Billy Strings.

The dude can seriously play. He's also at five months sober from alcohol, which is awesome. Coming up soon, he's playing guitar with Grisman for some East Coast dates. 

Heard some of his work last week for the first time. Excellent!

Stu, where are the strings tonight? 

They were in Mexico at 'Strings & Sol' last few days.

Other Bands too.

I got a discount airfare for a great price,  but forgot my passport had expired.
Then I forgot to bring it anyway.

The kid can flat out pick. The rest of the band aint too shabby either.

Good call Schwa, dig the “new” look. Did not know that EB.

2015 Delfest was first time I saw him (w/Don Julian) they played a free show near me that July, I made sure to be there as did 710.

Flash forward to Delfest 10 in 2017, Billy with his new band are the talk of the fest and it’s been one face melting show after another since.

He’s here in the East, go to the show.

In the winter he’s doing some solo opening sets for the supergroup bluegrass trio I’m With Her.

Billy kicks ass 'til both shoes are shitty.

Lots of Billy threads lately. Here's a recent one. Lots of Billy info in it. https://www.vivalazone.org/other-stuff/billy-strings-live-stream-tonite  

Schwa, got my e-mail still ? 

I saw them at Targhee in August and then first week of November here in SLC. Even got to see and hug Utah Jen!

They KICKED ASS! The long jam right after intermission was way good... and timely! Don't think I'll miss him again.

"Even got to see and hug Utah Jen!"   OK. I am envious.

Yeah, she's such a sweetheart.

Yes,Billy brought the Beach Stage down at Strings & Sol this week.Especially when he did " Lay me Down ". Ironically,I wasn't into him at Hangtown Music in October,but am now a new fan.Look for recordings on Facebook,maybe.

Side Note:

Slickrock,I looked for your friend Bill.There were many guys there who looked just like him.Had fun with it.

M.B. From San Francisco - Happy Birthday! You are and was loved by Bart & I.

Billy strings has exploded in popularity since 2016 when this thread started.

Thought I'd post this here, Austin City Limits 7/7/21  https://youtu.be/LqBVZvvINLk

This one has pretty much been my go-to Billy strings for the last two years now...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc11Fp1BwBM

and the one where he plays with his dad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6U6NCvOfl8

I suspect Billy Strings will play with Phil and Friends sometime this year. 

I loved the one where he plays with his dad.

I also liked > Billy Strings Live at Brooklyn Bowl - Set 2 - Nov 15, 2019 with Brandon "Taz" Niederaur starting around 45 minutes in. It was a great total set, but Taz sort of ameliorated the string band aspect for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUWRjixTBng

Check out his interview on Comes A Time podcast

Classic

I'm just starting to discover how good this guy is, but it's a bit amazing to me that he's become so popular.

He's a truly great bluegrass/acoustic guitar player & singer, but more traditional bluegrass groups (and it's my impression he's more traditional than "jamgrass") just don't generate the type of draw he's getting. Even the most popular jamgrass groups don't usually play in the venues he's selling out these days.

I'm really bummed that his upcoming show in the Bay Area is at the Fox in Oakland, a show that sold out fast, because in that place it's going to be 100 people trying to listen and 3,000 people drinking and talking.

Yammering crowds are bad enough at rock shows, but at acoustic shows it's impossible. I walked out of a Del McCoury show at the tiny Great American Music Hall because of that, I don't have to wonder what it will be like in the cavernous Fox.

Still, it's always great to see young talent rise, and this kid deserves it.

 Word from the Dead and Co. camp is that lead guitarist John Mayer has been displeased and jealous of the attention young Billy has been receiving lately.  John has been seen self medicating while also taking more than his prescribed Ritalin. Chimenti has been in his corner but can't much more of it himself.  

sold out here

Thursday night at the Fox theater isn't sold out yet, but Friday is.

Most likely I'll be seeing him in Tahoe at the smallish venue in the Montbleu hotel/casino. I'm going to be about an hour away that day so I went ahead and bought a ticket for the Sunday show. It's possible I won't be able to get up there in time, but hopefully I'll be motivated enough that day to try.

