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David Nail’s candor cuts like a laser through star-making propriety, a ritual of predictable answers to predictable questions, recited by artists averse to the controversy that truth can bring.
True, he is respected up and down and beyond Music Row. He’s written or co-written multiple hits. Critics laud his singing too: The late, revered Chuck Dauphin, for one, marveled at Nail’s ability to turn an “ordinary lyric and arrangement” into a “tour de force,” adding, “simply put… he is not one of us.”
So he’s got rock-solid credentials. And he earned them despite a refusal to present himself in a false light. His songs pull no punches in evoking the demons with which he has wrestled through much of his life. As Nail explains, it’s not so much an act of courage to write about depression and its effects. Rather, it is simply who he is; he says, in conversation and through music, what he must say.
In Nail’s own words, “My philosophy has always been, I just hope to have a good enough year that I can have a next year while staying as true to myself as I possibly can.”
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band has performed in 38 countries and 48 states. They have been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine, Living Blues, Elmore, donned the cover of Vintage Guitar Magazine, had #1 records on the Billboard Blues Charts, and have been nominated for three Blues Music Awards by the Blues Foundation in Memphis. The Indianapolis Star listed Reverend Peyton as one of the top 25 Hoosier musicians of all time.
Maybe you found the band because of virtuosic guitar playing? Maybe you came for the tent revival style live show? The reasons that brought you here could be extensive, but the reasons that keep bringing people back are HEART. Real, from the heart, music made by people who love music. The Sacramento Bee said, “It’s a group with boundless stockpiles of heart to spare — it cascades throughout every slip-n-slide vintage blues/soul ditty they tear through and croon in every show they play, and they always leave a little behind. The front porch is the church, the church is the dance hall and the dance hall is the river bank — your knees will fail you by the time you figure it all out.”
Often called, "the greatest front-porch blues band in the world" the Big Damn Band is led by Reverend Peyton, who is considered to be the premier finger pickers playing today. Rev has earned a reputation as both a singularly compelling performer and a persuasive evangelist for the rootsy, country blues styles that captured his imagination early in life and inspired him and his band to make pilgrimages to Clarksdale, Mississippi to study under such blues masters as T-Model Ford, Robert Belfour and David “Honeyboy” Edwards. Accompanied by Rev’s wife, the washboard virtuoso, Washboard Breezy Peyton, and kept on time by the deep rhythms of Jacob “The Snakob” Powell, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band will leave you clapping, stomping, and singing along every handmade show across the world. Their latest record Dance Songs For Hard Times went #1 on the Billboard, iTunes and Sirius XM Blues Charts and was produced by Grammy winner Vance Powell (Jack White, Chris Stapleton). The record is critically acclaimed by Rolling Stone, Relix, Popmatters, Guitar World, American Songwriter, No Depression, Glide, Wide Open Country, Paste, American Blues Scene and many more.
Punch Brothers, formed in 2006, are a virtuosic quintet featuring mandolinist ChrisThile, guitarist Chris Eldridge, bassist Paul Kowert, banjoist Noam Pikelny, and violinist Brittany Haas.Known for pushing the boundaries of acoustic music, the band has garnered critical acclaim, including a Grammy for Best Folk Album for All Ashore (2018). The Washington Post applauded them for taking “bluegrass to its next evolutionary stage, drawing equal inspiration from the brain and the heart.” Over the years, they’ve become pioneers in modern string music, with albums like Antifogmatic (2010), Who’s Feeling Young Now (2012) and The Phosphorescent Blues (2015) showcasing their genre-defying sound. Rolling Stone praised their work as “wild virtuosity used for more than just virtuosity,” cementing their reputation as trailblazers in contemporary acoustic music. Most Recently, Punch Brothers have been focused on their new musical variety show, “The Energy Curfew Music Hour,” withseasons one and two available on Audible and all podcasting platforms.
Punch Brothers have partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 per ticket goes to supporting organizations working for equity, access, and dignity for http://www.plus1.org/
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers music has become the soundtrack for the 20th century and beyond. The Heartbreakers have sold over 80 million records and four of his albums have gone 12X platinum. His songs are heard every day on a variety of radio formats including his own XM channel. The Heartbreakers performed sold out shows for four decades.
Free Fallin has been performing Tom’s music internationally for almost two decades,evolving into a complete and spectacular live music production. This band, with its highlyvskilled members, delivers a professional and entertaining experience for any Tom Petty fan.Their show, featuring all of Tom's hits, includes instruments, and costumes that re-create the authentic experience of a Tom Petty concert.
Free Fallin is honored and humbled to continue performing Tom Petty’s music. In the wakeof his passing in October of 2017, along with the music world, his fans and family our hearts were broken
The 2018 Broken Hearted Tour took Free Fallin to 90 shows in 15 states including aninvitation to play at Tom Petty’s Birthday Bash in his hometown of Gainesville Florida where we were told we played for more than 26,000 fans from all over the world. This has earned them a glowing reputation as one of the finest tribute bands in the country.
Since then, the band has continued to play major venues and events across the country and have garnered a reputation as one of the most professional touring bands today.Free Fallin gives all rock fans a special treat – Tom Petty’s greatest hits that they all know and love. Sing along as we pay tribute to one of the greatest songwriters in rock music!
Together for over 32 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy — famously named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins — has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records, and had their music appear in hundreds of movies and television shows. With sold out concerts from the Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center, appearances with many of the country's finest symphony orchestras, and television appearances ranging from Dancing with the Stars to Superbowl XXXIII, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy continues its decades long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music — America's original musical art form — and bring joy to audiences around the world.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (August 9, 2025) – Multi-Grammy® Award winning Kathy Mattea was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry tonight by Opry member Charlie McCoy. The four-time CMA Award winner, longtime Opry favorite, and host of the popular “Mountain Stage” radio show will officially join the Opry family on Saturday, October 11. Tickets are on sale now for the two-show Saturday night.
Mattea’s long-time friend and fellow West Virginian, McCoy surprised her onstage turning off her speaker during her performance of her award-winning hit “18 Wheels and A Dozen Roses”. A surprised Mattea said, “Oh…Charlie, you just turned my speaker off!” McCoy replied, “I’m so sorry to interrupt” as he presented her with a dozen roses. “I want to ask you a question,” McCoy continued. “How would you like to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry?” An emotional Mattea immediately answered, “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and thank you!” As the audience rose to its feet, Mattea soaked in what had just happened, sharing, “I just want to take this in and just remember this moment.”
“Oh my, I’m here to tell you, I will not forget this night. Ever. Ever. Ever,” Mattea concluded before inviting McCoy to join her on “18 Wheels And A Dozen Roses.”
Celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2025, Zoso has become one of the most iconic and respected Led Zeppelin tribute experiences in the world, having played over 4,800 shows across the globe. Known for their unparalleled dedication to faithfully recreating the legendary band's live performances, Zoso has earned accolades from both critics and fans alike.
The band was founded by Matt Jernigan and Adam Sandling, both of whom are renowned for their exceptional musicianship and passion for Led Zeppelin's music. Jernigan, who takes on the colossal role of Robert Plant, has a commanding stage presence that rivals the icon himself. Sandling, who brings John Paul Jones to life, masterfully plays bass, keyboards, and mandolin, replicating the multifaceted talent of the Zeppelin legend.
In 2015, Bevan Davies joined Zoso as John Bonham, completing the lineup. An accomplished drummer with a resume that includes playing with Danzig, Jerry Cantrell (of Alice in Chains), Static X, and Billy Duffy (of The Cult), Davies brings an unmistakable power and precision to Zoso’s live shows, helping the band recreate Bonham’s legendary drum sound.
Zoso’s live performances focus on the raw energy and intricate musicality of Led Zeppelin’s best-known hits and deeper tracks, with a particular emphasis on recreating their live show experience. The band’s commitment to authenticity has earned them praise from major outlets, with the LA Times calling them “head and shoulders above all other Led Zeppelin tributes,” and the St. Petersburg Times describing them as “the most exacting of all the Led Zeppelin tributes.”
