Nat Geo Kids has released a full episode of their Made in a Day series dedicated entirely to how Gibson builds their iconic Les Paul electric guitar in Nashville, Tennessee. The episode pulls back the curtain on the full production process, from high-tech machinery and skilled hand crafting to the global logistics that bring the finished instrument to stages around the world. It is already approaching a million views, and it is easy to see why.
Festival Napa Valley Celebrates 20 Years With RenƩe Fleming, Wynton Marsalis And A World Premiere Opera
Festival Napa Valley celebrates its 20th anniversary with a summer season running July 4 through 19, 2026, across stages, wineries, and estates throughout Napa Valley. More than 200 artists will appear across music and dance performances, world premieres, and special events. Tickets are available now at festivalnapavalley.org, with a Choose Your Price model for daytime concerts starting at $5.
The headlining performances are exceptional. RenĆ©e Fleming appears in Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene and serves as keynote speaker for the Festival’s Music and Wellness Summit. Wynton Marsalis headlines the Arts for All Gala at Nickel and Nickel Winery, with dinner by chef Dustin Valette. Violinist Ray Chen and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet make their debut duo recital together, and Thibaudet also performs the complete Debussy PrĆ©ludes.
The centerpiece world premiere is The Judgment of Paris, a new opera by composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer, inspired by Napa Valley’s historic rise to global wine prominence. Conducted by Kent Nagano and directed by Jean-Romain Vesperini, the cast includes Danielle De Niese, Quinn Kelsey, Nicholas Phan, Simone McIntosh, and Brenda Rae. The season also includes the world premiere of John Corigliano’s The Red Violin: Suite for Two Violins and Orchestra, featuring soloists Hina and Fiona, and an Opening Night featuring Time for Three performing a new work by Michael Thurber alongside the Young People’s Chorus of New York City.
Additional highlights include a ballet evening directed by Melanie Hamrick with choreography set to Gordon Getty and the Rolling Stones, a Symphonic Finale celebrating America’s 250th anniversary conducted by JoAnn Falletta, a family-friendly Wizard of Oz screening with live orchestra, and daily admission-free Festival Live! concerts throughout the run.
New for 2026, the Allegro Pass at $1,200 offers the next generation of festivalgoers patron-level access, private gatherings, and elevated hospitality. The Patron Experience runs July 10 through 19.
Festival Napa Valley 20th Anniversary Season:
July 4 ā 19, 2026 ā Various venues throughout Napa Valley
Dark Alternative Rockers M.A.G.O. Drop Hypnotic New Single “Bella Strega” While on European Tour
M.A.G.O., the dark alternative rock project fronted by Italian-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Fab “Vestod” Rizzi, have released their new single “Bella Strega,” along with an official music video. The track arrived on streaming platforms on Friday the 13th and marks the second single from the band’s forthcoming nine-track debut album, following “Carnivore Carnival.”
The band is currently on the road as opening act for David Ellefson on the European Bass Warrior Tour, playing dates across Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy through March 29. “Bella Strega” arrives mid-tour, building momentum toward a full album release later in 2026 via the band’s independent label Bohemians Are Not Dead.
Formed in Northern California and now based in Rome, M.A.G.O. blends atmospheric textures with spiritual themes and cinematic intensity, creating a sound that sits somewhere between immersive and unsettling. The debut album was recorded at Different Fur Studios with mixing by Steve “Snake” Green, and the band’s growing European profile suggests the full release will find a ready audience.
“Bella Strega” is the kind of track that pulls you in and does not let go. The video is out now.
Bass Warrior European Tour Dates:
March 19 ā Bochnia, Poland ā Kino Regis
March 20 ā Svatoborice, Czech Republic ā Kino Klub
March 21 ā Vrutky, Slovakia ā Rc Mlyn
March 23 ā Bratislava, Slovakia ā Muzeum
March 24 ā Reichenbach, Germany ā Bergkeller
March 25 ā Breda, Netherlands ā Sounddog
March 26 ā Zutendaal, Belgium ā De Kaller
March 28 ā St. Maurice, Switzerland ā Manoir Pub
March 29 ā Rho/Milan, Italy ā Rock N Roll
The CMA Brings Mental Health Conversations and Intimate Songwriting to SXSW 2026
The Country Music Association (CMA) brought two distinct and deeply human moments to SXSW 2026 on Friday, March 13 ā an honest, solutions-focused conversation around mental health in touring, followed by an intimate CMA Songwriters Series that highlighted the power of storytelling and connection at the core of Country Music.
