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BeachLife Festival Returns To Redondo Beach, CA May 2-4, 2025 with Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, Alanis Morissette & Many More

Eric Alper
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BeachLife Festival Returns To Redondo Beach, CA May 2-4, 2025 with Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, Alanis Morissette & Many More

BeachLife Festival, Southern California’s premier live music, art and culinary event, is back again for its sixth year taking over Redondo Beach’s picturesque waterfront May 2-4, 2025. Those that have attended previous years know the festival delivers a high-end experience and memorable performances from an eclectic group of legendary top talent and exciting inspired emerging artists spanning rock, indie, pop, jam, reggae and more. BeachLife 2025 will feature headlining sets from Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, and Alanis Morissette, as well as Train, O.A.R., Pretenders, CAKE, Mt. Joy, Jackson Browne, The Beach Boys and many more (full lineup listed below).

Since launching in 2019, the festival has quickly established a reputation for combining the best of Southern California’s idyllic culture into a one-of-a-kind immersive experience with something for everyone. Beyond the incredible live music, the festival also features wide-ranging food and drink offerings from acclaimed chefs, art installations and onsite activations highlighting various brand-led interactive experiences, fan engagements and philanthropic, sustainable initiatives.

Shares Allen Sanford, BeachLife Founder & Owner, “We are especially excited this year to announce what we believe is a truly unique lineup and experience in music festivals — curated not by genre, but by culture, vibe, and that feeling of enjoying the beachlife with friends. We have something for everyone, from world-recognized superstars to local celebrities, and every artist on this lineup has a reason and a story on how they connected with BeachLife Festival. Driven by our passion to share the BeachLife culture with the world, we hope to see all of you on the water in May for a truly special, unforgettable three days.”

“We build experiences,” shares Sam Meyers, BeachLife Festival Director. “The music makes the most noise, but every fiber of our festival plays a role in maintaining, and building, our fan’s trust.”

The music line-up for Friday, May 2:
Lenny Kravitz
Train
O.A.R.
Aloe Blacc
The Struts
Digable Planets
Shovels & Rope
Milo Aukerman (of Descendents)
Jim Lindberg (of Pennywise)
SULLVN
Mr. Midway
The Rookie5

The music line-up for Saturday, May 3:
Sublime
Pretenders
CAKE
Susanna Hoffs (of The Bangles)
Skip Marley
Sugar Ray
ALO
Long Beach Dub Allstars
Greg Graffin (of Bad Religion)
Tomorrows Bad Seeds
Too Rude
The Calamatix
Kyle Smith
Sitting On Saturn
Jesse James Pariah

The music line-up for Sunday, May 4:
Alanis Morissette
Mt. Joy
Jackson Browne
The Beach Boys
Marcus King
Big Head Todd And the Monsters
Lily Meola
Donavon Frankenreiter
Common Sense
Michael Glabicki (of Rusted Root with Dirk Miller)
Saxon Weiss

The festival will also serve as an introduction to the California Surf Club—a first-of-its-kind fine-dining and full-service membership club located on the festival grounds. Opening this February 2025, the Surf Club will welcome its year-round members and the BeachLife Festival 2025 attendees. California Surf Club guests will enjoy gourmet cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and personalized service, all within a private, comfortable setting that overlooks a main stage and Redondo Beach’s coast.

A new ticket experience is being offered with Captain’s Plus which will provide exclusive non-member access to a more intimate setting, including an opportunity to dine at the VIP restaurant onsite with an elevated culinary experience by award-winning chefs.

The California Surf Club is a 21,000 square-foot coastal compound located on the Redondo Waterfront, designed and constructed to provide a Home for the community to come as they are and focus on good company, good conversation, good vibes, and good views. The California Surf Club comprises two buildings–one serving as a public-facing restaurant/bar and the other a membership-based club, inclusive to all (day-rates are available)–connected by a beautiful sunset deck and garden. It’s a communal place to meet, network, and connect with likeminded individuals, experience exceptional food and drink, and take part in a social calendar which will be announced soon featuring fitness classes, master class discussions, intimate music listening events and more. For more information, visit www.casurfclub.com.

In addition to the exclusive California Surf Club restaurant dining experience, BeachLife will offer various food and beverage options including multiple bars, lounges, food vendors, and food trucks across the venue with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available, accessible to all festival goers.