Given his age and fanbase I don't suppose any of his shows feature a quiet, respectful audience and it will almost certainly be a yammer-fest there too, but at least I'll be annoyed with people in Tahoe instead of Oakland.

was much better on electric than i would have thought.

sings well, with soul.

bluegrass roots tie in to that whole fundamental vein of grateful dead songs.

and lol lance. a change of venue is nice. 

Have fun

that's a pretty tough room

we picked up tickets for the first night of atlanta.

I'm having a tough time imagining chatter being worse than at TXR, Lance. Maybe things have changed since I was last there; but at that time, txr was drawing loads of chatty ass twenty something sorority girl types who were just there to drink themselves silly and talk over the music they very apparently had no interest in. Obviously Phil fans were there too, but the local Marin Muffies were the noisy ones.

Strings fan base, while not the traditional sit-down in rapt attention bg varietals, do seem to be really into his music, and committed to their fandom. Not sure who you think his fan base is? lol it's not the CW shitkicker crowd, nor is it the wooked out beyond recognition jamband fan base.

Marin Muffies

Sausalito Sallys 

Bolinas Bettys

Novato Nellys

Larkspur Lindas 

Tomales Tammys

No love for the Rossholes?

Thanks for the ACL link, China-Rider. Perfect Sunday morning music.

The Kentfield...um....Kendras?

Woodacre Wendys

Fairfax Fionas

Ahem! As you can see above (Dec 10, 2018 post), I was trying to turn you guys on to him two and a half years ago. 

Maybe now, I can get some goddamned respect around here for my musical opinions!!!!  LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL 

Just joking. Actually, any idiot, even me, could see the boy is talented. And the long jam after intermission on the show I mentioned is a little more understandable now.   

Fairfax Filly$

Stop trying to get deadheads into Billy Strings, Strangha. I like being able to afford his shows!

To be fair Billy is older than Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Pigpen, or Jimi Hendrix will ever get to be; so it must be his baby face that compels people to call him a "kid/boy". He's 28!

He's also been playing guitar since he was like 4 years old and worked his ass off making genuine connections in the music industry (as opposed to his daddy being famous opening doors like Jakob Dylan, Derek Trucks, or Lukas Nelson) so people shouldn't be so shocked that he absolutely rips or that he's successful. 

This link was what got me into Billy Strings, his endearing love for Doc Watson - I learned a LOT about Doc's origin story watching this performance (actually bought a Doc CD because of it) and what with the great tunes I wasn't that familiar with. That Billy occasionally covers GD songs is just a bonus to his already vast catalog he draws from. His originals are almost all as good if not better than the covers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk4SWmDbMNI&list=RDNk4SWmDbMNI&start_rad...

LOL. Sorry Dise! I agree. The show I saw him at in fall of 2018 (capacity about 700) was $20 and he was selling his CD's for $12. And after seeing him at Targhee Bluegrass Fest in August of 2018, I knew THAT ticket price was a bargain and it won't be like that for long. Things have certainly changed.

Tickets for his outdoor venue show coming up September 22 here were $42 and it sold out real quick. I didn't get a ticket. Hoping he might show up at Hardly Strictly since he's in California on the 26th. 

But after these Red Rocks shows... and Hawaii... the cat is REALLY out of the bag. Not to mention his Grammy for best bluegrass album. Glad there's plenty of great YT videos. 

lol it's ok Strangha :D I'm mostly kidding! Hopefully most deadheads just love the shit out of Mayer and Billy just plays with BK when his own schedule allows.

I'm way more interested in what Billy Strings will do next these days than I am in what the rest of the GD are up to without Garcia. There's already plenty of players in the Grateful Dead impersonator circuit. Aside from Sless none of them do anything interesting enough for me. 

Love this song. A cover of John Hartford's All Fall Down.  Definitely a get your meat outta your seat song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxoxgEesLiw

I suspect Billy Strings will play with Phil and Friends sometime this year. <<

Phil + Billy + Thunder

Hmm.

Dust in a Baggie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFEZOjtrwls

complete with Ben, the RPG wook who still needs a light

who is better, jackie or billy?

