Presented by Relentless Beats, Better Together returns November 22 & 23, 2025 as an immersive, open-air celebration of electronic music and community spirit. Following its 2024 debut—which showcased icons such as Carl Cox, Disclosure, Fisher, Tiësto, Black Coffee and Kaytranada—Better Together rises anew in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, transforming the storied Steele Indian School Park into a two-night sonic oasis beneath desert skies.
Nestled amid acres of shaded lawns and framed by the Valley’s skyline, Steele Indian School Park delivers a lush festival setting just steps from light rail and major ride-share corridors. In leaving behind traditional “festival fields,” Better Together ensures fans can focus on what matters most: reuniting with fellow music lovers and discovering genre-bending performances across house, techno, bass and beyond.
Fans eager to guarantee their place can sign up now for the Early Access Presale, which opens Thursday, May 22 at 10 a.m. PT. All two-day ticket tiers—General Admission and VIP—will then become available Friday, May 23 at 10 a.m. MST, with pricing starting at $139 (plus fees). Presale registrants enjoy first access to limited table-service packages and VIP upgrades. Visit www.relentlessbeats.com for full ticket details and presale registration.
In keeping with Relentless Beats’ ethos of “music as action,” a portion of all proceeds will benefit local nonprofits, including a Thanksgiving food drive supporting Valley families in need. The festival’s Community Impact Initiative will spotlight a curated art showcase by Phoenix-based creators, underscoring Better Together’s commitment to the vibrant cultural fabric of its host city.
Lineup announcements, stage maps and artist activations will be revealed in the coming weeks—so stay tuned at www.WeGoBetterTogether.com.
Little Steven’s Underground Garage is cranking up the volume this summer with a killer lineup of garage rock greatness, hitting Bowery Electric on June 12. Get ready for an unforgettable night featuring Steve Conte, Joy Buzzer, The Jellybricks and The Midnight Callers—four dynamic acts keeping the spirit of real rock ‘n’ roll alive and loud.
ARTIST LINEUP:
Steve Conte
Known for his work with the New York Dolls and Michael Monroe, Steve Conte brings his signature swagger, soul, and fierce rock ‘n’ roll energy to the stage with his latest solo project. His new album, The Concrete Jangle, (Wicked Cool Records) is a collaboration with XTC’s Andy Partridge, blending Conte’s raw edge with Partridge’s unique musical vision. A mainstay on Little Steven’s Underground Garage, Conte’s live shows are consistently electrifying—intense, unforgettable, and full of heart.
Joy Buzzer
Born from the heart of NYC’s rock scene, Joy Buzzer delivers hook-packed power pop with sharp songwriting and infectious energy. Featuring members of The Lord Calverts and The Doppel Gang, their 2024 debut album Pleased to Meet You (Wicked Cool Records) channels the spirit of Fountains of Wayne, XTC, and Badfinger. With tight harmonies, witty lyrics, and a sound that’s both classic and fresh, they’re quickly becoming a new favorite on Little Steven’s Underground Garage.
The Jellybricks
Hailing from Pennsylvania, The Jellybricks deliver smart, hook-laden rock with a timeless power pop punch. Their latest album, Dreaming in Stereo, (Wicked Cool Records) highlights the band’s knack for harmony-rich melodies and sharp, melodic songwriting. A favorite on Little Steven’s Underground Garage, The Jellybricks continue to turn heads with their energetic live shows and classic-meets-modern sound.
The Midnight Callers
Combining their love for massive guitar rigs, lush harmonies, infectious hooks, and Bonham-style beats, NYC’s Midnight Callers are here to keep heads banging and feet moving all night. This vibrant four-piece blends their passion for vintage rock with a fresh twist, delivering a sound that captures the essence of rock ‘n’ roll’s golden era while adding their own unique flair.
WHAT: Little Steven’s Underground Garage Presents: Steve Conte, Joy Buzzer, The Jellybricks, The Midnight Callers WHEN: Wednesday, June 12, 2025 @ 6PM EST WHERE: Bowery Electric, 327 Bowery, New York, NY TICKETS: Available now at boweryelectric.com
What do Little Richard, The White Stripes, Darlene Love, The Beatles, and The Ramones have in common? Little Steven’s Underground Garage! Maximum Rock and Soul!
