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Live Nuggets Celebrates Bob Weir at the Capitol Theatre (October 16, 2016)

Tonight on JamFest — A Handpicked Full-Concert Broadcast Airs Tonight at 9PM EST

There are certain Bob Weir performances that live quietly in Deadhead lore — shows whispered about with reverence, passed along through bootleg trades and late-night listening sessions. They are not defined by spectacle, but by soul. By warmth. By a feeling that the room itself became part of the music.

Bob Weir’s October 16, 2016 birthday performance at the Capitol Theatre is one of those nights.

And tonight, JamFest proudly celebrates that legendary evening as Live Nuggets Radio presents a very special handpicked broadcast, airing the complete concert in its entirety every Tuesday night at 9PM EST — offering fans a rare opportunity to step back into one of the most emotionally resonant nights of Weir’s modern era.

The concert that continues to echo through Deadhead circles — the one remembered for its intimacy, vulnerability, and quiet emotional gravity — unfolded on October 16, 2016, when Bob Weir turned 69.

It was a key stop on Weir’s Campfire Tour, a run that stripped away arena-scale theatrics and returned his music to its roots: storytelling, shared memory, and a room full of listeners leaning in rather than shouting back.

A Night That Felt Like a Fireside Gathering

The Capitol Theatre has always had a certain mystique — but on this night, it felt less like a concert hall and more like a living room filled with old friends.

Weir stepped out alone, greeting the crowd with a gentle version of “One More Saturday Night,” only to be met by a heartfelt, spontaneous birthday serenade from the audience. From there, the tone settled into something beautifully unguarded.

Songs like “Peggy-O,” “When I Paint My Masterpiece,” and the tender title track “Blue Mountain” unfolded with space to breathe, revealing the grain in Weir’s voice and the quiet poetry that has long defined his storytelling.

A Handpicked Ensemble, A Carefully Curated Flow

As the set expanded, Weir was joined by a uniquely textured ensemble — a lineup that blended folk, indie, and roots traditions into a sound that felt cinematic yet intimate. Featuring members of The National, guitar virtuoso Steve Kimock, bassist Jon Shaw, singer-songwriter Leslie Mendelson, and roots duo The Bandana Splits, the band created a rich but never overpowering sonic landscape.

The first set flowed gracefully through “One More River to Cross,” “Darkest Hour,” “Lay My Lily Down,” “Ghost Towns,” and “Gonesville,” each song settling gently into the room like a story told at dusk.

When the Dead Came Home

Set Two opened the door wide for longtime fans. “Mama Tried” brought an outlaw-country spark, before Weir eased into a stretch of Grateful Dead classics that felt less like a setlist and more like a shared memory.

“West L.A. Fadeaway” glided effortlessly into “Eyes of the World,” glowing with delicate percussion touches. “Uncle John’s Band” unfolded like a familiar embrace, while “Morning Dew” landed with quiet gravity — restrained, reverent, and emotionally piercing.

The set closed with a celebratory “Not Fade Away,” marking the night’s first switch to electric guitar and sending a ripple of classic Dead energy through the theater.

Birthday Cake, Gentle Goodbyes, and Lasting Echoes

After a brief intermission and a heartfelt birthday cake presentation, Weir returned for an encore that felt deeply personal. A solo acoustic “Ki-Yi Bossie” gave way to a communal “Brokedown Palace,” sending the crowd into the night wrapped in gratitude and reflection.

Tonight on JamFest: Relive the Magic

Bob Weir would return to the Capitol Theatre in 2017 for another birthday celebration, but it is this 2016 Campfire performance that continues to resonate most deeply — a night defined not by volume, but by connection.

Tonight on JamFest, Live Nuggets Radio brings that magic back.
A very special handpicked full-concert broadcast of Bob Weir — Capitol Theatre, October 16, 2016 airs every Tuesday night at 9PM EST, allowing fans to experience this legendary show exactly as it unfolded.

