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Dash Crofts, One Half of Seals & Crofts, Has Died at 87

Eric Alper
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Dash Crofts, One Half of Seals & Crofts, Has Died at 87

Darrell “Dash” Crofts, the musician who helped define the sound of 1970s soft rock as one half of Seals & Crofts, passed away on March 25th, 2026 at the age of 87, surrounded by his family. His daughter Lua Crofts Faragher confirmed the news, writing that the family mourns “a man whose loving-kindness, remarkable compassion, beautiful and tender voice has uplifted hearts across the globe.” Producer Louie Shelton, who helmed several of the duo’s most celebrated albums, offered his own tribute: “Sad to hear our dear brother and partner in music has passed away today. R.I.P. my brother.”

Crofts was born in Cisco, Texas, picking up piano at five and drums by ten. By high school he had formed a band with a saxophone player named Jim Seals, a partnership that would define both their lives. After high school the two relocated to Southern California and joined The Champs, eventually striking out under the name Seals & Crofts in 1969. Their sound, breezy, melodic, and rooted in their shared Bahá’í faith, found its fullest expression on 1972’s ‘Summer Breeze’, which went double platinum and produced a title track that peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. The follow-up ‘Diamond Girl’ went gold and delivered another top-ten single of the same name. Together the duo earned four gold albums, two platinum certifications, and two Grammy nominations across a catalog that has never stopped finding new listeners.

The music endured well beyond its moment. “Summer Breeze” was covered by the Isley Brothers and by Type O Negative, whose heavy reimagining appeared on the soundtrack to the 1997 thriller I Know What You Did Last Summer. The 2024 HBO documentary ‘Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary’ brought fresh attention to the genre Seals & Crofts helped create, and the duo’s warmth and melodic instincts continue to resonate with audiences discovering them for the first time. Crofts released a solo album, ‘Today’, in 1998, and he and Seals reunited for a final album together, ‘Traces’, in 2004.

Jim Seals passed away in June 2022 at the age of 79. With Crofts’ death, both halves of one of soft rock’s most enduring partnerships are gone. Crofts is survived by his wife Louise, his daughter Lua Crofts Faragher, two additional children, Faizi and Amelia, and eight grandchildren. His legacy lives in every breeze that passes through a jasmine vine.

Advancing Your Azure Career: Key Certifications (AZ‑900, AZ‑104, and AZ‑305)

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

In today’s cloud‑driven IT landscape, earning recognized certifications is one of the most effective ways to validate expertise and stand out in a competitive job market. Microsoft Azure has emerged as a leading cloud platform used by enterprises around the world, and its certification tracks are designed to help professionals at different stages of their careers. Three widely pursued Azure certifications are AZ‑900 (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals), AZ‑104 (Microsoft Azure Administrator), and AZ‑305 (Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect). 

Each exam corresponds to a specific role and skill level, from foundational knowledge to advanced architectural design. Many candidates preparing for these exams use a combination of hands‑on practice, official documentation, instructor‑led courses, and quality practice materials from reputable sources like exam‑labs.com to improve readiness and confidence.

Understanding the AZ‑900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

The AZ‑900 certification, often referred to as Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, is the perfect starting point for anyone new to cloud computing and Azure. This exam verifies essential knowledge about cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, compliance, and pricing models. It is not a role‑specific exam and does not require technical experience, making it suitable for students, business professionals, and IT newcomers who want to understand how cloud solutions deliver value to organizations.

Topics covered in AZ‑900 include cloud principles such as public, private, and hybrid cloud models; an overview of core Azure services like compute, networking, storage, and databases; basic security and governance features such as Azure Security Center and Azure Active Directory; and Azure pricing and support options. Preparing for AZ‑900 helps candidates grasp foundational concepts that are essential before advancing to role‑based certifications like AZ‑104 and AZ‑305.

Also click here: https://exam-labs.com/dumps/AZ-900

Exploring AZ‑104: Microsoft Azure Administrator

Once fundamentals are established, professionals often move on to role‑based credentials. The AZ‑104 certification, Microsoft Azure Administrator, is aimed at those who manage cloud services spanning storage, networking, compute resources, identity, and governance. Candidates preparing for this exam must demonstrate practical skills in managing Azure subscriptions, configuring and managing virtual networks, deploying virtual machines, implementing Azure storage solutions, and monitoring system health.

