New music: Clay Dubose, Denise La Grassa

In this column, I review the latest studio album releases from Clay Dubose and Denise La Grassa.

Artist: Clay Dubose
Title: Father Time & Mother Nature (Lazy River Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Isbell, Ted Russell Kamp, Michael Ubaldini, Janiva Magness
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Clay Dubose has released Father Time & Mother Nature, an aptly-titled studio album that taps into love, loss, family ties and mortality with lyrical depth while showcasing the Texas-based artist's rewarding mix of Americana, blues, rock and country. What's more, the Ted Russell Kamp-produced album is bolstered by a terrific lineup of top-tier studio musicians including Danny Timms (piano, keyboards), John Schreffler (pedal steel), Eric Core (harmonica), Brian Whelan (piano), Jamie Douglas (drums) and the aforementioned Kamp (bass). There is a real world depth heard in the songs on the album, ranging from the opening cut "When Heroes Say Goodbye" (whose lyrics look at the loss of musical greats such as Tom Petty, Prince and Neil Peart when they pass away too soon) and infectious original "Dreams Come Untrue" to the affecting "I Hope You're Watching" (reflecting on the death of Dubose's father), emotive Baroque ballad "New Game Now" and driving blues harp-adorned "Growing Wild." The ambitious title track includes the late Neal Casal's atmospheric guitar work and guest vocals from celebrated singer Janiva Magness. Information: claydubose.com.

Artist: Denise La Grassa
Title: A Crossroads Communion (deelagee Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Janiva Magness, Memphis Minnie, Shemekia Copeland
Tell me more: Denise La Grassa has released an album that conjures up the magic of Chicago blues even while showcasing her own unique voice and strong religious faith. A Crossroads Communion is a nine-track album that will reward lovers of classic artists such as Howlin' Wolf and Memphis Minnie (just listen to the powerful take on Albert King's "I'll Play The Blues For You") as well as those who have discovered the magic of trance blues icon Otis Taylor (as evidenced by the propulsive original opener "Big Bad Dream" or decidedly original "Joyride"). Other standouts on the album include the traditional-styled "These Vain Games," hypnotic "Who Will Mourn You?" and funk-tinged closer "Go Bad Mouth Yourself." La Grassa's signature vocals shine across the outstanding disc. Information: deniselagrassa.com.

Robert Kinsler 

New music: Collective Soul, GA-20 with Charlie Musselwhite, Brad "Guitar" Wilson

In this column I preview highly-anticipated albums from Collective Soul and a collaboration between GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite both due Friday, July 31, as well as the newly-released Brad "Guitar" Wilson LP Boundless.

Artist: Collective Soul

Title: Touch and Go (Fuzze-Flex Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, Collective Soul, Devo

Tell me more: Collective Soul is back with another masterful album, Touch and Go (due July 31), loaded with winning original material that is bolstered by undeniable choruses, tight arrangements, lead vocalist Ed Roland's signature vocals and strong performances. Inspired by groundbreaking New Wave rock, notably The Cars, this album blends the best of the late 1970s and early '80s with Collective Soul's masterful modern rock touch. Catchy material to be sure, Touch and Go's standouts include the Cars-flavored opener "Rainbow," wistful synth-swept "Eye On You," dance-minded new wave rocker "Uh Oh," delightfully Devo-ish "Fun," dreamy "Feel" and anthemic album closer "Love Your Way." My favorite track is the sumptuous "All My Days On Thru," which soars and captures the euphoria of romantic bliss perfectly. 

Originally released earlier this spring as part of Record Store Day, Touch and Go will now be available globally via all digital outlets, as well on CD and 180-gram teal-marble colored vinyl. Collective Soul is currently on tour, and is scheduled to perform at Humphreys Concerts By The Bay in San Diego on Sept. 25, and at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, AZ on Sept. 26. Information: collectivesoul.com. 

