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10 Proven Strategies to Grow Your YouTube Audience Fast

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By Mitch Rice

Growing a YouTube audience can be challenging, especially with millions of creators competing for attention. However, with the right strategies, you can accelerate your channel’s growth and build a loyal subscriber base. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced creator, these proven tips will help you attract more viewers, increase engagement, and grow your YouTube channel quickly. For even more insights, check out this resource: Tips to grow your YouTube channel.

Let’s dive into the 10 strategies that can transform your YouTube presence.

1. Optimize Your Videos for SEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for making your videos discoverable. Start by conducting keyword research to identify what your target audience is searching for. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or TubeBuddy to find high-volume, low-competition keywords. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your video titles, descriptions, and tags. Additionally, create eye-catching thumbnails and write compelling titles to encourage clicks.

2. Post Consistently

Consistency is key to building an audience on YouTube. Create a content schedule and stick to it. Whether you post once a week or three times a week, regular uploads keep your audience engaged and signal to the algorithm that your channel is active. Consistency also helps establish trust with your viewers, as they know when to expect new content from you.

3. Leverage YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts is a powerful tool for reaching a broader audience. These short, engaging videos (up to 60 seconds or 3 minutes) appear in a dedicated feed, making them highly discoverable. Use Shorts to share quick tips, behind-the-scenes clips, or highlights from your longer videos. Shorts can go viral quickly, driving traffic to your main channel and helping you gain subscribers faster.

4. Engage with Your Audience

Building a community is essential for long-term growth. Respond to comments, ask questions, and encourage viewers to share their thoughts. Engaging with your audience not only fosters loyalty but also boosts your video’s engagement metrics, which can improve your rankings in YouTube’s algorithm. Consider hosting live streams or Q&A sessions to interact with your viewers in real time.

5. Collaborate with Other Creators

Collaborations are a fantastic way to tap into new audiences. Partner with creators in your niche to create joint videos or shout each other out. This cross-promotion exposes your channel to their subscribers, helping you gain more visibility. Look for creators with a similar audience size to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership.

6. Create High-Quality Content

Quality always trumps quantity. Invest in good equipment, such as a decent camera, microphone, and lighting, to produce professional-looking videos. Focus on delivering value to your audience, whether through entertainment, education, or inspiration. Well-produced, valuable content is more likely to be shared, increasing your reach and subscriber count.

7. Use Eye-Catching Thumbnails and Titles

Your thumbnail and title are the first things viewers see, so make them count. Design thumbnails that are visually appealing and relevant to your video’s content. Use bold text, contrasting colors, and clear images to grab attention. Pair this with a compelling title that sparks curiosity or promises value. Avoid clickbait, as it can harm your credibility and viewer trust.

8. Promote Your Videos on Other Platforms

Don’t rely solely on YouTube to grow your audience. Share your videos on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok. Use relevant hashtags and engaging captions to attract viewers from these platforms to your YouTube channel. You can also embed videos in blog posts or share them in online communities related to your niche.

9. Analyze Your Performance

Regularly review your YouTube Analytics to understand what’s working and what’s not. Pay attention to metrics like watch time, click-through rate (CTR), and audience retention. Identify your top-performing videos and analyze why they resonated with your audience. Use these insights to refine your content strategy and create more of what your viewers love.

10. Run YouTube Ads

If you have the budget, consider running YouTube ads to promote your channel. Ads can help you reach a targeted audience quickly and drive traffic to your videos. Use Google Ads to create campaigns that align with your goals, whether it’s increasing subscribers, views, or engagement. While ads require an investment, they can be highly effective for accelerating growth.

Bonus Tip: Stay Updated with Trends

YouTube’s algorithm favors timely, trending content. Keep an eye on what’s trending in your niche and create videos around those topics. Use tools like Google Trends or YouTube’s “Explore” tab to identify popular keywords and topics. By staying relevant, you can attract more viewers and keep your content fresh.

Conclusion

Growing your YouTube audience doesn’t happen overnight, but with these 10 proven strategies, you can fast-track your channel’s growth. From optimizing your videos for SEO to leveraging YouTube Shorts and engaging with your audience, each strategy plays a crucial role in building a successful channel. Remember, consistency and quality are key to long-term success.

For more tips and detailed guidance, don’t forget to check out this resource: Tips to grow your YouTube channel. With dedication and the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to growing a thriving YouTube audience. 

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

5 Fascinating Facts About Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”

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There are legendary albums, and then there’s The Wall—an album so ambitious, so theatrical, and so psychologically intense that not only stretched the boundaries of music but of each of the members of Pink Floyd. Released in 1979, this double album is a rock opera exploring isolation, control, and rebellion, told through the story of the disillusioned rock star, Pink. You know the hits—Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2, Comfortably Numb, Run Like Hell—but here are five facts about The Wall that even the most die-hard Floyd fans might not know.

1. The First and Last Lines Create an Infinite Loop

One of the most brilliant yet often overlooked aspects of The Wall is how it loops in on itself. The album begins with the words “We came in…” on the track In the Flesh? and ends with “…Isn’t this where?” on Outside the Wall. This cyclical structure suggests that Pink’s story is a never-ending cycle of trauma and self-destruction. Roger Waters, the mastermind behind the album’s concept, crafted this loop to symbolize the inescapability of psychological walls—barriers we construct only to find ourselves right back where we started.

