Home Blog Page 787

Julie Malnig’s Book “Dancing Black, Dancing White” Uncovers The Racial Politics Of Teen Dance Shows In Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Formative Years

Eric Alper
-
0
Julie Malnig’s Book “Dancing Black, Dancing White” Uncovers The Racial Politics Of Teen Dance Shows In Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Formative Years
Julie Malnig’s new book Dancing Black, Dancing White: Rock ‘n’ Roll, Race, and Youth Culture of the 1950s and Early 1960s offers a new look at the highly popular phenomenon of the televised teen dance program.
These teen shows were incubators of new styles of social and popular dance and both reflected and shaped pressing social issues of the day. Often referred to as “dance parties,” the televised teen dance shows helped cultivate a nascent youth culture in the post-World War II era. The youth culture depicted on the shows, however, was primarily white. Black teenagers certainly had a youth culture of their own, but the injustice was glaring: Black culture was not always in evident display on the airwaves, as television, like the nation at large, was deeply segregated and appealed to a primarily white, homogenous audience.
The crux of the book, then, is twofold: to explore how social and popular dance styles were created and disseminated within the new technology of television and to investigate how the shows both reflected and re-affirmed the racial politics and attitudes of the time. The 1950s was a watershed decade for American culture and dance. The era witnessed the ascendancy of rock and roll music and recorded sound, the rise of the teenager as a marketing demographic, the beginnings of television, and a new phase of the country’s struggle with race.
The story of televised teen dance told here is about Black and white teenagers wanting to dance to rock ‘n’ roll music despite the barriers placed on their ability to do so. It is also a story that fuses issues of race, morality, and sexuality. Dancing Black, Dancing White weaves together these elements to tell two stories: that of the different experiences of Black and white adolescents and their desires to have a space of their own where they could be seen, heard, appreciated, and understood.

Liz Williams’ Book ‘Rough Music’ Explores The Wild, Shame-Fueled Heart Of British Folklore And Protest

Eric Alper
-
0
Liz Williams’ Book ‘Rough Music’ Explores The Wild, Shame-Fueled Heart Of British Folklore And Protest

Rough Music explores transgression and shame in British folklore and customs. It takes in a wide array of examples including Bonfire Night, Wassail, Morris dancing, Mari Lwyd, and Twelfth Night, along with happenings like Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake, and street football. Liz Williams explores the roots and roles of violence, mockery, protest, and public shaming. She also addresses alternative culture and modern protests, such as the Battle of the Beanfield and the Stonehenge Free Festival. The interaction between racism and traditions involving blackface, alongside the emergence of all-female Morris sides, is also examined. Finally, Rough Music looks at folklore’s evolution in the digital age, highlighting new developments such as ghost bikes. This engaging book offers an entertaining yet rigorous look at British folklore and culture.

Alice Cooper and Judas Priest Announce Co-Headlining 2025 North American Tour with Corrosion of Conformity

Eric Alper
-
0
Alice Cooper and Judas Priest Announce Co-Headlining 2025 North American Tour with Corrosion of Conformity

Alice Cooper and Judas Priest will share the stage for an epic co-headlining tour across North America that will feature Corrosion of Conformity as support on select dates.

Produced by Live Nation, the 22-city run kicks off September 16 at Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, MS, and stops in Toronto, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping October 26 at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, TX.

Coming off the second leg of their Invincible Shield Tour and the release of their celebrated 19th studio album, Judas Priest remains a dominant force in metal. Meanwhile, Alice Cooper, the godfather of theatrical rock, wraps up his “Too Close For Comfort” tour this summer, promoting his most recent “Road” album, and will have an as-yet-unnamed all-new show for this tour.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting Wednesday, April 16 at 10AM local time with Artist Presales. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, April 18 at 10AM local time at LiveNation.com.

