Visit bmi.com

This line of nearfield monitor loudspeakers includes the SM505 (with a 5-inch woofer) and the SM508 (with an 8-inch woofer). Both feature an expertly engineered tweeter waveguide to deliver superior stereo imaging and highly detailed stereo placement across the entire soundfield for more accurate mixing, more satisfying listening and a highly precise balance of all midrange and high frequency audio. A front bass port ensures fuller and more accurate low frequency reproduction, while avoiding sound-altering room interactions that commonly occur with studio monitors with rear-panel bass ports, thereby expanding placement options.

In many studios, mix compatibility checks are accomplished by having multiple sets of speakers, from giant soffit-mount monitors to tiny 3" single-driver speakers. Harbinger’s Perfect Mix DSP offers three loudspeaker voicings: Normal – a classic studio monitor sound also great for entertainment listening; Ref – extremely accurate and uncolored; and Small – a simulation of small speakers to help ensure a mix will translate well to smaller speaker systems, including phones, tablets, laptops, and small Bluetooth® speakers. By switching modes, creators can check for compatibility with every size of system with a single pair of monitors.

For more information, visit guitarcenter.com

Los Angeles, CA (February 12, 2024) – Pollstar Live! set a third straight year of record-breaking attendance. The lauded conference is the world’s largest gathering of global live entertainment professionals and the flagship event week for Pollstar magazine, the leading trade for the global live entertainment industry. The conference, including Production Live! and Pollstar Live!, took place Feb. 6-8 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles and once again tackled the most relevant and informative topics facing the live industry and the larger entertainment ecosystem.

On Tuesday, Production Live!, a full day dedicated to production and transportation in live events, kicked off the conference with opening remarks from Ray Waddell, president of OVG Media & Conferences, which produces Pollstar Live!, Production Live!, and the Pollstar Awards. Highlights of the day included “A Matter of Trust: The Artist/Crew Dynamic in Tedeschi Trucks Band Featuring Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi,” as well as intriguing and educational panels for the live entertainment pros “in the trenches,” such as “Crisis Averted: The Art & Craft of Subverting Murphy’s Law,” “The Next Generation Of Road Warriors Lead The Way,” “Multiple, Sitdown, Residency, Whatever: The Pros & Cons of a Semi-Permanent Production,” and more.

Wednesday morning began with a welcome address from Chairman and CEO of Oak View Group, Tim Leiweke who spoke on the healthy state of the business and its future.

Later that day, Grammy-winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jon Bon Jovi was a featured Keynote speaker at “How to See A Million Faces and Rock Them All.” At the panel, Bon Jovi, in conversation with his longtime agent Rob Light, CAA’s Head of Music, discussed his lengthy career, including how he secured his initial airplay, his demanding touring schedule, his decisions to create his own management company, the band today, plus advice to young artists and philanthropy, and much more. At the panel, he was also honored with the Milestone Award, recognizing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted band's 40^th anniversary and their significant contributions to the live industry.

In another keynote session exclusively for attendees of Pollstar Live!, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment Co., James L. Dolan sat down with Tim Leiweke for a fireside chat on the spectacular opening of Sphere in Las Vegas and the future of live entertainment.

Additional key panels on Wednesday included “Golden Era 3.0: How Long Will This Boom Last And What Can We Do To Sustain?,” “The Venue’s Role in Booking, Marketing & Maximizing Concerts,” and “The Most Impactful Show Possible: A Look at Sustainability and the Live Music Industry,” just to name a few.

On the evening of the 7th, comedian, actor, host, and author Tom Papa hosted the 35^th Annual Pollstar Awards at the historic Wiltern theater. This year’s ceremony celebrated a who’s-who of A-list artists, tours, companies, venues, and executives, including award winners Taylor Swift, Metallica, Post Malone, Beyoncé, P!nk, Morgan Wallen, Karol G, Dave Chappelle, Brandi Carlile, U2, Jelly Roll, The Sphere, Austin’s Moody Center, The Hollywood Bowl, Austin City Limits Music Festival, The Ohana Festival, and more. Celebrities in attendance to accept their awards included Metallica’s Lars Ulrich and Dave Chapelle, with artists including Jelly Roll and P!nk accepting via video. Also at the ceremony, legendary agent Howard Rose, longtime agent for such artists as Jimmy Buffett and Elton John, was recognized with the inaugural Pollstar Lifetime Achievement Award, including a video congratulation from Elton. James L. Dolan received the first-ever Visionary Award for “innovation, inspiration, and vision that will have a positive and lasting impact on the live entertainment industry.” To view the Pollstar Awards recap video, click here.

On Thursday morning, co-founder of Ballmer Group and Chairman of the LA Clippers, Steve Ballmer, and Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament, spoke on “Music, Basketball & the Intuit Dome.” The energetic and informative Q&A covered topics including Ballmer’s vision for and construction of the new home of the LA Clippers, the Intuit Dome, its positive impact on the community, what’s coming up next for Pearl Jam, their mutual love of basketball, and more. 

Additional final day high points included an early look at the largest, most expensive, and most modern live entertainment arena in the UK and Europe, Co-op Live in Manchester, England (“Co-Op Live Sneak Peek”); “Where To Go & When: Developing the Global Touring Strategy;” “Sphere: Redefining the Future of Live Entertainment”; “Genre Spotlight: Country!”; and more. Pollstar Live! concluded with the highly anticipated “Agents Live!” happy hour networking.

For recaps of the conference, visit the Pollstar Live! editorial hub at https://news.pollstar.com/2024/02/05/pollstar-live-2024-hub/

# # #

About Pollstar:   

Since its founding in 1981, Pollstar, The Voice of Live, has been the premier trade publication dedicated to covering the worldwide concert industry. Pollstar data is the leading resource for the touring industry encompassing box office numbers, routing, and directories. Pollstar produces a weekly magazine, publishes daily content to Pollstar.com and its "Daily Pulse” e-newsletter, and executes the world’s largest gathering of live music industry professionals - Pollstar Live. Follow Pollstar on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.  

The show began at 7:30 P.M. with Vai playing a six song set including his long time band members Jeremy Colson (Drums) and Phil Bynoe (Bass). Vai’s set included two of his most iconic songs “Tender Surrender and “For the Love of God”. Before“Teeth of the Hydra,” Vai pulled off a sheet covering his famous Hydra guitar. Before being a solo artist, Vai already made a name for himself going back to the 80’s being in Frank Zappa’s band, Whitesnake, Alcatrazz, and David Lee Roth’s first solo band following his departure from Van Halen. 

Eric Johnson would play next. When it comes to legendary Texas guitarists you think of Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan from Dallas, TX and from Austin, TX there’s none other than Eric Johnson. Johnson performed eight songs beginning with Chris Kenner’s “Land of 1000 Dances. Eric Johnson performed John Coltrane’s “Impressions” after two songs. Johnson would then pay tribute to the great Jeff Beck with “Freeway Jam” which was the opening song on Beck’s final tour. Johnson would follow with one of his biggest songs “Desert Rose” then a guitar solo leading into “Cliffs of Dover” and concluded with “Venus Reprise.” 

Satriani the founder of G3 has done a total of 20 G3 tours across the globe. A few of Satriani’s students were Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Andy Timmons, Ler (Primus), Alex Skolnick (Testament), and of course Steve Vai. Satriani shared the story of Vai showing up for lessons as a kid and having a guitar in one hand and strings in the other. Satriani found major success with his second album Surfing With the Alien and just a year later would be Mick Jagger’s first solo guitarist. Between 1989 and 2008, Satriani received 15 Grammy nominations all for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. In 1993 Satriani would become Deep Purple’s guitar following Ritchie Blackmore’s second departure before Steve Morse would be a permanent replacement. Fast forward to 2008 Satriani formed Chickenfoot with ex-Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith. Smith and Glenn Hughes showed up as surprise guests at the last Orpheum show in 2018. When Smith was unavailable for Chickenfoot shows, Kenny Aronoff filled in. Aronoff has recorded with a long list of iconic artists most notably John Mellencamp which he did 10 albums with and was his live drummer. Aronoff and bassist Bryan Beller (The Aristocrats/Dethklok) were with Satriani on this tour. Beller has been with Satriani over the past decade. Now in 2024 Satriani will be touring again with Hagar and Anthony with the addition of Jason Bonahm for a tour celebrating Hagar’s time with Van Halen. 

Satriani performed eight songs, three from Surfing With the Alien which were the title track, “Satch Boogie,” and “Always With Me, Always With You. ZZ Satriani who was filming the show for the documentary picked up a guitar to join in for “Summer Song” the last song before the finale. Joe Satriani then invited Johnson and Vai back to the stage for Cream’s “Crossroads” which comes from Robert Johnson’s ‘Crossroad Blues.” This show wouldn’t be complete without honoring the greatest Rock guitarist of all Jimi Hendrix. The finale continued with “Spanish Castle Magic,” and Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild.” Satriani would then bring out Jason Richardson for Alabama State Troupers’ “Going Down” and Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss would join for the grand finale of Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady.” On Night two Plini, Dethklok’s Brendon Small, and Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X would guest on the last two songs.

The MLC was appointed by the Register of Copyrights to administer the blanket license and is the only entity authorized to collect and distribute the license royalties and enforce the license obligations on behalf of rightsholders. The action asserts that Pandora has underreported and underpaid mechanical royalties due in connection with the operation of its ad-supported music streaming offering marketed as “Pandora Free.” The action further explains that Pandora Free is an interactive service under the law, meaning that mechanical royalties are due for all streaming activity on the service, yet Pandora has only reported a portion of the activity on Pandora Free and refused to report and pay mechanical royalties for the rest of the activity.  

“The MLC has worked closely and tirelessly with blanket licensees to ensure their compliance with the compulsory license terms. Our team repeatedly sought to resolve this issue directly with Pandora, but Pandora has refused to correct their reporting or royalty payments,” says The MLC’s CEO, Kris Ahrend. “The MLC is the only entity that has the statutory authority under the Music Modernization Act to take legal steps to enforce the obligations of streaming services. We have brought this action to ensure that our Members receive all the mechanical royalties they are due in connection with the use of their songs by Pandora on the Pandora Free service.”The MLC seeks corrected usage reporting and associated unpaid royalties and late fees for periods dating back to January 1, 2021, along with an order requiring compliance going forward. A copy of the complaint can be found here.

With its compact ½ rack form factor that enables it to be placed on a table, shelf, or rack mounted with the optional AK-RS05*, the MA-BT240 delivers a powerful 240 watts high impedance amplification for powering 70V or 100V loudspeaker arrays in distributed audio systems. Further, the MA-BT240 makes a compelling choice as a low impedance (120 W x 2 channels) amplification solution for driving loudspeakers that use 4- or 8-Ohm loads.

The new MA-BT240 includes a switchable front panel MIC/LINE input and a rear panel MIC/LINE input that supports Paging. A Ducker function is available for the mic. Hence, for environments where background music is playing, the system automatically ducks the music (lowers the volume) when an announcement is made—ensuring crystal clear announcements. Further, this amplifier has two additional RCA line inputs on the rear panel. With its integrated mixing function, the MA-BT240 makes it easy to control the levels of the various sources feeding the amplifier.

For added versatility, the MA-BT240 has a built-in Bluetooth receiver that makes it a snap to feed the amplifier with background music and other sources wirelessly. Providing even greater flexibility, the MA-BT240’s Bluetooth antenna can be wired for extension** and the pairing point can be changed to a preferred position, thus ensuring optimum signal reception. On the output side, the MA-BT240 is outfitted with EQ and a High Pass filter for optimum control of sound quality and to avoid overload of a high impedance system. Further, the amplifier’s output supports Mono L+R/Stereo switching in Low Impedance mode. Providing still greater control of the

output sound, Master volume can be adjusted from external controllers***. There is also a Line Output to facilitate the addition of more zones by cascading the output signal to another power amplifier(s).

*           Optional AK-RS05 rack mount kit sold separately.

**          Use RP-SMA cables. Extension is possible up to approx. 20 m.

***        External controllers must conform to the control terminal specifications of the unit. Euroblock 3.81 mm pitch 3 pin (1: Vcc 5 V/2: Control/3: GND).

For additional information about the TASCAM MA-BT240 Multifunctional Mixing Amplifier, visit https://tascam.com/us/product/ma-bt240/top

Twenty-three years after he got into music production, Focus… says, “The difference between me and a lot of young producers, the reason that I have staying power, is because of my past. I still implement my past and my present. A lot of the kids are not going to sound like me, because I'm going to mix outside of the box. I want to give you a feeling, but I want to get a feeling as well. So we need the things that give us that inspiration, that motivation, and SSL equipment has been one of the biggest and best for my entire career.”

​The new PURE DRIVE OCTO rack unit (a 4-channel PURE DRIVE QUAD model is also available) includes an integrated USB soundcard and a flexible digital and analogue I/O section for easy integration into a hybrid workflow. This comprehensive I/O allows Focus and other staff engineers and producers at Aftermath to incorporate the SSL sound into whatever they are working on, even when the studio’s SSL console is busy being used on a session. “If I were going through an SSL board, I could get some of the filters, some of the attack and some of the warmth. Now I can get that through my PURE DRIVE OCTO interface. I love that; I think that's phenomenal!” he says.

H.E.R. has won five GRAMMY awards, an Academy Award, and an EMMY award before age 26.  She has released multiple critically acclaimed music projects, ranging from her debut EPs H.E.R. Vol.  1 & Vol. 2 to the full-length album Back Of My Mind, as well as an eclectic array of featured singles with artists including Usher (“Risk It All”), Foo Fighters (“The Glass”) and others.  

In December 2022, H.E.R. made her acting debut as Belle in ABC’s “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration” and in December 2023, she appeared as “Squeak” in the acclaimed musical film adaptation “The Color Purple.” 

H.E.R. joins an impressive roster at Lighthouse Management + Media, whose clients include Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Selena Gomez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Olivia Rodrigo, Paul Rudd, Mark Ruffalo, artist Petra Collins, and supermodel Miranda Kerr, among others.

Photo by MTV International, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

“That’s really great!” says Peter. “Wait, you mean I’m not already in the RRHOF!?”

Frampton is gearing up to celebrate his 60^th year of touring, embarking on the “Never EVER Say Never Tour” this spring. Fresh off the heels of his nationwide headline run last year, the 2024 tour will see the acclaimed artist playing at venues across North America, including a stop at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre. Tickets are on sale now at peterframpton.com.

Peter Frampton is one of the most celebrated artists and guitarists in rock history. In 2007, Frampton won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album for Fingerprints and in 2014 was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. He received the prestigious Les Paul Innovation Award from NAMM’s TEC Awards in 2019 and his album All Blues was #1 for fifteen weeks on Billboard’s Blues Chart. In 2020 Frampton was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, his autobiography Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list, and his 2021 album Frampton Forgets The Words was released to widespread critical acclaim. 

Most recently, Frampton appeared on Dolly Parton’s new album, Rockstar, which was released last November, as the only artist featured on two tracks. Frampton also performed at the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, joining the stage with fellow lauded musicians Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks—watch here. 

Read MC's 2019 Cover Story with Peter Frampton

AND THE NOMINEES ARE…

Acoustic Album
Wild Ox Moan, Catfish Keith
Raw Blues 1, Doug MacLeod
Sticks & Strings, EG Kight
Ridin' the Blinds, Hudspeth & Taylor
Ghost Hymns, William Lee Ellis

Acoustic Artist
Catfish Keith
Doug MacLeod
Eric Bibb
Keb’ Mo’
Kevin Burt

Album of the Year
TEARDROPS FROM MAGIC SLIM, John Primer
Live In London, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
SoulFunkn'BLUES, Blackburn Brothers
Soul Side of Sipp, Mr. Sipp (Castro Coleman)
Get Your Back Into It!, Nick Moss Band Featuring Dennis Gruenling

B.B. King Entertainer
Beth Hart
Bobby Rush
Lil’ Ed Williams
Mr. Sipp (Castro Coleman)
Vanessa Collier

Band of the Year
Larkin Poe
Nick Moss Band
Selwyn Birchwood Band
Southern Avenue
Tedeschi Trucks Band

Best Emerging Artist Album
When the Levee Breaks: The Music of Memphis Minnie, Candice Ivory
The Right Man, D.K. Harrell
Up Next, Mathias Lattin
Everybody's Buddy, Nic Clark
Tony Holiday, Mississippi Motel

Blues Rock Album
POWER, Anna Popovic
Writing On The Wall, Coco Montoya
Blues Deluxe Vol. 2, Joe Bonamassa
Blood Brothers, Mike Zito/ Albert Castiglia
What Key Is Trouble In?, Nick Schnebelen

Blues Rock Artist
Ana Popovic
Joe Bonamassa
Kenny Wayne Shepard
Mike Zito
Warren Haynes

Contemporary Blues Album
Live In London, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
Ridin', Eric Bibb
Behind The Veil, Jason Ricci and the Bad Kind
Healing Time, Ruthie Foster
Exorcist, Selwyn Birchwood

Contemporary Blues Female Artist
Carolyn Wonderland
Danielle Nicole
Janiva Magness
Teresa James
Vanessa Collier

Contemporary Blues Male Artist
Chris Cain
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Marquise Knox
Mr. Sipp (Castro Coleman)
Selwyn Birchwood

Instrumentalist - Bass
Bob Stroger
Larry Fulcher
Michael “Mudcat” Ward
Rodrigo Mantovani
Willie Weeks

Instrumentalist - Drums
Derrick D’Mar Martin
June Core
Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
Tom Hambridge
Tony Braunagel

Instrumentalist - Guitar
Christoffer “Kid” Andersen
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Derek Trucks
Laura Chavez
Sue Foley

Instrumentalist - Harmonica
Billy Branch
Bob Corritore
Dennis Gruenling
Jason Ricci
Kim Wilson

Instrumentalist - Horn
Deanna Bogart
Jimmy Carpenter
Mark Kaz Kazanoff
Trombone Shorty
Vanessa Collier

Instrumentalist - Pinetop Perkins Piano Player
Ben Levin
Dave Keyes
Jim Pugh
Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne
Mitch Woods

Instrumentalist - Vocals
Billy Price
Diunna Greenleaf
John Nemeth
Ruthie Foster
Shemekia Copeland

Song of the Year
“Bobby's Blues” performed by the Blackburn Brothers,
written by Brooke Blackburn
“Horns Below Her Halo” performed by Selwyn Birchwood,
written by Selwyn Birchwood
“Midnight Heat” performed by Christone “Kingfish” Ingram,
written by Tom Hambridge & Richard Fleming
“The Bait In the Snare” performed by Nick Moss Band featuring Dennis Gruenling,
written by Nick Moss
“What Kind Of Fool” performed by Ruthie Foster,
written by Ruthie Foster, Hadden Sayers & Scottie Miller

Soul Blues Album
Stuff I've Been Through, Alabama Mike
SoulFunkin' BLUES, Blackburn Brothers
All My Love For You, Bobby Rush
Walking Heart Attack, Johnny Rawls
Soul Side of Sipp, Mr. Sipp (Castro Coleman)

Soul Blues Female Artist
Annika Chambers
Kat Riggins
Terri Odabi
Thornetta Davis
Trudy Lynn

Soul Blues Male Artist
Alabama Mike
Billy Price
John Nemeth
Johnny Rawls
William Bell

Traditional Blues Album
TEARDROPS FOR MAGIC SLIM: John Primer
Nothing But Time, Monster Mike Welch
Get Your Back Into It!, Nick Moss Band Featuring Dennis Gruenling
Savoy, Taj Mahal
Oscar's Motel, The Cash Box Kings

Koko Taylor Award (Traditional Blues Female Artist)
Diunna Greenleaf
Rhiannon Giddens
Shaun Murphy
Sue Foley
Teeny Tucker

Traditional Blues Male Artist
Billy Branch
Cedric Burnside
John Primer
Jontavious Willis
Nick Moss

The Blues Foundation