2. Richard Wright Was Fired… But Made the Most Money

Keyboardist Richard Wright was ousted from Pink Floyd during the recording of The Wall—a casualty of Roger Waters’ increasing control over the band. However, Wright had the last laugh. While the rest of the band took massive financial losses from the elaborate Wall tour, Wright was hired as a session musician on a fixed salary. Because of this, he was the only member to actually make money from the live performances.

3. The Children’s Choir Was Recorded in Secret

That iconic children’s chorus on Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2? It almost didn’t happen. Producer Bob Ezrin, looking for a way to elevate the song, had the idea to record a choir of schoolchildren. Without informing their headmaster, music teacher Alun Renshaw took students from Islington Green School to a studio and had them chant the now-famous lines. When the school later found out, there was outrage over the fact that the children were not paid royalties. Instead, they received free concert tickets and an album copy.

4. “Comfortably Numb” Nearly Tore the Band Apart

Arguably the most beloved track on The Wall, Comfortably Numb was the source of a major clash between Roger Waters and David Gilmour. Waters wanted a grand, orchestral arrangement, while Gilmour envisioned a raw, stripped-down sound. The compromise? The verses were recorded with strings, while Gilmour’s legendary guitar solos remained untouched. The tension during this fight was so intense that Gilmour later said it was the moment he realized he and Waters could no longer work together.

5. Beach Boys and Disco Influences on The Wall

Yes, you read that right. While The Wall is known for its dark themes and progressive rock sensibilities, it surprisingly contains elements of disco and even a connection to The Beach Boys. Producer Bob Ezrin pushed for Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2 to have a disco beat to make it more radio-friendly—something David Gilmour initially hated but later admitted worked in the song’s favor. Additionally, Beach Boys member Bruce Johnston and touring musician Toni Tennille provided backing vocals on The Show Must Go On, an often-overlooked deep cut from the album.

More than four decades later, The Wall remains one of the most ambitious and influential albums in rock history. Its themes of alienation, authority, and mental collapse are as relevant today as they were in 1979. Whether you’re revisiting the album for the hundredth time or discovering these hidden gems for the first, there’s always something new to uncover behind The Wall.

5 Surprising Facts About Queen’s ‘A Night at the Opera’

Few albums have changed the landscape of rock music quite like Queen’s A Night at the Opera. With its operatic grandeur, multi-layered harmonies, and sheer audacity, it remains one of the most influential albums of all time. You may know Bohemian Rhapsody word for word, but here are five things you probably didn’t know about A Night at the Opera.

1. The Album Nearly Bankrupted the Band

By 1975, Queen was on the verge of collapse—not because they weren’t successful, but because they were broke. Their previous management deal with Trident Studios left them earning just £60 a week, while the label raked in the profits. The situation was so dire that bassist John Deacon was denied a loan to buy a house. Their frustration boiled over into the venomous Death on Two Legs, Freddie Mercury’s seething attack on former manager Norman Sheffield. It was only after breaking free from Trident and signing with new management under John Reid (Elton John’s manager) that the band was able to secure the funds needed to make A Night at the Opera.

2. Bohemian Rhapsody Had to Be Spliced Together Like a Puzzle

The now-legendary operatic section of Bohemian Rhapsody was so complex that it took weeks to record. Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor overdubbed their vocals so many times that the tape reels became nearly transparent from wear. With over 180 vocal overdubs, the technology of the time couldn’t handle the number of tracks needed, so producer Roy Thomas Baker had to physically cut and splice different pieces of tape together to create the seamless transitions we hear today. If you listen closely, you can hear the moment where one tape splice meets another in the song’s opera section.

3. ’39 Is a Hidden Sci-Fi Masterpiece

Brian May’s ’39 might sound like an old-time folk ballad, but its lyrics reveal a surprising story. The song is actually a science-fiction tale about astronauts who embark on what they believe is a year-long journey, only to return and discover that a century has passed on Earth due to the theory of relativity. A self-confessed science nerd (he later earned a Ph.D. in astrophysics), May blended his love of Einstein’s theories with the melancholy of lost time. While Freddie Mercury usually handled lead vocals, May took over singing duties on ’39, making it a rare Queen track where the guitarist is the primary vocalist.

4. The Band Built a Fake Jazz Band for Good Company

Brian May didn’t just play guitar on Good Company—he created an entire brass band… using only his guitar. He meticulously recreated the sound of a Dixieland jazz ensemble by layering multiple takes of his Red Special guitar through the Deacy Amp, making it sound like trumpets, trombones, and clarinets. The effect was so convincing that many listeners assumed Queen had actually hired a real horn section. May’s dedication to sonic experimentation made the track one of the most innovative moments on the album.

5. Love of My Life Became an Unexpected Latin American Anthem

While Love of My Life is a beloved Queen ballad worldwide, it became a phenomenon in South America. When Queen toured Argentina and Brazil in 1981, they were stunned to hear massive crowds singing the song back to them, word for word, in English. The connection was so strong that a live version was released as a single in South America, where it went to #1 and remained on the charts for a year. Today, Queen and Adam Lambert still perform it live, often featuring archival footage of Freddie Mercury leading the audience in an emotional singalong.

Nearly 50 years after its release, A Night at the Opera continues to captivate music lovers and inspire artists. It wasn’t just Queen’s breakout album—it was a daring, ambitious, and revolutionary record that defied conventions and set new standards for what rock music could be. And that’s why, decades later, we’re still talking about it. Long live Queen!

