All Reviews Articles

Gabrielle Cavassa Begins Her Debut Album with “Prisoner of Love”

With Diavola, her upcoming Blue Note debut album arriving May 1, Gabrielle Cavassa introduces herself in the best way possible, by letting the music unfold naturally. “Prisoner of Love,” the album’s first offering, moves at its own temperature, drawing the listener in without asking for attention. Cavassa’s voice is settled and open-toned, carrying the melody… Continue reading Gabrielle Cavassa Begins Her Debut Album with “Prisoner of Love”

Suzanne Vega Delivers Intimate Valentine’s Night at the Lobero Theatre

  Suzanne Vega | Santa Barbara, CA | February 14th, 2026 – photos by L. Paul Mann There is perhaps no better sanctuary for the “Queen of Folk-Pop” than the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. On February 14, 2026, as the city hummed with the predictable artifice of Valentine’s Day, Suzanne Vega offered something far… Continue reading Suzanne Vega Delivers Intimate Valentine’s Night at the Lobero Theatre

Don McLean Proves the Music Never Died at Santa Barbara’s Lobero Theatre

Don McLean | Lobero Theatre | Santa Barbara, CA | photos by L. Paul Mann There is a specific kind of magic that occurs when a legendary songwriter meets a venue that predates them by nearly a century. On Friday night, the historic Lobero Theatre provided the perfect velvet-lined backdrop for Don McLean, the “American… Continue reading Don McLean Proves the Music Never Died at Santa Barbara’s Lobero Theatre

Bertha: Grateful Drag has MORE than concepts of a plan – ‘Slaying In The Band Vol 1’ Review

  Bertha: Grateful Drag | Thalia Hall | Chicago, IL | February 6th, 2026 | photos by June Jameson Bertha: Grateful Drag began as a protest, and now it has become a formula for fun. There must be something about a warm February – March that gets the ol creative juices flowing. It was February… Continue reading Bertha: Grateful Drag has MORE than concepts of a plan – ‘Slaying In The Band Vol 1’ Review

Nice Records Reissues Early Humble Pie Albums

In the late summer of 2025 the specialty-record label Nice Records – on fairly short notice – delivered two very special reissues for fans of late-‘60s/early ‘70s guitar rock. (Have you heard of this U.K.-based label yet? They just might be one to watch!) These were remastered editions of the glorious first two albums by… Continue reading Nice Records Reissues Early Humble Pie Albums

Dogs in a Pile Deliver Valentine’s Day Magic at the Capitol Theatre

Dogs in a Pile | Port Chester, NY | February 14, 2026 | Photos by Jamie Huenefeld/Killahwave and Videos by Vinny Vallely Dogs in a Pile brought an exciting night of Valentine’s Day love and music to their fans on Feburary 14, 2026. This was their first time headlining the storied Capitol Theatre in Port… Continue reading Dogs in a Pile Deliver Valentine’s Day Magic at the Capitol Theatre

The Band of Heathens’ ‘Country Sides’ Is Comfort Food for the Soul

The Band of Heathens: Country Sides  Some records hit like comfort food—simple on the surface, quietly nourishing, and somehow exactly what you needed. The Band of Heathens serve that kind of soul-satisfying warmth on Country Sides, an upcoming set of country-leaning Americana roots-rock that feels like a soundtrack for life’s long drive: love, doubt, reflection, home,… Continue reading The Band of Heathens’ ‘Country Sides’ Is Comfort Food for the Soul

FestForums 2026 Lights Up SOhO with Legends, Rising Stars & Industry Honors

Jeff “Skunk” Baxter | photos by L. Paul Mann The heart of Santa Barbara’s music scene, SOhO Restaurant & Music Venue, became the epicenter of the festival industry on the night of February 11, 2026. As part of the 9th annual FestForums conference, the evening bridged the gap between high-level industry recognition and the raw,… Continue reading FestForums 2026 Lights Up SOhO with Legends, Rising Stars & Industry Honors

Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble Reimagine the Grateful Dead at Judson’s Live

  Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble | Orlando, Florida | February 13th, 2026 | photos by Russell Levine “This wasn’t Grateful Dead karaoke — it was Detroit alchemy in a 150-seat jazz sanctuary, where every note breathed and every groove carried history.” There are rooms built for spectacle. And then there are rooms built… Continue reading Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble Reimagine the Grateful Dead at Judson’s Live

Jazz Mandolin Project Returns to Boston for Sold-Out Paradise Rock Club Show

Jazz Mandolin Project | Boston, MA | February 5th, 2026 | photos by Scott Kepnes An excited and eager audience packed the Paradise Rock Club, welcoming Jazz Mandolin Project to Boston. The sold-out, 933-capacity standing-room-only venue was high with anticipation for JMP’s first tour in 20 years. This was the second show on the tour.… Continue reading Jazz Mandolin Project Returns to Boston for Sold-Out Paradise Rock Club Show