Evansville, KY-based rock duo The Cold Stares have released “Fire in the Sand,” the lead single from their forthcoming sophomore album to mainstream radio. Produced by Mark Needham (Imagine Dragons, P!nk), the independently-released single has impacted radio thanks to a groundswell of fan requests.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the reaction of fans and at radio,” The Cold Stares’ Chris Tapp said. “Truthfully, it took off so quickly, it caught us a bit off guard. Radio seems to really be hungry for guitar-oriented music.” Tapp continues, “We’re extremely proud of our new album, and this grassroots support validates our hard work. The album with Mark has been a long time coming, and we are very excited to share it soon.” The Cold Stares will be on a promotional radio tour throughout August 2014.

“Think Queens of the Stone Age meets Zeppelin meets John Lee Hooker…This is blues-rock for the 21^st century,” said Vintage Guitar.  Since 2008, duo of Chris Tapp (vocals, guitar) and Brian Mullins (drums) have been performing to packed clubs. “The first time I saw them,” Nashville’s Lightening 100 radio personality Dan Buckley said, “I thought they had at least two other musicians secretly behind the curtain. There’s just no way that sound comes from the two of them.”

The Huffington Post’s Radley Balko said of their live show, “Everyone in the room will have the same realization…the first time they see The Cold Stares live: These guys are better than the band you came to see.”

Upcoming shows & appearances:

7/26      Mojo’s BoneYard (Evansville, IN)

7/29      WGBF 103.1 performance and interview (Evansville, IN)

8/9        Mojo's BoneYard (Evansville, IN)

9/6        Head Festival (Sparta, IL)

9/20      Ferdinand Folk Festival (Ferdinand, IN)

Rock legends John Oates and Bob Weir brought the house down at Oates’ February 8 stop in Mill Valley, CA, when Weir made a guest appearance on guitar.

Oates enthused, “Jamming with Grateful Dead legend Bob Weir at the super-cool Sweetwater was the perfect way to end my West Coast tour.”

Sporting his Modulus G3FH guitar, Weir joined Oates on three songs: The Band's "Up On Cripple Creek," Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" and The Grateful Dead's "West L.A. Fadeaway." In July, Weir will perform at the “Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of Grateful Dead" concerts.

John Oates is one half of one of rock’s most successful duos of all time, Hall & Oates, as well as an accomplished solo artist. He has sold over 80 million albums, is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and a BMI Icon. In 2014, he (along with Daryl Hall) was inducted in to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and released his fifth solo album, Good Road To Follow. Another Good Road, the companion documentary, debuted on Palladia in January and is now available on CD/DVD.

Four-time GRAMMY® Awards winners The Doobie Brothers have added new dates to their nationwide 2015 tour, including select dates with Don Felder of The Eagles.  

The Doobie Brothers recently launched their “Takin’ It To the Streets Concert Club”. Members of the new concert club have advance access to ticket pre-sales (including reserved seating options), as well as exclusive merch and meet & greet opportunities. Fans can join the “Takin’ It To the Streets Concert Club” here.  

Don Felder is renowned as a former lead guitarist of The Eagles, one of the most popular and influential rock groups of our time. The band’s record-setting compilation Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) sold over 29 million copies in the U.S. alone and was awarded by the RIAA the top-selling album of the 20th Century. A member of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 1998, Felder served as a member of The Eagles for 27 years, putting his mark on numerous Eagles milestones. Felder originated the music and co-wrote The Eagles’ biggest hit (the iconic, GRAMMY®-studded smash “Hotel California”), along with fan favorites like “Victim of Love” and “Those Shoes.” He became immediately celebrated for his lyrical, signature guitar work on legendary songs like “Hotel California,” “One of These Nights,” “New Kid In Town,” and numerous more.

The Doobie Brothers have been delivering mind-blowing, roots-based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven rock and roll for over four decades, selling more than 48 million albums and winning four GRAMMY® Awards. They released their latest album Southbound, in November 2014 on Arista Nashville. Southbound features new recordings of the band’s biggest hits, with accompaniment from some of country music’s biggest stars (including Blake Shelton, Sara Evans, and Hunter Hayes, among many others). Boasting one of the most loyal fan bases in music, the band continues to write and record new material and tour the world.

