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.

Z2 Entertainment is proud to present Andy Falco & Travis Book (of The Infamous Stringdusters) Play Jerry Garcia at 10 Mile Music Hall on Friday, October 17, 2025. Doors open at 8:00 p.m.; the music begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.z2ent.com/events/detail/andy-falco-travis-book-2025-10m. This performance is limited to guests 18 and older.

Grammy-winning Infamous Stringdusters bandmates Andy Falco (guitar) and Travis Book (upright bass) step out as a duo this fall to honor the timeless music of Jerry Garcia. “The project actually originated backstage at ’Dusters shows where Travis and I would typically warm up with some fun Jerry songs,” Falco recalls. “At some point we just thought it would be fun to do it in public.”

Suzanne Vega—widely regarded as one of the foremost songwriters of her generation or any other—is debuting the new animated lyric video for the single “Chambermaid,” from her critically acclaimed new record Flying With Angels, out now on Cooking Vinyl. Watch/share the video, directed by artist/animator Michael Arthur, HERE.

The Barr Brothers have announced that their new album Let it Hiss will be released October 17, on Secret City Records. Their long-simmering and long-awaited fourth studio album isn’t just a collection of 10 vital new songs, it’s a document of transformation. The result of a pivotal shift: a pause for reflection, a reckoning with vulnerability, and a reconnection between two brothers - Brad and Andrew Barr - who’ve spent their entire lives making music side by side.