Category: Festival News

MerleFest makes a grand return for rescheduled 2021 event

Jody Carroll performed at this year’s MerleFest. Photo: Jim Gavenus, used with permission.

MerleFest, presented by Window World, has officially ended, but not without several unforgettable collaborations, spontaneous sit-ins, and world-class performances at North Carolina’s beloved festival. Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sturgill Simpson, and Mavis Staples all brought extra MerleFest energy to the Watson Stage over the course of the weekend. MerleFest, held on the campus of Wilkes Community College, is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, which funds scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs. MerleFest will return to its usual spring weekend in 2022, April 28 to May 1. (MerleFest, 2021)

“Once again I want to thank all of our MerleFest family—artists, volunteers, staff, and fans—for their patience and support as we worked together to put on a safe and enjoyable festival that spotlighted the very best in roots-plus music. We’ve had a wonderful weekend and we look forward to seeing everyone’s smiling faces again in seven short months when MerleFest returns to its usual April weekend in 2022.” – Festival Director Ted Hagaman

The following are just a few of the weekend’s highlights.
Thursday: The raucous Po’ Ramblin’ Boys’ set on the Watson Stage kicked off the twice-postponed MerleFest. Los Texmaniacs joined Peter Rowan’s Free Mexican Airforce for a crossover set for the ages. Closing out the night on the Watson Stage were arguably the reigning queen and king of outlaw country, Margo Price and Sturgill Simpson. Simpson performed with his new bluegrass band which consisted of his longtime drummer Miles Miller, Tim O’Brien, Stuart Duncan, Mike Bub, Mark Howard, and Elmer Burchett. Over the course of ninety minutes, Simpson revisited his wildly popular catalog of songs in this new string band format much to the delight of day one festival-goers.

Friday: With programming on all twelve of MerleFest’s diverse stages, Friday found the festival firing on all cylinders. Highlights included a genre-melding set from Joe Troop of Che Apalache, Sierra Ferrell’s much talked about Watson Stage MerleFest debut, a Scythian-fueled late night party at the Dance Stage, and a grand return of Derek Trucks’ and Susan Tedeschi’s Tedeschi Trucks Band—playing only their second show back in the saddle with the full twelve-piece band. The TTB classic “Midnight In Harlem” followed a hair-raising version of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “I Pity The Fool” to close out Friday’s main-stage programming to much delight from fans, new and old.

MerleFest’s 2020 & 2021 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest winners (full list below) were announced on Friday. After nearly 30 years, CASC is ending, and long-time contest coordinator and host, Jim Lauderdale, was honored Saturday for his over twenty years of shared expertise, enthusiasm, and engagement.

2020 MerleFest’s Chris Austin Songwriting Contest

First Place Winners

  • Gospel/Inspirational – Mark Atkinson (Charleston, W.Va.) – “Home” 
  • Country – Sarah Jane Nelson (Nashville, Tenn.), Kenny Foster (Nashville, Tenn.) – “Sins of the Father”
  • Bluegrass – Aaron Burdett (Saluda, N.C.) – “Rockefeller”
  • General – Jomo Edwards (Austin, Texas) – “You Need It”

2021 MerleFest’s Chris Austin Songwriting Contest

First Place Winners

  • Gospel/Inspirational – Daniel Davis (Bristol, Va.) – “Dear Lord”
  • Country – Ian Meadows (Higganum, Conn.), Dustin Meadows (Old Saybrook, Conn.) – “Trouble” 
  • Bluegrass – Andrew Small (Floyd, Va.) – “Yesterday’s Blues”
  • General – Shay Martin Lovette (Boone, N.C.) – “For Rose Marie”

Saturday: The Waybacks delighted music fans by honoring the late great John Prine, playing his self-titled album from front to back. MerleFest favorite Sam Bush joined the band, as did Jim Lauderdale and members of Shinyribs and Barefoot Movement. Watson Stage headliners Shovels & Rope had fans on their feet, dancing into the night with their own blend of low country Americana. Afterward, Shinyribs hosted the annual Late Night Jam. Themed “Gulf Breeze: Songs of the Third Coast,” the after-hours concert featured a rotating cast of all-star artists, entertaining music fans into the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Sunday: The morning kicked off with a special performance from the Band Contest Winner, Into The Fog. Tupelo, Mississippi-based Paul Thorn took music fans to church with MerleFest’s annual Gospel Hour at the Creekside Stage. Midday, Oh Boy Records recording artist Kelsey Waldon sang her truth on the Cabin Stage and Mavis Staples rocked the Watson Stage with her classic mix of gospel and rock ‘n roll. Speaking of rock ‘n roll, rock royalty Melissa Etheridge closed the festival and brought music fans to their feet for the final set of the weekend.

