We’re featuring another guest post from the latest Live Music Blog recruit, Mike S., who also spent this past weekend up Masontown, WV at the All Good Music Festival. Mike not only offered up some of his thoughts and highlights from the weekend, but he also snapped some seriously solid photos of the weekend’s activities. Check it…

“Wild and Wonderful and All Good”

Masontown, WV hosted the 12th annual All Good Festival this past weekend. As I’m originally from Pittsburgh, All Good has always been a close gem tucked in the mountains. But now, I have to travel up Rt. 33 from Charlottesville, one of the most scenic drives I have experienced on the east coast (as you can see from the photo above).

This weekend marked my third time on Marvin’s Mountaintop, and the third time I have been completely blown away. The lineup was especially exciting for me because, being a guitarist, it featured all of my favorites: Derek Trucks, John Scofield, Jimmy Herring, and Warren Haynes. And man, did they deliver. Here’s a quick recap of some of my favorite sets from All Good. If you dig the photos, be sure to check out the complete set from the weekend…

I arrived Thursday night about 15 minutes into Perpetual Groove’s set. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera. Although I have fallen out of the loop a little bit with this group over the past year, I have followed them strongly for about five years now. So I was very interested to see how they would perform with new keyboardist, John Hruby. I definitely noticed where they still need time to work out some kinks, as former keyboardist Matt McDonald left some big shoes to fill. But overall, they put on a great set, and laid down a fat “Teakwood Betz.” This is the first PGroove song I heard off of the must-have Sweet Oblivious Antidote, which instantly had me hooked to their sound. Without a doubt, there is some great potential with the addition of Hruby. I would stick to these guys.

The late night set, named the Join — Shields and Shearer of the New Deal and the Benevento/Russo Duo–was a little disappointing. A few people I talked to said they really enjoyed it, but for some reason it never picked up for me. I love these two duos on their own and I’m not sure if I was just too tired to get into it. But for some reason having two drums and two keyboardists just produced a clustered sound. They were obviously improvising, but I felt like their communication wasn’t all that great and some of the tunes were a bit monotonous in terms of the dance beats.

My Friday started off with RAQ, who locked into some good jams. Guitarist Chris Michetti shredded like a machete, often using finger-tapping and a pitch-bender effect that expanded some of the interesting prog-rock digressions of their set.

I was not too familiar with the Avett Brothers before, but I was impressed with their wide-ranging sound. It marked the first official bluegrass-infused foot stompin’ of the weekend (though it was not to be the best). To my surprise, they had a large following and most of the crowd in attendance sang along to their lyrics. I did recognize one song, “Shame.” Their stage presence was lively and animated, and they were very fun to shoot.

One of the biggest surprises to come out of this weekend was the raw power of Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band. I was not even going to shoot this group because I was getting hungry, but once I saw them step on stage, I knew I had to check them out. This big damn band is only comprised of three members, Reverend Peyton on Resonator Guitar, his wife “Washboard” Breezy on, you guessed it, washboard, and his brother Jayme on drums. Together they put on one heck of a down n’ dirty afternoon set. At one point they got the whole crowd soaring and singing to a rhythmically crazed rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” It was the loudest and most forceful delta blues I have ever hear. They definitely won the foot stompin’ award for Friday. Just check out some more of the shots, man were they mean. Take a look at Reverend Peyton and tell me if you think he can high-kick a crash symbol. He sure can!

I have seen Medeski, Martin, and Wood numerous times. But I often get disappointed because although I love their albums–and I love when bands get crazy live–sometimes MMW just gets way too out there to the point where it becomes unbearable for me. However, after I heard their album Out Louder with John Scofield, I knew he would be able to corral this madness into a more coherent live sound, and I have been patiently waiting for over a year now. They played most of Out Louder, including my favorites “Hanuman” and “Little Walter Rides Again.” They also surprisingly pulled off their somber and beautiful “Julia” cover.

Lettuce’s performance was by far the funkiest of the weekend. I have respected Eric Krasno (of Soulive) for a long time now, but the additional members of Lettuce, especially drummer Adam Deitch (of the John Scofield Band), bring that neck-jerkin’ hard funk to a whole new level. Talk about party time!