In April of 2002 Stevie Van Zandt launched Little Steven’s Underground Garage, his internationally syndicated terrestrial Rock and Soul radio show. Each week Little Steven takes audiences on a two hour trip through all 60 years of Rock and Roll, and it’s roots. Not only does The Underground Garage play the coolest Rock records ever made, but it has helped introduce over 1000 new bands throughout the history of the show including The White Stripes, The Strokes, The Hives, Arcade Fire, Gaslight Anthem, The Black Keys, Rival Sons, and more to an international audience. Over 40% of the format is dedicated to new music and emerging artists.
The show also features pop culture history, Steven’s anecdotes, fun facts, and occasional interviews. It is broadcast on over 80 stations in 200 plus markets, including internationally in Canada, UK, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Sweden, Belgium, Peru, and Australia, as well as worldwide on the American Forces Network and Voice of America.
Over 1000 consecutive weekly episodes have aired and have included such special guests as Jack Black, Brian Wilson, Ray Davies, Peter Wolf, Iggy Pop, Ringo Starr, Keith Richards, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen, and has been endorsed by legends like David Bowie, Pete Townshend, Lou Reed, Ozzy Osbourne, Joan Jett, Robert Plant, James Hetfield, Debbie Harry and many, many others.
The success of the radio show has allowed Little Steven’s Underground Garage to expand beyond the world of radio into television, live events, albums, satellite radio, and more.
Thee Sacred Souls share their new single “We Don’t Have To Be Alone” today. Their first new music release of 2025, the single arrives with the news that this breakout San Diego group will join the Kali Uchis – The Sincerely, Tour of arenas this August and September, including performances at Madison Square Garden in New York, The Kia Forum in Los Angeles and more. Fresh off their Coachella debut, Thee Sacred Souls will also perform at key festivals this summer including Newport Jazz, Boston Calling Music Festival, Roskilde and more. See below for the full itinerary and ticket information, and at: https://www.theesacredsouls.com/tour-dates
“We Don’t Have To Be Alone” was recorded during the sessions for the band’s sophomore album, Got A Story To Tell, released last October on Daptone Records.
It’s been a tremendous 12 months for Thee Sacred Souls. The band’s accolades continue to build and include a performance on the outdoor stage at Jimmy Kimmel Live!, a COLORS session, a co-sign from Beyonce in her GQ cover story (other fans include SZA, Kylie Jenner, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats, Leon Bridges and more), profiles in the LA Times and Esquire, nearly 8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, sold-out concerts at the Brooklyn Paramount, two nights at Roundhouse in London, three nights at the Wiltern in Los Angeles last December and more. Other highlights since they released their debut album in 2022 include NPR’s Tiny Desk, CBS Saturday, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and other key festival appearances including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits.
Got A Story To Tell, the band’s latest album, was written by Thee Sacred Souls’ founding members Alejandro Garcia, Salvador Samano, and Josh Lane, and released in October 2024. It features 12 original songs that further cement the band’s status as masters of modern soul and was recorded at Penrose Recorders in Riverside, CA, with producer Gabriel Roth at the helm. The band found inspiration in Brazilian legend Arthur Verocai, the Delfonics, Jamaican rocksteady and Motown siren Mary Wells. Got A Story To Tell singles include “Waiting on the Right Time” and “Lucid Girl.” The anticipated follow-up to their self-titled 2022 breakout, Got A Story To Tell is a reflection of the band’s journey—marked by relentless touring, newfound fame, and the trials that come with rapid success.
TOUR DATES
May 23 – Boston, MA – Boston Calling Music Festival
May 24 – Jersey City, NJ – White Eagle Hall
May 25 – Charlottesville, VA – Ting Pavilion
May 28 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits
May 30 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
May 31 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
Jun 1 – Lexington, KY – Railbird Music Festival
Jun 3 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore
Jun 5 – Saint Paul, MN – Palace Theatre
Jun 6 – Milwaukee, WI – The Riverside Theater
Jun 7 – Bloomington, IN – Granfalloon
Jun 15 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
Jun 17 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center
Jun 19 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Jun 28 – Hartford, CT – The Capitol Groove
Jul 3 – Roskilde, DK – Roskilde Festival
Jul 4 – Werchter, BE – Rock Werchter
Jul 5 – East Sussex, UK – Love Supreme Festival
Jul 7 – Vienne, FR – Jazz a Vienne, Théâtre Antique
Jul 10 – Marseille, FR – Festival Jazz des 5 Continents, Théâtre Silvain
Jul 11 – Perugia, IT – Umbria Jazz
Jul 13 – Rotterdam, NL – North Sea Jazz Festival
Jul 18 – London, UK – Alexandra Palace Park^
Jul 19 – Pori, Finland – Pori Jazz
Aug 1 – Newport, RI – Newport Jazz Festival
Aug 2 – Portland, ME – Back Cove Music & Arts Festival
Aug 14 – Portland, OR – Moda Center #
Aug 15 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena #
Aug 17 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center #
Aug 18 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center #
Aug 20 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum #
Aug 23 – Palm Desert, CA – Acrisure Arena #
Aug 24 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena #
Aug 27 – Phoenix, AZ – PHX Arena #
Aug 28 – El Paso, TX – UTEP Don Haskins Center #
Aug 30 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center #
Aug 31 – Austin, TX – Moody Center #
Sep 2 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center #
Sep 4 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center #
Sep 5 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center #
Sep 7 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena #
Sep 8 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center #
Sep 11 – New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden #
Sep 14 – Boston, MA – TD Garden #
Sep 16 – Laval, QC – Place Bell #
Sep 17 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena #
Sep 19 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena #
Sep 20 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center #
Sep 23 – Chicago, IL – United Center #
Sep 25 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena #
Sept 27 – Las Vegas, NV – Paradice
*with Trevor Hall and Fruit Bats
^with Leon Bridges
# Kali Uchis – The Sincerely, Tour – Ticket pre-sales begin Weds May 14, general on-sale Fri May 16 10AM local time
Today, the bass virtuoso and funk originalist – MonoNeon – has released his new studio album You Had Your Chance…Bad Attitude. The album is another example of this prolific prodigy’s ever-evolving sound and features more experimental elements of R&B and funk. To mark the occasion of the release, a music video for the single “Beyoncé” is also out.
Prior to the albums full release, MonoNeon gave fans a preview with the pre-release singles “Beyoncé,” “Bad Attitude” and a stand alone track titled “God Reason” that had him teaming up with comedian Katt Williams, the legendary George Clinton and the GRAMMY winning producer, songwriter and rapper James Fauntleroy (Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, SZA) – Watch the animated visualizer directed and created by Cody A. Banks.
The new album was recorded between his hometown of Memphis and the legendary Floki Studios in Iceland and will be his first release via the studio’s label imprint and distributed by Color Red. You Had Your Chance enriches a dizzying MonoNeon catalog that includes nearly 20 distinct solo releases, collaborations with Mac Miller, Ne-Yo, Sudan Archives and Georgia Anne Muldrow and crucial contributions to Nas’ King Disease, which won the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2020. He’s also released his own signature five-string bass through Fender and Whammy pedal through DigTech – a testament to both his virtuosity and the respect afforded to him by studio pros and amateurs alike.
MonoNeon is an American bassist and experimental musician from Memphis, Tennessee. He is known for his presence on YouTube playing bass guitar and being one of the last people to work with Prince. MonoNeon is a Grammy Award-winning artist, for his participation on the 2020 Nas album King’s Disease. On November 1, 2022, Fender released the MonoNeon Collection, which included the MonoNeon Jazz Bass V Signature.
Known for his otherworldly live show, MonoNeon has played Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, and more. Kicking off this summer, MonoNeon will play a string of North American, Australian and Asian tour dates. He’ll begin the I Want Snacks & Gifts Tour with a stop in his hometown of Memphis, TN, followed by a few dates in the South before heading abroad for multiple stops in New Zealand, Australia and Japan. He’ll wrap the June tour in California with a final show at the Echoplex in Los Angeles on June 28th and support Primus on tour in July through the beginning of August. Full tour dates below.
Tour Dates:
May 03 – Riverbeat – Memphis, TN
May 11 – Buffalo Bayou Park – Houston, TX
May 13 – Red Bluff Music, Arts, & Food Fest – Montgomery, AL
Jun. 09 – The Tuning Fork – Auckland, New Zealand
Jun. 10 – San Fran – Wellington, New Zealand
Jun. 12 – The Princess Theatre – Brisbane, Australia
Jun. 13 – Vivid Sydney – Sydney, Australia
Jun. 14 – The Croxton Bandroom – Melbourne, Australia
Drummers are the heartbeats of bands. They’re the engine that keeps the whole thing moving. And yet, time and time again, we hear the same story—another drummer gone. Whether you’re looking at The Beatles before Ringo, The Smashing Pumpkins or the Foo Fighters and now The Who’s ever-revolving rhythm section, or Spinal Tap’s infamous drummer saga, there’s something about the position that seems cursed.
