THROUGH THE LENS: Julian Taylor, the Gene Shay Awards Show, and Other Roots Music Photos of the Week

This was a devastating week in the roots music community. RIP to Bonnaroo and Outside Lands co-founder Jonathan Mayers (The Tennessean) and New York City venue owner and local music champion Billy Jones (Pitchfork). Additionally, two musical legends — funk, rock, and soul artist Sly Stone and the Beach Boys’ pop

Named for and presided over by the undisputed king of bluegrass — Del McCoury — DelFest, first held in 2008, took over Cumberland, Maryland, this past Memorial Day weekend, May 22-25, 2025. Held at the Allegany County Fairgrounds, it’s a lovely backdrop with a fabulous view of Knobley Mountain rising high

The devil works fast, but the internet works faster...or something along those lines. The biggest news of the day today is Donald Trump and Elon Musk melting down online, so of course, Arkansas-based singer-songwriter Jesse Welles took to a field and sang the news in a little ditty called