For Deadheads, Americana lovers, and anyone drawn to music that feels lived-in, honest, and quietly powerful, this is more than a replay — it is a return to one of Bob Weir’s most heartfelt nights on stage.

Stay tuned.

JamFest Honors Bob Weir (1947–2026)

Tonight on Live Nuggets Radio — A Full-Circle Farewell at 9PM EST

This week, the music world lost one of its quiet architects.

Bob Weir passed away peacefully on Saturday, closing a chapter that helped define not only the Grateful Dead, but the emotional language of American live music itself. His songs were never just compositions — they were conversations, invitations, and mirrors. They taught generations how to listen, how to linger, and how to find themselves inside a melody.

And tonight, JamFest becomes more than a broadcast.

Live Nuggets Radio presents a very special handpicked full-concert airing of Bob Weir at the Capitol Theatre — October 16, 2016 — every Tuesday night at 9PM EST, transforming this evening into both a celebration and a farewell. A night that once marked a birthday now becomes a tribute — a final return to a room that always felt like home.


A Farewell That Feels Like a Homecoming

There are performances that feel preserved in amber. This Capitol Theatre night is one of them — a show that captured Weir not as an icon, but as a storyteller sitting among friends, leaning into memory and meaning.

It now stands as one of the most emotionally resonant portraits of who Bob Weir truly was — gentle, reflective, generous, and quietly fearless.

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Live Nuggets is Prince’s New Year’s Eve Concert with Miles Davis on December 31, 1987

Live Nuggets is Prince’s New Year’s Eve Concert with Miles Davis on December 31, 1987

Source: Live Nuggets is Prince’s New Year’s Eve Concert with Miles Davis on December 31, 1987

Prince’s 1987 Paisley Park New Year’s Eve concert stands as a testament to the magic of live music

Source: Live Nuggets is Prince’s New Year’s Eve Concert with Miles Davis on December 31, 1987

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Relive the 1963 Newport Folk Festival Tonight on All Things Considered Live on JamFest

Few moments in American music history carry the cultural weight and lasting resonance of the 1963 Newport Folk Festival. Tonight, JamFest invites listeners to step directly into that defining summer evening as All Things Considered Live presents a rare and immersive broadcast dedicated entirely to one of the most important gatherings of the folk revival era.

As JamFest’s weekly celebration of live performance, All Things Considered Live is built around unfiltered concert recordings sourced from NPR’s legendary archives, festival stages, and historic venues across the country. Tonight’s episode delivers a time capsule experience, transporting listeners to Newport, Rhode Island, at a moment when folk music was not only a genre, but a movement shaping social conversation, artistic freedom, and cultural identity.

The centerpiece of this special broadcast is the landmark album The Newport Folk Festival 1963: The Evening Concerts, Vol. 2, originally issued by Vanguard Records in 1964. These live recordings preserve an electrifying snapshot of a festival that helped define the direction of American roots music for generations to come. Every note is charged with urgency, authenticity, and purpose — a sound that could only exist in front of a live audience during a transformative period in American history.

Listeners will hear towering performances from folk legends who helped carve the foundation of modern acoustic music. Pete Seeger commands the stage with conviction and communal spirit, while Dave Van Ronk’s gravelly intensity anchors the evening in Greenwich Village realism. Judy Collins delivers crystalline vocals that echo through the open Newport air, blending traditional material with contemporary relevance. Theodore Bikel brings theatrical gravitas, Jean Redpath introduces Celtic nuance, and Jean Carignan injects virtuosic fiddle work that expands the festival’s musical palette.

The broadcast also highlights the cultural depth that made Newport more than just a concert series. Bessie Jones and the Georgia Sea Island Singers provide powerful performances rooted in African American spiritual traditions, while Jackie Washington adds narrative richness and personal storytelling that reflect the lived experiences behind the songs. Together, these artists paint a complete portrait of the folk revival — not as a trend, but as a living, breathing cultural dialogue.