The festival grounds will also host art installations, onsite activations highlighting various brand-focused fan engagements, giveaways, photo moments, and sustainable initiatives as well as boutique shopping, games and interactive experiences. BeachLife is thrilled to be partnering with such brands including Kona Big Wave, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Jack Daniel’s, Tequila Herradura, DAOU, Ikon Pass and St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Philanthropy and community are ever important to BeachLife. Throughout the year and leading up to the annual festival event, BeachLife supports many organizations in Southern California’s South Bay community and beyond, specifically as they relate to the preservation of beaches and oceans. With the help of the LA Kings Care Foundation and a number of national and local nonprofit organizations, BeachLife will host a Silent Auction to drive awareness to and help to raise much needed funding for these important causes. Philanthropic partners for 2025 include Heal the Bay, Surfrider Foundation, Redondo Beach Education Fund, Wyland Foundation and Redondo Beach Police Foundation.

3-day and single day General Admission, General Admission Plus, VIP, Captain, Captain Plus and Admiral tickets for the BeachLife Festival are on sale now at www.BeachLifeFestival.com. GA tickets are available now starting at $169 for 1-day and $409 for a 3-day pass. For a little more, General Admission Plus allows unlimited ins and outs. For a truly unique luxury experience, BeachLife offers the all-inclusive premium Captain’s Pass with privileges such as complimentary culinary and beverage offerings, exclusive bungalow lounge, front-row and sidestage platform views of main stage, parking, access to artist meet and greets, and more. The newly offered Captain’s Plus offers all that’s included in a Captain’s pass plus the additional privacy and exclusive access to CA Surf Club, including a brand-new celebrity chef dining experience. Admiral Passes are limited and include 2-4 GA+, VIP or Captain tickets along with a boat mooring for three nights. For detailed descriptions of ticket options, please visit: www.beachlifefestival.com/ticket-types. Ages are welcome and children ages 6 and under are free with ticketed adult.

For added luxury, space and privacy, BeachLife offers a limited number of Private Cabana Suites available for purchase upon acceptance of application. Cabana holders enjoy the festival in a premium location, elevated on the second story of BeachLife’s main decks with unobstructed views of the main and sunset views. Learn about Cabana amenities and how to apply for a Cabana here: https://www.beachlifefestival.com/private-suites.

Terrapin Roadshow Brings Grateful Dead Spirit to Monte Rio, Marin & Tahoe

Eric Alper
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Terrapin Roadshow Brings Grateful Dead Spirit to Monte Rio, Marin & Tahoe

Terrapin Crossroads and Paper Moon Presents are thrilled to announce the return of the Terrapin Roadshow, a traveling concert series that brings the spirit, energy, and sense of community from the legendary Terrapin Crossroads to three of the most intimate, magical, and scenic outdoor amphitheaters in Northern California.

Terrapin Roadshow concerts will take place at:

  • Monte Rio Amphitheater, Monte Rio – May 31 and June 1
  • Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, San Rafael – July 18, 19, and 20
  • Truckee Amphitheater, Truckee – August 17

The music at these shows will be rooted in the timeless songbook and style of the Grateful Dead, with plenty of room for exploration and spontaneous jams. Audiences can expect to hear classic tunes spanning from the ’60s to today, performed by world-class musicians in breathtaking venues.

“This series is a beautiful way to honor the incredible community that grew around the music of the Grateful Dead,” said Grahame Lesh, event co-producer and son of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. “It’s so special to see the spirit of their music passed down, bringing people together just as Terrapin Crossroads did for so many years. We can’t wait to reconnect with Terrapin Nation next summer.”

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 14, at noon, with special early-bird pricing available until January 31 or while supplies last.

The full lineup for all shows will be announced soon. Past performers at the Roadshow have included musical all-stars such as Peter Rowan, Sunshine Garcia Becker, Stu Allen, Dan “Lebo” Leibowitz, Grahame Lesh, Steve Adams, Alex Koford, Jason Crosby, Sam Grisman, and more.

For more information about the event, parking, lineup, and tickets, please visit terrapincrossroads.net.

$5 Tuesday Movie Tickets and $5 Popcorn Are Back At Cineplex

Eric Alper
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$5 Tuesday Movie Tickets and $5 Popcorn Are Back At Cineplex

This winter, Cineplex is giving Canadians reasons to come out of the cold and get together for movies, play and delicious food, all worth sharing. There are many ways to save while having fun, so you don’t have to choose just one.

Here’s another reason to get lost in movie magic and cozy up with a bag of popcorn this winter. Every Tuesday from January 14 to February 11, Cineplex will be offering general admission movie tickets and a small bag of popcorn for $5 each, plus tax. Tickets purchased online are up to $6.50 which includes the addition of an online booking fee up to $1.50. The offer can also be applied to premium experiences like UltraAVX, with the payment of an applicable surcharge. Scene+ members will continue to receive an additional 10 per cent off the ticket price for their Tuesday ticket purchase. For more information on $5 Movie and Popcorn Tuesdays, visit cineplex.com/tuesday.