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its thirteen stages during the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.

MerleFest taking place September 16 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina

MerleFest is only a week away and the festival organizers want to remind festivalgoers of a few important details. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

MerleFest, presented by Window World—Wilkesboro, North Carolina’s annual homecoming of musicians and music fans—is only one week away. As the festival nears, organizers want to remind festivalgoers of a few important details. Festival gates will open at 1:30p.m. local time on Thursday and 9:30a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. (MerleFest, 2021)

All attendees and participants will be required to show one of the following two options along with festival admission passes to enter the festival:

1. Proof of full vaccination. You can present your vaccination card, a paper photocopy, or cell phone photo of your card as proof of your vaccination when you arrive at the festival. Photos/photocopies must show the full card and be legible.

-OR-

2. If you have not been vaccinated or do not have a vaccination card, you must show a printed or digital copy of a negative COVID-19 test performed on you within 72 hours of the time of entry.

Once you have shown a copy of your vaccination card or a copy of your negative COVID-19 test result, you will be issued a “Well wristband” identifying that you have met the safety criteria for entry into the festival. Please do not remove this wristband until the festival is over as this will be good for the entire time you are at the festival. If you lose or remove your well wristband then you will have to go through the process outlined again to receive another well wristband.

The festival strongly recommends that those needing a COVID-19 test get the test before arriving at the festival. Advance planning will save time and avoid waiting in lines. Additional information on all festival protocols can be found by visiting MerleFest. 

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Milk Carton Kids and We Banjo 3 will no longer be performing at MerleFest and will be replaced in the lineup by Shawn Colvin and Gangstagrass, respectively. Shawn Colvin, along with David Childers, will replace Milk Carton Kids as judges in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest.

Additionally, Andy May’s annual MerleFest Acoustic Kids Showcase will no longer be held for the health and safety of its young participants. Andy and Lauren May released a statement that reads, “We are very sorry to have to let you know that we have decided we must cancel all Acoustic Kids Showcases scheduled for fall, 2021. This was not an easy decision. However, in light of the uncertainty surrounding the current COVID outbreak; out of concern for everyone’s health and well-being (including our own); and following our doctor’s emphatic advice, we see no viable alternative.” Although very disappointed, they look forward to next year’s festival with the hope that things will be back to normal.

Don’t forget to download the MerleFest app to help plan your festival experience. The MerleFest app can point you towards a variety of on-site activities for all ages. In between musical sets, the Shoppes at MerleFest is a centrally located shopping village of commercial vendors, official MerleFest memorabilia, and services such as first aid, lost and found, and internet access. Tickets for this year’s festival are available online. 

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.

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Austin Food + Wine Festival returns in November

The tenth annual festival returns November 5-7, 2021. Photo: google

Tickets are on sale now for the tenth annual Austin Food + Wine Festival taking place November 5-7, 2021. Presented by FOOD & WINE Magazine and C3 Presents, Austin Food + Wine Festival is proud to be the benefactor of the Austin Food & Wine Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to fostering awareness and innovation in the Central Texas food and wine community through grants, educational programming and events. To date, Austin Food + Wine Festival has contributed over $1.1 million to the Alliance. (Austin Food + Wine Festival, 2021)

The tenth annual festival will feature chefs, restaurants and wine and spirits experts over three days at Auditorium Shores and the newly refurbished Republic Square Park. Festival highlights include the return of Friday night’s Grillin’ and Chillin’ hands-on, interactive dinner party hosted by chef Tim Love; fan favorite Rock Your Taco competition on Saturday night featuring several first-time competitors and James Beard Foundation Award nominees and winners; engaging cooking demonstrations + conversations; pit masters and chefs cooking over interactive Fire Pits; samples of signature dishes from local chefs and restaurants; dynamic wine, beer & cocktail tastings; live music; book signings; and much more. Showcasing a dynamic roster of chefs and restaurants throughout the weekend, attendees can sample signature dishes from some of Austin’s most beloved spots. Additional programming announcements will be made over the course of the fall. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

Grillin’ and Chillin’, Tim Love’s ultimate hands-on grilling dinner party hosted at Auditorium Shores, kicks off the Festival on Friday, November 5. This interactive party offers All-In ticket holders the opportunity to sharpen their skills as they join chef Love for a fun and informative evening of hands-on grilling, drinks and dinner, all underneath the Austin skyline. Grillin’ and Chillin’ attendees will share a charcoal grill with a partner and prepare their own dinner as chef Love guides them through the menu while offering tips for how to become a grilling expert. Grillin’ and Chillin’ is exclusively included with the All-In ticket and will be the only time that the hands-on grilling demonstration will be offered throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, November 6 and Sunday, November 7, the festival grounds will come alive with cooking demonstrations, book signings and an interactive area where chefs and pit masters will cook over live fire pits and offer tastes to attendees throughout the weekend. The fire pits will showcase live fire cooking expertise from John Bates (InterStellar BBQ); Sonya Coté (Hillside Farmacy, Store House Market + Eatery); Lance Kirkpatrick (Stiles Switch BBQ); Tom Micklethwait & Ren Garcia (Micklethwait Craft Meats); Marco Oglesby (The Switch); and more pit masters and chefs to be announced.

