(Published in Planet JH Weekly)

Surviving as an independent musician is much like working the dirt—day-by-day, song-by-song, gig-by-gig, and chipping into one’s own voice in an ever-changing landscape.

Pinedale singer-songwriter Jared Rogerson has been digging, progressing over the course of three studio albums. From seventeen years on the bronc riding circuit to horse riding in the Sublette County backcountry, he draws inspiration from everyday experiences. His new LP, Dirt, was released this week and Wednesday he’ll celebrate with an album release concert at the library in Pinedale.

“People have been asking me, ‘Why the library?’” Rogerson said. “The Lovatt room is the perfect fit and size for a solo acoustic concert. It’s part of the library’s addition and is [fittingly] made of compressed dirt.”

Rogerson’s music has a modern cowboy-flavored vibe with an honest Western edge. His sophomore album, Peace, Love & Horses, was nominated for

(An excerpt of this piece was published in Planet JH Weekly)

Jenny O (by Melanie Bellomo)

The story of a song can arrive in countless ways. Yet none is as exposed, truth telling or naked as a singer-songwriter performing alone with an instrument and voice. This is especially true when it comes to mixing an entourage of indie, punk and Americana musicians that are solo artists and band leaders in their usual roles. The Revival Tour fosters a rich folk tradition by assembling a collective to perform alone and with fellow tour mates.

“There’s not a hierarchy with this tour…you check your ego and weapons at the door,” said Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath, who is about to hop on tour this year after crashing the Revival party in his hometown of Chicago last year. “You show up and it’s all about what you can do with a guitar and your voice, and learn what other people are doing and learn from one another. It’s very communal.”

“As opposed to other tours where there’s openers, a headliner, etc., everyone is on call all of the time to participate. So in that sense, it’s like a theatrical performance. I would admit that it’s out of my comfort zone. But that’s one of the reasons I’m doing this.”

The Revival Tour includes up to a dozen singer-songwriters that weave in and out throughout the tour, while some are on board for the entire run. Now in its sixth year of

(Published in Planet JH Weekly)

In smooth fashion, pop-folk singer songwriter Andy Hackbarth embraces a Jason Mraz meets Rodrigo y Gabriella vibe, with the mainstream country elements of Nashville on the back burner. Until you take it in piecemeal, it’s a head-scratching mix. Virtuosic Spanish/flamenco guitar selections are slotted next to award-winning songwriting (he was a finalist in three major international competitions including the Billboard Songwriting Competition, and received a “Denver Songwriter of the Year” nomination via Denver Westword Magazine). Hackbarth has a tailor-made sound for mainstream radio, with some videos that are CMT-worthy. “Pour me a Double” is one such tune, painted with a Southern accent about the freeness of being single again. Nashville via a Colorado llama ranch, contemporary is on the menu. Andy Hackbarth Band, 5 p.m. Sunday in the Black Box Theater at the Center for the Arts. $10/adults, $5/students at the door. JHCenterForTheArts.org.