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First Official Biography of Richard Manuel Set for June Release, Featuring New Stories from Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, and More

Eric Alper
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First Official Biography of Richard Manuel Set for June Release, Featuring New Stories from Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, and More

For the first time — in an official biography endorsed by his family — the Band’s legendary Richard Manuel’s compositions and performances are analyzed with expert commentary while shining a light on his contributions to all of his bands—and on the undeniable impact he had on rock music in Richard Manuel: His Life and Music, from the Hawks and Bob Dylan to The Band Hardcover by Stephen T. Lewis.
A strong but quiet presence in the group, who did very few interviews during his own life, Manuel’s story is brought to the forefront by those who knew him best – many speaking on the record for the first time – including family members, lifelong friends and close musical collaborators (Eric Clapton and Van Morrison among them). Through their words and Lewis’ meticulous research, well-worn second-hand narratives are eschewed for a dynamic portrait of an inspired spirit among his generation’s greatest and most underrated musical innovators.

Within the pages of this first official Richard Manuel biography are stories from his earliest days as a teenage blues obsessive, leading The Revols (his first band) to ascendant heights in Canada – into the crucial artistic viewpoint (and revered singing voice) he brought to The Hawks and The Band; as well as the pivotal roles he played in moments that defined an era – like Bob Dylan “going electric,” Woodstock and of course The Last Waltz. Lewis also offers many never-heard insights into Manuel’s later years, including his unwavering passion for creating with those closest to him (and renewed songwriting output) as he battled addiction and personal demons in his final days.

Listen to a playlist of the music that most deeply inspired Manuel – and additional context on those songs from Stephen T. Lewis – via the author’s Talk From The Rock Room podcast here.

Bruce Springsteen Previews His Never-Heard ‘Streets Of Philadelphia Sessions’ With ‘Blind Spot’

Eric Alper
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Bruce Springsteen Previews His Never-Heard ‘Streets Of Philadelphia Sessions’ With ‘Blind Spot’

Bruce Springsteen’s “Streets of Philadelphia Sessions” will be released in full on “Tracks II: The Lost Albums” — a ten-song collection previously known to fans as his long-rumored “loops record.” Written on the heels of its Oscar-winning namesake, “Streets of Philadelphia Sessions” found Springsteen exploring an interest in the rhythms of mid-1990s contemporary music, and particularly West Coast hip-hop. Initially poring over CDs of drum samples at his home in Los Angeles, Springsteen began making his own loops with engineer Toby Scott — which formed a rhythmic base he’d build on with keyboards and synthesizers. Both a revelation and departure in his home recording, Springsteen is the primary instrumentalist throughout most of “Streets of Philadelphia Sessions” — with some assists from his 1992-1993 touring band as well as Patti Scialfa, Soozie Tyrell and Lisa Lowell.

At the thematic center of “Streets of Philadelphia Sessions” is “Blind Spot,” a song which explores doubt and betrayal in relationships. “That was just the theme that I locked in on at that moment,” Springsteen explains. “I don’t really know why. Patti and I, we were having a great time in California. But sometimes if you lock into one song you like, then you follow that thread. I had ‘Blind Spot,’ and I followed that thread through the rest of the record.”

Fully completed, mixed and slated for a spring 1995 release, “Streets of Philadelphia Sessions” was ultimately put aside — as Springsteen decided to reunite with The E Street Band for the first time in seven years. “I said, ‘Well, maybe it’s time to just do something with the band, or remind the fans of the band or that part of my work life,’” he remembers. “So that’s where we went. But I always really liked ‘Streets of Philadelphia Sessions’…during the Broadway show, I thought of putting it out [as a standalone release]. I always put them away, but I don’t throw them away.”

Pre-order “Tracks II: The Lost Albums” here, coming June 27 via Sony Music: https://brucespringsteen.lnk.to/TheLostAlbumsPR

With the announcement of “Tracks II: The Lost Albums” earlier this month, the collection’s upcoming release has been called “a treasure” (David Muir, ABC World News Tonight),  “astounding” (Rolling Stone) and “too good to be true” (New York Magazine). “Almost ever since he released ‘Tracks’ in 1998, fans have clamored for this,” noted Variety, while the New York Times added that even Springsteen’s biggest fans would be “surprised at the scale of ‘Tracks II.’” The full set was announced with the never-heard song “Rain In The River” from Springsteen’s lost album “Perfect World.” In addition to “Streets of Philadelphia Sessions” and “Perfect World,” “Tracks II” will also include Springsteen’s previously unreleased full-length albums “Faithless,” “Somewhere North of Nashville,” “Inyo,” Twilight Hours” and “LA Garage Sessions ’83.”

