News and Updates 2013

"Levon was the true definition of what Americana has come to mean. He played all the roots styles, and was an immensely influential drummer, with an unusual style. Also, of course, a fine singer, guitarist and mandolinist. Everyone in the UK was floored when they heard Big Pink, and it truly changed the landscape. It was such a thrill to play with him on Elvis Costello's TV special. I got to sing a verse of 'The Weight,' with Levon's drums about 3 feet behind me - what a great feeling."

Simcoe, Ontario just hosted the "Gentleman of the Road Stopover" featuring Mumford and Sons and many other bands this past weekend (Aug 24-25). Mumford was quoted as saying one of the reasons they chose Norfolk County for the festival was because it was where Rick Danko was from. They had a nice tribute to Rick Danko in the local theatre, showing The Last Waltz throughout the day, and they were selling a pretty cool Rick Danko tribute T-shirt. Mumford and Sons also closed the entire festival by bringing all of the other artists on stage and playing "The Weight" in tribute to Danko. Read more at the Norfolk County Site.

Even if the Byrds never play again, Crosby remains proud of his group's legacy. "Bob Dylan was coming to see us," he says. "He heard us play his stuff electric and you could hear the gears clicking in his head. He heard us do 'Mr. Tambourine Man' and he said 'uh-huh.' He then went out and found guys that could do that. The first batch players with Michael Bloomfield wasn't so good. But when you get the Band... They were so fucking good. When I first heard them I wanted to quit the business. I thought, 'Okay, well that's it. Not going to be able to do anything better than that!'"

• Put the Boot In: "Twilight" -- The Band 9-18-1976 The Palladium NYC"

• "Life Is Brief" -- Richard Manuel Live at the Getaway Club-October 12, 1985

• "Playing Notes That Linger" (The New York Times)
• "Ain't in It for My Health Stars the True Life of Levon Helm" (Village Voice)
• "A fascinating story of drugs, cancer, bankruptcy, unpaid royalties and unresolved resentments" (Variety)
• "Take a Load off with Levon Helm (New York Post)
• "'Ain't in It for My Health,' movie review" (New York Daily News)

Here's the official trailer for the film.

• "Just Another Whistle Stop -- "Songs of The Band", with Garth Hudson on keys, 4-19-13 Tarrytown Music Hall, NY

• Robbie Robertson and Eric Clapton - I Shall Be Released - Crossroads 2013 -- Robbie: "I'm going to do a song in remembrance of some dear old friends."

"Join us on April 13th for a very special Ramble that will include a BBQ, a studio premier of Levon's documentary Ain't In It For My Health, a 45-minute performance by several of our band members and a brief Q&A about the film. Seating will be extremely limited and a very small number of tickets will be sold for this very personal, moving and emotional event."

For tickets and more information, go to levonhelm.com.

Saugerties, NY -- (Kingston) Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D - Ulster / Dutchess), announced today legislation that will designate New York State Route 375 as "Levon Helm Memorial Boulevard." The road will span from the intersection of New York State Route 28 in West Hurley to the intersection of New York State Route 212 in Woodstock.

"Levon Helm was a true inspiration to not only millions of fans but our community," Cahill said. "His Rambles became a mainstay in the town of Woodstock bringing back old soulful music worth listening to in a welcoming venue he created."

Levon Helm Studios which was opened in 1975 brought legendary musicians to our area including Muddy Waters, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, Phil Lesh, Kris Kristofferson, The Black Crows, and many others. With his Midnight Rambles he was able to return the music culture of Woodstock to the levels for which it was once known.

"In a world that often compromised integrity Levon Helm cultivated the tradition of professionalism with a deep respect for his craft and remained refreshingly genuine throughout his life. It is with great honor that I carry a bill that would preserve the life, career, and music of Levon Helm."