• This year's theme is branded "Electrofied"
• The Hard Rock stage is being re-branded to the "Electrofied Stage"
• Electrofied Stage will feature lots of video and lighting gear (no specs)
• New security feature this year - RFID Bracelets like Bonnaroo and other major festivals (may be used for not just ticketing but for paying for beer, and other possible purchases)
• No "day off" like previous years
• There will be a theme night - Nostalgia night

The Current Bluesfest Lineup

•  
• 10cc
• Adam K
• Akron
• Alan Doyle
• Alice Cooper
• Amalgamation
• Amanda Bon
• Ariyan
• Arkells
• Arty
• A-Trak
• A Tribe Called Red
• Rich Aucoin
• AWOLNATION
• The Balconies
• Beirut
• Big Wreck
• Billy Bragg
• Blitzen Trapper
• Blue Rodeo
• Andre M. Bluteau
• Amanda Bon
• Autumn's Canon
• The Bright Light Social Hour
• The Bush Pilots
• Building 429
• Charles Bradley and the Extraordinaires
• Chromeo
• City and Colour
• The City Harmonic

RETWEET x100000 !!!! “@benchten: Levon. And Fuck You, cancer”

RIP Levon Helm - my brother. Thank you for the love, the music and all our memories.youtu.be/fDnwD550zoM

— Joe Walsh (@JoeWalsh) April 19, 2012

Levon Helm

Mike Gordon posted the following on his Facebook page:

Of course The Band was a huge influence on Phish and many other bands. But Levon's own musical career is just so inspiring.... from wanting to leave the Bob Dylan scene in the 60s despite all the success around it in order to follow his own musical tastes to the incredible Midnight Rambles of recent years. I was lucky enough to go to four of the Rambles and play at one, and these were life changing experiences. Jon Fishman called home from the parking lot after the first one I went to, saying it was a top musical experience of his life.

I've always thought music can exist so perfectly when churning in the confines of a barn, and this took it to an extreme where American culture was simply bubbling over with authenticity, passion, and a connection to the backwoods and the hills. It's a testament that ten or fifteen incredible (and notable) musicians came through each time to make up and enhance this house band (not to mention the incredible opening bands). In the middle of the barn, with his deep seventy year old smile, Levon's uniquely spare yet fierce drumming propelled a repertoire through these enchanted nights. Folk, bluegrass, and country blended effortlessly with blues, soul, and funk, creating a melting pot of sounds unique to our country. And despite battles with throat cancer, Levon would grab the mic and sing so powerfully that it shook the beams of his old barn-home to the core.

To do a few cool things when someone's young is one thing, but then to grow older and cultivate such a heartfelt and moving musical situation is very inspiring. It's no wonder so many artists are influenced by his sound, his sensibility, and his projects with their own pursuits. This is a huge loss, and I'm sorry for anyone who couldn't experience that magic first hand, and I'm thankful that our country and our musical community was lucky enough to be graced by such a soul - Mike Gordon

Dear Friends, 
Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey. 

Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration... he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage...

We appreciate all the love and support and concern. 
From his daughter Amy, and wife Sandy

 

Last Interview with Levon Helm on PBS

The Barr Brothers just released a video for one of their songs from their eponymous album on YouTube.  Enjoy.