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The Association, The Troggs, Ron Dante, and More Join The ‘Happy Together 2026’ Tour

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The sixteenth edition of the “Happy Together” tour officially hits the road in 2026 with a stacked lineup featuring dozens of Top 10 radio classics. This year marks a major return for The Association as they bring back the lush vocal harmonies found on “Windy” and “Never My Love” after a brief hiatus from the trek. Ron Dante continues his role as the voice of the tour by performing the signature hits of The Archies along with the legendary catalog of The Turtles.

Fans of British invasion sounds can celebrate the addition of The Troggs to this upcoming summer itinerary. The group brings a gritty edge to the stage with the raw energy of “Wild Thing” and the melodic charm of “Love is All Around” for audiences across North America. Joining them is the powerhouse vocalist Jason Scheff who spent three decades fronting Chicago and now brings those massive hits to the “Happy Together” stage for the first time.

The 2026 roster maintains its high standard of pop excellence with returning favorites Gary Puckett and The Vogues delivering their timeless singles. Gary Puckett remains a crowd favorite with the soaring melodies of “Young Girl” and “Lady Willpower” while The Vogues provide the rhythmic drive of “Five O’Clock World” to the nightly setlist. The Fortunes round out the international flair of the show by contributing the catchy hooks of “You’ve Got Your Troubles” to the festivities.

The Cowsills are back once again to share their family harmony and recent music from the ‘Rhythm of the World’ studio album. Their presence remains a cornerstone of the event as they perform the iconic title track from ‘Hair’ and the sunshine pop of “The Rain, The Park and Other Things” for their dedicated fans. This three-month journey across venues like the Florida Theatre and the Birchmere serves as a living tribute to the enduring power of the 1960s pop charts.

Tour Dates:

May 26 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
May 29 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
May 31 – Myrtle Beach, SC – The Carolina Opry Theater
Jun 02 – Alexandria, VA – Birchmere
Jun 03 – Alexandria, VA – Birchmere
Jun 04 – Jim Thorpe, PA – Penn’s Peak
Jun 05 – Morristown, NJ – Mayo Center of the Perf. Arts
Jun 12 – Atlantic City, NJ – Ocean Casino Resort
Aug 29 – Wisconsin Dells, WI – Crystal Grand Music Theatre

Big Wreck Delivers Emotional Depth with New Single “Around”

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Canadian rock icons Big Wreck have released their anthemic new ballad “Around,” the latest look at their highly anticipated album ‘The Rest of the Story’, out now via Sonic Unyon Records. Produced by the legendary Nick Raskulinecz, the track captures a unique creative pivot for the band; originally conceived by frontman Ian Thornley as a gritty, Stones-esque rocker, the song evolved into a lush, pop-leaning arrangement filled with experimental guitar textures and sampled sonics. The release follows the massive chart success of their previous single “Believer,” which has spent ten weeks in the Active Rock Top 10, signaling a powerful new era for the group.

The Modbeats Revitalize Rock and Roll with ‘Ballad of a Starving Artist’

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Fast-rising New Jersey quartet The Modbeats have released their debut LP, ‘Ballad of a Starving Artist’, a vibrant concept album that serves as both a love letter to the golden age of rock and a defiant reflection on modern life. Out now via Mayleen Records and recorded at the legendary Lake House Studio in Asbury Park, the record channels a kaleidoscopic blend of surf rock, power pop, and rockabilly through a raw, garage-band lens. Frontman Philip Dunn, joined by a lineup featuring guests like Bryan Haring of The Gaslight Anthem, crafted the project around themes of artistic identity and resilience, moving from the cinematic surf energy of “Frankie” to the Eastern-tinged power pop of “The Setting Sons.” Designed with the analog warmth of vinyl in mind, the album poses a central question about the place of “real music” in today’s world, ultimately inviting listeners to find the answer through pure sonic bliss and high-volume rebellion.

Bailey Zimmerman Announces Massive 2026 ‘Different Night Same Rodeo’ Tour

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Multi-platinum superstar Bailey Zimmerman has unveiled dates for his 2026 Different Night Same Rodeo Tour, a 30-city trek across the US and Canada produced by Live Nation. Kicking off February 19th in Estero, FL, and featuring support from Hudson Westbrook and Blake Whiten, the tour follows Zimmerman’s string of sold-out 2025 dates and a historic rise on the Billboard charts. The run serves as a victory lap for his 18-track sophomore album, ‘Different Night Same Rodeo’, which features the chart-topping Luke Combs collaboration “Backup Plan” and the global hit “All The Way” with BigXthaPlug. Fans can expect Zimmerman’s signature rafter-shaking, rock-powered anthems at major venues like Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater and Toronto’s Budweiser Stage, with VIP packages offering exclusive soundcheck access for the ultimate “emotional rodeo” experience.

