Los-Angeles based, Boston-bred folk-punk troubadour Bryan McPherson is set to release his third album, the dynamic Wedgewood via O.F.D. Records on June 10^th.  Fresh on the heels of a 24-date European tour, he kicks off the U.S. headlining leg on June 11^th in Portland, Maine.  Wedgewood is available for presale at http://bit.ly/1KoS9SC.

Melding Americana, folk, alternative, and punk into one incendiary, incisive sound, Bryan pays homage to influences such as Bob Dylan, The Sex Pistols, The Violent Femmes, Bruce Springsteen and Ani DiFranco. He self-produced Wedgewood at Flying Whale Studios in the secluded foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California.  The record boasts unforgettable hooks, soaring melodies and powerful stories.

His immersion in Occupy Oakland in 2011 was a life-changing experience that heavily informed Wedgewood.  In between playing shows on “Teargas Tuesday” and dodging rubber bullets in the name of change at Occupy, he began to collate and catalog the inspiration for the 11-song set.  “The things I witnessed at Occupy Oakland hit me hard,” shares Bryan. “The experience ignited a fire and a furor in me that are reflected on the album.”

Wedgewood springs to life with the first single “Born On A Highway” (http://bit.ly/1ESBBlj) that rolls along on stark yet lush instrumentation mixed with Bryan’s potent cadence. “Here We Go” (http://bit.ly/1Kaj9EB) is a call-to-action with its sharp lyrics and vibrant instrumentation, while “Hearts in Boxcars” depicts a strained love story of two people who must go in different directions. The expansive “Song From The Moon” illuminates the breadth of Wedgewood with its revolutionary characters and spirit.

Touring year-round, Bryan has hit the road many times with punk luminaries Dropkick Murphys, he’s opened for the legendary Chuck Berry and boasts a fan in Slash. He’s received much critical acclaim, with the San Francisco Bay Guardian praising, “His words aren’t just cerebral ponderings about the state of the government. It is one man belting—at the top of his lungs—his honest, emotional impressions of the world.”

Bryan McPherson U.S. Tour*

6/11 Portland, ME at Matthew’s Pub

6/12 Boston, MA at The Midway Cafe 

6/13 New York, NY at The Map Room at Bowery Electric 

6/14 Asbury Park, NJ at Russo Music 

6/16 Philadelphia, PA at Kung Fu Necktie

6/17 New Brunswick, NJ at The Court Tavern 

6/18 Trenton, NJ at Mill Hill Basement

6/19 Syracuse, NY at Gorham Brothers Music

6/20 Oswego, NY at The Barn 

6/24 Newport, KY at The Thompson House (Heaven Room) 

6/25 Indianapolis, IN at Sabbatical 

6/26 St. Ann, MO at The Waiting Room 

6/27 Chicago, IL at Reggies

6/29 Laramie, WY at Gusty Gully 

6/30 Fort Collins, CO at The Forge Pub

7/1 Salt Lake City, UT at The Garage

7/2 Colfax, CA at The Colfax Theater

7/3 Santa Cruz, CA at The Crepe Place

7/5 Oakland, CA at The Nightlight

*UK Singer-songwriter Louise Distras is the opener for all shows

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The magical UK supergroup that is The Darkness revealed the North American dates on their Blast of Our Kind tour launching October 9^th in Pomona, CA in support of fourth album Last of Our Kind - released June 2^nd via Kobalt Label Services.  Last of Our Kind's title track features audio clips from over 500 Darkness fans, 15 of whom make a special appearance in the brand new video: http://bit.ly/1VN9qfc.

Last of Our Kind is an album of unparalleled beauty and power bursting with exhilarating riffs, magnificent melodies and very high voices - as you would expect of these rock mega-gods. Rolling Stone exalts “their sound remains perfectly suited for the biggest stages in the world,” Playboy raves they “deliver the thunder,” Consequence of Sound effuses that the album “shakes the Earth with pumping fervor” and Baeble Music rhapsodizes ”The Darkness are primed to continue their campaign of world domination.”

Last of Our Kind is the meaty and impassioned follow-up to 2012’s Hot Cakes, which saw the band reunited having enjoyed a well-publicized and well-deserved hiatus. As distinguished guests of Def Leppard, The Darkness destroyed Download Festival in 2011, then waved goodbye to their loved ones and toured planet Earth for over 18 months.  They rounded off 2013 with a celebratory tour marking the 10^th Anniversary of their legendary debut album, Permission to Land, which features the classics “I Believe In a Thing Called Love” and “Get Your Hands Off My Woman.”

Those in attendance at the Blast of Our Kind tour will be awestruck by the new material and downright delighted by the early works as The Darkness rip through their repertoire of ruddy great songs.

North American Leg of Blast of Our Kind – presented by The Noise: 

10/09 Pomona, CA @ The Glass House

10/10 Los Angeles, CA @ Shrine Expo Hall (Festival Supreme Headliner)

10/11 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom

10/13 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom

10/14 Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre

10/16 Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall

10/18 Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater

10/20 Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

10/21 Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s Hall

10/23 Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre

10/24 Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar

10/25 Silver Spring MD @ The Fillmore

10/27 New York, NY @Irving Plaza

10/28 Asbury Park, NJ @The Stone Pony

10/30 Philadelphia, PA @ The Theatre of Living Arts

10/31 Huntington, NY @ The Paramount

11/01 Boston, MA @ House Of Blues

On the heels of their recent European trek, Americana band JD & The Straight Shot are set to open for Jewel’s Picking Up the Pieces tour kicking off on March 4^th in Lake Charles, LA. JD & The Straight Shot – vocalist/guitarist Jim Dolan whose voice the New York Post calls “reminiscent of Tom Waits and Randy Newman,” guitarist/vocalist Marc Copely (B.B. King, Rosanne Cash), bassist Byron House (Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton) along with touring musicians guitarist JJ Appelton (David Bowie, Keb Mo, Darius Rucker) and violinist Alicia Enstrom (Keith Urban, Nashville Symphony) – are hitting the road in support of their new, all-acoustic album Ballyhoo! released on January 15^th.

Produced by Chuck Ainlay (Mark Knopfler, Miranda Lambert), Ballyhoo! Is steeped in the quiet fire of blues and roots music. The eleven lush tracks were written by Dolan, Copely and House along with violinist Erin Slaver (Rod Stewart, Trace Adkins, Martina McBride) and guitarist Aidan Dolan, with additional contributions by Chris Carmack (who plays Will Lexington on TV’s Nashville) and Adam Levy (known for his work with Norah Jones and Tracy Chapman).

Roots music authority No Depression raves, “JD & The Straight Shot have written some really thought provoking and gripping songs; and this passionate and delicate treatment really makes them memorable, to the extreme.”

Frontman Jim Dolan explains that the decision to go acoustic on the band’s fifth record was a natural one. “We’ve always approached writing songs acoustically, so it made sense to go in that direction. They just sound right this way.”

The beauty of Ballyhoo!’s stripped-down instrumental approach is clear on the infectious tracks. From the swamp groove of “Better Find A Church” (http://bit.ly/1NYzcrb) to the harmony-filled cover song “Nature’s Way,” Dolan’s love of classic rock songcraft shines bright. Slide-blues album opener “Empty” tells the story of hitting rock bottom and climbing back up, while “Here He Comes” pays homage to the genius of Johnny Cash, “Glide” (http://bit.ly/1Uba9Gz) reflects on the pureness of childhood joy, and closing ballad “I’ll See You Again” offers a hopeful eulogy.

In addition to dates with Jewel, JD & The Straight Shot toured alongside luminaries such as the Eagles, Keith Urban, the Dixie Chicks, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and the Allman Brothers Band, and recently performed on the “Today Show” and “Good Day New York.”

JD & The Straight Shot on tour with Jewel:

3/4               Lake Charles, LA                   @Golden Nugget

3/5               Biloxi, MS                    @IP Casino Resort

3/6               Jacksonville, FL         @Florida Theater

3/10            Ft. Lauderdale, FL     @Parker Playhouse

3/11            Ft. Pierce, FL               @Sunrise Theatre

3/12            Orlando, FL                 @Hard Rock Live

3/13            Clearwater, FL            @Capitol Theater

3/17            Greensboro, NC         @Carolina Theatre

3/18            Wilmington, NC          @Humanities & Fine Arts College

3/19            Durham, NC                @Carolina Theatre

4/7               Washington, DC         @Lincoln Theater

4/8               Albany, NY                  @The Egg Center For the Performing Arts

4/9               Harrisburg, PA            @The Forum Theatre

4/14            Ridgefield, CT            @The Ridgefield Playhouse

4/15            Bethlehem, PA           @Sands Bethlehem

4/16            Atlantic City, NJ          @Borgata

4/17            Boston, MA                  @Wilbur Theatre

4/28            Munhall, PA                @Carnegie of Homestead

On the heels of their Spring tour with Jewel, JD & The Straight Shot are set to tour alongside music legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Joe Walsh on his solo Walsh Toor kicking off on July 16^th in Cincinnati, OH. JD & The Straight Shot – vocalist/guitarist Jim Dolan whose voice the New York Post calls “reminiscent of Tom Waits and Randy Newman,” guitarist/vocalist Marc Copely (B.B. King, Rosanne Cash), bassist Byron House (Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton) along with touring musicians guitarist JJ Appelton (David Bowie, Darius Rucker), violinist Mary Jo Stillip (Adele, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Sigur Ros), vocalist/guitarist Erin McCarley (Don Henley) – are hitting the road in support of their fifth collection, the all-acoustic album Ballyhoo! released on January 15^th.

Produced by Chuck Ainlay (Mark Knopfler, Miranda Lambert), Ballyhoo! Is steeped in the quiet fire of blues and roots music. The eleven lush tracks were written by Dolan, Copely and House along with violinist Erin Slaver (Rod Stewart, Trace Adkins, Martina McBride) and guitarist Aidan Dolan, with additional contributions by Chris Carmack (who plays Will Lexington on TV’s Nashville) and Adam Levy (Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman).

Neo Music Scene raves, “Ballyhoo! is a refreshing record that gets back to the roots of great American music,” I’m Music Magazine gushes the album is “A tasty slice of Americana music at its finest along with the great art of storytelling,” while The El Vee enthuses, “JD & the Straight Shot mix blues, folk, and Americana styles into a timeless American music sound of their own."

From the swamp groove of “Better Find A Church” (http://bit.ly/1NYzcrb) to the harmony-filled cover song “Nature’s Way,” the beauty and songcraft of Ballyhoo! shines bright. Slide blues album opener “Empty” tells the story of hitting rock bottom and climbing back up, while “Here He Comes” pays homage to the genius of Johnny Cash, “Glide” (http://bit.ly/1Uba9Gz) reflects on the pureness of childhood joy, and closing ballad “I’ll See You Again” offers a hopeful eulogy.

Joe Walsh’s storied history includes the Eagles, James Gang and boasts a wildly successful solo career. He produced JD & The Straight Shot’s 2014 album Where I’ve Been, so it’s a thrill for the band to reunite with the guitar great on the Walsh Toor. Prior to the Joe Walsh tour, JD & The Straight Shot are set to open for Don Henley on a run of dates on his European tour. New England Music News says, “Awesome is the word” for JD & The Straight Shot’s live show and Encore Magazine guarantees you’ll have a “Foot-stompin’ good time!”

JD & The Straight Shot on the Walsh Toor 2016:

July 16 Cincinnati, OH @PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center

July 17 Huber Heights, OH @Rose Music Center at The Heights

July 19 Charleston, WV @Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences

July 21 Glen Allen, VA @Innsbruck After Hours

July 22 Mashantucket, CT @Foxwoods Resort Casino*

July 23 Wallingford, CT @Toyota Presents the Oakdale Theatre

July 26 Hampton Beach, NH @Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom

July 28 Portland, ME @Maine State Pier

July 30 Atlantic City, NJ @Event Center at the Borgata Spa & Resort

July 31 Lancaster, PA @American Music Theatre

Aug 2 Ft. Wayne, IN @Foellinger Theatre - Outdoor

Aug 4 Wilkes Barre, PA @FM Kirby Center

Aug 6 Bethlehem, PA @Musikfest*

Aug 7 Baltimore, MD @Pier 6 Pavilion

Aug 9 Raleigh, NC @The Red Hat Amphitheater

Aug 11 Charleston, SC @Charleston Galliard Center

Aug 13 Memphis, TN @Mud Island Amphitheater

Aug 14 Louisville, KY @Palace Theater

Sep 3 Aspen, CO @Jazz Aspen Snowmass Experience*

Sep 10 Las Vegas, NV @Big Blues Bender Fest*

Sep 25 Franklin, TN @Pilgrimage Music & Culture Festival*

*Not a Walsh Toor date

Born and bred in Los Angeles, singer-songwriter-guitarist-pianist-producer David Stücken has often been compared to revered rocker Ryan Adams for his artistry, self-production and music craftsmanship. David is the force behind LA-based rock band David and The Curse whose dynamic debut An Epitaph For Love is due out early 2017. David wrote and produced the autobiographical album of gritty rock tales told through the lens of an anti-hero. A prolific songwriter, David writes earnestly with his electric guitar, painting pictures of personal battles and tales from the darkest corners of LA to the brightest lights of the downtown skyline. His songs combine the jaded angst that only a native Angeleno possesses paired with a romantic streak baked in by the blazing SoCal sun.  

An Epitaph For Love is rock n’ roll with beats as stiff and hard as a dive bar cocktail with a mix of poetic and meaningful lyrics. The album captures the band’s unique sound while boasting hints of American roots, R&B, raucous rock via the Ramones and the Rolling Stones and the emotive, organic, true songwriting of Tom Petty, John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen. David explains, “To me, the confluence of songwriting and the music are key to every great song. An Epitaph For Love blends new elements of music with the classic influences I grew up listening to.”

David and The Curse made a passionate, raw, relevant album of ten potent songs that pull no punches. The tracks tell stories related to the hopeful search for love and happiness. “The title of the record echoes my never-ending desire to find deep love despite having lost love in the past,” says David.

The decadent first single "She Loves the Night" is a powerfully honest rock anthem boasting blazing guitars, deep snare tones and an infectious sexy croon. The woman depicted in the song is as dangerous as a loaded pistol. The undeniably catchy melody of “Diamond Ring” is the embodiment of when love is in perfect harmony. “The song reflects a time in my life when I experienced a sense of pure happiness,” shares David. “It’s a love song written while in love by a hopeless romantic.” The driving riffs and tribal thumps of “Matters of Flesh” reflect those dark times when you look into the mirror and don’t recognize the face staring back. Circumstances can sometimes make monsters out of men. “Queen Of The Blues” is beautifully upbeat while marinating in the sweet nostalgia of lost love.

David Stücken has been writing and performing since he was 12 years old and has played alongside luminaries such as TSOL, The Buzzcocks, Social Distortion and more. David and The Curse’s rousing live shows are electrifying and bold. With An Epitaph For Love, David has crafted an exciting, ambitious, formidable first album that immediately captivates and holds tight.

Americana band JD & The Straight Shot – featuring vocalist/guitarist Jim Dolan whose voice the New York Post calls “reminiscent of Tom Waits and Randy Newman,” bassist Byron House (Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton) and violinist/fiddler Erin Slaver (Martina McBride, Rod Stewart) – are set to kick off the new year on tour with legendary artist Don Henley. The trek starts on January 14th in Austin, TX at Austin City Limits Live.

JD & The Straight Shot are currently working on their forthcoming album due out in early 2017. The achingly beautiful first single “I Know, You Know, I Know” gives an exciting taste of what’s to come. The sparkling ballad produced by Chuck Ainlay (Mark Knopfler, Miranda Lambert), was written by Dolan, Slaver and Marc Copely (B.B. King, Rosanne Cash) with sweeping accordion melodies performed by Shawn Pelton (Sheryl Crow, Levon Helm, Saturday Night Live band). The new song was a rousing audience favorite along JD & The Straight Shot summer 2016 European tour dates with Don Henley and U.S. shows with Joe Walsh.

JD & The Straight Shot spent 2016 touring nonstop in support of their highly praised all-acoustic album Ballyhoo!. Neo Music Scene raves, “Ballyhoo! is a refreshing record that gets back to the roots of great American music,” I’m Music Magazine gushes the album is “A tasty slice of Americana music at its finest,” The El Vee enthuses, “JD & the Straight Shot mix blues, folk, and Americana styles into a timeless American music sound of their own" and Music Matters Magazine calls the record “a listening pleasure.”

In addition to touring with Don Henley and Joe Walsh, JD & The Straight Shot have played alongside luminaries such as the Eagles, Keith Urban, the Dixie Chicks, Jewel and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. New England Music News declares, “Awesome is the word” for JD & The Straight Shot’s live show.