Tracks II: The Lost Albums 

LA Garage Sessions ’83
1. Follow That Dream
2. Don’t Back Down On Our Love
3. Little Girl Like You
4. Johnny Bye Bye
5. Sugarland
6. Seven Tears
7. Fugitive’s Dream
8. Black Mountain Ballad
9. Jim Deer
10. County Fair
11. My Hometown
12. One Love
13. Don’t Back Down
14. Richfield Whistle
15. The Klansman
16. Unsatisfied Heart
17. Shut Out The Light
18. Fugitive’s Dream (Ballad)

Streets of Philadelphia Sessions
1. Blind Spot
2. Maybe I Don’t Know You
3. Something In The Well
4. Waiting On The End Of The World
5. The Little Things
6. We Fell Down
7. One Beautiful Morning
8. Between Heaven and Earth
9. Secret Garden
10. The Farewell Party

Faithless
1. The Desert (Instrumental)
2. Where You Goin’, Where You From
3. Faithless
4. All God’s Children
5. A Prayer By The River (Instrumental)
6. God Sent You
7. Goin’ To California
8. The Western Sea (Instrumental)
9. My Master’s Hand
10. Let Me Ride
11. My Master’s Hand (Theme)

Somewhere North of Nashville
1. Repo Man
2. Tiger Rose
3. Poor Side of Town
4. Delivery Man
5. Under A Big Sky
6. Detail Man
7. Silver Mountain
8. Janey Don’t You Lose Heart
9. You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone
10. Stand On It
11. Blue Highway
12. Somewhere North of Nashville

Inyo
1. Inyo
2. Indian Town
3. Adelita
4. The Aztec Dance
5. The Lost Charro
6. Our Lady of Monroe
7. El Jardinero (Upon the Death of Ramona)
8. One False Move
9. Ciudad Juarez
10. When I Build My Beautiful House

Twilight Hours
1. Sunday Love
2. Late in the Evening
3. Two of Us
4. Lonely Town
5. September Kisses
6. Twilight Hours
7. I’ll Stand By You
8. High Sierra
9. Sunliner
10. Another You
11. Dinner at Eight
12. Follow The Sun

Perfect World
1. I’m Not Sleeping
2. Idiot’s Delight
3. Another Thin Line
4. The Great Depression
5. Blind Man
6. Rain In The River
7. If I Could Only Be Your Lover
8. Cutting Knife
9. You Lifted Me Up
10. Perfect World

In Theory Releases Powerful Cover of “Since I’ve Been Loving You” Featuring Eric Gales in Tribute to Led Zeppelin

Eric Alper
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In Theory Releases Powerful Cover of “Since I’ve Been Loving You” Featuring Eric Gales in Tribute to Led Zeppelin

In Theory have just released their new single “Since I’ve Been Loving You,” with special guest Eric Gales in tribute to one the greatest rock bands – Led Zeppelin. The single is powerful, emotional collaboration with guitar legend Eric Gales and Mike Mostert bringing down the house.

This exciting dramatic version showcases the incredible vocalist Tony Covino, along with a special all-star cast of Glen Sobel-Drums (Alice Cooper/ Hollywood Vampires/ Motley Crue), Jimbo Hart- Bass (Jason Isbell), and Clayton Ivey- Keys (Swamper/Fame Gang).

As Mostert states, “We created a unique dark, dramatic version of a classic with tension, passion which takes the listener through an emotional journey that transcends the body and soul”.

The song landed on both the New In Rock and Breaking Hard Rock playlists on Apple Music and the Gibson Guitar Rock playlist. Covino continues his thoughts on the track, “A passionate remake of a classic song for the modern era filled with blazing guitars from two powerhouse players. 10 out of 10!”. Sobel, comments, “Mike and In Theory know how to take classic rock and infuse it with a modern edge. Creating something sounding both familiar and fresh at the same time. It was a pleasure to work with them!”. Lastly, Gales adds, “I am very proud and honored to be a guest on this rendition of such a legendary song, done by my guy Mike Mostert. Great playing all the way around. Love it.”

