Improvement Movement

Depending on the day of the week, Improvement Movement might be described as a loose amalgamation of Atlanta songsmiths, a hostile corporate takeover of your dad's favorite band, or a generous waste of time. 

The Second Wind Endeavor

The Second Wind Endeavor is comprised of guitarist and vocalist Michael Virga, bassist Tristan Bion Craig, percussionist Evan Sanchez, and violist and vocalist Rose Dragoo. While the four had been playing music long before they met in Taos, New Mexico, TSWE in its current iteration joined forces in 2018; and the group has been carving out a musical niche in and around Taos ever since.

Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is a Ghanaian highlife musician, songwriter, producer, and composer. The first musician from Ghana and the world to formally incorporate rap forms into local highlife rhythms, Ambolley created the musical genre Simigwa.

Gyedu Blay Ambolley is a musical luminary hailing from Ghana, West Africa, with a staggering 29 albums under his belt. Known affectionately as the "Simigwa Do Man,” Ambolley’s musical journey began in the vibrant port city of Sekondi-Takoradi, in the Western Region of Ghana. His early fascination with music blossomed into a lifelong passion. From mastering his father’s flute at the tender age of eight, to honing his guitar skills under the mentorship of “Uncle Bonku”, Sammy Lartey and Ebo Taylor, Ambolley’s musical odyssey has been nothing short of extraordinary.  This all led to Ambolley becoming a musical life force and exploding on the scene in 1973 with a jazzy highlife sound called 'SIMIGWA-DO'.  His name has become synonymous with Simigwa music and dance.

Coming of age amidst the zenith of Ghana’s highlife era, Ambolley emerged as a pivotal figure in its evolution, lending his talents to esteemed bands such as Houghas Extraordinaires, Meridians Of Tema and Ghana Broadcasting Band. It was during this time that he caught the attention of his compatriot and friend, Ebo Taylor, who recruited Ambolley to be a member of the Uhuru Dance Band. This all lead to a transformative journey to Nigeria in 1973, where they shared the stage with the legendary Fela Kuti at his renowned Shrine venue. 

1975 Debut Album Simigwa: 

Gyedu Blay Ambolley’s groundbreaking debut solo album, released in 1975, stands as a cornerstone of Ghanaian music history - with one of the most iconic album covers! Simigwa stands as Ambolley’s magnum opus, a masterpiece fusing together the rich tapestry of highlife, afrobeat, folk and funk. The album is a true testament to Ambolley’s unparalleled artistry written and produced in collaboration with the legend Ebo Taylor.

Ambolley not only embraces his musical roots but also pioneers the fusion of Ghanaian highlife with soul and funk influences from across the Atlantic. With Simigwa, Ambolley seized the opportunity to showcase his own musical prowess and embark on a journey of experimentation. A main inspiration for this album was the work of the mighty Mr. James Brown, something that is evident from the rhythm section, horns, vocal stabs and percussion breaks throughout the record.

Performance: 

For the first time in the US, Gyedu Blay Ambolley will be performing his 1975 debut album in its entirety! Bringing his 8 piece band from Ghana, they will perform the pioneering masterpiece Simigwa. 

“just saw THE REBIRTH BRASS BAND, unbelievable. hard as hell, free as a ray of light, there is not a band on earth that is better. stunning.” - Flea, Red Hot Chili Peppers

For almost 4 decades, the Grammy winning Rebirth Brass Band has been “stunning” fans with a fiery live show and a rich musical catalog. Their trademark sound pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition while weaving a tapestry that combines elements of jazz, funk, soul, R&B and the sounds from the streets they grew up on. From their legendary 25+ year run of Tuesday nights at the Maple Leaf to stages all over the world, Rebirth is the soundtrack of the Crescent City and her premier musical ambassador.

Founded by brothers Phil and Keith Frazier over 35 years ago, Rebirth began their career playing on the sidewalks of the French Quarter, and quickly landed gigs at second line parades. Those auspicious beginnings have led to thousands of shows to music aficionados everywhere, including heads of state and royalty.

The bands unique “soundtrack of New Orleans” has also garnered admiration from artists of all genres. They’ve shared the stage and collaborated with everyone from the Grateful Dead to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Maceo Parker, Green Day, U2, James Brown, 311, G-Love, MuteMath, Juvenile, Train, Big Freedia, Ani Difranco, Galactic, Allen Touisant, Neville Brothers, Quincy Jones and Trombone Shorty.

Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes

When a stage four lymphoma diagnosis forced him off the road and into the hospital, Chuck Prophet did not know if he would live long enough to see the end of the year, let alone get back on tour.

I was going through a tunnel, he recalls. It was dark. But I had music: music to play, music to listen to, music to get me out of my head. Music was my savior.

That much is plain to hear on Wake The Dead, Prophets extraordinary new album. Recorded with band of brothers ?Qiensave?, the collection explores the world of Cumbia music, which consumed and comforted Prophet during his illness and subsequent recovery. The songs are intoxicatingly rhythmic, all but demanding you move your body, with arrangements that blur the lines between tradition and innovation. There are flashes of rock and roll, punk, surf, and soul, all filtered through the streets of San Francisco and wrapped up in the rich legacy of a genre that traces its roots back to the jungles of South America.