TOUR DATES:
Tue Sep 16 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Thu Sep 18 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*
Sat Sep 20 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Sun Sep 21 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
Wed Sep 24 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Fri Sep 26 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
Sat Sep 27 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC
Mon Sep 29 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Wed Oct 01 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Thu Oct 02 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Sat Oct 04 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Sun Oct 05 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Fri Oct 10 – Colorado Springs, CO – Broadmoor World Arena
Sun Oct 12 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tue Oct 14 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Wed Oct 15 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
Sat Oct 18 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sun Oct 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Wed Oct 22 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Thu Oct 23 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Sat Oct 25 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Sun Oct 26 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

*Without support from Corrosion of Conformity

Linkin Park to Headline 2025 UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show

Eric Alper
-
0
Linkin Park to Headline 2025 UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show

Pepsi® and UC3 are excited to announce that LINKIN PARK will headline the UEFA Champions League final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi on May 31st at the Munich Football Arena. Pepsi and UEFA will once again mark the final with its eagerly anticipated curtain raiser, with the event set to be an unforgettable experience just minutes ahead of the match.

LINKIN PARK recently made a triumphant return to the spotlight with the release of From Zero, their first new music in seven years. The album hit the top of the charts across the globe and features #1 smashes “Heavy Is The Crown” and “The Emptiness Machine,” which surged as the biggest rock song of 2024 with over 250 million streams. Notably, as reported by Billboard, LINKIN PARK was the one-and-only rock band to cross over 2 Billion yearly streams in 2024. The momentum continues this year with their ferocious new single “Up From The Bottom,” taken from their upcoming From Zero (Deluxe Edition), releasing on May 16. Meanwhile, the band continues their massive From Zero World Tour, picking up next in Austin, TX on April 26, winding their way across sold-out stadiums in Europe for the summer, and culminating in South America this fall.

Now, for 2025, LINKIN PARK is taking its brand-new era to new heights, by revealing that they will be taking the stage at this year’s UEFA Champions League final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi, with a setlist representing the best of their legacy, past and present.

To announce this iconic collaboration, LINKIN PARK has composed and recorded an electrifying new remix which features in a short film to mark the announcement. The featured track blends the band’s iconic sound with the culture of European football, incorporating the immediately recognisable riffs of their 4X Platinum hit “Numb,” with sounds inspired by UEFA Champions League football – the strike of leather, the whistle of a free kick, the sounds of the most passionate fans in the world. The film goes on to deliver an emotionally charged performance of the new bespoke track, together with high-octane UEFA Champions League football footage, paying homage to the way the UEFA Champions League final Kick-Off Show presented by Pepsi clashes football and entertainment together to create one night of epic entertainment.

LINKIN PARK commented: “With our new album and ongoing tour, we’ve been overwhelmed by the fans’ energy and excitement. We can’t wait to share that same energy and excitement at the UEFA Champions League final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi. This marks a totally new experience for us as a band, and we’re excited to share some of our favorite songs from the past and present, with the thousands in the crowd and millions watching around the world.”

Eric Melis, VP of Global Brand Marketing – Pepsi at PepsiCo added: “We are proud to announce that one of the most influential rock bands of the 21st century will be headlining this year’s UEFA Champions League final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi. This marks our ninth year bringing together millions of viewers from around the world, with LINKIN PARK sure to put on a show like no other, live from the Munich Football Arena in Germany. We’re delighted to be working with a group of artists who live by our ‘Thirsty For More’ philosophy, reflecting the same spirit of innovation and boldness that Pepsi embodies – and we can’t wait to see how fans react to this unmissable show.”

Guy-Laurent Epstein, Co-Managing Director, UC3, said: “This year’s UEFA Champions League final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi promises to be a spectacular moment, with one of the world’s most iconic rock bands performing live just minutes before the biggest match in European club football. Together with Pepsi, we’re proud to continue enhancing the fan experience – both in the stadium and for millions watching around the world – with unforgettable entertainment on and off the pitch.”

Once more, Pepsi and UEFA have marked the UEFA Champions League final with a momentous music performance showcasing the world’s most iconic artists and uniting football and music fans through one compelling entertainment spectacle. The UEFA Champions League final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi will be aired all around the world and territories globally, just minutes before the stand-out fixture of the club football calendar commences and is the embodiment of Pepsi’s ‘Thirsty For More’ global platform.