You can get a Limited Edition CD Single Bundle (100 copies) with the bonus track “Raise Me Up” and insert signed by both Mike Mostert and Tony Covino while supplies last here.

Bundle includes:

– 1 CD Single featuring Eric Gales
– 1 Melanie Watts Artwork signed by Mike Mostert & Tony Covino
– 5 Guitar Picks

Drake Milligan Announces 2025 Tour With Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, Festival Dates, And Headlining Shows

Eric Alper
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Drake Milligan Announces 2025 Tour With Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, Festival Dates, And Headlining Shows

Critically acclaimed Country star Drake Milligan announces an impressive slew of dates with “Drake Milligan In Concert,” which slates his 2025 schedule opening for stars like Lainey Wilson and Luke Bryan as well as his own headlining shows. Kicking off the tour in the desert at Stagecoach Festival on April 25th, Milligan will make his way through key markets across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Milligan recently opened for Blake Shelton who spontaneously pulled the newcomer on-stage to perform a George Strait classic, “All My Ex’s Live In Texas.” The viral moment was one Milligan had not expected, but one he was fully prepared for as a fan and student of the King of Country.

For select dates throughout “Drake Milligan In Concert” fans can purchase VIP tickets, which provides a unique experience including early entry, an exclusive 1-song acoustic performance, and a group Q&A session with Milligan himself ahead of the show. The 2025 “Next Big Thing” artist (MusicRow) has a packed year with more announcements to come!

Drake Milligan Tour Dates:
4.25 Indio, Ca Stagecoach Festival
5.09 Leander, Ty The Haute Spot
5.17 Upperco, Md Uppercounty Line Country Music Fest
5.29 Bethel, Ny Bethel Woods Center For The Arts With Luke Bryan
5.30 Holmdel, Nj Png Bank Arts Center Wite Lure Bryan
5.31 Wantach, Ny Northwell At Jones Beach Theater With Luke Bryan
6.05 Elko, Nv Country Under The Stars Wite Nate Smith
6.06 Grand Junction, Co Warehouse 3565 Vip
6.07 Colorado Springs, Co Phil Long Music Hall
6.08 Nashville, Tn Cma Fest
6.13 Naches, Wa Chinock Fest
6.21 Canton, Ga Etowah River Park With Sammy Kershaw
6.26 Fargo, Nd The Aquarium
6.27 Dauphin, Mb Dauphin’s Countryfest
6.28 Swift Current, Sk Frontier Days
7.04 Big River, Sk Country At The Creek
7.05 Calgary, Ab Calgary Stampede
7.11 Turlock, Ca Stanislaus County Fair
7.12 Salem, Or Marion County Fair
7.17 Greenville, So Bon Secours Wellness Arena With Luke Bryan
7.18 Charleston, Sc Credit One Stadium With Luke Bryan
7.19 Birmingeam, Al Coca-Cola Amphitheater Wite Luke Bryan
7.25 Seljord, Nor Countryfestivalen Seljord
7.27 Goteborg, Swe Liseberg Amusement Park
7.29 Helsinki, Fin Tavastia Club
8.02 Grafenwohr, Ger Volksfest
8.22 Leicestershire, Uk The Long Road Festival
8.29 Sauble Beach, On Sauble Beach Speedway With The Relaws
9.13 Saint-Tite, Qc Festival Western De St-Tite
9.18 Austin, Tx Moody Center With Lainey Wilson
9.19 Fort Worth, Tx Dickies Arena With Lainey Wilson
9.20 The Woodlands, Tx The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion With Lainey Wilson
10.09 Tulsa, Ok Cain’s Ballroom
10.24 Knoxville, Tn Thompson Boiling Arena With Lainey Wilson
10.25 Charlotte, Nc Spectrum Center With Lainey Wilson
11.01 Jacksonville, Fl Five
11.02 Fort Myers, Fl Caloosa Amphitheater With Clay Walker
11.07 Tampa, Fl Amalie Arena With Lainey Wilson
11.08 Orlando, Fl Kia Center With Lainey Wilson
11.21 Denver, Co Grizzly Rose

