23RD ANNUAL PARTY IN THE KITCHEN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/22/26

Atlanta’s Culinary Community Comes Together for Open Hand Atlanta’s
23rd Annual Party in the Kitchen, Sept. 24
Beloved culinary fundraiser brings together the city’s top chefs, exclusive experiences
and supporters to advance Open Hand’s mission

Open Hand Atlanta invites supporters to its 23rd annual Party in the Kitchen fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. Recognized as one of Atlanta’s premier culinary fundraising events, Party in the Kitchen will bring together Atlanta’s most celebrated chefs, an exclusive auction experience and hundreds of supporters for an evening that fuels Open Hand’s life-changing nutrition programs across Georgia.

Guests will sample signature dishes from some of Atlanta’s most acclaimed chefs, enjoy live entertainment and bid on exclusive silent auction opportunities. Returning as Chef Co-Chairs, renowned chefs Kevin Rathbun and Peter Kaiser are joined by Event Co-Chairs Robert Candler and Charles Mendez III, as well as a lineup of participating chefs from some of Atlanta’s most celebrated kitchens, including The Deer and The Dove Chef Terry Koval, KR SteakBar Chef Jessica Gamble, and Tiny Lou’s Chef Jason Stern, with additional chefs and culinary talent to be announced.

“The impact we’ve built over the last two decades with the Atlanta culinary community is extraordinary,” said Open Hand CEO Matthew Pieper. “Party in the Kitchen continues to celebrate the best of our city, from delicious food to incredible generosity. It’s a cornerstone in supporting the life-changing nutrition services Open Hand provides to thousands of Georgians every year.”

The event’s silent auction will feature coveted packages ranging from luxury travel experiences and premier Atlanta entertainment experiences to exclusive chef-curated dining opportunities.

Ahead of the Main Event, Open Hand will host an exclusive Patron Reception on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at its Westside headquarters, the James A. Carlos Family Community Nutrition Center. Patron Reception guests will enjoy an intimate evening of culinary tastings from acclaimed Atlanta restaurants while touring Open Hand’s state-of-the-art facility and seeing firsthand how community support powers the organization’s mission.

Proceeds from Party in the Kitchen directly support Open Hand’s programs, which provide medically tailored meals and nutrition education, free of charge, to individuals facing chronic or severe illness across Georgia. Individual tickets to the Main Event are available for $400. Patron Reception admission packages begin at $1,250 and include access to both events.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit OpenHandAtlanta.org/PITK.

2026 SOUTHEAST PLANT SHOW

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/22/26

Saturday, June 27-Sunday, June 28

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds – Lawrenceville, GA

Website: www.southeastplantshow.com

he Southeast Plant Show returns for its 3rd annual event on June 27–28, 2026, at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville, Georgia. As the Southeast’s premier indoor plant event, the show brings together a world-class marketplace, expert speakers, family-friendly programming, and a vibrant plant-loving community.

Spanning two large, air-conditioned indoor buildings, the event offers a one-of-a-kind experience featuring rare plants, curated goods, and educational opportunities for all ages.

Event Hours:

  • Saturday, Jun 27, 2026
    • VIP Early Access: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    • General Admission: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday, Jun 28, 2026
    • General Admission: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

2025 Show Features:

  • 100+ vendors offering rare indoor and outdoor plants from Thailand, Ecuador, Indonesia, and more.
  • Jewelry, plant-themed décor, artisanal goods, and specialty plant care products.
  • Headline Sponsor: Rusty Exotics & Blue Moon Tropicals
  • Keynote Speaker: Derek Haynes (@thechocolatebotanist) and Jake (@jaketheplantguy).
  • Live lectures, workshops, and demonstrations throughout the weekend
  • Guest influencers, including Jan (@sydneyplantguy) and Kaylee Ellen (@kayleeellenofficial).
  • Food trucks, kids’ activity zone, and family-friendly entertainment.

Admission Info:

  • General Admission starts at $15, VIP Admission starts at $100.
  • Children 12 and under enter free
  • First responders, military personnel, teachers, and nurses receive free admission with a valid ID.

This event continues to grow as one of the most anticipated gatherings for plant lovers, hobbyists, collectors, and professionals across the Southeast and beyond.