Cineplex’s regular Tuesday pricing continues all year long where guests can see new releases at discounted prices and Scene+ members receive an additional 10 per cent off the ticket price. To learn more, visit cineplex.com/promos/tuesday-pricing.

Get your family members together to watch some of your favourite movies on the big screen for just $3.99 each!  Family Favourites programming is available on select Saturdays at participating locations. For more information, visit cineplex.com/events/family.

Last year, CineClub members saved over $18M on tickets and concessions, munched on over 479M popcorn kernels and watched 692 different movies!

CineClub is the ultimate movie-savings club with exclusive perks.  For only $9.99 a month plus tax, members receive one movie ticket every month to use, upgrade or rollover, plus 20 per cent off their favourite movie snacks and access to additional discounted tickets for friends and family. For more information, visit cineplex.com/cineclub.

If you’re looking to add a little play to your weekday, select locations of The Rec Room across Canada are offering delicious ways to save. Monday serves up $25 All-You-Can-Eat-Wings and includes $10 in gaming credits and Tuesday gives you Half-Off Gameplay on all arcade and recreational games. Get over the mid-week slump with Wednesday’s Half-Off Burgers and Recreational Games, including bowling, axe throwing and archery. Roll into Thursday with BOGO on our Classic Poutine and Friday with $10 off our Cocktail Towers. For more information and to find a participating location near you, visit therecroom.com/deals.

Visit cineplex.com and therecroom.com to learn more or visit cineplex.com/deals.

Steve Hackett Launches Live Recording of ‘Jacuzzi,’ Taken From ‘Live Magic at Trading Boundaries’

Eric Alper
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Steve Hackett Launches Live Recording of ‘Jacuzzi,’ Taken From ‘Live Magic at Trading Boundaries’

Steve Hackett’s annual performances at Trading Boundaries, in Sussex, UK have become something of a tradition for the legendary guitarist in recent years. Presenting stripped down material, and showcasing his acclaimed classical compositions, these unique & intimate concerts have become a highlight of the year, beloved of his fans. As Steve explains: “It’s always a joy for me to play at Trading Boundaries, a magical intimate place full of beautiful lights and exotic imagery, illuminating the darkest time of year over Christmas and New Year… It’s the perfect location for my acoustic set.”

‘Live Magic At Trading Boundaries’, set for release on Friday, January 17th, 2025, collects various recordings from these shows from over the years, and also features appearances from regular collaborators including brother John Hackett on flute, Roger King on keys, Rob Townsend on flute & sax, & Amanda Lehmann on guitar & vocals. The release also coincides with Steve’s next two live appearances at the venue, on January 18th &19th, 2025.

Today he is pleased to release a live recording of the track ‘Jacuzzi’, originally featured on his 1980 solo album ‘Defector.’

Steve comments: “I’m thrilled to be releasing such a special album of live virtuoso performances over the years at such a magical venue.”

‘Live Magic At Trading Boundaries’ will be available as a Limited Edition CD Digipak, Gatefold 180g 2LP & Digital Album, mixed by long-time live sound engineer Ben Fenner.

Pre-order now here.

1. Improv 00:01:54
2. Blood on the Rooftops 00:01:15
3. The Barren Land 00:01:34
4. Black Light 00:01:12
5. Horizons 00:01:29
6. Jacuzzi 00:03:20
7. Supper’s Ready (Excerpt) 00:01:40
8. After the Ordeal 00:02:01
9. Hairless Heart 00:05:04
10. Jazz on a Summer’s Night 00:03:48
11. Gnossienne No. 1 00:03:00
12. Walking Away from Rainbows 00:03:28
13. Poulenc Organ Concerto (excerpt) 00:03:45
14. The Red Flower of Tai Chi Blooms Everywhere 00:02:19
15. Hands of the Priestess 00:05:39
16. Memory Lane 00:05:12
17. Only Happy When it Rains 00:04:08
18. Ace of Wands 00:03:37
19. The Journey 00:03:36

Listen to the track ‘Ace Of Wands’ (originally from his debut solo album ‘Voyage Of The Acolyte’) performed live.

Over the course of 19 tracks, Steve explores various facets of his catalogue, including Genesis classics like ‘Blood On The Rooftops’ & ‘Horizons’, stripped down solo material such as ‘Ace Of Wands’ & ‘Hands Of The Priestess’, and magical renditions of his much-acclaimed classical catalogue like ‘Black Light’ & ‘The Journey.’ As a result, this album shows a completely different side to his playing: “Somehow, you can feel the special atmosphere through the sound of the music on this new live album, which is a complete contrast to my live rock shows.”

