In November, New Orleans-based guitarist and vocalist Steve Kelly announced his 8-track debut solo album Here’s The Thing available on February 21, 2025 via Regime Music Group. Coined as “Americana Soul,” Kelly’s songwriting navigates the complexities of life’s cycles, candid struggles with mental health; the perils and pitfalls of substance abuse and addiction, and the peaks and valleys of personal relationships, ultimately delivering a message of hope and perseverance.

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 's birthday earlier this week, renowned pianist and cultural visionary Lara Downes has released a live recording of "I Believe in the Prince of Peace, Credo No. 5" on the Rising Sun label. This powerful work, which is the fifth movement of Margaret Bonds’ monumental Credo, is inspired by W.E.B. Du Bois’ 1904 prose poem, and it resonates, in this present moment of intense global conflict,  as a profound call for peace, unity, and hope.

Today, South African cellist, composer, improviser, and vocalist Abel Selaocoe (pronounced Se-lau-chwe) unveils a new preview of his forthcoming album Hymns of Bantu (February 21 / Warner Classics). "L.B Files: Igiul” is Selaocoe’s interpretation of the Sicilian cellist Giovanni Sollima’s own cello concerto, L.B. Files. Selaocoe greatly admires Sollima’s open-ended exploration of the instrument, and as such, his recording shines a spotlight on the cello.

Legendary vocalist Chris Thompson, renowned for his unforgettable performances with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, is set to release his final live album, The Final Round. Recorded during The Final Round Tour 2022 in Germany, this album marks the culmination of Thompson’s illustrious live career and serves as a heartfelt farewell to fans worldwide.

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, reggae lovers and music aficionados are invited to a joyful celebration of Bob Marley’s 80th birthday at Broadway Studios (435 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133). The evening will feature a live performance by celebrated reggae artist Prezident Brown, with DJ Sep on the decks, bringing the best in reggae, dub, dancehall, and more.

In the wake of the devastating wildfires in Southern California, Gibson, the iconic American-made instrument brand, and its philanthropic division, Gibson Gives, have joined forces with multiple music brands to support the recovery of music programs and musicians impacted by the fires, as well as to raise immediate funds for relief efforts and humanitarian aid organizations across Los Angeles.

British band Wille and the Bandits have announced that they will embark on a full-band headline UK tour in March and May 2025, commencing on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury.

They will then visit 17 intimate venues throughout the country, including the famous Half Moon Putney in London on March 30, 2025. The full list of dates and details is provided below.

The good life can be as simple as good food, good beer, and good music. Combine those three in the right proportions, and you’ll find the right people gathered together, sharing in the joy of it all. This weekend, I experienced that magic at Burn ’Em Brewery in Michigan City, where the beer is cold, the food is excellent, and the music gets your feet moving. The vibe was perfect for fun times with great people as we geared up for winter with some Long Johns and lively tunes.

North Carolina producer and songwriter Joe May kicks off the next chapter of his evolving career with the release of his brand-new studio single, Ignoring the Feeling, available everywhere on January 17, 2025. The track marks the first official glimpse into his forthcoming sophomore album, Mild Adversity & Shallow Heartbreaks, delivering a buoyant yet reflective sound that embodies May's distinct artistic duality.

The Freddy Jones Band is marking a year of milestones in 2025, celebrating 30 years of their groundbreaking album North Avenue Wakeup Call and 10 years of their critically acclaimed album Never Change. Both albums were produced by multi-Grammy-winning producer Justin Neibank, whose work with artists like Taylor Swift, Little Big Town, and Keith Urban has left a lasting impact on the music industry.