Don Henley, both as solo artist and as a member of the Eagles, has received many accolades, including eight GRAMMY Awards, numerous gold and platinum records and performed sold-out concert tours worldwide. A respected, popular and critically celebrated musical artist, Henley is a founding member, vocalist and songwriter of the Eagles that has become one of the most influential bands in America. Henley’s solo career is acclaimed with such hits as “Dirty Laundry,” “Heart Of The Matter,” “Boys Of Summer,” “The End Of The Innocence” and “All She Wants To Do Is Dance.” He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, and will receive the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors later this year, as a member of the Eagles.

JD & The Straight Shot 2017 Tour Dates with Don Henley:

1/14 Austin, TX @Austin City Limits Live

1/15 Sugar Land, TX @Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land

1/17 San Antonio, TX @Majestic Theater

1/19 Tulsa, OK @Paradise Cove Margaritaville

1/20 Little Rock, AR @Robinson Theater

1/22 Atlanta, GA @Fox Theatre

1/24 Clearwater, FL @Ruth Eckerd Hall

1/25 Hollywood, FL @Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Americana band JD & The Straight Shot – featuring vocalist/guitarist Jim Dolan whose voice the New York Post calls “reminiscent of Tom Waits and Randy Newman,” bassist Byron House (Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton) and violinist/fiddler Erin Slaver (Martina McBride, Rod Stewart) – are hitting the road with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Chicago. The trek kicks off on March 14^th in Stamford, Connecticut at The Palace Theatre.

JD & The Straight Shot’s sound is steeped in the quiet fire of Americana with distinctive elements of roots music topped off with a dash of classic rock. Rock At Night calls them “Superb Americana,” Stageshottz Magazine raves, “They define the new Americana sound,” Bullet Music enthuses the band is “Chock-full of good ol’ American soul” and Write On Music declares them “uniquely different and altogether dynamic.”

The band is currently working on their forthcoming album due out in 2017. The achingly beautiful first single “I Know, You Know, I Know” gives an exciting taste of what’s to come. The sparkling ballad produced by Chuck Ainlay (Mark Knopfler, Miranda Lambert), was written by Dolan, Slaver and Marc Copely (B.B. King, Rosanne Cash) with sweeping accordion refrains by Shawn Pelton (Sheryl Crow, Levon Helm, Saturday Night Live band). The new song has been a rousing audience favorite along recent tour dates with Don Henley and Joe Walsh.

JD & The Straight Shot has been touring nonstop in support of their 2016 all-acoustic album Ballyhoo!. In addition to playing with Don Henley and Joe Walsh, the band has performed alongside luminaries such as the Eagles, Keith Urban, the Dixie Chicks, Jewel and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. South Florida Insider gushes, “JD & The Straight Shot’s wonderful harmonies make the melodies even sweeter” and their set is “everything a music lover could want and more.”

Chicago, the legendary rock band with horns, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 and their first album, Chicago Transit Authority, was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame in 2014. In Billboard Magazine's Hot 200 All-Time Top Artists, Chicago came in at #9, ranking as the highest charting American band. Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades - with 25 of their 36 albums certified platinum. Lifetime achievements include two Grammy Awards, multiple American Music Awards, Founding Artists of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Chicago street dedicated in their honor. The band’s record sales top 100 million and include 21 Top 10 singles, 5 consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One singles and 5 Gold singles. 2017 marks the band’s 50^th consecutive year of touring.

JD & The Straight Shot Tour Dates with Chicago:

3/14 Stamford, CT @The Palace Theatre

3/15 Johnstown, PA @Cambria County War Memorial Arena

3/17 Charleston, SC @North Charleston Performing Arts Center

3/18 Columbia, SC @Township Auditorium

3/19 Greenville, SC @Peace Concert Hall

3/21 New Orleans, LA @Saenger Theatre

3/25 Durant, OK @Choctaw Casino

3/27 Corpus Christi, TX @American Bank Center

3/28 Midland, TX @Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center

3/29 El Paso, TX @Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center

3/31 San Antonio, TX @Majestic Theatre

4/2 Springfield, MO @Juanita K. Hammons Hall

New York City-based Americana band JD & The Straight Shot will release its vibrant sixth studio album Good Luck And Good Night on September 15th. Comprised of vocalist/guitarist Jim Dolan, guitarist Marc Copely (B.B. King, Rosanne Cash), bassist Byron House (Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton), violinist/fiddler Erin Slaver (Martina McBride, Rod Stewart) and drummer/percussionist Shawn Pelton (Sheryl Crow, Levon Helm, Saturday Night Live band), the dynamic group's all-acoustic record was produced and mixed by Copely (Toby Lightman, Owen Danoff, Upright Man) and engineered by Chuck Ainley (Mark Knopfler, George Strait, Lee Ann Womack) at Soundstage Studios in Nashville.

Frontman Dolan says, “We pushed ourselves harder than ever before on this album and are so proud of the new music.”

Influenced by artists like The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd and The Beatles along with traditional Irish folk music and classical music, Good Luck And Good Night delivers a huge sound steeped in the quiet fire of American roots music and the swagger of rock n’ roll. New England Music News enthuses “They expertly fuse folk, country, blues and rock,” Rock At Night calls JD & The Straight Shot “Superb Americana,” Stageshottz Magazine praises, “They define the new Americana sound” and Front Row Music News raves, “They’re equal parts talented and entertaining."

