Mod Sun works a feel-good genre angle he’s dubbed Hippy Hop that runs on sunshine, positive vibrations and righteous herb. His infectious positivity and zest for living makes him Hip Hop’s Andrew WK.  
  

Trixie Whitley was destined for a creative life. She's the daughter of acclaimed Blues/Folk singer/songwriter Chris Whitley and his Belgian wife Helene Gavaert, whose Gypsy lineage brims with painters, sculptors and musicians. 
  

From the very start, dada crafted a unique sonic identity that defied comparison to their AltRock/Grunge peer group. The Los Angeles trio offered a sophisticated blend of Prog’s complexity and precision, Power Pop’s sunny melodicism and Psychedelia’s swirling abandon.  

Most bands would be kicking at the studio door after a long stretch between albums, but Yonder Mountain String Band has never subscribed to any set of rules beyond their own.
  

The inherent problem with forming a supergroup from members in successful working bands is finding the time for any of the normal things a band is supposed to do. Down is the poster child for that problem.
  

It’s been nearly a decade and a half since New York City percussionist Adam Pierce anagrammed his name in order to christen his new solo project Mice Parade.   

The husband and wife duo of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, better known as Shovels & Rope, were slated for an appearance at MidPoint Music Festival here in Cincinnati last fall, but an offer to open for Jack White convinced them to bow out of the fest.  

 As a composer, educator and performer, Arturo O’Farrill is on the leading edge of enlightening new generations to the rhythmic wonder of Latin Jazz.   

Last year was a busy one for The Natives — the Hip Hop aggregation released two new albums as free downloads, maintained a high profile in the local club scene, produced a handful of videos and nabbed a Cincinnati Entertainment Awards nomination for New Artist of the Year.  

Public’s debut four-song EP, Red, released last summer through the local Counter Rhythm Group, offers the yelping howl, martial cadence and galloping verve of Modest Mouse without the thick icing of ironic hipster cool.