WAR Celebrates 50 Years of Why Can’t We Be Friends? With Deluxe Anniversary Edition Featuring Rare Tracks And Remixes

Eric Alper
-
0
WAR Celebrates 50 Years of Why Can’t We Be Friends? With Deluxe Anniversary Edition Featuring Rare Tracks And Remixes

This June, WAR will release Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition), celebrating the multi-million-selling, blockbuster album that topped charts and left an indelible mark on music history. This deluxe 3CD and digital set commemorates 50 years of some of the band’s most iconic songs, including its timeless title track, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” the perennially cool “Low Rider,” “So” and more. First released in 1975, Why Can’t We Be Friends? remains a groundbreaking record—defined by unforgettable melodies, a powerful message of unity, and an enduring influence that continues to shape music, film, and social movements today. On June 6th via Avenue/Rhino, the arrival of this special edition will not only honor the album’s milestone anniversary, but celebrate WAR’s 55-year legacy as cultural trailblazers whose impact still resonates across generations today. They are “one of the most seminal bands in music” (Billboard), and “when it comes to low rider Cali-cool multiculturalism, WAR wrote the biggest, loudest book” (Variety).

Pre-Order Why Can’t We Be Friends? 50th Anniversary (Collector’s Edition), and listen to the previously unheard “Low Rider (Original Unedited Mix),” available today: HERE

Newly remastered by Bernie Grundman, Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) presents the original album alongside two additional discs. Featuring seven unearthed bonus tracks, rare jam sessions and unedited mixes, as well as a revelatory recording about the making of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” the collection offers a deeper look into the record than ever before. The 3CD and Digital editions follow the stunning Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) 3LP set that just debuted as a 2025 Record Store Day Vinyl Exclusive. WAR’s previous box set, honoring 50 years of The World Is a Ghetto, was named Best New Reissue by Pitchfork, and hailed as one of the best of the year by The New York Times, Variety and more. Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) continues that streak.

WAR’s signature fusion of funk, soul, jazz, Latin, rock and street music is what first propelled them to prominence 55 years ago, but it was their ability to craft songs of social consciousness that further cemented their place in the modern American songbook. The immediate global impact of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” was so profound that NASA transmitted the title track into space during the historic Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975. Since then, WAR have continued to sing out against racism, hunger, crime and conflict, while their music has been sampled by Janet Jackson, Tupac, Beastie Boys, Method Man, Sublime, Redman, Cypress Hill, Shaggy, A$AP Mob, Scarface, The Geto Boys, De La Soul, Flo Rida, Liam Payne, Thomas Rhett and more, and covered by everyone from Willie Nelson to The Muppets, George Clinton, Phish, ZZ Top and The Isley Brothers.

With more than 50 million albums sold, 20 gold, platinum and multi-platinum records, three Rock & Roll Hall of Fame noms, a GRAMMY Hall of Fame entry, four #1 LPs, nine Top 10s and twenty Top 40 songs, WAR didn’t just define the sound of the 1970s—they became a lasting voice for creative collaboration and social change, with a mission of love and harmony that resonates now more than ever. From the prophetic message of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” to the timeless groove of “Low Rider,” this collection captures WAR at their most innovative and socially impactful. More than just a musical milestone, Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) reaffirms the album’s relevance—both as a reflection of the polarizing era that inspired it, and as a beacon of hope for our present and future.

As WAR enters its sixth decde, their influence remains undeniable. Recent honors—including their debut in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade—further cement WAR’s status as musical and cultual giants. Meanwhile, WAR will hit the road for dozens of tour dates across the US and abroad, including a hometown, headline performance at the LA County Fair, and many more you canfind at https://war.com/tour. 

TRACK LIST  
CD 1: Why Can’t We Be Friends? 
1. Don’t Let No One Get You Down
2. Lotus Blossom
3. Heartbeat
4. Leroy’s Latin Lament (Medley)
a. Lonnie Dreams
b. The Way We Feel
c. La Fiesta
d. Lament
5. Smile Happy
6. So
7. Low Rider
8. In Mazatlan
9. Why Can’t We Be Friends?
CD 2 & 3: Making of Why Can’t We Be Friend 
Disc 1
1. Zorro (Bonus Track)
2. Don’t Let No One Get You Down (Original Unedited Mix)
3. Roam & Ramble (Bonus Track)
4. Low Rider (Original Unedited Mix)
5. So (Unedited Remix)
Disc 2
1. Oatmeal Box (Bonus Track)
2. Heartbeat (Original Jam)
3. The Making of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”

Anberlin Adds Second Leg To “Never Take Friendship Personal” 20th Anniversary Tour With The Almost And Watashi Wa

Eric Alper
-
0
Anberlin Adds Second Leg To “Never Take Friendship Personal” 20th Anniversary Tour With The Almost And Watashi Wa

As Anberlin continues their twenty year celebration of Never Take Friendship Personal, the alternative outfit has announced the second leg of their nearly sold-out tour, with support from The Almost and Watashi Wa, kicking in Jacksonville, FL on July 31, hitting fifteen cities before wrapping things up mid-August in Indianapolis.

