The Scene-August 27, 2026 1-012
Featured Performer Profile Brandon Isaak
The Scene Go Live Recordings Special Edition
This Week’s The Scene Cover
Names In This Week’s Issue: This week’s featured performers are Brandon Isaak and Dime Store Riot. The current Top 10 Hot Chart features Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge, The Commoners, Dime Store Riot, Brandon Isaak, Laurence Jones, Castalia Blues Band, Bywater Call, The Red Dirt Outlaws, Toby Lee, and ONTARIANS. Artists appearing in the “On the Bubble” and “Worldwide Hot” categories include Blue Moon Marquee, The Cold Stares, The Heavy Crawlers, Los Blues Boys, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado, and Cardinal Black, while Marcus King and The Outlaw Orchestra were noted for recent chart transitions.For the upcoming Mikinakoos Forest Fire Relief Show and other roots music showcases, the newsletter highlights Jeremy Dutcher, Aysanabee, Julian Taylor, Logan Staats, Mimi O’Bonsawin, Adrian Sutherland, Lukas Nelson, Grahame Lesh, Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz, Holly Bowling, John Molo, and Paul Beaubrun. Artists featured in video, release, or show announcements include Joanne Shaw Taylor, Ghost Hounds, Ruthie Foster, Will Wilde, Elizabeth Cook, Shooter Jennings (producer), Erja Lyytinen, Sue Foley, Mike Zito, Samantha Fish, Zac Schulze Gang, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Old Crow Medicine Show, Ismay, Bruce Cockburn, Colin James, Serena Ryder, The Dead South, Matt Andersen, Walter Trout, Sugaray Rayford, Laurie Morvan Band, Phantom Blues Band, moe., Melvin Seals & JGB, Dogs In A Pile, Pink Talking Fish, The Wood Brothers, Drive-By Truckers, Cedric Burnside, and Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys.The issue also references legacy performers and collaborators in its “Hot Videos” and “Dolly Parton: Rock Hall” features, including Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, Dolly Parton, Zac Brown Band, Chris Stapleton, John Fogerty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Artimus Pyle, and Gary Rossington.Finally, the album charts list a wide array of additional artists: Chris O’Leary, Jovin Webb, Albert Castiglia, Ryan “Bluwrath” Newman, Tas Cru, Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport, The B. Christopher Band, J.P. Reali, Russ Green, Doug Duffey And BADD, The Name Droppers, GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite, Nicky T & The Snake Charmers, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind, Kaitlin Dibble, The Wildcat O’Halloran Band, Kat Riggins & Her Blues Revival, John Brennan, Gina Coleman, Keb’ Mo’, Eddie Dalton, Got Dem Blues, Gus Holloway, Joanna Connor, Morgan Freeman & Ground Zero Blues Club Band, Joe Bonamassa, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Eddie Dalton Sounds, Junior Wells’ Chicago Blues Band, Danielle Nicole, George “Harmonica” Smith, Freddie King, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Jaxson Blue, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram.
Featured Videos In This Week’s Issue
RIP Dolly, A Giant In Music, A Giant In Life.
Last Week Below:
The New Scene-Tributes and Covers Edition, Profiles And Our New Go Live Edition Is Available Here. Launch Date: August 20, 2027
August 20, 2026 Issue 1-011 of The Scene Primary Edition, (Thursday Publication)
Download This Week’s The Scene’s Own Top 10 Hot Chart For Emerging Performers-Aka Future Stars
Featured Performer Profile-John Clifton and the John Clifton Blues Band
Download The Industry Charts For Music Sales & Music Play