Newly Added 2015 Tour Dates

April 22: Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, Midland, TX (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)

April 24: Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, TX (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)

April 25: Verizon Theatre, Grand Prairie, TX (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)

April 27:  ACL Live at the Moody Theatre, Austin, TX (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)

May 2: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, Alpharetta, GA (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)

June 14: Sigmund Stern Grove, San Francisco, CA

June 16: Lee Schwab Amphitheatre, Bend, OR

July 17: Moondance Jam, Walker, MN

July 18: Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside, IA

July 19: Divot’s Conference Center, Norfolk, NE

September 10: Lockn’ Festival, Arrington, VA

Love Hope Strength Foundation (LHSF), the world’s leading rock and roll foundation, is proud to announce a new programmatic partnership with the iconic rock band The Doobie Brothers. LHSF will be onsite at select summer shows helping concert goers to Get on the List during their 2015 national tour.

“I am so excited for The Doobie Brothers to be a part of Love Hope Strength,” said Doobie Brothers founder Tom Johnston. “Their Get On The List campaign will be added to our tour starting in August. I can’t wait for us to join with our fans to register and see how many lifesaving matches we can get.”

LHSF gives fans the opportunity to sign up for the national marrow registry at no cost by simply completing a one page consent form and swabbing their cheeks with large Q tips to obtain a DNA sample. There are currently thousands of people with blood cancers in need of finding a match to receive a lifesaving transplant.

Guitarist Pat Simmons said, “Love Hope Strength hits home for me personally because my son is a cancer survivor. What they do to help save lives is incredible and I couldn’t think of a better charity for us to partner with.”

LHSF CEO Chris Brewer added, “This is another great example of the power of the music industry to make a real difference in the fight against cancer. We’re able to leverage the amazing rapport The Doobie Brothers have with their fans and offer them the opportunity to potentially save a life. We couldn’t be prouder of this partnership.”

LHSF will join the tour starting August 1, more information can be found at www.lovehopestrength.org and www.doobiebros.com.

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival will make musical history with “PoWoW! A Live Superstar Mashup,” a once-in-a-lifetime collaborative concert that will, for the first time ever, unite acclaimed GRAMMY Award-winning superstar vocalist Miguel with visionary frontman Win Butler of GRAMMY Award-winning Arcade Fire. Together they will lead a genre-busting band of master musicians that include the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist/singer/producer/songwriter John Oates (of Hall & Oates), Kamasi Washington, George Porter, Jr. and Zigaboo Modeliste, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Chris Karns, and Eric Krasno & Neal Evans.

Oates notes, "I am really honored and stoked to be the musical director for the first PoWow at Okeechobee; the 2013 Superjam at Bonnaroo was one of my favorite experiences as a musican and this PoWow is going to take it to another level. Looking forward to working with Paul Peck again and can't wait to collaborate with Miguel, Win Butler, and all the other incredible players and performers to see what we'll come up with, it's going to be a one time only crazy groove experience."  

”PoWow! A Live Superstar Mashup” has set the stage for an historic moment for artists and audience alike. Miguel and Win Butler will share the spotlight as co-creative directors, while John Oates will serve as the music director of this virtuoso group. Longtime Bonnaroo SuperJam director Paul Peck will produce the show. Peck and Oates also worked together on the legendary Bonnaroo 2013 Rock & Soul Dance Party SuperJam that paired the Hall & Oates vocalist with Jim James (My Morning Jacket), and Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes), and also included Zigaboo Modeliste and Preservation Hall. 

Major special guests – both announced and unannounced – will take the stage for PoWow at Okeechobee, guaranteeing an unforgettable evening of surprises, invention and excitement. 

OKEECHOBEE PoWoW! lineup below:

Miguel & Win Butler (Arcade Fire)
John Oates (Hall & Oates)
George Porter, Jr. & Zigaboo Modeliste (The Meters) Kamasi Washington
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Eric Krasno (Soulive)
Chris Karns
Plus Very Special Guests

Carter Vintage Guitars has acquired the earliest example of Gibson’s iconic cherry sunburst Les Paul guitar, the model made famous by Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Duane Allman and numerous other influential rock guitarists. 

