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*Vevo Footnotes Celebrates 25 Years of NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” with Behind-the-Scenes Secrets and Iconic Moments

Eric Alper
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*Vevo Footnotes Celebrates 25 Years of NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” with Behind-the-Scenes Secrets and Iconic Moments

*NSYNC and Vevo premiere a new episode of Footnotes, giving viewers an inside look at “Bye Bye Bye,” the chart-topping hit from their record-breaking album No Strings Attached. The song remains a cultural staple and now marks its 25th anniversary with Vevo Footnotes.

The episode explains how the video was inspired by the album’s cover art, featuring the band as puppets suspended by bungie cords on stage. It also covers how the video’s popularity helped propel the album to debut #1 on the Billboard 200, selling a record-breaking 2.4 million copies in its first week-a milestone that stood until Adele’s 25 in 2015. Additionally, it reveals that Chris Kirkpatrick and Joey Fatone perform their own stunts during the train scene. It also touches on Justin Timberlake’s “easy” role in the video, the director’s inspiration from 1951’s ‘Royal Wedding’ with Fred Astaire and how JC Chasez’s love of Robert De Niro’s chase scene in Ronin inspired the car chase.

It also discusses famed choreographer Darrin Henson, known for his work with Britney Spears and The Spice Girls, who created the video’s now-iconic dance routine. Henson, who was considering stepping away from music video choreography, was convinced by *NSYNC’s manager to take on the project, and later that year won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography. Finally, the episode reveals the resurgence of the song with Deadpool & Wolverine with Henson telling Forbes, “I’m happy to see that people are still tapped in, turned on, and tuned in to the ‘Bye Bye Bye’ dance. It’s historical and legendary. I’m grateful to be witnessing it all.”

j-hope Unveils New Solo Single “MONA LISA,” Paying Tribute to Unique Beauty with a Smooth Hip-Hop/R&B Groove

Eric Alper
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j-hope Unveils New Solo Single “MONA LISA,” Paying Tribute to Unique Beauty with a Smooth Hip-Hop/R&B Groove

j-hope of 21st century pop icons BTS unveiled a new solo digital single “MONA LISA,” along with an accompanying music video today. Arriving just two weeks after the release of digital single “Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel)” on March 7, this new track continues to amplify the undeniable, wide-reaching appeal of its predecessor.

A hip-hop/R&B track, “MONA LISA” pays tribute to celebrating one’s unique beauty. With its title inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece ‘Mona Lisa,’ the track likens the praise for the alluring person to the timeless masterpiece. It conveys that what truly moves someone is not external beauty, but rather the distinctive characteristics that make each person special.

In the track, j-hope seamlessly fuses hip-hop and R&B with a catchy, danceable groove and smooth, easy-listening melodies, creating a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. As the song builds, the chorus toward the end invites an infectious sing-along, amplifying the uplifting, feel-good atmosphere. With its smooth melodies and evocative lyrics, j-hope commands the track, exuding a sophisticated bravado with a sensual edge. j-hope participated in the production of the track, showcasing his continuously evolving artistry and musical prowess. Additionally, Blake Slatkin, known for collaborations with Charlie Puth, Sam Smith, Lizzo, and more, is credited on the track.

j-hope premiered “MONA LISA” with a first-ever live performance during the sold-out Brooklyn stop of his first solo world tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE in North America’ at Barclays Center on March 13 & 14. Since its premiere, fan-captured footage of the performance has been going viral across social media, highlighting his smooth, effortlessly cool delivery that perfectly blends a laid-back attitude with a distinct hip vibe.

The music video was also unveiled to much anticipation alongside the track. It artistically brings the track to life with a performance-driven approach, showcasing hip-hop in a sleek, sophisticated flair along with a striking modern aesthetic. In the video, j-hope moves through a set, reminiscent of a contemporary art museum, embodying himself as a living work of art as he delivers his performance. The camera, following his dazzling movements in a fluid motion, makes the performance even more fascinating to watch. Meanwhile, the dynamic lighting effects accentuates his silhouettes, making the video a mesmerizing work of art that immerses viewers in its visual allure. j-hope’s styling, adorned with glittery accents, radiates a luxurious and free-spirited vibe, elevating the overall aesthetic of the music video.

