Out now: 'Wild and Clear and Blue,' the new album by I’m With Her; U.S. tour starts next month

Folk trio I’m With Her – comprised of multi-Grammy winners Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sara Watkins — have returned with new album Wild and Clear and Blue via Rounder Records.

They previously shared “Ancient Light” and “Find My Way to You,” and “Standing on the Fault Line.” The latter began in Echo Park as a meditation on weathering the climate change and financial instability of living Los Angeles, but turned into a bigger-picture question of when it’s time to give up on a dream – while noting that both staying or going is an equally courageous choice.

“‘Fault Line’ came from thinking about Los Angeles as a very transient place where many people feel a tension between whether to stick it out and stay or pack up and move on,” says Watkins, co-founder of Grammy-winning bluegrass powerhouse Nickel Creek. “Even if you’ve never been to L.A., I think a lot of people have had the experience of giving up on a dream and needing to pivot to something else.” 

Watkins adds, “Initially we considered having me sing alone on the bridge, but it made the song feel so much smaller...Once Aoife and Jarosz took that section, it created this feeling of being supported by friends or ancestors or internal voices of encouragement—it’s like we subconsciously arranged the song in a way that aligns with all the lyrical themes of the album.”

The long-awaited sophomore album follows the Grammy-nominated 2018 debut See You Around, which nabbed Americana Music Association Awards and International Folk Music Awards, #1s on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums and Folk Albums charts (where it remained charting for 7 months).

I’m With Her will tour North America in support of Wild and Clear and Blue starting in June. The trio has partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 per ticket goes to supporting Conscious Alliance’s mission to end hunger nationwide and feed families in need. Learn more at www.consciousalliance.org. Get your tickets now HERE.

Track listing:

01. Ancient Light

02. Wild and Clear and Blue
03. Sisters of the Night Watch
04. Different Rocks, Different Hills
05. Standing on the Fault Line
06. Mother Eagle (Sing Me Alive)
07. Only Daughter
08. Find My Way to You
09. Strawberry Moonrise
10. Year After Year
11. Rhododendron

Tour Dates: 

6/5 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
6/6 - Bloomington, IN - Buskirk-Chumley Theater
6/7 - Ann Arbor, MI - Michigan Theater
6/8 - Grand Rapids, MI - Frederik Meijer Gardens
6/10 - Madison, WI - Capitol Theater
6/11 - Goshen, IN - Sauder Concert Hall
6/13 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall
6/14 - St. Paul, MN - The Fitzgerald Theater
6/15 - Iowa City, IA - The Englert Theatre
6/17 - Kansas City, MO - Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
6/19 Telluride, CO - Telluride Bluegrass Festival
7/10 - Interlochen, MI - Interlochen Center for the Arts *^
7/11 - Cincinnati, OH - Taft Theatre *^
7/12 - Asheville, NC - Asheville Yards Amphitheater *^
7/13 - Cary, NC - Koka Booth Amphitheatre *^
7/15 - Vienna, VA - Wolf Trap *
7/16 - Westport, CT - Levitt Pavilion^
7/18 - Oak Hill, NY - Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival
7/19 - Portland, ME - Thompson's Point *^
7/20 - Burlington, VT - The Green at Shelburne Museum *^
7/21 - Northampton, MA - The Pines Theater *^
7/23 - Richmond, VA - Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden *^
7/24 - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre *^
7/25 - Lafayette, NY - Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards *^
7/26 - Newport, RI - Newport Folk Festival
9/25 - Oklahoma City, OK - Tower Theatre
9/26 - Dallas, TX - The Majestic Theatre
9/27 - Austin, TX - Paramount Theatre
9/29 - Santa Fe, NM - The Lensic Performing Arts Center
10/1 - San Diego, CA - Epstein Family Amphitheater at UC San Diego
10/2 - Los Angeles, CA - John Anson Ford Theatre

10/3 - Santa Barbara, CA - Campbell Hall
10/6 - Davis, CA - Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts
10/8 - Seattle, WA - Moore Theatre
10/9 - Bellingham, WA - Mount Baker Theatre
10/10 - Portland, OR - Revolution Hall
10/11 - Boise, ID - Egyptian Theatre
10/13 - Jackson, WY - Center for the Arts
10/14 - Aspen, CO - Harris Concert Hall
10/15 - Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre
11/4 - Buffalo, NY - Asbury Hall
11/5 - Toronto, ON - Koerner Hall
11/7 - Princeton, NJ - McCarter Theatre Center
11/8 - Boston, MA - Boch Center Shubert Theatre
11/9 - York, PA - Venue TBA
11/11 - New York, NY - Beacon Theatre
11/12 - Rocky Mount, VA - Harvester Performance Center
11/14 - Charleston, SC - Charleston Music Hall
11/15 - Atlanta, GA - The Tabernacle
11/16 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium

*co-headline with Iron & Wine
^ support from Ken Pomeroy
+ support from Keenan O'Meara

Lord Huron readies album 'The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1' for summer; major American tour throughout the year

Lord Huron — the project of Los Angeles-based songwriter, musician and visual artist Ben Schneider — announces The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1, the new album out July 18 via Mercury Records, along with the new single, “Looking Back.” 

The band began teasing the new album over the last few months with singles/videos, “Who Laughs Last” and “Nothing I Need,” which is currently in the Top 10 at Adult Alternative radio.

The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1, Lord Huron’s fifth album, was written and co-produced by Schneider. Alongside Schneider are his band members Tom Renaud, Mark Barry and Miguel Briseño, and a host of collaborators, including actress Kristen Stewart (on “Who Laughs Last”) and Blonde Redhead’s Kazu Makino (on “Fire Eternal”). The album title references the mysterious machine featured on the cover art. Schneider asks: “What if you could choose your fate like choosing a song on a jukebox? What if your finger slipped and you got the B-side instead? What if you misunderstood the meaning of the dang song to begin with?”

Lord Huron’s most recent release “Looking Back” also serves as the album’s opener. Expanding on the song’s theme, Schneider notes, “The weight of your past can distort your present and future, the way massive celestial objects warp the fabric of the universe. Like a bowling ball on a trampoline. This song wonders if it’s possible to let go, or if looking back is a fundamental law of existence.”

Listen to Lord Huron’s “Looking Back”

Later this month, Lord Huron kicks off an entirely sold-out spring tour in celebration of the 10th anniversary of their album Strange Trails. 

Pre-order/save The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1

Watch/Stream:
“Looking Back”
“Who Laughs Last (feat. Kristen Stewart)” video
“Nothing I Need” video

The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1 Track list:

1. Looking Back
2. Bag of Bones
3. Nothing I Need
4. Is There Anybody Out There
5. Who Laughs Last (feat. Kristen Stewart)
6. The Comedian
7. Watch Me Go
8. Fire Eternal (feat. Kazu Makino)
9. It All Comes Back
10. Used To Know
11. Digging Up the Past
12. Life is Strange

Lord Huron Tour Dates:

Thu. May 22 - Reno, NV @ The Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort - SOLD OUT *
Fri. May 23 - Boise, ID @ Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden - SOLD OUT *
Sun. May 25 - Missoula, MT @ KettleHouse Amphitheater - SOLD OUT *
Mon. May 26 - Missoula, MT @ KettleHouse Amphitheater - SOLD OUT *
Wed. May 28 - Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre - SOLD OUT *
Thu. May 29 - Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre - SOLD OUT *
Sat. May 31 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Sandy Amphitheater - SOLD OUT *
Sun. June 1 - Denver, CO @ Outside Festival
Fri. July 18 - Indianapolis, IN @ Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park - SOLD OUT ^
Sat. July 19 - Chicago, IL @ Fairgrounds at Salt Shed - SOLD OUT ^
Sun. July 20 - Chicago, IL @ Fairgrounds at Salt Shed - SOLD OUT ^
Tue. July 22 - Minneapolis, MN @ Armory - SOLD OUT %
Wed. July 23 @ Milwaukee, WI Miller High Life Theatre - SOLD OUT %
Fri. July 25 - Nashville, TN @ The Pinnacle %
Sat. July 26 - Nashville, TN @ The Pinnacle %
Sun. July 27 - Atlanta, GA @ Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park %
Tue. July 29 - Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion #
Wed. July 30 - New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden #
Fri. Aug. 1- Philadelphia, PA @ TD Pavillion at The Mann %
Sun. Aug. 3 - Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway - SOLD OUT %
Tue. Aug. 5 - Raleigh, NC @ Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek %
Thu. Aug. 7 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE Outdoors @
Fri. Aug. 8 - Columbus, OH @ KEMBA Live! Outdoor - SOLD OUT @
Sat. Aug. 9 - Rochester Hills, MI @ Meadow Brook Amphitheatre @
Wed. Oct. 15 - Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley !
Fri. Oct. 17 - Portland, OR @ Moda Center !
Sat. Oct. 18 - Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena !
Sun. Oct. 19 - Spokane, WA @ Spokane Pavilion !
Tue. Oct. 21 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union Event Center - SOLD OUT !
Thu. Oct. 23 - Omaha, NE @ Steelhouse Omaha - SOLD OUT !
Fri. Oct. 24 - St. Louis, MO @ Chaifetz Arena !
Sat. Oct. 15 - Independence, MO @ Cable Dahmer Arena !
Mon. Oct. 27 - Irving, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory !
Wed. Oct. 29 - Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall !
Thu. Oct. 30 - Austin, TX @ Moody Center $
Sat. Nov. 1 - Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre - SOLD OUT $
Sun. Nov. 2 - Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum $

* with Molly Lewis
^ with Indigo De Souza
% with Lee Fields
# with Waxahatchee
@ with S.G. Goodman
& with Pillow Queens
! with Kevin Morby
$ with Feist

Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach reveals 2025 music series

The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach's annual Fine Art Show announces the return of its popular outdoor music series. Live performances run daily from July 2-August 29.

The lineup ranges from R&B, smooth jazz, tributes, country favorites and more. 

"We're thrilled to bring back our signature live music series that our guests have come to love and look forward to each summer," said Christine Georgantas, Director of Exhibits and Events at the Festival of Arts. “This summer's line-up features fan-favorite performers and a few exciting new talents, making every night at the Festival an experience of great art, music, and community.”

During its two-month summer season, audiences can enjoy daily live concerts as well as six weekly concert series. Tribute Wednesdays, running July 2 through August 27, features some of Southern California’s most popular tribute bands. Audiences can look forward to performances by Pretzel Logic celebrating the music of Steely Dan, Savor honoring Santana, and Missus Jones paying tribute to Amy Winehouse.

On Thursdays, the Festival’s beloved Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate series returns July 3 through August 28. Sponsored by Charles Schwab and Cambria Estate Winery, this evening series blends live jazz with gourmet chocolate and wine pairings for a multi-sensory experience. Guests can enjoy smooth sounds from artists like The Amanda Castro Band, Scott Wilkie, and Spencer Day while sipping curated wine flights and indulging in treats (additional fee applies).

Festivalgoers in search of toe-tapping rhythms and heartfelt performances will enjoy Southern Nights: Country & Blues, taking place Friday evenings from July 11 through August 29. This lively series brings the spirit of the South to summer nights with blues riffs, country tunes, and feel-good vibes. Highlights include performances by The Salty Suites, honky-tonk standout Victoria Bailey, and acclaimed blues artist Eric Lindell.

Saturday afternoons from July 5 through August 9 come alive with Concerts on the Green, a vibrant daytime series showcasing award-winning jazz and funk performances on the Festival’s picturesque outdoor stage, surrounded by art and ocean breezes. Returning by popular demand are celebrated performers such as Poncho Sanchez, Grace Kelly, and Brian Bromberg. 

As the sun sets on Saturdays, the energy continues with Tribute Saturdays, running July 5 through August 16. This evening series will bring the sounds of rock and pop legends back to life with high-energy tribute acts such as Surf City All Stars, Gypsy Dreams (a tribute to Fleetwood Mac), and The Cream of Clapton Band. 

Closing out the weekend at the Festival of Arts is Soulful Sundays, a series dedicated to soul, R&B, and gospel-infused jazz. From bluesy ballads to uplifting rhythms, patrons will experience smooth vocals and rich rhythms of artists like Derek Bordeaux, Adryon de León, and Terry Steele as they take the stage from July 6 through August 24.

Performances are nightly from 5:30 to 7pm, as well as Saturdays from 1 to 2:30pm (excluding August 23 for a private ticketed event) and select Sundays from 12 to 1:30pm. Concerts at the Festival of Arts are extremely popular and attendees are encouraged to plan ahead by arriving early or purchasing guaranteed seating in advance. Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating), which includes admission to both the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with Festival admission. For more information and to purchase seating, visit www.foapom.com/summer-art-show/music-schedule.

Set in the arts destination of Laguna Beach, the Festival of Arts offers guests opportunities to browse and purchase artwork from 120 local artists, enjoy art classes, special events, and more.

To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts, follow the Festival on social media at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com.