“I love the delicate dreamlike quality of this show with John and Rob interplaying beautifully on flute and sax, interspersed by surprising moments of power, such as the point when Roger’s keys become the sound of a full blown pipe organ!” The album also features two performances of tracks from Amanda Lehmann’s most recent solo album ‘Innocence and Illusion’, “Amanda’s lovely vocals on her own spellbinding songs also provide a special contrast.”

Steve has recently been reissuing his classical catalogue, and the latest two in the series, ‘Metamorpheus’ & ‘Tribute’ are available now. Both albums have been newly remastered for vinyl, and are available as Gatefold 180g LP’s in both black and limited coloured vinyl editions for the very first time. New digipak CD editions are also available, and they can all be ordered here.

These follow hot on the heels of his critically-acclaimed new studio album ‘The Circus and the Nightwhale’. A rite-of-passage concept album with a young character called Travla at the centre of it, the 13 tracks have an autobiographical angle for the musician who says about his 30th solo release: “I love this album. It says the things I’ve been wanting to say for a very long time.”

Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks Announce 2025 North American Tour

Eric Alper
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Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks Announce 2025 North American Tour

Legendary Yes frontman Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks have announced the first leg of their 2025 North American tour. The 18 show tour begins at the Rialto Theater in Tucson Arizona on April 1st and concludes at the Carteret New Jersey Performing Arts Center on May 18th.

The evening will consist of YES epics and classics as well as songs from the band’s debut album TRUE which was released in August 2024 to worldwide critical acclaim.

The tour will be in support of the band’s live CD/DVD. vinyl, and blu-ray Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks Live – Perpetual Change set for release on March 14th.

Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks Tour Dates:
April 1 Tucson AZ -The Rialto Theater
April 3- Anaheim CA-The Grove of Anaheim
April 5-Las Vegas NV-The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
April 8-Oakland CA-Fox Theater
April 11-Sacramento CA- SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center
April 14-Seattle WA- Moore Theater
April 19-Rockford IL-Coronado Pac
April 23-Milwaukee WI-Pabst Theater
April 25-Des Plaines IL-Des Plaines Theater
April 27-St.Charles IL-The Arcada Theater
April 30-North Tonawanda NY-Riviera Theater
May 2-Cleveland OH-The Agora
May 4-Lancaster PA-American Music Theater
May 7-Wilmington DE-The Grand Opera House
May 10-Ridgefield CT -The Ridgefield Playhouse
May 12-Ridgefield CT-The Ridgefield Playhouse
May 16-Westbury NY-Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair
May 18-Carteret NJ- Carteret Performing Arts Center

Mavis Staples and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram to Headline 2025 Austin Blues Festival

Eric Alper
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Mavis Staples and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram to Headline 2025 Austin Blues Festival

The highly anticipated lineup for the 2025 edition of Austin Blues Festival has been announced, with headliners Mavis Staples and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram closing out two days of the most renowned names in music on April 26-27, 2025.

Presented by the legendary Antone’s, the festival returns to Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park for two days and features performances from Jackie Venson, Jalen Ngonda, North Mississippi Allstars, Monsieur Perine, Sir Woman, Sue Foley, Keith Frank & The Soileau Zydeco Band, Taj Farrant, Grandmaster, Elizabeth King, and more to be announced, including an Antone’s 50th Anniversary All-Star Jam on both days.

2025 is a milestone year for Antone’s, marking the 50th anniversary of the beloved club founded by Clifford Antone in 1975 and honoring its stronghold as a leader among Austin’s vibrant live music culture and history that has historically extended beyond city limits. To celebrate, Austin Blues Festival will feature a unique Antone’s 50th Anniversary All-Star Jam on each festival day, bringing acclaimed blues artists and friends of Antone’s all together for a performance not to miss! Participating artists to be announced at a later date.

Austin Blues Festival ticket types include 1-Day and 2-Day Upper Lawn, Lower Lawn (includes access to the Upper Lawn), Reserved Seating (includes access to both Lower and Upper Lawn), and VIP, featuring premium Adirondack Seating, access to all GA areas, Lounge access, and free parking.

Doves Release New Song ‘Cold Dreaming’

Eric Alper
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Doves Release New Song ‘Cold Dreaming’

Doves head into an optimistic New Year of SOLD-OUT UK Tour dates and the countdown to their expansive, sixth studio album with the release of the dramatic, synth-and-strings, psychedelic soul single, Cold Dreaming. Clearing another misted window for listeners to peer through in anticipation of upcoming long-player, Constellations For The Lonely, the single crashes in on a tall wave of recurrent synth riffs, deep beats and sky-reaching soundtrack orchestration.