Following the easy-listening, dreamy sound of “Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel),” j-hope unveils yet another facet of his unique artistry with “MONA LISA,” a track that exudes his smooth, laid-back charm. With this, j-hope expands his musical spectrum, solidifying his status as one of the most dynamic and sought-after global artists.

George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions Now Available on Vinyl – A Treasure Trove of Classic Hits and Rare Gems

Eric Alper
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With excitement peaking, George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions is now available on vinyl today, offering fans a different format for this long-awaited treasure trove of music from the legendary George Jones.

The record features fourteen tracks, blending beloved classics with rare gems from Jones’ extensive catalog. Fans will recognize favorites like “The Race Is On,” “The Grand Tour,” “White Lightnin’,” and “Tender Years.” The collection also highlights lesser-known recordings of songs such as “She’s Mine,” “Four-O-Thirty-Three,” and more, providing a fresh glimpse into Jones’ iconic career.

Music truly is the gift that keeps on giving,” says Nancy Jones. “This album is proof of that. Even after all these years, we’re still able to bring new George Jones music to his fans and this time it’s on vinyl! This collection features fourteen tracks, including fan favorites in fresh, previously unheard versions. These suckers are selling like wildfire at Walmart!”

Originally recorded by Jones in the 1970s for radio, these tracks have been carefully restored to twenty-first-century quality, preserving Jones’ signature sound with subtle enhancements in instrumentation and background vocals.

These recordings were initially made exclusively for artist promotion, often completed in just one or two takes with an announcer’s voice between songs. Once aired, the tapes were often discarded or destroyed by the stations. Country Rewind Records President and Executive Producer Thomas Gramuglia discovered the original boxed master tapes and recognized that true fans would appreciate hearing these timeless recordings despite their poor condition after years of neglect. With the help of co-executive producer Rex Allen Jr. and producer Paul Martin, George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions provides a unique collection of George Jones’ music that showcases his emotional depth and lasting influence on country music.

Physical copies are available on CD at Walmart, on CD and Vinyl at Amazon (ad), and everywhere music is streamed! ”

‘George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions’ track listing:
01. Window Up Above – Forbes
02. I’ll Share My World With You
03. The Race is On – The Music Universe
04. The Grand Tour – Whiskey Riff
05. Once You’ve Had The Best
06. Love Bug
07. She Thinks I Still Care
08. Four-O-Thirty-Three
09. The Honky Tonk Downstairs
10. A Picture Of Me Without You
11. Walk Through This World With Me
12. Tender Years – Cowboys & Indians
13. She’s Mine
14. White Lightnin’

Melanie Martinez Celebrates PORTALS 2-Year Anniversary with Deluxe Vinyl Box Set and Exclusive Board Game

Eric Alper
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Melanie Martinez Celebrates PORTALS 2-Year Anniversary with Deluxe Vinyl Box Set and Exclusive Board Game

Multiplatinum alternative-pop phenom Melanie Martinez celebrates the 2-year anniversary of her third studio album PORTALS with a limited edition deluxe vinyl box set and board game, shipping now via her official webstore and next week in limited quantities via walmart.com.

This release marks the first time the PORTALS deluxe album has been made available on vinyl and it offers tons of brand new, never before seen artwork. The vinyl is a milky-clear double LP featuring a gatefold with alternate album artwork and printed inner sleeves. Housed in the box is a 20 page lyric booklet with brand new artwork complementing the printed lyrics for the full deluxe album. The interior gatefold image opens up to reveal the game board for the first ever release of Portals the Game, which was created by Melanie herself. Orders placed via the Melanie Martinez official webstore also include a 12×12 Portals art card as well as extra original game scoring sheets (redemption codes will be sent upon release).