With over 30 years of music history behind them, Zoso continues to be regarded as one of the finest Led Zeppelin tributes, with the Chicago Sun-Times calling them “the closest to the original of any Led Zeppelin tribute.” Whether you're a lifelong fan of Led Zeppelin or discovering their music for the first time, Zoso delivers an unforgettable experience that takes you back to the glory days of rock and roll.
The Boxmasters
In conjunction with the release of their newest album on June 12th, The Boxmasters will follow by kicking off a tour of the United States in June. This marks their 21st release as the ever-prolific J.D. Andrew and Bud Thornton showcase their love as always for the sounds of the sixties and the inspiration of their heroes on an album of called ‘In The Bay.’
Says Bud in regard to the album. “’In The Bay’ is our 21st release for The Boxmasters. Songs were all inspired by and either written or partially written in the small beach town of Morro Bay, California. It’s a slight departure from our Abbey Road influenced album ‘Pepper Tree Hill,’ but is still in the same wheelhouse. ‘In The Bay’ has a strong Brian Wilson influence in the way the instrumentation is used. It is our humble attempt at making our ‘Pet Sounds’. We’re certainly not The Beatles or The Beach Boys, no one will ever be, but those heroes continue to inspire us.”
“When we started this album, we had the general idea that we were going to make one of our more Sixties pop influenced albums. The songs came very easy and are based on Bud’s time spent on the central coast of California when he was spending time with his daughter at college. But what we didn’t realize until we spent time listening to the rough mixes on the bus during last years tour was that we were paying more homage to our heroes The Beach Boys than we had
ever done. We didn’t intend to make a Beach Boys style record, but when their influence runs so deep through us it just happens” Says J.D.
Joining Bud and J.D. on piano on a couple of songs is Teddy Andreadis who has been a longtime collaborator and band member since Bud’s first major label release “Private Radio.” Notably, Teddy plays the “wind-up” piano on the song “The Swift” which was a production technique popularized by The Beatles’ producer George Martin. It involves recording a part on the tape machine at half speed and then playing it back at full speed to give it a “Chipmunky” effect.
Formed in 2006, The Boxmasters have recorded an impressive and diverse catalogue of music that touches on their love of a wide array of influences, but most importantly, the rock and roll of the 1960’s. Listening to The Boxmasters, one can hear obvious odes to the Beatles, Byrds and Beach Boys, but also important to The Boxmasters are The Mothers of Invention, The Allman Brothers, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine and Big Star.
As a touring band, The Boxmasters have cultivated a rabid cult fanbase across the United States, Canada and now Europe and the United Kingdom. In 2025, The Boxmasters opened for one of the top 3 bands in history, The Who, on their “The Song Ends Tour” in Sunrise, FL and Newark, NJ. In Sunrise, manager Bill Curbishly told Bud that only 3 bands had received a standing ovation as the opening act in The Who history. The Boxmasters were the third.
On April 25, 2026 The Boxmasters will make their Stagecoach Festival debut playing along with a huge lineup of Rock and Country artists.
Opening for the likes of The Who, ZZ Top, Steve Miller, & George Thorogood, The Boxmasters have proven to win over large audiences. As a headliner, frequent stops in Kansas City at “Knuckleheads”, Los Angeles at “The Troubadour” and in Sellersville, PA at the “Sellersville Theater” have shown dedicated yet still growing audiences. Two appearances at Levon Helm’s “Midnight Ramble” in Woodstock, New York were highlight performances for the band, as well as the “Ramble at The Ryman” that Levon hosted in 2008. Other highlights include The Boxmasters performing on “The Grand Ole Opry” in 2015, and in 2023 The Boxmasters fulfilled a life-long dream of playing The Cavern Club in Liverpool.
