Even among the pantheon of music’s finest artists, Del McCoury stands alone. From the nascent sound of bluegrass that charmed hardscrabble hillbilly honkytonks, rural schoolhouse stages, and the crowning glory of the Grand Ole Opry to the present-day culture-buzz of viral videos and digital streams, Del is the living link. On primetime and late-night television talk shows, there is Del. From headlining sold-out concerts to music festivals of all genres, including one carrying his namesake, there is Del.

New York-based non-profit leaders, Women In Music, announces their Diversity & Inclusion Council today, which includes top executives such as Chissy Nkemere (Concord), Nikisha Bailey (Atlantic Records), Mayna Nevarez (Nevarez PR), and Sonja Kim (Pandora). The council will also include male members in an effort to create an inclusive and more equitable music community overall. Executives include Jeff Hammer (Northwestern Mutual), Michael Adams Jr., (Asylum Records) and Nick Maiale (Music Business Association).

Today, Envision Festival, hosted from February 17th - 24th, shares yet even more reasons why not to miss what is sure to be an epic 10th Anniversary Celebration with the announcement of their Phase 2 lineup including additional yogis and workshops plus musicians from across the globe. The jungle is ready for the celebration of the decade, but the real question is, are you?

The Jauntee appears to be taking the scene by storm and this winter tour will likely see many new fans introduced to the magic of their new-age improvisation. A number of winter appearances have already been announced by the band and they have now added a handful of headlining Colorado shows including what seems to have become an annual two-night run at The Vic in Salida, Public House in Crested Butte, Ullr's Tavern in Winter Park, and the ever-so-popular Old Town Pub in Steamboat Springs. The band will start the new year with runs of shows alongside Papadosio, moe., Spafford, and more.

The third annual Borderland Music + Arts Festival is returning September 19th-20th, 2020 to Knox Farm State Park.  The Borderland Music and Arts Festival celebrates the rich artisan history and renaissance of the region at one of its most scenic venues.

Mental health in the music industry is vitally important. When we think of our favorite musicians in the limelight, we feel that their life is “perfect.” Sometimes these musicians are going through some of the same struggles that “normal people” go through daily. Being a touring musician is difficult. One of the resources that are available to help alleviate some pressure is Backline.

Mission:

“To connect music industry professional and their families with a trusted network of mental health and wellness care providers.”

Music icon Jerry Lee Lewis received a marker on the Mississippi Country Music Trail Thursday afternoon at The Lewis Ranch, his longtime home in Nesbit, Miss. The event was his first public appearance since a minor stroke in March of 2019 and signals a productive 2020 for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member.

Lots of festivals are dropping their line ups for 2020 which has us dreaming of warmer days, oceanside sunsets, and the feel-good music we all love. One of the first big festivals of the year will be Skull & Roses Festival in Ventura, CA, April 2-5, 2020.  With Billy and the Kids and Oteil & Friends headlining, let’s dig into more artists that will also be playing.

Born and raised in Lansing, Michigan, William Apostol, better known to his fans as Billy Strings, was constantly surrounded by a wide array of music. His stepfather was a picker in the Michigan bluegrass scene and surrounded Billy with an array of traditional bluegrass music including Earl Scruggs, David Grisman, Larry Sparks, and Del McCoury.

The Gasparilla Music Festival presented by Cigar City Brewing has unveiled the first wave of artists that will be performing at their 9th annual festival taking place March 7-8, 2020, in downtown Tampa. Brandi Carlile will be headling the festival on Saturday, March 7 and Portugal. The Man will close out the festival on Sunday, March 8.