Guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist DJ Williams is riding high on the release of his fifth solo album Gravity & Grace, a fierce, unfiltered rock record rooted in personal truth, social tension, and creative liberation. The project, entirely written, arranged, and performed by Williams with the exception of Track 5 “Super Star”, channels decades of eclectic influence and raw experience into eight explosive tracks.

A limited-edition spoken-word vinyl featuring selections from Joan Baez’s acclaimed debut poetry collection, When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance, is now available via Acoustic Sounds. Produced by Alan Abrahams, the special hand-signed and numbered edition of 1000 features an original insert drawing and translucent red vinyl. See below for track listing. Full purchase details can be found HERE.

Elliot Easton of The Cars, Billy Idol, Corey Taylor, Josh Freese, Moby, Nuno Bettencourt, and Steve Stevens—plus special guests Cypress Hill—have been confirmed as the initial list of artists for the 2025 “ABOVE GROUND 4” benefit concert, Sunday, October 26 at The Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Tickets are available HERE.

The time has come! Following a $41 million renovation and restoration by Bay Area’s Another Planet Entertainment (APE), the historic Castro Theatre will reopen in February 2026, with the first major act slated to be international sensation Sam Smith for his “To Be Free: San Francisco” eight-night residency set for February 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20 & 21.

Blue Élan Records proudly releases Father’s Daughter, the debut album from Essence & Gold Country. A deeply personal and autobiographical work, the record chronicles Essence’s journey through love, loss, and resilience—woven with the Appalachian Americana and country influences she has long cherished.

This past weekend the Boston-based indie retro pop/soul seven-piece band Couch made their national television debut on CBS Saturday Morning’s coveted Saturday Sessions. The appearance follows the release of their latest hooky earworm “On The Wire.” The group’s vibrant debut album Big Talk is due out October 24 and is available to pre-save now ahead of an extensive international tour.

Sweetwater Music Hall, the storied Mill Valley nonprofit venue that has been a home to the counterculture and beyond since 1972, keeps the fall calendar packed with music for Deadheads, hippies, and fans of every genre. Jam fans will zero in on Pink Talking Fish, the beloved fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish, performing November 1 and 2.

Ashkenaz, the legendary Berkeley nonprofit music and dance community hub since 1973, is rolling out a stacked lineup this fall with a special emphasis on Jerry Garcia Band Month. Deadheads will want to circle dates with Stu Allen & Reflections, who honor Garcia and the Grateful Dead across multiple nights: October 1, October 10, October 15, and October 29.

Symphonic Rock pioneers Annie Haslam and Jim McCarty will present The History of Renaissance on November 21 and 22 at the Wildey Theatre (Edwardsville, IL/St. Louis), November 28 at the Newton Theatre (Newton, NJ), and November 29 at the Lansdowne Theatre (Lansdowne, PA).

In partnership with Mission Ballroom, Better Together Denver (BTD), a volunteer-run 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to increasing civic engagement among Denverites, will bring music and mission together on Thursday, October 2, 2025, with a benefit concert headlined by world-renowned DJ and producer Deorro.