Anberlin recently surprised fans with the release of Nevertake, a reimagined version of the quintessential album celebrating its twenty year anniversary, now featuring Matty Mullins on vocals.

Vocalist Matty Mullins previously shared “‘Never Take Friendship Personal’ was the soundtrack to my life when I was 17. It shaped the most crucial years of my early music career. To now have the opportunity to step into the role of vocalist for the band that inspired me is beyond surreal. Re-recording this album with my own voice has been a full-circle moment and an absolute dream come true. We’ve poured our hearts into honoring the original while giving it new life, and I can’t wait for both longtime fans and new listeners to experience it in this way.”

NEVER TAKE FRIENDSHIP PERSONAL UPCOMING TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY TOUR DATES:
07/31 – Jacksonville, FL – Decca Live
08/01 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
08/02 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
08/03 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa
08/05 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
08/06 – Albany, NY – Empire Live
08/07 – Philadelphia, PA – Theater of The Living Arts
08/08 – Brooklyn, NY – The Brooklyn Monarch
08/10 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
08/12 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City
08/13 – Scranton, PA – The Ritz Theater
08/14 – New Kensington, PA – Preserving
08/15 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
08/16 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
08/17 – Indianapolis, IN – Hi-Fi Annex

The Darkness Bring ‘Dreams On Toast’ To North America With 2025 Tour Dates

Eric Alper
-
0
The Darkness Bring ‘Dreams On Toast’ To North America With 2025 Tour Dates

The Darkness announced North American tour dates in support of their new album Dreams On Toast released on March 28th via Cooking Vinyl.

The band will ignite stages across North America on their two-part Dreams On Toast Tour kicking off on August 29th in Pryor, Oklahoma through September 21st that resumes on November 7th in Houston, Texas and wraps on November 22nd. Tour Pre-sale starts Wednesday, April 16th at 10am local time and General on-sale commences Friday, April 18th at 10am local time.

Highly praised by critics and fans, Dreams On Toast flawlessly captures The Darkness at their peak, celebrating their influences and strengthening their sound, while also embarking on avenues never before heard from the band. It’s an indisputably grand display from the inspired and passionate quartet.

With a back catalogue overflowing with sonic masterpieces and a live reputation that most bands can only dream of, The Darkness have established themselves as one of the most exciting live bands. More than 20 years after The Darkness burst on the scene with their debut confection of rock brilliance, Permission To Land, the band’s cheeky, spandex-clad anthems continue to dazzle and amaze. With Dreams On Toast, The Darkness produced another triumphant collection of solid gold rock bangers and are set to deliver heart exploding concerts that promise to be glorious spectacles of foot-stomping, guitar-wailing, high-octane joy.

Rolling Stone UK gushes that The Darkness have “Incredible live presence,” Music Connection raves, “There really is nothing like a Darkness show, the band is great, the songs are great, and they leave the fans wanting more,” while Live Music News and Review enthuses, “It is a truth universally acknowledged that The Darkness are guaranteed to melt your face during one of their live performances.” Music Existence proclaims, “This band is in a class of their own and shouldn’t be missed if you’re able to see them live,” Music City Magazine shares, “They are truthfully one of the best live acts out there,” Top Shelf Music Magazine lauds, “In terms of pure high-energy rock and roll, nobody has ever rocked harder than The Darkness” and My Global Mind declares, “Their show is EXACTLY what a rock and roll show should be!”

