In London, England, on May 28, 2017, Paul Rodgers returned to his roots, bringing fans an extraordinary evening celebrating the music of Free. This sold out concert at the Royal Albert Hall was captured for a live CD / DVD set to be released by Quarto Valley Records in spring 2018.  The 16-song collection includes inspired performances of rock classics like “All Right Now,” “Wishing Well,” “Fire and Water,” and many deep tracks—some of which were never performed live by the original band, such as “Love You So” and “Catch a Train”.

“I have been making music for a long, long, long time, so to get super charged and re-inspired to perform was a revelation”, says Rodgers. “I loved the Free Spirit Tour and the guys who helped create the magic, Pete Bullick, Rich Newman, Ian Rowley and Gerard 'G' Louis. I hope you feel it too, just lose yourself in the music and let it fuel your soul.”

Beginning his iconic music career as a founding member, main songwriter, and front man for Free, Rodgers is regarded as one of the greatest vocalists in rock history by contemporaries and fans. According to Eric Clapton, “Paul Rodgers is the real deal,” while Robert Plant, “Paul Rodgers [is] the voice of all British voices.” Rodgers has sold over 125 million records worldwide with his legendary bands Free, Bad Company, The Firm and as a Grammy-nominated solo artist.

“Quarto Valley Records is thrilled to bring this epic night of music to rock ‘n’ roll fans,” says QVR founder and president Bruce Quarto. “We are extremely honored to welcome Paul Rodgers to the Quarto Valley family.”

Paul Rodgers – Free Spirit – Celebrating the Music of Free, will be available on CD/DVD, Blu-ray, vinyl, and across digital platforms. In addition, Rodgers will be bringing the Free Spirit Tour to the US this spring, as well as performing with his solo band and a few select dates with Bad Company in the upcoming months.

About Paul Rodgers

Growing up in the sprawling industrial North Yorkshire city of Middlesbrough, Paul Rodgers formed his first band at the ripe old age of 14. Shortly after at 18, he formed Free along with late guitarist Paul Kossoff. They gained international success with the Rodgers / Fraser smash single “All Right Now.” For almost five decades, Rodgers has been recording and performing. He has written, recorded, produced and released 30 albums and has sold 125 million records. He has received numerous awards: the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music (other recipients include John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Elton John), an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Teessides University, BMI’s 5 Million US Radio Plays Awarded for “All Right Now”, the Chairman’s Award from the US Music Business Association, and more. He has recorded and/or performed with Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Brian May, Sam Moore, Joe Walsh, Ann Wilson, Slash, Nils Lofgren, Charlie Watts, Bryan Adams, Buddy Guy, and others. In his remarkable career, Rodgers has fronted the bands Free, Bad Company, The Firm, and Queen + Paul Rodgers and continues to have a celebrated, award-winning solo career.

John Oates has teamed up with a number of accomplished Americana musicians, known as The Good Road Band, to deliver his seventh solo album, Arkansas (Thirty Tigers). Oates is one-half of the best-selling duo of all time, Daryl Hall & John Oates, as well as a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. 

The album pays homage to the state's beautiful countryside and Oates' interest in early American music. Beginning as a tribute to Oates' musical idol, Mississippi John Hurt, the project evolved during a series of Nashville recording sessions into a unique, retrospective collection that drew from a wide range of Oates' creative influences. The title track is available at radio today and the album is available on all digital platforms. 

Rolling Stone hailed Arkansas as one of the Most Anticipated Country Albums of 2018. In addition, the publication said the album "pays tribute to the voices that became before him...shining a light not only on the state's countryside, but its contributions to country music, too." 

"Listening to the sonic flavors of Arkansas is akin to a visit to a museum where the early history of music is on display – whether that genre be country, blues, or rock." - Billboard

"If you love roots music and want to see a lesser-known side of an American pop music master, pick up Arkansas." - Wide Open Country

"His new album promises to be one of his best works, and that’s a high bar." - Elmore Magazine

Recorded at Addiction Sound Studios in Nashville, Arkansas was produced by Oates and David Kalmusky. The Good Road Band's 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.

Solo Tour Dates:

Feb 3- Family Gras Plaza - Metairie, LA

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 

Feb 18 - Rams Head On Stage - Annapolis, MD

Feb 23 - The Ritz-Carlton - Greensboro, GA (Feb 23-25)

Feb 27 - Eddie’s Attic - Decatur, GA 

Feb 28 - Eddie’s Attic - Decatur, GA 

Mar 2 - Neighborhood Theatre - Charlotte, NC

Mar 4 - Music Farm - Charleston, SC

Mar 15 - The Heights - Houston, TX

Mar 16 - The Kessler - Dallas, TX

Jun 5 - Air Canada Centre - Toronto, CANADA

Hearts of Glass, a beautiful new album by Beth Nielsen Chapman, will be released in the United States on April 27. The celebrated songwriter issued the project in the United Kingdom in February prior to a four-week tour there.

Produced by Sam Ashworth, Hearts of Glass is a collection of songs about vulnerability and strength, which includes several new compositions and a few striking versions of rediscovered songs. Riveting and sparse, these songs, like the heart, traverse the delicate line between vulnerability and strength.

Chapman also includes on the record a pair of early songs recorded by Waylon Jennings (“Old Church Hymns & Nursery Rhymes”) and Willie Nelson (“If My World Didn’t Have You”). Rodney Crowell provides background vocals on “If I Didn’t Have You,” and Ruby Amanfu sings on five of the album’s 11 tracks. Hearts of Glass is Chapman’s 13th studio album and her first release since her 2016 induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Although Chapman has been making records since 1980 with many top producers, Hearts of Glass marks the first time in a long time  she has not been at least a co-producer. Inspired to create an album with clarity and space, in the same vein of the Civil Wars, Chapman contacted Charlie Peacock, their producer. Peacock embraced her vision. However, when their schedules did not align, Peacock set up an introductory meeting with his son and fellow producer, Sam Ashworth. After initial conversations with Ashworth, Chapman felt confident that this partnership would work and turned production completely over to him.