Names In This Week’s Issue Of The Scene: The performers and bands mentioned throughout this issue of The Scene include John Colvin and the John Colvin Blues Band, the Hindley Street Country Club Band (HSCC), Brody Buster, Charlie Albarran, Enrique Tritton, Lorena Cabrera Bernal, the bands Tangerine and YEM, Andrew Alvarez and the Alvarez Band, Kelly Zirbes & Kelly’s Lot, Will Johns, Trebor Villa, Rebecca Roudman and Dirty Cello, Geoff and Chris Dahl (The Soul Brothers), Torke Ross, D.K. Harrell, Mia Kelly, The Pszenny Project, La Perra Blanco, Dylan Triplett, The Heavy Crawlers, Blue Umbrella (Ryan Meili), Yates McKendree, Gráinne Duffy, DaShawn Hickman, Sue Prosser, Skylar Rogers, Cari Burdett, Follaje Blues Band, The Black Sorrows, Toby Lee, GA-20, Dyer Davis, Will Wilde, Walter Trout, The Marcus King Band, Jovin Webb, Tas Cru, Ryan “Bluwrath” Newman, Chris O’Leary, John Brennan, The B. Christopher Band, Nicky T & the Snake Charmers, Kat Riggins & Her Blues Revival, Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport, The Name Droppers, Charlie Musselwhite, Russ Green, J.P. Reali, Albert Castiglia, Dave Thomas, Duke Robillard & His All-Star Band, Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind, Brigitte Purdy, Mick Kolassa, Joe Bonamassa, Foghat, Jesse Dayton, Anthony Gomes, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Mike Zito, Eric Gales, Samantha Fish, Dion, Buddy Guy, Sue Foley, Shemekia Copeland, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Annika Chambers & Paul DesLauriers, Crystal Thomas, Judith Owen, Harry Shearer, David Torkonowski, Donald Harrison, Bill Summers, Kermit Ruffins, Herlin Riley, Shannon Powell, Jamison Ross, Tonya Boyd Cannon, DJ Soul Sister, The Bender Brass Band, Jimmy Vivino, Victor Wainwright, John Németh, Matt Andersen, Eddie 9V, Bruce Cockburn, Ian Tyson, Justin Saladino Band, Son House, Muireann Bradley, Daniel Johnston, Zac Schulze Gang, Ghalia Volt, Ally Venable, Lachy Doley, Reese Wynans, The Black Keys, Warren Haynes, Alabama Shakes, Ollee Owens, and Colin Linden.
August 13, 2026 Issue 1-010 (Thursday Publication)
Download This Week’s The Scene’s Top 10 Hot Chart For Emerging Performers-Aka Future Stars
Download Featured Performer Profile: Brody Buster
Download Featured Performer/Group Profile: Hindley Street Country Club (Special Sneak Peek Introduction To Our New Tributes * Covers Music Edition Beginning August 20th.)
Download The Unity Fest 2027 August 5 Kickoff News Release-English
Names in the August 13 Vol 1-010 Issue of The Scene. This issue of The Scene highlights a wide variety of artists, performers, and music groups, including: Adam Ezra Group, Albert Castiglia, Ally Venable, Alvarez Band, Andrew Alvarez, Bernard Allison, Big Sugar, Billy Gibbons, Bob Rempel, Bria Salmena, Brian May, Brody Buster, Bruce Cockburn, Bywater Call, Catfish & The Bottle-Tones, Charlie Albarran, Chris Dahl, Chris O’Leary, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Cole Allen, Colin James, Danielle Nicole, Dave Thomas, Dirty Cello, Dusk Brothers, Eddie 9V, Enrique Tritton, Eric Clapton, Gabe Stillman, Geoff Dahl, Ghalia Volt, Glenn Hughes, Gordie Johnson, Hannah Wicklund, Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport, Hindley Street Country Club Band (HSCC), J.P. Reali, Janiva Magness, JD Simo, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Primer, Jovin Webb, Kelly Zirbes, Kelly’s Lot, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Kevin Burt, La Perla del Sur, Larkin Poe, Lorena Cabrera Bernal, Los Dragones del Norte, Marcus King, Marcus King Band, Milk Carton Kids, Mojo Blues Band Latino, Parker Barrow, Penelope Road, Rebecca Roudman, Ronnie Wood, Rory Gallagher, Ruthie Foster, Ryan “Bluwrath” Newman, Samantha Fish, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Sam Bush, Seth James, Shawn Hall, Steve Cropper, Tangerine, Tas Cru, The B. Christopher Band, The Deep Dark Woods, The Harpoonist, The Heavy Hours, The Muddy Rivers Band, The Soul Brothers, The Temperance Movement, The Teskey Cousins, Torke Ross, Trebor Villa, Tyler Bryant, Valerie June, Will Johns, YEM, and the Zac Schulze Gang.
Featured Videos Profiled In This Week’s The Scene
Bria Salmena
Bywater Call
Bernard Allison
August 06, 2026 Issue 1-009 (Thursday Publication)
Download The Unity Fest 2027 August 5 Kickoff News Release-English
Download The Unity Fest 2027 August 5 Kickoff News Release Spanish
Download The Scene’s Hot 10 Emerging Performers Chart. Week 3.