Earlier in the day, CMA partnered with Amber Health to present a panel that went beyond a traditional moderated discussion, offering a real-time look at how artist care is evolving across the touring ecosystem. The conversation featured artist Wyatt Flores, his manager William Dyer, Dr. Chayim Newman, Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of Amber Health and Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations and Philanthropy. Together, the group shared a candid, behind-the-scenes perspective on the realities of life on the road, from the emotional toll of rapid career growth and touring demands to the challenges faced by artists, managers and crew members alike. Rather than focusing solely on the problem, the discussion highlighted a working model of support, demonstrating how CMA, Amber Health and artist teams are collaborating to embed mental health resources directly into the touring environment. The conversation also underscored a broader cultural shift within the industry ā one that prioritizes proactive care, open dialogue and shared responsibility across the entire touring team, not just the artist.
āBeing in Austin gave us the opportunity to connect with both the broader music community and the local Texas community in a meaningful way,ā says Kerns. āWhether through an honest conversation around mental health or creating space for artists and industry partners to connect through music, we were proud to help bring people together in ways that feel real and lasting. What we experienced throughout the day was a reminder that when we lead with care and connection, we strengthen not only our artists, but our entire industry. For CMA, itās about continuing to show up, build relationships and support the people who make this industry what it is.ā
āWhat made this conversation meaningful was the opportunity to show what high-quality clinical support can look like in practice,ā says Newman. āFor years, the industry has talked about the challenges around mental health. What weāre seeing now is a shift toward solutions that are embedded into the day-to-day reality of touring. Bringing that conversation into a space like SXSW allows more people across the industry to see whatās possible. Weāre grateful to CMA for helping bring the right people together to move that work forward.ā
āAs a manager, youāre responsible for more than just the career. Youāre responsible for the people,ā says Dyer. āWhat weāve learned is that when you prioritize mental health and build a culture where everyone feels supported, it changes everything. The shows are better, the team is stronger and the artist is able to show up in a more real and sustainable way. Having support from partners like Amber Health and CMA made it possible for us to take that approach and build it into how we operate on the road.ā
Later that evening, CMA brought its signature CMA Songwriters Series to Central Presbyterian Church for a stripped-down songwriterās round that carried the spirit of the day into a live performance setting. Opening with a performance by Georgia Webster, the round featured Ingrid Andress, Flores, Tiera Kennedy and Chase McDaniel, who took turns sharing the stories behind their songs and performing them as originally written.
Throughout the evening, the artists moved seamlessly between music and conversation, sharing stories that ranged from deeply personal and reflective to lighthearted and humorous, offering a full spectrum of the human experiences that shape their songwriting. Thoughtful prompts from Zack Borer, Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of Amber Health, helped guide the on-stage conversation, with themes of vulnerability, balance and mental well-being surfacing naturally without disrupting the flow of the performance. The result was an intimate and engaging experience that felt both grounded and uplifting, reinforcing the power of storytelling as a connective force between artists and audiences. Following the performance, CMA hosted a reception that brought together members of the Nashville and Austin music communities, creating space for connection and continued conversation. Attendees included partners and organizations such as the Texas Music Office, Big Loud Texas, C3 Management, the Texas Heritage Songwritersā Association, Waterloo Records, Gold Rush Vinyl and Women in Music Austin, among others. The gathering reflected CMAās ongoing commitment to building bridges across creative communities and strengthening relationships that support the continued growth of Country Music beyond Nashville.
Portugal Golden Visa: 7 Reasons Musicians and Creatives Are Moving to Europe
By Mitch Rice
Musicians, producers, and visual artists are relocating to Portugal in growing numbers. The country’s cultural investment golden visa pathway has attracted over ā¬25.6 million through 100+ applications since its introduction, funding 38 distinct cultural projects across the nation.
This isn’t just another investment migration trend. Portugal offers something unique for creative professionals who want European residency without abandoning their artistic careers.
What Makes Portugal Different for Creative Professionals
The Portuguese golden visa program stands apart because it actually values cultural contribution. Unlike traditional investment routes that require property purchases or capital transfers, Portugal created a pathway specifically for those willing to invest in the country’s artistic and cultural heritage.
The minimum investment starts at ā¬250,000 for cultural heritage or artistic production projects (reduced to ā¬200,000 in low-density areas). That’s significantly lower than many European alternatives, making it accessible to mid-career professionals rather than only the ultra-wealthy.
