Dawes Release "I Love LA" Single following opening the Grammys last night

For those moved by Dawes' terrific performance of "I Love L.A." at the Grammy Awards last night, read on...Robert Kinsler

DAWES SUPPORT HOMETOWN WITH “I LOVE L.A.”   LOS ANGELES-BASED BAND FOLLOW SURPRISE ALL-STAR PERFORMANCE AT LAST NIGHT’S 67TH ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS WITH EXCLUSIVE RENDITION OF RANDY NEWMAN CLASSIC – LISTEN   PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE RECORDING ACADEMY AND MUSICARES’ LOS ANGELES FIRE RELIEF EFFORT TO SUPPORT MUSIC PROFESSIONALS   OH BROTHER TOUR RESUMES APRIL 9 IN WOODSTOCK, NY

Acclaimed California rock band Dawes are following last night’s surprise appearance at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards with today’s release of their exclusive cover version of “I Love L.A.,” available everywhere now. Proceeds will benefit The Recording Academy and MusiCares’ Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort To Support Music Professionals. To contribute to the Recording Academy and MusiCares’ Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort, or if you or someone you know needs help, please visit musicares.org/firerelief.  LISTEN TO “I LOVE L.A.” Last night saw Dawes co-founders Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith kick off the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards by leading an all-star lineup – including Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent – for an unforgettable performance of Randy Newman’s classic ode to his beloved Los Angeles, honoring the City of Angels’ strength and resilience in the wake of last month’s devastating fires. Dawes now joins an impressive list of artists who have opened the GRAMMY® Awards over the years, including Beyonce and Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, U2, and many more.  Dawes – whose own lives were shattered by the fire’s unprecedented destruction – were also among the stars performing at last week’s star-studded FireAid benefit concert at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum. After opening their set with their own “Time Spent in Los Angeles,” Dawes were joined onstage by Stephen Stills and Mike Campbell for a performance of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.” The supergroup then welcomed Stills’ longtime friend and musical partner Graham Nash for an unforgettable rendition of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Teach Your Children” that saw everyone in attendance at the arena singing along in unison. Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith are among the many Los Angeles area residents whose lives have been impacted by the destructive fire. Griffin lost his home while Taylor lost his studio and most of the band’s musical gear and equipment. Dawes further supported MusiCares efforts to assist fellow musicians affected by the fire by visiting ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! to perform a special version of “Time Spent in Los Angeles,” originally found on their 2011 album, Nothing Is Wrong. WATCH “TIME SPENT IN LOS ANGELES” ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! “I Love L.A.” follows last year’s acclaimed release of Dawes’ ninth studio album, Oh Brother, available everywhere now. Exclusive split color vinyl, as well as an array of deluxe Oh Brother bundles, are available via the Dawes online store. Hailed by No Depression as “a staggering soundscape where guitar-talking, folk-rock, bleary-eyed grooves, and a kind of misfit pop all blur into one succinct soundtrack for these unprecedented times,” Oh Brother marks a distinctive new chapter for Dawes following 2022’s epic Misadventures of Doomscrollerand the amicable departure of two bandmates last year. The album steers Dawes decidedly forward, honoring 15 years of Taylor and Griffin’s musical relationship, as well as the next era and natural evolution of their beloved band. That spirit informed much of the writing and recording, with each track initially recorded live with just Taylor on guitar and vocals and Griffin on drums, later incorporating additional studio instrumentation and collaborating with touring guitarist Trevor Menear. Across its nine heartfelt songs — which move seamlessly between folk rock, piano ballads, and sprawling jams while maintaining both an immediately recognizable sound and a freedom from expectations — Oh Brothersees Dawes navigating new vistas in their personal and professional lives while remaining steadfastly creative, ambitious, and inspired.  Co-produced by Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith alongside longtime friend Mike Viola, Oh Brotherincludes such singles as “Mr. Los Angeles,” joined by a hilarious official music video starring Conan O’Brien and streaming now at YouTube following its exclusive world premiere via PEOPLE.com. Further highlights include the sprawling album centerpiece, “Surprise!,” “Still Strangers Sometimes,” and “House Parties,” the latter two accompanied by creative fan-focused official music videos streaming now at YouTube. Dawes have also shared an exclusive live studio performance videos of “Surprise!,” “House Parties” (featuring special guest Brad Paisley) and “Still Strangers Sometimes” (featuring Madison Cunningham and Mike Viola). In addition, Dawes paid a visit to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! for a late night TV performance of “House Parties” praised by Relix for “(Dawes’) energized approach and affinity for tapping into a feeling of sentimentalism through satirical lyrics – all the while maintaining their distinctive ability to conjure a scene and emulate a desired feeling.” STREAM OH BROTHER ORDER OH BROTHER EXCLUSIVE SPLIT COLOR VINYL + MORE Dawes spent much of last fall celebrating their new era traveling the US on their epic Oh Brother Tour, resuming April 9 at Woodstock, NY’s Bearsville Theatre. Support on most dates comes from Michigander. Dawes will also be among the artists joining Goose for Viva El Gonzo, a three-day destination festival presented by 100x Hospitality and set for May 8-10 in San José del Cabo, Mexico. In addition, Taylor Goldsmith will join forces with his longtime friend MC Taylor (of Hiss Golden Messenger) for The MC Taylor Goldsmith Show, a collaborative tour that will see the two Taylors play onstage together, performing a mix of songs from both artist’s catalogs in a number of intimate venues around the country. The once-in-a-lifetime live run begins March 6 at Chicago, IL’s Thalia Hall. For complete details and ticket availability, please visit dawestheband.com/tour.  DAWES - OH BROTHER TOUR 2025 MARCH 6 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall † 7 – Columbus, IN – The Oil Can † 8 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark † 9 -Charleston, WV – Mountain Stage † 11 – Albany, NY – The Egg † 12 – Beverley, MA – The Cabot † 13 – Fall River, MA – Narrows Center For The Arts † APRIL 9 – Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theatre * 10 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse * (SOLD OUT) 11 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia * 12 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre * 13 – Princeton, NJ – Matthews Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center 16 – Davenport, IA – Capitol Theatre * 17 – Madison, WI – The Majestic Theatre * (SOLD OUT) 18 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue * 19 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note * 21 – Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman Place * 23 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre * 25 – Kalispell, MT – Wachholz College Center * 26 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre * 27 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall * MAY 2025 8-10 – San José del Cabo, Mexico – Viva El Gonzo ^ * w/ Special Guests Michigander  † The MC Taylor Goldsmith Show ^ Festival Appearance # # #   DAWES OH BROTHER (Dead Ringers) Tracklist: Mr. Los Angeles Front Row Seat Still Strangers Sometimes Surprise! House Parties King of the Never-Wills The Game Enough Already Hilarity Ensues   CONNECT WITH DAWES: DAWESTHEBAND.COM | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK |TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

