Songwriter, bassist and banjo player Ashleigh Caudill's take on traditional folklore is catching the ears of both music enthusiasts in Nashville and beyond. Her newest collection, Looney Bird, is out April 1, and creates a journey full of adventure, hope and love lost and found.

Caudill's new album is brimming with the promise Nashville's young music scene has to offer, thanks to the help of talent including Jenni Lyn Gardner (Della Mae), Caroline Spence and David Grier. Co-produced with Jim Hurst, the album "exemplifies one of the most exciting musical trends to be heard today," according to award-winning songwriter and bluegrass staple Jon Weisberger - that is, traditional roots music with a new spin, a different take on the themes and sounds that have shaped American music past.

Though eight of the 12 songs were solo writes by Caudill, she does enlist Weisberger on "Wait for the Sun to Shine Again," a foray into the importance of keeping hope alive, while "Living on the Countryside" is a bright opener to the collection, and songs like "Looney Bird" and "Franklin County" offer a unique approach to traditional bluegrass.

A celebrated bassist, Caudill has played with Angaleena Presley (Pistol Annies), David Grier, Jenni Lyn Gardner (Della Mae), Charlie Sizemore, and Jon Stickley, among many others. She grew up in a musical family in Colorado and began playing bass at an early age, which helped her achieve a scholarship to prestigious Berklee College of Music. In Boston, she discovered her love of both clawhammer banjo and songwriting. Caudill placed second in Merlefest's Chris Austin Songwriting Contest two years in a row, and one of those songs, "Row by Row," was recorded by Balsam Range. It reached number one of the Billboard Gospel chart, was nominated for the International Bluegrass Music Association's recorded gospel performance of the year and was part of the album, Papertown, which won album of the year.

Now a resident of Nashville, Tenn., Caudill's life has taken on an air of the adventure she sings about - sometimes living in her van (named Shevannegains), remaining dedicated to her love of music and storytelling. Her sweet yet powerful vocals, mellow tones of her open back banjo and old-timey storytelling tradition have caught the attention of listeners and celebrated media including Bluegrass Unlimited.

Caudill will tour this summer in support of Looney Bird, beginning with release shows in Colorado:

February 25 - Stem Ciders - Denver, CO

February 27 - City Star Brewery - Berthoud, CO

February 28 - Old Town House Concerts - Fort Collins, CO

Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal create a combination of soul, funk and R&B that's, in a word, electric. The group's blend of honest lyrics and sometimes in-your-face delivery is next displayed on Running from Love, their new album produced by Ken Coomer (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo) out today, April 8, 2016, on Silver Street Records.

Running from Love, the band's third full-length album, features Hoyer's trademark vocals and his top-notch band. Funky, groove-laden tracks like "Searchers" and  "Soul Mechanic" are juxtaposed by soulful ballads like "Parts of A Man" and "Evening Train," each taking listeners on a journey through the struggle to find contentment, the desire to change the world in front us for the better and the universal need for more love.

"We are constantly writing our future history. We believe that it's our work, ideas, drive and conviction that will continue to show that love is the only path to righteousness," Hoyer said. "This album is representative of that; if there's any hope for humanity, you gotta know that my heart lies in yours and your heart lies in me."

Recorded at Nashville's Sound Emporium, the project began after producer Ken Coomer heard about the band's live show - a high-energy display of musicianship with one goal each night, to have the crowd dancing so much they forget even their smallest troubles. Inspired by Stax, Motown, New Orleans, Philly and San Francisco, the six-piece continuously crosses musical boundaries both in style and era.

The hard-working band completed several national tours in 2015, playing more than 150 shows in 32 states, including opening for R&B legends George Clinton/Funkadelic and Booker T Jones. During small breaks from relentless touring, Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal also released a live album, Cooked Raw, in November on limited edition vinyl.

Cooked Raw caught the attention of Glide, Elmore and Mix magazines, among others. No Depression said, "If James Brown and Otis Redding had a love child, it would be Josh Hoyer. The Lincoln, Nebraska, soul shouter, and his band of merry soulsters, Soul Colossal, deliver a sound so big, so funky, so wring-the-sweat-out-of-you energetic that it reaches through the speakers and shakes you until you start moving to its groove."

Running From Love is set for release on April 8, 2016, on Silver Street Records, and will be released on vinyl, CD and digital formats.

The band will support the release of the new album with a tour through the Midwest and Southern markets, including Omaha, Denver, Milwaukee, Madison, Minneapolis, Chicago, St Louis, Indianapolis and Nashville, among others. 

Learn more:  www.joshhoyer.com

Tal Wilkenfeld is a musical marvel; the kind of dynamic young talent whose fresh vision and uncanny intuition puts a whole new perspective on an age-old art form. Like a muse-lit meteor, Tal blazed onto the music scene as a teen, sitting in with the Allman Brothers within months of her 2006 arrival in New York City. By the end of 2007, she had released her acclaimed, instrumental debut, Transformation, and hit the road with Chick Corea. Tal went on to appeared on A&E with Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, then joined Jeff Beck's world tour for what culminated in her global breakout moment. Her performance at Eric Clapton's 2007 Crossroads Festival in Chicago, which has generated more than 10 million plays on YouTube.

Wilkenfeld has recorded with such legendary artists as: Prince, Macy Gray, Trevor Rabin, Jackson Browne, Joe Walsh, Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson, Toto, Todd Rundgren and Ryan Adams. She has toured with Jeff Beck which found her backing guests like Sting, Clapton, Jimmy Page, Mick Jagger, Steven Tyler, Buddy Guy, David Gilmour.

Wilkenfeld chose direct-to-fan leaders, PledgeMusic, to release her latest record so she could bring her fans inside the creative process. The new music is an intoxicating, intimate reimagining of the singer-songwriter idiom. The singles are comprised of improvisational sonic bloodlines, rock energy and intensity, and lyrics rich in both realism and folk symbolism-all delivered by Tal's vibrant, revealing vocals and with her world-class musicianship.

"I can't wait for you guys to hear my new music! Thank you for your support, and for pledging for my album!"

When fans pre-order the record, they'll get an instant download of Some of the single "Corner Painter". They will also get the AccessPass and be able to see the campaign only behind-the-scenes exclusives - videos, pictures, and more. Other exclusive items available are:

MUSIC & MERCHANDISE:

* An exclusive water bottle from The Who Tour. A fantastic matte black water canteen 40oz with Tal Wilkenfeld's logo and name printed across it.

* The new CD, signed by Tal.

* The TW Deluxe Bundle which includes the new album on CD and on 220g vinyl plus a Tal T-shirt from The Who Tour.

* A TW USB stick. A handy 2GB sleek, metal, USB stick engraved with Tal's name and filled with the HD audio mixes of the New Album. (Final product design TBA)

* A beautiful print 24" x 18" poster of Tal and her dog, stylized. Perfect for framing and having as a collector's piece. In classic black and white color and signed by Tal.

* A beautiful print 24" x 18" poster of Tal and her dog, stylized. Perfect for framing and having as a collector's piece. In classic black and white color.

* An exclusive Tal T-shirt from The Who Tour.

* A TW signed bundle which includes a signed copy of the new album on CD and a copy of the new album on 220g vinyl, signed and numbered by Tal.

* A copy of the new album on 220g vinyl, signed and numbered by Tal.

GEAR:

* A TC - Flashback delay signed by Tal and pre-programmed with Tal's tone print.

* A VB-2w Vibrato pedal signed by Tal

* A BC-1x Bass Compressor signed by Tal

* A Micro Cube Bass RX signed by Tal

* A TU-3 Chromatic Tuner signed by Tal

* A TC-Hall Of Fame reverb, signed by Tal and pre-programmed with Tal's tone print.

* A Micro Cube GX signed by Tal

* A BB-1x Bass Driver signed by Tal

EXPERIENCES:

* A personalized recorded video message from Tal wishing you a Happy Birthday.

* Attend a live recording session with Tal on May 15th - One ticket for you to attend an in-person live recording session with Tal, her band, and legendary engineer/producer Alan Parsons producing on May 15th at 1pm at the Village Recording Studios in Los Angeles. Includes meet and greet, Q&A, and a listening party to hear some new songs from the forthcoming album. For an additional $300 you can come to the session early for the setup and watch Alan Parsons mic the drums. Travel and accommodations not included.

* A jam session with Tal and her band - Come into the rehearsal space and jam with Tal and her band in LA! Take home an audio recording so you can remember the experience. Max of 5 people. Travel costs to LA not included. Date TBD.

* A private duo concert with Jackson Browne the comfort of your own home, or at a private event! You will help create the set-list from any of Jackson and Tal's songs, plus some covers! Available anywhere in the USA. All expenses are included. No videotaping allowed. Maximum attendance of 100 people.)

* A full band house concert in your own home, anywhere in the US.

* An acoustic house concert in your own home, anywhere in the US.

* A 60-minute Skype/FaceTime or Google Hangout bass lesson.

* Tal and Vinnie Colaiuta play on your record - Have Jeff Beck's rhythm section play on your record! Three hour (up to 4 songs) and six hour (up to 8 songs) sessions available. Does not include studio time. Outside of LA, additional travel costs may need to be assessed. No video recording, only standard studio session recording.

To pre-order the record, please visit: www.pledgemusic.com/projects/talwilkenfeld

North Carolina-based Americana band Yarn knows all about finding opportunity in cloudy situations. Their new album, This is the Year, is a celebration of the light that shines through when life gets tough and the future seems uncertain. The album is out Friday, May 27, 2016, on Ardsley Music/Red Bush Records.

"We were dealing with real life issues. Broken relationships, a sense of having to regroup and put some things - and people - behind us. The new songs became kind of a catharsis. Nothing was contrived. We didn't have to relate to it in the third person," Blake Christiana said. "We were living these circumstances, and that gave us the impetus and inspiration to share our sentiments. Ultimately those setbacks and difficulties led to new opportunities and allowed a little light to shine through."

The record seamlessly blends vibrant back porch melodies and narrative, descriptive lyrics about a particularly tumultuous time in the life of the band. Inspired by Waylon and Willie, Merle Haggard and other Texas troubadours with distinctly renegade reputations, This is the Year is the resolution the band reached after a period of real life challenges left the band splintered and unsure what was next. Internal tensions were simmering. A new album was scrapped. A major move from Brooklyn to North Carolina added to the uncertainty.

This Is the Year is all about re-evaluating relationships, making tough choices and sometimes skirting the rules - a page from the book of the musicians they admire. The album opens with "Carolina Heart," an homage to the band's new home; the boldy optimistic "This is the Year" is juxtaposed by tracks like  "Love:Hate" and "Now You're Gone," which detail the challenges faced when one's life is jolted off its bearings. Scattered throughout are playful tunes, like "Sweet Dolly," which pays tribute to Americana's first lady, the sweet-sounding epitome of reinvention and breaking the rules.

Since 2005, Yarn has received a Grammy nomination, nods from the Americana Music Association, placed top five on Radio and Records and the AMA album charts, garnered airplay on Sirius XM, iTunes, Pandora, CNN, CMT and they were the "Download of the Day" from Rolling Stone. They shared stages with superstars including Dwight Yoakam, Charlie Daniels, Marty Stuart, Allison Krauss, Leon Russell, and Jim Lauderdale, and performed at prestigious venues including Mountain Stage, Daytrotter, the Orange Peel, the Fox Theater, the 9:30 Club, South by Southwest and more. They have accumulated more than 1,000 shows, half a million miles and performed in 32 states. They've paid their dues and then some.

For Christiana, bassist Rick Bugel, singer guitarist Rod Hohl and drummer Bobby Bonhomme, the band's sixth album is emancipation; a change in direction, a chance to express themselves just as they like. The title is appropriate - this is their year to look forward. To take chances.

Tour Dates:

April 22 - Mifflinburg, PA - Rusty Rail

April 23 - Frostburg, MD - Dante's

April 27 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Bowl *

April 29 - Thomas, WV - The Purple Fiddle

May 5 - Charlottesville, VA - The Southern

May 6 - Washington, D.C. - Gypsy Sally's

May 7 - Andover, NJ - Yarn at the Barn **

May 26 - May 29 - Axton, VA - Rooster Walk 8 ***

June 3 - Cloverdale, CA - Friday Night Live

June 4 - Nevada City, CA - Crazy Horse

June 5 - Felton, CA - Redwood Faire

June 18 - Critz, VA - Bushels & Barrels

June 21 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Ark

June 22 - Chicago - Beat Kitchen

June 23 - Menasha, WI - The Source Public House

June 24 - Milwaukee, WI - Famous Dave's 

June 25 - Davenport, IA - The Redstone Room

June 26 - Kansas City, MO - The Tank Room

June 27 - St. Louis, MO - The Demo

June 28 - Nashville, TN - Acme Feed & Seed

June 29 - Decatur, GA - Eddie's Attic

June 30 - Asheville, NC - The Altamonte Theatre

July 1 - Greensboro, NC - The Blind Tiger

July 2 - Charleston, SC - The Pour House

July 3 - Ocracoke, NC - Macnally's

July 4 - Raleigh, NC - Red Hat Amphitheater

July 8 - Red Wing Roots Music Festival 

July 9 - Blacksburg, VA - 622 North

July 16 - Leesburg, VA - Smokehouse Live

August 4 - Denver, CO - The Walnut Room

August 5 - Crested Butte, CO - Crested Butte Music Festival

August 6 - Pueblo, CO - Songbird Cellars

August 20 - Charlotte, NC - Triple C Brewing Company

September 9 - Richmond, VA - The Broadberry

September 15 - Masontown, WV - Deep Roots Mountain Revival

September 16 - Masontown, WV - Deep Roots Mountain Revival

September 17 - Masontown, WV - Deep Roots Mountain Revival

September 18 - Masontown, WV - Deep Roots Mountain Revival

October 31 - Rocky Mount, VA - Harvester Performance Center

* with the Hackensaw Boys

** with Todd Sheaffer

*** with Sam Bush Band

On June 17th, Morrison Hotel Gallery will honor Dave Matthews Band's 25th anniversary with an immersive photo exhibit spanning the band's quarter century history.  The show will feature the collected work of the band's favorite photographs and photographers. The exhibit will be open to the public from June 17th thru July 10th.  All images in the exhibit are available for purchase at www.morrisonhotelgallery.com. During that time, the band will be playing in the region as part of their summer tour, but will be taking a break from touring in 2017.

Dave Matthews Band formed in Charlottesville in early 1991 when vocalist/guitarist Dave Matthews sought out a few local musicians - including drummer Carter Beauford, saxophonist LeRoi Moore, bassist Stefan Lessard and violinist Boyd Tinsley - to help him record a demo of some songs he had written.  RCA Records signed Dave Matthews Band and released its first studio album, Under The Table and Dreaming, in 1994.  Dave Matthews Band has sold more than 20 million tickets since its inception and a collective 38 million CDs and DVDs combined.  It is the first group in history to have six consecutive studio albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 - Before These Crowded Streets, Everyday, Busted Stuff, Stand Up, Big Whiskey & the GrooGrux King and Away from the World.

The photographers showing in this exhibit will be C. Taylor Crothers, Danny Clinch, Rene Huemer, Sam Erickson, and band member Stefan Lessard.

Danny Clinch has established himself as one of the premier photographers of the popular music scene. He has photographed a wide range of artists, from Johnny Cash to Tupac Shakur, from Bjork to Bruce Springsteen. His work has appeared in publications such as

Vanity Fair, Spin, Rolling Stone, GQ, Esquire, The New Yorker and The New York Times Magazine, among others. Clinch has presented work in numerous galleries and published three books: Discovery Inn (1998), When the Iron Bird Flies (2000), and Still Moving (2014).

C. Taylor Crothers was born in Rising Sun, MD in 1971, graduating Washington & Lee University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1993.  A self-taught photographer, Crothers moved to New York City in 1995 and quickly established himself as a go-to shooter in the entertainment industry. While initially known for his live performance photography, Crothers expanded his repertoire into record label work, magazine features, and celebrity portraits. His credits in entertainment include countless album and publicity shoots for nearly every record label from the 1990's through the present, dozens of concert tours for Dave Matthews Band and Phish, thirteen years at Bonnaroo, and numerous tours with AC/DC. He was the set photographer for two IMAX films and several MTV series. In recent years, Crothers has continued his entertainment work, while also diversifying into architectural and fine art aerial photography. Much of this work is done flying in helicopters or atop skyscrapers. Crothers still draws from his earliest lessons in live concert photography. The privilege of access, lack of a safety net, and need to capture a moment, regardless of situation.

Sam Erickson has had a long and varied career documenting the creative process of rock musicians. Originally from Charlottesville VA, Sam got his break in the industry when his friends in Dave Matthews Band asked him to take some pictures for their debut album. A multi-decade creative relationship ensued.  As a rock photographer, Sam has created arresting images of such icons as Dave Matthews Band, Bob Dylan, Steve Winwood and Jon Bon Jovi. His love of music - and his deep interest in the creative processes behind it - eventually drew him into video and film, as he went on to direct concert DVDs, music videos, and documentaries featuring some of the most influential musicians and performers of our time: Bob Dylan, John Mayer, My Morning Jacket, and Steve Winwood, as well as such Nashville fixtures as Kris Kristofferson, Keith Urban, and Brooks & Dunn. More recently, Erickson created documentary and performance series for cable television, including the gonzo travel show Young Broke & Beautiful for IFC and a series for American Express called Pairings, which brings together musicians, chefs, and winemakers. Currently Sam is Head of Production for Arcade Creative Group, a division of Sony Music creating music and branded content. 

Aaron Farrington is a photographer and filmmaker living in Virginia. In 2008 he began working with longtime DMB lighting designer Fenton Williams on several projects, including the Boyd Tinsley film Faces in the Mirror, the music video for the Away From the World song "Rooftop," and video content for Dave Matthews Band's live shows. He has also photographed and made videos for many other artists, including Old Crow Medicine Show, Mike Doughty, Vusi Mahlasela, and the North Mississippi Allstars. But mostly he makes wet plate photographs of mannequins and walks in the woods taking pictures of mushrooms and turtles.

Rene Huemer is a Vienna, Austria based photographer with a passion for people, music and travel.  Rene's dedication to photography has led to a portfolio brimming with live concert images and intimate portraits for some of the largest names in music: The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Leonard Cohen, Amanda Palmer, Skin, Lemmy and ZZ Top to name a few.  His work has appeared in both print and digital publications such as Rolling Stone, Relix, Esquire, The Red Bulletin and Jazzed.  Rene accompanies both Dave Matthews Band and Phish as an official tour photographer.

Stefan Lessard

is more commonly known as the bassist in Dave Matthews Band.  Through his travels with the band, he developed a love for photography and quickly honed his craft by documenting many of the beautiful places the band has toured.  His photograph in this show is of the Gorge, in George WA, where the band has played over 50 times and has become a quintessential fan destination. 

About Morrison Hotel® Gallery

Morrison Hotel® Gallery (MHG) was founded in 2001 by former record company executive Peter Blachley, music retail industry professional Richard Horowitz, and legendary music photographer Henry Diltz.

MHG is the world's leading brand in fine art music photography representing over 100 of the world's finest music photographers and their archives. Their vast catalog of photography encompasses jazz, blues, and rock imagery spanning several generations through to today's contemporary music artists and now includes iconic photographs in the world of sports as well. MHG has a robust online presence, featuring over 50,000 images searchable by photographer, music artist, band or concert.

One year after releasing Soul Searching, his tribute to the musical histories of Memphis and Nashville, GRAMMY ® winner Jim Lauderdale draws influence from Texas for his 28th album, This Changes Everything.

Releasing September 30th on Lauderdale's own label, Sky Crunch Records, This Changes Everything was largely recorded during a single day in Austin. There, faced with a quick break in a recent summertime tour, Lauderdale rounded up a cast of all-star sideman from the Lone Star 

state -- including producer and pedal steel player Tommy Detamore, drummer Tom Lewis (Heybale, Whitney Rose), pianist Floyd Domino (an original member of Asleep at the Wheel), Bobby Flores (George Strait's longtime fiddle player), Kevin Smith (bass player for Willie Nelson), Chris Masterson (one-half of the Mastersons, as well as Steve Earle's electric guitarist), vocalists Brennen Leigh, Noel McKay and Sunny Sweeney -- and recorded 11 songs, all of which were originally written by Lauderdale and a handful of Texas-based songwriters. Filling the album's tracklist are co-writes with Bruce Robison ("There is a Horizon," "This Changes Everything"), Hayes Carll ("Drive"), Daryl Burgess ("All the Rage in Paris," previously recorded by the Derailers and Randy Rogers Band with Johnny Bush), Odie Blackmon ("Lost In The Shuffle"), and Frank Dycus ("It All Started And Ended With You," "The Weakness Of Two Heart," "I'll Still Be Around").

Rounding out the album is a new version of "We Really Shouldn't Be Doing This," one of Lauderdale's fourteen songs recorded by Texas superstar George Strait. Fittingly, Strait will travel to Nashville to present Lauderdale with the WagonMaster Lifetime Achievement award at this month's Americana Honors & Awards show. The annual ceremony, which kicks off the 2016 Americana Music Festival at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, September 21st, has been hosted by Lauderdale for 14 years, adding another bulletpoint to one of the most celebrated resumes in Americana music.

Lauderdale has been an ambassador for the Americana genre for years, not only releasing more than two dozen albums of award-winning American roots music, but also emceeing the acclaimed radio show Music City Roots. Along the way, he's collaborated with legends like Buddy Miller, Ralph Stanley, and Robert Hunter. The WagonMaster award recognizes an Americana pioneer whose career continues to roll ahead, leaving a large legacy in its wake.

"I was already a fan of George Strait when he began recording my songs," says Lauderdale, "and his support really opened up a lot of doors for me. It allowed me to make the kind of music I want to make, and release it the way I want to release it. It allowed me to create. This award is one of the most important things to happen to me, in my life and my career."

Lauderdale's latest creation, This Changes Everything, presents the songwriter's own version of the traditional Texas dancehall sound, filled with shuffles, rave-ups, plenty of sharp songwriting and appearances by a handful of genuine Texas legends. For a wagon master who's nowhere near the end of his journey, This Changes Everything marks the latest stop in a longer trek.

For more information, please visit http://www.jimlauderdale.com/.

Track listing:

1. This Changes Everything (3:32)

2. You Turn Me Around (2:07)

3. It All Started And Ended With You (4:03)

4. The Weakness Of Two Hearts (3:15)

5. Lost In The Shuffle (3:10)

6. There Is A Horizon (2:51)

7. All The Rage In Paris (4:22)

8. Nobody's Fault (3:07)

9. I'll Still Be Around (2:54)

10. We Really Shouldn't Be Doing This (2:26)

11. Drive (3:47)

On Tour:

Sept. 17 - The Station Inn - Nashville, TN

Sept. 21 - Ryman Auditorium (Americana Honors & Awards show) - Nashville, TN

Sept. 23 - 3rd & Lindsley (Album release show, Americana Fest showcase) - Nashville, TN

Sept. 24 - Country Music Hall of Fame (Americana Fest) - Nashville, TN

Sept. 24 - Grand Ole Opry - Nashville, TN

Sept. 29 - Evening Muse - Charlotte, NC

Sept. 30 - The ArtsCenter - Carrboro, NC

Oct. 1 - IBMA (Davie Street Stage) - Raleigh, NC

Oct. 2 - Muddy Creek Music Hall - Winston Salem, NC

Oct. 7, 8, 9 - The Festy Experience - Arrington, VA

Oct. 14 - PReTTy CooL MuSic - St. Augustine, FL

Oct. 15, 16 - Suwannee Roots Revival - Live Oak, FL

Oct. 20 - CSI Fine Arts Auditorium - Twin Falls, ID

Oct. 21 - Admiral Theatre - Bremerton, WA

Oct. 22 - Edmonds Center for the Arts - Edmonds, WA

Oct. 28 - Fogartyville Community Media & Arts - Sarasota, FL

Oct. 29 - Derry Dawn - Winter Haven, FL

Nov. 4 - Jonathan's - Ogunquit, ME

Nov. 5 -Milton Art Center - Milton, MA

For five decades, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has remained one of the most iconic names in American roots music. With one foot planted in the traditions of country-folk and the other pointing toward something new and unexpected, the group continues to tour and release music, influencing multiple generations of audiences and artists along the way. Nearly a dozen of those artists join the group on this year's Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends - Circlin' Back: Celebrating 50 Years concert album, available as a CD or as a CD/DVD combo, due out September 30th on the band's own NGDB Records, LLC, distributed by Warner Music Nashville. Today, LA Times is premiering the video for "Truthful Parson Brown" -- watch here.

Recorded live at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends captures a group of longtime road warriors who've yet to lose their grit, joined onstage by John Prine, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Jerry Jeff Walker, Alison Krauss, Rodney Crowell, Byron House, and Jerry Douglas.  Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (and early Dirt Band member) Jackson Browne joined in, along with longtime member Jimmy Ibbotson, while a sold-out crowd sings along in the background. From country classics to deep cuts, the tracklist finds bandmates Jeff Hanna (guitars/vocals), Jimmie Fadden (drums/harmonica/vocals), Bob Carpenter (keyboards/accordion/vocals) and John McEuen (banjo/fiddle/guitar/mandolin) swapping harmonies, trading solos, and shining new light on a catalog of vital, vibrant music.

Long before Americana music had a name, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band helped lead the charge, mixing elements of country, bluegrass, folk, mountain music, and rock & roll into a sound that celebrated the full range of American music. The guys were traditionalists and trendsetters, performing songs that nodded to the past while still pushing toward the future. Released in 1972 - just six years after the group formed in Southern California - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Will the Circle Be Unbroken still stands as one of the most beloved albums in the country catalog, pairing the young band with legends like Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, and Mother Maybelle Carter.

Many decades have passed since that milestone album's release, with the members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band now enjoying their own legendary status. They continue to blur lines between genres, however, and the upcoming Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends accomplishes something very similar to the classic Will the Circle Be Unbroken, pairing the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with the hit-makers, rule-breakers, and iconic figures of today's roots music community. This time, Hanna, Fadden, Carpenter, and McEuen are the elder statesmen, passing down their influence and inspiration to a younger class without giving up the torch just yet. There's more music to be made, after all. More shows to play. Another half-century to chase down. The circle rolls on.

For more information, please visit http://www.nittygritty.com/.

Today, Jim Lauderdale, a longtime ambassador of the Americana genre, releases his 28th album, This Changes Everything, which was largely recorded during a single day in Austin while on a break from his summertime tour. The album presents the songwriter's own version of the traditional Texas dancehall sound, filled with shuffles, rave-ups, plenty of sharp songwriting and appearances by a handful of genuine Texas legends,  including producer and pedal steel player Tommy Detamore, drummer Tom Lewis (Heybale, Whitney Rose), pianist Floyd Domino (an original member of Asleep at the Wheel), Bobby Flores (Ray Price's longtime fiddle player), Kevin Smith (bass player for Willie Nelson), Chris Masterson (one-half of the Mastersons, as well as Steve Earle's electric guitarist), vocalists Brennen Leigh, Noel McKay and Sunny Sweeney.

Lauderdale and the all-star sidemen from the Lone Star state recorded 11 songs, all of which were originally written by Lauderdale and a handful of Texas-based songwriters. Filling the album's tracklist is his version of "We Really Shouldn't Be Doing This," previously recorded by Strait, as well as co-writes with Bruce Robison ("There is a Horizon," "This Changes Everything"), Hayes Carll ("Drive"), Daryl Burgess ("All the Rage in Paris," previously recorded by the Derailers and Randy Rogers Band with Johnny Bush), Odie Blackmon ("Lost In The Shuffle"), and Frank Dycus ("It All Started And Ended With You," "The Weakness Of Two Hearts," "I'll Still Be Around").

This month, in addition to the album release, Lauderdale played his 125th show at the Grand Ole Opry and received the WagonMaster Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by George Strait, on Wednesday, September 21, 2016, as part of the 15th annual Americana Honors & Awards.

The Texas superstar presented Lauderdale with the WagonMaster award, which recognizes an Americana pioneer whose career continues to roll ahead, leaving a large legacy in its wake. Strait and Lauderdale performed "The King of Broken Hearts" together, which Strait recorded on 1992's Pure Country soundtrack. A documentary of the same name, Jim Lauderdale: The King Of The Broken Hearts, was also released in 2014, celebrating Jim's unconventional career.

"Receiving the WagonMaster award presented by George Strait is probably one of the greatest experiences of my life," Lauderdale said. "Having George sing 'The King of Broken Hearts' and standing next to him singing harmony was a thrill beyond words."

Lauderdale has released more than two dozen albums of award-winning American roots music through the years. He co-hosts the acclaimed radio show Music City Roots, and has hosted the annual awards show consecutively for 14 years. He has collaborated with legends like Buddy Miller, Ralph Stanley, and Robert Hunter, among many others, and is one of the most recognizable names in songwriting. Strait himself has recorded 14 of Lauderdale's songs, as well as Lee Ann Womack, Patty Loveless, Elvis Costello, the Dixie Chicks, Solomon Burke and many more.

This Changes Everything is available via iTunes, Amazon and http://www.jimlauderdale.com/.

Inspired as much by the New Orleans funk of Allen Touissant as the Chicago blues of his hometown, Josh Farrow puts a dark spin on American roots music with his full-length debut, Trouble Walks With Me, out October 28.

Written and recorded in Nashville, Trouble Walks With Me finds Farrow pulling triple-duty as lead singer, songwriter and ringleader. On his first full-length collection he ignores the rules of his new home - a Tennessee city ruled by cowboy-hatted country stars strumming acoustic guitars - and carves out his own sound, with the help of guests including Ruby Amafu, Elizabeth Cook, and the McCrary Sisters, to name a few.