For Hearts of Glass, Chapman refreshed five songs that have appeared on her past albums: “Rage on Rage,” “All for the Love,” “Child Again,” “Life Holds On” and “Dancer to the Drum.” Ashworth approached the new recordings with minimal touches of production, occasionally moving the accompaniment from piano to acoustic guitar. The spare arrangements are especially effective on poignant songs like “Epitaph for Love.” Meanwhile, “You’re Still My Valentine” provides a unique dip into the complexities of deep lasting love.

“Creatively this was an interesting new dynamic for me,” Chapman says. “Handing over so many of the decisions and trusting the process, while trying to quiet my inner control freak. By doing so, I ended up, not only with something I loved, but I learned a lot about myself and the places you can go when you let someone else drive.”

Ashworth and Chapman  also worked together as songwriters on the jubilant “Enough for Me.” In addition, she collaborated with Graham Gouldman (of 10cc) and Nashville songwriter Kevin Montgomery on the inviting lead track, “Come to Mine.”

Chapman’s songs have been cut by an eclectic list of legendary artists ranging from Neil Diamond, Waylon Jennings, Keb Mo’, The Indigo Girls, Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins to Elton John, Patti LuPone, Bette Midler, Amy Grant, Olivia Newton-John and Bonnie Raitt to name a few.

Her impressive songwriting catalog includes “Down on My Knees” (Trisha Yearwood), “Five Minutes” (Lorrie Morgan), “Happy Girl” (Martina McBride), “Here We Are” (Alabama), “Nothing I Can Do About It Now” (Willie Nelson), “Strong Enough to Bend” (Tanya Tucker), and “This Kiss” (Faith Hill).

Other country artists who have recorded her songs include Suzy Bogguss, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Terri Clark, Holly Dunn, Sara Evans, the Forester Sisters, Lee Greenwood, Andy Griggs, Emmylou Harris, Ty Herndon, Highway 101, Barbara Mandrell, Kathy Mattea, Jamie O’Neal, Marie Osmond, Pam Tillis, and Don Williams.

As a breast cancer survivor, speaker on grief and creativity, and a teacher of songwriting, vocal, and creativity workshops, Chapman, in addition to her concerts, has delivered deeply moving and inspiring keynotes at various conferences. Her stories and delivery illustrate the healing power of music, as she weaves her music into this theme, opening every heart to experience how resilience is fueled through creativity. That is the clear focus in her presentations as she deems herself a “creativity whisperer” with a passion for inspiring others to fully blossom into their creative life. 

Paul Rodgers is returning to where it all began, by celebrating the 50th anniversary of Free. Fans fortunate enough to get a ticket to the sold-out performance at London's Royal Albert Hall witnessed a truly unique event. On June 22, 2018, fans worldwide will be able to experience the magic, captured for a live recording, set to be released by Quarto Valley Records. Paul Rodgers – Free Spirit – Celebrating The Music of Free will be available on CD/DVD, Vinyl, Blu-ray and across all digital platforms.

The 16-song collection recorded from the show includes inspired performances of rock hits like “All Right Now,” “Wishing Well,” “Fire and Water,” and many deep tracks—some of which were never performed live by the original band, such as “Love You So” and “Catch a Train.” Along with this collection, those who purchase the Blu-ray and vinyl can expect exclusive footage and bonus tracks from opening acts Jasmine Rodgers, artist and multi-instrumentalist daughter of Paul, and Deborah Bonham, rock and blues vocalist sister of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.

"When I went down to London in '67 I had three things in mind,” says Rodgers. “To survive, to find peace of mind, and to make music doing it. When Free came together there was a creative magic around us, something unique and different. I felt again the strength of that magic on the 2017 Free Spirit Tour. Playing the songs we wrote, I felt the love and recognition the fans have for this music. The band, the fans, and I inspired each other to create and capture these moments in time."

Beginning his iconic music career as a founding member, main songwriter, and frontman for Free, Rodgers is regarded as one of the greatest vocalists in rock history by contemporaries and fans. According to Eric Clapton, “Paul Rodgers is the real deal,” while Robert Plant says, “Paul Rodgers [is] the voice of all British voices.” Rodgers has sold over 125 million records worldwide with his legendary bands Free, Bad Company, The Firm and as a Grammy-nominated solo artist.

“We are very excited and extremely honored to be part of this historic event,” says Bruce Quarto, president of Quarto Valley Records. “This performance, perfectly captured in a variety of formats, is truly a rare event that any Paul Rodgers fan will definitely want to watch and listen to, over and over again.”

Rodgers will be performing with his solo band and a few select dates with Bad Company in the upcoming months. Starting July 18, Jeff Beck and Paul Rodgers will embark on the co-headlining Stars Align Tour, with Ann Wilson of Heart serving as the opening act, along with Deborah Bonham.

About Paul Rodgers
Growing up in the sprawling industrial North Yorkshire city of Middlesbrough, Paul Rodgers formed his first band at the ripe old age of 14. Shortly after at 18, he formed Free along with late guitarist Paul Kossoff. They gained international success with the Rodgers / Fraser smash single “All Right Now.” For almost five decades, Rodgers has been recording and performing. He has written, recorded, produced and released 30 albums and has sold 125 million records. He has received numerous awards: the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music (other recipients include John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Elton John), an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Teesside University, BMI’s 5 Million US Radio Plays Awarded for “All Right Now”, the Chairman’s Award from the US Music Business Association, and more. He has recorded and/or performed with Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Brian May, Sam Moore, Joe Walsh, Ann Wilson, Slash, Nils Lofgren, Charlie Watts, Bryan Adams, Buddy Guy, and others. In his remarkable career, Rodgers has fronted the bands Free, Bad Company and The Firm, and continues to have a celebrated, award-winning solo career.