The role of an Azure administrator combines configuration tasks with ongoing operational responsibilities. Administrators must be able to assign user roles using Azure Active Directory, implement network security groups and Azure Firewall rules, set up backups and recovery options, and optimize resource performance using tools like Azure Monitor and Azure Advisor. Because Azure continuously evolves, administrators should also stay updated with changes to services and best practices.

Read more: https://exam-labs.com/dumps/AZ-104

Delving into AZ‑305: Azure Solutions Architect

The AZ‑305 certification, Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions, is positioned as an advanced credential for professionals involved in architectural planning and cloud solution design. Solutions architects take requirements from stakeholders, evaluate technical constraints, and translate them into scalable, secure, and resilient cloud blueprints.

Unlike AZ‑104, which focuses on implementation and operational tasks, AZ‑305 evaluates high‑level decision‑making skills. Candidates must understand how to design identity and security solutions, data storage strategies, hybrid and multi‑cloud connectivity, and disaster recovery plans. They also need to balance performance, cost, governance, and compliance considerations.

Solutions architects work on strategic decisions such as whether to use PaaS vs IaaS services, how to integrate monitoring and logging for mission‑critical applications, and how to enforce governance using Azure Policy and management groups. Successful candidates demonstrate the ability to design architectures that meet business and technical requirements in complex cloud environments.

How These Certifications Fit Together

These three certificates — AZ‑900, AZ‑104, and AZ‑305 — form a logical progression in your Azure career trajectory. The AZ‑900 certification lays the foundation with essential cloud concepts. The AZ‑104 credential solidifies your ability to manage and operate Azure environments. The AZ‑305 credential represents an advanced milestone for professionals designing holistic cloud solutions that meet complex business needs.

Employers increasingly look for certified professionals because these credentials indicate proven knowledge and practical capability. Starting with fundamentals reduces barriers to entry for beginners, while role‑based and advanced certifications prepare you for leadership roles. Whether you aim to work in cloud operations, system administration, or strategic solution design, investing in these certifications can accelerate your professional growth and expand your career options.

Effective Preparation Strategies

Preparing for Azure exams requires a blend of structured study and hands‑on experience. The first step is reviewing Microsoft’s official exam objectives, available on the Microsoft Learn platform. These outlines specify skills measured by each exam and help you organize your study priorities. Hands‑on labs, sandbox environments, and real‑world projects make abstract concepts tangible, improving retention and confidence.

Instructor‑led training and video courses can help clarify complex topics. Community forums and study groups allow candidates to share insights and ask questions. Practice tests and question banks familiarize you with exam formats, time‑management skills, and the types of scenarios you may encounter during the real Exam-Labs.com. Many learners include reputable practice materials such as those from exam‑labs.com alongside official documentation to reinforce learning.

Consistent study schedules that blend theory, practice, and review create a balanced preparation plan that enhances success rates and reduces exam anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between AZ‑900, AZ‑104, and AZ‑305?

AZ‑900 tests fundamental cloud concepts and basic Azure services. AZ‑104 evaluates skills for managing and operating Azure resources. AZ‑305 assesses architectural design and strategic planning for complex cloud solutions.

Do I need experience before taking these exams?

Experience is highly recommended, especially for AZ‑104 and AZ‑305. AZ‑900 is suitable for beginners with little to no cloud experience.

How should I prepare for the exams?

Effective preparation includes reviewing official objectives, hands‑on practice in Azure environments, training courses, and practice tests that reflect real exam scenarios.

Can I take these exams in any order?

Yes, you can take them in any order, but many candidates follow the progression of fundamentals, administrator, and then architect to build confidence and skills incrementally.

Do these certifications expire?

Yes, Microsoft certifications need renewal periodically, often through online assessments or updated exams to align with platform changes.

Conclusion

Earning Azure certifications such as AZ‑900, AZ‑104, and AZ‑305 reflects your commitment to excellence in cloud computing. Starting with fundamental knowledge and progressing to operational and architectural expertise ensures that you acquire both breadth and depth in Azure technologies. These credentials validate your skills, increase your professional visibility, and open doors to roles such as cloud administrator, solutions architect, and IT cloud consultant. 