ONE RECORD. THOUSANDS OF LIVES. GEORGIA FUNDRAISER AIMS TO TRANSFORM CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE IN LIBERIA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/21/26

Family Fun Night, Community Celebration, and Historic Golf Marathon to Raise Funds for LIVE2540 Children’s Healthcare Programs

Local golfer Mike Woodard will attempt to break the current world record for the longest continuous game of golf, playing for more than 37 consecutive hours to raise awareness and funds for life-saving children’s healthcare programs in Liberia. Hosted by LIVE2540, a Georgia-based nonprofit providing healthcare access to vulnerable children in West Africa, “The Record” aims to raise $150,000 to support treatment for children suffering from malaria, typhoid, dysentery, malnutrition, and other preventable illnesses. The event will kick off with a community Family Fun Night featuring live music, family activities, games, food, and opening remarks before Woodard begins his historic attempt.

WHO:

  • Mike Woodard, World Record Attempt Participant
  • Daryl Roberts, Founder, LIVE2540
  • LIVE2540 Leadership Team
  • Community Sponsors and Supporters
  • Local Families and Community Members

WHEN:
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Family Fun Night: 5:00 PM
Opening Ceremony / First Tee-Off: 6:00 PM
World Record Attempt Begins: 6:00 PM
Media Interviews Available: Time TBD / Avails flexible based on media needs
Record Completion Expected: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 8:00 AM 

WHERE:
Cartersville Country Club
1310 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy SE, Cartersville, GA 30120

WHY IT MATTERS:
While this event centers around a world-record golf attempt, the mission extends far beyond the course. According to LIVE2540, just $38 can provide healthcare for a child suffering from common but potentially life-threatening illnesses. Through local partnerships and healthcare initiatives in Liberia, the organization has helped provide medical care to more than 25,000 children and delivered over one million malnutrition supplements. The event seeks to raise awareness about the global healthcare crisis facing children in underserved communities while inspiring local residents to become part of the solution.

BLACKBERRY SMOKE CONFIRMS FULL LINEUP & DETAILS FOR HIGH TIDE GETAWAY, ALL-INCLUSIVE CONCERT VACATION IN MEXICO DECEMBER 4-6, 2026

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/21/26

ALL-INCLUSIVE ROOMS ON-SALE MAY 13

PERFORMANCES FROM BLACKBERRY SMOKE, JAMEY JOHNSON, STEVE EARLE, MARGO PRICE, RECKLESS KELLY, THE BAND OF HEATHENS, ROBERT JON & THE WRECK, THE STEED BROTHERS FT. CHARLIE STARR AND THE BLACK BETTYS

Acclaimed American rock band Blackberry Smoke, in partnership with Cloud 9 Adventures, proudly presents the second edition of High Tide Getaway – a four-night destination concert vacation from December 4-8, 2026. This intimate experience takes place at the oceanfront Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa, a fully updated and recently expanded all-inclusive resort.

High Tide Getaway will feature three full shows from Blackberry Smoke—celebrating the band’s 25th anniversary and showcasing their “unique blend of hard rock, southern rock, country, blues, and masterful songwriting” (Forbes)—with additional performances by Jamey Johnson, Steve Earle, Margo Price, Reckless Kelly, The Band of Heathens, Robert Jon & The Wreck, The Steed Brothers ft. Charlie Starr, and special guests The Black Bettys during the four-night event.

High Tide Getaway has a full resort takeover at Dreams Sapphire, exclusively hosting event guests. The concert venues – a beachfront main stage, poolside gazebo, and open-air palapa with late-night shows – are revered for their uniqueness and intimacy. These carefully designed spaces sit just steps away from guest accommodations and the resort’s comprehensive all-inclusive amenities. This is the perfect winter concert getaway for music fans and avid vacationers alike.

The intimate event brings artists and fans together with activities and workshops, poolside contests and games, daily yoga, charity opportunities, and theme nights during this tropical getaway. In addition to the happenings on the property, guests can book off-site excursions to explore the beauty and culture of the surrounding region, extending from Cancun to Tulum.

EVENT ON-SALE DETAILS

All-inclusive packages for guests who opted in to the pre-sale will be available for purchase on May 12, 2026. Remaining rooms will go on sale to the public starting May 13th at 1pm ET on the High Tide Getaway website.