The Les Paul Model, as it was originally called, had been introduced in 1952 with a gold finish on the top, but in 1958 Gibson began experimenting with cherry-stain finishes. After several trial runs, two guitars were shipped on May 28, 1958, to Gibson’s parent company, Chicago Musical Instrument, for approval. In Gibson’s daily shipping ledger, they were described as “LP Spec. Finish.” They featured the yellow-to-red “sunburst” that became the standard finish on the model. 

One of the guitars in the shipping entry, serial number 8 3096, has been known to Les Paul aficionados for more than a decade and is currently owned by Slash, former guitarist for the group Guns N’ Roses. The guitar that now resides at Carter Vintage is serial number 8 3087. It went to the O.K. Houck music store in Memphis, where the father of the current owner bought it in 1958 as a Christmas present for his son.

“The original owner, who still lives in Memphis, sent us photos with the serial number, 8 3087,” said Walter Carter, proprietor of Carter Vintage and former historian for Gibson Guitar Corp. “I had found an entry twenty years ago in Gibson’s shipping ledgers that I thought might be the first ’burst, and the serial number rang a bell. The owner also had snapshots of himself at age 14, taken just months after he bought it. It’s the kind of discovery that vintage guitar collectors dream about.”

This “first ’burst” has a three-piece maple top, which is different from the two-piece top that subsequent sunburst Les Pauls sported—an indication that it was intended to be a “goldtop” and was pulled off the production line for the experimental finish.

Gibson made an estimated 1,500 cherry sunburst Les Paul Standards before changing the body shape and finish color in 1961. The cherry sunburst Les Paul is one of the most highly sought vintage guitar models and has been the subject of several books. 

Carter Vintage Guitars was established in Nashville in 2013 by Walter and Christie Carter and is an internationally known dealer of vintage fretted instruments.

Join WHO KNEW™ Celebrates and bassist Mike Mills of R.E.M. for a special evening honoring the 25th anniversary of the band’s multi-Grammy Award winning album, Out of Time on Friday, Oct. 7 at City Winery. Doors open at 6 p.m. CST and the program begins at 7 p.m. CST.

Tickets for the event, which benefits Notes for Notes®, will go on sale Sept. 8 at 3 p.m. CST and range from $25 - $100. Premier tickets include a Meet & Greet with Mike Mills, an event poster signed by Mills, and the opportunity to submit questions for the interview. Information on ticket packages are available here: CityWinery.com.

Attendees of WHO KNEW Celebrates will be part of an intimate setting where they will hear from award-winning bassist, Mike Mills, as he fields questions from noted music journalist, Craig Havighurst. The evening will also feature The Long Players as they perform Out of Time and some of R.E.M.’s greatest hits with several special guests.

"I've been a fan of WHO KNEW from the start. I spoke at the very first one and have watched the series evolve in a very exciting way. So when Tom Truitt approached me with the idea for this particular event it felt like a natural fit. What better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of R.E.M.'s memorable album Out of Time. The timing for this couldn't have been better," said Bertis Downs, attorney for R.E.M..

"I saw R.E.M. for the first time in 1983. It was one of those mind-blowing shows that stuck with me forever. I’m thrilled to bring this once-in-a-lifetime experience to Nashville’s WHO KNEW community,” adds Tom Truitt, WHO KNEW Founder.

A limited number of VIP tables are on sale now and available for purchase at $1000 for 12 seats. All VIP table purchases are a tax deductible charitable contribution to support Notes for Notes. Tables will be reserved on a first come–first served basis. To purchase VIP tables or for more information, contact City Winery concierge directly at nashvilleconcierge@citywinery.com or by calling 615-324-1010. More details on tickets and VIP tables can be found at http://www.citywinery.com/nashville/whoknew100716.html

Following a concert held in their Bryson City taproom on Saturday, August 21st, Nantahala Brewing Company brewed a beer with friend, and rising country music star, Jamie Kent. The musician joined Nantahala Head Brewer, Greg Geiger, in the brewhouse on Sunday, August 22nd to collaborate with the brewery staff and create All American Mutt, an amber style ale that shares its namesake with Kent’s album. All American Mutt will be the first release in the brewery’s newest series, Music On Tap, and debuts the same day Jamie releases his album, Oct 19th. Jamie celebrates the release of his album with fans on Oct 20th at The Country in Nashville, TN.