Stewart Copeland - Have I Said Too Much
Stewart Copeland, world famous drummer, founder of the most successful rock band of the 1980’s, The Police, composer of film scores, video games and operas, multi Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, writer and filmmaker, is heading out on his first American spoken-word tour, to talk about it alli in his usual funny, intelligent, sharp and unique way.An evening of conversation, with photos, videos and a Q&A.Stewart Copeland’s“Have I Said Too Much-The Police, Hollywood, and other adventures”
WEB LINKS:
● Website: https://www.stewartcopeland.net
● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StewartCopeland/
● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewart_copeland/
The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy and newest member Paul O’ Brien. The High Kings formed in June 2007 when Brian, Darren, Finbarr and former member Martin Furey were asked to join a brand-new Irish ballad group by David Kavanagh after he had noticed a gap in the market for a band specialising in traditional Irish music.
It didn’t take long during their first studio rehearsal for them to realise that the way their individual voices blended together meant that they were onto something special. The High Kings play 13 instruments between them, creating the unique sound and atmosphere that they still showcase to this day. This was confirmed when their self-titled debut album reached number 2 on the world Billboard Music chart. In March 2009 The High Kings played 5 consecutive sold out shows to a packed audience in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.
Towards the end of 2009 The High Kings licensed their second studio album ‘Memory Lane’ to Universal Music Ireland signifying the fast trajectory that the band had taken in their short lifespan. ‘Memory Lane’ was released in February 2010 and after a successful Irish tour the album went platinum in June only 4 months after its initial release. They followed ‘Memory Lane’ with a ‘Live in Ireland’ album which received critical acclaim as it showcased the energy that the band brings to the live shows.
Multi-platinum entertainer SARA EVANS is at the top of her game. As the fifth most-played female artist at country radio in nearly the last two decades — her five No. 1 singles include “No Place That Far,” “Suds In The Bucket, “A Real Fine Place To Start,” “Born to Fly,” and “A Little Bit Stronger,” which spent 2 weeks in the top spot and was certified platinum by the R.I.A.A. Sara’s “stunning, country voice” (Rolling Stone) has earned her the prestigious Academy of Country Music Top Female vocalist accolade as well as numerous American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Country Music Association, CMT and Grammy Awards nominations. In addition, the CMA awarded Video of the Year honors for her hit chart-topping single, "Born to Fly" from her landmark double-platinum album of the same name. Evans’ discography also includes the platinum-selling studio albums Real Fine Place and Restless as well as the gold-certified projects Stronger and No Place That Far.
Sara has continued to forge her bold, creative path with Copy That, which opened at #1 on the iTunes Country chart, released on her own Born To Fly Records on May 15, 2020. The 13-song collection, spanning six decades, showcased Evans’ distinctive creative stamp on some of the most iconic songs in country and pop music, songs that have inspired her life and career, as well as shining a spotlight on some little-known gems. Copy That follows her critically acclaimed Words, which debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart in 2017. Last year brought album and touring collaborations with her children, Avery and Olivia Barker, for The Barker Family Band.
Sara released her memoir, Born To Fly, on September 8, 2020 through Howard Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. Named after her landmark double-platinum album, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, Born To Fly finds Evans opening up and sharing stories not only about her career and what it is like living in the spotlight, but about what inspires her and how her faith keeps her strong.
Sara Evans Web Links:
www.Twitter.com/SaraEvansMusic
DTB offers everything you want in a roots band — songs that matter, a groove that makes you dance, an audience that spans generations, and a musical voice that evokes a sense of community. Dance in the Street, their first new album in five years, captures the dynamic energy that has earned the band the love and respect of their fans, “the Herd”, for thirty years.
Donna The Buffalo is well known for their lyrics about human potential and community. Throughout Dance in the Street, Jeb Puryear and Tara Nevins, the band’s co-founders, share songs of social commentary and self empowerment. “We feel the album provides an enjoyable ride between the general and the personal, from both male and female perspectives,” says Puryear.
Puryear took it upon himself to write a topical song after a friend slyly commented, “We could use some songs like you used to write.” That off-handed remark led directly to “Dance in the Street,” which falls somewhere between Bob Dylan and Bob Marley.