Packages include a four-night stay at the resort, 3 full Blackberry Smoke concerts – plus shows from the curated lineup of additional artists, access to luxurious all-inclusive resort amenities with unlimited food and drink in multiple onsite restaurants and bars, and the musical adventure of a lifetime. Various room types are available including tropical views, beachfront swim outs, private villas, and expansive suites overlooking the main stage.

Blackberry Smoke’s High Tide Getaway is brought to you by Cloud 9 Adventures, the premier provider of international concert vacations since 2003. Cloud 9 Adventures brings bands and fans together to create unforgettable memories & life-changing experiences at all-inclusive resorts and on luxurious cruise ships.

Cloud 9 Adventures – Where Music Meets Paradise: www.cloud9adventures.com

ATLANTIC STATION ANNOUNCES FREE MATCH WATCH PARTIES AND FAN EXPERIENCES AHEAD OF TOURNAMENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/18/26

Free Kick It at the Station watch parties lead a summer of fan experiences; official merchandise pop-up and new retail concepts now open

As Atlanta prepares to welcome visitors from around the world for one of the biggest moments in international soccer, Atlantic Station is expanding its lineup of fan-focused experiences, led by Kick It at the Station, a free watch party series on the Atlantic Green, alongside new retail concepts and community activations designed to bring residents, visitors and fans together throughout the tournament.

Leading the lineup is Kick It at the Station, a free fan experience celebrating the global game. This summer, select matches will be shown on the Atlantic Green jumbotron, transforming the district’s signature outdoor space into a lively gathering place where fans can cheer on their favorite teams alongside fellow soccer enthusiasts. Additional programming and viewing opportunities will be announced throughout the tournament. The most up-to-date information, including viewing times and programming, can be found here.

Complementing the fan experience, the now-open World Cup Official Merch Pop-Up at Atlantic Station offers visitors access to tournament-inspired apparel, collectibles, accessories and fan gear. Located near Sephora on 18th Street, the more than 7,000-square-foot retail experience gives visitors a dedicated place to shop, celebrate and immerse themselves in the excitement surrounding the global game.

Beyond its tournament programming, Atlantic Station continues to introduce new retail and community-driven concepts. Also now open, The Market Place of Georgia is located on Atlantic Drive near Miniso and Art Station ATL in a 7,500-square-foot space. The marketplace showcases products from local entrepreneurs and artisans, offering everything from handmade soaps and home furnishings to artisan jewelry and specialty goods. Designed to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship and small businesses, the concept reflects Atlantic Station’s ongoing commitment to supporting local makers and introducing fresh experiences to the neighborhood.

Coming soon to Atlantic Station, The Belt Hub will bring its innovative micromobility concept to the property. Located on 17 ½ Street behind Sephora, the more than 4,000-square-foot space will offer e-bike rentals, retail, repairs and mobility-focused services designed to encourage accessible, community-centered transportation. The concept blends sustainability, technology and active transportation while adding to Atlantic Station’s growing mix of experiential offerings.

Together, these additions reflect Atlantic Station’s continued investment in experiential retail, community-centered activations and destination-driven concepts as Atlanta prepares to welcome soccer fans from around the world.

FULL SPEED INTO MATCH DAY AT F1® ARCADE 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/16/26

Looking for the ultimate high-energy spot to catch the game? From kickoff to final whistle, experience every match with live screenings, DJ sets, immersive simulator racing, elevated food and drinks, and optional premium food and beverage packages.

This summer, F1® Arcade – the world’s first official Formula 1® hospitality experience – is transforming match day with World Cup Watch Parties across its U.S. venues. Featuring live broadcasts of the tournament’s most anticipated matches alongside DJs, elevated food and drink, simulator racing and high-energy fan experiences, F1® Arcade is set to become the ultimate destination to experience the World Cup this Summer.

Taking place in Boston, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, and Atlanta, World Cup Watch Parties will bring fans together all summer long. With matches broadcast across screens throughout the venue, supporters can experience every goal, save, and last-minute twist in an electrifying, high-energy atmosphere built for game day. Beyond the action on the screen, guests can keep the adrenaline going with immersive simulator racing and interactive experiences that turn every match into an all-day celebration. 

Throughout the tournament, guests can drop in for a great night out with friends — watching the action unfold while enjoying globally inspired dishes, signature cocktails, and soaking up the atmosphere on the simulators. For fans who want the full adrenaline experience, pre-book the Summer Food and Beverage Package, all of which guarantee you a seat in the venue and include a  few extra perks to level up the night. 