"Before You Leave," a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, turns the traditional love song format on its head, while "Who's Gonna Love You When I'm Gone" - one of Trouble's two songs to be featured in the ABC TV show "Nashville" - offers groove and grit in equal doses. Also making an appearance on the album is Farrow's first single, "Devil Don't You Fool Me," which racked up more than 350,000 Spotify streams during its own release. Self-funded and independently released, Trouble Walks With Me finds Farrow - a festival favorite who has performed on the main stages at both Hangout and Merlefest - chasing down success on his own terms, bringing with him a sound that's smoky, soulful and signature. 

Farrow - an Illinois-born kid who played punk rock music as a teenager - didn't come to Nashville chasing a musical dream. Instead, he moved to Music City in his early 20s to chase after his future wife. He was soon immersed in Nashville's Americana scene, an event seemingly willed by fate - he even met the project's producer Dexter Green, at an East Nashville pizza shop. Over the course of a year, they pieced together the 10 songs that comprise Trouble Walks With Me, calling on local guests to lend their help in the recording studio.

The resulting album features swells of organ, bursts of piano, gospel overtones, layers of background harmonies and plenty of slow-boiling soul, creating a varied collection of blues songs and smooth ballads, but its story is bigger than the music itself - it's a portrait of a community working together, operating outside of the Nashville machine. 

For more information, visit http://www.joshfarrow.com

Peter Guralnick, the dean of rock-and roll-storytellers, writes in the introduction to Johnny's Cash & Charley's Pride, "Peter Cooper has always been in the mix."  Whether spending time with a legend like Johnny Cash, playing bass for Loretta Lynn, discussing songwriting with Taylor Swift, or introducing the Grateful Dead's Robert Hunter to Porter Wagoner, Peter Cooper, a respected music writer, accomplished musician, and Grammy-nominated producer, has continually found himself in the presence of music royalty and the recipient of countless intimate conversations, asides, and confidences.

In his new book, Johnny's Cash & Charley's Pride: Lasting Legends and Untold Adventures in Country Music (Spring House Press; ISBN: 9781940611709; $17.95; April 25, 2017; Paperback), Cooper chronicles his many "in the mix" tales since arriving in Nashville in 2000 to cover the country music scene for the Tennessean. Filled with untold stories and newly revealed histories, it is an informal yet well-studied inside view of country music's greatest characters and pivotal moments. Now a senior director, writer, and producer at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Cooper's selected stories are akin to a curated behind-the-scenes, first-person tour of the unique personalities that shaped country music.

Spanning nineteen chapters, Johnny's Cash & Charley's Pride is an original take on the formative days at WSM as well as engaging introductions to an ensemble cast of country music's icons, quirks, and golden-but-hidden personalities. Including the previously mentioned legends, Cooper covers Kris Kristofferson, Don Light, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Jimmy Martin, Earl Scruggs, The Station Inn, and many more while sprinkling in guest appearances by the likes of Lee Ann Womack, Jimmy Buffett, Chris Stapleton, and Dierks Bentley.  With a gem on every page, Cooper has crafted a perceptive, smiling, and atypical immersion into the world of country music that will keep any music fan engaged with its wit, passion, and authenticity.

About The Author

Peter Cooper is an award-winning musician and respected music journalist. He is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's Senior Director, Producer, and Writer, and a senior lecturer in country music at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music. He is a Grammy-nominated music producer, and a songwriter whose works have been recorded by John Prine, Bobby Bare, Jim Lauderdale, and others. He has appeared on The Tonight Show and The Late Show with David Letterman and was, along with the like of the Kings of Leon and financial guru Dave Ramsey, named one of Nashville's "10 Most Interesting People" by Nashville Arts & Entertainment magazine.

For five decades, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has remained one of the most iconic names in American roots music. With one foot planted in the traditions of country-folk and the other pointing toward something new and unexpected, the group continues to tour and release music, influencing multiple generations of audiences and artists along the way. Nearly a dozen of those artists join the group on this year's Nitty Gritty Dirt Band & Friends - Fifty Years, Circlin' Back! PBS special, which won a Midsouth Regional EMMY® for Special Event Coverage at the 31st annual award ceremony at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Hall on Jan. 21st. Produced for PBS by Todd Jarrell, Todd Mayo, Steve Schweidel, and directed by James Yockey, Circlin' Back ran nationwide in conjunction with a PBS pledge drive in March 2016 and is the most successful music-based fundraising effort for the network in decades.

Click here to watch the live stream from the awards show. Circlin' Back is also available as a cd/dvd combo with bonus songs and interviews, released Sept. 30 via Warner Music Nashville.

Recorded live at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band & Friends captures a group of longtime road warriors who've yet to lose their grit, joined onstage by John Prine, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Jerry Jeff Walker, Alison Krauss, Rodney Crowell, Byron House, and Jerry Douglas.  Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (and early Dirt Band member) Jackson Browne joined in, along with longtime member Jimmy Ibbotson, while a sold-out crowd sings along in the background. From country classics to deep cuts, the tracklist finds bandmates Jeff Hanna (guitars/vocals), Jimmie Fadden (drums/harmonica/vocals), Bob Carpenter (keyboards/accordion/vocals) and John McEuen (banjo/fiddle/guitar/mandolin) swapping harmonies, trading solos, and shining new light on a catalog of vital, vibrant music.

The Midsouth EMMY® chapter received nearly 900 entries, which were judged by the Northwest Chapter based in Seattle, the Suncoast Chapter in Florida, and the Upper Midwest Chapter in Minneapolis.  Nominations were announced on Thursday, November 17 and the video stream is archived. 

Long before Americana music had a name, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band helped lead the charge, mixing elements of country, bluegrass, folk, mountain music, and rock & roll into a sound that celebrated the full range of American music. The guys were traditionalists and trendsetters, performing songs that nodded to the past while still pushing toward the future. Released in 1972 - just six years after the group formed in Southern California - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Will the Circle Be Unbroken still stands as one of the most beloved albums in the country catalog, pairing the young band with legends like Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, and Mother Maybelle Carter.

Many decades have passed since that milestone album's release, with the members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band now enjoying their own legendary status. They continue to blur lines between genres, however, and Circlin' Back accomplishes something very similar to the classic Will the Circle Be Unbroken, pairing the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with the hit-makers, rule-breakers, and iconic figures of today's roots music community. This time, Hanna, Fadden, Carpenter, and McEuen are the elder statesmen, passing down their influence and inspiration to a younger class without giving up the torch just yet. There's more music to be made, after all. More shows to play. Another half-century to chase down. The circle rolls on.

For more information on the band, please visit http://www.nittygritty.com/. For EMMY® info, please visit http://emmynashville.org

Oh Boy Records is pleased to announce the release of John Prine Beyond Words, available for purchase via https://johnprine.com. Beyond Words includes over 100 photographs from Prine's personal collection, copies of handwritten lyrics showing the creative process with select commentary, and lyrics with guitar chords for 60+ classic Prine songs. Watch the trailer for Beyond Words here.

For fans of Prine, the general consensus of this release is it's about time, as a songbook has been requested at the merch table for years. Personally curated, the book is for both the studied Prine fan and the next generation of songwriters newly discovering his work. Beyond Words is a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the man No Depression Magazine dubbed "the poet laureate of our everyday experience."

Beyond Words is new territory for both Prine and Oh Boy Records, as this is Prine's first ever songbook and the label's first foray into book publishing. Decidedly indie, Oh Boy was founded in 1981 by Prine and his manager Al Bunetta, and is the second oldest artist owned independent label in the country; the oldest in Nashville.

For your listening pleasure, Oh Boy created a Spotify playlist to complement the content of Beyond Words.

For more information, please visit http://johnprine.com. For review copies, please reply to this email. 

MerleFest, presented by Window World, is proud to announce the initial lineup for MerleFest 2018, which will be held April 26 - 29. The annual homecoming of musicians and music fans returns to the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The complete lineup for MerleFest 2018 will be announced over the next few months. Today's lineup announcement includes legendary artist Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson, Robert Earl Keen, The Devil Makes Three, Balsam Range and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble, "Mission Temple Fireworks Revival" featuring Paul Thorn & Band, the Blind Boys of Alabama and the McCrary Sisters, and many more. The 2018 Midnight Jam presented by The Bluegrass Situation on Saturday, April 28th will start at 10:30 p.m. and run well past midnight, with special hosts Town Mountain and Jim Lauderdale. This very popular after-hours hootenanny gathers many performers from the festival for impromptu artistic collaborations and one-of-a-kind superstar jams that have become legendary in the festival’s history.

Kris Kristofferson – Kris Kristofferson is a three-time Grammy winner who has recorded 30 albums, including three with pals Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings as part of the Highwaymen. Kristofferson has spent three decades performing concerts all over the world and achieved remarkable success as a country songwriter at the start of the 1970s. His songs helped redefine country songwriting, and by 1987, it was estimated that more than 450 artists had recorded Kristofferson’s compositions. In 1977, he earned a Golden Globe for Best Actor and has acted in more than 70 films to date. Kristofferson is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and has been recognized with the Songwriter Hall of Fame’s prestigious Johnny Mercer Award, the Johnny Cash Visionary Award, BMI’s Icon Award, the Francis Preston Music Industry Award, the PEN Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence Award, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Kristofferson is scheduled to play on Thursday.

Jamey Johnson – Truth and tradition. These non-negotiable principles serve as the bedrock of the music of eleven-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson, who is “one of the greatest country singers of our time,” according to The Washington Post. Indeed, the Alabama native has been acknowledged by many as country music’s north star, guiding us down a path of confession and conflict to a place of reflection and redemption. He has received tremendous praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal and other publications, many of which have hailed his albums as masterpieces. His influential album, "That Lonesome Song", was certified platinum for 1 million in sales, and his innovative double album, "The Guitar Song", which debuted at No. 1 on the country album charts, received a gold certification. In 2012, he released a Grammy-nominated project honoring one of his heroes, Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran. He is one of only a few people in the history of country music to win two Song of the Year Awards – for “Give It Away” and “In Color" – from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. He has written singles for George Strait, Trace Adkins, James Otto, Joe Nichols and others. Johnson is scheduled to play on Friday.

“Today, MerleFest is proud to announce more than 75 artists who are part of the festival’s 2018 lineup, commemorating the 31st year of the festival. MerleFest welcomes back five special artists that have played all 31 years: Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Peter Rowan, Joe Smothers, and Jack Lawrence. The initial lineup reflects the musical diversity and quality of performers who are the hallmark of the festival,” says Steve Johnson, MerleFest Artist Relations Manager. MerleFest is known for its unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented music from the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, Americana, blues, country, Celtic, Cajun, cowboy, zydeco, rock and many other styles that the late Doc Watson referred to as “traditional plus.” The initial lineup includes:

Aaron Burdett, Alberti Flea Circus, Andrew Collins Trio, Andy May, Ari Eisinger, Ashley Heath and Her Heathens, Banknotes, Bill Mathis, Bob Hill, Bryan Sutton, Brynmor, Cane Mill Road, Cardboard Fox, Carol Rifkin, Jeanette Queen, Mark Queen, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, Charles Welch, Cicada Rhythm, David Holt and Josh Goforth, Dead Horses, Donna the Buffalo, Doolin, Elephant Sessions, Erin Harpe, Flatland Harmony Experiment, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, Fireside Collective, Gunner & Smith, Hannah Shira Naiman, Happy Traum, Horsemen Let's Ride, Hubby Jenkins, Hummingbird Crossing, Jack Lawrence, Jayme Stone's Folklife, Jeanette Williams Band, Jeff Little Trio, Jeffrey Foucault, Jody Carroll, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, Joe Smothers, Junior Appalachian Musicians Band, Laura Boosinger & The Midnight Plowboys, Lauren and Lane, Lindsay Lou, Lillian Chase, The Lonesome Ace Stringband, Lori King and Junction 63, Mark Bumgarner, Mike Aiken Band, Mitch Greenhill, My Bubba, The Note Ropers, Nu-Blu, Pete & Joan Wernick, Peter Rowan, Piper Jones, The Po Ramblin’ Boys, Richard Ray Farrell, Richie and Rosie, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Robin and Linda Williams, Rosie & the Riveters, Roy Book Binder, Sam Bush Band, Sarah Jane Scouten, Savannah Smith and Southern Soul, Scythian, Sideline, Smitty and the JumpStarters, Steve and Ruth Smith, String Madness, T. Michael Coleman Band, Ted Olson, Tennessee Jed Fisher, Terry Baucom's Dukes of Drive, The Barefoot Movement, The BattleAxe Band, The East Pointers, The Hackwells, The InterACTive Theatre of Jef, The Kruger Brothers, The Lang Sisters, The Local Boys, The Lonely Heartstring Band, The Mastersons, The Midatlantic, The New River Drifters, The Waybacks, The Wildmans, Susana and Timmy Abell, Tony Williamson Band, Unspoken Tradition, Virginia Hollow, The Way Down Wanderers, Wayland, Wayne Henderson, Wesley Bright & The Honeytones, and Whitewater Bluegrass Company.

Additional performers for MerleFest 2018 will be announced in the coming months. The lineup and performance schedule is accessible via MerleFest.org/lineup.

Tickets for next year’s festival, as well as the Midnight Jam, go on sale at noon (EST) November 14, 2017, and may be purchased at www.MerleFest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. MerleFest offers a three-tiered pricing structure and encourages fans to take advantage of the extended early bird discount. Early Bird Tier 1 tickets may be purchased from November 14 to February 18, 2018 and Early Bird Tier 2 tickets from February 19 to April 25. Tickets will be sold using Tier 3 pricing at the gate during the festival. 

About MerleFest

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson, the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of "traditional plus" music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk, gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the four-day event. MerleFest has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.

In July, Del McCoury began sending out hand rolled parchment invitations to a select group of deserving musical participants to join his DelFest 2018 Bluegrass Congress. On Memorial Day weekend (May 24-27), the Bluegrass Congress, which includes Ricky Skaggs, David Grisman, Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Bryan Sutton, and Stuart Duncan, will officially be called to order. These musicians represent the best at what they do in the field of bluegrass and will convene on Saturday evening (May 26), joining the Del McCoury Band for a picking party like none other in festival history. In addition to the Saturday evening show, most members of Congress will play their own set during DelFest (see lineup below).

Along with the primary Congress, this year’s lineup is heavy on picking with fan favorites like Old Crow Medicine Show, The Wood Brothers, Elephant Revival, and Fruition. The initial 2018 DelFest lineup is as follows (with more artists to be announced in the coming months):

The Del McCoury Band

The Travelin’ McCourys

The Bluegrass Congress (The Del McCoury Band, David Grisman, Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Bryan Sutton, Stuart Duncan)

Old Crow Medicine Show

David Grisman

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Sam Bush

Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn

The Jerry Douglas Band

The Wood Brothers

Elephant Revival

Fruition

Sierra Hull

Rising Appalachia

Bryan Sutton Band

Billy Strings

The Kruger Brothers

Joe Craven & The Sometimers

The Lil Smokies

Cris Jacobs

Dustbowl Revival

The Brothers Comatose

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band

Birds of Chicago

Jon Stickley Trio

Twisted Pine

Dré & The Gospel Collective

Joe Craven (emcee)

DelFest 2018 will take place from May 24-27, 2018, and once again be held at the beautiful Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland. The festival originated from the desire to create a family-friendly music festival celebrating the rich legacy of McCoury music while creating a forum for world-class musical collaborations and to showcase fresh new talent with a down-home feeling. Produced in association with High Sierra Music, the 11th Annual DelFest will offer a quality festival experience stamped with the unique McCoury touch. Personally chosen by Del, the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, MD (2.5 hours from Baltimore and D.C.) serves as the perfect location for DelFest, nestled along the Potomac River in the scenic Appalachian Mountains. The fairgrounds are conveniently located near four major airports and can be easily reached by rail or road. The city of Cumberland, MD, is a welcoming host offering multiple hotel options, a charming downtown, and great amenities that include biking, a steam train engine and museum, and top-notch dining.

In addition to traditional stage sets by these world-class artists, attendees can once again expect to see one-of-a-kind collaborations, special guest sit-ins, various tributes to Del McCoury and his musical legacy, intimate appearances, and late night indoor performances and picking sessions. DelFest will be immediately preceded by a 3-day music academy hosted by The Travelin’ McCourys and friends. DelFest Academy, which takes place May 21-23, provides all levels of musicians an opportunity to learn from some of the best pickers in the world.

Four-day general admission festival tickets are currently on sale at www.delfest.com. DELuxe, RV, and parking passes will go on sale in early January. Please visit the DelFest website and Facebook page for updates and more information.

The Sea The Sea announces the upcoming release of their sophomore album, From the Light. Produced by Troy Pohl, From the Light is set for release on June 1, 2018. Comprised of Chuck and Mira Costa, The Sea The Sea has been revered by publications ranging from Buzzfeed and the TED organization to Pitchfork and NPR, who compared the duo to the likes of The Milk Carton Kids and The Weepies. In response to their first album, Huffington Post referred to them as,“two of the loveliest male-female voices you might ever hear this or any other year.” Based in Troy, New York, they are currently touring the East Coast as a four-piece band.

For Chuck and Mira Costa, The Sea The Sea was born out of the need for something new. “We met a few years back and had fallen out of touch. She was working a regular day job after graduating college, I was on the brink of quitting music because it just wasn’t fun anymore,” Chuck says. In the fall of 2011, the two reconnected, Mira quickly quit her job, and the duo began exploring different sounds. In 2014, they released their debut album Love We Are We Love, produced by bassist Todd Sickafoose (Ani DiFranco, Andrew Bird). “It was a closer look at a leap of faith into the unknown and what those moments leading up to that mean, the free fall after. We wanted the lyrics to be the center of everything, with an acoustic guitar,” Mira explains, emphasizing the album’s musical simplicity and lyrical complexities.

Love We Are We Love was well-received and praised by NPR, American Songwriter, and No Depression, gathering over 15 million streams on Spotify. They were featured on NPR’s Heavy Rotation and have graced Mountain Stage multiple times, with host Larry Groce saying, “They’re ready to take their place among the best young male/female duos currently performing.” The video for their song “Waiting”, an animation of 3,454 (oil on paper) paintings, sparked viral interest including Buzzfeed, Pitchfork, and inclusion at the 2015 international TED conference. In 2016, they released In The Altogether, which earned a spot on Apple Music’s ‘Best of the Week’ and ‘A-List Singer/Songwriter’ lists. The six-song EP was produced by Troy Pohl and featured by outlets like Huffington Post and the Bluegrass Situation.

The Sea The Sea teamed up with Troy Pohl again for their third record and second full-length, From The Light. Musically, the duo decided to build and expand on the sounds of Love We Are We Love, touring as a four-piece with Cara May Gorman (vocals, synthesizer) and drummer and percussionist Stephen Struss; lyrically, they aimed to explore the symbolism behind light. “We were really looking at light and the idea of its duality -- there’s a binary division between everything, it’s all connected,” Mira says, adding that the lyrics of the title track bring the album together as a whole, “There’s a crack where the window's open, it's the width of the page you turned. It’s a blink of an eye from the light to the dark to the light to the dark again.”

From The Light begins with the single “Everybody”, a prologue and commentary on the current political climate, an underlying theme of the album. “Written during the fall and winter of 2016, we felt the differences in people around us a lot more than usual. This is our way of trying to see through those differences without judgment. We wanted to relate that people can co-exist and find common ground, even if opinions differ,” Chuck explains. Similar themes can be heard in “Ricochet”, a message about formulating your own views, independent of what others may think. Others, like “Phototropic” and “Good For Something” focus around hope and positivity.

“‘Things can never be so bad that they’re not good for something’ is a phrase my grandfather used to say. The idea is that throughout the ups and downs, there is a positive that can be taken from all of it.” From The Light is an all-inclusive soundtrack that parallels the duality seen in everyday life; but more importantly, the album recognizes the balance that only exists with difference.

DelFest, produced by McCoury Music & High Sierra Music, is pleased to announce the following lineup additions to the 11th annual DelFest, which takes place May 24-27 at the beautiful Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland:

Greensky Bluegrass 

The Dawg Trio with David Grisman, Danny Barnes, Sam Grisman

Richard Thompson

The Infamous Stringdusters

Rhiannon Giddens

Mandolin Orange

The Gibson Brothers

The California Honeydrops

Horseshoes & Hand Grenades

The New Orleans Suspects

The Broomestix

The Grass is Dead

Justin Moses & Cody Kilby

The thirteen acts announced today, paired with the festival’s initial lineup, solidify DelFest as the premier live music event for fans whose musical tastes span the width of bluegrass, Americana, and improvisation-- fitting considering its namesake, Del McCoury, is the patriarch of the modern day string band.

Previously announced acts include: The Del McCoury Band, The Travelin’ McCourys, The Bluegrass Congress (The Del McCoury Band, David Grisman, Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Bryan Sutton, Stuart Duncan), Old Crow Medicine Show, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Sam Bush, The Jerry Douglas Band, The Wood Brothers, Fruition, Sierra Hull, Rising Appalachia, Bryan Sutton Band, Billy Strings, The Kruger Brothers, Joe Craven & The Sometimers, The Lil Smokies, Cris Jacobs, Dustbowl Revival, The Brothers Comatose, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Birds of Chicago, Jon Stickley Trio, Twisted Pine, and Dré & The Gospel Collective-- emceed by Joe Craven.

Unique to this year’s festival, Del McCoury created The Bluegrass Congress, for which he sent hand rolled parchment paper invites to Ricky Skaggs, David Grisman, Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Bryan Sutton, and Stuart Duncan. Representing the best at what they do in the field of Bluegrass, these musicians will convene on Saturday evening (May 26th), joining the Del McCoury Band for a picking party like none other in festival history.

DelFest 2018 will take place from May 24-27, 2018, and once again be held at the beautiful Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland. The festival originated from the desire to create a family-friendly music festival celebrating the rich legacy of McCoury Music while creating a forum for world-class musical collaborations and to showcase fresh new talent with a down-home feeling. Produced in association with High Sierra Music, the 11th Annual DelFest will offer a quality festival experience stamped with the unique McCoury touch. Personally chosen by Del, the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, MD (2.5 hours from Baltimore and D.C.) serves as the perfect location for DelFest, nestled along the Potomac River in the scenic Appalachian Mountains. The fairgrounds are conveniently located near four major airports and can be easily reached by rail or road. The city of Cumberland, MD, is a welcoming host offering multiple hotel options, a charming downtown, and great amenities that include biking, a steam train engine and museum, and top-notch dining.

In addition to traditional stage sets by these world-class artists, attendees can once again expect to see one-of-a-kind collaborations, special guest sit-ins, various tributes to Del McCoury and his musical legacy, intimate appearances, and late night indoor performances and picking sessions. DelFest will be immediately preceded by a 3-day music academy hosted by The Travelin’ McCourys and friends. DelFest Academy, which takes place May 21-23, provides all levels of musicians an opportunity to learn from some of the best pickers in the world.

Four-day advance passes, Academy passes, and a variety of parking options are currently on sale at www.delfest.com.

Borgo announces the upcoming release of his debut full-length, Be Kind. Set for release April 13, 2018, the album matches soulful vocals with sweet harmonies reminiscent of Motown. Based in Denver, this is Borgo’s return to music following a decade-long hiatus due to a debilitating neurological disease. The album tells stories of love lost, breaking societal norms, and reflecting on life through jazz piano ballads and funk-infused guitar tracks that take listeners back in time. With the help of engineer/co-producer Marc Benning and a group of noted musicians including Erik Deutsch of Leftover Salmon and sax player Dwight Bement, the album was recorded live on tape at Hideaway Studios. The Poke Around premiered the album’s first single and title track, “Be Kind”. For those in Denver, the Be Kind vinyl listening party will take place on April 15 at Pon Pon and the album release show is on April 19 at Larimer Lounge. Be Kind is now available for pre-order via iTunes and fans will receive the first three singles instantly.

It's a commonly held belief that the mind and body must work together to accomplish life's tasks, large or small. Whether it's getting dressed, cooking dinner, or pursuing a dream, the way we put the pieces together determines the outcome. Connections become the all important matrix of our desire. Before he was Borgo, Brian Bourgault was going about the business of his daily life as a music store owner and guitar player when his body suddenly stopped making a routine connection. A year later, at age 33, he was diagnosed with an untreatable, progressive neurological disease.

That was 2005. Now, twelve years since that fateful day, Brian has been reunited with his passion, making music, and there is no stopping his renewed determination. While physically limited in his ability to play music, he's found that creating it comes as much from the heart as the hands. When life restricts mobility, the energy of the mind and heart have proven to be a powerful force in resurrecting the purpose that lies within the soul. With every blow that threatens to kill his spirit, Brian continues to get up and walk bravely down the path he finds himself on, letting music lead the way.

2017 rolled in with a burning desire to start creating again, and Brian went about finding a way to do that without being able to play any instruments. He bought a MAC and some songwriting software and figured out how to write songs on the computer with MIDI, using both hands to control the mouse. Digging through pieces of songs he'd written years earlier, he incorporated country, blues, and soul influences and was happy with the reinvention. Motivated by a songwriting contest he'd discovered, he booked some studio time and brought musicians in to play along with the tracks from his computer, keeping the bass and drum parts that he had programmed. It was the catalyst that he needed to get back on the musical path, and Brian set his intentions on recording his first full length.

Engineer and producer Marc Benning works from Hideaway Studio, a residential recording retreat near Colorado Springs. Brian had met Marc through mutual friends years earlier and knew that Hideaway was where he wanted to record the album. Marc was to engineer, co-produce and play bass. Erik Deutsch (Leftover Salmon), renowned studio and touring musician, offered to travel from his home in Brooklyn to add keys to the project. Dan Schwindt (Kyle Hollingsworth Band), acclaimed guitarist, would handle the 6 string, which Brian could no longer play, and Denver's most in-demand drummer, Carl Sorensen (Dragondeer, Chimney Choir, In Planes), completed the rhythm section. The horns would be led by sax legend, Dwight Bement (Gary Puckett & The Union Gap Band, Frank Zappa’s Blackouts), who arranged the horn parts and brought on a trumpet player, Chris Lawson. Brian would sing lead vocals and Kim Dawson (The Pimps of Joytime) and Tanya Shylock (formerly with The Motet) would provide backing vocals.

Brian's dad played in a rock band in the’70s, and was the motivating factor in Brian’s relationship with music from a young age. In March of 2017, he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. This stoked the fire in Brian to get songs written and recorded quickly so his dad could hear them. He wrote 19 between March and October and with his father in mind, went into the studio with no rehearsals, only the demos that he had made on his computer to guide the way.

Twelve songs were recorded in three days. It was an old soul rendering of new music, connecting Brian's creative energy with a group of talented players. Be Kind isn’t a concept record, it’s a life record. Honest lyrics expose vulnerability, the fear of not being wanted, of only being seen for your limitations (in Brian’s case, his physical disability). It’s easy to hear this in songs like “Stay The Night” and “Hard To See,” which says ‘I ain't hard to see but none of you fine ladies ever look at me’. Songs like “Red Light Shakedown” and “Compliments and Woo,” (‘dress the fashion but unfasten ties put on you’) urge the song’s character to break societal norms, ignore social expectations, and literally, ‘make them feel it when you walk into the room.’

In addition to these two main themes, the storyline of the album also centers around Brian’s personal reality. He wrote “Stay Up” for his father when he was diagnosed with cancer, which he says is about reflecting on life, “Looking back on your life at the end of it... what is it that really matters?” And while most of the album’s lyrics are hard-hitters, it all comes together in the title track, which Borgo says is his his personal message to the world, “Above all else, above all of the shit, be kind.”

Jam In The Trees is proud to announce the lineup for the 2018 festival, which will be held on August 24th and 25th. The annual music festival returns with a diverse lineup for the third year to Pisgah Brewing Company in Black Mountain, North Carolina. The roster includes legendary artists The Travelin' McCourys, Jerry Douglas, Shooter Jennings, Elizabeth Cook, Jane Kramer, Gangstagrass, The Stray Birds, Jim Lauderdale, The Steel Wheels, Fireside Collective, The Po' Ramblin' Boys, The Slocan Ramblers, and Andy Buckner. Following tradition, Jam in the Trees will host music on both an indoor and outdoor stage, and will strategically schedule artists so that there are no overlapping sets. In addition to award-winning Pisgah beer, food trucks will be present on-site, as well as unique vendors and local artisans.

The Travelin' McCourys - No other band today has the same credentials for playing traditional and progressive music. As the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin and Rob McCoury on banjo continue their father's work-a lifelong dedication to the power of bluegrass music to bring joy into people's lives. And with fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram, the ensemble is loved and respected by the bluegrass faithful. But the band is now combining their sound with others to make something fresh and rejuvenating. They can push forward so far because their roots are so deep. The band has a confidence that only comes with having paid their dues with twenty years on the bluegrass road. Other groups and new fans hear this immediately-the tight rhythm, the soulful material, and the confidence in taking bluegrass from the safety of the shore into uncharted waters.

Jerry Douglas - Dobro master and 14-time Grammy winner Jerry Douglas is to the resonator guitar what Jimi Hendrix was to the electric guitar: elevating, transforming, and reinventing the instrument in countless ways.  In addition to being widely recognized as the foremost master of the Dobro, Jerry Douglas is a freewheeling, forward-thinking recording artist whose output incorporates elements of bluegrass, country, rock, jazz, blues and Celtic into his distinctive musical vision. Jerry will perform a solo set, and join in with other bands throughout the day, including closing out the night with The Travelin' McCourys!

