Giveaway: New Album from Rising Appalachia, Wider Circles

Wider Circles

Dynamic folk music for modern times

The latest release from Rising Appalachia breathes new life into folk music traditions of the American South. While traveling the Americas, Europe, and parts of India, sisters Leah and Chloe Smith have studied age-old musical traditions and integrated them with their own Appalachian folk music heritage.

After two years of songwriting, composing, and then recording at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, N.C., the Kickstarter funded album has been warmly received by long-time fans and newcomers alike. It was dubbed "Earth Day's Soundtrack" by The Huffington Post.

Nine years and six albums into an independent career, Rising Appalachia has developed a reputation for spirited music, galvanizing lyrics, and captivating live performances. It continues to abide by values of sustainability and social responsibility, traveling by rail for the first part of the Wider Circles Tour, and inviting up to two non-profits and other community groups to each show to educate audiences on local issues.

Since the tour won't be coming this far South (the closest shows are in North Carolina), here's a chance to win a copy of the new album.

5 Acts You Don't Want to Miss at Purple Hatter's Ball

It's almost time to dance.

With Purple Hatter’s Ball less than a week away, I’m getting ready to return to Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park for another weekend of stellar performances. On May 8-10, Florida’s premier outdoor music venue will host this festival, dedicated to the memory of Rachel Morningstar Hoffman, with a pre-party on Thursday, May 7.

This year’s lineup is more than worth the price (tickets are currently $138 for a three-day weekend pass and $45 for Thursday’s pre-party), featuring Lotus as a headliner and many other accomplished and up-and-coming bands from around the country. Here’s some background on five acts I’ll be sure not to miss this weekend.

Red Lion Pub Adds New Venue, The Lion's Den

Rosemarie Ryan prepares hors d'oeuvres for The Lion's Den's soft opening. View the entire album, Making of the Lion's Den, here. Photo by: AJ Hege Photography

A boon to Orlando's growing local music community

Winter Park’s Red Lion Pub has established itself as a home for local music in the Orlando area, playing a part in the success of many of Orlando’s favorite musicians; Evan Taylor Jones, for example, used to play here weekly with his original band.

Artists of all types, including funk, folk, acoustic, electronic, reggae, and rock have played the stage over the years, not to mention the spellbinding performances by fire spinners and other prop manipulators on Tuesday nights.

A labor of love by the Ryan family and many others who have long been supporters of the pub, The Lion’s Den is shaping up to be a popular spot where local musicians and artists can exercise their talents in a welcoming environment.

Located near the intersection of Semoran Boulevard and Howell Branch Road and directly adjacent to the Red Lion Pub, it shoots straight back with a raised stage at the far end. A wall of mirrors on the right reflects a 40-foot mural on the left, an ongoing project that is the work of numerous artists and tells the story of the pub and its many beloved characters. Wooden drink rests run along both side walls.

It is a work in progress, but the soft opening on Sunday evening was a treat and got me excited for what is to come. I spoke briefly with Christian Ryan, son of the pub’s owner, Rosemarie Ryan, to learn more.

Fun in the Sun at Cigar City Brewgrass Festival

Festival goers admire art by live painter Drake Arnold

Jam bands heat things up in St. Pete

Ferg's Sports Bar and Grill hosted the second day of the Cigar City Brewgrass Festival on Sunday, March 15, in St. Petersburg, Fla. The event was sponsored by Cigar City Brewing, and performers included The Werks, Zoogma, Holey Miss Moley, Ajeva, and Eddie Roberts' East Coast Sounds.

Two alternating stages in the outdoor area next to the open air bar made for a relaxed atmosphere, since there was no need to worry about missing a show and not far to walk for a cold drink. It was a beautifully sunny day of music, art, and laughter. Check out the photos below.

Why I Loved AURA Music & Arts Festival (Plus Photos)

Live painters creating during Break Science Live Band's set on Sunday night

Incredible music, inspiring art, and an immersive feel

It was a weekend of jam — the kind of jams that make you wonder just how music could be this good and what god blessed you with the ability to hear it. The kind of jams that give you a crooked smile because you feel like you've just learned the greatest secrets of the universe. The kind of jams that make you grateful for talented musicians with the heart to bare it all in such an evocative way.

This was the essence of AURA Music and Arts Festival: creative expression given the freedom to soar, supported by the winds of a fiercely receptive (and captive) audience of music (and art) lovers.

And there was no shortage of either. A short walk around the festival grounds revealed musicians playing to enthusiastic crowds in the charming venues offered by Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (the Amphitheater Stage, the Porch Stage, and the Music Hall) as well as in the Vibe Tent, which was also home to yoga and healing arts workshops and the late-night silent disco.

I was most engaged by sets from TAUK, The Motet, Consider the Source, Jimkata, Dopapod, and Papadosio. TAUK brought me back to life midnight Saturday in the Music Hall and Dopapod covered No Doubt’s “Just a Girl”. A Michael Jackson tribute set by The Main Squeeze was the dance party we all needed Sunday afternoon and Break Science Live Band’s debut performance closed out the festival with some funky breaks.