Download Featured Performer Profile-Charlie Albarran-Comedy
Download Featured Performer Profile-Enrique Tritton & Lorena Cabrera Bernal, Tangerine & YEM & More
Names Mentioned In This Week’s Issue Of The Scene: Charlie Albarran, Enrique Tritton, and Lorena Cabrera Bernal. Other musicians and personalities noted throughout the publication are Andrew Alvarez, Kelly Zirbes, Will Johns, Trebor Villa, Rebecca Roudman, Geoff Dahl, Chris Dahl, Torke Ross, D.K. Harrell, Sam Westhoff, Brigitte Purdy, Trudy, J.P. Reali, Jennifer Lyn, Chance Emerson, Ryan “Bluwrath” Newman, Elyse Saunders, El Shirota, Thorbjørn Risager, Hayden Desser, Christie Greyerbiehl, Feist, Gord Downie, Tanya Tagaq, Hannah Wicklund, Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport, Billy Branch, Samantha Martin, Alejandro Gutiérrez, Estevan Gutiérrez, Dan Auerbach, Sierra Ferrell, St. Paul, Mike Campbell, Katie Pruitt, Shakey Graves, Judy Collins, Mike Zito, Zac Harmon, Eric Steckel, Zac Schulze, Buddy Guy, Ben Poole, Danielle Nicole, Keb’ Mo’, Rebecca Lovell, Megan Lovell, Larkin Poe, Janiva Magness, Steve Cropper, Eric Clapton, Brian May, Billy Gibbons, Ronnie Wood, Joe Bonamassa, Rory Gallagher, Bonnie Paine, Matthew Patrick, Leeann Atherton, Jeff Jolly, Peter Lewis, John Michael Hersey, Warren Haynes, Sade, Miles Davis, Ray Charles, Laufey, Ezra Collective, Amy Winehouse, Stan Getz, João Gilberto, Flea, Anthony Gomes, Knats, Norah Jones, Nicholas Payton, and Bob Rempel.
July 30, 2026 Issue 1-008 (Thursday Publication)
Download Featured Performer Profile (Andrew Alvarez & The Alvarez Band)
Download The Scene’s Hot Hot Chart (New Week 2) Top 10 Emerging Performers Hidden Gems, proprietary algorithm)
Names In This Week’s Issue Of The Scene: AJR, Allison Russell, Andrew Alvarez and the Alvarez Band, Ant Greenwell, Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Ben Schulze, Bernie Marsden, Betos Blues Band, Bill Durst, Billy Penn & The Inside Drivers, Billy T Midnight & Friends, Blue, Blues Caravan 2026 (Laura Chavez, Matthew Curry, Elise Frank), Blues Traveler, Bob Corritore, Brody Buster, Bywater Call, Cameron Whitcomb, Carlos Santana, Chase Stokes, Chris Duarte, Chris O’Leary, Clapton, Cliff, Coco Montoya, Corazón Blues Club, Craig Thatcher, Dennis Quaid, Devon Allman, Doug Duffey And BADD, Eliza Neals, Elise Frank, Eric Gales, Eric Steckel, Evelyn Rubio, Ezra Collective, Fantastic Negrito, Flea, Follaje (Jorge García Ledezma), Fred Tackett, Gary Moore, Geoff and Chris Dahl-The Soul Brothers, Gin Blossoms, Grace Tyler, Green, Hayden, Heavyweights of Soul, Ian Tyson, J.P. Reali, Jacklyn Wills, James Supra Blues Band, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind, Jeff Goldblum & The Snitzer Orch., Joe Bonamassa, John Fusco, John Mayall, John Németh, John Primer, John Wort Hannam, Jontavious Willis, Josh Werner & Friends, Joy Oladokun, Jovin Webb, Kacey Musgraves, Kelly Zirbes & Kelly’s Lot, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Kody Shade Harrell, La Diableros, La Perra Blanco, Laufey, Lee Morgan, Lilly Hiatt, Little Feat, Los De Abajo, Lowell George, Luther Dickinson, Matthew Curry, Maya de Vitry, Mbira Renaissance Band, Michael Rooker, Mike Zito, Miles Davis, Miss Emily, Montaño Blues Combo, Muddy Waters, Nicky T and the Snake Charmers, Noeline Hofmann, Norah Jones, Ollee Owens, P.J. Perry, Parker McCollum, Pat Metheny, Rebecca Roudman and Dirty Cello, Redbird, Reed Turchi, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Rob Thomas, Robert Johnson, Sade, San Luis Blues, San Pedro El Cortez, Sass Jordan, Secondhand Dreamcar, Shakura S’Aida, Small-Town Strip Club, Spencer Mackenzie, Spin Doctors, Stan Getz & João Gilberto, Steve Hill, Stewart MacDougall with the New Chinook Arch Riders, Tab Benoit, Tampico Blues Company, Taylor, Tequila Rock n Blues Explosions, The Black Keys, The Commoners, The Darkness, The Devon Allman Project, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Last Waltz, The McDades, The Sheepdogs, The Stray Birds, The Teskey Brothers, The Zac Schulze Gang, Tony Dowler, Torke Ross, Tracy Millar, Train, Trebor Villa, Vance Gilbert, Vanessa Collier, Will Johns, Zac Harmon, and Zac Schulze