Festival attendees keen on learning from the pros can listen in as a host of chefs and authors, including Dawn Burrell (Late August, Houston); Helene Henderson (Malibu Farm); Fermín Núñez (Suerte); Yoshi Okai (Otoko); and Jam Sanitchat share their tricks, tips and favorite recipes during Cooking Demos and conversations. A roster of sommeliers, wine, beer and spirits experts to be announced will help round out the Austin Food + Wine Festival line-up.

Rock Your Taco, Saturday evening’s signature tasting event, returns to a newly renovated Republic Square Park. Chefs will square off against one another to create the ultimate taco, as deemed by a People’s Choice award. Rock Your Taco competitors include: Tatsu Aikawa (Ramen Tatsu-Ya); Nicola Blaque (Mi Roti, The Jerk Shack, San Antonio); Dawn Burrell; Tyson Cole (Uchi); Diego Galicia & Rico Torres (Mixtli, San Antonio); Sarah Heard & Nathan Lemley (Foreign & Domestic); Helene Henderson; LeAnn Mueller (la Barbecue); Ryan Pera (Eight Row Flint, Houston); Jam Sanitchat; Charles Schlienger (Sway); and more chefs and restaurants to be announced.

Detailed health and entry policies will be released closer to the event. Please visit Vaccines for questions about the COVID-19 vaccines or resources to find a vaccination location.

Tickets:
All-In ($625/per person)
The All-In ticket includes Saturday and Sunday Festival access; interactive cooking demos & book signings; hands-on beer, wine and cocktail tasting sessions; wood-fired culinary creations from the Fire Pits; tastes from Austin’s best chefs & restaurants; Friday night’s Grillin’ and Chillin’ with Tim Love; Saturday night’s signature Rock Your Taco competition; and more.

Weekender ($250/per person)
The Weekender ticket includes Saturday and Sunday Festival access; interactive cooking demos & book signings; hands-on beer, wine and cocktail tasting sessions; wood-fired culinary creations from the Fire Pits; tastes from Austin’s best chefs & restaurants; and more.

The Austin Food + Wine Festival is generously sponsored by Toyota, HEB, Republic National Distributing Company, Angry Orchard Hard Cider and FOOD & WINE.

For more than 40 years, from classic to cutting-edge, FOOD & WINE has defined the American epicurean experience. With the confidence of undisputed global authority among consumers and the culinary trade, we inspire and empower our wine and food obsessed community to discover, create, and devour the best in food, drink, travel, and home.

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Sneak peek at authors coming to the 2021 Texas Book Festival

List of 15 authors coming to the 2021 hybrid Texas Book Festival in October. Photo: google

The Texas Book Festival is excited to unveil fifteen authors joining the weeklong hybrid Festival this fall. The Festival will feature Pulitzer Prize–winning author Colson Whitehead, Michener Center for Writers instructor Elizabeth McCracken, bestselling novelist and 2016 Kirkus Prize finalist Amor Towles, National Medal of Arts recipient and 2005 Texas Writer Award recipient Sandra Cisneros, bestselling children’s author R. J. Palacio, and many more. (Texas Book Festival, 2021)

Starting October 25, the weeklong hybrid Festival will include a robust, diverse lineup of established, emerging, and debut literary talent for readers of all ages. TBF’s full lineup will be completed and revealed later this summer.

The full list of the fifteen sneak peek authors include:
• Rumaan Alam, “Leave the World Behind”
• Benjamin Alire Sáenz, “Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World”
• Sandra Cisneros, “Martita, I Remember You / Martita, te recuerdo”
• Mary Gaitskill, “The Devil’s Treasure”
• Gabriela Garcia, “Of Women and Salt”
• Elizabeth McCracken, “The Souvenir Museum”
• Maggie Nelson, “On Freedom: Four Songs of Care and Constraint”
• R. J. Palacio, “Pony”
• Raj Patel, “Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice”
• Don Tate, “Pigskins to Paintbrushes”
• Amor Towles, “The Lincoln Highway”
• Sergio Troncoso, “Nepantla Familias: An Anthology of Mexican American Literature on Families in Between Worlds”
• Colson Whitehead, “Harlem Shuffle”
• Lawrence Wright, “The Plague Year: America in the Time of Covid”
• Cecily Wong, “Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide”