The company’s partnership with Kent began four years ago when the young artist travelled through Bryson City on his way from Massachusetts, his then home, to Austin, for South by Southwest. The brewery invited Kent to play in their taproom and a friendship was born. Since that time Jamie’s career has grown enormously with his newest single featured in Rolling Stone Magazine, and his tour including stints with artists such as Huey Lewis & The News and The Doobie Bros. Despite his busy tour schedule, Jamie took time to reconnect with the brewery, and brew the collaboration.

“Before I started playing music, I had a job reviewing craft breweries across the country. I’ve had a passion for craft beer for a long time,” said Kent. “The first time we rolled into the magical mountain town of Bryson City, on a recommendation from a fellow artist, I was incredibly impressed with the beer. It was some of the best I had ever tasted and considering my previous job, I had tasted a lot of great beer. There are a few gem venues around the country, and Nantahala Brewing is a top venue for us.”

Nantahala Brewing Company created the Music On Tap series to reflect the owners’ passion for music.The brewery hosts 75 musical acts each year during their peak visitor season of April to October. Additionally, the brewery plans to build a large outdoor venue adjacent to the restaurant brewery on their newly acquired four acre property.

“We created this company around things we are passionate about,” said co-owner Joe Rowland. “The brewery is tucked into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park because we love the outdoors; I spent many years as a river raft guide and watersport outfitter. My wife Jenn used to travel the country with numerous bands. She loves music and heads up the booking at our brewery. Our head brewer Greg designs the recipes around what he loves to drink. We do things we are passionate about and that is reflected in our brand.”

All American Mutt was brewed with 150 pounds of local Riverbend Malt House Wheat, Heritage Grains and Two-Row. Post fermentation, the balanced ale was aged on Tennessee Whiskey barrel staves, adding soft notes of vanilla and tannins. Hop-forward on the nose but balanced on that palate, this amber colored beer combines a variety of flavors and ingredients, all American in origin, with some ingredients local to both North Carolina and Tennessee.

The beer’s official release will take place in Nashville, TN on October 19th and will be released for broad distribution in by the end of October.

Join Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer, John Oates, Nicki Bluhm, Jackie Greene, Elliott Peck, Jason Crosby, David Luning, Bekka Bramlett and special guests on October 20 at The Cutting Room for an amazing night of music benefiting the Blue Rose Foundation. 100% of the ticket sales from this brilliant show will be used to provide preschool scholarships for economically disadvantaged children at the REACH school in Washington, CT. The Cutting Room is located at 44 E 32nd St., in NYC, doors open at 6:30 p.m. EST and the show begins at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now at TheCuttingRoomNYC.com.

“I’m looking forward to playing with these great artists at this benefit for an important cause. Come join us at The Cutting Room,” said John Oates.

Blue Rose Foundation Founder Joe Poletto adds, “We are honored to have such an incredible line-up of artists performing at our New York City fundraiser. Providing scholarships which can change the lives of young children is our mission and we are excited to be launching our first scholarship fund for the REACH School.”

ABOUT THE BLUE ROSE FOUNDATION

The Blue Rose Foundation believes that equal access to resources starts children on an early pathway to success, and strengthens families and communities. By awarding preschool scholarships to children from economically disadvantaged families, they foster a life-long love of learning and provide children with the tools to reach their full potential.The Blue Rose Foundation was created to honor the memories of our family members, friends, teachers, and mentors. To pay tribute to those who inspired us, we support programs that give children the ability to reach new heights of success. Reaching at-risk children early is critical to this success.

In Sonoma County, where Blue Rose Foundation’s efforts are concentrated, approximately 15% of children live below the poverty line. Low-cost and free preschool programs are available for families in need, but demand far exceeds the supply. In 2011, there were over 100 more eligible children 5 years of age and younger, than there were available spaces in subsidized care programs. The Blue Rose Foundation aims to close that gap.

For more information about The Blue Rose Foundation: http://www.bluerosesonoma.org/.

Soundwaves Art Foundation announces the launch of the Icons of Music 2016 Fundraiser. The online event is the largest fundraiser to date presented by Soundwaves Art Foundation, with over 23 unique pieces of limited edition artwork autographed by some of music’s biggest acts, designed by renowned artist Tim Wakefield. The proceeds from the sale of the artwork will benefit charities selected by the collaborating music icons, including MusiCorps,  War Child, Hope & Homes for Children, and Music Rising. Generosity.com, the non-profit sister to Indiegogo, hosts the campaign with a crowd-funding goal of $50,000.