Shooter Jennings - When you hear about the son of two country music legends, the product seems inevitable...  But what you get from Shooter Jennings is a little bit of that, and a whole lot of what you didn't  realize you wanted.A musician, song writer, producer, and video game creator, Jennings has released eight studio albums, two live records, and has produced and released various projects courtesy of his own record label Black Country Rock. Jennings' career hasn't ever stuck to one format, and you can find him all over the map when it comes to where he is at in the game.

Elizabeth Cook - Elizabeth Cook, the bold and brilliant Nashville singer-songwriter and country music outlaw released 'Exodus of Venus' June 17 (Agent Love Records/Thirty Tigers), her first album since 2010's lauded 'Welder.' The eleven new original songs represent a knife-sharp take on heartache and hardship that's cathartic and visceral, a transcendent reflection on hard times, survival, and rebirth.

Gangstagrass - Bluegrass and Hip-Hop may sound like an odd combination, but don't tell that to Producer Rench, who birthed the fusion in 2006, with Gangstagrass. "There are a lot more people out there with Jay-Z and Johnny Cash on their iPod playlists than you think." says Rench, who had previously made a name for himself as an in-demand Brooklyn country and hip-hop producer and singer/songwriter.  He should know - he's toured the country with a band of bluegrass pickers and hip-hop emcees to the delight of standing room crowds everywhere. Making beats for local NYC rappers and hosting country music nights in popular NYC venues. In 2007, Rench had a musical itch that needed to be scratched - he was listening to the 1970s recordings of Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys and couldn't help imagining what classic bluegrass would sound like with rap vocals and beats. The result was a genre-demolishing blitz called Rench Presents: Gangstagrass. He put it up for free download and people took notice. Hundreds of thousands of downloads followed creating an intense underground buzz.

The Stray Birds - All originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, The Stray Birds started as a duo of acoustic buskers in early 2010 when Maya de Vitry and Oliver Craven met with their instruments, their voices, and their songs. It didn't take much convincing to get bassist Charlie Muench on board, and with the addition of a third unique and powerful voice, the group began to define its captivating sound. Seven years, three original records, and some six hundred performances later, the band is best known today for its songwriting, its tight and forthcoming vocal harmony blend and its commitment to an impassioned delivery of original material, both on stage and in the studio.

They've been seen from LA to London, sung songs from Dallas to Denmark, and played tunes from New York to New Orleans. Their 2016 Yep Roc Records release Magic Fire was produced by Grammy-winner Larry Campbell and earned much praise, including being named by NPR as one of Folk Alley's Top Ten Records of 2016. With time, their sound has evolved to a palate broader than what it first was on the street corners and in the markets, but this much remains true: The Stray Birds is a band of musicians as subtle and nuanced as they are energetic, a band of writers as blatant and bold as they are coy, and perhaps most importantly, a band of people as friendly and compassionate as they are talented. It's safe to imagine that most who hear their music come back for another listen, time and again.

Jim Lauderdale - Jim Lauderdale is both a "songwriter's songwriter," who's written/co-written many modern classics for iconic artists, as well as an intuitive sideman, who's enhanced the music of a bevy of esteemed musicians. As a solo artist, since 1986 up until now, he's created a body work spanning 29 albums of imaginative roots music, encompassing country, bluegrass, soul, R&B and rock, as well as helping pave the way for the current Americana movement.

A longtime ambassador of the Americana genre, Jim received the WagonMaster Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by George Strait, on Wednesday, September 21, 2016, as part of the 15th annual Americana Honors & Awards.

The Steel Wheels - Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, The Steel Wheels are familiar with the traditions of folk music and how a string band is supposed to sound. In fact, they've been drawing on those steadfast traditions for more than a decade. Yet their name also evokes a sense of forward motion, which is clearly reflected in their latest album, Wild As We Came Here.

"I think we've always been able to write new songs with different landscapes. However it was really enjoyable for us, creatively and artistically, to depart from the straight-up acoustic sound that we've been known for," says Trent Wagler, who plays guitar and banjo in the band and writes most of the material. "I'm excited to see what happens. There are fans out there who are ready for this and who have been waiting for us to do this."

Jane Kramer - Lauded by UK music reviewer Three Chords and the Truth as sounding like she was "...born to gypsy poets and raised by Emmylou Harris," Asheville, North Carolina-based songstress Jane Kramer has garnered international recognition for the sultry, heartrending originality of her vocals and for the heavy-hitting lyrical eloquence of her songwriting.

With deep roots in the traditional music of her beloved Appalachia, Kramer's songs are introspective and gritty. They elegantly sweep listeners down the gravel roads and southern coastal highways, midnight truck stops and lonely motel rooms of "hard learning" and lead home to the wooded Blue Ridge Mountains with moving acceptance of our flawed human experience. Kramer's live performances are equally as poignant and engaging; rich with accessible, warm, often hilarious storytelling and gracefully lifting the veil between audience and performer.

Fireside Collective - Quickly blazing a name for themselves with their progressive approach to American folk music, Fireside Collective delights listeners with memorable melodies and contemporary songwriting. Formed in the mountain city of Asheville North Carolina, the band plays original songs on stringed instruments, intended for a modern audience. Following the release of their debut album "Shadows and Dreams", the band hit the road seeking to engage audiences with their energetic live show built on instrumental proficiency, colorful harmonies, and innovative musical arrangements.

The Po' Ramblin' Boys - Born in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains, springing to life with all the zest and zeal you'd expect from a 1940s-style Tennessee bluegrass band, The Po' Ramblin' Boys have rambled far from home, touring throughout the United States and Europe. Yet, these four friends - C.J. Lewandowski (Vocals, Mandolin), Jereme Brown (Vocals, Banjo), Josh 'Jug' Rinkel (Vocals, Guitar) and Jasper Lorentzen (Bass) - remain close to their musical roots by cranking out some of the tightest and hardest-driving traditional bluegrass you'll find anywhere.

"We want to be known for keeping the old music alive, and making some new music that's still close to the roots," says Lewandowski, a native Missourian who is the group's eldest member as well as its lead singer and mandolin player. "A tree can't stand without its roots. So we are just trying to keep those roots alive. We want to complement and not take away."

The Slocan Ramblers - The Slocan Ramblers are Canada's young bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in the tradition, fearlessly creative, and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans (2015 Edmonton Folk Fest Emerging Artist Award recipients), have quickly become a leading light of Canada's roots music scene, built on their reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and their uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan.

Andy Buckner - Blending honky-tonk bravado and gritty seclusion, Andy Buckner's music embodies a balance of party anthems and instantly relatable heartache healers. The 24-year-old's grainy, soulful voice embraces his North Carolina roots and shares authentic songs inspired by his upbringing.

About Jam In The Trees:

Jam In The Trees is an annual music festival nestled in western North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, just outside of Asheville. While 2018 is only the third year since inception, the festival was nominated for IBMA's prestigious Momentum Award. Jam In The Trees aims to offer the most inclusive experience for each fan, with VIP tickets available for intimate meet & greets with multiple artists. The festival also offers a complimentary shuttle service between the festival venue, Pisgah Brewing Company, and downtown Asheville, nearby hotels, and campgrounds, for safe and easy travel. A portion of the festival's proceeds go to charity; last year's philanthropy was the non-profit nature conservation program Wild Forests and Fauna.

For more information visit https://www.jaminthetrees.com

To purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jam-in-the-trees-2018-tickets-41520920190.

Even among the pantheon of music’s finest artists, Del McCoury stands alone. From the nascent sound of bluegrass that charmed hardscrabble hillbilly honkytonks, rural schoolhouse stages, and the crowning glory of the Grand Ole Opry to the present-day culture-buzz of viral videos and digital streams, Del is the living link. From headlining sold-out concerts to music festivals of all genres, including one carrying his namesake, there is Del. Where audiences number in the tens of thousands, and admirers as diverse as country-rock icon Steve Earle and jamband royalty Phish count as two among hundreds, there is Del. On May 25th (the same weekend as the 11th annual all-star DelFest event) Del McCoury continues with the release of his new album Del McCoury Still Sings Bluegrass (the album title is a nod to his 1968 record, Del McCoury Sings Bluegrass). On Friday, Rolling Stone Country debuted the single “To Make Love Sweeter For You” calling it a “tempting taste” of the forthcoming LP; noting “...McCoury's high lonesome vocal is accompanied by rolling piano and weepy fiddle, turning the romantic tune into one that could easily pivot toward unrelenting regret.” Also last week, Garden & Gun debuted Del McCoury’s Back Porch Session featuring 3 songs, one of which (“Letters Have No Arms”) is on the new record.

With 14 songs brimming with hot licks, classic songcraft, even some boundary-stretching electric guitar, and once again, Del’s matchless vocal delivery, the Del McCoury Band moves up the gold bar standard of bluegrass yet another notch. “What I like in a record is variety of moods, of tempos,” Del says. “I consider myself traditional at heart, but I don’t have any boundaries. I’m just a guy that likes to sing and play music. Whatever strikes me to do I’ll do it. Without wrecking things.” The album features his fine band (Ronnie McCoury on Mandolin, Rob McCoury on Banjo, Jason Carter on fiddle, Alan Bartran on bass) with a guest electric guitar from his grandson, Heaven McCoury, on a kicking cover of Shawn Camp’s tune “Hot Wired”. Del noting that having Ronnie’s son, Heaven, on the record playing electric guitar reminds him of the Del McCoury Band playing with Phish-- and how well Trey Anastasio’s guitar blended with bluegrass.

Emerging from humble beginnings in York County, PA nearly eighty years ago, Del was not the likeliest of candidates for legendary status. As a teen, he was captivated by the banjo playing of one of its masters, Earl Scruggs, and decided he’d be a banjo picker, too. The Baltimore/Washington, D.C. bar scene of the early 1960s was lively and rough. Del caught a break. More than a break, really. It was an opportunity of a lifetime; joining Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys in early 1963. Considered the Father of Bluegrass, Monroe transformed McCoury, moving him from the banjo to guitar, anointing him lead singer, and providing him with a priceless trove of bluegrass tutelage direct from the source.

Now helming the Del McCoury Band, with sons Ronnie and Rob, the ensemble did and continues to represent a larger, growing musical community as a peerless torchbearer for the entire sweep and scope of bluegrass history. Those many years, not to mention a good-natured willingness to stay alert to the latest sounds and opportunities around him, earned McCoury a whole new generation of fans, including in some unlikely places.

The group traveled with the groundbreaking post-O Brother "Down From The Mountain" tour, and performed with Gill, recording on his Grammy-winning These Days, as well as country sensation Dierks Bentley. In addition to becoming something of a regular at the wildly popular Bonnaroo Music Festival, they’ve also curated and expanded Del’s annual namesake festival. One of the premier string-band events in the country, the multi-day, multi-stage DelFest showcases the new lions of the genre such as Greensky Bluegrass, The Avett Brothers, and Old Crow Medicine Show, and legends like Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, and Bobby Osborne, plus a diversity of artists like Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, actor Steve Martin, and blues-rock veterans Gov’t Mule to Americana darlings The Wood Brothers and Rhiannon Giddens.

Almost unimaginable, McCoury’s fifth decade in a half-century of bluegrass bliss brings new triumphs, new collaborations, and new music. With but a single change in membership in twenty years The Del McCoury Band shows unprecedented stability as well as garnering the respect and admiration of the industry for its unmistakable work: nine IBMA Entertainer of the Year trophies; in 2003, Del’s awarded membership in the cast of the legendary Grand Ole Opry; the band’s first Best Bluegrass Album Grammy award, in ’05, followed by a second Grammy win in 2014, (not to mention double-digit nominations).

And like any genuine treasure, the gifts keep coming. On their latest release, Del McCoury Still Sings Bluegrass- a title that echoes his 1968 debut on Arhoolie Records, Del McCoury Sings Bluegrass- Del and the boys bring home another stellar collection of traditional bluegrass music. One listen and it’s clear as crystal. There is Del.

Tour Dates

March 23 - Del & Woody @ Carolina Performing Arts - Chapel Hill, NC

March 24 - Sumter Opera House - Sumpter, SC

April 12 - Irvine Barclay Theatre - Irvine, CA

April 13 - Bender Jamboree - Las Vegas, NV

April 20 - Riverside Live Mayo Civic Center - Rochester, MN

April 21 - Stoughton Opera House - Stoughton, WI

April 22, 23 - Old Town School of Folk Music - Chicago, IL

April 28 - The Caverns (Bluegrass Underground) - Pelham, TN

May 24-27 - DelFest - Cumberland, MD

June 7 - Symphony Space - New York, NY

June 9 - Houston Fest Galax - Galax, VA

June 15 - Blue Ox Music Festival - Eau Claire, WI

June 16 - Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival - Grass Valley, CA

June 21 - Telluride Bluegrass Festival - Telluride, CO

June 23 - Rudy Fest - Morehead, KY

MerleFest, presented by Window World, is pleased to announce the return of the beloved Midnight Jam and the start of the Barn Dance. Following tradition, the well-known, fan favorite Midnight Jam will take place on Saturday night, prefaced by the Barn Dance. The legendary music festival is an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans; this year’s festival is scheduled for April 26-29 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina at Wilkes Community College.

The Midnight Jam is one of MerleFest’s most cherished traditions. This very popular after-hours hootenanny gathers many performers from the festival for impromptu artistic collaborations and one-of-a-kind superstar jams that have become legendary in the festival’s history.

For MerleFest 2018, noted songwriter Jim Lauderdale and North Carolina’s own Town Mountain will host the Midnight Jam, presented by renowned music website BGS at the Walker Center, is set to start at 10:30 p.m. and will run well past midnight. The 2018 Midnight Jam will feature a very special Doc Watson Tribute; in addition to Lauderdale and Town Mountain, the Midnight Jam will host a wide array of talent, including performances by Buddy Miller, Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, John Cowan, Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz of Mandolin Orange, Bryan Sutton, and many more. A separate ticket is required and available for purchase by four-day, three-day and Saturday ticket holders. Town Mountain will also host the Saturday Night Barn Dance, another Merlefest moment not to be missed; the lively and loud event starts at 7:45 p.m. on the Dance Stage.

“Many years ago, Tony Rice and a few others came up with the concept and started the Midnight Jam,” remembers Steve Johnson, MerleFest artist relations manager. “From there the Midnight Jam has become a highlight of the MerleFest weekend, bringing together unique configurations and surprising ensembles of musicians gathered at the festival. You never know who may walk out from behind the curtain to take the stage on Saturday night in the Walker Center.”

Jim Lauderdale is a multi-Grammy award winner and  "songwriter's songwriter," who has written/co-written many modern classics for iconic artists. As a solo artist, since 1986 up until now, he's created a body of work spanning 29 albums of imaginative roots music, encompassing country, bluegrass, soul, R&B and rock, as well as helping pave the way for the current Americana movement. Jim has written songs and worked with some of the finest artists in traditional and modern music, including Robert Hunter, Ralph Stanley, Elvis Costello, George Strait, Buddy Miller, Lucinda Williams, John Oates, Solomon Burke, Lee Ann Womack, Old Crow Medicine Show, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Blake Shelton, the Dixie Chicks, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, and Gary Allan among others. He also co-hosts a weekly radio show on SiriusXM with Buddy Miller, "The Buddy & Jim Show," and is the co-host of Music City Roots, the weekly live and radio, podcast and PBS series. In 2016 the Americana Music Association honored Jim during the 15th Annual Americana Awards and Honors with the WagonMaster Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by George Strait.

Raw, soulful, and with plenty of swagger, Town Mountain has earned raves for their hard-driving sound, their in-house songwriting and the honky-tonk edge that permeates their exhilarating live performances, whether in a packed club or at a sold-out festival. The hearty base of Town Mountain's music is the first and second generation of bluegrass spiced with country, old school rock ‘n’ roll, and boogie-woogie. It's what else goes into the mix that brings it all to life both on stage and on record and reflects the group's wide-ranging influences – from the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia and the ethereal lyrics of Robert Hunter, to the honest, vintage country of Willie, Waylon, and Merle.

The Bend Bulletin’s Brian McElhiney says Town Mountain, “has serious country and rock’n’ roll DNA.” Town Mountain features guitarist and vocalist Robert Greer, banjoist Jesse Langlais, mandolinist Phil Barker, fiddler Bobby Britt, and Zach Smith on bass. Town Mountain is working on their sixth studio album and was recently recording in Echo Mountain Studios with Producer Caleb Klauder. The forthcoming album will be full of new original material and released later in the year.

MerleFest’s lineup reflects the diversity and quality of performers who are the hallmark of the festival. MerleFest is known for its unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented music from the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, Americana, blues, country, Celtic, Cajun, cowboy, zydeco, rock and many other styles that the late Doc Watson referred to as “traditional plus.”

The complete 2018 lineup may be viewed at www.MerleFest.org/lineup and is now available on the MerleFest mobile app.

Tickets for the festival may be purchased at www.MerleFest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. MerleFest offers a tiered pricing structure and encourages fans to take advantage of the early bird discount. Early Bird Tier 2 tickets from February 19 to April 25. Tickets will be sold using Tier 3 pricing at the gate during the festival.

About MerleFest

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of "traditional plus" music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the four-day event. MerleFest has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.

This month, Rising Appalachia, the Southern-based folk band lead by sisters Chloe Smith and Leah Song, released their new single “Resilient,” an anthem for seeking calm in the chaos-storm that has descended upon American and the world at large. On May 1st, American Songwriter Magazine premiered "Resilient," praising the track as "...simple, beautiful music." Last week, NPR Music's Bob Boilen championed the video, premiering it on All Songs TV calling the track an "...uplifting, original folk song for these challenging times." Also last week, Rolling Stone Country named the band in their roundup 10 Country Artists You Need to Know commenting that "Resilient" sounds like "protest music for the modern age, bolstered by delicate, skillful musicianship and otherworldly vocal harmonies."

The healing power of music is on full display with “Resilient,” a song written while touring the Pacific Coast after the United States 2016 presidential election because “I needed to hear those very words myself... to remind me to be my highest self in the face of chaos and adversity, and to use my platform to encourage others to do the same” says Chloe. She continues, “...honestly, with so much animosity in the country it was challenging to muster up the energy for the public every night on stage. There was a deeper need to internalize and be more private, to sit with the bones of our work and re-envision what we would be doing in the years to come.”

As fate would have it, the ‘Resiliency Tour’ led to linking up with the International Indigenous Youth Council who invited Rising Appalachia to perform at the center fire for a few days in Standing Rock after the water cannons were blasted at peaceful water protectors-- the irony palpable. Chloe points out that “...honor was not broken despite the pipeline going through. The whole world witnessed the resilient power of that movement, we too remembered our place in the turning of the tides.” The following month of tour was both rich and healing for Rising Appalachia; full of community dialogue, meet and greets, and honest connection through story and song-- the songwriters reminded of what it means to be resilient, and were returned to their original shape after being bent and broken.

“Resilient” reveals both vulnerability and strength in the search for that which can't be silenced. Leah comments, “After everything that has happened in these past couple of years, and is still happening, we need to remember that we the people are resilient, and can become more so. To live with hope in a time where apathy is rampant--even excessive-- in a great act of resistance. What we choose to bring into our focus in this life will greatly affect our very own reality let alone the world around us.”

Long time allies and defenders of indigenous rights, social justice and ecological protection, it’s no surprise that with “Resilient,” Rising Appalachia captured the angst and helplessness oft felt by both victims and activists. The track speaks to the soul in poetic honesty, backed by banjo and bodhran, urging listeners to get back up again and to find pathways of strength and empowerment when confronted with conflict. When rooted in compassion and education-- we can become resilient. When we listen more and talk less-- we can become resilient.

Their sound and message, as revealed in the newest single, “Resilient,” suggest that voices and traditions, brought together through song, may be one of the saving graces to a world in distress. In a time when the fabric of community and culture often appear to be unraveling, their interweaving of music and mission, old traditions with new interpretations, creates an atmosphere of contagious hope and bliss.

Listen to "Resilient" here: https://fanlink.to/KR4

About Rising Appalachia:

Leah Song and Chloe Smith, founding sisters of Rising Appalachia, have long witnessed themselves – by both choice and coincidence – carrying harmony into settings of upheaval and discord. Soon after their eponymous release in 2006, the siblings moved to New Orleans to assist in rebuilding efforts following Katrina. There they gained not only a deeper sense of connection to the roots of American music, but also an abiding sense of purpose as musicians. The band, which has now grown to include musicians David Brown on upright bass and baritone guitar, and Biko Casini on world percussion, has settled into its stride and purpose through creating original music with a mission, rooted in the traditions of folk songs, storytelling, and grass roots activism. The band manages to meld traditions and genres the same way Leah and Chloe blend their voices; it’s casual, beguiling, and effortlessly singular.

As the name connotes, the band’s sound arises most directly from the old-time music traditions that were passed down from Leah and Chloe’s parents, who often took the young girls to fiddle camps and gatherings in the Appalachian Mountains, despite being raised in Atlanta. The band’s persuasive and powerful new genre of acoustic folk melds old-time music with a thick rhythm section, southern soul with West African instrumentation and an occasional Colombian love song thrown in.

In addition to their original approach to their music, the band has embraced a similar independent spirit with their touring. Outside of many industry norms, they have built a significant, loyal following as evidenced by recent sold out shows across the U.S, Canada, Australia and throughout Europe.

In support of their last studio album, Wider Circles (2016), the band travelled the US by rail, and in then in 2017, they toured the gulf islands of British Columbia in a wooden sailboat named La Libertatia. Accompanied by a film crew and a hearty bunch of sailors, they played shows on farms across the islands in support of issues such as food justice, indigenous rights, and protecting clean water. The band routinely provides a platform for the causes local to the cities they play, and frequently incite their fans to gather with them in converting vacant or under-used lots into verdant urban orchards and gardens. Both onstage and off, Rising Appalachia exudes a sense of rootedness, playful exploration, and inspired action.

On tour:

5/22 – Portland, ME – Aura

5/23 – Allston, MA – Brighton Music Hall

5/24 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom

5/25 – Washington DC – 9:30 Club

5/26 – Cumberland, MD – Delfest

5/27 – Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live

6/1 – Taos, NM – Music on the Mesa Festival

6/2 – Berkeley, CA – UC Theatre – Seva Foundation

7/6, 7, 8 – Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg Folk Festival

7/22 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre *The String Cheese Incident support

8/2, 3, 4, 5 – Happy Valley, OR – Pickathon

9/28 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater

9/29 – Bellvue, CO – Mishawaka Amphitheatre

Bill and The Belles announce their first full-length studio album, DreamSongs, Etc . From the foothills of Blue Ridge in Johnson City, Tennessee, Bill and The Belles captivate fans with rich vocal harmonies and simple catchy melodies, built on a strong foundation of love for early American music. The forthcoming album, recorded in just two days inside a beautiful old farmhouse in the rolling hills of Southeast Virginia, is set for release on August 24, 2018 on Jalopy Records . Along with the official album announcement, the video for the album’s first single, “Wedding Bell Chimes” premiered exclusively on American Songwriter today. Bill and The Belles are currently touring the East Coast and will appear at RockyGrass, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, and IBMA (full dates below). DreamSongs, Etc. is available for pre-order today.

Prior to forming Bill and the Belles, lead singer and guitarist Kris Truelsen sang in a honky-tonk band with Kalia Yeagle, an Alaska-grown fiddler and singer. Moving beyond the realm of early country, they started working up a few songs with friend and banjo player Grace Van’t Hof. As he recalls, “We quickly discovered our mutual love for rich vocal harmonies and simple catchy melodies.

With the addition of bass player Karl Zerfas, Bill and the Belles stepped into the role of house band upon the launch of a live radio show, Farm and Fun Time , presented by Radio Bristol. Truelsen started that community radio station, housed within the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Tennessee, in 2015. Along with sharing the stage with the nation’s top roots artists ( Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives and Earls of Leicester ), the group writes and performs the snappy, comical jingles for the show’s monthly sponsors.

Namesakes Bill and Belle Reed, performers from the 1920s who recorded the songs “Old Lady and the Devil” and “You Shall Be Free” in Johnson City, continue to be inspiration for the band. Truelsen says, “That was the first time I heard ‘Old Lady and the Devil,’ and since then it’s become clear to me why it’s stood the test of time. Simple, plaintive, stripped-down but incredibly expressive, tough as nails and funny as hell. I first heard that side on the Harry Smith Anthology of American Folk Music, a collection that continues to inspire. Our band’s name is a way to honor their music, the music of this place, and this region in general that we’ve come to call home.”

With their enchanting debut album, DreamSongs, Etc. , Bill and the Belles capture the freewheeling, lighthearted approach to music that has endeared them to listeners of every generation. With a spirited sound that falls somewhere between old-time country and vaudeville, the group puts its own spin on a golden era of music, specifically the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. “We like old music and some of us are consumed by it,” says Truelsen with a knowing laugh. “But we don't have a desire to copy it. We want to sound like ourselves and tell our story.”

As a result, a majority of the material on DreamSongs, Etc. , is original, ranging from the upbeat number, “Wedding Bell Chimes,” through the yearning ode to youth, “Back to My Childhood Days.” While Truelsen’s distinctive tenor anchors the project, the Tennessee-based band’s trio harmonies gleam against a backdrop of banjo, fiddle, accordion, ukulele, and clarinet. “The title seemed appropriate in that a lot of the songs are about dreaming for something better, better days, better lovers, better whatever it may be,” Truelsen says. “Not to mention many of the songs we chose to sing are about the sentimental dreamer.”

Working with engineer Joseph Dejarnette, the group recorded DreamSongs, Etc. in a mere two days inside a beautiful historic farmhouse in the rolling hills of Southeast Virginia. The trio recorded around one microphone while rounding out the sound with Evan Kinney on accordion and Aaron Olwell on clarinet. Home-cooked meals and picturesque surroundings made the experience even more rewarding. “The small cities like Johnson City and Bristol tucked in between the mountains are inspiring to me,” Truelsen says. “I find the tension of urban and countryside to be a beautiful thing.”

That inspiration and appreciation for Johnson City can be heard in DreamSongs, Etc ., which includes superb renditions of Jimmie Rodgers compositions, “Carolina Sunshine Gal” and “Tuck Away My Lonesome Blues”.

“Generally speaking I'm writing from my personal experiences, though I do my best to not make songs feel like they are part of any particular time. I would like to think someone could listen to ‘Finger Pointin' Mama’ and think it was written today, or maybe their Grandma might hear it and think it was written when she was a kid. I hope timelines are blurred and that the music speaks for here and now, and for way back when.”

Tour Dates:

July 1 – Abingdon, VA – Bonefire Smokehouse

July 2 – Asheville, NC – Grey Eagle with CW Stoneking

July 4 – Bristol, TN – Border Bash

July 7 – Mountain View, AR – Ozark Folk Center

July 12 – Bristol, TN – Birthplace of Country Music

July 13 – Johnson City, TN – Founders After Five

July 21 – Fountain, NC – R.A. Fountain

July 27 – Lyons, CO – Rockygrass

Aug 4 – Parsons, WV – Pickin' In Parsons

Aug 5 – Abingdon, VA – Bonefire Smokehouse

Aug 9 - Bristol, VA - Birthplace of Country Music

Aug 10 – St. Paul, VA – Milton's

Aug 11 – Baltimore, MD – Ken’s Backyard Concert

Aug 12 – Johnson City, TN – Music in the Park

Aug 14 – Nashville, TN – 5 Spot

Aug 15 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Shines

Aug 16 – Jonesborough, TN – Blackthorn Club

Aug 17 – Johnson City, TN – Down Home

Aug 24 – Brooklyn, NY – Jalopy Theater

Aug 25 – Olivebridge, NY – The Hoot

Sept 1 – Woodstown, NJ – Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival

Sept 7 – North Hillsdale, NY – The Old Tone Roots Music Festival

Sept 9 – New Haven, CT – Second Sunday Concert Series

Sept 13 – Bristol, TN – Birthplace of Country Music

Sept 16 – Jonesborough, TN – Brews and Tunes

Sept 21 – Bristol, VA – Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion

Sept 25 – Raleigh, NC – IBMA

Sept 29 – Kansas City, MO – Dust Bowl Jamboree

Oct 5 – St. Paul, VA – Milton's

Oct 6 – Johnson City, TN – Studio One (WETS)

Hot Rize, one of the most respected and influential bands in bluegrass music, is pleased to announce the release of their aptly named new record Hot Rize 40th Anniversary Bash, recorded live at Boulder Theatre, over the course of three sold out shows in January of this year. Hot Rize (Nick Forster on bass, Pete Wernick on banjo, Tim O’Brien on mandolin and fiddle, and Bryan Sutton on guitar) were joined by longtime musical friends Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, and Sam Bush, treating Boulder to three nights of unforgettable music. “We wanted to have a party,” says Forster.  “We wanted to have a full-out bash!” The record is available for purchase today, which is also the anniversary of the band’s 40th year together. Fans worldwide are musically invited to the party, as the band selected 19 of the best of those unforgettable performances for the new record which is available on both CD and vinyl. Also releasing today, the band dropped a live video for “Wichita Lineman,” via American Songwriter Magazine, a song made famous by Glen Campbell in 1968. In this video, Hot Rize is joined onstage at Boulder Theatre by Sam Bush and Stuart Duncan. Watch here.

Previously, Relix released the video for “Colleen Malone,” Wernick commenting that he “...learned this touching and lyrical song from the writer himself, Pete Goble, on his bus one day at a festival in the 1980s. The band liked it right away and our version became Song of the Year in 1991. It already seems to have become a standard at bluegrass jam sessions.” And last month, Rolling Stone Country debuted the video for “Radio Boogie,” praising the track for “...spotlighting their superb musicianship and camaraderie.”

