Levon Helm Band

[goombay]

Just caught Levon Helm at Wanee and he cooked big time. Played every style of music you could think of except hip hop. Huge band. If you get the chance catch a legend in great form before he is gone.

[brooklyngal]

Just caught Levon Helm at Wanee and he cooked big time. Played every style of music you could think of except hip hop. Huge band. If you get the chance catch a legend in great form before he is gone.

Before he's gone????? Do you know something we/I don't?

[dank_bass]

Before he's gone????? Do you know something we/I don't?

Speaking of Legends (well legends sidekicks, but still) ...

MOONALICE WITH GE SMITH, JACK CASADY, BARRY SLESS, PETE SEARS, ANN MCNAMEE, ROGER, MCNAMEE, JIMMY SANCHEZ

Moonalice is a band of seasoned players exploring new musical territory with a passion.
GE Smith (Saturday Night Live, Bob Dylan), Jack Casady (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna), Pete Sears (Jefferson Starship, Rod Stewart),
Barry Sless (Phil Lesh & Friends, David Nelson Band), Ann & Roger McNamee (Flying Other Brothers), and Jim Sanchez (Dr. John, Boz Scaggs)
conjure up a heady brew of roots, rock, rhythm-and-blues, and more, peppered with spirited doses of improvisation and surprise.

[hewboy22]

yeah man, moonalice is opening for tea leaf green up here at revolution hall next week. i was surprised by all the big names in the band! might have to go check em out...

[proanim8r]

Saw LHB at Wanee as well. Highlight of the fest.

Not sure about the 'catch him while you can' comment though Levon had throat cancer a while back but he's recovered and looks like he'll be around a while.

[Carolina Beadhead]

You know I can't let this pass without mentioning that we have a Levon Helm Super Prize Pack in the raffle (Item #172)...

www.threadheadraffle.org (http://www.threadheadraffle.org) (|Put 172 in the search box)

[Amy Winette]

Yes, thank you very much CBH!

[goombay]

I didn't mean to imply Levon is on his deathbed. He looks in great form. You just never know.

[revjimk]

Levon Helm is one of my heroes. I was a big "Band" fan back in the day.
Not on his deathbed by any means, but he had throat cancer, couldn't sing for several years, now he's singing again (MIRACLE!)
His new CD, "Dirt Farmer" rules!
He has Midnite Ramble concerts in his barn every summer, but they cost over $100 per ticket, soooo....
Carolina Beadhead:
Could you briefly explain how he raffle works?
rev

[VWGal]

Now THAT's a great raffle prize...as are they all!

[ac_deadhead]

levon helm band opening for a bunch of phil & friends shows this summer :D

[Jay Fest]

levon helm band opening for a bunch of phil & friends shows this summer :D

I think I'm going to have to go to one of those Phil shows, especially to see Levon. I know there's one on the waterfront in Phila. Do you know if there's one in AC?

[Amy Winette]

Levon Helm is one of my heroes. I was a big "Band" fan back in the day.
Not on his deathbed by any means, but he had throat cancer, couldn't sing for several years, now he's singing again (MIRACLE!)
His new CD, "Dirt Farmer" rules!
He has Midnite Ramble concerts in his barn every summer, but they cost over $100 per ticket, soooo....
Carolina Beadhead:
Could you briefly explain how he raffle works?
rev

Instructions are on the website, www.threadheadraffle.org Basically, you buy, online, as many tix as you want for the prizes you like, and we'll be doing the raffle drawing on Monday the 29th and notifying winners.

[ac_deadhead]

I think I'm going to have to go to one of those Phil shows, especially to see Levon. I know there's one on the waterfront in Phila. Do you know if there's one in AC?

i think philly is the closest, at least the closest announced so far

[ABITAGIRL1]

We just got back from Amsterdam where we went to Jam In The Dam ( a four day jamband fest) It's held at a really great venue called The Melkweg. There is a movie screening room upstairs in the venue and every night before the shows they showed rock and roll themed movies (free). The only night we made it in time for the movie they were showing The Last Waltz. It was FANTASTIC to see that again (AND to be in a "smoking allowed" venue drinking ice cold fresh Heinekens during that little trip down memory land). WOW. I loved that.