My favorite performance of the weekend was without a doubt Phil Lesh & Friends. I have seen Phil a few times before and I always come away with the feeling that I only go because I love the Grateful Dead and have to pay my respect. But it is obvious Phil & Friends have gotten serious about their music as of late. The members that have been added since my last show made for one unforgettable experience. Nowhere else can you hear bass like that, especially coming from that beast of an instrument that Phil now sports, with its eccentric gothic curves and LED-lit fret board.

The first set was pretty normal Phil, but still better than what I have heard before. The second set, on the other hand, was a whole different story. Jackie Greene tore up the evening with his remarkable voice, picking, and overall energy. And never in my life did I think I would hear Phil get down on a trance tune, but he did, and he absolutely killed it. After a stacked second set run of Viola Lee Blues>New Potato Caboose>Revolution, Phil did the unexpected, transferring into Particle’s “Elevator.” The drumbeat turned techno, the bass and guitar turned demented, and Particle’s Steve Molitz blew everyone’s lid off with some of the most punctual synth buildups I have ever heard. The set ended with a soothing “Brokedown Palace” with Jackie Greene vocally capturing a piece of that pure emotion that Jerry Garcia first laid down on American Beauty. My favorite part of this set was being able to watch Phil from a close distance as he smiled the whole time, clearly having as much of a blast as everyone in the crowd.

The night ended perfectly with Gov’t Mule. Warren Haynes is truly one of the most passionate performers out there. The highlights for me were Wild Horses>Creep (Radiohead), and returning to my tent to be lulled to sleep with his staple “Soulshine.”

Saturday afternoon was hot and humid, but worth the pain. Tea Leaf Green pulled off an amazing set that included some of my favorite TLG tunes, as well as a raunchy “Five to One” Doors cover. Josh Clark seemed to summon Morrison’s spirit and sound through his vocals. Tea Leaf has never disappointed me. They have a truly unique and pure sound, and who can deny Trevor Garrod’s incredible vocal ability? I have trouble comparing him to any other singer.

Mike Gordon played a decent set that included songs off of his new album Green Sparrow. What made his set for me, though, was his inclusion of a super funky “Meat”, as well as a great “She Said, She Said” Beatles cover (Whit and I clearly see eye to eye on this one).

Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi started off with a groovin’ “Don’t Do It”, and performed a well-rounded set, elevated by Trucks’ signature tone, and Susan Tedeschi’s soulful voice.

Once again Jimmy Herring’s guitar wizardry had my jaw in the dropped position for most of Widespread Panic’s set. His finger-work just boggles my mind every time. I was really tired from a full day in the sun, but I held out on the hill for a great two sets of Panic. Highlights included guest appearances by Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi on “Angel on High” and just Trucks on “Ribs and Whiskey.” As it began to rain, I needed to keep my camera dry. By the time I got back to my tent, the rain was substantial enough that I couldn’t help but pass out hard.

I wasn’t upset about missing Dark Star late night because I have seen them a bunch in the past, but I hear that I missed Mike Gordon come out with the Bridge–whoops. The Bridge is one of my top bands right now; they are on fire. They played earlier in the day, so I thought I would be okay missing them late night. But with Gordo, damn! I had a long drive ahead of me so I wasn’t able to stick around for any music on Sunday. I would have liked to have seen Railroad Earth, but it looked as if it was going to thunderstorm all day so I felt it was best to get on the road.

Thank you All Good for another amazing weekend of music in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. It was Wild, it was Wonderful, and it was certainly All Good.

The All Good Music Festival came and went in a flash of beautiful West Virginia mountain sun and jammy improvisational madness. Overall, the event was less the well-oiled machine than some of its larger festival rivals. But what it lacked in organization and “we think of everything” cohesion, it made up in simple, laid-back fun in a beautiful West Virginian mountain setting. That, and a solid lineup of mainly jam-oriented rock’n'roll. If you wanted a mid-size festival with some of the stalwarts of the jam scene and not all that much else, then this was your festival.

Here’s a brief glimpse of some photos that captured the weekend’s good times and a few highlights I couldn’t help but throw in for good measure. Luckily, I had some serious help in the photo department from our newest LMB recruit, Mike S. Mike dropped his first LMB review just a few weeks ago, but it didn’t take him long to jump into the festival coverage with reckless abandon. Look out for a bit more from him shortly. For now…

What Sco’s face seems to show in pain, came through as full-force jazzy funk. Though it was less foot-stompin’ than I’d hoped, this MSMW set did not disappoint.

Maybe there weren’t a ton of extra port-o-lets, but they did remember the weird alien dudes. Always good times.

Lettuce–with Soulive’s Eric Krasno at the helm–brought out that foot-stompin I was alluding to earlier.

Just classic Phil. All except for a little twist in the form of a Particle tune (courtesy of keyboardist Steve Molitz). Hearing Phil & Friends sound more like the Disco Biscuits was downright odd. But it was a pretty sick (and dark) groove.

Warren played an epic late-night set that pushed the limits of “late-night” (5AM anyone). Radiohead covers and rock’n'roll all night long. I wish I could say I stayed out there for the entire thing. Let’s just say I was still listening as I drifted off to sleep.

Tea Leaf Green rocks it per the usual.

Stylish as always (love the green pants), Mike Gordon busted out those signature weird Mike tunes, plenty of bass-heavy funk, and that killer version of the Beatles’ “She Said She Said.” Honestly, this was the closest to live Phish I have heard in years. Perhaps it had something to do with Scott Murawski’s Languedoc guitar. Whatever it was, it was almost IT.

Telepath. These guys are on to something.

Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi stewin’ up some soul.

Derek’s percussionist. This guy is just awesome.

Keller–with full band in tow–busts out the jams.

Bassnectar brought out the crazy dancers and the glowstick madness….like a good opening DJ act should do.

I can definitely get down to Widespread’s music and I love what Jimmy Herring has brought to their sound. But I still can’t fully dive into Widespread’s sets like some of my friends. Maybe I need more grits in my diet. Either that or whiskey.

It was pretty impressive to see Dark Star Orchestra get the coveted Saturday, late-night set. They played to their strengths and right into the All Good crowd’s hearts…or something.

Mr. Coconut tells it like it is. Yep, we did have fun.

More All Good Photos
Mike’s All Good Photos | Whitperson’s All Good Photos

Although providing a jam “intervention” for Kyle Gass of Tenacious D is a big deal, throwing your own festival is much bigger.

The Disco Biscuits’ own Camp Bisco VII kicks off next weekend in Mariaville, NY. We’ve known about their full lineup for a while now, but they’ve just announced the full weekend schedule [PDF]. Should be plenty of grooves there if you think you’ve lost yours and need an intervention.

If you’re unable to come to the All Good Festival this year, it looks like iClips.net has you covered. They’ve just announced that they’ll be webcasting this year’s event:

iClips Network and All Good Music Festival are proud to announce the live broadcast of the 12th Annual All Good Music Festival, from July 11-13 from Marvin’s Mountaintop in Masontown, W.Va.

Described by Rolling Stone as “the best fest for jam heads,” the All Good Festival continues to present fans with a showcase of the nation’s best established and emerging live acts with confirmed 2008 performances from Phil Lesh & Friends, Widespread Panic, Gov’t Mule, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Keller Williams and the WMD’S, and many more.

As the mid-Atlantic’s longest-running live music and camping event, the All Good Festival has grown to attract over 15,000 fans from across the nation. Despite its record high attendances, Billboard describes All Good as “unlike many large festivals” with its serene rural West Virginian setting complimented by the natural grandeur of Marvin’s Mountaintop.

This all builds upon the All Good Festival’s mission of offering all good music and all good times to all good people, providing festival goers with a transcendent concert experiences brimming with the strength of community spirit.

The All Good Music festival kicks off this Thursday up at Marvin’s Mountaintop in Masontown, WV. If all works out well, we’ll have some decent coverage of the festival this year, including an update from yours truly. As a result, I thought I’d do a preview of this year’s lineup and flesh out a quick list of the bands I am most stoked to see.

As I noted back when they posted the schedule, All Good has scheduled the festival so that there are no overlapping sets. Thus, that means no tough decisions or scheduling headaches. What’s interesting about this year’s lineup is that I think I am more excited to see some of the small- to medium-sized acts over the headliners. Don’t get me wrong — I’m sure Panic and Franti will be great, but for some reason there are a lot of other bands that are grabbing a bit more of my attention.

File under: yet to see live

Pnuma Trio
I remember listening to Pnuma Trio when they first started busting out into the electronic rock scene a few years back. I was quickly impressed by their chops, especially when it came to the shear force of the drums and keyboard combinations. But I’ll admit that I quickly wrote them off as a copy of the New Deal and completely lost track of these young dudes from Memphis. A quick look at some of their MySpace offerings, and I think their set might be pretty impressive, albeit still reminiscent of the New Deal.

Lettuce
I caught a lot of Eric Krasno with Soulive back when they were getting started, but I never got a chance to check out his other band. No matter how much the funky, jazzy soul thing has been done to death, there’s a reason so many bands stick to the classic soul sounds of motown/stax and the 70s funk: because it’s timeless perfection and always gets a crowd moving. This sounds tasty.

Telepath
I’ve barely heard of lick of Telepath but I already know their sound will get me. Live, electronic music with a focus on dub and reggae. Apparently, there’s a more niche-style name for this stuff: “ReWorld” (sorry, I’m not up on my genres of EDM). I guess it’s in the vein of Thievery Corporation but a whole lot more dance-oriented. Whatever you want to call it, it’s got my attention. I dig.

The Wood Brothers
Who knew Chris Wood had a brother and he also happened to be an amazing musician? Oliver Wood’s soulful singing and rootsy guitar-playing meld nicely with his brother’s thick basslines and (gasp) back-up vocals. I’m digging their NPR live concert series performance at the World Cafe Live.

File under: The old stand-bys

Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood
Back in 2001, I caught a killer show with MMW and Scofield in Boston. But that was before Scofield had really been fully integrated. Now that they’ve merged Sco more fully into their crew (at least for the last tour or so), I can’t wait to hear the stew of jazzy funk these guys will be brewing on stage together. I’m ready to get foot-stompin’ for this one.

Phil & Friends
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t really all that geeked up to see Phil & crew until my buddy Dave put it to me like this: “But it’s Phil Lesh. He’s getting old and may not be around that much longer. And where else can you hear that bass?!? There’s nothing else like it.” Yep, that got me.

Dark Star Orchestra
It’s going to be hard to compete with the true original (Phil)/ But it never ceases to amaze me how well DSO can replicate a perfect Grateful Dead concert experience. It’s as if they’ve picked the best parts of each of the original members, and perfected their sound and chops to the point where they’re almost tighter than the Grateful Dead ever was. Of course, this is partly why they’ll never quite be the original, but it’s damn close and always a good time.

File under: In need of a second try

Tea Leaf Green
I caught TLG a couple months back in Charlottesville and had a really good time. They locked into some really nice grooves, but I got stuck on the way their songs tended to blend together in my head and not really allow for enough dynamics. After some additional listening, I think I may just need to catch them a few more times to dig a bit deeper into their repertoire. There’s definitely some serious there there.

Perpetual Groove
P. Groove is another band that just hasn’t gotten my full attention yet and they deserve a bit more of it. I dig their more prog-rock oriented stuff, and I think Brock can definitely put together a good tune as well some great guitar atmospherics. As long as I don’t run into any serious traffic jams, this one’s definitely on my hit list.