Ron Pope
Fiercely independent, Nashville-based recording artist, Ron Pope, carved his niche in the digital era’s early days with his breakout hit, “A Drop in the Ocean,” which has amassed over 1 billion streams, earning platinum status in the US, alongside double platinum status in Sweden. His prolific songwriting is a natural fit for Music City’s Americana, roots, and country communities, garnering praise from publications such as Rolling Stone, Billboard, CMT, Relix, and The Tennessean. With each release, including his most recent album, American Man, American Music, released in February 2025, Pope continues to captivate audiences with his raw authenticity and profound storytelling, soul-stirring melodies, and introspective lyricism.
Beyond his own musical endeavors, Pope writes and produces for other artists, and serves as a guiding light for aspiring musicians navigating the ever-changing landscape of today’s music industry.
Zach Berkman
With a diverse musical background and eight released albums, Nashville-based songcrafter Zach Berkman is an accomplished and unapologetically honest storyteller. Singing about love and loss, growth and change, his forthcoming effort, The Heart Of, is a meditation on those expansive questions that fill all of our lives. As evidenced in the album’s 12 exquisite tracks, Berkman, like most of us, was searching for answers.
After the end of a long-term relationship, Berkman found himself in a period of personal and professional stagnation. Despite being accustomed to creating records autonomously, an old friend's suggestion led Berkman to artistically pivot and create a new sound – this time with a collective. He thoughtfully rallied his inner circle – fellow artists, writers, and creators – to bring his vision to life, resulting in the most personally and artistically fulfilling project of his career.
Get ready for an evening of sidesplitting laughter as Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, the dynamic duo from TV's "Whose Line is it Anyway?," take the stage in a one-night-only uproarious live show, Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble.
Armed with their lightning-fast wits, Mochrie & Sherwood transform the audience’s suggestions into an unpredictable evening of non-stop comedy gold. No script? No problem! “Asking For Trouble” is a wild rollercoaster ride of hilarity, where two improv legends prove they are still the best in the business.
The Machine has forged a 30+ year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. The New York-based quartet performs a diverse mix of The Floyd’s extensive 16-album repertoire, complete with faithful renditions of popular hits as well as obscure gems.
With stellar musicianship and passionate delivery, The Machine explores collective improvisation rivaling that of an early 1970’s Pink Floyd, while their use of expanded theatrical elements and elaborate stage displays and lighting continues The Floyd spirit of the 1980’s. The band is also known for recreating entire albums as a part of their show, accepting requests from fans, and for taking an A – Z approach in which one song is played for every letter of the alphabet.
The Machine has sold out theaters, premier showcase rooms and casinos across North America, Europe and Asia, performed at renowned music festivals such as Bonnaroo, Riverbend, and Gathering of the Vibes, and shared the stage with full symphony orchestras, including the Atlanta, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Charlotte and San Diego Symphonies, as well as the Buffalo Philharmonic.
The band features founding member Tahrah Cohen (drums), longtime bandmates Scott Chasolen (keys, vocals) and Ryan Ball (guitar, vocals), and newest member Chris DeAngelis (bass, lead vocals). The band continues on to celebrate the music of Pink Floyd and to honor the life of Joe Pascarell, who co-founded the band with Tahrah in 1988.
“They duplicate the sound and hits of Pink Floyd with chilling accuracy, and they play for a hell of a long time.”
Rolling Stone Magazine
“These guys are great!”
Spin Magazine
“The Machine look nothing like Pink Floyd, but that doesn’t matter – they sound exactly like Pink Floyd, and that’s what counts.”
Spin Magazine
JOHNNYSWIM, composed of the magnetic duo Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano Ramirez, effortlessly enthralls audiences with their heartfelt melodies, intertwining personal experiences and imaginative tales. Their music is a vibrant tapestry woven with memories, emotions, and dreams, blending singer-songwriter tradition with alternative flair, rock vigor, and pop ambition. Through extensive touring, they've cultivated a devoted fanbase worldwide, connecting deeply with listeners.
Critics from NPR, The New York Times, Huffington Post, Nylon, and Rolling Stone have hailed JOHNNYSWIM's blend of Folk, Pop, and Blues as "captivating and unforgettable." Their electrifying performances on shows like The Today Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live have enchanted audiences, reinforcing their dynamic presence in the music realm.