[Belle]

i think philly is the closest, at least the closest announced so far

Sounds like this VA girl will be going to another great city to see this one. Thanks for the heads up ac!!!

[sharon_loves_fats]

We just got back from Amsterdam where we went to Jam In The Dam ( a four day jamband fest) It's held at a really great venue called The Melkweg. There is a movie screening room upstairs in the venue and every night before the shows they showed rock and roll themed movies (free). The only night we made it in time for the movie they were showing The Last Waltz. It was FANTASTIC to see that again (AND to be in a "smoking allowed" venue drinking ice cold fresh Heinekens during that little trip down memory land). WOW. I loved that.

That sounds fantastic! Amsterdam... someday...

[McGregor]

Last night from the Ryman

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD GET LEVON TO THE FEST!

Guests included:
Robert Plant
Alison Krauss
Sam Bush
Delbert McClinton
Buddy Miller
Sheryl Crow
John Hiatt
Steve Earle
Billy Bob Thornton
Little Sammy Davis

Songs included: (not complete or in the correct order)
Ophelia
Chest Fever
The Weight
Rag Mama Rag
Evangeline
No Depression
Deep Ellum Blues
Black Girl (Leadbelly)
The Shape I'm In
Wide River to Cross
Sittin' On Top of the World
Anna Lee
Got Me A Woman
Long Black Veil
Forever Young (encore)
The Same Thing
Everybody Loves A Winner

http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/festivus/2008/09/18/Levon_Helm_1.jpg

http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/festivus/2008/09/18/Levon_Helm_Miller_Crow.jpg
Levon, Buddy Miller, Sheryl Crow

http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/festivus/2008/09/18/Levon_Helm_Davis_Hiatt.jpg
Little Sammy Davis, John Hiatt

http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/festivus/2008/09/18/Levon_Helm_and_Co.jpg
Forever Young (encore)

The Band deserves as much credit as anyone for inventing the country-rock subgenre we now know as Americana, so it made sense that this year’s Americana Music Association conference kicked off Wednesday night here in Nashville with a tribute to The Band’s drummer/singer Levon Helm.

At age 68, Helm is a spry silver fox. He can still play, though at least once he seemed to beat on the ride cymbal as though it insulted his mother. And he can still sing, though his voice is squawky. But with Helm—and with Americana music in general—the imperfections are part of the charm. And the guest of honor received assistance on stage at the Ryman Auditorium from a long list of admirers and disciples: Steve Earle, Sheryl Crow, Delbert McClinton, Buddy Miller, Sam Bush, Little Sammy Davis, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant.

Wearing a blue button-down shirt tucked into dark slacks, Helm opened the show with “Ophelia,” an old Band chestnut, in an arrangement filled out by a nimble four-piece horn section. The rest of the setlist bounced around—it included material from Helm’s 2007 album Dirt Farmer (“Wide River To Cross”) and from The Band’s catalog (“The Weight”) and from the roots music standards songbook (“No Depression,” “Sitting On Top Of The World”). Krauss and Plant performed the Leadbelly song (“In The Pines”) that Nirvana re-christened as “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” on its Unplugged album. The show had a couple moments of unintentional comedy—McClinton was announced as “one of the most soulful men to come out of this country,” and Krauss and Plant sported strikingly similar haircuts—but the overall vibe was warm and reverent

The on-stage lineup rotated throughout the night, with Helm taking turns on mandolin and two other people filling in on drums. By my count, the lineup never got smaller than four people. And at the very end—for an encore of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young”—it swelled to 20 sidemen, plus trusty ol’ Levon.
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/festivu...levon-helm.html

[festivalgirl]

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD GET LEVON TO THE FEST!


Works for me!!!!!!