File Under: My must-see bands of the weekend

Mike Gordon
If you’ve been a consistent reader of my Phish Friday post’s, you may have caught on to a certain theme: Mike Gordon is my hero…or something. In my opinion, Mike was always the most consistent and rock-solid member of Phish. And, man, can he lay down a meaty groove. I have no idea what kind of oddball music he’s playing these days, but I can’t wait to hear it for myself. If it’s anything like this recent version of “Meat,” I think I’ll be a happy man:

Mike Gordon -Meat! [YouTube]

The Join (Shields & Shearer w/ Benevento & Russo)
As much as Gordo will get my respect this weekend, I think this it’s this combination of raw, energetic talent that could provide a serious late-night dance party and may have the potential for my set of the weekend. The mix of two drums sets and too many keyboards could be completely overwhelming, but whatever goes down, I know I want to be there to see what it is this combination puts together. One half the New Deal + one half the Benevento/Russo Duo = all parts jazzy, electronic madness.

Here’s to a great weekend of summertime live music in the mountains….

Previous All Good coverage on LMB:
All Good 2008 | Schedule Announced, No Tough Decisions
All Good 2008 | Initial Line-Up Announced

All Good Lineup and Schedule:

ROPEADOPE STAGE
Thursday, July 10th
Early Arrival in the Campground:
2 AM The Join *Late Night* (Shields & Shearer w. Benevento & Russo)
11:45 Brazilian Girls
9:45 Perpetual Groove
8:30 PM Jazzam

ALL GOOD STAGE & MAGIC HAT STAGE
Friday, July 11th
2:00 AM Gov’t Mule *Late Night*
1:15 SOJA
10:00 Phil Lesh & Friends
9:15 Lettuce
7:45 Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood
7:15 All Mighty Senators
6:00 Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
5:40 Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
4:40 The Avett Brothers
4:20 Basshound
3:20 RAQ
3:00 MJ Project
2:00 PM The Wood Brothers

Saturday, July 12th
2:00 AM Dark Star Orchestra *Late Night*
1:15 The Bridge
10:00 Widespread Panic
9:15 Bassnectar
7:45 Keller Williams w. Moseley, Droll & Sipe
7:15 Pnuma Trio
5:45 Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Soul Stew Revival
5:20 Telepath
4:20 Mike Gordon
4:00 Scrapomatic
3:00 Tea Leaf Green
2:40 Rex Jam
1:40 Hot Buttered Rum
12:30 Outformation
11:30 AM Eric Lindell

Sunday, July 13th
5:00 Michael Franti & Spearhead
4:20 Danielia Cotton
3:00 Railroad Earth
2:30 deSol
1:15 JJ Grey & Mofro
12:00 Bonerama

Reminder time.

The inaugural Rothbury Festival kicks off this weekend up in Rothbury, Michigan.

iClips.net is once again coming through with some webcasts from the weekend’s activities.

And man, it really takes a lot of hard work to put on a festival in the middle of nowhere these days, especially if you want to compete with the Bonnaroos of the world! On a thread over at PT Bisco, I came across these photos of all the Rothbury preparations. These really give a nice sense of all the stuff that needs to come together for these things.

Looks like a sweet spot for a festival….unless it rains. We hope it’s a great weekend for the Rothbury revelers. At least they’ll have those crazy swinging monkeys from Burning Man to make things interesting:

Homouroboros – Monkeys at Burning Man by Peter Hudson [YouTube]

The All Good Music Festival has announced its full weekend schedule for 2008, including late-night pre-party sets on Thursday, July 10. Unlike some of its larger brethren in the festival world, All Good has made a point not to schedule any overlapping sets throughout the weekend. So, no tough decisions between big headliners or up-and-comers that you really want to check out.

Good call, All Good; I dig it. Of course, this festival is smaller than the Bonnaroos of the world and a bit more focused on the jam niche. But I think this is a crowd-pleasing move that may help set them apart from other fests. Plus, that late-night Thursday pre-party looks like it’ll be a throw-down.

Speaking of which, early arrival tickets for the Pre-Party are available for $15 in advance and $30 at the gate. Advance weekend passes are available for $139 or by phone by at 1-800-594-TIXX.

