Wednesday Intermezzo: Pickin’ in NC

For four days each year, Wilkesboro NC transforms itself into the bluegrass capital of the world. And it happens this weekend, when the 20th Annual Merlefest serves as epicenter of more than 80,000 attendees and nearly every legendary performer in the scene. The lineup this year includes Merlefest veterans Alison Krauss and Union Station, Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, and newcomers Toubab Krewe. For the first time ever, Merlefest will be simulcast on XM radio, so we all can share in the fun. Tune in tomorrow to hear a slew of live performances.

Fresh Bread hits us with a two-part Joe Russo interview
The schedule for Coachella has been released
This year keeps getting better and better for Jack White fans
James Brown’s band will hit the road for their first shows after JB’s death
Blues For Allah rehearsal tracks top the list of highlights from this week’s edition of the Grateful Dead’s Taper’s Section
The All Good Festival has added a bunch of bands to the lineup
Pitchfork talks to Hall of Famer Patti Smith about her new album
Brian Heisler reviews a recent Toots and The Maytals concert
Uncle Neddy caught Ratatat and St. Vincent this week
Aquarium Drunkard refreshes your memory on the best Funkadelic album
Filter examines the tracklist for the Smashing Pumpkins new album
National Lampoon has bought Les Claypool’s Electric Apricot — Claypool is also releasing a DVD of his Fancy Band
The Monolith Festival is coming to Red Rocks
311 and Matisyahu will be touring together this summer

Live Nation is at it again: Say goodbye to the Gramercy Theater and say hello to The Blender Theater at Gramercy. I’m ambivalent about the change for a couple of reasons. The Gramercy is a new venue to me, so I’m not attached to the place like I was with Irving Plaza. Plus, there are actually plenty of good synergies between a music hall and a music magazine. You know Jann Wenner wants in on this action: Rolling Stone Theater at the Beacon anyone?