Toronto singer-songwriter Katie Dauson has released her latest single, ‘Get Ready’, a high-energy track that merges blues, rockabilly, and classic 70s rock and roll. Produced and engineered by James Nickle, the song features Dauson on rhythm guitar and harmonica, the latter of which was a spontaneous addition to the arrangement. Dauson noted that while there was originally no harmonica on the track, “after hearing Bob Seger’s Katmandu and his iconic harmonica solos, I knew I had to add them—and play them myself.” The artist drew further technical inspiration from legends Junior Wells and James Cotton, blending their soulful grit with a vocal style reminiscent of Wanda Jackson.
Lyrically, ‘Get Ready’ explores the tension between self-doubt and the motivation it provides to succeed. Dauson uses the track to confront detractors with a challenge to “rise up or step aside,” while maintaining a vibrant, positive atmosphere throughout the song. She explained that the track is “full of energy, from the vocals to the rhythm guitar and harmonica solos.” By channeling the influence of George Harrison through her 2014 Gretsch Duo Jet, Dauson continues to showcase the genre-defying versatility that has become her signature. The result is a timeless rock and roll anthem that encourages listeners to face their challenges with an upbeat perspective.
Wille and the Bandits have released their new single and video “Reina del Mar,” a Latin-rock influenced track that highlights the group’s diverse musical identity. The song is the third release from their forthcoming ten-track album Salt Roots, which was produced by frontman Wille Edwards alongside Josiah Manning and is set for release on February 27, 2026. Describing the track’s origins, Edwards noted: “I wrote the initial riff around 10 years ago while travelling around Cuba and listening to some of the Buena Vista Social Club members still playing in Havana.” The title, which translates to “Queen of the Sea,” reflects the band’s deep spiritual connection to the ocean.
Atmospheric and restrained, the recording features Harry Mackaill on double bass and Stevie Watts on piano. Beyond the music, the single reinforces the band’s partnership with Surfers Against Sewage to combat ocean pollution. Edwards explained that living by the water is vital to his family life, stating: “Swimming in the ocean almost every day isn’t just something we do, it’s how my children and I stay connected to nature and to each other.” The band will support the release with an extensive UK tour throughout March and April.
JAYLER has announced the release of a limited edition, signed 7-inch white label double A-side, created exclusively for members of the band’s fan community, The Voices. This collector’s item features the new single “Down Below” on Side A and “Riverboat Queen” on the AA side, both taken from the group’s forthcoming debut album. Each copy will be numbered, signed by the band, and delivered on May 29. The band emphasized the rarity of the release, noting that “once they’re gone, they won’t be repressed.”
The release is intended as a gesture of appreciation for their most dedicated listeners. Speaking on the project, the band commented: “This release comes from a place of gratitude. It’s a quiet thank you to the people who’ve been listening, showing up, and carrying the music with them along the way.” While the physical vinyl is reserved for The Voices, “Down Below” will debut as a digital single on February 17. JAYLER described the community as being “part of our circle,” and this 7-inch serves as a tangible way to honor that connection before their full album arrives in late spring.
Some artists spend their whole lives getting ready for the moment the world finally hears them. Brother Wallace is one of them. Today, the West Point, Georgia-bred singer, pianist, and soul revivalist announces his debut album,Electric Love, out May 8 via ATO Records, and shares the album’s title track—a Motown-esque number that’s equal parts playful, revelatory, and gloriously cathartic—alongside an official music video. The track arrives with major international momentum, having been premiered by The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show on BBC Radio 6 Music. It’s a bold first chapter from a voice that feels less like a “new artist” and more like a force that’s been building quietly for years, waiting for the right voltage.
On “Electric Love,” Brother Wallace doesn’t just sing about joy—he fights for it. The song moves like a shot of sunlight through a storm cloud: Stax-and-satin soul, piano-driven, and bursting with momentum, it’s built for the exact moment when you decide you’re not going to let the world harden you. “It’s about choosing connection,” Wallace says. “Finding that current again—the thing that reminds you you’re alive.”
