At the 2016 Belgrade Tango Encuentro, Sara Grdan and Ivan Terrazas redefined tango tradition, blending the dance’s rich heritage with the urgent, rhythmic intensity of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” The result was a fusion of old and new, grace and grit.
From Trash to Treasure: Meet the Musicians Crafting Instruments from Recycled Materials
Who needs a music store when the world is your instrument? Ken Butler builds hybrids from everyday objects, David Klavins reimagines the piano, and Kolja Kugler’s punk rock robots play their own tunes. Their work challenges the boundaries of traditional instruments, proving that music is as much about ingenuity as it is about melody.
Watch Tom Morello Join Jackson Browne for “Take It Easy” at Wayne Kramer Memorial Show
At Wayne Kramer’s memorial show, Tom Morello and Jackson Browne’s rendition of “Take It Easy” bridged generations of rock, connecting the protest anthems of Rage Against the Machine with the folk-rock storytelling of the Eagles.
SiriusXM’s Chris Stapleton Radio Channel Now Available For Free In All SiriusXM-Equipped Vehicles Through February
SiriusXM today announced its exclusive Chris Stapleton Radio channel is now available for free in all SiriusXM-equipped vehicles through the month of February giving non-subscribers a chance to experience the human curated, premium service.
“Chris Stapleton is a country music icon and his exclusive SiriusXM channel gives listeners the perfect way to connect with this prolific singer-songwriter,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “We’re thrilled to light up vehicles across North America with the Chris Stapleton Radio channel and give more than 100 million potential listeners a taste of what Chris and SiriusXM have to offer,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer.
Chris Stapleton Radio (ch. 63) is curated and presented by the 11-time GRAMMY award winning singer-songwriter and his band, The Honchos, and features the collection of music that covers his life as well as the kings and queens of Country, Rock, Soul, and more. Listeners will have access to Stapleton’s exclusive concert for SiriusXM and Pandora at The Fillmore in New Orleans on Thursday, February 6.
For more information visit www.siriusxm.com/freetoair.
Martin Guitar Foundation Awards Nearly $600K in Grants to Music and Community Organizations
The Martin Guitar Foundation has announced its 2024 grant recipients, awarding $596,500 to over 93 nonprofit organizations dedicated to creating opportunities in Nazareth and the Lehigh Valley, as well as supporting acoustic music organizations nationwide.
These grants align with the foundation’s core mission, focusing on: Performance, participation, and education in acoustic steel-string guitar music
Community development in the Nazareth region
Preservation of America’s acoustic guitar heritage
Arts education programs emphasizing acoustic guitar
Educational institutions in the Lehigh Valley
Arts & culture promotion, primarily in the Lehigh Valley
Support for underserved communities, including those experiencing poverty, hunger, illness, and homelessness
Environmental action related to sustainable guitar-making
2024 Grant Recipients
Grants ranging from $1,000 to $35,000 were distributed among local and national organizations.
Lehigh Valley & Regional Organizations
Recipients include:
- Allentown Art Museum
- ArtsQuest
- Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering
- Lehigh Valley Zoological Society
- Meals on Wheels Greater Lehigh Valley
- Nazareth Area Food Bank
- Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
- WXPN
(and many more!)
National Organizations with Strong Arts & Guitar Programs
Recipients include:
- Country Music Hall of Fame (TN)
- Folk Alliance International (MO)
- Guitars in the Classroom (CA)
- Old Town School of Folk Music (IL)
- Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour (KY)
The foundation will accept proposals for 2025 grants from June 1 to August 31, 2024. For more information, visit www.martinguitar.com/martin-foundation.
Founded in 1996 by C.F. Martin IV, The Martin Guitar Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting music, arts, education, environmental action, and human services. Through strategic grantmaking, the foundation strives to maximize its impact on communities and the arts.
For nearly 200 years, C.F. Martin & Co. has been crafting some of the finest handmade acoustic guitars—played by legendary musicians across genres and generations. Committed to artistic passion, community, and sustainability, Martin continues to inspire pioneers, rebels, and dreamers through music.
The Martin Guitar Foundation remains dedicated to amplifying voices and opportunities through music, culture, and community service.
