July 2025

In October 1974 the Grateful Dead took their mighty Wall of Sound off the road and stepped into an uncertain silence. Eleven months later they re‑emerged not in an arena, but in Bob Weir’s home studio in Mill Valley, armed with blank slates and curious hearts. The result was Blues for Allah, the most exploratory studio statement of the band’s storied career—a record that fused desert night moods, jazz‑leaning instrumental flights, and Robert Hunter’s mystic poetry into a single, swirling ecosystem.

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The 2025 Frankfort Bluegrass Festival once again proved why it's one of the most beloved grassroots gatherings in the Midwest. Held July 12–13 in the historic downtown square of Frankfort, IL, the all-ages, free festival continues to grow while maintaining its community spirit and bluegrass roots. With three stages, including the shaded beer garden stage at Old Plank Trail Tavern, the weekend offered nonstop music, local vendors, and warm hospitality around every corner.

Legendary rock band FOREIGNER will appear in a one-night-only benefit concert on Friday, September 5, 2025 at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on the Long Island University Post campus in Brookville, NY. The concert will feature special acoustic renditions of FOREIGNER’s biggest hits such as “Cold As Ice,” “Juke Box Hero,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Hot Blooded” and more in a rare and intimate unplugged format. See some snippets HERE.

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Genre-bending rock force ElephantProof today announces the addition of bassist Luke Bemand – acclaimed low-end architect of progressive trio lespecial – to its permanent lineup. The move follows Bemand’s incendiary debut performance with the band at Northlands Music & Arts Festival on June 12, 2025.

 

The clear blue sky smiles down on the little town of Niles, Michigan, and the locals have a new hot spot. During COVID, the town created an open‑air area where people could meet and enjoy a cold drink while social distancing. After the pandemic, residents wisely asked for its return—and the town obliged. Now back as a permanent downtown fixture, “The Node” features dedicated tables, fire pits, and a new stage for music. Knowing live music was brewing at the Node tonight, I dropped by to check it out.

Goose has unwrapped plans for its 12th annual Goosemas holiday celebration, set for December 12-13 at Providence, RI’s Amica Mutual Pavilion. Presale sign-ups are available now at www.goosetheband.com/tour; fans who sign up will receive a unique code allowing access to the official Goose presale beginning Wednesday, July 23 at 10:00 am (local).

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