About the new record:

Over the course of  more than an hour of music on 40th Bash, Hot Rize’s broad appreciation for soulfulness and their conscientious balance between traditional and experimental bluegrass-- a Hot Rize hallmark since their inception-- are on shining display.  That warm and glistening, award-winning sound unlocked in every song by the lead vocals of Tim O’Brien, complemented step for step in sibling-tight harmony from Forster with Wernick and Sutton joining in; their stringed instrumental prowess featuring flat-pick guitar kingpin, Sutton, is no less impressive.

Tracing a line from the band’s 1978 self-titled debut to their most recent release, When I’m Free, this collection of classics, fan favorites, and latest hits touches down on every significant entry on the Hot Rize timeline:  From their signature nod to Bill Monroe with “Blue Night” and their ‘80s chart-topper, “Just Like You,” through the iconic song-of-the-year “Colleen Malone” from their IBMA Entertainer of the Year run in 1990, up to several tracks from their latest record, including “Western Skies.”

This release celebrates the many miles traveled together as a band and the many milestones that Hot Rize, together, has achieved-- for four decades and counting, on stages across the globe-- from the grange hall to the Grand Ole Opry-- performances turning into statements of legacy and purpose. For the band, the original goal was to play their music all over, have people like it, and make a living.  And then, at some point, the journey circles back home.

“I love the fact that this is not a nostalgia trip,” Forster says.  “It’s a collaborative enterprise still engaged in ways that resonate for us as artists and for our audience.”

Think of this Boulder-based party as a living history; on “Huckling the Berries,” diving back to those four-sets-a-night gigs in biker bars like the Colorado Coal Company, or even deeper for a tender tribute to the late Glen Campbell on “Wichita Lineman,” a tune that inspired the band’s beginning.  There is “You Were On My Mind This Morning” from their latest album, and a few nuggets long associated with Hot Rize, like “Radio Boogie” and ““High on a Mountain”. Whether it’s their modern-day standard “Nellie Kane,” adopted into the jamband circle by Phish, or covering the East L.A. roots ensemble, Los Lobos, on “Burn It Down,” Hot Rize remains both the vanguard and torch-bearer of the evolving bluegrass story.

With measured amounts of old-time consciousness and forward-thinking daring, as in the Celtic-tinged instrumental “The High Road” or the new-age gospel “Your Light Leads Me On” and “I Am the Road,” the delicate, almost telepathic onstage interplay between the quartet, uniting beautifully as one or equally supporting each solo, shimmers in the spotlight.  Joining the celebration are special guests Sam Bush (mandolin), Jerry Douglas (dobro), and Stuart Duncan (fiddle) on songs hand-picked by the group to showcase their individual and collective virtuosity.

“Those are absolutely our top-three favorite instrumentalists as well as our good friends,” says Wernick. “For them to come to Colorado and join us for the music and celebration was as much as you could hope for.”

Bush dazzles on “Out on the Ocean,” while Douglas, owning the distinction of being the sole sideman ever on a Hot Rize studio recording, sets “Things in Life” alight.  And on “Angelina Baker” there is Duncan whose masterful fiddle-flames smolder and singe.

For the recording and production of the 40th Bash, the group utilized the experienced crew of Forster's long-running syndicated eTown radio show; one of those critical outside pursuits-- like O’Brien’s Grammy winning solo work and songwriting, Sutton’s online instruction and session wizardry, or Wernick’s decades of music camps and development of the Wernick Method-- that have sustained the band members’ ongoing individual creative careers.  Yet within Hot Rize there has been a perpetual passion and investment spread equally among the four. It’s an elastic and a glue, allowing the sojourns outside the core to pay dividends in return; always with a home to make incredible music together. “Everyone in this band has worked seriously hard to make Hot Rize shine,” declares Wernick.

Naturally, then, it’s on the Boulder stage for three nights in January of 2018, to a sold-out crowd, that these four musicians and these 40 years unite as one; to not only honor each’s contributions, and of course those two decades with their guitarist, the late Charles Sawtelle, but also to further this amazing journey.  With respect for the past, gratitude for the present, and ambition for the future, Wernick, the band’s founder, fittingly sums it up. “It’s a really deep feeling of fulfillment when the thing you love smiles back at you.”

Releasing via Ten in Hand Records and distributed through The Orchard, Hot Rize 40th Anniversary Bash is now available on CD and vinyl (double LP). On July 12th, the band rocked the Ryman Auditorium for their Nashville CD release show, as part of the Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman series. Sierra Hull and Justin Moses opened. Special guests included Stuart Duncan and Gillian Welch. Last month, the band recorded a session with SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction which includes live performances of many of the tracks on the new release, plus insightful interviews intermixed. Visit https://www.siriusxm.com/bluegrassjunction for rebroadcast information.

For more information on the band or to purchase the new release, please visit https://www.hotrize.com. For tour dates and festival appearances, please click here.

Tour dates:

Aug. 31 - Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival - New Castle, DE

Sept. 1 - Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival - Brunswick, ME

Sept. 2 - Rhythm and Roots Festival - Charlestown, RI

Nov. 2 - The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries - St. Louis, MO

Nov. 4 - The Caverns - Pelham, TN

Nov. 9 - Peoples Bank Theatre - Marietta, OH

Nov. 11 - Kent Stage - Kent, OH

Nov. 16 - City Winery - New York, NY

+ more to be soon added

Like many, I found my way to early country music through rock n' roll music of the 60s. Bands like The Stones, the Dead, The Byrds, The Lovin' Spoonful and many of the classic garage bands like The 13th Floor Elevators, The Seeds, and Sam the Sham served as a guide, inspiring me to dig deeper into the recordings of America’s past. It was clear to me that if these guys were finding inspiration from early blues and country music, there must be something there that I needed to discover. Following down that path quickly led to a deep affection for folks like Jimmie Rodgers, Blind Blake, the Skillet Lickers — the list goes on and on — which inevitably shaped the music I make with my band Bill and the Belles. It might surprise some people to see what music led me down this path. Here are some songs that were greatly influential to me as an eager teenager trying to find my musical identity, which would inevitably lead to an appreciation of country and blues records of the 1920s and 30s. The Dead would certainly approve.

Bo Diddley, “Mona” — I will forever preach the Bo Diddley gospel. If he’s not already, Bo Diddley needs to be in your ears. This specific song I find inspiring from a songwriting perspective. So simple yet so illustrative. Who can write a love song about a little kid’s infatuation with a seemingly unattainable girl AND deliver it with serious edge? Nobody. Bo Diddley is king.

The Rolling Stones, “Not Fade Away” — Their loose and rowdy rendition of the Buddy Holly classic off of their debut record England’s Newest Hit Makers. This record changed my life and made me want to be a musician. And of course the Bo Diddley beat is glue to this rock n' roll masterpiece.

Grateful Dead, “Katie Mae” — I first heard this tune from a live cut of PigPen singing it stripped down on acoustic guitar. This led to my discovery of one the most badass, charming musicians the state of Texas ever produced, Lightnin' Hopkins. Watch the video of Lightnin’ singing “Pull a Party” to Joan Baez and you’ll see what I mean.

The Seeds, “Can’t Seem to Make You Mine” — This is one of my favorite songs that will forever be stuck in my head. And not to mention some of the best moaning and wailing from legendary lead oddball Sky Saxon. For me, this garage rock classic brings to mind blues greats of the past like Howlin' Wolf, Blind Willie Johnson and others albeit tripped out AF.

Ricky Nelson, “Lonesome Town” — This is kind of an outlier, but it was the first song I ever sang on stage. It turned out to be a Christmas concert and well, this song isn’t too cheery as the title notes. This song has underlying country roots that helped me appreciate folks like Hank Williams, Lefty and Ernest Tubb. I followed this song with The Animals' rendition of "House of the Rising Sun" to a very confused audience. Some things never change.

The Lovin' Spoonful, “What A Day For A Daydream” — For me, this is quintessential pop. This band's ethereal, dreamy soundscape mixed with a touch of twang was a gateway drug for me and country music. Soon after getting into these guys, I found myself buying Tammy Wynette and Merle Haggard records... way before country music was ‘cool.’

The 13th Floor Elevators, “You’re Gonna Miss Me” — Jug band music meets rock n' roll? And it works... kinda. Admittedly I’m not as fond of it song as I used to be, but still an important record in blurring the lines of genre and Roky Erickson got some pipes alright. This song made my head spin when I first heard it. Soon there after I found out about Gus Cannon and never looked back.

? and the Mysterians, "96 Tears" — One of the best live shows I ever attended was at the Empty Bottle in Chicago with “?". By then, well into his 60's, Question Mark was strutting on the stage like a panther and crooning and belting as good as when he first recorded this tune in 1966. Of course "96 Tears" is one of the most celebrated garage rock anthems of all time and deservedly so.

Sir Douglas Quintet, “Mendocino” — The brilliance of Doug Sahm shines on this one. Border music meets the British Invasion deep in the heart of a Texas dance hall. Listening closely to Doug Sahm opened up my ears to appreciate the diversity of cultures that make up real country music. I’ll bet Doug got it from day one.

Velvet Underground, “White Light/White Heat” — Taking the "I don’t give a f---" attitude of The Stones and making it high art. Everybody knows this song and for good reason. It’s an American masterpiece.

Today, Bill and The Belles release their debut studio album, DreamSongs, Etc. via Jalopy Records. From the foothills of Blue Ridge in Johnson City, Tennessee, Bill and The Belles captivate fans with rich vocal harmonies and simple catchy melodies, built on a strong foundation of love for early American music. Recorded in just two days inside a beautiful old farmhouse in the rolling hills of Southeast Virginia, the album has been critically acclaimed by outlets like American Songwriter, Bluegrass Situation, PopMatters, and No Depression, who said the record, “... may be the most innovative modern interpretation of vintage roots music.” Bill and The Belles are currently touring the East Coast (full dates below) and will showcase at AmericanaFest next month. DreamSongs, Etc. is available today on Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, and on the band’s website.

Prior to forming Bill and the Belles, lead singer and guitarist Kris Truelsen sang in a honky-tonk band with Kalia Yeagle, an Alaska-grown fiddler and singer. Moving beyond the realm of early country, they started working up a few songs with friend and banjo player Grace Van’t Hof. As he recalls, “We quickly discovered our mutual love for rich vocal harmonies and simple catchy melodies.

With the addition of bass player Karl Zerfas, Bill and the Belles stepped into the role of house band upon the launch of a live radio show, Farm and Fun Time, presented by Radio Bristol. Truelsen started that community radio station, housed within the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Tennessee, in 2015. Along with sharing the stage with the nation’s top roots artists (Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives and Earls of Leicester), the group writes and performs the snappy, comical jingles for the show’s monthly sponsors.

Namesakes Bill and Belle Reed, performers from the 1920s who recorded the songs “Old Lady and the Devil” and “You Shall Be Free” in Johnson City, continue to be inspiration for the band. Truelsen says, “That was the first time I heard ‘Old Lady and the Devil,’ and since then it’s become clear to me why it’s stood the test of time. Simple, plaintive, stripped-down but incredibly expressive, tough as nails and funny as hell. I first heard that side on the Harry Smith Anthology of American Folk Music, a collection that continues to inspire. Our band’s name is a way to honor their music, the music of this place, and this region in general that we’ve come to call home.”

With their enchanting debut album, DreamSongs, Etc., Bill and the Belles capture the freewheeling, lighthearted approach to music that has endeared them to listeners of every generation. With a spirited sound that falls somewhere between old-time country and vaudeville, the group puts its own spin on a golden era of music, specifically the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. “We like old music and some of us are consumed by it,” says Truelson with a knowing laugh. “But we don't have a desire to copy it. We want to sound like ourselves and tell our story.”

As a result, a majority of the material on DreamSongs, Etc., is original, ranging from the upbeat number, “Wedding Bell Chimes,” through the yearning ode to youth, “Back to My Childhood Days.” While Truelsen’s distinctive tenor anchors the project, the Tennessee-based band’s trio harmonies gleam against a backdrop of banjo, fiddle, accordion, ukulele, and clarinet. “The title seemed appropriate in that a lot of the songs are about dreaming for something better, better days, better lovers, better whatever it may be,” Truelsen says. “Not to mention many of the songs we chose to sing are about the sentimental dreamer.”

Working with engineer Joseph Dejarnette, the group recorded DreamSongs, Etc. in a mere two days inside a beautiful historic farmhouse in the rolling hills of Southeast Virginia. The trio recorded around one microphone while rounding out the sound with Evan Kinney on accordion and Aaron Olwell on clarinet. Home-cooked meals and picturesque surroundings made the experience even more rewarding. “The small cities like Johnson City and Bristol tucked in between the mountains are inspiring to me,” Truelsen says. “I find the tension of urban and countryside to be a beautiful thing.”

That inspiration and appreciation for Johnson City can be heard in DreamSongs, Etc., which includes superb renditions of Jimmie Rodgers compositions, “Carolina Sunshine Gal” and “Tuck Away My Lonesome Blues”.

“Generally speaking I'm writing from my personal experiences, though I do my best to not make songs feel like they are part of any particular time. I would like to think someone could listen to ‘Finger Pointin' Mama’ and think it was written today, or maybe their Grandma might hear it and think it was written when she was a kid. I hope timelines are blurred and that the music speaks for here and now, and for way back when.”

Tour Dates:

Aug 24 – Brooklyn, NY – Jalopy Theater

Aug 25 – Olivebridge, NY – The Hoot

Aug 30 – Stockbridge, MA – Naumkeag at Night

Sept 1 – Woodstown, NJ – Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival

Sept 7 – North Hillsdale, NY – The Old Tone Roots Music Festival

Sept 9 – New Haven, CT – Second Sunday Concert Series

Sept 13 – Bristol, TN – Birthplace of Country Music

Sept 15 – Hilham, TN – Crossing the Cumberlands Festival

Sept 15 – Nashville, TN – Official AmericanaFest Showcase (8 p.m. at The Local)

Sept 16 – Jonesborough, TN – Brews and Tunes

Sept 21 – Bristol, VA – Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion

Sept 25 – Raleigh, NC – IBMA

Sept 28 – Raleigh, NC – IBMA’s Wide Open Bluegrass (StreetFest)

Sept 29 – Kansas City, MO – Dust Bowl Jamboree

Oct 5 – Harlan, KY – Sorghum Stiroff

Oct 6 – Johnson City, TN – Studio One (WETS)

Oct 9 – Damascus, VA – Damascus Concert Series

Oct 13 – Floyd, VA – Floyd Country Store

Oct 20 – Big Stone Gap, VA – Home Craft Days

Whose Hat Is This?, a collaboration of Tedeschi Trucks Band members Tim Lefebvre, Tyler “Falcon” Greenwell, J.J. Johnson, and Kebbi Williams, are pleased to announce the release of their second album, Everything’s OK (Featuring Kokayi), set to release on November 16 via Ropeadope. The band combines meteoric musical heights with outlandish grooves. It's free-jazz you can dance to. Cecil Taylor could never say that.

The band’s beginnings are truly organic-- in 2015 the bandmates, while on an European tour with TTB, found themselves with a day off. An impromptu decision to take the stage at A-Trane, a jazz club in Berlin, with no material and no preconditions allowed the then un-named band to explore and stretch out. It was a one-off gig and a total dice-roll. To the band it felt like what happens when God's jello finally sets; some members of the audience threw their clothes (was that a hat ?), others simply had to go home and journal. This was music that needed to be pursued.

Whose Hat Is This? picks up the improvisational gauntlet thrown by the "jam band" scene and goes gonzo, applying rhythmic muscle, experimental funk and wry humor to musical precincts where they are often sorely lacking. Tim Lefebvre on bass brings an eclectic bottom that he's honed with a diverse array of artists from Wayne Krantz to David Bowie ("BLACKSTAR.") The double drum-set attack of Tyler "Falcon" Greenwell (Susan Tedeschi, Col. Bruce Hampton) and J.J. Johnson (John Mayer, Gary Clark Jr.) are the perfect trampoline for Kebbi Williams' tenor saxophone flights. If the sound of four tour-ravaged lunatics playing without-a-net sounds appealing, that’s because it is. If the “Hat” fits, etc. etc.

Luckily for the curious listener, Whose Hat Is This? has captured their genre-defying mayhem live. First on their eponymous, self-released Whose Hat Is This?, recorded that fateful night at Berlin’s A-Trane. Their second effort,Everything’s Ok (Featuring Kokayi) is a scorched-earth set recorded in 2017 at the 8x10 in Baltimore. The new album features the future-voice stylings of Kokayi , and producer/engineer Geoff Stanfield ’s unassailable ear candy.

The band will tour in support of Everything’s Okay (Featuring Kokayi) in October and December of this year with stops in New York and Washington D.C., plus a run of shows down south. What to expect from a live show? Isaac Weeks writing for the Raleigh News & Observer captures the band’s on-stage chemistry best by noting, “While Whose Hat Is This? finds itself slotted into the genre of acid jazz often when it comes to describing the band’s sound, it’s truly a case of trying to categorize something that evolves each night. Electronica, funk, every sound is grist for the mill when it comes to these particular musicians, who are always on the lookout for inspiration before taking the stage to perform.”

For a full tour routing, see below. For more information or to pre-order the record, please visit https://www.whosehatisthis.com or https://ropeadope.com.

On tour:

Sunday, Oct. 14 - Nublu - New York, NY

Saturday, Oct. 20 - Cedar Street Social Club - Mobile, AL

Sunday, Oct. 21 - Gasa Gasa - New Orleans, LA

Monday, Oct. 22 - Chizuko - Pensacola, FL

Tuesday, Oct. 23 - The Nick - Birmingham, AL

Wednesday, Oct. 24 - University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, AL

Monday, Dec. 17 - The Hamilton - Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, Dec. 19 - The 8x10 -Baltimore, MD

Thursday, Dec. 20 - Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2) - New York, NY

This year’s Shout & Shine: A Celebration of Diversity in Bluegrass will honor the connection and cross-pollination between blues, bluegrass, and their offshoots and will take place on Monday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. at the North Carolina Museum of History Daniels Auditorium, at the very beginning of IBMA’s World of Bluegrass events in Raleigh. Presented by BGS and PineCone, Shout & Shine is the first event of its kind at the weeklong bluegrass business conference and festival. Born in 2016 as a direct response to the NC General Assembly’s controversial “bathroom bill,” HB2, Shout & Shine’s third year has grown and refocused its mission on highlighting and reincorporating these voices not only at the showcase, but throughout the week-long convention and festival. This year’s theme will be built upon the connection between North Carolina’s Piedmont blues pickers and bluegrass, pairing musicians from the Music Maker Relief Foundation with the best and brightest of bluegrass to illustrate that vernacular music from Appalachia and its offshoot genres would not exist in their current forms without people of color, African Americans, African slaves, and the influence of the music they created. For the first time, the showcase is a ticketed, sit-down concert that will benefit both the IBMA Trust Fund and the Music Maker Relief Foundation.

Headlining the year is Che Apalache, a four-man string band from Argentina founded by fiddler and songwriter Joe Troop that was recently featured in an All Things Considered piece which aired earlier last month. Listen here. Also performing at Shout & Shine are Farmville, NC-based Glorifying Vines Sisters, a sister act who have sung together for 50 years, sharing their truth: that gospel music is the heart and soul of American music. Amythyst Kiah, a professed Southern Gothic songster based in Johnson City, TN, returns to the showcase for the first time since its inaugural year, 2016, bringing back her commanding stage presence and raw and powerful vocals. And, no stranger to the IBMA world, 2016 Male Vocalist of the Year, Danny Paisley will bring his reverent and exciting take on traditional country music and bluegrass. Recently announced acts include Music Maker Relief Foundation artists Thomas Rhyant and Big Ron Hunter, and clogger and buckdancer Williette Hinton (son of recently passed, legendary blues picker and dancer, Algia Mae Hinton), all of whom will join the bluegrassers on the bill for special cross-genre collaborations. Missy Raines, seven-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year and current Bass Player of the Year, Song of the Year, and Recorded Event of the Year nominee, returns to the showcase this year. The night’s emcees, Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons, bring their expertise in old timey, blues-infused roots to the roster, while Crying Uncle & Friends, California based brothers and veritable prodigies Teo and Miles Quale, will kick off the celebration with their signature jaw-dropping tunes in the museum lobby at 6pm.

Shout & Shine is made possible by these partners: the International Bluegrass Music Association, Music Maker Relief Foundation, and the North Carolina Museum of History and the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Shout & Shine 2018 presenting sponsors are the Raleigh Convention Center, the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, Pre-War Guitars, Straight Up Strings, Jamie Dawson of Era Dream Living Realty, 95.7 FM That Station, and The Press House.

Tickets are $25 and available now (and going fast) at shoutandshine.brownpapertickets.com. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the IBMA Trust Fund and the Music Maker Relief Foundation. Special discounts are available for members of the NC Museum of History, IBMA, PineCone, and the Music Maker Relief Foundation through each organization.

Since their inception over a decade ago, Town Mountain has continuously redefined modern bluegrass, making waves in both the studio and the live music circuit; today, the band announced that they will appear on the Grand Ole Opry next Tuesday, October 16, followed by a two-night run at the legendary The Station Inn. Fans can expect to hear originals from their forthcoming album New Freedom Blues, which has been been praised by outlets like the Bluegrass Situation, SiriusXM, No Depression, American Songwriter, and Rolling Stone, who named the group an Artist You Need to Know. On Wednesday, The Boot premiered “One Drop In The Bottle” the fourth and newest single from the album. Set for release on October 26, New Freedom Blues is available for pre-order today via iTunes. Town Mountain are currently touring the Southeast and will tour with Tyler Childers in December (full dates below).

New Freedom Blues was recorded at Asheville's iconic Echo Mountain Studios with producer Caleb Klauder; the 11 tracks that comprise the album span the sum total of the band's eclectic influences, from traditional bluegrass to roots pop to hardscrabble honky tonk. The album also marks the first time the band brought a drummer – Sturgill Simpson collaborator Miles Miller – into the studio. Miller will also appear with the band at the Grand Ole Opry.

Town Mountain is comprised of Jesse Langlais (banjo/vocals), Phil Barker (mandolin/vocals), vocalist/guitarist Robert Greer, fiddle player Bobby Britt, and bassist Zach Smith. Since releasing their debut album Original Bluegrass and Roots Country in 2007, Town Mountain have made a name for themselves in bluegrass and roots circuits and have amassed a sizable catalog of original songs. They've toured with a who's who of like-minded artists, including Ralph Stanley and His Clinch Mountain Boys, the Del McCoury Band, Greensky Bluegrass, Yonder Mountain String Band, and many others. Southern Crescent debuted at number four on Billboard's Bluegrass Chart, and held strong in the Americana Music Association's Radio Chart Top Forty for 10 weeks. In 2016, Town Mountain made their Grand Ole Opry debut, performing both at the Opry House and at the famed Ryman Auditorium.

GRAMMY winner, producer, and musician Buddy Miller said, “Town Mountain aren’t out to reinvent the wheel, they’re like a new set of the finest tires that gives you a new ride. There's no fat, no gratuitous notes, no extra stuff, just amazing songs, singing and playing from one of the best bands out there… or maybe they are the new wheel.”

Tour Dates:

Oct 12 – Washington, D.C. – Pearl Street Warehouse

Oct 13 – Charlottesville, VA – The Prism Coffeehouse

Oct 16 – Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry

Oct 17 – Nashville, TN – Station Inn

Oct 18 – Nashville, TN – Station Inn

Oct 19 – Lexington, KY – The Burl

Oct 20 – Owensboro, KY – Bluegrass Museum and Hall of Fame

Oct 24 – Knoxville, TN – WDVX Tennessee Shines at Boyd's Jig and Reel Pub

Oct 25 – Atlanta, GA – Smith's Olde Bar

Oct 26 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall

Oct 27 – Raleigh, NC – The Pour House Music Hall

Oct 28 – Harrisonburg, VA – Spirit of the Valley Festival

Nov 1 – Louisville, KY – Zanzabar

Nov 2 – Indianapolis, IN – Duke's Indy

Nov 3 – Peninsula, OH – G.A.R. Hall

Nov 4 – Newport, KY – Southgate House Revival

Nov 9 – Roanoke, VA – Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers

Nov 10 – Leesburg, VA – Tally Ho Theater

Nov 17 – Huntington, WV – The V Club

Nov 30 – Greer, SC – The Spinning Jenny

Dec 1 – Winston Salem, NC – The Ramkat

Dec 6 – Harrisonburg, VA – The Clementine Cafe

Dec 8 – Virginia Beach, VA – Zeiders American Dream Theater

Dec 11 – Tulsa, OK – Cain's Ballroom *

Dec 12 – New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall *

Dec 13 – New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall *

Dec 15 – Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theatre *

Dec 16 – Dallas, TX – The Rustic *

* with Tyler Childers

MerleFest, presented by Window World, is proud to announce the initial lineup for MerleFest 2019, which will be held April 25-28. The annual homecoming of musicians and music fans returns to the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The complete lineup for MerleFest 2019 will be announced over the next few months. Today’s lineup announcement includes Wynonna & The Big Noise, Keb’ Mo’, The Earls of Leicester, Sam Bush, Tyler Childers, Peter Rowan and The Free Mexican Air Force, and many more. The 2019 Late Night Jam on Saturday, April 27th will start at 10:30 p.m. and run well past midnight, hosted by Chatham County Line. This very popular after-hours hootenanny in the Walker Center gathers many performers from the festival for impromptu artistic collaborations and one-of-a-kind superstar jams that have become legendary in the festival’s history. Ticket sales for both the festival and Late Night Jam begin at 10 a.m. EST on Nov. 13th.

Wynonna & The Big Noise: Respected by the millions of fans who are drawn to her music and undeniable talent, Wynonna’s rich and commanding voice has sold over 30-million albums worldwide spanning her remarkable 35-year career. As one-half of the legendary mother/daughter duo "The Judds," Wynonna was once dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline." This iconic performer has received over 60 industry awards, with countless charting singles, including 20 No.1 hits such as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not me,” and “Grandpa, (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ole Days).”

Wynonna and her band The Big Noise, led by her husband/drummer/producer, Cactus Moser, released their debut full-length album in February 2016 via Curb Records to critical acclaim. Wynonna has described the new sound as “vintage yet modern” and a “return to the well.” It’s a rootsy work encompassing country, Americana, blues, soul and rock. NPR’s Ann Powers noted that, “With her tight band behind her after touring together for several years, she just sounds like she’s home…You can just feel the grin on her face.” Wynonna & The Big Noise will make their MerleFest debut on Thursday night.

Keb’ Mo’: Over the past two decades, award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist and contemporary blues artist, Keb’ Mo’, has cultivated a reputation as a modern master of American roots music through the understated excellence of his live and studio performances. His most recent studio project TajMo, a collaboration with the legendary Taj Mahal, won the 2018 GRAMMY for “Best Contemporary Blues Album.” Additionally, at the 39th Annual Blues Music Awards, TajMo earned “Album of the Year” and “Contemporary Blues Album of the Year,” and Keb’ Mo’ also took home the title of “Best Contemporary Blues Male Artist.”

B.B. King, Buddy Guy, the Dixie Chicks, Joe Cocker, Robert Palmer and Tom Jones have all recorded his songs. His guitar playing has inspired leading instrument makers Gibson Brands to issue the Keb’ Mo’ Signature Bluesmaster acoustic guitar and Martin Guitars to issue the HD-28KM Keb’ Mo’ Limited Edition Signature model.

Combining his masterful, anecdotal writing skills, distinctive guitar versatility and rich, resonant, blues-soaked vocals, Keb’ Mo’ will carry on his signature, live performance experience on Saturday-- his first appearance at MerleFest.

The Earls of Leicester: When The Earls of Leicester formed in 2013, their mission was ambitious but exact: to preserve and promote the legacy of bluegrass legends Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, in hopes of reviving the duo’s music for long time admirers and introducing a new generation to their genre-defining sound. Within a year of releasing their self-titled debut, the Nashville-based six-piece far surpassed their own expectations, winning a GRAMMY Award for "Best Bluegrass Album" and earning six awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association. Now, with their first live album, The Earls of Leicester offer up a selection of songs that fully capture the pure joy and supreme musicianship that propel their every performance.

Recorded over two nights at Nashville’s CMA Theater, The Earls of Leicester Live at The CMA Theater in The Country Music Hall of Fame bears a boundless vitality that makes songs from over a half-century ago feel irresistibly fresh. Despite the band’s painstaking precision in recreating the catalog of Flatt and Scruggs’ Foggy Mountain Boys, the album unfolds with an easy warmth that honors the essence of traditional bluegrass, which Douglas describes as “music that was meant to be played on back porches.” The Earls of Leicester will perform on Saturday evening at MerleFest.

Sam Bush: From teen fiddle champion to groundbreaking mandolinist, there is only one Sam Bush. The son of Kentucky reared on Bill Monroe’s bluegrass came of age in the counterculture cyclone of the late ‘60s. In the genre’s outsiders like the Osborne Brothers and The Dillards, Bush heard the future, and by the dawn of the 1970s was leading his own New Grass Revival, driven by the power of rock-and-roll and the freedom of improvisational jazz. Bush and his hippie co-conspirators changed the bluegrass landscape, touring with Leon Russell, winning fans at festivals across the country, and recording GRAMMY-winning songs. At the group’s peak, after taking aim at the top of the Country charts, Bush walked away. Subsequent stints with Emmylou Harris and Bela Fleck brought him well-deserved recognition, numerous awards, and the gushing respect of a whole new generation of bluegrass upstarts. The once rebellious apprentice had become the genre’s gold-standard master. And now, for fans everywhere, the documentary telling Bush’s full story, Revival: The Sam Bush Story, not only chronicles the life and career of the newgrass creator, but weaves an emotional, inspiring story about the risks and rewards of being a musical iconoclast. Sam Bush will perform at MerleFest on Saturday.