I showed my buddy that video.

Pre:  "Is he dressed for Throwback Day?"

Post:  Holy shit!  Who is this kid?"

Hats off to Schwadude for being the first to call attention to BillyStrings'  brilliance  on this site. 
 

is there a term for the Billy Strings fans - Stringheads? Sounds like we're all strung out on the kid's music now

Bill-poppers, Nancy. That's what they're called. Ask anyone. 

I will ask Schwadude, I trust him ;)

Lol

Baggies?

A trip of fans works

Mill Valley MILFs...

I avoided the Floor @ the Fox (albeit for a different reason) and got sweet seats in the lower loge.

and Strings played The Independent,SF in September 2019

capacity 500ish...

Billy Strings is playing the WinterWondergrass Festival @ Squaw Valley 4-1-22

Spring Pow>Billy Strings...

I wish they'd move the Fox show to the Greek, but will settle for the indoor venue requiring the CA app that shows proof of vaccination 

>>>Not sure who you think his fan base is<<<

I'm assuming his fan base is similar to the Yonder Mountain/Infamous Stringdusters/Greensky Bluegrass crowd, along with the more rockin' Leftover Salmon/Railroad Earth fans, i.e. folks who like to party and boogie to their bluegrass.

And there's nothing wrong with that, except that people boogying & partying also tend to talk. The Fox in particular can be bad in that way based on it's size & configuration, with it's very high ceiling and so many people on the floor in general and in the back half of the floor under the balcony in particular.

The large Special Seating section for VIPs, friends of APE, etc. is ALWAYS a major talk-fest, and behind that the large back level with all the bars is always much more "bar" than "music venue". Those two large sections of people under the balcony create what is always at least for me a constant dull roar of talking.

The only way I've been able to beat that is to go up in the balcony, where talking is not as big of an issue. Virtually every show I've seen from the floor in that venue I've bailed up to the balcony and found a lurker spot (fortunately the APE ushers aren't usher nazi's). To my ear the sound is almost always better up there and there is less talking, but I also always feel like I'm ten miles from the stage.

I would think that being in the front section of the floor could be better as well, but since it gets packed there and I can't/won't get to GA shows two hours early anymore and I won't step in front of people, I've never been down there.

I'm sure the shows will be fun and probably won't be as bad as I'm making it out, but IMO the Fox, with it's cavernous feel and boomy sound isn't set up well for acoustic music, and for me personally it's not a favorite venue for listening to any type of music.

As for being surprised at his popularity, it's just seriously unusual for ANY acoustic bluegrass musician or group to be selling out multiple nights in large venues, at least around here. 

Again, I'm all for it and it's clear that Strings is a great talent, it just seems that he's crossing lines that haven't been crossed before.

He's even just hired a security director for his tour, which doesn't usually happen unless it's a major touring act. That person is a friend of mine who I worked with for many years. She's loving it, has been talking about the size & energy of the crowds and is thinking it could be a long-term job for her.

That's great for Billy Strings, and for bluegrass music, but for his more long-time fans it sounds like you better get used to larger venues and higher ticket prices.

That's great for Billy Strings, and for bluegrass music, but for his more long-time fans it sounds like you better get used to larger venues and higher ticket prices.

Oh for sure, it's already happening. I just don't want him touring with Dead and Co etc as the Jerry guy when his stock climbs. A matter of opinion or enlightened self-interest, I like him leading his own band better and see more potential for new art in that direction. 

He's playing two nights at Apple Valley Park just south of Syracuse on Rt 20.  I'll probably check out the Friday show on the 30th.  DSO is playing there the next two days, including Jerry's birthday, and there is good camping nearby. Might make a camping/concert long weekend out of it. 

Sounds like a fun time!

If he's so popular, why are there tons of tix for his shows in CT?

Because yuppies prefer top 40 music, Barry. 

Yeah, I'm sure everyone already knew this, but I'm late to the party:

> Fans adoringly refer to themselves as “goats”. I’m not sure where that came from, perhaps simply a play on Billy Goat. However, the goat symbolizes curiosity, independence, and fearlessness which are key components to the music. Goats also love to climb up high.