1. Minimal Physical Presence Requirements
Most residency programs demand substantial time spent in the country. Portugal requires just seven days per year to maintain golden visa status.
For touring musicians, festival performers, or artists with international exhibition schedules, this flexibility is invaluable. Creative professionals can maintain their global careers while building European residency.
After five years of maintaining the visa, applicants become eligible for permanent residency or citizenship. The pathway doesn’t require abandoning existing projects or relocating full-time.
2. Direct Support for Cultural Infrastructure
The cultural investment option funds real institutions. Major beneficiaries include the Serralves Foundation in Porto, which has launched 18 cultural initiatives through golden visa investments, and Culturgest, supporting performing arts programs across Portugal.
These aren’t passive investments. They actively strengthen Portugal’s creative ecosystem, which benefits the entire artistic community. When musicians and creatives invest through this pathway, they’re funding the very infrastructure they might eventually use.
This creates a virtuous cycle: investment strengthens cultural venues, which attract more artists, which enriches the creative environment that made Portugal appealing initially.
3. Access to the Entire Schengen Zone
Portuguese residency permits visa-free travel across 27 Schengen countries. For creative professionals booking gigs across Europe, this removes massive logistical barriers.
Musicians can tour from Lisbon to Berlin without visa applications. Visual artists can exhibit in Paris, Barcelona, and Amsterdam freely. Producers can collaborate with studios across the continent without immigration restrictions.
The practical value extends beyond convenience. Being able to accept last-minute opportunities in any Schengen country creates career flexibility that’s impossible with standard visa arrangements.
4. Family Inclusion Benefits
The golden visa extends to immediate family members: spouses, dependent children, and even dependent parents. Entire creative households can relocate together.
This matters particularly for artists with families. Many creative professionals delay international moves because separating from family feels impossible. Portugal’s program removes that barrier.
Children gain access to European education systems. Spouses can work or study throughout Portugal. Extended family members who previously faced complex visa requirements can join the household legally.
5. Portugal’s Growing Creative Economy
Portugal has deliberately positioned itself as a cultural hub. Government initiatives support everything from film production to music festivals, creating genuine opportunities for creative professionals.
Lisbon hosts major music festivals that attract international audiences. Porto’s arts scene has expanded significantly in recent years. Even smaller cities like Braga and Coimbra have developed robust cultural programming.
The cost of living remains manageable compared to traditional creative capitals like London, Paris, or Berlin. Studio space, housing, and daily expenses consume less of an artist’s income, creating financial breathing room.
6. Pathway to EU Citizenship
After five years maintaining golden visa status and meeting modest residency requirements, applicants can apply for Portuguese citizenship. This grants full EU citizenship rights, including the ability to live and work anywhere in the European Union.
The requirements are reasonable. Applicants must demonstrate basic Portuguese language proficiency and knowledge of Portuguese culture. For artists who’ve spent five years engaging with the country’s cultural sector, these aren’t onerous demands.
Portuguese citizenship also allows dual nationality. Creative professionals can maintain their original citizenship while gaining EU rightsāa significant advantage for those with established careers in their home countries.
7. Tax Considerations for Creative Income
Portugal’s tax framework includes provisions that can benefit creative professionals, though individual circumstances vary significantly. The country has reformed its tax incentives for new residents, and professional guidance is essential for understanding current opportunities.
Creative income streamsāroyalties, licensing fees, performance income, and commission workāeach have specific tax treatments. Portugal’s bilateral tax treaties with numerous countries help prevent double taxation issues that often complicate international creative careers.
The complexity of tax planning for musicians and artists with international income makes professional advice crucial. Those considering Portugal should consult specialists who understand both creative industry income and Portuguese tax regulations.
Comparing Portugal to Other European Programs
Spain’s golden visa requires a minimum ā¬500,000 property investment. Greece demands ā¬250,000 minimum, but focuses on real estate rather than cultural investment. Malta’s program costs significantly more and lacks Portugal’s cultural investment pathway.
Portugal’s unique position comes from combining accessible investment thresholds with meaningful cultural engagement. The program isn’t simply buying residencyāit’s contributing to infrastructure that benefits the creative community.
Understanding the Application Process
The application process involves several stages: pre-screening, document preparation, government review, investment completion, and documentation acquisition. Processing timelines vary, but typically span several months from initial application to residency approval.
Pre-screening is particularly important. It identifies potential issues before formal submission, reducing rejection risks. The Portuguese government conducts thorough due diligence, reviewing applicant backgrounds comprehensively.