Throughout the evening, listeners will experience a wide spectrum of live musical moments: intimate solo ballads, vibrant ensemble sing-alongs, and performances that blur the line between concert and communal gathering. The broadcast reaches its emotional peak with the festival-closing rendition of “This Land,” an anthem that resonates with unity, hope, and the shared spirit of a generation searching for change.

What makes these recordings truly enduring is their immediacy. Unlike polished studio albums, these performances capture breath, crowd response, spontaneous phrasing, and the emotional current flowing between artist and audience. It is a reminder of why live music remains the most honest form of musical expression — and why the Newport Folk Festival continues to stand as a cornerstone of American cultural history.

All Things Considered Live elevates the experience further by weaving historical context, artist insight, and archival depth into tonight’s broadcast, making it more than a listening session — it is a guided journey through one of folk music’s most pivotal chapters.

Whether you are a longtime folk enthusiast, a roots music historian, or a first-time listener discovering Newport’s legacy, tonight’s JamFest presentation offers a rare opportunity to hear the voices, harmonies, and stories that shaped American music as it unfolded in real time.

Tune in and relive the magic of Newport 1963 — a night that still sings more than six decades later.

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The NewGrass Revolution in December 2025 Brings Major Shifts in Bluegrass and Newgrass Music

Bluegrass music has always been synonymous with tradition, but the genre has come a long way since its roots in the Appalachian hills. As we wrap up 2025, the bluegrass and newgrass scenes are witnessing a seismic shift, driven by a wave of new talent and the continued evolution of the genre. From major award wins to genre-blending collaborations, the future of bluegrass has never looked so exciting. In tonight’s NewGrass Radio Show, we celebrate the growing movement of “Music Without Rules!” by showcasing the new generation of artists pushing boundaries while still honoring bluegrass’s rich legacy.

The Roots of Newgrass: A Legacy of Innovation

While bluegrass has deep ties to tradition, the emergence of newgrass in the 1970s marked a pivotal moment in the genre’s history. Bands like New Grass Revival, featuring legends like Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, and John Cowan, laid the groundwork for a more liberal interpretation of the genre. These trailblazers blended bluegrass with elements of jazz, rock, and folk to create something entirely new—something that embraced the free spirit of experimentation.

Fast forward to 2025, and the newgrass revolution is alive and well, with both veteran artists and newcomers continuing to blur the lines between genres. This December, bluegrass and newgrass music are thriving more than ever, with numerous artists making waves through chart-topping albums, sold-out tours, and groundbreaking collaborations.

Major Artist Updates: Shaping the Future of Bluegrass

The big news this month is centered around some of the genre’s biggest stars, who are pushing the boundaries of what bluegrass can be.

  • Billy Strings has been on a meteoric rise, and 2025 has been no exception. The Grammy-winning artist, who claimed Best Bluegrass Album at the 2025 Grammys for Live Vol. 1, also took home Entertainer of the Year at the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards. His success shows no signs of slowing down, with a major 2025 Spring tour in support of his chart-topping album Highway Prayers already announced. His boundary-pushing style continues to inspire both traditionalists and newcomers to bluegrass alike.
  • Molly Tuttle made a bold move earlier this year by dissolving her band, Golden Highway. But rather than slowing down, she’s only upped her game. Her new album, So Long Little Miss Sunshine, marks a departure from her previous work, exploring a hybrid of folk-rock, pop, and country in a newgrass style that feels both fresh and deeply rooted. After wrapping up her “The Highway Knows” tour with a sold-out show in San Francisco on December 13, Tuttle has cemented herself as one of the genre’s most innovative artists.
  • Sierra Hull, another major name in bluegrass, is having a breakthrough year. With four Grammy nominations on the horizon for 2026, including Best Bluegrass Album for A Tip Toe High Wire, Hull is continuing to push the envelope with her progressive approach to bluegrass. She spent much of December 2025 touring with Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, reinforcing her position as one of the genre’s leading voices.
  • Mumford & Sons are another act making waves in the bluegrass world. The band, known for their blend of folk, rock, and bluegrass, has announced their upcoming album, Prizefighter, due out February 13, 2026. The album features collaborations with Chris Stapleton and Hozier, which will no doubt push their sound even further into the newgrass realm.

