I don't know about any of you, but as a heterosexual white guy, it's been difficult for me over the years to admit to friends and co-workers that I am a fan of Prince's music. But the bottom line is that Prince, even though his music was tainted by some heavy synthesizer action, gave me a Funk Education before I even knew what funk really was. When I figured this out in college, I confidently blasted his music from my stereo, along with the Dead, Phish, etc. of which my hippie friends approved. Everybody still made fun of me, though. Come to think of it, they still make fun of me for listening to Prince (and for other reasons). Oh well.

Here's my question: has funk become more fashionable in the last 5 years, or is it just that I've awakened to it? Right as I started seeing P-Funk shows, I started noticing the sheer number of funk bands out there in every city in America. And a lot of them quite mediocre, I might add.

Deep Banana Blackout is not one of those mediocre funk bands. In fact, it's probably not proper to even call them a funk band. They use funk rhythms and bass lines, but this group of folks seems to incorporate about 10 different genres into their tight and energetic sets. They demonstrate such complex jazzy arrangements right off the bat that I wonder if it is a process that serves as a weeding out of the musically stupid. The new lead singer Hope Clayburn, formerly of Baaba Seth, performs quite well, especially since she has some pretty big shoes to fill. I am also blown away by the talents of the drummer, Eric Kalb, and the lead guitarist, Fuzz. These guys prove that it don't matter if funk is in fashion or not; DBB sets the trends.

Anyhoo, having said that, we have a pretty robust column this month, fortunately. We've got News, we've got Reviews (True Gravity, The Westfall, and Todd describing Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks), and we've got Notable Dates, all for your pleasure. We'll see you at the show.

Todd and Tim

News

Dagga Productions/SDS Entertainment present...

Reggae JamDown @ Warner Park: Wisconsin Reggae Festival slated for Warner Park May 5th

"The Biggest Little Reggae Festival in the Nation."

SISTER CAROL, JOHN BROWN'S BODY & SHINEHEAD TO HEADLINE FESTIVAL

Saturday May 5th will see the transformation of Madison, Wisconsin's Warner Park soccer field into a day filled with music, food, dance, children's entertainment tent, and drawings for major prizes and fun for all. There will be a drawing for a Cannondale bicycle, valued at $750 from Williamson Bicycle Works. We will also have a drawing for two round trip airline tickets from Chicago to Montego Bay from Air Jamaica. This rain or shine event will feature some of the best international and US based reggae acts playing from 1:00pm - 11:00pm. Doors open at NOON.

Tickets are on sale at these Barrymore Theatre outlets; The Exclusive Company (State St. & High Pt.), Strictly Discs, Deep Grooves, Magic Mill, Mad City Music, The Barrymore or call & charge 241.8633. You can also go online at www.virtuous.com.

Tickets are $18.50 advance and $23 day of show. A convenience fee is added to all Internet and phone orders. This will be an all ages show, and kids 12 and under get in free with a parent. Gates open at Warner Park at noon with the spinning of DJ General Jasha of the Pacesetter Sound System. You can get more information at the event website: www.reggaejamdown.net. The following artist's have agreed to perform:

SISTER CAROL: 9:00 PM TO 11:00 PM

JOHN BROWN'S BODY: 7:00 PM TO 8:30 PM

SHINEHEAD: 5:00 PM TO 6:30 PM

NATTY NATION: 3:45 PM TO 4:45 PM

ADDITIONAL ACT'S THAT WILL BE PERFORMING DURING THE DAY

TONY BROWN & the LANDING CREW: 2:30 PM TO 3:30 PM

DJ GENERAL JASHA, BAM H-1 & vocalist SUPER IRIE of PACESETTER SOUND SYSTEM:

NOON TO 12:30 PM - THE PACESETTER CREW WILL ALSO BE PERFORMING BETWEEN

BANDS

DAVID ROBINSON & the SUNSHINE CREW: 1:30 PM TO 2:15 PM

GIBRALTAR ROCKETS: 12:30 PM TO 1:15 PM

SPRINGJAM MUSIC FESTIVAL 2001

On Friday and Saturday, May 18th and 19th the Jamband festival season will get a super-charged kickoff at the Smoke Rise Ranch Resort in Wayne National Forest with the SpringJam Music Festival. An entire weekend of music, camping, and grooves, along with plenty of vendors offering arts, crafts and good food will be on tap at the 2000 acre private facility located just outside Murray City, in Athens County in the hills of southeastern Ohio.

Bands that are confirmed to play the festival include Dark Star Orchestra, Country Joe McDonald, The Shantee, Uncle Sam's Dream Machine, The John Mullins Band, Peach Melba, Station, Matthew Ableson and Toast. The price of tickets are a steal at $30 in advance and $40 at the gate which include primitive camping and parking.

Dark Star Orchestra performs a Grateful Dead set in its entirety at each show. Country Joe McDonald, for those people who are unaware, performed at the original Woodstock festival. he is most remembered for the "Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag" (Next Stop is Vietnam...), and the F-U-C-K cheer, when he coaxed a half million people, "what's that spell?!" This is one REAL don't miss weekend. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketweb.com or by mail order (information online at http://www.angelfire.com/oh3/SmokeRise ) or by calling the ranch directly at 740-76-RANCH. Both mail order & ticketweb buyers will be eligible to win free tickets from Concert Concepts. RV hook-ups or cabins are also available for those who are interested and reservations must be made by calling the ranch directly. The Ranch will offer a one time special camping rate from Sun - Fri May 20-25th - please inquire at the Ranch office.