The announcement cements Zimmerman’s status as a generational force, recently recognized by Billboard as one of the five biggest artists born in the 21st century. His latest body of work elevates his artistry through a sharpening of songcraft on tracks like “Holy Smokes” and “Lost” featuring The Kid Laroi, emphasizing the grit and resilience of everyday life. Following a summer of instant sell-outs on the New To Country Tour, this 2026 engagement represents his largest headline undertaking to date. Tickets are available now for the extensive run, which winds through key markets including Boston, Fort Worth, and Edmonton before concluding in Ottawa on June 20th, marking a bold new chapter for the singer-songwriter as he brings his high-octane live show to a global stage.

Bailey Zimmerman 2026 Different Night Same Rodeo Tour Dates:

Feb 19 – Estero, FL @ Hertz Arena
Feb 21 – Athens, GA @ Atkins Ford Arena
Feb 26 – Greenville, SC @ Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Feb 27 – Knoxville, TN @ Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
Feb 28 – Pikeville, KY @ Appalachian Wireless Arena
Mar 5 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
Mar 12 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena
Mar 13 – Moline, IL @ Vibrant Arena
Mar 14 – Evansville, IN @ Ford Center
Mar 27 – Orange Beach, AL @ The Wharf Amphitheater
Apr 2 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
Apr 3 – Baton Rouge, LA @ Raising Cane’s River Center
Apr 4 – Corpus Christi, TX @ Hilliard Center Arena
Apr 9 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
Apr 10 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Apr 11 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Petersen Events Center
Apr 16 – Toledo, OH @ The Huntington Center
Apr 17 – Green Bay, WI @ Resch Center
Apr 18 – Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
Apr 30 – Huntsville, AL @ Von Braun Center Propst Arena
May 1 – Nashville, TN @ Ascend Amphitheater
June 4 – Airway Heights, WA @ Northern Quest Amphitheater
June 5 – Nampa, ID @ Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
June 6 – Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater
June 10 – Abbotsford, BC @ Abbotsford Centre
June 11 – Kelowna, AB @ Prospera Place
June 13 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place
June 18 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
June 19 – London, ON @ Canada Life Place
June 20 – Ottawa, ON @ Canadian Tire Centre

Darrin Hacquard Explores the Human Condition on New Single “Drunken Philosopher”

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Appalachian songwriter Darrin Hacquard has released his highly anticipated album ‘Weights & Measures’, out now on all major platforms. The record is spearheaded by the single “Drunken Philosopher,” a soulful ode to the “drunken sage” archetype that blends Hacquard’s signature wit with the gritty, autobiographical storytelling that has made him a cult favorite in the Kentucky songwriting circuit. Drawing from a life that includes time in a string band with John R. Miller as well as stints in rehab and county lock-up, the album serves as a masterful “soundtrack to doing something you’ll regret.” From jail cells in Pennsylvania to the quiet hope of a long ride home, Hacquard’s lyrics explore the repercussions of hard living and the pursuit of self-actualization. Accompanied by a music video that mirrors Plato’s allegory of the cave using local tavern regulars, ‘Weights & Measures’ solidifies Hacquard’s place in the upper echelon of contemporary songwriters, delivering a poignant and honest reflection on the face of desolation.

G Flip Unleashes ‘80s Nostalgia on New Studio Album ‘Dream Ride’

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Australian powerhouse G Flip has officially released their new studio album, ‘Dream Ride’, a project the artist describes as an “’80s Butch Springsteen fantasy” born from over 100 demo sessions in Los Angeles. Out now, the ten-track collection is celebrated with a vibrant music video for the standout track “Bed On Fire,” an anthemic exploration of queer identity and defiance against the artist’s Catholic school upbringing. Produced alongside Aidan Hogg, the record leans heavily into the cinematic theatrics of the 1980s, featuring massive drum tones, epic solos, and bright, nostalgic soundscapes designed for high-energy dancing and long drives. G Flip intentionally blended the “larger-than-life” aesthetics of the past with modern, present-day vulnerability to create a sonic world that feels both familiar and entirely original. From the soaring production to the deeply personal lyrics of “Bed On Fire,” ‘Dream Ride’ marks a bold evolution for G Flip, inviting listeners into a world where big emotions and high-octane musicality take center stage.