The Beat Takes a Toll
Drumming is no joke. It’s physically exhausting, sweat-drenched, and loud. Night after night, drummers take the brunt of the energy it takes to power a live performance. Add to that the hours of load-in and tear-down, and you’ve got a musician who’s working overtime just to keep the beat. After a while, the toll on the body starts to outweigh the thrill of the gig.
Stuck in the Shadows
While the guitarist shreds a solo and the singer pours their heart out at center stage, the drummer is usually tucked in the back, quite literally in the shadows. They’re often left out of interviews, excluded from songwriting credits, and rarely get a say in the creative direction. It’s not hard to see why some start to wonder if they’re just hired hands behind the kit.
Life on the Road Ain’t Easy
Touring can look glamorous from the outside, but for many drummers, it’s a relentless cycle of driving, hauling, waiting, playing, and repeating. The physical demands of touring combine with the emotional drain of being far from home. That’s why drummers often bow out first—they’re the ones with the least glory and the heaviest lifting.
Creative Differences Can Get Loud
Drummers often face friction when the rest of the band wants a different sound, feel, or tempo. Even minor disagreements can spiral into major arguments. And because drummers are frequently seen as the “easiest to replace,” they’re the first to be shown the door when band dynamics get tense. Sometimes they walk out on their own before that can even happen.
Drum Machines Don’t Talk Back
With the rise of studio software and digital loops, some bands opt to use programmed beats instead of a human drummer. It’s more precise. It’s less expensive. It doesn’t argue about tempo. But it also removes the soul of live performance. For bands chasing perfection, drummers can find themselves sidelined by technology that can’t sweat, but also can’t swing.
In the End, the Drummer Might Just Explode
Whether it’s the mythical curse of Spinal Tap or the real-life drama of bands like Fleetwood Mac, the drummer’s seat has seen more turnover than a late-night diner. To keep a great drummer, you’ve got to treat them like the lifeblood of your sound. Because once they’re gone, you’ll feel it in every missed beat.
Keeping a drummer is a balancing act of respect, patience, and mutual vision. The great ones—Charlie Watts, Max Weinberg, Sheila E.—stick around because the band sees them as more than just a beat. They’re part of the soul. And when that connection clicks, it’s magic. But when it doesn’t, well, there’s always another drummer waiting in the wings.
British blues-rock star Joanne Shaw Taylor has announced a brand-new run of U.S. tour dates for Fall 2025, to follow the release of her upcoming album Black & Gold, out June 6th via Journeyman Records. Black & Gold is available for pre-order. The new dates begin October 17th in Bonita Springs, FL and continue through November, bringing Joanne’s dynamic live show to cities across the East Coast and concluding in Wichita, KS.
Tickets went on sale to the general public TODAY at 10 am local time. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit joanneshawtaylor.com/tour.
The announcement comes on the heels of Joanne’s latest single “Summer Love,” a breezy, handclap-laced standout that captures the feel-good spirit of fleeting romance. “I specifically had it in my mind that I wanted to write a summer pop single for this album,” Joanne shares. “It’s just something I’ve always loved—driving around Michigan, now Tennessee in summer and having that one song you love to hear on the radio that years later triggers happy memories. I hope this could be that song for someone out there.”
“Summer Love” is the latest in a string of releases teasing Joanne’s forthcoming album Black & Gold, following the emotionally raw “Look What I’ve Become,” the high-octane “Hell Of A Good Time,” and the introspective “Grayer Shade of Blue” and “I Gotta Stop Letting You Let Me Down.” Each single showcases a different facet of Joanne’s evolving sound, bridging raw blues-rock roots with vibrant pop edges and cinematic textures.
Produced by Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Journey, Aerosmith), Black & Gold marks Joanne’s most expansive work to date—featuring original songs alongside a shimmering cover of Sam Sparro’s “Black & Gold” and the stirring ballad “Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?” The album reflects her continued evolution as a songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist.
Joanne recently wrapped a successful U.S. Spring Tour and is now preparing for a packed summer of headline shows and festival appearances across North America and Europe, including sets at Pori Jazz Festival, Festival Des Guitares du Monde, Blues From The Top, and more. Known for her fiery musicianship and commanding stage presence, Joanne continues to captivate live audiences with a mix of fan favorites and new material from Black & Gold.
2025 Summer Tour Dates & Festivals
May 30 – Quebec, CA – Festival Des Guitares du Monde
June 13 – Henderson, KY – WC Handy Festival
June 28 – Winter Park, CO – Blues From The Top
July 12 – Salamanca, Spain – Festival Blues Béjar
July 17 – Pori, FI – Pori Jazz Festival
July 18 – Kent, UK – Maid Of Stone Festival
August 5 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse (rescheduled)
August 6 – Riverhead, NY – The Suffolk
August 8 – Salisbury, MA – Blue Ocean Music Hall
August 9 – Holyoke, MA – De La Luz Soundstage
August 10 – North Truro, MA – Payomet Performing Arts Center
August 12 – Arden, DE – Arden Concert Gild
August 14 – Newton, NJ – The Newton Theatre
August 15 – Bethlehem, PA – Summer Series Festival
August 16 – Norwich, NY – Chenango Blues Festival
2025 Fall U.S. Tour
October 17 – Bonita Springs, FL – Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center
October 18 – Clearwater, FL – Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
October 21 – Asheville, NC – Diana Wortham Theatre
October 22 – Raleigh, NC – Fletcher Opera Theater
October 24 – Wilmington, NC – Kenan Auditorium
October 25 – Savannah, GA – District Live
October 27 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
October 28 – Hopewell, VA – The Beacon Theatre
October 31 – Old Saybrook, CT – The Kate
November 1 – Nashua, NH – Nashua Center for the Arts
November 4 – Cleveland, OH – TempleLive @ Cleveland Masonic
November 7 – West Bend, WI – The Bend Theater
November 8 – Viroqua, WI – Historic Temple Theatre
November 9 – Minneapolis, MN – The Parkway Theater
November 11 – Madison, WI – Atwood Music Hall
November 13 – Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre
November 14 – St. Louis – Delmar Hall
November 16 – Wichita, KS – The Cotillion
Black & Gold by Joanne Shaw Taylor
1. Hold Of My Heart
2. All The Things I Said
3. Black & Gold
4. Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?
5. I Gotta Stop Letting You Let Me Down
6. Summer Love
7. Grayer Shade Of Blue
8. Hell Of A Good Time
9. Look What I’ve Become
10. What Are You Gonna Do Now?
On the heels of his soulful lead single “Bye Bye Blues,” celebrated blues singer and guitarist Larry McCray returns today with “Bright Side,” the second release from his upcoming album Heartbreak City, due out June 13 via KTBA Records, the label founded by Joe Bonamassa. The mid-tempo burner—written by Josh Smith, Michael “Harvey” Price, and Steve Shepherd—was originally penned for the late, great Bobby “Blue” Bland, but sat unreleased for decades until producer Josh Smith brought it to McCray, knowing he was the one to bring it to life.
With deep-in-the-pocket grooves, sly lyrical turns, and an irresistible call-and-response chorus, “Bright Side” leans into McCray’s ability to deliver grit with charm and swagger. His weathered vocals ride a classic blues progression that’s equal parts tough and joyful, while his signature guitar tone cuts through like a livewire. “Bright Side” shows McCray doing what he does best—delivering emotional truth with musical fire.
Produced by Grammy-nominated duo Bonamassa and Smith, Heartbreak City is a bold, unfiltered collection that finds McCray at the height of his powers. The ten-track album fuses raw blues with vintage soul, Southern grit, and a hard-won sense of joy, featuring standout contributions from Reese Wynans, Kirk Fletcher, and background vocalists Jade Macrae and Dannielle De Andrea, as well as guest guitar work from Bonamassa himself. The album was recorded at Sunset Sound in Hollywood and mixed by Alan Hertz.
The project was first introduced with the lead single “Bye Bye Blues,” a finger-snapping throwback co-written with longtime collaborator Charlie Walmsley that paid homage to the soul icons of McCray’s youth—Johnnie Taylor, Bobby “Blue” Bland, and Little Milton among them.
Across Heartbreak City, McCray leans into themes of reflection, resilience, and redemption, drawing from decades of lived experience on and off the stage. His voice—gravelly, weathered, and full of soul—carries the weight of hard-earned wisdom, while his guitar work remains as fiery and fluid as ever. With gospel-tinged harmonies, taut grooves, and a band that matches him punch for punch, Heartbreak City reclaims the blues, reframing it through the lens of someone who’s survived it, played it, and lived it for more than four decades.
