For 27 years running, Marin County roadhouse Rancho Nicasio has hosted a summertime “BBQs on the Lawn” concert series. Los Lobos, the venerable SoCal rock band, has been around nearly twice as long. Put the two together, and ¡ya está! – the perfect marriage of tasty music and pastoral backyard vibes to kick off Memorial Day weekend.

Tell a friend that Gordon Sumner is playing a show nearby and, most likely, you will get a blank look as they search the memory bank, trying to place the name or find a face in their mind’s eye.

The last day at any festival is always bittersweet. Fans have figured out the ropes and finally feel at home, despite having to pack up and leave after the music ends. Viva El Gonzo was no exception, however the incredibly inspired performances eased the transition back into normalcy. This included an absolute raging set by festival host Goose that featured no guests or covers.

The festivities returned for Day Two at Viva El Gonzo, Goose's first international festival that was held in San Jose Del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico on May 9, 2025. The weather was picture perfect in this tropical paradise located about twenty driving hours south of San Diego. Festival goers had grown their sea legs, and were also treated to a number of exciting collaborations.

Northern Natural Cidery in Kaleva, Michigan, welcomed an early‑season visit from Michigan’s own Dave Bruzza, best known for performing with the jam‑grass legends Greensky Bluegrass. Over the past few years, Dave has played three to five solo shows annually—mostly in the Midwest—and this spring’s run included Chicago’s new “Garcias” venue, Ann Arbor’s folkie listening room The Ark, and Holland’s Park Theatre before he pointed his wheels north to Kaleva.

Viva El Gonzo, Goose’s inaugural destination festival, kicked off on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Held in San Jose del Cabo, California Baja Sur, Mexico, the premises contained three different stages, each having a unique setup and character. Nestled around Puerto Los Cabos, the event grounds offered sweeping views of the ocean, bamboo lined sandy trails, and a relaxing warm atmosphere.

Cincinnati-based Plazmatic released a new EP titled “Midnight Somewhere,” and it is available on streaming platforms today. They will be hosting an album release show on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, at the Woodward Theater in Cincinnati to celebrate the new EP. The show will feature support from local Cincinnati acts The Electric Indigo and Cousins.

This last week, legendary Vermont band Phish closed out their most recent West Coast tour with an illustrious three-night residency that packed the house at Los Angeles’ legendary Hollywood Bowl.

On Friday, May 2nd, 2025, North Carolina’s beloved, genre‑bending jam band Big Something returned to the stage at CoHab Space in High Point, NC, supported by Chicago‑based funk‑rockers Sneezy, for a night filled with electric energy, local pride, and powerful music. Promoted by Ziggy’s NC, the event drew a lively crowd despite the looming threat of storms.

The Warren Haynes Band filled the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco on Saturday night for two sets of high-energy blues, soul and jazz. Haynes is touring in support of his 2024 Million Voices Whisper, his first solo album in almost a decade.