Category Archives: live music

Gussapolooza Announces Lineup Featuring Bleeker & Grant Boyer

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The Gussapolooza Music and Arts Festival is back—and the official 2025 lineup has just been announced!

Taking place August 22–24, 2025 in vibrant Cookstown, Ontario, this year’s festival features special guests Bleeker and Grant Boyer, alongside returning Gussapolooza award winners Manic Boys and Girls Club, Harley Olivia, and Cudbear. They’ll be joined by an eclectic lineup of emerging artists from across the country for a weekend packed with creativity, energy, and inspiration.

More than a music festival, Gussapolooza is a family-friendly celebration of community, creativity, and connection. Guests can explore immersive experiences like the Kids Zone, a tranquil Health & Wellness Zone, interactive art installations, local artisan vendors, and more—offering something for everyone.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy a full weekend stay with a variety of camping options, including RV power sites, designated family camping, and access to onsite showers—ensuring a fun and convenient festival experience for all.

“We’re beyond excited to welcome Bleeker, Grant Boyer and so many incredible artists to Cookstown this summer,” said Russell Robson, Founder and Organizer of Gussapolooza. “Gussapolooza has always been about more than music—it’s a community-driven, family-friendly celebration where people of all ages can come together, connect, and be inspired by the arts. We can’t wait to share this experience with everyone again in 2025.”

Gussapolooza is also proud to announce a meaningful new partnership with Stevenson Memorial Hospital. A portion of all ticket sales will go directly toward funding the hospital’s new state-of-the-art facility, strengthening access to healthcare in the surrounding community.

Tickets are now on sale and the full artist lineup is available at www.gussapolooza.com. While there, you’ll find information on how to get involved as a volunteer, vendor, or member of the media.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW: UnderDogs @ The Underdog Apr. 30

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Tickets are on sale now for UnderDogs @ The Underdog, our songwriter night and networking mixer in celebration of our community.

Join us at The Underdog Nashville (3208 Gallatin Ave.), as long-time friends of UMC join a handful of our 2025 NEXT2RISE artists to showcase the talent and versatility within our community.

Tickets are just $10, and they can be found here. As for UnderDogs members? They get in FREE! That’s just one more reason to become an UnderDog today!

As for what you can expect? Here’s the plan!

6 p.m.: Doors open and networking begins!
7 p.m.: ARREIS, Kfhox, Timothy Myles, Virtues
8 p.m.: Adam Lawrence of The Mad Sugars, Da’ Healerz, Kelsey Muse, Nicolas Soul

Step Into the Heal Talk Experience

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Want an inside look at The Heal Talk Experience before you attend with us on Thursday, May 15?

Our debut Heal Talk Experience took place in February at NECAT (120 White Bridge Pike, Nashville). This was a powerful night of music, vulnerability, and transformation — a true celebration of healing through art and community.

The evening opened with the radiant Nikki Ray, who shared her personal healing journey and led us into deep relaxation with a beautiful sound bath. Psychic Marita guided the room with intuitive wisdom and a live reading, helping us open our hearts and minds. Da’ Healerz brought the soul with three original performances, each followed by a heartfelt conversation with the audience about the real-life stories and healing behind the lyrics. They were joined by the talented J Nix on bass and Urri Thames on drums.

To close, we asked the audience reflective questions about their own healing journeys — sparking deep thought and connection.

Filmed at NECAT Network, and edited by Mbeezy Media.

This is more than a show — it’s a movement. Join the next Heal Talk Experience in Nashville on May 15!

LINEUP INSIDE: UnderDogs @ The Underdog in Nashville Apr. 30

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The rumors are true! We’ll make our return to the Nashville live scene on Wednesday, April 30 when we present UnderDogs @ The Underdog,’ a songwriter showcase and networking mixer in celebration of our new Underdogs community!

Multiple NEXT2RISE artists — including Da’ Healerz, Nicolas Soul, and Kelsey Muse — will be featured alongside other longtime friends of UMC. $10 is the price of admission… but UnderDogs members already have a spot on the guest list!

The full lineup is below! If you’re not an UnderDogs member yet, now is a great time to join and have your ticket included in your membership!

6 p.m.: Doors open for networking!
7 p.m.: ARREIS, Kfhox, Timothy Myles, Virtues
8 p.m.: Adam Lawrence, Da’ Healerz, Kelsey Muse, Nicolas Soul

Diary of a Road Warrior (ft. Hobo Houston)

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Hobo Houston is a punk rocker, Americana troubadour, and a dedicated performer who builds meaningful connections with audiences across the globe. With his band, Houston & the Dirty Rats, Houston has performed more than 1,000 times, including a run of 100+ shows in 100 days before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Houston joined us before the holidays to chat about the journey so far, and provided a look at what’s to come in the future — including his debut book?!

The Quinn Spinn is recorded and produced at Helping Our Music Evolve, Nashville, TN.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Follow Houston: ⁠https://instagram.com/hobohouston⁠

The Quinn Spinn
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⁠⁠Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠
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Music on the Move Showcase to Feature a Tribute to Larysa Jaye

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Music on the Move Studios has unveiled the lineup for its April 2 all-female showcase at 3rd & Lindsley — and it features a tribute to late Nashville musician Larysa Jaye, who tragically passed away unexpectedly in December.

The tribute to Larysa Jaye will feature performances from Nashville-based artists Katie Basden, Jenny Teator, Lauren Anderson, and Sarina Joi. Joining them on the lineup will be GRAMMY-winning songwriter Melody Walker, Radio SoBro host and country artist Zoe Jean Fowler, and country/Americana singer-songwriter Caryn Dixon. As always, this all-star lineup will be supported by Music on the Move’s all-female house band, Erin McLendon & The HellCats.

Tickets for this special night start at $15, and are available for purchase here. A percentage of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to the Larysa Jaye Family Foundation.

Announcing Our First NEXT2RISE Artist Ambassadors!

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Today, we are excited to reveal UMC’s first-ever official artist ambassadors, as part of our new NEXT2RISE Artist Ambassador Program.

We have hand-selected bright, talented, career-driven artistpreneurs to spotlight over the next calendar year. Each NEXT2RISE artist is already making moves, and our goal is to elevate them further through the UMC platform.

We have selected two divisions of NEXT2RISE artists for the Class of 2025 — one based in Nashville, and one comprised of artists from different locations around the world (our Abroad Division). Our NEXT2RISE artists will receive:

  • FREE UnderDogs community membership for the next 12 months. (Learn more about our growing community.)
  • Periodic feature opportunities through Underground Music Collective, including music reviews, playlist features, and podcast interviews.
  • More performance opportunities, including our NEXT2RISE year-end showcase in November.
  • Connections to partnership opportunities with aligned brand partners.
  • 1-on-1 and group coaching via UMC Academy and Ether Collective.
  • Additional opportunities to collaborate with partner outlets, venues, festivals, and more.

Meet the first artists in our NEXT2RISE Nashville division below. An announcement featuring artists selected in the Abroad division is coming soon!

  • Da’ Healerz: A Heal Hop duo speaking light and affirmation into the creative landscape, featuring established Nashville emcees Lord Goldie and Foundation Mecca.
  • Izzy Rage: A Hyperpunk Warrior whose music pursues themes of overcoming violence, accepting imperfection, and embracing “Radical Expression Through Peaceful Chaos.”
  • Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess: A poet, author, coach, and speaker previously featured by TEDx, Sound Therapy, and more.
  • Kelsey Muse: A genre-defying, award-winning singer, rapper, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist (featured by NACA, Nick @ Nite, and more).
  • Nicolas Soul: A Kenya-born, Nashville-based hip hop and R&B artist who aspires to inject honesty and soulfulness into his creations.
  • Roz Malone: Performing artist, musician, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur
  • Write the Block: A spoken word duo featuring poets and multidisciplinary artists NewLeeMade and Karimah Ariel
  • Yonna Jones: A Chicago-born, Nashville-based rapper, singer, and dancer who creates “movement music,” aimed at motivating and inspiring with messages of perseverance.

Want to be considered for the Class of 2026? We’ll be selecting from within our community later this year. Learn more about what it takes to be an UnderDog!

Inaugural Nashville All-Starr Round Set for Apr. 3 in Madison

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Calling all music lovers, songwriters, and fans of Nashville’s vibrant creative community!

We’re thrilled to be a part of the first-ever Nashville All-Starr Round at MaeMax Market (2106 Gallatin Pike, Madison, TN). This one-of-a-kind night of music, networking, and community-building will feature nine local all-star songwriters showcasing their incredible talents.

Hosted by Stephie G., night will be filled with three rounds of exciting live performances. Featured songwriters include…

6 p.m. (Folk & Americana): Mikayla Lewis, Riley Olena, & Aaron Benjamin
7 p.m. (Soul and R&B): Luke Parrish, David Skinner, & Lexi Trigg
8 p.m. (Indie Rock): Jackie Saturday, Matt Nagy, & Heather Liebensohn

The Nashville All-Starr Round is an opportunity to meet and connect with other songwriters, musicians, and creatives in the area! Whether you’re looking to collaborate, share ideas, or just enjoy the music, this event is the perfect opportunity to expand your network and be inspired.

It’s all-ages, there is delicious food onsite, and there’s FREE parking! What more could you want? RSVP here!

Sponsored by Life Literacy Education, with media support from Underground Music Collective.

Gussapolooza 2025 Early Bird Tickets Now Available!

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Gussapolooza Music & Arts Festival is back for 2025, and early bird tickets are officially on sale!

As one of Canada’s most exciting celebrations of music, art, and community, Gussapolooza invites festivalgoers to secure their spots now and experience an unforgettable weekend filled with live performances, interactive workshops, and creative connections.

Set in a welcoming, family-friendly environment, Gussapolooza is more than just a festival—it’s a movement that brings together artists, musicians, and creators of all kinds. Attendees can expect an eclectic mix of talented performers, immersive art installations, and hands-on activities designed to inspire and engage people of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard music lover, an aspiring artist, or someone looking for a weekend of fun and discovery, Gussapolooza has something for everyone.

Early bird tickets are available for a limited time and are limited to the first 100 purchasers. These tickets include free tent camping, making it an even better deal for festivalgoers, offering festival fans the best value for their 2025 experience. With a growing lineup of performers and exciting new additions to the festival, now is the perfect time to lock in tickets before prices go up!

Join us for a weekend of music, art, and community at Gussapolooza 2025, taking place from August 22-24!

For ticket purchases and more information, visit www.gussapolooza.com.

PHOTOS: NuRenaissance Media’s Certified Lounge Podcast

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We had the opportunity to swing by Solberg Studios on Nashville’s historic Jefferson St. this weekend. Camera in tow, we helped capture some upcoming episodes of the Certified Lounge podcast, produced by NuRenaissance Media.

Hosts Samaria Kay and Amoré Dear welcomed a series of guests who are making a difference in the creative community, including Ether Collective founder Joe Baze, Guidance Whiskey founder Jason Ridgel, and performing artists Trane Spitta and MyaSimone. Episodes are set to release a bit later this spring, and feature inspired performances and insightful, forward-thinking conversations from some of Nashville’s most spirited entrepreneurs.

We’ve got some behind the scenes photos of the performances below. Be sure to tap in with our friends at NuRenaissance Media for updates!

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