Columns THROUGH THE LENS: High Water and Sun, Sand & Soul Fests Offered Singular Roots Music Experiences For Discerning Fans Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes - High Water Festival 2026 - Photo by Justin St. Clair
BONUS TRACKS: New Allison Russell LP, The Mavericks Tribute Tour, and More Roots Music News Allison Russell has been teasing new music for months now, but finally announced her third solo album: In The Hour of Chaos is finally due out July 10 via Fantasy Records. In typical fashion for her, Russell has brought in as many collaborators as possible to share the spotlight with
THE READING ROOM: Revisiting Dave Mason’s ‘Only You Know and I Know’ When Dave Mason died on April 19, 2026, the world lost a musician’s musician whose passion consisted of searching for just the right notes in the music he played. Mason generously contributed his songwriting and instrumental prowess to whatever group of musicians he joined, never standing out front, but
Through the Lens: MerleFest 2026 Was a “Traditional Plus” Triumph! MerleFest – named for Doc Watson's son Merle – had rather humble beginnings in 1988, when traditional musicians gathered on a flatbed trailer as a fundraiser for the Wilkes Community College, where the fest has been held ever since. The fest is best described by Doc himself, “When Merle and