DREAMS ON TOAST NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:
8/29 Pryor, OK Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds
8/30 Saint Louis, MO The Pageant
8/31 Nashville, TN Brooklyn Bowl
9/2 Atlanta, GA Masquerade – Heaven Stage
9/3 Huntsville, AL Von Braun Center – Mars Music Hall
9/5 Norfolk, VA The NorVa
9/6 Richmond, VA The National
9/7 Washington, DC Lincoln Theatre
9/9 Allentown, PA Archer Music Hall
9/10 New York, NY Irving Plaza
9/12 Toronto, ON Phoenix Concert Theatre
9/13 Kitchener, ON Elements
9/14 Montréal, QC Club Soda
9/16 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
9/17 Detroit, MI Saint Andrew’s Hall
9/19 Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theater
9/20 Milwaukee, WI The Rave/Eagles Club – The Rave Hall
9/21 Cleveland, OH Agora Theatre and Ballroom
11/7 Houston, TX Warehouse Live Midtown
11/8 Austin, TX Emo’s
11/9 Dallas, TX The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
11/12 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
11/13 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
11/15 Boise, ID Knitting Factory Concert House
11/17 Portland, OR Revolution Hall
11/18 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
11/19 Seattle, WA The Showbox
11/21 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
11/22 Denver, CO Summit Music Hall

Bailey James Channels Heartache and Horsepower in New Single “I Hate Chevrolets”

Eric Alper
-
0
Bailey James Channels Heartache and Horsepower in New Single “I Hate Chevrolets”

Nashville country-soul powerhouse Bailey James has never held back when it comes to emotion, and her latest single, a return to her alternative-country roots, “I Hate Chevrolets,” proves it once again. This blues-soaked country ballad is soaked in heartache, turning the image of a classic American truck into the symbol of a love that always leaves. Co-written with Mark Irwin (Lainey Wilson, Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Jimmy Buffett), the single is a fantastic addition to James’ discography and some of her finest lyricism yet.

With a voice full of ache and conviction, James delivers lines like “If I keep saying that it’s just a car maybe / I can save a little piece of my heart” – but the truth cuts deeper: it’s not about the truck, it’s the man who keeps driving away. The chorus hits with raw, memorable honesty: “I hate Chevrolets / Hate the way they sound / Driving down the road to the other side of town.”

Her vocal performance is where the heartbreak truly lives – confident and crushed all at once – while the production blends throwback country with a sultry modern edge.

Shelby Means Rounds Up Bluegrass All-Stars for Debut Solo Album and Playful New Single “Farm Girl”

Eric Alper
-
0
Shelby Means Rounds Up Bluegrass All-Stars for Debut Solo Album and Playful New Single “Farm Girl”

If you think you recognize Shelby Means, that’s because you almost definitely do. The bassist, vocalist and songwriter has been everywhere. Crossed the deserts bare, breathed the mountain air and all that; of travel she’s certainly had her share. Most notably in recent years, she’s been playing bass with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, touring the world and winning a GRAMMY with them for their 2023 album, City of Gold, and before that she played with the bluegrass band Della Mae, with whom she visited nearly 30 countries.

Born in the bluegrass state of Kentucky and raised on Wyoming’s high plains, she was bit by the bluegrass bug early and grew up playing with her family, moving to Nashville after college, where she began to make a name for herself playing the upright bass. Now based in Charleston, SC, Means is also one half of roots duo Sally & George with her husband and collaborator, Sol Driven Train’s Joel Timmons, and she co-founded another group, Lover’s Leap, with Timmons, Mary Lucey, and Billy Cardine.

Perhaps the only thing she hasn’t done as a bassist, band member, artist and side musician after all these years, is release a solo record. Until now that is. On 30th May, Shelby Means will put out her debut, self-titled LP. This time her famous friends are backing her up as she steps into the spotlight. Produced by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Maya De Vitry, the album also features star turns from Billy Strings, Kyle and Molly Tuttle, Sam Bush, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Bryan Sutton, Billy Contreras, Sam Grisman, Ronnie McCoury, Tim O’Brien, Michael Cleveland and Means’ brother, Jacob.

“I always knew I wanted my first solo album to be bluegrass,” says songwriter, singer, and prolific bassist Shelby Means, who’s spent the majority of her career careening down highways on tour with world-class string bands like Della Mae and the Grammy-winning Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway. “I never left bluegrass,” she continues. “I certainly have explored other styles, but I kept dreaming of my time in Nashville and how I love to host jam sessions and invite my friends and neighbors.” With her upcoming self-titled solo debut, Means hosts a friends and neighbors jam session for the ages.