Artists: GA-20 with Charlie Musselwhite

Title: Blues  Now (New West Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Charlie Musselwhite, Kim Wilson, James Harman

Tell me more: Now 82, beloved Mississippi blues harmonica legend Charlie Musselwhite impresses on the three advance tracks from the 10-track disc Blues Now where the Grammy winner has joined forces with the stellar Boston-based trio GA-20. The strength of the album (set for release on Friday, July 31) may well be rooted in the straightforward recording of the album; in early 2025 GA-20 booked six days of studio time at Rare Signals in Cambridge, MA and collected some of their favorite songs originally recorded by Elmore James, Junior Wells, Eddie Taylor, Jimmy Reed and even a couple of cuts off Musselwhite's own 1968 debut Stand Back! The idea was to record the songs quickly and capture the energy of Musselwhite's celebrated debut but with a contemporary spin. Listening to the initial trio of cuts from the Matthew Stubbs-produced Blues Now it's clear this was a mission fully accomplished. Indeed, blues lovers will want to hear the joyfully infectious Chicago blues cut "I Can't Hold Out," stylish take on Reed's 1962 ballad "I'll Change My Style" bolstered by Musselwhite's signature harmonica magic, and the fiery "Crazy Love." Blues Now is available across digital platforms, on audio CD, standard black vinyl and several limited edition color vinyl formats. GA-20 will perform at the Blues Heritage Festival in Tucson, AZ on Nov. 7, and at Tumbleroot Brewery in Santa Fe, NM on Nov. 8. Information: ga20band.com. 

Artist: Brad "Guitar" Wilson

Title: Boundless (Cali Bee Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Robert Cray, Tommy Castro, CCCCC

Tell me more: Singer-guitarist Brad "Guitar" Wilson showcases his distinctive style blending rock, blues, jazz and R&B on the newly-released Boundless. The songs were recorded in Hollywood, California's Musician's Institute Studios, Central California's Mondragon Studios, and at ICP Studios in Brussels, Belgium. Highlights include a reworked reading of the Roy Hawkins and Rick Darnell penned B.B. King classic "The Thrill Is Gone," blues-rock take on the 1961 Ray Charles hit "Hit the Road Jack," original Heartland-flavored rocker "Gonna Stay Or Go," a wonderful cover of Tears For Fears' Everybody Wants To Rule The World" (the latter enhanced by Wilson's sharp lead guitar playing), Americana sortie "Wild and Free," jazzy "San Francisco Nights" and smooth "Blues Magic." Information: bradwilsonlive.com. 

Robert Kinsler

New music: Pete Ham tribute, Sam Barber, Carmen Ratti Band

In this column, I review three outstanding new audio titles available now.

Artists: Mike Delevante, Pezband, Sharp Pins, Bill Lloyd, more
Title: Just Look Inside The Cover — Songs Of Pete Ham (Y&T Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Guided by Voices

Tell me more: Beloved Welsh singer-songwriter Pete Ham was only 27 when he tragically took his own life on April 24, 1975. Despite his death at such a young age, the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of Badfinger left an incredible legacy and has undeniably influenced countless artists over the past 50 years. Now a special tribute album titled Just Look Inside The Cover — Songs Of Pete Ham further celebrates Ham's timeless talent; this unique album features songs that were only previously released as home demos and never recorded by Badfinger. The songs are treasures to be sure, and those Ham-penned compositions are bolstered by a wide range of artists who bring magic across the 22-track collection. Early standouts on the marathon-length tribute include the melodic opener "A Lonely Day" performed by Mike Delevante, Pezband's wonderfully Beatlesque "Tulip," Eric Dover's rollicking "Leaving On A Midnight Train," Bill Lloyd's luxurious "Our Song," Rob Bonfiglio's soaring harmonies-filled "Hand in Hand" and Mary Karizen's genre-defying delight "Dawn." Fans of Badfinger will love The Fraternals' anthemic power pop sortie "Catherine Cares." The collection's parade of treasures continues via Tobin Sprout's tender "Keep Your Country Tidy," Humbert's affecting "Little Mary," The Parlophonics' joyful "Make Me Feel Good," Richard Barone's mellifluous "I'm Only Human," Mark Healey's wistful "It Doesn't Really Matter" and Ron Griffiths' soulful "Take Good Care of My Baby." Another top-flight track on the disc is Bob Jackson's "Just Look Inside The Cover," a track that could have been a hit in the 1970s or '80s, and is deserving of airplay aplenty in 2026. Released on June 19, Just Look Inside The Cover is one of the greatest and most essential collections of early 2026. Information: ytmusiconline.com. 