Tyler Childers: Like many great Southern storytellers, singer-songwriter Tyler Childers has fallen in love with a place. The people, landmarks and legendary moments from his childhood home of Lawrence County, Kentucky, populate the 10 songs in his formidable debut, Purgatory, an album that’s simultaneously modern and as ancient as the Appalachian Mountains in which events unfold.

The album, co-produced by GRAMMY Award winners Sturgill Simpson and David Ferguson, is a semi-autobiographical sketch of Childers’ growth from wayward youth to happily married man, told in the tradition of a Southern gothic novel with a classic noir anti-hero who may just be irredeemable. Purgatory is a chiaroscuro painting with darkness framing light in high relief. There’s catharsis and redemption. Sin and temptation. Murder and deceit. Demons and angels. Moonshine and cocaine. So much moonshine and cocaine. All played out on the large, colorful canvas of Eastern Kentucky. Tyler Childers will make his MerleFest debut on Friday evening.

Peter Rowan and The Free Mexican Air Force: GRAMMY Award winner Peter Rowan is a singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades. From his early years playing under the tutelage of Bluegrass veteran Bill Monroe, to his time in Old & In the Way and his breakout as a solo musician and bandleader, Rowan has built a devoted, international fan base through a solid stream of recordings, collaborative projects, and constant touring. The late ‘60s and early 70’s saw Rowan involved in a number of rock, folk and bluegrass projects, including Earth Opera, Sea Train, Muleskinner, and the Rowans, where he played alongside brothers Chris and Lorin Rowan. After the Rowan Brothers disbanded, Rowan, David Grisman, Jerry Garcia, Vassar Clements and John Kahn formed a bluegrass band christened Old & In the Way. It was during this incarnation that Rowan penned the song “Panama Red,” a subsequent hit for the New Riders of the Purple Sage and a classic ever since. Peter Rowan returns to MerleFest with The Free Mexican Air Force on Sunday.

"MerleFest is proud to announce more than 75 artists who are part of the festival’s 2019 lineup, commemorating the 32nd year of the festival. MerleFest continues its tradition of honoring the tried and true performers that our MerleFest fans have come to know and love like Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Jim Lauderdale, and The Kruger Brothers and adding to them some of the top traditional plus acts performing today like Tyler Childers, Wynonna & The Big Noise, Keb’ Mo’. The initial lineup reflects the musical diversity and quality of performers who are the hallmark of the festival,” says Lindsay Craven, MerleFest Artist Relations Manager. MerleFest is known for its unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented music from the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, Americana, blues, country, Celtic, Cajun, cowboy, zydeco, rock and many other styles that the late Doc Watson referred to as “traditional plus.” The full initial lineup includes the following:

American Aquarium, Andy May, Ana Egge & The Sentimentals, AZTEC SUN, Banknotes, Bob Hill, Cane Mill Road, Carol Rifkin, Carolina Blue, Catfish Keith, Charles Welch, Chatham County Line, David LaMotte, Dirk Powell Band, Donna the Buffalo, Driftwood, Elephant Sessions, Elizabeth Cook, Ellis Dyson & The Shambles, Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys, Happy Traum, Irish Mythen, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Jess Morgan, Jim Avett, Jim Lauderdale, Joe Smothers, Jontavious Willis and Andrew Alli, Junior Brown, Junior Sisk, Larry Stephenson Band, Laura Boosinger, Lindi Ortega, Mark Bumgarner, Mark & Maggie O’Connor, Maybe April, Michaela Anne, Mile Twelve, Mitch Greenhill and String Madness, Nixon, Blevins, & Gage, Pete & Joan Wernick and FLEXIGRASS, Presley Barker, Professor Whizzpop!, Radney Foster, Roy Book Binder, Salt & Light, Scythian, Shane Hennessy, Si Kahn & The Looping Brothers, Steve Poltz, T Michael Coleman, The Black Lillies, The Gibson Brothers, The Harris Brothers, The InterACTive Theatre of Jeff, The Kruger Brothers, The Local Boys, The Trailblazers, The Waybacks, Todd Albright, Tom Feldmann, Tony Williamson, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, Wayne Henderson, Webb Wilder, and Yarn.

Additional performers for MerleFest 2019 will be announced in the coming months. The lineup and performance schedule is accessible via MerleFest.org/lineup.

Tickets for next year’s festival, as well as the Late Night Jam, go on sale at 10 a.m. EST November 13, 2018, and may be purchased at www.MerleFest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. MerleFest offers a three-tiered pricing structure and encourages fans to take advantage of the extended early bird discount. Early Bird Tier 1 tickets may be purchased from November 13 to February 17, 2019; Early Bird Tier 2 tickets from February 18 to April 24. Remaining tickets will be sold at the gate during the festival.

About MerleFest

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of "traditional plus" music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the four-day event. MerleFest has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.

Donna The Buffalo offers everything you want in a roots band -- songs that matter, a groove that makes you dance, an audience that spans generations, and a musical voice that evokes a sense of community. On November 9th, the Americana dance band released Dance in the Street, their first new album in five years, capturing the dynamic energy that has earned the band the love and respect of their fans, “the Herd”, for thirty years. Today, the band is proud to announce that Dance in the Street has landed on the Billboard charts! The beloved roots band held #9 on Billboard's "Up & Coming Musicians" chart and #31 on the "Independent Albums" chart. They also debuted at #46 on the Americana Radio Chart! Since the release of the album, Donna the Buffalo has garnered impressive reviews from No Depression, The Boot, Cowboys & Indians, PopMatters, and Rolling Stone, calling “Motor,” the record’s second track, "every bit as kinetic as its title indicates, with co-founder Tara Nevins encouraging her listeners to abandon their emotional baggage and speed toward a brighter horizon."

Donna The Buffalo is well known for their lyrics about human potential and community. Throughout Dance in the Street, Jeb Puryear and Tara Nevins, the band’s co-founders, share songs of social commentary and self empowerment. “We feel the album provides an enjoyable ride between the general and the personal, from both male and female perspectives,” says Puryear.

Donna The Buffalo joined forces with legendary Producer/ Engineer Rob Fraboni to record Dance in the Street at Sonic Ranch Studio in El Paso, Texas. Best known as producer of The Last Waltz soundtrack, Fraboni is also acclaimed for his work with Bob Dylan, The Band, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones. Fraboni set out to capture the essence of Donna The Buffalo’s live performances on a studio record. He had the band record in a circle directly to tape. Dance in the Street is a fully analog recording all the way to vinyl. The track list alternates in his-and-hers fashion; even so, Nevins believes the album makes a cohesive statement. “We think of it as painting a picture and I like the picture that we’ve painted with this record,” she says.

Nevins and Puryear have nurtured a close friendship after meeting at an old-time fiddle convention years ago. In 1989 they landed their first gig in a Trumansburg, NY restaurant setting Puryear and Nevins on their musical path. During that time, Puryear took note of Nevins’ songwriting ability – "the first person I met that wrote songs that sounded like you could hear them on the radio". While they mostly write separately, their music is often on the same wavelength.“ Our history is so long and very successful musically,” he says. “She’s my best friend – we’ve done this forever. It’s a big part of what makes it still interesting to do. We definitely have a good, rough-and-tumble, super-longstanding respect and love.”

Donna The Buffalo is not just a band, rather one might say that Donna The Buffalo has become a lifestyle for its members and audiences. The band has played thousands of shows and countless festivals including Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival, Telluride, Austin City Limits Festival, MerleFest, and Philadelphia Folk Festival. At several festivals Donna The Buffalo has become the house band for closing the events by backing up artists including The Avett Brothers, Keller Williams, Zac Brown, Bela Fleck, John Paul Jones, and Chris Thile. They’ve opened for The Dead and have toured with Peter Rowan, Del McCoury, Los Lobos, Little Feat, Jim Lauderdale, Rusted Root, and Railroad Earth to name a few. They also toured with Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen to help raise awareness about increased corporate spending in politics. In 1991, the band started the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg, NY. The four day festival has become an annual destination for over 15,000 music lovers every year and was started as an AIDS benefit. It continues as a benefit for arts and education. To date, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and is now one of three Grassroots Festivals; the Bi-annual Shakori Hills fest in North Carolina and Virginia Key festival in Florida. In 2016 GrassRoots Culture Camp was introduced in Trumansburg, New York as four days of music, art, dance and movement workshops, including nightly dinners and dances.

“Successes? We have certainly tried to make a difference in the world, trying to inspire ourselves and others to treat their lives as a work of art, and our collective destiny as something that we are creating, not just something we are subject to. And at the same time we’re having a blast, who wouldn’t want to ride around on a bus playing music with their friends?” Puryear added.

The most loyal fans in the Herd are always eager to accept a call to action. Last year Donna The Buffalo started a crowdfunding campaign to buy a new tour bus; within three weeks, they had raised $90,000. “You can imagine how validating that felt for us,” Nevins says, still overwhelmed at the generosity.

By creating a bridge between generations, Donna The Buffalo attracts one of the broadest demographics on the festival circuit. When Nevins encounters young women in the autograph line, she likes to write “Girl Power!” She’s proud to see them looking up at the stage and watching a female musician really getting down, comprehending that they could do the same thing one day. In addition, Puryear has noted that Vietnam veterans have gravitated to the band. During a songwriting workshop, Puryear sang “Killing A Man,” which examines the complicated psychological ramifications of ending another person’s life. He felt uncertain about recording it, he says, until a veteran came up and asked him how he got those emotions exactly right.

Dance in the Street closes with “I Believe,” a song with a message of support. From the stage, Nevins often hears men and women singing it with her. “I think our message is encouraging. It’s something for people to latch onto,” she says. “And what an awesome sound and feeling to hear an audience en masse singing your song with you.”

Donna The Buffalo draws on a lot of musical influences, from country and rock ‘n’ roll, to bluegrass and old-time fiddle, as well as Cajun and Zydeco. In many ways, they were Americana before the term was ever coined. The common thread? Songs of the human spirit, and an incredibly tight relationship with their fans.

“The fans, they show up to be a part of it. We show up to be a part of it,” Puryear says. “And we don’t have an intimidating vibe where we’re different than them. If a scene is really on, it doesn’t matter whether you’re watching, listening, dancing, or playing – it’s on, everybody knows it’s on and it feels great! I think that’s the nature of the connection.”

Tour dates: 

Nov. 30 -- Songbirds South -- Chattanooga, TN

Dec. 1 -- Shelby, NC -- Don Gibson Theater

Dec. 6 -- New Hope Winery -- New Hope, PA

Dec. 7 -- The Westcott Theater -- Syracuse, NY

Dec. 8 -- Anthology -- Rochester, NY

Dec. 14 -- Cohoes Music Hall -- Cohoes, NY

Dec. 15 -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Randolph, VT

Dec. 28 -- City Winery -- Atlanta, GA

Dec. 29 -- Ponte Vedra Concert Hall -- Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Dec. 30 & 31 -- Tampa, FL -- Skippers Smokehouse

Jan. 2 -- Green Parrot -- Key West, FL

Jan. 3 -- Riverwalk Stage -- Stuart, FL

Jan. 4 -- Haw River Ballroom -- Saxapahaw, NC

Jan. 5 -- City Winery -- Nashville, TN

Jan. 9 -- Tipitina's -- New Orleans, LA

Jan. 10 -- Warehouse 535 -- Lafayette, LA

Jan. 11 -- Sundown at Granada -- Dallas, TX

Jan. 12 -- 3Ten ACL Live -- Austin, TX

Jan. 18 -- Music Box Supper Club -- Cleveland, OH

Jan. 19 -- Rex Theater -- Pittsburgh, PA

Jan. 23 -- City Winery -- New York, NY

Jan. 24 -- The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center

Jan. 25 -- Ransom Steele Tavern -- Apalachin, NY

Jan. 26 -- Tralf Music Hall -- Buffalo, NY

Jan. 27 -- Mountain Stage -- Charleston, WV

Jan. 31 -- Spinning Jenny -- Greer, SC

Feb. 1 -- Neighborhood Theatre -- Charlotte, NY

Feb. 2 -- The Jefferson Theater -- Charlottesville, VA

Feb. 9 -- The Spire -- Jamestown, NY

Mar. 7 -- Boulton Center -- Bayshore, NY

Mar. 8 -- Center for the Arts -- Homer, NY

Mar. 9 -- Town Hall Theater -- Middlebury, VT

Sierra Hull is pleased to announce the ‘Christmas Time Is Here’ tour in which each of the four tour stops will be partnered with Toys for Tots and/or a local food bank-- seeking to ease the stress of the holidays for the less fortunate. Each attending fan who donates an unwrapped toy, canned foods, or makes a monetary donation to the local food bank on-site will receive a free signed Weighted Mind (Hull’s latest release, a GRAMMY-nominated record) poster while supplies last. Together, with her band (Justin Moses, Kai Welch, Eddie Barbash, Ethan Jodziewicz, and Jamie Dick), Hull aims to bring Christmas joy to all-- those attending the shows and those in need this December. See below for details on how to give in each market:

Dec. 7 -- Sheldon Concert Hall -- St. Louis, MO

(Toys for Tots, canned food, and monetary donations accepted

for St. Louis Area Foodbank)

Dec. 8 -- Franklin Theatre -- Franklin, TN

(Toys for Tots, canned food, and monetary

donations accepted for Second Harvest Food Bank)

Dec. 20 -- Tangled String Studios -- Huntsville, AL

(Monetary donations accepted for Food Bank of North Alabama)

Dec. 21 -- Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts -- Franklin, NC

(Toys for Tots, monetary donations accepted for Macon County Care Net)

For tickets and more information, please visit https://www.sierrahull.com/. For toy donation specifics, please visit the Toys for Tots website.

Congratulations to The Travelin’ McCourys on their GRAMMY nomination for “Best Bluegrass Album,” which was announced today on https://www.grammy.com/. The band’s eponymous debut album was released on May 25th of this year after decades of playing-- the GRAMMY nod pointing to both the band’s work ethic and their innovative style of bluegrass, which honors the genre’s tradition and drives it forward.

The McCoury brothers-- Ronnie (mandolin) and Rob (banjo) -- were born into the bluegrass tradition. Talk about a source abundant and pure: their father, Del, is among the most influential and successful musicians in the history of the genre. Years on the road with Dad in the Del McCoury Band honed their knife-edge chops, and encouraged the duo to imagine how traditional bluegrass could cut innovative pathways into 21st century music.

With fiddler Jason Carter, bassist Alan Bartram, and latest recruit Cody Kilby on guitar, they assembled a group that could take what they had in their DNA, take what traditions they learned and heard, and push the music forward. In fact, the band became the only group to have each of its members recognized with an International Bluegrass Music Association Award for their instrument at least once. There were peers, too, that could see bluegrass as both historic and progressive. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, The Allman Brothers Band, improv-rock kings Phish, and jamband contemporary Keller Williams were just a few that formed a mutual admiration society with the ensemble. Ronnie, Rob, Jason, and Alan are past GRAMMY nominees and winners with The Del McCoury Band-- this is the first nomination for The Travelin' McCourys as a whole.

The Travelin’ McCourys is a brilliantly executed set overflowing with inventive style, stellar musicianship, and, of course, plenty of burnin’ grass, the 14-song collection is a true culmination of their decades-long journey. From the headwaters of Bill Monroe and the waves of Jerry Garcia to a sound both rooted and revolutionary, soulful and transcending that belongs only to the Travelin’ McCourys.

“The album definitely shows what we’ve evolved into as a band. And, it’s a pretty good representation of what’s happening with the whole genre,” says Ronnie. “The old bluegrass material is something I love but it’s been done many times. We’re forging ahead with our own sound. That’s what you have to do to make it all work.”

Listen to the GRAMMY nominated album here. For more information on The Travelin’ McCourys, please visit their website.

On tour:

Dec. 13 - Ivy Ballroom at the Surf Hotel - Buena Vista, CO

Dec. 14 - Aggie Theatre - Fort Collins, CO

Dec. 15 - Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom - Denver, CO

Jan. 5 - 3rd & Lindsley - Nashville, TN

Jan. 11 - The Grey Eagle - Asheville, NC

Jan. 12 - McCelvey Center - York, SC

Jan. 18 - Lincoln Theatre - Raleigh, NC*

Jan. 19 - Charleston Pour House - Charleston, SC*

Jan. 25 - Barrymore Theatre - Madison, WI*

Jan. 26 - Old Rock House - St. Louis, MO*

Jan. 27 - Woodlands Tavern - Columbus, OH*

*The Grateful Ball with Jeff Austin Band

MerleFest, presented by Window World, is proud to announce new artist additions for MerleFest 2019: Brandi Carlile, Dailey & Vincent, and The Brother Brothers. The annual homecoming of musicians and music fans returns to the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, April 25-28.

Brandi Carlile: GRAMMY-nominated Brandi Carlile is currently celebrating her breakthrough new album, By The Way, I Forgive You, which debuted earlier this year at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Current Albums chart, Rock Albums chart and Americana/Folk Albums chart and Number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart—a career high for the Seattle-based group. Produced by Dave Cobb and Shooter Jennings, the album continues to receive overwhelming acclaim, including recent "Best Albums of 2018" coverage at Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, NPR Music and more.

Most recently, Carlile joined forces with Sam Smith on a new duet version of “Party Of One.” Recorded at L.A.’s Capitol Studios, a portion of the profits from this recording will be donated to Children in Conflict via Brandi Carlile’s Looking Out Foundation as part of its ongoing campaign to raise $1 million for children impacted by war.

Beloved by fans and critics alike, Carlile has performed sold-out concerts across the world and has appeared on various TV shows including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Conan and CBS This Morning. Carlile will perform on Saturday evening at MerleFest.

Dailey & Vincent: Grand Ole Opry Members, Five-time GRAMMY award winners individually, three-time GRAMMY award nominees collectively, four-time DOVE Award winners, and winners of 35 IBMA Awards altogether (including 3-time IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award winners and 3-Time Vocal Group of the Year Award winners), Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, backed by one of the best bands on tour today, are some of the most reputable and elite entertainers in American music; bluegrass, traditional country and gospel music. Now on Season 3 of their nationally broadcast television series, “The Dailey & Vincent Show on RFD-TV,” Dailey & Vincent bring their music to a national audience on a weekly basis. After a decade spent performing together and with over 1,000 airings of their PBS special “Dailey & Vincent ALIVE – In Concert,” their concoction of fantastically instinctive vocal blends of Dailey’s tenor and Vincent’s reedy harmonies has gained them well-deserved praise for their own distinctive style and worldwide recognition as American Music gold. Their most recent live CD, Dailey & Vincent ALIVE, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass charts and remained at the top position for over 15 weeks. Dailey & Vincent will appear on Thursday at MerleFest.

The Brother Brothers: The Brother Brothers are Adam and David Moss, identical twins carrying on the folk tradition for a new generation. Using minimal instrumentation, heartfelt lyricism, and harmonies so natural they seem to blend into one beautiful voice, the siblings draw on the energy and creativity of Brooklyn, New York for their full-length debut album, Some People I Know. The Brother Brothers will make their MerleFest debut on Saturday.

“For over 30 years, one of the major factors that has built and sustained MerleFest has been the quality of the artists and performances that our guests see over the 4 day festival,” says Ted Hagaman, Festival Director. “People truly feel that the festival is a great value and that is why music fans and families return year after year. We feel that the 2019 lineup again reflects the diversity and quality of performers and we look forward to another successful festival in April.” The three artists announced today join over 75 artists announced last month via Rolling Stone Country. Headliners include Wynonna & The Big Noise, Keb’ Mo’, The Earls of Leicester, Sam Bush, Tyler Childers, and Peter Rowan and The Free Mexican Air Force. The Late Night Jam presented by The Bluegrass Situation will be hosted by Chatham County Line. In addition to the above mentioned artists, the following will be performing at MerleFest ‘19:

American Aquarium, Andy May, Ana Egge & The Sentimentals, AZTEC SUN, Banknotes, Bob Hill, Cane Mill Road, Carol Rifkin, Carolina Blue, Catfish Keith, Charles Welch, David LaMotte, Dirk Powell Band, Donna the Buffalo, Driftwood, Elephant Sessions, Elizabeth Cook, Ellis Dyson & The Shambles, Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys, Happy Traum, Irish Mythen, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Jess Morgan, Jim Avett, Jim Lauderdale, Joe Smothers, Jontavious Willis and Andrew Alli, Junior Brown, Junior Sisk, Larry Stephenson Band, Laura Boosinger, Lindi Ortega, Mark Bumgarner, Mark & Maggie O’Connor, Maybe April, Michaela Anne, Mile Twelve, Mitch Greenhill and String Madness, Molly Tuttle, Nixon, Blevins, & Gage, Pete & Joan Wernick and FLEXIGRASS, Presley Barker, Professor Whizzpop!, Radney Foster, Roy Book Binder, Salt & Light, Scythian, Shane Hennessy, Si Kahn & The Looping Brothers, Steve Poltz, T Michael Coleman, The Black Lillies, The Gibson Brothers, The Harris Brothers, The InterACTive Theatre of Jeff, The Kruger Brothers, The Local Boys, The Trailblazers, The Waybacks, Todd Albright, Tom Feldmann, Tony Williamson, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, Wayne Henderson, Webb Wilder, and Yarn.

Additional performers for MerleFest 2019 will be announced in the coming months. The lineup and performance schedule is accessible via MerleFest.org/lineup.

Tickets for next year’s festival, as well as the Late Night Jam, go on sale at 10 a.m. EST November 13, 2018, and may be purchased at www.MerleFest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. MerleFest offers a three-tiered pricing structure and encourages fans to take advantage of the extended early bird discount. Early Bird Tier 1 tickets may be purchased from November 13 to February 17, 2019; Early Bird Tier 2 tickets from February 18 to April 24. Remaining tickets will be sold at the gate during the festival.

About MerleFest

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of "traditional plus" music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the four-day event. MerleFest has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.

Ahead of the impending snow storm, artists, volunteers and fans from all over the country gathered in Asheville, NC, this past weekend for Warren Haynes' 30th Annual Christmas Jam, a two-night, 14-hour music spectacular benefitting the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. This year's Jam lived up to its reputation of serving up one-of-kind, surprise collaborations in a big way, including an impromptu one-night-only Pop-Up Snow Jam with Gov't Mule and Dave Grohl last night.

The 30th Annual Christmas Jam officially kicked off Friday evening December 7th with electrifying sets from Warren Haynes solo, Grace Potter (including special guest Ron Holloway), Jamey Johnson (including Warren Haynes and special guest Audley Freed), Marco Benevento, Mike Gordon (of Phish) and more. Warren teamed up with Jim James for "Captured" before Grace Potter joined in for a three-part harmony on "Gold Dust Woman." Gov't Mule's Dark Side of the Mule, the band's acclaimed Pink Floyd tribute set, brought Jim James in on "Us & Them" before the 7-hour show ended with "Wish You Were Here."

Saturday evening December 8th brought incredible performances by Dave Grohl & Friends, Eric Church, Jim James (of My Morning Jacket), Gov't Mule, Joe Bonamassa, and Warren Haynes & The 45 Cherry Band, which takes its name from the club where the very first Christmas Jam took place in 1988 and saw all the band members from the inaugural year reunite. Dave Grohl thrilled fans when he brought out a surprise supergroup for his instrumental epic "Play," which was handpicked by Grohl (who played all instruments on the recorded track) to re-create it live for the first time ever. Joining Grohl were Them Crooked Vultures bandmate Alain Johannes, Jane's Addiction bassist Chris Chaney, Foo Fighters collaborator Drew Hester, super-producer Greg Kurstin and musicians Jason Falkner and Barrett Jones. Eric Church performed his big hits including "Desperate Man" before being joined for the remainder of his set by Warren Haynes and the Christmas Jam Band for a few more tunes including The Allman Brothers' "Ain't Wastin' Time No More" and Bruce Springsteen by way of The Band song "Atlantic City." Jim James returned for a set of his own performing tunes like the atmospheric "Here In Spirit." Warren teamed up with Joe Bonamassa for the Warren-penned "If Heartaches Were Nickels" and delivered yet another surprise moment when during an impromptu collaboration with Dave Grohl for Foo Fighters' "Times Like These" before Grohl unexpectedlyperformed "Everlong" with a poignancy and a message of peace that stilled the crowd. Gov't Mule closed out the final 7-hour night of the Jam by kicking off their set with "Rockin' in the Free World," accompanied by Dave Grohl, and saw the legendary rock torchbearers perform songs from their latest album including title track "Revolution Come... Revolution Go" and the gorgeous "Dreams & Songs."

There were many special guests throughout both nights including Audley Freed, Edwin McCain, Jen Gunderman, Jimmy Vivino, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Kevn Kinney, Maris, Robert Kearns, Patrick Hallhan, Ron Holloway, Tyler Ramsey and more.

In the aftermath of the snow storm that cancelled all flights and closed roads, there was one more mind-blowing surprise in store. On Sunday December 9th, Warren Haynes and Dave Grohl decided to get together for a surprise Pop-Up Snow Jam. Opening the Orange Peel specifically for this one-night-only show, Warren and Grohl played an intimate 3-hour, 2 set show, which sold out instantly after being announce earlier that evening. The three-hour, two set show kept the holiday cheer going well into the night. Dave Grohl & Friends opened the show with another supergroup performance of "Play." The remainder of the show brought together Gov't Mule, Grohl (on both guitar and drums), Grohl's supergroup members and various special guests such as Ron Holloway, T-Bone Anderson, Jimmy Vivino and more for tunes including "Since I've Been Loving You," "All Apologies" and "Helter Skelter" in Set 1 and "Hunger Strike," "Dear Mr. Fantasy" and "No Quarter" in Set 2 followed by the encore "Simple Man."

Prior to the Christmas Jam, the annual Christmas Pre-Jam at The Orange Peel took place on December 6th featuring some of the artists performing throughout the weekend's festivities, before a slew of Christmas Jam By Day performances on December 7th and 8th brought crowds to shows at Asheville Music Hall, The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall, Jack of the Wood and The Satellite Gallery, featuring some of Asheville's most stellar local talent.

On Thursday December 6th, Gov't Mule front man Warren Haynes kicked off the weekend full of holiday spirit and cheer as he was joined by dozens of volunteers and the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity for Before the Jam, Lend a Hand. The wall raising event at Curry Court in Candler, NC brought remarks from AAHH Executive Director Andy Barnett, Warren and The Scott Family - the future homeowners of the 2018 Christmas Jam house - among others.

In the 2018 documentary, Life Is Good, Livingston Taylor says, “I’m not interested in interesting human beings; I am interested in interested human beings.”

Indeed, Livingston Taylor may be one of the most interested human beings on the planet. Although he’s well-known for his artistry in the world of singing and songwriting, the accomplished musician (and brother of James and sister Kate Taylor) is also a modern day Renaissance man. He’s a motorcycle enthusiast and instrument-rated pilot who frequently takes to the skies in his single-engine 1964 Cessna 205, as well as a self-educated expert on the Bessemer converter that first enabled the mass production of steel. When he became concerned about global warming and nuclear proliferation, he decided to dig deep into nuclear fusion and fission to learn for himself exactly how it all works. 

Over the years, he’s explored and tinkered, learning how to build and repair – from a wood-fired hot tub outside of his home in Watertown, Massachusetts to fixing a broken pipe in the home of fellow musician Carly Simon. In the midst of all the flying, fixing things, and finding out facts, Taylor has also found time to author two children’s books – Pajamas and Can I Be Good?, as well as the bestselling Stage Performance, used across the country and world as THE textbook on stagecraft.  

“Livingston is a teacher and he’s always taught,” Carly says of her friend, “and he teaches you wherever you are and whatever you’re doing and whatever you’re doing it about.” 

It’s this desire to impart knowledge that brought him to Berklee College of Music, where he’s taught for 30 years. Although Taylor was admittedly a terrible student himself, he adores teaching. “I love the exploration that takes part in that environment,” he says.

His goal is to give his students the tools they need to create something of value for their audience. He believes a performer asking a group of people to interrupt their lives and pay attention to them is a “stunning act of hubris,” and the fear of not being sufficient is why many artists get nervous while onstage. Taylor seeks to help his students overcome these insecurities and become revered creators. After a career that’s spanned a half-century, Taylor wants to impart on his students what it means not only to be an artist: he wants them to understand what it means to be a good one. 

Interwoven throughout Taylor’s immense body of other work, however, is his music. Over his 50-years-long career, Taylor has recorded multiple Top-40 hits including “I Will Be In Love With You” and “I’ll Come Running.” His record “Life Is Good” won the 1989 Boston Music Award for Outstanding Folk Album. He’s performed with the likes of Joni Mitchell, Linda Rondstadt, Jethro Tull, and his brother James, to name a few. 

He’s also performed solo for audiences across the country and around the world. Well-known for his warm and sincere connection with each of his audiences (a quality he works hard to teach his students), Taylor loves meeting and speaking with his audience members before performances. His ever-present mantra is that while they don’t need him, he needs them. His performance style is on full display in the PBS special “Livingston Taylor Live from Sellersville Theatre: Songs and Stories” now airing on PBS stations around the country.

