Sharing in the Groove

Join author Mike Ayers and Jam n Toast’s Jeff for a discussion, Q&A and fun games at Northshire Bookstore (Manchester) on July 29th at 6pm!  More info here

The wild, untold oral history of the unlikely rise of Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, Blues Traveler, and numerous other bands that helped define the 1990s jamband scene. 

“Please Kill Me did it for punk; Our Band Could Be Your Life did it for indie rock. Now music journalist Ayers has compiled an oral history of Phish and the other jam bands.” —Publishers Weekly, Best Books of Summer 2025

“This great oral history has only deepened my love for the people and times that helped shape what that musical world could and should be.”
—Chris Tomson, Vampire Weekend & Taper’s Choice

“Ayers has done the work of shining some light on a woefully under-covered corner of modern music.”
—Steven Hyden, author of There Was Nothing You Could Do

“It’s amazing to hear how it all came together for the bands that still power the most vibrant music scene in America today.”
—Pete Shapiro, owner of Brooklyn Bowl, The Capitol Theatre and promoter of Fare Thee Well

“Captures that exciting fluid time with a deep dive into the bands that blew up out of this scene and the ones that coulda been a contender.”
—Alan Paul, bestselling author of One Way Out