Club Experience Package — $65 per person

  • Curated food menu included with ticket (choice of entrée and side)
  • Two drink tokens for beer or wine
  • Complimentary sim racing 30 minutes before and during matches for the ultimate watch party experience
  • Guaranteed seating within prime access to the action

VIP Package — $135 per person

  • All-inclusive food service throughout the match
  • Six drink tokens for beer or wine
  • Complimentary sim racing 30 minutes before and during matches
  • Exclusive seating within the private Briefing Room

Match schedules and packages are available now for purchase online.

By combining live match screenings, simulator competition, elevated food and beverage offerings, and a vibrant social atmosphere, F1® Arcade delivers a uniquely engaging destination to experience every moment of the tournament.

POND HEADLINING ATLANTA AT TERMINAL WEST ON JULY 10

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/15/26

Before they kick off a run of support dates for Djo, they’ll kick things off at Terminal West on July 10 and I wanted to make sure you had it on your radar for coverage! The tour supports their new album Terrestrials which will be released next Friday.

Pond are one of the most versatile, inquisitive, and accomplished bands in the psychedelic rock vanguard. Made up of Nicholas Allbrook, Jay Watson, Joseph Ryan, James Ireland, and Jamie Terry, Pond was formed in 2010 in Fremantle, Western Australia. However, it wasn’t until the release of their 2013 record Beard, Wives, Denim that Pond went from a group of musicians and friends to an internationally touring band.

Today, Pond boasts an impressive catalog of recorded music, spanning ten critically-acclaimed albums. Since its beginnings, Pond’s prowess in the live arena has also been well documented. Sharing the stage with artists such as Flaming Lips, Queens of the Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys and more, they have also been on major festival lineups worldwide like Glastonbury, Coachella, Splendour in the Grass, and The Great Escape.

Like much of the Pond catalogue, Terrestrials is a record of people and place, of exploring the identity of each, as well as where and how they intersect and interact. Extractive capitalism, power dynamics, inequality, indigenous incarceration, eccentric outcasts, fire and water, diesel and dust, unity and division, blood and bauxite, unborn tomorrows and dead yesterdays – it’s all there. Terrestrials twitches with the desperation of people and planet on the brink, but ultimately bets on the beauty of both to prevail.

THE OFFICE BAR KICKS OFF A SUMMER OF SOCCER, SIPS, AND HOLIDAY SPECIALS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/15/26

The Midtown restaurant’s June lineup is packed with nonstop food and beverage specials, happy hour DJ sets and a block-wide soccer party 

Located in the lobby of 1105 West Peachtree in Midtown Atlanta, The Office Bar is preparing for an action-packed, sports-crazy month with nonstop activations and specials to keep the fun rolling. Between a passport-centered block party for the global soccer tournament, delicious cocktails for June holidays and two special appearances by Google engineer-turned-DJ, DJ Doollee, there is no end to the festivities at The Office Bar as the summer begins.

The Office Bar’s June lineup is outlined below:

Flavors of Spain/Stadium Midtown

From June 11–July 19, Stadium Midtown is the go-to match-day watch experience happening in the heart of Midtown. Inspired by the global spirit of the tournament, Stadium Midtown will transform 1105 West Peachtree into a block-wide celebration with team-inspired venues, match-day specials and a shared passport experience with three participating restaurants: The Office Bar, representing Spain; Emilio’s Tacos & Tequila, representing Mexico; and McCray’s Tavern, representing Morocco.

During the Stadium Midtown activation from June to July, The Office Bar will launch its “Flavors of Spain” menu to show off pride for Team Spain during the tournament. Menu items will include:

  • Tortilla Española ($16): golden potato, organic egg, red onion, piquillo, sweet and smoked paprika aioli and crispy jamón serrano.
  • Mushroom Gratin ($15): woodland mushroom, cream sauce, herbs, manchego cheese, crostini and crumbled citrus.
  • Spanish Chorizo & Potato Croquette ($14): hot sauce and garlic aioli.
  • Red Card Negroni ($18): Nolet’s Gin, Campari, Sweet Vermouth and orange peel.
  • El Capitan (White Negroni) ($18): Nolet’s Gin, Suze, Lillet Blanc and lemon twist.
  • Sangria de la Roja ($16): Red wine, orange juice, brandy and assorted fruit garnish.
  • White Wave Sangria ($16): White wine, Peach Schnapps, pineapple juice and mint garnish.