And a group of Goats is called a Tribe or a Trip. 
 

now you know :)
 

Goat Skull and Roses by Stanley Mouse

Can I just get a free pin instead?

I kid, I kid! 

Well, this is good news!

>Good afternoon,

Thanks for reaching out! In preparation for our much-anticipated return to live concerts and our commitment to producing safe events, all patrons attending concerts at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley, Fox Theater – Oakland and The Independent will need to show proof of vaccination OR a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event date to gain entry. In addition, those that are not vaccinated will be required to wear a mask throughout the duration of the event.

More information on our venue vaccination and negative test verification and entry process will be available via our website www.thefoxoakland.com soon! 

Best,
Jazz

------ 
Another Planet Entertainment

Shoot. I was hoping this was going to say they're moving the two shows to the Greek for one show.

No realistic way for that to happen of course, but hope is cheap.

Oh, it's still realistic  - with the new Covid  surge maybe they will be required by the County to move the show to an outdoor venue.

Or maybe they just need more people to request the change of venue? Maybe the Greek would sell better?

Seriously though, I fully expect Covid cases to worsen as people (and unvaccinated kids)  return from their summer travels. I don't expect Gavin to shut anything down till after the recall, but indoor venues might just decide not to risk it. 

Wait, are you more concerned about the chatter at the Fox or the Covid risk? 

Lance, OT...they just started offering "reservations" on Evenbrite for a free X show at Stern Grove.

I'm likely not going to the Fox, mostly because of the venue more than COVID concerns, but I probably would go to the Greek.

But unless there's an emergency situation there's no way they'd even consider moving the shows to the Greek.

(It would much better there)

And I'm already set up for X Dice, but thanks for the heads-up!

Let's make that Greek Theater change a reality, as we're facing a Covid precipice. Call me a dreamer, but maybe a few emails like this will get them to consider the venue change:

TO: [email protected]

Is there any chance of combining the Th/Fri Billy Strings shows scheduled for the INDOOR venue at Fox Oakland and moving it to an outdoor venue - The Greek appears available on September 10th. And should be able to accommodate all ticket holders. 

I know many folks are starting to get cold feet about attending indoor concerts with the Delta variant striking. 

Musicians are getting infected too. Outdoors just seems like a much better plan to have in place since indoor shows might be canceled by the County. 
 

That sounds like a great idea, Nanc, but it's making me jealous AF too. I wouldn't miss seeing him at the Fox, but at the Greek? That's an entirely different story.

Sounds good to me, and if it were just one show at the Fox it would be much easier for them to make that move.

But combining two shows into one means they'd have to offer refunds for the show "canceled", and refund is a dirty word to promoters.

If they made it two shows at the Greek they'd almost certainly lose money, as neither would come close to selling out and the Greek is a pretty pricey place to put on a show.

They'd also piss of many of those who bought reserved balcony seats at the Fox, having their tickets now be GA, and trying to equitably transfer reserved seats from one venue to a completely different one is a nightmare that never works.

Plus, I'd imagine that Strings would still want close to the guarantee he's getting for two shows.

The people that run APE are pretty thoughtful and reasonable people, but I wouldn't bet on a move.

Just don't take a shower for a week, put your hair in dreds and WHIP those suckers around during the show and you should have pretty good social distance.

I doubt anyone would complain about the move to the Greek or ask for a refund, Lance.
I mean other than the serial complainers, but they'll be complaining regardless. and they won't even ask for a refund. 
besides demand for tickets would only increase if the venue was changed to the Greek - so reselling tix and even selling additional  would be a breeze and a plus for the band and APE

it can and will happen!  

Seriously, I'm betting on it happening because  they really won't want to cancel the shows -  but  the way this Covid virus is making a come back, they really need to adopt this new plan so the show can go on. 
 

>>>I doubt anyone would complain about the move to the Greek or ask for a refund, Lance<<<

I like your attitude, but once you start working some of those Stanford shows you'll likely discover just how many things people will complain about.

And if COVID gets so bad that they're looking to cancel indoor shows, I'm not sure outdoor shows will be working either.