In Case You Missed It...

True Gravity 3/2/01

U.S. Beer Company, Chicago, IL

by Cliff Hanger (hotlanta93@hotmail.com

What if Duane met Warren? This is a perfect way to explain what I witnessed on Friday, March 2nd when I saw True Gravity. The location could have been better but the music more than made up for it.

U.S. Beer Company is not one of Chicago's finer clubs. In fact, one may get the feeling he or she was at a fraternity party after sitting in that dank basement for an entire show. When a band plays there for the first time, they are subjected to playing in a dark (and I mean dark!) basement where the walls are covered in silver bubble wrap and the wall behind the stage is nothing more than a chain-linked fence. To make matters worse, Chicago's building codes would have a field day with the dripping ceilings and exposed electrical wires. Nevertheless, True Gravity played and it was quite a show.

After a very irritating opening band, True Gravity took the stage with Mr. Dan Moulder sitting in on keyboards and vocals. While soundchecking, Jason and Moulder skimmed through Peter Frampton's "Do You Feel Like We Do" to grab some attention. They opened with a very passionate Blue Sky, which featured backing vocals by Moulder. Everything sounded perfect from offstage but you could tell the band was not getting a decent mix through their monitors. Eventually they got comfortable and played two classics from Fillmore East, "Statesboro Blues" and "Don't Keep Me Wonderin'." I can't recall seeing these guys where they haven't played these songs but every time I do they just keep getting better. Nate has definitely come a long way on that slide guitar!

There is nothing sweeter than Chuck Leavell's piano solo on "Jessica" and Dan Moulder played it flawlessly when they played that next. Nate and Mike had some fun switching off solos and throwing in some Jimi Hendrix teases as well. Up next was the classic "Dreams," which the band hadn't played since last August. It was a real treat to hear another keyboardist's rendition of the Gregg Allman piece.

Nate then introduced the highly anticipated future replacement for Mike when they brought Zoe Smulewitz up to the stage for a few tunes. They belted out "Cissy Strut" where my question from before was answered. Although "Cissy Strut" has never been played by the Allman Brothers, Duane and Warren were apparently in the house when Mike and Zoe traded off some unbelievable solos.

After capping that off, Nate took a brief solo to open a very up-tempo "One Way Out." I literally fell out of my seat when everybody in the band kept that fast tempo rolling from start to finish. Zoe was able to capture the attention of everybody in the place with his fast and furious chops. When the band played "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," they highlighted their rhythm section by giving them a five-minute drum jam that drew everybody in the audience up to the front of the stage. Only Mike, Nate, and Jason came back up to finish the song when soon after Nate exclaimed, "Who Needs Gregg?!" I have been heard! Jason and Nate humorously teased some Led Zeppelin tunes while waiting for Dan like "Moby Dick, "Black Dog," and the mundane "Stairway to Heaven" which received a few boo's! Dan eventually came back onto the stage where they finished off the set with "Revival" and "Whipping Post." After Dan Moulder took the vocals on Whipping Post due to supposed throat problems Dan McMurray had, McMurray bounced back with a little help from Mike and Nate on their encore, "End of the Line," another rare one that hadn't been touched in 8 months.

So True Gravity obviously made a mistake with this venue. Big deal! The Allman Brothers make a mistake every year by playing the World Music Theater! Supposedly the band had a writer from the Chicago Reader in attendance and that was the reason the band was so undemanding on their venue. I personally don't think anybody including myself cared much after being treated to such an amazing show. Hey, I even bought myself a really cool True Gravity T-shirt!

Even before Mike and Jason notified the band that they would soon be leaving to pursue their other projects, the remaining three have been diligently seeking the ideal candidates to replace them and former organist Pistol Pete Legend. They proved that they were hard at work that night by showing off one third of their discoveries in Zoe Smulewitz. It's going to be very interesting to hear the new product of True Gravity when the final pieces are in place. Word has it that Nate and Dan have been writing several original pieces to perform specifically with True Gravity and with Zoe in the lineup, you'll definitely start hearing more of Dan and Nate's Jazz influences come out.

The Westfall, 4/4/01

The Nomad, Milwaukee, WI

by Peter D'Amore (pdamore@directs.com)

The Westfall show on Wednesday night was impressive, as always. I am constantly overwhelmed with the energy they put into their performances, and that is the main reason I haven't missed a show since last fall. They are classified as what we've come to know as "groove", but they are in a class of their own.

It starts with The Westfall recipe of sounds: A fine selection of vintage keyboards (Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes, and clavinet), solid bass, and tight drums. The newest addition has been saxophone. There is no weak link in this lineup - they are all fantastic musicians, and there is also no leader as a result. I prefer their original songs, but they play good cover tunes as well.

Wednesday's show offered covers by Charles Mingus, and also The Meters. Those give the idea of their jazz and funk roots, which have given life to some of my favorites, which they also played last night: "Prickly Pear Perspective", which has a wicked intro, followed by intense and fast jazz improvisation, the kind with the bass running wild throughout. There's also the toe-tapping "Hottentot", and the raging feel good anthem "Freezing Desert", which features some gut wrenching soul style vocals during the verses, and then doo-wop style vocals by the whole group for the chorus (which is great fun over a groove rhythm section).