The Doobie Brothers announce their first ever full-album performances, on two historic nights in New York City at The Beacon Theatre, November 15 and 16, 2018.  The band will perform Toulouse Street plus select hits on Thursday, November 15, and The Captain and Me plus select hits on Friday, November 16. This is definitive Doobies at their most powerful, and fans will delight in hearing the deep cuts, some of which the band has never played live in concert. These shows mark the first time The Doobie Brothers have performed at the Beacon Theatre in 25 years. The Beacon Theatre is located at 2124 Broadway, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Tickets for both shows go on sale July 23, 2018 and are available via Ticketmaster.com.

Platinum-selling, Toulouse Street (1972), launched The Doobie Brothers to stardom with the hits “Listen to The Music” “Rockin’ Down the Highway” and “Jesus is Just Alright.”

Double-platinum selling, The Captain and Me (1973), was the band’s third studio album, producing the hits “Long Train Runnin’,” “China Grove,” and fan favorites “South City Midnight Lady” and “Without You.” 

These back-to-back classic albums represent one of the greatest one-two vinyl punches of the 1970s; the LPs that put the Doobies on the map and on the path as one of the most iconic bands of their generation. Many of the songs on both of these albums are still played every day on the radio, a testament to the timelessness of the music. These historic performances will no doubt go down as some of the most important shows the band has ever played, right up there with the classic 1975 Bill Graham S.N.A.C.K. concert in San Francisco to the 1979 No Nukes shows at Madison Square Garden.

“We are excited to be returning to The Beacon Theatre and to have the chance to perform these albums for our fans in such an intimate setting. Playing these tracks live that we haven’t played since we recorded them is going to be an undertaking we are looking forward to,” adds The Doobie Brothers.

The Doobie Brothers, who have sold more than 48 million albums and won four GRAMMY® Awards, just completed a 30+ city co-headlining Summer of Living Dangerously Tour with Steely Dan and are performing two stadium shows with the Eagles this fall.

Iconic rock musicians Paul Rodgers and Jeff Beck are joining forces for the Stars Align Tour, their co-headlining summer outing with Ann Wilson of Heart and opening act Deborah Bonham. The tour kicks off on the July 18, in West Valley City, Utah, and will stop in cities across the U.S. and Canada including Los Angeles, Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago, Toronto, Tampa, Nashville, and more (full list of dates below).

For the first time in 50 years, Rodgers’ set in North America will focus on his Free catalog, with just a few Bad Company hits. The tour follows the release of Free Spirit – Celebrating The Music of Free on Quarto Valley Records. The new CD/DVD, Free Spirit, is currently #2 on Billboard’s Music Video Sales Chart.

This hits and deep cuts live recording, taped from a sold-out performance at London's Royal Albert Hall, celebrates the 50th anniversary of Free and also features Deborah Bonham as the opening act. Called a "must have for any fan of Free and Paul Rodgers," Free Spirit is available across all digital platforms, and on CD/DVD, Blu-ray, and vinyl.

"Thanks to the fans and media for helping the DVD/CD reach Billboard’s #2 position....fantastic. We are having a blast at rehearsals and the band and I are supercharged and excited to reintroduce the music of Free to our North American fans. Ready, set, blast off!" says Rodgers.

The tour features Jeff Beck, whose distinguished 50+ year music career has seen him earn an incredible 8 GRAMMY Awards, and the Rolling Stone honor of being named one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” Ann Wilson fans can expect to hear an assortment of Heart hits along with tracks from her solo career. Opener Deborah Bonham has established herself as one of the finest blues-rock vocalists in the UK. A string of critically acclaimed album releases, captivating standing ovation concert performances at the Royal Albert Hall and London Palladium, prestigious European and USA festival appearances and collaborations with Ann Peebles, Robert Plant, Paul Rodgers, Donovan, Foreigner, Chris Farlowe and Nazareth's Dan McCafferty has kept Bonham at the very forefront of the international music scene.

“What a thrill and honor to go on tour in the USA sharing a stage with three of my all-time favorite singers and guitarists,” adds Bonham. “Our Spirit will be There and Back on the Magic Ship Dreamboat Annie.”

VNUE, will be recording shows from the upcoming Stars Align tour with legendary vocalist Paul Rodgers – and making the recordings available for download within minutes after the last note each night via VNUE’s set.fm mobile content delivery app and website.

The shows being recorded begin July 24th in Houston, Texas, and continue through August 26th in Tampa, Florida.

Stars Align Tour: Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers and Ann Wilson with Deborah Bonham

July 18 - West Valley City, UT - Usana Amphitheatre
July 20 - Los Angeles, CA - Five Point Amphitheatre
July 22 - Chula Vista, CA - Mattress Firm Amphitheatre
July 24 - Houston, TX - Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
July 25 - Dallas, TX - The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
July 28 - St. Louis, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
July 29 - Chicago, IL - Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
July 31 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
Aug. 1 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage
Aug. 3 - Boston, MA - Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
Aug. 4 - Camden, NJ - BB&T Pavilion
Aug. 8 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center
Aug. 10 - Indianapolis, IN - Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
Aug. 12 - Holmdel, NJ - P.N.C. Bank Arts Center
Aug. 14 - Wantagh, NY - Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Aug. 17 - Nashville, TN - Nashville Municipal Auditorium
Aug. 19 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion
Aug. 25 - West Palm Beach, FL - Coral Sky Amphitheatre

John Oates, Margo Price, and Buddy Miller joined Bob Weir and Wolf Bros at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on November 5, 2018.