With a vision to inspire Texans of all ages, the Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. Founded in 1995 by former First Lady Laura Bush, Mary Margaret Farabee, and a group of volunteers, the nonprofit Texas Book Festival promotes the joys of reading and writing through its annual Festival Weekend, the Texas Teen Book Festival, the Reading Rock Stars Title I elementary school program, the Real Reads Title I middle and high school program, grants to Texas libraries, and year-round literary programming. This year’s hybrid Texas Book Festival will take place from October 25 through October 31, with virtual events October 25 – 28 and the Festival Weekend taking place on the grounds of the Texas Capitol October 30 – 31, featuring renowned authors, panels, book signings, and children’s activities. Thanks to generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers, the Festival remains free and open to the public.

 

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Park City Song Summit announces initial lineup of artists and programming

Park City Song Summit will take place September 8-12, 2021 in Park City, Utah. Photo: google

The Park City Song Summit is an antidote to the large-scale, impersonal, singing to the masses music festival. Instead of bands playing at audiences, the Song Summit seeks to create an environment where artist and audience not only connect, play, and listen, but engage in conversations around the journey of creating songs and thriving in the modern music industry. The five day live event will take place September 8-12 in Park City, Utah and is designed to redefine the live music experience. The Song Summit is pleased to announce its first round of artists and introduce its programming outline for 2021’s inaugural event. Single day, full festival, and VIP passes are available for purchase. (Park City Song Summit, 2021)

Taking place in 15 venues across the city, in rooms sized from 75 to 1300 people and also at Deer Valley’s Snow Park Amphitheater, artists including Gary Clark Jr., Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Leslie Jordan, Iron & Wine, Tank and the Bangas, Natalie Hemby, and more, will perform in a variety of ways—from stripped down acoustic sets on a barstool to plugged-in, full band shows. Performers will also engage with attendees and fellow artists in conversations—Song Summit Labs—around everything from profound relationships with an instrument; to the symbiotic power of other art forms; to how to create iconic and dynamic visual identities.

Over the course of five days in September, the Song Summit combines performances—from intimate to amphitheater—with a behind-the-scenes Unplugged meets MasterClass-style of information exchange fueled by Lab interviews and conversations.

Inspired by the pioneering, independent-minded Sundance Film Festival and channeling the curiosity of an early SXSW, the Song Summit seeks to create a retreat for artists where they play their songs and create conversations with audiences around both proven and inspired practices for bolstering creativity and success in both music and beyond. In the process, the Song Summit will also focus on opening conversations around mental and physical health and examining the struggles and breakthroughs artists face on their creative journey.

The Song Summit is the brainchild of Ben Anderson, Park City resident and lifetime musician/founding member of Aiko. He started Park City Song Summit to celebrate his passion for music and personal mission to bring clarity and normalcy to the struggles musicians and artists face around mental health and dependency. “Park City is a true music city with an independent spirit and legacy of craft and storytelling,” says Anderson. “This collection of artists is going to rock our mountain town and connect with audiences in a new and deeply engaging way.”

Park City has world-class performance venues that include nightclubs, halls, dives, auditoriums, and outdoor spaces—all of which will be utilized to create a variety of settings and environments for music exploration. In addition, Park City offers world-class restaurants and accommodations to satisfy a wide range of tastes for both artists and audiences alike.

Musical performance and Lab conversations with: Adia Victoria, Amanda Shires, Andrew Bird & Jimbo Mathus, Cedric Burnside, Celisse, Devon Gilfillian, Fred Armisen, Iron & Wine, John Craigie, John Doe, Jonathan Russell of The Head And The Heart, Jonathan Wilson, Josh Ritter, Joy Oladokun, Langhorne Slim, Leslie Jordan, Lori McKenna, Lucius, Morgan Kibby, Natalie Hemby, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Tank and the Bangas, Tré Burt.

Musical performances: Anders Osborne, Bonny Light Horseman, Brad Walker, Chad Cromwell, Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musslewhite, Daniel Donato, Father John Misty, Fruit Bats, Gary Clark Jr., Ivan Neville, Kamasi Washington, Keller Williams’ Grateful Gospel, Mavis Staples, Mike Dillon, Rising Appalachia, Ryan Bingham.

Lab conversations: Alison Mosshart, Andy Cruz, Dave of Dopey Podcast, Dean Gonzalez & James A Rota, Jay Blakesberg, Jay Sweet, Joe Pug, Mark Borden, Rich Roll, Rob Bleetstein, Shaun White.

