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Josh Groban Releases Career-Spanning Collection Gems Featuring Two New Songs

Eric Alper
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Josh Groban Releases Career-Spanning Collection Gems Featuring Two New Songs

Reflecting on an incredible body of work, Tony, EMMY, and five-time GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter, actor, and philanthropist Josh Groban has unveiled his newly curated career-spanning collection, Gems, out now.

This 18-track retrospective body of work collates essential highlights from his storied career to date alongside two brand new songs, “Be Alright” and “Open Hands.” To celebrate this release, Josh delivered a bright and empowering performance of “Be Alright” on Good Morning America earlier this morning. He also performed “Be Alright” on this season of American Idol when he was a guest mentor alongside Ashanti and Artist-in-Residence Jelly Roll.

Encompassing over two decades of definitive anthems, Gems traces Groban’s impact on popular culture throughout his illustrious career. Among many highlights, it boasts the 3x-Platinum signature anthem “You Raise Me Up.” He famously performed the latter during a NASA tribute to the crew of Space Shuttle Columbia at Super Bowl XXXVIII and as a surprise for Oprah Winfrey at her 50th birthday. It also includes the Billboard Adult Contemporary #1 “To Where You Are”. Plus, it showcases his versatility with the likes of the Beauty and the Beast Original Motion Picture Soundtrack standout “Evermore” as well as fan favorite show stopping renditions of “Over The Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Not to mention, it includes his duet with Kelly Clarkson on “All I Ask of You” from The Phantom of the Opera.

Gems also shares its name with his much-anticipated five-night run at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace:  Josh Groban: Gems — Exclusive Las Vegas Engagement. The special nightly sets kick off next week on Friday, May 9, and continue on May 10, 14, 16 & 17. For tickets, go HERE.

Later this year, Josh will grace the stage at The Hollywood Bowl, for two nights, on September 5 and 6. These very special shows will see him perform songs from Gems and beyond with accompaniment from Thomas Wilkins and the LA Philharmonic. Get tickets HERE.

Be on the lookout for a lot more from Josh Groban very soon.

GEMS TRACKLISTING:

  1. Be Alright
  2. Alla Luce del Sole
  3. You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)
  4. You Raise Me Up 
  5. To Where You Are
  6. Awake
  7. Granted
  8. Pure Imagination (from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory)
  9. You’re Still You
  10. Evermore
  11. Open Hands
  12. February Song
  13. Over The Rainbow (from The Wizard of Oz)
  14. When You Say You Love Me
  15. All I Ask Of You (from The Phantom of the Opera) [with Kelly Clarkson]
  16. Bridge over Troubled Water
  17. Per Te
  18. The Impossible Dream

Tourist Releases Euphoric 25th Anniversary Remix of All Saints’ “Pure Shores”

Eric Alper
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Tourist Releases Euphoric 25th Anniversary Remix of All Saints’ “Pure Shores”

The timeless ‘Pure Shores’ by All Saints celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and to celebrate Tourist has reimagined the song giving it a dance floor twist.

Available now, Tourist’s pairing of the timeless vocals with a groovy bass and euphoria, has breathed new life into the track perfectly balancing the tracks nostalgic presence yet making it a forward-thinking remix that’s perfect for golden-hour moments.

On undertaking the remix, Tourist says  “I feel like “Pure Shores” is amongst some of the most sacred territory in pop music – so I really don’t know what on earth I was thinking when I attempted to remix it! All I knew was what I wanted to hear from a ’Pure Shores’ remix. Long live All Saints, long live Trance.”

Written by Shaznay Lewis and William Orbit for a scene in Danny Boyle’s The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, ‘Pure Shores’ was released in mid February 2000 as the lead song from the movie released in the same week.

Its commercial and critical success were global, and now, 25 years on from its original release, it has proven to be a timeless track that defines the pop music of the early 2000s.

It was the second best selling single of that year (after Bob The Builders ‘We Can Fix It’), was nominated for Best Song and Best Video at the 2001 Brit Awards (both times missing out to Robbie Williams ‘Rock DJ’). It was number one in the UK for the first two weeks of its release before being knocked off the top spot by… ironically… Madonna’s William Orbit produced ‘American Pie’. Whilst at number one it was outselling the number two song three times over and remained in the UK charts for an amazing 20 weeks and broke into the top 10 across the world.

Tourist, the project of UK songwriter, producer, and artist William Phillips, has spent the past decade crafting the delicate balance of beats and melodies in electronic music. Over the years, he has released five albums, built a diverse catalog of remixes and productions, and earned a Grammy Award for co-writing Sam Smith’s hit ‘Stay With Me.’

Now, Tourist is entering a new chapter, diving into bold, dance-driven beats inspired by Trance, while staying true to his signature melodic style. His Pure Shores Remix marks the beginning of this exciting evolution.

Reuben and The Bullhorn Singers Release Debut Album ‘All These Roads’ and Launch National Tour

Eric Alper
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Reuben and The Bullhorn Singers Release Debut Album ‘All These Roads’ and Launch National Tour

Today, Reuben and The Bullhorn Singers share their anticipated and extremely powerful debut album All These Roads via Red Music Rising.

To coincide with the album, they have shared another incredibly beautiful and chilling live performance video of the track, “Fly Away” recorded at ATCO SpaceLab. The performance features traditional dancers and members of the Kainai Nation, Nevada Ouellette and Sofia Eaglehead Baptiste and directed and shot by Brock Mitchell.