Combining official documentation, practical exercises, training courses, and practice tests strengthens your preparation and enhances performance on exam day. With cloud adoption continuing to accelerate, certified professionals are well‑positioned to lead digital transformation efforts, improve operational efficiency, and deliver value to their organizations. Whether you are just beginning your cloud journey or advancing toward senior roles, these certifications provide a clear, rewarding pathway for career growth in the vibrant and evolving world of Azure cloud computing.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Best 10 AI Music Generators for Creators in 2026

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

AI music isn’t just a tech demo anymore—it’s a daily tool that working creators actually rely on. Instead of building every track from a blank session, more musicians, YouTubers, podcasters, and indie developers are letting AI handle the heavy lifting of composition, vocals, and production, then stepping in to fine‑tune and add their own signature on top.

The real question in 2026 isn’t “does AI music work?” but “which generator matches the way you create?” Some platforms are built for fully sung songs from plain text, others specialize in cinematic scores, endless background streams, or scene‑aware video soundtracks. Below are the best 10 AI music generators for creators right now, with Text to Song AI leading the lineup when you want a prompt or set of lyrics transformed into a complete, vocal‑driven track in minutes.

1. Text to Song AI – From Words to Finished Songs in One Step

Text to Song AI is built around a very straightforward promise: type what you hear in your head and get back a complete song with vocals, melody, and arrangement. You can paste full lyrics or write a short description of the track you want—genre, mood, energy—and the system handles composition, singing, and production for you.

The output doesn’t feel like a rough sketch. Tracks come out with natural‑sounding vocals, balanced mixes, and enough polish that you can drop them directly into videos, podcasts, or playlists without extra engineering work. If you want professional‑sounding songs without diving into complex tools, this is a very easy first stop.

2. Suno – Big, Vocal‑Driven AI Anthems

Suno is the platform people mention when they talk about AI songs that feel “radio‑ready.” It excels at generating full pieces with lyrics, harmonies, and instrumental backings that span everything from modern pop and rock to heavier or more experimental genres.

You describe the scenario or story you want—anything from a breakup ballad to a high‑energy club track—and Suno returns finished songs that often sound surprisingly close to major‑label releases. It’s a strong fit when you care about emotional vocals and cinematic drama.

3. Udio – Iterative Song Craft for Producers

Udio targets creators who like to shape songs over multiple passes. It can generate complete vocal tracks from text, but its strength is in how easily you can extend, revise, and re‑arrange what it gives you.

You might begin with a short chorus, then ask Udio to build verses, alternate bridges, or new endings until the structure feels right. With its clean, modern sound and flexible workflow, it’s appealing for producers who see AI as a collaborator rather than a one‑click button.

4. Soundraw – Tailored Instrumentals for Video and Ads

Soundraw is built squarely for video editors, marketers, and brands that need a steady stream of adaptable background music. Instead of focusing on vocals, it focuses on customizable instrumentals you can match to scenes, durations, and pacing.

You choose genre, mood, and length, then tweak structure inside the interface so your track actually fits the cuts and emotional beats of your edit. For intros, product demos, explainers, and social ads, it’s a much more flexible solution than looping the same stock track again and again.

5. NanoMusic.AI – Monetizable, “Release‑Ready” Tracks at Scale

NanoMusic.AI positions itself as an end‑to‑end production engine: you type an idea, paste lyrics, or pick a mood, and it writes, sings, and produces a track that’s ready to monetize. Unlike tools that mainly generate loops or bare instrumentals, NanoMusic focuses on complete songs with verses, choruses, bridges, harmonies, and polished vocals baked in.

Its engine is tuned for human‑like singing: it emphasizes breath, phrasing, and emotion so that listeners often can’t tell the voice is synthetic. Under the hood it supports 40‑plus genres, from trap and K‑pop to jazz and bossa nova, and each style aims to capture the real production signatures and groove of that genre rather than just applying a generic “filter.” Tracks are delivered at streaming‑standard loudness, and paid users get full commercial rights plus stem exports for vocals, drums, bass, and more—making NanoMusic particularly attractive if you want to release AI‑generated songs on platforms or license them for campaigns.