The Hot Hot Music Videos Of The Week
July 23, 2026 Issue 1-007 (Thursday Publication)
Download Featured Performer Profile (Kelly Zirbes & Kelly’s Lot)
Download The Scene’s Hot Hot Chart (New) Top 10 Emerging Performers Hidden Gems, proprietary algorithm
Names In This Week’s Issue Of The Scene, Profile, And Hot Hot Chart: The individuals mentioned in the July 23, 2026 issue of The Scene are Amani Burnham, Albert Castiglia, Amy Winehouse, Anthony Gomes, B. Christopher, Bob Rempel, Brittany Howard, Brody Buster, Bruce Cockburn, Cameron Whitcomb, Chris Dahl, Chris O’Leary, Dan Auerbach, Daniel Tashian, Danielle Nicole, Derrick Dove, Eddie 9V, Ella Langley, Eric Steckel, Evelyn Rubio, Flea, Geoff Dahl, Gwen Stefani, Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport, Ian Tyson, J.P. Reali, Jacklyn Wills, Jason Ricci, Jeff Goldblum, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jesse Dayton, Jimmy Guiboche, João Gilberto, Joe Bonamassa, John Brennan, John Mayall, John Primer, John Wort Hannam, Jovin Webb, Judith Hill, Kaitlin Dibble, Kelly Zirbes, Laufey, Mac Arnold, Mallory Chipman, Marcus King, Mark Hummel, Meghan Parnell, Melissa McKinney, Miles Davis, Mike Zito, Nicky T, Nina Simone, Noeline Hofmann, Norah Jones, Ollee Owens, P.J. Perry, Pat McLaughlin, Ra’Shad “The Blues Kid”, Rebecca Roudman, Reggie King Sears, Roberta Flack, Rory Gallagher, Russ Green, Ruthie Foster, Sade, Samantha Fish, Samantha Martin, Selwyn Birchwood, Seth Walker, Stacy Mitchhart, Stan Getz, Stewart MacDougall, Taj Mahal, Tony D, Torke Ross, Tracy Millar, Trevor B. Power, Tyler Bryant, Van Morrison, Vance Gilbert, Walter Trout, Will Johns, Zac Harmon, and Zac Schulze.
The Hot Hot Music Video Of The Week
July 16, 2026 Issue 1-006 (Thursday Publication)
Names In This Issue Of The Scene: The performers and groups mentioned in this issue of The Scene include A.J. Fullerton, Alabama Shakes, Albert Castiglia, Amythyst Kiah, Bad Optics, Ben Poole, Betos Blues Band, Big Daddy Wilson, Bill Durst, Blues Traveler, Brody Buster, Buddy Guy, Bywater Call, Celeste Marie Wilson, Chris O’Leary, Chris Pierce, Corb Lund, CPN, Danielle Nicole, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Deep Purple, Delaney Pickering, Earth, Wind & Fire, Eric Sardinas, Fantastic Negrito, Follaje, Geoff and Chris Dahl (The Soul Brothers), Gin Blossoms, I’m With Her, Jackie Venson, Jesse Welles, John Mellencamp, Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, Junior Wells, Kelly Zirbes (Kelly’s Lot), Kels (Kelsey Hillock), La Diableros, Lily Meola, Lukas Nelson, Margo Price, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, Mon Rovîa, Montaño Blues Combo, Nathaniel Rateliff, Neil Young & the Chrome Hearts, Of Monsters and Men, Parker Barrow, Portugal. The Man, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Rebecca Roudman, Samantha Fish, San Luis Blues, Shakura S’Aida, Sierra Ferrell, Sierra Hull, Spin Doctors, Spencer Mackenzie, Susanne’s Band (Suzanne Walker), Tampico Blues Company, Tash Sultana, Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Rolling Stones, The Sheepdogs, The Wailers, Toni Green & Vasti Jackson, Torke Ross, Trebor Villa, Trent Schmiedge and the Blues Mules, Turnpike Troubadours, Warren Haynes, Will Johns, and Willie Nelson & Family.
Download Featured Performer Profile Geoff and Chris Dahl
Download Featured Performer Profile Torke Ross
July 9, 2026 Issue 1-005 (Thursday Publication)
Rebecca Roudman & Dirty Cello Featured Performer Profile
Names In This Issue: Rebecca Roudman, The Dirty Cello, Will Johns, Cream, and Trebor Villa. Festival and tour announcements highlight The California Honeydrops, Southern Avenue, Ariel Posen, Sheryl Crow, The Guess Who, Matt Andersen, Foo Fighters, Mumford & Sons, Chris Stapleton, Ruthie Foster, Buddy Miller, Marcus King Band, Charley Crockett, Blue Rodeo, Of Monsters and Men, The Sheepdogs, Wild Rivers, Fontine, the Blackburn Brothers, moe., Deer Tick, Dogs In A Pile, Daniel Donato, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Karl Denson, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Rose’s Pawn Shop, and Leeroy Stagger. Additional artists and groups featured for their recent releases or news include Molly Tuttle, Sawyer Hill, Johnny Cash, Ben Poole, GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite, Dana Fuchs, Hunter Root, Buddy Greenbloom, Water Tower, AJ & The Woods, Ken Woods and the Old Blue Gang, Logan Staats, Lisa LeBlanc, Will Wilde, These Wicked Rivers, Julian James, Beci Kate, Billy Strings, Willie Nelson, Ringo Starr, Railroad Earth, and Liam St. John. The issue also cites Joe Bonamassa, Lachy Doley, Cindy Blackman Santana, Carlos Santana, John McLaughlin, The Temperance Movement, Bryan Adams, Vinny Appice, Black Sabbath, Dio, Doug Aldrich, Whitesnake, The Dead Daisies, Mark Kendall, Great White, Bob Dylan, Joel Paterson, Widespread Panic, Kelly Zirbes, Kelly’s Lot, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
July 2, 2026, Issue 1-004 (Thursday Publication)
Will Johns Featured Performer Profile
Trebor Villa Featured Performer Profile
Names in this Issue: Will Johns, Trebor Villa, Eric Gales, Dave M’ore Band, The Laurie Morvan Band, Demential Sinner and the Devil’s Sisters, The High Ballin’ Daddies, Charlie Albarran, Brandon Isaak, Ollee Owens, Marcus Trummer, Crystal Shawanda, Angel Forrest, Dawn Tyler Watson, Sue Foley, Brody Buster, Jackie Myers, Kevin Morby, Of Monsters and Men, Blue Rodeo, The Sheepdogs, Wildrivers, Too Many Zooz, Keb’ Mo’, Soweto Gospel Choir, The Rolling Stones, Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport, Trever B. Power, Bywater Call, Jesper Lindell, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Fantastic Negrito, Coco Montoya, Gary Moore, Rival Sons, Albert Castiglia, Ghost Hounds, Deep Purple, Old Crow Medicine Show, Del McCoury, Molly Tuttle, Sean Carney, Jelly Roll, Gwen Stefani, Muse, Michael Bublé, Kesha, Limp Bizkit, Patrick Watson, Souldia, Martin Garrix, The Lumineers, Hardy, Cody Johnson, Tucker Wetmore, Ashley McBryde, Dylan Gossett, Muscadine Bloodline, Chase McDaniel, Tom Chicoine, The Revivalists, Tank and The Bangas, Durand Jones & The Indications, Cymande, Hailu Mergia, Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble, Seratones, Toody Cole, Alejandro Escovedo, All Time Low, The Temper Trap, Flo Rida, Joywave, Pure Hex, Carolina Liar, Garth Brooks, Post Malone, Willie Nelson, Dan Rosales, Las Moonshiners, Austin Nights, Bucks & The Rocks, Kingston Five, Real Stylo, Sax Sistema, Richard Roots, Joey Green, Gordo, Modeselektor, Sinfónica de Minería, Sting, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Raye, PinkPantheress, The Roots, John Legend, Alice Cooper, Foo Fighters, Florence + The Machine, Pulp, The Black Crowes, Kings of Leon, Mo Kenney, Steve Earle, Sheryl Crow, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, Grace Bowers, Valerie June, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Mavis Staples, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, America, Ryan Bingham, The Texas Gentlemen, Joe Bonamassa, Bob Corritore, Tony Coleman, Teeny Tucker, March To August (Derrick and Jodi Mears), Warren Haynes, Steep Canyon Rangers, Galia Volt, and Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind
June 25, 2026 Issue 1-003 (|Thursday Publication)
Names in Issue 1-003: The solo artists mentioned in this issue include Amani Burnham, Amy LaVere, Bobby Dove, Brandon Isaak, Buddy Guy, Chappell Roan, Chris O’Leary, Del McCoury, Dolly Parton, Duane Betts, Earl Johnson, Eric Clapton, Eric Lee, Errol Starr, Hayden, Jason Isbell, Kelly Zirbes, Kacey Musgraves, Keb’ Mo’, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Miley Cyrus, Molly Tuttle, Morgan Freeman, Olivia Rodrigo, Rhys John Stygal, Sarah McLachlan, Selwyn Birchwood, Shemekia Copeland, Stevie Nicks, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Taj Mahal, Tim Williams, Trent Schmieldge, Will Johns, and Will Wilde.
The music groups and bands featured are America, Blue Moon Marquee, Blue Rodeo, Cream, Dirty Freaks (Tangerine/Dirty Freaks), Glass Tiger, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Kelly’s Lot, King King, Los Señores Blues Band, Juan Hernández y su Banda de Blues, Meena Cryle & the Chris Fillmore Band, Moxy, Nico Little and the North Americans, Of Monsters and Men, Old Crow Medicine Show, Seven Keys, Southern Avenue, Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Blues Mules, The Sheepdogs, Too Many Zooz, Tritton, Wildrivers, and YEM.Other notable individuals referenced throughout the text are editor Bob Rempel, Chloe Josephine, Dani Wilde, Enrique Tritton, Gary Clark Jr., Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce, Jared James Nichols, Joe Bonamassa, Lindsey Bonnick, Lorena Cabrera Bernal, and Marcus Trummer.
June 18, 2026 Issue 1-002 (Thursday Publication)
June 11, 2026 Issue 1-001 (Thursday Publication)
Read Issue 1-002 Here (Email distribution available). We apologize for any formatting issues. The .pdf version is the best version for that.
IThe Scene From Backstage. Here’s What Caught Our Attention This Week. June 18, 2026 Issue 1-002
Editor: The Scene is a curated look at independent rock, blues, roots, and cause-driven music happenings across Canada, the USA, and Mexico, and beyond — artist news, festivals, collaborations, releases, and opportunities that caught our attention. Not comprehensive. Just thoughtfully curated. As seen through our eyes. Your contributions are most welcome.
Featured Performers…What Caught Our Attention This Week…Adding an update for the Otto Junior Band from Norway, our featured performer for last week. Their set at Springing the Blues Festival in Florida was posted on YouTube on Monday. See and listen to it on YouTube here.
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This Week’s Rising Star Featured Performer is 17 year old Canadian emerging blue rock star, Logan Staley of Kapuskasing, Ontario, Canada. Logan and his band The River Benders have just released their first album, Trouble I’m In, produced by blues rock star Popa Chubby Later this summer Logan and his band have earned a featured spot at the prestigious Kitchener Blues Festival having won a lead in the Battle of the Bands competition. Read more here
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What’s New with another Rising Star…Marcus Trummer of Calgary, Canada? Rumors are he’s working on new music. Here’s his debut single video on YouTube from a year ago.
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Morgan Luna…Our Featured Video for this week. That means we liked it. View it Here on YouTube. Yes the question still remains. Is he/she real or is this A.I. music. The debate continues. Meanwhile the listeners’ totals continue to grow on YouTube and Spotify and elsewhere.
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Samantha Fish. Blues rock star as in all caps STAR. Lead guitar and vocals. She starts her European tour on June 19 to coincide with the release of her first live album Paper Dolls. Her cover of MC5’s “Kick Out The Jams” on the album is drawing a lot of attention. View it on YouTube Here. (Ed. Note. Perfect song for The Rockin’ Unity Fest in Mexico. A niche Fest that actually tells Performers, “your sets have to be 80 per cent uptempo…can you live with that”? A Mexico fiesta thing…they love all music) Read more about Samantha Fish and check out some great photos of Samantha in this Forbes story here
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🌍 Artists Spotlight
🇨🇦 Featured Canadian Performer
- Matt Andersen – “Live at Sonic Temple” (Acoustic Session)
- The Vibe: Canada’s powerhouse blues-soul giant delivers an absolute clinic in acoustic roots music. This stripped-down performance showcases his unmatched vocal grit, foot-stomping rhythm, and blistering acoustic lead work.
- Link: Watch on YouTube
🌍 Featured International Performer
- Dom Martin – “Belfast Blues” (Live Session from Northern Ireland)
- The Vibe: Hailing from Belfast, this multi-award-winning rising star is taking the European roots scene by storm. This performance features a spellbinding, gritty, and fiercely passionate style of acoustic blues-rock guitar work heavily influenced by Rory Gallagher.
- Link: Watch on YouTube
🕊️ Event Highlight Preview: “An Evening Honouring Steve Earle” (Jambands.com Source)
- The Cause: This special festival-eve benefit concert raises funds for Sweetwater Spectrum, a non-profit organization providing innovative, long-term housing solutions for adults with autism and developmental disabilities.
Broadway World - The Event & Lineup: Dubbed “An Evening Honouring Steve Earle,” this star-studded event is a massive milestone celebration ahead of San Francisco’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival. Buddy Miller serves as the musical director for a jaw-dropping supergroup lineup including Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, Hot Tuna, Molly Tuttle, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, and Elizabeth Cook.
- Date & Location: Thursday, October 1, 2026 | The Masonic, San Francisco, CA.
Via Jambands.com
🗓️ “What’s Coming Up” The 2 Week Look Ahead
‘Keep your eyes on the road! Your hands upon the wheel”… Here are the notable roots, country-rock, blues, and americana festivals kicking off across the board over the next 14 days:
- W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival (Henderson, KY, USA)
- Laurel Cove Music Festival (Pineville, KY, USA)
- Rancho La Puerta Folk Festival (Tecate, Baja California, Mexico)
- Vancouver International Jazz Festival (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
🕊️ Benefit & Cause-Driven Events (Music Uniting Us, Music Doing Good)
- “Roots & Rhythms” Eco-Benefit Gala (Cincinnati, OH, USA)
- The Cause: A highly successful environmental community fundraiser produced in tandem with the Green Umbrella regional sustainability initiative to directly fund local climate action and urban green spaces.
- Performers Announced: Five-piece bluegrass/country-blues hybrid Ma Crow and Co., raw acoustic blues storyteller Pork City Slim, and high-energy alt-country/outlaw outfit Get Down River.
- Date & Location: Running late summer 2026 | Urban Artifact, Cincinnati, OH.
- Link:
- Harvest Music Festival Community Fund (Fredericton, NB, Canada)
- The Cause: Operating structurally as a registered non-profit charity, this massive annual gathering channels its operational proceeds directly into year-round local music education grants, community musical outreach, and regional instrument donation drives.
- Performers/Lineup Context: A major multiday celebration featuring a world-class mix of international roots, funk, and blues-rock artists performing alongside premier Canadian touring acts.
- Dates & Location: September 15–20, 2026 | Historic Downtown Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.
⏳ More What’s Coming Up: The 2-Week Look Ahead…The Extended List, with links. 🇺🇸 USA: Major Blues & Roots Festivals
- W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival (Henderson, KY)
- Summerfest (Milwaukee, WI)
- Bentonia Blues Festival (Bentonia, MS)
- Dates: June 18–20, 2026
- Vibe: Deep roots. Held at the legendary Blue Front Cafe, this festival preserves the haunting “Bentonia” style of country blues. [1]
- Telluride Bluegrass Festival (Telluride, CO)
- Dates: June 18–21, 2026
- Vibe: The premier “Bluestock” event. A bucket-list festival for bluegrass and roots music lovers, set in a stunning box canyon in the Rockies. [1]
- BAM Fest (Birthplace of American Music) (Clarksdale, MS)
- Dates: June 19–21, 2026
- Vibe: A tribute to the Delta Blues and the genres it spawned, held in the heart of the Delta. [1]
- Blues From The Top Music Festival (Winter Park, CO)
- Fountain Blues & Brews Festival (San Jose, CA)
- Hampton Jazz Festival (Hampton, VA)
- Dates: June 26–28, 2026
- Vibe: A historic festival (established 1968) that bridges jazz, blues, soul, and R&B. [1]
🇨🇦 Canada: Blues, Jazz & Bluegrass
- South By South East International Festival (Toronto, ON)
- Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival (Lake Cowichan, BC)
- Festival Blues et Jazz de Saguenay (Chicoutimi, QC)
- FestiVoix de Trois-Rivières (Trois-Rivières, QC)
- Dates: June 26 (Day 2)
- Vibe: A major music festival with a diverse lineup. While multi-genre, it often books strong roots/blues acts for its diverse stages. [1]
- TD Victoria International JazzFest (Victoria, BC)
- Dates: Closing June 28, 2026
- Highlight: Features “The Rumble” (New Orleans funk/blues) on June 28 at the Royal Theatre. [1]