As we listen to our favorite bands longer, we develop new favorite songs of theirs, as our taste evolves over time. The beauty is when our appreciation for the same band can evolve to other new found musical interests in general - this happened to me, as a result of diversity in The Westfall.

[They've somehow hooked us as listeners, and now we are hooked on another genre or "feel" they have to offer.] The Westfall brings a lot to the plate - gnaw away, I say. I've had the privilege of amassing some great quality Westfall shows on MiniDisk (some from soundboard, some from mics, one with both). This has allowed me to recognize and know the material. Did I mention dancers? Yes, dancers aplenty. For now, the band plays Milwaukee, Chicago, and has a steady following in Colorado as well. I leave you with these thoughts:

1) I work an 8-5 job, and still went to the bar on Wednesday night. 2) I passed up the Medeski, Martin, & Wood show in December because The Westfall does what I like about MMW, but way better in the sense of groove - and it's right in my hometown. 3)Check out their website at (www.thewestfall.com). Thanks for reading - let me know if this review was helpful or interesting to you by email (pdamore@directs.com). See you at the next show!

The Nomad World Pub * Milwaukee, WI * Wednesday 4/04/01

Set I: 523, Défeta*, Hottentot, The Freezing Desert

Set II: Prickly Pear Perspective, Chank, Hobo Ho*, BSBS, Cissy Strut

Set III: Rainbow Blender, Dixie Peach, Shotgun Blues, Mohawk Mountain,

Quantico

*Debut

Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks, 4/4/01

Little Brothers, Columbus, OH

by Todd Justus (midwest@jambands.com)

Sometimes it's nice to catch a show outside of the jamband realm, especially when it packs the punch that Malkmus and The Jicks brought to Columbus during their recent national tour. Anyone familiar with Malkmus' long and successful run with Pavement knows that he's a musician not afraid of jamming, but often cuts the groove short in favor of his melodic pop sensibilities. This strategy worked well for Pavement, and continues to thrive as The Jicks find a comfort level as a band. The rhythm section is composed of Joanna Bolme on Bass and John Moen on drums, and while neither is really showcased during the band's nearly two-hour set, it's easy to see why Malkmus selected chose them for his squad. Malkmus's long-time companion Heather pitches in on backing vocals and the occasional tambourine, and brings a truck-load of energy to the stage. She's almost as much fun to watch as Malkmus himself. The Columbus show also offered an element of the unexpected, as a fifth Jick seemed to materialize out of nowhere in the person of a synth-playing rhythm guitarist that really helped flesh out the live sound of the band. This alleviated my concerns going in, as I was wondering how thick a three-piece would come across in a bar. In reading reviews of previous shows, I saw no mention of this guitarist from the grassy knoll and I still don't know who he is (if you've somehow gotten lost and ended up at jambands.com, mystery Jick, job well done at the show). He was certainly integral to the band, however.

Malkmus was total eye-candy for the duration of the show, a contrast to his often-reclusive performances with Pavement. He seemed to be in high spirits, and was even spotted secretly working the merch table while the opening act, Chestnut Station, did their thing. Ever the fledgling counter-culture icon, he worked the crowd with good humor and repeatedly jabbed at AC/DC, who were playing Nationwide Arena downtown. If you're unfamiliar with Malkmus or Pavement, let's get one thing straight - this guy can frickin' play. And while, as I mentioned earlier, it was nice to see a band play good songs that were quick, funny and to the point, I have to admit that during certain tunes when Stevie let loose on his gee-tar, I was hoping he'd stretch it out for eight minutes or so and segue into something else. Such is the plight of the jamband fan. "Keep the Faith" and "Church on White" started the set, and things got hot with the third number. It's not on the album and he didn't say what it was, but it was my favorite thing he played all night (if any of you Malkmus people, again, get lost and end up at jambands.com, email me and let me know what it was). "Discretion Grove" found a strong reaction from the crowd, which was shoulder-to-shoulder all the way back to the bar, as did the version of "Phantasies" which followed it.

He saved many of the albums stronger tracks for the back end of set. "The Hook" was fun to hear, and The Pixies-esque "Troubbble" was a personal highlight. If only that song was longer... "Jo Jo's Jacket" and "Jenny and the Ess-Dog" closed the set and both received high marks from the audience. After a brief wait, the band re-emerged for a quick encore that included a kick-ass version of The Cars' "Let the Good Times Roll." I was a happy man.

As I walked back up High Street to my car, I felt a sense of satisfaction. I had missed Pavement's last tour, and have been bitter that the last time I saw one of my all-time favorite bands was in 1997.

Seeing Malkmus and his crafty Jicks reminded me, though, of all of the good things about seeing Pavement live: being in a bar, listening to REALLY good songs and being surrounded by a couple hundred people that feel exactly the same way. I felt energized to re-enter my jamband cocoon. I guess I would compare it to drinking coffee every morning, and really liking it, but then having a mug of hot chocolate out of the blue one day. You don't get the caffeine buzz, but it's tasty and sweet and satisfying. God bless Malkmus and The Jicks.