Songwriters in-the-round: Waylon Payne, Hailey Steele, Earl Bud Lee, Kylie Sackley, Rick Brantley, Garrison Starr, Matt Warren, Tim James, Kent Blazy, Dave Pahanish, Julia Sinclair, Megan Linville, Shelly Fairchild, Blake Bollinger, Kelly Archer, Bill Luther, Sarah Darling, Emily Shackleton, Kylie Morgan, Jace Everett, Dean Alexander, Kallie Shorr.

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MerleFest announces full lineup

JOHNNYSWIM, The Milk Carton Kids, We Banjo 3 and many more added to list of performers for September 16-19 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Photo: google

MerleFest, presented by Window World, is proud to announce the full lineup for MerleFest 2021, which will take place September 16-19, 2021. This lineup of world-class bands and artists will be joining the annual homecoming of musicians and music fans on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. MerleFest tickets are on sale now. (MerleFest, 2021)

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.

The following is MerleFest’s complete list of performers including the previously announced headliners:
Sturgill Simpson, Tedeschi Trucks, Melissa Etheridge, Mavis Staples, Margo Price, LeAnn Rimes, Shovels & Rope, Balsam Range, Amythyst Kiah, JOHNNYSWIM, The Milk Carton Kids, We Banjo 3, Adam Traum, Banknotes, Bill and the Belles, Brittney Spencer, Cane Mill Road, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, Charley Crockett, Chatham Rabbits, Cordovas, Creole Stomp with Dennis Stroughmatt, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Donna the Buffalo, Happy Traum, Hogslop String Band, Iron Horse Bluegrass, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Jim Lauderdale, Jody Carroll, Joe Smothers, Joe Troop (of Che Apalache), John Cowan, Kelsey Waldon, Kruger Brothers, Laura Boosinger, Mark Bumgarner, Mary Flower, Mitch Greenhill & String Madness, Moore Brothers, Nefesh Mountain, Oliver Hazard, One Fret Over, Paul Thorn, Pete & Joan Wernick, Peter Rowan & Free Mexican Airforce with Los Texmaniacs, Piedmont Bluz, Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Presley Barker, Rev. Robert Jones, Robbie Fulks, Roy Book Binder, Sam Bush Band, Sam Williams, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, Scythian, Shinyribs, Sierra Ferrell, Smitty and the Jumpstarters, Sweet Potato Pie, T. Michael Coleman, Terrapin Creek, The Barefoot Movement, The Cleverlys, The InterACTive Theatre of Jef, The Local Boys, The Waybacks, Tommy Emmanuel, Tony Williamson, Wayne Henderson, Wyld Fern, Yasmin Williams, and Zoe & Cloyd.

JOHNNYSWIM: Much like families, bands go through it all together. At the core, husband-and-wife Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano translate the memories, moments, and milestones on their journey into spirited, slick, and soulful anthems steeped in singer-songwriter tradition, yet amplified by alternative experimentation, rock energy, and pop ambition. JOHNNYSWIM will perform on Friday evening.

The Milk Carton Kids: Listening to The Milk Carton Kids —Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale—talk about their creative process, it is easy to imagine them running in opposite directions even while yoked together. Defying the conventions of melody and harmony is a strategy The Milk Carton Kids have consciously embraced. The Only Ones, the group’s latest record, finds Ryan and Pattengale performing a stripped-down acoustic set without a backing band. On “The Only Ones,” the pair returns to the core of what they are about musically: the duo. The Milk Carton Kids perform on Friday evening.

We Banjo 3: One of the best live acts to come out of Ireland in many years, the multi-award winning We Banjo 3 combine supergroup credentials with a breath-taking command of the emotive power of fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and banjo. Any single member of this group could electrify a venue with a solo performance, but together, in the joyous musical alchemy of We Banjo 3, their passionate lead vocalist like a young Springsteen adopted by the Chieftans, the result is truly unforgettable. Simply put, the gold standard of Irish and American roots music. We Banjo 3 will perform on Saturday and Sunday.

 

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Bluegrass Pride to kick off Porch Pride with Lavender Country Live

First weekend of Pride Month festivities will feature Lavender Country. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Bluegrass Pride, a California-based non-profit with a mission to uplift LGBTQ+ folks in roots music, is proud to announce the first weekend of their month-long pride celebration and virtual festival, Porch Pride, which will feature Lavender Country Live! On Sunday, June 6 at 1p.m. PDT / 4p.m. EDT Bluegrass Pride members, followers, and fans are invited to join the organization in kicking off Pride Month with music, conversation, and fellowship with seminal Pacific Northwestern queer country group, Lavender Country, featuring Patrick Haggerty. The event will be hosted by Bluegrass Pride board member, acclaimed roots musician, and scholar Jake Blount. (IV-PR, 2021)

All Porch Pride events are FREE to attend, but Bluegrass Pride encourages those who are able to donate to support all of the artists on the Porch Pride lineup as well as supporting the ongoing work of Bluegrass Pride.