Sights and Sounds: 'Cop Rock,' 'Manhunter,' GRAMMY Museum program, Courtney Barnett, Goo Goo Dolls

After several long weekends of covering music in Indio (first Coachella, followed by Stagecoach), I'm actually looking forward to relaxing at home and taking in some entertainment from the comfort of my couch! Here is a roundup definitely geared toward taking in some music on the home front.

I'm highlighting several upcoming releases, as well as special live programs and TV appearances featured throughout the month of May 2016...

Cop Rock is finally coming to DVD on May 17, courtesy of Shout! Factory. All 10 episodes of the Steven Bochco 1990 series that blended police drama with rock-styled musical theater (including songs composed by Randy Newman), Cop Rock was truly episodic television ahead of its time. To quote the media release: "Cop Rock is finally on DVD - a cause for both celebration and a long-overdue reappraisal of a series that has been called one of the most unusual programs of all time."

Speaking of upcoming Shout! Factory releases, one of the best horror-thrillers of the 1980s, Manhunter (1986) is being released as a special Collector's Edition on Blu-ray on May 24, 2016.

Of special interest to music fans are some just-announced bonus features that focus on the music of the Michael Mann-directed film, including interviews with composer Michel Rubini, Barry Andrews (Shriekback), Rick Shaffer (The Reds), Gene Stashuk (Red 7), and Gary Putman (guitarist of the Prime Movers, whose song "Strong As I Am" is particularly memorable. Singer Gregory Markel's vocal performance ranks as one of rock's most compelling performances).