In July 2019, Taylor will journey down memory lane with his fans through the release of the retrospective box set LIVe: 50 Years of Livingston Taylor. The set will contain 87 never-before-released live recordings on five discs from performances from 1969 through 2016. It will also feature the Life Is Good documentary (directed by award-winning director Tracey Anarella), as well as a book of Taylor’s personal notes, memories, archival photos, and interviews. 

Berklee president Roger H. Brown once asked Taylor why he opts to fly a single-engine aircraft instead of one with two engines. Taylor explained to Brown that once the first engine goes out, the purpose of the second engine is to fly you to the scene of the crash. It’s this cool confidence in the face of life’s uncertainties (whether it’s flying a plane or facing down an angry, beer bottle-tossing audience when opening for Jethro Tull at Madison Square Garden) that makes Taylor such a commanding presence. If a zest for life, learning, and imparting knowledge is what truly makes someone interesting, then one can safely say that Livingston Taylor is one of the most fascinating artists ever to grace the stage.

LIVe: 50 Years of Livingston Taylor is available for pre-order here. 

During the first few seconds of Bobby Hawk’s first solo single, “Lights On Kinks Out,” the listener feels as though they’re tuning in through static to find a secret message unfolding on a faraway radio station. As the song comes into audio focus, it transforms into a haunting musical mantra about escaping a bad situation and returning to where one’s heart resides.

For Hawk, music, mantras, and meditation are all part his daily process. Born the tiny town of Sibley, Illinois (population: 300), the son of a musician quickly followed in his father’s footsteps, studying with Casey Driessen and learning to play violin, saxophone, mandolin, and guitar.

Now based in New York City, he’s frequently found playing at his favorite Brooklyn venues: Sunny’s, St. Mazie, Skinny Dennis, and Barbes, among others. Hawk uses twice-daily meditation and music as a form of spiritual healing and fulfillment; two practices he happily shares with his fans. Drawing inspiration from the elements he finds around him (reimagining a Django Reinhardt melody backwards or exploring an abandoned upsate New York property for the recording and video of “Lights On Kinks Out”) allows Hawk to create a musical experience that feels at once comfortably worn and familiar while also imaginative and new.

Over the years, Hawk has performed with the likes of Abigail Washburn, Jacob Jolliff, Clint Black, Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks, and more. As he sets off on his solo music journey, Hawk has one hope for his listeners: “I hope they hear how much music means to me, as well as how cathartic listening and creating can be."

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Named by Rolling Stone as a "New Americana Artist You Need to Know," The Cerny Brothers premiered the swinging video for 'Laugh At The Devil' on The Boot earlier this week. The song is a featured track off their new album Looking For The Good Land.

Since releasing their debut, Dream, Scott and Bob Cerny have built their audience on the road, traveling far beyond their homes — including rural Illinois, where the brothers were raised; Los Angeles, where they sharpened their chops during the band's early years; and Nashville, where both siblings currently live — to play a string of dive bars, living rooms, clubs, and theaters. It's been a musical trial by fire. On countless nights, they've been the new kids in town, relying on their songs not only to make a good impression, but to cut through the clamor of a noisy bar in an unfamiliar city. That kind of touring will sharpen your songwriting. It'll make you louder, too. With Looking For the Good Land, the Cerny Brothers' music takes on an epic edge, expanding far beyond the folksy, acoustic-based sound of their earlier albums to embrace the storytelling, supersized hooks, and cinematic punch of American rock. For more information visit www.thecernybrothers.com.

Named by Rolling Stone as a "New Americana Artist You Need to Know," The Cerny Brothers premiered the swinging video for 'Laugh At The Devil' on The Boot earlier this week. The song is a featured track off their new album Looking For The Good Land.

Since releasing their debut, Dream, Scott and Bob Cerny have built their audience on the road, traveling far beyond their homes — including rural Illinois, where the brothers were raised; Los Angeles, where they sharpened their chops during the band's early years; and Nashville, where both siblings currently live — to play a string of dive bars, living rooms, clubs, and theaters. It's been a musical trial by fire. On countless nights, they've been the new kids in town, relying on their songs not only to make a good impression, but to cut through the clamor of a noisy bar in an unfamiliar city. That kind of touring will sharpen your songwriting. It'll make you louder, too. With Looking For the Good Land, the Cerny Brothers' music takes on an epic edge, expanding far beyond the folksy, acoustic-based sound of their earlier albums to embrace the storytelling, supersized hooks, and cinematic punch of American rock. For more information visit www.thecernybrothers.com.

Known for their Patsy Cline-inspired lead vocalist and “Spaghetti Western Swing” style, The Carolyn Sills Combo has come together for a dramatic reimagining of a time-honored country classic: Marty Robbins’ “El Paso.”

In Return to El Paso, slated for release November 1st, The Carolyn Sills Combo creates a vivid backstory for that evening in El Paso, told from the perspective of each of its characters. Fans of Robbins’ epic song will find all of their favorites here – from the heartsick narrator to the unfaithful Feleena and even the fine horse on which the narrator makes his quick getaway into the desert.

The album was recorded in Joshua Tree, California, where renowned producer-engineer Sylvia Massy (Rick Rubin, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty) worked with the group over two days to tell the tale, from perfecting the beautiful Western harmonies to the aching Spanish guitar that evokes the sound that Nashville studio musician Grady Martin laid down for the original “El Paso.”

The record kicks off with “Feleena,” a voyage into the mind of Robbins’ jealous cowboy who begs for his love to refrain from heading to Rosa’s Cantina that fateful night. As the album progresses, the entire story unfolds, from meeting “The Handsome Young Stranger” to the humorously sorrowful “I’m Not Crying, I’ve Just Rubbed Jalapeños in My Eyes.” Our star-crossed narrator chooses his method of escape in the rollicking “Hold Your Horses” before the tale concludes with the “The Ranger.”

The release of Return to El Paso marks the 60th anniversary of the Robbins classic, which appeared on the Grammy Award-winning album Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs. In addition to taking listeners on an entrancing journey into the events of “El Paso,” Return to El Paso also features references to Robbins’ 1966 sequel “Feleena (From El Paso)” and his 1976 hit “El Paso City.” In October, The Carolyn Sills Combo will hit the road on a tour in support of the upcoming album.

The Santa Cruz-based band features the captivating vocals of Carolyn Sills, as well as the exceptional musical talent of Gerard Egan (guitar, vocals), Sunshine Jackson (vocals, percussion), Jimmy Norris (drums), and Charlie Joe Wallace (steel guitar). Sills also plays bass in the combo, which has been nominated for five Ameripolitan Awards in the last three years, claiming the 2018 honors for Western Swing Group of the Year.

It’s no mistake that Sills is often compared to Patsy Cline; she credits the country music legend with teaching her how to sing. “I had really good friends back in my early 20s that wanted to learn to play more country music. They invited me over and said, ‘Let's just hang in the basement and play Patsy Cline songs.’ And who would say no to that?”

With Return to El Paso, Sills continues to pay homage to the country music legends who most inspire her.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Tue Oct 15th - Buffalo Rose, Golden, CO

Wed Oct 16th - The Historic Vinewood, Topeka, KS

Thurs Oct 17th - Knuckleheads, Kansas City, MO

Fri Oct 18th - Anvil & Forge Brewing, Springfield, IL

Sat Oct 19th - Hogchute Opry, Monticello, IL

Sun Oct 20th - Chicago Honky Tonk Matinee at The Empty Bottle, Chicago, IL

Tue Oct 22nd - The Southgate House Revival, Newport, KY 

Wed Oct 23rd - Duke's Indy, Indianapolis, IN

Thurs Oct 24th - Blackbird, Urbana, IL

Fri Oct 25th - Carol's Pub, Chicago, IL

Sat Oct 26th - Short Branch Saloon, Neenah, WI 

Check out the video trailer for Return to El Paso.

Pre-order Return to El Paso on Kickstarter. 

It all started in the Haight Ashbury over 50 years ago: from the psychedelic ballroom bands of the late 1960's, the Grateful Dead emerged and went on to have a robust 30-year career with Jerry Garcia and another 24+ years post-Garcia. Rather than sticking with a scripted set list, the band flowed into the unfamiliar territory of improvisational concert celebrations that broke down the boundaries between musician and audience. This new style of performance eventually gave birth to the genre of music we now know as "jamband," and its emergence onto the musical scene went on to inspire an explosion of musicians following in those "no risk, no reward" footsteps originally forged by the Grateful Dead.

While jambands have their roots in 60s rock groups like the Grateful Dead and - a few years later, the Allman Brothers - their appeal has extended well into modern times with artists such as Phish, the Dave Matthews Band and Widespread Panic - just to name a few.

On October 17th, from 7 to 9 PM at their NYC location, Morrison Hotel Gallery pays homage to the world's greatest jambands and the many talented photographers who have worked with these legendary performers with its Jambands exhibition. From Jerry Garcia and the gang backstage at the Fillmore East to Greg Allman posing next to a portrait of his brother as well as rehearsing with the band, this exhibit examines the forefathers of the jamband movement. It also takes visitors on an exploration of many of the like-minded bands that have followed, including The Band, Dave Matthews Band, Gov't Mule, Grace Potter, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Tedeschi Trucks, and more. This event is open to the public but you have to RSVP to attend. Those interested in attending the Jambands exhibition are asked to contact [email protected]

The Jambands exhibition will feature images by photographer Jay Blakesberg, known for his iconic shots of the Grateful Dead captured over 41 years of working closely with the band. Blakesberg will also be the featured artist for Morrison Hotel Gallery's November 3rd Close Up Artist Talk (which will be co-hosted by the ACE Hotel New York). The Artist Talk will be in celebration of the release of Blakesberg's new book, Jerry Garcia: Secret Space of Dreams, due for release on October 11th.

In addition to Blakesberg, the Jambands exhibition will also feature extraordinary images by photographers Danny Clinch, C. Taylor Crothers, Sam Erickson, Herb Greene, Brantley Gutierrez, Lynn Goldsmith, Patrick Harbron, Rene Huemer, Elliot Landy, Gilbert Lee, Catherine McGann, Patricia O'Driscoll, Ken Regan, Amalie R. Rothschild, Norman Seeff, Allan Tannenbaum, Peter Tarnoff, Dave Vann, and Baron Wolman.

This exhibition will show many of the musicians in this vibrant scene both on and off stage, over the course of the last 50 years!

About Morrison Hotel® Gallery 

MHG is the world's leading brand in fine art music photography representing over 125 of the world's finest music photographers and their archives. Their vast catalog of photography encompasses jazz, blues, and rock imagery spanning several generations through to today's contemporary music artists and now includes iconic photographs in the world of celebrity and sports as well. MHG has a robust online presence, featuring over 100,000 images searchable by photographer, music artist, band or concert. www.morrisonhotelgallery.com

Morrison Hotel Gallery

116 Prince Street || New York, NY 10012

212.941.8770

Morrison Hotel Gallery

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1200 Alta Loma Road || West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.881.6025

Morrison Hotel Gallery

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808.669.6425 (MICK)

The Doors' iconic album, Morrison Hotel, was released exactly 50 years ago, today, on February 9th, 1970.

On the eve of the album's half-centennial anniversary, rock stars collided at West Hollywood's Sunset Marquis Hotel where music lovers and legends fêted the 50th anniversary of Morrison Hotel.

Hosted by industry trailblazers John Varvatos and Timothy White and sponsored by Jack Daniels, the homecoming celebration paid homage to the record's release 50 years ago with poolside performance helmed by The Doors' guitarist and co-founder, Robby Krieger.

Robby Krieger and Tangiers Blues Band - (a NYC group who have shared the stage with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, Brandi Carlisle, and many more) - along with an impressive roster of acclaimed musicians lent their respective talents to some of The Doors' time-honored greatest hits.

Miley Cyrus and producer Andrew Watt covered "Back Door Man", The Struts  did a chill inducing take of "Riders on The Storm" and Dennis Quaid brought the house down with his version of "L.A. Woman".

Other performers included Gary Clark, Jr., Badflower (Big Machine Records/John Varvatos Records), Nicole Atkins, Michael Bolton, Chris Voss (The Record Company), Slim Jim Phantom (The Stray Cats), The Eagles of Death Metal, guitarist Jimmy Vavino, and Alex Greenwald (Phantom Planet).

Morrison Hotel Gallery also celebrated its 20-year anniversary with the opening of a new photography exhibit in the gallery located inside the hotel's lobby. On public view through February 23rd, the exhibition leans heavily on rare outtakes from photographer and co-founder of the gallery, Henry Diltz's impromptu Morrison Hotel session... that almost didn't happen. The exhibit also features another 20+ fine art prints - a monumental glimpse inside The Doors' sensational career, spanning the gamut from iconic to never-before-seen.

As the story goes, photographer Henry Diltz arrived at the transient Morrison Hotel with The Doors only to be denied photographic permission by an unwitting desk clerk who, in stepping away for a few minutes, missed out on mischief that created one of the most prolific portraits in music history.

A half-century after the release of Morrison Hotel, phenomenal music remains the great unifier; transcending age, genre, race and language, fans were - and still are - delighted to witness the legendary and durational legacy of The Doors' Morrison Hotel.

About Morrison Hotel Gallery 

With locations in NYC, Los Angeles and Maui, MHG is the world's leading brand in fine art music photography, representing over 125 of the world's finest music photographers and their archives. Their vast catalog of photography encompasses jazz, blues, and rock imagery spanning several generations through to today's contemporary music artists, and now includes iconic photographs in the world of celebrity and sports as well. MHG has a robust online presence, featuring over 100,000 images searchable by photographer, music artist, band or concert. Www.MorrisonHotelGallery.com

Big Hands Rhythm & Blues Band is back with a swinging new single, bringing their signature style to the spirited classic tune “I Got Loaded.”

The single and video, released on April 30th, were recorded in Studio G, the rehearsal-space-turned-recording-studio housed in the heart of Brooklyn. It’s a venue that’s been used over the years by artists from Joel Hamilton and Beck to the Black Keys and the Plastic Ono Band, and the comfortable and creative environment proved to be the perfect setting to lay down a song about kicking back and unapologetically having fun.

“I Got Loaded” features Osei Essed behind the mic, where he lets loose on the lyrics in a joyous shout. Joining the party – or afterparty, given the song’s story – are the band’s founder and guitarist, Simon Kafka, bassist Andy Hess, organist Brian Mitchell (subbing for the band’s regular bassist and organist, Chris Kuffner and Todd Caldwell, respectively), and Zach Jones on drums. The band’s decision to film the video in the recording studio brings fans into the heart of the festivities, putting on display the contagious energy that pours from every performance by the Big Hands Rhythm & Blues Band.

“Osei and I actually changed the song and wrote an original bridge that only we play,” said Kafka. “I discovered the song on a vinyl I purchased by a band called Lil’ Bob and the Lollipops – a huge inspiration for me. The song is just about having fun and shaking your body and letting go. The band exists because I wanted to create something fun with no audience requirements at all.”

About the band bringing their own vibrant style to the classic song, Essed added: “Simon found the tune; I’d never heard it, but its a lot of fun to sing. Apart from the bridge, the feel of our take is much more frenetic and jumpy than the original – a nod to the age we're living in. We had a ball recording it and at a time when making records can be a lonely bedroom affair, we're glad to share video evidence of how much fun it can be to cut 'em live!”

“I Got Loaded” is the latest in a collection of music by a band that combines the bluesy, R&B authenticity of Chess Records era legends such as Howlin’ Wolf and John Lee Hooker with punk and garage rock icons such as The Sonics and MC5 known for leaving it all onstage with each performance. Made up of a group of working and touring musicians who have created music for screen and stage as well as played with the likes of Sting, Elle King, Lesley Gore, Ingrid Michelson, and Graham Nash, the band brings together phenomenal talent from a diversity of musical genres.

Big Hands Rhythm & Blues Band’s new single comes on the heels of their raw and unrestrained album of original songs, Thoughts and Prayers, which was released in 2018 on Ropeadope Records. A lineup of original music designed to move body and spirit, the album was reviewed by Blues Magazine as “raw, intense and razor-sharp.” With their latest single, the group promises to keep up the rock ’n’ rolling momentum through this year and beyond.

Check out the “I Got Loaded” video here.

Keep up-to-date with Big Hands Rhythm & Blues Band at www.bighandsrhythmandbluesband.com.

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is proud to reveal the line-up of songwriters participating in this year’s virtual edition of the annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival presented by Regions Bank. With the assistance of several incredible organizations and songwriters, the five-day event, taking place October 20-24, 2020, will feature more than 20 performances and includes nearly 75 songwriters!

”This has certainly been a challenging year for live events,” said festival director, Jennifer Turnbow. “However, with the help of some of our amazing publisher and organizational partners, we have managed to pull together a virtual lineup that will go down in Tin Pan South history.  We owe these partners and our sponsors an extreme debt of gratitude for helping us carry on the legacy of this 28-year-old festival even in such strange times.”

Among those announced to participate are: Josh Osborne, Lori McKenna, Shane McAnally, Carly Pearce, Dylan LeBlanc, Liz Rose, Jimmie Allen, John Paul White, Trevor Rosen, Matthew Ramsey, ERNEST, Meghan Kabir, JT Harding, Uncle Kracker, Victoria Shaw, SHAED, Rob Snyder and many more!

In addition to the evening rounds on Friday and Saturday, Tin Pan South,in collaboration with festival partner Jack Daniel’s, will host a Facebook LIVE “Happy Hour” at 6pm featuring a Jack Daniel’s Master Distilller and a special songwriting guest to kick-off the night. The full festival line-up and schedule is available now at tinpansouth.com and on the official Tin Pan South app.

Embracing the opportunity to connect far and wide, each night will focus on a different geographical region to showcase that songwriters hail from all around the world! Every day, at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Central, multiple rounds will premiere simultaneously to mimic the feel of the in-person festival; however, this year Tin Pan fans will have the unique chance to go back and experience the additional rounds, as they will remain available until the next day to watch.

Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival is the largest fundraising event each year for NSAI, and although this year’s festival is free to access, donations can be made to the organization via PayPal (paypal.me/nsaiofficial) to help support NSAI’s year-round efforts on behalf of songwriters.

For years, the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival has served as a way for audiences to discover up-and-coming songwriters and watch legends at work. Since its first year in 1993, Tin Pan South has served as a platform for NSAI to celebrate the songwriting community in Nashville and beyond. Past festivals have seen performances by Lori McKenna, Thomas Rhett, RaeLynn, Josh Osborne, and many more. This year marks the 13th year Regions Bank has served as presenting sponsor for the festival.

For additional information and upcoming announcements about performers, check out tinpansouth.com

“A Bowie Celebration: Just For One Day!” is the global streaming event to start 2021 off on a massive level on January 8 beginning at 6pm PT hosted by Mike Garson, David Bowie’s longest standing band member. The stream will bring together a dazzling array of artists who worked with Bowie, or were deeply influenced by him and his work, for a celebration on what would have been his birthday and weekend of the fifth anniversary of his passing.

Artists just added to the already all-star lineup include the Grammy award-winning British music icons Duran Duran, vocal sensation Adam Lambert, UK chart topping YUNGBLUD, three-time Grammy nominee Andra Day, actor/musician Michael C. Hall, Mott the Hoople icon Ian Hunter, singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist Anna Calvi, award-winning musician Atticus Ross, Kind Heaven Orchestra vocalist Etty Lau Farrell, and How to Destroy Angels vocalist Mariqueen Maandig Reznor.

They’ll join alumni members of Bowie’s bands spanning his 1969 self-titled album through his final album, Blackstar. Newly announced alumni returning to honor Bowie include Grammy Award-winning guitar legend Peter Frampton who was childhood friends with David and was featured on Bowie’s Never Let Me Down album and his Glass Spider tour. Also joining the show is Grammy Award-winning saxophone phenom David Sanborn who recorded on Bowie’s Young Americans album and was featured on his 1974 Diamond Dogs tour. Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman also joins the special A Bowie Celebration stream on January 8 having played piano on Bowie’s Space Oddity, Hunky Dory and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars albums.

A Bowie Celebration is proud to announce they will donate $2 per ticket purchase to the Save the Children organization, a charity important to Bowie and the beneficiary of funds raised from his 50th Birthday Concert held in 1997 at a sold-out Madison Square Garden featuring many of the very artists who will be featured on January 8 during this special global streaming event.

Produced by Mike Garson in partnership with Stacey Sher and Kerry Brown together with Rolling Live Studios, A Bowie Celebration: Just For One Day! will not consist of a generic series of music videos featuring rectangular video contributions. Instead, this concert will be a beautiful cinematic experience with performances also featuring previously announced artists including Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), William Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman, Gavin Rossdale (Bush), Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction), Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), Grammy-winning singer Macy Gray, Ian Astbury (The Cult), Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Gail Ann Dorsey (David Bowie, Lenny Kravitz), Bernard Fowler (Rolling Stones), Corey Glover (Living Color), Tony-winner Lena Hall, vocal phenom Judith Hill (Grammy winner for 20 Feet From Stardom) and Charlie Sexton (David Bowie, Bob Dylan).

Additional amazing career-spanning artists joining the January 8 global stream include Everett Bradley, Matt Chamberlain, Ava Cherry, Richard Cottle, Greg Errico, Mark Guiliana, Henry Hey, Emir Ksasan, Tony Levin, Geoff MacCormack, Andy Newmark, and Pablo Rosario plus previously announced alumni including Bowie’s final touring band of Mike Garson, Gail Ann Dorsey, Earl Slick, Sterling Campbell, Gerry Leonard and Catherine Russell along with Zack Alford, Carlos Alomar, Kevin Armstrong, Alan Childs, Robin Clark, Emm Gryner, Omar Hakim, Clare Hirst, Erdal Kızılçay, Tim Lefebvre, Martha Mooke, Holly Palmer, Mark Plati, Carmine Rojas, Charlie Sexton, Bowie’s longtime record producer and musician Tony Visconti.

Special guest appearances will also be made by Nandi Bushell, Mr Hudson, Gaby Moreno, Joe Sumner, Simon Westbrook, The Section Quartet and more.

Kicking off at 6 pm PT, the show will be available for ticket holders around the globe to enjoy live and for 24 hours after its initial stream. With such a wide-ranging lineup of extraordinary talent, the concert will offer over three hours of music, allowing fans to get comfortable at home, grab a drink and sit back to enjoy, reminisce and experience their favorite Bowie songs as never before — performed by David’s friends, bandmates, and those with whom he was the soundtrack to their lives.

Ultimate Ears Pro has partnered with Rolling Live Studios and A Bowie Celebration to provide artists with the industry standard in-ear monitoring solution for live performances. Fans can get their own set of collectible A Bowie Celebration inspired UE Pro earphones. The show will broadcast live on RollingLiveStudios.com via Lucra, a new live streaming platform built by Streamlabs. Ultimate Ears Pro and Streamlabs are a part of Logitech, a leading provider of audio and live streaming tools.

Fans can visit the event page at http://rollinglivestudios.com/bowie to buy tickets, purchase VIP experiences, and order exclusive merch. VIP ticket bundles offer fans a variety of exclusive opportunities and merchandise including everything from access to a pre-show soundcheck and an after-show Q&A with members of the band.

Additional artists are still to be announced. Artist lineup is subject to change. This sales promotion is conducted by A Bowie Celebration.

To learn more about A Bowie Celebration, visit Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Watson Lake, Prescott Arizona — Welcome to the one-of-a-kind multi-sensory concert experience: the Pure Imagination Festival on May 21st 2022.  Pure Imagination’s mission is to bring diversity of sound and culture to a peerless natural setting. The inaugural festival will showcase a curated cross-section of outstanding music set outdoors against an out-of-this-world landscape in the Granite Dells at Watson Lake, Prescott, Arizona.

The lineup boasts folk-rock band Dawes, hip-hop legend Talib Kweli, three-time Grammy-winning blues artist Fantastic Negrito, world-folk favs Rising Appalachia, indie-rockers Atlas Genius, celebrated Nashville singer-songwriter Katie Pruitt, Americana-Soul music collective Ponderosa Grove, indie rock band Sarah and the Sundays, Tucson’s favorite glam-rock band Chateau Chateau, and celebrated Tempe, Arizona-based reggae music-hall-of-famer Walt Richardson, with more names soon to be announced.

Festival goers of all ages will enjoy this eco-forward all-day music event featuring food, drink, on-site hiking, kayaking, and (limited) ticketed camping.

“Prescott has a rich history in music and we want to continue to keep it alive. We created a music festival to embody an eclectic and diverse lineup of sound for all kinds of music fans to come enjoy - while also getting to experience the natural beauty and wonder of the area,” said Candace Devine, President of Further West.

"Prescott itself has a very cool old west vibe with historic Whiskey Row and scenic views in every direction. The area is also known as a hotspot for anyone that is into outdoor adventures. Because we value Prescott's exquisite scenery so much, we are focused on Pure Imagination being an eco-friendly event to lessen our imprint. We are excited for fans to come enjoy the music in the breathtaking environment while knowing they are also helping to support amazing causes. We’re ready to stun everyone musically and visually as they spend the day listening to phenomenal talent in one of the most beautiful places in the world,” continued Devine.

The impact of Pure Imagination will be amplified through donating a portion of its proceeds across three non-profits: Sweet Relief, an organization that has been helping musicians with vital living and medical expenses since 1994, Arizona Serve, a program of Prescott College that places AmeriCorps members with local organizations to increase their capacity to address poverty, and the Center for Biological Diversity, known for its work protecting endangered species.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.pureimaginationfestival.com.

The Pure Imagination Festival has added multi-award-winning country music superstar Wynonna Judd to its eclectic and multi-faceted lineup. The one-of-a-kind concert experience will take place in a breathtaking setting: Watson Lake in Prescott, Arizona on May 21, 2022.

The Judds, a multi-award-winning duo consisting of Wynonna and her mother, Naomi, were one of the most successful acts in country music history. Wynonna went on to launch a solo career, becoming one of the most widely-recognized and awarded country artists of all time.

"After being on the road for 38 years, Arizona still remains one of my favorite places to play,” said Wynonna. “The Big Noise and I are so excited to join the Pure Imagination Fest lineup!"

Candace Devine, President of Further West and one of the festival’s producers, saw  the Judds when she was a child and recalls how the experience of seeing two strong women headline a massive show inspired her on her own musical journey.

“To be an adult, an artist, a festival promoter/creator, and a woman in music, it is so personally exciting for me to have Wynonna Judd join the Pure Imagination festival in our beautiful music city of Prescott,” Devine said. “She has been a strong force and trail blazer in music with an incredible career. I am beyond thrilled she is joining our fantastic line up.”

In addition to Wynonna Judd & The Big Noise, Pure Imagination festival’s growing lineup includes folk-rock band Dawes, hip-hop legend Talib Kweli, three-time Grammy-winning blues artist Fantastic Negrito, world-folk band Rising Appalachia, indie-rockers Atlas Genius, acclaimed Nashville singer-songwriter Katie Pruitt, Americana-Soul music collective Ponderosa Grove, indie rock band Sarah and the Sundays, Tucson’s favorite glam-rock band Chateau Chateau, and celebrated Tempe-based reggae music-hall-of-famer Walt Richardson, and more.

Pure Imagination’s mission is to bring diversity of sound and culture to Prescott, a scenic and historic town that is the musical crossroads of the West. A green-conscious, all-day event, the Pure Imagination Festival will feature music, food, drink, on-site hiking, kayaking, and (limited) ticketed camping.

In addition to creating a memorable experience for visitors, Pure Imagination seeks to make a positive impact by donating a portion of its proceeds to three non-profits: Sweet Relief, an organization that has been helping musicians with vital living and medical expenses since 1994, Arizona Serve, a program of Prescott College that places AmeriCorps members with local organizations to increase their capacity to address poverty, and the Center for Biological Diversity, known for its work protecting endangered species.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.pureimaginationfestival.com.

Greg Williamson and Nicole Rechter, the founders of RWE Partners, are continuing the Hamptons summer charity concert series they debuted last year with an instant sell out of the Marcus King & Friends show. For the second installment of the series, Williamson and Rechter will be treating a Hamptons audience to a special and intimate concert by chart-topping rock band The Revivalists at Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett on July 4th. This will be the band’s premiere Hamptons performance, and tickets for The Revivalists at Stephen Talkhouse go on sale June 2nd.

The Revivalists recently played sold-out shows at venerated venues such as Radio City Music Hall in New York City, and will play Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre this month – their third consecutive sell-out at the famed venue – following their electric hometown set at New Orleans Jazz Fest in May. To see the band - renowned for their live firepower and soulful alt-rock anthems - in a storied and intimate 200-person venue like The Talkhouse is a super rare and special opportunity for Hamptons music lovers. For the second year in a row, this show will support the non-profit USA Warrior Stories, an organization designed to record, archive and share videos of veteran stories online to help veterans make a connection with one another and to help us all better understand their sacrifices for our freedom. USA Warrior Stories can be found on Amazon Prime with 2 seasons completed and a third coming soon; the veterans’ stories can also be found on YouTube.

The Revivalists’ signature sound, which has garnered them more than 540 million global streams and major media praise, is a distinct mix of many of the classic styles of American music. Their 8-piece ensemble of pedal steel guitar, unique two-drummer set-up, horns, and more is led by the incredible voice of front man David Shaw.

The Revivalists recently announced the Made In Muscle Shoals Vol. 2 live studio EP out June 17 on Concord Records which features brilliant re-imaginings of fan favorites from the band’s last studio album Take Good Care such as “Otherside of Paradise (Made In Muscle Shoals)” and “You Said It All (Made In Muscle Shoals).” Vol. 2 follows the 2020 release of their Made In Muscle Shoals live studio EP and mini-documentary filmed during their recording sessions at the legendary FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals.