Wakefield’s artwork has been described as a “truly unique visual expression of sound.” His creations begin by digitally manipulating, shaping, and coloring sound waves generated from a studio recording of a song. The result is a visually stunning representation of the audio, taking on an entirely new art form. 

Participating artists include: Roger Waters, Mark Knopfler, Queen, ABBA, Sam Smith, Jason Isbell, Hunter Hayes, New Order, Elbow, Ellie Goulding, The Black Keys, The Killers, Alt-J, The Cure, Steve Winwood, Stereophonics, Bee Gees, Kings of Leon, Duran Duran, Bon Jovi, Brian Wilson, Joy Division, Bryan Ferry, Royal Blood, and Steve Winwood.

Founded by Tim Wakefield, Soundwaves Art Foundation has raised funds around the world for music-related charities. “I am so excited for this year’s fundraiser. The list of artists involved is spectacular, and I am so proud to have been able to work with them to create these unique pieces,” Wakefield states. “While the creative process is always special for me, what’s really near and dear to my heart is the philanthropic side of this. The proceeds from the sale of the artwork will benefit some great charities chosen by the collaborating icons and myself; it’s an honor to know that every piece purchased will go to a great cause.”

Music Rising, Hope & Homes for Children, War Child, and MusiCorps are the four charities currently benefiting from the fundraiser.

• MusiCorps aims to help injured veterans in their recovery through the power of music.
• War Child works to alleviate the suffering of innocent children affected by conflict around the world.
• Hope & Homes for children aims to rehouse children in orphanages across the globe.
• Music Rising provides replacement instruments to musicians and schools after natural disasters, most recently the Louisiana flooding.

To view the available pieces and participating artists please visit:

www.generosity.com/fundraisers/soundwaves-art-icons-of-music-2016-fundraiser

Magic Music, a pioneering Colorado band of the 1970s that just released their debut album on vinyl, is currently being featured by Inform, a leading provider of premium, personalized video content. 

Formed in 1970, Magic Music played two of the earliest Telluride Bluegrass Festivals and earned one of the most dedicated followings of their generation before breaking up in 1976 – without ever recording an album. 

Forty years later, the band released their self-titled debut across digital platforms and on vinyl. Tracks like “Gandy Dancer” and “Bright Sun Bright Rain” are receiving Americana radio airplay and the band is being considered in four categories on the first round of the Grammy ballot.

Inform brings personalized content delivery and performance-based monetization to mobile and desktop advertisers and publishers. Its technology enables content matching and automated delivery of hundreds of millions of premium video impressions daily. 

INFORM video:

http://video.inform.com/Magic-Music-31662923?playlistId=507 

“Gandy Dancer”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbu97ZhsGJI 

“Bright Sun Bright Rain”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86wg27a9Noo

Grammy-winning musician Vince Gill has been named an ambassador for Songbirds Guitar Museum, the world's largest private collection of rare, vintage guitars. The museum will open to the public in early 2017.

Located next to the Chattanooga Choo Choo, the museum is a guitar-oriented, pop culture experience for the whole family. A Grand Opening Celebration will take place on March 9.

Gill, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, will showcase his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing, and soaring tenor vocals at the Grand Opening Celebration. In addition, he will lend his voice and expertise to Songbirds Guitar Museum as it shares its unparalleled collection through its permanent and rotating historical exhibits.

“This is the most impressive collection of rare, vintage guitars I have seen,” says Gill, who will curate some of the exhibits. “I am honored and excited to be a part of such a tremendous display of music history.”

“We are incredibly excited to have Vince Gill join the Songbirds team. His connection as a guitar player and his talent as a performer make him a perfect spokesman to help us share our epic collection of guitars with music lovers everywhere,” explains Johnny Smith, President of Songbirds Guitar Museum.

The collection of rare, vintage guitars includes:

• Prototype 1950 Broadcaster serial #0009

• Early Stratocasters including #0102, 0103 and 0104

• Pre-War D45 Martin Guitar

• 34 Gibson Les Paul Model Sunbursts from 1958-1960. Some of the most expensive of their kind. Considered by many to be the Holy Grail of electric guitars.