Information: ShoutFactory.com.

The GRAMMY Museum has announced a number of upcoming programs, including "Reel To Reel: CNN Original Series: The Eighties," where the Los Angeles museum will host an exclusive screening of the new episode "video Killed the Radio Star" at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18. The program is free.

The episode, "video Killed the Radio Star," delves into the advent of the digital revolution as MTV launched and audio CDs began to replace vinyl LPs. A panel discussion will follow the screening featuring journalist/filmmaker Nelson George and The Bangles' Susanna Hoffs.

Information: grammymuseum.org.

Courtney Barnett / Photo: Danny Clinch

In other news, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett will be featured as the musical guest on the season finale of Saturday Night Live airing on May 21.

This will mark the first time Barnett will play on the popular NBC-TV show. The episode will be hosted by former "SNL" cast member Fred Armisen, who will close out the late-night franchise's 41st season.

Barnett was terrific when I caught her full set at Coachella last month. Her acclaimed album Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit deserves all of the accolades it has earned since its release in March 2015; the disc is out now on Mom+Pop Music.

Information: courtneybarnett.com.au.

Goo Goo Dolls' new album Boxes is out worldwide today via Warner Bros. Records. The album's first single, "So Alive," will be performed by the band on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on May 12. "So Alive" was the #1 most added song at Hot AC radio upon release, and is already charting at #23 and climbing every week. Information: googoodolls.com.

Two-time Golden Globe Winner, Vonda Shepard, to release new album on July 10

Just because it's late on a Friday doesn't mean there isn't music news to share...

Vonda Shepard to Release 14^th Album 'Rookie' on Friday, July 10, 2015

-Two-time Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning singer-songwriter set to release first album of new material in seven years-

Singer-songwriter Vonda Shepard announces the upcoming release of her 14th album, Rookie, on July 10, 2015, funded through Kickstarter and under her own label. Shepard will release this album in celebration of being 25 years since the release of her self-titled Warner Bros. debut. 

“For me, Rookie is a landmark album. Suddenly, I’m a highly experienced human, who has nothing to lose, so I’m throwing myself out there on this album in a very raw, real and unadorned way,” says Shepard. “The album features songs looking back on long lost love, fading into the distance, from the perspective of a person who is digging deeper and reconciling these relationships.”  

This is Shepard’s sixth collaboration with producer Mitchell Froom (Crowded House, Elvis Costello and Randy Newman). To produce Rookie, Shepard raised $35,000 through Kickstarter, with the help of her family, fans and friends. The album contains original, concrete poetic images that showcase what someone can do with experience, talent and deep belief. The tone of Rookie harks back to the raw soul and sound of the seventies, sometimes reminiscent of the early Aretha days.

“We really should have vinyl for this album with an ‘A’ side and ‘B’ side, as half of the songs I’ve written are these super-funky tunes and the other half is piano/vocal ballads," Shepard says. "I’ve got a few songs that really focus on the soulful groove element—not as a cliché, but in my own way. There are also a couple of very catchy, pure pop songs in the lineup that I’m excited about.”

The optimistic lyrics of the album mirror the stage Shepard is at in her career and the title of the new album plays an ironic comparison to Shepard’s life—she’s an artist that has been around all the blocks. Shepard is coming off of her debut as a musical stage actress in Randy Newman’s “Faust: The Concert,” where critics have raved about her outstanding performance. Theatermania.com critic even stated that Shepard’s performance was “One of the year's great stage moments to date, Newman and multi-Emmy and Grammy winner Shepard brought the house down in the second act with the gorgeous duet "Feels Like Home.”  

   
Shepard released her first hit “Can’t We Try” in 1987 and followed it with “Don’t Cry Ilene” from her first album on Reprise Records in 1989. She went on to record three solo albums before rising to prominence in 1997 as the creative force behind the memorable theme song “Searching My Soul” for the TV series Ally McBeal. She played an integral part in writing and producing the music for the soundtrack as the show’s musical director and appeared in every episode as the resident performer at a bar where the characters would hang out after work.

In the 13 years since the TV hit ended its five-season run Shepard has released five albums and toured extensively in Europe and at her own international and domestic concerts. 