With Della Mae, Golden Highway, Sally & George, and her countless other projects and gigs, Means has ended up meeting-and establishing connections and relationships with-just about everyone in bluegrass music; and they’re all invited to her soiree. Bryan Sutton (who plays guitar on Shelby Means) produced an album for Della Mae; producer Maya de Vitry happened to produce Means’ husband Joel Timmons’ album (he’s also in de Vitry’s band); Jerry Douglas produced for Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway on both Crooked Tree and City of Gold; Means’ brother, Jacob, plays mandolin on a couple selections; Golden Highway’s Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Kyle Tuttle, and Molly Tuttle herself each make appearances; there’s also Sam Grisman, Ronnie McCoury, Billy Strings, Michael Cleveland, Tim O’Brien, and more. Plus, stalwart friends from her Nashville years-folks like Rachel Baiman, Kelsey Waldon, and Billy Contreras-are all over the self-titled debut.

Of course, all of the camaraderie is made possible by Means’s dynamic material-bluegrass bangers, heartful lyrics, and hilarious romps-and her bright, confident, and decidedly country voice, but there’s also a particular set of skills and fluences at play in gathering such a crowd; a striking professionalism developed over the course of her accomplished career. “Shelby holds sway over whatever band she’s in. When she has an idea, I listen,” says Jerry Douglas. “She knows what she wants, and she’s good at explaining it, so we can do a lot more playing than talking.”

Out today, Holler. shared an early look at the latest single from Shelby Means, the lilting, cheeky “Farm Girl” writing, “…the playfully subversive front porch sing-along feels like a breath of fresh bluegrass air blowing in.” Originally written by Means’ husband, Joel Timmons, and Mack Leaphart, “Farm Girl” got a plot twist for this release. “When I was looking for songs to put on my record, I decided to sing lead and make it a farm girl fantasy,” says Means, whose side of the story comes from growing up in Wyoming, working on a ranch, driving a tractor, and branding cattle. Tapping some of her oldest gal pals in Nashville, Means turned the chorus into a call and response with old friends Kelsey Waldon and Rachel Baiman. Bryan Sutton (guitar), Ron Block (banjo), Jerry Douglas (Dobro), Sam Bush (mandolin), and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (fiddle) round out the band for this knee-slapping, toe-tapping romp through the pasture.

Charlie Wilson Announces “Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout” Tour With Babyface, K-Ci Hailey, And El DeBarge

Eric Alper
-
0
Charlie Wilson Announces “Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout” Tour With Babyface, K-Ci Hailey, And El DeBarge

R&B icon Charlie Wilson is bringing the ultimate soul-infused celebration to fans this summer with his Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour, produced by Live Nation Urban and P Music Group featuring an all-star lineup of legendary acts including Babyface, K-Ci Hailey and El DeBarge. The nationwide tour kicks off on August 27th at the prestigious Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and will travel across major cities, delivering an unforgettable night of timeless hits, powerhouse vocals, and feel-good vibes.

With decades of chart-topping success between them, Wilson, Babyface, Hailey and DeBarge will take fans on a journey through some of R&B’s most cherished classics. Charlie Wilson’s catalog includes anthems from his time as the co-founder and lead singer of The Gap Band, such as Outstanding, Yearning for Your Love, and Burn Rubber, along with solo hits like There Goes My Baby, I’m Blessed, and Charlie, Last Name Wilson. Together, this lineup promises a night filled with timeless music.

Babyface’s expansive catalog of love songs, including Whip Appeal and Every Time I Close My Eyes, is matched only by the chart-topping hits he’s written and produced for other artists-among them Whitney Houston’s Exhale (Shoop Shoop), Boyz II Men’s End of the Road and I’ll Make Love to You, Tevin Campbell’s Can We Talk, and Bobby Brown’s Don’t Be Cruel and Roni.

K-Ci’s signature voice and timeless discography will help set the tone for an unforgettable night. From Jodeci classics like Come and Talk to Me and Forever My Lady to K-Ci & JoJo’s chart-topping ballads All My Life and Crazy, along with his soulful take on Bobby Womack’s If You Think You’re Lonely Now, his set promises both nostalgia and raw emotion.