Since forming in 2007 in New Orleans, The Revivalists have played sold-out shows around the world. Their platinum-selling breakout hit “Wish I Knew You” became a mainstream phenomenon after ascending to #1 at Adult Alternative and Alternative radio where it set a record for most single-week spins ever.

The band has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, TODAY, Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, Austin City Limits, Ellen, and more. Variety has praised The Revivalists as “good old-fashioned rock and roll….,” while Rolling Stone lauded them as an “Artist You Need To Know” and Relix recognized them as worthy of “superstardom.”

Select live highlights in The Revivalists’ career include opening for The Rolling Stones and performing epic festival sets at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Governors Ball, New Orleans Jazz Fest, Outside Lands, and Pilgrimage. The band also established their philanthropic umbrella fund, Rev Causes, which supports the essential work of a variety of organizations dedicated to reviving and investing in our communities, health, and environment. Additionally, in 2021, David Shaw released his acclaimed debut self-titled solo album.

In March, Williamson and Rechter, along with their frequent collaborator and partner, rock n’ roll fashion icon John Varvatos, produced another successful and sold out Love Rocks 2022 edition featuring headliner Keith Richards & The X-Pensive Winos. Since the inaugural Love Rocks NYC in 2017, the star-studded event has seen a magnificent lineup of exceptional artists grace its stage, including Robert Plant, Dave Matthews, Jon Bon Jovi, Andra Day, Gary Clark Jr.,  Sheryl Crow, Joe Walsh, and many more.

Williamson and Rechter have also welcomed special guests to experience the Soho Sessions, a brand-new invitation-only series of events featuring intimate performances in a SoHo loft from artists such as Marcus King and Joe Bonamassa, with surprise guests having included Paul Shaffer, Amy Helm, Larry Campbell, Robert Randolph, Lisa Fischer, Rickie Lee Jones, Tash Neal, and others all coming together in support of mental health and addiction. RWE Partners also produced the Play On CBS primetime TV special in the middle of the pandemic (along with Varvatos, esteemed CBS journalist Anthony Mason, Golden Globe-winning actor Kevin Bacon, and Grammy Award-winning rapper LL COOL J) to support hunger and social justice. Coming up in October is their annual Tipping Point concert for Tulane University and the city of New Orleans in support of education and scholarships.

For Rechter and Williamson, bringing the Revivalists to the Hamptons to raise money for USA Warrior Stories is another opportunity to further their vision: to bring people together around world class music and performances to create powerful positive change in communities across the nation.

Tickets for the Revivalists July 4th show will be on sale June 2nd at www.stephentalkhouse.com.

The 18nd Annual Music Of fundraising performance, produced by Michael Dorf Presents, will spotlight the work of Paul McCartney and take place March 15, 2023 at one of the world’s most venerated venues, Carnegie Hall. McCartney’s music has been bringing people together for decades as a member of the Beatles, Wings,  and an acclaimed solo artist. His tender ballads, frisky rockers, and his always reflective and deeply insightful lyrics have soundtracked the lives of many generations over six decades. The Music Of Paul McCartney will feature a gathering of iconic family and friends who will celebrate McCartney’s legacy while also raising funds to support music education programs for underserved youth. VIP packages with the best seats in the house include the afterparty, among other perks. This magical night of McCartney’s music is now on sale at musicof.org.

The era-defining two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and singer-songwriter’s astounding career includes having written or co-written a record 32 songs that have topped the Billboard Hot 100.  The Music Of Paul McCartney will feature Lake Street Dive, Allison Russell, Bettye LaVette, Peter Asher, Ingrid Michaelson, Glen Hansard, Lyle Lovett, The Cactus Blossoms, and Shovels & Rope among others, each performing a song from the vast catalog of this prolific songwriting legend.

“What an honor to work with one of the greatest singer/songwriters in history and have him interested in our annual show at Carnegie Hall. We have missed doing this during the pandemic and looking forward to this special night. Of course, we will miss Rita Houston of WFUV, our longtime MC who passed from a battle with cancer and to whom we will also be paying tribute this year. Christine Stone of SiriusXM will be joining us this year,“ said Michael Dorf.

Previous Music Of tributes have spotlighted the work of Carly Simon, Prince, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, REM, and David Byrne, among others.  Every year, the tributes have sold out and contributed 100% of the net proceeds—approximately $100,000—from the evening to the following non-profit organizations: Music Will (formally Little Kids Rock), Young Audiences NY, FIXS, Church Street School of Music, The Center for Arts Education, D’Addario Foundation, Sonic Arts for All, Save the Music, Midori & Friends, Grammy in the Schools, the Orchestra Now, and the Newport Jazz Kids.

About Michael Dorf Presents.

Established by Michael Dorf in 2003, founder of the Knitting Factory and City Winery, MDP has been presenting the Music Of series at Carnegie Hall for 16 years.  Working alongside Michael for the last 11 years has been Shlomo Lipetz, Vice President of Programming at City Winery.

Today, 1 Million Strong, an impact initiative that seeks to transform the way people think about addiction and recovery, announced a partnership with the 2023 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival that will include a free sober-supportive wellness retreat experience for festivalgoers to cool down, recharge, and enjoy the music of Jazz Fest and alcohol-free cocktails in a relaxing environment.

“Having 1 Million Strong’s sober-supportive wellness tent at the event demonstrates that sobriety doesn’t mean that people in recovery can’t be a part of events such as this, but that there is a need to expand music culture to include sobriety,” said Bill Taylor, Director, Music Strategy and Programs, The Phoenix. “There is tremendous strength in coming together as a community to support one another, and that’s what these spaces are all about.”

The 1 Million Strong wellness experience at Jazz Fest is free and accessible to festivalgoers both weekends April 28 - 30 and May 4 - 7 and offers attendees the opportunity to enjoy mocktail happy hours and connect with people in recovery as well as allies to the recovery movement. The tent will open the same time Jazz Fest opens its gates at 11:00am (CT) daily.

"We are proud to partner with 1 Million Strong to, for the first time, make a wellness space part of this year’s festival — a meeting spot and retreat where individuals in recovery and allies can gather and connect with each other," said Quint Davis, Producer/Director, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. “We hope that this space will be a reflection of our commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and celebrated."

With more than 46.3 million people struggling with a substance use disorder, there is a need to change the approach to addiction which currently treats people as problems to be solved. The Phoenix is changing the experience of addiction and recovery by using the power of community, empowerment and belonging as a long-term approach to recovery. 83% of their members report remaining sober after three months and report increased meaning in their lives.

Over the past year, 1 Million Strong has served thousands of fans in partnership with various festivals and events across the country, including Bourbon & Beyond, Louder Than Life, Park City Song Summit, and concerts by artists including The Chainsmokers, bringing new opportunities including mental health and wellness support and Phoenix-lead activities.

1 Million Strong is an initiative created as a partnership between Stand Together Foundation, which is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in America by driving change from within communities, Stand Together Music, an organization that believes that the music industry is uniquely positioned to amplify and accelerate addiction recovery, and The Phoenix, which was founded on the mission to build a national sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection so that together we rise, recover, and live. The goal of 1 Million Strong is to support one million people in recovery through the strength of community – creating inclusive and engaging sober experiences and encouraging conversations about sobriety.

Learn more about how Stand Together Foundation and The Phoenix are working together to support alternative recovery solutions and how The Phoenix is working to create a sober active community.

For more information about the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, visit www.nojazzfest.com.To learn about 1 Million Strong, visit www.1millionstrong.com.

Today, 1 Million Strong, an impact initiative that seeks to support one million people in recovery through The Phoenix, announced a partnership with the Just Like Heaven and Cruel World festivals, bringing its free sober-supportive wellness retreat experience to both Goldenvoice events. Located onsite at each festival, the 1 Million Strong Wellness Retreat will provide fans with a sober-supportive space where they can relax, enjoy an alcohol-free mocktail, pop into the 360-photo booth to capture the moment, and meet up with fellow fans and attendees in recovery to enjoy the festival together.

“Like Goldenvoice, Stand Together Music is committed to promoting health and wellness across the music community,” said Colette Weintraub, Head of Stand Together Music. “Partnering with Just Like Heaven and Cruel World to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all festival attendees is an opportunity to ensure that we’re not leaving any fans outside the gates, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact that it has in the Southern California community and for festival goers everywhere.”

The 1 Million Strong wellness experience will be free and accessible to festival goers at Just Like Heaven on Saturday, May 13 and Cruel World on Saturday, May 20 at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, starting at noon on both days. The tent is located directly across from the Clubhouse area, between the north and south stage areas.

“1 Million Strong’s sober-supportive wellness tent at Just Like Heaven and Cruel World helps reinforce that sobriety doesn’t cut off access to life, but can enhance it,” said Scott Strode, Founder and National Executive Director of The Phoenix. “By creating an inclusive experience our goal is to build a sense of strength and community that is especially important in a festival environment where people in recovery may feel excluded or triggered.”

Over 46.3 million people currently struggle with a substance use disorder, making the need to change the current approach to addiction an urgent one. The Phoenix is changing the experience of addiction and recovery by using the power of community, empowerment and belonging as a long-term approach to recovery. 83% of their members report remaining sober after three months and report increased meaning in their lives.

Over the past year, 1 Million Strong has worked to create empowered spaces that celebrate people’s strengths and ensure that no fan is left outside the gate of their favorite festival or concert. They have done this by partnering with various events across the country, including Stagecoach, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, Louder Than Life, Park City Song Summit, and concerts by artists including The Chainsmokers, bringing new opportunities including mental health and wellness support and Phoenix-lead activities.

1 Million Strong is an initiative created as a collaboration among Stand Together Foundation, which is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in America by driving change from within communities, Stand Together Music, an organization that believes that the music industry is uniquely positioned to amplify and accelerate addiction recovery, and The Phoenix, which was founded on the mission to build a national sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection so that together we rise, recover, and live. The goal of 1 Million Strong is to support one million people in recovery through the strength of community – creating inclusive and engaging sober experiences and encouraging conversations about sobriety.

Learn more about how Stand Together Foundation and The Phoenix are working together to support alternative recovery solutions and how The Phoenix is working to create a sober active community.

For more information about the upcoming festivals, visit Cruel World at www.cruelworldfest.com and Just Like Heaven at www.justlikeheavenfest.com. To learn about 1 Million Strong, visit www.1millionstrong.com.

The Soho Sessions, an exclusive music-driven community known for curating exceptional live experiences in NYC, is thrilled to hit the road for the first time for a show with Grammy-nominated guitarist and singer-songwriter Marcus King and singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Celisse at Stephen Talkhouse in the Hamptons on August 3, 2023. This collaboration between the Soho Sessions and the legendary Stephen Talkhouse promises an unforgettable evening of extraordinary musical talent.

Marcus King, a soulful vocalist and an accomplished guitarist, has garnered widespread acclaim for his electrifying performances and insightful songwriting. His debut solo album, El Dorado, topped the Americana radio charts and received critical acclaim from NPR, American Songwriter, and Rolling Stone. King's music seamlessly blends rock, soul, blues, and Americana, captivating audiences with his undeniable talent and heartfelt performances.

Over the past few years, Celisse’s momentum as a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, performer, and spoken word artist has led her to a multitude of ventures. She collaborated with Alicia Keys, contributing guitar and additional production to "Billions (Unlocked)." Her touring in 2022 included support spots for Lucius and Brandi Carlile, performances with Dave Matthews Band at The Gorge, and a historic appearance as part of Joni Mitchell's "Joni Jams" at Newport Folk Festival, along with various festival appearances. Recognized as a favorite up-and-coming touring artist in 2023, Celisse has earned a spot on NIVA's Live List and performed at festivals such as Boston Calling and Bonnaroo.

The Soho Sessions is produced by RWE Partners. The company, co-founded by top New York City real estate broker Greg Williamson and global events producer Nicole Rechter, is dedicated to celebrating the power of music, fostering unique connections, and curating outstanding experiences while making a positive impact on society. Through the sponsorship of Stand Together Music, Soho Sessions raises awareness about issues such as mental health and addiction in support of 1 Million Strong (an initiative to support 1 million people in recovery through The Phoenix, a sober-active community). Williamson and Rechter are esteemed industry professionals known for their executive production work on the acclaimed Love Rocks NYC, the CBS TV special Play On, and Tulane University’s annual Tipping Point concert, among many other events.

The Soho Sessions: Hamptons Edition will take place at Stephen Talkhouse, a legendary venue in Amagansett, NY, known for its intimate and electric atmosphere. This partnership between the Soho Sessions and Stephen Talkhouse offers an opportunity for music lovers to experience the magic of live music in an iconic setting.

"We are thrilled to bring the Soho Sessions to the iconic Stephen Talkhouse. Marcus King and Celisse’s extraordinary talent and captivating performances make them the perfect artists to come together for this special event,” said Williamson. “This promises to be an unforgettable night of music, and we can't wait to share this exceptional experience with music lovers.”

Tickets for the Soho Sessions: Hamptons Edition featuring Marcus King and Celisse will go on sale on June 26 at www.stephentalkhouse.com.

Don't miss this momentous musical event as the Soho Sessions continues to curate remarkable experiences, ignite artistic passion, and celebrate the magic of music.

In Between Days Festival is excited to announce a partnership with 1 Million Strong that will bring a sober-supportive sanctuary to its festival grounds this summer, the first of its kind for a major live music event in the region.

The 1 Million Strong Retreat is powered by The Phoenix, a national sober active community with their East Coast headquarters in Boston, and will welcome festival goers to its inclusive sober-supportive retreat experience at this year’s In Between Days music festival, taking place August 19 and 20 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy.

In Between Days 2023 will feature two stages of music, with nearly two dozen bands and artists comprising a diverse and eclectic lineup that’s one of the most exciting showcases of live music in New England. The 2023 edition is headlined by Modest Mouse and Lord Huron, with Phantogram, Sunny Day Real Estate, The Beths, Trampled By Turtles and others, including a dozen homegrown acts from across New England.

“We're thrilled to partner with 1 Million Strong and The Phoenix to create a sober supportive retreat at In Between Days festival,” says Heritage Sports Ventures CEO and In Between Days Founder Alex Magleby. “We are crafting experiences that are meaningful for our fans, and cultivating spaces where everyone can enjoy themselves on equal terms. The goal is for everyone to be able to enjoy the festival in their own way. In Between Days is committed to offering a fan-first experience for everyone who attends the festival."

1 Million Strong is an impact initiative that seeks to support one million people impacted by substance use. At In Between Days, attendees can join 1 Million Strong and The Phoenix in a dedicated lounge space to relax, recharge, and enjoy non-alcoholic drinks. There, sober attendees and their allies, friends, and family can meet up to find a community and head out to festival stages with others who are committed to supporting each other’s wellness.

“The Phoenix is greatly excited to join forces with In Between Days this year as we bring our passion for supporting the recovery community to our hometown fans,” says Scott Strode, the Founder and National Executive Director of The Phoenix. “With our headquarters in Boston, this partnership holds a special significance as we continue our decade-long commitment to serving this community. Expanding our reach to festival environments through 1 Million Strong allows us to extend our support and empowerment to fans, fostering a culture of wellness and inclusivity in the music industry.”

At the 1 Million Strong Retreat tent, festival goers can also snap a selfie in the photo booth, grab paper fans, sunscreen packets, earplugs, bandannas, and hats, and enter to win shirts via on-site giveaways. 1 Million Strong is an initiative powered by The Phoenix, which was founded on a mission to build a national sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection. Over the past year, 1 Million Strong has created empowered spaces at music festivals across the country, including Stagecoach, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, Louder Than Life, Park City Song Summit, and California’s Cruel World and Just Like Heaven festivals.

1 Million Strong was also created in collaboration with Stand Together Foundation, which is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in America by driving change from within communities; and Stand Together Music, an organization that believes that the music industry is uniquely positioned to amplify and accelerate addiction recovery. The group estimates that there are currently 46.3 million people in the United States currently struggling with a substance use disorder.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with In Between Days to bring the transformative power of 1 Million Strong to their festival this year,” adds Colette Weintraub, Head of Stand Together Music. “In Between Days’ commitment to creating an exceptional fan experience, fostering a sense of community, and ensuring inclusivity aligns with our mission to break down barriers, remove stigma, and create solutions for people in recovery. Together, we will create a festival environment where no fan is left outside the gates, and where the power of music and connection can be experienced by all.”

The 1 Million Strong Retreat will blend in with the scope of offerings at this year’s festival. The expansive, open-air festival grounds of Veterans Memorial Stadium will also host a one-of-a-kind festival shopping experience in partnership with Little City Thrifty Vintage Market and The Good Trade Makers Market. This curated collection will feature vintage fashion, home decor, vinyl record dealers and local independent makers selling their specialty crafted wares. Fans can also have fun in the retro arcade presented by Bit Bar Salem and enjoy tasty bites from local restaurants and food trucks. It all adds up to a unique community-driven experience unlike any other festival. Among the non-alcoholic offerings at In Between Days are ​​Guayaki Yerba Mate and Recess beverages.

Tickets to In Between Days are currently on sale now. Single-day general admission tickets start at $105 and weekend general admission are priced at $175.50. VIP passes are $230 for single-day admission and $400 for weekend passes. VIP packages to In Between Days include access to an exclusive concert viewing section at the front of the main stage, admission to the festival’s VIP hospitality lounge and private bar, free soft drinks and snacks, access to air-conditioned restroom trailers, a VIP concierge service and a private VIP festival entrance to skip the general admission lines.

The festival location, located just eight miles south of Boston, is easily accessible via a short walk from the Wollaston Station or Quincy Center stops on the MBTA Red Line. While taking public transportation, ride shares and carpooling is encouraged, there is local parking for those attending the festival.

For the latest news, updates, and festival information, visit the festival homepage at inbetweendaysfestival.com. And be sure to follow In Between Days across social media: @inbetweendaysfestival on Instagram; @InBtwnDaysFest on Twitter; and @InBetweenDaysFestival on Facebook.  To learn about 1 Million Strong, visit 1millionstrong.com.

Saturday

Modest Mouse

Sunny Day Real Estate

The Beths

Blitzen Trapper

Slothrust

Weakened Friends

shallow pools

Fantastic Cat

Paper Tigers

Dutch Tulips

Carissa Johnson

Gypsy Moths

Sunday

Lord Huron

Phantogram

Trampled by Turtles

Cautious Clay

Yoke Lore

Allison Ponthier

Illiterate Light

Miko Marks

Kat Wright

Dwight and Nicole

Mint Green

Sweet Petunia

The Soho Sessions, an exclusive music-driven community known for curating exceptional live experiences in NYC, returns on Saturday, September 30th with a performance by Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Lukas Nelson, with Grammy-nominated singer Emily King as a special guest. The show will bring the pair back together after they collaborated on the song “Bad Memory” on King’s new album Special Occasion. The Soho Sessions is produced by RWE Partners.

The Soho Sessions will be open to a select number of invited in-person guests, and for the first time ever, will air to the general public at 9 p.m. ET on streaming platforms Veeps and FANS.

Whether fans attend in person or virtually, the show will provide an opportunity to support an important cause that isn’t receiving enough attention: the ongoing mental health crisis caused by the devastating wildfires in Maui. The September 30th Soho Sessions will raise donations and awareness for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hawaii, an organization that offers programs of education and real-life recovery for families affected by mental illness and anyone interested in being better informed.

RWE Partners, the company behind The Soho Sessions, was co-founded by top New York City real estate broker Greg Williamson and global events producer Nicole Rechter. It is dedicated to celebrating the power of music, fostering unique connections, and curating outstanding experiences while making a positive impact on society by raising awareness about issues such as mental health and addiction. Williamson and Rechter are esteemed industry professionals known for their executive production work on the acclaimed Love Rocks NYC, the CBS TV special Play On, and Tulane University’s annual Tipping Point concert, among many other events.

With every Soho Sessions event, fans step into a world where music legends and rising stars collide, creating electrifying harmonies that redefine the very essence of live performances. Past Soho Sessions have featured Joe Bonamassa with Robert Randolph, Steve Earle with Larkin Poe, and Louis Cato with Brittney Spencer. This summer, the Soho Sessions hit the road for the first time, bringing its magic to Stephen Talkhouse in the Hamptons for a show featuring Marcus King and Celisse. The music director is acclaimed singer, songwriter, and sessions musician Larry Campbell.

Returning home to NYC, the show makes its debut in the newly-expanded loft space the Soho Sessions has called home since its inception. Owned by Bret Trenkmann, who has always been a steadfast champion of utilizing the loft for RWE’s mission of driving positive change through music and culture, the larger space offers guests the opportunity to experience the show in a whole new way.

Through the power of music, we shine a light on important and critical causes,” said Williamson. “Join us as we unite with two extraordinary artists to support Maui's journey towards recovery. Together, we'll raise awareness and vital resources for mental health in Maui. Let's make a meaningful difference, one note at a time."

For more information about The Soho Sessions and to sign up for the September 30th broadcast of the show, visit www.thesohosessions.com.

Tulane University is bringing positive change to the world through its renowned scholarship and relentless pursuit of cures for the most threatening diseases. It is discovering solutions to the greatest environmental challenges and working to transform the New Orleans economy by turning the region into a destination for advanced medical care and innovation. The seventh annual Tipping Point all-star benefit concert, executive produced by RWE Partners (Love Rocks NYC), returns to The Fillmore New Orleans on Oct. 20, to support scholarships for Tulane students – the next generation of leaders who will continue the university’s efforts.

The Tipping Point 2023 welcomes as headlining performers blues-rock icon Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule, formerly of the Allman Brothers Band; three-time Grammy Award winner guitarist, singer-songwriter, and contemporary blues ambassador Joe Bonamassa; soulful singer-songwriter Allen Stone; and rising soul and R&B singer-songwriter and guitarist Celisse. Legendary New Orleans-based festival producer and director Dr. Quint Davis will once again be The Tipping Point’s host. The CEO of Festival Productions, Inc., Davis is best known as the producer of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. He attended Tulane before embarking on a career in the music industry and received an honorary degree at the university’s 2023 Commencement.

The Tipping Point will include an unforgettable, all-star gathering of artists including NOLA royalty George Porter Jr. from The Meters, gospel singer Jolynda Phillips, and the Queen of New Orleans neo-soul, Erica Falls. Two-time Grammy winner Eric Krasno will serve as the evening’s music director, leading an all-star New Orleans house band, featuring Ivan Neville, Dumpstaphunk founder, bassist, and vocalist Tony Hall (Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, the Neville Brothers), former Dumpstaphunk drummer Raymond Weber, and Mark Mullins & The Levee Horns, who have backed Bruce Springsteen, Keith Richards, Sheryl Crow, Gregg Allman, Peter Frampton, and numerous other major artists.

The Tipping Point is the only concert series of this magnitude in the country that supports a university. Proceeds from The Tipping Point will fund scholarships that will enable students to attend Tulane regardless of their economic background.

“Ensuring that a Tulane education is accessible to all qualified students is central to our mission. We are honored and excited that top artists from New Orleans and around the country are willing to share their talents to support our students as they pursue their dreams,” Tulane President Michael A. Fitts said.

“The Tipping Point is a cultural and musical highlight for New Orleans, Tulane University, and the local music community,” said Davis. “RWE founders Greg Williamson and Nicole Rechter have created, and continue to create, a fresh and inspiring annual fundraiser, and we are very grateful to them.”

“It’s a quintessential New Orleans event—musically and culturally diverse—and it’s become such a special tradition now that supports student scholarship,” said Walter Isaacson, bestselling biographer and the Leonard A. Lauder Professor of American History and Values in Tulane’s School of Liberal Arts.

The Tipping Point’s executive producer, RWE Partners, was co-founded by top New York City real estate broker Greg Williamson and global event producer Nicole Rechter. RWE is a leader in the world of benefit concerts, co-producing along with John Varvatos the annual Love Rocks NYC benefit concert at New York’s famed Beacon Theatre for God’s Love We Deliver.

“There’s no place like New Orleans—the Crescent City has its own groove, and its own music. We are honored to support the city and Tulane University with such an exciting and diverse roster of one-of-a-kind talents,” said Williamson.

Over the past five years, The Tipping Point benefit concert has featured a stunning array of talent, including Lukas Nelson, Stephen Marley, Marcus King, Ziggy Marley, Billy F. Gibbons, Ani DiFranco, Taj Mahal, Michael McDonald, Mavis Staples, Chris Robinson, The Nevilles, and PJ Morton while benefiting student scholarships and supporting the live music scene in New Orleans.

Learn more and purchase tickets at Tippingpoint.Tulane.edu.

Renowned country music superstar Reba McEntire is set to grace the stage of Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on Sunday, November 5 for a special night of songs and storytelling alongside Melissa Peterman, her co-star in the hit sitcom Reba. For fans who aren’t able to attend this sold out one-night-only event in Music City, premier streaming platform Veeps will air the show LIVE. Veeps All Access subscribers can access the show for free as part of their subscription, otherwise tickets to the livestream will go on sale Wednesday, November 1 for $12.99.

This special stream gives fans a chance to hear personal stories from Reba about her new book, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots, an enchanting collection of the Grammy-winning singer’s funny, poignant, and deeply personal stories, photos, tips, and recipes. Peterman will join in on the fun and moderate the evening. Reba will also perform a selection of songs — including her brand-new song “Seven Minutes in Heaven.”

Not That Fancy includes over 50 recipes from Reba's family traditions and her restaurant Reba’s Place; never-before-seen photographs and never-before-told stories from Reba’s personal and professional life (ranching with her Daddy, pranks with Brooks & Dunn, falling in love over a plate of tater tots); and simple, not-that-fancy lifestyle tips (how to achieve Reba's signature hairstyle, design a down-to-earth date night, and play a mean game of cards).

An Evening With Reba & Friends, Live from the Ryman Auditorium will be available for free for Veeps All Access subscribers or fans can buy an individual show ticket for $12.99 on veeps.com. The show will air LIVE on Veeps on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at approximately 7:30PM CT. There will be no rewatch period, so don’t miss out on this exclusive night of fun and music with Reba and friends!

About Veeps

Veeps is the world’s leading streaming platform for live music and entertainment where fans can connect with their favorite artists through live and on-demand concerts, comedy shows, and more. Launched in 2018 by Joel and Benji Madden, Veeps has streamed performances to millions of viewers worldwide for thousands of artists including Billie Eilish, Bob Dylan, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Foo Fighters, and Kings of Leon. Veeps has been named a Fast Company World’s Most Innovative Company, nominated for an Emmy, and holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest ticketed livestream performance by a solo male artist. Veeps content is available via veeps.com and apps on Apple TV, Roku, iOS, and Android. Veeps is a part of Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV).

Over his nearly 40-year career in showbiz, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Chris Isaak has revealed many sides to his persona: seductive crooner, roots rocker, actor, film score composer, talk show host, and television talent judge. This holiday season, Isaak is spreading the yuletide cheer and sharing his love of dogs with the video for “Dogs Love Christmas Too,” out November 9th via Sun Records, and by partnering with BISSELL Pet Foundation to raise awareness for their Empty the Shelters reduced-fee adoption event.

Isaak kicked off his nationwide 2023 It's Almost Christmas tour in style on October 30th in Nashville at The Ryman Auditorium. With two instant-classic Christmas albums in his catalog, Isaak has shown he’s not too cool to get into the holiday spirit. This year, he’s proving he may be dog’s best friend by pairing the video for his swinging seasonal fav, “Dogs Love Christmas Too,” from his 2022 album, Everybody Knows It's Christmas, with BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters reduced-fee adoption program.

For this event, participating local shelters nationwide will be offering adoptable animals from $0-50.00, so that homeless dogs across the country can enjoy the sweetest Christmas gift of all: a warm and loving home.

“I'm partnering with the BISSELL Pet Foundation to try and get pets out of shelters and into a home because they will be happier and so will you,” said Isaak. “In almost 40 years of performing, I have never done anything like this, and the response has been fantastic. Now my favorite part of this show is having dogs come out on stage. They always steal the show!”

“BISSELL Pet Foundation is so grateful for Chris Isaak and his advocacy for homeless pets during his It's Almost Christmas tour," said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. "We are excited to partner with Chris to raise awareness about our upcoming Empty the Shelters reduced-fee adoption event! With his encouragement and our nationwide event, we hope people will choose to adopt, to give cats and dogs loving homes for the holidays. Together, we can save lives this holiday season!”

Empty the Shelters is the nation’s largest funded adoption event. It helps homeless pets find families by making adoption affordable for prospective pet owners. They do this by supporting participating organizations with reimbursement for each pet adopted. Adopters pay no more than $50 and local license fees. Established in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped nearly 190,000 pets find their loving families at participating shelters in 49 states and Canada. Events are held quarterly. Follow Empty the Shelters online to see announcements for upcoming events.

Following a successful limited theatrical run, Billy Idol: State Line, a Vertigo Live concert film documenting the rock legend’s April show at the famed Hoover Dam—the first ever concert performed at the location—is making its streaming/video on demand debut via Veeps on Saturday, November 25 at noon PT. Billy Idol and his longtime guitarist Steve Stevens will be on hand for the debut live stream/chat HERE.

The special film—part docu-concert, part live performance—is free for Veeps All Access subscribers, and individual tickets can be purchased at Veeps.com. Fans around the world will be able to access the show at Veeps.com as well as via the Veeps app on Apple TV, Roku, iOS and Android. The film is available for ticket holders and All Access subscribers to rewatch through December 7. The Veeps stream exclusively features bonus, never before seen footage of Idol performing the tracks “Rebel Yell” and “Bitter Taste” at the Hoover Dam. Fans can also use code IDOL15 or VEEPS15 to get 15% off all State Line merch at billyidolstore.com.