Full schedule after the jump…

ROPEADOPE STAGE
Thursday, July 10th
Early Arrival in the Campground:
2 AM The Join *Late Night*
(Shields & Shearer w. Benevento & Russo)
11:45 Brazilian Girls
9:45 Perpetual Groove
8:30 PM Jazzam

ALL GOOD STAGE & MAGIC HAT STAGE
Friday, July 11th
2:00 AM Gov’t Mule *Late Night*
1:15 SOJA
10:00 Phil Lesh & Friends
9:15 Lettuce
7:45 Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood
7:15 All Mighty Senators
6:00 Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
5:40 Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
4:40 The Avett Brothers
4:20 Basshound
3:20 RAQ
3:00 MJ Project
2:00 PM The Wood Brothers

Saturday, July 12th
2:00 AM Dark Star Orchestra *Late Night*
1:15 The Bridge
10:00 Widespread Panic
9:15 Bassnectar
7:45 Keller Williams w. Moseley, Droll & Sipe
7:15 Pnuma Trio
5:45 Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Soul Stew Revival
5:20 Telepath
4:20 Mike Gordon
4:00 Scrapomatic
3:00 Tea Leaf Green
2:40 Rex Jam
1:40 Hot Buttered Rum
12:30 Outformation
11:30 AM Eric Lindell

Sunday, July 13th
5:00 Michael Franti & Spearhead
4:20 Danielia Cotton
3:00 Railroad Earth
2:30 deSol
1:15 JJ Grey & Mofro
12:00 Bonerama

R.E.M.
Nine Inch Nails
Stone Temple Pilots
Erykah Badu
Dashboard Confessional
Death Cab For Cutie
DeVotchKa
Cold War Kids
Wyclef Jean
Panic At the Disco
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
Man Man
Thievery Corporation
Ghostland Observatory
Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Ozomatli Reunited w/ Chali 2na
Rebirth Brass Band
Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk
Blind Boys of Alabama

Go forth and “worship the music” or…something.

Weekend passes are $115 and three-day VIP passes will are $450. Full lineup after the jump…

LE RITUAL

* R.E.M.
* Nine Inch Nails
* Stone Temple Pilots
* Erykah Badu
* Dashboard Confessional
* Shudder to Think
* Death Cab For Cutie
* DeVotchKa
* The Gutter Twins
* Cold War Kids
* Wyclef Jean
* Panic At the Disco
* King Britt Tribute to Sister Gertrude
* Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
* Reverend Horton Heat
* Lupe Fiasco
* Joss Stone
* Man Man
* Thievery Corporation
* Ghostland Observatory
* Manchester Orchestra
* Old 97′s
* Joseph Arthur
* Colour Revolt
* Tokyo Police Club
* Innerpartysystem
* The Vettes
* Big Blue Marble
* Sons of William

LE FLAMBEAU

* Walter Wolfman Washington
* Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue
* Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers
* Marc Broussard
* Ozomatli Reunited w/ Chali 2na
* Rebirth Brass Band
* Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk
* Blind Boys of Alabama
* Preservation Hall Jazz Band with Marva Wright
* New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
* Cowboy Mouth
* The Iguanas
* Bonerama
* Big Sam’s Funky Nation
* Deacon John’s Tribute to
New Orleans R&B featuring Wardell Quezerque
* Marva Wright
* Soul Rebels
* Dirty Dozen Brass Band
* Treme Brass Band
* DJ Soul Sister
* John Boutte
* Rockie Charles
* Paul Sanchez and His Rolling Road Show
* Washboard Chaz Blues Trio
* The Dan Dyer Band
* Eli “Paperboy” Reed and the True Loves
* Shamarr Allen
* Melody Clouds
* Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
* Fatter Than Albert
* Big Al Carson
* DJ Butterfoot

LE CARNIVAL

* The New Orleans Bingo! Show
* Extra Action Marching Band
* The Morning 40 Federation
* Quintron and Miss Pussycat
* Fleur de Tease
* Rotary Downs
* Clint Maedgen +9
* The Happy Talk Band
* New Orleans Jazz Vipers
* Tin Men
* The Zydepunks
* Valpraiso Mens Chorus
* One Man Machine
* Oscillation Communications
* Ratty Scurvics Singularity
* Good Guys
* Andre Williams
* Crimes Against Nature
* sHellShoCk
* DJ Proppa Bear
* Noomoon Tribe
* New Orleans Sunken City Circus
* Pain Tribe
* My Graveyard Jaw
* Illusion Fields
* Bones
* Worms Union
* Tap Water Mind Control
* Sirena Serpentina
* C-Ba$ Sideshow
* Widetrack
* White Bitch’s Prey Drive
* Nag Hammadi
* Ray Bong
* DJ Tom Harvey

