There was a time when David Rhodes Brown was one of the hottest guitarists in town. He began as a teenager, playing in a string of garage bands ("I was singing 'I Can't Get No Satisfaction' before I even knew what it was," he says), which led to a succession of Alternative Rock/Punk outfits, including the Warsaw Falcons. Amazingly, he's just now releasing his first solo album, 'Browngrass & Wildflowers,' which he says was inspired by public radio station WNKU's 25th anniversary.   

If it's seemed like Cincy Folk trio The Tillers haven't been as omnipresent on the local club scene this summer, that's because the group has been spending a lot more time on the road since the release of its sophomore album, By the Signs. The band has been playing clubs and festivals throughout the Midwest and East Coast but come home Thursday to open for Ramblin' Jack Elliott at the Southgate House.  

Saturday night at Molly Malone's in Covington, The Beau Alquizola Band celebrates its new album, 'Weddings in Louisville,' with the solid support bill of Kyle English, Messerly & Ewing and Mike Fair & the Adventure Seekers. Plus there's news about Brent Gallaher's new CD, Freekbass' new trio, Jake Speed's "WoodyFest" and new Jazz all-star group Jada.  

It's been a good year for The Tillers. They won Best Folk/Americana at the recent Cincinnati Entertainment Awards and now are releasing their second album, 'By the Signs.' The Tillers also are excited about their inclusion in an upcoming USA Network documentary and series of reports about people who live along Route 50, produced and hosted by veteran TV newsman Tom Brokaw.   

The tranquil lakeside pastures of Thorn Hill Farm, 30 minutes south of Cincinnati, will be pulsating with fresh Folk vibes and dancing feet as more than 25 bands perform an entire weekend's worth of tunes. Musical acts include local favorites like The Tillers, Buffalo Killers, Jake Speed and the Freddies, Rumpke Mountain Boys and Wonky Tonk, plus national headliners Peter Rowan (pictured, Saturday) and The Hackensaw Boys (Friday).  

Socially-aware and politically-minded musicians like U2 and Public Enemy could be accused of trying to move (proverbial) mountains with their music. On Sunday, several local musicians will be joining forces to do just the opposite. "Music for the Mountains" is a music-minded event aimed at halting the practice of mountaintop removal coal mining in Appalachia.