Winona Fighter Expands Their Debut with ‘My Apologies To The Chef Deluxe’

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Nashville-based punk trio Winona Fighter has released the digital deluxe edition of their acclaimed debut album, ‘My Apologies To The Chef’, out now via Rise Records. This expanded version features the new single “(Don’t Get) CLOSE” alongside high-energy covers of Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” and Violent Femmes’ “Blister In The Sun.” Most notably, the deluxe set includes raw acoustic reinterpretations of every track from the original release, with frontwoman Coco Kinnon describing the recordings as intimate sessions featuring the band gathered around a single microphone. By incorporating live elements that have naturally evolved on stage, the project aims to showcase the group’s versatility as musicians beyond their high-octane studio sound. Kinnon hopes the release encourages both fans and fellow artists to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the raw joy of simply playing together.

Primal Fear Reclaims the Throne with New Album ‘Domination’

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German metal titans Primal Fear have released their crushing new studio album, ‘Domination’, out now via Atomic Fire Records. The 13-track record is spearheaded by the anthemic single “I Am The Primal Fear,” a relentless showcase of the band’s signature power metal engine. Featuring the soaring vocals of Ralf Scheepers and the debut of the band’s new “guitar dream team,” Thalia Bellazecca and Magnus Karlsson, the track serves as a fierce declaration of resilience. Bassist Mat Sinner and drummer Andre Hilger provide the thunderous foundation for an album that Scheepers describes as a “worst nightmare” for those who doubted the band’s longevity. After nearly three decades, ‘Domination’ proves the eagle has returned with renewed strength, delivering an uncompromising statement that solidifies their place at the top tier of the international heavy metal scene.

Joseph Arthur and Peter Buck Reunite for ‘Arthur Buck 2’

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Arthur Buck, the acclaimed partnership of singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur and R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck, has released their much-anticipated sophomore album, ‘Arthur Buck 2’, out now via Lonely Astronaut Records. Marking their first new collection since 2018, the duo joined forces with Grammy-winning producer Jacknife Lee and an all-star lineup including Scott McCaughey, Linda Pitmon, and Gregg Foreman. The album is highlighted by the single “Fall In Love With Me,” a track Arthur describes as a fun tune about winning someone over. The release cements the pair’s reputation for blending inventive arrangements with raw rock energy, featuring contributions from Buck’s longtime collaborators in The Minus 5 and The Baseball Project.

The album’s release is accompanied by a striking music video for “Fall In Love With Me,” filmed in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Director Amelie Chopinet captures Arthur in a split-screen visual as he attempts an ambitious underwater breath-hold, a performance that added a layer of physical intensity and “internal claustrophobia” to the shoot. Clad in silver pants and surrounded by artifacts submerged in a rain-soaked pool, the video serves as a cinematic companion to the track’s upbeat narrative. By combining Jacknife Lee’s polished production with the duo’s signature experimental spirit, ‘Arthur Buck 2’ stands as a vibrant and sophisticated evolution of their musical partnership.

Sheryl Kaskowitz Reveals a Secret New Deal Era in ‘A Chance to Harmonize’

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In ‘A Chance to Harmonize: How FDR’s Hidden Music Unit Sought to Save America from the Great Depression—One Song at a Time’, author and music scholar Sheryl Kaskowitz reveals a fascinating, long-forgotten chapter of American history. Released by Pegasus Books, the narrative follows the Music Unit of the 1930s, a government initiative led by figures like Charles Seeger and Margaret Valiant. This group traveled to federal homesteads across Appalachia and the rural South, recording over 800 folk songs to boost morale and foster a sense of cooperative identity among those devastated by the economic collapse. Though the program was eventually shuttered by a conservative Congress wary of its “socialistic” leanings, Kaskowitz argues that its efforts effectively laid the foundation for the 1960s folk revival and the careers of icons like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.

Drawing on previously unreleased archival materials and the unit’s complete collection of field recordings, Kaskowitz provides an intimate look at how music was weaponized as a tool for social cohesion. The book highlights the work of Sidney Robertson, who captured the raw sounds of a struggling nation, and illustrates how the Roosevelt administration viewed cultural heritage as an essential resource for national recovery. By exploring this “undiscovered chapter,” ‘A Chance to Harmonize’ offers a poignant reflection on the power of song to provide hope and belonging during the darkest periods of the American experience, making it an essential read for history buffs and musicologists alike.