It would be a mistake to oversimplify the blues by defining the genre as nothing more than “songs about sad stuff.” Surely, like certain religions that tell us all life is suffering (and yes, that is also an oversimplification), the blues are rooted in humankind’s universal, lizard-brain responses triggered by heartache, loss, and lowered expectations. Oh, and then we get a guitar solo, or maybe some bitchin’ organ crescendos to take us to church. The blues, oversimplified.

In celebration of Tina Turner's 85th birthday (Nov. 26), the City of Brownsville and the Friends of the Delta Heritage Center are pleased to announce the official start of a fundraising effort to erect a six-foot bronze statue of "The Queen of Rock and Roll" in the city of Brownsville, where the young Tina (Anna Mae Bullock) grew up. The statue will be placed within the city's Heritage Park - an area located on historic Jefferson Street and across from Carver High where she attended secondary school.

Now based in Nashville but originally from Louisville, Colorado, singer-songwriter, guitarist, and keyboardist Andy Sydow is thrilled to announce the release of his new album, Night Skin. Produced by renowned Americana and blues artist Anders Osborne, Night Skin delves deep into themes of love, loss, and life’s graceful impermanence.

This December, Disco Presents is turning Dallas into the ultimate New Year’s destination with a week-long celebration of world-class music, art, and community-driven experiences. From the iconic Lights All Night Festival (December 28–29 at Dallas Market Hall) to a curated series of exclusive late-night performances at SILO Dallas (December 27, 28, 30, and 31), attendees can expect to ring in 2025 surrounded by electrifying beats, immersive art installations, and a spirit of giving back.

The iconic Blue Note Jazz Club is expanding to Los Angeles, bringing the legendary reputation of its renowned New York flagship to the heart of L.A.’s dynamic music scene. Designed specifically for Los Angeles, the new venue will offer an intimate atmosphere and programming similar to its New York counterpart: world-class jazz performances from celebrated icons, rising stars, and genre-defying collaborations that reflect the evolution of jazz. The club is set to open its doors in March 2025.

Today, the Momentary announced the lineup for FreshGrass | Bentonville 2025, a two-day, all-ages festival with the best in American and global roots music and folk traditions taking place on Friday, May 16th and Saturday, May 17th.

Dogs In A Pile (DIAP) have announced their 2025 Spring Tour, which includes a number of return trips to cities featuring larger venues.

Steve Martin and the Board of The Steve Martin Banjo Prize have announced two winners for this year’s prize. Building on the Board’s mission to recognize excellence across the spectrum of banjo styles, this year’s recipients represent excellence in both clawhammer and 5-string bluegrass banjo styles.

Steve Martin will introduce viewers to the winners on December 17th at 5.30PM EDT on the Deering Banjo Company’s livestream show Deering Live broadcasting on their YouTube channel. Martin comments: "The acknowledgement of these unique and talented musicians continues to thrill me."

The end of the year, along with Goosemas, is upon us once again. It’s hard to believe how fast 2024 flew—and flew it did. Goose delivered the first night of the bingo-themed Goosemas XI without a hitch at the North Charleston Coliseum on Friday, December 13th, much to the delight of the fans. The show included the mystery of the bingo balls, which featured a couple of first-time-played covers.

The annual music and camping Roots & Reggae Festival will take place from May 30 to June 1, 2025, at Tico Time River Resort, located at 20 Road 2050, south of Durango, Colorado. Tico Time River Resort is the only Costa Rican-inspired resort in the United States.