• Over 300 custom color Fender guitars– a rainbow of color. Many of these are one-of-a-kind.

• Over 75 custom color Gibson Firebird guitars– even more scarce than the Fender custom colors

• Over 45 classic “Bluegrass” flattops, flathead original five string banjos, mandolins, and the like representing the best of Martin, Gibson and other manufacturers

In addition, Songbirds Guitar Museum will host a contest to give away tickets to the private, VIP Grand Opening Celebration. Contest details will be available in January.

The Museum boasts a complete collection of over 1,700 instruments and accessories, each with a story to tell. Guitars are grouped by brand, time frame, and linear progression and include acoustic, electric, jazz, bass, mandolin, banjo, and mandocello models. Songbirds Guitar Museum is historically accurate, educational and fun for guitar enthusiasts as well as newcomers to the world of fretted instruments.

The 7500-square-foot museum features interactive, educational displays for adults and children, an upgraded All Access tour, and an event space for private parties. Songbirds Guitar Museum is located at 35 Station Street on the grounds of the Chattanooga Choo Choo in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Little Feat’s Bill Payne has found a kindred spirit in Magic Music, a top draw on the Colorado festival scene of the 1970s who released their acclaimed debut album in 2016. 

Payne played piano and organ on the band’s self-titled set, which reintroduces material written (but never recorded) by the pioneering band prior to their 1976 breakup. Following a digital and CD release last fall, Magic Music has just issued a vinyl LP.

Hear the album.

Payne says, “What pulls band members back into orbit is ultimately the intimacy of the music that brought them together in the first place, along with a desire to expand upon that music, while simultaneously reliving and celebrating the joys and struggles of an experience that is like no other.”

Magic Music was formed in 1970 in Boulder, Colorado, and played at the second and third Telluride Music Festivals. Upon reuniting for a benefit concert in 2015, singer-songwriter Tim Goodman officially joined the lineup after being an early fan. He also produced the album, which has earned attention from Colorado Public Radio, No Depression and Paste.

“I can count on one hand the most important events that shaped my career and approach to music, and knowing and playing with Bill Payne is one of them,” says Goodman, who previously worked with Payne on some recording sessions in L.A. before inviting him to record with Magic Music.

“He's always well-prepared and then he just turns loose with what he feels emotionally from the particular song. First takes always have the goods from him, and then he will simplify from there,” Goodman says. “Working with Bill Payne you always get the best. I always, and I underscore always, learn something important from Bill, a true inspiration steeped in integrity.... Simply the best!”

In addition to Little Feat, Payne has recorded or toured with Bonnie Raitt, Bob Seger, Pink Floyd, Emmylou Harris, Phil Lesh & Friends, Leftover Salmon, and The Doobie Brothers, among many others. He recognizes that same ability to adapt in the story of Magic Music, whose lineup now features original members Will Luckey, Chris Daniels and George Cahill, as well as bassist Jimmy Haslip, percussionist Tommy Major and violinist Scarlet Rivera.

“Musical continuity attached to growth, and often separation, is the thread that binds a collection of individuals through the shifting landscapes of discovery, a reflection of a band’s life,” Payne adds. “Magic Music’s bedrock of integrity is solidly based on those experiences and backed with a musical effort that could only have been realized by them. Their voice is intact and has indeed grown. I’m pleased to have been invited into their world. Thanks to them all for that.”

A documentary about Magic Music titled Everything is Floating, created by longtime fan and Two and a Half Men producer Lee Aronsohn, is expected to be released in 2018.

Naked Poetry was self-produced by Paul Childers in his home base of Nashville, TN. Childers’ PledgeMusic campaign exceeded its funding goal by reaching over 275%, which was a clear indication that fans around the world are anxiously anticipating his debut album, Naked Poetry. This has been a true labor of love for Childers who wrote, produced and, of course, sang every note on the album. The 13 tracks tell a story and Childers emphasizes that this is most definitely a concept album.

Boutique microphone company Ear Trumpet Labs (ETL) celebrates the release of Elvis Costello’s new video for the single “You Shouldn’t Look At Me That Way,” featuring ETL’s Josephine microphone. The song was written, orchestrated, and performed by Costello specifically for the upcoming movie Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool, which is based on Peter Turner’s memoir about his life with the actress Gloria Grahame in 1978 Liverpool.