AC/DC Unleash 2025 ‘Power Up’ European Tour With 12 Stadium Shows
Hard rock legends AC/DC have announced the summer 2025 European leg of the “Power Up” tour.
The new AC/DC dates kick off on June 26 at Letňany Airport in Prague, Czech Republic and wrap up at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland on August 21. Along the way, AC/DC will make stops in Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Estonia, Sweden, Norway and France.
“AC/DC will return to Europe this Summer to continue their ‘Power Up’ tour,” reads a message on the group’s social media. “The band will play 12 dates across 10 countries – including Edinburgh, Scotland, the home nation of the Young clan.”
Tickets for most of the shows will go on sale on February 7 at 10 a.m. local time, with the Italian tickets going on sale at 11 a.m. the same day, and French tickets going on sale at 10 a.m. on February 10.
AC/DC will return to the road in the United States for the first time in nine years on the 2025 “Power Up” North American tour.
Much to the delight of millions of fans across North America, the legendary Grammy Award-winning Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame-inducted band will perform in 13 stadiums coast to coast next spring. This run kicks off on April 10 in Minneapolis, Minneapolis at US Bank Stadium, canvases the continent, and concludes on May 28 in Cleveland, Ohio at Huntington Bank Field. Along the way, they will play some of the most iconic and historic stadiums in the world, including the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on April 18 and Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on May 24. Support on the trek will come from THE PRETTY RECKLESS.
AC/DC played the 24th and final concert of its 2024 “Power Up” European tour on August 17, 2024 at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.
The “Power Up” European tour marked AC/DC’s first with the band’s new touring lineup consisting of guitarist Angus Young, vocalist Brian Johnson, rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, drummer Matt Laug and the latest addition to the group’s touring lineup, bass player Chris Chaney.
AC/DC Tour Dates:
6/26 Prague, Czech Republic Airport Letňany
6/30 Berlin, Germany Olympiastadion
7/4 Warsaw, Poland PGE Narodowy
7/8 Düsseldorf, Germany Open Air Park Düsseldorf
7/12 Madrid, Spain Metropolitano Stadium,
7/20 Imola, Italy Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari
7/24 Tallinn, Estonia Song Festival Grounds,
7/28 Gothenburg, Sweden Ullevi
8/5 Oslo, Norway Bjerke Racecourse
8/9 Paris, France Stade De France
8/17 Karlsruhe, Germany Messe Karlsruhe
8/21 Edinburgh, Scotland Murrayfield Stadium
Beyoncé Announces ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour
Cultural icon BEYONCÉ will return to stages across the U.S. and Europe from April through July for the COWBOY CARTER TOUR, celebrating the release of her groundbreaking eighth studio album COWBOY CARTER. Produced and directed by Parkwood Entertainment, and promoted by Live Nation, the tour includes notable four-night runs at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium along with two-night stints in Chicago, Paris, Houston, Washington, and Atlanta. The 22-date tour will begin in the U.S. from April through May, then cross the Atlantic to London and Paris. COWBOY CARTER TOUR then returns to Beyoncé’s hometown of Houston in late May before concluding in Atlanta mid July. Full ticketing and routing information is available below.
COWBOY CARTER has made a monumental impact on music, reinterpreting elements of country, rock and roll, folk, rhythm and blues, pop, psychedelic soul, and bluegrass genres into the second album of her three part trilogy. Weaving in radio broadcasts by the fictional “KNTRY Radio Texas,” country legends Dolly Parton, Linda Martell, and Willie Nelson were featured as disc jockeys and collaborators across several tracks. The album debuted at number one on several charts, including the Billboard 200 and the Top Country Albums chart, making Beyoncé the first Black woman to achieve this milestone. Last evening at the 67th Grammy Awards, COWBOY CARTER won three Grammys including Album Of The Year, Best Country Album, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance, and earned 11 Grammy nominations this year, making Beyoncé the most-nominated and most-awarded artist in Grammy history with a grand total of 99 nominations and 35 wins.
COWBOY CARTER TOUR brings the award-winning album to life for the first time in a full concert setting, following the explosive live Halftime performance of BEYONCE BOWL during Netflix’s first ever NFL 2024 Christmas Gameday at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Halftime performance drew a US viewership of over 27 million viewers.