Guitarist Bob Weir led his bandmates, drummer Jay Lane and bassist Don Was through an opening set full of Grateful Dead favorites. The second set started with the legendary John Oates, one half of the best-selling duo of all time, Hall & Oates, and Buddy Miller on the tour’s first cover of Mississippi John Hurt’s “My Creole Belle.” Oates stuck around, joining in on The Grateful Dead’s “Friend Of The Devil.”

nugs.tv has provided a webcast of Bob Weir And Wolf Bros live from Nashville and is available here.

Bob Weir and The Wolf Bros are currently on their inaugural tour, ending with dates at The Beacon Theatre on November 18th and 19th.

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. In November 2018, they returned to the Beacon Theatre in New York City for the first time in 25 years to perform two of their landmark albums, Toulouse Street and The Captain and Me. These historic concerts offered an opportunity for Doobie fans to hear deep cuts and songs never before performed live by the band. This amazing live concert experience was captured for PBS viewers in THE DOOBIE BROTHERS LIVE FROM THE BEACON THEATRE, part of special programming premiering on PBS stations in June 2019 (check local listings).

Platinum-selling Toulouse Street (1972) includes hits “Listen to the Music,” “Rockin’ Down the Highway” and “Jesus Is Just Alright.” Double-platinum-selling The Captain and Me (1973) produced the hits “Long Train Runnin,’” “China Grove,” “South City Midnight Lady” and “Without You.” Both albums led to the band becoming one of the most iconic of their generation.

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS LIVE FROM THE BEACON THEATRE features hits and fan favorites from both albums. Act One opens with “Rockin’ Down the Highway,” includes the title track “Toulouse Street,” “Jesus Is Just Alright” and closes with “Snake Man.” Act Two spotlights the band’s classic tracks: “Long Train Runnin’,” “China Grove” and “South City Midnight Lady.” Act Three features “The Captain and Me” and closes with a brand-new arrangement of “Listen to The Music” featuring horns. The special also includes several deep cuts and songs never-before performed live by the band such as “Mamaloi,"  "O'Connelly Corners," and "Ukiah.”

Boasting one of the most loyal fan bases in music, The Doobie Brothers continue to write and record new material and tour the world. Their No. 1 singles “Black Water” and “What A Fool Believes” — both gold — lead a catalog of indelible songs that include those mentioned above as well as “Take Me in Your Arms,” “Takin’ It To The Streets,” “Minute by Minute,” “You Belong to Me,” “The Doctor” and more. In all, the Doobies have tallied up five Top 10 singles and 16 Top 40 hits. Beginning with their multi-million-selling sophomore collection Toulouse Street, the Doobies have three multi-platinum, seven platinum, and 14 gold albums. Their Best of the Doobies album has sold more than 12 million copies, making it a rare “diamond record.

PBS special programming invites viewers to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. Viewer contributions are an important source of funding, making PBS programs possible. PBS and public television stations offer all Americans from every walk of life the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content.

Americana powerhouses Shane Smith & The Saints full album, Hail Mary, is available today. Released in a series of chapters to their eager fans, the final chapter, The End, is out now on all digital platforms. Chapter 4: The End features two new songs: “Last Train to Heaven" and "The End." Produced by Mark Needham (The Killers, Imagine Dragons), Hail Mary has been called the definitive album in the band’s discography. 

The band parsed the deeply-biographical project into four chapters: The Beginning, The Fall, The Path, and The End. Americana Highways described Hail Mary as “an anthemic saga through several stages, with Smith’s soaring vocals and the band rallying their grit.” 

Grit is something Shane Smith & The Saints have in spades; Hail Mary didn’t come easy to the members of the band. With nearly two-thirds of the year spent on the road, the band has seen and been through it all. These guys have survived and triumphed through three near-death experiences (a rattlesnake bite, a motorcycle accident, a pulmonary embolism while on tour in Malaysia) and relationship turbulence in their personal lives to create this stunning new record. Inspired by their journey, fans can experience from The Beginning to The End the band’s trials, tribulations, and triumphs.

Each chapter has its own theme, and now, at its denouement, Hail Mary finishes with an emboldened flourish. Chapter 4: The End premiere partner The Boot hit the nail on the head, saying, “the traumatic events of Chapter 2 and the recovery detailed in Chapter 3 are in the past, and the final songs assess what is left and look optimistically toward the future.”

Hail Mary is available now.

Shane Smith & The Saint’s future is looking bright with a summer tour to support the new album. 
Find out more at ShaneSmithMusic.com.

Tour Dates: 
7/12 | Helotes, TX | Floore's Country Store
7/13 | Lampasas, TX | Spring Ho Festival
7/18 | Paris, TX | Heritage Hall
7/19 | The Colony, TX | Lava Cantina
7/20 | Littlefield, TX | Celebrate Littlefield
7/24 | Tucson, AZ | The Rock
7/25 | Las Vegas, NV | Vinyl
7/27 | Sacramento, CA | Goldfield Trading Post
7/30 | Seattle, WA | Tractor Tavern
8/1 | Ontario, OR | Malheur County Fairgrounds
8/2 | Joseph, OR | Harley Tucker Rodeo Grounds
8/3 | Hailey, ID | The Mint
8/8 | Fort Collins, CO | Aggie Theatre
8/9 | Denver, CO | Bluebird Theatre
8/10 | Boulder, CO | Boulder Theatre
8/14-15 | Tomball, TX | Main Street Crossing
8/16 | Corpus Christi, TX | Brewster Street Ice House
8/17 | Hutto, TX | KOKE Fest
8/23 | Odessa, TX | Dos Amigos
8/24 | Ropesville, TX | 6282 Music Fest
8/25 | Plano, TX | Love & War in TX

Robert Earl Keen and Tyler Childers celebrated a series of collaborative performances in Texas last week including a record-breaking 4th of July show in Kerrville, TX. The shows marked the first time the friends have performed together on stage.  Keen and Childers both guested on each other's sets. Keen sang Childers’ “Whitehouse Road” and “Honky Tonk Flame” with Tyler and his band, The Food Stamps. Childers joined Keen’s sets to perform “What I Really Mean” and “Broken End of Love” with Robert and his band. 