Inherently adaptive with a history of near constant challenge and change, Cold Dreaming finds Doves hitting rude form in the midst of a new period of flux, seeing Andy and Jez Williams taking on lead vocal duties in the studio as well as on stage. Carried by the avalanche of goodwill, joy and relief of their fans following the release of Jimi Goodwin-fronted single, Renegade, in November, the response to the band’s 2025 touring plans has been equally rapturous. 12 of 16 dates, including two dates at Manchester’s Aviva Studios SOLD OUT within hours.

While this year’s live dates will go ahead without Goodwin, Constellations For The Lonely found the three-piece together in the studio, circling shared ambitions for a new, classic Doves album. Where Renegade’s sense of rainy dystopia reigned, Cold Dreaming finds the band exploiting their deep love for psych-soul’s fast-burning golden era of the late-60s and early-70’s, quoting visionary producers, Charles Stepney and David Axelrod as creative references.

Considering lyrics riven once more with Doves typical sense of poetic longing, Andy Williams says: “‘Cold Dreaming’ is a song about forgiveness. Trying to forgive and move on. As a minimum, these days, resilience is the thing that you need more than ever, certainly as a musician. Perhaps the lyrics do touch a bit on what we’ve been through.”

Andy, Jez and long-term keyboardist, Martin Rebelski briefly hit the road for winter nights in intimate venues during November, performing Doves’ most recognisable singles, deep cuts and new album tracks for fans lucky enough to get tickets. Bringing the set to venues with an average 300-person capacity, the packed shows were the first live dates the band had played since 2019.

Bob Mould Returns With ‘Here We Go Crazy’ And Announces 2025 Tour

Eric Alper
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Bob Mould Returns With ‘Here We Go Crazy’ And Announces 2025 Tour

Bob Mould is celebrating the new year with the announcement of a long-awaited new studio album. Here We Go Crazy arrives via Granary Music/BMG Records on Friday, March 7. Pre-orders are available now for standard vinyl, limited-edition colored vinyl, limited-edition t-shirts, CD, bundles, and more.

Mould’s 15th solo album and first full-length new album in more than four years, Here We Go Crazy – which follows 2020’s critically acclaimed Blue Hearts – is heralded by today’s premiere of the lead single and title track, “Here We Go Crazy,” available everywhere now. An official music video directed by Gus Black is streaming now via YouTube.

“I’ve been spending time in the Southern California desert over the past few years, and the video was shot there. Chilly wilderness atop a mountain, expansive vistas below the hills, distant places to escape life’s routines,” Mould says, “’Going crazy’ can be many different things. The joy of reckless abandon, the uncertainty of the world’s future, the silence of solitude.”

PRE-ORDER HERE WE GO CRAZY

LISTEN TO “HERE WE GO CRAZY”

WATCH “HERE WE GO CRAZY” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Produced by Mould at Chicago, IL’s famed Electrical Audio in early 2024 and then finished and mixed at Oakland, CA’s Tiny Telephone with longtime engineer Beau Sorenson, Here We Go Crazy once again features backing by the crack rhythm section of drummer Jon Wurster and bassist Jason Narducy, and together the trio bring a bracing attack to eleven new Bob Mould songs.

“On the surface, this is a group of straightforward guitar pop songs. I’m refining my primary sound and style through simplicity, brevity, and clarity, “Mould says, “Under the hood, there’s a number of contrasting themes. Control and chaos, hypervigilance and helplessness, uncertainly and unconditional love.”

Mould and band (drummer Jon Wurster and bassist Jason Narducy) will mark the arrival of Here We Go Crazy with US headline dates getting underway April 1 at San Diego, CA’s Music Box  and then traveling through mid-May. Highlights include stops at venues including Pioneertown, CA’s Pappy & Harriet’s (April 2), San Francisco, CA’s The Fillmore (April 5), Seattle, WA’s Neptune Theatre (April 7), St. Paul, MN’s Palace Theatre (April 19), Chicago, IL’s Metro (April 25-26), Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club (May 2), New York City’s Le Poisson Rouge (May 3), and Washington, DC’s Black Cat (May 7). For complete details and ticket information, please visit https://bobmould.com/tour/.

BOB MOULD BAND: HERE WE GO CRAZY TOUR 2025
APRIL
1 – San Diego, CA – Music Box*
2 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy & Harriet’s*
4 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom*
5 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore*
7 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre*
8 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom*
9 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory*
11 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theater*
12 – Fort Collins, CO – Washington’s*
14 – Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room*
15 – Maquoketa, IA – Codfish Hollow Barn*
16 – Madison WI – Majestic Theatre*
18 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall*
19 – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre+
25 – Chicago, IL – Metro%
26 – Chicago, IL – Metro%
27 – Detroit, MI – El Club%
29 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop%
30 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre%
MAY
2 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club%
3 – New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge%
4 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer%
7 – Washington DC – Black Cat%
9 – Louisville, KY – Headliners Music Hall%
10 – Indianapolis, IN – HI–FI Indy%
11 Kalamazoo, MI – Bell’s Beer Garden#
* = support from Craig Finn
+= support from Poster Children
%= support from J. Robbins
#= support from Winged Wheel

Melissa Etheridge, Amos Lee, And The Jayhawks to Headline 16th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival

Eric Alper
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Melissa Etheridge, Amos Lee, And The Jayhawks to Headline 16th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival

For the past 16 years, the 30A Songwriters Festival has attracted thousands of dedicated live music fans from around the world to hear original songwriters spanning multiple genres perform their songs. The beach resort towns along Scenic Highway 30A on the Gulf of Mexico become a music mecca featuring 30 venues presenting over 130 songwriters and 300+ solo, band, and in-the-round performances throughout the weekend of January 16 – 20, 2025. TICKET LINK

30A Songwriters Festival will celebrate its 16th year with performances on the main stage at presenting partner Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach with headline performances by renowned artists MELISSA ETHERIDGE, AMOS LEE, THE JAYHAWKS, THE DEVON ALLMAN PROJECT, MAGGIE ROSE, and SECRET SISTERS.

The festival welcomes these artists for the first time to 30A: KATIE PRUITT, CHARLIE STARR & BENJI SHANKS (BLACKBERRY SMOKE), NATALIE HEMBY, BRANDY CLARK, THE dBs, CHUCK PROPHET & HIS CUMBIA SHOES, TYLER RAMSEY, LINDSAY LOU (BAND), BRETT DENNAN, The STEWS, LANGHORNE SLIM, CHRIS KNIGHT, JOSH JOPLIN GROUP, WILLI CARLISLE, BEE TAYLOR (BAND), JONTAVIOUS WILLIS, JOSH ROUSE, PAUL MCDONALD & THE MOURNING DOVES, ANDREA VON KAMPEN, JILL SOBULE, BURRIS, KYLE DAVIS, JADA CATO, BETH BOMBARA, MALLORY JOHNSON, JESSICA SHARMAN, DAVID BORNÉ, ANNA GRACE.

AND THESE SHOWCASING ARTISTS:

Shawn Mullins, Livingston Taylor, Gary Louris, Vicki Peterson & John Cowsill, John Paul White, Jeffrey Steele, Lilly Hiatt, Dan Navarro, Kim Richey, Ruthie Foster, Black Opry Revue, the Josh Joplin Group, Tommy Womack, John Fullbright, Susan Werner, The Stews, The Pink Stones, Darrell Scott, Hayes Carll, Holly Williams, Emerson Hart, David Ryan Harris, Chris Stills, Nigel Wearne, Chuck Cannon, Robby Hecht, Nora Jane Struthers, Cousin Curtiss, Steve Poltz, Kelly Willis, Bob Schneider, Mary Gauthier, Kristy Lee, Certainly So, Tommy Prine, Amy LaVere & Will Sexton, Adam Hood, Abe Partridge, Will Hoge, Ryanhood, Brian White, Karyn Williams, Will Kimbrough, Ellis Paul, Jeff Black, Dan Bern, Griffin House, Garrison Starr, John Driskell Hopkins, Charlie Mars, Randall Bramblett, Levi Lowrey and Wyatt Durrette (Yesterday’s Wine), Gurufish, Donnie Sundal, Boukou Groove, Alice Peacock, Jaimee Harris, Larry Mitchell, Katie Martin, Pete Muller, Josh Osborne, Jonathan Singleton, Gordie Sampson, Austin Jenckes, Tia Sellers, Hannah Dasher, Gina Venier, Gavin Lucas, Paul Sikes, Brent Anderson, Tony Lane, Kyle Sturrock, Mary Bragg, Martha’s Trouble, Diane Durrett, Florence Dore, Alice Wallace, The Krickets, Rachel Laven, Spencer LaJoye, Ethan Hulse, Jessica Willis Fisher, Sarah Clanton, Jack Barksdale, Eliot Bronson, Hayley Reardon, Mike Kinnebrew, Liz Longley, Harrison Prentice, Sara Jean Kelley, Antje Duvekot & Colin Forhan, Scott Crompton, Wildlife Specials, Alexa Rose, Whitehorse, Colton Bowlin, Cat Ridgeway, Lilly Winwood, Bradley Cole Smith & Nelson Nolan, Caitlin Cannon, Wyatt Espalin, Kurtis John, Casey LeVasseur, Anna Shinholster, Hannah Thomas, The Saunders Boyz, Jennifer Lynn Simpson, Sara Hells, Rogers, The Sand Ole Opry with Mike Whitty, Sammi Accola, Gileah Taylor, Kyle LaMonica, Dion Jones & The Neon Tears, Theo Von, Adam Klein.

VENUES INCLUDE: AJ’s Grayton Beach, ANR at Camp Creek Inn, Beach Happy Cafe, Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, Caliza in Alys Beach, Central Square Records, Corcoran Reverie, Drive the Coast, Fish Out of Water (FISH), Fonville Press, Grand Boulevard (Main Stage), Grayton Beer Taproom, Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl, Raw & Juicy at Hibiscus (Grayton Beach) Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Hotel Effie – The Lobby Bar, Hyatt Place – The Placery, LaCo, North Beach Social, Old Florida Fish House, Pickle’s, Raw & Juicy (Alys Beach), Red Fish Taco, Rosemary Beach Town Hall, Seaside Lyceum, The Bay, The Big Chill, The REP Theatre, and WaterColor Lakehouse.

SPONSORS INCLUDE: Americana Music Association, ASCAP, Blue Green Landscaping, Capital City Bank, Cathead Distillery, Centennial Bank, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Corcoran Reverie, CPC Office Technologies, Destin Jeep Rentals, Douglas Elliman, Driftwood Wine & Spirits, Emerald Coast Luxury Transportation, Emerald Coast Magazine, Epic Western, Fisher’s Flowers, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Grand Boulevard, Grayton Beer Company, Hwy 331.com, Latitude Margaritaville, Nutrl, William Burns Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Naumann Group Real Estate, National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Odd Pelican, Ohana Day School, Panache Tent & Events, Panama City Golf Carts, Rosemary Beach Realty | Smith & Southern Collective, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, The Sorting Table, The Sound Wall / Opelika Songwriters Festival, Visit South Walton, Word of South, and 30A Company.

LODGING PARTNERS INCLUDE: 30A Beach Girls, Alys Beach, Camp Creek Inn, Courtyard by Marriott Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Hibiscus Coffee & Guest House, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Homeowner’s Collection, Hotel Effie, Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company, Rosemary Beach Inn, Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, The Court, The Pearl Hotel, WaterColor Inn & Resort, and Vacasa.

The 30A Songwriters Festival production team transforms amphitheaters, town halls, restaurants, theaters, bars and covered patios into unique music venues with state-of-the-art sound systems with capacities ranging from 100 to 1000 seats indoors and 6,000 outdoors. WMOT, based in Nashville, will again interview and record select artists at the Festival for its World Cafe sessions aired throughout the year in conjunction with WXPN in Philadelphia.

The 30A Songwriters Festival is co-produced by Russell Carter Artist Management and the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton, and net proceeds from the Festival support the CAA’s mission to advance the Arts in Walton County, Florida.

“I have had the good fortune to see Melissa Etheridge with her band several times on tour this summer with the Indigo Girls,” comments Russell Carter, President of Russell Carter Artist Management and Festival Co-Producer. “Melissa is one of the greatest female rock n roll vocalists ever, and her lean mean band is perfectly tuned to support her immense writing and performing talent.” Carter continues, “can I say how happy I am to get the Jayhawks to swing south all the way from Minneapolis to the panhandle to perform on the main stage – I know they are a favorite of many loyal 30A fans who have requested them for years: “I’m Going To Make You Love Me,” “Waiting For the Sun,” “Blue” and that’s just a start. We welcome the Jayhawks – arguably the best living, working Americana band in the country!”

“The Songwriters Festival stands apart in South Walton as the sole cultural event that brings most of the South Walton communities together, in harmony, to produce a four-day, around-the-clock presentation of extraordinary music.” says Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County President & CEO and Festival Co-Producer Jennifer Steele. “From Thursday, January 16th through Monday, January 20th, the 30A corridor will be full of music fans enjoying wall-to-wall music venues, world-class musicians, and fabulous food & wine. If you haven’t experienced this immersive melodic experience, join us in 2025.”

Adds Carter, “There is a direct correlation between the success of the 30A Songwriters Festival and the richness of cultural arts experiences led by the Cultural Arts Alliance, including an Art in Public Spaces program (murals and sculptures), the Underwater Museum of Art, a professional theater, arts education, the Flutterby Children’s Arts Festival, and the ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival.”

Festival Weekend Passes are currently available at www.30asongwritersfestival.com. VIP tickets that include premium seating and complimentary gourmet food and drinks in the VIP tent on Saturday and Sunday afternoons are also available. For a full description of each ticket package including VIP mainstage and full weekend transportation packages for groups of 2 up to 12, visit www.30asongwritersfestival.com.