GENERAL FESTIVAL INFORMATION

DATES & TIMES

July 2 – August 29, 2025
Monday - Thursday: 4pm – 11:30pm
Friday - Sunday: 11am – 11:30pm
Closed July 4, Early closing August 23 at 1pm

TICKET INFORMATION
General Admission: Monday - Thursday $10, Friday - Sunday $15
Students & Seniors: Monday - Thursday $7, Friday - Sunday $11
Children 6 – 12: Daily $5
Free Admission for Children 5 and under, Military, and Laguna Beach Residents.

Festival of Arts Membership:

Upgrade your summer by becoming a Festival of Arts member! Members receive free admission to the fine art show for themselves and a guest all summer long, plus invites to exclusive events and other VIP perks. Membership starts at $60. To view the membership levels and for more information, visit www.foapom.com/support/membership

LOCATION

Festival of Arts Grounds650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS

(800) 487-3378

www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Festival of Arts, a non-profit 501(c)(3), has always been a local leader that has helped with the growth and development of the community and the arts in Laguna Beach. Established in 1932, the Festival of Arts’ mission is to promote, produce and sponsor events and activities that encourage the appreciation, study and performance of the arts. For nearly every summer for 90 years, the Festival of Arts has produced two world-class events: The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Together both shows attract more than 200,000 visitors each year.

The band James to embark on first major North American headline tour in 15+ years; Performing album 'Laid' in full

This tour should feature some amazing setlists. I missed the jaunt with Johnny Marr, so I really hope to catch this one. During the '90s, I interviewed two members of James (including when the band joined one of the last original Lollapalooza tours). Read on for details...

British alt-pop band James will return to North America this fall for the first full headline tour in more than 15 years, performing beloved 1993 album Laid in its entirety for the first time ever. Each night will open with a full performance of Laid, followed by a second set featuring hits, rarities, deep cuts, and fan favorites from across their catalog—including material from their latest UK chart-topping album Yummy.\

The tour starts in September in Atlanta (see routing below). VIP Soundcheck packages are available, offering fans early access to the venue, a chance to witness the final three songs of the band’s soundcheck, a live Q&A with members of James, exclusive, limited edition merch items, and early access to merchandise shopping. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://wearejames.com.

With over 25 million albums sold and a 40+ year legacy, James remains one of the most revered bands to emerge from Manchester’s alternative scene. Laid, produced by Brian Eno and released in 1993, remains a cornerstone of that legacy - selling over 1 million copies worldwide and spawning transatlantic anthems like the title track and “Say Something.” Despite its cultural impact, this marks the first time the band has ever performed the album in full on tour.

“So looking forward to returning to North America,” said vocalist Tim Booth. “This time the album Laid will be the centrepiece of the set lists with the addition of deep cuts and favorites. Catch us before the end of the world and soak in the uplift of our nine piece love bomb.”

The upcoming North American tour follows James’ acclaimed 2024 co-headline run with Johnny Marr, which was met with widespread praise from both fans and critics. 

James returned from a 6-year hiatus in 2008 and have since entered one of their most creative and acclaimed periods, culminating in Yummy (2024)—their first studio album to top the UK Albums Chart. Their 2023 orchestral project Be Opened By The Wonderful celebrated the band’s 40th anniversary.

North American Tour Dates:

Wednesday, September 3rd – Masquerade – Atlanta, GA

Thursday, September 4th – Cannery – Nashville, TN
Saturday, September 6th – Lincoln Theatre – Washington, DC
Sunday, September 7th – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday, September 9th – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA
Wednesday, September 10th – Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, NY
Sunday, September 14th – Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Toronto, ON
Monday, September 15th – Beanfield Theatre – Montreal, QC
Wednesday, September 17th – Globe Iron – Cleveland, OH
Thursday, September 18th – Majestic Theatre – Detroit, MI
Saturday, September 20th – Riot Fest* – Chicago, IL
Sunday, September 21st – First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
Tuesday, September 23rd – Boulder Theatre – Boulder, CO
Thursday, September 25th – Commonwealth – Salt Lake City, UT
Saturday, September 27th – The Bellwether – Los Angeles, CA
Sunday, September 28th – Ohana Festival* – Dana Point, CA
Tuesday, September 30th – The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA
Thursday, October 2nd – Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR
Saturday, October 4th – The Showbox – Seattle, WA
Sunday, October 5th – Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC

*Festival appearances will not include a full performance of Laid

Photo by Ehud Lazin, courtesy Prospect PR

Presale tickets for The Who's farewell North American tour available now

The Who have announced their final tour of the US and Canada. Full tour routing and ticketing information is available below.

Of The Song Is Over North America Farewell Tour, Roger Daltrey says via press release: “Every musician's dream in the early 60’s was to make it big in the US charts. For the Who, that dream came true in 1967 and our lives were changed forever. The warmth of the American audiences over the years have been inspirational to me, and reflect the feeling I remember getting after hearing the first rock records coming across the radio. Musical freedom! Rock gave us a feeling of generational rebellion. To me, America has always been great. The cultural differences had a huge impact on me, this was the land of the possible. It's not easy to end the big part of my life that touring with The Who has been. Thanks for being there for us and look forward to seeing you one last time.”

Pete Townshend says: “Well, all good things must come to an end. It is a poignant time. For me, playing to American audiences and those in Canada has always been incredible. The warmth and engagement of those audiences began back in 1967 with hippies smoking dope, sitting on their blankets and listening deeply and intensely. Music was everywhere. We all felt equal. Today, Roger and I still carry the banner for the late Keith Moon and John Entwistle and of course, all of our longtime Who fans. I must say that although the road has not always been enjoyable for me, it is usually easy: the best job I could ever have had. I keep coming back. Every time I do, I meet new fans and feel new energy. Roger and I are in a good place, despite our age, eager to throw our weight behind this fond farewell to all our faithful fans, and hopefully to new ones who might jump in to see what they have been missing for the last 57 years. This tour will be about fond memories, love and laughter. Make sure you join in.”

Tickets are available through a Citi presale and the Who Fan Club (details below) now. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, May 16 at 10:00 AM local time at thewho.com/tour/.

Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. now -Thursday, May 15 at 10:00 PM local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details, visit www.citientertainment.com.

Join the Whooligan Fan Club exclusively HERE at to receive early ticket access, exclusive Whooligan merchandise, and a copy of the previously unreleased album, Live At The Oval 1971, one of The Who’s most legendary shows, which has been newly mixed and mastered from the original tapes.

The tour will also offer a variety of VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, access to pre-show soundcheck, invitation to the pre-show VIP Lounge, a limited edition autographed tour poster & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

Tour Dates:

Aug 16 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena
Aug 19 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Aug 21 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Aug 23 – Atlantic City, NJ – Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Aug 26 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park
Aug 28 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
Aug 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Sep 2 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Sep 4 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Sep 7 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sep 17 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
Sep 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
Sep 21 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sep 23 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
Sep 25 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sep 28 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena

thewho.com/tour/

Photo by Rick Guest, courtesy Live Nation

Long lost Dusty Springfield album to make vinyl debut

Due out June 6 on Real Gone Music, Dusty Springfield's Longing comprises 10 tracks produced by Brooks Arthur that were part of a shelved album. The songs are making their vinyl debut along with new mixes for the 2CD 2LP release.

Arthur, known for work with Phil Spector's coterie of female artists, framed Dusty in the 1970s singer/songwriter vein with Material from The Zombies' Colin Blunstone (“Exclusively for Me”), Melissa Manchester and Carole Bayer Sager (“Home to Myself”), Janis Ian (“In the Winter”), Stephen Schwartz (“Corner of the Sky”), Barry Manilow (“I Am Your Child”) and others. 

In 2001, under the supervision of Arthur, 9 of 10 tracks were released on CD. The 10th track (“Corner of the Sky” from the Broadway musical "Pippin") was reworked as a duet with Petula Clark and included on a pair of anthologies.

This release includes the first solo release of “Corner of the Sky” and includes track-by-track annotations by Dusty expert Paul Howes, vintage artwork and rare photos. The vinyl edition Is pressed on eco-friendly PET black plastic.

Configuration preorders via realgonemusic.com:

Dusty Springfield - Longing vinyl bundle includes 1 Test Pressing and 1 copy of the Black and 1 copy of the Pink & White Marble variant, Limited to 30 Bundles. 1 PER PERSON/HOUSEHOLD.

Dusty Springfield - Longing (Black Vinyl Edition) Regular Variant

Dusty Springfield - Longing (Limited Pink & White Marble Vinyl Edition) Limited to 100 copies copies. 1 PER PERSON/HOUSEHOLD.

LP Track Listing:

Side One

1. Turn Me Around

2. In the Winter
3. Exclusively for Me
4. A Love Like Yours
5. I Am Your Child

Side Two

1. Home to Myself
2. Make the Man Love Me

3. Beautiful Soul

4. Angels
5. Corner of the Sky

Upcoming Rock Hall Inductee Paul Rodgers of Bad Company Teams Up with Coachella Valley's Adopt the Arts Honor Choir, The Changels, for Recording Session

Elementary school music students from the Coachella Valley teamed up with forthcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Paul Rodgers of Bad Company as he joined members of The Changels (“Angels of Change”) honor choir. It was for a special recording session, part of Adopt the Arts Foundation's ongoing commitment to providing meaningful music education in underserved communities.

Members of the Changels recorded a special rendition HERE of the Bad Company hit written by Rodgers, "Rock & Roll Fantasy." Rodgers joined them to sing on the track, which is co-produced by Matt Sorum (Velvet Revolver, Guns 'N Roses) and fellow Hollywood Vampires member Bruce Witkin. Sorum is responsible for the overall collaboration and plays drums on the track.

Out of more than 75 students participating in Adopt the Arts’ Coachella Valley honor choir, a select group was given the opportunity to audition for the recording session at Good Noise studio, giving them a hands-on professional recording experience. 

"Music has the power to transform lives – I've experienced it myself and seen it countless times throughout my career," said Paul Rodgers. "Working with these young, talented and very engaged singers is an opportunity to pass along not just technical knowledge, but the passion, joy and spirit that comes from musical expression."

This collaboration is part of a larger initiative by Adopt the Arts to provide students with real-world music industry experiences beyond classroom instruction. The program includes mentoring sessions with professional musicians, recording opportunities, and performances throughout Southern California.

"We're not just teaching these kids about music – we're showing them how music can open doors and create community," said Matt Sorum, Founder of Adopt the Arts and also a Rock Hall inductee. "Having Paul Rodgers join us is incredible. These are formative experiences that build confidence and skills these kids will carry with them throughout their lives."

The Changels, a group of elementary students from Adopt the Arts' partner schools in the Palm Springs Unified School District, are recording songs focused on themes of unity and hope.

The session was filmed as part of an ongoing documentary project following The Changels' musical journey, showcasing the impact of music education during children's formative years.

"What's different about Adopt the Arts is their long-term commitment to these students," said Dr. Tony Signoret, Superintendent of Palm Springs Unified School District. "This isn't a one-time celebrity appearance – it's part of a comprehensive approach to music education that's making a real difference in our schools and community."

Since its inception in 2012, Adopt the Arts has fully funded the music program at Rosewood STEM Magnet Elementary in Los Angeles. In August 2024, the Foundation expanded to serve four elementary schools in the Coachella Valley—Agua Caliente, Bubbling Wells, Della S. Lindley, and Vista Del Monte—with plans to reach two more schools this year. This session reflects the organization’s core mission: to empower students in underserved communities through access to high-quality music education and real-world creative experiences.

About Adopt the Arts

Adopt the Arts Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing underserved elementary schools with high-quality music education, curriculum and resources that empowers students with the music knowledge to learn, develop and grow. Adopt the Arts was founded by Grammy Award-winning musician Matt Sorum, and Golden Globe award and Emmy award-winning Actor Jane Lynch. For more information about Adopt the Arts, visit www.adoptthearts.org.

About The Changels

The Changels ("Angels of Change") are an honor choir comprised of over 85 elementary students from Adopt the Arts partner schools in Southern California. Through choral music, The Changels bring people together with messages of unity and hope, performing a wide variety of musical genres for local and national audiences. The choir focuses on developing students' musical abilities while building self-confidence, improving reading skills, and teaching teamwork and discipline.

About the Track

Vocals: Paul Rodgers, Adopt the Arts Foundation Changels
Drums: Matt Sorum
Guitar, Keyboards, Bass Guitar: Bruce Witkin
Lead Guitar: Brett Smith Daniels 
Producer: Matt Sorum
Engineered and Co-producer: Bruce Witkin
Assistant Engineer: Fabian Metelmann
Mixed by: Derek Bason at ATMOS Studio/Starstruck
Assistant: Todd Tidwell
Mastering Engineer: Adam Ayan, Ayan Mastering

Recorded at: GoodNoise Studio, Palm Springs, California
*Special thanks to Jason Mendelson of GoodNoise Studio