Captured live in the studio, Wake The Dead resumes Prophets streak of more than a dozen critically acclaimed solo albums stretching all the way back to 1990, when the California native first shifted focus from pioneering neo psych band Green on Red to working under his own name. Since then, Prophet, who is now in full remission, has earned raves everywhere from Rolling Stone to NPR, landed songs in a slew of films and television shows, and seen his work covered by Bruce Springsteen, Solomon Burke, and Heart, among others.

Baracutanga is a seven-piece band, representing four different countries (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, USA), that blends South American ancestral traditions with a modern sensibility, whose exciting and distinct Latin flavor keeps crowds dancing and always wanting more.  Baracutanga creates songs that cross linguistic and cultural barriers, building bridges between the south and the north, overcoming the barriers of discrimination and promoting intercultural experiences that empower Latinos and all people with a positive message of self-affirmation.

We promote non-violence and our music as a vessel to increase and acknowledge cultural pluralism. Baracutanga‘s live shows are joyous, intense and explosive, propelled by the sounds of Andean flutes, charango, accordion, vibes, horns, guitar, bass, drums, vocal harmonies, and an array of percussion, often joined on stage, by Afro-Peruvian and Latin dancers.  Baracutanga have received multiple regional awards and recognitions and have performed across the Southwest, Rocky Mountains, and California, with stops in Calgary, NOLA, Austin and México.

Felix Y Los Gatos is a New Mexico band that seamlessly merges blues and Cumbia influences. Led by Felix Gato Peralta, who impressively handles vocals, harmonica, guitar, and the button accordion, the band explores their Chicano and Native American roots.

The two core members are Felix and D.B. Gomez (button accordion.) Felix Y Los Gatos create an enthralling sound with rhythms ranging from South America to New Orleans, including elements of Zydeco. They skillfully mix their sound into a flavorful musical gumbo, infused with the spice of New Mexico's green chile. Live, they deliver powerful performances that pay homage to their New Mexico heritage.

For more than two decades, SOJA have elated audiences across the globe with their fresh yet

timeless take on roots reggae, a sound born from their shared passion for making music that

transports and inspires.

Joined by Kabaka Pyramid and Innastate, come get transported to the sounds of beauty.

SOJA 

For more than two decades, SOJA have elated audiences across the globe with their fresh yet timeless take on roots reggae, a sound born from their shared passion for making music that transports and inspires. On Beauty in the Silence—their first new album in four years—The Grammy Award-Winning band deepens that communal spirit by collaborating with artists from all corners of the reggae world, including the likes of UB40, Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, and Rebelution. Fueled by the sheer force of their connection and chemistry, Beauty in the Silence ultimately makes for a much-needed antidote to fractured times, infusing so much warmth and wisdom and unstoppable joy into each and every track. Elsewhere on Beauty in the Silence, SOJA join forces with everyone from up-and-comers like Filipino American reggae singer Eli Mac (“A true original, and one of the most creative people I know,” according to Jacob) to longtime friends and tourmates like the Hawaiian band Common Kings (“They’re a huge inspiration when you’re on the road—every single night, they hit the stage like a fireball”). And while each artist brings their own distinct sensibilities to the mix, all of the guest musicians are deeply aligned with SOJA’s mission of uplifting the masses. “My hero’s always been Bob Marley, and that’s mainly because he had this way of letting people find their purpose in the music,” says Jacob. “It didn’t matter if you were white or black or a girl or a boy or rich or poor, you felt like he was talking directly to you. So that’s what we were trying to do with this record: make it as real as possible and tell the whole story of our experience, not just the shiny parts. That’s how you create something that really connects, and that hopefully leaves this place at least a little better after you’re gone.”

KABAKA PYRAMID

Kabaka Pyramid is a Grammy Award Winning Rastafarian lyricist fusing elements of Reggae, Hip Hop and Dancehall to create a unique sound, revolutionizing Jamaica music with conscious messages.

A key pillar of the Reggae Revival movement, Kabaka Pyramid carved his way into the Jamaican reggae scene with Rebel Music in 2011 with marquee songs like “Free From Chains” and “Warrior” featuring Protoje. His hip hop roots were evident in the lyrical style and hard hitting beats, laying the foundation for an ever ascending career highlighted by the classic marquee sophmore album “The Kalling” produced by role model Damian “Jr Gong” Marley.

This chart topping artist has developed a solid global fan-base that connects deeply with the messages in his music, touring extensively over the past 10 years to the largest of Reggae stages around the world and headlining numerous 20+ multi-city club tours and some the greatest reggae festivals worldwide. Kabaka is well known for delivering an electrifying and entertaining live performance with his band “The Bebble Rockers”.

