You have your badge for NOLA MusiCon, taking place in fabulous New Orleans, Louisiana October 28-30. It’s three days full of top-notch music industry education, networking, and live performance.
Speaking of live performance, one reason you’ll want to join us in The Big Easy this #SpookySZN is that we’re putting together another two-night Crescent City Crossroads extravaganza!
Crescent City Crossroads II will take place the first two nights of the conference — that’s October 28 and 29 — at Gasa Gasa (4920 Freret St.). Each lineup will feature an array of artists from a variety of genres and locales. Artists from Nashville and New York will join some of New Orleans’ own to celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Those lineups and a ticket link will be coming your way next Tuesday, Oct. 13 (after we get back from Confluence Carolinas, which is happening this week). Keep an eye out, and again, get your badge for NOLA!
Certainly, there are many talented artists on the list. I’ve even had the opportunity to catch a few of them live over the years. So, let it be known that what I am about to say is not a reflection on anybody’s talent or dedication to their craft. It ain’t easy out here for any independent artist, and it is not my intention to dismiss their achievements.
However, one glance at the graphic was all it took to notice that all of the featured artists seem to project a certain, *ahem*…image that Nashville has long been accused of favoring. (And I’m saying this as a straight white dude who lifts weights, watches wrestling, and listens to Creed!)
I didn’t want to jump to conclusions. So, I did what any Millennial internet veteran would do…
I went to the comment section to see if I was the only one to notice.
Once there, I could see that I wasn’t alone. Many observers pointed to a stunning lack of diversity on this year’s list, leaving an array of comments like these…
“Definitely lacking the diversity of the true Music City”
“Y’all couldn’t find any POC??”
“No kind of diversity. Doesn’t even surprise me at all”
“Couldn’t even fake a little inclusivity 😂😭 genuinely sad. No shade to the winners themselves”
See the post for yourself, and draw your own conclusions. Then, meet me after the jump…
I’ve lived in Nashville for nearly 8 years. I’ve explored every corner of this city, many times over. There are as many cultures and perspectives here as almost any other major city in the United States. If there is a genre of music (or art) you love, you can find it here.
The major gripe I have about this city – aside from our steadily-worsening traffic and infrastructure issues – is that those voices are silenced when Nashville bourgeoisie project their desired image of our city to the world. Rarely do tourists come to town with any knowledge of historic Jefferson Street, or the fact that it was theFisk Jubilee singers – and not country music itself – that earned Nashville the nickname “Music City” when they performed for Queen Victoria on an 1873 tour of Great Britain.
East Nashville – the eclectic creative hub where I proudly reside – is merely reduced to a “cute” neighborhood which exists to give tourists a break from the madness of Lower Broadway. Meanwhile, so much art, culture, and local business flies under the radar, while those same tourists flock back across the Cumberland River to feed the machine after sunset.
Shoot. I’ll do you one better…
I was in the pit taking photos during Nashville’s Big Bash on New Year’s Eve 2023. The ‘50 Years of Nashville Hip Hop’ portion of the celebration – a prime opportunity to show the world that we are more than just trucks ‘n beer – wasn’t even included on the live CBS broadcast. And, to make matters worse, a guest DJ set that could have been a career-defining opportunity for an up-and-coming local artist was instead granted to… then-newly-elected mayor Freddie O’Connell?!
(Seriously, though. Stick to fixing the roads, Freddie. Our tires will thank you.)
We have brilliant performances happening all over this city, spanning rock, pop, hip hop, soul, R&B, jazz, blues, and more. Musicians of any genre, location, or discipline are told that, if they want to make it big in the industry, they need to do it here. Countless artists have left their old lives behind – missing birthdays, weddings, and even funerals back home – in pursuit of that dream… only to find that, when push comes to shove, meaningful opportunities have become limited for anyone unwilling to put on their best cowboy cosplay and join the party.
It’s a shame, too, because that diversity – and the art it inspires – has created so many beautiful pockets of community throughout Nashville. Those pockets define what it truly means to be a Nashvillian, and they deserve a chance to shine.
I’m not arguing that country music does not have its place in our city’s history and culture. It most certainly does. However, I will argue all day that it has been whitewashed and commercialized beyond recognition, and the resulting caricature robs locals and tourists alike of the opportunity to embrace all that Nashville is and could be, underneath the glittery veneer of neon lights, cowboy boots, and pedal taverns.
If Nashville envisions itself growing into a global city – one which sees music as essential to its identity – it absolutely must do more to promote itself as a place of character and inclusion. Renowned melting pots like New York, Toronto, and London remain creative epicenters for their respective abilities to build bridges between cultures and perspectives. Creatives from all over the world – and of any discipline – flock to these cities. A lot of times, they stay there, because those cities never stop offering something new. Those places certainly experience their ups and downs, but they always seem to persevere – because when the going gets tough, the people dig deep and remember that they’re a part of something special.
We can do that, too. And, since we’re “Music City,” how about those of us within the greater music ecosystem take the lead? Let’s work to uplift independent artists and champion their stories – regardless of where they’ve originated, or what genre of music they make.
For so long, Nashville artists have been expected by the establishment to fit a certain “mold” if they ever want to succeed here.
For the good of Nashville and everyone in it, it’s time to break the mold.
I told Gerard — or as I know him, GUARAD (courtesy of a Starbucks order gone wrong) — that I was ready for my next assignment up here in the Lehigh Valley. To reward my eagerness, he presented me with the opportunity to take photos at Billy Bauer Band’s Dave Matthews Band tribute. It took place inside the Musikfest Cafe at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, and featured an opening set from Cass Noelle (who was recently a part of our Musikfest coverage).
First of all, Cass is always top notch. Not only did she do her originals, but she did some covers and put her own spin on them. Sometimes, it took me a minute to realize it was a cover! And then she pulled out her cover of “Zombie” by The Cranberries. And boy — her chops really shone through on that one! If you can pull that off, you can pull anything off, and Cass definitely can.
Onward to the main event. Full disclosure: I was never a Dave Matthews Band fan. Many people threatened to unfriend me over that fact, but I just couldn’t get into them.
With that said, I started to actually listen a little bit more a couple years ago. Listening to Billy Bauer Band (with a couple members of Chasing Daylight, for good measure) actually made me want to dig into the DMB discography! Maybe because Billy’s voice was just a little smoother than Dave’s, or because the band was super tight. I’m not certain of the reason, but I WILL go see this tribute show again. And, in general, I plan on getting out to see the Billy Bauer Band and Chasing Daylight much more.
Till next time, this is Rockin’ Ronnie, UMC’s Lehigh Valley Correspondent, signing off…
Our pop-up tent got destroyed. The rain made everything MOIST. And yet, we persisted, delivering a series of interviews from the third and final day of Gussapolooza 2026.
We spent this episode venturing out to other people’s booths, chatting with some of the visual artists in residence about their creative processes and inspirations. We also happened to get everyone’s stances on AI use in the arts… and we found some varying perspectives among the group.
Thank you to everyone at Gussapolooza — especially Gary from Barrie, Bad Club Media, and At the Scene Photography — for getting us back up and running after the storm tried to take us out!
It was hot, I was tired, and I wanted to enjoy as much music as possible.
My first stop was at Plaza Tropical, where Inkwell had a variety show going on. I walked in to hear a killer sax solo, and then a comedian. Unfortunately, I didn’t get their names. Inkwell is an incredible venue on Hamilton Street. They have all kinds of artists – musicians, comedians, spoken word. They are keeping original talent alive and that, to me, is a great thing.
I wanted to head to Festplatz, but first… I needed nourishment. A chicken taco from Aqui Es did the trick.
At Festplatz, I got to see some polka dancing in action while All the Kings Men: A Jolly Joe Timmer Tribute played. Jolly Joe Timmer was a Lehigh Valley polka legend who passed away in 2015. His music and legend lives on with All the Kings Men.
Lagerplatz was my next stop where I saw Koyal, a pop group from L.A. The fun part about them is they are not just musicians; they met in college, where they earned engineering degrees! I could easily hear them being played in a club or on the radio. Smart AND talented!
It was time to head up that darn hill to Hotel Bethlehem platz to see Cass Noelle. She has been a Lehigh Valley staple for years, and had the crowd to prove it. Her voice is amazing, and she did a lot of pop covers acoustic style, as well as her own songs. There were a few raindrops that decided to come down, but that didn’t deter her or the crowd! After I sat there a bit, I headed even further up the hill to Main Street (platz?) to see Ted Donatelli, formerly of the Aardvarks.
Ted was the drummer for the ‘varks, but on this stage played guitar, keyboard, and sang covers from all genres. This man clearly needs to be behind the microphone! There are very few artists I say this about, but he could sing Google and it would sound great. This was made clear by the size of the crowd.
It was time to head back home, but I made one more quick stop at Lagerplatz, where DMac (Dan MacRae) was entertaining the crowd. A little country, a little folk, and a smooth pleasant voice was the perfect way to end my Musikfest day. Hot and tired once again, I hopped the shuttle to the Southside and headed home.
This was such an incredible experience. As I was walking around doing my thing, I was in complete awe over what was in front of me, behind me, next to me. There aren’t many places you can go to for 10 days once a year and pay NOTHING to get in, and see so many different bands, so many different genres. Every year, when the list of performers comes out, I hear the same thing, – “This is Bethlehem. Why aren’t there a lot of local bands playing?”
There are. They are absolutely there. But, what makes this unique is the artists from around the country that come perform. One night, I was going to make a point to go see a popular Lehigh Valley act, but then I thought, “I can see them any time. Let me check out something new.” And I’m glad I did! While I did see quite a few local acts, I saw just as many not-so-local.
Also, the shuttle rides between the North and South sides have really been improved with the addition of LANTA buses. There was no better feeling after a long, hot day than hopping on that air conditioned shuttle and relaxing for about 10-15 minutes. And, on every shuttle ride, everyone was friendly. There was nothing but friends on there! Yes, they were friends we haven’t met and may never see each other again. There was a special camaraderie going on. Everyone had that one end goal – to have a great time. And clearly, everyone did.
Until next year, Musikfest. This is Rockin’ Ronnie, Underground Music Collective’s Lehigh Valley Correspondent.
The Gussapolooza 2026 party continued on Saturday, and the threat of rain couldn’t stop us from getting some insightful convos in.
We chatted with multimedia wizard and longtime Gussapolooza volunteer Dominic Liberka, visual artist and women’s empowerment activist Angela Francis, and New York-based multi-genre trio Already Late.
I returned to Musikfest on Wednesday, August 5, heading right up after work.
My first stop was Plaza Tropical, where Reggaelar People were playing. These guys were fun, funky, and their reggae- inspired tunes made me feel like I was on the beach! They are from the East Coast, and I even got to talk to the one member a bit as I was leaving later. Friendly, fun, enthusiastic and super entertaining!
After that energizing performance I stopped in the Yuengling Lagerplatz to see Sophie Rice, a singer-songwriter from the Lehigh Valley. Her folksy-pop vocals kept the audience captivated, and you could clearly see she belonged on that stage.
Then, it was off to Festplatz, where The Castaway Band was playing. They are a party band from the Lehigh Valley, and they had the whole crowd on their feet! I walked in just as they were playing Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer” — and if you know me, you know I’m picky about who I like singing Bon Jovi. They passed the test! But seriously, many phones were up recording and lots of happy people were singing and dancing, and that’s what you want to see!
After that it was off to Zinzenplatz to see Lehigh Valley Favorites CPR and Sarah Ayers. Made up of some of the Lehigh Valley’s top talent, they had some killer harmonies! Sarah has always been one of the Lehigh Valley’s top stars, and I could see why after listening.
Next up it was back to Festplatz to see The Wonton Soups. I had wanted to catch these guys for years and I’m glad I finally got the chance to. Their big brass pop was lively, fun, and charismatic. Definitely a crowd favorite! From there, I made a quick stop at Lagerplatz again for Maria Woodford, an acoustic pop country musician. She had a really nice sound; it was bluesy and soulful, and I could have listened to a lot more of her.
After checking in with the North Side Sheriff himself, I ended my Wednesday night back where it began, catching Big Wahu Caribbean Band at Plaza Tropical. Their laid back Caribbean – Calypso sound is pleasant and relaxing, and made me imagine myself sailing off on a yacht. (I DO have a captain’s hat, yacht rock lover that I am…
After that, it was time to head home. I’ve got one more recap coming, highlighting the festival’s final Saturday. Keep an eye out!
Monday, August 3 was the moment I have been waiting for all my photography life. I had the opportunity to photograph my first “big” concert, Train, from the pit at Musikfest!
Yes, THAT Train! THE Pat Monahan!
I don’t need to let you know how they sounded. I mean… they’re Train! We only got to be there for three songs, and before I knew it, the three songs were over, but it was a moment I’ll never forget! Hopefully, it’s only the first of many opportunities like that. Thanks to Musikfest and UMC for the experience of a lifetime!
On Saturday, August 1, I parked on the South Side and shuttled my way up North for more ‘Festing, more music, and more photos.
One thing I noticed about the shuttles was how friendly everyone was. I suppose it was because they knew they were in for a fun and entertaining day. The nice woman sitting next to me offered me some watermelon smelling hand sanitizer that she said she got at Five Below. Immediately I noted to myself to make sure to get there to get some! We had a nice chat, and then we arrived on the North Side.
My first stop was up the hill at the Hotel Bethlehem Platz, where the Artisan Jazz Trio was playing. You can’t go wrong with a little bit of funk mixed in with a lot of jazz! I enjoyed their smooth sound, but then it was time to move to my next stop. My next stop was getting some poutine from The Flying V, which I have wanted to try for many years! Let me tell you, after eating that I was left wondering where that has been all my life! It was as incredible, as everyone said it would be.
It was time to get back to work, so I sauntered into the Service Electric FestPlatz, where I saw the Grammy Award-winning Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra. Although they are known for being one of the most popular polka bands in America, they played so much more than that! They mixed a lot of pop and oldies into the mix, and the crowd was eating it up. I could see why they were so popular!
Moving right along, I ventured to the other side of Festplatz to the Yuengling Lagerplatz stage, where I caught indie singer-songwriter Temma, whose storytelling ability was on full display through her strong voice and powerful lyrics. From there, I went right back down to Festplatz and found a seat to get ready to see Coverfire!, a rock and pop cover band (with a few originals) comprised of musicians from Pennsylvania’s Army National Guard. (Side note: I saw an empty chair between random people and asked if I could sit there. Of course they said yes, because there was not one unfriendly soul at Musikfest!). The tent was packed, and it was easy to understand why from the first note. Every member showcased their many talents by playing multiple instruments, switching between them throughout the show. I highly recommend catching these guys (and ladies) if you can.
(Actually, I highly recommend catching all of these acts!)
After that show, I headed to Plaza Tropical because I wanted to catch Coquettish, an alt-rock band from New Jersey, Coquettish. Their bass-heavy originals can be best described as a mix of alt-rock, grunge, and jam with a vibe – and I will say the bass player had most of that vibe. She was definitely the main character, and she owned it! Some songs were heavily reminiscent of Jeff Buckley, and they were awesome.
After that, I was spent for the day, and it was time to head home. Stay tuned for Part 3!
Some of the best memories and musical discoveries of the past couple summers have been made in the middle of a field in Ontario, about 75 minutes north of Toronto.
The field? The Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds in Cookstown, which will once again play host to Gussapolooza Music Festival this weekend (Aug. 21-23). Some of the best talent from the region (and throughout North America) will descend on this quaint Canadian town for a weekend of new music discovery and community.
Events like Gussapolooza — which boasts an all-independent lineup once again — are a beautiful reminder of why we got into this business in the first place. There is something so pure about a grassroots music festival, where volunteers from the community dedicate their time and talents to see it all the way to fruition — and create something a bit more magical, every single year. Driving these efforts is a belief in community, in artistry, and the notion that independent artists deserve a big stage and a world-class platform on which to showcase their talents.
That’s why we make the trip every year. And, once again, we’ll be capturing the action through Buckshot’s lens, as well as through a series of interviews from throughout the weekend which will be broadcast on The Quinn Spinn’s return episodes this fall.
And, as an additional treat, we took the time to edit 100+ new photos from last year’s festival to get you ready for your trip to Cookstown. See you there!