Jonas Brothers Announce JONASCON: A One-Day Fan Celebration in New Jersey for Their 20th Anniversary

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In celebration of their 20th anniversary, Jonas Brothers are pleased to announce JONASCON, a special one-day event taking place in their home state of New Jersey, on March 23, 2025.

This milestone event will feature live performances, DJ sets, Q&A panels, fan activations, pop-up surprises, immersive experiences, and special guest appearances to celebrate the band’s incredible two decades. From their early beginnings to global pop icons, JONASCON will honor the band’s incredible journey while also showing their appreciation to the fans who have been with them from the beginning.

Register for FREE today at www.JonasBrothers.com.

A nod to their early days of mall performances, a first-of-its-kind music fan event, JONASCON promises to give fans the chance to engage in unique experiences, at one of the largest indoor retail and entertainment centers in the world, American Dream. All who register for JONASCON will also have first access to additional Jonas Brothers-themed events happening throughout the weekend (March 22-23) in both NYC and at American Dream. Additional details on these exclusive, ticketed events will drop in the coming days to registered attendees.

Kicking off the celebratory year, the Brothers penned an open letter to their fans thanking them for two-decades of music and memories that was shared earlier this week on social media. Read the letter HERE and watch their 20th Anniversary video HERE.

Standing out as one of the most successful groups of the 21st century, Jonas Brothers—Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, and Kevin Jonas—have sold north of 20 million albums and counting, garnered two GRAMMY® Award nominations, earned 26 Billboard Hot 100 hits, logged three consecutive #1 debuts on the Billboard 200, and generated billions of streams. Among many accolades, they’ve recently claimed a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 2019, they notably ignited the comeback of the decade with their Platinum-Certified Republic Records debut, Happiness Begins. It yielded the history-making, 5x-Platinum smash “Sucker,” which minted them as “the first group in the 21st century to debut at #1 on the Hot 100,” exploded as the “longest running #1 Pop Airplay Single of 2019,” and received a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.” Bowing at #1 on the Billboard 200, Happiness Begins impressively scored the “biggest sales week of 2019 at time of release” and housed the Double-Platinum “Only Human” and Platinum “Cool.” The band supported the album with the worldwide “Happiness Begins Tour”—selling over 1.2 million tickets—and the Amazon Original documentaries Chasing Happiness and Happiness Continues. Along the way, the members simultaneously juggled prolific solo careers extending into television, film, and successful business ventures. In 2023, Jonas Brothers once again proved they are a constant force, embarking on a new era with the release of The Album, via Republic Records. The Album was produced by Jon Bellion and features hit singles “Waffle House” and “Wings.” In support of the new album and this new era for Jonas Brothers, they kicked off “The Tour” with two sold-out shows at New York’s iconic Yankee Stadium. “The Tour” included stadium and arena dates around the globe through 2024, resulting in the band’s biggest and most extensive tour to date.

American Dream, developed by Triple Five Group, is an unparalleled mix of world-class entertainment, retail and dining, comprising more than 3 million square feet just minutes away from New York City in East Rutherford, New Jersey. American Dream is home to leading attractions, including DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, Sesame Street Learn & Play, THE GAMEROOM Powered by Hasbro, New Jersey Hall of Fame, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Big SNOW Ski Hill, Dream Wheel – a 300-foot observation wheel overlooking the NYC skyline. American Dream’s immersive luxury shopping and dining experience – The Avenue – features Saks Fifth Avenue, Hermès, Rolex, Cartier, Watches of Switzerland, Saint Laurent, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferrari, Gentle Monster, Canada Goose, Carpaccio, a fine-dining Italian restaurant, and much more. The retail and dining collection is further expanded with flagship locations for Aritzia, H&M, PRIMARK, Uniqlo, Sephora, and Zara; as well as the Toys”R”Us global flagship, the only standalone location in the U.S, the first-ever MrBeast Burger restaurant, world-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Marcus Live! and the world’s first and only “candy department store,” IT’SUGAR.

Mill Valley Music Festival 2025 Brings Gary Clark Jr., Nile Rodgers & Chic, and More to Northern California

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Local festival organizers behind Mill Valley Music Festival, Noise Pop Industries and The Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce, are excited to reveal the daily performance lineup as the independently-owned-and-operated weekend event returns May 10-11, bringing headliners Gary Clark Jr. and Nile Rodgers & Chic to Northern California alongside a handful of incredible music acts.

Having announced the highly-anticipated fourth anniversary lineup just last week following fervent fan demand, Mill Valley Music Festival is celebrating this year’s incredible roster of talent by releasing single-day tickets for fans, available now at MillValleyMusicFest.com. Interested fans can snag one-day tickets to either Saturday or Sunday, addition to two-day GA passes and VIP packages on sale now.

DAILY LINEUP OF PERFORMERS

Kicking off the weekend-long party on Saturday, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/musician and legendary guitarist Gary Clark Jr. will headline the main stage with an epic evening performance filled with his most popular hits as well as songs from his recently released fourth studio album, JPEG Raw. His can’t-miss set will be preceded by crowd-pleasing afternoon performances from funk maestros and jazz pioneers with the likes of Crosby Collective featuring Jason Crosby, Vieux Farka Touré and Ghost-Note, not to mention NorCal’s own Elliott Peck.

