FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADDED TO FESTIVAL LINEUP
and some very special friends for Levon's
70th B-day Jubilee including
Warren Haynes, Ray LaMontagne, Steve Earle,
and Jackie Greene!
Legendary drummer for The Band and longtime local Woodstock resident Levon Helm will celebrate his 70th Birthday by closing Mountain Jam on Sunday, June 6th with a little help from a few well-known friends. Billed as "Levon Helm & Friends," the performance will feature a number of world class guests, many of whom will make the trip to Hunter, NY solely to pay homage to one of the most important musicians in rock history. Helm's influence continues to be felt by a new generation of indie, folk, and jamband musicians, and the drummer won Grammys for both 2007's Dirt Farmer and 2009's Electric Dirt.
Having recently collaborated onstage at the world famous Apollo Theater, the ever soulful Ray LaMontagne will bring his raspy voice and guitar to Levon Helm's set. Hardcore troubadour Steve Earle, having appeared already at Levon's Midnight Ramble, will travel to Mountain Jam for the first time as part of the drummer's birthday bash, while noted singer/songwriter Jackie Greene, a two-time Mountain Jam veteran, will also join in the celebration.
"We are going to make this a night to remember forever, as some of the greatest musicians in the world come together to be a part of the celebration of a true rock & roll legend who has meant so much to so many for so long. We expect to announce more guests in the coming weeks," says Mountain Jam founder and promoter, Gary Chetkof.
Levon Helm will also welcome many of Mountain Jam's previously confirmed performers, including Gov't Mule/Allman Brothers Band frontman and festival co-presenter Warren Haynes, as well as Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers. Patterson will appear alongside his father, David Hood, who has toured and recorded with classic artists such as Traffic, Simon & Garfunkel, The Staple Singers, Aretha Franklin, and many more. Allison Moorer, who will perform on The Awareness Village Acoustic Stage earlier in the afternoon, will join her husband, Steve Earle, on stage with Levon. Others are expected to confirm their participation in the next few weeks.