Artistic expression generally knows no bounds, and given Fritz Michel’s array of experience, that’s clearly the case. Born in France and based in NYC, he’s made his mark as an accomplished actor who’s shared his skills in film, television, and the stage. And now, as evidenced by his new single and video for “Look Out (Botticelli Girl),” Michel’s ambitions have expanded to include making music that’s articulate, intelligent and instantly accessible.

On Saturday, June 19th, the celebrated guitarist and songwriter Robert Randolph brought together a star-studded lineup of artists, influencers, activists and sponsors for the inaugural Juneteenth Unityfest. Taking place just two days after Juneteenth was signed into law as a federal holiday, this year’s celebration was especially joyous and served as a tribute to the breadth and depth of Black culture and Juneteenth as a uniquely American experience.

Alex Lifeson’s life has been relatively quiet the past six years. Since Rush’s final performance at the Forum in Los Angeles on August 1st, 2015, the lead guitarist and co-founder of the legendary rock band has spent time focusing on his hobbies and passions such as golf and painting, with little to no discussion on when, if at all, new music would be coming down the pipeline.

Luke Miller, aka Luke the Knife, known primarily for his vital role with Lotus, a multi-genre jamband, took the stage for his debut album release party at Club Vinyl last Saturday. The newly released album, titled Disco Nap, was produced solely by Luke Miller to set a perfect comprehensive sonic journey and ambiance for the club scene. It also allows listeners to dive deeper into the more tranquil and groovy tracks that are showcased throughout the album.

Colorado songwriter Jackson Melnick honors his acoustic roots, his interest in activism, and his abiding faith in humanity throughout his debut album, Abilene (Releasing 09.24.21). Although the arrangements draw on traditional bluegrass, Abilene is at heart a songwriter’s record. Across these 10 tracks, Melnick combines his reverence for bluegrass with a lyrical point of view that is both mystical and topical.

At home at a nightclub or backyard in the California canyons, Gone Gone Beyond has stripped down from the laser shows and pyrotechnics to encapsulate it all inside the music. The new album 2030 asks the question, “Will I see you in the year 2030?” meandering to an answer about what is going on around us these days. Having faith in nature, the cycle has brought together these 4 diverse musicians to create a sound greater than the sum of its parts.

In a year defined by anticipation as much as anything else, the NYC power pop duo Porter Block has returned with an album all about the urgency of waiting and ache of isolation. While ‘Clean Up The Living Room’ was written during COVID lockdowns, it’s far more than a quarantine record, tapping into timeless truths about the human condition as it reaches out for connection and understanding in the face of loneliness and detachment.

Amy Helm’s silken voice weaves together her third solo album, What the Flood Leaves Behind. The lyrics reflect pain, truth, and beauty and asks questions that don’t always have an answer. Recorded at Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY, What the Flood Leaves Behind is a shining example of Amy’s spirit of collaboration.

After over a full year of staying indoors, watching virtual events and trying to convince ourselves that it was even remotely close to the real deal, Bryant Park is welcoming picnic goers to enjoy an entire summer full of over 20 musicians and arts organizations through June, July, and September. The Grateful Web sat down with Dan Fishman, Bryant Park’s lead programmer, to talk about what summer in the park will look like after a long and grueling hiatus from live events… and having fun.

Singer/songwriter Lisa St. Lou has just released a scathing new video for “Ain’t No Good Man,” the title track off her debut full-length album, out now.