For detailed information about requirements and current processing standards, the Portugal golden visa guide from Global Residence Index provides comprehensive overview of eligibility criteria and application procedures. As specialized advisors with established relationships with Portuguese authorities, they can help navigate the complexities specific to creative professionals’ unique income profiles and career structures.
Practical Considerations for Musicians and Artists
Beyond the formal requirements, creative professionals should consider practical realities. Portugal’s music scene differs from anglophone markets. Language learning, while not immediately required, opens doors professionally and socially.
The country’s cultural calendar peaks in summer, with numerous festivals and events. Winter months see less activity, which some artists appreciate for focused studio time. Geographic location matters tooāLisbon offers different opportunities than Porto or the Algarve.
Networking within Portugal’s creative community takes time. The scene is welcoming but operates on relationship-building principles. Artists who invest in genuine engagement rather than treating Portugal as merely a residency vehicle tend to thrive.
Final Thoughts
Portugal’s cultural investment golden visa represents a rare alignment: a program that benefits both the country’s cultural infrastructure and the creative professionals who use it. The minimal residency requirements, family inclusion, and reasonable costs make it accessible.
For musicians and artists willing to genuinely engage with Portugal’s creative ecosystem, the program offers more than just a residency permit. It provides a foundation for building a European life while maintaining the flexibility that creative careers demand.
The investment supports real cultural projects rather than simply transferring funds. After five years, the pathway to full EU citizenship opens. For creative professionals planning long-term international careers, these factors create compelling reasons to consider Portugal seriously.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Willie Nelson Announces His 79th Solo Album ‘Dream Chaser’ for May 29
Willie Nelson has announced his 79th (!!!) solo studio album, ‘Dream Chaser,’ arriving May 29 via Sony. The title track is out now, a reflective piece co-written with longtime collaborator Buddy Cannon and Bobby Tomberlin. Pre-orders are open now on CD and vinyl.
The album continues Nelson’s extraordinary creative partnership with Cannon, with whom he has released nearly 20 albums over the past 13 years. The two co-wrote six of the ten tracks, three of which were also written with Tomberlin. The album’s most notable collaboration is “I Can’t Read Your Mind,” co-written with Bob Dylan, who toured with Nelson in 2025. The song began when Dylan brought Nelson the opening idea and the two developed it together before passing it to Cannon to complete.
‘Dream Chaser’ brings together story-driven songs focused on relationships, personal growth, and life on the road, rooted in classic songwriting traditions while carrying Nelson’s perpetually modern perspective. The title track captures that spirit directly, its narrator catching his own reflection and barely recognizing the wide-eyed kid who moved to Tennessee with an old guitar and a dream. At 92, approaching 93, the sentiment lands differently than it would from almost any other artist alive.
Nelson will host his annual Luck Reunion event at his Texas ranch this week, featuring St. Vincent, Booker T. Jones, Trampled by Turtles, Robert Lester Folsom, and more. A run of spring tour dates follows in April and May, most of which feature Drayton Farley, including stops in Birmingham, Atlanta, Asheville, Cary, Wilmington, and New Braunfels.
His 156th album overall. His streak intact. Willie Nelson remains one of music’s most remarkable forces.
‘Dream Chaser’ Tracklisting:
- Dream Chaser (Buddy Cannon, Bobby Tomberlin and Willie Nelson)
- Fly Away (Buddy Cannon and Bobby Whitlock)
- We’d Make A Good Movie (Willie Nelson, Buddy Cannon and Bobby Tomberlin)
- I Can’t Read Your Mind (Willie Nelson, Buddy Cannon and Bob Dylan)
- Whiskey Wants Me To (Buddy Cannon and Bobby Tomberlin)
- Wonder What I’m Gonna Do (Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon)
- After All (Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon)
- Love Overdue (Mickey Raphael, Donald W. Poythress and Anna Lisa Graham)
- I Don’t Think I’ve Cried Today (Buddy Cannon, Bobby Tomberlin and Willie Nelson)
- Developing My Pictures (Earl Montgomery)
2026 Tour Dates:
April 22 ā Birmingham, AL ā Avondale Brewing Company
April 23 ā Atlanta, GA ā Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
April 25 ā Asheville, NC ā Asheville Yards Amphitheater
April 27 ā Cary, NC ā Koka Booth Amphitheatre
April 28 ā Wilmington, NC ā Live Oak Bank Pavilion
May 2 ā New Braunfels, TX ā Whitewater Amphitheater
Canadian Metal Legends Anvil Hit the Road on the “Pounding the Past” North American Tour
Anvil are heading back out across North America this summer on the “Pounding the Past 2026” tour, a 27-date run kicking off June 3 in Rochester, New York and closing July 11 in Toledo, Ohio. New Jersey heavy metal outfit Midnite Hellion supports on all dates. The tour zeroes in on material from the band’s first three albums, ‘Hard ‘N’ Heavy’ from 1981, ‘Metal on Metal’ from 1982, and ‘Forged in Fire’ from 1983, alongside other catalog favorites.
