked Groove (St. Louis, MO)

Naked Groove is a talented group of musicians bringing you the tightest and most soul full jams around town. Since their comback in Oct ‘07 Naked Groove has melted minds with every performance. The Naked Groove consists of Tim Moody Guitar & Vocals, Chris Stevenson Keyboards, Stuart Williams Sax, Tony Lamacchia Drums, and Josip Capan Bass & Vocals. On the web at myspace.com/nakedgroove.

Slippy LaRue (Columbia, MO)

Mix 2 parts funk with 1 part jazz and 1 part reggae. Add spice of Latin. For a real treat add some trance with a bit of psychedelia. Always serve with soul searing energy. Basically with Slippy LaRue, you get it all. 1 stop shop. On the web at myspace.com/slippylarue.