For the seventh year in a row Keen hosted his 4th of July on The River in Kerrville, Texas. This year’s festival smashed past attendance records with over 10,000 revelers, who were treated to performances by Keen, Childers, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, and Robyn Lydwyck.  

It was clear from the standing ovations at all three shows that fans were thrilled with the inspiring collaboration. Keen adds, “Tyler is on the forefront of the new generation of writers, singers, and music creators. I call them the 'found generation.' What a thrill it is to be playing and singing with this man and his grand slam band.”

"Playing this run with Keen has been an honor," says Childers. "I'm extremely grateful for the welcome and encouragement Keen and his folks showed to the boys and me."

Keen and Childers will both be appearing August 10 and 11 at the Railbird Festival in Lexington, KY. They are set to perform together again on September 30 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, a show which sold-out in 2 hours.  

The Doobie Brothers announced today 6 additional headline tour dates for 2019. The shows begin on September 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and run through November 9 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Tickets will go on sale Friday, July 19, 2019, on www.ticketmaster.com. Limited VIP packages will be available. 

The Doobie Brothers also recently announced their latest release from Rhino Records, The Doobie Brothers: Live From The Beacon Theatre. The band returned to the legendary Beacon Theatre for the first time in 25 years to perform its landmark albums, Toulouse Street and The Captain And Me, in their entirety, plus a few select hits. This historic performance offered an opportunity for Doobie fans to hear deep cuts and songs never-before performed live by the band. Both audio and video of that special performance are available now in 2CD, 2CD/2DVD, and Blu-ray versions. 

The Doobie Brothers have been delivering mind-blowing, roots-based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven rock and roll for more than four decades, selling more than 48 million albums and winning four GRAMMY® Awards. Boasting one of the most loyal fan bases in music, The Doobie Brothers continue to write and record new material and tour the world. Their No. 1 singles “Black Water” and “What a Fool Believes," both gold, lead a catalog of indelible songs that include: “Listen to the Music,” “China Grove,”  “Jesus Is Just All Right,” “Rockin’ Down the Highway,” “Long Train Runnin’,” “Take Me In Your Arms,” "Takin’ it to the Streets,” “Minute by Minute,” “You Belong to Me,” “The Doctor” and more. In all, the Doobies have tallied up five top 10 singles and 16 top 40 hits. Beginning with their multi-million-selling sophomore collection Toulouse Street, the Doobies have 3 multi-platinum, 7 platinum, and 14 Gold albums. Best of the Doobies has sold more than 12 million copies – a rare “diamond record.” The Doobie Brothers are back on the road for an extensive summer and fall tour across the U.S. For more information and tour dates, please visit www.thedoobiebrothers.com.

Principle members of the band, Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, and John McFee, are available for interviews. 

NEW HEADLINE TOUR DATES

Sept 15 - Pearl Concert Theater - Las Vegas, NV

Sept 18 - Spectrum Amphitheater - Bakersfield, CA

Sept 24 - Majestic Theatre - San Antonio, TX 

Sept 25 - Selena Auditorium - Corpus Christi, TX

Sept 27 - WinStar Casino - Thackerville, OK

Nov 9 - Golden Nugget Casino - Lake Charles, LA

Robert Earl Keen announces the launch of his eighth annual Christmas show with his most extensive tour yet! Following the success of his 2018 sold-out Christmas run, Keen and his band are expanding the tour to more cities than ever before, beginning December 2 in Greenville, South Carolina and concluding December 30 in Fort Worth, Texas. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 9, at 10:00 AM.  (Listing of tour dates below.)

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Keen’s theme for this year’s tour is COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS: Lunar Tunes & Looney Times.  He and his band will pay homage to the space race and all things celestial in an out-of-this-world evening of family holiday fun. “This show will turn on the psychedelactic jukebox and light up the tree of tranquility!” Keen adds. “The countdown begins now!”  In T-minus 122 days and counting, concertgoers will blast off with Keen's classic “Merry Christmas from the Family,” fan favorites, and unearthly covers from his band members. Ground Control reminds fans to grab their tickets before this lunar expedition sells out.

Opening the tour is Austin-based, swamp-pop-soul supergroup Shinyribs.

Huffington Post describes the annual concert series as “part comedy/variety show (think The Carol Burnett Show of old) and part musical cornucopia that’s full of pleasant surprises. It’s akin to Christmas morning, but one where Keen and his merry band of musicians continue to unwrap gifts you didn’t even know you were hoping for until they share them on stage.”

“Merry Christmas from the Family” first appeared on Keen’s 1994 album, Gringo Honeymoon. University of Texas Press released Keen’s companion book, also titled Merry Christmas from the Family, in 2005. 

Robert Earl Keen's Countdown to Christmas Tour:

Mon 12/2 - Greenville, SC - Peace Center
Tue 12/3 - Charleston, SC - Charleston Music Hall
Wed 12/4 - Durham, NC - Carolina Theatre
Thu 12/5 - New York, NY - Town Hall
Fri 12/6 - Washington, DC - Lincoln Theatre
Sat 12/7 - Bristol, TN - Paramount Center for the Arts
Sun 12/8 - Charlottesville, VA - Jefferson Theater
Tue 12/10 - Charlotte, NC - Knight Theater
Wed 12/11 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
Sun 12/15 - Chattanooga, TN - Walker Theatre
Tues 12/17 - Fayetteville, AR - Walton Arts Center
Thu 12/26 - Oklahoma City, OK - The Jones Assembly
Sat 12/28 - Memphis, TN - Germantown Performing Arts Center
Sun 12/29 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
Mon 12/30 - Fort Worth, TX - Bass Performance Hall

John Henry tackles heavy social issues set to melodies that aren't afraid to be pretty on the most personal and passionate release of his career titled Out at Sea and available today on all streaming platforms. The project was inspired by the tragic and cataclysmic loss of a band member from suicide and Henry set out to raise awareness and funds to support mental health and challenges facing millions of Americans through his music. Over $4,000 was initially raised and donated to the National Alliance of Mental Health chapter in St. Louis. 