TICKET DETAILS: There will be multiple presales ahead of the general on-sale. The general on-sale will take place starting Friday, February 14 at 12pm local time at beyonce.com. Additional presale information below.
- BEYHIVE PRESALE: The BeyHive presale begins February 11 at 12pm through February 12 at 11am local. More information will be available at Beyonce.com.
- ARTIST PRESALE: Fans can sign up for the Artist Presale now through February 6 at 8AM ET at livemu.sc/beyonce for U.S. + UK shows and livemu.sc/beyonceparis2025 for the Paris shows. The Artist Presale will begin February 13 at 12pm through February 13 at 10pm local.
In addition, sponsored presales will take place in select markets internationally:
- U.S. – Citi Presale: Citi is the Official Card for the presale of the COWBOY CARTER TOUR. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning February 12 at 12pm local time until February 13 at 11am local time through the Citi Entertainment® program. For those who are not existing Citi cardmembers, consumers can apply for the Citi Custom Cash Card online.* For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com
- U.S. – Verizon Up Presale: Verizon will offer an exclusive presale for the COWBOY CARTER TOUR in the U.S through Verizon Access, just for being a customer. Verizon Access Presale tickets for select shows will begin February 12 at 12pm local time until February 13 at 11am local time. For more details visit Verizon.com/Access.
- U.K. + France – Mastercard Presale: Mastercard cardholders have special access to Presale tickets in London & Paris. Mastercard Presale starts February 12 at 12pm local time and ends February 13 at 11am local time. Plus, Preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets are available from February 14 at 12pm local time. Check out priceless.com/music for details.
Marriott Bonvoy, the world’s leading hospitality company and official hotel partner of COWBOY CARTER TOUR, is providing Marriott Bonvoy members the opportunity to access unparalleled perks and experiences in cities across the tour.
SirDavis, the premium, award-winning whiskey, is the official spirit of the tour. Launched on September 4, 2024, SirDavis is challenging the category norms and is on a mission to redefine the category and invite new consumers to feel welcome to participate in the world of luxury whisky.
Cécred, the prestige, award-winning hair brand founded and owned by Beyoncé, is the official beauty brand of the tour. Launched in February 2024, Cécred is an inclusive force of excellence in the industry, with its products combining patent-pending technology and ancient hair rituals to deliver visible strength, moisture, and shine for every type and texture.
TRAVEL PACKAGES: Vibee, the music-led destination experience company, is providing curated experience packages for COWBOY CARTER TOUR. Vibee packages include premium concert tickets, two-night hotel accommodations and much more. For more information and to get early access to tickets via Vibee’s packages on sale Tue Feb 11, please visit beyonce.vibee.com.
Beyoncé continues making her mark off the stage through the BeyGOOD Foundation. During the tour, the Foundation continues its work of helping communities with programs in entrepreneurship, scholarships, disaster response, including helping those affected by the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles, California area.
COWBOY CARTER TOUR DATES:
April 28, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
May 01, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
May 04, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
May 07, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
May 15, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
May 17, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
May 22, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 24, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 25, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 28, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
June 05, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 07, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 10, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 12, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 19, 2025 – Paris, France – Stade de France
June 21, 2025 – Paris, France – Stade de France
June 28, 2025 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
June 29, 2025 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
July 04, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – Northwest Stadium
July 07, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – Northwest Stadium
July 10, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes Benz Stadium
July 11, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes Benz Stadium
October London & Tamar Braxton Announce “The October Nights: Calling All Lovers” Tour
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Grammy-nominated artist October London and platinum-selling Grammy-nominated powerhouse Tamar Braxton, two of the most dynamic voices in contemporary R&B, announce their highly anticipated 24-city “The October Nights: Calling All Lovers” Tour. Produced by Black Promoters Collective (BPC), the tour promises to deliver an extraordinary celebration of music, culture, and passion, with a unique blend of soulful melodies, emotive storytelling, and high-energy performances. With stops in some of the country’s most iconic cities, this tour is a journey through the best contemporary R&B.