For more information, visit the event website.

Frequency Fridays

Friday, June 12 and Friday, June 26

Frequency Friday is officially in session! We’re turning up the energy every other Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. with rotating sounds by DJ Doollee. Expect themed cocktails, elevated bites and a soundtrack that keeps things moving from first pour to last call. See you on the frequency! For more information, visit the event page.

Juneteenth Cocktail Special

Friday, June 19

To celebrate Juneteenth, The Office Bar will offer its “Juneteenth Mule” ($16), with Uncle Nearest Bourbon, ginger beer, fresh lime juice and simple syrup, garnished with fresh blackberries, strawberries and mint leaves.

Father’s Day Specials

Sunday, June 21 

Treat Dad to a week of epic, mouth-watering eats at The Office Bar! From June 15–June 21, enjoy exclusive Father’s Day food specials, with each hearty meal perfectly paired with a draft beer in a complimentary The Office Bar souvenir cup. Specials include:

  • The Boss Burger ($20): Double smashed patty, roasted jalapeño aioli, cheddar cheese, caramelized onion, pickle and lettuce on a brioche bun, served with fries.
  • Cowboy Burger ($20): Double smashed patty, bourbon aioli, bacon jam, crispy onion, muenster cheese, cabbage and Texas BBQ on a brioche bun, served with fries.
  • Daddy’s Loaded Fries ($20): House chili, crispy bacon, pickled jalapeño and cheddar cheese.

Seating is first-come, first-served. For more information, visit the event page. 

Wimbledon Cocktail Special

Thursday, July 9–Sunday, July 12

For those stopping by to catch the semi-final and final matches during The Wimbledon Championships, The Office Bar is serving up its Honey Deuce ($14), featuring Ketel One Vodka, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, honey syrup and soda water. 

WIDOWSPEAK AT THE EARL ON JUNE 23RD

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/14/26

WIDOWSPEAK

SHARE NEW SINGLE & VIDEO “SOFT COVER”

NEW ALBUM ROSES OUT JUNE 5TH 

VIA CAPTURED TRACKS

US HEADLINE TOUR THIS SUMMER + 

UK/EU TOUR THIS WINTER

Coming to Atlanta on June 23rd at the Earl

NYC duo Widowspeak have shared “Soft Cover,” the third single from their highly anticipated new album Roses, due out June 5th via Captured Tracks. The track is achingly gorgeous, featuring one of the album’s most sweeping hooks, buoyed by a driving rhythm section and vocalist Molly Hamilton’s saccharine voice. 

“Soft Cover” is about infatuation: wanting and daydreaming about someone as you’re going about your day… even if, and maybe especially if, you’ve been with them a long time,” says Hamilton. “We brought in a Rhodes for this one, so it came in a car from Athens, then took a boat, then a donkey carried it up to the studio,” Hamilton adds, describing the unique recording conditions they experienced at the Old Carpet Factory on the Greek island Hydra.

The longtime duo of Hamilton and Robert Earl Thomas, Roses arrives as Widowspeak’s seventh album. One of many bands to crop up in a fertile New York City music scene over 16 years ago, they started out shuffling gear between venues now-since shuttered (Glasslands, Cake Shop, 285 Kent, Death By Audio to name a few) and their practice space in Monster Island Basement (now a Trader Joe’s). Widowspeak is now a married couple, working day jobs in their own off-season. Robert is a carpenter, Molly a waitress. Roses is populated not with dramatic overtures but with the backdrop of the minutiae and repetition of daily acts.  Small observations before, during, and after work: the ritual of pouring water for customers, catching a cold on your day off.  Daydreaming about winning the lottery, or maybe realizing you already won.

They recorded the album last January at a studio on the Greek island Hydra, tucked away in an old house upon the village’s steep hills.  It’s quiet there in winter, when the tourists have all gone home. Longtime touring members Willy Muse, John Andrews, and Noah Bond serve here as the players.  Roses was then taken home and slowly, lightly tinkered with, before being deftly mixed by Alex Farrar at Drop of Sun Studios, and mastered by Greg Obis at Chicago Mastering. 

“The video is the last in the world of the trilogy, where the Singing Telegram Girl is dreaming about an idealized Renaissance Faire Guy while waiting around, reading a pulpy novel,” shares Hamilton. “Rob was incredibly enthusiastic about this one because he loves medieval history and we got to pick out some fun costumes from Adele’s of Hollywood.  He’s a star!”

W

The band announced Roses with lead single “If You Change,” a song that captures everything that’s made the long-running group a staying force, from its breezy guitars to the impossibly rich chorus, there’s a timeless quality imbued with the twang of a Lynchian roadhouse band. The single was praised by Stereogum, Consequence, Brooklyn Vegan, Rolling Stone, Under the Radar + more.  Recently they shared “No Driver,” a lush and widescreen pop gem complete with a blistering guitar lead that feels like an instant classic.

The band recently announced a run of US tour dates this Summer, kicking off in their hometown of New York and crossing the country, concluding on the West Coast. This winter they’ll embark on a run of UK & EU dates kicking off in November and taking them through mid-December. 

Tour Dates

Tickets

June 16th – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

June 18th – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s

June 19th – Washington DC @ DC9

June 20th – Mount Solon, VA @ Red Wing Roots Festival

June 22nd – Raleigh, NC @ Pour House

June 23rd – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl

June 24th – Nashville, TN @ Third Man Blue Room

June 26th – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry

June 27th – Milwaukee, WI @ The Argo

June 28th – Chicago, IL @ Schubas

June 30th – Ferndale, MI @ Magic Bag

July 1st – Toronto, ON @ Sound Garage

July 2nd – Montreal, QC @ L’Esco

July 3rd – Boston, MA @ Arts at the Armory

July 30th – Seattle, WA @ Barboza

July 31st – Aug 2nd – Happy Valley, OR @ Pickathon (Festival)

Aug 4th – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill

Aug 7th – Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room

Aug 8th – Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room

Aug 9th – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar

Aug 11th – Santa Fe, NM @ Tumbleroot Brewery

Aug 12th – Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive

Aug 14th – Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge (Psych Lake City Festival)

Aug 15th – Boise, ID @ Shrine Social Club

Aug 16th – Spokane, WA @ The District

Nov 12th – Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club

Nov 13th – Dublin, IE @ Workmans Club

Nov 15th – Glasgow, UK @ The Rum Shack

Nov 16th – Manchester, UK @ YES (Pink Room)

Nov 17th – London, UK @ Scala

Nov 18th – Lille, FR @ La Bulle

Nov 19th – Paris, FR @ LePopUp!

Nov 22nd – Milan, IT @ Arci Bellezza

Nov 23rd – Zurich, CH @ Bogen F

Nov 24th – Munich, DE @ Milla

Nov 25th – Salzburg, AT @ Rockhouse

Nov 27th – Prague, CZ @ Café V Lese

Nov 29th – Warsaw, PL @ Chmury

Dec 1st – Berlin, DE @ Frannz Club

Dec 2nd – Hamburg, DE @ Hebebuhne

Dec 3rd – Malmö, SE @ Plan B

Dec 4th – Gothenburg, SE @ Pustervik

Dec 5th – Stockholm, SE @ Hus 7

Dec 6th – Oslo, NO @ John Dee

Dec 7th – Copenhagen, DK @ Rust

Dec 9th – Utrecht, NL @ DB’s

Dec 10th – Kortrijk, BE @ Wilde Westen

Dec 11th – Hasselt, BE @ AFF

Dec 13th – Tilburg, NL @ Hall of Fame

Across the ten tracks that make up Roses, intimate spaces and stages of love are captured with a nostalgic, vaseline-coated lens. If music can simultaneously be naturalistic and noir, saturated and lush, that is Widowspeak.  This is a band that knows how to set a scene. 

There’s dream and power pop, a little Stones, maybe some Petty, open and languid ballads with the twang of a Lynchian roadhouse band… Perhaps you hear REM, Yo La Tengo or Cat Power. A little Neil Young in Hamilton’s references to working at the diner.  The magic of the band is, still and always, the interplay between Molly and Robert in their two leading roles: her languid, textured voice and his visceral guitar playing. And as producer, Robert captures the ephemeral magic of a band finding a song in the studio: something that still bears traces of the directness of Molly’s voice memos and the dense guitar tapestries of the demos. The rough-hewn marks of the tools are still evident, the noise kept in.  

“Can’t hold too tight or I’ll have nothing, Like a candy melts in your hand.” As the album closer  “Hourglass” contemplates the fleeting nature of something, anything, it illustrates what is most true about Widowspeak.   At the heart of it, their music is special because it is real: most of all for the people making it. Fragile and temporary, and worthwhile… like love itself. 

JOHN MELLENCAMP SETS LANDMARK DANCING WORDS TOUR – THE GREATEST HITS – ATLANTA ON AUGUST 1 AT AMERIS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/14/26

EXPANSIVE 19-DATE TOUR TAKING PLACE

ACROSS U.S. THIS SUMMER 2026

PERFORMING HIS MOST BELOVED SONGS FOR THE

 FIRST TIME IN MANY YEARS

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW. MELLENCAMP.COM

John Mellencamp will embark on a landmark tour this summer—Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits will take place across 19 U.S. cities. The tour, produced by Live Nation, marks the first time Mellencamp will be performing all his most beloved songs in a single night, some of which haven’t been played live in many years.

Watch the cinematic tour trailer featuring Sean Penn HERE.

Citi is the official card of John Mellencamp Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, January 20 at 10 A.M. local time until Thursday, January 22 at 10 P.M. local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

Tickets will be available starting with Citi presale, and additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, January 23 at 10 A.M. local time at Mellencamp.com.

Mellencamp’s Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, invitation to the pre-show Scarecrow VIP Lounge, autographed VIP tour poster, specially designed gift item & more. For more information, visit vipnation.com

Poised to be one of the most anticipated tours of the summer, fans can expect to hear Mellencamp’s best known songs including “Pink Houses,” “Jack and Diane,” “Small Town,” “Hurts So Good,” “Authority Song,” “Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First),” as well as beloved tracks that he hasn’t performed live in ten plus years, including “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.,” “I Need a Lover,” “Wild Nights,” “Ain’t Even Done With the Night” among other long unplayed gems. 

Dancing Words Tour – The Greatest Hits kicks off July 10 and brings Mellencamp and his band to major markets and iconic venues across the U.S., including Hollywood Bowl, Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, Xfinity Center and more. The Indiana-native will also be stopping at Indianapolis’ Ruoff Music Center. Complete list of dates below.

Mellencamp’s previous tour, the massive “Live and In Person 2023,” saw sold-out dates across the U.S. and a host of critical praise, leading to its expansion with “Live and In Person 2024” in 27 additional cities. Forbes praised the run, saying “…it doesn’t appear that Mellencamp has any intention of slowing down or abandoning his trademark feistiness.” Additionally, The Chicago Tribune noted, “Identity, pride, purpose, trust, understanding: These motifs coursed through Mellencamp’s narratives.”

Mellencamp is one of the most highly respected singer-songwriters of his generation, with a career in music spanning five decades. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is a recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundation’s Champion Award, Woody Guthrie Award, Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and, more recently, the Founders Award, the top honor assigned by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He is also one of the most successful live concert performers in the world. The social activism reflected in his songs helped catalyze Farm Aid, a concert series and organization created by Mellencamp, Willie Nelson and Neil Young in 1985 to address the struggle of American family farmers.

JOHN MELLENCAMP

DANCING WORDS TOUR — THE GREATEST HITS

July 10—Grand Rapids, MI—Acrisure Amphitheater

July 11—Tinley Park, IL—Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

July 13—Kansas City, MO—Morton Amphitheater

July 14—Shakopee, MN—Mystic Lake Amphitheater

July 16—Clarkston, MI—Pine Knob Music Theatre

July 18—Noblesville, IN—Ruoff Music Center

July 19—Cincinnati, OH—Riverbend Music Center

July 21—Cuyahoga Falls, OH—Blossom Music Center

July 24—Mansfield, MA—Xfinity Center

July 25—Holmdel, NJ—PNC Bank Arts Center

July 26—Wantagh, NY—Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

July 29—Bristow, VA—Jiffy Lube Live

July 30—Charlotte, NC—Truliant Amphitheater

August 1—Alpharetta, GA—Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

August 3—Tampa, FL—MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

August 6—Houston, TX—The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

August 9—Phoenix, AZ—Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

August 10—Hollywood, CA—Hollywood Bowl

August 12—Mountain View, CA—Shoreline Amphitheatre