The video features Costello as well as scenes from the film starring Annette Bening and Jamie Bell. Costello is found on a stage in an empty theater playing piano and singing with Ear Trumpet’s Josephine model as the vocal mic – a nod to how he currently uses it for live performances. Costello began using the microphone on a tour with duo Larkin Poe in the spring of 2016, mostly as a single-micing experience for songs with Costello and Larkin Poe singing together on one mic. Single-micing has quickly become a signature of Ear Trumpet Labs, with multiple models, including Josephine, offering superior sound quality and striking visual appeal.  

Josephine is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone spring-suspended in a large, elegant copper ring. Best utilized for live performances, Josephine excels on vocals as well as small acoustic ensembles offering a full sound that performers, audiences, and engineers all describe as astonishingly natural.

Watch the video for “You Shouldn’t Look At Me That Way.”

The iconic Texas songwriter Robert Earl Keen is currently on tour in his most extensive holiday tour yet, with the all-new REK’s Fam-O-Lee Back to the Country Jamboree.

Now in its sixth year, the holiday tour delivers a tip of the hat to legendary musicians like Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Dwight Yoakam, and Neil Young. “It is country but we explore the rock side of things and we even mashup a couple of tunes,” Keen says. “If you’re not in the holiday spirit now, you will be when you leave this show.”

The festive tour is visiting 19 cities, and began Nov. 27 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It concludes Dec. 30 in Fort Worth, Texas. Each tour date will feature an opening set from one of the following artists: Elizabeth Cook, Doyle & Debbie, Robert Ellis, and The Quebe Sisters.

Keen first included “Merry Christmas from the Family” on his 1994 album, Gringo Honeymoon. In 1996, it reappeared on the album No. 2 Live Dinner, which will be released on vinyl for the first time on Dec.10 via Dualtone Records. University of Texas Press released Keen’s companion book, also titled Merry Christmas from the Family, in 2005.

Upcoming REK’s Fam-O-Lee Back to the Country Jamboree tour dates:

Dec. 1 - Charlotte, NC (Knight Theater) 

Dec. 2 - North Charleston, SC (North Charleston Performing Arts) 

Dec. 3 - Durham, NC (Carolina Theatre)       

Dec. 4 - Charlottesville, VA (The Paramount Theatre)

Dec. 6 - New York, NY (Town Hall)

Dec. 7 - Washington, DC (Lincoln Theatre)

Dec. 8 - Knoxville, TN (Tennessee Theatre)

Dec. 9 - Atlanta, GA (Variety Playhouse)

Dec. 10 - Birmingham, AL (The Lyric Theatre)     

Dec. 12 - Oklahoma City, OK (The Jones Assembly)    

Dec. 13 - Fayetteville, AR (Walton Arts Center)

Dec. 16 - Austin, TX (Moody Theater)

Dec. 26 - Houston, TX (House of Blues)   

Dec. 28 - Nashville, TN (Ryman Auditorium)

Dec. 29 - Dallas, TX (House of Blues)

Dec. 30 - Fort Worth, TX (Bass Performance Hall)

Here is the info on the Collings Guitar Contest where winners will receive tickets to a Robert Earl Keen show, meet and greet with Robert and swag packs from Collings and REK.

WIN A CHANCE TO MEET ROBERT EARL KEEN & COLLINGS GUITARS PRIZE PACK

Robert Earl Keen has teamed up with Collings Guitars to give fans an opportunity to win a bundle of prizes. Beginning now until December 15, three winners will be chosen each week and will be awarded a meet-and-greet with Robert Earl Keen, as well as a pair of tickets to a REK’s Fam-O-Lee: Back to the Country Jamboree tour show of their choice. Furthermore, winners will receive a prize pack put together by Collings Guitars and Robert Earl Keen. Robert Earl Keen & Collings Guitars Gift Giveaway.

https://gleam.io/gX1EO/robert-earl-keen-collings-guitars-gift-giveaway

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member John Oates, along with his group The Good Road Band, have announced the first dates of their 2018 tour in support of his album Arkansas set for release on February 2.  

