Philadelphia Folk Festival is a Hit in 2009

The Philadelphia Folk Festival began in 1962 and is known as the oldest running folk festival in the country. In 2009, even with the excessive heat and sun, the 3-day festival was still as popular as ever.

Popular bands such as The Decemberists, Iron and Wine, The Del McCoury Band and The Derek Trucks Band were at the show this year, bringing fans from all over the area to experience the folk festival.

One folk festival attendee, Troy Byker, was really pleased with the way the festival turned out and enjoyed his first experience at the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Byker said that his favorite performers at the festival this year were the Del McCoury Band, a popular bluegrass band, and Caravan of Thieves, an acoustic string band. Byker also thought that The Decemberists performed well and was happy to see lead singer, Colin Meloy, a friend from Troy Byker's college.

The Lewis Brothers were another popular bluegrass band that played at the festival. Fiddle player for the band, Larry Feldman, and friend Eric Bazillian, significant song writer, musician and member of The Hooters are some other artists that attended the festival.

Overall the Festival was a hit and everyone who attended it enjoyed the experience. Mark your calendar for the 49th annual Folk Festival next year from August 20-22, 2010.

And learn more about the Philadelphia Folk Festival at their website.

By Katelyn Petherbridge

August 2009

Duke Ellington’s $150 Cognac is Apparently Not All That Jazz

On August 6^th , 2009 Duke Ellington’s grandson, Edward K. Ellington II, and the Ellington Estate, executed by Paul Ellington, filed a law suit against the makers of Duke Ellington XO Cognac, which was introduced in 2006 by Harbrew Imports, LTD.

The packaging depicts the face and signature of Duke Ellington, a highly influential American Jazz musician and composer. According to the Estate, Harbrew Imports, LTD. did not get permission to use the image or signature of Duke Ellington on the packing or the bottle and Ellington’s Estate commented, saying that they “once attempted to negotiate with [the estate] ... but no agreement was ever reached between the parties¹."

According to the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac there are three official quality grades of cognac, which are VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Special, Old Pale), and, the highest quality, XO (Extra Old). The Duke Ellington cognac is a 20-year-old XO blend, and is being sold at $150 dollars for a 750ml bottle.

The Estate and family of the late Duke Ellington are suing for all of the profits from sales of the Duke Ellington XO Cognac. Despite the cognac being a limited release, the high price of one small bottle of this elusive cognac may lead to a rather large lawsuit.

Support Duke Ellington and his estate by buying these classic Duke Ellington Tunes.

By Katelyn Petherbridge

August 2009

A Reggae Tribute to Michael Jackson by Luciano

Earlier this summer the world was taken aback by the sudden and tragic death of legendary artist and performer, Michael Jackson. In the past month, as everyone has slowly recovered from the shock of his death, Michael Jackson fans have been searching for and creating ways to honor his memory and keep his music alive for the next generation.

It seems that many artists in the reggae world have sought to give Michael Jackson’s songs new meaning and depth, while honoring the late King of Pop. Among Michael Jackson tribute covers there are Tarrus Riley’s “Human Nature” and Shinehead’s “Billie Jean” as well as Luciano’s “We are the World.”Luciano.  “We are the World,” one of Michael Jackson’s more meaningful songs that he wrote along with Lionel Richie for the USA for Africa Foundation, has been reborn as a reggae tribute to Michael Jackson by renowned reggae artist,

The “We are the World” reggae cover is being released by Dmusic Productions and LionI Recordings and has already begun to cause a stir on YouTube. Fans have left comments saying that this version is “Better than the original!” Michael Jackson’s lyrics easily lend themselves to the humanitarian message of reggae songs, and the smooth, Jamaican style of Luciano’s music seems to take the song even further into its original role of benefiting those in need. DMusic and LionI records will be releasing a t-shirt dedicated to Michael Jackson, and with the purchase of a t-shirt customers will be able to receive two MP3 versions of the song. A portion of the proceeds will also be going to charity in honor of the late King of Pop.

Buy a Michael Jackson Commemorative Tee-Shirt and get 2 MP3s of the reggae version of "We Are the World" free at Bestreggae.com 

By Katelyn Petherbridge
July 29, 2009

Katelyn@dmusic.com