bob-weir-cap-n3-2023

Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros at The Capitol Theatre: A Storied Residency in Westchester

by JamFestLive Nuggets

Venue with Legacy

Nestled in Westchester County, the Capitol Theatre is no ordinary concert hall. Built in 1926 by renowned architect Thomas W. Lamb, this historic movie palace turned music venue has hosted legends—from Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead to Janis Joplin, who famously debuted her “Mercedes Benz” here Wikipedia.

A Resonant Return

In early 2023, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros featuring The Wolfpack returned to the beloved venue for a four-night winter run—February 7, 8, 10, and 11—bringing an electrifying blend of his Grateful Dead roots and fresh, orchestral-jam arrangements The Grateful WebAtwood Magazine. These shows were also available as livestreams, extending the magic to fans around the globe bobweir.net.

The Holiday Run: Five Nights of Musical Brilliance

Fast forward to December 2023—Weir returned for a festive five-night holiday residency (December 12, 13, 15, 16 & 17)—one of the venue’s largest residencies of the year NYS MusicShore Fire MediaPollstar News.

  • Night One featured special guests: legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter and saxophonist Kenny Brooks joined in for stirring renditions, including a jazzy “Only a River” and a gripping encore of Black Muddy River L4LM.
  • Night Three brought a warm, festive touch. Weir opened solo with “Peggy-O,” delivering a reflective and intimate performance. The Wolfpack—featuring strings, brass, and pedal steel—augmented mid-show, turning the evening into a musical gift box for the fans NYS Music.
  • Final Night (Dec 17) delivered no-repeat sets peppered with deep cuts and beloved standards. A special appearance by Omar Hakim on drums added to the celebratory mood as the residency capped off with songs like Morning Dew and Brokedown Palace L4LMInternet Archive.

Why It Mattered

This residency wasn’t just another series of shows—it felt like a gathering of old friends and new possibilities. Reviewers noted that ending the 2023 run with “One More Saturday Night” left the audience feeling like they’d experienced something truly special Atwood Magazine. The synergy between Bobby, the stellar Wolf Bros lineup—Don Was (bass), Jay Lane (drums), Jeff Chimenti (keys), Barry Sless (pedal steel)—and the orchestral Wolfpack created a musical tapestry rich with soul, improvisation, and emotional depth Atwood MagazineThe Grateful Webthecapitoltheatre.com.

A Timeless Legacy Continues

After more than 30 performances at the venue—including 13 with the Grateful Dead back in the early ’70s—Bobby Weir’s return to The Capitol Theatre carries a full-circle weight. It’s not just a show—it’s history, joy, and a little bit of that Grateful Dead spirit alive and kicking in Westchester thecapitoltheatre.comWikipedia.

In Summary

  • Where: The historic Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY (capacity ~1,800) Wikipedia.
  • When:
    • Winter 2023: Feb 7, 8, 10, & 11 (streamed)
    • Holiday 2023: Dec 12, 13, 15, 16, & 17 (five-night residency)
  • Highlights:
    • Orchestral jam fusion with The Wolfpack
    • Guest appearances by Ron Carter, Kenny Brooks, Omar Hakim
    • Setlists spanning Grateful Dead, RatDog, solo work, and surprise covers
    • Crafted as one-of-a-kind nights—no repeats across the residency

Bobby Weir’s nights at The Capitol weren’t just concerts—they were celebrations of legacy, reinvention, and storytelling through song. Let me know if you’d like setlist breakdowns, audience reactions, or behind-the-scenes highlights next!

default

Newport Folk Festival 2025: Tradition Meets Trailblazing Energy

by All Things Considered LiveJamFest
https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_%21UzZe%21%2Cf_auto%2Cq_auto%3Agood%2Cfl_progressive%3Asteep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4003ca06-af60-4b91-885e-80aa5bc68467_1080x1350.png

Here’s a snapshot from the 2025 Newport Folk Festival—set against the scenic coastal stage of Fort Adams, where festival magic unfolded this July.

When & Where:
The 66th Newport Folk Festival took place from July 25–27, 2025, once again gracing the historic Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island newenglandsounds.comWikipedia.