- 39 Days of July Festival (Duncan, BC)
🇲🇽 Mexico: Rock, Indie & Fusion Events
While there are no dedicated “pure blues” festivals confirmed for these specific two weeks in Mexico, the following events feature rock, fusion, and roots elements: [1, 2]
- Festival Echoes 26 (Zapopan, Jalisco)
- FIFA Fan Fest: El Gran Silencio (Monterrey, Nuevo León)
- Date: June 20, 2026
- Vibe: Part of the World Cup celebrations at Fundidora Park. El Gran Silencio is a legendary “Avanzada Regia” band blending rock, reggae, and cumbia—a must-see for roots music fans. [1]
- Dogs of Thunder Fest 4.0 (Mexico City)
- Date: June 20, 2026
- Vibe: Located at Foro Cultural Capitán Gallo, featuring independent rock and alternative bands. [1]
- Artemisa Moon Fest (Durango)
- Date: June 27, 2026
- Vibe: A 24-hour pool party with rock, reggae, and ska bands. A more casual, “Bluestock” party vibe. [1]
- Note: The famous Tequila Rock ‘n Blues Festivals (Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo) are traditionally held in January. The next edition is scheduled for January 2027. [1, 2
- 🌍 Other International Mentions
- Holland Blues Festival (Grolloo, Netherlands): June 19–20, 2026. A massive European blues event.
- Azkena Rock Festival (Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain): June 18–20, 2026. Famous for booking legendary rock and blues-rock acts. [1, 2, 3]
🕊️ Benefit & Cause-Driven Events (Music Uniting Us, Music Doing Good)
The Unity Fest Mexico is pleased to announce that Dirty Cello, a blues, rock and country rock band from San Francisco. CA. USA will be one of the Headliner Performers. This band, fronted by virtuoso cellist Rebecca Roudman (she performs with two symphony orchestras in the San Fran area) is well known for its rousing, entertaining sets and the unique style that its cello instrument brings.
Their big hearts abound and in addition to supporting the Fest’s Unity is the Best Way message and the local Causes, the Unity Fest is pleased to announce that England’s Will Johns will be backed by the Dirty Cello band on stage throughout the Fest. “Bring it on, said Rebecca, we’d love to help out.” The kind of performers that are great fits for the niche Unity Fest. Check out Dirty Cello band music on YouTube here
Elevating Will’s performance, asking for nothing in return…well almost nothing…a bottle of Tequila maybe, said Rebecca. More on Will Johns next time. The one with the famous bloodlines,(Clapton) and an equally big heart. 5 Albums to his credit. Toured the world. “I’d love to help you guys, I love dogs” The discussion was as simple as that.
That’s Rebecca, second from the right, after an onstage performance with Carlos Santana and Cindy Blackman, Carlos’s drummer and wife. Just 2 degrees of separation.
Cause MX-Cross Border Opportunities
The Unity Fest Mexico is considering an additional Performer- Headliner addition. This performer or duo or trio would perform from January 21 through to February 28 in Mexico. At the two Fest weekend events and during the week at times to be discussed to help build interest in the events and to support our Venue partners. Your 1 month vacation in our Hidden Paradise Mexico is set if this is you. Rockin’ uptempo feel good feel alive music is what we present and what you bring.
Mexico Hidden Paradise Moments
Your table is waiting. Playa La Ropa, Bay of Zihuatanejo, Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Closing Questions or Thoughts from Backstage
Know an artist or group doing great work for causes? Or a Fest we should feature? Which female blues-rock or rock-related acts are flying too much under the radar? Kelly Zirbes and Kelly’s Lot of Los Angeles have recorded 18 albums to date, starting in 1996, a 30-year span. Who do you know who has done more recording in a time frame like that? Do you know the kind of performer or group The Unity Fest is looking for.
about The Scene
The Scene is published independently by One Take Publications, led by Bob Rempel, a management consultant, music event producer, promoter, and founder of The Unity Fest Mexico, Tequila Rock ‘n’ Blues Explosion Fest and Team Tequila Community Fund. Events in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Mexico City since 2018. A lifetime of music involvement and love, starting with a record store in the 70’s.
Yes, for full transparency, some affiliated events and partnerships, or news from them, may occasionally be featured here.
New and renewed connections and information sharing are most welcome. Contact Bob directly at “bobrempel@gmail.com” or by text at +52 755 101 5989. Email distribution for The Scene is coming soon. Let us know if you wish to receive The Scene by email.
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