Chris Williams and Kid Reverie (aka Steve Varney of Gregory Alan Isakov) have announced their second collaborative recording project, a follow-up to their 2023 release Something From Nothing, which was described as “life affirming and transcendental” by Holler. The new project is introduced today with the release of its first single, “Bees,” featuring John Paul… Continue reading Chris Williams & Kid Reverie Release New Single “Bees”
Seven-time GRAMMY nominee Maria Muldaur has earned a 2026 GRAMMY nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album with a deeply personal and historic project: an eclectic blues anthology honoring her mentor, Classic Blues Queen Victoria Spivey. Best known to the wider public for her 1973 pop classic “Midnight at the Oasis,” Maria Muldaur’s six-decade career has… Continue reading Maria Muldaur Earns 2026 GRAMMY Nomination for Blues Tribute to Victoria Spivey
photo by Rich Gastwirt Acclaimed singer-songwriter Steve Poltz announces his return to his Canadian roots with an extensive 17-date spring tour across Eastern Canada, kicking off April 15, 2026. The Halifax-born artist continues his momentum following sold-out theatre runs and massive responses at major festivals across Australia and the US, bringing his “good old-fashioned sing-along”… Continue reading Steve Poltz Announces Extensive Canadian Tour For Spring 2026 Supporting New Album ‘Joyride’
Amp Melo has returned with a new single that hits as hard emotionally as it does rhythmically. Teaming up with Chubby Wallets, the Santa Cruz–based funk-fusion artist has released “Better Man,” an upbeat, groove-driven track that pairs infectious modern funk with a message rooted in growth, self-awareness, and accountability. Powered by elastic bass lines, crisp… Continue reading Amp Melo & Chubby Wallets Release New Funk Single “Better Man”
Houston blues fans are in for a no-nonsense night of Texas guitar fire as two longtime torchbearers of the Lone Star blues-rock tradition come together under one roof. Jay Hooks and Chris Castaneda each bring decades of road-tested grit, deep blues roots, and uncompromising tone to the stage, promising an evening driven by raw groove,… Continue reading Texas Guitar Throwdown: Jay Hooks & Chris Castaneda Live at Shoeshine Charley’s Big Top Lounge
Ashkenaz has been keeping Berkeley moving since 1973—an all-ages, nonprofit dance hall and live-music room where community comes first and the calendar stays wonderfully eclectic. This holiday stretch leans especially sweet for Deadheads, with a centerpiece benefit on Tuesday, December 23 supporting beloved Grateful Dead keyboardist Tom Constanten, followed by multiple Grateful Dead Night dates… Continue reading Ashkenaz Announces Grateful Dead Nights: Tom Constanten Benefit Dec. 23 + Stu Allen & Mars Hotel in January
photo credit: Bernard Matussière Fela Kuti was a Nigerian musician, producer, arranger, political radical, outlaw and father of Afrobeat. Kuti is being honored by the Recording Academy® with the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, announced today, alongside Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, Cher, Paul Simon and Whitney Houston. The Special Merit Awards Ceremony will take place in… Continue reading Fela Kuti Honored by Recording Academy® with 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award
Photo credit: Lance Wilson The Band of Heathens released their new single “No Direction,” from their recently announced landmark new album Country Sides, arriving February 20, 2026. Self-produced with longtime collaborator Jim Vollentine (Spoon, Patty Griffin, White Denim), Country Sides is a greasy guitar-filled masterclass in roots rock, packed with barroom piano rockers and soulful… Continue reading The Band of Heathens Release “No Direction” Ahead of New Album Country Sides
Photo by Patrick Giblin Railroad Earth is hitting the road in 2026 to celebrate a major milestone: 25 years of making music, building community, and bringing their signature sound—highlighted by eloquent songcraft, bluegrass soul, and rock ‘n’ roll spirit—to fans across the country. The beloved septet continues its longstanding evolution by marking the quarter-century occasion… Continue reading Railroad Earth Announces 25th Anniversary Tour Dates for 2026
Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out returns in the new year with an evening of music, story, and solidarity at the Burren Back Room on Tuesday, January 20. What began as an experiment in combining protest songs, performance, and dialogue has grown into a unique monthly community gathering — a place for artists and audiences… Continue reading Which Side? Protest Music Teach-Out Returns January 20, 2026 at The Burren Back Room