6. Boomy – Instant Songs for Social and Streaming

Boomy is designed for speed and accessibility. You pick a style, click generate, and within seconds you have a full track you can adjust, title, and even distribute to streaming platforms.

It’s aimed more at experimentation and fun than hyper‑detailed sound design, but that’s exactly what many users want. If you like the idea of turning quick ideas into shareable songs, or you just need fresh background tracks for streams and short‑form content, Boomy makes that process almost effortless.

7. Mubert – Endless AI Music Streams

Mubert takes a slightly different approach from traditional “one song at a time” generators. It’s built to deliver continuous AI‑generated audio streams you can tailor to different use cases: focus playlists, workout sessions, gaming, or live broadcasts.

You configure genre and intensity, then let the system produce an endless flow of algorithmic music that fits that profile. For app developers, co‑working spaces, or long‑form streamers who need non‑stop, rights‑safe background music, this can be more practical than generating thousands of individual tracks.

8. AIVA – Orchestral Scores and Classical Compositions

AIVA is one of the more established names in AI composition, with a focus on orchestral and cinematic music rather than mainstream pop.

You can guide structure, instrumentation, and emotional arc, and AIVA returns full pieces with strings, brass, and other traditional elements that work well for film, games, and trailers. It’s not the go‑to for lyric‑driven songs, but if you need sweeping scores or refined classical‑style works, it fills that niche extremely well.

9. Beatoven – Music That Follows Your Edit

Beatoven AI is built around the idea that the music should follow your story. You upload a video, mark emotional segments or transitions, and the platform generates tracks that match those shifts in tone and intensity.

Instead of cutting stock music to fit your timeline, you get cues that were composed for your specific pacing. For documentary makers, YouTubers, and agencies working on narrative content, this can save a lot of time while improving how tightly music and visuals line up.

10. Loudly and Soundful – Creator‑Friendly Beat and Track Makers

Loudly and Soundful round out the list as creator‑focused platforms that give you more hands‑on control over the arrangement.

Loudly lets you explore different genres, stems, and loops to assemble tracks that still feel personal while using AI to guide composition and sound design. Soundful, meanwhile, leans into royalty‑free music for content creators, giving you clear licensing and a simple way to generate tracks that won’t trigger copyright problems on major platforms.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

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Roxy Music Guitarist and Rock Hall of Famer Phil Manzanera Brings “An Evening Of Words And Music” to the Midwest This May

Eric Alper
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Roxy Music Guitarist and Rock Hall of Famer Phil Manzanera Brings “An Evening Of Words And Music” to the Midwest This May

Phil Manzanera has one of the most genuinely extraordinary life stories in rock music, and “An Evening Of Words And Music With Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera” gives audiences a rare chance to hear it told in person. The Roxy Music guitarist, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, OBE recipient, and esteemed record producer returns to the United States in May for four Midwest dates supporting his memoir and companion CD ‘Revolucion To Roxy’, following a highly successful West Coast run earlier this year.

The format is as distinctive as the man himself. Each show blends conversation with live performance, Manzanera discussing the memoir while also picking up the guitar to take the room through musical highlights. The response from the West Coast run was unambiguous. The San Jose Mercury News praised it as “a great night for fans,” while Parklife DC called Manzanera “a right proper gentleman” whose storytelling kept audiences “glued to our seats,” adding that “you could simply feel the room bursting with joy” when he played. That combination of candor, wit, and genuine musicianship makes these shows something well beyond a standard book tour appearance.

The memoir itself covers remarkable ground. Manzanera writes vividly about living through the Cuban Revolution, discovering a 17th century Caribbean Jewish pirate ancestor, and an Italian musician grandfather, before moving into his years with Roxy Music and encounters with Bob Dylan, David Gilmour and Rick Wright of Pink Floyd, Paul Simonon of The Clash, and Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. The companion CD on Expression Records via BFD/The Orchard features ten tracks including five previously unreleased songs. The Cleveland date at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on May 14th features a conversation with VP Jason Handley, while the Chicago Space show on May 18th pairs Manzanera with legendary WXRT-FM DJ Terri Hemmert.

