Yonder Mountain String Band, Billy Strings, The Infamous Stringdusters and others celebrated the life of Jeff Austin at AEG Presents & Sweet Relief Musicians Fund’s What the Night Brings at 1STBANK Center in Denver on Monday.

Austin, mandolinist/singer/songwriter in his own band and Yonder Mountain String Band, died 6/24. His widow, Devlyn, wrote: “The outpouring of support and love has been tremendous. I want to thank everyone who has supported the fund.”

Contributions to help his family can be made here.

Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck, who came on the radar a half-century ago as the frontman and leader of the Jeff Beck Group, rekindled their hotwired musical relationship and relived the good old days Friday night at the Hollywood Bowl. During their most extensive collaborative performance in 35 years, the two Rock and Roll Hall of Famers blazed through five JBG classics, including a medley of “I Ain’t Superstitious,” “Morning Dew,” “Rock My Plimsoul” and “People Get Ready.” Mega-fan Johnny Depp dropped by to join in the fun.

Mega-fan Johnny Depp dropped by to join in the fun.

Photos by Ross Halfin

RCA Inspiration has appointed Grammy winner and biz vet Ron Hill as VP of Artist Development. He will report to SVP and GM Phil Thornton, and Hill will oversee all A&R/Creative matters along with the newly-launched Brand Partnership division for RCA Inspiration, Essential Sound and Verity—encompassing the label's breadth of new releases from Gospel to hip-hop, nurturing its diverse roster of talent and focusing on its award-winning catalog.

Hill joins RCAI from Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, where he was most recently President for Kirk Franklin's DFW-area company and Franklin's manager for the past six years. The young visionary began his career interning at Fo Yo Soul in 2007 and started managing Franklin in 2013, along with rising to President at the label where he worked in A&R, music production, tour management and other creative endeavors.

Hill on his new gig, stated: “I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve in this new role. Our genre is at a very pivotal moment in time and I believe now more than ever, Artist Development and A&R will help build lasting careers. I’m excited to have a hand in helping artists grow and reach a wider audience for the kingdom. I would like to thank Terry [Hemmings, Provident Music Group President/CEO] and Phil Thornton for this incredible opportunity, and Kirk Franklin for his continued support.”

Photo of Hill by Michael J. Patton