Those three records carry genuine historical weight. ‘Metal on Metal’ in particular influenced an entire generation of heavy music, with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax all citing Anvil as a foundational influence before any of those bands sold a single record. The 2008 documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil, directed by Sacha Gervasi, brought that story to a wide audience and cemented the band’s reputation as one of heavy metal’s great overlooked originals.
Guitarist and vocalist Steve “Lips” Kudlow has never been shy about the irony of that legacy. In a recent interview he reflected on watching the world pick up what Anvil started in 1983 and leave the band behind, describing himself as “the bridge between hard rock and heavy metal.” That perspective, clear-eyed and undiminished, is exactly what makes an Anvil live show worth attending. These are musicians who have been playing this music longer than most of their peers, and they have never stopped.
The routing covers the US extensively before crossing into Canada for a western leg through Chilliwack, Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg, then looping back through Minneapolis, Madison, Indianapolis, and Toledo. With Midnite Hellion bringing East Coast metal energy to every date, this is a bill built for fans who know exactly what they want from a night of heavy music.
“Pounding the Past 2026” Tour Dates:
June 3 ā Rochester, NY ā Pineapple Jack’s
June 4 ā Lakewood, OH ā The Foundry
June 5 ā Chicago, IL ā WC Social Club
June 6 ā St. Louis, MO ā Off Broadway
June 7 ā Lawrence, KS ā Bottleneck
June 10 ā Austin, TX ā Come And Take It Live
June 12 ā El Paso, TX ā Rockhouse
June 13 ā Tucson, AZ ā Club Congress
June 14 ā Las Vegas, NV ā The Tuscanny
June 17 ā San Diego, CA ā Brick By Brick
June 18 ā Los Angeles, CA ā The Moroccan Lounge
June 19 ā Palmdale, CA ā Transplants Brewing
June 20 ā Santa Rosa, CA ā Arlene Francis Center
June 21 ā Sacramento, CA ā Cafe Colonial
June 24 ā Portland, OR ā Dante’s
June 25 ā Seattle, WA ā El Corazon
June 26 ā Chilliwack, BC ā The Chill House
June 27 ā Vancouver, BC ā Astoria
June 28 ā Victoria, BC ā The Phoenix
July 1 ā Calgary, AB ā Palomino
July 2 ā Edmonton, AB ā The Dive Bar
July 3 ā Saskatoon, SK ā Black Cat Tavern
July 5 ā Winnipeg, MB ā The Park Theatre
July 8 ā Minneapolis, MN ā 7th St Entry
July 9 ā Madison, WI ā Crucible
July 10 ā Indianapolis, IN ā Black Circle
July 11 ā Toledo, OH ā Frankie’s Inner-City
Singer-Songwriters Rachel Bobbitt and Lia Pappas-Kemps Hit the Road Together This Spring
Rachel Bobbitt and Lia Pappas-Kemps are touring together this spring, hitting nine cities across Canada and the US from May 23 through June 10. The run opens at The Garrison in Toronto and closes at Cabaret Foufounes Electriques in Montreal, with stops in Hamilton, Guelph, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Boston, New York, and Ottawa along the way.
Bobbitt arrives at this tour on the back of her debut full-length album Swimming Towards the Sand, a record rooted in the windswept Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia where she grew up. Raised in a household where her mom’s side hosted kitchen fiddle parties, Bobbitt built an early audience of 400,000 Vine followers at just 16, earning Shorty Award nominations and recognition from Buzzfeed before going on to study Jazz and Vocal Pedagogy at Humber College. Swimming Towards the Sand revisits those roots with the perspective of a decade’s experience, sharp contemporary songwriting, and an album-length meditation on what home means after you’ve left it.