[McGregor]

Let's see
1) played in one, if not the most, influential rock bands in American history
2) is still alive and bringing good music to the stage
3) would be cheaper than most of the BNA's (I would imagine since he plays in his barn in his backyard every weekend at the Ramble's)
4) rocks my soul

I can't even begin to imagine the Nawlins musicians who would want to collaborate with him while in town.

[festivalgirl]

Let's see
1) played in one, if not the most, influential rock bands in American history
2) is still alive and bringing good music to the stage
3) would be cheaper than most of the BNA's (I would imagine since he plays in his barn in his backyard every weekend at the Ramble's)
4) rocks my soul

I can't even begin to imagine the Nawlins musicians who would want to collaborate with him while in town.

Has he ever played Fest before?

[McGregor]

whoops

[McGregor]

Has he ever played Fest before?

I want to say some form of The Band did but not with all the original members (no Robertson) but that may be wrong.

eta: Yep
http://theband.hiof.no/band_pictures/live_at_new_orleans_jazz_fest_dvd_tag.jpg
I was remembering this
Concert video recorded at the Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, LA, April 22, 1994, during the New Orleans Blues and Heritage Festival. The Band were the opening act for the Allman Brothers Band. The video probably contains the complete show. Featuring Danko, Helm, and Hudson, with Randy Ciarlante, Jim Weider, and Richard Bell. The concert on the video was the night show and not the actual festival day show, which, according to my old friend "fish", was better.

The New Orleans concert was released on Laserdisc by Pioneer in 1996, and as a DVD in 1998. The sloppiness that allowed "It Makes No Difference" to be listed as "The Sun Don't Shine Anymore" on the track listing is unforgivable for an official US release. Not only that, but two years later the mistake was repeated on the DVD release. The DVD claims the show is 90 minutes, even if the running time is 63 minutes. Produced by House of Blues Production, with producer Michael Murphy, director Ron Yager, and audio producer / engineer Aaron Hurwitz.

[festivalgirl]

Is anyone but Helm & Robertson alive?

[Lit]

I hear ya McGregor. I've been beating this drum (pardon the pun) for years. Levon is an American treasure and a true "must see" for anyone who hasn't. While getting him booked at JazzFest, or at Crawfish Fest as I've implored Michael, would be a match made in heaven, I still can't say enough about how special it is to make the trek to see him at one of his Midnight Rambles in Woodstock. It is truly one of the best musical experiences I've ever had; so much so that we've been three times to date and are planning to return for more. FYI, he also has occasional Kids' Rambles in the afternoons that are an unbeatable deal at $15 per adult and $5 per kid. And, he remains one of the most approachable "stars" you'll ever meet. He took the time to speak at length with me and all of my girls (ages 2 through 9), and to pose for pictures with us as well.

I know that Michael commented that Levon is way out of his price range, but I've got to believe that there are different ways to make it work. As but one example, Levon and his whole band played in a park last Saturday night in Stamford, CT for free. I'm sure the band got paid, but I can't imagine that their cost was prohibitive if there was no admission charge for this outdoor city festival. And I know that Levon and the band also played MerleFest and Newport Folk Festival this year as well, so they obviously found a way to make it work too. In any event, I also believe that Levon's presence on the bill would greatly increase attendance across demographics, and would motivate many people to make the trip to CFF who otherwise would not.

[Lit]

Is anyone but Helm & Robertson alive?

Garth Hudson is still alive also.

[McGregor]

I know that Michael commented that Levon is way out of his price range

I don't really understand being out of JF's price range. Does that mean more than they want to pay for Levon or more than they would pay for anyone?

I would almost guarantee he'd play for some of the figures I've heard thrown around for some BNA's in recent years and I would imagine much less. Money was an issue for him not long ago although I think he's gotten that straightened out.

For fun last year I sent an email to some addresses I found on the Jazz Fest site and copied Levon's manager (who had replied to a question I had about a ramble so I had her email) asking for them to get together and make it happen. The Fest never responded to the email and a few weeks passed and I finally heard back from Levon's manager saying "THANK YOU! There's nothing we'd love more than to play at Jazz Fest in NO!"