The Skinny on FREESOME

By Andy Duarta (adurta@hotmail.com)

FREESOME---an intense, deeply original and mind-shattering power-jazz guitar trio from Stuttgart, Germany via Bloomington, Indiana is making stops in Chicago, Champaign, as well as in New Orleans with special guests from Astral Project (!!!) and more.

Who they are: Peter Kienle, German guitar visionary virtuoso..stylistically recalls John Maclaughlin, John Scofield and John Abercrombie locked in a room listening to Weather Report, Ornette Coleman and power art-rock like old Yes and King Crimson... Jack Helsley-bass..a top-cal jazz bassist in Bloomington/Indianapolis, has worked with major jazz figures such as Dave Liebman, Michael Brecker, Peter Erskine, David Baker... and Danny Deckard-midwest drum journeyman in rock.jazz.bluegrass veins...member of the now defunct very popular jamband "the Mighty Pranksters' in Champaign in the early 90's. This trio makes 'intense original music to scare the children and soothe the stormy mind'....and also has been deemed 'nasty music for the serious jazz aficionado.' It is undoubtedly one of the more intriguing jazz guitar trios on the planet but they rarely get to gig due to geographical difficulties... in Chicago they are playing the popular jam-rocky bar 'Boulevard Cafe' that recently housed the 'Miracle Orchestral', 'Astral Project' and many more....and other evens led by the Silverwrapper Production Co.

Anyone in Chicago-land who is hip to heavy jazz guitarists like Fareed Haque, John Muldaur (of the Paul Wertico Trio), Jeff Parker (of Tortoise, Isotope 217 and so many more) would absolutely get their heads torn off by Peter Kienle.

Notable Dates

OHIO:

4/16 Robert Walter's 20th Congress, Grog Shop, Cleveland

4/18 The Disco Biscuits, The Odeon, Cleveland

4/18 Widespread Panic, Miami University, Oxford

4/19 ekoostik hookah, Swindlefish Saloon, Athens

4/19 Color, Easy Street Cafe, Bowling Green

4/19 Project Object, BarrelHouse Brewing Co, Cincinnati

4/19 Ray's Music Exchange with Guest, Little Brothers, Columbus

4/19 Halias, Stadium Bar & Grille, Oxford

4/19 Peach Melba, Frankie's, Toledo

4/20 Guest, Mama Einstein's, Athens

4/20 The JiMiller Band, Cactus Moon, Bainbridge

4/20 The Big Creak, Howard's, Bowling Green

4/20 Doug Wood, The Commons at Parkside, Chagrin Falls

4/20 Freekbass, Oldfields, Columbus

4/20 Grasshopper Pie, Easy St. Cafe, Bowling Green

4/20 Halias, Ruby Tuesdays, Columbus

4/20 Color, The Riverfront, Miamitown

4/20 ekoostik hookah with Genuine Taste, Ohio Wesleyan U., Delaware

4/20 Project Object, Robin Hood Inn, Kent

4/20 Color Wheel, Flying Machine, Lorain

4/20 The Rhythm Syndicate, The Savannah, Westlake

4/21 Doug Wood, Borders, Beachwood

4/21 Fairbanks 142, Mt. Lookout Tavern, Cincinnati

4/21 Michael Ray and the Cosmic Krewe, Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland

4/21 Doug Wood, CD Warehouse, Cleveland Hts

4/21 Guest, High Beck, Columbus

4/21 Color Wheel, Cebar's Euclid Tavern, Euclid

4/21 Grasshopper Pie, Earth Appreciation Day, Lima

4/21 Halias, Uptown Oxford, Oxford

4/21 The JiMiller Band, The Corner Bar, South Euclid

4/23 Vinyl, Grog Shop, Cleveland

4/24 Waxy Monx, Swindlefish Saloon, Athens

4/24 Topaz, BarrelHouse Brewing Co., Cincinnati

4/25 Color Wheel, Odeon Theater, Cleveland

4/25 David Nelson Band, Canal St. Tavern, Dayton

4/26 JayWalking, Howard's, Bowling Green

4/26 Four Ohms, BarrelHouse Brewing Co., Cincinnati

4/26 Guest, Mad Frog, Cincinnati

4/26 Smokestack, The Village Idiot, Maumee

4/26 Doug Wood, Peaberry's, Youngstown

4/27 Mickey Aquilino, The Commons at Parkside, Chagrin Falls

4/27 David Nelson Band, BarrelHouse Brewing Co., Cincinnati

4/27 Fairbanks 142, Stanley's Pub, Cincinnati

4/27 The JiMiller Band, Rock Bottom Brewery, Cleveland

4/27 Peach Melba, Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland

4/27 The JiMiller Band, Rock Bottom Brewery, Cleveland

4/27 The String Cheese Incident, Veteran's Memorial, Columbus

4/27 Waxy Monx, Ruby Tuesdays, Columbus

4/27 Electric Magi, Nelson's Ledges, Garrettsville

4/27 Guest with Granville, Robin Hood Inn, Kent

4/27 The Rhythmn Syndicate, McNamaras's Grille & Pub, North Ridgeville

4/27 Larry Keel Experience, The Balcony, Oxford

4/28 Larry Keel Experience, Stanley's Pub, Cincinnati

4/28 The JiMiller Band, Rhythm Room Cafe, Cleveland

4/28 Maceo Parker, Tri-C Jazzfest Cleveland

4/28 Guest, Northberg Tavern, Columbus

4/28 Doug Wood, Borders, Dublin

4/28 burning river band, Robin Hood Inn, Kent

4/28 The Waz, Robin Hood Inn, Kent

4/28 Everything Bagels, The Balcony, Oxford

4/29 Drums and Tuba, Little Brothers, Columbus

4/29 Doug Wood, Borders, Dublin

4/30 Drums and Tuba, Grog Shop, Cleveland

5/1 Larry Keel Experience, Swindlefish Saloon, Athens

5/2 Ray's Music Exchange, The Balcony, Oxford

5/3 Guest, Howard's, Bowling Green

5/3 G. Love & Special Sauce, Bogart's, Cincinnati

5/3 They Might Be Giants, Newport Music Hall, Columbus

5/3 Smokestack, The Village Idiot, Maumee

5/4 Guest, Mama Einsteins, Athens

5/4 College Impact, The Commons at Parkside, Chagrin Falls

5/4 The JiMiller Band, The Greenville, Chagrin Falls

5/4 The Big Wu, Little Brothers, Columbus

5/4 Color Wheel with Electric Magi, Nelson's Ledges, Garrettsville

5/4 Smokestack, The Village Idiot, Maumee

5/5 Freekbass, Mad Frog, Cincinnati

5/5 Lacuna, Top Cats, Cincinnati

5/5 Ray's Music Exchange with Jiggle, Nelson's Ledges, Garrettsville

5/5 Color Wheel, Flying Machine, Lorain

5/5 Doug Wood, Borders, Mentor

5/5 They Might Be Giants, Oberlin College, Oberlin

5/6 Halias, Ozzie's, Oxford

5/9 Wingnut, Sudsy Malone, Cincinnati

5/9 Guest, Canal St. Tavern, Dayton

5/11 Grasshopper Pie with Freshwater Collins, Howard's, Bowling Green

5/11 Ray's Music Exchange, Pepsi Jammin' On the Main, Cincinnati

5/11 The JiMiller Band, Terrapin Station, Cleveland

5/11 Keller Williams, Agora Theater, Cleveland

5/11 Guest, Oldfields, Columbus

5/12 Freshwater Collins, Brewsters Poor House, Bowling Green

5/12 Green Genes, Top Cat's, Cincinnati

5/12 Might As Well, Stanley's Pub, Cincinnati

5/12 Waxy Monx with Grasshopper Pie, Terrapin Station, Cleveland

5/12 Color Wheel with Hudson Chase, Flying Machine, Lorain

5/12 The One-Eyed Show, The Grand Opera House, Saint Marys

INDIANA:

4/16 Tim Reynolds, Axis, Bloomington, IN

4/16 Color, Tavern on the Lake, Lawrenceburg, IN

4/16 Zambow, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

4/16 ekoostik hookah, Columbus North Auditorium, Columbus, IN

4/16 Cabaret Diosa, The Patio, Indianapolis, IN

4/17 Zambow, The Patio, Indianapolis, IN

4/18 ekoostik hookah with Might As Well, Legends, Fort Wayne, IN

4/18 Zambow, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

4/19 Jennie DeVoe, Vogue Nightclub, Indianapolis, IN

4/19 Might As Well, State Theater, South Bend, IN

4/20 Umphrey's McGee, Axis, Bloomington, IN

4/20 Dark Blonde Water, Munchies Emporium, Fort Wayne, IN

4/20 Lotus, Courthouse Pub, Goshen, IN

4/20 Zambow, Finke's, Highland, IN

4/20 Kilroy's Summit, Ball State University, Muncie, IN

4/21 Indiana Trip Factory, Dunn Meadow, Bloomington, IN

4/21 Weed Street Band, Indiana Univ, Bloomington, IN

4/21 Dark Blonde Water, Legends, Fort Wayne, IN

4/21 Might As Well, Dash-IN, Fort Wayne, IN

4/21 Ladymoon, The Living Room, Muncie, IN

4/21 Devon Rowe, The Heorot, Muncie, IN

4/21 Bourbon Street, St Joseph's College, Rensallier, IN

4/21 Vinyl, Madison Oyster Bar, South Bend , IN

4/23 String Cheese Incident, Murat Theater, Indianapolis, IN

4/24 Yonder Mountain String Band, Bluebird, Bloomington, IN

4/26 The Miller Twins, The Heorot, Muncie, IN

4/26 Dark Blonde Water, State Theater, South Bend, IN

4/27 The Big Wu, Bluebird, Bloomington, IN

4/27 Underground Charmin, Rhino's, Bloomington, IN

4/27 Dark Blonde Water, Mick's Sports Pub, Elkhart, IN

4/27 Mr. Blotto, Finke's, Highland, IN

4/27 Jennie DeVoe, The Rathskeller, Indianapolis, IN

4/27 Ray's Music Exchange, The Patio, Indianapolis, IN

4/27 Rebecca's Statue, Silver Bullet, Valporaiso, IN

4/28 Dark Blonde Water, Uncle Fester's, Bloomington, IN

4/28 Indiana Trip Factory w/ Underground Charmin, Dunn Meadow, Bloomington, IN

5/2 Indiana Trip Factory, Cellar Lounge, Bloomington, IN

5/2 The Schwag, Yogi's, Bloomington, IN

5/3 John Brown's Body, The Patio, Indianapolis, IN

5/4 Dark Blonde Water, Big Daddy's Stardust Café, Elkhart, IN

5/4 Groovatron, Courthouse Pub, Goshen, IN

5/4 Jack Straw, The Patio, Indianapolis, IN

5/5 Might As Well, Dash-IN, The Elect Barley Island Brewing Company, Noblesville, IN

