Acclaimed singer/songwriter Joan Osborne is back with Trouble and Strife (Womanly Hips Records), her first album of original material in six years. Osborne self-produced the new collection and penned all ten songs, with two co-writes. Trouble and Strife finds the gifted vocalist offering a strong yet uplifting response to some of the socio-political issues plaguing our nation over the last several years. Osborne beautifully balances the weight of her messages with solace and optimism. The new track ”Boy Dontcha Know” touches on the challenges of being a female in our society and why one might prefer to be male.

Higher Ground is pleased to announce that they are in the process of building a large stage with video support in the Champlain Valley Expo’s Midway Lawn to provide a space for concerts and community events in the age of physical distancing.

Multi-instrumentalist/singer/producer James Casey is pleased to announce the launch of Aux Chord (www.auxchord.live), an online music venue offering ticketed live stream events in the wake of COVID-19. Created by musicians for musicians, Aux Chord seeks to reduce distance as a barrier to enjoying live music. The site connects artists and their fans by creating a platform for online performances that emphasize quality audio, video and showmanship.

As the world continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland-based trio Pressing Strings - Jordan Sokel, Nick Welker, and Brandon Bartlett - have released the video for their single "Brave" to honor the COVID-19 frontline workers who are putting their lives on the line to help others.

“Picture Show: A Tribute Celebrating John Prine” will premiere this Thursday, June 11 at 7:30pm ET/6:30pm CT/4:30pm PT across multiple platforms including Prine’s YouTube, Facebook and Twitch channels.

“Everything Changes.” Well, it should. Our country is deeply damaged. Open your eyes. Our minority populations have never garnered the respect and equality promised by America. We have systemic problems rotting our foundation. We lack the leadership we deserve. Sadly, our president doesn’t represent the beauty that we are. It’s time to be the change we need. Protest. Shout and scream. Vote. Donate. Educate. Have meaningful conversations that alter the narrative. Upstate’s “Everything Changes” isn’t about social injustice or even the pandemic but it is relevant for this necessary time of revolution.