“This festival has been a long-time dream of mine,” says Giddens. “It’s about honoring the connections that tie Black culture together across time and geography, whether it’s through music, food, or storytelling.”

Preparing for another West Coast tour, which includes a stop at the iconic acoustic lounge of The Viper Room in Hollywood, New Orleans-based Father Ron and Friends are excited to celebrate their Global Music Award (Bronze)!

‘Upside Down Blues,’ the debut album from Shyfrin Alliance, is almost as fitting a title as a record can have: twelve songs that fuse blues and rock with elements of jazz and soul to create an alternate musical universe that’s familiar and new all at once.

Nashville’s scene is such a rich landscape for storytelling and emotional expression, and soul-blues belter Lauren Anderson’s willingness to take risks while being intentional with her song choices is a powerful combination.