5/8 Keller Williams, Vogue Nightclub, Indianapolis, IN

5/9 Indiana Trip Factory, Cellar Lounge, Bloomington, IN

5/9 Keller Williams, Axis, Bloomington, IN

5/9 The Keiner Family, Mogger's Brewery, Terre Haute, IN

5/1 Dark Blonde Water, Culver Academies, Culver, IN

5/1 Groovatron, Borders Books and Music, Indianapolis, IN

5/1 the merkins, AJs Bar & Grill, Michigan City, IN

5/1 Dark Blonde Water, Petes, West Lafayette, IN

ILLINOIS:

4/17 Mos Isley, Boulevard Cafe, Chicago

4/17 Mr. Blotto, Waterloo Tavern, Chicago

4/17 SeventySeven, Hi Tops, Chicago

4/17 Weed Street Band, Joe's, Chicago

4/18 The Funkdamentals, Elbo Room, Chicago

4/18 Leni Stern, Borders State St., Chicago

4/18 The Pudder Project, Lyons Den, Chicago

4/18 Topaz, Funky Buddha, Chicago

4/18 Umphrey's McGee, Otto's, DeKalb

4/19 Hacknwheeze, Griffin's Public House, Chicago

4/19 Umphrey's McGee with Sugar Blue, Chicago House of Blues

4/19 Zambow, Martyr's, Chicago

4/19 Liquid Soul, Otto's, DeKalb

4/19 Cryin' Souls, Reilly's Daughter, Oak Lawn

4/19 Mos Isley, Rock Island Brewing Co, Rock Island

4/20 Bill Frisell, Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

4/20 Jack Straw, Hog Head McDunnas, Chicago

4/20 mijibo, Manhattan's on Dearborn, Chicago

4/20 SeventySeven, The U.S. Beer Company, Chicago

4/20 St. Germain, Metro, Chicago

4/20 Topaz and Vinyl, Subterranean, Chicago

4/20 U.R.B., Cubby Bear, Chicago

4/20 AfterGrace, Wooden Nickel, Highwood

4/20 Los Lobos, Rialto Square Theater, Joliet

4/20 Jaked, Lemont Lanes, Lemont

4/20 Cryin' Souls, Illinois State University, Normal

4/20 Weed St. Band, Durty Nellies, Palatine

4/20 Deep Banana Blackout, Canopy Club, Urbana

4/20 Mr. Blotto, Synergy II, West Chicago

4/21 The Gruv, O'Malleys Bar and Grill, Alsip

4/21 CPB, Club 313, Belville

4/21 Mr. Blotto, Ju-Ju's, Bloomington

4/21 Deep Banana Blackout, Copper Dragon, Carbondale

4/21 Cryin' Souls, The Uptowner, Charleston

4/21 Fly Williams, Map Room, Chicago

4/21 Jaked, Joy Blue, Chicago

4/21 North Mississippi All Stars, The Vic Theater, Chicago

4/21 Project Object, Marty'rs, Chicago

4/21 String Cheese Incident, Aragon Ballroom, Chicago

4/21 The Pudder Project, U.S. Beer Co., Chicago

4/21 U.R.B., Joe's, Chicago

4/21 Mori Stylez, Lake Forest College, Lake Forest

4/21 Groovatron, Lizabet's Coffee Cafe, Lansing

4/22 Cryin' Souls, Eastern Illinois U., Charleston

4/22 Jack Straw, Shaw's, Chicago

4/22 Cedar Creek Bluegrass Band, Emily Oaks Nature Center, Skokie

4/24 Drums and Tuba, Schuba's, Chicago

4/24 Mos Isley, Boulevard Cafe, Chicago

4/24 Jack Straw, Shaw's, Schaumburg

4/25 Jack Straw, O'Malleys Bar and Grill, Alsip

4/25 Umphrey's McGee, Rock Island Brewing Co, Rock Island

4/26 The Steve Kimock Band, Marty'rs, Chicago

4/26 Cryin' Souls, Starbusters, DeKalb

