By: Ryan MannixIt took Bryce and Aaron Dessner of The National four years to record and compile Day Of The Dead, a massive undertaking and sprawling tribute to the works of The Grateful Dead from friends and associates, most of which wouldnt be typically associated with the jam scene.  Four years later, were revisiting...

By: Alex WoodSeeing Bob Weir & Wolf Bros offers a rare, isolated look at the distinct style and incredible talent of the Grateful Deads rhythm guitarist.Backed by Don Was on upright bass and Jay Lane on drums, the trio performed their first of two shows at Chicago Theatre on Wednesday. Though the venue wasnt...

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekStarting at the end? If you missed our prior coverage, check out Day One,  Day Two, Day Three and Day Four.Ok, we made it.This post covers the bittersweet final day of Jam Cruise. Your mind is saying, "I can do this...

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekOf course, this isn't the first day...  Here's Day One,  Day Two and Day Three.Day four was the trip's other destination day and we woke up docked in Costa Maya. The first scheduled music of the day wasnt until 6:00, so cruisers had the option of...

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekNot caught up?  Here's Day One and Day Two.Day three brought us to the first of two Days at Sea. By this time, fellow travelers are becoming familiar. You may have shared a ledge for Pigeons, or hung out next to each other on the stairs at Ivans...

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekIn case you missed it... our story begins on Day One.Day two started with waking up docked at MSCs owned island Ocean Cay. It still seems to be a work in progress. While nothing spectacular, it gives cruisers some beachfront on which to tan and jump in the ocean....

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekIts that magical time of the year when the musical aquatic traveling circus know as Jam Cruise sets sail for destinations that (::checks notes::) truly no one cares about when booking. I dont believe Im alone when asked where is the cruise going, and I answer Im not sure.......

By: Ryan MannixTypically, Chicagoans are able to catch Dr. Dog, the Philadelphia five-piece towards the end of a run, but their stop in Chicago this February was at the start of a longish tour.  Fortunately, the band demonstrated no signs of needed warm-up and delivered a 23 song, career-spanning show on a Wednesday...

Photos: Adam MiszewskiOysterhead was unlikely to begin with... so what does that make a reunion nearly 15 years later?Whether following along at home or packed inside in the sold-out 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, CO, it's hard not to feel nostalgic for something so fleeting, yet so singular.  Listen to a few notes...

Words: Ryan Mannix | Photos: Billy AndresFor many in Chicagos jam scene, Dopapods return was an important night. A band that has word-of-mouth built a following by combining technical precision and explosive creativity, it had been two years since they have been in town. The band seems to like Bottom Lounge a whole lot, playing there...