“An Evening Of Words And Music With Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera” Tour Dates:

May 14 – Cleveland, OH – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (in conversation with Jason Handley)

May 18 – Chicago, IL – Space (in conversation with Terri Hemmert)

May 19 – Milwaukee, WI – The Shank

May 20 – Minneapolis, MN – The Quinlan Room

Courtney Barnett Releases “One Thing At A Time” and Announces North American Tour Behind Fourth Album ‘Creature of Habit’

Eric Alper
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Courtney Barnett Releases “One Thing At A Time” and Announces North American Tour Behind Fourth Album ‘Creature of Habit’

Courtney Barnett’s fourth studio album ‘Creature of Habit’ arrives Friday March 27th via Mom+Pop Music, and its focus track “One Thing At A Time” makes an emphatic case for why this is one of the most anticipated indie rock records of the year. Directed by Lance Bangs, the video accompanies a track that is quintessential Barnett, two minutes of stomping, internally combusting tension, featuring Flea on bass, before a mid-song reckoning gives way to a euphoric three-minute guitar solo and a final lyric that lands like a genuine exhale: “I’m ready for a change.” It is one of the most cathartic moments she has committed to tape.

‘Creature of Habit’ was written in the wake of Barnett relocating from Australia to Los Angeles and closing her long-running label Milk! Records, a period of genuine upheaval that she channeled directly into the recording process rather than keeping at arm’s length. The album’s central question, how to get out of your own way so you can truly feel your life, runs through every track, and the accumulated weight of previous singles “Stay in Your Lane,” “Site Unseen” with Waxahatchee, “Mantis,” and “Sugar Plum” makes “One Thing At A Time” feel like the record’s emotional payoff. This is Barnett at her most emotionally exposed and musically assured, and one of the defining indie rock albums of 2026.

A North American tour kicks off May 1st in Austin with support from Truman Sinclair, featuring additional support from Momma on select Northeast dates, Built to Spill on select West Coast dates, and Zoh Amba on the August run. The San Francisco Fillmore date on August 26th is already sold out, with August 27th running low on tickets.

2026 North American Tour Dates:

May 1 – Austin, TX – RADIO/EAST (with Truman Sinclair)

May 2 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall (with Truman Sinclair)

May 3 – Dallas, TX – The Bomb Factory (with Truman Sinclair)

May 5 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium (with Truman Sinclair)

May 6 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle (with Truman Sinclair)

May 8 – Richmond, VA – The National (with Truman Sinclair)

May 9 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre (with Momma & Truman Sinclair) LOW TICKETS

May 10 – Washington, DC – The Anthem (with Momma & Truman Sinclair)

May 12 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore (with Momma & Truman Sinclair)

May 13 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner (with Momma & Truman Sinclair)

May 15 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee (with Truman Sinclair)

May 16 – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre (with Truman Sinclair)

May 19 – St. Louis, MO – The Hawthorn (with Truman Sinclair)

May 20 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall (with Truman Sinclair)

May 21 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre (with Truman Sinclair)

May 22 – Toronto, ON – History (with Truman Sinclair)

August 11 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theater (with Zoh Amba)

August 12 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre (with Zoh Amba)

August 14 – Cincinnati, OH – MegaCorp Pavilion (with Zoh Amba)

August 15 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman (with Zoh Amba)

August 18 – Seattle, WA – Woodland Park Zoo Amphitheater (with Built to Spill & Zoh Amba)

August 19 – Portland, OR – Pioneer Courthouse Square (with Built to Spill & Zoh Amba)

August 21 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom (with Zoh Amba)

August 22 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rockwell at The Complex (with Zoh Amba)

August 24 – Sacramento, CA – Channel 24 (with Zoh Amba)

August 26 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore (with Zoh Amba) SOLD OUT

August 27 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore (with Zoh Amba) LOW TICKETS

August 29 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium (with Built to Spill & Zoh Amba)

Alt-Pop Standout Amelia Moore Captures the Thrill of Romantic Ambiguity on Sharp New Single “prom queen”

Eric Alper
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Alt-Pop Standout Amelia Moore Captures the Thrill of Romantic Ambiguity on Sharp New Single “prom queen”

Amelia Moore has a gift for finding the exact emotional frequency of a moment most songwriters would struggle to name, and “prom queen,” out now via Republic Records, is that instinct operating at full power. Bright, punchy, and impossible to shake, the track lives in the charged space where a relationship already feels real but nobody has said it out loud yet. Moore describes it as “fun and messy, a little bit delusional, but also innocent and flirty at the same time,” and the production matches that tension perfectly, pairing witty, undeniably catchy lyrics with an effortless pop energy that makes the whole thing feel like a highlight reel of early-relationship giddiness.

