BENTONVILLE, Ark. — From September 12, 2026, to March 29, 2027, Crystal Bridges presents Grandma Moses: A Good Day’s Work. The exhibition celebrates Anna Mary Robertson, better known as “Grandma Moses” (1860-1961), a multidimensional force in American art, whose beloved painted recollections of rural life earned her a distinctive place in the cultural imagination of the postwar era. Drawing its name from Moses’ reflection on her own life as “a good day’s work,” the exhibition reveals how Moses’ art fused creativity, labor, community, and memories from her century-long life. 

Grandma Moses: A Good Day’s Work contains a selection of objects primarily created between the late 1930s and the artist’s death in 1961. Organized in six thematic sections, the exhibit explores lesser-known aspects of Moses’ life, including the years she spent living, working, and raising her family in post-Reconstruction Virginia. Later sections examine Moses’ artistic skills as well as her personal transformation from private farmwife to internationally famous artist during the Cold War. Photographs, ephemeral objects, and Moses’ own words, drawn largely from her autobiography, illuminate artworks that were deeply connected to the artist’s life. 

"Grandma Moses: A Good Day’s Work invites visitors to consider Moses’ legacy in the context of contemporary life the United States,” said Larissa Randall, associate curator of American art. “We’re looking forward to introducing her extensive body of work to younger generations by foregrounding her artistic skill and entrepreneurial prowess.” 

In a lifetime that spanned the presidencies of Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, the artist experienced seismic historical shifts, including the post-Reconstruction and civil rights eras and two world wars. She began painting in earnest in her late 70s and was 80 when gallerist Otto Kallir introduced her to the American public with her first solo exhibition. 

In her artworks, Moses melded direct observation of nature and life as she saw it, resulting in distinctive, yet engaging, stories of America. Dubbed “Grandma Moses” by the press, she quickly became a media sensation, achieving a controversial celebrity status that surpassed most artists of her day and remains compelling today. 

“Grandma Moses’ career was grounded in a deep love for her craft, but it was often polarizing even during her lifetime,” said Josie Johnson, assistant curator of modern art. “She challenged social norms, became a proponent for democratic American values, and inspired lifelong learning—and we’re excited to see how her work continues to resonate today.” 

The exhibition will travel to Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, Arkansas, following an eight-month presentation at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Anchored by 33 artworks from the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection, the exhibition also draws from private collections and public museums and institutions, including the Bennington Museum in Bennington, Vermont, and Crystal Bridges. Crystal Bridges’ presentation of A Good Days Work is co-curated by Josie Johnson and Larissa Randall with Seynabou Diallo, curatorial assistant, American and Modern art. 

A lineup of public programs will accompany the exhibition’s opening weekend. On Friday, September 11, the opening lecture will feature co-curators Johnson and Randall in conversation with experts Leslie Umberger and Jane Kallir. On Saturday, September 12, an Opening Celebration will feature a full day of art and craft demonstrations, storytelling, and live music performances. Guests can participate in live artmaking with Equestrian Bridges and Friendly Farms, and learn line dancing with Benton County Boot Scooters. Additional programs throughout the exhibition’s run will include gallery talks, artmaking workshops, cocktail tours, listening sessions, and drop-in tours.

Tickets to Grandma Moses: A Good Day’s Work are $15, free for Crystal Bridges members, SNAP participants, veterans, and adults and youth 25 and under. For more information on Grandma Moses: A Good Day’s Work and related programming, please visit the exhibition webpage.

Grandma Moses: A Good Day’s Work is organized by the Smithsonian American ArtMuseum. Major support is provided by the Herbert Waide Hemphill Jr. American Folk Art Fund and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative Pool, administered by the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum.

The exhibition is curated by Leslie Umberger, senior curator of folk and self-taught art, and Randall R. Griffey, former head curator, with support from curatorial assistant Maria R. Elipert.

About Crystal Bridges

The mission of Crystal Bridges is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Since opening in 2011, the museum has welcomed more than 15 million visitors across its spaces, with no cost for admission. Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization by philanthropist Alice Walton. The collection spans five centuries of American masterworks from early American to current day and is enhanced by temporary exhibitions. 

The museum is nestled on 134 acres of Ozark landscape and was designed by the world-renowned Safdie Architects. A rare Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house was preserved and relocated to the museum grounds in 2015. Crystal Bridges offers public programs including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development opportunities, and is the home of the prestigious Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art and Tyson Scholars of American Art Program. Some 558,375 school children have participated in the Willard and Pat Walker School Visit program, which provides educational experiences for school groups at no cost to the schools.

Additional museum amenities include a restaurant, gift store, library, and five miles of art and walking trails. In February 2020, the museum opened the Momentary in Downtown Bentonville (507 SE E Street), a venue for the music, art, and food of our time. Crystal Bridges’ 114,000 square foot expansion opened to the public June 6 and 7, 2026, allowing the museum to expand access for all. For more information, visit CrystalBridges.org. The museum is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.

For more information on Crystal Bridges, please contact:

Allison Elbl, Alexa Price, Mike Jones, and Dakota Rosen

The anniversary edition album also includes the unreleased bonus track, “Back Again,”and has been remastered by legendary engineer Bernie Grundman (Prince, Joni Mitchell, Dr. Dre), who mastered the original 1976 release. Both songs provide a fuller picture of Bishop’s creative output during this pivotal moment in his career.

As Bishop shared with Billboard, “‘I Don’t Know You Anymore" was one of those songs I really loved, and for a while I thought it might make the album. In the end it didn’t, but I never stopped believing in it. I’m happy that, fifty years later, people finally get to hear it.”

“I Don’t Know You Anymore”: Watch / Listen

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Careless, Bishop will perform a sold-out showat the GRAMMY Museum® on Friday, October 9 at the iconic Clive Davis Theater in Los Angeles, CA. This intimate event will feature acoustic performances spanning Stephen's remarkable career, featuring special guests like Eagles songwriter Jack Tempchin, Marcus Eaton (“one of the best young singer-songwriters in America – David Crosby), and longtime musical partner of Peter Tork (Monkees) & fixture of the Troubadour scene, James Lee Stanley, as well as stories behind the songs, a live conversation moderated by Liz Kamlet (aka "Liz the Music Manager"), and audience Q&A.

Originally released in 1976 via Universal Music Group, Careless established Bishop as one of the most distinctive voices of his generation, featuring beloved classics such as theBillboard Hot 100 hit “On and On” (covered on Keith Urban’s album Flow State) and “Save It for a Rainy Day.” Remarkably, the album also featured contributions from legendary artists including Eric Clapton, who performed electric slide guitar on “Sinking in an Ocean of Tears” and the guitar solo on “Save It for a Rainy Day,” alongside Chaka Khan and Art Garfunkel — an extraordinary lineup for a debut release that helped define its enduring legacy. Eric Clapton and Art Garfunkel returned as guests on Bishop’s latest 2025 album THIMK, along with Graham Nash, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Jimmy Webb and many more.

This special anniversary edition presents the album as it has never been experienced before. While the original 1976 release was issued without a gatefold or booklet, this expanded vinyl edition features a newly designed gatefold package along with an extensive 20-page booklet that includes rare and previously unseen photographs, archival material, Stephen’s first-ever liner notes, and his personal reflections. Drawing from his memories and writings from that era, he shares the stories, emotions, and creative process behind the songs, offering fans a deeper connection to the album. 

For the first time, the album’s iconic black-and-white cover artwork has been newly colorized, giving fans a fresh visual perspective on a timeless image while preserving the spirit of the original release. Pressed as a limited edition confetti splatter vinyl, each record is uniquely finished, highlighting its collectible nature and celebrating the spirit of the original recording era with a modern visual touch. 

The 50th anniversary edition is released through Life’s A Bish Records, under license from Universal Music Group, as a limited vinyl-only pressing. No digital or CD versions of this expanded edition are planned, making this a true collector’s release for fans and audiophiles alike. 

Stephen Bishop will embark on the Stephen Bishop Farewell Tour: 50th Anniversary of Careless, with dates to be announced soon throughout the U.S. and Europe. Visit https://stephenbishop.com/tour for tour updates and announcements.

Careless Track Listing 

1. On and On
2. Never Letting Go
3. Careless
4. Sinking in an Ocean of Tears
5. Madge
6. Every Minute
7. Little Italy
8. One More Night
9. Guitar Interlude
10. Save It for a Rainy Day
11. Rock and Roll Slave
12. The Same Old Tears On a New Background
13. Back Again – Bonus Track
14. I Don't Know You Anymore – Bonus Track

ABOUT STEPHEN BISHOP

Renowned for timeless hits like “On and On,” “It Might Be You” (the theme from Tootsie), “Save It For a Rainy Day,” “Separate Lives” (the theme from White Nights), and “Animal House,” Bishop’s influence on music is undeniable. With over 650 songs written, 20 albums released, and more than 15 million records sold—plus an additional 100 million records sold by artists who have covered his work—his legacy spans generations. To date, his music has amassed over 6.1 billion streams. 

Stephen’s compositions have been recorded by an impressive roster of artists, including Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Barbra Streisand, Beyoncé, Art Garfunkel, Pavarotti, Helen Reddy, Steve Perry (of Journey), Frida (of ABBA), Stephanie Mills, Patti Austin, Kenny Loggins, Johnny Mathis, Phoebe Snow, David Crosby, and The Four Tops, among many others. Since 1974, over 75 major recording artists have covered at least one of his songs. 

His Oscar-nominated song, “Separate Lives” (recorded by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin), topped the Billboard Charts at #1. Notably, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and Art Garfunkel have all cited Stephen Bishop as one of their favorite singer-songwriters in their autobiographies. 



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The World's First Idol Group That Performs In Sign Language

Thursday, August 13 - Today, K-pop group Big Ocean - the world’s first idol group that performs in sign language - announces their upcoming single "Love Sign," set for release this September 9 at 12pm KST. Also announced today, is their fall U.S. Tour kicking off on September 13 in Katonah, NY. Prior to touring, Big Ocean will debut their new collection with designer Andy Yu at the Official New York Fashion Week Men’s Day. Fans can also expect a brand new merch drop on September 10.

Big Ocean shares “We are so excited to connect and celebrate with our U.S. fans again! Every tour gives us the chance to create new memories together, and we've prepared something truly special for this one. We can't wait to see everyone soon."

All three members - PJ, Chanyeon, and Jiseok - are hard of hearing and use hearing aids or cochlear implants, making the group a pioneering force in music and performance. Signing in Korean Sign Language (KSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and International Sign (IS), they bring a groundbreaking perspective and unity to global music, while expanding this much needed representation in the music industry.

Big Ocean is preparing to open its next chapter of music this fall. The group's upcoming single "Love Sign," set for release on September 9, turns its identity into the hook itself: playing on the classic question "What's your sign?," the chorus weaves the names of the world's sign languages — ASL, BSL, KSL and more — into a sleek nu-disco groove. Written primarily in English for global listeners, the track marks Big Ocean's boldest and most mature concept to date — one in which sign language is no longer a translation added to the stage, but the theme, the hook, and the language of the performance itself. It is "See Music, Feel Music" in its most confident form yet.

BIG OCEAN FALL U.S. TOUR DATES

Sept 13: Katonah, NY - Concert - TICKETS HERE

Sept 19-20: Atlanta, GA - Korean Festival - TICKETS HERE

Sept 25: Charlotte, NC - Concert

Sep 26: Orlando, FL - Concert

Sep 27 Chicago, IL - Concert

Oct 3: Los Angeles, CA - Korean Festival

Oct 6: Phoenix, AZ - Concert

Oct 10-11: Houston, TX - Korean Festival

**with more dates and cities to come

On Thursday, September 10, Big Ocean will debut their new collection with designer Andy Yu at the Official New York Fashion Week Men’s Day, supported by the CFDA. Music and fashion have always gone hand in hand. This debut collection pays homage to classic American denim while blending the influence of K-pop with designer Andy Yu’s personal vision. Featuring 10 looks for men, along with several unisex designs, the collection reimagines the connection between fashion and music through thoughtful details, cultural references, and a dialogue between East and West.

Sustainability is also at the heart of this collection. One of the signature fabrics is made from pineapple leaf fiber (official U.S. partner for VIEVON-PALF™), a biodegradable material created from agricultural waste that is often discarded. By incorporating innovative, sustainable textiles, Big Ocean and Andy Yu hope to demonstrate that great design can also have a positive impact on the environment.

ABOUT BIG OCEAN

Big Ocean debuted on April 20, 2024, the "Day of Persons with Disabilities," with all members living with hearing disabilities. They made their debut with "GLOW," a remake of H.O.T.'s legendary song "Light (빛)."

Big Ocean is redefining what music can be by performing every song in sign language. Delivering live performances in Korean Sign Language (KSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and International Sign (IS), they show that music is no longer something only heard—it can be music seen with the eyes and a resonance felt with the heart. The fandom has also developed its own "sign language cheering" culture, so a Big Ocean concert becomes not just a performance by the artists but a shared experience created together with the audience.

Big Ocean has steadily expanded its musical footprint since debut. After first stepping out with the debut track "GLOW" in April 2024, the group released its 1st mini album "Follow" (tracks: GLOW, SLOW, BLOW, FLOW) in November of the same year, with FLOW as the title track. Produced in collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Mark Batson, the album reached the Apple iTunes K-pop Album Top 5. This was followed by the 2nd mini album "Underwater" (tracks: SINKING, FADE OUT, ATTENTION, END OF TIME) in April 2025, and on March 3, 2026—"World Hearing Day"—the group returned with its 3rd mini album "The Greatest Battle" (double title tracks: One Man Army and Cold Moon; tracks: Alive, Back). Along the way, they have also showcased a wide musical range through digital singles including "Bucket hat" (JJ unit, PJ × Jiseok), "BrighT" (a collaboration with SKT), and latest song “Make it up to you” which was a special tribute track for the European fandoms when the recent Europe tour 2026 was cancelled due to force majeure. 

Big Ocean has also adopted a range of cutting-edge technologies to overcome the limits of hearing. Members with limited hearing trained using a sensory metronome—converting the music's main beats into vibrations through a smartwatch, and translating beats into flashing lights on a screen to feel the music in alternative ways. The group also used AI voice conversion solutions to produce their tracks, a method that maps a guide vocalist's voice onto Big Ocean's own vocal tone. They are a team that puts humanism into practice through technology.

Big Ocean's positive social impact has earned wide recognition as well. Just over a year after debut, the group was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 in the Entertainment sector, and in 2024 it was selected as Billboard's K-pop Rookie of the Month. Big Ocean also became the first-ever recipient of the newly established Social Impact award at the 2025 TikTok Awards, and received a Korean Wave Special Award at the Newsis K-Culture Expo. Within two years of debut, the group performed in more than 20 cities across two U.S. tours and two European tours, and it collaborates with UN agencies including the WHO, UNDP, ITU, and ILO. In 2026, Big Ocean was further appointed as an Honorary Ambassador for the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), promoting open and inclusive tourism programs—continuing to broaden its social influence.

MORE FROM BIG OCEAN

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Limited Tickets For The Goneies Awards Available HERE

NEW YORK, NY – August 13, 2026: Today, Talkhouse and How Long Gone are proud to announce The Goneies Awards, the inaugural awards show from the podcasting world's most cult-famous, bi-coastal elites: How Long Gone. Taking place September 15th at Chelsea venue Racket NYC – presented by Talkhouse and hosted by How Long Gone founders Chris Black and Jason Stewart – the star-studded evening marks the latest extension of the thrice-weekly program's sharp, irreverent takes on music, culture and media. After releasing nearly 1,000 episodes and counting, hosting dozens of parties, live performances and red carpets across the globe, and launching their YouTube and Spotify video series How Long Gone Today, The Goneies Awards will bring together the full GONE universe of artists, journalists, cultural figures, previous guests and fans for one unforgettable night of winners and losers. 

Beginning at 7PM, The Goneies Awards will feature surprise celebrity appearances and music performances, while GRAMMY®-winning producer, performer and friend of the pod Brad Cook (Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman) serves as bandleader and musical director. The event will be powered by Bootleg, Marshall speakers, amps, backline and podcast listening stations, as well as official social media and arrival correspondent partner Threads, and Acast's intimate happy hour happening from 6PM-7PM, before The Goneies Awards fills the room. 

Preceding The Goneies Awards, Talkhouse will also take over Racket NYC for a day of live tapings and programming from its stable of podcasts and talent on September 15th – including Bloomberg journalist Ashley Carman in conversation with Jad Abumrad (Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, Dolly Parton's America, Radiolab) at 3PM, plus an exclusive Marshall listening lounge – with more guests and details to be revealed soon. 

Limited tickets for The Goneies Awards are available to the public HERE, beginning at 9AM EDT on August 13th. Separate tickets for the conversation between Jad Abumrad and Ashley Carman are available HERE

"This will be a seismic gathering of the greatest minds of our generation. People who make music, post selfies, act, think they are funny, the media elite, and most of all look hot will all gather in one room in Manhattan to receive awards based on merit and high achievement from a podcast that they may or may not even listen to. We will have several surprise guests standing in with our all-star house band led by Brad Cook, so if nothing else, you get to see one of your faves play a few songs," says Chris Black and Jason Stewart, hosts of How Long Gone. 

Ahead of The Goneies Awards, How Long Gone will continue to debut new podcast episodes at a tireless clip, in addition to filming fresh installments and expanding the format of How Long Gone Today from their news-desk studio in Los Angeles, in partnership with Amplify Pictures. 

As the Peabody and Webby award-winning media company, production studio and audio-visual podcast network home to How Long Gone, Blank Check with Griffin & David, A View From A Bridge, Jad Abumrad's Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, Alison Roman's Solicited Advice, Craig Finn's That's How I Remember It, This Is Taste, Jokermen and other leading titles in music, film, food, and beyond, Talkhouse steps further into the arena of live events and innovation with the first-ever Goneies Awards.

Talkhouse founder Ian Wheeler says, "To our knowledge, this is the first and only cultural awards show presented by a podcast, and we're very proud of that. We're also really excited to get Chris and Jason and all of their friends in front of a step-and-repeat for the very first time."

To experience more of Talkhouse's array of podcasts (Talkhouse Podcast Network), TV & Film productions (Talkhouse Studio) and daily pieces written by artists (Talkhouse.com), visit its new website HERE.

About Talkhouse

Talkhouse is a Peabody and Webby Award-winning first-person media company, podcast network, and outlet for musicians, actors, filmmakers, and others in their respective fields. Talkhouse's podcast series include A View From A Bridge, How Long Gone, Blank Check, Alison Roman's Solicited Advice, Life of the Record, Craig Finn's That's How I Remember It, This Is Taste, Jokermen, Santigold's Noble Champions, Björk: Sonic Symbolism – which GQ praises as "a road map to the creative life," delivering what The New Yorker calls "a rare chance to listen in as one of the most mysterious and mystical artists working today explains herself" – as well as the new Peabody-winning Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, which critics are raving about and represents Jad Abumrad's triumphant return to audio. Björk's Cornucopia represents Talkhouse's first foray into producing TV/film. Other projects are currently in development and production.

About Marshall Group

Marshall Group is the audio, tech and design powerhouse uniting musicians and music lovers through genre-breaking innovation. Marshall is uniquely positioned with over 60 years of rock 'n' roll attitude on stage, at home and on the go. Our iconic products are brought to life by a dedicated team of 800 passionate employees and sold in over 90 markets worldwide. 

About Bootleg

Bootleg is a platform for preserving and extending the life of live music. Its purpose is to help live music live on through shared memory, collaboration, and community between artists and fans. Bootleg partners with artists, labels, festivals, and venues to professionally record live performances and creates a digital home for each show, combining recorded audio with fan-contributed photos and community. Fans collect the shows they attend, artists earn new revenue and gain first-party fan data, and the masters stay with the artist. With a growing roster of artists and festivals, Bootleg is building the future of live music memories.

For more information on Talkhouse, please contact Matt Hanks, Greg Jakubik or Henry Thomas at Shore Fire Media, 718-522-7171

August 12, 2026 (CHICAGO) — Today, Violet Flame Chocolate, the new luxury chocolate company founded by award-winning entrepreneur, top 10 chocolatier in the world and recent Forbes 50 Over 50 honoree Katrina Markoff, officially launches the Cacao Spiritus™ Club – a new membership that transforms rarified truffles into a sensory ritual for moving beyond overthinking and returning to intuition, creativity, focus and clearer decision-making. The August Edition is available now. 

After more than 25 years at the forefront of modern luxury chocolate, Markoff is introducing a new reason to eat it. Each Cacao Spiritus™ Club collection reflects the ingredients and energy of the season, pairing handcrafted chocolates with access to Markoff’s private tasting portal, where members encounter the ingredients, stories and creative process behind the collection through guided audio tastings, curated music and reflective exercises. The chocolates are made in small batches using exceptional cacao, rare botanicals and thoughtfully sourced ingredients selected for their aromatics, provenance and Divine Signatures – the distinctive sensory and energetic qualities that each ingredient carries from its origin.

The August Edition captures late summer at its most abundant, when blossoms have become fruit, orchards bend beneath their harvest and nature reaches its fullest expression. The collection brings together blackberry, bergamot, osmanthus flowers, violet fig and black currant with rare cacao, mineral-rich sugars and ingredients rooted in ancient culinary and alchemical traditions.

"Chocolate became a way for me to move beyond the noise of an overthinking mind and return to the intelligence of the body," says Katrina Markoff. "Cacao Spiritus grew from that personal practice. I created the club to give others a beautiful, repeatable way to slow down, listen inwardly and transform fear or uncertainty into creative energy."

The Cacao Spiritus™ Club is available for $85–$125 per month and ships internationally. Members receive:

• An exclusive monthly collection of 18–32 handcrafted chocolates
• Access to Markoff’s private digital tasting portal
• Guided audio tastings for each chocolate
• Curated music designed to accompany the sensory journey
• Behind-the-scenes stories about the ingredients, recipes, and creative process
• Reflective practices intended to cultivate attention, imagination, and intuitive clarity

After studying chemistry and psychology at Vanderbilt University and training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Markoff traveled the world exploring Indigenous culinary traditions. She went on to found the internationally recognized brand Vosges Haut-Chocolat, expanding the vocabulary of American confectionery and helping establish chocolate as a medium for cultural and sensory storytelling. This earned her honors including National Geographic's Top 10 Chocolatiers in the World, Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business, Fortune's 40 Under 40, and Bon Appétit's Food Artisan of the Year.

Following a series of life-altering personal and professional challenges, Markoff founded Violet Flame Chocolate as a new expression of her craft, one informed not only by culinary mastery but also by regenerative agriculture, neuroscience, ritual, energetic wisdom and the intelligence of nature. Violet Flame works with biodynamic cacao, mineral-rich sugars, rare botanicals and globally significant ingredients such as Uji Black Label Rare Matcha and Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee. Each collection is conceived as an exceptional culinary experience and an invitation to become more present, accompanied by a guided cacao ritual that offers participants a chance to slow down and reconnect. Markoff’s spirit of innovation and reinvention recently earned her a place onForbes’ 2026 50 Over 50: Lifestyle list.

From intimate personal rituals to collaborations with leading hotels, chefs and cultural institutions, Violet Flame Chocolate celebrates the intelligence of nature through exceptional culinary craft. Stay tuned for more news and announcements coming soon.

ABOUT VIOLET FLAME CHOCOLATE / KATRINA MARKOFF

Violet Flame Chocolate is redefining luxury chocolate through Cacao Spiritus™, a philosophy that honors cacao as both an extraordinary ingredient and a catalyst for presence, beauty, and self-connection. Founded by master chocolatier Katrina Markoff, each collection brings together exceptional cacao with rarified botanicals, thoughtfully sourced for their Divine Signatures, transforming chocolate into an immersive sensory practice that deepens self-connection, awakens inner knowing, and cultivates the clarity for better decision-making. From intimate rituals to collaborations with the world's finest hotels, chefs, and cultural institutions, Violet Flame Chocolate celebrates the intelligence of nature through exceptional craftsmanship.

For more than 25 years, Markoff has been recognized as one of the pioneers of modern luxury chocolate. Her work has been honored by Fortune's 40 Under 40, Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business, Bon Appétit's Food Artisan of the Year, American Express Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Goldman Sachs' Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs, and National Geographic, which recognized her among the Top 10 Chocolatiers in the World. 

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Read Erick's Essay Here: https://tmrwmagazine.com/en/news/what-i-came-home-with

[Photo Credit: Darryl Richardson]

August 12, 2026 — Brooklyn-born rapper, producer, and founding member of Flatbush Zombies Erick the Architect has released the official music video for his disco and dub-studded summer jam "No Doubt (I'm In Love),” out now on Mass Appeal. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6xMc7vQxc0

“For No Doubt (I’m In Love),” Erick takes it back to his Jamaican roots - his first time ever filming on the island. The video is a visual love letter to Erick’s motherland showing his version of Jamaica instead of the cliche depictions on what most might associate with Jamaica. Erick is portrayed as a familiar foreigner with a Bond like aura to him. It’s amplifying a truer side to Jamaican culture - the yeng yeng bikes, the mesh marinas, community and joyous love that extends beyond just romance. It’s a universal love. One love.

Along with the video, Erick has published an essay and series of photographs that reflect on the experience. Rather than treating Jamaica as a backdrop, Erick writes about building relationships, listening before documenting, and witnessing the creativity, resilience, and everyday beauty of Kingston. The essay also explores how the trip fundamentally changed his relationship with the country and deepened his understanding of where he comes from. Read the essay here: https://tmrwmagazine.com/en/news/what-i-came-home-with

As Erick writes, "I did not want Jamaica to become texture for my work while the people living there received nothing from the exchange."

"No Doubt (I'm In Love)" was produced by Yeti Beats, the longtime executive producer for Doja Cat, alongside Latin Grammy Producer of the Year Federico Vindver.

Erick has had a tremendous summer. "No Doubt (I'm In Love)" was featured in Rolling Stone's Songs You Need To Know and he talked about the track and much more on Apple Music with Ebro. He also performed the song on On The Radar and with a live band as one of the first musical guests on new late night YouTube show Outside Tonight. He’s also recently shared his favorite spots in NYC with Isaac Likes, met up with Daniel Wallat the Recording Academy’s GRAMMY House Black Music Collective event, where Erick also performed, and answered The Verge's Weekend Questionnaire.

In addition to the incredible attention around the single, Apple also commissioned him to write and perform "APPRECIATION," a new song and video that closed the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote in June. He also performed alongside Nas at the FIFA World Cup NY/NJ Concert Series, and before his beloved Knicks won the NBA Finals, he released "The Rematch (Garden Freestyle).”

A sought-after collaborator across genres, Erick has worked with a range of artists including longtime collaborator Joey Bada$$ to Jungle, appearing on the group’s hit single “Candle Flame.” He is also featured on Madeon’s new album and recently toured throughout Europe with Jamiroquai. He’s been featured on Trackstar, Zach Sang Show, COLORS, KEXP, Esquire, Rolling Stone, The Fader, Complex and far beyond. Over the past decade, he has established himself as one of the most inventive and versatile artists in hip-hop, amassing more than 1 billion streams and over 2 million monthly listeners.

Erick’s acclaimed 2024 debut solo album I've Never Been Here Before featured production contributions from James Blake and guest appearances from Westside Boogie, George Clinton, Channel Tres, and Lalah Hathaway. Rolling Stone called it a “winding, perilous, and deeply personal body of work that celebrates [Erick's] mastery as both a storyteller and conductor of his own authentic sound" and prompted HotNewHipHop to ask: “Is this one of the more impressive debuts in recent memory?” He released a deluxe version of the album in late 2024, and invited fans to unlock a new single by completing a custom-built classic side-scrolling video game. In 2025, he surprised fans with ARCSTRUMENTALS 3, a three-track EP that found him exploring an R&B-infused dance and DJ-oriented sound inspired by collaborators including Jungle and L'Impératrice.

Wednesay, August 12 - On Saturday, August 8, renowned soprano Renée Fleming joined the young artists of Interlochen's World Youth Symphony Orchestra for Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene. This performance was made possible by the Shirley Young Distinguished Artist Series. Unique to Interlochen, these concerts are imagined as an artistic and educational collaboration between some of the world’s leading artists and the students of Interlochen Arts Camp.

Fleming shared “It was marvelous to be at Interlochen on a series named for my dear friend, the late Shirley Young, a brilliant businesswoman and one of the world’s great cultural diplomats.  And I was thoroughly impressed by the level of the young musicians I performed with. I’m happy to see that this important program for young artists is thriving.”

Renée Fleming's Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene offered a powerful and thoughtfully curated evening of music, bringing together the extraordinary voice of one of the world's most celebrated sopranos with the artistry of Interlochen's World Youth Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Robert Moody.

The program moved seamlessly across centuries and musical styles, from Handel and Puccini to Björk, John Williams, and contemporary composers, creating a compelling musical portrait of humanity's relationship with the natural world. National Geographic film imagery accompanying the first half added another layer to the experience, connecting the music to the beauty and fragility of the planet.

Fleming's performance showcased both the remarkable versatility and expressive depth that have made her an internationally acclaimed artist. The evening balanced soaring operatic repertoire with contemporary works and popular music, ultimately building toward a program that felt both deeply personal and universal.

For the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, the performance was also an exceptional artistic opportunity, placing Interlochen's young musicians on stage with a world-renowned soprano in a program of significant musical and thematic range. The result was a sophisticated collaboration that demonstrated the extraordinary level of artistry at Interlochen.

A cornerstone of Interlochen’s centennial celebration, the Shirley Young Distinguished Artist Series brings the world’s most influential artists to Interlochen Arts Camp to collaborate with students and share extraordinary performances with the public. Fleming’s visit follows the inaugural 2025 distinguished artist, pianist Lang Lang. Next summer in 2027, the series will bring a highly anticipated performance by Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

The Shirley Young Distinguished Artist Series will continue to bring excitement and joy to concert-goers; build on Interlochen’s distinguished history as a leader in classical music; and enrich the experience of students at Interlochen Arts Camp. The series is named in honor of the late Shirley Young—a New York-based businesswoman, cultural diplomat, and emeritus trustee of Interlochen Center for the Arts—and is supported by funding from the US-China Cultural Foundation. Net proceeds from these concerts will be directed into the Shirley Young Distinguished Artist Series Endowment, creating a self-sustaining fund that will enable Interlochen to bring artists of this caliber to our community for generations to come.

ABOUT RENÉE FLEMING 

Renée Fleming is internationally celebrated for her vocal and dramatic artistry, as well as her dedicated advocacy for the powerful impacts of the creative arts in health. Honored with five GRAMMY® awards and the US National Medal of Arts, she has sung not only in the world's leading opera houses and concert halls, but also for momentous occasions from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Super Bowl. In 2023, the World Health Organization appointed her as a Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Health.Renée’s anthologyMusic and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellnesswaspublished in 2024. She created a live program calledMusic and Mind, which she has presented in more than 70 cities around the world. She is now an advisor for major initiatives in this field, including the NeuroArts Blueprint at Johns Hopkins University. In2024 she launched the Renée Fleming NeuroArts Investigator Awards, funding interdisciplinary research projects by early career scientists in collaboration with creative artists. Her other honors include the Fulbright Lifetime Achievement Medal, Germany’s Cross of the Order of Merit, France’s Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, and honorary doctorates from 10 major universities. www.reneefleming.com

Today (8.11), Outshine Talent fashion and lifestyle creator Blake Evin launches her own curated summer collection with REVOLVE, taking the next step in her longstanding relationship with the fashion retailer.

The Blake Evin Capsule for REVOLVE features a hand-selected edit of Blake's favorite summer styles, curated to reflect her effortless, elevated aesthetic. Blake focused on building a collection that feels authentic to her personal style, emphasizing versatile wardrobe staples that can be mixed, matched, and worn with confidence throughout the season. After becoming one of REVOLVE’s top-performing affiliate ambassadors, Blake's collection also marks a significant milestone in a partnership years in the making.

“I’ve had such an incredible relationship with REVOLVE, so getting to create my own edit with them feels like such a natural next step,” shares Blake. “The whole idea was that getting dressed in the summer should feel easy. These are the pieces you reach for when you don’t know what to wear because you know they’re going to make you feel confident, cool and put together without looking like you tried too hard. These are the pieces I want in my summer wardrobe when I have five minutes to get dressed but still want to feel like I have the best outfit in the room.”

The 35-piece collection includes a timeless mix of dresses, tops and bottoms. Each selection, whether it’s a statement piece or an everyday basic, embodies Blake’s signature sophisticated style.

Shop the Blake Evin Capsule for REVOLVE here

Blake Evin mixes modern minimalism with metropolitan luxury. It's not just luxury fashion (although there’s plenty of that in her life) — she celebrates little everyday indulgences, too: traveling, wellness, self-care, and helping others feel more confident through their personal style. On social media, Blake has become a trusted voice in fashion through her thoughtful outfit breakdowns, trend forecasts, beauty & hair care tips, and lessons in how proportion, balance, and the magic of subtle details can elevate everything. Her audience loves that she teaches how to wear clothes, not just what to wear, so they can embrace their unique sense of style, wear it well, and feel as amazing as they look.

Blake is represented by Outshine Talent for management.

Qobuz, the independently owned high-quality music streaming and download platform, returned to the Newport Folk and Newport Jazz Festivals this summer for its second year partnering with the Newport Festivals Foundation. As an official sponsor this year across both festival weekends, Qobuz presented a pair of late-night aftershows featuring Courtney Barnett with Tiny Gun and Butcher Brown & Friends. Qobuz also extended its presence throughout the festival experience with on-site signage, and sponsorship of the official Folk and Jazz Festival apps, which featured links to stream artists on Qobuz as well as complimentary trial offers to try out the service. Following the opening day of Newport Folk on Friday, July 24, Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett took the stage for a sold-out performance at the Newport Blues Café, with support from Tiny Gun and an appearance from Hayley Williams. Presented by Qobuz as an official Newport Folk aftershow, the intimate downtown Newport performance benefited the Newport Festivals Foundation. Courtney Barnett @ Newport Blues Cafe (photo credit: Rett Rogers) Courtney Barnett @ Newport Blues Cafe (photo credit: Rett Rogers) Courtney Barnett & Hayley Williams @ Newport Blues Cafe (photo credit: Rett Rogers)

One week later, Qobuz continued the festivities during Newport Jazz with an official aftershow featuring Butcher Brown & Friends on Friday, July 31, who were joined by Grammy-winning drummer Nate Smith. The acclaimed Richmond, Virginia-based collective brought its distinctive blend of jazz, funk and hip-hop to the Newport Blues Café, extending the festival experience late into the evening.

Download High-Res Image HERE.

Genni, the marketing technology platform shaping the future of brand engagement through cultural insights, best-in-class technology, and data analytics strategy, announces a new partnership with Low and Slow Snacks, the Texas-founded company delivering authentically smoked BBQ cheese puffs to snack lovers everywhere. 

Genni has already helped Low and Slow Snacks reach more than 100 million impressions in just one year, partnering with food creators to maximize product visibility through reaction videos paired with paid advertising, driving consumers directly to TikTok Shop and increasing D2C sales by 600%. With this new partnership, Genni will continue to scale Low and Slow Snacks into a category leader in the snack space on TikTok Shop by activating additional affiliate creator partnerships, deploying strategic paid advertising, and helping Low and Slow Snacks overcome logistical constraints including distribution and customer care.

“This is what the next generation of brand partnerships should look like,” says Genni CEO and Co-Founder Johnny Cloherty. “Genni isn’t simply providing agency services to Low and Slow. This partnership creates a deeper level of alignment between Genni and Low and Slow. We are investing our resources, expertise and equity alongside the company. That shared stake gives us the freedom to think bigger, move faster and bring our very best capabilities to the table as we work together to turn Low and Slow into a category-defining brand.”

“TikTok shop is the ultimate discovery platform for new brands, and Low and Slow has seen tremendous success since launching on the platform with Genni’s help less than 12 months ago,” adds Low and Slow Snacks CEO and Co-Founder Jared Drinkwater. “We couldn’t be more excited to take our partnership with Genni to the next level, and to showcase our unique smoked snacks to the millions of BBQ and cheese puff fans engaging on TikTok every day. Given how many brands Genni gets pitched each year, the fact they picked us for such a deep investment of time and resources means a lot.”

Through creator marketing, Genni helps brands like Low and Slow Snacks connect vision with execution through tools including Genni’s “Creators on Demand” marketing software and its creator tool integrated into the iOS app, which offers free monitoring & analysis software, creator challenge features, clipping campaigns, and more.

Low and Slow Snacks brings the flavor of authentic Texas barbecue to the cheese puff aisle, smoking every batch low and slow before it's rubbed with bold, craveable seasonings. The brand's current lineup includes:

• Hickory Smoked BBQ Rub Cheese Puffs
• Hickory Smoked Jalapeño Rub Cheese Puffs
• Hickory Smoked Texas Queso Cheese Puffs
• Hickory Smoked Cinnamon Sugar Puffs

Two additional flavors are in development and are set to launch later this year.

Low and Slow Snacks is available in more than 8,000 retail locations nationwide, including Walmart and Kroger, with 7-Eleven locations across Texas launching soon. The brand also has a growing footprint in home and hardware retailers, including HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, The Home Depot, Tractor Supply, and Ace Hardware, as well as regional convenience and grocery chains such as Yesway/Allsup's, Refuel, Fareway, and Hy-Vee.

Follow Genni online:

Website | Press Page | Instagram

Follow Low and Slow Snacks online:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | X

# # #

ABOUT GENNI:

Genni is a marketing technology platform with a managed services division.

Genni is a leading force in modern marketing, powered by a team of specialists who are passionate about shaping the future of brand engagement. With a deep understanding of digital trends and consumer behavior, we craft campaigns that drive real impact and lasting connections.

We redefine creator marketing by blending cultural insights, best-in-class technology, and data analytics to drive real impact. Our innovative platform creates a thriving ecosystem where marketers and creators collaborate effortlessly, ensuring brands stay ahead of cultural trends. With our finger on the pulse of social media and emerging experiences, we make it easy to engage audiences today while shaping the conversations of tomorrow.

ABOUT LOW AND SLOW SNACKS:

Founded in Texas, Low & Slow Snacks is the first brand to authentically smoke cheese puffs over real hickory wood using a true low-and-slow BBQ process. Built on the belief that real barbecue is defined by wood and smoke — not sauce — the company is bringing Texas pit-style craftsmanship to the modern snack aisle. Opening a bag of Low and Slow snacks smells like walking into your favorite BBQ joint or opening the hood to your backyard smoker, an experience impossible to get from seasoning alone.

Featuring Titles by Irma Thomas, Little Freddie King, Ellis Marsalis & More

ugust 11, 2026 — Pulitzer Prize, MacArthur Genius Award winner, and two-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens today shares “Freight Train,” a spare interpretation of the song made famous by North Carolina music legend Elizabeth Cotten. This latest track Giddens’ forthcoming album—Hope Is the Thing with Feathers, out September 18 on Nonesuch Records—features only Giddens’ lead vocal and longtime collaborator Dirk Powell on acoustic guitar.

Pre-order Hope Is the Thing with Feathers here: https://rhiannongiddens.lnk.to/hopeisthething 

Giddens’ intimate vocals and Powell’s quiet guitar reveal the economy and emotional depth that have allowed “Freight Train” to travel across generations. More than an exercise in revival, the performance is an act of lineage: one North Carolina artist returning to the work of another, honoring Cotten’s singular musical language while carrying its living history forward.

Listen to / watch video for “Freight Train” here: https://youtu.be/LACnsBUsY4o 

“Freight Train” sits at the heart of Hope Is the Thing with Feathers, a live-recorded collection inspired by the beauty of people coming together and drawing strength from one another. Made with few overdubs during sessions at The Cypress House in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, the album invites listeners into the center of the room, preserving the sounds of musicians listening, speaking, stomping, and creating together.

The ten-song collection brings together key collaborators from throughout Giddens’ life and career. Giddens—on lead vocals, minstrel banjo, and fiddle—is joined by longtime bassist Jason Sypher; Italian multi-instrumentalist Francesco Turrisi; Congolese guitarist Niwel Tsumbu; Louisiana native Dirk Powell; her first bandmate and fellow North Carolinian Justin Robinson; her nephew Justin Harrington; Amelia Powell; Charly Lowry; and Giddens’ sister, Lalenja Harrington. The album was co-produced by Giddens and Powell, who also engineered and mixed the record. “Louisiana, the Congo, Italy, the Carolinas—all of these influences and people coming together to make something: that is American music,” says Giddens. “It’s how American music came to be, and that was the original thought of creating a band with the musicians that I’ve been playing with for years, and featured on this album.” “Freight Train” follows the release of “Carolina Rain,” an original from the album written by Giddens and Powell. Hope Is the Thing with Feathers also includes interpretations of North Carolina musician Ola Belle Reed’s “High on a Mountain,” Indigenous activist, singer-songwriter and storyteller Pura Fé’s “Going Home,” and traditional songs including “Cluck Old Hen” and “Walk with Me,” a duet with Giddens’ sister. The title track was inspired by Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name. The album arrives during an extraordinary period of creative expansion for Giddens, who recently signed with WME for worldwide representation in music. She also served as a music supervisor and consultant and contributed original music to Ryan Coogler’s Sinners; created new music for Ken Burns’ PBS documentary The American Revolution; and co-authored Go Back and Fetch It: Recovering Early Black Music in the Americas for Fiddle and Banjo with Kristina R. Gaddy. She will also make her leading-role film debut in the forthcoming An Ode To Mary Jo, alongside Ed Helms, Jason Isbell, Steve Earle, Regina Taylor, and John Sayles. Additionally, Giddens recently launched the Biscuits & Banjos Foundation, a nonprofit celebrating the African diaspora’s role in shaping American identity and culture through music, literature, food, and community. The Foundation grew out of her sold-out Biscuits & Banjos Festival in Durham, North Carolina, and will support music education, instrument access, and programming that invests in artists, teachers, and tradition-bearers.     “Giddens’ work has become a foundational influence for a generation of younger Black roots musicians” – Rolling Stone “Few American performers this century are more accomplished and important than Rhiannon Giddens” – Mojo

“Drinkin Town” revolves around breezy acoustic guitar and a rock-solid, stomp clap infused drum groove. Bryna’s vocals alternate between bluesy storytelling on the verses and bold bravado during an intoxicating refrain as she reminds, “That's what you do when you come from a drinkin′ town.” One listen to the chanting gang vocal hook and you’ll immediately feel like you’re back at your favorite dive bar surrounded by bottomless brews and lifelong friends. On this lively nostalgic anthem, she spikes her signature brand of country with a rock ‘n’ roll kick like no other. Bryna debuted “Drinkin’ Town” during NYC Pride with a pop up saloon at the hot new country honky tonk Wild Horses NYC and in the official parade with a corral of line dancers and a customized pick up truck, bringing her mega-energy to the crowds along the parade route. The song is currently climbing the Music Row charts at country radio.

About the song, Bryna shared, “Growing up in the country in Mount Airy, Maryland, there was a little hometown bar where everybody knew everybody. Even if people moved away, they'd come back for the holidays or a weekend and end up right back there, catching up with old friends and picking up conversations like no time had passed. That really sparked the idea for 'Drinkin' Town.' On the surface, it's a fun, rowdy song about good times, cold drinks, and staying out a little too late, but to me it's really about the connection we have to where we come from. No matter how far life takes you, your hometown values, traditions, and sense of community stay with you. I think a lot of people will hear this song and be reminded that while they may have left home, home never really left them."

It's shaping up to be a breakout year for the singer. “Drinkin’ Town” has already begun to pick up traction. Rainbow Rodeo praised, “Nashville's Laura Bryna has been cranking out country pop that's a cut above the rest,” before noting, “On ‘Drinkin' Town,’ we get a sense of Bryna's utter command of irresistible hooks.” Stay tuned for more music and news coming soon from Laura Bryna.

ABOUT LAURA BRYNA

Fueled by grit, heart, and a whole lot of horsepower, Nashville & LA-based country-rock artist Laura Bryna is fearless. Known for her powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence, her newest release “Drinkin’ Town” beckons you back to your hometown bar with a stomp clap beat. 

From the CMA Fest Week anthem “Blue Jean Crazy” to the sultry, genre-bending “Painkiller,” produced by Cambo (Walker Hayes’ “Fancy Like”), and a country-EDM crossover remix of “Painkiller” by DJ/producer Sam Feldt, her momentum continues to build. Bryna moves effortlessly between genres with tracks like “Tornado Weather” which is built on flirty pop hooks, layered over classic Western roots. Her holiday single “Wishlist” became a breakout fan favorite, hitting No. 1 on the Mediabase U.S. Holiday Radio Chart and topping the Billboard Retail Radio Chart. It also reached the Top 10 on the Apple Music U.S. Holiday Chart and charted on the Mediabase Adult Contemporary Chart.

Her 2025 single “Rise (ft. Common Tribe)” reached the Top 20 on the Mediabase Adult Contemporary Chart. The song has become a rallying cry for resilience and mental health awareness, inspiring millions through its streams and views while offering strength to listeners facing illness, loss, and personal hardship. 

The song’s impact has led to a partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), reinforcing Laura’s commitment to using music as a source of hope and support. In addition to NAMI, Laura proudly supports organizations such as Homes For Our Troops, Musicians On Call, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE

FOR MORE PLEASE CONTACT SHORE FIRE MEDIA

LauraBrynaPR@shorefire.com 

The Music and Conversation Series From Salt Lick Sessions Also Features Durand Bernarr, Brandy Clark, LÉA THE LEOX, Maggie Rose, Raye Zaragoza and More

In Today’s New Session, Joy Oladokun Reflects On Being A Child of Immigrants & Her Mission To Build Bridges Through Songwriting | MARIS’ Session Kicks Off August 12

August 10, 2026 — Today, Joy Oladokun reflects on growing up as a child of immigrants alongside her passionate cover of Roy Hawkins and Rick Darnell’s“The Thrill Is Gone” – later popularized by B.B. King – for Salt Lick Sessions' Songs of U.S. series. Her accompanying interview, out today, expands on the American immigrant experience and cites music as a universal language.

Joy Oladokun, who Rolling Stone deemed “Nashville's most low-key musical revolutionary,” is an American singer-songwriter whose genre-blending music often reflects on her identity as a queer person of color born to Nigerian immigrant parents. She has opened national tours for Hozier, John Mayer, Noah Kahan, Maren Morris, My Morning Jacket, and more artists.

Songs of U.S. is a performance and conversation series that brings together musicians from across genres to reinterpret songs that have shaped the country's cultural identity while exploring what belongs in the American songbook today. Watch Salt Lick Incubator’s founder Roger Brown discuss the series on Boston Public Radio, and watch Salt Lick Incubator’s president Liza Levydiscuss the series and America’s musical legacy in her interview on MS Now’s Morning Joe.

Oladokun selected Roy Hawkins and Rick Darnell’s “The Thrill Is Gone” as belonging to the American songbook due to its moving simplicity. As Oladokun emphasizes in her interview, the song “feels really powerful without being so poetic that people could be left behind,” and she explains how songwriting is an inclusive, essential practice.