Hailed by Rolling Stone as an “effortlessly inventive, mature record” from “an artist unafraid to start from scratch and tackle complex, difficult ideas,” PORTALS proved Melanie’s highest charting debut on the Billboard 200 upon its March 2023 release, arriving at #2 with 142,000 equivalent album units earned in its first week – Martinez’s third consecutive Billboard 200 Top 10 album debut. PORTALS further debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Current Alternative Albums, Current Pop Albums, Top Album Sales, Current Album Sales, Internet Albums, Digital Albums, and Top Alternative/Rock Albums charts, along with a #2 debut on the Top Vinyl Albums chart. An instant global sensation, the album proved Martinez’s first #1 album debut in Australia, also landing at #1 in New Zealand, #2 in the UK, #3 in Canada and Ireland, and top 10 chart placements in Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain.

PORTALS includes the hit singles, “VOID” and “DEATH,” both of which made history as Martinez’s first original songs to debut on the Billboard Hot 100. “DEATH” is joined by a cinematic companion video – directed, conceived, and costume designed by Martinez herself – which trended #1 on YouTube’s Trending “Top Music Videos” chart and now boasts over 45 million official views. The track and its compelling companion visual earned praise from the likes of Billboard, which raved, “The avant-garde pop auteur creates bold, expansive worlds with each project…While the dramatic five-minute track can be connected to her artistic reawakening, the kinetic drums and electronic elements will also make listeners feel reborn, too.”

The album saw Martinez embark on her widely sold-out PORTALS Tour, quickly followed by her first ever global arena tour, The Trilogy Tour, which included multiple sold-out nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The latter outing saw the evolution of Martinez’s alter ego “Cry Baby” performed live, featuring hits from all three of her groundbreaking Top 10 albums, Cry Baby, K-12, and PORTALS, which have together earned over 17 billion worldwide streams to date.

Akon Drops New Single “Never Really Mattered” Ahead of Highly Anticipated Album ‘Not Guilty’

Eric Alper
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Akon Drops New Single “Never Really Mattered” Ahead of Highly Anticipated Album ‘Not Guilty’

Akon is back with his heartfelt new single, “Never Really Mattered,” dropping March 21st via Konvict Kulture. The track follows the viral success of “Akon’s Beautiful Day,” which amassed over 3.9 million TikTok creations and 2.8 billion views. A captivating blend of nostalgia and Akon’s smooth vocals, “Never Really Mattered” samples Ready For The World’s 80’s classic “Love You Down,” creating a soulful anthem about longing and deep emotional connection. Adding to the excitement, the accompanying video is set to premiere next week on MTV Live, MTVU, YO! MTV, BET Jams & BET Soul, and on the Paramount Times Square billboards, bringing Akon’s signature sound and visuals to an even bigger stage.

This single and forthcoming video gives fans a second taste of Akon’s highly anticipated album Not Guilty, set to release in June. As the second single from the upcoming album, “Never Really Mattered” builds on the momentum of Akon’s recent release, Akon’s Beautiful Day (The Remixes) EP, which featured high-energy collaborations with industry giants like David Guetta and Hypaton, alongside remixes from Marc Baigent, Tiedye, Nektunez, and NASTYNAS.

Akon continues to break records, further solidifying his place in music history. His viral hit “Akon’s Beautiful Day,” co-produced with Jkash, JR Rotem, and Phillip Phever, reimagines a moment from 10-year-old Jamaican student Rushawn Ewears, blending powerful vocals with a children’s choir. The track made history as the only independent release to debut as the #1 most-added song at U.S. rhythmic radio in 2024. It surged to #8 on Mediabase’s Rhythmic Airplay and earned major chart placements, including Top 20 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay, with a 244% streaming increase driven by top stations like KISS 108 Boston and SiriusXM Hits1. The official music video has surpassed 21 million views and earned prominent placements on OOH billboards and MTV LIVE.