A Legacy of Innovation

Since its debut in 1959, the Newport Folk Festival has been a beacon of folk tradition—yet never afraid to evolve. Originating as a counterpart to the Jazz Festival, it was founded by icons like George Wein, Pete Seeger, Albert Grossman, Theodore Bikel, and Oscar Brand Wikipedia.

Over the decades, Newport has become synonymous with pivotal cultural moments—like Dylan’s controversial “electric” set, civil rights anthems, and a broad-minded approach to genre fusion. It remains a place where heritage and boundary-pushing artistry meet WikipediaThrillist.

2025 Highlights: Lineup, Moments & Evolution

The Lineup: Expect the Unexpected

The 2025 roster reflected Newport’s ethos of sonic diversity—blending folk’s roots with alternative, rap, indie, and beyond:

  • Confirmed Artists included Jeff Tweedy, Mt. Joy, Waxahatchee, Luke Combs, Public Enemy, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Margo Price, Iron & Wine, Kenny Loggins, Julien Baker (with TORRES), Waxahatchee, Jessica Pratt, Geese, Goose, Big Freedia, I’m With Her, Michael Kiwanuka, Maren Morris, Lucius, Obongjayar, Remi Wolf, Kevin Morby, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Dehd, BCUC, Sammy Rae & The Friends, and others Wikipedia+1JamBaseWhat’s Up NewpThrillist.

The lineup didn’t just span genres—Public Enemy’s inclusion underscored Newport’s embrace of protest music as folk music, challenging simple definitions and honoring its revolutionary spirit ThrillistBOOK MORE WOMEN.

Tickets: Gone in a Flash

Demand soared—general admission tickets sold out in under a minute, even before any artists were revealed Newport Buzz. Yes, that’s how legendary Newport’s reputation is.

Emotional Moments

Luke Combs delivered one such moment of raw emotion. Mid-performance on July 26, he was moved to tears singing “Whoever You Turn Out To Be” and paused to gather himself—a candid, heartfelt moment that won cheers and empathy from the audience People.com.

Blending Community and Culture

Newport continues to break down genre barriers—welcoming funk, gospel, rap, indie-rock, even New Orleans bounce alongside traditional folk threads. The result: a vibrant tapestry of community, collaboration, and creative change BOOK MORE WOMEN.

Why Newport Still Matters

  • Continuing Legacy: Ever since 1959, Newport has been more than a festival—it’s a cultural touchstone that’s deeply influenced folk and activism alike WikipediaThrillist.
  • Evolution Without Losing Roots: It honors tradition while evolving—bringing rap, electronic, indie, and global sounds into a folk framework BOOK MORE WOMENPitchforkThrillist.
  • Community & Activism: Newport has always aligned folk with social action. Whether through song or programming choice, the festival champions expression, reflection, and connection.

Quick Recap: Newport Folk Festival 2025

FeatureDetails
Dates & VenueJuly 25–27 at Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI
HighlightsGenre-blending lineup, sold-out fast, emotional moments like Luke Combs
ThemeHonoring tradition while embracing innovation and activism

In Short: Newport Folk Festival 2025 was more than a series of performances—it was a crossroads of tradition and transformation. From tearful, intimate moments to genre-defying sets and lightning-speed ticket sales, it reaffirmed why Newport remains a touchstone for what folk music is and what it can be.

Capture

JamFest 2025: NewGrass Revival, Awards Season Buzz, and the Future of “Music Without Rules!”

by JamFestNewGrass Radio

Bluegrass may have been born in tradition, but it has never stopped evolving. From the high lonesome sound of Bill Monroe to the trailblazing spirit of Sam Bush and the New Grass Revival, this music has always been about honoring the past while daring to stretch the rules. And in 2025, the genre is buzzing with fresh energy—from packed festival lineups and prestigious award nominations to the launch of new music and fresh collaborations.

And tonight, NewGrass Radio carries that torch forward with a special edition of its show, spotlighting both traditional bluegrass artists and the new wave of innovators who are creating fearless blends of “Music Without Rules!” It’s a perfect reflection of where this scene has been—and where it’s headed next.