Fans can download Rookie on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and at www.vondashepard.com.

To learn more about Shepard’s latest album, watch behind the scene videos or to learn more about her upcoming performances please visit www.vondashepard.com. 

About Vonda Shepard

Vonda Shepard is a singer-songwriter and musician, best known for being former musical director of Ally McBeal and recently acting and singing on stage in the New York revival of Randy Newman’s “Faust: The Concert” starring Randy Newman. Shepard is currently recording her fourteenth album, Rookie, set to be released in July 2015. The album, which has been funded through Kickstarter, will feature a mixture of moods and tempos, with slightly more emphasis on the upbeat than previous albums.

For more information on Shepard and her music, visit www.vondashepard.com. Become a fan at Facebook.com/VondaShepard or follow on Twitter @VondaShepard.

Sights & Sounds: Vonda Shepard launches Kickstarter campaign to fund new album; Richie Sambora & Orianthi coming to TV

Happy Friday everybody. Here are the latest news items of note to land in my inbox! Fans of talented singer-songwriter-keyboardist Vonda Shepard will want to participate in her forthcoming Kickstarter effort. And there is also news about a special television special featuring a performance on "Happy Xmas/War is Over" on the anniversary of John Lennon's tragic murder on Dec. 8, 1980...

Vonda Shepard Launches Kickstarter Campaign to Fund New Album

Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician turns to fans to raise funds to produce new record

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (December 5, 2014) – Kicking off on December 8, singer/songwriter Vonda Shepard, turns to fans and followers to help raise the funds to record her fourteenth album through Kickstarter. Most people know Shepard as the musical voice and bar singer in every episode of Ally McBeal as well as the behind the scenes producer for artists such as Gladys Knight, Sting, Barry Manilow, Al Green, Chubby Checker and Jon Bon Jovi. Recently Shepard performed in the revival of Randy Newman’s “Faust: The Concert,” starring Randy Newman, and garnered rave reviews from top critics. “Ms. Shepard’s soulful singing brought out the yearning quality in Mr. Newman’s own,” said Charles Isherwood of the New York Times. David Gordon from Theater Mania stated, “And in one of the year’s great stage moments to date, Newman and multi-Emmy and Grammy winner Shepard brought down the house in the second act with the gorgeous duet, ‘Feels Like Home.’”

From private house concerts to signed platinum records, Shepard has created rewards for those who support, including nostalgic memorabilia and once in a lifetime experiences. This holiday season, Shepard is setting out to raise $35,000 to cover the costs of production. If the campaign exceeds that goal, the funds will go towards adding real strings, horns and other production to the recordings as well as marketing and promotion efforts for the album once released. The campaign kicks off December 8 and will last a month, ending on January 5.

“I have been writing songs for this album for several years now, and I am really excited to share these with my friends and fans,” said Shepard. “The material for the album is comprised of two very diverse styles with half of the songs having a strong emphasis on upbeat, funky dance tunes and the other half focusing on my classic singer/songwriter, heart-wrenching style that I have been known for in the past. I feel that these songs are going to be really gratifying to play live.”

Throughout the Kickstarter campaign, Shepard has set milestone markers to create incentives and perks for her loyal supporters. When she hits specific fundraising goals, Shepard will post behind the scenes video previews of the new record to give followers a taste of what is to be expected. All donors and supporters who give $20 or more to the campaign will also receive a copy of the final album once it is completed and for a $25 donation Shepard will send a signed album. Near the middle of the campaign, Shepard has a scheduled performance at the WitZend in Venice Calif. on December 20 to keep the energy rolling throughout the Kickstarter.

Shepard had her first hit in 1987 with “Can’t We Try,” and followed it up with “Don't Cry Ilene” from her first album on Reprise records. Still, she was a relative unknown when she was picked up in 1997 for “Ally McBeal,” where her popularity skyrocketed. While on “Ally McBeal”, Shepard recorded four albums for Sony 550. Since then, Shepard has released four more albums of original material, two live albums, a live DVD and toured extensively, further solidifying her fan base with her electrifying shows. In addition, she opened for Sugarland’s summer 2010 and 2011 tours and has been performing at her own international and domestic concerts, plus numerous private and fundraising events.