Akon’s influence extends far beyond his own hits-he played a key role in the rise of stars like Lady Gaga and T-Pain. Recently, Akon shared the stage with Burna Boy in Los Angeles and is set to perform with T-Pain at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater before kicking off his Akon Super Fan Tour across Asia. Additionally, Akon is co-producing the documentary Headliners Only with Kevin Hart and Hartbeat, expanding his global reach.

With the release of “Never Really Mattered,” Akon sets the stage for the next phase of his extraordinary career. Building on the success of “Akon’s Beautiful Day,” this new single fuels growing anticipation for Not Guilty. As Akon continues to innovate and break boundaries, “Never Really Mattered” offers a compelling preview of the electrifying music ahead.

Hillberry Harvest Moon Festival Returns to the Ozarks for Five Unforgettable Nights

Eric Alper
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Hillberry Harvest Moon Festival Returns to the Ozarks for Five Unforgettable Nights

The beloved Hillberry Harvest Moon Festival is back, bringing five nights of incredible music, camaraderie, and celebration to the breathtaking Ozark Mountains from October 8-12, 2025. Set against the scenic backdrop of The Farm Campground & Events in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience filled with top-tier live performances, engaging activities, and a welcoming community spirit.

Hillberry Festival 2025 boasts a powerhouse lineup featuring Railroad Earth (two nights), Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Del McCoury Band, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Kitchen Dwellers, Dirtwire, Arkansauce, Mountain Grass Unit, Steve Poltz, and many more. Curated by Railroad Earth and Deadhead Productions, the festival is a must-attend event for fans of bluegrass, Americana, folk, and jam music. The lineup seamlessly blends iconic headliners with emerging talent, creating a rich and dynamic musical experience that celebrates the heart of the genre.

Hillberry Festival is more than a concert—it’s a true festival experience. In addition to world-class performances, attendees can enjoy workshops led by skilled artists and musicians, artisanal craft vendors showcasing unique handmade goods, delicious local cuisine to satisfy every craving, and family-friendly activities for festival-goers of all ages.

Nestled in the serene landscape of Eureka Springs, Hillberry offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature, connect with like-minded music lovers, and take part in a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event. Tickets and more information are available now at www.hillberryfestival.com. Secure your spot early and get ready to experience the magic of Hillberry Festival 2025, where music, memories, and the beauty of the Ozarks come together beneath the Harvest Moon.

How to Prepare for a Graduation Party

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Graduation marks a pivotal chapter in life’s journey – a triumphant crescendo to years of dedication, personal evolution, and cherished memories. Whether donning a high school cap, tossing a university mortarboard, or completing a specialized program, hosting a graduation soirée offers the perfect opportunity to honor this extraordinary achievement surrounded by your closest allies. Yet crafting an unforgettable celebration demands thoughtful orchestration. From selecting an inspired theme to curating a masterful budget and designing the ultimate musical ambiance, this definitive guide illuminates every essential step for planning a graduation party that will live forever in attendees’ hearts.

Crafting an Unforgettable Graduation Party Theme

Every memorable graduation celebration begins with an inspired thematic concept. A well-curated theme not only establishes the event’s overall ambiance, but also provides clear direction for subsequent decor arrangements, invitation designs, and even culinary selections. Here are several highly sought-after theme options to help you create a truly distinctive commencement celebration:

  1. Black & Gold Gala
    The timeless combination of black and gold hues eloquently conveys sophistication and elegance, perfectly mirroring the brilliance of academic achievement.
  2. Tropical Fiesta
    Vibrant hibiscus leis, palm frond decorations, and colorful signature cocktails combine to create a sizzling summer atmosphere.
  3. Hollywood Starlight Soiree
    Roll out the red carpet and install a paparazzi-style photo backdrop, allowing graduates to experience VIP treatment worthy of silver screen stars.
  4. Rustic Barbecue Gathering
    Pair relaxed outdoor grilling with entertaining lawn games for a warm and carefree reunion experience.
  5. Memory Lane Exhibition
    Meticulously arranged photo walls and memorabilia displays narrate the beautiful journey of academic growth through visual storytelling.

Smart Planning for Graduation Party Budget

Organizing a wonderful graduation party doesn’t require sacrificing everything! A reasonable budget planning can ensure that every penny is spent wisely. Let’s take a look at these key expenditure items:

Venue selection:

-Home event: zero venue fee, the most cost-effective option

-Outsourced venue: Rent and deposit (usually accounting for 20-30% of the total budget) need to be reserved

Entertainment options:

-Basic Version: Audio Rental+Interactive Games

-Upgraded version: Professional DJ or photo area

Tips for careful budgeting:

-Electronic invitations are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective

-Handmade decorations add warmth to parties

-2-3 key decoration areas have the best effect

Remember: start planning 3 months in advance, collaborate with classmates to divide the workload, make good use of student discounts, and easily host a cost-effective graduation party!

Make Fashion Part of the Celebration

A perfect graduation party is elevated by thoughtful attire. While most graduation celebrations lean casual, a well-defined dress code adds sophistication and cohesion to the event. Based on your party theme, we recommend the following style options:  

Smart Casual：Ideal for most graduation gatherings

Women: Flowy sundresses, chic blouses with tailored trousers  

Silvana Vintage Blush Midi Dress

Men: Fitted polo shirts paired with chinos  

Semi-Formal: Adds elegance to milestone celebrations*  

Women: Knee-length cocktail dresses or stylish jumpsuits  

Ester White Pearl Sleeve Midi Dress

Men: Relaxed suits (ties optional) or dress shirts with slacks  

Themed Attire: Turn outfits into a highlight of the party*  

Tropical Luau: Bold floral maxi dresses and Hawaiian shirts  

Alexie Tulip Multi Print Maxi Dress

Vintage Bash: Era-inspired ensembles (e.g., ’70s flares, ’90s grunge)  

Academic Chic: School-color accents or emblem accessories  

Don’t Forget the Music… Please!

Music is the soul of any great celebration—it sets the mood, energizes the crowd, and creates unforgettable moments. A well-crafted playlist ensures every guest finds their rhythm. Here’s how to orchestrate the perfect graduation party soundtrack:

  1. Genre-Blending Mastery
  • Pop Anthems – Keep the energy high
  • Hip-Hop Beats – Get the crowd moving
  • Throwback Classics – Spark sing-along moments
  • EDM Bangers – Sustain the dance floor magic
  1. Elevate with a Professional DJ

✓ Reads the room and adjusts tempo flawlessly

✓ Takes real-time requests to please all guests

✓ Seamlessly mixes tracks for nonstop vibes

  1. Tech-Proof Your Sound
  • Dual backup devices (phone + laptop)
  • Soundcheck speakers before guests arrive
  • Portable power bank for outdoor setups

Let’s Get the Party Started!

This coronation ceremony of youth is not only a heartfelt farewell to the past years, but also a brilliant starting point for the future journey. A carefully designed graduation party can condense these precious moments into eternal memories. Come and explore our selection of essential items for the latest graduation season on azazie.com, using stylish outfits that showcase your taste to help you achieve a perfect party worth remembering for a lifetime. Click to explore, let every detail shine with youthful radiance!

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

Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup Featuring Lukas Nelson, Lucius, Sierra Hull & More

Eric Alper
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Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup Featuring Lukas Nelson, Lucius, Sierra Hull & More

With the arrival of spring, anticipation is building for the 33rd Annual Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance, set to take place July 17-20, 2025, in the scenic town of Trumansburg, New York. The festival, a cornerstone of the summer music circuit, has once again curated a vibrant and diverse lineup that spans genres and continents, bringing together some of the most exciting artists in the world.

This year’s star-studded lineup includes country music royalty Lukas Nelson, the indie-pop charm of Lucius, and the Grammy-nominated Cuban afro-funk energy of Cimafunk. The festival also welcomes two-time Grammy-nominated bluegrass virtuoso Sierra Hull, Ivory Coast sensation Dobet Gnahoré, and Malian guitarist and songwriter Vieux Farka Touré, delivering an array of styles that celebrate the rich diversity of global music. Fans of traditional Irish music and dance will be treated to a performance by The Byrne Brothers, while festival mainstay Donna The Buffalo anchors the weekend with their signature mix of Americana, zydeco, and jam-infused rhythms.

Beyond these headlining acts, an additional 80 bands will grace the festival’s stages, including must-see performances by Keith Frank & The Soileau Zydeco Band, Jim Lauderdale, The Steel Wheels, Sam Fribush Organ Trio, Keith Secola & His Wild Band of Indians, Flying Clouds of South Carolina, Driftwood, Jennie Lowe Stearns, and Gunpoets. With a genre-spanning lineup featuring everything from folk and blues to funk and world music, GrassRoots continues its tradition of blending legendary artists with rising stars to create an unforgettable experience.

Adding to the festivities, GrassRoots has also announced the return of the 8th Annual GrassRoots Culture Camp, taking place July 13-16, 2025. This pre-festival event offers attendees the opportunity to learn directly from festival artists through workshops, jam sessions, and immersive experiences that deepen the connection between musicians and festivalgoers. Each day concludes with a communal dinner and an evening of live music and dancing, making it the perfect way to ease into the festival spirit.

Tickets for both the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance and GrassRoots Culture Camp are on sale now at grassrootsfest.org, with a price increase set for May 1st. This annual celebration of music, dance, and community has earned its reputation as one of the most spirited festivals of the summer, bringing together artists and audiences for four days of unforgettable performances, cultural exchange, and pure musical joy.

Passim’s Down Home Up Here Festival Returns with Bluegrass & Old-Time Acts from Boston and Beyond

Eric Alper
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Passim’s Down Home Up Here Festival Returns with Bluegrass & Old-Time Acts from Boston and Beyond

Passim announced the lineup for the 13th Annual Down Home Up Here Bluegrass and Old Time Festival on Patriot’s Day Weekend, April 19 to 21. Down Home Up Here will showcase over a dozen Bluegrass and Old Time acts from greater Boston and around the country, including The Talking Hearts from Boston, Lucy Nelligan from California, and Noah G. Fowler from Tennessee. Guests will also have a chance to take part in workshops and join in on the fun in a Monday jam session with artists.

Saturday’s lineup includes performances from New England acts Evan Murphy, Greg Liszt, The Talking Hearts, Chris Sartori, Dumpster Debbie, Hound & Handler, and west-coast musician Lucy Nelligan.

Sunday’s lineup includes artists Seselia, Johanna Wacker, Maxfield & Friends & Enemies, Noah G. Fowler, and All She Wrote. The day will also have a performance by students from Berklee College of Music’s 21st Century String Band class, who explore the growing trend of blending traditional string instruments with innovative, nontraditional sounds like rock, jazz, soul, and beyond.

On Monday at 7 pm, musicians Trevin Nelson and Micah John & Lillian Chase will host bluegrass and old-time jam. Admission is free, and all are welcome to join the jam.

As part of the festival, the Passim School of Music will host workshops including How to Construct KIller Solos for 3-finger Banjo with Trevin Nelson and Old-Time Fiddle Bowing Basics with Lucy Nelligan on Saturday and Getting Started on the Dobro with Lloyd Thayer and Beginning Clawhammer Banjo with Johanna Wacker on Sunday. Workshops require separate registration.

The full schedule for the weekend and more details can be found at passim.org.