The movie highlights the history and significance of Hoover Dam and includes performances from two unique sets of Billy Idol’s iconic hits: a full band concert at sunset with special guests that electrified and illuminated the surrounding Black Canyon and an acoustic duo set on the roof of the powerhouse at the foot of Hoover Dam straddling the Colorado River, directly on the Nevada/Arizona state line.

For both sets, Idol is joined by Stevens, his collaborator and lead guitarist of over forty years. Performed in front of only 250 fans, the full band set features special guests Alison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols, Generation Sex) and Tony Kanal (No Doubt). Watch/share the film’s trailer HERE. American Songwriter raves that Billy Idol: State Line is “outstanding…a must-see for even casual fans.”

“Our show at Hoover Dam was a monumental and surreal career highlight,” notes Idol. “I’m excited to get State Line out into the world. With this film we set out to highlight the continued importance of one of the most inspiring infrastructural achievements of the 20th Century, while also bringing the power of rock n roll to a stunning, magical location. I think we more than succeeded on both accounts.”

Idol’s first person experience of the Colorado River Basin drought conditions while shooting the film at Hoover Dam inspired his ongoing efforts to promote the importance of water conservation, including appearing in a series of public service announcements being released by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Watch/share Idol’s most recent P.S.A. with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland HERE.

Of his activism relating to water conservation, Idol adds, “The drought conditions prevalent in the American West are severe and impossible to ignore. It takes all of us conserving water in whatever ways we can to preserve the future of our natural resources for our grandkids and beyond. I’m proud to help amplify this issue in whatever way I can.”

Billy Idol: State Line is produced by Lastman Media for Vertigo Live in collaboration with the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas.

Idol has confirmed a number of select upcoming shows, including a performance in Las Vegas the same day as Super Bowl LVIII in February; see below for a complete list of tour dates.

For 46 years, Billy Idol has been one of the definitive faces and voices of rock’n’roll. Between 1977 and 1981 Idol released three albums with Generation X as their camera-ready frontman. In 1982 he embarked on a transatlantic/trans-genre solo career that integrated the bold and simple lines of punk and rock’n’roll decadence. Touring consistently around the world for the last ten years and showing no signs of slowing down, Idol released both The Roadside EP in 2021 and The Cage EP in 2022 on Dark Horse Records, earning praise from fans and critics alike. In January, Idol cemented his name among Hollywood legends with the first Walk of Fame Star of 2023.

Idol recently wrapped the first-ever Generation Sex tour in the U.K. and E.U. The punk supergroup is comprised of Idol and Tony James from Generation X, and Steve Jones and Paul Cook from Sex Pistols. November 10 marks the 40th Anniversary of Idol’s seminal record Rebel Yell, with an expanded edition of the album due in early 2024.

BILLY IDOL LIVE 2024

February 8—Rancho Mirage, CA—Agua Caliente

February 9—Lincoln, CA—Thunder Valley

February 11—Las Vegas, NV—On Location - Super Bowl LVIII

Every New Year’s Eve, two-time Grammy winning band Old Crow Medicine Show celebrates by performing at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. This year, Old Crow Medicine Show will continue their 14th annual New Year’s Eve tradition at the Ryman with shows that will feature a musical reunion with the co-founder of the band, Willie Watson. Premier streaming platform Veeps will air the two-night run on Saturday, December 30th and Sunday, December 31st LIVE. Veeps All Access subscribers can access the shows for free as part of their subscription, otherwise tickets will go on sale December 7 for $14.99 for each show or $24.99 for both shows.

Known for their electrifying live performances, Old Crow Medicine Show is one of the most potent and influential forces in American roots music. The New Year’s Eve shows wrap up a year in which the band celebrated its 25th anniversary with the release of its critically-acclaimed eighth studio LP, Jubilee, which was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Folk Album category. Both streams will offer fans all around the world access to this milestone celebration — with viewers of the December 31st stream in North America bidding farewell to 2023 as viewers from Europe and Australia welcome 2024 with front row seats to an unforgettable musical experience.

Old Crow Medicine Show + The Ryman: A Nashville Tradition will be available for free for Veeps All Access subscribers, or fans can buy an individual show ticket for $14.99 or a ticket to experience both shows for $24.99 at veeps.com. The shows will air LIVE on Veeps on December 30th at approximately 8 p.m. CST and December 31st at 9 p.m. CST. The shows will be available on Veeps for 12 months after the original air dates, with a 7-day rewatch period for individual ticket purchasers.

Today, Michael Dorf Presents announces that the 19th annual Music Of tribute concert – this year celebrating the timeless music of Crosby, Stills and Nash – will take place at the prestigious Carnegie Hall on May 13, 2024. This highly anticipated event comes on the heels of last-year’s sold-out Paul McCartney tribute concert, continuing the tradition of honoring legendary artists and their extensive songbooks while supporting music education for underserved youth. The pre-sale for VIP ticket packages starts today, with general admission ticket sales to be announced soon.

The stellar lineup for The Music of Crosby, Stills and Nash, soon to be revealed, will bring together 20 artists to perform songs from the rich catalog from the band, as well as its members’ solo careers. This once-in-a-lifetime event promises to be an evening full of spectacular music and surprises, including participation from Graham Nash himself!  

For nearly two decades, the Music Of series has honored the music of legendary musicians, including the likes of Paul McCartney, Carly Simon, Prince, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, REM, and David Byrne. These sold-out shows have not only celebrated musical greatness, but directed all net proceeds – $100,000 annually and $1.9 million in total – to a diverse group of non-profit organizations dedicated to music education. These beneficiaries include Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock), Young Audiences NY, FIXS, Church Street School of Music, The Center for Arts Education, D’Addario Foundation, Sonic Arts for All, Save the Music, Midori & Friends, Grammy in the Schools, the Orchestra Now, and the Newport Jazz Kids.

The Music of Crosby, Stills and Nash features an array of exclusive VIP ticket packages, each offering best-in-house seating and one-of-a-kind opportunities to experience the show. This year’s highly sought-after VIP packages include:

Deja Vu: Experience the concert from a private loge box seat in Carnegie Hall’s First or Second Tier and join the afterparty at City Winery.

Woodstock: Enjoy an exclusive 5-course dinner with the artists and VIPs at City Winery on rehearsal night (May 12th), witness the rehearsal show, and get one of the best seats for the Carnegie Hall concert, followed by the afterparty.

Helplessly Hoping: This package includes everything in the WOODSTOCK package, plus full access to the soundcheck at Carnegie Hall and a signed poster by all participating artists.

Our House (Limited Availability): The ultimate concert experience for two. Join artists on stage at Carnegie Hall for the grand finale. This package includes full access to both the rehearsal show and tribute concert, a 5-course dinner with artists, the best seats for the concert, and a signed poster.

Crosby, Stills and Nash have been pivotal in shaping the landscape of folk rock music. David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash’s harmonious blend, thought-provoking lyrics, and activism have left an indelible mark on music history, influencing countless artists and music lovers across generations. The band’s poignant songwriting, which encapsulated the spirit of a generation grappling with immense cultural and political shifts, still rings true today.

Visit musicof.org to purchase tickets and learn more!

About Michael Dorf Presents

Established by Michael Dorf in 2003, founder of the Knitting Factory and City Winery, MDP has been presenting the Music Of series at Carnegie Hall for 19 years.  Working alongside Michael for the last 15 years has been Shlomo Lipetz, Vice President of Programming at City Winery.

This summer, indie-rock sensation Mt. Joy is taking the stage at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre for two nights of unforgettable performances on Thursday, August 8 and Friday, August 9 — and premier streaming platform Veeps will air both nights LIVE. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and acoustics, Red Rocks is a magical setting for a band that’s become known for their incredible live sound, as well as their mesmerizing use of lights and visual effects. Veeps All Access subscribers can access the shows for free as part of their subscription, otherwise tickets are on sale for $14.99 for each show or $24.99 for both shows.

Mt. Joy, a band that has made their mark on the indie-rock realm, boasts a catalog defined by their deeply personal lyrics and the unique ability to reflect life’s complexities in their sound. Originating from Philadelphia, the group—consisting of Matt Quinn (vocals, guitar), Sam Cooper (guitar), Sotiris Eliopoulos (drums), Jackie Miclau (keys, piano), and Michael Byrnes (bass) — unveiled their debut self-titled album in 2018. Their single "Silver Lining" not only achieved platinum status but also soared to #1 on Billboard's Adult Alternative Airplay, amassing over 240 million streams.

The band went on to release critically acclaimed albums such as Rearrange Us in 2020 and Orange Blood in 2022, the latter of which further solidified their standing in the music world with another #1 hit, "Lemon Tree.” Their music has not only captured the hearts of fans across the globe but also earned them accolades and features in prestigious outlets such as NPR, Billboard, and Rolling Stone. Mt. Joy’s ability to draw massive crowds is evident in their sold-out tours and high-profile festival appearances, including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Austin City Limits, showcasing their wide appeal and the indelible mark they've made on the indie music scene.

Mt. Joy has a deep connection to Red Rocks: they were the first to perform at the storied venue when it reopened after the entertainment world shut down for COVID-19. That show sold out in just one week’s time. The August shows will mark the band’s fourth and fifth times playing Red Rocks; all of their previous shows there have sold out. These concerts will mark part of a whirlwind year that will see Mt. Joy performing at Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl, MGM Fenway Park with Noah Kahan, and more.

Mt. Joy: Live from Red Rocks will be available for free for Veeps All Access subscribers, or fans can buy an individual show ticket for $14.99 or a ticket to experience both shows for $24.99 at veeps.com. The shows will air LIVE on Veeps on August 8th and August 9th. The shows will be available on Veeps for two years after the original air dates, with a 7-day rewatch period for individual ticket purchasers.

Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF), esteemed for amplifying local impact zones through music and community support, is rallying behind 12-year-old Frances Gourley. Frances, the daughter of John Gourley and Zoe Manville of the band Portugal. The Man, is battling the one in a billion genetic disease, DHDDS. Starting on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, PFCF will host the Playing For Frances charity auction, which will feature collectible items and one-of-a-kind experiences donated directly from legendary artists and celebrities, with proceeds going to help find a cure for DHDDS.

In 2021, Frances was diagnosed with DHDDS, an ultra-rare illness shared by only 70 people worldwide. Since then, the preteen has begun to experience acute DHDDS symptoms that will progressively worsen. She suffers from epilepsy, full body tremors, lack of muscle control in her arms and legs, photosensitivity, migraine, nausea, and confusion. Her parents are heartbroken and terrified watching their beautiful daughter struggle with such an aggressive disease without an FDA-approved treatment. They founded Frances Changed My Life, an organization that funds research and development of lifesaving treatments for Frances and more than 150M kids around the world living with rare diseases.

To help raise money to support the fight against DHDDS, Playing for Frances will include an epic auction featuring items given directly by iconic artists and celebrities. The auction will include a backstage tour and band meet-and-greet before settling into prime seats to see Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour, signed swag from Billie Eilish, handwritten song lyrics from Phoebe Bridgers, a signed Kid A Mnesia album and artwork from Radiohead, a private dinner cooked by celebrity chef Roy Choi, a meet and greet and Love Box from Tenacious D, and much more. In addition, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica, California is graciously donating a two-night stay in one of their luxurious Garden Bungalows suites, accompanied by a delightful dinner for two at their farm-to-table FIG Restaurant.

The auction will culminate in a private benefit event held on March 9. To bid on the items up for auction, visit Charitybuzz.com/PlayingForFrances. To learn more about Frances and support her fight, please visit www.franceschangedmylife.com.

PFCF is celebrated for supporting music education programs for children in areas that are rich in cultural traditions but limited in economic resources. Its initiatives extend beyond music education, however. The foundation actively engages in providing essential services like food and hygiene supplies, especially in areas where these necessities are scarce. This comprehensive approach ensures that communities benefit holistically from PFCF's presence.

About Frances Changed My Life

In 2021, John Gourley & Zoe Manville of the band Portugal. The Man learned their daughter Frances had a one-in-a-billion genetic disease called DHDDS. Kids with DHDDS and other neurodegenerative diseases experience the mental and physical decline associated with elder diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 90% of childhood rare diseases, including Frances’, are without an FDA approved treatment or cure. Frances Changed My Life funds research and development of lifesaving treatments for Frances and more than 150M kids around the world living with rare diseases. Learn more and donate now at www.franceschangedmylife.com.

About Playing For Change Foundation

For over 15 years, Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF) has helped youth rise up through their own culture, using music education to create social and economic change in areas that are economically poor, but culturally extremely wealthy. With 50+ locations across 19 countries and growing, the positive impact of PFCF on youth, families, and communities in need is truly extraordinary. For more information, visit PlayingForChange.org, email [email protected], or follow @PlayingForChangeFoundation on Instagram and Facebook

The eighth annual LOVE ROCKS NYC benefit concert for God’s Love We Deliver is thrilled to announce Dave Grohl will join the evening’s performance lineup and Martin Short will join for a special guest appearance.

LOVE ROCKS NYC will now also be shown as a livestream event from the historic Beacon Theatre in NYC at 8:00pmET on Thursday, March 7. Fans in NYC and elsewhere can experience this memorable night of music by signing up at loverocksnyc.com to access a livestream link to the concert via Veeps.com.

Veeps All Access subscribers can tune in for free or fans can purchase an individual show ticket for $20 while also helping support the organization as $20 = 2 Meals for New Yorkers living with severe and chronic illness. Additional seats are also being released today and fans can purchase through www.ticketmaster.com.

Executive produced by iconic international fashion designer John Varvatos, NYC Douglas Elliman real estate broker and prominent concert producer Greg Williamson and esteemed concert/events producer Nicole Rechter, and featuring appearances by Conan O’Brien, Tracy Morgan and Jim Gaffigan, the concert will support and honor the work of the cherished New York-based not-for-profit. The organization, which was founded during the AIDS pandemic in 1985, now addresses 200+ diagnoses with its medically tailored meals and nutrition services. Last year, the staff and volunteers cooked, packaged, and home-delivered more than 4 million medically tailored meals to more than 14,700 New Yorkers living with and affected by severe illness.

Since launching in 2017, the annual LOVE ROCKS NYC concerts have brought together an astonishing lineup of musical talent, raising $30 million to date and helping to fund 3 million meals to New Yorkers living with illnesses. The benefit concert highlights the organization’s continued mission of providing life-sustaining meals and nutrition counseling for people in the New York Metropolitan area living with severe illness. As a member of the Food is Medicine Coalition (FIMC), God’s Love we Deliver supports the coalition’s national mission while offering vital services to local communities. God’s Love has seen a 20% increase in meals delivered over the past year.

For the eighth anniversary, the LOVE ROCKS NYC 2024 all-star lineup, led by Music Director and Band Leader Will Lee (The CBS Orchestra), will feature The Black Keys, Hozier, Nile Rodgers, Tom Morello, Don Felder, Bettye Lavette, Joss Stone, Allison Russell, Emily King, Marcus King, Lucius, Larkin Poe, Trombone Shorty, Luke Spiller (The Struts), Quinn Sullivan, Bernie Williams and more special surprise guests to be added.

The outstanding house band will include Steve Gadd (James Taylor, Paul Simon), Shawn Pelton (Saturday Night Live), Larry Campbell (Levon Helm, Bob Dylan), Eric Krasno (Soulive, Phil Lesh & Friends), Pedrito Martinez (Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Camila Cabello), Jeff Babko (Jimmy Kimmel Live), Michael Bearden (Lady Gaga) and a six-piece horn section. Ken Dashow of Q104.3 Radio will also serve as the evening’s “voice of god.”

The evening’s sponsors are Bloomberg Philanthropies, RJKB Family Charitable Foundation and Secunda Family Foundation. Additional sponsors include Ernst & Young, JT Magen, Samuel N & Dena M Lombardo, The Campbell/Ribbecke Family, DK Display Corp., Daily Provisions, Gramercy Tavern, Shake Shack, Villa One Tequila, RWE Partners and official media sponsors iHeartMedia, Wall Street Journal, Q104.3 and Conde Nast.

For more information, please visit: loverocksnyc.com

Celebrating the city that deeply influenced his music and joyful outlook on life, the release of the music video for "University of Bourbon Street" displays Jimmy Buffett's love affair with New Orleans. This standout track from his final album, Equal Strain On All Parts, features the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band and encapsulates the spirit of the city that left an indelible impact on Buffett.

"University of Bourbon Street” (Mailboat Records, distributed by Sun Records)  is an autobiographical anthem where Buffett reminisces about his transformative years in New Orleans. The song and video together capture the essence of the city's lively streets, its rich musical heritage, and the joyous, unbridled festivities that can only be found in the heart of NOLA. Buffett's lyrics narrate his journey from Mississippi to New Orleans, where he was educated not in classrooms but through the city's vibrant street life, its music, and its culture.

The music video is a time capsule, featuring clips of Jimmy Buffett in New Orleans from the 1970s to recent days, alongside studio footage of the recording session with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. It's a heartfelt homage to the city that Buffett adored, showcasing his deep connection to its music, culture and community.

From his early experiences in the city that served as his "museum" to his declaration of the University of Bourbon Street as his alma mater, Buffett's journey is a testament to the profound influence New Orleans had on his music and life. The video invites fans to follow in Buffett's dancing footsteps, exploring the rich tapestry of experiences that the city offers.

Reflecting on the significance of New Orleans to his life and career, Buffett once responded to a question from CBS Reporter Tracy Smith ("“Do you think there would be a Jimmy Buffett if there wasn’t a New Orleans?”) by laughing and saying, “That’s a very interesting question! I don’t think there ever would have been!”

Recorded in 2023, the song "University of Bourbon Street” was co-written by Buffett and Will Kimbrough and co-produced by Michael Utley and Mac McAnally. It features the talents of Preservation Hall Jazz Band members Ben Jaffe, Ronell Johnson, Charles Gabriel, Kevin Louis, and Clinton Maedgen.

As fans enjoy the "University of Bourbon Street" music video, they are reminded of Jimmy Buffett's unique ability to capture the spirit of New Orleans. It's a fitting tribute to both the artist and the city he loved, ensuring that the party goes on in true Buffett style: “Laissez les bon temps rouler!"

Michael Dorf Presents is thrilled to announce a stellar lineup of artists for the 19th annual Music Of tribute concert, this year honoring the music of the legendary Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Carnegie Hall on May 13, 2024, The Music of Crosby, Stills and Nash not only promises to be a night of unforgettable performances; it also supports a noble cause, directing proceeds to music education for underserved youth.

In an evening filled with spectacular music and surprises, The Music of Crosby, Stills and Nash will feature Todd Rundgren, Grace Potter, Taylor Meier of Caamp, Yola, Iron & Wine, Rickie Lee Jones, Joseph, Shawn Colvin, Real Estate, Aoife O'Donovan, Neal Francis, and Sammy Rae of Sammy Rae & The Friends. Each artist will bring their unique interpretation to the rich catalog of Crosby, Stills and Nash, as well as selections from the band members’ solo careers, in a tribute that spans generations and genres.

The evening's performances will be anchored by a house band of remarkable talent, led by Todd Caldwell and featuring Adam Minkoff, Michelle Willis, Thad DeBrock, Chris Bruce, and Josh Dion. This ensemble of musicians will provide the perfect backdrop to a night that celebrates the enduring legacy of Crosby, Stills and Nash, whose music has inspired countless artists and music lovers across the globe.

"To be a part of this incredible evening at Carnegie Hall, celebrating the music that David, Stephen, and I created together, is a profound honor,” said Graham Nash. "I look forward to seeing a diverse and talented group of artists perform our songs. Music has always been about connection, about sharing stories and emotions that resonate with each other. This event allows us to relive those connections and support a cause close to our hearts—music education."

"Bringing together such an extraordinary lineup to celebrate the timeless music of Crosby, Stills, and Nash at the iconic Carnegie Hall is a dream come true,” said Michael Dorf, founder of the Music Of series. “Each year, the Music Of series aims to not only pay homage to the music of legends but also to light a spark in the hearts of the next generation through music education. With this year's concert, we're not just celebrating the legacy of Crosby, Stills, and Nash; we're investing in the future of music, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to discover their own voice. I'm profoundly grateful for the chance to continue this tradition and excited for everyone to experience the magic we have in store."

VIP tickets are now on sale at musicof.org, with tickets going on sale to the public via Carnegie Hall on March 20. For almost two decades, the Music Of series has continued its tradition of honoring legendary artists and their extensive songbooks, all while making a significant impact on music education. Past shows have featured the music of the likes of Paul McCartney, Carly Simon, Prince, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, REM, and David Byrne. These sold-out events directed all net proceeds – $100,000 annually and $1.9 million in total – to a diverse group of non-profit organizations dedicated to music education. The beneficiaries include Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock), Young Audiences NY, FIXS, Church Street School of Music, The Center for Arts Education, D’Addario Foundation, Sonic Arts for All, Save the Music, Midori & Friends, Grammy in the Schools, the Orchestra Now, and the Newport Jazz Kids.

Don't miss the opportunity to witness this once-in-a-lifetime gathering of musical talent at Carnegie Hall. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit musicof.org.

About Michael Dorf Presents

Established by Michael Dorf in 2003, founder of the Knitting Factory and City Winery, MDP has been presenting the Music Of series at Carnegie Hall for 19 years. Working alongside Michael for the last 15 years has been Shlomo Lipetz, President of Venues at City Winery.    

The Soho Sessions, an exclusive music-driven community known for curating exceptional live experiences in NYC, returns for a very special performance with Gary Clark Jr., celebrating the Austin-based guitar hero’s new album, JPEG RAW (Warner Records), out Friday, March 22, 2024. The Soho Sessions will air in a special free broadcast on premier streaming platform Veeps at 5 p.m. ET. During the broadcast, viewers will have an opportunity to make donations to Music Will, the largest nonprofit music program in the U.S. public school system.

Gary Clark Jr.’s upcoming album JPEG RAW – the fourth studio release from the four-time Grammy winner – is a powerful and expansive artistic statement that marks a grand step in his musical evolution. While retaining the deep and true resonance of his blues foundations and guitar virtuosity with subtlety yet conviction, he reaches well beyond this time.

For JPEG RAW, Clark placed a heavy emphasis on song and studio craft, but without losing the rawness that made him a legend and caused Rolling Stone to crown him “The Chosen One.”

The music in the new album is dense and adventurous with a more cohesive synthesis of his eclectic musical palette. Hip samples, Thelonious Monk and Sonny Boy Williamson decorate flourishes of African, world music, even jazz while merging with blues, rock, R&B and rap — familiar areas Clark has ventured before, this time with more unity forging a fresh new style.

Clark’s lyrics are pointed, deeply personal, outspoken and socially conscious with occasional forays into rap and spoken word from Clark himself. The sonics are immersive verging on modern groove-oriented psychedelia with hip-hop driven beats in verses giving way to anthemic choruses, rich with power-chording and wide fuzz riffage.

In addition to celebrating Clark’s new album, this edition of The Soho Session also celebrates music through raising awareness and funds for Music Will, the organization that has provided music teacher training, curriculum, and instruments to over 6,000 schools across all 50 states - impacting over 1.6 million students to date. The nonprofit strives to reach a million more students by 2027 while making music education accessible to all students regardless of their socio-economic circumstances.

RWE Partners, the company behind The Soho Sessions, was co-founded by top New York City real estate broker Greg Williamson and global events producer Nicole Rechter. It is dedicated to celebrating the power of music, fostering unique connections, and curating outstanding experiences while making a positive impact on society by raising awareness and much-needed funds for important causes. Williamson and Rechter are esteemed industry professionals known for being co-executive producers on the acclaimed annual Love Rocks NYC benefit concerts at the Beacon Theatre. The Soho Sessions is an invitation-only music series that takes place at an elegantly intimate NYC loft in the Soho section of Downtown Manhattan.

“Singer, songwriter, guitar virtuoso Gary Clark Jr. is one of the most dynamic and transcendent artists in the world,” said Williamson. “His sound refuses to be pigeonholed — an eclectic, yet cohesive synthesis including deep blues, soul, hip hop, rock and even jazz. Simply put, there is no one else like Gary Clark Jr. We are honored to have him as a part of this Soho Sessions — and particularly for a cause like Music Will that enables children across the United States to have greater access to music education in their schools.”

The Soho Sessions featuring Gary Clark Jr. will be available for free on veeps.com. The show will air on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET, with an opportunity for viewers to donate to Music Wills during the initial broadcast. The show will be available on Veeps for 48 hours of unlimited viewing after the air date. For more information about The Soho Sessions, visit www.thesohosessions.com.

This past Tuesday night, in Little Paris, NYC, the home of The Soho Sessions was literally buzzing. The Soho Sessions, an exclusive music-driven community known for curating exceptional live experiences in NYC — hosted a very special performance with Gary Clark Jr., celebrating the imminent release of his new album, JPEG RAW (Warner Records), out Friday, March 22, 2024.

Held at The Soho Sessions headquarters, an elegantly intimate NYC loft, the invitation-only event drew a who's who of NYC. The entertainment industry, celebrity scene, taste-makers and music fans clamored to secure their spot at the quarterly event. Among the attendees were Elle Fanning, Steve Schirripa, Richard Kind, (President of CBS) Brian Applegate, Michael Novogratz (who sat in the front row all night), celebrity chef Amanda Freitag, media legends Gus Wenner, David Fricke, and Anthony Mason, among a few hundred others, all of whom were seen enjoying the night's magic and Clark's mesmerizing set. The Austin-based guitar hero played through his new record — the fourth studio release from the four-time Grammy winner. The room was captivated by his sound and it was clear that everyone there knew they were witnessing something special.

JPEG RAW is a powerful and expansive artistic statement that marks a grand step in his musical evolution. While retaining the deep and true resonance of his blues foundations and guitar virtuosity with subtlety yet conviction, he reaches well beyond this time. For JPEG RAW, Clark placed a heavy emphasis on song and studio craft, but without losing the rawness that made him a legend and caused Rolling Stone to crown him “The Chosen One.”

In addition to celebrating Clark’s new album, this edition of The Soho Sessions also celebrates music through raising awareness and funds for Music Will, the organization that has provided music teacher training, curriculum, and instruments to over 6,000 schools across all 50 states - impacting over 1.6 million students to date. The nonprofit strives to reach a million more students by 2027 while making music education accessible to all students regardless of their socio-economic circumstances.

The Soho Sessions featuring Gary Clark Jr. will be available to watch for free on veeps.com. The show will air on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET, with an opportunity for viewers to donate to Music Wills during the initial broadcast. For more information about The Soho Sessions, visit www.thesohosessions.com.

Michael Dorf Presents is thrilled to announce the exciting addition of esteemed artists to the already stellar lineup for the 19th annual Music Of tribute concert, honoring the legendary Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Taking place on May 13, 2024 at Carnegie Hall, this exceptional evening of tribute music promises to be an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts while raising proceeds to support music education for underserved youth.

Steve Earle, Guster, A.C. Newman (of the New Pornographers), and Sarah Jarosz are set to join the already-announced lineup of Todd Rundgren, Grace Potter, Taylor Meier of Caamp, Yola, Iron & Wine, Rickie Lee Jones, Joseph, Shawn Colvin, Real Estate, Aoife O'Donovan, Neal Francis, and Sammy Rae of Sammy Rae & The Friends. These acclaimed artists will bring their unique talents to the rich catalog of Crosby, Stills and Nash, as well as selections from the band members’ solo careers, with each performer enriching the tribute with their diverse musical styles.

The evening will also feature a special performance by Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock), a beneficiary of the Music Of series, further highlighting the series’ commitment to support music education initiatives for children across communities.

The concert's performances will be anchored by a house band of remarkable talent, led by Todd Caldwell and featuring Adam Minkoff, Michelle Willis, Thad DeBrock, Chris Bruce, and Josh Dion. Together, they will provide the perfect accompaniment to a night celebrating the enduring legacy of Crosby, Stills, and Nash.

“To be a part of this incredible evening at Carnegie Hall, celebrating the music that David, Stephen, and I created together, is a profound honor,” said Graham Nash. “I look forward to seeing a diverse and talented group of artists perform our songs. Music has always been about connection, about sharing stories and emotions that resonate with each other. This event allows us to relive those connections and support a cause close to our hearts—music education.”

Founder of the Music Of series, Michael Dorf, “This extraordinary lineup coming together to celebrate the enduring music of Crosby, Stills, and Nash at Carnegie Hall is truly remarkable. It's not just about paying homage to these icons; it's about investing in the future of music and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to explore the transformative power of music."

VIP tickets are now on sale at musicof.org, with tickets going on sale to the public via Carnegie Hall on March 20. For almost two decades, the Music Of series has continued its tradition of honoring legendary artists and their extensive songbooks, all while making a significant impact on music education. Past shows have featured the music of the likes of Paul McCartney, Carly Simon, Prince, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, REM, and David Byrne. These sold-out events directed all net proceeds – $100,000 annually and $1.9 million in total – to a diverse group of non-profit organizations dedicated to music education. The beneficiaries include Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock), Young Audiences NY, FIXS, Church Street School of Music, The Center for Arts Education, D’Addario Foundation, Sonic Arts for All, Save the Music, Midori & Friends, Grammy in the Schools, the Orchestra Now, and the Newport Jazz Kids.

About Michael Dorf Presents

Established by Michael Dorf in 2003, founder of the Knitting Factory and City Winery, MDP has been presenting the Music Of series at Carnegie Hall for 19 years. Working alongside Michael for the last 15 years has been Shlomo Lipetz, President of Venues at City Winery.