INNASTATE

Innastate is formed around the core, Adrian Wall of Jemez Pueblo (guitar/vocal), Rylan Kabotie of Santa Clara Pueblo/Jicarilla Apache (bass/vocal), and Lawrence Bailon of Santa Clara Pueblo/Kewa Pueblo (drums). Innasate's lineup expands for live performances, utilizing such talents as Romeo C. Alonzo (alto sax) and Delbert Anderson (trumpet) to name a few!

 The band released their debut self-titled EP in April of 2015 to wide acclaim and a growing fan base that earned the group Artist of the Month by RockwiredMagazine.com and the 2016 Rockwired Reader’s poll award for Best Performance by an American Indian/First Nations Band or Artist. In 2016 Innastate was nominated for "Best Reggae Song" by the New Mexico Music Awards. In 2019, The Native American Music Awards recognized Innastate as the “Debut Duo/Group of the Year!”

Join us at the Mothership this Labor Day for the First Annual Labor Day cookout! Featuring excellent local flavors of music and treats.

Other Brothers

OTHER BROTHERS unites members of the Colorado music scene to honor one of America's greatest musical legacies: The Allman Brothers Band. Other Brothers assembles members of JJ Grey & Mofro, Circles Around The Sun, and John Oates Band, as well as the core of the original Derek Trucks Band -- to capture the spirit and invoke the furious musical interplay pioneered by the Brothers on classics like "Dreams,""Jessica," and "Whipping Post." Expect the hits, but also be prepared for ABB music that you won't hear anywhere else -- especially like this.

THE OTHER BROTHERS are; Todd Smallie (JJ Grey & Mofro/Derek Trucks Band), Bill McKay (Steely Dead/Derek Trucks Band, Mark Levy (Circles Around the Sun), John Michel (John Oates Band), James Dumm (Johnny & The Mongrels/Drunken Hearts), Rob Eaton Jr. (Brother's Keeper), Will Trask (High Hawks). 

Keller's Description:  "Loose interpretations of Grateful Dead songs done in a bluegrass style. Take my fascination with Grateful Dead songs and mix it together with my love of psychedelic improvisational bluegrass music and out burps this project.

If you like your Grateful Dead songs performed in their original way, or if you prefer traditional bluegrass, this is not the project for you.  If you like singing along to Dead songs in that song’s normal tempo but dancing double time to the music, this is definitely your jam.   A lot of people seem to dig it and I dig them for that.”

Keller’s Grateful Grass delivers anything-but-traditional bluegrass versions of Grateful Dead favorites. Grateful Grass often times has a rotating lineup and so far, has included collaborations with The Keels, Keith Moseley (SCI), Jeff Austin (Yonder Mountain String Band), Michael Kang (SCI), Reed Mathis (Tea Leaf Green, Mark Benevento Trio) Bill Nershi (SCI), Allie Kral, Vince Herman (Leftover Salmon), Sam Grisman, Love Canon, The Infamous Stringdusters and the Hillbenders.

In 2008, the original Grateful Grass members (Keller, Jeff Austin and Keith Moseley) recorded a live performance at The Fillmore in Denver, CO.  100% of the proceeds from REX (Live at the Fillmore) went to benefit The Rex Foundation, the charitable non-profit started by the Grateful Dead. 

In 2010 Grateful Grass took the stage at Delfest for the first live appearance since 2008. In 2013, Grateful Grass ft. Keller, Jeff Austin, Keith Moseley and Michael Kang reunited to benefit the Rex Foundation once again at The Fillmore in San Francisco for the event, Nightfall of Diamonds. Once again this performance was recorded and DOS was released in 2014.  All proceeds continue to benefit the Rex Foundation.

“Different collaborations of Grateful Grass will pop up from time to time as playing this music this way is such a blast that it probably should be illegal.” — Kw

Steely Dead 

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Denver, Colorado, Steely Dead is a national touring band that has satisfied the curiosity of music lovers with their unique blend of Grateful Dead and Steely Dan. Comprised of four exceptionally talented musicians – Dave Abear on guitar, Matt Abear on bass, Chris Sheldon on drums, and Dylan Teifer on keys – Steely Dead has gained a dedicated following with their electrifying performances and soulful interpretations of classic tunes.

Steely Dead’s repertoire is a carefully crafted fusion of Grateful Dead and Steely Dan songs, between the arrangement and precision studio recordings of rock legends Steely Dan,

cross-pollinated with the Grateful Dead’s free-flowing, melodic improvisation and masterful song segues. Steely Dead merges these major concepts together infusing the influence into each band, all the while creating an original jam element with the song segues. Steely Dead’s performances are a musical journey that takes audiences on a nostalgic trip through the golden era of rock and roll.

As a national touring band, Steely Dead has built a loyal fan base that eagerly anticipates their shows and follows them from city to city. Their performances are not just concerts, but communal gatherings where fans come together to celebrate the music they love, dance, and create lasting memories.

Steely Dead’s performances are a testament to the power of live music, bringing people together and creating an unforgettable experience that resonates long after the last note fades. Steely Dead is not just a band; it’s a musical experience that captures the hearts and souls of music lovers everywhere.