The Wood Brothers are back on the road come September and October. The recently announced three week run will focus heavily on shows in the Southeast and Midwest in a number of cities yet to be visited since the release of their critically acclaimed, Buddy Miller-produced album, The Muse.

Evansville, KY-based rock duo The Cold Stares have released “Fire in the Sand,” the lead single from their forthcoming sophomore album to mainstream radio. Produced by Mark Needham (Imagine Dragons, P!nk), the independently-released single has impacted radio thanks to a groundswell of fan requests.

No single thing makes a festival the “best festival ever.” Sure, one great band can make it really good. Or maybe the campground scene was where it was at. But it’s really when you group those moments with the ones of unbearable laughter, silly dancing, and inspirational people that a festival becomes the “best ever.” And you know what? The Northwest String Summit consistently brings the best.

The last day of this year’s 2014 Rhythms on the Rio was a mix of rain and sun. Actually, for year’s past, this was a dry festival for the most part.

The end of summer is near and what better way to say goodbye to lazy days and ridiculous tan lines than at the 5^th Annual North Coast Music Festival.  Bringing a melting pot of artists to the city of Chicago to play one last summer set, North Coast Music Festival is a splendid way to get your groove on while sweating your butt off in the late August sun.  Artists this year include Snoop Dogg (I thought it was Snoop Lion…eh… po-tay-to, po-tot-to), Washed Out, Future Islands, STS9, Bassnectar, Talib Kweli, Little Dragon, Slightly Stoopid and Dr.

This year’s Rhythms on the Rio opened with a bang. It’s hard to judge numbers but the campground seemed fuller and the dance area most certainly was as packed as last year’s Saturday night, with some folks who had never been to this little festival appearing by the recommendation of friends. That’s always good to see.