Artist: Sam Barber
Title: Broken View (Atlantic Outpost)
You might like if you enjoy: Noah Kahan, Tyler Childers

Tell me more: Sam Barber's second studio album, Broken View, finds the rising young Americana singer-songwriter exploring the world around him with uncanny depth and artistry. Only 23, Barber has quickly become one of his generation's most acclaimed artists; last month he won "Breakthrough Country Artist" at the 2026 American Music Awards. Broken View is an album whose songs have a palpable power that hit their mark with a single listen and Barber's authentic vocals fully bolster the 13 originals on the disc. The biting aptly-titled opener "Borrowed Time," introspective roots rocker "Far Past" examining an imperfect relationship, emotional "Just A Kid," lost love-minded title track, yearning "All For You," emotional "Satellite" and gorgeous "I Will Follow" are among the stellar songs on the outstanding album. Barber will spend much of the rest of 2026 on tour, and upcoming dates include at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on July 18, and at Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix, AZ on Dec. 11. Information: sambarbermusic.com.

Artist: Carmen Ratti Band
Title: Come to Me (MoMojo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Janiva Magness

Tell me more: San Francisco Bay Area's Carmen Ratti Band featuring singer Jill Dineen has released the blues album Come to Me, an 11-track disc that showcases the troupe's energetic blend of electric blues and roots music. Formed in 2018, the ensemble artfully infuses gospel, soul, rock blues and even funk into material on the disc. The album features a slew of great tracks including the driving soul gem "Get In Line," the nuanced ballad "Come to Me," Southern-styled blues sortie "I Can See," gospel ballad "Blessing In The Blues," Southern rock-tinged "Coming Down" and R&B "Pretty Good Man." In addition to Carmen Ratti (vocals, guitar) and Dineen (lead vocals), the band includes Tony "Macaroni" Lufrano (organ, piano), Steve Hazlewood (bass) and Randy Hayes (drums). Information: carmenrattiband.com.

Robert Kinsler

New music: The Greenberry Woods, Sherri Harding

In this column I review the latest releases from the Greenberry Woods and singer Sherri Harding.

Artist: The Greenberry Woods
Title: It's All Good, Sugar... (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Jellyfish, Badfinger, Jason Falkner, Big Star, Psychic Rain

Tell me more: Not only have the Greenberry Woods returned after an extended hiatus of 30 years via the new 12-track disc It's All Good, Sugar..., but the Baltimore-based indie pop/alt-rock troupe sounds like they never took a day off. The album features a parade of great originals bolstered by top-tier lead vocals, melodic songcraft, tight arrangements, stellar vocal harmonies and emotional resonance. Indeed, founding members/twins Brandt Huseman and Matt Huseman along with Ira Katz, Paul Krysiak and Joel Parsons have released one of the great albums of 2026. The instantly-infectious opener "Summer Song," 80's-minded tuneful nugget "Waiting 'Round For Something To Go Wrong," reflective "Whenever You Want Me Too" (the latter a bona fide piece of ear candy perfection), and rocking "Lame Love Letter" are early standouts on the album. The LP's undeniable charm continues with the Baroque foray "On The Day We Drowned," poignant "That Won't Make You Love Me" (the latter a track that particularly hit home with yours truly), lovely "Leave The Light On" and irresistible album closer "December Boy." There is not a wasted moment on It's All Good, Sugar..., an incredible return. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Sherri Harding
Title: Storyland (Instant Replay Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Ruthie Foster, Janiva Magness, Mavis Staples 