The album follows McCray’s 2022 comeback Blues Without You, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Blues Chart and was named the #1 Blues Album of the Year by Blues Rock Review. The record marked a triumphant return after a seven-year hiatus and helped relaunch McCray onto festival stages and year-end best-of lists. In 2024, he was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame, further cementing his place among the greats.
Born in Smackover, Arkansas, and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, McCray developed a guitar style that blends the electric fire of Hendrix with the soul of B.B. King and the Southern swing of the Allman Brothers. He was the first artist signed to Virgin Records’ Point Blank imprint in the late ’80s and went on to release a series of genre-defining albums, including Ambition, Delta Hurricane, and Born to Play the Blues. Over his storied career, McCray has shared the stage with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Albert King, the Allman Brothers, Joe Walsh, Jonny Lang, and many more.
“Larry McCray is a legend,” shares Joe Bonamassa. “We have known that for 30 years. He is the last of the great blues shouters from the Rust Belt. In the spirit of BB King, Luther Allison, and Little Milton, Larry is among the greats. It’s now up to the world to rediscover him. He has been here all along.”
Heartbreak City by Larry McCray Tracklist:
1. Try To Be A Good Man
2. Heartbreak City
3. Bye Bye Blues
4. Bright Side
5. Everything Falls On Me
6. I Know What I’ve Done (feat. Joe Bonamassa)
7. Keep On Loving My Baby (feat. Kirk Fletcher & Josh Smith)
8. Hangman
9. Stop Your Crying
10. Crazy World
Tour Dates:
May 24 – Burton, MI – Burton Rock & Blues Festival
August 24 – Marshfield, MA – North River Blues Fest
September 15-21 – Seattle, WA – Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Alaska
Devon Allman’s Blues Summit Tour:
August 7 – Baton Rouge, LA – Raising Cane’s River Center
August 8 – Lake Charles, LA – The Rosa Hart Theatre
August 9 – Pensacola, FL – Saenger Theater
August 10 – Montgomery, AL – Montgomery Performing Arts Center
August 12 – Nashville, TN – Fogg St Lawn Club
August 13 – Union Hall, VA – The Coves
August 14 – Hopewell, VA – The Beacon Theatre
August 15 – Norfolk, CT – Infinity Music Hall
August 16 – Jordan, NY – Kegs Canalside
August 17 – Kingston, NY – Ulster Performing Arts Center
August 20 – Atlantic City, NJ – Mardi Gras AC @ Kennedy Plaza
August 21 – Cranston, RI – The Park Theatre
August 23 – Nashua, NH – Nashua Center for the Arts
September 4 – Phoenix, AZ – MIM
September 5 – Las Vegas, NV – Big Blues Bender
September 6 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – Coach House
September 9 – Santa Fe, NM – The Lensic
September 10 – Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar Performing Arts Center
September 11 – Parker, CO – The Pace Center
September 12-13 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
** Features Devon Allman, Jimmy Hall, Larry McCray & Sierra Green
Rising American folk singer, songwriter, and musician Ken Pomeroy’s anticipated new album, Cruel Joke, is out today—her first in partnership with Rounder Records.
Anchored in Pomeroy’s Cherokee heritage, Cruel Joke is a powerful collection that showcases her raw songwriting and engaging voice. Produced by Pomeroy’s musical partner Dakota McDaniel, Gary Paczosa (John Prine, Alison Krauss, Sierra Ferrell, Katie Pruitt), and Colton Jean, the project consists of twelve deeply personal tracks—including a collaboration with her longtime songwriting hero John Moreland—that find Pomeroy telling stories of self-realization, reflection, and the world around her.
Known for her impactful live shows, Pomeroy will perform select headline dates this spring, including stops at Nashville’s Row One, Brooklyn’s Baby’s All Right, and Tulsa’s Mercury Lounge (both shows sold out). She’ll also join Iron & Wine, I’m With Her, and Turnpike Troubadours on tour this year, and will play Newport Folk Festival in July.
Of the album, Pomeroy shares, “Dakota and I began recording ‘Cicadas’ back in February 2023. That marked the beginning of our long two-year journey, and so much has happened since we started. The oldest song was written when I was 13 years old; the most recent was added only a few months ago, just before we finished recording. For almost two years, we dedicated nearly every waking moment to working on Cruel Joke.”