4/26 Jack Straw, Otto's, DeKalb

4/26 Freshwater Collins, Rock Island Brewing Co, Rock Island

4/27 Mos Isley, O'Malleys Bar and Grill, Alsip

4/7 Evidence, Heartland Cafe, Chicago

4/27 Jack Straw, Brother Jimmy's, Chicago

4/27 Ratz, Heartland Cafe, Chicago

4/27 Sears Poncho, Cubby Bear, Chicago

4/27 The Steve Kimock Band, Martyr's, Chicago

4/27 Open Source Band, Red Light Tavern, Mt. Prospect

4/27 Yonder Mountain String Band, Penny Road Pub, Barrington

4/28 Open Source Band, Penny Road Pub, Barrington

4/28 Yonder Mountain String Band, Copper Dragon, Carbondale

4/28 1000 Vertical Ft, The Mutiny, Chicago

4/28 The Steve Kimock Band, Martyr's, Chicago

4/28 U.R.B., Wooden Nickel, Highwood

4/28 David Nelson Band, Shawnee Cave, Murphysboro

4/28 Cryin' Souls, The Lantern, Naperville

4/28 Patchouli, King Freud, and Oucho Sparks, North Central College, Naperville

4/28 Mr. Blotto, Durty Nellies, Palatine

4/28 Rebecca's Statue, S.O.P.'s, Peoria

4/28 Zambow, Rock Island Brewing Co, Rock Island

4/29 Everything Bagels, Boulevard Cafe, Chicago

4/29 Jack Straw, Shaw's, Chicago

4/29 David Nelson Band, Starship Billiards, Springfield

5/1 SeventySeven, Elbo Room, Chicago

5/1 Jack Straw, Shaw's, Schaumburg

5/2 The Big Wu, Canopy Club, Urbana

5/3 ekoostik hookah, Otto's, DeKalb

5/4 Cryin' Souls, Hog Head McDunnas, Chicago

5/4 Keller Williams, Park West, Chicago

5/4 Soulive, Chicago House of Blues

5/4 Mr. Blotto, Reilly's Daughter, Oak Lawn

5/4 The Chesten Mayfield Band, Winnetka Community House, Winnetka

5/5 The Big Wu, Copper Dragon, Carbondale

5/5 Fly Williams, Underground Lounge, Chicago

5/5 G. Love & Special Sauce, The Vic Theater, Chicago

5/5 Mr. Blotto, Lakeview Links, Chicago

5/5 Seers Poncho, Waterloo Tavern, Chicago

5/5 The Gruv, Joe Bailey's, Chicago

5/5 Dr. Kinetic, Durty Nellies, Palatine

5/5 Dark Blonde Water, End Zone Sports Bar, Springfield

5/6 G. Love & Special Sauce, The Vic Theater, Chicago

5/6 Jack Straw, Shaw's, Chicago

5/6 Workin' The Mojo, Rock Bottom Brewery, Warrenville

5/11 Stu Remley Band, Kenny's Tavern, Countryside

5/11 Cryin' Souls, Wooden Nickel, Highwood

5/11 Mr. Blotto, The Shack, Mundelein

5/12 Tarbox Ramblers, Fitzgerald's, Berwyn

5/12 Cryin' Souls, Tailgaters, Bolingbrook

5/12 Groovatron, Caribou Coffee, Chicago

5/12 The Gruv, Hog Head McDunnas, Chicago

5/12 Mr. Blotto, Dreams, Lockport

MICHIGAN:

4/18 Smokestack, Wayne State U., Detroit

4/18 The James in Flames, Mac's Bar, Lansing

4/18 Hello Dave, Blind Pig, Ann Arbor

4/19 Leni Stern, Borders, Ann Arbor

4/19 St. Germain, St. Andrew's, Detroit

4/19 Fluent Blue, The Radio, Grand Rapids

4/19 Dark Star Orchestra, State Theater, Kalamazoo

4/19 The Funkdamentals, Bell's Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