The single arrives on the heels of her 2025 EP ‘he’s still just not that into you!’, which earned widespread praise for its unfiltered storytelling and genre-bending production, including the standout “spelling bee” with Teezo Touchdown. Moore is currently on the road as direct support for Zara Larsson, playing to packed rooms every night and converting thousands of new fans in real time. It is exactly the right stage for an artist this sharp and this ready, and “prom queen” is the kind of song that makes those new audiences immediately want to know everything else she has made. One of the most compelling pop singles of 2026 so far.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Graham Nash Hits the Road This Summer With Emmylou Harris and The Avett Brothers

Eric Alper
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Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Graham Nash Hits the Road This Summer With Emmylou Harris and The Avett Brothers

Graham Nash is heading out on one of the most compelling tours of his recent career. The two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has confirmed a full schedule of U.S. dates kicking off April 4th in Pennsylvania and running through September, highlighted by co-billing with Emmylou Harris at Kresge Auditorium, Meadow Brook Amphitheater, and Ravinia, and a special guest appearance alongside The Avett Brothers at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on July 12th. Nash will be accompanied throughout by Todd Caldwell on keyboards and vocals, Adam Minkoff on bass, drums, guitars, and vocals, and Zach Djanikian on guitars, mandolin, drums, and vocals.

The spring leg opens with a run through the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic before moving into the Southeast and Florida through early May. The summer run resumes in July with Colorado dates including Strings Music Festival in Steamboat Springs and two nights at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek before the Red Rocks appearance. From there the tour moves through Kansas City, Iowa City, St. Louis, Madison, and Champaign before the co-bills with Harris at Kresge Auditorium, Meadow Brook Amphitheater, and Ravinia, three of the Midwest and Great Lakes region’s most storied outdoor venues. August brings Virginia, North Carolina, and two nights at The Birchmere in Alexandria, with the run closing in September at the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

The live dates draw from Nash’s full catalog, spanning his years with The Hollies, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, and a solo career that has never stopped moving. His most recent studio album ‘Now’, released in 2023 as his first record in seven years, demonstrated an artist still writing with genuine purpose and emotional clarity. Pairing that material with the classics across rooms as storied as Ravinia and Red Rocks makes this tour something worth planning around now.

2026 Tour Dates:

April 4 – Lansdowne, PA – Lansdowne Theatre

April 6 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse

April 8 – Tarrytown, NY – Tarrytown Music Hall

April 10 – New London, CT – Garde Arts Center

April 11 – New Brunswick, NJ – State Theatre

April 14 – Annapolis, MD – Maryland Hall

April 15 – Charlottesville, VA – Paramount Theater

April 17 – Myrtle Beach, SC – The Carolina Opry Theater

April 18 – Greenville, SC – Peace Center

April 20 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall

April 22 – Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theatre

April 23 – Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theatre

April 25 – Key West, FL – The Key West Theater

April 26 – Key West, FL – The Key West Theater

April 28 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – The Parker

April 29 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – The Parker

May 1 – Ponte Vedra, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

May 2 – Ponte Vedra, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

July 7 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Strings Music Festival

July 9 – Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar Performing Arts Center

July 10 – Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar Performing Arts Center

July 12 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Special Guest of The Avett Brothers)

July 14 – Kansas City, MO – Kauffman Center

July 15 – Iowa City, IA – The Englert

July 17 – St. Louis, MO – The Sheldon

July 18 – St. Louis, MO – The Sheldon

July 20 – Madison, WI – The Orpheum

July 21 – Champaign, IL – Virginia Theatre

July 23 – Interlochen, MI – Kresge Auditorium (with Emmylou Harris)

July 24 – Rochester Hills, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheater (with Emmylou Harris)

July 26 – Highland Park, IL – Ravinia (with Emmylou Harris)

