In the solemn yet luminous realm of bluegrass, there exists a virtuoso whose name reverberates through the hollows and hills, akin to the spectral echoes of a nocturnal whisper. On this day, July 10th, 2024, we commemorate the birth of Béla Fleck, a maestro of the banjo, who has bestowed upon us a symphony of strings that transcend mere music, summoning the ethereal and the arcane.

In a move poised to revolutionize the live entertainment industry, the bipartisan Fans First Act has been introduced by a coalition of U.S. Senators and Representatives. This groundbreaking legislation aims to empower fans and consumers, providing them with greater flexibility, transparent information, and robust protections. By addressing long-standing issues in the ticketing market, Fans First promises to create a more vibrant and sustainable live entertainment environment.

The Four Pillars of the Fans First Act

The Django Festival Allstars are thrilled to announce their return to the United States, marking a significant milestone with their debut performance at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Jazz at Lincoln Center, as part of their highly anticipated summer tour.

Rising jazz sensation Julen Rodriguez is set to release his debut single, ‘I Don’t Care At All,’ on July 12th. This highly anticipated track is the first single off his upcoming debut album, ‘Nomad,’ showcasing his energetic and fun approach to contemporary jazz.

Taken at face value, “Thoughts and Observations” suggests reflections on experiences and deeply personal issues. As the provocative title of the forthcoming new studio album from The Coronas, however, the words THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS signal the impending arrival of perhaps the Irish band’s most dynamic, yet introspective, music to date. THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS, the band’s 8th studio album, addresses relationships at their various stages and the resilience it takes to shoulder life’s ups and downs.

Catfood Records announces an August 1st release for Floreada’s Boy, the new album (and third for Catfood) from Texas-based award-winning blues singer/guitarist Zac Harmon. The album is being released on both CD and vinyl LP formats. Catfood Records released Zac’s label debut, Mississippi Bar BQ (2019), followed by Long As I Got My Guitar (2021), which was named “Best Soul Blues Album of the Year.”  

Guitarist and singer-songwriter Talia Rose will release her debut album, Carry it Closely, on August 20th, 2024. This intimate yet sonically rich collection of eleven original songs marks a significant milestone in Rose’s musical journey.

In anticipation of the album, Rose has released two singles. “Columbus, Ohio” gives listeners a taste of her sharp lyricism, virtuosic guitar playing, and ornate arrangements. The studio video for “Columbus, Ohio,” featuring a stripped-down arrangement, is also available.

Italian guitar sensation Giacomo Turra has just released his new single “The Way She Wants.”  The dreamy track showcases his infectious, intricate funk guitar playing backed by an ultra-smooth R&B bassline, silky keys and a disco drum beat destined to set the dance floor alight, all alongside the soulful guest vocals from Nic Hanson.  In addition, Turra will be performing in the U.S. this July and August, to give both old and new U.S. fans a chance to hear him live (dates below).

Music has two personalities, a duality frequently characterized by quiet introspection and power-driven proclamation. If you were a photographer, it would be light and dark. If you were a painter, it would be black and white. For a musician, it’s acoustic and electric.

Musician and activist Moby is thrilled to announce that acclaimed soul-jazz singer-songwriter Lady Blackbird, with whom he collaborated on recent critically acclaimed album always centered at night and 2023’s Resound NYC, will be joining him on his first tour in over a decade across Europe/UK this September. Several dates have already sold out, and 100% of his tour profits will go to European animal rights organizations.