IBMA & Festival News: Bluegrass’s Growing Global Reach

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has been making big moves this year. For the first time ever, the annual “World of Bluegrass” event is relocating to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it will remain for the next few years, through 2027. This move is expected to bring new energy and exposure to the bluegrass scene, not just in the U.S., but internationally as well.

In other festival news, the Foxfire Newgrass Band has already announced their 2026 tour, with a January 10 kick-off show in Granville, Tennessee. Their innovative take on the newgrass genre promises to keep the bluegrass scene fresh and exciting throughout the year.

Rising Stars: The Big Richard Quartet and New Releases

The bluegrass scene is also witnessing the rise of new talent. The Big Richard Quartet, a group known for its progressive and experimental bluegrass sound, has signed with Signature Sounds and announced their debut album, Pet, scheduled for release in February 2026. This young group is poised to make a big impact with their mix of bluegrass, folk, and experimental soundscapes.

Holiday Releases: A Bluegrass Christmas

December has also seen some exciting holiday releases, blending the warmth of bluegrass with festive cheer:

  • Corrina Rose Logston Stephens, under her side project Rrinaco, has released a new traditional carol featuring soft, banjo-driven melodies that are perfect for those who want to keep the Christmas spirit alive in a bluegrass style.
  • Béla Fleck has been on the road for his “Jingle All the Way” tour throughout December 2025. He also reissued his beloved holiday album on vinyl, giving fans a chance to enjoy his holiday music with a fresh spin.

What’s Next for Bluegrass in 2026?

The momentum for bluegrass and newgrass is only building, with more tours and collaborations lined up for the coming year. 2026 promises to be a year full of exciting musical breakthroughs, as the genre continues to evolve and expand its global reach. We’ll be keeping our eyes on the artists mentioned above, as well as the many up-and-coming acts that are sure to make their mark in the months to come.

Tonight’s NewGrass Radio Show: Tune in tonight for a special showcase of the best in newgrass and traditional bluegrass music! We’ll feature some of the latest hits, as well as classic tracks from pioneering artists like New Grass Revival. Whether you’re a lifelong bluegrass fan or new to the genre, there’s something for everyone in the world of newgrass, where innovation meets tradition in the most exciting ways.

As we close out December 2025, it’s clear that bluegrass and newgrass music are far from standing still. With major artists continuing to innovate, new collaborations on the horizon, and fresh voices leading the charge, 2026 is set to be another landmark year for these genres.

Stay tuned to JamFest for more updates on the world of bluegrass, newgrass, and everything in between. Music without rules—it’s a movement, and it’s only getting started.

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This Week in Club Music History, From Studio 54 to the After-Hours That Never Sleep and it is Club Night & Sunday Spunday on JamFest!

Club culture has always moved in cycles — moments of excess, rebellion, reinvention, and underground revival. This week, those cycles collide in a powerful way. As December 13 arrives, the dance music world once again brushes up against some of the most pivotal nights in nightlife history, while modern club culture continues to push forward through late-night sets, festival energy, and all-night dance floors.

JamFest exists to connect those dots. From the iconic rooms that changed music forever to the after-hours culture that keeps the pulse alive today, this week is a reminder that the club scene has never been just about going out — it’s been about shaping sound, identity, and community.

December 14, 1978: The Night Studio 54 Cracked

December 14, 1978 remains one of the most infamous dates in nightlife history. On that night, federal IRS agents descended on Studio 54, the most famous nightclub in the world, and exposed what many suspected but few could prove. Owner Steve Rubell had reportedly joked to the press that only the Mafia made more money than his club. The IRS did not laugh.

What agents uncovered became legendary: hidden cash stuffed into ceiling spaces, garbage bags filled with unreported earnings, and detailed ledgers documenting skimming operations. The raid marked the beginning of the end for Studio 54’s original era of celebrity excess and velvet-rope mythology. Within two years, Rubell and business partner Ian Schrager were serving prison sentences for tax evasion, and the club was sold, closing the book on one of the most decadent chapters in dance music history.

Studio 54 didn’t just define disco — it defined the idea of nightlife as spectacle. But its collapse also proved that no club, no matter how famous, is immune to reality catching up.

From Glitter to Grit: The Limelight and the Club Kids Era

If Studio 54 symbolized disco’s polished fantasy, the Limelight represented the raw, confrontational energy of the 1990s New York underground. Operated by nightlife impresario Peter Gatien, the Limelight was housed inside a former Episcopal church on Sixth Avenue — a setting that perfectly mirrored its rebellious spirit.

Unlike the strict door politics of Studio 54, Gatien’s venues were known for what many called a democracy on the dance floor. Expression mattered more than status. That philosophy gave rise to the Club Kids, a movement defined by outrageous creativity and fearless self-presentation. Led by Michael Alig, the Club Kids transformed nightlife into performance art, arriving in handmade costumes that defied gravity, logic, and social norms.

The scene eventually spiraled into darkness, culminating in the 1996 murder of Andre “Angel” Melendez, a tragedy that shocked the club world and later inspired the film Party Monster. Still, the Limelight era left a lasting mark, proving that clubs could be cultural incubators, not just places to dance.

Paradise Garage: Where the Music Was the Star

While Studio 54 catered to celebrities and the Limelight to spectacle, Paradise Garage belonged to the dancers. Located at 84 King Street, the membership-only club became sacred ground for those who came not to be seen, but to feel the music.

Under the guidance of DJ Larry Levan, Paradise Garage redefined what a DJ could be. Levan obsessed over sound quality, often stopping the music mid-set to adjust a speaker or fine-tune the system. His legendary extended mixes, including marathon plays of Taana Gardner’s “Heartbeat,” pushed dancers into deep, hypnotic states. It was here that the foundations of Garage music were laid, influencing the birth of house and shaping dance floors around the world.

Paradise Garage proved that a club didn’t need glamour to be revolutionary. It needed trust between DJ and crowd, and a sound system capable of delivering emotion at full volume.

Then and Now: Where the Spirit Lives On

While many of these legendary rooms have closed, their influence remains alive in modern spaces that prioritize sound, atmosphere, and community. Venues like the former Original Sound Factory space on West 27th Street continue to host events inspired by classic warehouse energy, while rooms like Good Room in Brooklyn have become essential stops for underground dance music lovers seeking quality sound and immersive lighting.

Across the country tonight, that legacy continues in active club scenes. Philadelphia hosts multi-room house music gatherings, Houston turns back the clock with classic disco nights, and themed dance parties keep psych-influenced and electronic sounds moving well into the early hours.

Tonight on JamFest: The Party Never Stops

As the history echoes, JamFest carries the torch forward. Tonight, Club Night kicks off late, bringing high-energy DJ sets, in-studio mixes, remixes, and electronic sounds pulled straight from the world’s greatest music festivals. When the clock hits 2 a.m. EST, the momentum doesn’t fade — it shifts into Sunday Spunday.

From 2 a.m. through the early morning hours until around 9 a.m. EST, Sunday Spunday takes over, keeping the dance floor alive with nonstop EDM, festival-driven energy, and extended DJ sessions designed for the true after-hours crowd. It’s a celebration of the culture that never sleeps, where Saturday night flows seamlessly into Sunday morning.

Why This Week Still Matters

This week in club music history reminds us that nightlife has always been about more than entertainment. It has been a space for innovation, rebellion, community, and transformation. From the excess of Studio 54 to the underground soul of Paradise Garage, from the art-driven chaos of the Limelight to today’s all-night festival-inspired sets, the heartbeat of the club scene continues to evolve.

JamFest honors that history while keeping the speakers warm and the lights low. Tonight, the music doesn’t stop — it simply changes rooms, changes moods, and keeps moving forward, just as it always has.