In a continued set of signals that Trey is back, Mr. Anastasio showed up at a Clapton gig last night at Jones Beach to sit in with opener, Robert Randolph. Big Red joined Randolph and his Family Band for a few tunes, including “Deliver Me” and “I Need More Love,” and a cover of “Hey Bo Diddley,” (complete with a moment of silence for Diddley, who passed away earlier this week).

In other news, festival updates galore:

• iClips.net continues to offer up some great webcasts. This weekend, they’re webcasting select sets from the Wakarusa Music Festival barring any further issues with weather. Apparently, the festival had to cut off the music last night due to inclement weather. Word is they are resuming music today, so hopefully that means iClips will resume too.
• The inaugural Slow Food Rocks Festival will kick off August 30-31 with sets by Gnarls Barkley, G. Love & Special Sauce, the John Butler Trio, the New Pornographers, Medeski Martin & Wood, and Ozomatli.
• The all-night rave-style Starscape Festival takes place this weekend in Baltimore. The stage schedule has been posted and includes a killer 12-4AM slot for headliners, The Disco Biscuits, along with sets by a slew of other electronic dance bands and DJs.
• Speaking of the Disco Biscuits and late-night, the band’s own festival, Camp Bisco, just announced the addition of a late-night tent with sets by 2020 Soundsystem, The Egg, The New Deal, Lotus, Pnuma Trio, Telepath and Orchard Lounge.
• The inaugural Rothbury Festival has released its schedule as well, including some solid late-night slots and generally just a ton of music. Will this be the new “Northern Bonnaroo?” Maybe, but they better pray for decent weather.
• The Monolith Festival has also released its a daily schedule. This is a solid lineup at an amazing venue. But don’t these guys know they need to have a customizable grid these days.
• The Gathering of the Vibes festival made some recent lineup additions, including Umphrey’s McGee, Tom Hamilton’s American Babies, David Gans and Nate Wilson.
• The Whistler Music Festival, slated for July 19-20 in Whistler, BC, has announced its initial lineup including: Elvis Costello And The Imposters, Broken Social Scene, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Medeski Martin & Wood, The Roots, Bedouin Soundclash, and Serena Ryder. More acts TBA.

It’s been almost four days since our last post on My Morning Jacket. You knew we couldn’t wait long for another one with all this new music they keep putting out there. Speaking of which, you can now stream their new album, Evil Urges, on their MySpace site. The album officially drops on Tuesday, June 10, and they recently posted a great video about its creation. Check it:

My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges [YouTube]

Hat tip to the folks at JamBase for digging this one up.

So what else is going on?

It’s that point in the summer festival season where we stop hearing about massive lineup announcements and start getting the final schedule grids for all the big fests. This brings the all-too-familiar issue of scheduling conflicts. With so many great bands playing, there are bound to be some tough decisions to be made.

A few of the major summer fests have now posted their full schedules. Many of them have those nifty customizable grids so you can at least save your choices. Good luck making those tough calls:

10,000 Lakes
Check out the nifty Jambase scheduling grid for added customization.

Austin City Limits
And if you’re a bit on the geekier side about your festival scheduling, check out the ACL SCHED site for further scheduling fun. Justin geeked out with this for SXSW and said it basically saved his life down there. SCHED was created by one of the dudes over at Hype Machine, and I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more festival schedules from this SCHED site as the festival season expands.

Bonnaroo
With so many damn bands, Bonnaroo raises some tough quandaries. But Superfly does surprisingly well setting up these grids. Don’t forget to check out the the “More Stages” option; it’s easy to miss.

High Sierra
Yep, another nifty Jambase scheduling grid.

Wakarusa
And yes, this also gets a Jambase scheduling grid.

Happy scheduling!