“John Henry is the guy next door that’s cool and chill. Always easy and friendly. One day he invites me over for a beer and the talk turns to music. He’s been in bands and promoted shows for years and asks, “Do you want to hear some of my music?” I thought I’d listen to a song and then I’d be outta there, but he starts playing his music, and with every chord, every song, a transformation took place. Four hours and several beers later I said goodnight and went home saying to myself, “I live next door to a bonafide music star. Who would have thought it?” - Robert Earl Keen, singer/songwriter

About John Henry
Music fans in the Midwest know Henry as the hard-touring, guitar-slinging singer-songwriter, and founder of the annual Open Highway Music Festival. John has toured or shared the stage with artists such as Jason Isbell, Dwight Yoakam, Nathaniel Rateliff, and countless others, earning critical raves for his songwriting, record-making, and galvanizing live performances.

Henry's Out at Sea release show will be at The Pageant in St. Louis on Friday, November 13 with the Sleepy Rubies. The show is limited capacity, reserved seating, and COVID safety protocols will be enforced. Tickets are on sale now.

To learn more about John Henry visit www.johnhenrymusic.net. Listen to Out at Sea here.

Robert Earl Keen is pleased to present, in exclusive partnership with Nugs.TV, the world premiere of Western Chill, recorded live at his Snake Barn Movie Ranch Studios in Texas. The concert features 14 new and previously unrecorded tracks from Keen and his band. Tickets go on sale today at 12:00 p.m. EST, for the Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, November 21 at 8 p.m. CST, at Nugs.TV. 

"Western Chill is a full-band collaboration intended to evoke the serenity of the western lifestyle. So whether you’re high atop a horse on the high plains or kickin’ back watching the sunset or relaxing on your couch, or doing this on your boss’s time- Western Chill is made for you. So from all of us in the band- Bill, Tom, Brian, Kym and yours truly, and everyone at Snake Barn Movie Ranch Studios- we encourage you to embrace the will to chill," invites Keen. 

About Robert Earl Keen:
Singer, songwriter, and entertainer, Robert Earl Keen, has recorded 20 albums and performed thousands of shows. Keen is the host and creator of the Americana Podcast: the 51st State (AmericanaPodcast.com). His music ranges from country to bluegrass to rock, and his songs have been recorded by artists including George Strait, Lyle Lovett, Joe Ely, Montgomery Gentry, The Chicks, The Highwaymen, Gillian Welch, Todd Snider, and Shawn Colvin. Keen is a member of the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Texas Institute of Letters. BMI honored him as the first recipient of the Troubadour Award, and Texas A&M presented him with the Distinguished Alumni award for his philanthropic and charity work. Keen’s signature song is “The Road Goes On Forever.” (RobertEarlKeen.com)

The nearly five-hour New Year’s Eve livestream extravaganza was made to look seamless as if the viewer was along for the celebration until the ball dropped. In reality, all cylinders were firing behind-the-scenes from Emmy-winning production company, 7 Cinematics, to bring together multiple pre-produced, live to tape, and live performance segments into one epic production.

An estimated 150,0000 viewers joined The Avett Brothers en route from their homes to their New Year’s Eve event filmed at the Belk Theater in Charlotte, NC. The special, hosted by Dax Shepherd, included a full-band concert by The Avett Brothers and featured contributions from comedian Pete Holmes and from 15 special musical guests such as Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Taylor Goldsmith, Mandy Moore, Chris Sullivan, and Langhorn Slim. Following the event, viewers rode along with Seth and Scott Avett to their barn outside of Charlotte and joined them for a New Year’s toast followed by a more intimate acoustic performance.

7 Cinematics, known for exceeding at seemingly impossible feats and their ultra-cinematic productions, spent a month producing the special event behind-the-scenes, from overall creative development, conceptualization, creative vision, and then execution. The Avett Brothers' Lighting Director, Pete Schroth, and Jeff Crafill (SES) collaborated on lighting and stage design. Two full days of rehearsals and filming were required following COVID safety protocols.

In addition, 7 Cinematics produced an intimate performance of Seth Avett, Scott Avett, and bassist Bob Crawford offering a heartfelt rendition of their song “I Go To My Heart,” which aired last week on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The segment was filmed in the opera box of the Belk Theater using three cameras to capture the trio live-to-tape.

”We worked our magic to bring fans alongside The Avett Brothers for a special New Year’s Eve party and a separate guest performance for The Tonight Show. The response from viewers on both was incredible. We take pride in delivering successful, premiere music experiences in a compelling way while staying true to a band’s brand. The demand is exponential and we will continue to offer artists unlimited possibilities to connect with their fans,” says Adam Paul, CEO of 7 Cinematics.

Award-winning singer/songwriter Grace Pettis delivers her highly-anticipated, debut full album release on MPress Records titled Working Woman. The record is packed with rich storytelling, stirring vocals, and powerful featured guests including Indigo Girls (“Landon”), Ruthie Foster (“Pick Me Up”), Dar Williams (“Any Kind of Girl''), The Watson Twins (''Never Get It Back”), Gina Chavez (“Mean Something”) and Mary Bragg (“Paper Boat''). Produced by lauded singer/songwriter Mary Bragg and mixed by 2x Grammy® award winner Shani Gandhi (Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical), Working Woman debuted at #3 on the Top 5 Most Added AMA/CDX Americana Albums Chart and #25 on the RMR/Americana Country Chart and is available to stream or purchase today.

