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10 Expert Tips to Amplify Your Social Media Posts and Maximize Engagement

1-Minute Tips For PR

Eric Alper

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Jun 17, 2025

10 Expert Tips to Amplify Your Social Media Posts and Maximize Engagement

Amplifying your posts and news on social media is a game-changer in reaching a larger, more engaged audience. Whether you’re promoting a new release, event, or important announcement, knowing how to get your content in front of the right eyes is key. Here are 10 tips to ensure your social media content doesn’t just exist but thrives and reaches its full potential.

Leverage Hashtags: Use relevant, trending, and location-based hashtags to increase visibility. Research your niche and community to ensure you’re using the most impactful hashtags.
Timing is Key: Post when your audience is most active. Check insights on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to see when your followers are online and schedule your posts accordingly.
Cross-Promote on Multiple Platforms: Don’t limit yourself to one platform. Share your post across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and even LinkedIn to reach different audiences.
Use Engaging Visuals: Always include high-quality images or videos with your posts. Social media is a visual space, and posts with engaging visuals tend to perform better.
Call-to-Action: Encourage your audience to engage. A simple “like if you agree” or “comment with your thoughts” can increase interaction and help your post reach more people.
Tag Relevant Accounts: Tag influencers, collaborators, or organizations involved in the content. They may share it, giving you access to their followers and boosting your post’s reach.
Utilize Stories Over Posts: Stories often appear at the top of followers’ feeds, giving them immediate visibility. Use stories for quick updates, behind-the-scenes content, or polls to keep engagement high.
Run Contests and Giveaways: Giveaways can incentivize followers to share your posts. Partner with other brands or influencers to amplify the reach.
Use Paid Ads to Boost Visibility: If you have a budget, consider using paid ads to promote high-performing posts to a wider audience. It’s a great way to amplify important content to people outside your current followers.
OK, Don’t Do Stories, Do Posts Instead: While stories are great for behind-the-scenes and quick updates, posts remain on your feed and can be shared, commented on, and interacted with long-term. Posts allow your audience to engage more thoughtfully and keep your content visible for a longer period.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create content that not only stands out but also reaches the people who matter. Remember, social media success isn’t just about posting—it’s about engaging, sharing, and strategically amplifying your voice. Happy posting, and watch your content grow!

Sir George Martin Stuns Brian Wilson With His Own Mix of “God Only Knows”

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 17, 2025

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Sir George Martin Stuns Brian Wilson With His Own Mix of “God Only Knows”

In 2006, Beatles producer Sir George Martin sat down with Brian Wilson to dissect “God Only Knows” — and ended up impressing the Beach Boys genius himself. “You’re making a better mix than I had,” Wilson laughed. Legends, admiring legends.

JP Saxe Sets Out on Intimate and Expansive ‘Make Yourself at Home’ Tour Across the Americas

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 17, 2025

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JP Saxe Sets Out on Intimate and Expansive ‘Make Yourself at Home’ Tour Across the Americas

Multi-platinum pop storyteller and celebrated live troubadour JP Saxe announces his Make Yourself at Home tour. The headlining run kicks off on September 9 in Canada, hitting cities across the U.S. and South America, before wrapping in Mexico City on October 29. The tour follows the June 27th release of Saxe’s Make Yourself at Home, the second installment of a two-part album that he launched with April’s Articulate Excuses.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, June 18th at 10am local time. There will also be presale tickets available through local venue presales starting Tuesday, June 17th at 10am local time, and a Spotify fans first presale starting Tuesday, June 17th at 12pm local time.

Last month, Saxe shared the first taste of Make Yourself at Home: “STRANGERS” featuring Argentinian star TINI, a gorgeously tense and highly relatable song that balances nostalgia with acceptance for a relationship that’s run its course. The new single is part of a run of tracks that perfectly pair thoughtful and bluntly real emotional exploration with evocative instrumentation.

Before that came Articulate Excuses singles including: “SAFE,” which explored masculinity in an R&B-kissed pop track co-written/produced by Malay (Frank Ocean, Lorde, FLETCHER); “SMARTPHONE MAKE ME DUMB,” a deeply vulnerable meditation on modern escapism; and “I WANNA MOVE TO BROOKLYN,” an apology for being the worst part of oneself turned into an addictive pop song.

Taken as a whole, Saxe’s two-part album traces the GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter’s journey through a series of personal revelations. Part one pulls from a period in which Saxe worked to come to terms with his patterns and personhood, while Make Yourself at Home focuses on the work-in-progress of implementing those learnings. Each part has a unique sonic and thematic identity, but they combine to form a single powerful statement.

In 2024, Saxe wrapped up his sold-out, headlining A Grey Area World Tour following his support of John Mayer’s 2023 arena run and the release of Saxe’s last album, A Gray Area. That reflective set was largely produced by Malay and included the single “I Don’t Miss You” with Mayer, plus collaborations with Latin-GRAMMY-winning Colombian artist Camilo, the folk-pop trio Tiny Habits, and beloved singer-songwriter Lizzy McAlpine. The album garnered praise from Billboard, People, Forbes, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, and more.

To mark his successful tour across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, Saxe shared a pair of performance LPs last year: A Grey Area (Live Sessions) – featuring acclaimed guest instrumentalists like Cory Henry and Tal Wilkenfeld – and Live on Stage, which included a solo version of his 2019 blockbuster, “If the World Was Ending.” Saxe has already proven himself to be a master of off-the-cuff intimacy, but in his current era, it’s clear he’s intent on bringing us in even closer – experience that in-person at one of the upcoming dates below.

JP Saxe Tour Dates:

Sep 9 – Edmonton, AB @ Midway Music Hall

Sep 10 – Calgary, AB @ The Palace Theatre

Sep 12 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox

Sep 13 – Victoria, BC @ Rifflandia Music Festival

Sep 14 – Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum

Sep 15 – Eugene, OR @ McDonald Theatre

Sep 17 – San Luis Obispo, CA @ Fremont Theater

Sep 18 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Ford

Sep 19 – San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic

Sep 21 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot

Sep 22 – Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre

Sep 24 – Dallas, TX @ The Echo Lounge & Music Hall

Sep 26 – Nashville, TN @ Cannery Hall

Sep 27 – Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theatre

Sep 28 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater

Sep 30 – Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew’s Hall

Oct 1 – Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall

Oct 3 – Ottawa, ON @ The Bronson Music Theatre

Oct 5 – Montreal, QC @ MTELUS

Oct 6 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer

Oct 7 – Boston, MA @ Big Night Live

Oct 9 – Washington, DC @ The Howard Theatre

Oct 10 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel

Oct 11 – Richmond, VA @ The National

Oct 12 – Charlotte, NC @ The Underground

Oct 14 – Miami, FL @ ZeyZey Miami

Oct 15 – Orlando, FL @ The Beachman

Oct 18 – Lima, Peru @ CC Bianca – Barranco

Oct 20 – Bogota, Colombia @ Royal Center

Oct 23 – Sao Paulo, Brazil @ Teatro Bradesco

Oct 24 – Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Teatro Vorterix

Oct 26 – Santiago, Chile @ Club Chocolate

Oct 29 – Mexico City, Mexico @ Foro Indie Rocks

Goose Expands “Everything Must Go Tour” With New Fall Dates

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 17, 2025

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Goose Expands “Everything Must Go Tour” With New Fall Dates

Goose has announced a new round of upcoming headline dates, including at Burlington, VT’s Waterfront Park Concert Series (September 14), a two-night stand at Richmond, VA’s Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront (October 2-3) and Philadelphia, PA’s TD Pavilion at The Mann (October 4). $1 from each ticket will benefit Backline, a nonprofit music industry mental health organization. Presale sign-ups are available now at www.goosetheband.com/tour; fans who sign-up will receive a unique code allowing access to the official Goose presale beginning Wednesday, June 18 at 10:00 am (local). In addition, the TED VIP on-sale will be available beginning Tuesday, June 17 at 10:00 am (local). Live Nation/Ticketmaster presales begin Thursday, June 19 at 10:00 am (local) [PW: TREBLE]. All presales end Thursday, June 19 at 10:00 pm (local). General on-sales begin Friday, June 20 at 10:00 am (local).

The new dates mark the latest in what has proven the most momentous live run of Goose’s career thus far, the recently launched “Everything Must Go Tour.” Highlights include the band’s first-ever headline show at New York City’s world-famous Madison Square Garden (June 28) along with two-night stands at Cleveland, OH’s Jacobs Pavilion (June 24-25) and Louisville, KY’s historic The Louisville Palace (September 23-24), as well as a very special homecoming return to New Haven, CT’s Westville Music Bowl (June 29).

Having performed this past weekend at Columbia, MD’s All Good Now, upcoming months will also see Goose making an additional array of top-billed festival appearances, including Highmount, NY’s Mountain Jam (June 22), Newport, RI’s Newport Folk Festival (July 25), Park City, UT’s Park City Song Summit (August 14-16), Fredericton, NB’s Harvest Music Festival (September 12), Las Vegas, NV’s RISE (October 5), and Live Oak, FL’s Suwanee Hulaween (October 30-November 2). In addition, Goose will join Dave Matthews Band as special guest on the closing night of his three-show run at George, WA’s The Gorge Amphitheatre on Sunday, August 31.

The ”Everything Must Go Tour” celebrates the recent arrival of Goose’s eagerly anticipated new album, Everything Must Go, available everywhere now via No Coincidence Records. Goose’s fourth studio LP and first new studio collection in nearly three years following 2022’s critically acclaimed Dripfield, the album marks both a statement of intent for Goose as well as an arrival of sorts — a journey for fans and newcomers alike through the group’s past, present, and infinite future. Hailed by PopMatters as “superb…one of the best studio albums by a jam band to date,” the album includes such extraordinary new tracks as the propulsive fan favorite, “Thatch,” the searching “Lead Up,” the breezy, atmospheric “Your Direction,” and euphoric first single, “Give It Time,” the latter two accompanied by official music videos streaming now at YouTube. In addition, the LP’s deeply moving title track is joined by a visually arresting official music video directed and designed by award-winning animator Chris Hopewell (known for his distinctive work with Radiohead, The Killers, Run The Jewels, Father John Misty, and many more).

Last month saw Goose – who recently performed live on CBS Saturday Morning alongside a feature interview with legendary journalist Anthony Mason – mark yet another career milestone with the overwhelming success of their first-ever destination festival, Viva El Gonzo. Presented May 8-10 in San José del Cabo, Mexico by 100x Hospitality, the three-day event saw a vibrant array of powerhouse performances and immersive experiences from Goose and their star-studded lineup of special guests, all set on the Baja California coastline against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sea of Cortés. Goose showcased their awe-inspiring range and creative imagination over the course of seven completely unique sets, with countless highlights including surprising covers, expansive jams on beloved fan favorites, the debut of exhilarating new originals, and live renditions of every song from Everything Must Go. All told, Viva El Gonzo represented a monumental moment for Goose, exceeding all expectations with its genre-blurring performances, pioneering approach towards programming, and inspired variety of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, promising future iterations that will continue to raise the bar for future iterations going forward.

GOOSE – “EVERYTHING MUST GO TOUR” 2025

JUNE

17 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion

19 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica

20 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica

21 – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC

22 – Highmount, NY – Mountain Jam *

27 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion

28 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

29 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl

31 – George, WA – The Gorge Amphitheatre ^

JULY

25 – Newport, RI – Newport Folk Festival *

AUGUST

14-16 – Park City, UT – Park City Song Summit *

28 – Iowa City, IA – University of Iowa’s Fall Welcome Concert

31 – George, WA – The Gorge Amphitheatre ^

SEPTEMBER

12 – Fredericton, NB – Harvest Music Festival *

14 – Burlington, VT – Waterfront Park #

17 – Madison, WI – Kohl Center †

19 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill

20 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island

23 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace

24 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace

26 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre ~

27 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion ~

30 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live!

OCTOBER

2-3 – Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront #

4 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann #

5 – Las Vegas, NV – RISE *

30-11/2 – Live Oak, FL – Suwanee Hulaween *

* FESTIVAL APPEARANCE

† W/ MT. JOY

~ W/ PENELOPE ROAD

^ SUPPORTING DAVE MATTHEWS BAND

# NEWLY ANNOUNCED DATE

Third Man Books Reissues ‘Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On?’ by Ben Edmonds

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 17, 2025

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Third Man Books Reissues ‘Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On?’ by Ben Edmonds

Third Man Books is proud to announce its publication of Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On? and the Last Days of the Motown Sound by 2x GRAMMY Award-nominated writer Ben Edmonds. Originally published in 2001 and long out-of-print, Edmonds’s acclaimed in-depth history of Gaye’s landmark 1971 album is available now at Third Man Records digital and physical storefronts and booksellers everywhere.

