B-Sides

Returning to solo work as the Raconteurs take a break, Benson is back with a new album entitled My Old Familiar Friend that showcases his unshakeable instinct for crafting powerpop gems.

These days Rob Marscher is a proud member of Hasidic reggae star Matisyahu’s touring band. Although laying down dub reggae grooves is a bit of a departure from Marscher’s improvisational/jazz routines, he’s keeping active and relevant to a new beat.

Elephantbear, fronted by the promising young songwriter and guitarist Mike Pedersen, has already won comparisons to artists like Snow Patrol, Ben Lee, and the Foo Fighters because of their smartly written, deftly executed, and highly original brand of rock.

For those looking for a smaller more community based festival, aside from today’s 50,000+capacity events, Liberate offers 20+ live bands and electronic music until sunrise, two nights of free camping, yoga, healing arts,a children’s tent, bonfires, fire dancers, Artists Market, art demonstrations, organic food and local beer, Eco and Nutrition Workshops, nature trails, and more good stuff.   This year’s lineup includes: The New Deal (two sets), Ryan Montbleau Band, Orchard Lounge, Rubblebucket Orchestra, The Brew, Nate Wilson Group, Spiritual Rez, Ded Sessions, Roots of Creation, Twiddle, Strength in Numbers, Jeff Bujak, Greyspoke, DJ Monaco, WAGAN, The Human Canvas, and Band of Gypsies (the Jimi Hendrix Tribute.