In their new album When The War Is Over, the band captures a profound journey through personal upheaval and resilience. Inspired by a season marked by intense challenges, Abner and Amanda vulnerably explore themes of physical and mental health, and self-realization through 11 deeply personal tracks. It symbolizes their journey toward healing, serving as a declaration of moving forward. Arriving amidst uncertain times, When The War Is Over is more than a collection of songs—it stands defiantly as a testimony of resilience, vulnerability, and the unbreakable bond between two people navigating life’s storms together.
Emmy Award winner and two-time Grammy Award nominee David Cross is an acclaimed comedian, actor, writer, and producer whose work has left an impactful mark on television, film, and stand-up comedy. He is best known as the co-creator and star of the influential HBO sketch series Mr. Show with Bob and David, and for his iconic role of Tobias Fünke on the Emmy Award-winning series Arrested Development. Cross was also part of the ensemble cast of The Ben Stiller Show, earning an Emmy Award forwriting early in his career.
Cross has been performing stand-up comedy for over 40 years, and has released numerous critically acclaimed specials and albums including Making America Great Again! for Netflix, Oh Come On, I’m From The Future, and The Pride Is Back, which was highlighted by Rolling Stone as one of the 25 most important stand-up specials of all time, among multiple others. His comedy albums have earned multiple Grammy nominations, and his international tours have taken him to theatres around the globe. He currently has a residency at Union Hall in NYC through April 2026, and has solidified his reputation as one of the most inventive and fearless voices in comedy.
His latest stand-up special, The End Of The Beginning Of The End, premieres April 7 th exclusively on YouTube with 800 Pound Gorilla Media and produced by YMH Studios. Filmed at the legendary 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia, Cross dives into New York living, unconventional takes on history, an absurd massage encounter and today’s struggles of being a woman.
On screen, Cross has appeared in a wide range of television projects, including the HBO Max miniseries Station Eleven, Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy, Genius: Aretha, and Goliath. His film credits include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Ghost World, Sorry to Bother You, Kill Your Darlings, Alvin and the Chipmunks, She’s the Man, Men in Black, The Post, the 2025 theatrically released comedy Oh, Hi!, and most recently starred and executive produced the indie feature Lucy Shulman, as well as NYTW’s Tartuffe this past winter opposite Matthew Broderick. He has also lent his voice to numerous animated films, including the Kung Fu Panda franchise, Megamind, Next Gen, and Curious George.
Cross is a prolific creator and storyteller both here and abroad. He wrote, created and starred in The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, a co-production between IFC in the states and Channel 4 in the UK, wrote, directed, and produced, Bliss for Sky TV also in the UK, as well as writing and directing the independent feature Hits, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He is also the co-author of the book Hollywood Said No!, written with Bob Odenkirk and Brian Posehn as well as the NY Times bestselling author of, I Drink For A Reason. Cross most recently reunited with Odenkirk for the documentary Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu.
David Cross currently resides in Brooklyn, New York. For more information, please visit https://officialdavidcross.com/
Choir! Choir! Choir!
“Why see a show when you can BE the show!?”
Choir! Choir! Choir! is the fully interactive, participatory show that turns audience into performer! So get ready to laugh, dance and SING! your hearts out with hundreds of other music-lovers just like you. It’s like a big birthday party for the greatest songs of all time and you’re invited!
So grab a friend (or ten), and come out ready to GIVE IT ALL YOU’VE GOT! - all voices welcome, no experience necessary. They Teach, You Sing! Everyone Wins!