Tell me more: Fans of the countless great recordings to come out of the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama will be thrilled with songstress Sherri Harding's latest album Storyland. Armed with a rich and expressive soprano, Harding and a cast of terrific musicians shine across the LP. While the album was recorded in Ottawa, there are strong and definite ties between Harding and Muscle Shoals (indeed, the Muscle Shoals Horns recorded their parts in Alabama for the project). Harding's signature vocals enhance the songs and arrangements across Storyland. The soulful opener "All Around The World," Southern blues-styled foray "Down In The Shoals," emotive duet with Jeff Rogers titled "Throughout It All," and electric blues burner "Rainy Day" (the latter featuring some sharp guitar work from Kelvin Holly and Robert Farrell) are early standouts on the 11-track disc. The jazzy "Dark-Eyed Junco," soulful "Bad Weather," gorgeous piano ballad "Tell Me You're Mine," and the rousing title track propel the album on its last half. Information: sherriharding.com.

Robert Kinsler 

Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band bring parade of hits to Prescott Valley

Ringo Starr performing in Prescott Valley, AZ
on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band

Where: Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ

When: Sunday, May 31, 2026

Next: The tour includes stops in Tucson, AZ on June 3; in Phoenix, AZ on June 12 and at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on June 14

Tickets: www.RingoStarr.com

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Daryl Weisser

Few concert events are as fun as an evening featuring Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band. Indeed, as a member of the greatest and most influential band of all time, former Beatles drummer/vocalist Starr elevates the proceedings with a troupe that features a top-tier lineup of musical giants who bring their own talents to the show.

Ringo Starr behind his famous Ludwig drum set.

At a dazzling sold-out concert staged at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ on May 31, 2026, Starr and his six-man band delivered a night of delightful nostalgia that was fueled by nearly two dozen bona fide radio favorites. 

Guitar great Steve Lukather performing at the Findlay Toyota Center.

Opening with "Matchbox" (a song penned by Carl Perkins in the 1950s, and recorded by the Beatles in 1964), Starr, 85, sounded in stellar form vocally as he danced and moved to the music; lead guitarist Steve Lukather unleashed some fiery fret work. The pace and magic of the concert continued with the followup cut "It Don't Come Easy," an enduring 1971 classic rock gem co-written by Starr and George Harrison, proving to be one of the more poignant songs of the night. 

Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band performing in Prescott Valley, AZ.

Drummer Gregg Bissonette in action in Prescott Valley, AZ.

After those two tracks featuring Starr on lead vocals, the night featured a flow where other band members would sing hits associated with their careers too. For example, Lukather was featured on a trio of winning Toto classics ("Rosanna," "Hold The Line" and the sumptuous "Africa"), while Men at Work lead singer Colin Hay sang three of that band's best-known hits ("Down Under," "Overkill," and "Who Can It Be Now?") and Average White Band singer-guitarist-bassist Hamish Stuart sang a trio of numbers too (including the funky "Pick Up the Pieces").

From left, Steve Lukather, Warren Ham and Ringo Starr on May 31, 2026.

Ringo Starr in Prescott Valley, AZ.

Multi-instrumentalist Warren Ham playing the harmonica on May 31.

But there is little doubt the main attraction for those pinching themselves that the 2026 Spring Tour had arrived in this relatively little known mountain town in Central Arizona was the chance to hear Fab Four classics sung by a Beatle. The rollicking "Boys" was bolstered by Warren Ham's solid harmonica blasts. "Yellow Submarine" was an infectious sing-along and genuinely joyful. Rousing performances of "Octopus's Garden," "I Wanna Be Your Main," "Act Naturally" and the night-ending "With A Little Help From My Friends" were gold. Starr, his band and everyone in the crowd seemed thrilled at every turn.

From left, Hamish Stuart and Colin Hay at the Findlay Toyota Center.

Additionally, Starr showcased gems from his solo career including the confessional "I'm the Greatest" (a song written by John Lennon for Starr), catchy "No No Song," timeless "Photograph" and even "Choose Love" — the latter from his recently-issued country music album Long Long Road.

If you have a chance to catch Starr and company in concert this month, don't miss it.

Steve Lukather, left, with Ringo Starr.

New music: Peter Frampton, Jason Aldean, The Corner Laughers

In this column I highlight the highly-recommended returns from Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Frampton, country music great Jason Aldean and indie folk-pop quartet The Corner Laughers. 

Artist: Peter Frampton
Title: Carry the Light (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Peter Frampton, Sheryl Crow, Bill Evans, H.E.R.

Tell me more: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Frampton is back with Carry the Light, his first album of all-new material in 16 years. Co-written and produced with his son Julian Frampton, Carry the Light features guest appearances from singer Sheryl Crow, saxophone player Bill Evans, guitarists H.E.R. and Tom Morello, singer Graham Nash and keyboardist Benmont Tench. But make no mistake, it are Frampton's top-tier talents as singer and guitar master that anchor the outstanding 10-track effort. The depth and range of material on the album is impressive to be sure, from the intoxicating world music-flavored title track, fiery blues rocker "Lions At The Gate," the gorgeous "I'm Sorry Elle" (the latter featuring Nash on guest vocals) and confessional "Breaking The Mold" are all early standouts. The nuanced "I Can't Let It Be," jazzy "Can You Take Me There," genre-blending "Tinderbox" and expressive instrumental "At The End Of The Day" are among the highlights on the last half of the LP. My favorite cut on the album is "Buried Treasure," a blistering rocker that is actually a tribute to Tom Petty's SiriusXM radio show of the same name that forcefully showcases Frampton's signature vocals and virtuoso lead guitar work. Information: peterframpton.com.

Artist: Jason Aldean
Title: Songs About Us (BBR Music Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Aldean, Daughtry, Southern rock

Tell me more: Country music great Jason Aldean is back with his 12th studio album, Songs About Us, an ambitious disc that finds the Macon, Georgia native continuing to deliver infectious rock-flavored lived-in modern country tracks that touch on themes of romance and heartbreak, determination in the face of defeat and independence with a masterful touch. The parade of alluring songs includes the stellar anguish-mining opener "Anytime Soon," rocking "Drinking About You," tender "How Far Does A Goodbye Go," surefire sing-along "Good Thing Going," reflective "Backroads Of My Memory," soaring "Easier Gone," and luxurious love song "Her Favorite Color." Information: jasonaldean.com. 

Artist: The Corner Laughers
Title: Concerns Of Wasp And Willow (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Belle And Sebastian, XTC, Kate Bush, Neko Case

Tell me more: There is something both decidedly different and wonderfully familiar in the inviting sound of Northern California-based The Corner Laughers. The indie-pop quartet has returned after a five-year absence with the wonderful Corners Of Wasp And Willow, an album that showcases the stellar talents of Karla Kane (lead vocals, ukulele), Khoi Huynh (bass, vocals), KC Bowman (guitar, vocals) and Charlie Crabtree (drums) with aplomb. The 10-song disc features a myriad of wonderful originals including the environmental-minded opener "Terra Mia," shimmering melodic gem "Dusking," dream-swept retro folk sortie "Rainbow Cardigan," beautiful "The Harvestman," tuneful Halloween-aimed nugget "Dark Matter," luxurious "Victoria Sponge" and evocative album closer "Larkspur Landing." The Corner Laughers have crafted a marvelously literate album that would have sounded great if it had been issued a generation ago and one that will undoubtedly resonate with listeners decades from now. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

New music: Kacey Musgraves, The Knack, Duke Robillard

In this column I showcase the latest album releases from celebrated country music great Kacey Musgraves, power pop heroes The Knack and legacy blues singer-songwriter/guitar master Duke Robillard.

Artist: Kacey Musgraves
Title: Middle of Nowhere (Lost Highway/Interscope)
You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson, Billy Strings

Tell me more: Kacey Musgraves is back! The acclaimed country music artist's seventh studio album has been met with widespread acclaim and for good reason. The 13-track album chronicles life's ups and downs with authenticity, heart and an infectious musical soundscape that will keep discerning listeners coming back again and again. There are so many highlights on the album, country music lovers will want to dive into the track listing with abandon. Musgraves wrote many of the songs after a painful divorce and period of isolation so the songs have a heft that will resonate with a single listen. The reflective ballad "Back On The Wagon," accordion-drenched two-stepping duet with Willie Nelson titled "Uncertain, TX," steamy "Mexico Honey," irresistible "I Believe in Ghosts" and aptly-titled "Loneliest Girl" are among the great originals on the disc. The playful "Horses and Divorces" is a winning duet teaming the top-tier vocal talents of Musgraves and Miranda Lambert. Based on the strength of her fantastic performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April, fans will want to catch her in concert this fall. Musgraves' forthcoming "Middle of Nowhere" Tour includes dates in Phoenix, AZ on Oct. 17 and in Los Angeles on Oct. 18 and Oct. 19. Information: kaceymusgraves.com. 

Artist: The Knack
Title: Knackology: The Zen Recordings (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, The Knack, Badfinger, Matthew Sweet

Tell me more: The power and excitement of The Knack's explosive power pop-meets-New Wave sound shines across the 19 studio, live and demo tracks featured on the newly-released Knackology: The Zen Recordings. From the ferocious opener "Let Me Out" (recorded live in Los Angeles in 1978), intoxicating rockers "Pop Is Dead" and "Ambition" (the latter two cuts from the band's essential 1998 LP Zoom) to a terrific cover of Badfinger's 1970 Pete Ham-penned hit "No Matter What," a breezy 1973 demo of "That's What The Little Girls Do," power pop perfection courtesy of "Can I Borrow A Kiss" and a hard rocking "Shine" captured at Leeds in 1991, magic abounds on this must-have collection. Among the other standouts are energetic live takes on some of The Knack's most beloved originals; inspired readings of "(She's So) Selfish" and "My Sharona" captured at a concert in Mountain View, California in June 1994 as well as the affecting "One Day At A Time" recorded in 2002 will thrill new and long-time fans of the Doug Fieger-led troupe. Mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Michael Graves, the package also includes liner notes from Grammy-winning set co-producer Lee Lodyga. Information: omnivorerecordings.com. 

Artist: Duke Robillard and His All Star Band
Title: Blast Off! (Nola Blue Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Dr. John, Tommy Castro, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Allen Toussaint

Tell me more: Duke Robillard, who recently celebrated his 77th birthday, is firing on all cylinders across his latest album Blast Off! Indeed, the legendary singer-songwriter/guitar great along with his All Star Band explore his love of blues, soul, R&B, jazz and more American roots genres across the 12-song collection. The album's parade of inviting cuts includes the exuberant Floyd Dixon-penned opener "When I Get Lucky," the jump blues sortie "I'll Be Glad When You're Dead (You Rascal You)," Chicago blues-styled ballad "Feel My Cares" showcasing Robillard's guitar chops and signature vocals, the instrumental swing foray "Play Boy Hop," soulful "Confusion" and lead guitar-anchored instrumental blues track "Galactic Grease." The album was produced by Robillard, and was recorded and mixed by John Paul Gauthier at Lakewest Recording in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Information: nolabluerrecords.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Coachella Festival 2026 Weekend 2 Recap

"Visage Brut" by the Los Angeles
Design Group

What: Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Who: The xx, Lykke Li, David Byrne, Sombr, Alex G, Foster the People, more 

When: April 17-19, 2026

Where: Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA

Review and photography by Robert Kinsler

Editorial note: You can read coverage on the Desert Local News website that includes writer George A. Paul's favorite performances of Weekend 2 HERE

Additionally, George A. Paul's complete coverage of his experience at Weekend 2 of Coachella is available on his Music Minded blog HERE

Artist Kyriakos Chatziparaskevas' "Starry Eyes" art installation made quite an
impression with Coachellagoers this year.

Friday, April 17

My Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival Weekend 2 experience began with a chance to get an authentic flavor of the Coachella Valley's rich history via an outstanding performance by Cahuilla Bird Singers and Dancers (as seen in the image above). While a large group of men stood on stage and sang/chanted and told stories behind the selections sung in their original language, about a dozen women stood in the area in front of the Gobi Stage and danced throughout the 30-minute performance.

Following that, the Bob Baker Marionettes brought bona fide fun to the Gobi Stage. The fast-moving variety show blended a number of musical styles as elaborate string puppets were brought to life by skilled marionettists. What's more, Irish singer CMAT (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson) joined the Marionettes to singer her own song "Take a Sexy Picture of Me" during the 40-minute set. She joined the principal marionette, "Pink Cat," to sing the song. You can learn more about the Los Angeles area-based Bob Baker Marionette Theater HERE.

 

Lykke Li performing in front of a large crowd gathered in front of the
Outdoor Theatre on Friday afternoon.

One of the genuine joys of my more than 20 years of attending Coachellafest is the discovery of groundbreaking artists new to me. On Friday, April 17, I caught Swedish singer-songwriter Lykke Li's 50-minute set on the Outdoor Theatre stage. An artist whose ambition is matched equally by her on-stage persona and originality blending electropop, dance pop and indie stylings, her performance was never less than compelling. The songs had strong dynamics and even when the intent may have simply been to get concertgoers to move in rhythm to the music, there was emotional weight to the originals. My favorites included the introspective ballad "Highway To Your Heart," synthesizer-swept "Sick of Love," and romance-minded dance "Little Bit."

The xx thrilled throughout their fast-moving set on April 17. Pictured on the big
screens, from left, are guitarist Romy Bradley Croft and bassist Oliver Sim.

I was no stranger to the magical power of The xx, having previously caught them at the Empire Polo Club grounds in 2017 (you can read my review of that event HERE). The band's appearance this year again proved why the acclaimed British trio is so compelling, with their distinctive approach the perfect fit with the magic of performing on the Coachella Stage at dusk. Atmospheric and dreamy standouts included the lovely opener "Crystalised" and followup "Say Something Loving" (with guitarist Romy Bradley Croft and bassist Oliver Sim sharing lead vocal duties on both tracks), "Angels" and tender "Shelter"; The xx was more forceful on the sweeping "Fiction" and aptly-titled "Loud Places." The soaring masterwork "Intro" closed out the bewitching 55-minute performance.

Saturday, April 18

Kacey Musgraves, lower left, performing in the Mohave Tent on April 18.

Weekend 2 attendees scored a musical jackpot with the addition of Texas country music superstar Kacey Musgraves who performed in a packed (and I mean packed!) Mohave Tent on Saturday afternoon; this also marked her first performance at Coachella in seven years. The beloved songstress made the most impressive entrance of the weekend when she rode a horse to the side entrance of the tent, and then proceeded to kill it with one of the most memorable sets of the weekend. Opening with the wistful title track off her forthcoming album Middle of Nowhere (due May 1, 2026), she treated concertgoers to several other nuggets from the album including the infectious "Uncertain, TX" (complete with country line dancers sharing the stage with Musgraves and her seven-man band), and beautiful pedal steel-swept "Back on the Wagon." Other highlights of the 53-minute set included the romantic kiss-off "Space Cowboy," mid tempo "Slow Burn," shimmering "Golden Hour," a rousing cover of George Strait's "All My Ex's Live in Texas" and playful "Dry Spell."

Alex G photo credit: Anna Downs
Photo courtesy of Coachella

The sonic echoes of Dinosaur Jr., Band of Horses, the Hooters and a slew of other personal faves seemed to emerge during singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Alex G's wide-ranging Saturday 50-minute afternoon set on the Outdoor Theatre stage. Some selections were super dense and heavy (the post-goth opener "Louisiana" comes to mind) or wonderfully melodic ("Gretel"), while others landed in a genre-defying area ("June Guitar" where Alex G played an extended solo on accordion) or even tapped into classic rock and punk territory. 

Sombr photo credit: Alden Bonecutter
Photo courtesy of Coachella

Billy Idol photo credit: E Tantra
Photo courtesy of Coachella

If you have not yet heard of singer-songwriter Sombr (the moniker for New York City native Shane Michael Boose), you can be sure this mini-review will not be the last time you hear about the rising 20-year-old talent. 

Armed with model looks, charisma aplenty and a terrific voice, the rising star impressed at every turn. And it didn't hurt that he brought Billy Idol and guitarist Steve Stevens to the stage to perform a great version of Idol's 1983 hit "Eyes Without a Face" about half way through his 50-minute performance. Other standouts in the set included a moving take on Radiohead's "Fake Plastic Trees," as we'll as his own "Back to Friends" and "Undressed." Don't be surprised if Sombr returns to Coachella soon.

Saturday night I caught two more great performances at the festival; both The Strokes (performing on the Coachella Stage) and David Byrne (at the Outdoor Theatre) afforded me to check off two artists from my bucket list I hadn't previously seen. New York-spawned quintet The Strokes rocked through a slew of their garage rock revival-styled originals including the speedy opener "Hard to Explain," the favorite "Someday," super catchy "The Adults Are Talking" and haunting "Selfless."

Singer-guitarist David Byrne performing on the Outdoor Theatre Stage.

Byrne brought a mix of beloved fide Talking Heads classics and outstanding solo material for an hour-long set that challenged and rewarded an enthusiastic crowd. Highlights abounded included an exuberant take on "And She Was" and "Psycho Killer," as well as a finale bringing both "Once in a Lifetime" and "Burning Down the House" fully to life via a large ensemble enhancing the '80s hits.

Sunday, April 19

Foster the People delivering a top-tier set of originals at Coachella on April 19.

I caught a handful of great performances on Sunday but my favorite was by Los Angeles-spawned outfit Foster the People. Led by frontman and founder Mark Foster, the band's winning blend of synth-pop, modern rock and indie pop resonated with the large audience gathered in front of the Outdoor Theatre for the fast-moving set. Dynamic state-of-the-art visuals and a modern stage design enhanced the 12-track set. Foster is a terrific singer, and used both his full voice and an expressive falsetto to bring depth to the dance-minded opener "Helena Beat," infectious "Houdini," disco-flavored "Lost in Space," sumptuous "Coming of Age" and tuneful "Sit Next to Me." The troupe had everyone moving (as well as capturing the musical proceedings with their cell phones) on the set-ending hit "Pumped Up Kicks."

Wet Leg singer Rhian Teasdale on the large project screens on the Coachella Stage.

Earlier that day I caught several other strong sets staged on the Coachella Stage, including Tijuana Panthers and an even more powerful turn from the hard rocking English outfit Wet Leg.

Check out a number of other images I captured during Weekend 2 below...Robert Kinsler

Artist Dedo Vabo's ambitious, thought-provoking "Network Operations."

What better way to celebrate Record Store Day than to browse at the Record
Safari that is part of Coachella's shopping options.

Coachella at night brings magic to the Empire Polo Club.

Kacey Musgraves and company during an outstanding performance of the new
song "Uncertain, TX" in the Mojave Tent on April 18.

Another compelling moment during David Byrne's April 18 performance.

What a line to get into Starbucks! No, I couldn't wait that long for my java fix and 
I snagged my Americano elsewhere...

"Balloon Chain" offers Coachellagoers the
perfect photo op!

Music writer George A. Paul, on left, with yours truly on April 19 atop a
hill that overlooks the beautiful Empire Polo Club grounds in Indio, CA.  You can read
George's coverage of this year's event HERE.