Down Home Up Here Bluegrass and Old Time Festival runs Saturday, April 19 to Monday, April 21. Tickets are available now at passim.org. Club Passim is located at 47 Palmer St., Cambridge MA 02138.

The mission of Passim is to provide truly exceptional and interactive live musical experiences for both performers and audiences, to nurture artists at all stages of their careers, and to build a vibrant, inclusive music community. Passim does so through its legendary listening venue, music school, artist grants, and community programs. As a nonprofit since 1994, Passim carries on the heritage of its predecessors- the historic Club 47 (1958-1968) and the for-profit Passim (1969-1994). We cultivate a diverse mix of musical traditions, emphasizing the relationship between performers and audience and teachers and students. Located in Harvard Square, Passim serves Cambridge and the broader region by featuring local, national, and international artists. Our ultimate goal is to help the performance arts flourish and thereby enrich the lives of members of our community. For a complete schedule, visit www.passim.org.

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2025 Celebrates 35 Years with Common, Mavis Staples, PJ Morton, Ghost-Note, Femi Kuti, and More

Eric Alper
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San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2025 Celebrates 35 Years with Common, Mavis Staples, PJ Morton, Ghost-Note, Femi Kuti, and More

“Transforming Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park in downtown San Jose into a musical haven” (San Francisco Chronicle) San Jose Jazz Summer Fest returns to Plaza de César Chávez for its 35th Anniversary festival from Friday, August 8 – Sunday, August 10, 2025, turning the heart of downtown San Jose into an immersive cultural mecca. With nine indoor and outdoor venues featuring more than 80 artists representing the best in jazz, R&B, Latin jazz, salsa, soul, funk, bossa nova, blues, and a larger-than-life celebration of Oaxacan culture with the Mexican exhibition ALEBRIJES EN SAN JOSÉ displayed throughout the urban festival grounds, SJZ Summer Fest 2025 proudly presents the most stylistically diverse music event on the West Coast. San Jose Jazz’s eclectic programming reflects the city’s longstanding role as the epicenter of Latin culture in Northern California with eight epic 23-feet-high Alebrijes sculptures amplifying the artistic ingenuity of South American creators in both the visual arts and music.

Academy Award, Emmy, and GRAMMY-winning artist Common (Friday Headliner — Aug. 8) transfixes audiences as the hip-hop pioneer inspires us for global social change. Common’s much-anticipated return to the Jay Paul Company Main Stage celebrates the 25th anniversary of his pivotal album, Like Water for Chocolate. Fans have seen Common make significant inroads in Hollywood, as he’s starred in Apple TV+’s Silo, as well as making his Broadway debut in Between Riverside and Crazy, and appearing in films like Alice and Breathe alongside Jennifer Hudson. His contributions also extend to the literary world with his health-focused And Then We Rise (2024) and two New York Times best-selling memoirs.

Legendary soul and gospel artist Mavis Staples (Sunday Headliner — Aug. 10) is a cultural titan whose unmistakable voice has defined American music for over six decades. A civil rights icon, Rock and Blues Hall of Famer, GRAMMY Award winner, and Kennedy Center honoree, Staples delivers powerful performances with inimitable conviction and energy. Her illustrious career spans from The Staple Singers’ classic hits like “I’ll Take You There” to critically-acclaimed solo albums that have made Mavis Staples a towering musical force.

New Orleans native PJ Morton (Saturday Headliner — Aug. 9) is notably the 5-time GRAMMY-winning keyboardist with Maroon 5 who’s gained acclaim for his collaborations with Stevie Wonder, Solange, India.Arie, Yebba, Allen Stone, among others. PJ Morton’s sweet and soulful vocals uplifts his audiences with irresistible melodies and his gospel grooves. His celebrated solo albums including Gumbo, Paul and Watch the Sun, which are rich fusions of jazz and R&B that reflect his upbringing as the son of gospel royalty Bishop Paul S. Morton.