An Oklahoma native, Pomeroy is already receiving widespread attention as “a new voice reviving the age-old Native Americana sound” (Teen Vogue). At 22, she’s appeared in the hit film Twisters (performing a cover of “Wall of Death”), had her song “Cicadas” featured in Hulu’s Reservation Dogs, and toured with Lukas Nelson, Iron & Wine, American Aquarium, John Moreland, and Kaitlin Butts. A skilled guitarist and versatile session musician, she’s also lent her talents to projects by Wilderado, Kyle Nix (Turnpike Troubadours), J.R. Carroll, and more.
CRUEL JOKE TRACK LIST:
Pareidolia
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Wrango
Rodeo Clown
Coyote (feat. John Moreland)
Stranger
Dogs Die
Grey Skies
Flannel Cowboy
Days Getting Darker
Cicadas
Innocent Eyes
KEN POMEROY CONFIRMED TOUR DATES:
May 16 — Nashville, TN — Row One
May 21 — Brooklyn, NY — Baby’s All Right
June 7 — Tulsa, OK — Mercury Lounge (SOLD OUT)
June 8 — Tulsa, OK — Mercury Lounge (SOLD OUT)
June 19–22 — Telluride, CO — Telluride Bluegrass Festival
June 27 — Pendleton, OR — Jackalope Jamboree
July 10 — Interlochen, MI — Interlochen Center for the Arts+
July 11 — Cincinnati, OH — Taft Theatre+
July 12 — Asheville, NC — Asheville Yards Amphitheatre+
July 13 — Cary, NC — Koka Booth Amphitheatre+
July 16 — Westport, CT — Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts~
July 19 — Portland, ME — Thompson’s Point+
July 20 — Burlington, VT — The Green at Shelburne Museum+
July 21 — Northampton, MA — The Pines Theater+
July 23 — Richmond, VA — Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden+
July 24 — Glenside, PA — Keswick Theatre+
July 25 — Lafayette, NY — Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards+
July 26 — Newport, RI — Newport Folk Festival
August 29 — La Vista, NE — The Astro*
September 26 — Chesterfield, MO — The Factory
+supporting Iron & Wine and I’m With Her
~supporting I’m With Her
*supporting Turnpike Troubadours
Globally acclaimed music phenomenon Africa Express is back with a new studio album. Africa Express Presents… Bahidorá, recorded in Mexico, is set for release on July 11 via World Circuit Records. The first two singles—“Mi Lado” featuring Alansito Vega, Poté & Mare Advertencia, and “Kuduro” featuring Fatoumata Diawara, Moonchild Sanelly & Tom Excell—are out now.
Africa Express Presents… Bahidorá will be available digitally, as well as on double CD and double gatefold vinyl LP formats; order/pre-save the record HERE.
Africa Express ventured to the Americas for the first time in 2024 to headline the Mexican festival Bahidorá. An extraordinary group of musicians, singers, and DJs from around the world came together to rehearse, perform, and write new music ahead of an epic five-hour show on the banks of the ancient springs. Afterwards, they stayed on to record in field studios, tents, and hotel rooms. The result is this remarkable collection of 21 tracks—the project’s sixth album and its first since 2019’s Africa Express Presents… Egoli, which was recorded in Johannesburg.
An album like no other, Africa Express Presents… Bahidorá is a sonic journey that distills the joy of a musical adventure in Mexico into 21 extraordinary songs. Featuring artists from four continents but with roots firmly planted in Mexico, it entwines rich musical traditions ranging from cumbia, hip-hop, and kuduro to soul, salsa, and the sweetest pop.
“Mi Lado” is pure Latin-pop catchiness, with soulful vocals riding a reggaeton beat. It features quickfire Mexican rapper Mare Advertencia—a feminist activist whose lyrics often explore misogyny and gang violence—alongside St. Lucia–born electro artist Poté and LA-based producer Alansito Vega.
“Kuduro” is the fast-and-furious second track, in which two of Africa’s most distinctive female voices—Mali’s Fatoumata Diawara and South Africa’s Moonchild Sanelly—swap vocals over a pounding beat laid down by Tom Excell of Onipa. “Men come and go,” sings Moonchild resignedly. “They come back crying as if it were not them.”
