The Rex Foundation » Musicians Spotlight

Michael Franti and the Battle Against Cynicism

Mary — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 01:01:26 +0000

Ralph J. Gleason Award Recipient Michael Franti talks about his music, his influences, and his determination to share a positive view of life.

String Cheese Incident Gets Back to Work

Mary — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:33:18 +0000

Returning after a three-year hiatus, the String Cheese Incident winds up 2010 with two Halloween shows, with Rex as a beneficiary.

Nurturing Musical Roots

Mary — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:31:54 +0000

Ralph J. Gleason Award winner Jorma Kaukonen: "I think it behooves all of us who are blessed like me and my musical buddies, who actually get paid to do this, to be able to plug back in and help out when we can. Like what you guys are doing."

Cubensis

Mary — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:56:41 +0000

For the last 22 years, Southern California's Cubensis has been playing Grateful Dead music across the southwestern U.S. "We try to play Grateful Dead music like they played Grateful Dead music, with spontaneity, passion, determination, honesty, technical prowess, and an exploratory mindset," says founding member Craig Marshall. "Ideally, we serve the music, and if we’re aware and willing, the music plays the band, as they say."

Moonalice: Gathering of the Tribe

Mary — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:13:39 +0000

A "matriarchy with kind values," Moonalice brings music, posters and lots of free stuff wherever the band goes. "It's more fun that way," says band member Chubby Wombat Moonalice, AKA Roger McNamee.

Peter Rowan

Mary — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 01:23:10 +0000

When Peter Rowan put together the lineup for Rex's 25th Anniversary Celebration, it was truly Sweet Music Everywhere. In a recent conversation, Rowan shares some tales of his life of musical adventure.

Jackie Greene

Alan — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:34:58 +0000

Hell, I Just Hang on for Dear Life: Jackie Greene on music, spirit, kindness and Top Ramen.

Rising star Jackie Greene was a real crowd-pleaser at "Sweet Music Everywhere," the Rex Foundation's 25th anniversary celebration in December. We sent Casey Lowdermilk to have a few words with the hardworking artist.

Melvin Seals & JGB

Alan — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:26:24 +0000

For over 15 years the Warfield Theater on Market Street in San Francisco was the main home of the Jerry Garcia Band. Garcia's leads were soulfully backed with Melvin Seals' Hammond organ; the musical chemistry was undeniable and the bright songs always resonated deeply with timeless messages.

Fortunately today, the flame still burns...

Keller Williams

admin — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:33:23 +0000

...not the Same Old Cover Tunes: The "One-Man Jam Band" talks about Grateful Grass, Rex and Reinvented Traditions

"I'm one of the lucky ones who really love their job. To be able to do it and give the proceeds to worthy causes is a blessing, whether it is music or painting or carpentry or whatever."

- Keller Williams

moe.

admin — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:27:15 +0000

Using the Power of Community for Good

"If I didn't play in a band and I wanted to raise the money personally, it would have been a fraction of what we're able to do, because we have moe. It goes way beyond what you would be able to do as an individual; it's all about working together as a community to do this stuff."

- Al Schnier