Kicking off on April 17th at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, VA, the tour will take these R&B stars across the U.S., hitting major cities including New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles, before concluding on May 31st at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, CA.
Presale tickets for local, venue, and promoter partners will be available starting Thursday, January 30th, at 10 AM local time. The promoter presale code is BPC. General public tickets will go on sale Friday, January 31st, at 10 AM local time. Fans can secure their tickets here.
Joining the powerhouse duo is Ro James, a Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling artist known for his smooth, sultry sound. Ro’s powerful presence and chart-topping hits will add even more magic to an already star-studded evening.
With their unmatched vocal talents and undeniable stage presence, October London, Tamar Braxton, and Ro James promise a night filled with sultry melodies, emotive storytelling, and high-energy performances that will leave fans breathless. This tour celebrates what it means to love, live, and groove—an experience no R&B fan will want to miss.
October London is quickly becoming one of R&B’s brightest rising stars. With his Grammy-nominated releases and genre-blending style, October is redefining the sound of contemporary R&B, delivering deeply emotional performances that resonate with fans worldwide.
Tamar Braxton has long been a beloved force in R&B, known for her powerhouse vocals and vibrant stage presence. With hits like the two times Grammy-nominated “Love and War,” Tamar continues to captivate audiences with her unmatched artistry and charisma.
Ro James, the man behind the Grammy-nominated hit “Permission,” has earned a reputation for his smooth blend of soul and modern R&B. Ro’s dynamic performances and unique style will add a distinct flavor to this epic lineup.
The Black Promoters Collective (BPC) is a coalition that produces culturally relevant, high-quality live entertainment experiences for diverse audiences. Through their commitment to artists and communities, BPC continues to be a trailblazer in the live event industry.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of “The October Nights: Calling All Lovers” Tour! It’s a journey through the best contemporary R&B—passionate, powerful, and unforgettable.
October London & Tamar Braxton The October Nights: Calling All Lovers Tour dates:
Apr 17 – Norfolk, VA – Chrysler Hall*
Apr 18 – Washington, D.C. – DAR Constitution Hall*
Apr 19 – Philadelphia, PA – Liacouras Center
Apr 24 – Baltimore, MD – Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena
Apr 25 – Raleigh, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
Apr 26 – Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
Apr 27 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium
May 1 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre*
May 2 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle
May 3 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theater
May 4 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
May 8 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre*
May 9 – Dallas, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre
May 10 – Houston, TX – Smart Financial Centre
May 11 – Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theatre
May 15 – Atlanta, GA – Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
May 18 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
May 22 – Indianapolis, IN – Clowes Memorial Hall
May 23 – Detroit, MI – Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre
May 24 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion
May 25 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
May 28 – Los Angeles, CA – Peacock Theater
May 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre*
May 31 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theater
*On-sale date TBA
Jazz in the Gardens 2025 Announces Star-Studded Lineup Led by Lauryn Hill and New Edition
The much-anticipated Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) music festival, a beloved tradition in its 18th annual celebration, is set to return on Saturday, March 8th, and Sunday, March 9th, 2025, at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Following a successful 2024, the JITG music festival hosted by the City of Miami Gardens will once again be produced by the Black Promoters Collective (BPC). This year’s festival boasts a stellar lineup featuring some of the most iconic names in music across a wide range of genres.
Headlining the festival on Saturday, March 8, is the multi-platinum-selling, five-time Grammy-award-winning icon Ms. Lauryn Hill. MLH has curated a very special Diaspora Calling! set featuring Wyclef Jean and YG Marley, with special guest Doechii, and performances by Busta Rhymes, Samara Cyn, Foggieraw, Mannywellz, and Zion Marley.
Sunday, March 9, the legendary multi-platinum-selling R&B supergroup New Edition, an American Music Award-winning and Grammy-nominated group with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is headlining the festival.
The event will be a celebration of the diverse spectrum of Black Music, including megastar Toni Braxton, DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic Live!, Beenie Man, Xscape, Coco Jones, Kem, Tye Tribbett, Dru Hill, DJ Nasty’s Miami House Party Set Featuring Uncle Luke, Doug E. Fresh, Mike Smiff, Pretty Procelain, 69 Boyz, Yung Joc, And More, Jeff Bradshaw & Friends Featuring a Special Performance by Eric Roberson, with more to be announced! There’s something for everyone at JITG 2025.