Rounding out the cookout line up is the incomparable El DeBarge, whose silky falsetto defined an era and helped shape the sound of modern R&B. As the lead vocalist of DeBarge, he delivered timeless hits like Rhythm of the Night and I Like It, songs that blended soul, pop, and funk in a way that resonated across generations.

Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour promises to deliver a must-see cultural experience that celebrates legacy, love, and the timeless spirit of Black music. More than just a concert, this tour brings the feeling of a family reunion to the stage, where generations come together, classics get a second wind, and soul meets celebration. With a lineup of legendary voices and chart-topping anthems, the tour is set to be a vibrant reminder of the power R&B holds in shaping culture, healing hearts, and bringing people together. From the cookout vibes to the sing-along moments, every stop on this tour is designed to feel like home.

“This tour is unlike anything I’ve done before. As someone who truly loves R&B, getting to share the stage with my friends Babyface, K-Ci, and El is something I’m really looking forward to,” says Charlie Wilson. “I’ve been performing for so long that my audience isn’t just made up of fans, it really has become a family. Over the years, I’ve come to recognize so many faces, and we’ve grown together through the music. The R&B cookout is gonna be one big family reunion for us and our fans.”

Michael Paran, CEO of P Music Group, shares, “The idea for Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour came naturally because of the bond Charlie has built with his fans and the relationships I’ve developed with Babyface, K-Ci, and El. I’ve seen firsthand how their music brings people together like family, laughing, dancing, and reminiscing on early memories. This tour is about more than just great performances. It’s about capturing that feeling-the joy, the energy, and the nostalgia you feel when you’re surrounded by genuine love. Instead of building the perfect cookout playlist, I wanted to bring it to life with some of the greatest songs we’ve shared memories to and grown up on.”

Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour isn’t just a concert, it’s a family reunion set to the soundtrack of R&B’s most timeless hits. Charlie Wilson, Babyface, K-Ci Hailey, and El DeBarge will bring the heart and soul of a classic cookout to every city, creating an atmosphere where fans are more than just an audience, they’re family. With electrifying performances, nostalgic anthems, and feel-good vibes, this tour is a celebration of community, connection, and the music that has defined generations. Get ready to sing, dance, and reminisce, because at this cookout, everyone is invited.

Produced by Live Nation Urban and P Music Group, Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour will visit 20+ cities, including stops in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and Houston. Fans can expect a high-energy, soul-stirring experience that brings the heart of R&B to life on stage.

In select cities, fans can elevate their night with an exclusive all-you-can-eat VIP cookout experience. This one-of-a-kind pre-show event brings the backyard to the venue with a curated menu of classic cookout favorites, specialty cocktails, and laid-back vibes inspired by the culture that raised us. From the food to the music to the fellowship, it’s the perfect way to kick off an unforgettable evening of R&B legends. Availability is limited and only offered in select markets.

Tickets will be available for pre-sale starting today at 12 PM local time through Thursday, April 17 at 10 PM local time with code: cookout. The public on sale will begin Friday, April 18 at 10 AM local time.

UNCLE CHARLIE’S R&B COOKOUT TOUR – 2025 DATES:
Wed 8/27 – Hollywood, CA – Hollywood Bowl*
Fri 8/29 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion*
Fri 9/5 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Sat 9/6 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Sun 9/7 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Thu 9/11 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Fri 9/12 – New York, NY – Jones Beach Amphitheater
Sat 9/13 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion
Sun 9/14 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann
Fri 9/19 – Raleigh, NC – Coast Union Music Park
Sat 9/20 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Arena
Sun 9/21 – Virginia Beach, VA – United Home Amphitheater
Fri 9/26 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Pavilion presented by Huntsman
Sat 9/27 – Oklahoma City, OK – Zoo Amphitheater
Sun 9/28 – Dallas, TX – Toyota Music Pavilion
Fri 10/3 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Arena**
Sat 10/4 – Atlanta, GA – Chastain Park*
Sun 10/5 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Fri 10/10 – Birmingham, AL – Coca-Cola Amphitheater
Sat 10/11 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater*
Sun 10/12 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum
(*No El DeBarge)| (**No Babyface)

1...786787788...3,050Page 787 of 3,050

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

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

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper