Florry, Qwilt, C. Albert Blomquist

Florry is a Philly-based country rock outfit led by Francie Medosch and featuring a cast of the most daring and tasteful players of the underground. Francie’s songwriting is pointed, personal and current, yet arranged with a keen ear toward the canon of late 20th century outlaw country and rock n’roll. Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TIDAL

Red Wanting Blue – CANCELLED

Hailed as “Midwestern rock heroes” by American Songwriter, Red Wanting Blue has spent the better part of last three decades on the road, blazing their own unique trail through the American heartland as they built up a legion of lifelong fans through a relentless work ethic and raucous, life-affirming live show. Along the way, the band notched appearances everywhere from Letterman to NPR, garnered praise from the likes of Rolling Stone and Esquire, and climbed to #3 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, all while operating largely outside of the confines of the traditional music industry. Recorded in the band’s native Ohio and produced for the first time by the quintet itself, Red Wanting Blue’s latest album, Light It Up, marks the start of a distinctly new chapter for the indie rock stalwarts, one built on complete and total creative liberation. Equally gritty and uplifting, the collection is a larger-than-life ode to hope and perseverance, a celebration of the fire we carry within and the commitment that keeps us going even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The songs are all interconnected here, woven together through intros and outros and interludes that propel them through the dark of night, and the performances are as muscular as they are meticulous, fueled by addictive hooks and exhilarating instrumental work that shines on an even footing with frontman Scott Terry’s rich and magnetic vocals. More than any other record in the Red Wanting Blue catalog, Light It Up captures the spirit and the camaraderie of a band that’s built its entire career on the road, discovering (and rediscovering) itself one exultant, joyous, communal night at a time. Red Wanting Blue is:Scott Terry (Vocals, Tenor Guitar, Ukulele)Mark McCullough (Bass, Chapman Stick, Vocals)Greg Rahm (Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals)Eric Hall (Guitar, Lap Steel, Vocals)Dean Anshutz (Drums & Percussion) Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Hotel Fiction

Jesse Fox

Jesse Fox – a name that echoes within the realm of soulful artistry and immersive storytelling. Each performance is a gateway to an emotional landscape where heartfelt melodies and eloquent narratives seamlessly entwine, resonating deep within the core of one’s being. Rooted in the musically diverse landscape of North Carolina, Fox emerges as a master craftsman of lyrics, weaving songs that stir even the most stoic of spirits. From his early musical explorations with the acclaimed folk band Love & Valor, Jesse embarked on a journey to define his voice as a singular singer-songwriter. Guided by the echoes of the past, he channels the timeless resonance of songsmiths like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. Concurrently, he embraces the sonic tapestry of modern troubadours like The Avett Brothers, The Lumineers, and The Civil Wars. The result is an enchanting fusion of Americana, folk, and deeply emotive ballads. With a gift for delving deep into the human psyche, Jesse Fox’s lyrics resonate with profound honesty. They navigate the intricate pathways of love, the hollow echoes of loss, the reflective inner gaze, and the relentless quest for personal evolution. His narratives are a rich tapestry of life’s shared experiences, stirring a sense of collective authenticity among listeners. Complemented by a skilled ensemble of musicians, Jesse’s live performances radiate with a distinctive energy that electrifies, while simultaneously nurturing intimacy. Each note and harmony fill the room, wrapping audiences in a tapestry of shared emotion and musical unity. Be it on the grand stage of a festival or the close quarters of a small venue, Jesse’s empathic connection with the audience pervades every corner, creating a truly shared experience. Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Soundcloud

Atmosphere – The Traveling Forever Tour

For over two decades, Atmosphere has maintained a course of rigorous output, releasing over two dozen studio albums, EP’s and collaborative side projects in as many years. In that time, the venerated duo have built a legacy out of bringing honesty, humility and vulnerability to the forefront of their music, continually challenging themselves to evolve without straying too far from their roots. Slug has proven masterful at storytelling and writing compelling narratives, leaving a trail of his own influence while paying homage to the rappers and songwriters that helped shape him. Ant has skillfully molded the soundtracks with inspiration from soul, funk, rock, reggae, and the wizardry of hip-hop’s pioneering DJ’s and producers, creating his own trademark sounds while providing the pulse for songs about life, love, stress and setbacks. At its essence, Atmosphere has been a musical shepherd, and with each new album comes a new journey as they guide generations of listeners through this thing called life. Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok

Alisa Amidor

The day Alisa Amador decided to walk away from her career in music was, ironically enough, the day her career truly began. “I was burned out and dealing with all this personal grief and trauma, and I finally just came to the conclusion that I couldn’t go on the way I was anymore,” she reflects. “And then as I was walking through the logistics of how I would break the news to everyone in my life, I got a phone call telling me that I’d won the NPR Tiny Desk Contest.” Now, two years later, Amador is an artist reborn, both spiritually and sonically, with a stunning full-length debut to show for it. Recorded with co-producers Tyler Chester and Daniel Radin, Multitudes finds the bilingual singer/songwriter formally introducing herself with a bold, captivating self-portrait, one that serves not only as a testament to how far she’s come, but also as a celebration of where she comes from. Slipping effortlessly between Spanish and English and featuring guest appearances from Gaby Moreno, Madison Cunningham, and Quinn Christopherson, the songs here are raw and vulnerable, at once steeped in devastating loss and uncertainty, but also laced with the hope and resilience of young woman learning to find her voice and stand her ground in the midst of a personal and professional maelstrom. Certainly, Multitudes is a beautiful record — the way Amador’s crystalline voice cut through the album’s lush synthesizers, dreamy guitars, and cinematic string arrangements is nothing short of spellbinding — but more than that, it’s a fierce work of discovery and affirmation that reveals new secrets with each repeated listen, a profound, revelatory meditation on triumph and loss, endings and beginnings, identity and belonging, all delivered by a songwriter convinced she would never write again. “When NPR called, I genuinely considered asking them to give the honor to someone else,” Amador recalls. “I felt like a fraud because after the death of a close friend in 2020, I’d completely stopped writing. But in that moment, it felt like something was telling me to surrender to the reality that music is and always would be my purpose.” Amador’s passion for music is no coincidence. Born to a pair of Latin folk artists, she began singing with her parents’ band, Sol Y Canto, at the age of five, and spent much of her childhood traveling the country on an endless series of tours along with her twin brother, Zia. She spent extended periods with her grandparents in Puerto Rico and New Mexico, as well, before attending college in Maine, which enabled her to study abroad in Buenos Aires for a semester. “From a young age, I saw exactly how insane and difficult it was to make a life playing music,” Amador recalls. “But I also knew I’d be lying to myself if I tried to do anything else.” Fresh out of school, Amador began touring and recording as a solo artist, releasing a pair of well-received independent EPs and crisscrossing the country just as she had during her childhood. But over time, something about her experiences began to feel off, and the purpose and meaning she’d found in music began slipping through her fingers. Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Soundcloud

Bob Mould Solo Electric

This is a seated show. Bob Mould is an American musician/singer/songwriter now in his fifth decade of making and performing music. Bob has released 15 solo albums since his 1989 solo debut Workbook, after forming and leading Minnesota punk rock innovators Hüsker Dü starting in 1979. Along with two albums in the group Sugar, Bob has redefined guitar driven rock across 23 studio albums over the last 40-plus years. In addition to a catalog of over 250 songs, Bob contributed the theme song to TV’s The Daily Show and has served as a creative north star to legions of musicians ranging from Dave Grohl to Billie Joe Armstrong. Bob’s most recent album was 2020’s Blue Hearts, released to continuing critical acclaim. Rolling Stone said “Blue Hearts gushes more piss and vinegar than Stanley Kubrick could fill a hallway with, but what makes it jaw-dropping is the precision with which Mould has focused his ire on conservatives, evangelicals, homophobes, while leaving room for some self-criticism as well.” “The fire in Bob Mould’s belly can’t be extinguished,” gushed Under The Radar. “Blue Hearts is Mould at his fiercest and most deliberate.” Bob Mould tours as both a solo artist and in the Bob Mould Band featuring Jason Narducy (bass) and Jon Wurster (drums). Bob has solo tours set for the remainder of 2024, with two runs in the USA in September and October, and his first visit to Australia and New Zealand in more than a decade in November. Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Surfer Girl

Introducing Surfer Girl, led by the charismatic Carter Reeves, the former front man of the hip-hop/pop sensation Aer. Embodying the laid-back spirit of coastal living, Carter has seamlessly transitioned from his Aer days to craft a sound that’s all about good vibes and groovy rhythms. Their music seamlessly combines indie-pop, reggae, surf-rock, and hip-hop elements. Hailing from Wayland, MA, Carter’s music captures the essence of sun-soaked days and breezy evenings. In the past year, Surfer Girl has left an indelible mark on the festival circuit, gracing major stages at Sea.Hear.Now, SunFest, Cali Vibes, Reggae Rise Up and many more. Carter’s magnetic stage presence and Surfer Girl’s infectious tunes create an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Audiences can’t help but get swept up in the sonic journey, making every performance a memorable experience. As a seasoned performer with a knack for connecting with diverse crowds, Carter Reeves and Surfer Girl bring a unique blend of musical prowess and beachy coolness to every show. Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube

Jamila Woods & Tank and the Bangas

Jamila Woods is a poet, songwriter, and performing artist from the south side of Chicago. Her first solo album, HEAVN was released by JagJaguwar Records in 2017 to critical acclaim. Her sophomore offering, LEGACY! LEGACY! (2019), features 12 tracks named after writers, thinkers, and visual artists who have influenced the creator’s life and work — including James Baldwin, Nikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez. An award-winning poet, Jamila’s work often blurs boundaries between poem and song. As cultural critic Doreen St. Felix writes in her review of HEAVN, “It makes you wish all singers were poets.” Describing her creative process, Jamila says, “I think of songs as physical spaces. Writing a song is like decorating your apartment with things that comfort you and represent who you are.” Songwriting–like poetry– is a process of personal excavation. An internationally touring artist, Jamila has been featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk, CBS This Morning, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She has shared stages with Corinne Bailey Rae, Rafael Saadiq, Bonobo, Common, Chance the Rapper, Brittany Howard, Macklemore, and many others. Her most recent project, Water Made Us, was released by JagJaguwar Records in October 2023. Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify Tank and The Bangas is a New Orleans-based band that blends various music styles such as funk, soul, hip hop, and spoken word to create a unique sound. The band is led by vocalist and songwriter Tarriona “Tank” Ball who commands every performance with her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence. Formed in 2011, they gained nationwide recognition after winning the NPR Tiny Desk Concert in 2017. The band consists of a varying number of musicians but is typically around five, including Tank herself. Their critically acclaimed live performances are energetic and highly emotive, making them a must-see act. Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify

The Queen’s Giant, The Phoebes

Fusing elements of Rock, Blues, Country, and Electronica, The Queen’s Giant brings a high energy sound with a refinement and flavor that oozes originality. Accompanied with an inventive rhythm section and diverse keyboard synthesizers, Brendon Jacobsen drives this project via attractive songwriting and a raw, penetrating guitar. Forming in 2021 in Wilmington, NC, The Queen’s Giant aims to establish a brand that offers a professional, highly entertaining live act while we meticulously craft our debut album. Each musician in this band comes from a completely different background, and it is our understanding of each other’s unique perspective that drives the creative direction. The variety of influences each artist applies to the project produces an amusing, dynamic sound complemented by a dazzling lead guitar, a sturdy, guttural bass, and a sentimental yet striking match of keys propelled by bolting percussion. Brendon describes the music as a fun and refreshing take on arrangement. “We like to honor the sounds across genres; honor Country music, EDM, we like to honor the Blues… we don’t want the project to sound the same every song, we want the show to be spontaneous.” Every musician in this project has had to overcome their own extended period of personal struggles to get where they are today. In an existential attempt to explain the foundation of the projects content, it could be argued the lyrics of some songs express a longing and desire of some missed opportunity, a motif that conveys the paralysis of personal struggle. This theme, coupled with driving rock’n’roll and multi genre elements, engenders an identifiable experience that conveys to the listener that no matter our struggles, no matter who we are, the world doesn’t stop, and it is our responsibility to accept and overcome our defects. “At times, these thoughts can be a little cliche when applied to songwriting,” Brendon confesses, “but we really just want to make good music, a consistent sound that has changes, a sound that evolves and tells a story as the album progresses.” What started as a few acquaintances that just wanted to have fun and play some tunes, The Queen’s Giant has developed into lifelong friendships that created something organic. “I had a few songs, you know, folk type singer/songwriter stuff I brought to our first meet. I could tell right off the bat this wasn’t going to work for these guys, so I had some rock’n’roll type stuff I started to play instead,” Brendon states. What followed was an original sound written on top of some contemplative lyrics. “I got what he was saying right away,” bassist Austin Redwine states. “Not only that, but what his guitar was saying was equally as interesting.” Recognizing he needed a supporting cast to continue his concepts, Brendon charged Christopher Rocca on keys to add a fresh perspective to the work. “These guys are able to see things I can’t,” Brendon describes. “We really do complete each other in a totally cheesy way.” Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Soundcloud

Genre: Concerts