Avicii’s Legacy Lives On With ‘AVICII FOREVER’ Compilation Featuring New Single “Let’s Ride Away” With Elle King

Eric Alper
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Avicii’s Legacy Lives On With ‘AVICII FOREVER’ Compilation Featuring New Single “Let’s Ride Away” With Elle King

Interscope Records, Pophouse and the Avicii Estate are proud to announce the upcoming release of AVICII FOREVER, a compilation featuring 19 essential tracks from Avicii’s iconic catalog, along with the brand-new single “Let’s Ride Away” featuring Elle King.

This special release honors the lasting impact and influence of Tim Bergling, better known to the world as Avicii. With beloved hits like “Wake Me Up,” “Levels,” “Heart Upon My Sleeve” (feat. Imagine Dragons), and more, AVICII FOREVER captures the spirit and sound that made Avicii a global phenomenon.

The compilation also introduces “Let’s Ride Away”, a long-awaited new track that showcases Avicii’s genre-defying sound, blending folk and electronic elements with powerful vocals by Elle King. AVICII FOREVER will be available across all major streaming platforms, in physical formats and through exclusive content on Avicii’s official social channels on May 16 and is available now for pre-order here.

AVICII FOREVER Tracklist:
Wake Me Up
Levels
Let’s Ride Away (feat. Elle King) (NEW SONG)
The Nights
Waiting For Love
Without You (feat. Sandro Cavazza)
SOS (feat. Aloe Blacc)
Hey Brother
Lonely Together (feat. Rita Ora)
I Could Be the One [Avicii vs Nicky Romero]
Silhouettes
Fade Into Darkness
You Make Me
The Days
For A Better Day
Addicted To You
Friend of Mine (feat. Vargas & Lagola)
Broken Arrows
Heart Upon My Sleeve (feat. Imagine Dragons)
Heaven

 

Neko Case Announces Fall 2025 North American Tour

Eric Alper
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Neko Case Announces Fall 2025 North American Tour

GRAMMY-nominated indie icon Neko Case – “one of America’s best and most ambitious singer-songwriters” (Rolling Stone) and “a badass of the highest order” (Pitchfork) – is announcing her fall North American tour today, crisscrossing the continent throughout October and November.

Tickets will first be available through an artist pre-sale (sign up here) and a Live Nation pre-sale for select dates (use code DANCE), both beginning tomorrow, April 17th at 10:00 a.m. local time. The general on-sale will follow on Friday, April 18th, also at 10:00 a.m. local time, via Ticketmaster.

These are Case’s first live musical performances since the January publication and book tour in support of her critically acclaimed memoir ‘The Harder I Fight The More I Love You’ which debuted at #5 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Case has also teased that a new studio album, her first in over seven years, is in progress in a recent profile by The New York Times pop critic Lindsay Zoladz.

Case has long been revered as one of music’s most influential artists, whose authenticity, lyrical storytelling, and sly wit have endeared her to a legion of critics, musicians, and lifelong fans. She is a founding member of Canadian indie-rock supergroup The New Pornographers, authors the weekly Substack newsletter “Entering The Lung” and is currently composing the musical theater adaptation of the Academy Award-winning motion picture Thelma & Louise.

Released in 2022, ‘Wild Creatures’ – a twenty-three-song career-spanning compilation album celebrating Neko’s two decades of solo work – is available now and accompanied by an immersive website containing animated artwork by Laura Plansker, short essays and track-by-track commentary. Contributors include long-time collaborators A.C. Newman, Dan Bejar and M. Ward, culture-defining contemporaries David Byrne, Shirley Manson, Jeff Tweedy and Rosanne Cash and new generations of artists like Waxahatchee, Julien Baker, Kevin Morby, Allison Russell and Margo Price.