Tour dates:

Jan 14 - Mountain Stage - Morgantown, WV 

Jan 15 - Club Cafe - Pittsburgh, PA 

Feb 5 - Joe’s Pub - New York, NY

Feb 6 - World Cafe Live - Philadelphia, PA 

Feb 8 - Old Town School of Folk Music - Chicago, IL 

Feb 10 - Troubadour - West Hollywood, CA 

Feb 11 - Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, CA 

Feb 16 - Old Rock House - St. Louis, MO 

The project originally began as a tribute to Oates’ idol, Mississippi John Hurt. During a series of Nashville recording sessions, it evolved organically to become a unique collection drawing from a wide range of Oates’ musical influences. Asked about the style and sound of Arkansas, John says, “It’s like Dixieland, dipped in bluegrass, and salted with Delta blues.” His first project for Thirty Tigers, Arkansas is available for advance order through e-retailers and a Pledge Music campaign including autographed vinyl, limited edition exclusives, hats, shirts, and more.

Recorded at Addiction Studios in Nashville, the album was produced by Oates and David Kalmusky. Oates teamed with an amazing group of accomplished and rising stars in the Americana music world, "The Good Road Band". The impressive lineup on the record consists of Sam Bush on mandolin, Russ Pahl on pedal steel, Guthrie Trapp on electric guitar, Steve Mackey on bass, Nathaniel Smith on cello, and Josh Day on drums and percussion. With this incredible band, Oates shines a light on music from America’s past long before the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. 

ABOUT JOHN OATES:

John Oates is one half of the best-selling duo of all time, Hall & Oates, as well as an accomplished solo artist. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Oates has recorded six solo albums and the 2015 DVD docu-concert Another Good Road. His seventh project, Arkansas, will be released by Thirty Tigers in February.

Influenced by R&B and folk music while growing up near Philadelphia, Oates was honored as a BMI Icon in 2008. In 2016, Hall & Oates received a star on the Hollywood of Fame. In addition to his solo shows, Oates continues to tour with Daryl Hall, playing sold-out concerts around the world. St. Martin’s Press released the hardcover of Oates’ memoir, Change of Seasons, in March 2017; the paperback will be released in 2018. Oates resides in Nashville.

Tommy (C. Thomas) Howell, known for bringing one of film’s most legendary characters to life (“Ponyboy” from The Outsiders) is thrilled to make his musical debut with first single “Rose Hill” out September 16, 2022. Penned by Howell, the song is a tribute to the founding members of the Allman Brothers Band and one of their stomping grounds, the Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, GA.

A history buff, Howell  was moved to write “Rose Hill'' after a life-changing visit to the historic Macon, GA cemetery where The Allman Brothers used to hang out, and Allman members Duane and Gregg Allman, and Berry Oakley, and Otis Redding are buried. On a musical pilgrimage to explore the roots of the Allmans, he spent time absorbing the vibes on the beautiful grounds and channeling their spirits, envisioning them still gathering there and playing together for eternity.

“I’m proud of “Rose Hill,” states Howell. “Even if people don’t know the history, there could be enough there that would make them want to look into it. The people that do know the history may be inspired to go to Macon and soak it all in.”

Although he’s best recognized for his esteemed acting career, Howell has long yearned for an opportunity to pursue his passion for music. While on break from filming, the long-time creative began to focus more closely on his songwriting. Working with some of Nashville’s elite musicians (Zachariah Malachi and Sweepy Walker) and famed producer Dean Miller, son of country music legend Roger Miller, Tommy wrote and recorded the new project. Howell’s songs explore his rich, unfolding journey through personal stories. His music is gritty and poetic – Sam Elliott crossed with Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers mixed with Kris Kristofferson.

“Rose Hill'' is the first song to be released off Howell’s upcoming EP.  Tommy Howell is bringing “An Evening of Music & Storytelling'' to select stages in Fall 2022.

About Tommy Howell

Tommy “C. Thomas” Howell is a country / Americana singer/songwriter, known for his esteemed 40-year acting, producing, and directing career ranging from the Outsiders to the upcoming Netflix series Obliterated. Based in Nashville, TN, Howell has recorded his debut project with award-winning producer Dean Miller.  In between filming, Tommy performs riveting concerts combining storytelling and music. Learn more at  www.tommyhowellmusic.com