Furthermore, Mill Valley Music Festival just announced several special guests set to join the talented multi-instrumentalist Jason Crosby’s new musical collective featuring a medley of accomplished and award-winning touring musicians. This includes co-founding member of the iconic jam band Widespread Panic, Dave Schools; Lamar Williams Jr., son of the late Lamar Williams known for touring with The Allman Brothers-fame for many years and who himself later worked alongside greats like the North Mississippi Allstars and The New Mastersounds; and Greg Leisz, who’s performed alongside the likes of Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, and Ray LaMontagne; in addition to John Kimock, Tom Guarna, Alethea Mills, Andre Washington, and Jeremy Jeffers.

On Sunday for Day 2, sounds of blues and soul from acclaimed acts such as Monophonics, Sister Nancy, Thee Sinseers, and Mission Delirium will flood the sunny valley that encompasses Friends Field before headliner Nile Rodgers & Chic – the iconic rock-disco band led by Grammy Award-winning Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Fame inductee Nile Rodgers – close out an unforgettable festival weekend with a career-spanning set featuring popular hits from the band’s four-plus decades together.

The full music lineup is outlined below while also available online at MillValleyMusicFest.com:

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025:

Gary Clark Jr.
The Crosby Collective with Special Guests
Dave Schools
Lamar Williams Jr.
Greg Leisz
John Kimock
Tom Guarna
Alethea Mills
Andre Washington
Jeremy Jeffers
& more to be announced!
Vieux Farka Touré
Ghost-Note
Elliott Peck

SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2025:

Nile Rodgers & Chic
Monophonics
Sister Nancy
Thee Sinseers
Mission Delirium

“More than anything, it’s the sounds that emanate from this thrilling group of musicians who ultimately make the Mill Valley Music Festival what it is,” says Jim Welte, Executive Director of the Mill Valley Chamber. “We hope attendees will recognize some favorites on this bill. But more than anything, we want you to to revel in the wonders of sonic discovery, and pass those earworms onto friends near and far. There’s something for everyone, and your horizons are about to expand exponentially.”

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

Beyond just the music lineup, Mill Valley Music Festival is meant to serve as an annual springtime celebration of NorCal arts, culture and community, perfectly suited for both local residents and music-lovers of all ages from across the country.

Coming off the success of an incredible third edition last spring which boasted 10,000+ total attendees, 40+ local businesses, and nearly 20 music acts, Mill Valley Music Festival will return to Friends Field, a Redwood-lined destination less than an hour from the heart of San Francisco offering ample greenspace perfect for dancing, dining, drinking, shopping, and soaking up sunrays.

As always, this year’s fourth annual event will host a diverse lineup of programming in order to offer a taste of the good life in Mill Valley. Come May, festival attendees can explore the region’s best artisans, food vendors, and philanthropic causes through an extensive vendor market; plus family-friendly activities including the Kids Village, immersive art installations, large-scale sponsor activations, and roaming local performers; as well as local vintners, craft brewers, and special Mother’s Day Weekend surprises.

More programming is still to be announced, including the local vendor market, family-friendly activity schedule, nonprofit beneficiaries, and all-ages activities spread throughout the festival grounds.

Mountain Grass Unit Embarks on ‘Runnin’ From Trouble Summer’ 2025 Tour

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Mountain Grass Unit, the dynamic and rising bluegrass ensemble, is thrilled to announce their most ambitious endeavor yet—the Summer 2025 “Runnin’ From Trouble Tour.” Spanning fifty shows across the United States from mid-May through early September, this extensive run marks a career milestone for the burgeoning Birmingham-based quartet.

With a handful of premier appearances in the coming months, May 2025 marks Mountain Grass Unit’s shining opportunity to take their music to new heights, bringing their high-energy performances and inventive sound to stages in cities from coast to coast. From marquee festivals like Delfest and Telluride Bluegrass Festival to intimate venues and open-air theaters, the tour showcases the band’s ability to captivate diverse audiences with their fresh approach to bluegrass.

“As summer approaches, we’re thrilled to take our music across the country,” said Luke Black (guitar, vocals). “Playing in some iconic venues and festivals. We’d love to see you at a show—your support means the world to us!”

Summer 2025 promises to be a defining chapter for the band as they balance their youthful exuberance with a maturity that belies their age. Composed of Drury Anderson (mandolin, vocals), Luke Black (guitar, vocals), Josiah Nelson (fiddle, vocals), and Sam Wilson (bass, vocals), Mountain Grass Unit has become synonymous with creativity and boundary-pushing musicianship. Their sound evokes comparisons to venerated legends like Tony Rice, while their fearless exploration places them in conversation with contemporary artists like Billy Strings.

This summer run comes on the heels of their critically acclaimed 2024 EP, Runnin’ From Trouble, which cemented the band’s reputation as one of bluegrass music’s most exciting new talents. Earning praise from the likes of Relix Magazine, who praised the “top-notch live act’s… combination of intricate harmonies, youthful energy and choice musicianship.” Produced by Mike Harris (Old Crow Medicine Show) and mixed by Morgan Jahnig (Old Crow Medicine Show), the EP resonated with both traditionalists and genre newcomers for its bold blend of bluegrass roots and modern influences.