The 30A Songwriters Festival is presented by Grand Boulevard with additional support from Visit South Walton, WaterColor Inn and Resort, and ASCAP.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that fosters the inclusive and collaborative advancement of the Arts and envisions a thriving Walton County where everyone experiences the power of the Arts. As the creative core of our community for 30 years, the CAA provides accessible opportunities for all forms of art, every variety of maker, all levels of learners and art lovers. Through support for and presentation of creative and educational programs and services, the CAA strives to connect the people of Walton County to a broader view, critical exploration and answers only the Arts have the power to provide. Members of the CAA receive a 10% discount off weekend passes and admission to an exclusive performance on Wednesday, January 12th. Call (850) 622-5970 to become a member and take advantage of the discount. www.culturalartsalliance.com.

Russell Carter Artist Management is a full-service artist management firm that has worked with national recording artists since 1990 currently including Indigo Girls, Shawn Mullins, Matthew Sweet, and Abe Partridge. Prior to forming RCAM, Russell Carter practiced entertainment law in Atlanta for ten years. He has been a board member of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) in Florida from 2012-2024. RCAM, based in the 4th Ward in Atlanta, books, promotes, and co-produces the 30A Songwriters Festival with the CAA and co-produces the Opelika Songwriters Festival in Alabama with the Sound Wall.

There is always something new and entertaining to do at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The award-winning mixed-use center consistently offers the finest in shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment along the Emerald Coast. With a diverse mix of both first-to-market national brands and locally-owned retail stores and restaurants, there is something for everyone at this popular Town Center. Grand Boulevard is a Howard Group and Merchants Retail Partners property. Visit GrandBoulevard.com.

5 Surprising Facts About Yes’ “90125”

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Yes’ “90125”

Released on November 7, 1983, 90125 by Yes marked a bold new direction for the legendary progressive rock band. With its polished production, chart-topping single “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” and lineup changes that redefined their sound, the album introduced Yes to a new generation of fans. While many know about its massive success and Grammy-winning track “Cinema,” here are five lesser-known facts about 90125 that may surprise even the most devoted Yes fans.

1. The Album’s Name Is a Catalog Number
The title 90125 wasn’t chosen for its artistic flair—it’s simply the catalog number assigned by Atco Records. Initially, the band considered other titles, but they ultimately decided on the practical choice to emphasize the album’s fresh start and distinguish it from their progressive rock past. The cover art for Yes’s 90125 is a perfect visual representation of the album’s sound, signaling a clean break from the band’s progressive rock roots and embracing a sleek, modern identity. Designed by Garry Mouat, the artwork features bold, minimalist geometric shapes and a sharp color contrast, reflecting the album’s streamlined production and concise, pop-oriented tracks. Unlike the intricate and organic designs of earlier Yes albums by Roger Dean, the 90125 cover mirrors the music’s precision and clarity. Tracks like “Owner of a Lonely Heart” and “Leave It” are meticulously crafted, with no excess—much like the cover’s clean lines and deliberate simplicity. The design’s technological feel, achieved using cutting-edge Apple IIe graphics, also reflects the album’s forward-thinking production, including the use of drum machines, sampling, and digital synthesizers.

2. “Owner of a Lonely Heart” Was Almost Rejected
Trevor Rabin originally wrote the demo for “Owner of a Lonely Heart” in 1979, but it was almost shelved due to its “American rock” vibe. Producer Trevor Horn championed the song, convinced it could be a hit. He added the now-famous sample from Funk, Inc.’s “Kool Is Back,” making it one of the first songs to incorporate sampling as a breakbeat.

3. “Leave It” Took Weeks to Perfect
“Leave It,” the album’s second single, almost didn’t make it due to a technical mishap. During recording, an engineer accidentally removed the click track, causing synchronization issues. Trevor Rabin spent several days fixing the vocals using a Synclavier before re-recording the entire song. Its complex vocal harmonies remain a highlight of 90125.

4. A Song Written in the Bathroom
“Owner of a Lonely Heart” wasn’t just a demo—it was largely composed by Rabin during a bathroom break. From the riff to the chorus, the core elements of the track were finalized in a decidedly unconventional setting. The song went on to become Yes’s only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

5. The Album Almost Had a Different Keyboardist
Keyboardist Eddie Jobson of Roxy Music briefly joined the band during the production of 90125 and even appeared in the “Owner of a Lonely Heart” video. However, Tony Kaye returned just in time for the tour, and Jobson left, citing internal politics and creative differences.

With its innovative sound, 90125 redefined Yes for the 1980s and remains a landmark album in rock history.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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