Neko Case 2025 Tour Dates:
October 1 – Woodstock, NY @ Levon Helm Studios #
October 2 – Washington, D.C. @ Lincoln Theatre #
October 4 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Met #
October 5 – Durham, NC @ Durham Performing Arts Center #
October 7 – Richmond, VA @ The National #
October 8 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel #
October 9 – Pelham, TN @ The Caverns #
October 10 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse #
October 11 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Music Hall #
October 14 – Cincinnati, OH @ The Taft Theatre #
October 15 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant #
October 16 – Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed #
October 17 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue #
October 18 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Pabst Theater #
October 20 – Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall #
October 22 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre #
October 23 – Boston, MA @ The Wilbur #
October 24 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall #
October 25 – Cleveland, OH @ The Agora #
November 7 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre %
November 8 – Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up %
November 10 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Bellwether %
November 11 – San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic %
November 13 – Vancouver, BC @ The Vogue %
November 14 – Seattle, WA @ The Paramount %
November 15 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater %
November 18 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory %
November 19 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Eccles Theater %
November 20 – Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre %
November 21 – Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey Theater %
November 23 – Dallas, TX @ Longhorn Ballroom %
November 24 – San Antonio, TX @ Tobin Center %
November 25 – Austin, TX @ Paramount Theatre %
w/ Des Demonas #
w/ John Grant %

Ayra Starr Shares Stunning “All The Love” Video, Makes History With Latin Diamond Certification And Summer Jam 2025 Headline

Eric Alper
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Ayra Starr Shares Stunning “All The Love” Video, Makes History With Latin Diamond Certification And Summer Jam 2025 Headline

On the precipice of a massive mainstream breakthrough, GRAMMY-nominated global Afrobeats popstar Ayra Starr shares the stunning and cinematic music video for her new single “All The Love” out now.

Helmed by director Ella Ezeike, the visual reflects the ebb and flow of the track on-screen. Shot in Nigeria, the clip spotlights Ayra as she sings by a classic convertible at the beach, on the streets of a quiet neighborhood, in a local store, and in the water. Surrounded by friends and neighbors, it plunges viewers into the warm embrace of her world, bringing everyone closer.

“All The Love” immediately resonated with listeners worldwide. Beyond gathering millions of streams, it earned unanimous critical praise. EUPHORIA. raved, “Ayra Starr has set the bar higher again with her latest Afro-pop love song, ‘All The Love’,” and UPROXX applauded it as “a gentle reminder from Ayra Starr for listeners to appreciate themselves.” CLASH urged, “It’s time the world cherished this blossoming star.”

With an action-packed year ahead, Ayra takes over Summer Jam 2025 as a headliner on June 20th at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. She will share the stage with the biggest names in hip-hop including A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Gunna, GloRilla, Muni Long, Asake, and many more.

In other big news, Ayra Starr made history as “the first Nigerian female artist to receive a RIAA Latin Diamond certification” in recognition of her 2024 smash “Santa” with Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro.

Her impact only continues to magnify. Last year, she supported Coldplay on the “Music of the Spheres” World Tour. Plus, she joined forces with Coldplay and The Weirdos for an unforgettable performance of “GOOD FEELiNGS” on TODAY. Ayra Starr has now amassed over 3 billion global streams. Following her sold-out first world tour last year, she made her Glastonbury Festival debut on the Pyramid Stage, building on the incredible momentum around the album release.

In 2024, Ayra Starr released her critically-lauded sophomore album The Year I Turned 21 via Mavin Records / Republic Records. Listen HERE. The album earned the top 5 biggest opening day streams for a Nigerian album and biggest opening day for a Nigerian female on Spotify.

The singer bagged three BET Award nominations for Best New Artist, Best International Act and BET Her for “Commas.” It capped off a breakout year, which saw Ayra Starr earn her first GRAMMY nomination for Best African Music Performance for “Rush” as well as making BBC’s Sound of 2024 list and being nominated for MOBO Awards’ Best African Music Act for the second time. Her defining debut album 19 & Dangerous, now sits at a staggering 500 million streams.

Ayra Starr’s position as one of Africa’s hottest stars has seen her collaborate with some of music’s biggest names including Wizkid, Stormzy, David Guetta, Kelly Rowland, Tiwa Savage, Aya Nakamura and Leigh-Anne. She also marked her first Latin music crossover hit “Santa” with Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro as well as collaborated with India’s most prominent and influential Punjabi singer, rapper and producer AP Dhillon on “Bora Bora.”