Raised in a small rural town where the church was both community and classroom, Wallace began singing early and started formal piano training at six years old. By 14, he was directing a 100-member choir—leading not from ambition, but from instinct. Music wasn’t extracurricular; it was identity. Still, his path didn’t follow the typical industry arc. Wallace built a life at the intersection of art and service, becoming a K–12 music teacher and shaping young voices day after day, even as his own kept growing into something undeniable.
Over time, that “teacher” story expanded into something bigger: including sharing the stage with gospel legend Kirk Franklin performing at Madison Square Garden. But it wasn’t until a chance meeting sparked a creative partnership—one that stretched across years and continents—that Brother Wallace’s vision began assembling into the album it was always meant to become.
That partnership was with Dan Taylor (The Heavy), who became not just a collaborator but a catalyst. Recorded at Real World Studios (the legendary facility founded by Peter Gabriel) and produced/co-written by Taylor, Electric Love captures the breathless immediacy of Wallace’s performances—engineered and mixed by Bob Mackenzie (James Blake, The 1975, King Krule, SAULT) and Jim Abbiss (Adele, Arctic Monkeys). The result is soul music that feels alive in your hands: gritty, radiant, and built around the kind of vocal that turns rooms silent before it turns them inside out.
Across its 13 songs, Electric Love is less a debut than a revelation—a body of work fueled by gospel roots and classic soul lineage (Sam Cooke, Little Richard, Southern soul greats) while refusing to live in nostalgia. Wallace writes in lived-in scenes and hard-earned feeling: heartbreak without defeat, joy without naïveté, vulnerability without apology. The album’s rhapsodic opener “Who’s That?” (released last fall as his first ATO single) entered the Top 30 at Triple A radio in the US for the first time this week—an amazing feat for his first-ever single. Now, the title track “Electric Love” expands the frame: this is an artist building a world where joy is radical, and connection is survival. Now, the title track “Electric Love” expands the frame: this is an artist building a world where joy is radical, and connection is survival.
This spring, Brother Wallace will bring that world to the stage supporting St. Paul & The Broken Bones on his first-ever tour—an ideal match for a performer whose voice and presence were made for big rooms, shared air, and nights that feel like revival.
For Brother Wallace, Electric Love isn’t just a record. It’s proof of concept: a lifetime of music, faith, teaching, and grit distilled into something that hits like lightning—then stays.
Electric Love Tracklist Who’s That? You’re The Man Gone With The Wind Electric Love Top Shotta No God In This Town Who Do You Love? Any Day Now Patient Man Midnight Valley Jealous Hope Of Fools Let’s Get Together
TOUR DATES, w/St. Paul & The Broken Bones 4/17/2026 – Charlotte, NC – Fillmore 4/18/2026 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel 4/19/2026 – Raleigh, NC – Ritz 4/21/2026 – Richmond, VA – Botanical Garden 4/23/2026 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore 4/24/2026 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club 4/25/2026 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount 4/26/2026 – Boston, MA – House of Blues 4/28/2026 – Toronto, ON – Danforth 4/29/2026 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrews 5/1/2026 – Chicago, IL – Salt Shed 5/2/2026 – Minneapolis, MN – Palace Theatre 5/3/2026 – Madison, WI – Sylvee 5/5/2026 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre 5/6/2026 – Lexington, KY – Burl Outdoors 5/8/2026 – Atlanta, GA – Eastern 5/9/2026 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
UK/EUROPE TOUR DATES 5/13/2026 – Brighton, UK – The Great Escape Festival 5/24/2026 – London, UK – Cross The Tracks Festival More Dates TBA Soon
The Atlanta Braves have announced the first ever Braves Country Fest, set to take place on June 13, 2026, at Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta. Multi-platinum artist Cody Johnson will headline the main concert, supported by a lineup including Ella Langley, ERNEST, and MacKenzie Carpenter. Earlier in the day, the festival will highlight emerging talent through the Braves Country Hot Prospects showcase on the Georgia Power Pavilion stage. Braves president and CEO Derek Schiller noted that the event was designed to celebrate the country music culture that permeates the region while utilizing the unique environment of the stadium and its surrounding district.
This daylong festival is a partnership with Live Nation Georgia aimed at creating a destination event that supports the community through the Atlanta Braves Foundation. Peter Conlon, chairman of Live Nation Georgia, emphasized that the collaboration allows the festival to showcase the growth of the genre in one of the country’s premier venues. A portion of all ticket proceeds will be donated to the team’s charitable arm to fund local initiatives. Tickets go on sale to the general public on January 30, 2026, with the festival expected to offer an immersive experience for fans traveling from across the Southeast.
SweetWater 420 Fest returns to Atlanta on April 17 and 18, 2026, moving to a new home at the 280-acre Shirley Clarke Franklin Park. The 21st annual celebration features headlining performances from progressive rock fusion band Umphrey’s McGee, who will play two sets, and electronic duo Thievery Corporation. The initial lineup also highlights electro-funk act Chromeo and Americana duo Watchhouse alongside supporting artists like Little Stranger and The Heavy Heavy. This year’s festival marks a return to the event’s “roots” by emphasizing outdoor spaces and a diverse mix of jam, indie, and funk. Carrie Shafir, Vice President of Marketing for Tilray Beverages, noted that the festival aims to provide a memorable experience where fans can discover new acts in a vibrant green setting.
In a significant move toward accessibility, organizers have reduced ticket prices by nearly 50% compared to the previous year, with single-day general admission starting at $40. The weekend schedule is split between a Friday lineup headlined by Umphrey’s McGee and a Saturday slate led by Thievery Corporation and Chromeo. Other confirmed performers include Cimafunk, lespecial, The Moss, Bombargo, and Sneezy, with a Battle of the Bands winner to be added following a February 28 competition. The new venue’s direct connection to the BeltLine offers improved transit options for attendees. Beyond the music, the festival continues its long-standing partnership with the Waterkeeper Alliance to support healthy waterways and environmental conservation.
Four-time Grammy nominated UB40 announces their upcoming U.S. and Canadian “THE UNSTOPPABLE TOUR” – which will run this September 18 through November 15. The legendary reggae-pop band — one of the most successful and influential British groups of all time with more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, with trademark global #1 hits “Red Red Wine” and “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You”; and U.S. Top 10s “Here I Am (Come and Take Me)” and “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” returns this fall to North America for a fifth consecutive year. The group will perform in 40 markets at major amphitheaters and performing arts centers across America (including New York City and Los Angeles), and Canada.
The official UB40 band featuring original and founding members James Brown (drums), Robin Campbell (guitar/vocals), Earl Falconer (bass/vocals) and Norman Hassan (percussion/vocals); Martin Meredith (keyboards/WX7/saxophone), Jahred Gordon (keyboards), Laurence Parry (trumpet/flugel/trombone), Ian Thompson (saxophone), Gilly G (MC vocals), Matt Campbell (backing vocals) – and lead vocalist and guitarist Matt Doyle — will be bringing their worldwide hit singles to the stage with “Red Red Wine,” “Food For Thought,” “(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You,” and much more.
Says Robin Campbell, “We can’t wait to embark on ‘The Unstoppable Tour,’ as the tour title says that’s how we are feeling! New music, more shows than our last visit, and a more extensive tour of Canada. This will be our fifth consecutive year back in North America and we couldn’t be happier to be coming back. We are currently in the studio working on our new album which will be out before we arrive, and we can’t wait for the fans to hear what we have been cooking up!”
Adds Jimmy Brown, “Really looking forward to this year’s USA tour. It’s always fun getting on the road. We could fly on the longer journeys, but we prefer to go by road. You get to see the changing landscape and meet ordinary people along the way. I think this is the fifth year in a row now that we have toured the states, and it just keeps getting better. More gigs, bigger venues, bigger production. American audiences are the loudest in the world, and the crowd has become more and more diverse over the years. Can’t wait to get there.”
As the world’s biggest-selling reggae group with more than 50 UK charting singles and 17 UK Top 10 albums, the group, formed in Birmingham, England, has been recording and touring since 1978. Originating as group of young friends with working-class origins, UB40 has gone on to becoming four-time Grammy nominees (including for “Best Reggae Album”) while spending a combined 11 plus years on the charts.
In 2008, former lead singer Ali Campbell left the group to pursue a solo career, and was replaced by his brother, Duncan Campbell, who fronted the group until he retired due to illness in 2021. Matt Doyle has since taken over as lead singer/guitarist, leading the last four major UB40 tours, and performing on their latest 2024 album, “UB45,” which features new songs and re-imagined classics, commemorating their historic 45th anniversary – reaching #5 on the UK official album chart.
UB40 “Unstoppable Tour” Dates: September 18 – Ottawa, ON – Venue TBA September 19 – Montreal, QC – MTelus September 20 – Moncton, NB – The Molson Canadian Centre at Casino New Brunswick September 22 – Portsmouth, NH – The Music Hall September 23 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur September 25 – New York, NY – The Town Hall September 26 – Morristown, NJ – Mayo Performing Arts Center September 27 – Philadelphia, PA – Keswick Theatre September 29 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse September 30 – North Bethesda, MD – Strathmore October 2 – Windsor, ON –The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor October 3 – Niagara Falls, ON – Fallsview Casino Resort October 4 – Fort Wayne, IN – Foellinger Theatre October 7 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theatre October 8 – Chicago, IL – Auditorium Theatre October 9 – St. Paul, MN– Palace Theatre October 10 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre October 13 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall October 14 – Calgary, AB – Grey Eagle Casino October 16 – Bremerton, WA – Admiral Theatre October 17 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom October 18 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom October 20 – Modesto, CA – Gallo Center for the Arts October 22 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live October 23 – Saratoga, CA – Mountain Winery October 24 – Cabazon, CA – Morongo Casino October 25 – Thousand Oaks, CA – Kavil Theatre October 28 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues October 30 – Fort McDowell, AZ – We-Ko-Pa Casino October 31 – San Diego, CA – Open Air Theatre November 1 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl November 3 – Tucson, AZ – Fox Tucson Theatre November 4 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel November 6 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues November 7 – Pine Bluff, AR – Saracen Casino Resort November 8 – Houston, TX – House of Blues November 10 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall November 12 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage November 13 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live November 14 – St. Petersburg, FL – Duke Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theatre November 15 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
Busch Gardens returns in 2026 with an expanded, dual-park live music series featuring more than 25 full-length performances across both parks. With concerts included with all forms of park admission, an Annual Pass or Membership offers guests the most flexible way to access the full 2026 concert lineup all season long.
Anchored by the revamped Food, Wine & Garden Festival in Tampa Bay, and the fan-favorite Food & Wine Festival in Williamsburg, the 2026 lineup is the strongest in series history and features high-energy genres, including pop, hip-hop, rock and country. The acts include Flo Rida, Taking Back Sunday, Walker Hayes, Kansas, Chris Tomlin, Skillet, Dylan Scott, Nick Carter, and the Pop 2000 Tour featuring Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC, O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO.
Guests can expect:
Full-length live concerts, included with all forms of park admission
Live music paired with a full-day park experience including seasonal food festivals, attractions, and animal encounters
Premium seating upgrade options
The flexibility to attend multiple concerts throughout the season with an Annual Pass or Membership
Limited-time ticket and pass offers available by location
“Our concert series has evolved into something our guests look forward to year after year,” said Marc Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of United Parks & Resorts. “The 2026 lineup spans across multiple genres and decades, giving visitors yet another reason to experience one of our Busch Gardens parks this spring.”
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay The concert lineup spans two signature spring events at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay:
The revamped Food, Wine & Garden Festival pairs culinary offerings with live entertainment. Country singer Walker Hayes kicks off the festival on March 7, with concerts continuing every weekend of the event. The full lineup includes:
Food, Wine & Garden Festival March 7 | Walker Hayes March 8 | Puddle of Mudd March 14 | P.O.D. March 15 | Grupo Mania March 21 | Skillet March 22 | Robin Thicke March 27 | Warren G March 28 | Dylan Scott March 29 | Kansas April 4 | Nick Carter April 10 | The Band Perry April 11 | El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico April 12 | Smash Mouth April 18 | Flo Rida April 19 | Air Supply April 24 | Bowling for Soup April 25 | Surprise Artist to Be Announced Soon May 2 | Bow Wow & Ying Yang Twins May 3 | Taking Back Sunday May 9 | Pop 2000 featuring Chris Kirkpatrick(*NSYNC), and O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO
Glory in the Gardens May 16 | Chris Tomlin + Brandon Heath May 17 | Danny Gokey + Surprise Artist to Be Announced Soon
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Busch Gardens Williamsburg heats up in 2026 with the start of its live concert series during the fan-favorite Food & Wine Festival. Beginning in May, the park will feature chart-topping musicians across multiple genres, including pop, hip-hop, and rock. The full concert lineup includes:
Flo Rida – Saturday, May 2
Pop 2000 featuring Chris Kirkpatrick (*NSYNC), and O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO – Saturday, May 16
Education Through Music-Los Angeles (ETM-LA) celebrated its 20th anniversary on January 27, 2026, with a benefit gala at the Skirball Cultural Center. The evening honored legendary songwriter Diane Warren, Sonic Fuel Studios founders Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn, and music educator Ryan Gonzales. A surprise Champion Award was also presented to Carlos Santana and the Milagro Foundation. The event raised over $500,000 to support the non-profit’s mission of providing comprehensive music education to under-resourced schools. Since its founding in 2006, the organization has reached over 190,000 students and provided more than 155,000 music classes to enhance academic and creative development.
The gala featured a moving performance by the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble, who sang Warren’s Oscar-nominated song “Dear Me.” Visibly moved, Warren noted that having access to music teachers like those at ETM-LA might have changed her own experience as a student. The night also included memorial tributes to past honorees Gordon Goodwin and Arthur Hamilton, featuring a student performance of the classic “Cry Me a River.” Salvador Santana, who accepted the award for his father, emphasized that investing in youth through music is essential for a brighter future. The funds raised will continue to support the “Rhythm of the Night” by funding professional development and direct music instruction across Los Angeles.
LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of the legendary vocal group The 5th Dimension and a trailblazing photographer, passed away on February 3, 2026, at his home in Las Vegas. He was 90 years old. Known for his smooth bass vocals, McLemore helped anchor the sophisticated harmonies that defined the group’s “champagne soul” sound, leading to massive hits like “Up, Up and Away” and the era-defining “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” His death follows a stroke suffered several years ago, though he remained a cherished figure in both the music and visual arts communities. McLemore’s multifaceted career spanned professional baseball, where he was the first Black athlete to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals, and a prolific tenure behind the lens that documented decades of Black cultural excellence.
Beyond the stage, McLemore was a pioneer in American media as the first Black photographer hired by Harper’s Bazaar and the eye behind Stevie Wonder’s debut album cover. For over 40 years, his photography was a staple of Jet and Ebony magazines, most notably through the “Beauty of the Week” feature. It was during a 1960s photo shoot for the Miss Black Beauty Pageant that he met future group members Marilyn McCoo and Florence LaRue, a meeting that would eventually lead to the formation of The 5th Dimension. His 2014 autobiography, From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension, chronicled his unique journey from St. Louis to international stardom and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is survived by his wife, Mieko, and his children.
