Andrea Faulk, Author at SRO PR

July 30, 2021

TOMMY EMMANUEL Announces New EP ‘Accomplice Series Vol. 2’ With Richard Smith Out 9/10

DT: JULY 30, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK/LYNDIE WENNER
SRO PR (LOS ANGELES, NASHVILLE, LAS VEGAS)

TOMMY EMMANUEL
ANNOUNCES NEW EP
‘ACCOMPLICE SERIES VOL. 2’ WITH RICHARD SMITH, OUT SEPTEMBER 10
SHARES EP’S FIRST SINGLE + VIDEO
“SERENADE TO SUMMERTIME”

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
LISTEN TO THE SONG HERE
AND READ THE Q&A BELOW WITH BOTH ARTISTS

EMMANUEL AND SMITH TOURING TOGETHER THIS FALL STARTING NOVEMBER 5

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Accomplice Series Vol. 2 EP Cover

Acclaimed and Grammy®-nominated acoustic guitarist, singer and songwriter TOMMY EMMANUEL—one of five people ever named a CPG (Certified Guitar Player) by his idol, music icon Chet Atkins—has announced he will release his new EP, ACCOMPLICE SERIES VOL. 2 with Richard Smith, on September 10. Smith is the revered British fingerpicking acoustic guitarist who has performed or recorded along the way with Chet Atkins, Les Paul and Tommy Emmanuel among others. The four-song EP, a tribute to their heroes Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins, also contains “Twitchy,” “Nashtownville” and “Baby’s Coming Home.” Listen to “Serenade to Summertime” at all streaming platforms here and pre-order/pre-save the EP here.

Today (July 30), Emmanuel shares the EP’s first track and video, ““Serenade to Summertime.” Watch it here. Yesterday it was premiered at Guitar Player which noted: “ in this brand-new video for the song – the first track from Emmanuel’s forthcoming EP – the love for their heroes’ formative playing styles is tangible as they duet on acoustic guitars.”

The arrangement for “Serenade to Summertime” that Emmanuel and Smith play comes from the Jerry Reed & Chet Atkins album, Me & Chet. This song was recorded at TuneSmith Studio outside of Nashville, TN in the spring of 2021 and features both Tommy and Richard on guitar. The video was directed by Joshua Britt and Neilson Hubbard for Neighborhoods Apart. It was filmed in Lebanon, TN at an antique car collectors shop in the spring of 2021.

In other news, Tommy and Richard will tour together this fall starting November 5: https://tommyemmanuel.com/tour/. The tour dates are below. Richard is also on Tommy’s Guitar Camp in Nashville, TN in September: https://tommyemmanuelguitarcampusa.com/

Q&A WITH
TOMMY EMMANUEL AND RICHARD SMITH
ABOUT THE NEW EP
‘TOMMY EMMANUEL ACCOMPLICE SERIES VOL. 2’
WITH RICHARD SMITH
OUT SEPTEMBER 10

TOMMY EMMANUEL:

—There’s so much joyous guitar work on the EP. How did this collaboration with Richard come about and how did you guys first meet?

TOMMY: I heard about Richard through other players at the Chet Atkins events in Nashville, and when we first met up, we played until we were exhausted! I had found someone I could have the best time playing all the music I loved from my childhood and who had a similar attitude and energy!

—What are your thoughts about Richard’s playing and what do you feel you both artistically have achieved with this recording?

TOMMY: Richard and I both approached these recordings with a deep respect for our heroes. We added our own ideas but kept the authenticity of the original recordings present. We played these songs with much love and joy! Richard’s knowledge and abilities to channel Jerry Reed’s parts is what is most important to me, as I trusted him completely. When you stay close to Chet and Jerry’s parts, you can’t help but make great music, well written!

—The arrangement here for “Serenade to Summertime” comes from the Jerry Reed & Chet Atkins album, ‘Me & Chet.’ Perfect, because you both have a strong connection to Chet. Can you talk about why this song resonates with you?

TOMMY: “Serenade” is a typical melodic piece that Chet would have chosen to showcase his tenderness in a musical setting. Richard really stayed close to Jerry’s perfectly honed part as the accompanist and I tried to perform the song without too many frills or embellishments, just heart and feeling…

—“Twitchy” was written by Jerry Reed and performed by Chet Atkins and Reed. Why do you find this song inspirational?

TOMMY: “Twitchy” is such a great composition–you get the feeling it’s been around forever. It’s also one of the great duets that only Jerry could write to have Chet play the melody and he works all the harmony around it and plays a solo as well. We’ve played it for audiences a thousand times and hope we can play it another thousand times!

—”Nashtownville” was written by Chet Atkins and appears on the Jerry Reed & Chet Atkins album, ‘Me & Chet.’ What drew you to take this song on?

TOMMY: “Nashtownville” is a Chet composition and we both love its simplicity, yet, how strong it is, musically. Chet was a wonderful writer, and this song proves that. It’s two and a half minutes of pure MOJO!

—“Baby’s Coming Home” was written by Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins recorded it for his ‘Chet Atkins Picks on Jerry Reed’ album. What quality does this song have that attracted you to record it?

TOMMY: “Baby’s Coming Home” is a wonderful song that is perfect for harmonies and solo sections that give the player and the listener everything they’re looking for!

—It’s exciting news that the two of you will tour together this November in America (having done shows in the past). What are you most looking forward to about this tour?

TOMMY: Playing this music to new audiences everywhere is such a joy, as most people haven’t seen players recreate these songs in front of them. It’s entertaining, surprising, and uplifting! When you are in the entertainment business, like us, you have a big desire to take people out of their normal existence and surprise them into another realm–music like this is your magic wand!

RICHARD SMITH

—There’s so much joyous guitar work on the EP. How did this collaboration with Tommy come about and how did you guys first meet?

RICHARD: Tommy asked me a while ago if I would like to do this tribute to Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed as part of his “Accomplice” series. Of course, I had to do it! Like Tommy, I’ve been playing their music all my life. We both grew up on it. I first met Tommy back in 1996. He had played at a festival in France with the great Bay Area guitarist, Jim Nichols, who told him about me. I was living in England, where he had recently moved to, and he called up and came out to my family home. We jammed for hours that night.

—What are your thoughts about Tommy’s playing and what do you feel you both artistically have achieved with this recording?

RICHARD: Tommy has such an impeccable groove and such a personal touch and feel to his playing that has come about from listening to so many different musicians over the years. Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed were two very earliest influences for him. To pay tribute to these guys and play the tunes we grew up listening to, and put our own little stamp on them, felt like going full circle. This music is like mashed potatoes to both of us. It’s just so ingrained that playing it is like falling off a log. You bring yourself and other influences into it, which just kind of happens naturally.

RICHARD: On the original recording, Chet used a Del Vecchio resonator guitar. That instrument has a particularly beautiful tone and sustain. Tommy captures that beautifully with his Maton acoustic. That recording was probably the first time I’d ever heard that guitar sound. Jerry Reed’s back-up part is a huge part of the sound of that song. The kind of rolling chords he used and the inversions he used were so beautifully constructed. Listening to it just takes me back to my childhood and when I first heard it.

—“Twitchy” was written by Jerry Reed and performed by Chet Atkins and Reed. Why do you find this song inspirational?

RICHARD: I think that tune is probably my favorite thumb-picking tune. It has such a great groove and such a simple melody. To me, it’s one of those tunes that just sounds like it grew there, like no one wrote it, and like it has just always existed. Those are the great songs to me. Songs and tunes that have melodies and chord structures that sound so obvious that you think “Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?” Another tune we both grew up on. It is also a pure duet. No band.

—”Nashtownville” was written by Chet Atkins and appears on the Jerry Reed & Chet Atkins album, ‘Me & Chet.’ What drew you to take this song on?

RICHARD: It was just another great song from that album that was addictive listening. As a student of the guitar and the music, you want to learn everything. It’s another one of those songs that any guitar player who had that album would have had a go at.

RICHARD: This is one of those tunes that every thumb-picker knows. A real standard among that crowd. Another simple melody with a great groove. These tunes are not known to the mainstream crowds, but there are guitar pickers dotted around all over the world that will come out of the woodwork to meet like-minded folks at concerts or festivals and get together and play these kinds of tunes from records they all had. When I was at school, there wasn’t another kid in my school or any other local school that was listening to this stuff that I knew of. I’m sure it was the same for Tommy. But!! There were players out there. These records weren’t getting airplay like pop records, but there were a select few pickers out there buying these records. There must have been, or RCA would never have invested in putting more and more out there. You wonder who those people are, and they are out there. When you meet them, it’s always great because you realize you were not alone in your pursuits and thirst for learning this music that was so obscure that it seemed like you were the only one listening to it. At least, as a kid, that’s how it felt. Playing these tunes with Tommy is always special. We’d played all of them together over the years many times either jamming or on shows or festivals. I never get tired of playing them and I can feel that with Tommy, too.

—It’s exciting news that the two of you will tour together this November in America (having done shows in the past). What are you most looking forward to about this tour?

RICHARD: Oh yeah! Always a blast playing shows with Tommy. Playing the music, of course, is what I look forward to most, but being out west, too. AZ and TX. I love the desert, you know. In certain places, I feel like I’m on Mars, or in a scene from the original “Planet of the Apes” movie. Meeting new people, going to different places, or back to some of your favorite places. So many folks I’ve met think being on the road is such a tough life. To me, it’s like being on vacation and instead of living in one place, you kind of get to live everywhere. It’s a beautiful thing. Living everywhere, seeing so many places, doing what you love, and playing your favorite music with one of your all-time favorite musicians and people? It makes me giddy. I can’t wait.

Tommy Emmanuel on tour with Richard Smith:

11/5 – Mesa, AZ (Phoenix) @ Mesa Arts Center, Ikeda Theatre
11/7 – Albuquerque, NM @ National Hispanic Cultural Center – Albuquerque Journal Theatre
11/8 – Lubbock, TX @ Cactus Theater
11/9 – Tulsa, OK @ Legacy Hall
11/10 – Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre
11/11 – Stafford, TX (Houston) @ Stafford Centre
11/13. -San Antonio, TX @ Majestic Theatre
11/14 – Austin, TX @ Paramount Theatre

“Serenade to Summertime” Cover

Full Track Listing for Accomplice EP #2:

1. Baby’s Coming Home
2.    Nashtownville
3.    Serenade to Summertime
4.    Twitchy

Artist: Tommy Emmanuel:
Photo Credit: Alysse Gafkjen

ABOUT TOMMY EMMANUEL:

TOMMY EMMANUEL has achieved enough musical milestones to satisfy several lifetimes. At the age of six, he was touring regional Australia with his family band. By 30, he was a rock n’ roll lead guitarist burning up stadiums in Europe. At 44, he became one of five people ever named a CPG (Certified Guitar Player) by his idol, music icon Chet Atkins. Today, he plays hundreds of sold-out shows every year from Nashville to Sydney to London. He’s piled up numerous accolades, including two Grammy Award nominations, two ARIA Awards from the Australian Recording Industry Association (the Aussie equivalent of the Recording Academy); repeated honors in the Guitar Player magazine reader’s poll including a cover story for their August 2017 issue; a cover feature for Vintage Guitar’s July 2020 issue; and was Music Radar’s reader’s poll #1 winner of the Ten Best Acoustic Guitarists in The World (December 2019). A noted fingerstyle guitarist, EMMANUEL frequently threads three different parts simultaneously into his material, operating as a one-man band who handles the melody, the supporting chords and the bass all at once. His talents, which translate in any language, carry him to the far corners of the globe, but EMMANUEL never plays the same show twice, and he improvises big chunks of every date. That leaves him open to those technical imperfections, though they also provide some of the humanity to an other-worldly talent. On May 8, 2020, he released a newly recorded career-spanning double album, THE BEST OF TOMMYSONGS, via CGP Sounds/Cruzen Street Records). Watch the album trailer here which focuses on TOMMY’s unique ability to tell stories without words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SOQEMWYAQ4&feature=youtu.be

For more information on TOMMY EMMANUEL, visit:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

SRO PR Assets + Press Releases:
http://sropr.com/portfolio/tommyemmanuel/

Richard Smith

ABOUT RICHARD SMITH

Born in 1971 in Beckenham, England, Richard started early and first picked up the guitar at the age of 5 with his father teaching him his first chords and songs. After some early solo performances and six years of working as a trio with two of his brothers, Rob and Sam in the 90’s, Richard moved to Nashville, TN. in January 2000. In 2001 he won the national fingerpicking championship and has since forged a career as a solo artist, performing all over the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia and Brazil, releasing solo records, duet and ensemble records. Constantly touring with a repertoire of fingerpicking classics, originals, fiddle tunes, blues, Joplin rags, jazz standards, classical repertoire and everything from pop to Sousa marches. Richard has also performed or recorded along the way with Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Tommy Emmanuel, Suzy Bogguss, Steve Wariner, Jimmy Fortune, Earl Klugh, Martin Taylor, Joscho Stephan, Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, John Schneider, Lee Roy Parnell, Brent Mason, Rory Hoffman and a host of others.

For more information on RICHARD SMITH, visit:
WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

For press inquiries regarding TOMMY EMMANUEL, contact:

SRO PR
(Los Angeles, Nashville, Las Vegas)
Mitch Schneider // mschneider@sropr.com
Andrea Faulk // afaulk@sropr.com
Lyndie Wenner // lwenner@sropr.com

July 29, 2021

OZZY OSBOURNE’S ‘No More Tears’ To Be Celebrated With 30th Anniversary Digital And Vinyl Editions

DATE: JULY 29, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN/MITCH SCHNEIDER

OZZY OSBOURNE’S
‘NO MORE TEARS’
TO BE CELEBRATED
WITH 30^TH ANNIVERSARY
EXPANDED DIGITAL DELUXE EDITION OF THE ALBUM
DUE OUT SEPTEMBER 17
TWO SPECIAL VINYL EDITIONS WILL COMPLEMENT
DIGITAL RELEASE

“It was one of my favorite albums to make.”
–OZZY OSBOURNE, 2021

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More than 30 years after its release, OZZY OSBOURNE’s sixth solo album–the Top 10 (#7) and quadruple platinum NO MORE TEARS will be celebrated with an expanded digital audio album due out September 17 (Sony). Two special editions–a 2LP black vinyl version and a special yellow and red 2LP vinyl version with a specially created booklet (exclusively at www.towerrecords.com)–will be released simultaneously. Pre-order the album here.

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In its release, NO MORE TEARS yielded four top ten singles on the Billboard Rock Tracks chart, “Mama, I’m Coming Home” (#2), “Road To Nowhere” (#3), “Time After Time” (#6) and the title track (#10). In addition, the album’s “I Don’t Want to Change the World” earned OZZY his first Grammy for a live version of the track that was featured on his 1993 LIVE AND LOUD album. The Grammy-winning track was one of the album’s four songs co-written with OZZY’s longtime friend and colleague Lemmy Kilmister; the others include “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” “Desire,” and “Hellraiser.” The album has remained an OZZY classic, earning a spot (#22) on Loudwire’s “Top 90 Hard Rock + Metal Albums of the ’90s” with Ultimate Classic Rock including No More Tears on their list “Top 100 ’90s Rock Albums.”

“I have a lot of great memories of making the album,” OZZY says. “We worked hard on the record with John Purdell and Duane Baron, who became extra two members of the band. Before we went into the studio, we discussed what we were going to do–everything was planned. It’s so nice when you get a producer who’s more like a part of the band than them saying, ’nah, you do it this way.’ Because we write them and when you write the songs, you have a mental picture of how you think you want it to sound. Sometimes you’re surprised for the better, but other times you’re disappointed, but John and Duane did an extraordinary job on the album. It was really, really well done. Every song was worked on for a long time and we spent extra time trying to get things right. But there was also lots of goofing around and we had a good time making it. And Zakk’s playing on it is spectacular.”

Zakk Wylde adds, “On the first record, ‘It was like I can’t believe I’m here. I had definitely crawled into the fire and kept thinking. ‘You gotta produce. You got to come up with some cool stuff.’ On NO MORE TEARS, I guess I was more relaxed. With OZZY, whenever we’re playing riffs, he would be like ‘keep playing that riff.’ Pretty much every time he just gets up there and starts singing what comes to him naturally, he knocks it out of the park all the time. I mean, there’s very, very few times where he’s actually said, ‘No, let me come back to that. I don’t like what I’m singing. I’ll come up with something better.’ Whatever you’re hearing on the record is pretty much first thing he started singing that naturally came out of him, that he started hearing in his head. Which is amazing. My love for him and admiration for him has just gotten even stronger and bigger over the years. It’s bigger than the music. It’s always a good time whenever we’re together, it’s always like it’s a laugh fest, and then making the records is beyond hilarious as well.”

“Mama, I’m Coming Home,” the album’s biggest hit which OZZY co-wrote with Kilmister, started with Zakk at a piano, has gone on to become not only a rock anthem, but a classic song among soldiers.

“At that time, a lot of people were going to Iraq war,” OZZY notes. “We heard that the GIs were sending that song to their wives. Soldiers still love that song.”

“I remember when we were working on the album, I originally wrote ‘Mama, I’m Coming Home’ on a piano,” Zakk says. “I had the music, and then when we got to the studio, I transposed it to the 12-string guitar. I was like ‘oh let me try it on the 12-string and see what it sounds like.’ That’s how it evolved into the song, originally it was just me and Ozz noodling on the piano.”

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Photo Credit: Jeff Katz

The NO MORE TEARS’ expanded digital audio album track listing is as follows:

Mr. Tinkertrain
I Don’t Want to Change the World
Mama, I’m Coming Home
Desire
No More Tears
Won’t Be Coming Home (S.I.N)
Hellraiser
Time After Time
Zombie Stomp
A.V.H.
Road to Nowhere
Don’t Blame Me*
Party With the Animals*
I Don’t Want To Change The World (demo)**
Mama, I’m Coming Home (demo)**
Desire (demo)**
Time After Time (demo)**
Won’t Be Coming Home (S.I.N) (demo)**
Mrs J. (demo)**
I Don’t Want to Change the World (live)†
Road to Nowhere (live)†
No More Tears (live)†
Desire (live)†
Mama, I’m Coming Home (live)††

* bonus tracks currently on the digital album at DSP’s
** demos from the 1991 promo CD The No More Tears Demo Sessions (also the Prince of Darkness box set), not currently at DSP’s
† live audio from Memoirs of a Madman DVD, San Diego 1992, not currently at DSP’s
†† live audio from Memoirs of a Madman DVD, MTV 1992, not currently at DSP’s

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July 29, 2021

PI JACOBS Rolls Out Second Single “Broken Cup” From New Album ‘Live From Memphis’ Out August 13

DATE: JULY 29, 2021

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN

Broken Cup Covert

PI JACOBS
ROLLS OUT SECOND SINGLE
“BROKEN CUP”
FROM THE AMERICANA ARTIST’S
NEW ALBUM ‘LIVE FROM MEMPHIS’
OUT AUGUST 13 VIA BLACKBIRD RECORD LABEL

ANNOUNCES SHOWS IN LOS ANGELES (AUGUST 28),
NEW YORK CITY (OCTOBER 3)
AND HER SAN FRANCISCO HOMETOWN (OCTOBER 15)

LISTEN TO THE SONG HERE
AND THE SPOKEN INTRO HERE

Acclaimed Americana singer, songwriter and musician PI JACOBS has rolled out “Broken Cup,” the second single from her new album LIVE FROM MEMPHIS due August 13 via Blackbird Record Label. Listen to the song here, along with her engagingly candid spoken word intro for it, here. Both will be available tomorrow (July 30) at all streaming platforms. The track and its intro were premiered yesterday at The Bluegrass Situation. Pre-order the album here.

With her blend of roots-rock swagger and storytelling soul Pi Jacobs distinctively amplifies the concert experience on LIVE FROM MEMPHIS (her first album for the label and ninth overall): it places eight original songs alongside the self-narrated personal stories that shaped them. Recorded with a full band, the project offers a sincere and sometimes funny look at her formative years, her family relationships, and even a few lessons she’s learned along the way.

In the stirring “Broken Cup,” Pi digs deep into how she made bad romantic choices along the way before meeting the man who would become her husband.

“In my late teens/early 20’s I wasn’t a person with a much of self-esteem; in fact, I thought pretty damn poorly of myself, so I was habitually getting into relationships with people who would reaffirm my feelings of unworthiness, unlovability, or being damaged goods,” says Pi. “I was lucky though–a couple of amazing mentors showed up in my life and wouldn’t let me scare them off. They helped me to start seeing myself in a new and better light, so, by the time I hit 25, I was ready to try some new kinds of relationships. The problem was, I had to learn ALL NEW stuff! I hadn’t operated in the land of ‘healthy’ relationships before, and it felt like I didn’t know how to do ANYTHING, even little things, like returning phone calls. I started to feel as scared and unequipped as Bambi in the middle of a six-lane freeway, but I had had enough of my old ways, so I started to try, and I got very lucky by meeting my now-husband.”

Meanwhile, Pi Jacobs has announced shows in Los Angeles (August 28), New York City (October 3) and her San Francisco hometown (October 15).

On Sale Now:

Los Angeles – August 28 HOTEL CAFE TICKETS
NYC, October 3 – Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3 TICKETS
San Francisco, October 15 – with Kyra Gordon – Amados – TICKETS

“Broken Cup” follows the album’s first single and video, “First Thing Tomorrow,” written in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election. The animated video was created by Turkish surreal artist Mertcan Mertbilek and premiered by Glide Magazine.

“The burst of creativity unleashed when Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and musician Pi Jacobs lets loose her pipes is one of an explosive strength that runs back to eras of rock past and present,” notes Glide. “Think a mix of Melissa Etheridge, Beth Hart, and Wynonna Judd wrapped around snug vintage musicianship.” Glide also offered this praise: “With heartfelt gritty vocals atop a melodic punch that tugs the listeners’ ears to their favorite twang recordings, Jacobs enthralls with that resourceful musical pull effect, enabling her live renditions to evolve immediately into that of true musical keepers.”

The music on LIVE FROM MEMPHIS comes from PI’s live taping for Ditty TV, which was filmed without an audience. For the set list, she drew six songs from 2020’s Two Truths and a Lie and two others from 2017’s A Little Blue. But rather than using the between-songs banter intended for the viewing audience, she took a page from one of her favorite NPR podcasts and decided to share more of herself than ever before by narrating the songs with revealing intros.

The LIVE FROM MEMPHIS track list is here.

Live From Memphis Cover

Album Cover

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www.PiJacobs.com
Facebook.com/PiJacobsMusic
Instagram.com/PiJacobs
Youtube.com/PiJacobsMusic

SRO Press Releases + Assets

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July 23, 2021

THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK Announce Updated Entertainment Offerings

DATE: JULY 23, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN

STATE FAIR ENTERTAINMENT
ANNOUNCES ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS FOR
THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK:
FULLY OUTDOOR, ALL-NEW ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE
COMING TO LOS ANGELES
THIS SUMMER

With THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK set to debut next week (July 29), State Fair Entertainment–organizers for the inaugural outdoor event–have announced the updated entertainment, ride and lifestyle offerings. Set to take place this summer over 16 days–July 29-August 22—THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK will include onsite activities with something for fans of all ages.

The month-long, weekends-only event (Thursdays-Sundays from 12 Noon-10:00 PM) will include special opening weekend celebrations including an appearance from the World-Renowned Budweiser Clydesdales, a ribbon cutting with the Sho Tay, Mayor of Arcadia, a flyover from Tiger Squadron. Other family-friendly on-site activities include more than 50 rides and games including three Ferris wheels, the Star Tower Swing ride (soaring 125′ above the grounds, with a birds eye view of the fair and surrounding areas), Olympic Bobsled Coaster, Cliff Hanger, a brand-new ride called the Drone, along with a Haunted Mansion and a variety of traditional carnival games. A designated Kid Zone will be highlighted by a train ride, Grand Carousel, Fun Slide, and much more. Fairgoers can also experience multiple daily shows from Team FXM Motorcycle Stunt Show, ExtremeDogs Stunt Dog Show, along with a full line-up of musical performances (see below). In addition, fans will feast on classic festival fare from Juicy’s Fair Food (Giant Turkey Legs, Deep Fried Oreos, Funnel Cakes, Caramel Apples, Lemonade). In addition, early entrants on opening day (Thursday, July 29) will be treated to a free mini powdered sugar funnel cake from noon to 1:00 PM, offer valid while supplies last).


Date	Stage	Bands Name
07/29/21	Main	Led Zepegain	The Led Zeppelin Experience
07/29/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
07/29/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
07/30/21	Main	Kenny Chesney	A Tribute to Kenny Chesney
07/30/21	Main	George Michael Reborn	A Tribute to George Michael & Wham
07/30/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
07/30/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
07/31/21	Main	Appetite 4 Destruction	Guns N’ Roses Tribute
07/31/21	Main	Jumpin Jack Flash	Rolling Stones Tribute
07/31/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
07/31/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/01/21	Main	Los Rieleros del Norte	Norteno
08/01/21	Main	Ana Barbara	Norteno
08/01/21	Main	Como La Flor	A Selena Tribute
08/01/21	Main	Las Divas	Mariachi

08/05/21	Main	Hard Day’s Night	The Beatles Tribute
08/05/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/05/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/06/21	Main	Atomic Punks	The Tribute to Early Van Halen
08/06/21	Main	Aeromyth	A Tribute to Aerosmith
08/06/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/06/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/07/21	Main	Saturday Night Fever	Bee Gees Tribute
08/07/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/07/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/08/21	Main	Banda Machos	Banda
08/08/21	Main	Banda Maguey	Banda
08/08/21	Main	La Sonora Dinamita	Cumbia
08/08/21	Main	Mariachi Jose Cervantes	Mariachi

08/12/21	Main	Queen Nation	A Tribute to the music of Queen
08/12/21	Vip	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/12/21	Vip	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/13/21	Main	Bruno and The Hooligans	A Tribute to Bruno Mars
08/13/21	Main	Jordan Sherman	Jam Band
08/13/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/13/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/14/21	Main	Elton John The Early Years	Kenny Metcalf Tributes Elton
08/14/21	Main	Rebel Soul	Jam Band
08/14/21	Paddock	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/14/21	Paddock	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/15/21	Main	La Original Banda Limon	Banda
08/15/21	Main	Pablo Montero	Norteno
08/15/21	Main	Las Divas	Mariachi
08/15/21	Main	Rocio “La Dama de la Cumbia”	Cumbia

08/19/21	Main	TLR	A Journey thru the music of The Eagles
08/19/21	Paddosck	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/19/21	Paddosck	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/20/21	Main	ABBA	The Music of Abba
08/20/21	Main	Slippery When Wet	The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
08/20/21	Paddosck	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/20/21	Paddosck	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/21/21	Main	DSB	A Musical Tribute to Journey
08/21/21	Main	Pulp Vixen Band	The Go-Gos
08/21/21	Paddosck	The Killer Dueling Pianos	Dueling Pianos
08/21/21	Paddosck	The Velvet Frogs	Barbershop Quartet
08/22/21	Main	Los Tucanes de Tijuana	Mexican Regional Norteno
08/22/21	Main	Jesus Mendoza	Mexican Regional Norteno/Banda
08/22/21	Main	Tapy Quintero	Mexican Regional Norteno
08/22/21	Main	La Sonora Dinamita	Cumbia
08/22/21	Main	Mariachi	Mariachi

A limited number of early bird flash sale of GA tickets are free (valid for entry before 6pm). These tickets include free access to concerts, but do not include parking, unlimited rides wristbands (valid for up to 5 hours of unlimited rides starting at first scan), or FastPasses – which can all be added on for an additional fee at checkout. Sale is ending shortly, and regular price will resume at that time. All tickets must be purchased online, and weekend General Admission is regularly $12 ($7 for Seniors and Children). Children six and under are free. A limited number on onsite parking is available and must also be purchased in advance. THE FAIR AT SANTA ANITA PARK will operate as a ticketless event and will promote covid-friendly digital ticketing and a digital currency system. Contactless payment (through mobile apps or pre-loaded onto the event’s RFID wristband) throughout the park provides added safety. For the most up-to-date information, please go to www.https://statefairent.com/

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July 23, 2021

BRIAN SETZER Shares “Smash Up On Highway One” Second Single From His Forthcoming ‘Gotta Have The Rumble’ Album

DATE: JULY 23, 2021

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN

BRIAN SETZER
SHARES “SMASH UP ON HIGHWAY ONE,”
SECOND SINGLE FROM
‘GOTTA HAVE THE RUMBLE,’
HIS FIRST SOLO ALBUM IN 7 YEARS OUT
AUGUST 27 VIA SURFDOG RECORDS

LISTEN TO THE SONG HERE

BRIAN SETZER today (July 23) has shared “Smash Up On Highway One,” the second single from GOTTA HAVE THE RUMBLE, his first solo album in 7 years. The album will be out August 27 on Surfdog Records physically (CD) and digitally, with the vinyl due this fall (TBA). The iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and 3-time Grammy award-winner, who last month announced the all-original 11-track album with the single and animated video for “Checkered Flag,” co-wrote the blazing “Smash Up On Highway One,” with frequent writing partner Mike Himelstein. Listen to the song here and at streaming services everywhere. Pre-order the album here.

“I usually start out with a guitar riff,” says SETZER about writing “Smash Up On Highway One.” “I was playing ‘Misirlou’ by Dick Dale with the Stray Cats, and I thought, ‘wow I’d love to write something as cool as that riff.’ So I came up with something out of left field. I don’t know what you would call it–Middle Eastern or Eastern-European. Some college professor probably has a name for that scale. I had that riff laying around. I guess you could say I’m always collecting cool guitar parts. Mike Himelstein sent me those lyrics and they just fit right in. I think it’s really cool–it’s a way to move the whole rockabilly genre forward. The surf drum part in there with the guy playing the tom-toms similar to ‘Wipeout.’ I love it.”

Produced by Julian Raymond (Glen Campbell and Cheap Trick), GOTTA HAVE THE RUMBLE contains songs, all written or co-written by Setzer, and was recorded in Minneapolis (Setzer’s adopted hometown) and Nashville. GOTTA HAVE THE RUMBLE is a red-hot album from start to finish–American music amped up to 10–with songs that are full of dynamism and bravado. Highlights include “Checkered Flag,” “Smash Up On Highway One,” “Drip Drop,” “The Cat with 9 Wives,” “One Bad Habit” and “Rockabilly Banjo.” The track listing is below.

“Obviously, it’s a reference to my motorcycles and hot rods, something that hasn’t changed since I was 15 years old,” says SETZER about the album title GOTTA HAVE THE RUMBLE. “I still have the same passion for going fast and adrenaline. But it’s also about my hearing problem with tinnitus–the ringing of the ear. It was pretty bad, and I realized that I couldn’t play the way I wanted to. As I recovered, standing in front of a small amplifier just didn’t cut it. The sound from my big amp makes the guitar rumble. Which is a big part of my sound. I was really despondent for a while because I thought I wouldn’t be able to do that again. So, ‘Gotta Have The Rumble’ refers to both of those things.”

A person in uniform sitting on a motorcycle Description automatically generated with low confidence Album cover artwork

The track listing for GOTTA HAVE THE RUMBLE is:

1. Checkered Flag
Written by Brian Setzer and James McDonnell
2. Smash Up On Highway One
Written by Brian Setzer and Mike Himelstein
3. Stack My Money
Written by Brian Setzer and Mike Himelstein
4. The Wrong Side Of The Tracks
Written by Brian Setzer and Mike Himelstein
5. Drip Drop
Written by Brian Setzer
6. The Cat With 9 Wives
Written by Brian Setzer and Mike Himelstein
7. Turn You On, Turn Me On
Written by Brian Setzer
8. Rockabilly Riot
Written by Brian Setzer and Mike Himelstein
9. Off Your Rocker
Written by Brian Setzer and Stephen “Dibbs” Preston
10. One Bad Habit
Written by Brian Setzer and Mike Himelstein
11. Rockabilly Banjo
Written by Brian Setzer and Stephen “Dibbs” Preston

A person on a motorcycle Description automatically generated with medium confidence Photo: Russ Harrington

A person playing a guitar Description automatically generated with medium confidence Photo: Russ Harrington

ABOUT BRIAN SETZER:

Iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and 3-time Grammy award-winner BRIAN SETZER has achieved one career milestone after another. He’s sold millions of albums and is a “Musician’s Musician” credited with continually taking chances with innovative and daring musical styles. Setzer is widely credited for taking two forgotten genres, rockabilly and swing, adding his own blend of gunpowder and rockin’ style, and completely reinventing and single-handedly resurrecting them in the process. Along the way, he has scored chart-topping hits, sold 13 million records and received the Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award throughout his decorated career as founder/leader of the Stray Cats, his 19-piece Brian Setzer Orchestra, and as a solo artist. He is consistently cited as one of the world’s greatest living guitarists, and has a best-selling, extensive line of elite Gretsch signature model guitars bearing his name. SETZER is also, fittingly, in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. On the live front, Setzer has headlined venues and festivals worldwide, including a 1983 headlining slot on the iconic US Festival in California, The Playboy Jazz Festival, a three-night, sold-out headlining run at the Hollywood Bowl with the 98-piece Philharmonic Orchestra, Woodstock ’99, and performing in front of more than 150,000 people as headliner of the Montreal Jazz Festival. His reach also includes films and TV, where his roles include portraying rockabilly pioneer Eddie Cochran in the 1987 film, La Bamba, Fox’s “Beverly Hills 90210,” among many others, and he is one of the few musicians to be animated in an episode of “The Simpsons” in 2002. That same year, SETZER was personally requested to induct Chet Atkins into the 17th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. SETZER had the honor of being invited in 2006 to perform at the White House for the President of the United States. Also in 2006, he was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame with the Stray Cats. In 2014, SETZER received the distinct honor of being asked by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. to donate a replica of his original 1959 Gretsch 6120 “Stray Cat” guitar, joining an elite collection of iconic treasures at the museum.

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Links:

Website:briansetzer.com/

Facebook: facebook.com/briansetzerofficial/

Twitter: twitter.com/briansetzer59

Instagram: instagram.com/briansetzer59/

YouTube: youtube.com/user/BrianSetzerOfficial

SRO Press Releases + Media Assets

July 23, 2021

YES Today Launch Video For “The Ice Bridge” From Upcoming Album ‘The Quest’

DATE: JULY 23, 2021

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK, SRO PR

YES
LAUNCH VIDEO TODAY FOR
“THE ICE BRIDGE”

FIRST TRACK FROM THE FORTHCOMING
NEW STUDIO ALBUM
‘THE QUEST’ OUT OCTOBER 1

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

A picture containing diagram Description automatically generated Artwork by Roger Dean

YES, who are Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood, recently announced they will release their new studio album THE QUEST on InsideOutMusic/Sony Music on October 1. The album was produced by Steve Howe, who says:”Much of the music was written in late 2019 with the rest in 2020. We commissioned several orchestrations to augment and enhance the overall sound of these fresh new recordings, hoping that our emphasis on melody, coupled with some expansive instrumental solo breaks, keeps up the momentum for our listeners.”

THE QUEST was recorded across the globe. The sessions took place in the UK with Steve Howe, Geoff Downes and Jon Davison, while Alan White and Billy Sherwood got together in the studio in the US. “Billy Sherwood and myself did all the rhythm sections, bass and drum, in America,” says Alan White, “down in Los Angeles at Uncle Studios, where he works a lot. It helps when you’ve got a good place to work,” Alan laughs, “and Billy’s really good on the recording desk, so we got things down relatively quickly. I spent quite a while studying the music before I went down to LA so I was prepared.”

YES are pleased to today (July 23) reveal “The Ice Bridge,” the first track from the album. Watch the video here.

Alan White comments: “I’m extremely proud to be a part of this music and believe the video graphics are outstanding. A collaboration of many talents coming together to produce ‘The Ice Bridge.’ I hope our fans/audiences will appreciate the creativity put forward. I’m pleased to share it with the world and hope everyone will enjoy the ride.”

Steve Howe adds: “‘The Ice Bridge’ opens the album in the dark and moody key of C minor, aided by the orchestra. The rolling bass part kicks things into gear as the vocals and guitars start a winding journey through the various structures till the breakdown happens, where ice breaking is heard.”

Jon Davison was working with Geoff Downes on “The Ice Bridge” (Davison/Downes), looking at the dangers of climate change. He explained how he sets about collaborating with his band mates.

“Usually what happens is each member is left to write their respective parts and put their stamp on things,” says Davison. “Geoff sent me a selection of exciting and often gorgeous snippets he had created and made it clear that he wished I experiment freely and develop as needed. This in turn gave me the confidence to take on the vocal role–lyrics, vocal melody and harmony, how the vocals are presented and uniquely phrased–but all the while striving to stay faithful to Geoff’s initial ideas.”

“Jon’s vocals are fantastic,” adds Geoff Downes. “He’s really come into his own as a YES vocalist. This time he’s started to get the writing side together and working with the other musicians has been developmental for him. I think he’s hit a rich seam on this one.”

Map Description automatically generated Artwork by Roger Dean

THE QUEST is also now available for pre-order on various formats, including a Limited Deluxe Box-Set that features a Gatefold 180g 2LP on exclusive coloured vinyl, 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak (featuring 5.1 mix & backing tracks), 36-page perfect bound booklet, enamel pin badge, 60x90cm poster, slipmat & hand-numbered certificate of authenticity, all house in a rigid lift-off box.

Containing 11 songs, 8 on the main CD with 3 extra tracks on a bonus CD, THE QUEST will also be available as Limited 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook, 2CD Digipak, Gatefold 2LP+2CD & as Digital Album. Pre-order now here: https://yes-band.lnk.to/TheQuest

THE QUEST – 2CD Digipak tracklisting:

CD1:

01. The Ice Bridge 7.01
02. Dare To Know 6.00
03. Minus The Man 5.35
04. Leave Well Alone 8.06
05. The Western Edge 4.26
06. Future Memories 5.08
07. Music To My Ears 4.41
08. A Living Island 6.52

CD2:

01. Sister Sleeping Soul 4.51
02. Mystery Tour 3.33
03. Damaged World 5.20

Formats are:

Limited Edition Deluxe 2LP & 2CD plus Blu-ray Box-set
Limited Edition 2CD & Blu-ray Artbook
Gatefold 2LP & 2CD plus LP-booklet
2CD Digipak
Digital Album

Cover artwork designed and created by the band’s long term collaborator Roger Dean.

YES Story

For half a century YES have been the definitive band of the progressive music genre, the band by which all others are judged. Their ground-breaking albums of the 70s set the standard for the genre and influenced countless others who followed in their wake. The current line-up of YES was completed in 2015 when Billy Sherwood replaced founder member Chris Squire, at Squire’s insistence, as he bravely fought a losing battle with leukaemia. Since then, YES have concentrated on touring with their Album Series tours, each featuring a classic YES album in its entirety. During this period YES have released three live albums Topographic Drama – Live Across America (2017), Yes Live 50 (2019) and The Royal Affair Tour: Live in Las Vegas (2020). The music of YES has endured over the years and has been handed down through generations of music lovers.

YES Online:

http://yesworld.com/
https://www.facebook.com/yestheband/
https://twitter.com/yesofficial
https://www.instagram.com/yesofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/user/yesofficial

INSIDEOUTMUSIC Online:

www.insideoutmusic.com
www.youtube.com/InsideOutMusicTV
www.facebook.com/InsideOutMusic
www.twitter.com/insideouteu

For press inquiries regarding YES, contact:

SRO PR:

Mitch Schneider // mschneider@sropr.com
Andrea Faulk // afaulk@sropr.com

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July 20, 2021

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD Signs With United Talent Agency (UTA) & Launches 2021 Tour

DT: JULY 20, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK

SRO PR

Shape

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SIGNS WITH UNITED TALENT AGENCY (UTA)
FOLLOWING ITS LONGTIME AGENT ZACH HARTLEY THERE

BAND KICKS OFF ITS 2021
“SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL TOUR”
JULY 2 IN FAYETTEVILLE, GA WITH SOLD-OUT SHOW

Grand Funk Railroad (Pictured L-R: Bruce Kulick (guitar), Mel Schacher (bass guitar), Max Carl (vocals), Don Brewer (drummer), Tim Cashion (keyboardist))
Photo credit: Allen Clark

“You cannot talk about rock in the 1970s without talking about Grand Funk Railroad!”
–David Fricke, Rolling Stone Magazine

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD—the legendary rock & roll powerhouse who kicked off its 2021 tour with a sold-out show July 2 in Fayetteville, GA—is now represented by United Talent Agency(UTA) having followed their longtime agent Zach Hartley there. Hartley joined the agency in June 2021 and is based in the company’s Nashville office.

Curt Motley, agent, UTA Nashville music leadership, says, “Grand Funk is one of the great all-time rock and roll acts. To be able to play a part in their legendary career is a huge honor and we are excited to welcome them to the UTA family.”

“After 52 years, the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad continues full steam,” says Hartley, who joined UTA in 2021 and is based in its Nashville office. “Their love of and commitment to the live experience has touched fans across the country and I am increasingly excited each year as we write a new chapter in their story.”

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD is performing 30 shows this year. View the dates here and read a Q&A here with original founding member Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”). Watch the tour trailer here.

After playing to millions of fans on the band’s tours from 1996 to 2019, GRAND FUNK will continue to reach both new and long-time fans on the “Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” named in honor of their 1975 Billboard pop smash. Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, this top-selling American rock group of the 70’s is “Comin’ To Your Town To Help You Party It Down.” Notably, this year marks the 50^th anniversary of when the group’s show at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles.

Known as “The American Band,” the high-energy five-piece group GRAND FUNK RAILROAD includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”) and bassist Mel Schacher, “The God of Thunder.” Joining Don and Mel are true “All Stars.” Singer Max Carl is a rock veteran from 38 Special. Max penned and sang 38’s biggest hit “Second Chance” and was co-founder of California’s legendary Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. Don refers to Max as “the best blue-eyed soul singer on the planet.” Lead guitarist Bruce Kulick is best known for his 12 years with KISS and has credits with Michael Bolton, Meatloaf and Billy Squier. (KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were influenced early on by Grand Funk.) Keyboardist Tim Cashion has a master’s degree in music from the University of Miami. Affectionately called “Dr. Tim,” his credits include stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and English soul man Robert Palmer.

Grand Funk laid the groundwork for such bands as Foreigner, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi with its signature hard driving sound, soulful vocals, muscular instrumentation and forceful pop melodies. The fact that Grand Funk’s legacy still reigns over the Classic Rock landscape 50 years after is a testament to the group’s influence and staying power. Mega-hits “We’re An American Band,” “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home,” “Locomotion,” and “Some Kind Of Wonderful” still receive continuous airplay on Classic Rock radio. “We’re An American Band” has received notoriety in recent years being used in movie soundtracks and in television/radio advertising. The huge hit was featured in a General Motors national TV ad campaign and in Disney’s animated feature film The Country Bears. “We’re An American Band” was featured in the Cuba Gooding Jr. film Radio, and in the swash buckler Sahara starring Matthew McConaughey.

Internationally acclaimed Grand Funk has toured the world, selling out in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and South America. A 1971 performance at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles. The group’s widespread appeal is also evident in its prestigious recording achievements. Over their career, Grand Funkhas had 19 charted singles, 8 Top 40 hits and two Number One singles (“We’re An American Band” and “Locomotion,” both selling more than one million each). The group has now accumulated 13 gold and 10 platinum records with record sales exceeding 25 million copies sold worldwide. The most recent gold CD award was presented to the band for their greatest hits package Grand Funk Railroad the Collectors Series.

The multi-talented band carries on the tradition of Grand Funk hits and creates a new chapter in the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad. GFR drew 25,000 people to their Molson Canal Series Concert outside Buffalo, 20,000 in Albany, New York, and 20,000 fans to downtown Orlando, Florida. EMI/Capitol (Universal Music) released a new Grand Funk Greatest Hits package that includes a bonus DVD of rare concert footage. Grand Funk Railroad’s 2019 “50 Years Of Funk Tour” was a huge success and now, with the group’s 2021“Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans discovering the group for the first time will be able to celebrate 50 Years of Funk with Grand Funk Railroad.

2021 GRAND FUNK RAILROAD Tour Dates:
7.2      Fayetteville, GA @ Southern Ground Amphitheater
7.4      Harrisburg, NC @ Harrisburg 4th of July Celebration
7.10    Chippewa Falls, WI @ Northern Wisconsin State Fair
7.24    Walker, MN @ Moondance Jam
7.31    Marion, IL @ Marion Cultural and Civic Center
8.6      Waterloo, NY @ del Lago Resort & Casino
8.8      Webster, MA @ Indian Ranch
8.14    Mount Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
8.27    Big Flats, NY @ Summer Stage at Tag’s
9.4      Portsmouth, OH @ TBA
9.5      Wauseon, OH @ Fulton County Fair
9.9      Cohasset, MA @ South Shore Music Circus
9.10    Hyannis, MA @ Cape Cod Melody Tent
9.17    Biloxi, MS @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
9.18    Kansas City, MO @ Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City
9.24    French Lick, IN @ French Lick Resort
10.1    TBA
10.3    Dallas, TX @ State Fair of Texas
10.8    Northfield, OH @ MGM Northfield Park
10.9    Washington, PA @ The meadows Casino
10.15 Las Vegas, NV @ TBA
10.22 Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Resort
11.6    Florence, SC @ South Carolina Pecan Festival
11.12 TBA
11.13 TBA
11.20 TBA
11.27 TBA
12.3    TBA

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Grand Funk Railroad 2021 Tour Dates
https://www.grandfunkrailroad.com/tour.html

For more information on GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, visit:
WEBSITE | SPOTIFY

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For press inquiries regarding GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, contact:

SRO PR
Mitch Schneider // mschneider@sropr.com (National)
Andrea Faulk // afaulk@sropr.com (Tour)

July 15, 2021

JACOB & THE DAZEY CHAIN Jump Into Summer With New Single “Swan Dive”

DT: JULY 15, 2021

FM: LYNDIE WENNER, SRO PR

JACOB & THE DAZEY CHAIN
JUMP INTO SUMMER WITH NEW SINGLE
“SWAN DIVE” (Listen Here)

“Swan Dive,” the new single from JACOB & THE DAZEY CHAIN, releases today (July 15) and is available on all streaming platforms. Written, arranged and produced by the emerging pop/rock singer/songwriter/guitarist Jacob Reese Thornton, his third single leads the way to his debut EP’s fall 2021 release on indie label Gratuitous Noise. Listen to the song, with its brisk tempo, soaring melody and shimmering guitar work, here and watch the lyric video for “Swan Dive” here.

“I read a quote that said, ‘When you take big bites out of life, life sometimes bites back.’ That inspired ‘Swan Dive,’” says JACOB. “I was partly thinking of musicians I know who, like me, put our music out there against impossible odds. But it’s more universal. I’d say it’s about throwing caution to the wind. Overcoming fear and self-doubt. But also being careful what you wish for.”

The forthcoming EP THE SKY’S ALL I NEED TO GET HIGH features Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters) and Bill Reynolds (Band of Horses) on the yet-to-be released title track. The EP will include “Swan Dive,” “The Kids” and his first single released in January 2021, “Traces” (listen here) received nods by Classic Rock Magazine (“Tracks Of The Week”), continuous spins by industry tastemaker Rodney Bingenheimer on SiriusXM’s Underground Garage and was also added to Apple Music playlist on NPR’s KOSU Radio/The Spy FM “New Music Weekly.” A limited run of vinyl for the upcoming EP is available for pre-orders (here).

JACOB & THE DAZEY CHAIN is relocating this summer from South Florida to Nashville, TN where JACOB’s musical family roots have been planted for several decades. “My great grandmother owned a small label and recording studio on Church Street in the late 60’s called Varsity Records,” he says. “Her daughter (my great aunt) made a living in the 70’s playing piano in the venues along Printer’s Alley. I like to think I come by all of this honestly.”

Jacob Reese Thornton
(Photo Credit: Bill Reynolds)

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For Press Contact: SRO PR
Lyndie Wenner, lwenner@sropr.com

July 13, 2021

D.D. VERNI Debuts First Single “Cadillac Man” From New Project D.D. Verni & The Cadillac Band’s Debut Album ‘Let’s Rattle’ Out This Fall

DATE: JULY 13, 2021

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN

D.D. VERNI & THE CADILLAC BAND
TODAY SHARE “CADILLAC MAN,”
FIRST SINGLE + VIDEO FROM THEIR DEBUT ALBUM
‘LET’S RATTLE’ OUT SEPTEMBER 17

NEW + ORIGINAL SWINGIN’ AND ROCKIN’ BIG-BAND MUSIC
FROM THE SONGWRITER/FOUNDING MEMBER AND BASSIST
FOR HEAVY METAL PIONEERS OVERKILL

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
LISTEN TO THE SINGLE HERE
AND READ A Q&A BELOW

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D.D. VERNI & THE CADILLAC BAND today (July 13) share “Cadillac Man,” the first single and video from their debut album LET’S RATTLE out September 17 (via MVD). Expect high-energy original swingin’ and rockin’ big-band music from D.D. VERNI, the songwriter/founding member/bassist for heavy metal pioneers Overkill who’ve sold millions of records worldwide and have released 19 studio albums dating back to their 1985 debut album. Watch the video, filmed at the Vogel Theater in New Jersey and directed by Rich Furniss, produced by Adam Torkel and edited by Steven Bartashev, here and listen to the song here. Pre-order the album here or pre-save the album here and read a Q&A below.

VERNI has always dreamed of recording a big band album, as his love for the sound dates back many years. The New Jersey-based artist began by writing a fantastic collection of soon-to-be big band classics. Next he recruited longtime Brian Setzer Orchestra upright bassist, John “Spazz” Hatton, to do horn arrangements and play upright bass, while bass player D.D. switched things up playing some guitar on the album. Then D.D. brought in the LA based horn section from Phat Cat Swinger to play the horns and added Brian Setzer Orchestra drummer and current Doobie Brothers member, Tony Pia. Add jazz pianist Dave Moscoe and Hot Rod guitarist Damian Bacci, and you have a star-studded line-up of big band greatness that made this album shake and swing.

With songs like “Cadillac Man,” “Shake It Swing It” and “Olivia…that’s Who!” the album features 13 tracks (nine originals and four covers), was produced by VERNI and mixed by Greg Reely (Coldplay, Sarah McLachlan, Overkill), and recorded in Los Angeles and New Jersey.

A person playing a guitar

Description automatically generated with medium confidence Photo Credit: Mark Weiss

Q&A WITH D.D. VERNI

A lot of people are going to be really surprised that you’ve recorded an album fully embracing a big band sound with rockabilly and other early rock + pop stylings, particularly since you’re known as songwriter/founding member and bassist for OVERKILL. What inspired you to take this musical direction, sing lead vocals, and play guitar?

Yeah, I think it will be a bit of a shock to some people, but I have been a fan of this kind of music for a long time. The old Big Band standards were playing at my house when I was a kid. My dad was a big Sinatra fan, so I’m sure some of it’s from growing up with that and AM radio. And I always loved 50’s music and Doo Wop– Fats Domino, Jerry Lee, etc. And loved the crooners too–Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, Tom Jones–and even in metal and rock: Jim Morrison, Ian Astbury, Glenn Danzig…all of the crooning type of vocalists I’ve always loved. And then I don’t know how long ago it was now, but when Brian Setzer put his big, band orchestra together the first time I thought, “this is amazing.” I never really understood why no one else was trying their hand at that. I mean there’s a thousand blues bands all in the same genre and doing their own thing with it, but almost no swing/jump blues/rock n roll type of bands. I had collected a lot of riffs and material through the years–I just put it aside thinking one day I’ll get to this and so with that in mind I just started writing the types of songs I liked best. High energy, tap your toes, get up outta your seat kind of songs. I’m not one for jazz really or even a country twang as some bands in the genre touch on, so I kept it moving and jumping even on the standards we recorded, because that’s really what I love best. I am a songwriter at heart; I have done all these records with Overkill, and also some side projects and was involved in writing a musical for a few years, so changing my head space is not such a big deal to me. I like what I like and as long as the energy is good, I can roll with it. Even with Overkill I’m not trying to be ultra-heavy, or ultra-punk…the only real line I follow is, “am I digging it?” and if the answer is “yes,” then I jump in. And I think the singing and playing guitar throws people a bit as well as I’m known as a bassist. But that’s part of the fun to stepping out and trying new stuff. I had been the vocalist on my solo album and was not such a stretch doing this. Although I learned a lot and have to say singing is not as easy as I once thought… hahaha. And I am not really an upright bass player, which I knew I wanted for this, so it just made sense to stay with the guitar.

As a songwriter having written nine of the 13 songs, this musical sound required a different mindset. How did you get yourself psyched up for it? It’s a different language of course than metal.

Ya know it is and it isn’t. Metal is about energy. Although a lot of the times it’s angry energy (hahaha)! But that’s why it is so great–to scream and yell and get it out. This music is about energy as well but really about joy and fun. All the lyrics are fun and upbeat. Some little stories–nothing politically motivated or ripped from the headlines. Just fun. Even when writing and shooting the video, you can see people are smiling and bouncing around. So that’s a cool headspace to be in when writing. That’s actually cool to be around anytime! Part of what I love about this record is that it’s fun! Especially after the last year that everyone has had, it would be easy to do an angry-as-hell record, but for me this is refreshing, like comfort food (hahaha)!

Of the album’s 13 songs, which ones are personal highlights for you and why?

Some of these songs have a long history, like the song “Manhattan Baby,” which is a kinda Louis Prima type of thing. I wrote and recorded that song 26 years ago when my first daughter was born–for her and my wife as a present. Then on my wife’s 50^th birthday, I wrote and recorded “Just Say You Love Me,” and gave her that as a present. And of course my second daughter Olivia was like, “where’s my song!” and then on her 16^th birthday I wrote and recorded “Olivia…that’s who!” So I had been toying with these kinds of songs for a very long time. Then when I started to see I had enough material to do a record, I started writing more material. And that’s where a song like “Cadillac Man” came from. Definitely one of my favorites and maybe the first one I specifically wrote for the album. It kind of encompasses all the different things I wanted for the record. Upbeat, a little rock n’ roll and little swing. “Shake It Swing It” I really love as well. Again, the energy in the song is great, really exactly what I was looking for as a foundation for the band. And “Close Your Eyes and Dream” was fun because it’s a bit different. Has that old 50’s tear-jerker vibe that the Ramones used to do too.

The performance video for “Cadillac Man” is instantly striking. Can you talk about the filming of it?

That was a really fun day! We did it right around when Covid was loosening up a bit. It was my first time on a stage and inside a venue in over a year, and even though it wasn’t a show, it felt like it some. I think you see that in the video and from everyone that was part of it. There’s a lot of smiling and fun and energy from the song itself, but I think the fact that we all were feeling so good about performing and having the band vibe again, it was great! When we were talking about doing the video, I really felt like it had to be a band performance thing. We could have come up with a great concept kind of video, but I think people needed to see the band playing to know that it’s a real band. That this is what they can expect to see when they come to a show. It was a challenge some because of all the Covid protocols. We weren’t sure which venue we could use, and with the mask mandates and all. Plus the band that played on the record was all over the country and we couldn’t bring them all in. First person I reached out to was John because he had been such a part of the whole album; I really felt like he needed to be there and he was up for it. Then I reached out to the girls who are local and they were up for it as well. I asked my friend Angus Clark who plays in Trans-Siberian Orchestra to be part of it; he was psyched and came down for the day. Then I spent a lot of time searching and calling local guys to be part of it. Funny how horn players are kind of a herd. One knows the other and then knows the other etc. Little by little, we filled in the band but you never know how the chemistry is till you start doing it. It was kind of amazing how everyone did gel. The director for the video thought we had been a band that had done a lot of touring, and I think it does come across that way. I had done a video for my solo record with a director Leigh Brooks from the UK and reached out to him about local directors etc. and he hooked us up with a team he had worked with from Brooklyn that he thought might be good. That was the thing; because of Covid, there was not going to be a lot of flying or bringing people in, the whole thing had to be local. But I spoke with Adam Steven and Ricky who were the team that did the video and they immediately got the vibe. Again, like the album and songs, I wanted a blend of things and some of the guys were metalheads so they understood the energy, and some were not, so they understood having it be more fun and upbeat. The whole band/album/songs etc. had been about the blend of swing and rock n roll and energy and fun. I told them that’s what I wanted to come across as the main ingredient. I like when things feel like a family atmosphere. That’s the way it’s been for me my whole life; I come from a very big Italian family. That’s the way it is with Overkill internally and with the fans and that’s the way I would want this to be as well. It’s just an extension of who I am.”

Might there be possible shows from DD Verni & the Cadillac Band in 2021 or 2022?

D.D.: I’m very excited to do some touring. We’re looking at possibilities now. Whether it be a support slot, headline shows, or even festivals, I think would be great. How about Paul Stanley and his Soul Band and DD Verni and his Swing Band on the same bill…hahahaha…awesome!!!

Have your bandmates in OVERKILL heard the album and what have they said about it?

D.D.: A few have…they think I’m nuts!

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The track listing for LET’S RATTLE is:

Cadillac Man
Shake It Swing It
Give Me Your Number
Olivia…That’s Who!
Powerhouse
Cold Hearted Woman
School Of Rock n’ Roll
L-O-V-E
Just Say U Love Me
Manhattan Baby
Close Your Eyes and Dream
Ain’t That A Kick In The Head
The One Who Loves You

A person wearing a suit and tie

Description automatically generated with medium confidence Photo Credit: Mark Weiss

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Los Angeles-Based Americana Artist PI JACOBS Shares New Single And Video for “First Thing Tomorrow”

DT: JULY 12, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN

A person posing for a picture

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PI JACOBS
SHARES NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO
“FIRST THING TOMORROW,”
FROM THE LOS ANGELES-BASED AMERICANA ARTIST’S
NEW ALBUM ‘LIVE FROM MEMPHIS’
OUT AUGUST 13 VIA BLACKBIRD RECORD LABEL

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
AND LISTEN TO THE SONG HERE

Acclaimed Americana singer, songwriter and musician PI JACOBS has shared the first single and video, “First Thing Tomorrow,” from her new album LIVE FROM MEMPHIS out August 13 via Blackbird Record Label. Watch the video for “First Thing Tomorrow,” written by the Los Angeles-based artist in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election, here and read a Q&A below. The animated video was created by Turkish surreal artist Mertcan Mertbilek and premiered by Glide Magazine. Listen to the song and its spoken intro here and pre-order the album here.

With LIVE FROM MEMPHIS, her first for the label and ninth overall, PI distinctively amplifies the concert experience on the album: it places eight original songs alongside her self-narrated personal stories that shaped them. Recorded with a full band, the project offers a sincere and sometimes funny look at her formative years, her family relationships, and even a few lessons she’s learned along the way.

“I feel like with all art, there’s an important sense of connection for people,” says PI, who has released four albums since 2013 (and nine overall), toured worldwide, and developed a global fanbase. “It’s part of our humanity. We don’t want to feel alone. The only reason to put these stories out is to help people. That’s it. It’s not for my ego–in fact, parts of them are super embarrassing for me!” With a laugh, she continues, “In writing these stories, there’s been a little more acceptance of myself. I can’t even explain that healing feeling I had, but it’s been a happy side effect.”

A blend of roots-rock swagger and storytelling soul, the music on LIVE FROM MEMPHIS comes from PI’s live taping for Ditty TV, which was filmed without an audience. For the set list, she drew six songs from 2020’s Two Truths and a Lie and two others from 2017’s A Little Blue. But rather than using the between-songs banter intended for the viewing audience, she took a page from one of her favorite NPR podcasts and decided to share more of herself than ever before.

“The band and I loved how that concert came out so much,” she says. “I thought, what if I write an intro that’s my very personal inspiration for the song? I was listening to people doing that on the Moth Radio Hour and some of these people are so brave. I thought, well, maybe I could do that, too. So, I started putting these stories on paper.”

There’s little for listeners to fear in her detailed anecdotes, whether they’re about tracking down her absent father in Alaska or paying dues as a starving artist in New York City. However, other topics may feel immediately identifiable to anyone, like the impact of the #MeToo movement or growing up without money.

“Listening to this album as a whole now, I’ve gotten OK with the stories,” she says. “When I first started recording them, I had a couple of panic attacks, like, oh my God, I can’t do this. But now I feel like everyone has stuff.”

As a narrator, PI’s voice is engaging and witty, while her pacing is spot-on, with none of her stories turning into mere ramblings. For example, “First Thing Tomorrow” calls to mind the disappointment and shock that many people felt after the 2016 presidential election. Jacobs admits that she stayed drunk for a long time afterwards, just like the character in the song, but ultimately found redemption in activism.

However, for those who felt differently about that election, you can still relate to the lyrical theme of realizing that things aren’t going the way you anticipated–and that you’re not handling it very well. The animated music video, created by Turkish illustrator Mertcan Mertbilek, adds a fanciful and light feeling to the narrative.

Tellingly, LIVE FROM MEMPHIS concludes on an upbeat vibe with “Good Things,” a rousing song brimming with positive energy that she frequently saves for encores.

“It just has that feel. It’s uptempo and happy and that story has a nice message,” she says. “Just when you think things are darkest, the thing you least expect to happen will be a good thing.”

Q&A with PI JACOBS ABOUT “FIRST THING TOMORROW”
SONG AND VIDEO

What inspired you to write the song about the outcome of the 2016 election?

The beginning phrase, “Oh I’ve been drunk since the election” just popped into my head. It was funny, but also a little poignant. I wanted to try and write something light because I was having such a difficult time emotionally with the political atmosphere. I was depressed, drinking more than I should, and had a sense of impending doom that had started on that day in November. Music and humor seemed like a good way to deal with what I was feeling.

How did subsequently becoming involved as a social activist ultimately lessen the heartbreak of the election result?

I’m a “do-er” by nature. At first, I was so devastated that Trump won, and by all the subsequent actions (the wall, the Supreme Court, etc etc) that I found myself incapable of really doing much. I finally decided that action, even if it was futile, was better than sitting around feeling bad–and that I should stand up for what I believe even if it changed nothing.

What are your thoughts about the video and how the animation matches up with the song’s sentiment?

I think the video is hilarious and whimsical. I wanted it to be light-hearted, and Mertcan (Mertbilek) is such a humorous and surreal artist, he really delivered that. At the same time he really grasped my personal pain and struggle, and I love how my character goes from miserable to joyful and silly.

The LIVE FROM MEMPHIS track list is as follows:

“Broken Cup” intro
“Broken Cup”
“First Thing Tomorrow” intro
“First Thing Tomorrow”
“Rearview” intro
“Rearview”
“Party Girl” intro
“Party Girl”
“Weed And Wine” intro
“Weed And Wine”
“Diana The Hunter” intro
“Diana The Hunter”
“No Sin to be Poor” intro
“No Sin to be Poor”
“Good Things” intro
“Good Things”

A person sitting on the floor

Description automatically generated with medium confidence (Photo credit: Deb Morrisson Little, @shotsbymorrison)

PRESS ACCOLADES AND MEDIA REACH

Pi’s previous album Two Truths and a Lie was released Feb. 21, 2020 has been heard on NPR, DittyTV, Austin Music TV, The Alternate Root Magazine, Americana Highways, American Songwriter Magazine, and regularly on Radio Tastemakers, KCSN (LA), and WFUV (NYC), as well as stations across the nation, reaching #27 on the Alt Country Chart, and #25 on the Relix-Jamband Chart.

“Jacobs creates vivid images on par with masters like Tom Waits” —Americana Highways

“…a sultry, feminine, outlaw kind of sound” —American Songwriter

“the ease and wisdom of greats like Dolly Parton and Kris Kristofferson, she belongs in their company.” —Rock and Blues Muse

“nothing here that doesn’t impress at every turn. Hot. This’ll do to you what Lucinda’s white album did to you.” —Midwest Record

“Divorce…whiskey…legal problems…cheaters…lies. Whatever story comes next, it’s going to be a good one.” –Twangville

www.PiJacobs.com

Facebook.com/PiJacobsMusic

Instagram.com/PiJacobs

Youtube.com/PiJacobsMusic

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