Pappas-Kemps brings her own considerable momentum to the pairing. The Toronto-born singer launched her career with a run of singles including “Jinx,” “Sad in Toronto,” and “Object at Best,” before her debut EP ‘Gleam’ earned critical acclaim for its intricate blend of throwback alt-rock, 70s troubadour instincts, and modern indie rock. She writes with emotional precision and performs with a natural confidence that makes every track feel lived-in and specific.
Together, Bobbitt and Pappas-Kemps make for a compelling double bill, two Canadian singer-songwriters with distinct voices and strong bodies of work, sharing stages across a route that gives fans on both sides of the border a chance to discover both of them.
Rachel Bobbitt and Lia Pappas-Kemps 2026 Tour Dates:
May 23 ā Toronto, ON ā The Garrison
May 26 ā Hamilton, ON ā Mills Hardware
May 28 ā Guelph, ON ā Sonic Hall
May 30 ā Philadelphia, PA ā MilkBoy
May 31 ā Washington, DC ā Songbyrd
June 3 ā Boston, MA ā Warehouse XI
June 4 ā New York, NY ā Night Club 101
June 9 ā Ottawa, ON ā 27 Club
June 10 ā Montreal, QC ā Cabaret Foufounes Electriques
Award-Winning Stars Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes and Jacki Weaver Unite in ‘Holy Days’
Holy Days, the heartwarming comedic adventure starring Academy Award nominee Judy Davis, BAFTA winner Miriam Margolyes, and two-time Academy Award nominee Jacki Weaver, opens in North American theatres March 27. The film world premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and marks the feature directorial debut of Vancouver-based writer and director Nat Boltt. Canadian screenings run across British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, PEI, and Saskatchewan, with US dates also available.
The film follows three unconventional nuns on a last-ditch road trip across New Zealand from north to south, fighting for their independence while forming an unlikely bond with a young MÄori boy on his own deeply personal mission. When an unexpected snowstorm derails their journey, the group confronts mortality, loss, and the transformative power of love and connection. Based on the acclaimed novel by Dame Joy Cowley, Holy Days is joyful, life-affirming, and built on three central performances that carry the full weight of its emotional range.
A special event screening takes place March 25 at Cineplex Yonge-Eglinton in Toronto, with Boltt in attendance alongside country musician Tami Neilson, who will perform two songs from the film’s soundtrack. Boltt will also appear for Q&As at the Vancouver and Los Angeles screenings. The film runs March 27 through April 2 at the Park Theatre in Vancouver and Cineplex Varsity in Toronto, with further Canadian dates extending through June.
Holy Days also carries significant cultural weight as a launch project for New Zealand’s Kahurangi Toi Atea Screen Industry Training Initiative, produced at KÅawa Studios at the University of Canterbury. The production was made with support from the New Zealand Film Commission, New Zealand Screen Production Rebate, Telefilm Canada, Creative BC, and CBC Films.
This is a film built on craft, character, and considerable star power.
Indigo Girls and Trampled By Turtles Head a Stacked Lineup at the Evanston Folk Festival
The Evanston Folk Festival returns for its third year on September 12 and 13 at Dawes Park, with Indigo Girls and Trampled By Turtles headlining across two days and three stages. Tickets go on general sale Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. CT at evanstonfolkfestival.com. The festival holds approximately 5,000 capacity, and additional after shows at SPACE and Cahn Auditorium will be announced.
The supporting lineup is deep and genuinely varied. Josh Ritter, Valerie June, Kathleen Edwards, Tift Merritt, and James McMurtry bring established songwriting credibility, while Mdou Moctar, Sierra Hull, Hayden Pedigo, and Margaret Glaspy push the programming in exciting directions. Angela Autumn and Australian three-piece Folk Bitch Trio represent some of the genre’s most compelling new voices, and their inclusion signals a festival with real curatorial ambition.
The weekend opens Friday, September 11, with a kick-off show at Cahn Auditorium featuring Punch Brothers, led by Chris Thile. The Chicago Public Media Tent Talks series runs alongside the main programming, with a session on John Prine’s Chicago featuring Mark Guarino and special guests, and a conversation with Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers and Amy Ray alongside NPR music critic Ann Powers.
Jake Samuels, Director of Music for SPACE and 16 On Center, described the festival’s growth since its 2024 launch as inspiring: “Seeing our Lakefront filled with music fans and families enjoying artists from around the world is so fulfilling for all of us.” Two editions in, the Evanston Folk Festival has already earned its place as a fixture in Chicago’s music calendar.
This is a well-built lineup in a beautiful setting. September 12 and 13 at Dawes Park.