Tickets range from $250.00 for a 2-day general admission to $1500.00 for a 2-day Titanium pass and are on sale now at JazzintheGardens.com.
Mayor Rodney Harris shared this sentiment: “We are thrilled to host the 18th anniversary of Jazz in the Gardens and welcome visitors from near and far to our city. This milestone is a testament to the enduring impact this festival has on our community. It brings people together, enriches the quality of life for our residents and visitors, and stimulates our economy. We look forward to this celebration of creativity and culture, together, in the City of Miami Gardens.”
Troy Brown, BPC Partner, and CMO, expressed his excitement: “Exceeding our own expectations, BPC’s first year of working with JITG in 2024 set a new standard for live events. We are thrilled to create even more unforgettable memories for the city of Miami Gardens by partnering with JITG for its 18th anniversary in 2025.”
Don’t miss out on this vibrant and culturally rich celebration. Get your tickets now and join us at the Hard Rock Stadium for the 18th annual JITG Music festival.
In Miami Gardens, the largest Black City in the State of Florida, Jazz in the Gardens 2025 is more than just a music festival; it’s a celebration of culture, community, and connection. Don’t miss this iconic event—a weekend to remember for music lovers everywhere.
Country Music Hall of Fame Unveils American Currents Exhibit Showcasing 2024’s Biggest Moments
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will offer perspective on country music’s latest chapter with the opening of American Currents: State of the Music on Wednesday, March 5. The exhibit, which is included with museum admission, runs through January 2026 in the museum’s ACM Gallery.
Presented annually, American Currents takes a broad view of the genre over the past year to explore musical developments, artist achievements and notable events, as determined by the museum’s curators and editorial staff.
“The museum’s annual American Currents exhibition examines a wide variety of music and events that took place the prior year,” said Kyle Young, chief executive officer of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Last year, we witnessed innovative collaborations, well-deserved honors and the continued expansion of country and roots-inspired music’s reach to broader audiences. American Currents allows us to highlight these significant moments within the context of music history.”
Featured in American Currents is a selection of artists, musicians and songwriters who figured prominently in country music in 2024. Artists represented with artifacts this year include Jessi Alexander, Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, HARDY, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Amythyst Kiah, Carin León, Shelby Lynne, Megan Moroney, Orville Peck, Post Malone, The Red Clay Strays, Shaboozey, Chris Stapleton, Billy Strings, Taylor Swift, Turnpike Troubadours, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson.
A section of the exhibit titled “Unbroken Circle” will highlight musical connections between younger artists and those who have influenced them or share their musical perspective. Featured artifact pairings include Wyatt Ellis and Sierra Hull, Jamey Johnson and Ella Langley, Zach Top and Keith Whitley and Kaitlin Butts and Miranda Lambert.
American Currents will also explore important country music moments in 2024, including Beyoncé’s release of Cowboy Carter, as well as the year’s chart-topping country albums and singles and highest-grossing tours. The exhibit features a video compilation of significant performances and events from the past year, including some of the artists mentioned above as well as Zach Bryan, Dasha, Sierra Ferrell, Rosie Flores, Wyatt Flores, Sturgill Simpson and Country Music Hall of Fame members Joe Bonsall, Toby Keith and Kris Kristofferson; as well as a touchscreen interactive highlighting key awards show moments.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum collects, preserves and interprets country music and its history for the education and entertainment of diverse audiences. In exhibitions, publications, digital media and educational programs, the museum explores the cultural importance and enduring beauty of the art form. Among the most-visited history museums in the United States, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was awarded the country’s highest honor in the arts, the National Medal of Arts, in 2024. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the museum is operated by the Country Music Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization chartered by the state of Tennessee in 1964. The Country Music Foundation operates Historic RCA Studio B, Hatch Show Print poster shop, Haley Gallery, CMA Theater, CMF Records, the Frist Library and Archive and CMF Press. Museum programs are supported in part by Metro Arts and Tennessee Arts Commission.