4/19 The James in Flames, Michigan's State Capitol Bldg, Lansing

4/19 Freekbass, 5th Avenue, Royal Oak

4/20 Cloud Nine, Blind Pig, Ann Arbor

4/20 TrippHorn Solution, The Mitch Album Show, Detroit

4/20 The Flow, Rick's American Cafe, East Lansing

4/20 Steppin' In It, The Cabbage Shed, Elberta

4/20 Hello Dave, The Intersection, Grand Rapids

4/20 Fluent Blue, Papa Pete's, Kalamazoo

4/20 The James in Flames, KraftBrau, Kalamazoo

4/20 The Funkdamentals, Club Aurora, Marquette

4/20 Jiant with Peach Melba, Wooden Nickel, Ypsilanti

4/21 Smokestack, Touchdown Cafe, Ann Arbor

4/21 The Flow, Woodville Festival, Big Rapids

4/21 Cloud Nine with MEROPOIX, Trumbullplex Theater, Detroit

4/21 Simplicity, Village Idiot, Detroit

4/21 The Fuzz, Blue Note Cafe, East Lansing

4/21 Heart of Gold Band, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids

4/21 The Funkdamentals, Club Aurora, Marquette

4/21 Hello Dave, Czar's, Saint Joseph

4/21 Deep Space Six, TC's Speakeasy, Ypsilanti

4/21 Jiant, Wooden Nickel, Ypsilanti

4/22 Vinyl, Motor Lounge, Detroit

4/24 Curious Few, Blind Pig, Ann Arbor

4/24 String Cheese Incident, MSU Auditorium, East Lansing

4/25 Drums and Tuba, The Intersection, Grand Rapids

4/25 Steppin' In It, Mac's Bar, Lansing

4/25 TrippHorn Solution, The Hayloft, Mount Clemens

4/26 Drums and Tuba, Harvey's on the Mall, Kalamazoo

4/26 The Flow, Bell's Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

4/26 The Fuzz, Mac's Bar, Lansing

4/27 Left Undone, Mitch's, Ann Arbor

4/27 Drums and Tuba, Magic Bag, Ferndale

4/27 Archipelago, Club Soda, Kalamazoo

4/27 Sun King, The Otherwise Gallery, Lansing

4/27 Professor Marvel & The 4th Quadrant, Rubbles, Mount Pleasant

4/28 The James in Flames, MSU Auditorium, East Lansing

4/28 Electric Magi, Bell's Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

4/28 Steppin' In It, The Creole Gallery, Lansing

4/28 Professor Marvel & The 4th Quadrant, Rubbles, Mount Pleasant

4/28 Smokestack, TC's Speakeasy, Ypsilanti

4/29 Smokestack, Double Olive, Grosse Pointe Park

5/2 The James in Flames, Mac's Bar, Lansing

5/3 MEROPOIX, Blind Pig, Ann Arbor

5/3 Soulive, The Blind Pig, Ann Arbor

5/3 Steppin' In It, Bell's Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

5/3 Jiant, Rubbles, Mount Pleasant

5/4 John Brown's Body, Blind Pig, Ann Arbor

5/4 Deep Space Six, Music Menu, Detroit

5/4 G. Love & Special Sauce, Majestic Theatre, Detroit

5/4 Doug Wood, Borders, Grosse Pointe

5/4 The Gruv, Bell's Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

5/4 Steppin' In It, Jambalaya's, Laingsburg

5/5 Steppin' In It, Jambalaya's, Laingsburg

5/6 Smokestack, Double Olive, Grosse Pointe

5/9 Steppin' In It, Mac's Bar, Lansing

5/10 Archipelago, Bell's Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

5/10 Paulding Light, Kirtland Community College, Roscommon

5/11 TrippHorn Solution, Bell's Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

5/11 Steppin' In It, The Aurora, Marquette

5/11 Paulding Light, Rubbles, Mount Pleasant

5/11 Doug Wood, Borders, Rochester Hills

5/12 Doug Wood, Crazy Wisdom Tea Room, Ann Arbor

5/12 Steppin' In It, The Aurora, Marquette

5/12 Deep Space Six, TC's Speakeasy, Ypsilanti

5/13 Simplicity, Double Olive, Grosse Pointe Park

WISCONSIN

4/18 Southern Culture On The Skids, The Rave, Milwaukee, WI

4/19 One Fluid Ounce, Houligan's, Eau Claire, WI

4/19 Vinyl, The Annex, Madison, WI

4/20 The Dave Band, Ken's Bar & Grill, Madison, WI

4/20 Dark Star Orchestra, The Rave, Milwaukee, WI

4/20 Del Mar, The Commons, Milwaukee, WI

4/20 One Fluid Ounce, Arizona's Lounge/Henry's Pub & Grill, Platteville, WI

4/20 NorthBound Train, Witz End, Steven's Point, WI

4/20 Floydian Slip, Norm's, Superior, WI

4/21 One Fluid Ounce, Popcorn Tavern, La Crosse, WI

4/21 Dark Star Orchestra, Barrymore Theatre, Madison, WI

4/21 Freshwater Collins, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

4/21 Left Undone, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

4/21 Topaz, Cafe Montmartre, Madison, WI

4/21 Del Mar, The Commons, Milwaukee, WI

4/22 One Fluid Ounce, BrewBaker's Pub, Green Bay, WI

4/23 Ani DiFranco, Orpheum Theater, Madison, WI

4/23 Drums and Tuba, Regent Street Retreat, Madison, WI

4/25 One Fluid Ounce, Luther's Blues, Madison, WI

4/26 One Fluid Ounce, Regent Street Retreat, Madison, WI

4/26 The Westfall, Milwaukee Ale House, Milwaukee, WI

4/26 Unwound Slinky, BBC, Milwaukee, WI

4/27 One Fluid Ounce, Gallager's, Green Bay, WI

4/27 Groovulous Glove, King Club, Madison, WI

4/27 Phat Phunktion, Regent Street Retreat, Madison, WI

4/27 Umphrey's McGee, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

4/27 Del Mar, The Huddle, Whitewater, WI

4/28 The Cool Waters Band, Tim's SunDog, Madison, WI

4/28 Freshwater Collins, The Rave, Milwaukee, WI

4/28 Umphrey's McGee, The Rave, Milwaukee, WI

4/29 The Cool Waters Band, Malloney's, Green Bay, WI

4/29 The Steve Kimock Band, Club Tavern, Middleton, WI

4/30 David Nelson Band, Witz End, Steven's Point, WI

5/2 Groovulous Glove, Luther's Blues, Madison, WI

5/4 ekoostik hookah, Barrymore Theatre, Madison, WI

5/5 Eddie Mac and One Fluid Ounce, Jamboree Campground, Black River Falls,

5/5 Del Mar, Ken's Bar & Grill, Madison, WI

5/5 John Brown's Body, Reggae Jamdown, Madison, WI

5/8 One Fluid Ounce, Acoustic Café, Eau Claire, WI

5/9 The Westfall, Axel's on Oakland, Milwaukee, WI

5/1 One Fluid Ounce, The Metro, Eau Claire, WI

5/1 Unwound Slinky, The Globe East, Milwaukee, WI

5/1 Del Mar, Club 26, Fort Atkinson, WI

5/1 Left Undone, The Angelic, Madison, WI

5/1 Del Mar, Club 26, Fort Atkinson, WI

5/1 Groovulous Glove, Capital Brewery, Middleton, WI

5/13 One Fluid Ounce, The Farm, Eau Claire, WI