Described by CountryUniverse as “a fantastic first impression of this Alabama outfit… what impresses most is the heft of their arrangements. These kids pack a wallop. A great addition to this prime ‘grass era,” and earning the band the label of “[bluegrass’] next big band” from Whiskeyriff, the quartet’s vibrant tour schedule ensures fans nationwide can experience exhilarating live arrangements from Runnin’ From Trouble firsthand.

“Runnin’ From Trouble is a nod to the track “Smugglin’,” explained Sam Wilson (bass, vocals).  “Although it sounds cool to be cowboy smuggling across the desert, the title more so reflects our vibe as a group…  our rigorous tour schedule keeps us on our toes and runnin’ from trouble!”

Tour highlights include headlining shows at Atlanta, GA’s Terminal West (5/30); Chicago, IL’s Martyr’s (6/27); Los Angeles, CA’s The Mint (7/23); Denver, CO’s Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom (8/15); Athens, GA’s Georgia Theatre (8/23); NYC’s Hill Country Live! (9/4). Notable festival appearances include Cumberland, MD’s Delfest (5/23-24); Swanzey, NH’s Northlands Music and Arts Festival (6/13-15); Alta, WY’s Grand Targhee (8/8-9); and Charlestown, RI’s Rhythm and Roots Festival (8/31). For a full list of tour dates please, visit www.mountaingrassunit.com/tour.

Ticket sales for Mountain Grass Unit’s 2025 Summer Tour will commence via a Seated presale, beginning Tuesday, February 18th at 10 AM venue local time. Venue presales run Thursday, February 19th 10 AM – 10 PM venue local time. General on sale begins on Friday, February 21st at 10 AM venue local time. For more information, including ticket sales, tour updates, VIP packages, and media inquiries, please visit the band’s official website.

Mountain Grass Unit, comprising Drury Anderson (mandolin, vocals), Luke Black (guitar, vocals), Josiah Nelson (fiddle, vocals), and Sam Wilson (bass, vocals), is a Birmingham, Alabama-based quartet making waves in the bluegrass scene. Known for their innovative sound that fuses traditional bluegrass with contemporary genres, the band has performed at premier festivals such as Billy Strings’ Renewal, DelFest and WinterWonderGrass. Their 2024 EP Runnin’ From Trouble received widespread acclaim for its originality, passion, and reverence for bluegrass traditions. With a burgeoning fan base and a bold approach to their craft, Mountain Grass Unit is redefining modern bluegrass, one stage at a time.

Mountain Grass Unit – 2025 Tour Dates
2/15 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel [SOLD OUT]
2/21 – Burlington, VT – Nectar’s
2/28-3/2 – Steamboat Springs, CO – WinterWonderGrass 2025
4/11-12 – Pelham, TN – Camp Cosmic
5/16 – Dominion RiverRock Festival – Richmond, VA
5/23-24 – Delfest – Cumberland, MD
5/30 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
5/31 – Gainesville, FL – Heartwood Soundstage
6/01 – Sanford, FL – Tuffy’s Music Box
6/03 – Savannah GA – Victory North
6/06- Charleston, SC – Charleston Pour House
6/07 – Charlotte, NC – Visulite Theatre
6/10 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head On Stage
6/13 – Northlands Music & Arts Festival – Swanzey, NH
6/14 – Allentown, PA – Arrow at Archer Music Hall
6/18-21 – Telluride Bluegrass Festival – Telluride, CO
6/25 – Greenleaf, WI – Ledgestone Vineyards & Winery
6/26 – Blue Ox Music Festival – Eau Claire, WI
6/27 – Chicago, IL – Martyrs’
6/28 – ROMP Festival – Owensboro, KY
7/10 – New Orleans, LA – Tipitina’s
7/11 – Houston TX – White Oak Music Hall – Upstairs
7/12- Dallas, TX – Club Dada
7/13 – Austin, TX – Parish
7/15 – Taos, New Mexico – Taos Mesa Brewing Tap Room
7/17- Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
7/19 – FairWell Music Festival – Redmond, OR
7/22 – Felton, CA – Felton Music Hall
7/23 – San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Stop
7/25 – Mariposa, CA – The Grove House
7/26 – Los Angeles, CA – The Mint
7/27 – San Diego, CA – Soda Bar
7/28 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar
7/31 – Colorado Springs, CO – The Basement at Oskar Blues
8/01-02 – Bellvue, CO – The Mishawaka
8/03 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Strings Music Pavilion
8/05 – Billings, MT – Pub Station Taproom
8/07 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory Concert House – Boise
8/08-9 – Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival – Alta, WY
8/12 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up Aspen
8/14 – Paonia, CO – Pickin’ In The Park
8/15 – Denver, CO – Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
8/16 – Buena Vista, CO – The Lariat
8/19 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall
8/20 – Columbia, MO – Rose Music Hall
8/22 – Oxford, MS – The Lyric Oxford
8/23 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
8/26 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle – Back Room
8/28 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern
8/29 – Washington, DC – The Atlantis
8/31 – Rhythm & Roots Festival – Charlestown, RI
9/03 – Wayne, PA – 118 North
9/04 – New York, NY – Hill Country Live
9/06 – Portland, ME – Portland House of Music

ZZ Ward Returns to the Blues with “Naked in the Jungle” and New Album ‘Liberation’

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Acclaimed singer-songwriter ZZ Ward continues her return to the blues with “Naked in the Jungle,” the latest single from her forthcoming album Liberation, out March 14 via Sun Records. Following the release of “Love Alive,” this new track showcases another deeply personal chapter in ZZ’s journey—this time exploring the raw and unfiltered experience of new motherhood through an electrifying blues-rock lens.