Lavender Country blazed onto the PNW country scene in 1973 with a beautifully transgressive and controversial self-titled, self-released album that made waves with its first single, prompting the industry to blackball Lavender Country and frontperson Patrick Haggerty for decades. Since then, Haggerty and the band have remained committed to their radical, activist, anti-fascist roots. In recent years, they have received ample acclaim for their trailblazing efforts in the ‘70s and beyond and they have collaborated with artists and icons such as Trixie Mattel and Orville Peck.

Bluegrass Pride is excited to open their Porch Pride festivities with Lavender Country, deliberately and overtly paying tribute to the radical, progressive, and anti-fascist roots of the modern queer rights movement, of LGBTQ+ Pride, and of American roots music.

Tune in on Sunday, June 6 at 1p.m. PDT / 4p.m. EDT for Lavender Country Live with Bluegrass Pride! via Bluegrass Pride’s website, YouTube Channel, or Facebook page.

Porch Pride is the headline fundraising event for Bluegrass Pride, raising more than $22,000 in its first year. All of the event’s virtual programs are free to view and attend – and will be available to view on their website and channels after air – members, fans, followers, and listeners are encouraged to donate to support the musicians performing on Porch Pride, as well as the ongoing work of BGP.

Porch Pride will take place all month long during June 2021. Over the course of Pride month, Porch Pride will feature performances by folks like Lavender Country, Rainbow Girls, Gangstagrass, Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Jake Blount, Sunny War, and many more, plus a virtual Bluegrass Pride Brunch and open house, a beginner-friendly jam-along, and so much more. Schedule of events include:

June 6, 2021 – Lavender Country Live with Bluegrass Pride, hosted by Bluegrass Pride Board Member Jake Blount

June 12, 2021 – Bluegrass Pride Brunch & Information Session, an informal gathering and Q&A period hosted by Bluegrass Pride Board Members. Open to all members, fans, followers, and folks new to Bluegrass Pride.

June 13, 2021 – Beginner-Friendly Jam-Along with Luisa Lopez, “bring” your instruments and voice to play and sing along with protest songs and movement music. Lyrics and chord sheets provided

June 19, 2021 – Juneteenth: A Rainbow Revival, featuring Sunny War, Jake Blount, Yasmin Williams, Faith Nolan, Jackie & Resa, Stephanie Anne Johnson, and Lenworth O’neal. An evening of musical performances curated by Brandi Pace of non-profit Decolonizing the Music Room that will highlight the essential contributions of Black queer, trans, and non-binary folks to roots music and the Pride movement.

June 26 & 27, 2021 at 3p.m. PDT / 6p.m. EDT – Porch Pride: 5th Anniversary Celebration. The headline festival returns celebrating five years of Bluegrass Pride and featuring performances by:
Saturday, June 26:
Mya Byrne
Ben Garnett
Crys Matthews
BOOJUM
Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
Gangstagrass

Sunday, June 27:
Willi Carlisle
Maddie Witler
Amanda Fields
Hasee Ciaccio & Friends
Stephanie Anne Johnson
Rainbow Girls

The Beach-Bound Book Bash is back

The Beach-Bound Book Bash is set for Saturday, June 12, 2021. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Beach-Bound Book Bash, the annual literary tea and author reading, is back. The event will happen virtually on Saturday June 12, from 3p.m. to 4:30p.m. PT / 6p.m. to 7:30p.m. ET. Presented by Books That Make You and Black Château Enterprises, The Beach-Bound Book Bash is an opportunity for booklovers to discover their next favorite author and new reads for the summer. The event features live book readings presented virtually to booklovers around the world, as well as prizes, networking, and lots of bookish fun. (Black Château, 2021)

The Beach Bound Book Bash 2021 is hosted by LaFern Cusack, host of The Experience on 710-AM ESPN Radio Los Angeles, and by Desireé Duffy, founder of Black Château Enterprises, The BookFest®, and Books That Make You.

Attendees can enter the huge Beach-Bound Book Bash Giveaway featuring a whole sack of books and summer goodies including a Kate Spade Tote, a Gathre vegan leather mat, a beach towel, floppy hat, and sunglasses—valued at $300. Winner announced at the end of the event.

To take part in the Beach-Bound Book Bash, get updates, and connect with other passionate readers, join the Beach-Bound Book Bash Facebook Group. The Beach-Bound Book Bash 2021 will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. Use hashtags #BBBB ad #BBBB2021.

The line-up of readers include:

T.L. Bequette, a criminal defense attorney in Oakland, California, turned writer. “Good Lookin’” is his debut novel and weaves his expertise from the courtroom into the pages of a thrilling mystery.

George Galdorisi, a career naval aviator and a multiple award-winning and The New York Times bestselling author. He wrote fifteen books, including the acclaimed Rick Holden thriller series.

Leah Guy, aka the Modern Sage, a new thought leader and expert in emotional healing and personal development. She has written three books, the latest being ”Overcoming Toxic Emotions, A Practical Guide to Building Better Relationships with Yourself and Others.”

Gerald Everett Jones, multiple award-winning author of literary fiction and mystery novels. Compared to literary giants such as Roth and Vonnegut, he releases his latest book, “Harry Harambee’s Kenyan Sundowner,” on June 29, 2021.

Seven Joseph, an attorney, negotiator, speaker, and award-winning author of “The Last Surviving Dinosaur: The TyrantoCrankaTsuris” and “The Crankatsuris Method: A Grownup Guide to Effective Crankiness.”

Debbie Monteggia, an interior designer turned writer on mission to inspire other people through her poems. “Tears of Change” is her debut poetry book.

Gabrielle Alexa Noel, a bisexual creator, columnist, software developer, and author of “How To Live With The Internet And Not Let It Run Your Life.” Her content is sex-positive and positively highlights marginalized communities.

Scott Ryan, an author, publisher, and television historian who captures the truth of what really happened. His latest book, “Moonlighting: An Oral History” is the never-before-told inside story behind the making of the pioneering TV series.

Edgar Scott, an economist-turned computer scientist and author of the near-future dystopian science fiction, ”418: I Am a Teapot.”

Flo Selfman, an in-demand copyeditor-proofreader for award-winning books, a contributing author to Media Magnetism and Office for One. She is currently working on a memoir.

Laila Tarraf, a senior human resource executive and the author of “Strong Like Water: How I Found the Courage to Lead with Love in Business and in Life,” a book that offers insights and inspiration for finding a natural balance and leading as a whole person.

Laura Tohe, a poet, writer, librettist, scholar of Indigenous American Literature, and Navajo Nation Poet Laureate. Her work was published in multiple languages and includes ”Code Talker Stories,” an oral history book with the remaining Navajo Code Talkers.

Sara Winokur, a geneticist and researcher turned author. Her award-winning mystery novel, “Double Blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders,” dives deep into the culture, history, and gorgeous landscapes of the Land of Fire and Ice.

Black Château is an award-winning marketing and public relations agency located in Southern California. It specializes in promoting authors, books, small press, personality brands, and creative individuals from around the world with a full-spectrum of services. The company’s motto is: We believe in storytellers. Black Château’s sister company, Books That Make You, is a multi-media brand that promotes books through its website, radio show/podcast, and magazine features.

2021-06-12T13:59:00

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The Beach-Bound Book Bash 2021

Texas Book Festival announces hybrid format for 2021 Festival

The 26th annual Texas Book Festival in October will consist of virtual events and in-person activities. Photo: Texas Book Festival, used with permission.

Texas Book Festival is excited to announce that the 26th annual Texas Book Festival will take place October 25 through October 31 as a hybrid event. Starting Monday, October 25, virtual sessions will lead up to the Festival Weekend on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol and along Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. The Festival will include a diverse lineup of established, emerging, and debut literary talent of all ages. (Texas Book Festival, 2021)

The 2020 all Virtual Festival featured more than 175 authors, illustrators, poets, journalists, artists, and thought leaders including Matthew McConaughey, Dean Koontz, and Erin Brockovich. The annual First Edition Literary Gala was held virtually and raised more than $600,000 to fund all the nonprofit organization’s literary and literacy programs.

In 2021, book enthusiasts can look forward to the return of everything they love about the Texas Book Festival, including a terrific author lineup, timely and thoughtful panel topics, food trucks, a Saturday evening Lit Crawl, and more.

The 2021 Texas Teen Book Festival will also take place during the hybrid Festival, featuring conversations with acclaimed Young Adult authors. The annual First Edition Literary Gala will take place Friday, October 29 as an in-person celebration featuring some of literature’s brightest stars and storytellers, with indoor and outdoor seating options.
Guests can attend sessions in the outdoor tents and are welcome to visit the in-person and virtual Exhibitor Marketplace, which features book publishers big and small, university presses, booksellers, independent authors, and a wide variety of items for the literary shopper.

With a vision to inspire Texans of all ages, the Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. Founded in 1995 by former First Lady Laura Bush, Mary Margaret Farabee, and a group of volunteers, the nonprofit Texas Book Festival promotes the joys of reading and writing through its annual Festival Weekend, the Texas Teen Book Festival, the Reading Rock Stars Title I elementary school program, the Real Reads Title I middle and high school program, grants to Texas libraries, and year-round literary programming. This year’s hybrid Texas Book Festival will take place from October 25 through October 31, with virtual events October 25 – 28 and the Festival Weekend taking place on the grounds of the Texas Capitol October 30 – 31, featuring renowned authors, panels, book signings, and children’s activities. Thanks to generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers, the Festival remains free and open to the public.

“Festival-goers have shared with us how eager they are to see us return downtown, safety permitting. And now, encouraged by growing vaccination numbers and only after many conversations with authors, publishers, attendees, partners, other event organizations, and the City of Austin, we’re eager as well. We’ll never abandon what we learned about virtual, though—readers told us they enjoyed that too. Stepping into the hybrid space provides everyone the opportunity to participate in a big, vibrant, diverse Festival program, virtually or in-person.” – Literary Director Matthew Patin.

2021-10-25T11:45:00

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Texas Book Festival

TCM Classic Film Festival 2021 coming up in May

This year’s TCM festival will include Michael Douglas introducing One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest on HBO Max. Photo: Turner Classic Movies, used with permission.

Calling all film fans – Yesterday Turner Classic Movies (TCM) released the extensive lineup of talent, films, and exclusive content for the 2021 TCM Classic Film Festival, airing from Thursday, May 6 through Sunday, May 9 at two virtual venues: the TCM network and the Classics Curated by TCM Hub on HBO Max. The virtual festival features more than 100 films and over 30 special guests across Turner Classic Movies Channel and HBO Max. (EG-PR, 2021)

Last year’s Special Home Edition of the TCM Classic Film Festival was one of the first festivals to shift to an all-virtual experience at the onset of the pandemic, and this year, viewers can expect even more stars, movies, and ways to watch.

Programming and Talent highlights of the Festival include:

  • Opening Night on Thursday, May 6 at 8p.m. ET features the 60th anniversary screening of West Side Story (1961) with stars Rita Moreno, George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn giving new and exclusive interviews. Opening Night will premiere simultaneously on TCM and HBO Max
  • The Masters collection on HBO Max, featuring interviews with directors Barry Levinson (Good Morning, Vietnam) and Barbara Kopple (Harlan County, USA) 
  • Debbie Allen introduces Fame (1980) and sits down for an exclusive interview
  • Michael Douglas introduces One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) on HBO Max
  • Jacqueline Bisset introduces Bullitt (1968) on TCM and on HBO Max
  • The world broadcast premiere of Bill Morrison’s latest short film on TCM, let me come in (2021), featuring decayed film reels from the lost German silent film Pawns of Passion (1928) and co-presented by the Los Angeles Opera
  • A tribute to iconic comedian Martin Short with Clifford (1994) and Innerspace (1987) on HBO Max 
  • SF Sketchfest Presents a table read of Ed Wood’s Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959) on TCM, adapted by comedian Dana Gould and featuring Maria Bamford, Bobcat Goldthwait, Oscar Nuñez, Laraine Newman, Bob Odenkirk, David Koechner, Janet Varney, Jonah Ray, Paul F. Tompkins, Gary Anthony Williams, Baron Vaughn, Deborah Baker Jr. and Kat Aagesen

Fans will also be able to engage with the Festival at live virtual events and experiences throughout the weekend including:

  • The return of fan favorite Meet TCM panel where network execs share insight into the network, how programming is scheduled and produced, and a preview of upcoming events and series, will be live on Wednesday, May 5
  • Club TCM, a staple at the in-person Festival, is going virtual this year. Fans can join on Zoom to hear from TCM hosts and festival talent, learn something new, and share their love of classic movies with fellow fans
  • Live Tweets and Instagram Lives with Festival talent and hosts – follow along with #TCMFF 
  • The official TCM Classic Film Festival Boutique featuring limited-edition merchandise such as a new host pin set, mugs, t-shirts, popcorn salt, and more

Turner Classic Movies (TCM)  is a two-time Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world highlighting the entire spectrum of film history. TCM features the insights from Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz along with hosts Alicia Malone, Dave Karger, Jacqueline Stewart and Eddie Muller, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests and serves as the ultimate movie lover destination. TCM produces a wide range of media about classic film, including books and DVDs, and hosts a wealth of material online at tcm.com and through the Watch TCM mobile app. Fans can also enjoy a TCM curated classics experience on HBO Max.

HBO Max® is WarnerMedia’s direct-to-consumer platform, offering best in class quality entertainment. HBO Max features the greatest array of storytelling for all audiences from the iconic brands of HBO, Warner Bros., DC, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and much more. The streaming platform initially launched in the United States in May 2020. This year, it will expand into Latin America and the HBO-branded streaming services in Europe (the Nordics, Spain, Central Europe, the Baltics and Portugal) will be upgraded to HBO Max.

2021-05-06T10:34:00

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TCM Classic Film Festival