July 28 – Cincinnati, OH – Madison Theater

July 29 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre

July 31 – Henrico, VA – Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

August 1 – Wilmington, NC – The Wilson Center

August 3 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere

August 4 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere

September 19 – Fredericton, NB – Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival

Betty Moon Returns With Electrifying New Single “Want Me To” and EP ‘Strangely Beautiful’

Eric Alper
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Betty Moon Returns With Electrifying New Single “Want Me To” and EP ‘Strangely Beautiful’

Betty Moon has been doing this on her own terms for decades, and ‘Strangely Beautiful’, her new six-track EP arriving April 17th, is the most focused and emotionally honest statement of that independence yet. Leading the charge is “Want Me To,” out now on all streaming platforms, a sultry, high-voltage anthem that carries the unmistakable alternative pop energy that made Moon a cult favorite in Toronto during the peak of 90s rock and alternative. Confident, addictive, and unapologetically electric, it is the sound of an artist who has never needed permission and has no intention of asking for it now.

The EP marks Moon’s first original release since 2021’s ‘Cosmicoma’, and it reflects an artist who has used the intervening years to go deeper rather than simply louder. After first making her mark in Canada’s music scene and signing to A&M Records, Moon launched her own imprint Evolver Music and has self-released more than ten albums on her own terms, placing music in Californication, Dexter, The Walking Dead, and more along the way. ‘Strangely Beautiful’ blends rock, soul, and electro-pop textures with genuine emotional reflection, embracing vulnerability and the complexities of reinvention without surrendering the fearless spirit that built her following in the first place. It is one of the most compelling returns an independent artist has made this year, and proof that two decades of creative control produces something no label deal ever could.

Warren Haynes, Margo Price, and Cimafunk Lead the 2026 Hudson River Music Festival at Croton Point Park

Eric Alper
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Warren Haynes, Margo Price, and Cimafunk Lead the 2026 Hudson River Music Festival at Croton Point Park

The Hudson River Music Festival returns to Croton Point Park on Father’s Day, Sunday June 21st, and the 2026 lineup is the fullest expression yet of the festival’s roots in Pete and Toshi Seeger’s folk picnic tradition. Presented by Harper House Music Foundation, RiverFest FPS, and Dayglo Presents, the all-ages, zero-waste event brings together folk, rock, blues, country, funk, and Afro-Caribbean music across two main stages and a full day of family programming, with early bird pre-sale beginning March 26th and public on sale March 27th at hudsonrivermusicfestival.com.

The Hudson Stage lineup anchors the day with genuine weight. Warren Haynes of the Allman Brothers Band performs for the first time as a trio alongside Grahame Lesh, son of Grateful Dead founding bassist Phil Lesh, and Daniel Donato, founder of Cosmic Country and Rolling Stone’s designated “Nashville’s Newest Guitar Hero.” That combination of improvisational pedigree and cross-generational jamband DNA makes their set one of the most anticipated of the summer festival season. Grammy-nominated Margo Price brings her heartfelt Americana storytelling, Grammy-nominated Cuban artist Cimafunk delivers his explosive fusion of funk, hip-hop, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, four-time Grammy nominee Jesse Welles brings socially conscious folk with deep historical resonance, and Chaparelle rounds out the stage with classic country charm.

The newly introduced Rainbow Stage deepens the festival’s community and heritage focus considerably. Composer and multi-instrumentalist David Amram, a living link to decades of American music history, performs alongside Damaris Bojor, creator of the innovative genre “Folkpirano,” Tom Chapin and The Chapin Sisters carrying forward a beloved family folk tradition, the Guthrie Family Singers celebrating multi-generational storytelling, The Ebony Hillbillies representing African-American string band tradition, and Leah Song, frontwoman of Rising Appalachia, whose activist artistry aligns perfectly with the festival’s environmental mission.

The North Star Stage rounds out the day with all-ages programming including The Rock and Roll Playhouse, Bash The Trash, yoga sessions, a Kids and Family Arts and Crafts Area, and roaming performances from Arm of the Sea featuring puppeteers from Jim Henson Studios. Dedicated ADA access, ASL interpreters for all Hudson and Rainbow Stage performances, accessible shuttles to Croton-Harmon Train Station, and a food court doubled in size from last year complete a festival that takes its commitment to community as seriously as its music. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a GA ticketed adult.

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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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