In the meantime, we've compiled a list of several upcoming livestreams. These can be useful ways for musicians to connect with their audiences and create diversions for those of us craving a live show. Remember, too, that most musicians depend on touring for their livelihood, so chip in a donation if you can. Also, these schedules are fluid, so stay connected to artists' websites and social media for the latest announcements.
- Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard plans on making livestreams an almost daily occurrence. His Live From Home series can be streamed both through his YouTube and Facebook pages. Most shows begin around 6 p.m. CST, but check daily for updates.
- Our very own icon, Erykah Badu, will perform “Apocalypse One : a live interactive experiment from badubotron” on her Instagram for the duration of this weekend. Streamers can get in for $1 and vote on songs for Badu to perform. “We gone pull it off. We gone be calm. You gone help me make it happen,” she wrote. “Can’t do it without you.”
- Celebrated singer-songwriter Ron Gallo will check in for a 7 p.m. CST performance with Chickpee. As the spouse of an Italian native, he certainly knows too well the need for music in times like these. Tune in via his Instagram page.
- Shut In & Sing, featuring Americana acts Anne Heaton, Mary Bragg, Becky Warren, & Mark Erelli will set up shop for a 7 p.m. CST livestream that should make for lively and time-appropriate tunes. The event can be streamed via the Stage It platform.
- The Harmed Brothers, fronted by Ray Vietti and Alex Salcido, are a Kentucky group that marries Americana with indie rock sounds, coupled with indelible melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Their new album Across The Waves is scheduled for a June 5 release via Portland indie label Fluff and Gravy. Check their website for the link details.The performance will be archived on Americana Highways Facebook page.
- Singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright will take the platform very seriously and in a unique manner. In a series called Musical Everydays, the singer-songwriter will play one song from his catalog every day on piano. He also plans to record a new song each day. Check YouTube and his social media feed for details.
- Ultra Music Festival was one of the first festivals to cancel because of the coronavirus, and now it's gearing up to present the Ultra Virtual Audio Festival on SiriusXM’s UMF Radio, featuring exclusive sets by Major Lazer, Afrojack and Martin Garrix. You'll need a SiriusXM subscription, but this also may be streamed on YouTube.
March 21
- Shut In & Sing: Emily Scott Robinson, Anthony D'Amato, Jill Sobule, & Chance McCoy will return this night for another round. Another solid set of veteran Americana singers will trade barbs and songs and hopefully put some smiles on people's faces. The event can be streamed via the Stage It platform.
March 23
- Country legend Garth Brooks, who was set to receive the Icon Award next month at the since-postponed Billboard Music Awards, will stream Live From Studio G from his home on Mondays to perform music. Check his Facebook feed and social media for the details.
April 1
- Grace Pettis, an acclaimed Austin-based musician, will perform at 7:30 p.m. CST. Her new single “Landon” on MPress Records will be out on March 20 and she recently returned from Europe just in the nick of time. In addition, she is part of the trio Nobody’s Girl (with Rebecca Loebe and BettySoo) who will release a self-titled album via Lucky Hound Music in July. Check her website for details. The performance will be archived on Americana Highways Facebook page.
April 2
- Chicago outfit, The Claudettes call themselves “garage cabaret.” Their unique sound is anchored by band leader Johnny Iguana’s fantastic piano work and sultry singer Berit Ulseth’s vocals that range from jazzy to rootsy to indie pop. Check the band's website for exact details. The performance will be archived on Americana Highways' Facebook page.
April 11
- Dropkick Murphys already streamed their annual St. Patrick's Day shindig. They're upping the ante and continuing with their content by hosting another riotous round. They'll stream on YouTube, and through their own website.
- Singer-songwriter Frank Turner is hitting up the streams for what should be a lively and perhaps even informative performance. If you caught his show last year at The Bomb Factory, you know he can spin a tale or two. He'll stream via his Facebook page.
March 20
- Neil Young
- Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn
- Indigo Girls
- Our Dallas neighbor Rhett Miller
- Margo Price and Jeremy Ivey
- Jim James of My Morning Jacket
- Niall Horan and Common
- Miley Cyrus