                                                                                                                                                                                     

Following the Kickstarter campaign, Shepard has scheduled shows at Feinstein’s in San Francisco on January 16 & 17. She also has a planned concert at the Belly Up in San Diego with date to follow.

To support and follow the progress of Shepard’s Kickstarter campaign, or to learn more about her upcoming performances please visit www.vondashepard.com.

About Vonda Shepard:

Vonda Shepard is a singer/songwriter and musician, best known for being former musical director of Ally McBeal and recently acting and singing on stage in the New York revival of Randy Newman’s “Faust: The Concert” starring Randy Newman. Shepard is currently writing her fourteenth album with plans for a summer 2015 release. To fund the album, Shepard created a crowdfunding Kickstarter campaign that will run from December 8 to January 5. For more information on Shepard and her music visit www.VondaShepard.com. Become a fan at Facebook.com/VondaShepard or follow on Twitter @VondaShepard.

Rockers coming to Hallmark Channel on December 8, 2014 to celebrate message of peace during holidays

Guitarist Richie Sambora

Richie Sambora, Orianthi and a children’s choir from the School of Rock LA will take the Home & Family stage on Monday, December 8, 2014 for a moving performance of the classic song “Happy Xmas/War Is Over.” Tune into the Hallmark Channel at 10 a.m. ET/PT. After choosing this song to perform at The 83^rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, Richie had the children over to his home to rehearse and spoke to them about the peaceful message of the song. He was taken aback by how beautiful they sounded – the children singing the John Lennon lyrics pays ultimate tribute to the spirit in which the Beatle wrote the song. A torrential rain storm prevented the Parade performance from happening, and now they finally have the opportunity to perform the song together for the first time on Home & Family. Be sure to tune in to catch this special moment! 

THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 2013 INDUCTEES

I'm thrilled to see that both Rush and Heart are finally getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Here is the official release. The induction ceremony will be held in Los Angeles in April 2013...Damn, I wish I had HBO!


28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to air on HBO on May 18, 2013

* * * * *

Tickets for Ceremony On Sale Beginning January 25th




Rush features, from left, Geddy Lee, Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson

  Los Angeles, CA (December 11, 2012) – At a press conference held earlier today at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist and 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Flea announced the list of performer inductees and Ahmet Ertegun Award recipients for induction. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees for 2013 are as follows:

Performer Category:

Heart sisters Nancy and Ann Wilson

•Heart

•Albert King

•Randy Newman

•Public Enemy

•Rush

•Donna Summer



Ahmet Ertegun (non performer) Award:

•Lou Adler

•Quincy Jones


Scheduled for Thursday, April 18, 2013, the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. This marks the first time since 1993 that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on the West Coast. The ceremony will again be open to the public, as it was in 2009 and 2012 in Cleveland.

Joel Peresman, President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, said, “We are thrilled to announce this year’s class of inductees, which again represents the broad, compelling and significant definition of rock and roll.”


The induction ceremony will broadcast on HBO on Saturday, May 18 at 9pm ET/PT. Said Michael Lombardo, President of HBO Programming, "We are excited to team up once again with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for what is sure to be an incredible evening of one-of-a-kind performances.”


Ticket Purchase Information

Tickets to the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony go on sale to the public on Friday, January 25th. For more ticketing information, visit www.rockhall.com. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Members will have the opportunity to purchase advance sale tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2013 Inductions. Memberships must be active as of January 1st, 2013. Some restrictions apply. Visit rockhall.com or reference the Rock Hall Membership e-newsletter for details.

The 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performer inductees were chosen by more than 500 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. To be eligible for nomination, an individual artist or band must have released its first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. The 2013 Nominees had to release their first recording no later than 1987.


For the first time in its history, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame offered fans the opportunity to officially participate in the induction selection process. The public was able to visit www.rockhall.com, www.hbo.com, www.CNN.com and www.rollingstone.com to cast votes for who they believe to be most deserving of induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The top five artists, as selected by the public, comprised a “fans’ ballot” that was tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2013 inductees.


All inductees are ultimately represented in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a nonprofit organization that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music. It carries out this mission both through its operation of a world-class museum that collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets this art form; and through its library and archives, as well as its educational activities.