This time, Choir!Choir!Choir! Presents: Landslide: An EPIC Fleetwood Mac Sing-Along
Nothing feels better than belting out song like these with a room full of Fleetwood Mac fans! Channel your inner Stevie Nicks, grab your best friends and frenemies, and create harmonies that you won’t believe! Landslide: An EPIC Fleetwood Mac Sing-Along will be the most fun you’ve had in years…
Since 2011, Choir! Choir! Choir! directors Daveed Goldman + Nobu Adilman have blurred the lines between performer and audience, traveling the world to create harmony with strangers and friends alike. They’ve collaborated with renowned artists like Patti Smith, David Byrne, Brandi Carlile, Rick Astley, Rufus Wainwright, and even Kermit The Frog at New York’s Lincoln Center, creating memorable videos that have garnered views in the millions. Now it’s your turn to SING!, so grab your friends, get your tickets and we’ll C! you there! #NeverStopSinging
Social Links -
Trae Crowder first gained international attention (or notoriety depending on your politics) in 2016 for his hugely viral series of “Liberal Redneck” comedic “porch rant” videos. Since then, Trae has written a best-selling book, The Liberal Redneck Manifesto: Draggin Dixie Outta The Dark, toured the country thrice over playing sold out theatre shows under the WellRED Comedy Tour banner, appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO), Nightline (ABC), The View, Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell (MSNBC),
NPR, WTF with Marc Maron, MTV, CNN, Huffington Post and in the Veronica Mars reboot, as “Chattanooga Charlie”, among many others.
Initially from rural Celina, TN, Trae now lives in Los Angeles, CA and has developed and sold five scripted pilots for Warner Bros TV, ABC, and FOX and continues to work as a writer. Trae stars in and produces regular sketches for Comedy Central, Funny or Die, ATTN, Facebook Watch, New York Daily News which have garnered tens of millions of views online. Crowder also co-wrote and produced an hour-long documentary titled Inherent Good, featuring Crowder and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, about universal basic income.
Additionally, Trae co-hosts the hugely popular “WellRED,” “Evening Skews” and “Puttin’ On Airs” podcasts. His debut 30-minute standup comedy special was taped in 2021 in Nashville, TN and his latest full-length special “Trash Daddy” is available now on YouTube. He also continues to rant and rave on theinternet to the mostly-delight of his lovely fanbase.
Beginnings - A Celebration of the Music of Chicago brings the magic of a live Chicago performance to
life and exceptionally recreates their enormous songbook of contemporary hits.
The music of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Chicago spans more than five decades and includes
five # 1 albums and over 20 top-ten hits. The band transports the listener back to a time of big arena
concerts with all the sound, excitement, and emotion generated from Chicago's extensive catalog of gold
and platinum recordings.
Beginnings has one of the most entertaining live performances you can see today. Expect a family-
friendly entertainment event that is pleasing to music lovers of all ages!
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Beginnings, Make Me Smile, 25 or 6 to 4, Call on Me, Saturday in the Park, Old Days,
You're the Inspiration, Alive Again, Color My World, Just You and Me, I've Been Searchin' So Long, Free,
Hard to Say I'm Sorry, and many, many more!
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.beginningslive.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/BeginningsTributeBand
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/beginningstribute/
TWITTER: twitter.com/Beginnings_Live
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5525O46vGYWFlpxIkg1xvw
Uwe Kruger was born in Germany in 1961, followed by his brother Jens in 1962. The family moved to Switzerland, where music was a central part of their daily life. From an early age, the brothers played guitar and other instruments. Influenced by artists like Chet Atkins, Doc Watson, and Bill Monroe, they performed their first public show in 1973.
After their mother’s passing in 1974, they moved to Zürich and formed a skiffle band. By the age of 12, Jens was already playing banjo with various bands. In 1976, they discovered Strictly Instrumental by Flatt & Scruggs, which inspired them to focus on bluegrass. In 1979, they became traveling street musicians across Europe and later formed the band Rocky Road with the Galfano Brothers. CBS Records signed them in 1981. However, musical differences led them to split in 1982—Uwe pursued country music, while Jens moved to the U.S., where he performed with bluegrass legend Bill Monroe before returning to Switzerland.
In 1987, Uwe and Jens reunited and formed Appalachian Barn Orchestra, blending bluegrass with European influences. Their music gained popularity, and in 1990, bassist Joel Landsberg joined, marking the transition to The Kruger Brothers. They hosted a live radio show on Swiss National Radio and toured extensively, performing over 250 shows per year. Their reputation grew across Europe, and they became known for their virtuosic musicianship and unique sound. By 1995, they decided to dedicate themselves entirely to The Kruger Brothers, canceling other commitments and founding their own recording studio to produce and release their music independently.