With a career that exemplified the maturation of romantic Black pop into a sophisticated form spanning social and sexual politics, Marvin Gaye was one of the most consistent and enigmatic of the Motown hit makers. Gaye’s determination and vision resulted not only in inspirational, pioneering grooves but in a milestone canon of songs that both challenged America and proved among soul music’s most enduring bodies of work. Named by Rolling Stone atop 2020’s “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” What’s Going On truly established Gaye as a unique and maverick musical talent. His determination and vision resulted in an inspirational and pioneering collection that, in the era of Vietnam and the civil rights protests, asked America to take a long hard look at itself. Ben Edmonds examines in detail the making of this legendary work — initially rejected by Motown’s quality-control department — interviewing many of the artists and record company employees closest to the singer, to arrive at a deeper understanding of what the album means. It is, without question, one of the greatest stories ever told.

As Edmonds writes in the introduction, “This is not simply about a singer and a record album. It is the story of an idea, formed out of the mixed ethers of social anger and spiritual longing, that Marvin Gaye articulated with a cast of brilliant accomplices, and fought to get recorded and released. From that idea, and with that help, and out of that struggle, something was fashioned that continues to touch souls more profoundly than even its creator could have imagined.”

Ben Edmonds, as an editor at Creem magazine (1971-1975), played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of music culture. Edmonds – whose insightful articles also graced the pages of Rolling Stone and MOJO, for which he served as a US correspondent – was the recipient of two ASCAP Foundation Deems Taylor Awards honoring his music criticism as well as two GRAMMY Award nominations for his contributions to albums by The Pretenders and Phil Ochs. Tragically, pancreatic cancer claimed Edmonds’s life in 2016. MC5: An Oral Biography of Rock’s Most Revolutionary Band, co-written by Edmonds with Brad Tolinski and Jaan Uhelszki, was published posthumously in 2024 by Hatchette Books.

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country Announces ‘Horizons’ Album & Ryman Debut

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 17, 2025

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Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country Announces ‘Horizons’ Album & Ryman Debut

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country is set to release their highly-anticipated third LP, Horizons, on August 22nd (Retrace Music). Led by acclaimed singer/songwriter and guitar virtuoso Daniel Donato, Horizons finds the group injecting a bolt of lightning into a wealth of American music with their signature brand of cosmic country and fearless musical explorations. The album is steeped in a foundation of country, rock, bluegrass, funk and more, with no walls or boundaries in sight.

Following a rousing performance at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival last week, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country has announced their first-ever headlining show at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium on August 22nd. The event will serve as a special album release show in their hometown of Music City, USA. See a full list of tour dates and information below.

Horizons is the second LP from Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country containing all original material. The 15-track collection is the follow up to 2023’s Reflector, which received critical acclaim from a wide range of press, including No Depression, Glide Magazine, Magnet Magazine, and more. Donato the subject of features in Rolling Stone, UPROXX, Garden & Gun and Relix. They made their network television debut on CBS Saturday Morning and appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s #LateShowMeMusic online series. See more HERE.

Horizons showcases the continual evolution of a band with infinite musical possibilities. All of the new material was performed live numerous times before entering the studio, which allowed the band to gain a greater vision of what each song could be when recording, and even more importantly, while performing in front of their passionate fans. Vance Powell (White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, Chris Stapleton, Trey Anastasio) returns to co-produce the album following his production work on Reflector.

There is an arc to Horizons that takes the listener on a journey which begins with super-charged roots influenced tracks “Blame the Train” and “Sunshine in the Rain.” The tempo slows down at points throughout for melody-rich songs including “Better Deal Blues,” “Along the Trail” and the stunning “Another Dimension.” A seismic shift takes place soon after the high-octane instrumental “Hangman’s Reel” with the funky “Prairie Spin,” opening a portal that leads to epic and experimental pieces “Chore” and album closer, “Down Bedford.”

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country features Donato (guitars/lead vocal), Nathan “Sugar Legg” Aronowitz (keyboards/vocals), Will “Mustang” McGee (bass/vocals), and William “Bronco” Clark (drums & percussion).

At its core, Horizons is about finding meaning in the human experience via the open and philosophical Donato. “I wanted the lyrics to be easy to understand, not abstract,” he says. “There are many layers to the meanings and you think about it, but it’s not rocket science to understand them. Trying to maintain a human sound and faith in what humans can do really inform the actual sonics and production of the record, too.”

DANIEL DONATO UPCOMING TOUR DATES
June 21, 2025 – Stanley, ID – Sawtooth Valley Gathering
June 26, 2025 – Owensboro, KY – ROMP Festival 2025
June 27, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Park West
June 28, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Park West
July 3, 2025 – Quincy, CA – High Sierra Music Festival *
July 4, 2025 – Quincy, CA – High Sierra Music Festival
July 6, 2025 – King of Prussia, PA – Heuser Park ^
July 8, 2025 – Manteo, NC – Roanoke Island Festival Park ^
July 10, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle ^
July 11, 2025 – Asheville, NC – Asheville Yards ^
July 12, 2025 – Wilmington, NC – BAD Day Music & Arts Festival ^
July 13, 2025 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre ^
July 15, 2025 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverfront Live ^
July 16, 2025 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center ^
July 17, 2025 – St. Louis, MO – Atomic Pavilion ^
July 18, 2025 – Kansas City, MO – Grinders KC ^
July 19, 2025 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre #
July 23, 2025 – Salt Lake City, UT – Granary Live ^
July 25, 2025 – Bend, OR – Century Center ^
July 26, 2025 – Eugene, OR – The Cuthbert Amphitheater ^
July 30, 2025 – Basalt, CO – Basalt River Park – Summer Series
July 31, 2025 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Howelsen Hill %
August 3, 2025 – Del Norte, CO – Rhythms on the Rio
August 8, 2025 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge
August 9, 2025 – Alta, WY – Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival
August 22, 2025 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
August 28, 2025 – August 31, 2025 – Garrettsville, OH – Lotus Summerdance 2025
August 29, 2025 – Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall
September 12, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV – Bender Jamboree
September 21, 2025 – Camden, NJ – XPoNential Music Festival
October 11, 2025 – Charleston, SC – Riverfront Revival
October 30, 2025 – November 2, 2025 – Live Oak, FL – Suwannee Hulaween
March 20, 2026 – March 25, 2026 – Miami, FL – Outlaw Country Cruise

^ with Railroad Earth and Yonder Mountain String Band
# with The String Cheese Incident – % with Bonfire Dub

Gov’t Mule Announces ‘Back In The Saddle’ 2025 Tour

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 17, 2025

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Gov’t Mule Announces ‘Back In The Saddle’ 2025 Tour

As they continue to celebrate the 30th anniversary since the release of their debut album, acclaimed GRAMMY-nominated band Gov’t Mule, led by guitar legend, vocalist, songwriter and producer Warren Haynes, has announced the Back In The Saddle Tour. The late summer and fall dates – the band’s first big tour run since February 2024 – will make its way throughout the East Coast and Midwest from August 27th through October 28th. The renowned quartet will stop in 18 cities including Milwaukee, Columbus, Buffalo (featuring Big Sugar opening), Charleston, Fort Lauderdale, Raleigh, Virginia Beach, and Sidney, Maine (with moe. on the latter date). The new headlining shows will follow Gov’t Mule’s previously announced headlining date in Louisville on July 25th. See below for all upcoming dates and details.

Fan Club pre-sale tickets will be available starting Wednesday, June 18th at 10am local time with various other presales available on Thursday, June 19th at 10am local time. Fans need to sign up for early access to tickets by visiting www.mule.net. The public on sale will commence on Friday, June 20th at 10am local time. A limited number of VIP packages will also be available for all headlining Gov’t Mule shows with all including pre-show soundcheck access. Packages include one Ultimate Guitar Player Package per show, featuring one Warren Haynes Signature Les Paul Standard 60s Cherry Gibson Guitar (played and autographed by Warren), two premium reserved tickets and VIP priority entry, private post-show meet & greet and photo with Warren, and more, and the Gov’t Mule Ultimate VIP Package, which includes one Warren Haynes Signature Dunlop guitar slide, one set of limited-edition Matt Abts custom logo Vater drumsticks, sealed Gov’t Mule keyboardist musical chart autographed by Danny Louis, one set of Kevin Scott custom guitar picks in collector’s box, and more. Visit www.mule.net for all ticketing and VIP information and to purchase.

“How has it been 30 years since Gov’t Mule’s first album came out? It’s kinda crazy to believe – time really does fly when you’re doing what you love!” shares Haynes. “It’s also hard to believe that it’s been over a year since the last Mule tour. Matt, Danny, Kevin and I are chomping at the bit to be back out there celebrating this monumental anniversary with our amazing fans.”

Sandwiched between Gov’t Mule’s just-announced tour dates is a series of previously announced co-headlining shows with Tedeschi Trucks Band. The 6-date run begins September 3rd in Toronto and stops in Saratoga Springs, Boston, Chicago, and Detroit in early September. The two legendary acts will then reconvene on October 11th for a special show in Macon, Georgia, the home of the Allman Brothers Band (of which Haynes and Derek Trucks were both members for decades each), that will also feature an appearance by Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel.

Gov’t Mule – Warren Haynes [guitar, vocals], Matt Abts [drums], Danny Louis [keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals], and Kevin Scott [bass] – released their latest studio album, Peace…Like A River (Fantasy Records) in 2023 to high praise. The band’s 12th studio output, hailed as “perfection,” “captivating,” “riveting,” and among the band’s best, is a 12-song rock collection highlighted by the singles “Dreaming Out Loud” featuring Ivan Neville and Ruthie Foster, “Same As It Ever Was” and “Made My Peace” as well as additional guest appearances from Billy F Gibbons, Billy Bob Thornton and Celisse.

Since releasing Peace…Like A River, Warren Haynes issued his fourth solo album, Million Voices Whisper (Fantasy Records). The 2024 self-produced release marked his first solo collection in nearly a decade. The 11-song set of soulful blues-rock features the singles “This Life As We Know It” and “Real Real Love” and multiple appearances from Haynes’ Allman Brothers Band bandmate Derek Trucks as well as his Last Waltz Tour co-stars Lukas Nelson and Jamey Johnson on the single “Day of Reckoning.”

In other Gov’t Mule news, the band has revealed their annual “concert-cation” experience, Island Exodus 16, will take place January 15-19, 2026 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Artist lineup and on-sale information to be announced soon.

GOV’T MULE TOUR DATES

*New dates in bold

July 24 – Floyd County, VA @ FloydFest 25~Aurora ^

July 25 – Louisville, KY @ Iroquois Amphitheater ~

July 26 – Johnstown, PA @ Flood City Music Festival ^

August 27 – Milwaukee, WI @ Aurora Pavilion ~

August 28 – Columbus, OH @ KEMBA Live! Outdoors ~

August 30 – Peoria, IL @ Peoria Blues and Heritage Music Festival ^

August 31 – Paw Paw, MI @ Warner Vineyards ~

September 1 – Buffalo, NY @ Outer Harber Live at Terminal B ~

September 3 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage +

September 5 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ SPAC +

September 6 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center +

September 7 – Sidney, ME @ Bowl In the Pines ~

September 9 – Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion +

September 10 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theater +

September 12 – West Springfield, MA @ The Big E Arena ^

October 10 – Bowling Green, KY @ Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center ~

October 11 – Macon, GA @ Atrium Health Amphitheatre +

October 12 – Charleston, SC @ The Refinery ~

October 14 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall ~

October 15 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center ~

October 17 – Wilmington, NC @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater ~

October 18 – Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre Outdoors ~

October 19 – Virgina Beach, VA @ Sandler Center for the Performing Arts ~

October 21 – Spartanburg, SC @ Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium ~

October 22 – Rome, GA @ The Forum River Center ~

October 24 – Maryville, TN @ The Shed ~

October 25 – Newport, KY @ MegaCorp Pavilion ~

October 28 – Reading, PA @ Santander Performing Arts Center ~

January 15-19, 2026 – Montego Bay, Jamaica @ Island Exodus 16

~ indicates headlining shows

+ indicates co-headlining shows with Tedeschi Trucks Band

^ indicates festival appearances

John Fogerty Celebrates His Classic Hits at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino This August

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 17, 2025

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John Fogerty Celebrates His Classic Hits at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino This August

Fallsview Casino Resort is thrilled to welcome back John Fogerty as he makes a stop with “The Legacy Tour” at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Joining him is special guest Hearty Har. Tickets go on sale on Friday, June 20 at 10:00am through ticketmaster.ca.

“John Fogerty is a master of his craft, and his performances deliver a heartfelt and captivating concert experience,” says Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing and Resort Operations at Niagara Casinos. “His music is iconic and this will be one incredible show celebrating an incredible music catalogue.”

John Fogerty is a true American treasure. As the leader of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), Fogerty forged a distinctive, groundbreaking sound all his own, equal parts blues, country, pop, rockabilly, R&B, swamp boogie, and Southern fried rock ‘n’ roll, all united by his uniquely evocative lyrical perspective. Fogerty is a Grammy winner and has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is the only musician to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame for his song, “Centerfield,” a staple at baseball stadiums. Among Fogerty’s many hit songs, which have sold over 100 million records, both as a solo artist and as leader of CCR, highlights include “Proud Mary,” “Susie Q,” “Fortunate Son,” “Born on the Bayou,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” among many others.

Show date & performance
John Fogerty: The Legacy Tour
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025Showtime: 8:00pm Venue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

Tickets for John Fogerty: The Legacy Tour go on sale Friday, June 20 at 10:00am.

Related Links

The OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino: https://fallsviewcasinoresort.com/poi/venues/entertainment-centre.html

Buy Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.ca

10 Tips for Building a Setlist That Keeps People Watching

Eric Alper

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Jun 17, 2025

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10 Tips for Building a Setlist That Keeps People Watching

As a musician, your setlist is the ultimate tool in engaging your audience and creating a memorable performance. It’s not just about the music, but the way you curate the experience for your fans. The right setlist keeps people on their feet, wanting more, and ensures that they’ll remember the show long after it ends. Here are 10 tips to help you craft a setlist that will keep the energy high and your audience glued to the stage.

Start Strong with a Bang
You only get one chance to make a first impression, so why not start your set with a song that hits hard? Whether it’s a crowd favorite or a high-energy track, your opener should immediately grab attention and set the tone for the rest of the show. The right opener can get people excited and signal that they’re in for a ride.

Pace Yourself
Building momentum is key. You don’t want to blow all your best songs right out of the gate. Mix in your high-energy songs with slower, more emotional moments. This gives the audience a chance to catch their breath and keeps them engaged without overwhelming them. Finding the right ebb and flow keeps people intrigued and emotionally invested.

Consider Your Audience
While your setlist should reflect your personal style and creative choices, it’s important to think about your audience. If you’re playing for a crowd that’s familiar with your hits, pepper in the well-loved songs. For a more casual crowd, you might want to ease them in with some of your more accessible material before diving into the deep cuts. Tailor the setlist to keep people engaged from start to finish.

Highlight Your Band’s Strengths
Every band has strengths, whether it’s the tightness of your rhythm section or the virtuosity of your lead guitarist. Make sure your setlist reflects these strengths. Showcase your band’s musicality in a way that feels natural and allows each member to shine. A strong instrumental moment or a vocal harmony breakdown can captivate your audience and give everyone a chance to appreciate the talent on stage.

Create a Narrative Arc
A well-curated setlist isn’t just a random collection of songs; it tells a story. Think of your set like an emotional journey, starting with excitement, dipping into quieter moments, building again, and finishing on a high note. Your audience will appreciate the ebb and flow, and they’ll remember the arc of the night as a cohesive experience rather than just a string of songs.

Don’t Overstay Your Welcome
The best shows leave the audience wanting more, not wishing they could check their watches. Be mindful of your set’s length—anything over 90 minutes might start to feel like too much, especially if the energy starts to dip. Don’t be afraid to cut a song if the vibe is off or if you feel like your audience is ready for the finale. Keep it tight and impactful.

Use Covers Wisely
A great cover can inject fresh energy into your set, but be careful not to rely on them too heavily. When choosing a cover, make sure it aligns with your style and fits seamlessly into your set. Whether it’s a personal twist on a classic or a fun tribute to an artist you admire, a cover can be a great way to mix things up without losing the flow of your performance.

Incorporate Some Surprises
Keep the crowd on their toes with a few surprises along the way. This could be an unexpected cover, a brand-new song, or even a stripped-back acoustic moment that shows a different side of your music. Surprises make your show unique, and it gives your audience something to remember. Just be sure that any surprises feel natural and don’t disrupt the overall vibe.

Give the Crowd a Chance to Sing Along
Your audience wants to be part of the experience. Don’t forget to include moments in your set where the crowd can sing along. Whether it’s a catchy chorus or a timeless anthem, involving your audience in the music creates a communal experience that will resonate long after the show ends.

End on a High Note
The last song of your set is your chance to leave a lasting impression. Choose something that brings the energy back up, something that gets the crowd cheering. This could be one of your biggest hits, a fan favorite, or an emotionally charged anthem. A powerful ending ensures that your audience will walk away feeling like they’ve experienced something unforgettable.

The Ultimate Road Trip Playlist: Classic Rock Edition

Eric Alper

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Jun 17, 2025

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The Ultimate Road Trip Playlist: Classic Rock Edition

There’s something about hitting the open road with your favorite tunes blasting through the speakers that makes every journey feel like an adventure. Whether you’re heading cross-country or cruising through winding backroads, the right music can turn a regular drive into a legendary road trip. And what better genre to accompany you than classic rock? These songs have the perfect balance of energy, nostalgia, and raw emotion to get you in the mood for a long, unforgettable drive. So roll the windows down, turn up the volume, and let’s get ready to hit the road with some of the best tracks from classic rock’s heyday.

“Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf
This song was made for the open road. With its thunderous guitar riff and rebellious energy, “Born to Be Wild” perfectly captures that feeling of freedom and adventure as you head into the unknown.

“Hotel California” by The Eagles
There’s a reason this track is a road trip staple. Its iconic intro and haunting lyrics give it an otherworldly vibe, making it the ideal soundtrack for those long, reflective drives through unfamiliar terrain.

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
An anthem for dreamers, “Don’t Stop Believin’” brings an uplifting, sing-along vibe to your road trip. It’s the kind of song you’ll belt out with the windows rolled down and the wind in your hair.

“Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” is all about the journey, even if the road is tough. With its infectious beat and relatable lyrics, this song is perfect for when you’re cruising down the highway, free from any worries.

“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
A Southern rock classic, “Sweet Home Alabama” is a quintessential road trip track. The driving rhythm and memorable chorus will have you singing along before you even know it.

“Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
When you think of classic rock ballads, “Free Bird” comes to mind. The song builds beautifully from a soft acoustic beginning to an epic, guitar-driven finale, making it an ideal anthem for a journey of self-discovery.

“American Woman” by The Guess Who
With its bold, funky riff and rebellious spirit, “American Woman” is the perfect song to fuel your cross-country drive. It’s fast-paced and unapologetically confident—just like the open road.

“Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones
When it comes to energizing tunes, few can match the intensity of “Start Me Up.” It’s the kind of song that gets your heart racing and your foot pressing down harder on the gas pedal.

“Ramble On” by Led Zeppelin
This track perfectly captures the wanderlust spirit of a road trip. With its epic, sweeping sound and mystical lyrics, “Ramble On” invites you to journey far and wide in search of something more.

“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
No road trip playlist would be complete without The Boss. “Born to Run” is an anthem for those who long to escape and experience something bigger than themselves. Let it fuel your adventure.

“Running Down a Dream” by Tom Petty
Tom Petty’s “Running Down a Dream” is all about the chase, the pursuit of something greater, and that feeling of endless possibility. It’s a song that perfectly matches the drive of an unforgettable road trip.

“Light My Fire” by The Doors
The Doors’ “Light My Fire” is one of those timeless classics that instantly transports you to another world. Its hypnotic groove and Jim Morrison’s powerful vocals will make every mile feel like a journey through time.

“Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple
That instantly recognizable riff kicks in, and suddenly, you’re off on a wild ride. “Smoke on the Water” is a rock anthem that keeps things high-energy and exciting, the perfect soundtrack for when you’re really pushing the pedal to the metal.

“More Than a Feeling” by Boston
The soaring guitars and uplifting energy of “More Than a Feeling” make it a perfect road trip anthem. It’s a song that’s all about escaping into the music and losing yourself in the moment.

“Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
A powerful combination of iconic guitar riffs and heartfelt lyrics, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” is a song that strikes the perfect balance between rock and emotional depth. It’s perfect for long stretches of highway.

“Jump” by Van Halen
Need a burst of energy? “Jump” will give it to you. With its infectious melody and upbeat vibe, this is the kind of song you’ll crank up when you want to feel unstoppable on the road.

“Baba O’Riley” by The Who
With its epic intro and introspective lyrics, “Baba O’Riley” feels like the soundtrack to your very own road trip movie. It’s one of those tracks that carries you away into a place where anything is possible.

“Peace of Mind” by Boston
This classic track has an easygoing vibe that’s perfect for a more relaxed stretch of your journey. The smooth guitars and steady rhythm will keep you grounded as you cruise down the road, reflecting on the adventure ahead.

“Don’t Fear the Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult
For those who love a bit of mystery and darkness, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” brings a haunting and introspective tone to your road trip playlist. It’s a bit eerie but undeniably captivating.

“Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty
Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” is a road trip anthem that encourages letting go and embracing freedom. With its laid-back vibe and evocative lyrics, it’s perfect for winding down after a day of driving.

“Take It Easy” by Eagles
“Take It Easy” is the ultimate feel-good track, with its breezy melody and carefree attitude. It’s the kind of song you’ll play as you drive through endless landscapes, enjoying the freedom that comes with the open road.

“Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas
This track has a powerful message of resilience and perseverance, making it the perfect song to play when you need a little motivation to keep moving forward on your journey. The guitars are uplifting, and the energy is contagious.

“Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones
This punk rock anthem is fast, fun, and full of attitude. “Blitzkrieg Bop” is the perfect song to inject a little excitement and rebellion into your road trip, no matter where you’re headed.