[Delta]

My 21 year old came in last weekend all excited about his newest CD and wanted us to hear it. The Band, greatest hits! We showed him the stack of original vinyl of their albums and he was a bit deflated. It was sweet though that he wanted to share good music with us.

[McGregor]

My 21 year old came in last weekend all excited about his newest CD and wanted us to hear it. The Band, greatest hits! We showed him the stack of original vinyl of their albums and he was a bit deflated. It was sweet though that he wanted to share good music with us.

That's cool, I have all my parents old Dead/Band albums.

[NeenAtlanta]

Has he ever played Fest before?

He had a great club in the Quarter for a few years no too long ago, and always played there during Fest. He also held a bunch of music workshops with various musicians one year. I was really sorry the club went under.

[NeenAtlanta]

I don't really understand being out of JF's price range. Does that mean more than they want to pay for Levon or more than they would pay for anyone?

I would almost guarantee he'd play for some of the figures I've heard thrown around for some BNA's in recent years and I would imagine much less. Money was an issue for him not long ago although I think he's gotten that straightened out.

For fun last year I sent an email to some addresses I found on the Jazz Fest site and copied Levon's manager (who had replied to a question I had about a ramble so I had her email) asking for them to get together and make it happen. The Fest never responded to the email and a few weeks passed and I finally heard back from Levon's manager saying "THANK YOU! There's nothing we'd love more than to play at Jazz Fest in NO!"

I think "Michael" means Michael of the Crawfish Fest, not anyone at Jazz Fest.

[Delta]

That's cool, I have all my parents old Dead/Band albums.

You're not 21 are you?

[McGregor]

You're not 21 are you?

I wish! :p

37

[Delta]

I wish! :p

37

I was feeling really old (well, I am actually, but that's beside the point) when you said you have your PARENT'S albums and they're the same albums we have. We even have a turntable, and know how to use it!

[Lit]

I don't really understand being out of JF's price range. Does that mean more than they want to pay for Levon or more than they would pay for anyone?

I would almost guarantee he'd play for some of the figures I've heard thrown around for some BNA's in recent years and I would imagine much less. Money was an issue for him not long ago although I think he's gotten that straightened out.

For fun last year I sent an email to some addresses I found on the Jazz Fest site and copied Levon's manager (who had replied to a question I had about a ramble so I had her email) asking for them to get together and make it happen. The Fest never responded to the email and a few weeks passed and I finally heard back from Levon's manager saying "THANK YOU! There's nothing we'd love more than to play at Jazz Fest in NO!"

I was referring to Crawfish Fest (Michael) in connection with affordability concerns. I have no idea what the excuse is for Jazz Fest, except that MerleFest had booked Levon last year, and that conflicts with the first weekend of Jazz Fest.

Levon's money issues are getting better but I believe there is still a big hole to dig out of, attributable mostly to bad contracts signed long ago with some unscrupulous "music" companies, as well as health care costs from his throat cancer. As I understand the information from his manager Bonnie, he is presently working under a plan that was approved by his bankruptcy trustee and the bankruptcy court, which has allowed him to keep the property in Woodstock from being foreclosed. I believe that the Midnight Rambles are a big part of that plan. It is notable, and indicative of his character, that he has continued to perform for free for charities and many other folks in need during all this time, and has remained a very charitable soul himself.

[Lit]

I was feeling really old (well, I am actually, but that's beside the point) when you said you have your PARENT'S albums and they're the same albums we have. We even have a turntable, and know how to use it!

I still use my turntable regularly; I have a great vinyl collection that I just can't part with. Among my favorite vinyl gems is Levon Helm and the RCO Allstars, a 1977 classic, which is essentially Levon backed by Dr. John and Booker T. and the MGs. Recorded in his barn in Woodstock, which is prominently featured on the cover (and as part of the album sleeve). Man I love albums.