Praise

From the fed-up Miranda Lambert-esque sass on “I Ain’t Your Mama” to the quiet emotional desperation on “Paper Boat,” Pettis writes vibrant pictures of the world around us today with fierce accuracy and soulful grace.  – American Songwriter

“Working Woman by Grace Pettis is a triumph. The album features metaphor, exquisite storytelling, and melodic catchy songs by a courageous vocalist/songwriter who has chops to burn. A bright future is ahead.” – Rock & Blues Muse

“Overall Working Woman is the product of a stunningly gifted singer and songwriter that is ready to take her career to the next level.” – Twangville

“Grace has a melodic way of writing that not only stays in your head but reads what’s sitting in your soul. She writes what I’ve always wanted to say.” – Ruthie Foster

Pettis recently released her anthemic first single and video for "Working Woman," featured on DittyTV, CMT.com, and Americana Highways, as well as her “cosmic and cool” (The Boot) second track, "Never Get It Back" featuring The Watson Twins. Her Instant Grat track “Oklahoma” pays tribute to the great people of Oklahoma,” and “Landon,” featured on Folk Alley, offers a poignant apology to Pettis' high school best friend who came out as gay, and shares "the excruciating regret of betrayal and the redeeming power of love in her pure, ringing voice. American Songwriter's feature on Grace offered a First Listen of the album, calling Working Woman, "empowering, female-centric" and "well-rounded in its execution, Pettis sings about playground crushes, heartbreak, catcalling, and the badassery that is within every woman -- waiting to be unleashed."

Show Dates:

May 7 - McGonigel's Mucky Duck - Houston, TX
May 8 - Sagebrush w/ David Ramirez - Austin, TX
May 10 - Waterloo Records In-Store Livestream (Facebook)
May 14 - The Junction at Monroe - Tallahassee, FL
May 16 - Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center - Sarasota, FL
June 25 - Red Clay Music Foundry (Eddie Owen Presents) - Duluth, GA
July 15 - Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe - Galveston, TX

Grace is playing a few special acoustic and socially distant shows at her favorite venues to celebrate the album release. Tickets are available at gracepettis.com. More dates will be announced soon.

Robert Earl Keen announced today the first leg of his Feelin' Good Again Tour 2021. The shows begin on June 3 in Waco, Texas, with more dates to be announced soon. Tickets for the Feelin’ Good Again Tour 2021 are available for purchase on Friday, June 4, at 10 AM CST at robertearlkeen.com.

The Feelin' Good Again Tour 2021 will feature Keen's favorites tracks from his 19 albums, including the fan-favorite homecoming anthem, "Feelin' Good Again," penned by Keen and inspired by the sentiment of returning home after a long time gone. Join Robert and his band for their high-energy, not-to-be missed return to live music.

Tour Dates:

June 3* - Waco, TX - The Backyard
June 4* - Christoval, TX - Cooper's BBQ Live
June 5* - Midland, TX - The Rusty Bucket BBQ and Tavern
June 6* - Bertram, TX - The Globe Theatre
June 26* - Irving, TX - The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
July 3* - Amarillo, TX - Starlight Ranch
July 4* - Kerrville, TX - Louise Hays Park
July 9* - Austin, TX - Nutty Brown Café and Amphitheatre
July 16 - Belton, TX - Schoepf’s BBQ
July 20 - Jackson, WY - Center for the Arts
July 21 - Jackson, WY - Center for the Arts
July 22 - Helena, MT - Lewis & Clark Brewery
July 23 - Livingston, MT - Pine Creek Lodge
July 24* - Big Sky, MT - PBR Rodeo
July 25 - Bozeman, MT - Armory Music Hall
July 26 - Missoula, MT - The Wilma
July 27 - Billings, MT - Red Oxx Event Lawn
July 29 - Lander, WY - Chamber Park Stage
July 30 - Denver, CO - Grizzly Rose
July 31 - Dillon, CO - Dillon Amphitheatre
Aug 12* - Park City, KS - Hartman Arena **With The Avett Brothers
Aug 13* - Rogers, AR - Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion  **With The Avett Brothers
Aug 14* - El Dorado, AR - Murphy Arts District Amphitheatre  **With The Avett Brothers
Aug 26 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues New Orleans
Aug 27 - Oxford, MS - The Lyric Oxford
Aug 28 - Montgomery, AL - The Hog Days of Summer
Sept 10 - Frankfort, KY - Grand Theatre Frankfort
Sept 12 - Bloomington, IL - The Castle Theatre
Sept 13 - St. Louis, MO - Off Broadway
Sept 14 - St. Louis, MO - Off Broadway
Sept 15 - Cincinnati, OH - Memorial Hall 
Sept 16* - Owensboro, KY - ROMP Festival
Sept 17 - Decatur, AL - Princess Theatre Center
Sept 18 - Eureka Springs, AR - The Auditorium
Sept 24 - Helotes, TX - John T. Floore’s Country Store

*previously announced

Americana singer/songwriter, David Starr, announces the release of “Closer To You” off of his forthcoming EP, Better Me. An energetic love song, Starr’s soulful vocals shine on the track along with rich layered guitars and meaningful lyrics, resulting in a sound that is classic and still all his own. Out today, the track is available on all digital platforms.

“Closer To You” was born shortly after moving to Starr’s now beloved hometown of Cedaredge in Colorado in 2001. “I was in the process of building a home there and was tending to a small campfire on the rural property as I burned some scrap building materials. The sun was setting behind the mountain and the sparks rising into the dark gave me standing here in this light, I am reminded of my time on this earth,” Starr shares. In that moment it was all about perspective. Sometimes the vast open sky provides that. From there, the song just felt like a gift. I’ve always wanted to re-record it with a good band and that’s just what we did on this version!”

Produced by Starr and Mark Prentice, the track features John Prentice and Dan Dugmore on electric guitar, Matt Bubel on drums, Mark Prentice on bass and keyboards, Michelle Prentice on background vocals, and Starr on acoustic guitar.

