Article Contributed by Doug Deutsch
Published on 2026-04-30
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer “One For The Ride” Tour, named for his new Ruf Records album release, with the first show taking place at Knuckleheads Saloon, 2715 Rochester Ave., on Thursday, May 21.
Show: 7:30pm Tickets: $20.34 Info: (816) 483-1456 or https://knuckleheadskc.com
One For The Ride has already drawn strong early praise, highlighting Curry’s mix of blues, rock, and roots-driven songwriting, with critics noting the album’s energy, storytelling, and wide stylistic range.
Matthew Curry: Background
This past February saw the release of One For The Ride, a dynamic and heartfelt collection that showcases the full range of Matthew Curry’s musicianship—from fiery, virtuosic guitar work to intimate, emotionally rich songwriting. The album explores life on the road, love, celebration, personal reflection, and Americana storytelling, all delivered with Curry’s signature depth and gritty authenticity.
Born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois, Curry picked up the guitar at age four, was performing live by eight, and leading his own band by eleven. His distinctive blend of blues, rock, southern rock, and old-school country has earned him a devoted audience across the globe. Over the years, Curry has toured with major icons including the The Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller Band, Peter Frampton, Journey, and Don Felder, with Steve Miller praising Curry as “a wonderful guitar player and great songwriter in the league of Stevie Ray Vaughan.”
One For The Ride captures Curry’s life on the road, his love for storytelling, and the musical influences that shaped him. The album bursts open with high-energy southern rock flair, drawing inspiration from the raw spirit of ZZ Top and the timeless road-song tradition. Tracks like “Rum Stumblin’” showcase Curry’s knack for crafting fun, bluesy, party-driven grooves, while “Born Behind The Wheel” leans into gritty riffs and harmonies rooted in the southern rock he grew up listening to.
The album also reveals Curry’s softer, more personal side. “Dancing In The Kitchen” brings warm acoustic charm, inspired by a spontaneous anniversary moment at home, while “Rather Float A River” blends blues, funk, country, and Americana, echoing Curry’s love for the outdoors. Rounding out the record is a fiery take on “Whiskey Rock A Roller,” the only cover on the album—a tribute to his admiration for Lynyrd Skynyrd.
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Tour Dates
May 21 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads Saloon
May 22 – Omaha, NE – The B. Bar
May 23 – Burlington, IA – The Washington
May 24 – Des Moines, IA – Spring Blues Fest
May 27 – Grand Rapids, MI – Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
May 28 – Rockford, IL – The Music Box
May 29 – Evansville, IN – Mojo’s Boneyard
May 30 – Peoria, IL – Pour Brothers Courtyard Concerts
June 17 – Greenville, SC – Poe Mill Music
June 18 – Wilmington, NC – The Rusty Nail
June 19 – Kill Devil Hills, NC – Outer Banks Brewing Station
June 20 – Winchester, VA – Bright Box Theater
June 21 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater
June 25 – Elmsford, NY – Carmine’s
June 26 – Asbury Park, NJ – Asbury Lanes
June 27 – Shirley, MA – The Bull Run
June 28 – North Kingston, RI – Courthouse Center for the Arts
June 29 – Lima, NY – Fanatics Pub
For more information, visit matthewcurry.com.