In 1997 Uwe, Jens, and Joel were invited to play at MerleFest in North Carolina. They were so well received in their festival debut, that MerleFest has invited the Kruger Brothers back to the festival every year since. Notlong after MerleFest, Kruger Brothers management organized extensive tours throughout the US beginning in the fall of 1997.
After five years of playing almost six month out of the year in the US, it was time tomake the decision to either abandon the US market or relocate the entire Kruger Brothers organization to the US.
In 2003 Uwe, Jens, and Joel moved their business and their families to North Carolina.
The Kruger Brothers have since released more than twenty-five CD's on their own label.They have performed with numerous symphony orchestras, string ensembles, andguest musicians on their extensive touring schedule throughout the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia.
The Kruger Brothers are members of the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, the Wilkes County Hall of Fame, the International Banjo Hall of Fame, as well as the American Folk Music Hall of Fame.
Both Uwe and Jens are honorary citizens of North Carolina and Calgary,Canada.
The Kruger Brothers have received numerous awards including the Steve Martin Prize for excellence in banjo and bluegrass, several IBMA nominations, PrixVallo and many more...
The Kruger Brothers are a true staple of the American music scene and continue to bring excellence to audiences worldwide.
Born and raised in Levittown, NY just a few miles from Billy Joel's childhood home, it seems like a natural fit to see a fellow Long Islander pay homage to the music of the man who in Mike word's is “not only my musical hero, but an icon that is also down to earth and humble at the same time. After meeting Billy in person, sitting and having a regular chat with him that I immediately understood why his songs and his lyrics are so identifiable and relatable to millions and millions of fans around the world for the past 50 years”.
Being a fan of drums and playing since the age of 12, Mike also then taught himself how to play 6 and 12 string acoustic guitars and eventually gained most of his professional experience and expertise on keyboards and piano. Mike was raised with a deep appreciation for music by his late father Joe Santoro. He was a gifted and powerful tenor vocalist in the vein of Sinatra, Bennett, Nat King Cole and others. It wasn’t until 1978 when Mike borrowed his sister’s 52nd Street record, and heard one of his favorite songs “Until The Night”, that everything changed. “This ‘rock star’ Billy Joel, grew up in the same town I lived in, mixed it up on the same streets that I walked and went to the same public schools that I did. Yet, what I was listening to was music so beautiful, moving and intricate, I had to learn more…well really learn ALL of it”. It’s about then that he became obsessed with finding his identity as a musician and vocalist, and for years that inspiration has given Mike the good fortune to play music professionally all over the country for over 2 decades.
Mike’s obsession with accuracy, tonality and faithfully recreating the sound of every Billy Joel song as it’s heard on the record is what has helped drive the band to the national level it has reached.
“Every song Billy has ever written is loaded with his own homage to the artists and bands he admired growing up and you clearly hear it in his vocal recordings. From Ray Charles, Lennon and McCartney to The Stones to Frankie Valli to The Righteous Brothers and so many others. What you’re hearing in Billy’s entire catalog is the evolution an artist who began as a classically trained pianist at the age of 3, and then in his early teens suddenly the Beatles happen. Talk about a perfect storm! I feel it’s just as important to capture that kind of energy and sound but with soulfulness, and as close as possible to the way Billy did it - yet without overdoing it”.
Coupled with the raw energy of a live show, his drive to perform is all born from his appreciation for every fellow Billy Joel fan that comes out to see The Stranger and joins in celebrating his music. Mike has said “its like a communal experience, me and the band on the stage are just part of a big family having a party. I’m really fortunate to have been afforded the opportunity to have this “job”, and being backed by what’s often been called “‘one of the best live bands out there, bar none’”.
In the words of Billy Joel himself to Mike after their meeting and talk together, “Thank you for keeping my music alive”.
From the heart, thank you Billy Joel for sharing your music with the world.