Led by GRAMMY Award-winning Snarky Puppy alumni Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth, the explosive musical collective Ghost-Note (Friday Headliner — Aug. 8) delivers a blast of funk, jazz, and hip-hop that ignites dance floors across the globe. Ghost-Note’s 2024 release Mustard n’Onions dazzled critics while their virtuosic live performances feature mind-bending solos and thunderous grooves.

Femi Kuti, the eldest son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, leads The Positive Force with explosive energy and revolutionary spirit. A GRAMMY Award-nominated saxophonist and vocalist, Femi blends traditional Yoruba rhythms with jazz and funk. His electrifying live shows capture the essence of Afrobeat while advancing his father’s legacy of musical activism against corruption and social inequality.

San Jose Jazz has championed two innovative efforts to ensure artists have both access to funds needed to create original works and a state-of-the-art venue to perform their music in while the volatility of concert venues remain in flux. Over the course of five consecutive years, San Jose Jazz has granted $160,000 to local SF Bay Area musicians through offering $1,000 individual grants to support newly written commissioned pieces with the SJZ Jazz Aid Fund. San Jose Jazz is proud to have shepherded more than 100+ new works into existence, right here in their community by offering assistance to 120 Bay Area musicians.

In 2021, San Jose Jazz also opened their very own performance venue the SJZ Break Room, ensuring artists working at the 100-capacity level will have access to a professional live music venue in the South Bay with world class recording and video capabilities. SJZ Break Room has been widely successful with SJZ producing more than 200 concerts through their Winter Series, SJZ New Works Fests featuring Jazz Aid Fund artists, and regular weekend programming.

SJZ Summer Fest 2025 carries forth their mission to book artists carrying the jazz tradition forward with fresh takes on the ever-evolving genre. Following years of their “Jazz Beyond” stages at the Fest, San Jose Jazz goes big on their Friday Night programming featuring a collection of trendsetting artists that represent the “Future of Jazz.” Curated for the twentysomethings crowd with a discounted ticket price of only $25 (for festivalgoers ages 25 and under, Friday Night Only), fans interested in seeing the hottest leading-edge jazz artists will have easy access to the Fest. Groundbreaking artists set to appear on Friday include beloved vocalist José James, electronic music wizard Kiefer, spellbinding collective Ghost-Note, prolific saxophonist David Binney with Pera Krstajic & drummer Louis Cole, and the Bay Area’s very own, Bennett Roth Quartet.

Julie Ramirez, President of the San Jose Jazz Board, comments, “It’s essential for us as a non-profit to not only offer visionary local artists opportunities to perform at our flagship summer festival, but to also encourage younger audiences to enjoy the festivities with a ticket price they can afford. At $25, we feel that many new music fans will be able to have an unforgettable experience at SJZ Summer Fest 2025.”

Additional acts on its array of nine stages, include The Headhunters, Kishi Bashi, Tyreek McDole, Delbert Anderson, Something Else! ft. Vincent Herring, Jonathan Dely, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Sachal Vasandani, Marisoil and the Love Notes Orchestra, Mary Stallings, David Binney Action Trio with Pera Krstajic & Louis Cole, Kazemde George Trio, Tom Scott & The LA Express, Saul Sierra Quintet: “Caminos, A Pan American Jazz Suite,” Ray Obiedo Group ft. Lilan Kane, Akira Tana with Bobby Floyd, Atsuko Hashimoto & Jackie Ryan, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir & Youth Choir, Oakland Jazz Choir, Nidia Góngora, Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca, Hermán Olivera with Orquesta Taino, Andre Cruz & Chris Lujan, Malo, Juan Prado Trio, All Things Swamp, SJZ High School All Stars, Synchronicity, SOJ Band, Los Tacoyos, Ames Big Band, Footnotes, Swing Solution, Full Spectrum, Top Shelf, Los Gatos-Saratoga Band, Green Feather, and more headliners to be announced!

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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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