Paul Thorn
Before finding success in the music industry, Thorn made headlines in the ring, most notably for his 1988 televised bout against world champion Roberto Durán. Though he didn’t win, that same tenacity carried over to his songwriting. He is celebrated for his storytelling, capturing the struggles and small victories of everyday people in songs like “800 Pound Jesus” and “I Don’t Like Half the Folks I Love.” His career is a testament to authenticity, reflecting a man who has lived through sin and salvation alike, consistently offering a “softer touch” to life’s rougher patches.
See many great videos linked on his website.
For “relationship smiles,” watch these favorites: “Just Stay Married” and “Temporarily Forever.”
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For the best of live music in South Florida
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The Record Company
The Record Company
The Record Company is an American rock band from Los Angeles. The members are Chris Vos, Alex Stiff, and Marc Cazorla. Their music is influenced by blues musicians like John Lee Hooker, early punk bands like The Stooges, and rock bands like The Rolling Stones. Wikipedia
These rising stars have been riding up the charts with their latest release Play Loud.
Below is an excerpt from an excellent article featured in RELIX…where Music meets Journalism
From Play Loud’s first notes, it’s quite evident that something has changed. The raw, bluesy feel that lined The Record Company’s first two albums is no longer there; instead, there’s a rock[1]and-roll swagger that shines through. It’s energetic in ways that feel more apt for arenas instead of the home-studio recordings that often looked inward. On the album’s opener “Never Leave You,” Vos laments being a bit lost, searching for answers, finding solace in the sun. It’s a simple song about relationship confusion, but it sets the tone for Play Loud: The music here is catchy as hell. The single “How High” is an anthemic number, driven by Stiff and Cazorla’s thumping rhythms. At times, it feels like a pure adrenaline rush, especially when the chorus asks listeners to consider “how high do you want to fly”—in an aspirational way.
That’s not to say that their past is completely devoid on Play Loud. “Today Forever” is a slow, bluesy number that finds Vos passionately declaring to a lover that a great move would be to run away for “a day that will last forever.” It’s grand gesture thinking, but that’s the running thread throughout Play Loud—be yourself, take a chance, do it with some gusto.
Most of the songs were written pre-pandemic, but the Play Loud recording sessions took place in the spring of 2020. Unexpectedly, the lyrics seem to take on a new life once they started laying down the tracks, particularly “How High,” which seems to touch on themes relating to recovery.
“We were in a new, challenging time,” Vos says. “But at my core, as a human, I was back to being a 14-year-old kid sitting on the edge of my bed, playing guitar because I had nothing else to do today. The only thing on my mind was music. It was the only thing that would make me feel better, making the record. It became the absolute focal point of our lives. That was unexpectedly positive in a field of a lot of negativity. That was one area where we did benefit from being isolated. These songs for me were very emotionally profound. We’d written a lot before [the pandemic] but, all of a sudden, you’re taking it into the studio, and you’re singing this song—and this life, it means something different. We all have a relatable struggle. We all didn’t see our moms and dads for a long time. We all didn’t see our friends for a long time. That’s something we all share.”
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Southern Avenue
Southern Avenue is a dynamic, Grammy-nominated blues and soul band from Memphis, Tennessee, celebrated for carrying the Southern soul legacy into the 21st century. The band’s formation is a story of serendipity, bringing together diverse backgrounds to create a sound that is both deeply traditional and refreshingly modern. The band is most notably composed of Israeli-born guitarist Ori Naftaly and the Memphis-native Jackson sisters: powerhouse lead vocalist Tierinii, drummer and vocalist Tikyra “T.K.,” and percussionist, violinist, and vocalist Ava.
The group formed in 2015 and quickly made a name for themselves, reaching the finals of the prestigious International Blues Challenge in 2016. This rapid success led to a historic signing with the newly reactivated Stax Records—the first time in 40 years a Memphis band had been signed to the legendary soul label. Taking their name from a Memphis street running to the original home of Stax Records, Southern Avenue proved to be a fitting choice to represent the city’s rich musical heritage.
Their self-titled debut album in 2017 received critical acclaim and earned them the “Best Emerging Artist Album” award from the Blues Foundation. The album’s success fueled a rigorous touring schedule across the US, Europe, and Australia, allowing them to cultivate a devoted fanbase and hone their electrifying live performance. Their follow-up album, Keep On, released in 2019, featured more pronounced funk influences and earned them a Grammy nomination for “Best Contemporary Blues Album”.The band’s musical style is a seamless and spirited blend of genres. The foundation is rooted in gospel music, a heritage brought by the Jackson sisters, whose natural harmonies and soulful delivery give the band its core spiritual sound. Tierinii’s vocals, often compared to the confident and gutsy style of Chaka Khan, are a magnetic force that energizes audiences. This soulful intensity is paired with Naftaly’s intricate, raw guitar work, which he brought to Memphis after immigrating from Israel in search of authentic blues. The result is a gritty, infectious, and contemporary take on American roots music.Beyond their captivating sound, Southern Avenue is known for their uplifting and message-driven songs. Their music aims to transmute negative feelings into a sense of freedom and jubilation, creating a powerful and positive connection with their listeners. This ethos extends to their live shows, which are praised as dynamic and inclusive experiences that celebrate the communal power of music. The band’s latest album, Family, released in 2025 on Alligator Records, was recorded at Memphis’s historic Royal Studios and continues their tradition of crafting universal, heartfelt songs that bring people together.Southern Avenue’s journey from a serendipitous meeting to a Grammy-nominated act is a testament to their talent and hard work. They have successfully blended traditional Memphis sounds with a fresh, modern perspective, establishing themselves as a vital voice in blues and soul music today. -
Allman Betts Band
Allman Betts Band
Devon Allman and Duane Betts unite in this exciting band.
Back on the Road. (Somtimes with friends)
The Allman Betts Band includes Devon Allman & Duane Betts on guitars and vocals, Berry Oakley Jr. on bass, Johnny Stachela on slide guitar, John Ginty on Hammond B3 (Robert Randolph/Dixie Chicks) and Devon Allman Project percussionists R. Scott Bryan (Sheryl Crow) and John Lum. The show features original music from their two recent BMG albums, songs from their solo projects as well as classic songs by The Allman Brothers Band, the legendary group founded by Devon and Duane’s fathers, Gregg Allman & Dickey Betts.
Their sophomore album, Bless Your Heart, was released on August 28, 2020. Like their debut album, Bless Your Heart was recorded at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studios and produced by Matt Ross-Spang (Jason Isbell, Margo Price, John Prine and Elvis Presley).
“This is The Allman Betts Band’s best offering yet, showcasing a band still tethered to their legacy but finding their own way with a sound that honors their roots without stepping all over them.” – No Depression