The sparkling title track featuring a child chorus crescendo, is a thoughtful commentary on the divisive state of news reporting today, and scorching lead single, “Run For Me,” showcases unbridled energy, galloping rhythms and expansive sonic layers. “Moonlight” entrances with soaring melodies, while the banjo-and-fiddle-driven burner “Ballad Of Jacob Marley” re-tells the tale of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Story about greed and the ability to change. The beauty of Maya Angelou’s words shines in the contemplative “Never Alone” based on her poem “Alone,” the gospel-infused, foot-stomping “Redemption Train” sings of salvation, the melancholy, moving “Tonight” touches on the terrors of domestic abuse and the graceful ballad “I Know, You Know, I Know” addresses the secret passions of love that cannot be.

Good Luck And Good Night boasts two memorable covers including a rousing rendition of the Three Dog Night classic “Shambala” chock full of vocal harmonies, and, in homage to friend Glenn Frey, a sweepingly stunning cover of the Eagles’ “It’s Your World Now.”

JD & The Straight Shot will be touring aggressively in support of Good Luck And Good Night. The band has previously hit the road with luminaries such as the Eagles, Keith Urban, Don Henley, Dixie Chicks, Jewel, Joe Walsh, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and more. South Florida Insider gushes, “JD & The Straight Shot’s wonderful harmonies make the melodies even sweeter” and their live show is “everything a music lover could want and more.”

JD & The Straight Shot on Tour:

9/3 Myrtle Beach, SC @House of Blues (w/ Eli Young Band)

9/4 Chesapeake Beach, MD @Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa (w/ Eli Young Band)

9/16 Cherokee, NC @Harrah’s Cherokee (w/ The Doobie Brothers)

9/17 Wilmington, NC @Cape Fear Community College Humanities & Fine Arts Center (w/ The Doobie Brothers)

9/19 Richmond, KY @EKU Center for the Arts (w/ The Doobie Brothers)

9/21 Frederick, MD @Fair (w/ The Doobie Brothers)

9/22 Northfield, OH @Hard Rock Rocksino (w/ The Doobie Brothers)

9/23 Huber Heights, OH @Rose Music Center at The Heights (w/ The Doobie Brothers)

9/27 Bloomsburg, PA @Bloomsburg Fair (w/ Chicago)

9/28 Stamford, CT @The Palace Theatre (w/ Chicago)

9/30 Gilford, NH @Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion (w/ Chicago)

10/1 Brooklyn, NY @Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island (w/ Chicago)

10/28 London, UK @Indigo at The O2 - BluesFest

10/31 York, UK @York Barbican (w/ The Dooble Brothers)

11/3 Glasgow, UK @02 Academy (w/ The Doobie Brothers)

11/4 Manchester, UK @Manchester 02 Academy (w/ The Doobie Brothers)

11/6 Utrecht, Netherlands @Tivoli Vredenburg (w/ The Doobie Brothers)

11/8 Brussels, Belgium @Cirque Royale (w/ The Doobie Brothers)

11/11 Randers, Denmark @Vaerket (w/ The Doobie Brothers)

*more dates to be announced

New York City/Nashville-based Americana band JD & The Straight Shot is prepping a new all-acoustic album called The Great Divide due out later this year, kicking off with the soaring, melody-filled lead single, “I Should’ve Known.” The band - comprised of vocalist/guitarist Jim Dolan, guitarist/vocalist/producer Marc Copely (B.B. King, Rosanne Cash), bassist Byron House (Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton), violinist/fiddler/vocalist Erin Slaver (Martina McBride, Rod Stewart), drummer/percussionist Shawn Pelton (Sheryl Crow, Levon Helm, Saturday Night Live band), and guitarist/vocalist Carolyn Dawn Johnson (Miranda Lambert, Kenny Chesney) – is recording The Great Divide at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville with Marc Copely (Toby Lightman, Owen Danoff, Upright Man) once again producing.

“I Should’ve Known” features layers of beautiful harmonies of Jim and Marc singing in tandem, and Erin and Carolyn together on backing vocals that was influenced by Simon & Garfunkel’s iconic folk-rock hit “The Boxer.” The song speaks to the abuse by men in power. The lyrics emphasize the importance of defending victims when they speak out and the need to be more vigilant in noticing of the signs of abuse. The track is currently in rotation on Sirius XM stations: The Coffee House, The Loft, The Village and North Americana, and JD & The Straight Shot is set to perform “I Should’ve Known” on Good Day New York on August 9th.

The Great Divide follows JD & The Straight Shot’s highly acclaimed 2017 album Good Luck And & Good Night that roots music authority No Depression raves boasts “Exhilarating performances and “Luxurious blends of instrumentation,” and Madness To Creation gushes “Is a masterful blend of songwriting, arrangements, musicianship, and harmony."

Inspired by artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Civil Wars, Jefferson Airplane, The Turtles, Three Dog Night and The Yardbirds, JD & The Straight Shot delivers a sweet sound and strong songwriting mixed with the swagger of rock n’ roll.

JD & The Straight Shot will play new songs from The Great Divide along with favorite tunes from previous albums at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s “Rock Hall Live” series in Cleveland on August 16th. JD & The Straight Shot has toured alongside musical luminaries like The Doobie Brothers, Chicago, the Eagles, Keith Urban, Don Henley, Dixie Chicks, Jewel, Joe Walsh, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and more. Icon Vs. Icon declares, “The band is an absolute powerhouse” that “continues to dazzle crowds.”

UK rock band You Me At Six – comprised of vocalist Josh Franceschi, guitarists Max Helyer and Chris Miller, bassist Matt Barnes, and drummer Dan Flint - has returned with their triumphant sixth studio album called VI released on October 5th via Underdog Records / AWAL Recordings. To celebrate VI, the band has revealed the highly entertaining bowling alley hijinks-filled video inspired by The Big Lebowski for single “Back Again,”

You Me At Six has crafted an exciting, ambitious album with VI. It’s a record that switches moods and styles with breathless confidence, from devastatingly defiant rock to joyously uplifting pop. It all but drips with melodies and moods. It’s the kind of album a band makes when they are in love with all the possibilities of music. Recorded at Vada Studios in England, the band co-produced VI with Dan Austin (Biffy Clyro, Massive Attack, Pixies). The anthemic 10-song collection boasts a combination of rock riffs, indie pop, R&B vibes and electronica beats showcased by singles “IOU” and “Fast Forward” and “3AM” and “Back Again.”

Kerrang! raves, “This is the sound of a band who are wide awake once again, not just finding their feet, but coming out confidently swinging,” DIY Magazine gushes, “VI not only recaptures but reinvents the magic that has propelled them to be one of the UK’s most successful rock outfits of recent times” and Classic Rock effuses, “It’ll keep You Me At Six at the top of rock's upper echelons for years to come."

Since forming in 2004, You Me At Six has scored four UK Gold records and four UK Top 10 albums including the Number One album Cavalier Youth that spawned the Number One rock song in the UK & Australia and Top Five Rock Radio track in North America with “Room To Breathe,” and they notched an unparalleled 15 consecutive A-List singles on BBC Radio One. You Me At Six has toured alongside luminaries like 30 Seconds To Mars, Paramore, Twenty One Pilots, Fall Out Boy, All Time Low and Bring Me The Horizon and has completed multiple sold out U.S. headline tours and multiple sold out UK headline arena tours, headlined both the NME/Radio 1 stage at Reading and Leeds in 2017 and the second stage at Download Festival this year.

On the heels of their upcoming sold out UK and European treks, You Me At Six will ignite stages across the U.S. and Canada in support of VI in 2019. North American tour details coming soon.

VI Track Listing:

Fast Forward

Straight To My Head

Back Again

Miracle In The Mourning

3AM

IOU

Pray For Me

Predictable

Danger

Losing You

New York City/Nashville-based Americana band JD & The Straight Shot has released a thought-provoking video for the dynamic, foot-stomping song “The Great Divide” featuring a variety of news footage that adds a visual layer to the already vivid lyrics:  https://bit.ly/2Bw0R4W.

Americana Highways raves about “The Great Divide,” "Musically it’s layered, crystal clear acoustics; and it’s especially wonderful to listen to the way the musicians leave space for one another while creating such a compelling song.” Adding, "We guarantee this song will leave you wanting to hear the rest of the album as soon as you can get your hands on it."

JD & The Straight Shot - vocalist/guitarist Jim Dolan, guitarist/vocalist/producer Marc Copely (B.B. King, Rosanne Cash), bassist Byron House (Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton), violinist/fiddler/vocalist Erin Slaver (Martina McBride, Rod Stewart), drummer/percussionist Shawn Pelton (Sheryl Crow, Levon Helm, Saturday Night Live band) and guitarist/vocalist Carolyn Dawn Johnson (Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride) – recorded the forthcoming album, The Great Divide, at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville with Marc Copely (James Montgomery, Jess Klein, Constantine Marouiis) producing.

The Great Divide follows JD & The Straight Shot’s highly acclaimed 2017 album Good Luck And Good Night that roots music authority No Depression praises boasts “Exhilarating performances and luxurious blends of instrumentation,” and Madness To Creation gushes “Is a masterful blend of songwriting, arrangements, musicianship, and harmony.”

SiriusXM’s Coffee House Presents singer-songwriter Matt Costa, Americana band JD & The Straight Shot and singer-songwriter Matt Hartke live on tour kicking off on May 30th in Atlanta at City Winery. The trek brings three Coffee House standouts together as they traverse the U.S. to share their meaningful music. Watch the sizzle reel here: shorturl.at/xCJPX. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 3rd @10am local times via: SiriusXM.com/CoffeeHouseLiveTour.

Orange County native Matt Costa is always happiest on the road. Coming off a strong year of touring around his critically acclaimed album of California story songs Santa Rosa Fangs, Costa is set to release new music throughout 2019, starting with a new single in May. Costa has a knack for writing timeless, sweetly tragic songs reflective of his big heart with an edge of folk rock.

JD & The Straight Shot - vocalist/guitarist Jim Dolan, guitarist/vocalist/mandolinist Marc Copely, upright bassist/banjoist Byron House, violinist/vocalist Erin Slaver, drummer/percussionist Shawn Pelton and guitarist/vocalist Carolyn Dawn Johnson – is comprised of friends whose joy in telling stories together shines through each sparkling track of their new all-acoustic album The Great Divide. Inspired by artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Civil Wars, Jefferson Airplane, Three Dog Night and The Yardbirds, The Great Divide boasts unforgettable hooks, soaring melodies and powerful stories. JD & The Straight Shot has toured with luminaries like the Eagles, Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, Keith Urban, Don Henley, Dixie Chicks, Jewel, Joe Walsh, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Icon Vs. Icon declares JD & The Straight Shot “Is an absolute powerhouse that continues to dazzle crowds.”

Multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter Matt Hartke has been working under the radar writing for artists such as Adam Lambert, Avicii, Cash Cash, The Chainsmokers, Kygo, Max Martin, Matisyahu and Tiesto. Matt released his first single “Gold” in 2016 which steadily climbed up the Spotify charts currently sitting with over 16+ million plays and charting on the Viral Top50 in several countries.  In 2017 “Gold" was the most spun song on SiriusXM’s Coffee House.   

The tour offers listeners and music fans across North America the chance to see the type of new and emerging singer-songwriters featured regularly on SiriusXM’s Coffee House channel. 