All These Roads is an incredibly special project that captures a unique magic, full of soul. With powerful songwriting layered with the beautiful sonics of The Bullhorns Singers pow-wow style vocals coming together alongside Reuben, the result is a rare alchemy – rich with emotion and depth. The music, featuring strong, powerful songwriting and the beautiful sonics of the Bullhorn Singers’ voices layered with Reuben’s, will undoubtedly leave listeners with chills.The six track album beautifully melds together two different genres and cultures to create an important and meaningful project. The group has expressed that the album is symbolic of the conversation that happens after reconciliation and moving forward together. Describing the importance of coming together to make this album, Bullhorn Singer leader Billy Wadsworth explains:

“The collaboration between the Bullhorn Singers and Reuben has been a beautiful and powerful experience, both musically and personally. When we come together, the music flows organically and effortlessly, transcending typical musical genres. We’ve both had to step outside our comfort zones and explore new musical territories, resulting in something fresh and unique.Our connection extends beyond the music; we’re close as human beings, sharing a genuine bond and similar views on the world. We recognize the harsh realities of life and aim to counteract that negativity through our music. Our collaboration is built on positivity and good vibes, and we hope to spread that energy to our listeners. We want our music to be a source of healing, positivity, and rest. In a world that can often be harsh and threatening, we hope to create a space where people can feel safe and experience something beautiful, new, and different.”

The band is heading out on their All These Roads Tour kicking off tonight, sponsored by ATCO SpaceLabs and supported by Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund on top of a handful of upcoming festival appearances this summer. Since the announcement last month, they have added even more dates to the tour. The tour will highlight personal stories about Indigenous lands and music’s role in healing. The tour includes stops in Victoria, Calgary, Winnipeg, an appearance at Toronto Indigenous Arts Festival and more – along with dates at several First Nation Reserve communities and schools across the country. This tour aims to amplify the group’s powerful message, as ‘the conversation after reconciliation,’ and showcase their one-of-a-kind live experience blending Indie Folk with Indigenous pow-wow music. To get a sense of what to expect, watch this beautiful and chilling performance video of the first single “Powerful,” filmed at OCL Studios in Calgary.

In 2021 at The Calgary Stampede mainstage, acclaimed indie-folk artist Reuben and the Dark brought out Blackfoot pow-wow champion singing group, Bullhorn Singers lead by Billy Wadsworth, for an unforgettable live performance that stopped the audience, and the artists themselves, in their tracks. What was an impromptu performance and unlikely union of culture, life experience and sound in front of a crowd of thousands was electric and the birth of something special. This led to the brand new collaborative project, Reuben and the Bullhorn Singers. Listen to Reuben and Billy discuss the partnership on q with Tom Power on CBC here.

Stay tuned for more new music forthcoming in the next coming months from them.

REUBEN AND THE BULLHORN TOUR DATES

May 2 Fernie, BC @ Knox on 2nd

May 3 Rossland, BC @ The Flying Steamshovel

May 4 Kelowna, BC @ Red Bird Brewing

May 5 Kelowna, BC @ Aberdeen Hall **

May 5 Kelowna, BC @ Mount Boucherie Secondary School **

May 6 Vancouver, BC @ The Pearl

May 7 Victoria, BC @ Wicket Hall

May 8 Nanaimo, BC @ The Queen’s

May 9 Penticton, BC @ Dream Cafe

May 11 Canmore, AB @ Communitea Cafe

May 13 Red Deer, AB @ Bo’s Bar and Stage

May 13 Ponoka, AB @ Mamawi Atosketan Native School **

May 15 Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room

May 16 Calgary, AB @ Bella Concert Hall

May 17 Saskatoon, SK @ Louis’ Pub

May 18 Winnipeg, MB @ The Park Theatre

May 28 Yucca Valley, CA @ The Annex

May 29 Los Angeles, CA @ Permanent Records Roadhouse

May 31 Toronto, ON @ Toronto Indigenous Arts Festival

June 2 Maniwaki, QC @ Kitigan Zibi **

June 5 Manawan, QC **

June 6 Cornwall, ON @ The Port Theatre

June 7 Durham, ON @ Sound and Savour @ Riverstone Retreat

June 9 Ohsweke, ON @ Oliver M. Smith Kawenni:io **

June 14 Uxbridge, ON @ Springtide Music Festival

**First Nations Schools or Reservations

Tickets Available HERE

Reuben Bullock, is a multifaceted artist, best known for his role as the lead vocalist and songwriter of the acclaimed indie-folk band Reuben and The Dark. The inspirational release, sees the unlikely union of culture, life experience, and sound friendship and artistic collaboration between Reuben and The Dark and Southern Alberta Kainai/Blood traditional pow-wow champion Bullhorn Singers, since their collaboration for a performance at the Calgary Stampede mainstage in 2021. The spirited folk-rock sounds led by Reuben Bullock, whose music blends introspective lyrics with the irrepressible pulse and harmonies of his band, sees a single that combines Native American singing with resounding themes of emotive storytelling.

Reuben Bullock is a multifaceted artist, renowned for his role as the lead vocalist and songwriter of the acclaimed indie-folk band, Reuben and the Dark. The career of Reuben, a Calgary-born, currently Victoria-based singer-songwriter, skateboarder, carpenter, and preacher’s son is marked by a series of milestones that underscore his profound impact on the Canadian music landscape over the last 10 years. The band looks ahead to new music in 2025 as well as extensive touring and collaboration in partnership with Bullhorn Singers.

Bullhorn Singers is led by Iskotoah’ka William (Billy) Wadsworth and brings powerful songs to the powwow music scene. Stemming from the Blood Tribe, Kainai Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Billy is a member of the Motois’pitaiks “All Tall Peoples” Clan and a member of the Kaanaa’tsimiitaiks “Brave Dog” society of the Blood Tribe. Bullhorn Singers were created by Billy and his late brother Blaine Wadsworth who began singing as kids and they then began to build the group including their family members and extended family. Since 1998, the group has traveled throughout the U.S and Canada competing at contests and have won several championships.

Launched in August 2020 in partnership with APTN, Red Music Rising is a holistic music company—a full-service artist management company and record label, owned and managed entirely by Indigenous individuals. Its mission is to help develop robust, sustainable, life-long careers for Indigenous artists and industry professionals.

The management and record roster features critically acclaimed talent across a variety of genres, including R&B, hip hop, and electronic music, with artists such as Sebastian Gaskin, Logan Staats, Boogey The Beat, and Wolf Saga—each bringing a distinct voice and creative vision to the contemporary music landscape.

Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts Announce Debut Album ‘Talkin To The Trees’ and 2025 World Tour

Eric Alper
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Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts Announce Debut Album ‘Talkin To The Trees’ and 2025 World Tour

Neil Young, along with his new band, The Chrome Hearts announce their debut full-length album Talkin To The Trees, to be released on June 13, via Reprise Records.

Talkin To The Trees feels like a full-on fresh-blooded leap forward as Young steps into his sixth decade in his creative odyssey filled with fearless twists and turns. The Chrome Hearts feature Spooner Oldham (Organ); Micah Nelson (Guitar and Vocal); Corey McCormick (Bass and Vocal); Anthony LoGerfo (Drums); with Neil Young (Guitar, Harp, Piano, Vibes). All songs are written by Neil Young, co-produced by Lou Adler and Young, and recorded at Shangri La Studios in Malibu. Click HERE to pre-order/pre-save Talkin To The Trees.

When “big change” the first song from the album Talkin To The Trees was released just in front of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, it was a not-so-subtle announcement that Young was ready to step into the future. Not only America but the world. There could be no doubt where Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts stand in these challenging times.

These ten musical statements by Young, take their rightful place among an ongoing creative tapestry.

Talkin To The Trees will be available on black vinyl, limited edition clear vinyl, CD and Digital via the Greedy Hand Store at NYA and indie retail stores. Hi-res digital audio will be available at Neil Young Archives and all DSPs. All Greedy Hand Store purchases come with a free hi-res digital audio download from the NYA Download Store.

Tracklisting:

  1. Family Life
  2. Dark Mirage
  3. First Fire Of Winter
  4. Silver Eagle
  5. Lets Roll Again
  6. Big Change
  7. Talkin To The Trees
  8. Movin Ahead
  9. Bottle Of Love
  10. Thankful

Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts LOVE EARTH World Tour 2025:
Europe
Jun 18  Rättvik, Sweden  Dalhalla
Jun 20  Bergen, Norway  Bergenhus Fortress
Jun 22  Copenhagen, Denmark  Tiøren
Jun 26  Dublin, Ireland  Malahide Castle
Jun 28 Glastonbury, UK Glastonbury Festival
Jun 30  Brussels, Belgium  Brussels Palace Open Air, Palace Square
Jul 01  Groningen, Netherlands Drafbaan Stadspark
Jul 03  Berlin, Germany  Waldbühne
Jul 04  Mönchengladbach Germany  Sparkassenpark
Jul 06 Montreux, CH Montreux Jazz Festival
Jul 08  Stuttgart, Germany  Cannstatter Wasen
Jul 11 London, UK BST Festival
Jul 13 Paris, FR Adidas Arena

USA / Canada
Aug 8  Charlotte, NC  PNC Music Pavilion
Aug 10  Richmond, VA  Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
Aug 13  Detroit, MI  Pine Knob Music Theatre
Aug 15  Cleveland, OH  Blossom Music Center
Aug 17  Toronto, ON  Budweiser Stage
Aug 19  Toronto, ON  Budweiser Stage
Aug 21  Gilford, NH  BankNH Pavilion
Aug 23  New York, NY  Jones Beach
Aug 24  Bethel, NY  Bethel Woods
Aug 27  Chicago, IL  Northerly Island
Aug 29 Milwaukee, WI  BMO Pavilion
Sep 01  Denver, CO  Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Sep 05  George, WA  The Gorge
Sep 06  Vancouver, BC  Deer Lake Park
Sep 08  Vancouver, BC  Deer Lake Park
Sep 10  Bend, OR  Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Sep 12  Mountain View, CA  Shoreline Amphitheater
Sep 15  Los Angeles, CA  Hollywood Bowl

Nickelback Playing a Patriotic U.S. Tour? It’s Not That Deep — And Totally Fine

Eric Alper
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Nickelback Playing a Patriotic U.S. Tour? It’s Not That Deep — And Totally Fine

Canadian rock juggernaut Nickelback is hitting the road this summer as part of the Rock the Country tour, a small-town U.S. festival co-headlined by Kid Rock. Billed as a celebration of “hardworking, God-fearing patriots,” the event includes rotating acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hank Williams Jr., and Lee Greenwood—and, perhaps unexpectedly, Alberta’s own Chad Kroeger and crew. The inclusion has raised some eyebrows, especially among Canadian fans who associate Nickelback more with radio hits than red-state rallies.

But before you grab your pitchfork—or your Maple Leaf flag—let’s talk about why Nickelback showing up on this tour isn’t the betrayal some are making it out to be. In fact, it’s perfectly fine. Here’s why:

It’s a Gig, Not a Political Statement

Bands take shows for all kinds of reasons—exposure, pay, access to new audiences—not to endorse everything happening around them. Nickelback’s participation doesn’t mean they’re suddenly aligned with any political figure or message. It means they were booked, they said yes, and they’re going to play their songs. That’s showbiz.

They’re Musicians, Not Policymakers

Nickelback has never claimed to be a political band. They’re not out here giving stump speeches or tweeting about election cycles. They write songs, not policies. Expecting them to serve as political symbols misunderstands what musicians are actually hired to do on a festival stage.

They’re Reaching New Audiences

Rock the Country stops in towns that don’t often host big rock shows. For Nickelback, this is a chance to connect with fans who’ve only ever seen them on YouTube or heard them on FM radio. That’s not political—that’s just smart touring. And in today’s live music economy, you take those chances when you can.

Music Crosses Borders

Sure, they’re Canadian. But last time we checked, the border didn’t block guitar riffs and singalongs. Music has always been about connection—regardless of passport. Nickelback playing an American patriotic tour doesn’t erase their Canadianness. It just proves that good music doesn’t need a visa.

They Didn’t Organize the Tour

Nickelback didn’t write the press release, create the marketing, or book the other artists. They were invited. Treating them like co-architects of the event is a reach. Sometimes a band joins a tour because it’s the right time, the right stage, and the right crowd to rock.

Their Fan Base Is Broad

From pickup trucks to downtown clubs, Nickelback has always drawn from a wide swath of fans. That includes the kind of everyday folks Rock the Country targets. This isn’t them selling out—it’s them showing up for fans who’ve been singing along since Silver Side Up.

They’ve Played All Kinds of Festivals

Over the years, Nickelback has hit Canadian festivals, global stages, and everything in between. Sharing a lineup with Kid Rock in Alabama doesn’t define them any more than sharing one with The Glorious Sons in British Columbia. It’s one show. Part of a tour. One moment in a long career.

They’re Not Headlining a Political Rally

Yes, Kid Rock is openly political. But Nickelback hasn’t said a word about the political backdrop. They’re not playing under a campaign banner or streaming Trump videos before their set. They’re doing what they always do—playing their music for whoever shows up.

No One Owns Patriotism

The tour is branded with Americana and traditional values, but loving your country—any country—doesn’t require you to sign on to a specific ideology. Nickelback playing for American patriots doesn’t make them traitors to Canada. It just makes them musicians who are working.

It’s Part of Their Job

Touring isn’t optional for bands anymore—it’s essential. Festivals like this one pay the bills, support the crew, and keep the momentum going. Turning down gigs based on someone else’s politics would be a fast track to irrelevance. And Nickelback didn’t become one of Canada’s biggest musical exports by turning down the work.

Double Standards Don’t Help Anyone

When Bruce Springsteen headlines a pro-union rally or plays during a Democratic campaign, he’s celebrated as an artist with a voice—someone whose music transcends entertainment. But when a band like Nickelback plays a tour that leans the other way politically, suddenly it’s “just stick to music.” If we truly believe artists are allowed to stand for something—or nothing—we can’t selectively apply that based on whether we agree with the crowd.

So, is it surprising to see Nickelback on this lineup? Maybe. Is it scandalous? Not even close. They’re not waving flags—they’re playing chords. Let them rock.

California Bluegrass Association Unveils Stage Lineup for 50th Father’s Day Festival

Eric Alper
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California Bluegrass Association Unveils Stage Lineup for 50th Father’s Day Festival

The California Bluegrass Association is pleased to announce the list of artists selected to appear on the esteemed Vern’s Stage at its 50th annual Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival, taking place June 12-15 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, Calif. Named after Vern Williams, who helped introduce bluegrass music to the West Coast, the stage is dedicated to presenting hardworking performers who play bluegrass and old-time music night after night in tiny bars, out-of-the-way venues and anywhere else they can find audiences — and make new fans.

Representing the spectrum of traditional and old-time bluegrass and newgrass styles, they’ll join festival headliners the Del McCoury Band, the Gibson Brothers, AJ Lee & Blue Summit and over a dozen other performers gathered to celebrate the festival’s 50-year history of presenting top national, regional and local artists. The family-friendly festival has attracted several generations of fans, who return year after year to its site in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills to enjoy camping, jamming, square-dancing, free workshops and other activities — and of course, incredible performances. Passes are on sale now at fathersdayfestival.com.

Chosen by video auditions, the artists slated to fill Thursday-through-Saturday afternoon Vern’s Stage slots are: Bay Area Special, Blue Birds on a Wire, Charlie Torch, The Corn Likkers, Critical Grass, Dadweed, Deep Thicket Dwellers, Flatpick Hotel, Hey Lonesome!, Jesse Appelman’s West Coast Stringband Project, the Jimmy Touzel Bluegrass Explosion, Marin County Breakdown, Matt & George and their Pleasant Valley Boys, Muddy Mountain West, and Skillet Licorice.

This year’s gathering also features singing, songwriting and fiddling legend Laurie Lewis — who will perform with her band, the Right Hands, and in a special “50 years of Togetherness” celebration with fellow Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist Kathy Kallick, Lewis’ longtime collaborator.

Also performing are Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Junior Sisk Band, the Canote Brothers, Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band, the Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee, Clinton Davis Stringband and California showcase bands Bearcat Stringband, Matt Michienzie Band, Mission Blue, the Town Howlers and Windy Hill.

Special events will include Friday and Saturday evening square dances in the Whitney Pavilion, fireside-chat interviews and performances by artists who were part of the festival’s early years, and Sunday morning’s gospel jam and service, followed by the popular Father’s Day Brunch, along with workshops, the pre-festival music camp and other attractions.

Billed as “the best jamming west of the Rockies,” the festival is renowned as a place where lifelong friendships, musical partnerships and alliances of all kinds are forged through participants’ shared love of bluegrass jamming. That love is fostered early on through the festival’s kids’ programming, including an instructional Youth Academy; the KidFest children’s recreational area; and Kids on Bluegrass, an audition-based training program culminating in a mainstage performance.

Advance tickets prices range from $34 to $94 for single-day passes; full four-day festival passes are currently $79 for teens 13 to 17, $264 for adults up to age 65 and $254 for ages 65 and up. Children 12 and under attend free; CBA members receive ticket discounts. For tickets, go to fathersdayfestival.com.

Founded in 1976, the family-friendly Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival has become a beloved annual celebration of roots music. Bluegrass fans converge to frolic amid the majestic pines on this nearly 90-acre spot in the Sierra Nevada foothills, swinging their partners during square-dancing sessions, learning from masters during workshops, joining in on or listening to impromptu jam sessions, enjoying food, beverage and craft offerings, and camping under the stars (lodging is also available in Grass Valley and Nevada City). Kidfest, a major component of the event, offers crafts, games and music for younger attendees. The Kids on Bluegrass program gives musically skilled players up to age 18 an opportunity to perform on the festival mainstage. The CBA Youth Academy, for 8- to 16-year-olds, is a music camp for beginner and intermediate students.

Tent, camper-van and tent-trailer camping (without hookups) and parking for one car are included with full festival passes. RV hookups are available on a limited basis; for more information and fees, check the website.

The nonprofit California Bluegrass Association, founded in 1975, encourages, fosters and cultivates the preservation, appreciation, understanding, enjoyment, support and performance of bluegrass, old-time, gospel, and traditional instrumental and vocal music of the United States. The organization and festival are operated by volunteers dedicated to presenting premier acoustic music in a community-based, family-friendly setting. For more information, visit californiabluegrass.org.

For festival details or to purchase tickets, visit fathersdayfestival.com. Nevada City Fairgrounds are located at 11228 McCourtney Road, Grass Valley, Calif. 95949.

Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival Schedule:
Main Stage Performers
Thursday, June 12
10 a.m. – Mission Blue
11:05 a.m. – Matt Michienzie Band
12:15 p.m. – Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band
2:20 p.m. – Clinton Davis Stringband
3:30 p.m. – Junior Sisk Band
4:40 p.m. – Music Camp All-Stars
6:50 p.m. – Clinton Davis Stringband
8:20 p.m. – Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band
9:50 p.m. – Junior Sisk Band

Friday, June 13
10 a.m. – Windy Hill
11:05 a.m. – Bearcat Stringband
12:25 p.m. – Junior Sisk Band
2:20 p.m. – Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band
3:30 p.m. – AJ Lee & Blue Summit
4:40 p.m. – Kids on Bluegrass
6:50 p.m. – Good ‘Ol Persons
8:20 p.m. – Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands
9:50 p.m. – AJ Lee & Blue Summit

Saturday, June 14
10 a.m. – The Town Howlers
11:05 a.m. – The Canote Brothers
12:15 p.m. – The Gibson Brothers
2:20 p.m. – The Travelin’ McCourys
3:30 p.m. – Laurie Lewis & Kathy Kallick
4:25 p.m. – Lifetime Membership Awards
4:40 p.m. – Kids on Bluegrass
6:50 p.m. – AJ Lee & Blue Summit
8:20 p.m. – Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
9:50 p.m. – The Travelin’ McCourys

Sunday, June 15
10 a.m. – Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
11:05 a.m. – The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee
12:15 p.m. – The Gibson Brothers
2:20 p.m. – Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
3:25 p.m. – The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee
4:40 p.m. – The Gibson Brothers
Pioneer Stage Performers

Thursday, June 12
1:30 p.m. – Windy Hill
2:35 p.m. – Bearcat Stringband
3:40 p.m. – Sidesaddle & Co.
4:55 p.m. – Arkansas Sheiks
6:10 p.m. – High Country

Friday, June 13
1:30 p.m. – Mission Blue
2:35 p.m. – Matt Michienzie Band
3:40 p.m. – California Bluegrass Pioneers
4:55 p.m. – Blue & Lonesome
6:10 p.m. – Youth Open Mic
7:25 p.m. – The Canote Brothers

Saturday, June 14
Noon – Black Banjo Reclamation Project showcase
1:30 p.m. – The Town Howlers
2:35 p.m. – Youth Academy Show
3:40 p.m. – California Bluegrass Pioneers
4:55 p.m. – The Canote Brothers
6:10 p.m. – Good ‘Ol Persons

Sunday, June 15
9 a.m. – Bluegrass Gospel Jam and Service
Vern’s Stage Performers

Thursday, June 12
Noon – Marin County Breakdown
12:45 p.m. – Muddy Mountain West
1:30 p.m. – Matt and George and Their Pleasant Valley Boys
5:15 p.m. – Hey Lonesome!
6:10 p.m. – Deep Thicket Dwellers

Friday, June 13
Noon – Flatpick Hotel
12:45 p.m. – The Jimmy Touzel Bluegrass Explosion
1:20 p.m. – Bill & Faye Downs Awards
1:30 p.m. – The Corn Likkers
5:15 p.m. – Dadweed
6:10 p.m. – Charlie Torch

Saturday, June 14
Noon – Bay Area Special
12:45 p.m. – Blue Birds on a Wire
1:20 p.m. – Volunteer of the Year Award
1:30 p.m. – Critical Grass
5:15 p.m. – Skillet Licorice
6:10 p.m. – Jesse Appelman’s West Coast Stringband Project

Ethan Daniel Davidson Shares New Single “Your Old Key” from Upcoming Album ‘Cordelia’

Eric Alper
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Today, acclaimed Detroit singer-songwriter Ethan Daniel Davidson released “Your Old Key,” the latest single to be shared from his forthcoming album Cordelia, which will be released on May 30. Glide Magazine featured the track saying it’s “an easygoing work of pedal steel-laden folk-rock that showcases Davidson’s penchant for writing thoughtful songs in a literary vein… it serves as a reminder that Davidson continues to be a talented and perhaps underrated songwriter.”

“She was particularly talented in terms of home improvement,” states Davidson. “Probably the best carpenter I’ve ever met––was able to make doors out of a single piece of wood without warping. She was so good that she built a whole new house for herself while I was out getting the paper. I have the key, but it doesn’t work for the door anymore. I’m not even sure where the house is, actually. I made this song up on the spot as we recorded it a dozen years ago for the Silvertooth album. Sometimes these things just kind of come out of you.”

Cordelia finds the veteran singer-songwriter exploring new creative territory while continuing down the beguiling and wondrous road that his discography has charted thus far, which over the years has been praised by NPR Music, All Music, American Songwriter, Magnet Magazine and many more. It’s as lush and deeply felt as Davidson’s music has ever been, with countrified balladry and unvarnished blues accompanying this journeyman’s philosophical explorations and ruminations on his past, present, and future.

Cordelia follows 2022’s gorgeous Stranger, which marked both a conclusion and a new beginning after a decade-plus of fruitful creative collaboration with Warren Defever of experimental rock legends His Name Is Alive (who Davidson is continuing to collaborate with on future projects as well). “I was overdue to start all over again with a bunch of new people,” Davidson explains. But sometimes a change of scenery is needed for a spell, and so as Davidson was armed with an array of songs he had in his arsenal largely from a COVID-era songwriting span, he reached out to producer David Katznelson for some ideas on who to work with, who in turn recommended North Mississippi Allstars frontman Luther Dickinson as the perfect co-producer alongside Katznelson.

Joining Davidson and Dickinson on Cordelia: bassist and Emmylou Harris collaborator Byron House, drummer Marco Giovino (Robert Plant, John Cale), and multi-instrumentalist Rayfield “Ray Ray” Holloman, who contributed pedal steel and piano across the record.

Cordelia was sonically inspired by Davidson’s love for the raw blues records that storied label Fat Possum were releasing in the 1990s. “I’ve always been a fan of that hill-country punk blues,” he explained. “That’s not the kind of music I do, but it always had a big impact on me, and I knew Luther would be a good guy to translate these songs and put a real good band together.”

The album’s namesake is inspired by the titular daughter featured in Shakespeare’s classic tragedy King Lear, who Davidson finds a sense of personal kinship with.

“My adopted father was a great guy, but by the end of his life, he had a lot of sycophants gathered around him when he was in declining health,” he recalls. “I came to feel like Cordelia, because I wasn’t around him for his money—it was because I was this kid that he took in and took care of, and I loved him for it.”

A unique perspective, for certain—and reflective of not only Cordelia but Davidson’s career as a whole thus far, which has found him on an eternal search for self as well as for the communal aspect of others. ”I write these songs because I’m trying to meet people and have real relationships,” he explains. “I want to find people with whom I share a common language. That’s what I’m interested in doing, and if music is a vehicle for that, then that’s why I continue to do it.”

Cordelia Tracklist:
1. I Know My Rider Knows My Name
2. Heart First Into Heartache
3. Gasoline
4. Leaving Soon
5. Your Old Key
6. Along In The Wind And The Rain
7. Someone’s Asking For You

The Coronas Announce 2025 North American Tour Behind New Album ‘Thoughts & Observations’

Eric Alper
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The Coronas Announce 2025 North American Tour Behind New Album ‘Thoughts & Observations’

Ireland’s popular indie band The Coronas are set for their 2025 North American tour in support of their 8th studio album, THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS, beginning on July 11. THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS, released last fall, became the band’s fourth consecutive album to capture the #1 slot on the Irish charts its first week of release. The tour, which includes two major dates in Canada and finishes off at the annual Irish Fair of Minnesota where they will headline the inaugural Ceol by the River Event on August 7, will follow the band’s debut at the iconic Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset, England on June 28.

As its provocative title suggests, THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS addresses relationships at their various stages and the resilience it takes to shoulder life’s ups and downs. Fueled by heavy doses of both candor and emotion, the 12 original songs written by the three band members–lead vocalist/guitarist Danny O’Reilly, bass guitarist Graham Knox and drummer Conor Egan—along with a host of songwriting collaborators, are at times anthemic, at times delicate, at times cynical, but always authentic. The core band members also embraced the talents of their touring supergroup on this album with Lar Kaye (All Tvvins) on guitar, Cian MacSweeney (True Tides) on saxophone and Roisin O on backing vocals for the recording and as well as the forthcoming tour.

Available via the band’s SoFarSoGood imprint, distributed by Blix Street Records, the album has been lauded as the band’s most dynamic, yet introspective, music to date.

Playing Glastonbury has been a long-time dream for the Dublin-based band. That appearance is positioned in between high profile Irish summer festival dates, among them King John’s Castle in Limerick, The Haven in Waterford, Kaleidoscope Festival in Wicklow, The Farmers Bash in Belfast and Wexford’s Spiegeltent.

“If You’re Going,” track #2 on the new album, was serviced to radio in the U.S. This the John Broe-directed video for “If You’re Going” that continues the cut-and-paste aesthetic of the album’s artwork:

The Coronas have previously released seven studio albums: HEROES OR GHOSTS (2007), TONY WAS AN EX-CON (2009), CLOSER TO YOU (2011) THE LONG WAY (2014), TRUST THE WIRE (2017), TRUE LOVE WAITS (2020) and TIME STOPPED (2022). Their first three albums were released via the independent Irish label 3ú Records and the fourth one on Island Records, while the fifth marked their return to the independent route with the launch of their SoFarSoGood imprint.

“The longer we do this the prouder we are of our longevity,” says O’Reilly, “and we still feel like we’ve got something to say.” THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS is available at retail and digital outlets where music is sold.

2025 U.S dates are as follows:
Friday, July 11—Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Tuesday, July 15—Cornerstone, Berkeley, CA
Wednesday, July 16—Casbah, San Diego, CA
Sunday, July 20—Opera House, Toronto, ON, Canada
Tuesday, July 22—Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY
Wednesday, July 23—World Café Live Philadelphia, PA
Thursday, July 24—The Sinclair, Boston, MA
Wednesday, August 6—Beat Kitchen, Chicago, IL
Thursday, August 7— Ceol by the River, Harriet Island, St. Paul, MN

55 Songs With Real Calendar Dates in the Lyrics

Eric Alper
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55 Songs With Real Calendar Dates in the Lyrics

In music, time is everything. And we don’t just mean tempo. We’re talking actual calendar dates — the kind stamped in memory, circled in diaries, and etched into liner notes. These 60 songs don’t just mention months or moods — they name the day, the month, sometimes even the hour. Whether it’s heartbreak on May 5th or revolution on April 4th, these artists knew the date — and made sure you remembered it too.

So here it is: the definitive calendar of music history, one track at a time.

January

1. “New Year’s Day” – U2 (Jan. 1)
Bono’s icy anthem started as a love song, but transformed into a tribute to the Polish Solidarity movement. It was U2’s first international hit — and probably the most emotionally heavy Jan. 1 in rock history.

2. “January 28th” – J. Cole (Jan. 28)
A tribute to his own birthday and a flex on legacy over chart position. “If I die today, my legacy is straight.” No wonder Jan. 28th is sacred in Cole World.

3. “Clothes Line Saga” – Bob Dylan & The Band (Jan. 30)
“It was January the 30th, and everybody was feelin’ fine.” A neighbor says the vice president’s gone mad, but Dylan’s still just watching the laundry dry.

February

4. “Cosmic Charlie” – Grateful Dead (Feb. 1)
“Kite on ice since the first of February.” That’s about as concrete as the Dead ever got. Psychedelic poetry disguised as a date.

5. “February Stars” – Foo Fighters (Feb. unspecified)
A slow build of emotion that blooms like winter into spring. Grohl doesn’t need the exact day — the chill of February is all over this ballad.

March

6. “Town With No Cheer” – Tom Waits (March 21)
March 21st, and the only bar in town is closed. Tom Waits turns an Australian newspaper clipping into a harmonium dirge of thirst and doom.

7. “Ballad of Mott the Hoople” – Mott the Hoople (March 26)
They nearly broke up on March 25. By March 26, that disillusionment became a glam-rock farewell… until Bowie showed up and saved them.

8. “Nothing Happened Today” – The Boomtown Rats (March 28)
“Today was Tuesday, and this is the date — March 28th.” Nothing happened… except this slice of deadpan genius from Bob Geldof.

April

9. “Pride (In the Name of Love)” – U2 (April 4)
“Early morning, April 4” marks the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Bono later corrected the lyric in live shows — but the sentiment still shakes.

10. “April 5th” – Talk Talk (April 5 – title only)
It’s not in the lyrics, but the song bleeds spring: acoustic textures, seasonal change, and a sense that April 5th is bigger than it looks on paper.

11. “4/20/02” – Pearl Jam (April 20)
A hidden, gut-wrenching tribute to Layne Staley. Vedder recorded it in grief, then buried it on a bonus disc. To find it is to feel it.

12. “April 29, 1992 (Miami)” – Sublime (April 29 — and mistakenly April 26)
Bradley Nowell got the date wrong, but the riot was real. “April 29” became an anthem of rage, smoke, and police scanners.

May

13. “May 1, 1990” – Adrian Belew (May 1)
The night he met his future wife after a David Bowie show. Love, synths, and stars aligning — it’s all there in this soft-spoken gem.

14. “First of May” – Bee Gees (May 1)
Named after Barry Gibb’s dog’s birthday. “Sad to say, Barnaby’s gone, but the song lives on.” Pet loss never sounded so majestic.

15. “Night of the 4th of May” – Al Stewart (May 4)
Restless love and growing distance set to a soft melody. May 4 was just a party — but it changed everything.

16. “Student Demonstration Time” – The Beach Boys (May 4)
Kent State, 1970. Protesters died. Mike Love gave it a blues-rock pulse. A rare political detour from California’s sunniest band.

17. “Isis” – Bob Dylan (May 5)
He married her on May 5, then hit the road. Egyptian mythology, heartbreak, and rolling thunder. Classic Dylan.

18. “You Don’t Even Know Me” – Al Stewart (May 7)
He took her to see Hendrix “on the seventh day of May.” Another date, another failed love story in Stewart’s diary.

19. “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” – The Band (May 10)
“By May the 10th, Richmond had fell.” A Civil War epic, written with heartbreak and history — even if the dates blur a little.

20. “I’ve Known No War” – The Who (May 19)
Townshend was born just after WWII. He missed the war but caught the Cold War — and turned it into a slow-burning anthem.

June

21. “The Loner” – Ian Hunter (June 3)
Born on the third of June with a Gemini moon. The ultimate rock’n’roll loner intro.

22. “Desiree” – Neil Diamond (June 3 & 4)
He became a man on June 3. On June 4, he couldn’t sleep. Desiree did what only great muses do: left him wrecked and inspired.

23. “The Last Day of June 1934” – Al Stewart (June 30)
A song about the Night of the Long Knives. Hitler, Rohm, and history wrapped in a chilling narrative.

July

24. “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)” – Bruce Springsteen (July 4)
Boardwalk dreams and summer love. The night that launched the Boss’s storytelling universe.

25. “Saturday in the Park” – Chicago (July 4)
Is it the Fourth of July? Yes. No. Every day feels like it. That’s the point.

26. “Born on the Bayou” – CCR (July 4)
Fogerty mythologized a bayou life he never lived — “on the Fourth of July” with a hoodoo twist.

27. “Yankee Rose” – David Lee Roth (July 4)
Statue of Liberty as a fox. Fireworks. Patriotism in spandex. Only Diamond Dave.

28. “Jack Straw” – Grateful Dead (July 4)
Two outlaws, one dusty trail, and the day they left Texas — the Fourth of July.

29. “4th of July” – X (July 4)
Written before he joined the band, Dave Alvin’s heartbreaker turns the fireworks inward.

30. “4th of July” – Soundgarden (July 4)
A bad trip on Independence Day. Cornell thought it was the end. The song makes you feel like it was.

31. “Medley: Yell Help / Wednesday Night / Ugly” – Elton John (July 13)
“I wish it wasn’t the 13th of July.” Unclear why, but if Elton’s worried, we’re worried too.

August

32. “The First Day of August” – Carole King (Aug. 1)
She just wants to wake up with you on August 1. The most delicate way to mark a calendar.

33. “Rainmaker” – Harry Nilsson (Aug. 1)
It’s been dry since May. On August 1, the Rainmaker comes to town. Folk-psychedelia at its best.

34. “Who Killed Marilyn?” – Misfits (Aug. 5)
“5:25, August 5th, 1962.” The exact time Marilyn Monroe’s body was found. Danzig turns it into punk noir.

35. “August 7, 4:15” – Jon Bon Jovi (Aug. 7)
A tribute to a murdered child. Heartbreaking, raw, and still unsolved. One of Bon Jovi’s most vulnerable moments.

36. “Friday Night, August 14th” – Funkadelic (Aug. 14)
Income tax came in. The trip kicked in. Acid-fueled funk history, stamped with a real date.

37. “Someday (August 29, 1968)” – Chicago (Aug. 29)
The Democratic Convention. Tear gas. Riot police. Chicago wrote it into brass-and-rage perfection.

September

38. “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” – The Temptations (Sept. 3)
“The third of September, that day I’ll always remember…” Even if Dennis Edwards’ dad actually died in October.

39. “September” – Earth, Wind & Fire (Sept. 21)
There’s no reason for the 21st — it just sang better. And now it lives rent-free in your brain forever.

October

40. “Snookeroo” – Ringo Starr (Oct. 30)
“I was born on the eve of Halloween.” Not quite — Ringo was born in July — but let’s not ruin the vibe.

41. “October 33” – Black Pumas (Imaginary Oct. 33)
A date that doesn’t exist, but a heartbreak that absolutely does. Soulful, surreal, and timeless.

November

42. “Remember” – John Lennon (Nov. 5)
“Remember, remember the fifth of November…” Then the piano explodes. Literally.

43. “Hijack” – Jefferson Starship (Nov. 23)
Hijacking a spaceship to start a new world. Of course it happens on November 23. Sci-fi rock at its peak.

44. “November 18th” – Drake (Nov. 18)
A Houston homage and a slow jam confession. November 18th became a holiday for the H-Town faithful.

December

45. “December 1963 (Oh What a Night)” – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (Dec. 1963)
A nostalgic rush about the night everything changed — and probably a first time for someone.

46. “Christmas in Hollis” – Run-D.M.C. (Dec. 24)
“December 24th on Hollis Ave in the dark.” Santa, soul food, and Queens swagger. Instant holiday classic.

Undated but Date-Themed Bonus Tracks

47. “Calendar Girl” – Neil Sedaka (All months)
Every month gets its moment — and a new reason to fall in love.

48. “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.” – Simon & Garfunkel (Wednesday)
A quiet crime and a quiet goodbye. A weekday never felt so final.

49. “January Friend” – Goo Goo Dolls (Implied January)
The one who only shows up once a year — in a flannel, with a mixtape.

50. “January Hymn” – The Decemberists (Implied January)
A snowy love song that aches like bare hands and lost mittens.

51. “August” – Taylor Swift (Implied August)
A phantom fling remembered in golden light. August slipped away into a song.

52. “July” – Noah Cyrus (Implied July)
“Pushed me away and I gave in.” A breakup delivered with July humidity.

53. “4th of July” – Shooter Jennings (July 4 – again!)
Fireworks, heartbreak, and honky-tonk melodies. Nothing’s simple on America’s birthday.

54. “June 27th Freestyle” – DJ Screw (June 27)
Houston’s unofficial national anthem. Eight rappers, one screwed-up masterpiece.

55. “Friday the 13th” – Gorillaz ft. Octavian (Friday the 13th)
Paranoia, post-apocalyptic funk, and Friday the 13th energy in every synth.

HUGEL, David Guetta, Kehlani, and Daecolm Drop Summer Anthem ‘Think Of Me’

Eric Alper
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HUGEL, David Guetta, Kehlani, and Daecolm Drop Summer Anthem ‘Think Of Me’

Today, international house music sensation and multi-platinum selling DJ and producer, HUGEL, joins forces for the first time with Grammy Award-winning artist David Guetta, multi-platinum songstress Kehlani, and vocalist Daecolm to unveil what will undoubtedly be the song of the summer, “Think Of Me”.

Captivating from the onset, “Think Of Me” immediately transports listeners into a dreamy, groove-filled realm that captures the essence of sun-soaked days that blur into endless nights. HUGEL’s signature Latin and Afro-infused beats carry Kehlani and Daecolm’s lush vocals, as Guetta’s euphoric drops and bright synths fuel the track with unexpected bursts of energy. Embodying the soul of the season, the track brings summer to life with an invigorating beat and feel-good ambiance.

The powerhouse collaboration arrives as an effortless follow-up to HUGEL’s 2024 global hit, “I Adore You,” and a testament to the innovator’s sonic genius and collaborative spirit. A convergence of today’s most influential tastemakers in music, “Think Of Me” offers an infectious, anthemic track as nostalgic as it is fresh, guaranteed to set dancefloors ablaze around the globe.

With more than 1 Bil. cumulative streams, multiple Gold & Platinum awards, the recently earned title of 5th most played DJ in the world and an impossibly suave sense of style, HUGEL is not only music’s undeniable maverick of the moment, but one of THE most in-demand names in today’s scene. Revered as the instigator of the Latin House movement with his hit “Morenita”, HUGEL has earned global recognition for his category-blurring, sultry compositions that command movement. Since bursting onto the scene in 2015, the serial chart-topper has amassed an international following for his widely adored releases ranging from “Marianela (Que Pasa)” to his viral hit in collaboration with Topic and Arash – “I ADORE YOU” (feat. DAECOLM) – which currently boasts over 220 Million streams. The Latin House producer has also landed collaborations with music heavyweights such as Diplo, Ellie Goulding and J.Balvin, further solidifying his position as a major player in the industry at large.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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