Evoking the dirty denim Americana of Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Naked in the Jungle” is a restless and blues-driven anthem that captures the unpredictability, exhaustion, and intensity of early motherhood. “It’s like you’re dropped in the jungle with no tools, and no one to guide you,” ZZ shares. “The thing that works one day doesn’t work the next, and you’re contending with a lack of sleep.” Through gritty guitar riffs, driving percussion, and ZZ’s powerhouse vocals, the song channels the disorienting yet empowering experience of navigating an entirely new world without a roadmap.

Liberation marks a pivotal moment in ZZ’s career—her debut album with Sun Records and a full-circle return to her blues roots. Born out of a transformative period in her life, the album reflects the challenges of stepping into both motherhood and artistic independence, after spending a decade on a major label where industry pressures often pulled her away from her blues foundation.

ZZ’s relationship with the blues began early. She was singing by the age of 8, inspired by her father’s deep blues collection, and performing in clubs by 12. Her early career was steeped in the genre, but after signing to a major label, she found herself drifting toward a sound that felt less and less like home. Even as she gained commercial success—her debut album breaking into Billboard’s Top 40 and her sophomore album hitting #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart—she longed to fully embrace the music that first inspired her. With Liberation, ZZ has reclaimed her space in the blues world, crafting a record that blends greasy Chicago blues, Delta foot-stomping rhythms, rootsy garage rock, and vintage soul.

The album’s first single, “Love Alive,” set the tone for this new era, blending clapping, hollering, and Son House-inspired blues with a soaring, emotionally charged chorus about keeping love strong in the face of life’s challenges. Now, with “Naked in the Jungle,” ZZ offers another powerful look into the themes that shape the album—resilience, self-discovery, and the raw reality of life’s biggest transitions.

In support of Liberation, ZZ Ward will hit the road for a nationwide headlining tour, kicking off in March. Fans can catch her at key dates including New York’s Irving Plaza (March 21), Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl (March 26), and Los Angeles’ The Belasco (April 11), among others. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.zzward.com/tour.

Liberation by ZZ Ward
1. Mother
2. My Baby Left Me
3. I Have No One
4. Cadillac Man
5. Love Alive
6. Naked In The Jungle
7. Liberation
8. Lioness
9. Grinnin’ In Your Face
10. Dust My Broom
11. Sinner’s Prayer
12. Something You Got
13. Clairvoyant
14. Next To You

ZZ Ward – Tour Dates
Wednesday, March 12 – Boston, MA – City Winery Boston @ 7:00 PM
Friday, March 14 – Ridgefield, CT – The Ridgefield Playhouse @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 15 – New York, NY – City Winery New York City @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 16 – Philadelphia, PA – City Winery Philadelphia @ 7:00 PM
Tuesday, March 18 – Annapolis, MD – Maryland Hall For the Creative Arts @ 7:00 PM
Wednesday, March 19 – Alexandria, VA – Birchmere @ 7:00 PM
Friday, March 21 – Ann Arbor, MI – Blind Pig @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 22 – Kent, OH – The Kent Stage @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 23 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom @ 7:00 PM
Tuesday, March 25 – Indianapolis, IN – The Tobias Theater @ 7:00 PM
Wednesday, March 26 – Chicago, IL – City Winery Chicago @ 7:00 PM
Friday, March 28 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 29 – West Saint Paul, MN – Fitzgerald Theatre @ 7:00 PM
Tuesday, April 1 – St. Louis, MO – City Winery St. Louis @ 7:00 PM
Wednesday, April 2 – Kansas City, MO – Madrid Theatre @ 7:00 PM
Friday, April 4 – Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theatre @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, April 5 – Dallas, TX – Longhorn Ballroom @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, April 6 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater @ 7:00 PM
Tuesday, April 8 – New Orleans, LA – Chickie Wah Wah @ 7:00 PM
Wednesday, April 9 – Memphis, TN – Hernando’s Hideaway @ 7:00 PM
Friday, April 11 – Atlanta, GA – City Winery Atlanta @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, April 12 – Nashville, TN – City Winery Nashville @ 7:00 PM

The Coral Reefer Band Joins The Doobie Brothers for 2025 ‘Walk This Road’ Tour

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Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, led by Hall of Fame singer/songwriter Mac McAnally, will be hitting the road to support Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Doobie Brothers on select dates of their upcoming summer tour. The newly announced tour, produced by Live Nation, kicks off in Detroit and includes shows in New York, Boston, Chicago and Toronto, with more dates to be announced. The Coral Reefer Band will support from August 4th through September 18th – full listing of dates noted below. Tickets are on sale now at jimmybuffett.com/keep-the-party-going.

The Coral Reefer Band is the touring and recording band of beloved American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. The band performed with Buffett until his passing in 2023, and continues celebrating and performing his music at his request. The band reunited for the first time at 2024’s ‘Keep the Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett’ concert at the Hollywood Bowl. The Coral Reefer Band will keep the party going this summer bringing the hits of Jimmy Buffett to Parrot Heads and new audiences alike on all dates of the upcoming Walk This Road tour. In addition to 10-time CMA Musician of the Year, singer/songwriter Mac McAnally who leads the Reefers, the touring band includes Scotty Emerick, Robert Greenidge, Peter Mayer, Jim Mayer, Roger Guth, Mick Utley, Doyle Grisham, John Lovell, Tina Gullickson, Nadirah Shakoor and Eric Darken.

“The Coral Reefers are excited and honored to share the stage as guests of the Doobie Brothers. They embody the best in American Music and we aspire to do the same.” said Mac.

WALK THIS ROAD TOUR DATES FEATURING THE CORAL REEFER BAND:
8.4.25 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
8.6.25 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
8.7.25 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
8.9.25 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
8.10.25 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach
8.12.25 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheatre
8.13.25 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
8.15.25 – Boston, MA – Xfinity Center
8.17.25 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
8.18.25 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC
9.4.25 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
9.5.25 – Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
9.9.25 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheatre
9.10.25 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheater
9.12.25 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
9.13.25 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
9.15.25 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheatre
9.17.25 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
9.18.25 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

The Coral Reefer Band began their journey with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jimmy Buffett in 1973. While the lineup has evolved over the years, most members have performed alongside Jimmy for more than three decades. Together, they’ve embarked on over 40 tours, recorded more than 30 albums, and built a legacy as one of the most respected bands in the industry. Beyond their incredible musicianship, the Coral Reefers have also played a pivotal role in shaping Buffett’s sound—co-writing songs and producing much of his vast discography, with Mac McAnally and Michael Utley leading many of those efforts. When Jimmy Buffett passed in September 2023, he left one final request: “Keep the party going.” The band that loved him so dearly has taken that to heart, continuing to share his music and spirit with fans around the world. Now under the leadership of ten-time CMA Musician of the Year, Mac McAnally, the Coral Reefer Band carries on the tradition. As McAnally puts it, “We are blessed with the task of honoring and continuing the musical legacy that Jimmy built over 5 plus decades. We are so lucky both to have shared the stage with him and to share his music with all who love it.”

Mac McAnally’s journey is one of divine providence and musical mastery. With an astonishing 10 Country Music Association Musician of the Year awards and a place in the Nashville Songwriters Hall, the Mississippi Musicians Hall and the Alabama Music Hall of Fames, McAnally’s contributions to the world of music are nearly unparalleled. Born into a family of Gospel musicians in a dry county, McAnally’s early years were steeped in the rich traditions of Southern music, sacred and secular. Those humble beginnings paved the way for a career marked by extraordinary talent, deep humility and unwavering dedication. As a songwriter, McAnally has penned chart-topping hits for Alabama, Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett, while his musical abilities have enriched albums by Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Toby Keith, Dolly Parton, Keith Whitley and George Strait. Despite the numerous accolades and collaborations with music royalty, McAnally remains grounded in his love for the art itself. For the soft-spoken creative force, music is not a career, but a calling—a testament to the joy of melody and the power of storytelling. With each note he plays and every lyric he writes, McAnally continues to inspire and uplift people around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of American music. For additional information, visit MacMcAnally.com.

For over five decades, The Doobie Brothers have been known for delivering mind-blowing, roots based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven rock and roll – all of which recently culminated in an induction into the 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Boasting one of the most loyal fan bases in music, selling more than 48 million albums, and winning four GRAMMY® Awards, The Doobie Brothers continue to write and record new material and tour the world. Their No. 1 singles “Black Water” and “What a Fool Believes,” both gold, lead a catalog of indelible songs that include: “Listen to the Music,” “China Grove,” “Jesus Is Just All Right,” “Rockin’ Down the Highway,” “Long Train Runnin’,” “Take Me In Your Arms,” “Takin’ it to the Streets,” “Minute by Minute,” “You Belong to Me,” “The Doctor” and more. In all, the Doobies have tallied up five top 10 singles and 16 top 40 hits. Beginning with their multi-million-selling sophomore collection Toulouse Street, the Doobies have 3 multi-platinum, 7 platinum, and 14 Gold albums. Best of the Doobies has sold more than 12 million copies – a rare “diamond record.” In 2021, the band kicked off their 50th anniversary tour which reunited Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons, and John McFee for 49 stops before concluding in 2022.  In 2025 The Doobie Brothers will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The band will release new studio album WALK THIS ROAD in June, 2025 featuring Johnston, McDonald, Simmons and McFee.

David Letterman Crashes Jimmy Fallon’s Monologue on The Tonight Show

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Jimmy addresses the latest news, like the Philadelphia Eagles dominating Super Bowl LIX and Trump telling the U.S. Treasury to stop minting pennies, before David Letterman crashes his monologue to catch up with his former music director Paul Shaffer.

Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival Returns in 2025 with a Star-Studded Lineup and Deep Musical Roots

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On July 16-20, 2025, new and long-time fans will gather for the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival on the Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY, a historic village nestled in the Great Northern Catskills. They’ll come to see nearly 50 bluegrass, newgrass, and roots music groups including festival favorites Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush Band, I’m With Her, Sierra Hull, Della Mae, and others. They’ll also welcome, for the first time The California Honeydrops, Cris Jacobs, and more. The host band, once again, is Dry Branch Fire Squad, led by celebrated storyteller, Ron Thomason. This year’s Artist-in-Residence will be Grammy award-winning bluegrass guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer, Woody Platt. As Artist-in-Residence, Woody will collaborate with various artists throughout the weekend and will perform with his own band, Woody Platt & The Bluegrass Gentlemen, a supergroup of the genre’s top musicians.