I imagine the shows will go on with proof of vacs or a recent negative test, and masks all around.

And does COVID transfer in smoke?

DAMN STONERS!!!!

>And if COVID gets so bad that they're looking to cancel indoor shows, I'm not sure outdoor shows will be working either.
 

except outdoor shows, limited capacity was  a thing, when there were no indoor shows allowed, and the Greek is large enough that they could host with a somewhat reduced capacity and still accommodate all ticket holders.

I worked a few shows preCovid at Stanford as a volunteer usher and didn't hear one complaint. It's a really easy gig, I  sure the complainers complained to someone..just not me.

Oh, and as far as refunds go, the scalpers who are holding a decent percentage of tickets (as they always do) will all go for the refund when the shows are combined into one show that will have ample tickets available at cost.

They always do when that happens, and that's quite a few refunds.

One of the reasons why 'refund' is always a BAD word for promoters.

Fuckin scalpers are going to put the kibosh on my dream show?! 
 

wait, wouldn't they just jack the prices as demand for a rescheduled show at the Greek rises? Covid cautious folks don't have an issue with outdoor venues and tickets would sell faster

Billy Strings is not that in demand in the East Bay. 

I think you're wrong, Slacker. The Bay Area fans are just not quick to go to an indoor show. Move it to the Greek and the ticket demand will increase.

Nancyinthesky Presents.

I'm in.

I'd be shocked if there's a venue change.  If hospitalizations spike, a cancellation makes more sense.  Put your energy into trying to get all the stubborn anti-vaxxers to change their mind.  These articles might convince the numbskulls:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/man-who-made-fun-vaccination-effort...

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/07/23/us/radio-host-va...

>  Put your energy into trying to get all the stubborn anti-vaxxers to change their mind
 

futile mission. pass. 
 

Seems that the only thing that changes their mind is when they're watching a family member die in the hospital, or sick themselves with Covid.

There wont be a venue change or cancellation.....

Your magic 8 ball is different than mine ^

Cases and hospitalizations are already spiking, It might not be the promoters'  choice. 

Interesting profile of Strings that includes this line: "I’m trying to make my own Grateful Dead here."

https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/07/26/billy-strings-t...

I'm looking forward to next week in Asbury.

The banned and the damned will be there.

It ought to be a hoot, but leave your dogs at home.

My buddy saw him last night at the Newport Folk Festival... I couldn't make it as we went to a show the night before on my night out for the week.  Good times this weekend- setlist looked like a lot of fun yesterday.  Feels good being with others out seeing music under the sun.

Unfortunate choice of words, sounds from the full interview that   he just wants to follow his own muse. And 'not be pigeonholed' 

NFF phone cap so don't expect much in the way of quality

Shady Grove

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR2aBEPExkO2x5FWJmEKxJExoz7c2sy4S...

Pretty good quality for a phone video. Thanks, Dise.

"Strings has taken plenty of musical lessons from Kreutzmann, too.“He’s such a sweet, polite, really kind, gentle soul,..."

(definitely not the words usually used to describe Mr Kreutzmann's demeanor, but more power to Billy Strings if his presence can turn a tiger into a pussycat)

and thanks for that NFF link

But wait! There's more! Sweet Doc Watson tribute 

Train That Carried My Girl From Town 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPLYexmdE-4

Cociane Blues 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3d-T02XITLvegDm2aMdZYnw1ACfqJOA...

Summertime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR1H6S5-FPbi7YbVI3szZaK5cx29fsmcL...

Way Downtown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR2GAU3iQiR8XkZzJrjWGJZyjX8Fdc7u8...

 I’ve been emailing back and forth with management  - if more Bay Area folks start asking for refunds or a change in venue from indoors to the Greek, it would help: [email protected]

Outdoor shows AND checking for vaccinations, please 

Or maybe it won't make a difference when the County shuts it all down again.  

New Billy Strings LP September 24:

https://billystringsstore.com/?mc_cid=bb66b33a8f&mc_eid=400d441abe

I preordered the cd and swag, can't wait! 