The Roots of NewGrass: A Revolution in the 1970s

Back in the 1970s, the boundaries of bluegrass began to expand in exciting ways. One of the most pivotal groups in this shift was New Grass Revival, a band that redefined what bluegrass could be. With members Sam Bush, Courtney Johnson, Ebo Walker, Curtis Burch, Butch Robins, John Cowan, Béla Fleck, and Pat Flynn, the band fused traditional picking with rock, jazz, and folk influences, creating a progressive sound that would open doors for generations to come.

Their daring approach proved that bluegrass could honor its heritage while also evolving, inspiring today’s fearless artists to continue pushing those boundaries—exactly the kind of spirit celebrated on NewGrass Radio’s “Music Without Rules” tonight.

Awards and Accolades: Bluegrass & Americana 2025

The next few months are packed with milestones for bluegrass and Americana, with the biggest names in the genre gathering for awards season.

International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards

  • Hosts: Comedian/banjo legend Steve Martin and master banjoist Alison Brown will co-host the 2025 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards on September 26. The two are also nominated for Song of the Year for their collaboration “5 Days Out, 2 Days Back.”
  • Nominees: Familiar names dominate the ballot. Billy Strings leads the way with nods for Entertainer of the Year, while Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, and Del McCoury continue to shine as fan favorites.
  • Hall of Fame Inductees: This year, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame welcomes Hot Rize, The Bluegrass Cardinals, and Arnold Schultz—three names that helped shape the very DNA of the genre.
  • Location: For the first time, the awards will be staged in Chattanooga, Tennessee, inside the historic Soldiers and Sailors Memorial for the Performing Arts.

Americana Honors & Awards

  • Host: Actor and musician John C. Reilly brings his down-home charm to the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville for the 24th annual Americana Honors & Awards on September 10, 2025.
  • Nominees: MJ Lenderman leads the pack with three nominations, while Charley Crockett, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings each snagged two nods.
  • AMERICANAFEST: The ceremony anchors the 25th anniversary of AMERICANAFEST (Sept. 9–13, 2025), a five-day Nashville takeover featuring showcases from hundreds of artists across the Americana spectrum.

Grammy Spotlight

At this year’s Grammy Awards, Billy Strings cemented his dominance, winning Best Bluegrass Album for Live Vol. 1.

Festivals Heating Up for 2025

The bluegrass and Americana calendar is bursting with reasons to hit the road:

  • World of Bluegrass (WOB): For the first time, the IBMA’s week-long celebration moves to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it will remain through 2027. This year’s event runs September 16–20, 2025, with a keynote address by Billy Strings.
  • Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival: Back in full swing with a star-studded 2025 lineup that drew crowds from across the country.
  • Earl Scruggs Music Festival: A joyful tribute to banjo tradition, spotlighting both legends and rising stars.
  • New Jersey Bluegrass Festival: Launching this September in Moorestown, NJ, thanks to the Moorestown Music Collective. Even better—it’s free.
  • AMERICANAFEST 25th Anniversary: Beyond the awards, Nashville will buzz with hundreds of showcases, panels, and surprise collaborations during its five-day run.

Artist News: Shaping the Next Chapter

  • JigJam: The Irish quartet has brought their self-dubbed “iGrass” to international acclaim, even making a dazzling Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Molly Tuttle: After disbanding her group Golden Highway, she’s now forming an all-woman band, marking an exciting new chapter.
  • Bronwyn Keith-Hynes: The virtuoso fiddler is stepping confidently into her solo career after parting with Golden Highway.
  • Alison Krauss: Ever a guiding voice, she recently praised Billy Strings and Sierra Ferrell for keeping traditional songs alive in fresh ways.
  • New Releases: Expect upcoming projects from Rodney Crowell, Margo Price, and Jeff Tweedy before the year wraps.

Tonight on NewGrass Radio: Tradition Meets “Music Without Rules!”

With so much momentum in the bluegrass and Americana world, tonight’s NewGrass Radio Show feels perfectly timed. The program will celebrate traditional artists—the very foundation of this music—while also spotlighting the new generation of bold musicians making fearless blends of genres.

This isn’t just a radio show. It’s a reminder that bluegrass lives on two tracks at once: rooted in its high-lonesome history and branching toward limitless horizons. Whether it’s the fiery innovation of New Grass Revival in the 1970s or the genre-bending sounds of today, the spirit remains the same—“Music Without Rules!”

So tune in tonight, turn it up, and let the timeless and the trailblazing flow together.