As always, Grey Fox attendees can look forward to a ‘Big Tent’ approach to the event’s lineup. While many of the festival’s artists are rooted in bluegrass, several push the boundaries of the genre, making them hard, if not impossible, to categorize. These include the innovative and jazzy Mr Sun, the black stringband New Dangerfield, indie-folk songstress Lindsay Lou, the rootsy-Americana phenom, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, and others.

It’s safe to say that Grey Fox is a highly seasoned stew of bluegrass, newgrass, roots, and Americana, with a spicy international flavor. This year’s lineup features JigJam from Ireland; Larry & Joe who blend Venezuelan Musica Llanera with American roots music; IBMA International Tour Grant Recipients, Johnny & The Yooahoos from Germany; Campbell/Jensen from London; plus our Canadian friends who bring old-time, Cajun, Celtic, and Quebecois to the Grey Fox stages: Le Winston Band, Cécilia, and The Lonesome Ace Stringband.

Another beloved tradition at Grey Fox is presenting hot, up-and-coming artists through its Emerging Artist Showcase. Competition is fierce as dozens of artists apply from around the country and beyond for a handful of spots. This year’s official Emerging Artists include The Wilder Flower (NC), High Horse (MA), The Litch Brothers (WA), Pythagoras (TN), Rakish (NC), and Berklee College of Music’s Catfish in the Sky and The Jean-Baptiste Cardineau Show. Fans can catch them at Creekside, Grassroots, and New Belgium-Bells Gig Rig stages throughout the weekend.

Tyler Campbell, a pilot, photographer, and Grey Fox fan from Chestertown, MD, says, “It’s all about community and the sense of belonging. Once you go, you know. Add the finest music I can imagine and it’s the week I look forward to all year round. It’s my place to unwind, relax, and connect with things that really matter.”

Kindness and generosity abound at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Campers look out for one another, share meals, jam together, and welcome the chance to help strangers. Likewise, the festival is sensitive to the needs of the larger musical community. Grey Fox 2025 is honored to present several North Carolina bands whose lives or communities were greatly impacted by Hurricane Helene’s devastating floods last fall, among them Grammy-winning Steep Canyon Rangers, Unspoken Tradition, Casey Driessen’s Red Shoe Stringjam, Tanasi, and others.

Three very special performances will take place at Grey Fox 2025. On Thursday, Hazel at 100: Della Mae with Laurie Lewis and Alice Gerrard will celebrate the extraordinary life and music of Hazel Dickens. Also on Thursday, The Special Consensus will bring its 50th Anniversary Tour to the festival. On Saturday, Grey Fox will present A Woodstock Celebration in Memory of Happy Traum — the iconic recording artist, songwriter, publisher, founder of Homespun Music Instruction, and beloved figure in the Woodstock music scene. This one-of-a-kind tribute will feature Adam Traum, Cindy Cashdollar, Jay Ungar, Molly Mason, Mike Merenda, Ruthy Ungar, Darol Anger, Eugene Ruffolo and others.

Much, much more is in store for festival goers. The Family Stage provides music, crafts, dances, puppets, movies and more for kids from 2 to 92. The Grey Fox Bluegrass Academy for Kids, the nationally recognized music program, returns for three days of learning and a performance on the main stage. Academy registration for kids from 8 to 17 years of age begins April 1 for classes in guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, bass, and cello. There is no charge for the program.

Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2025 Lineup: Host band: Dry Branch Fire Squad, Artist-in-Residence: Woody Platt, Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush Band, The California Honeydrops, I’m With Her, Sierra Hull, Steep Canyon Rangers,  JigJam, Woody Platt & The Bluegrass Gentlemen, Lindsay Lou, Henhouse Prowlers, Hazel at 100: Della Mae w/ Laurie Lewis & Alice Gerrard, New Dangerfield, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys, Noam Pikelny & Friends, Mr Sun, Cris Jacobs, Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass, The Lonesome Ace Stringband, Larry & Joe, Campbell/Jensen, The Special Consensus, Compton & Newberry, The Mammals, A Woodstock Celebration in Memory of Happy Traum, featuring Adam Traum, Cindy Cashdollar, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, Mike+Ruthy (of the Mammals), Darol Anger, Eugene Ruffolo, and more, Casey Driessen’s Red Shoe Stringjam, Mike+Ruthy, Le Winston Band, Tony Furtado Trio, Tanasi, Cécilia, Unspoken Tradition, Jim Gaudet & The Railroad Boys, Johnny & The Yooahoos, The Wilder Flower, Mark Gamsjager & The Lustre Kings, High Horse, The Litch Brothers, John, Trish & Quickstep, Rakish, Pythagoras, Catfish in the Sky, The Jean-Baptiste Cardineau Show & MORE!

Camping is available from Wed-Sun, July 16-20 with the purchase of a full festival ticket. Camping options include dry camping, electric hookups, and glamping. Day tickets and senior discounts are available for Thurs-Sat. Kids 12 and under are free with ticketed adults. Day parking and shuttle buses are free. Handicapped parking, camping, and transportation are available. Service animals only. Foods, beer, wine, crafts, clothing, and more are for sale Wed-Sun. ATMs on site.

Tickets are on sale now. Details of ticket options including how to purchase instructions them can be found at greyfoxbluegrass.com For more information, please visit the website.