Brent Cobb Announces New Album ‘Ain’t Rocked In A While’ Out July 11, Shares Title Track And Tour Dates

Eric Alper
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Brent Cobb Announces New Album ‘Ain’t Rocked In A While’ Out July 11, Shares Title Track And Tour Dates

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and musician Brent Cobb will release his new album, Ain’t Rocked in a While, July 11 via Ol’ Buddy Records/Thirty Tigers—the first project he’s recorded with his band, The Fixin’s (pre-order/pre-save here). Ahead of the release, the title track is debuting today.

Produced by Cobb and Oran Thornton, Ain’t Rocked in a While captures the electric energy of Cobb’s live shows, while still keeping his signature storytelling at the forefront. Recorded live to tape at The Black Palace in Springfield, MO, the album finds Cobb returning to his roots, as he blends his timeless country sound with influences from the classic rock bands he grew up listening to, such as Black Sabbath, Metallica and AC/DC.

Reflecting on the project, Cobb shares, “I feel like sometimes when people come to our shows, there might be a disconnect. People might view me as just a singer-songwriter. You know, sit down and tell ‘em a nice, little Southern story. Sing ‘em a song. And our live show kinda rocks. Sometimes people are taken aback. I want people to have an album of reference.”

In addition to Cobb (vocals, guitar), The Fixin’s are Len Clark (drums), Matt McDaniel (guitars) and Josh Williams (bass).

Cobb and The Fixin’s will continue to tour through this summer including upcoming headline shows at Charleston’s The Windjammer, Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre and Lexington’s The Burl as well as festival performances at Stagecoach, MerleFest, FairWell Festival, Under the Big Sky and more. See below for current itinerary, additional headline dates to be announced soon.

Based in Ellaville, GA, Cobb has released five albums to date, including 2023’s acclaimed record, Southern Star—a love-letter to his southern roots, filled with the sounds and stories of his home state of Georgia. Of the record, Rolling Stone declared, “Few artists embody the South quite like Brent Cobb…he summons the easygoing vibes and sounds of his native Georgia,” while No Depression praised, “A true songwriting craftsman with a disarming drawl and plainspoken lyricism, Cobb’s music often feels like it exudes a sense of authenticity and tradition.”

In addition to his work as an artist, Cobb is an esteemed songwriter with cuts by Luke Combs, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green, Little Big Town, Hailey Whitters, Whiskey Myers and many more. Additionally, his song, “Snakebite,” was featured in the first season of Paramount’s “Landman” this past fall, and he released his first children’s book, Little Stuff, in 2021, which was written as a reflection on what’s truly important in life and was inspired by Cobb’s song of the same name from his album, Keep ‘Em On They Toes.

AIN’T ROCKED IN A WHILE TRACK LIST:
1. Beyond Measure
2. Ain’t Rocked in a While
3. Bad Feelin’
4. Do It All the Time
5. Even If It’s Broke
6. In Our Hands
7. Power Man
8. Take Yer Meds
9. Til Dawn
10. Beyond Measure (Fixin’s)

BRENT COBB CONFIRMED TOUR DATES:
April 24—Wilkesboro, NC—MerleFest
April 27—Indio, CA—Stagecoach
May 8—Isle of Palms, SC—The Windjammer
May 9—Raleigh, NC—Lincoln Theatre
May 10—Lexington, KY—The Burl
June 5—Newport, KY—Southgate House Revival
June 6—Huntington, WV—The Loud
June 7—Maryville, TN—The Shed
June 28—Alton, IL—Mississippi River Festival
July 18—Redmond, OR—FairWell Festival
July 19—Whitefish, MT—Under The Big Sky Festival
August 29—Lexington, VA—Lime Kiln Theater

Lowell Folk Festival 2025 Unveils First Wave Of Performers Including Solas, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, BeauSoleil, And More

Eric Alper
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Lowell Folk Festival 2025 Unveils First Wave Of Performers Including Solas, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, BeauSoleil, And More

The 2025 Lowell Folk Festival has announced the first group of artists scheduled to perform at one of America’s most popular free summer events.  With folk music traditions that span the globe, world class musicians will bring the world to Downtown Lowell July 25-27 on stages throughout the Mill City.

“The Lowell Folk Festival has celebrated the extraordinary spectrum of folk music from around the world for nearly 40 years,” said Art Sutcliffe, Chairman of the Lowell Festival Foundation.  “Musicians from Louisiana to Ireland, Colombia to Chicago, Spain to Quebec, and more will share traditions on multiple stages throughout downtown Lowell.”

BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, who played the Lowell Folk Festival in 1989 and again in 1996, is celebrating their 50th anniversary and is back to share the “beautiful sunshine” of their unique and irresistible celebration of Louisiana’s Cajun music;  Cécilia brings joy and virtuosity to the rich Québécois and Celtic music of Eastern Canada; Crooked Road Revival pays homage to the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail and the vibrant music of the region, including bluegrass, old-time, and gospel.

Embodying classic Chicago blues, one of the most thrilling and iconic sounds in American music, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials (pictured left)  have been called “the world’s #1 house-rockin blues band.”  LOS RICOS featuring Sonia & Ismael, the “golden couple” of flamenco, transmit the intimacy, grace, power, and emotional intensity of flamenco.  With its huge brass band sound anchored in the traditional rhythms of the Punjabi dhol, Red Baraat delivers an unparalleled immersion in the sounds of the South Asian diaspora, infused with the sounds of Bollywood, jazz, and hip hop.

Solas, hailed as “the finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced,” has been a galvanizing force in the Irish music scene since they got their start at the 1994 Lowell Folk Festival. Solas officially became a group in 1995, and founding members Seamus Egan, Winifred Horan, and John Williams are joined by Nuala Kennedy and Alan Murray for this 30th anniversary tour. Inheriting the talent and energy of his grandfather, Andrés Landero—affectionately known as “el rey de la cumbia” (“the king of cumbia”)—Yeison Landero and his powerhouse band keep alive the classic Colombian cumbia sound and update it for the 21st century.

The Lowell Folk Festival is more than just dozens of musical performances on four different stages over the festival’s three-day schedule. Every year foods from around the world are prepared and served by local non-profits representing different cultures found in New England. This free, family-friendly festival hosts the Experience Lowell Marketplace in partnership with Mosaic Lowell, featuring area artists, craft makers, and organizations, enabling festival attendees to experience everything that Mill City’s arts and culture community has to offer.

Additional acts and other details on the festival will be announced in the coming weeks.

Lowellfolkfestival.org has updated information regarding performers, activities, crafts, and food stands representing cuisines from around the world, as well as information on how to sponsor or be an exhibitor is available at the festival.

The Lowell Folk Festival is produced by the Lowell Festival Foundation, City of Lowell, Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, Greater Lowell Community Foundation, Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, Lowell National Historical Park, and National Council for the Traditional Arts.

Major support for the Lowell Folk Festival comes from Saab Family Foundation/Saab Center for Portuguese Studies, Mass Cultural Council, Gate City Casino, Mass Office of Travel & Tourism, Lowell Cultural Council, Demoulas Foundation, F.W. Webb, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Quality Beverage, John Hunnewell Trust, Middlesex Community College, UMass Lowell, Mahoney Oil/Eastern Salt, Mosaic Lowell, Hilton Garden Inn Tewksbury Andover, Aubert Fay Foundation, Dylan & Pete’s Ice Cream, Enterprise Bank, Joseph P. Donahue Charitable Foundation Trust, Suffolk Construction, LAZ Parking, Lowell Sun Charities, Albert E. J. Bergeron Insurance Agency, The Lowell Plan, The Lowell Development & Financial Corporation, Owl Stamp Visual Solutions, All Sports Heroes, Lowell Litter Krewe, Mark-One, 92.5 The River, Lowell Telecommunications Corporation (LTC), Chelmsford Telemedia, Fred C. Church Insurance, WCAP, Marte Media, and Mill City Weather.

Folk Festival acknowledges the contributions from exhibitors: Cannabist, Lowell Humane Society, NRG, Renewal by Andersen, Reverie 73, United States Marine Corps, and Vinfen.

Business sponsors include Athenian Corner, Brew’d Awakenings, Cobblestones, El Potro, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, La La Books, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, The Old Court, Washington Savings Bank, and Worthen House Cafe.

For information about the 2025 Lowell Folk Festival, including how to sponsor or be an exhibitor, musical artists and schedules, and other programming, visit lowellfolkfestival.org to stay posted on all updates for the 2025 Lowell Folk Festival.

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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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