I also pre-ordered Sierra Ferrell's new album featuring Jerry Douglas, Billy Strings and others. It's a bit produced but I'm not complaining much, Sierra is an awesome new artist and her live stream specials and youtubes got me through the damndemic I just hope she does a live album soon (Billy too!) sierraferrellmusic.com for those interested

The Bells of Every Chapel *ft.Billy Strings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0NmWWy2sUg

..

China, is that picture from this afternoon? Looks like a beautiful day for a free audio stream if the venue wifi abides. Andy's already streaming pre-game mix

7/30/2021

Billy Strings

Apple Valley Park - LaFayette, NY

https://mixlr.com/billy-streams 

7:30 PM Eastern Time

^ Yes from this afternoon, I don't think there's any good Wi-Fi here.

First set kicked ass!

Wifi is working great for the stream! Sound is crystal clear and no buffering.

That AFD got frickin weird AF lol are guys ok out there? 

Set 1:

Summertime Blues (1)

Slow Train

While I’m Waiting Here >

Train, Train

In the Morning Light

Bronzeback

Secrets

Away From the Mire

Long Forgotten Dream

All Fall Down

(1) FTP - Eddie Cochran

7/30/2021 | Billy Strings | LaFayette, NY

Set 2:

Fire On My Tongue

Watch It Fall

Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor (2)

End of the Rainbow >

Running the Route >

Rueben's Train

Crown of Thorns >

Southern Flavor

Wargasm

(2)FTP

Mikey M's setlist

This is different   https://youtu.be/ZQ9cJNdz2Cw 

Billy's been firing on all cylinders for some time now, and this video catches a glimpse of that. He is truly a force of nature.

Whirly pig is comin' / We’ll all fall down

I saw that earlier today and loved it. I really enjoyed and appreciated the vocal sounds with the instruments. New to me from him.

The ever expanded world of Billy Strings.

Thanks, C > R.

On the 4-20 show from St Augustine FL, he does John Hartford's "Two Hits And The Joint Turned Brown...." and adds some vocal scat that is new to me about 3:20 in. Also does a blazing "Granny Won'tcha...."  Found it working out this week. Billy shows are becoming my go-to workout music. Always kicking butt. But the Phil/Trey Glens Falls show is still a great one for that.  

Tons of shows   https://archive.org/details/BillyStrings

The 4-20 show   https://archive.org/details/billystrings2023-04-20.billystrings2023-04-2...

wow this thread started 2016 gong to see him in Berlin, and Frankfurt next month !

Yep, Schwadude giving us the head's up YEARS ago. 

In July of 2021, I posted on this thread about ticket prices.

"The show I saw him at in fall of 2018 (capacity about 700) was $20 and he was selling his CD's for $12. And after seeing him at Targhee Bluegrass Fest in August of 2018, I knew THAT ticket price was a bargain and it won't be like that for long. Things have certainly changed. Tickets for his outdoor venue show coming up September 22 here were $42 and it sold out real quick."

A few months ago, I bought tix for about $95 for a show in October in a freakin' hockey arena. 5 rows in back of the standing "pit" on the floor. 'Da boy is BIG. 

After the fall 2018 show, a friend who hosted a bluegrass radio show said prophetically "That right there is the future of bluegrass music." There's a lot more to the genre, but that star is shining bright.

Be cool if he covered The Right Reverend Billy C. Wurtz

"Mama was a Deadhead"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02Q8ifINTe8

he should do a cover of the seminal deadhead classic "jerry garcia and me"

tix are at an easy 35 Euros here going to Frankfurt August 7th, train to Berlin August 8th,back to work in Lyon the 9nth ( nice weekend, monday tues ahhh the food industry , thanks for these weekday shoes) going back up to Paris in November average room capacity 1000, 

That sounds like a lot of fun Tom, enjoy the small venues!  I'll be looking for the Europe recordings. 

Very cool that you get to see the band in intimate settings, Tom.  Have fun in Berlin and Frankfurt!  

Have fun, Tom! 

The 3 shows in Cary, NC were great. Vacation to visit family and then 3 shows on my way out. Billy is the real deal and his band is fantastic.  He's the new Elvis for the youngsters!