The release of the album Still the River at the Normal Theater in Normal, Illinois, marked thirty years of putting EDA’s music into the world. Built in 1937, the Normal Theater is a cozy venue still showing movies as well as hosting intimate music performances. A positive, expectant vibe was in the air as fans, friends, and family gathered for this special event.

Editor's Note: We interviewed Greg Ormont following Pigeons Playing Ping Pong's recent show at Pier 17, only to discover that our recording had failed due to technical difficulties. Despite our efforts to recover parts of the audio, we were unsuccessful, which was particularly disappointing as Ormont’s insights were incredibly honest and powerful. As a result, we incorporated our recollections of his words into this review of the show. He’s an incredible individual, and we hope you enjoy this mashup.

The evening sky is pink and orange as I arrive at The Rage in downtown Niles, Michigan. Tonight is special—local band The Erly is launching their latest album, Salem Lights. The building, part of the historic district downtown, was originally a drug store. Now, it’s an events center and restaurant, with a bar from the turn of the last century being the highlight of the interior.

When we last spoke with Molly Tuttle, she was on a different journey. It was January 2020, and she had just released her first full-length album, When You’re Ready, as a solo artist. A lot has changed since then! 

Where is Joe Samba? The New England-born singer, songwriter, guitar master, and general musical phenomenon is hard to pin down, literally. First, there is his chameleon-like ability to move seamlessly from job to job and place to place. Are you looking for Joe, the touring musician? Good luck! He is seemingly always on tour or playing somewhere, usually far from where he was the night before. Or perhaps you’re looking for Joe the father? His family is always with him.

With aspirations to become the undisputed torchbearers of modern psychedelic funk, the Colombian trio BALTHVS has emerged in recent years with an unparalleled and consistent string of musical releases, seizing every opportunity to showcase their passion and talent in every note. Known for their expansive, free-flowing style and soulfully gripping hooks, the band has been selling out venues worldwide on their latest tour.

Fruition, the dynamic five-piece American Roots band from Portland, Oregon, is gearing up for an exciting chapter. With their new album How to Make Mistakes on the horizon, an extensive American tour, and a special appearance at the Musical Sojourn in Buenos Aires—all kicking off in August—the band is poised for a busy and exhilarating stretch ahead. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mimi Naja, the band's co-founder, singer, and songwriter, to discuss the new record and the upcoming tour.

Hailing from Bucks County, PA (not too far from Philadelphia), R.P. Mixon releases his second single, "Shades," a country-infused psychedelic love song with a Jerry Garcia-inspired guitar style and hints of Country & Western twang in his singing voice. The song begins with a groovy guitar riff that sits neatly between early '70s Jerry and Déjà Vu-era CSNY, cascading into an Americana-Southern-Rock vocal that would feel at home on stage supporting Josh Ritter or Jason Isbell at the Troubadour.

Twisted Pine’s new album Love Your Mind is due out this October 2024. Hailing from the Boston bluegrass scene, Twisted Pine has a packed festival schedule all summer long until Twisted Pine rolls into Raliegh, NC on September 24 & 25th for IMBA’s Bluegrass Ramble.