Fresh off of a two week tour in the UK and Ireland, Starr has been performing non-stop this summer season across Colorado, Montana, and Texas; including a sold-out show with longtime collaborator, John Oates. Affirming he is a mainstay in the Folk/Americana genre, Starr is an official showcasing artist at both Americana Fest and Southwest Regional Folk Alliance this fall. Fans can also see him on the road opening for platinum-selling band America in Grand Junction, CO at The Avalon August 20. Starr’s fall tour will extend through November with stops in Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, and California.

To listen to “Closer To You” click here.

To learn more please visit www.DavidStarrMusic.com

ABOUT DAVID STARR
David Starr possesses “a compelling voice, something truly special, both accessible and passionate” (Elmore), that has been honed releasing ten albums, touring internationally, and opening shows for esteemed artists such as John Oates (Hall & Oates), America, Karla Bonoff, The Steel Wheels, Survivor, and more. His latest project, Touchstones, featured a new digital single release every month for one year, culminating in a full album in December 2021. During a year where COVID-19 stopped the world in its tracks, Starr took time to reflect on and experience anew the music that shaped his own, and put his own spin on a number of classics such as "I've Got To Use My Imagination" (Gladys Knight), "Drive" (The Cars), and "These Days" (Jackson Browne). Touchstones follows Starr’s acclaimed February 2020 record, Beauty & Ruin. Produced and arranged by John Oates, the collection of songs was inspired by Of What Was, Nothing Is Left, a novel written by Starr’s grandfather in 1972. Starr’s prestige extends beyond the stage as well, having launched Starr’s Guitars in Little Rock in 1998, then relocating to Cedaredge in 2001. Today, the store is such an institution that Cedaredge proclaimed the musician’s birthday as David Starr Day in 2016. Starr was also instrumental in the 2018 opening of the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center, an intimate event space brought to fruition through strong community support. His latest EP, Better Me, includes the title track as the first single, with a new collection of long-awaited originals to follow including “Closer To You” out August 19.

Singer/songwriter Jesse Lynn Madera is set to kick off the New Year, unveiling her boisterous new single, "Austin," produced by Dan Navarro (Lowen & Navarro) and, (seven-time Grammy winner) Jim Scott (Tedeschi Trucks Band and Wilco). The lead track from the upcoming album, Speed of Sound, showcases Madera's infectious melodies and captivating vocals in its sexy road-tripping adventure. With a nod to Southern rock but equally rooted in Americana, Austin is 100% irresistible! This song hits all streaming platforms on January 19 and is available to pre-save now!

Madera, who grew up in Texas, was inspired by her own real-life teenage adventures: "When I was a teenager growing up in Houston, I used to sneak off on the weekend to go hang with a guy who was in veterinary school at Texas A&M. The song is about the rush of feelings when lust meets the thrill of the road although I did replace the city of Houston with LA, only to better fit the flow of the song."

Reflecting on the production, Madera notes, "The producers said they could almost see the heat radiating from the track and they set out to capture that energy they envisioned of me running wild." In addition to Brian Whelan (Dwight Yoakum) providing harmonies and the electric guitar solo, John “JT” Thomas (Bruce Hornsby) literally and figuratively brought the heart to the keys in his first studio session following his recovery from heart surgery.  

"Austin'' offers a tantalizing preview of what's to come from Madera's forthcoming album, Speed of Sound, produced by Navarro, Scott and Ryan Hadlock (Zach Bryan, The Lumineers). Speed of Sound is at once deeply intimate and widely meaningful as Jesse takes listeners on a cinematic, storytelling musical journey. Her vocal stylings are reminiscent of some of our most searingly empowered, vulnerable female artists and singer-songwriters of the Lilith Fair performances with a touch of the effervescent country lilt of a young Dolly at times. Her captivating manner to perform with both transparency and sensibility through a vast emotional range has caused critics and peers alike to take note and add her to the list of ones to closely watch. Whether you sit back to savor the personal stories told with an almost haunting sincerity or jump to your feet with the foot-stomping anthems, Madera beckons us to come along for the entire sweet - and often exhilarating - ride.

Americana Artist David Starr announces a new acoustic record with mandolin player Erik Stucky, aptly titled Starr & Stucky. The debut single “Good As Gone” is available on all streaming platforms today, after an exclusive preview from Americana Highways. The driving single is the perfect introduction to the project, giving listeners an intimate look at what their dynamic live show is all about. Recorded in one take at Addiction Sound Studios in Nashville, TN, Starr demonstrates his chops as an accomplished singer/songwriter, with Stucky adding tasteful mandolin parts hot off the strings.

The uptempo leaving song is always a fan-favorite at live shows. On writing the song, Starr shares, “‘Good As Gone’ was originally just a riff in an alternate tuning I happened upon one morning. As I played with it, the idea of a traveling song began to develop. Within a few minutes, I had what felt like an ‘anywhere but here, get out on the road’ kind of tune. This song is so much fun to play for live audiences; Erik’s mandolin work always brings the crowd to their feet!”

Starr & Stucky have been performing together for the better part of seven years, meeting originally in the mountains of Colorado; Stucky’s home state and Starr’s homebase. Together they have gone on to perform at Nashville’s esteemed AmericanaFest, open for acts such as America and Jim Messina, and tour the US, UK, and Ireland, with another UK tour scheduled for this spring.

Starr will continue his rigorous touring schedule of 100+ dates a year while also running his beloved guitar store, Starr’s Guitars, and spearheading the inaugural year of the Grand Mesa Songwriting festival, hosted in his hometown of Cedaredge, CO. A series of singles from Starr & Stucky will be released leading up to the full album later this year.

To listen to “Good As Gone” please visit: https://hypeddit.com/davidstarr/goodasgone

Learn more about David Starr at www.DavidStarrMusic.com