SiriusXM’s Coffee House channel plays singer-songwriters and rare acoustic versions of songs. Listeners will hear music from artists including Vance Joy, Julia Michaels, Hozier, Brandi Carlile, Shawn Mendes, The Lumineers and many more. SiriusXM subscribers are able to listen to Coffee House (ch. 14) on SiriusXM radios, and those with streaming access can listen online, on-the-go with the SiriusXM mobile app and at home on a wide variety of connected devices including smart TVs, Amazon Alexa devices, Apple TV, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more. Go to www.SiriusXM.com/streaming to learn more.

SiriusXM’s Coffee House Presents Matt Costa, JD & The Straight Shot and Matt Hartke Live on Tour:

5/30    Atlanta, GA @City Winery
5/31    Athens, GA @Georgia Theatre
6/1      Macon, GA @Hargray Capitol Theatre*
6/2      Charlotte, NC @Neighborhood Theatre
6/6      Cleveland, OH @House of Blues - Cambridge Room
6/7      Indianapolis, IN @The Vogue
6/8      Covington, KY @Madison Live!*
6/11    Chicago, IL @City Winery
6/12    Nashville, TN @City Winery
7/11    Philadelphia, PA @Underground Arts
7/12    Huntington, NY @The Paramount
7/14    Boston, MA @City Winery
7/15    Alexandria, VA @Birchmere
7/19    Santa Cruz, CA @Moe’s Alley
7/20    Petaluma, CA @Mystic Theatre
7/21    Napa, CA @The Blue Note+
7/23    San Francisco, CA @The Independent
7/25    Los Angeles, CA @Troubadour
7/26    Santa Barbara, CA @Soho Santa Barbara
7/28    San Diego, CA @Music Box

*Matt Costa, JD & The Straight Shot only

+JD & The Straight Shot only

Multi-platinum selling UK rock band THE DARKNESS – frontman Justin Hawkins, guitarist Dan Hawkins, bassist Frankie Poullain and drummer Rufus Taylor – released Easter Is Cancelled, their first ever concept album, in October via Cooking Vinyl. The band will spread their Easter Is Cancelled message across North America on their headlining Easter Is Cancelled Tour kicking off on April 13th in Edmonton, Alberta at Union Hall and wrapping on May 23rd in Chicago at Park West. The Darkness will play Easter Is Cancelled in full, followed by a set of their greatest hits and fan favorites. The shows promise to reflect the grand scope and vision of the new album alongside the band’s spectacular canon. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 17th at 10am local times HERE.

Justin Hawkins shares, “North America! We come to you again, humble in our mission but resolute in our purpose. Join with us in the benediction of ROCK, as we bring our Easter is Cancelled World Tour to your spume-flecked shores. We cancelled Easter and now we are going to cancel your souls - let’s reboot together in the epiphany that only 150% pure adrenalin can bring. You are me, I am you, and music is the river that will carry us to our destiny. P.S. concert tickets available at extremely reasonable prices from all usual outlets.”

Easter Is Cancelled became The Darkness’ fourth Top 10 Album in the UK, it topped the iTunes Rock Chart, debuted at #4 on the Billboard Current Hard Rock chart and #39 on the Billboard Top Current Albums chart, and has garnered wide critical acclaim. Kerrang! declares, “For those who like their rock adventurous, Easter may be cancelled, but Christmas has come early.” Classic Rock Magazine raves, “Every track here is whip-smart and shout-it-out hooky.“ The Telegraph calls it “A record of ballsy energetic rock,” Clash Magazine gushes it’s “A lavish, complex, ambitious record,” and The Music announces, “Easter Is Cancelled is a high energy salute to everything rock.” Metal Insider effuses, "From first listen, you’re hoisted into sing-along power pop melodies and foot-stomping rock riffs that easily suck you in. You can feel these songs in your soul and they feel good." Smells Like Infinite Sadness praises, "Rock and Roll will never die as long as The Darkness are standing. They are the heroes we need, yet don’t deserve. Easter is Cancelled is a welcome reminder of their peerless musical powers."

Easter Is Cancelled is a mini-rock opera examining the role of the musician in the barbarous culture of the world today. At the core of the tale is love, loss and heartbreak, where redemption is ultimately found in the brotherhood of band friendship and the power of the guitar. The album boasts new single and the video for “In Another Life” that portrays Justin Hawkins banished to hell only to be redeemed by the power of rock pulsating through his guardian angel bandmates and a beautiful archangel. “Rock And Roll Deserves To Die” sees the band hailing the death of rock and roll in an epic five-minute masterpiece featuring monumental riffs, thunderous bass and almighty drums, “Heart Explodes” is a rock aria that finds The Darkness baring all in a multitude of emotions reflecting the hardships, struggles and changing relationships of life. “How Can I Lose Your Love” is a huge rock anthem steeped in emotion, featuring space-age synths, a gigantic chorus with beautiful hands-in-the-air moments, and almighty guitar solos, while title track “Easter Is Cancelled” encapsulates the explosive majesty of the record.

Easter Is Cancelled Tour - North American Dates:

4/13    Edmonton, AB @Union Hall

4/14    Calgary, AB @The Palace Theater

4/15    Vancouver, BC @Vogue Theatre

4/17    Portland, OR @Wonder Ballroom

4/18    Seattle, WA @Showbox

4/21    San Francisco, CA @Regency Ballroom

4/22    Los Angeles, CA @The Novo

4/24    San Diego, CA @The Observatory – North Park

4/25    Tempe, AZ @Marquee Theatre

4/28    Houston, TX @The Studio at Warehouse Live

4/29    Dallas, TX @Granada Theater

5/1      Concord, SC @Epicenter Festival*

5/2      Atlanta, GA @Shaky Knees Festival*

5/3      Birmingham, AL @Saturn

5/5      Nashville, TN @Cannery Ballroom

5/6      New Orleans, LA @Republic NOLA

5/8      Fort Lauderdale, FL @Culture Room

5/9      Daytona Beach, FL @Welcome To Rockville*

5/11    Boston, MA @Royale

5/12    Philadelphia, PA @Union Transfer

5/13    New York, NY @Webster Hall

5/15    Pittsburgh, PA @Rex Theater

5/16    Columbus, OH @Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival*

5/17    Detroit, MI @Majestic Theater

5/19    Minneapolis, MN @Skyway Theatre

5/20    Kansas City, MO @Truman

5/22    St. Louis, MO @The Ready Room

5/23    Chicago, IL @Park West

*Festival dates, not headlining shows

Multi-platinum UK rock icons The Darkness – frontman/guitarist Justin Hawkins, guitarist/producer Dan Hawkins, bassist Frankie Poullain, drummer Rufus Taylor – released the brand new song “Nobody Can See Me Cry” from their forthcoming album Motorheart out November 19^th via Cooking Vinyl. Album pre-orders are available at the band’s official store.

“Nobody Can See Me Cry” is a high-octane riffola featuring an eye-watering guitar solo of monstrous proportions, charging verses of utter determination and a high-flying chorus all powered by sheer angst, passion and unfiltered emotion. Regarding the single Justin Hawkins says, “’Nobody Can See Me Cry.’ It’s devastating. I yearn to be seen. On this I’ll settle for being heard. Listen to this song, it’s brilliant. I should know, I sang it."

“Nobody Can See Me Cry” follows the recent release of the lead single and title track of the band’s opus Motorheart. Paying homage to a devoted sex robot, “Motorheart” growls, pounds and stomps with Rufus Taylor’s drums, Frankie Poullain’s bass and Justin & Dan Hawkins’ guitars all turned up to 11, whilst Justin’s trademark vocals soar to ever more earthquaking levels. Motorheart is a record of immeasurable rock and roll extravagance, and yet another masterpiece from England’s favorite rock bands.

Motorheart will be released in a wide variety of formats that offer a complete aural experience. In addition to standard and deluxe versions - both digitally and on CD, there’s a heavyweight black vinyl album, limited edition colour LPs, an old-school cassette version and exclusive bundles and signed editions.

With a back catalogue overflowing with sonic gold and a live reputation that most bands can only dream of attaining, The Darkness has established themselves as one of the most loved and important British rock bands of our time. Their last album, 2019’s Easter Is Cancelled, became the band’s fourth Top 10 album in the UK, whilst also topping the Official Charts Top 40 Rock Chart and the iTunes Rock Chart, alongside receiving swaths of critical praise.

The Darkness will be showcasing the live potency of Motorheart on their extensive 22-date UK headline tour kicking off in November followed by a European run at the top of next year. A true spectacle to behold, fans will be treated to brand new songs from the album as well as hits from across their award-winning, platinum-selling back catalogue. Stay tuned for North American 2022 tour dates to be announced.

The inaugural <HERE FOR LA Fest launches on Saturday, December 3rd in Los Angeles at LA River Studios in Elysian Park, celebrating the intersection of music and doing good. While highlighting some of the city’s most dynamic and diverse musical talents, <HERE FOR LA Fest also focuses on raising money and awareness for housing & basic needs, education & the arts and sustainability & climate justice via partnering with Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles, artworxLA and L.A. Works. With every ticket sale, attendees make an immediate contribution to causes that help communities here in LA, with 25% of each ticket supporting these three meaningful local organizations. <HERE FOR LA Fest General Admission and VIP tickets are available HERE.

<HERE FOR LA Fest is set to showcase 20 LA-based multi-genre bands and DJs across 3 stages @4pm – 11pm on a campus featuring food trucks, experiential rooms and street closures that will feel equal parts block party, warehouse show and music festival. Artists such as bedroom pop singer-songwriter Claud, hip hop phenom Asha Imuno, electronic DJs The Hellp, pop punk stars Junior Varsity and electro clash R&B singer/producer Izzy Spears ensure an explosive array of nonstop dazzling talent. Listen to the <HERE FOR LA Fest artist Spotify playlist HERE.

As part of the event’s goal of amplifying awareness, raising money for charity and creating tangible goals of getting involved, <HERE FOR LA Fest kicks off earlier in the day @9am-2pm with a series of breakout workshops and panel discussions called <HERE Space.  Conversations will tackle the topics of how to make LA more sustainable, how to talk about the problem of housing the homeless and meeting their basic needs and how to support LA education programs. <HERE Space strives to provide a platform for young people to share their values and be inspired to learn more about the issues facing Los Angeles via exploring solutions.

Founded and run entirely by a team of under 25-year-olds, <HERE FOR LA Fest is the first in an upcoming series of global <HERE events built around the concept of Gen Z using what’s cool to uplift what’s important. At the helm are Ethan Kring and Stella Blue – 22 and 21, respectively. Ethan is a creative leader and entrepreneur who has assembled a team of international heroes, activists and artists. Stella is <HERE’s core organizer and passionate thinker who advocates for those who can’t advocate for themselves. With years of concert and event production experience under her belt, Stella knows how to take an idea from preliminary vision to execution. Ethan and Stella have done everything for <HERE FOR LA Fest themselves - from programming to hiring to contracts - all in the name of giving back to the city they call home.

<HERE FOR LA Fest location:
LA River Studios
2800 Division Street
Los Angeles, CA 90065