Tomorrow (August 11), Oladokun’s cover of “Ain't No Sunshine” by Bill Withers will go live, which she chose as a song that deserves to be in the American songbook due to Withers’ ability to portray the raw human experience. “Think ‘Lean on Me,’ ‘Use Me,’” Oladokun passionately lists in her interview. “There [are] so many songs in his catalog that give you this sense of what it's like to need somebody.” 

Watch Joy Oladokun’s cover of B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone” HERE.

Watch Joy Oladokun’s Songs of U.S. interview HERE. 

Forthcoming Songs of U.S. sessions featuring Brandy Clark, Farayi, Raye Zaragoza, and more will roll out throughout the summer via Salt Lick Sessions'YouTube channel and social platforms. Last week, sessions with Swamp Dogg(watch HERE) and Claire Ernst (watch HERE) went live, and MARIS’ sessionswill begin rolling out this week on August 12, featuring performances of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”

Across the series, artists reinterpret works by writers including Woody Guthrie, Nina Simone, Bob Dylan, Beyoncé, Bill Withers, Roberta Flack and John Denver. Featured performances include Amy Grant's take on "Carolina in My Mind," Mickey Guyton revisiting "Take Me Home, Country Roads," Tiny Habitsreimagining "Blowin' in the Wind," Joy Oladokun performing "Ain't No Sunshine,"Brittney Spencer interpreting "Killing Me Softly With His Song," Samara Joyperforming Duke Ellington’s “Le Sucrier-Velours, Paula Prieto renditioning “God Bless The Child,” Trousdale covering “Amazing Grace,” and Durand Bernarrreworking “Summertime,” and Old Crow Medicine Show and Maggie Rose’s duet of “Beautiful Land.”

Variety noted that Songs of U.S. arrives amid renewed conversations about patriotism and American identity, describing the project as offering "a more thoughtful and perhaps meaningfully patriotic approach" to celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary. You can read more about the series in Variety HERE.

About Salt Lick Sessions

Salt Lick Incubator’s signature series, Salt Lick Sessions, is known for its artist-first approach to compensation, rights, and creative collaboration. The series takes viewers on a nationwide discovery tour, featuring more than 50 musicians each year through intimate video portraits that invite viewers directly into the artist’s realm. Past performers include Jon Batiste, Big Freedia, Sheryl Crow, Lalah Hathaway, Mickey Guyton, Madison Cunningham, Tank and the Bangas, Dawes, and many more.

About Salt Lick Incubator

Salt Lick Incubator is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting innovative musicians at critical stages of their careers. Founded by Roger Brown, former president of Berklee College of Music and Liza Levy, the organization provides grants, mentorship, creative development and media platforms for artists building sustainable careers. Its signature series, Salt Lick Sessions, is known for its artist-first approach.

For more information, please contact SaltLickPR@ShoreFire.com. 

The Heavy Petal Tour Continues with Outside Lands, Red Rocks, Sold-Out Shows Across The US, Arena Dates with Mumford & Sons, The Red Clay Strays & More   Photo by Dana Trippe

August 7, 2026: Today, Sierra Ferrell delivers another dose of magic with the release of "Trying to Love You." The song marks the 4x GRAMMY®-winner's first new single of 2026, and first original solo track produced by Gabriel Kelley. Written by Sierra Ferrell, and previewed along recent stops of her current Heavy Petal Tour, "Trying to Love You" is the story of a homebound journey filled with fine lines, lingering questions and memories of someone slipping through her hands. Told in a voice that soars to the heavens with her signature, singular sound and soul-stirring style – "a built-in gramophone tristesse that accentuates the arch sauciness and pluck in her songs," says The New York Times Magazine – her words float above an expanded rhythm section featuring Gabriel Kelley (percussion, piano, wurlitzer, B-3, guitars), Matty Meyer (drums), Billy Contreras (fiddle), Pat Bergeson (harmonica), Viktor Krauss (bass) and background vocals from Oliver Bates Craven, Geoff Saunders, Joshua Rilko and Gabriel Kelley.

Listen to "Trying to Love You" via Rounder Records, and watch the accompanying visualizer: HERE

In addition to releasing "Trying to Love You," Sierra Ferrell plays her inaugural set at Outside Lands today, continuing a run of nearly 50 tour dates that includes sold-out shows, top-billed festival appearances, dates with Mumford & Sons – who Ferrell joined for standout performances of "Here" on Saturday Night Live and Apple Music Sessions – and The Red Clay Strays. Next week, she returns to Red Rocks Amphitheatre after a sold-out debut, as the Heavy Petal Tour sees her timeless musicianship, wondrous inner world and extraordinary sense of story reach new peaks of power. Further enchanting audiences through a reimagined, carnivalesque stage production, and custom show pieces highlighting each location, Ferrell and her band intersperse hits from her 2024 breakthrough, Trail Of Flowers, with new music like "Trying to Love You" and more to come, pairing moments of healing with happiness and sorrow, nostalgia and immediacy.

Having played everywhere from truck stops to boxcars, street corners and sold-out stadiums, Sierra Ferrell's rise to becoming the "May Queen of American roots music" (NPR Music) has shot past the moon by way of her native West Virginia and current Nashville home, reflecting that journey, wisdom and warmth in every line she sings. Find the full list of The Heavy Petal Tour dates below, with tickets and more information available HERE.

AUGUST

7 – San Francisco, CA – Outside Lands †

9 – Alta, WY – Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival †

11 – Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater ^ =

12 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre ^ =

14 – Bentonville, AR – The Momentary ^ (SOLD OUT)

15 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company % (SOLD OUT)

16 – Lewisburg, WV – State Fair of West Virginia ^

28 – Iowa City, IA – University of Iowa’s Fall Welcome Concert @ Hancher Green

29 – Milwaukee, WI – Landmark Credit Union Live ^

30 – St. Paul, MN – Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Concert Series # 

SEPTEMBER

1 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE Outdoors ^

2 – Lewiston, NY – Artpark Mainstage ^

4 – Shelburne, VT – Ben & Jerry's Concerts on The Green (SOLD OUT) ^

5 – Portland, ME – Thompson’s Point  (SOLD OUT) ^

6 – Northampton, MA – The Pines Theater (SOLD OUT) ^

8 – Charlottesville, VA – Ting Pavilion (SOLD OUT) ^

9 – Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts ^

11 – Madison, IN – Unbroken Circle Music Festival †

12 – Bristol, TN – Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion †

26 – Virginia Beach, VA – Farm Aid 2026 † 

OCTOBER

3 – Albuquerque, NM – First Financial Credit Union Amphitheater *

6 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum *

7 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum *

8 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre *

22 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena ~

23 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena ~

24 – Chattanooga, TN – IBMA Bluegrass Live! †  

*Supporting Mumford & Sons

† Festival Appearance

^With Special Guests The Brudi Brothers

=With Special Guest Aurelia Anne Cohen

%With Special Guests Eddie Slide and his Cowtown Dozen

#With Special Guest Tanya Tucker

~Supporting The Red Clay Strays

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