The sonic adventurers of the Northeast will again “follow the arrow” to Griffin House on Friday, June 28, when pianist-composer Marco Benevento brings his family-friendly Follow The Arrow Festival back for its fourth edition. Running 2 p.m.–11 p.m. and presented by Back Home Cannabis Co., this year’s gathering expands on the event’s reputation for boundary-blurring performances and immersive, art-laden atmospheres nestled in the foothills of the Catskills.

Ashkenaz, Berkeley’s beloved non-profit music and dance community hub, rolls into summer with a joyful calendar that mirrors the venue’s 52-year mission of cultural exchange and rhythmic exploration. From Balkan folk dances to honky-tonk two-step, Ashkenaz’s wooden dance floor will stay in constant motion—yet it is the venue’s deep connection to the spirit of the Grateful Dead that takes center stage over the next five weeks.

In celebration of Clifton Chenier’s centenary year, Smithsonian Folkways will release Clifton Chenier: King of Louisiana Blues and Zydeco this November on Arhoolie Records. It will be the first ever box set devoted to the iconic musician who blended African American blues, R&B, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and Louisiana Cajun and Creole music into the genre now recognized as zydeco.

Get ready to ride a foot stompin’, finger-lickin’, ballad singin’, and honky tonk grit as Rah Rah Rabbit—fronted by singer-songwriter Laura Anne Lacy, better known as Rah Rah Rabbit—releases her debut album, Chasin’ Rabbits, Catchin’ Squirrels, on June 27 via Blackbird Records. This album is a rollercoaster of heartbreak and humor-filled with the energy that makes a person want to dance the night away.

Brian Douglas Wilson, the groundbreaking songwriter, producer, and visionary behind the Beach Boys, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 82. Wilson was born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, and raised in the sunny suburb of Hawthorne, where he formed the iconic band along with his brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. From humble beginnings rehearsing harmonies at home, the group would soon become synonymous with California’s sun-kissed beaches, youthful exuberance, and intricate, revolutionary soundscapes.

Sweetwater Music Hall, the storied, not-for-profit venue at 19 Corte Madera Avenue, turns up the heat this summer with a run of shows that underscores its mission to make world-class music accessible to all. Since 1972 the 501(c)(3) has championed creativity and community, and the weeks ahead carry that torch with everything from sea shanties to space rock—plus open-mic nights that nurture the next generation of Bay Area talent.

Mission Bayfest, Southern California’s premier celebration of reggae-infused good vibes, sails back to Mariner’s Point Park in 2025 — and this year’s edition promises to raise the tide for live-music lovers everywhere. Framed by grassy knolls, sandy shoreline, and panoramic views of Mission Bay and the downtown skyline, the festival once again channels San Diego’s storied ‘90s beach-party spirit while welcoming a new generation of fans.

Radio Bristol, a vital voice in the Appalachian region and a tastemaker in both the music and community spheres, is excited to mark its 10th anniversary with the release of “10 Years of Radio Bristol’s Farm and Fun Time,” a special 12-song vinyl collection. The unique compilation features live performances from Farm and Fun Time, the beloved show that began as a modest, low-power FM broadcast and streaming platform.

While acting as producer/audio engineer for Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Buffalo Springfield, Jim Messina ultimately joined the band as its bass player.  When “the Springfield” disbanded in 1968, Jim and fellow bandmate Richie Furay formed Poco.  With Jim on lead guitar, Poco defined a new musical genre, Country Rock.  

Only 100 days remain until music lovers once again spill onto historic State Street for the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, taking place September 19–21, 2025. Since its inception in 2001, the award-winning festival has paid homage to the seminal 1927 Bristol Sessions—widely hailed as the “Big Bang of Country Music”—while championing the ever-evolving sounds those recordings set in motion. This year’s gathering promises another unforgettable weekend honoring Bristol’s musical past, present, and future.