If you’ve attended Mile of Music festival or one of the many Mile of Music produced concerts throughout the year, it’s likely you’ve seen Ian in the crowd, keeping a watchful eye on the show, making sure everything is going as it should. In his position he has a front row seat to loads of music so we asked him what he’s listening to currently.

“What am I listening to now? It is difficult to narrow it down to just a few artists, considering that I get to listen to and see so many amazing, talented artists for fun…um, work. :)

“But, at home, I'll put on the new Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit record “The Nashville Sound.” I think it's the best album of 2017. Two outstanding tracks – “White Man's World,” is not what you would think from the title (it speaks to current events) and “Anxiety,” are worthy of checking out.

“I've also been digging the new Lettuce album “Witches Stew: A Tribute to Miles Davis.” It's a cover project but one that is wrapped in Lettuce’s own interpretation and sound. The record gives solid intentions and execution without harming the legacy of Mile Davis. It is downright funky, jazzy and all around fun!

“One of my favorite discoveries from Mile 5 were The Vegabonds. Their record “What We’re Made Of” is often played in the house. If you are a fan of My Morning Jacket, The Black Crowes or Mr. Tom Petty, you will dig this band. Better yet, come see them at Tanner’s Grill and Bar on December 1st.

“Music is absolutely the soundtrack to our lives. Its diversity transcends, lifts us and provides us with so many life experiences. When music hits you, you feel no pain. Peace, Love, Music!”

You can hear many of these artists on The Avenue – and we know you love discovering something new as well. Thanks, Ian for giving us lots of musical suggestions to satisfy that curiosity!

Things that have my ear lately, The War On Drugs new record titled “A Deeper Understanding,” is absolutely fantastic. It feels like the best parts of my childhood, Roxy Music, Kate Bush, with a great late night driving vibe. Lyrically it has some really nice, subtle anthems. The “up in the mix” guitar solos hit me right in the heart of my 14-year-old self, almost a Vernon Reid type feel with a nice touch of the whammy bar. Check it out here.

“Lemon Cotton Candy Sunset” by Richard Edwards is also in constant rotation these days. Richard being one of my favorite modern-day American songwriters (front man and songsmith from Margot and The Nuclear So and Sos) first solo effort, lands nothing short of beautiful. Great story songs that speak about illness, break up, and hope, also lands right in my web of heart strings. This one is a great daytime driving record. Take a listen.

Guilty pleasure is, and has always been, Hall and Oates. The tracks just feel so damn good!!!

It also never really hurts to go back and visit the Grateful Dead’s catalog and get that Jerry Garcia wizardry stuck in your ears.

Check out Miles Nielsen’s Baby Blue here and listen for him on The Avenue.

What I’m listening to lately is a diverse mix, as always! I can’t get Cat Steven’s “If You Want to Sing Out” out of my head for weeks now.

Sophie B. Hawkins’ version of “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover,” (link) – we play it on The Avenue and I’ve fallen in love with it. For that matter, Collective Soul’s acoustic version of “Shine” is stellar as well.

And always, always, always - Grateful Dead’s “Sugar Magnolia.” (link)