Africa Express is an adventure and a journey, always evolving and exploring fresh musical boundaries. It is built on respect and champions a simple concept: we are stronger when we collaborate, communicate openly, and recognize that everyone has something to say. By breaking down barriers between nations, genders, generations, and genres, Africa Express embodies unity—a spirit perfectly captured by the eclecticism and sound of Africa Express Presents… Bahidorá.
This summer, Africa Express will hit the road across Europe, including stops at Roskilde Festival on July 6 and Barcelona’s Cruïlla Festival on July 11.Africa Express began in 2006 in Mali, connecting local stars Toumani Diabaté, Bassekou Kouyaté, and Amadou & Mariam with visiting artists such as Martha Wainwright, Fatboy Slim, and co-founder Damon Albarn. Now a globally renowned project, it never loses its capacity to surprise—whether live or on record. Africa Express has invited Western artists to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Mali; staged collaborative seven-hour concerts from Liverpool to Lagos; taken a train of musicians around Britain for the London Olympics; reunited a Syrian orchestra divided by civil war; and recorded the first African interpretation of Terry Riley’s minimalist classic “In C.” Participating artists have included Baaba Maal, Blur, Charli XCX, Faia Younan, Femi Kuti, Flea, Franz Ferdinand, Kano, Oumou Sangaré, Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, Rachid Taha, Rokia Traoré, Tony Allen, and many others.
Regina Spektor has reissued five of her acclaimed albums on limited edition color vinyl, all available everywhere today. More info/purchase HERE. Ahead of these reissues, she has earned a host of new RIAA certifications—Begin to Hope is now RIAA Platinum-certified, Far is RIAA Gold-certified, amongst other notable achievements. Further below.
The reissues include Begin to Hope (Yellow Flame LP), Far (Velum Clear LP), What We Saw From The Cheap Seats (Translucent Red LP), Remember Us to Life (Black Clouds 2LP), and Live in London (Curacao 2LP). Far and Live in London are both seeing their return to vinyl, having been out of print for several years.
Several newly remastered HD music videos are also available today including “Fidelity,” “Man of A Thousand Faces,” “Dance Anthem of the 80’s” and “Better” with more to come.
“So grateful to everyone who made these records and songs go platinum and gold,” says Spektor. “It’s fun to see how a song that’s been around for a while can suddenly meet new listeners. I loved seeing how beautifully everyone was signing “Two Birds” in ASL. I hope songs keep getting discovered in surprising and creative ways- and that for now, all the colorful new vinyl reissues can express some of my gratitude!”
Spektor first saw commercial success with Begin to Hope (2006). Her breakout album, it includes hit singles “On the Radio,” “Better” and the now RIAA Gold Digital Single “Samson,” as well as now RIAA Platinum Digital Single “Fidelity,” which climbed the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
She followed up Begin to Hope with Far (2009)—which features now RIAA Gold Digital Single “Two Birds”—and What We Saw from the Cheap Seats (2012). Both albums debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
The repressing also includes Remember Us to Life (2016), Spektor’s seventh studio album, and Live in London (2009), her first live album, which features twenty-two songs spanning her extensive catalog at the time and including three unrecorded tracks that have only ever been performed live.
Spektor will return to the road this summer on her Midsummer Daydream Tour, beginning July 22. The tour includes two sold-out nights in Portland and one in Seattle, with additional stops in San Francisco, Denver and more. The tour will also include four stops in Texas, where she hasn’t performed in over a decade. See below for a complete list of dates. Tickets available HERE.
Last year, Spektor formally released her fan favorite second album, Songs, for the first time. Previously sold exclusively at her live shows on homemade CD-Rs, the remaster saw Songs’ first commercial release on vinyl and streaming, and was celebrated with a series of sold out shows in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Her latest studio album, Home, before and after, was released in 2022 to critical praise from The New York Times, NPR Music and more.
TOUR DATES
July 22—San Francisco, CA—The Masonic
July 24—Jacksonville, OR—Britt Festival Pavilion
July 25—Portland, OR—Revolution Hall
July 26—Portland, OR—Revolution Hall
July 28—Seattle, WA—Woodland Park Zoo
July 29—Spokane, WA—Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox
July 31—Boise, ID—Revolution Concert House
August 1—Sandy, UT—Sandy Amphitheater
August 3—Denver, CO—The Mission Ballroom
August 5—Austin, TX—ACL Live
August 6—Dallas, TX—Majestic Theatre
August 8—San Antonio, TX—The Tobin Center
August 9—Houston, TX—Bayou Music Center
BOLD = SOLD OUT
