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Music Event Mistakes: Do’s & Don’ts

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By Mitch Rice

Attending a music event, whether it’s a massive festival or an intimate rave, is an exciting experience filled with unforgettable moments, incredible music, and vibrant fashion. But with all the excitement, it’s easy to make a few mistakes that can impact your overall enjoyment. As someone who lives for festivals, rave culture, and expressive fashion, I’ve seen it all—the good, the bad, and the “I wish I had known that before” moments. This guide is here to help you avoid common music event mistakes while making sure you feel comfortable, stylish, and ready to dance the night away. 

1. Don’t Sacrifice Comfort for Style – Do Find the Right Balance

One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing an outfit that looks amazing but feels terrible after just an hour of dancing. Festivals and raves are endurance events—you’ll be standing, walking, and moving for hours. While bold, eye-catching outfits are part of the fun, always consider comfort. Women’s rave skirts with shorts underneath are a prime example of how you can combine style with functionality. They’re popular not just because they’re trendy, but because they allow for full movement, keep you cool, and pair well with everything from crop tops to mesh bodysuits. If you want to go all out with your look, opt for breathable fabrics and items that won’t chafe or dig into your skin after a few hours.

2. Don’t Forget to Hydrate – Do Bring a Hydration Pack

Between dancing, the sun (for outdoor events), and the sheer energy of the crowd, dehydration can sneak up on you. One of the most common mistakes is relying on bottled water from vendors, which often means standing in long lines and paying high prices. Instead, bring a hydration pack—it doubles as a stylish accessory and keeps you hydrated without the hassle.

3. Don’t Wear New Shoes – Do Break Them in Before the Event

Your shoes will make or break your festival experience. It’s tempting to buy a brand-new pair of boots or platform sneakers for the event, but wearing them without breaking them in is a recipe for blisters and sore feet. Stick with shoes you know are comfortable or take the time to wear in your new pair ahead of time. Pairing your rave booty shorts with comfy, broken-in sneakers or platform boots will keep you dancing all day and night without regret.

4. Don’t Neglect Weather Prep – Do Dress for Changing Conditions

Weather at music events can be unpredictable. Festivals often start under a blazing sun and end in chilly evenings. Layering is key—bring a lightweight jacket or kimono that you can tie around your waist when you’re not wearing it. Booty shorts for raves are perfect for dealing with the heat, and when paired with leg wraps or thigh-high socks, they can easily transition into a nighttime look without sacrificing warmth.

5. Don’t Forget to Plan Your Outfits – Do Think Ahead for Comfort and Style

Last-minute outfit decisions often lead to stress and regret. Planning your looks in advance gives you time to create outfits that are both stylish and practical. If you’re considering adding rave booty shorts to your wardrobe, experiment with different tops and accessories before the event. These shorts are versatile—pair them with fishnet tights, holographic tops, or LED accessories to create looks that stand out while keeping you comfortable. Planning ahead also helps avoid packing unnecessary items, saving space for essentials.

6. Don’t Lose Track of Your Friends – Do Set a Meeting Spot

With spotty cell service and huge crowds, it’s easy to get separated from your group. Avoid the panic by designating a meeting spot ahead of time. Make it somewhere easy to find but away from the busiest areas. Pro tip: If you’re rocking bold pieces like neon tops and rave shorts, you’ll be easier for your friends to spot in a crowd.

7. Don’t Skip Sunscreen – Do Protect Your Skin

Whether you’re spending the day under the sun or dancing under LED lights, sunscreen is a must. Sunburn can quickly ruin your festival experience. Apply a high-SPF sunscreen before arriving and reapply throughout the day. Plus, if you’re wearing shorts, you’ll have more exposed skin, so extra care is essential. Look for sunscreen sprays that are quick to apply without messing up your outfit.

8. Don’t Overpack – Do Bring the Essentials

It’s tempting to bring everything “just in case,” but carrying a heavy bag around all day is exhausting. Pack light but smart. Essentials include your ID, tickets, hydration pack, sunscreen, and a portable charger. If you’re wearing outfits with pockets, you’ll have one less thing to carry.

9. Don’t Forget Ear Protection – Do Care for Your Hearing

It’s easy to overlook, but high-volume music can cause hearing damage over time. Invest in quality earplugs designed for concerts; they reduce volume without sacrificing sound quality. They’re small, easy to carry, and can fit perfectly in the pockets.

10. Don’t Miss Out on Exploring – Do Experience the Whole Festival

Many attendees make the mistake of sticking to one stage or only watching headliners. Festivals are packed with hidden gems—art installations, secret sets, and interactive experiences that are worth exploring. Wear an outfit that keeps you comfortable for lots of walking and take time to wander. You never know what incredible moments you’ll stumble upon.

Final Thoughts

Music events are about having fun, connecting with others, and celebrating music and self-expression. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience from start to finish. Remember that comfort and style can coexist. Plan ahead, stay hydrated, protect yourself from the elements, and most importantly, let loose and enjoy every beat, every moment, and every memory made on the dancefloor.

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

Drowning Pool Returns to Europe for First Headline Tour in 9 Years with Special Guests LILIAC

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Multi-platinum hard rock band, Drowning Pool are making their return to Europe for their first headline tour across the continent in 9 years. But first, the band will warm things up with six U.S. shows in June and July before heading overseas. Joining them for the European run is rising hard rock family band LILIAC, who will serve as special guests on all headline dates.

The European tour launches with a monumental appearance at the sold out Wacken Open Air on August 1 in Wacken, Germany, one of the world’s premier metal festivals. From there, Drowning Pool will embark on a series of headline dates across Europe, delivering their signature blend of aggressive energy, powerful vocals, and fan-favorite anthems like “Bodies,” “Tear Away,” “Sinner,” “Step Up,” “37 Stitches,” “Feel Like I Do,” and “Turn So Cold.”

The band will also be playing a number of festivals this summer including Lakes Jam Fest on June 26th in Brainerd, MN, Big River Rally on June 28th in Lacrosse, WI, Rockfest on July 16th in Cadott, WI, Inkcarceration Festival 2025 on July 18th, Brutal Assault Fest on August 7th in Josefov, Czech Republic , ALCATRAZ festival on August 9th in Kortrijk Belgium, and Reload Festival on August 15th in Sulingen, Germany.

In addition, the band has also announced a UK and Ireland tour with Spineshank and special guests Hed PE in November.

Stay tuned for more announcements from Drowning Pool as they gear up for additional tour dates and new music in 2025.

Drowning Pool, a name etched in the score of modern rock history, roars back into the spotlight with thunderous energy and uncompromising power. The band’s unmistakable sound, synonymous with raw energy and unapologetic attitude, returns to captivate audiences once again.

Known for their iconic anthem “Bodies,” Drowning Pool needs no introduction. This breakout single propelled them to international recognition, leaving an indelible mark on the nu metal landscape. The song’s relentless energy and defiant spirit resonated with a generation, becoming an anthem for moshers, metalheads, and fans of electrifying live performances.

Ryan McCombs played a pivotal role in the band’s evolution, joining their ranks in the aftermath of the tragic loss of beloved frontman Dave Williams. His powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence breathed new life into Drowning Pool, solidifying their status as metal titans. Songs like “37 Stitches,” “Feel Like I Do,” and “Turn So Cold” catapulted them to new heights, earning them a place among the genre’s heavyweights.

Yet, Drowning Pool’s story is not just about music; it’s a testament to enduring friendships and a shared passion for their craft. Ryan’s return to the band in 2023 marks a reunion of kindred spirits, a return to the roots of their musical journey. As he succinctly puts it, “Just being back in the same room together after so many years… was a quick reminder as to why I considered them to be my best friends in the business back in the day.”

Drowning Pool’s return is a testament to the enduring power of their music, a reminder that their unapologetic spirit continues to strike chords with audiences worldwide. The band experienced a triumphant resurgence in 2023 and with new music on the horizon, a 2025 calendar proving that the demand for the band isn’t about to slow down. Drowning Pool has a white knuckle grip on their present and future with no plans to slow down.

2-8-25 / BERLIN, GERMANY / SO36
3-8-25 / WARSAW, POLAND / Proxima
4-8-25 / KRAKOW, POLAND / Hype Park
7-8-25 / JOSEFOV, CZECH REPUBLIC / Brutal Assault Festival
8-8-25 / AUGSBURG, GERMANY / Kantine
9-8-25 / KORTRIJK, BELGIUM / Alcatraz Festival
10-8-25 / KARLSRUHE, GERMANY / Substage
13-8-25 / SITTARD, NETHERLANDS / Volt
14-8-25 / HOOFDDORP, NETHERLANDS / Cpunt
15-8-25 / SULINGEN, GERMANY / Reload Festival

Deep Purple’s ‘Rapture of the Deep’ Celebrates 20 Years With Remixed Edition and Rare Bonus Tracks

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Deep Purple’s Rapture of the Deep turns 20 – and is being celebrated with a complete remix and remaster, striking new artwork, plus a bonus CD/LP featuring never-before-released recordings that will be released on August 29th.

It’s no secret that Rapture of the Deep isn’t the first album that comes to mind when listing Deep Purple’s classics – and while it was met with interest at the time, it gradually faded from view. Despite solid sales, the album arrived during a period when there was little spotlight on the world of classic rock, and over the years, Rapture of the Deep developed into an overlooked chapter in Deep Purple’s rich discography.

It’s equally true that this record, and the story behind it, marked a turning point – the quiet beginning of a run that would eventually lead to four consecutive No. 1 albums (2013, 2017, 2020, 2024) and the kind of success few bands experience even once, let alone decades into their career.

New insights by Kerrang! founder and Classic Rock magazine writer Geoff Barton pull back the curtain on a time when Deep Purple were navigating an uncertain era in the music industry that saw the downfall of many once-great artist careers – and unravel the strange chemistry that gave birth to Deep Purple’s 18th studio album.

As bassist Roger Glover reflects, “We were going through a bit of a hard time when we started the songwriting and production of Rapture of the Deep and, strangely enough, we didn’t have a record company at that point. Let’s face it, we were a bit lost (…).”

But from that uncertain moment emerged an album bursting with sharp songwriting, masterful playing, and pure Deep Purple grit.

Now, newly mixed with the supervision of Glover, analogue-mastered at renowned Chameleon Studios in Hamburg, and presented with bold new artwork, Rapture of the Deep finally shines with clarity and color. “It’s a new album now to me,” says Roger Glover. Fans will hear it blooming for the first time.

This new edition also includes a bonus CD/LP featuring previously unreleased instrumental takes and studio rehearsals recorded during the songwriting process – providing a rare, unfiltered insight into the band’s creative work in the studio. Captured on multi-track in 2005 and mixed for the first time in 2025, it’s one of those rare instances where recordings resurface decades later from archives long thought lost.

Among the highlights is the track “Closing Note,” a never-before-heard piece by former guitarist Steve Morse – recorded during the album sessions and now officially released for the first time.

These tracks are available exclusively on all three physical formats – CD Digipak, 3LP Vinyl (black, 180g), and the strictly Limited 3LP Transparent Sky-Blue Vinyl.

With Deep Purple riding high on the success of their latest No. 1 record =1, the time is right to (re)discover the album that set the path for Deep Purple in the 21st century.

Tracklist CD & LP

  1. Money Talks
  2. Things I Never Said*
  3. Rapture of the Deep
  4. Clearly Quite Absurd
  5. MTV*
  6. Back to Back
  7. Wrong Man
  8. Girls Like That
  9. Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
  10. Don’t Let Go
  11. Junkyard Blues
  12. Before Time Again
  13. *not on original studio album
  14.  
  15. Tracklist Bonus LP/CD
  16. 2005 Studio Jams & Rehearsals
  17. MTV
  18. Money Talks
  19. Back to Back
  20. Before Time Began
  21. Closing Note**
  22. **unreleased instrumental track by Steve Morse

Benefit for Tim Cronin: Art Auction and Live Music Event to Support Monster Magnet Founder Battling ALS

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Earlier this year, Tim Cronin, original Monster Magnet member, beloved Ribeye Brother, and cherished Jack’s Record Shoppe stalwart, was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Now, he needs our support. Join us on Sunday, June 22, at Whitechapel Projects in Long Branch, NJ, for a one-of-a-kind art auction and live music event to benefit Tim.

Hosted by standup comedian Dave Hill, the bands – Holmes, Von Mons, and The Long Defeats – start at 3 pm and will be playing short sets of Ribeye covers, alongside some awesome rock’n’roll DJs.

The art auction features pieces donated by various artist friends, including a signed Beastie Boys print from photographer Danny Clinch. Tim also contributed one of his own pieces to the event. Pat Longo graciously created the show poster.

Event organizer and Ribeye Brother, Joe Calandra comments: “Save the date. This benefit is for one of my oldest and dearest friends, Tim Cronin. Tim and I have been close since the mid-’80s, when we first met at Jack’s Music. We’ve been all over the world together during our Monster Magnet days, but what I’m most proud of is sharing the stage with him in the Ribeye Brothers for the past 14 years. Please come to the show if you can – to support Tim and celebrate his amazing life. I’m so grateful to have had him in my life all these years. Thank you, Tim.”

The venue was generously donated by Marilyn Schlossbach, who owns the White Chapel Projects, as well as the Low Dive (formerly the Yacht Club) and the Langosta Lounge (now operating under a new name) – all places the Ribeye Brothers have played over the years.

This benefit is a true labor of love, with so many friends and associates working hard to make it happen, including Joe’s wife, Samantha, and Todd Abramson of WFMU, who have been handling venue details, lining up DJs, organizing the auction, and keeping everything on track. BetterWorld provides ticketing and online auction services. Gets tickets here.

Imagine Dragons’ Mac and Dan Reynolds Co-Found Indie Studio Night Street Games to Launch “Last Flag,” a Funky 5v5 Capture-The-Flag Shooter in 2026

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From Night Street Games-an indie studio co-founded by Mac and Dan Reynolds (from diamond-certified GRAMMY Award-winning band Imagine Dragons)-Last Flag is a 5v5 team shooter built to bring CTF center stage. It’s fast, it’s fun, and delivers 20 minutes or less of non-stop chaos, clutch comebacks, and buzzer-beating plays.

Last Flag is launching in 2026 on Windows PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Console platforms are in the works. Sign up now at LastFlag.com for a shot at becoming the next Contestant in the alpha playtest launching later this year.

“When I was in third grade, my ‘what do you want to be when you grow up’ answer was ‘run a video game studio.’ Oddly specific, but I guess I really meant it,” said Mac Reynolds, CEO and co-founder of Night Street Games. “Dan and I grew up playing capture the flag in the woods at night with flashlights, friends, and lots of adrenaline. Last Flag is our attempt to honor the purity and magic of that hide and seek experience-brought to life by the incredible team of developers we’re lucky enough to stand beside.”

Set in a funk-blasted 1970s-inspired universe, Last Flag transforms players into Contestants on the world’s most-watched game show-hosted by the mysterious media mogul Victor Fex.

When the cameras start rolling, players leap into an outdoor arena to hide their team’s flag, then scramble to reveal the enemy’s location by controlling radar towers and scouring the map’s multitude of hidden nooks and crannies.

Capture the flag. Haul it home. Defend it for one minute to win it.

Whether you’re celebrating your victory or vibing to the smooth sounds of defeat, you can always choose to run it back.

Queens of the Stone Age Release Audio of “Alive in the Catacombs” Performance with Limited Vinyl Edition

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By popular demand, Queens of the Stone Age are releasing the audio of their spellbinding Alive in the Catacombs performance. Appropriately, the music arrives this Friday the 13th across all digital platforms via Matador Records.

The band has also announced a limited vinyl edition of the AITC audio. Only 5,000 copies will be pressed of this special one-sided vinyl edition. Housed in a gatefold jacket with foil print inside and out, the AITC vinyl edition contains an exclusive 24-page booklet of behind the scenes photos taken by long-time collaborator Andreas Neumann. Each copy will be individually stamped and numbered. Pre-orders are available now at qotsa.com for a release date of August 22nd.

The AITC film and subsequent audio release is QOTSA distilled down to their most elemental form-Joshua Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita and Jon Theodore augmented by a three-piece string section, employing chains and chopsticks as makeshift percussion instruments. Entirely unfiltered, as every song was recorded live in a complete take with no overdubs or edits. The audio was recorded by Mark Rankin, François-Xavier Delaby, Henri d’Armancourt and Alban Lejeune, and was produced by Mark Rankin. Final mixes by Mark Rankin, Joshua Homme and Michael Shuman.

Queens of the Stone Age: Alive in the Catacombs, the film, was released on June 5th to much anticipation and critical acclaim.

Ashley McBryde Releases Studio Version of Live Favorite “Rattlesnake Preacher” Honoring Late Collaborator

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After closing out her second year of co-hosting CMA Fest with an electrifying performance at Nissan Stadium Sunday night – including a “scintillating” rendition of fan-favorite “Rattlesnake Preacher,” as praised by Tennessean – Ashley McBryde announces the long-awaited studio version of the live staple, available on June 26 via Warner Music Nashville.

“‘Rattlesnake Preacher’ has been a staple in our live show since the bar days, and we’ve constantly been asked by fans when it’ll make it onto a record,” shares McBryde. “As we were gearing up for my second year of co-hosting CMA Fest, it felt like the perfect time to finally get this one out there. It’s my way of saying thank you to the fans who have shown up, listened and gave this song life long before it was ever recorded.”

The forthcoming track also holds personal significance for McBryde. Written by her late friend and collaborator Randall Clay, the release of “Rattlesnake Preacher” also honors his legacy.

“I’ve written nearly every song on all my records, so when I cut one I didn’t write, it means something,” shares McBryde. “Randall was part of a group of songwriters that helped me write some of the most formative songs of my career, and his songs will always find a home with me to continue his legacy.”

Jeremy Short and Tommy Prine Ignite Roots Rock with New Single “Let It Shine”

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Guitar-slinger and genre-blender Jeremy Short releases his latest single, “Let It Shine,” today – a vibrant, roots-forward track featuring rising Americana artist Tommy Prine. The song, which premiered exclusively with The Bluegrass Situation, is a bold showcase of Short’s signature ability to fuse his Appalachian heritage with electric strains of blues, rock, and Americana, all anchored by his standout guitar work and vivid lyrical imagery.

“Let It Shine” finds Short and Prine trading verses like old friends around a fire, their vocals weaving together effortlessly as the song swells with warmth and grit. Short’s expressive guitar tone – equal parts swampy and soulful – adds texture and drive, while his lyrics reflect a quiet resilience and a sense of hard-earned peace.

Discussing the single, Short said, “On the road we meet a lot of really cool people, a lot of really cool, super talented artists, club owners, you name it. Then, in a matter of hours, you pack up, load out, and head on to the next city. You always hope you’ll make it back there sooner rather than later, that those people will also remember those interactions, that the connections will last, and they will want to come back and hang again or play another show together, that’s one of the best parts of getting out there and seeing the world. But because of the briefness of your time together, it’s also easy to get lost in thoughts of ‘Does this really matter?’, ‘Will they even remember me?’, ‘Am I just spinning my wheels?’ When I wrote this song, I think I was just trying to find that balance.”

Discussing the collaboration, Prine sang Short’s praises stating, “It was an honor to have the opportunity to work with Jeremy on this amazing track, I hope everyone can hear how much fun we had in the studio!”

Whether fronting a band or flying solo, Short has built a reputation for genre-defying songwriting and fiery live shows that pulse with authenticity. With “Let It Shine,” he continues to carve out space for a new kind of Southern storyteller – one unafraid to explore the crossroads of tradition and innovation.

Clinton Kane Returns with Raw New Single “Heartbeat For A Home” Featuring Elina

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Platinum-certified singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Clinton Kane returns with his most emotionally charged release to date, “Heartbeat For A Home” featuring acclaimed Swedish artist Elina, available everywhere via his newly independent platform.

Following a period of deep self-reflection and artistic reinvention, Kane kicks off his next chapter with the raw and intimate new track. Gently fingerpicked guitar and soaring piano frame a vulnerable, soul-searching vocal performance from Kane, who delivers a poignant meditation on memory, longing, and the enduring ache of forbidden love. Elina’s tender response adds an ethereal counterpoint, culminating in a harmony-laden climax that feels both heavenly and haunting.

“It’s about the first time I ever felt like I was in love,” Kane shares. “But it wasn’t just a love song. It was a fully forbidden love-very complicated. My hormones were at an all-time high, and I was feeling so much. I picked up the guitar, wrote it, and it was done in 20 minutes.”

“Heartbeat For A Home” marks Kane’s first single of 2025 and signals a bold new era of independence and creative control. Having stepped away from the major label system, Kane is now fully immersed in the production process, shaping every detail of his sonic vision from the ground up.

“I’m getting back to the basics and core of who I am,” he says. “For too long, I lost faith in myself. Now I’m reclaiming that. I just want to be real with everything I’ve felt-and this song is part of that.”

Kane’s fiercely honest storytelling and genre-blurring sound have resonated with a global audience, racking up billions of streams and spawning fan-favorite anthems like the Platinum-certified “I GUESS I’M IN LOVE” and Gold-certified “CHICKEN TENDIES.” With previous acclaim from Billboard, Forbes, GRAMMY.com, NME, and more, Clinton Kane has become known for music that doesn’t just tell a story-it lives one.

“Heartbeat For A Home” is not just a single-it’s a statement: Clinton Kane is creating on his own terms, and the result is breathtaking.

Rico Nasty Unleashes Fall ‘LETHAL’ Tour Across North America

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Rico Nasty has announced a Fall North American headline tour in support of her new album LETHAL, out now via Fueled by Ramen (Atlantic Music Group). The tour kicks off on Sept 19th at Chicago’s Riot Fest and ends Nov 4th in Los Angeles at The Fonda. Tickets on-sale this Friday, June 13th at 10am local time.

Always the rap world’s biggest rock star, Rico Nasty is known for her own particular brand of rage-rap and for her outrageous on-stage, online, volume-up persona. But as she grew up, she started to feel trapped by the character she created.

LETHAL is a reckoning of who Rico is at 27 with the trap-pop teen persona she created more than a decade ago. Executive produced by GRAMMY nominated producer Imad Royal, the album still features all the hallmarks of a Rico Nasty record – female rage, heavy guitars, humor – but there are also notes of femininity, introspection and a more complex framing of all the angles of Rico – the performer, the mother, the adult.

Alongside the new record, Rico will make her acting debut in Apple TV+ & A24’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles, created by David E. Kelley and based on the 2024 novel by Rufi Thorpe. Rico will star alongside Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfieffer, Nicole Kidman, Nick Offerman, Lindsey Normington & more.

Tour Dates
Sept 19th – Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest
Sept 21st – San Francisco, CA @ Portola
Sept 23rd – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
Sept 24th – Portland, OR @ McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Sept 26th – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex – Rockwell
Sept 28th – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
Oct 2nd – Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom
Oct 3rd – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
Oct 5th – Toronto, ON @ The Opera House
Oct 7th – Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
Oct 8th – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues – Cleveland
Oct 10th – Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
Oct 11th – Baltimore, MD @ Nevermore Hall
Oct 12th – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
Oct 14th – Boston, MA @ House of Blues – Boston
Oct 15th – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
Oct 18th – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore – Silver Spring
Oct 19th – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
Oct 21st – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
Oct 22nd – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
Oct 24th – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
Oct 25th – Orlando, FL @ The Beacham
Oct 27th – Houston, TX @ House of Blues Houston
Oct 28th – Dallas, TX @ The Bomb Factory
Oct 29th – Austin, TX @ Empire Garage
Nov 2nd – Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
Nov 4th – Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre