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Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Maddie & Tae Bring the Love & Light Tour to The Sylvee in Madison

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Photo by Dan DeSlover/The Early Registration

Country fans gathered at The Sylvee in Madison on Saturday, March 28, as acclaimed duo Maddie & Tae brought their Love & Light Tour to the popular venue, just blocks from the Capitol Square. Known for their tight harmonies and heartfelt songwriting, the longtime friends and collaborators delivered a night filled with emotional ballads, upbeat country anthems, and plenty of moments that had the crowd singing along.

The evening began with a performance from Anna Vaus, who warmed up the crowd before Maddie Font and Taylor Kerr took the stage. The performance drew a strong turnout of fans eager to see the country duo perform in the intimate concert setting of The Sylvee.

Since breaking out with their 2013 hit “Girl In A Country Song,” Maddie & Tae have built a reputation for pairing clever lyrics with emotional storytelling. Over the years they’ve continued to grow their audience with songs like the multi-platinum “Die From A Broken Heart” and “Friends Don’t,” while carving out a space in country music as one of the genre’s most successful female duos.

The tour also celebrates the duo’s latest album, Love & Light, a 16-track project that highlights their signature blend of honest songwriting and harmony-driven country pop. Songs from the record have helped propel the pair into a new chapter of their career while keeping the relatable themes that fans have connected with since the beginning.

Photographer Dan DeSlover was there to capture the night’s biggest moments, from the duo’s energetic performance on stage to the enthusiastic crowd filling the venue. Check out our gallery below for a closer look at Maddie & Tae’s stop at The Sylvee in Madison.

Photos by Dan DeSlover.

  • Photo by Dan DeSlover/The Early Registration
Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Black Label Society Brings Heavy Riffs to The Sylvee in Madison

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Photo by Dan DeSlover for The Early Registration

Madison’s The Sylvee was packed to the brim for a sold-out night of heavy metal as Black Label Society stormed through the city on Friday, March 27. Fronted by guitar legend Zakk Wylde, the band delivered a thunderous performance filled with crushing riffs, soaring guitar solos, and the kind of larger-than-life energy that has made Wylde one of the most recognizable figures in modern metal.

Wylde actually pulled double duty during the evening, first taking the stage with Zakk Sabbath, his tribute band dedicated entirely to Black Sabbath classics. The project has become a fan favorite in its own right, and the set proved why.

Wylde, who famously served as guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band, tore through Sabbath staples with ease, channeling the spirit of the originals while still making the songs feel massive and fresh in a live setting. And yes, in true Zakk Wylde fashion, he even managed a quick wardrobe refresh, swapping kilts between the two performances.

Later in the night, Wylde returned to the stage with Black Label Society, the band he founded in 1998 that has become a cornerstone of heavy music over the past two decades. The group’s mix of sludgy riffs, blues-inspired guitar work, and anthemic choruses filled the venue as fans packed shoulder-to-shoulder throughout the room, shouting along and raising horns in the air.

Photographer Dan DeSlover was on hand to capture the highlights from the night, from Wylde’s blistering guitar solos to the electric atmosphere inside the sold-out venue. Check out our gallery below for a closer look at Black Label Society’s Madison stop at The Sylvee.

Photos by Dan DeSlover.

Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Cameron Whitcomb Brings the Fragile Egos Tour to The Sylvee in Madison

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Photo by Dan DeSlover for The Early Registration

Madison music fans packed The Sylvee on Tuesday, March 17, as rising singer-songwriter Cameron Whitcomb brought his Fragile Egos Tour to the city for a memorable night of heartfelt storytelling and powerful vocals. The British Columbia native has quickly built a passionate following thanks to his raw honesty and emotionally charged songs, and his Madison stop showcased exactly why he’s one of the most exciting new voices in country-leaning folk and Americana.

The show drew fans of all ages to the downtown venue for an evening that balanced quiet, reflective moments with big sing-along choruses. Whitcomb’s music often pulls from his own life experiences, including leaving home at 17 and eventually channeling those struggles into songwriting that tackles vulnerability and recovery with striking honesty.

The young artist has seen a meteoric rise over the past year, amassing hundreds of millions of global streams and landing on several major “Artist to Watch” lists while touring across North America and Europe. His 2024 debut EP Quitter helped introduce his deeply personal storytelling style, and the songs translated effortlessly to the stage during his Madison performance.

Photographer Dan DeSlover was on hand to capture the evening’s highlights, from Whitcomb’s commanding stage presence to the crowd’s enthusiastic response throughout the set. Check out our gallery below for a look at Cameron Whitcomb’s stop at The Sylvee in Madison.

Photos by Dan DeSlover.

  • Photo by Dan DeSlover for The Early Registration
Concert Photos, