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Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds Announce Ninth Annual Riviera Maya Acoustic Event for January 2026

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Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds will return to Mexico’s Caribbean coastline for the ninth annual “Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds Riviera Maya” event, which will take place January 21-24, 2026. The duo will perform three nights of stripped-down acoustic sets under the stars in a one-of-a-kind oceanfront setting. This intimate, four-night, all-inclusive concert vacation will feature a headline performance by Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats with special guests Trampled by Turtles on Wednesday, followed by three nights of Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds supported by Joy Oladokun on Thursday and Say She She on Friday. The final night of the event, Saturday, will be a very special evening with a performance by Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds.

A pre-sale for all-inclusive packages starts on Tuesday, June 10, at 12:00PM ET for members of the DMB Warehouse Fan Association and at 3:00PM ET for Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds Riviera Maya alumni. All-inclusive packages go on sale to the public on Wednesday, June 11, at 1:00 PM ET via daveandtimrivieramaya.com.

The 2026 event will once again be hosted at Moon Palace Cancún, a 5-star luxury resort. Guests will enjoy luxury accommodations, all-inclusive food and drink (including top-shelf beverages), roundtrip airport transportation and access to the world-class resort’s many amenities, which include pools, spas, a golf course, beach clubs and more.

Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds Riviera Maya’s ongoing commitment to a comprehensive greening program continues in partnership with Moon Palace, which has been designated as a low carbon tourism provider. In addition to a single-use plastic-free concert area, all waste discarded throughout the resort will be sorted during the event and diverted from landfill. These efforts have resulted in more responsible and sustainable event production while directly contributing to the fight against climate change.

For more information about Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds Riviera Maya 2026, including how to book all-inclusive packages and payment plan details, please visit: daveandtimrivieramaya.com.

Stephen Wilson Jr. Announces Sold-Out ‘søn of dad’ Fall Tour Including Historic Ryman Auditorium Headline

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Today, the Indiana-born, Nashville-based rising star Stephen Wilson Jr. announces a fall run of his wildly successful sold-out søn of dad tour including performances at The Warfield in San Francisco, The Wiltern in Los Angeles and his largest hometown headline show to date at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium on November 23. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, June 13 at 10 a.m local time, with an artist presale beginning on Tuesday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m. local time. This will follow his extensive run of shows with HARDY on his Jim Bob World Tour, three shows supporting Eric Church at Red Rocks in July, and a handful of festival performances this summer including his Newport Folk Festival debut. Find a full list of tour dates below or visit stephenwilsonjr.com.

Last month, Wilson Jr. released the “Star Spangled Banner (Live from the 2025 NFL Draft)” on streaming platforms following his “understated but hypnotic” (Rolling Stone) performance of the national anthem at this year’s NFL Draft. He also released the gritty music video for “Cuckoo” starring HARDY + Joey Breaux, as well as a deluxe edition of søn of dad, his critically-acclaimed debut double album. Featuring two new tracks taken from his viral Live at the Print Shop performance – the moving dedication to his late father “I’m A Song” and a gripping reinterpretation of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” – the album also included 10 acoustic versions of fan favorites from the LP. The Tennessean also named Wilson Jr. as one of the Top Nashville artists to watch in 2025, following his late year appearances on Bert Kreischer’s Bertcast and The Dan Patrick Show.

In 2024, Wilson Jr.’s career skyrocketed with his late night television debut on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, followed by performances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s #LateShowMeMusic series and Later… with Jools Holland. Last fall, CBS News’ Jeff Glor traveled to Nashville for Wilson Jr.’s first major television interview, which was followed by a performance of three songs on CBS Saturday Morning.

2025 Tour Dates:
6/11: Bergen, NO – Bergenfest * 
6/12: Oslo, NO – Parkteatret Scene # (SOLD OUT)
6/14: Kværndrup, Denmark – Heartland Festival *
6/15: Hamburg, DE – Gruenspan # (SOLD OUT)
6/16: Amsterdam, NL – Paradiso # (SOLD OUT) 
6/18: Amsterdam, NL – Paradiso #
6/22: Belfast, UK – The Telegraph Building # (SOLD OUT) 
6/23: Dublin, IE – The Academy # (SOLD OUT) 
6/25: Glasgow, UK – SWG3 Galvanizers # (SOLD OUT) 
6/26: Manchester, UK – O2 Ritz # (SOLD OUT) 
6/27: Bristol, UK – SWX # (SOLD OUT) 
6/30: Brighton, UK – Chalk # (SOLD OUT) 
7/1: London, UK – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire # (SOLD OUT) 
7/11: Cavendish, PE – Cavendish Beach Music Festival *
7/14: Morrison, CO – Red Rocks %
7/15: Morrison, CO – Red Rocks %
7/16: Morrison, CO – Red Rocks %
7/18: Big Sky, MT – Big Sky PBR #
7/19: Pocatello, ID – The Port #
7/20: Boise, ID – Revolution Concert House #
7/22: Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory # (SOLD OUT) 
7/24: Billings, MT – Pub Station # (SOLD OUT) 
7/25: White Sulphur Springs, MT – Red Ants Pants *
7/27: Newport, RI – Newport Folk Festival *
8/2: Brownstown, IN – Jackson County Watermelon Festival *
8/8: Edmonton, AB – Edmonton Folk Festival *
8/10: Boots and Hearts Music Festival *
8/14: Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center ^
8/15: Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford Premier Center ^
8/16: Somerset, WI – Somerset Amphitheater ^
8/21: Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena ^
8/22: Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre ^
8/29: Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater ^
8/30: Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre ^
9/4: Syracuse, NY – Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview ^
9/5: Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion At Star Lake ^
9/6: Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium ^
9/11: Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater ^
9/12: Birmingham, AL – Coca-Cola Amphitheater ^
9/13: Simpsonsville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre ^
9/18: Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre ^
9/19: Tampa, FL – MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre ^
9/20: West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre ^ 
9/24: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden ^
9/27: Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom #
10/2: Richmond, VA – Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden #
10/4: Clarksburg, WV – Clarksburg Amphitheater #
10/5: Ocean City, MD – Country Calling Festival *
10/10: Fort Smith, AR – Peacemaker Festival *
10/22: Seattle, WA – The Showbox #
10/23: Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo #
10/25: Kennewick, WA – Toyota Center #
10/26: Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom #
10/28: San Francisco, CA – The Warfield #
10/29: Sacramento, CA – Channel 24 #
11/1: Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern #
11/2: Del Mar, CA – The Sound #
11/8: Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre #
11/9: Miramar Beach, FL – Whiskey Moon *
11/14: Memphis, TN – Graceland Soundstage #
11/15: Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace #
11/20: Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium #
11/23: Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium #
12/11: Las Vegas, NV – The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan #

^ – Supporting HARDY 
% – Supporting Eric Church
* – Festival
# – Headline

The Evolution of AI Writing: Making Technology More Human

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By Mitch Rice

In today’s digital landscape, artificial intelligence has revolutionized content creation, but the challenge lies in bridging the gap between machine-generated text and authentic human communication. As AI-generated content becomes increasingly prevalent across industries, the need to humanize ai text has emerged as a critical factor in maintaining genuine connections with audiences and ensuring content resonates on a personal level.

The Rise of AI in Content Creation

Artificial intelligence has transformed how we approach writing and content generation. From marketing copy to technical documentation, AI tools can produce vast amounts of text in seconds. This technological advancement has enabled businesses to scale their content production, meet tight deadlines, and maintain consistent output across multiple platforms.

However, the rapid adoption of AI writing tools has revealed an important truth: while machines excel at generating grammatically correct and informative content, they often lack the nuanced understanding of human emotion, context, and cultural subtleties that make writing truly engaging.

Understanding the Human Touch in Writing

Human writing possesses unique qualities that make it compelling and relatable. These include:

Emotional Intelligence: Human writers naturally incorporate empathy, understanding their audience’s feelings, concerns, and motivations. This emotional awareness allows them to craft messages that resonate deeply with readers.

Personal Experience: Authentic writing often draws from personal experiences, anecdotes, and real-world observations that add credibility and relatability to the content.

Cultural Sensitivity: Human writers understand cultural nuances, idioms, and references that may not translate effectively through AI generation alone.

Intuitive Flow: Experienced writers develop an intuitive sense of rhythm, pacing, and structure that creates a natural reading experience.

The Importance of Humanizing AI-Generated Content

While AI writing tools offer remarkable efficiency and consistency, raw AI output often exhibits certain characteristics that can feel mechanical or detached. These may include repetitive phrasing patterns, lack of personality, or missing the subtle touches that make content feel authentic and engaging.

Humanizing AI-generated content involves refining and enhancing machine-produced text to incorporate human-like qualities. This process ensures that the final output maintains the efficiency benefits of AI while capturing the warmth, personality, and authenticity that audiences expect from quality content.

Key Strategies for Creating More Human-Like Content

1. Inject Personality and Voice

Every piece of content should have a distinct voice that reflects the brand or individual behind it. This involves using conversational language, incorporating brand-specific terminology, and maintaining consistency in tone across all communications.

2. Add Contextual Relevance

Human readers appreciate content that acknowledges current events, seasonal considerations, or industry-specific trends. Adding these contextual elements makes content feel timely and relevant rather than generic.

3. Include Real-World Examples

Concrete examples, case studies, and practical applications help readers connect abstract concepts to their own experiences. These additions make content more actionable and memorable.

4. Vary Sentence Structure and Length

Human writing naturally varies in rhythm and structure. Mixing short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones creates a more engaging reading experience that feels less robotic.

5. Address Reader Concerns Directly

Anticipating and addressing common questions or concerns shows empathy and understanding of the audience’s perspective. This approach creates a sense of dialogue rather than one-way communication.

The Benefits of Humanized Content

When AI-generated content is properly humanized, it delivers several significant advantages:

Enhanced Engagement: Content that feels more human naturally generates higher engagement rates, including longer reading times, more shares, and increased interaction.

Improved Trust: Audiences are more likely to trust content that feels authentic and relatable, leading to stronger brand relationships and customer loyalty.

Better Conversion Rates: Humanized content often performs better in terms of driving desired actions, whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or engaging with a brand.

Broader Accessibility: Content that uses natural, conversational language is more accessible to diverse audiences, including those who may not be experts in a particular subject matter.

Best Practices for Implementation

Successfully humanizing AI content requires a systematic approach that balances efficiency with authenticity. This involves establishing clear guidelines for voice and tone, creating templates that incorporate human elements, and developing review processes that ensure quality and consistency.

Regular analysis of content performance can help identify which humanization techniques resonate most with specific audiences, allowing for continuous refinement and improvement of the process.

The Future of Human-AI Collaboration

The relationship between human creativity and artificial intelligence continues to evolve. Rather than replacing human writers, AI tools are becoming sophisticated collaborators that handle routine tasks while humans focus on strategy, creativity, and relationship-building.

This collaboration model allows content creators to leverage the speed and consistency of AI while maintaining the emotional intelligence and cultural awareness that only humans can provide. The result is content that combines the best of both worlds: efficiency and authenticity.

Conclusion

The future of content creation lies not in choosing between human or artificial intelligence, but in finding the perfect balance between technological efficiency and human authenticity. By focusing on humanizing AI-generated content, businesses and content creators can harness the power of automation while maintaining the personal connections that drive meaningful engagement.

As AI technology continues to advance, the ability to create content that feels genuinely human will become an increasingly valuable skill. Those who master this balance will be well-positioned to succeed in an increasingly digital world where authentic communication remains the key to building lasting relationships with audiences.

The evolution of AI writing represents an opportunity to enhance human creativity rather than replace it, creating new possibilities for content that is both efficient to produce and genuinely compelling to read.

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

Young the Giant Announces Intimate ‘In The Open 2025’ Acoustic Tour Featuring Cassandra Coleman

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Critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum selling band Young the Giant announces the In The Open 2025 Acoustic Tour. An intimate concert experience performed in beautiful spaces and venues around the country, the band will be supported by Cassandra Coleman (debut album produced by Jack Antonoff out June 6 via Warner) throughout. The tour will begin at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu, HI on August 15, featuring support from Cold War Kids, with a grand finale at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on October 7 where Young the Giant will be joined by Saint Motel.

Young the Giant shared that, “’In The Open’ has been our superpower as a band since we started playing music together. There’s something so thrilling about reimagining our music in a way that’s more improvised, less controlled, and in a place you wouldn’t expect. We’re hoping to bring this feeling to you in our new tour Young the Giant: In The Open. While we can’t play a full set for you under a bridge or on a cliffside, we hope these beautiful intimate venues will give you the same feeling.”

Tickets will be available starting with artist presale on Tuesday, June 3 at 10 am local time. Venue/local presales begin the following day, June 4 at 10 am local, followed by Spotify’s presale on June 5 at 10 am local. All presales end on Thursday, June 5 at 10 pm local and general on sale begins Friday, June 6 at 10 am local at youngthegiant.com

Young the Giant will also offer an In The Open VIP Soundcheck Experience which includes access to the band’s soundcheck ritual — featuring unreleased songs, deep cuts, spontaneous stories and more.

On this tour, Young the Giant is once again teaming up with REVERB to make their tour more sustainable, engage fans in meaningful climate action, and support the nonprofit’s groundbreaking Music Decarbonization Project, which fast-tracks innovative climate solutions to eliminate the music industry’s carbon pollution at the source.

In addition to the In The Open Tour, Young the Giant has upcoming festival performances at Let’s Go Music Festival, Summerfest, Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival and more. This summer, they will be joining The Lumineers for a handful of shows in the US and then heading to Australia with Bloc Party. And in early September, they are playing two special album-anniversary underplays at The Troubadour in Los Angeles, performing their debut album in full on September 4 and Mind Over Matter on September 5. Last year, Young the Giant celebrated a decade of Mind Over Matter with a  10th Anniversary Edition.

UPCOMING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

June 6 – Let’s Go Music Festival – Crownsville, MD #

June 27 – Hard Rock Casino – Cincinnati, OH (w/ Joywave)

June 28 – Summerfest – Milwaukee, WI #

July 11 – Citi Field – Queens, NY (Supporting The Lumineers)

July 12 – Tropicana Atlantic City – Atlantic City, NJ

July 13 – Freeman Arts Pavilion – Selbyville, DE

July 17 – Fenway Park – Boston, MA (Supporting The Lumineers)

July 19 – Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino – Niagara Falls, NY

August 15 – Waikiki Shell – Honolulu, HI (w/ Cold War Kids)

September 4 – The Troubadour – Los Angeles, CA (performing debut album)

September 5 – The Troubadour – Los Angeles, CA (performing Mind Over Matter)

September 6 – Meritage Resort – Napa, CA *

September 9  – Quarry Amphitheater – Santa Cruz, CA *

September 10 – Pappy & Harriet’s – Pioneertown, CA *

September 12 – OC Fair – Costa Mesa, CA (w/ Wilderado)

September 13 – Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival – Templeton, CA #

September 15 – Rialto Theatre – Tucson, AZ *

September 18 – Fountain Street Church – Grand Rapids, MI *

September 21 – Lincoln Theatre – Washington, DC *

September 22 – Lincoln Theatre – Washington, DC *

September 25 – The National – Richmond, VA *

September 26 – Firefly Distillery – Charleston, SC *

September 27 – The Coves Amphitheater – Union Hall, VA *

September 27-28 – Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival – Franklin, TN #

October 2 – Athenaeum Center – Chicago, IL *

October 3 – Athenaeum Center – Chicago, IL *

October 5 – Uptown Theater – Kansas City, MO *

October 7 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO  (w/ Saint Motel)

# festival date

*w/ special guest Cassandra Coleman

Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers Celebrate 20 Years with New Album ‘Lovin’, Fightin’, Losin’ Sleep’

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Celebrating two decades of authentic, heart-driven bluegrass, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers are set to release their 12th career album, Lovin’, Fightin’, Losin’ Sleep, on June 27 via Billy Blue Records. The 10-track collection showcases the band’s harmonic mastery with three lead vocalists on a fresh batch of songs from revered writers.

The album’s title is drawn from the opening track and the previously released first single, “Time Adds Up (If You’re Lucky),” a fitting summation of the band’s journey and the timeless themes woven throughout the record. “I hope the title of our latest album is intriguing,” says bandleader Joe Mullins. “I think it’s entertaining! Each of the subjects has been sung about for decades, and believe it or not, new songs are always coming our way about some of these familiar topics. We didn’t plan the rest of the album’s material because of that line, but when we analyzed the content, it was perfect.”

The band has always enjoyed songs with a message and “The Good Old Days” fits well within that theme. Written by Flatt Lonesome’s Kelsi Harrigill and her father Dolton Robertson, Adam McIntosh poured his heart into the lyrics, and the harmony vocals are made even sweeter with the addition of Harrigill. The toe-tapping tribute to the working man, “Black and Decker Blues,” penned by Larry Cordle and Jim Rushing, is a masterclass in well-written, timeless bluegrass. Band member Chris Davis, who previously worked with Cordle, delivers a standout lead vocal.

Fiddler Jason Barie brings a defining sound to the band, especially on Conrad Fisher’s “The Bluebirds Are Singing For Me,” an intimate arrangement paired only with mandolin by Davis. Another standout is the reflective “Something To Look Forward To,” written by Ronnie Bowman and Billy Strings, exploring the life of a traveling musician—territory the Radio Ramblers know well.

Mullins also contributes original material including the instrumental “Cancellation Blues,” inspired by pandemic-era tour cancellations, and the tongue-in-cheek “Circling The Drain,” a light-hearted look at a man being kicked to the curb co-written with Jerry Salley.

Ahead of the full album, the band is showing a completely different side to their multi-faceted vocals with a spirited rendition of “End Of The Line.” Originally recorded by supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, the Radio Ramblers’ take is a celebration of vocal harmony and rhythmic energy. “’End of the Line’ was so much fun to arrange and record,” says Mullins. “Each Rambler can sing most any harmony part so, much like the originators of the song, four of us take turns delivering the verses, and Adam, Chris, and I all take turns singing three different harmony parts. The contagious beat of the song, supported by Ben Isaacs (bass) and Mike Rogers (bluegrass drums), keeps us all focused and energized. The lyrics are positive and inspiring—heavy on the lovin’ and not dwelling so much on fightin’ or losin’ sleep.”

“End Of The Line” is now available on popular digital streaming platforms with the full album, Lovin’, Fightin’, Losin’, Sleep releasing June 27th. Fans can listen to the new single and presave the album here. For more information and to preorder Lovin’, Fightin’, Losin’ Sleep, visit RadioRamblers.com.

Grassfire Festival Returns With Bluegrass Legends, Fireworks, and Cliff-Side Adventure

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With just weeks to go until the Fourth Annual Grassfire Festival roars to life at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, fans of acoustic music and outdoor adventure are gearing up for four days of top-flight bluegrass, family fun and cliff-side thrills. From July 3 through July 6, the rugged beauty of Ohio’s most iconic swimming quarry will host an all-star roster of jam-grass legends, rising talents, and hands-on workshops—plus the biggest fireworks finale this side of the Appalachian Trail.

Headlining two sets as the festival’s marquee act is Greensky Bluegrass, fresh off a string of sold-out shows and acclaimed new recordings. They’ll be joined by Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, whose lightning-fast fiddle and banjo interplay has redefined modern string music; the venerable Del McCoury Band, torchbearers of bluegrass for more than five decades; and The Infamous Stringdusters, renowned for their virtuosic improvisation. Railroad Earth will bring their signature blend of Americana, folk and rock, while Peter Rowan & Sam Grisman Project celebrates the genre’s roots alongside David Grisman’s protégé.

Each day offers something special: World-champion fiddler Michael Cleveland will dazzle with jaw-dropping bow work, The SteelDrivers will trade soulful grit for every note, and Yonder Mountain String Band will keep feet stomping well past dusk. Steep Canyon Rangers anchor the lineup with their Grammy-winning harmony craft, while the Kyle Tuttle Band and David Mayfield Parade showcase up-and-coming voices in the acoustic scene. Rumpke Mountain Boys round out the headliners with two high-energy sets, ensuring there’s never a dull moment on stage.

Beyond the main stage, Grassfire Festival invites attendees to dig deeper into their craft through bluegrass workshops, kids’ music activities and an exclusive performance by EN Fuego fire dancers. Families can browse artisan vendors among the towering pines, cool off at the quarry beach, or test their nerve at the cliff-dive platform and snorkeling zones. Each evening culminates in a dramatic fireworks and fire-show spectacular by Phoenix Pyrotechnics—an electrifying salute to Independence Day.

Camping is included in every four-day pass: three nights under the stars, trailside tentsites and communal campfires for just $189, with children under 12 admitted free. Advance tickets and VIP upgrades are available now at www.nlqp.com. Nelson Ledges Quarry Park is located at 12001 Nelson Ledges Road in Garrettsville, OH 44231.

Fender Unveils Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster and Laura Lee Jazz Bass Celebrating Khruangbin’s 10th Anniversary

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Today, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is proud to announce the Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster and Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass from the iconic band, Khruangbin. For the first time in its nearly 80-year history, Fender is introducing a signature bass and signature guitar for the same band, released simultaneously.

Known for their psychedelic melodies and a genre-blending sound that draws from funk, rock, and soul, Khruangbin has carved out a distinct musical identity. The breakthrough trio—bassist Laura Lee, guitarist Mark Speer, and drummer Donald “DJ” Johnson Jr.—is celebrating their 10th anniversary of the band’s debut album, The Universe Smiles Upon You; to mark the milestone, the band is teaming up with Fender for something truly special. Fender guitars have been a core part of the band’s sound since its inception, shaping the tones that define their music. Designed to capture the essence of a decade’s worth of tone, style, and innovation, these guitars invite musicians to carve out sonic paths while channeling the sound that helped define a generation.

“Khruangbin is a band that has made a huge mark on modern music—they blend cultures, genres, and eras into something entirely their own,” said Justin Norvell, EVP of Product at Fender. “Mark and Laura had built their trademark sound with some unique specs and features on their primary instruments and with these signature models, we wanted to be able to share that with the universe of musicians and fans.”

Drawing from a wide palette of worldly influences, Mark Speer’s innovative guitar playing with Khruangbin has established him as one of the most original and distinctive guitarists of his generation. The music is a stunning mix of psychedelia, soul, rock, and country with all of Mark’s smooth, reverb-drenched riffs and melodies played on a single guitar: the same original Fender Stratocaster he’s played since the band’s inception.

The guitar looks as good as it sounds, with an Aged Natural finish over a custom contoured ash body, and distinctive all-white hardware. DiMarzio Pro Track™ pickups in the neck and bridge deliver vintage humbucker tones, while the 70’s Fender Stratocaster middle pickup gives the guitar an even wider range of tonal options. The Custom “C”-shape neck with a 7.25” radius and 21 jumbo frets offers a comfortable feel, while the vintage-style synchronized tremolo provides classic Strat vibrato action. Finally, Graph Tech saddles and string trees increase harmonic content and improve tuning stability.

“This guitar is the easiest way for me to get the musical idea from my head, out into the world,” said Mark Speer. “I know this thing inside and out, the sounds it can make, and the textures I can achieve. It’s like becoming really familiar with your paintbrush.”

Laura Lee’s warm and inventive basslines have propelled Khruangbin albums into the Top 40 in the U.S. and even higher around the world. Armed with a Jazz Bass, her unique playing style mixes classic-era basslines with funk, soul, country, and surf rock to create something completely distinctive and raw.

Finished in classic Vintage White, with stunning chrome appointments, this bass is an eye-catching instrument tailored to meet Laura Lee’s aesthetic and tonal design choices. DiMarzio Ultra Jazz™ pickups provide deep lows, percussive highs, and rich harmonic overtones that help define Laura Lee’s sound. Vintage-style concentric volume/tone knobs for each pickup allow complete control over your sound. The Custom “U”-shape neck is topped with a rosewood fingerboard with a 9.5” radius and 21 jumbo frets, providing a comfortable, unique feel just like Laura’s original bass.

“A lot of the features on my bass look vintage, but they function in a modern way. We’ve been trying to cultivate our music to feel classic and timeless, really. To me, the look and feel of this instrument is the same — it just sounds better the more you play it,” said Laura Lee.

Head over to Houston, Texas as Fender introduces the Khruangbin Collection. High-resolution artist, lifestyle, and product images of the Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster and Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass can be found HERE.

Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster ($1,499.99 USD, €1,599 EUR, £1,349 GBP, $2,499.00 AUD, ¥220,000 JPY) Drawing from a wide palette of worldly influences, Mark Speer’s innovative guitar playing with Khruangbin has established him as one of the most original and distinctive guitarists of his generation. The music is a stunning mix of psychedelia, soul, rock, and country with all of Mark’s smooth, reverb-drenched riffs and melodies played on a single guitar: his original Fender Stratocaster.

Finished in a beautiful natural ash and furnished with upscale features, this guitar looks as good as it sounds. DiMarzio Pro Track™ pickups in the neck and bridge deliver vintage humbucker tones, while the 70’s Fender Stratocaster middle pickup gives the guitar an even wider range of tonal options. The Custom “C”-shape neck with a 7.25” radius and 21 jumbo frets offers a comfortable feel, while the vintage-style synchronized tremolo provides classic Stratvibrato action. Finally, Graph Techsaddles and string trees increase harmonic content and improve tuning stability. Whether you’re aiming to capture Mark Speer’s signature sound or seeking a Stratocasterwith custom upgrades, the Mark Speer Stratocasteris sure to thrill any guitar enthusiast.

Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass ($1,499.99 USD, €1.699,00 EUR, £1,399 GBP, $2,499.00 AUD, ¥253,000 JPY) Laura Lee’s warm, pulsing, and inventive basslines have propelled Khruangbin albums into the Top 40 in the U.S. and even higher around the world. Armed with a Jazz Bass, her unique playing style mixes classic-era basslines with funk, soul, country, and surf rock to create something completely distinctive and raw.

Finished in a classic vintage white with stunning chrome appointments, this bass is an eye-catching instrument tailored to meet Laura Lee’s aesthetic design choices. Loaded with DiMarzio Ultra Jazz™ pickups, this bass has deep lows, percussive highs, and rich harmonic overtones that help define Laura Lee’s sound. Vintage-style concentric volume/tone knobs for each pickup allow complete control over your sound. The Custom “U”-shape neck is topped with a rosewood fingerboard with a 9.5” radius and 21 jumbo frets, providing a comfortable, unique feel just like Laura’s bass. With its classic Jazz Bass controls, chrome hardware, and upgraded DiMarzio pickups, this bass will help you stand out on any stage.

Airbnb Partners with Lollapalooza for Exclusive Music Experiences

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Today, Airbnb announces its first global live music partnership, offering one-of-a-kind fan experiences at Lollapalooza festivals in Berlin, Chicago, São Paulo, and Mumbai. Guests will now have access to curated Airbnb Experiences — many hosted by performing artists — that bring them closer to the music they love.

This summer, guests can book daily Airbnb Experiences at several Lollapalooza festivals — plus access an exclusive onsite Airbnb lounge. Experiences range from concert photography tutorials with professional photographers and behind-the-scenes tours with festival directors to intimate artist performances and more.

“More and more guests are choosing Airbnb for big events, including concerts and festivals, because Airbnb can bring you as close to the action as possible,”  said Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky. “With our new partnership with Lollapalooza, guests can Airbnb more than an Airbnb—they can unlock once-of-a-lifetime Experiences, rooted in the magic of live music.”

The global partnership kicks off at Lollapalooza Berlin presented by Telekom (July 12–13), where one of the featured Airbnb Experiences includes performing artist BUNT. Guests will have access to an exclusive post-show Experience and private performance by BUNT. in a hidden spot on the festival grounds. Booking opens June 5 at airbnb.com/bunt.

Fans are traveling far and wide to be part of the experience – at Lollapalooza festivals around the world, a significant number of attendees come from outside the host city: 75% in Berlin, 65% in São Paulo, 57% in Mumbai, and 50% in Chicago.

“Fans are traveling the world to see the artists they love, and festivals like Lollapalooza are leading that demand,” said Michael Rapino, CEO and president of Live Nation Entertainment. “Partnering with Airbnb helps us make those trips even more memorable for fans, connecting them to the culture and community around the music that makes each festival unforgettable.”

According to a recent Airbnb survey, over 70% of travelers said they often book an experience when they travel1. This partnership also comes as Airbnb introduces completely reimagined Airbnb Experiences – including Airbnb Originals, extraordinary experiences hosted by the world’s most interesting people and designed exclusively for Airbnb – which will help enhance live music goers’ trips.

The partnership’s global rollout will continue throughout the summer, with new Airbnb Experiences at Lollapalooza Chicago (July 31 – August 3), followed by experiences at The Town 2025 in São Paulo, Lollapalooza India and Lollapalooza Brasil.

To discover Airbnb Experiences at Lollapalooza Berlin presented by Telekom, visit airbnb.com/lollaberlin2025. For more on Lollapalooza’s global festival lineup, visit one of the following festival websites: Lollapalooza Berlin presented by TelekomLollapalooza ChicagoLollapalooza India, and Lollapalooza Brasil.

Shubh Announces First Headline Arena Tour Across North America

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Today, Punjabi rapper-singer and songwriter Shubh announced his first headline arena tour across North America. Produced by Live Nation, the 4-city run will kick off on Friday, August 22 in Oakland, CA at Oakland Arena, making stops in Vancouver and Toronto before wrapping up on Sunday, September 7 in Newark, NJ at Prudential Center.

 TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale beginning Wednesday, May 21 at 10am local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, May 23 at 10am local time at livenation.com.

VIP: The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, Meet & Greet and photo op with SHUBH, early access to the floor, specially designed VIP gift item & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

Since debuting in 2021, Shubh has carved an extraordinary path to global success, amassing over 5 billion career streams. Celebrated for his versatility, masterful songwriting, and effortless vocal delivery, Shubh has released multiple international chart-toppers, including “No Love,” “Baller,” “Cheques,” “OneLove,” “We Rollin,” “You and Me,” and “King Shit.”

His debut album, Still Rollin (2023), received widespread acclaim, charting on major album charts across the USA, Canada, UK, UAE, Australia, and New Zealand. Its standout single, “Cheques,” peaked at #3 on Billboard’s India Songs chart and became the #1 song in India.

Building on this momentum, Shubh released his first EP, LEO, which dominated Billboard charts worldwide. His organic rise and deeply loyal fanbase are a testament to his authentic artist-to-audience connection — a rare achievement in today’s music industry.

Shubh has sold out all five of his live shows in London, Birmingham, Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland, further solidifying his status as a global live performer. In 2024, he was honored as “Hip Hop / Rap Artist of the Year” at the 23rd Jim Beam Indies Awards during Canadian Music Week.

In January 2025, Shubh unveiled SICARIO, a dynamic 10-track album that showcases his evolving artistry. Seamlessly blending hard-hitting anthems like “Buckle Up” and “Reckless” with pop-driven tracks such as “Aura” and “Bars,” alongside melodic gems like “Fell For You,” SICARIO masterfully fuses Punjabi lyricism with modern hip-hop production. He followed the project with the surprise release of the single “Supreme” in April 2025 which has already started dominating global charts as well as Canada charts. With SICARIO and “Supreme,”  Shubh offers a cohesive, genre-bending narrative that reaffirms his position as a formidable global force in music.

SHUBH 2025 TOUR DATES:

Fri Aug 22 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena

Sat Aug 23 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

Fri Sep 05 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

Sun Sep 07 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center

Wiz Khalifa Announces Good Vibes Only Tour: Smoker’s Edition

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Wiz Khalifa today announced the Good Vibes Only Tour: Smoker’s Edition, the second leg of his upcoming summer tour across North America. This new leg features a stacked lineup of special guests including Dom Kennedy, Earl Sweatshirt, Curren$y, Ab-Soul, Chevy WoodsFedd The God, and DJ Bonics. Produced by Live Nation, the run kicks off Tuesday, July 29 in Austin, TX at Germania Insurance Amphitheater, with stops in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chula Vista, and more, before wrapping Thursday, August 14 at Cascades Amphitheater in Ridgefield, WA.

The first leg of the tour, previously announced, is a co-headlining run with Wiz Khalifa and Sean Paul, featuring special guest DaBaby, plus Chevy Woods, Fedd The God, and DJ Bonics.

Touring amphitheaters since 2012, Wiz always delivers an electric performance to rev up his fans. The Good Vibes Only Tour: Smoker’s Edition announce arrives after Wiz’s most recently released his highly anticipated new album, Kush + Orange Juice 2, last month. Listen hereKush + Orange Juice 2 makes its mark as Wiz’s eighth studio album and is the official follow-up to his 2010 breakout mixtape Kush & Orange Juice, on the heels of its 15th anniversary. The new album features production from Kush & Orange Juice producers Cardo, ID Labs, and Sledgren, as well as producers Mike WiLL Made-It, Juicy J, Jason Martin, Dominique Sanders, DJ Quik, Crazy Mike, TM88, Crash Dummy, Lex Luger, DJ Fresh, and Kenneth Wright. Featured collaborations on the album include OT Genasis, Ty Dolla $ign, JasonMartin, Luh Tyler, Michael Prince, LaRussell, Terrace Martin, Curren$y, Max B, Juicy J, DJ Quik, Larry June, Chevy Woods, rmr, Don Toliver, and Smoke DZA.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting Tuesday, May 20 at 10am local time with the artist presale. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Thursday, May 22 at 10am local time at livenation.com.

Multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY and Golden Globe nominated recording artist Wiz Khalifa burst onto the scene with the release of his first major label debut album, ROLLING PAPERS‎ in 2011. ‎ROLLING PAPERS spawned the hugely successful hits “Black and Yellow,” “Roll Up,” and “No Sleep” and gave Wiz the platform to win the award for “Best New Artist” at the 2011 BET Awards and “Top New Artist” at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards. “Black and Yellow” also earned him his first two GRAMMY nods for “Best Rap Performance” and “Best Rap Song”. As a follow up to ROLLING PAPERS, Wiz Released O.N.I.F.C. in 2012. This album featured tracks “Work Hard, Play Hard” and “Remember You” featuring The Weeknd. His third studio album released in 2014, BLACC HOLLYWOOD, ‎debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart and included the hit single “We DemBoyz.” Soon after, Wiz’s track,‎ “See You Again,” off the FURIOUS 7 soundtrack, catapulted to the top of the charts across 95 countries and earned him a Golden Globes nomination for “Best Original Song”. Wiz released his album, KHALIFA, in February 2016 as a thank you to fans which included the tracks “Bake Sale” featuring Travis Scott and “Elevated.” In June of the same year, Wiz collaborated with Juicy J and TM88 to debut TGOD MAFIA PRESENTS: RUDE AWAKENING. On April 20th, 2017, to celebrate  4/20, Wiz launched his mobile app, Wiz Khalifa’s Weed Farm, which has garnered over 10.1 million downloads and is currently being played in over eight countries and six languages.  In February 2018, Wiz partnered with Sovereign Brands to create McQueen and the Violet Fog, an Award winning gin and rated by the NY Times as the “Best Gin”. In April of 2019, Wiz released his 5-part docu series with Apple Music, “Wiz Khalifa: Behind the Cam,” which gives viewers an exclusive look into his life and career. Wiz was also a series regular in Fox’s animated sitcom, “Duncanville” which had its season 3 finale in 2022. Wiz released his project, The Saga of Wiz Khalifa, which was followed by his critically acclaimed collaborative album, FULL COURT PRESS, with Girl Talk, Big K.R.I.T., and Smoke DZA. In July 2022, Wiz released his full-length solo album MULTIVERSE, to rave reviews. Wiz had a massive 2023 with the release of four new mixtapes; Star Power Mixtape, See Ya Mixtape, Khali Sober Mixtape and Decisions Mixtape. In addition, Wiz released four singles; “Don’t Text Don’t Call”, “Peace and Love”, “You” feat. Ty Dolla $ign, and “Hype Me Up”. Last spring, Wiz made his Stagecoach Music Festival Debut and released his new album, KUSH + ORANGE JUICE 2 on April 18th.

Good Vibes Only Tour: Smoker’s Edition 2025 Dates:

Tue Jul 29 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater

Thu Jul 31 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheatre

Fri Aug 01 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

Sun Aug 03 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion at Concord

Thu Aug 07 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater

Fri Aug 08 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

Sat Aug 09 – Irvine, CA – Great Park Live

Tue Aug 12 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre

Thu Aug 14 – Ridgefield, WA – Cascades Amphitheater

ABOUT WIZ KHALIFA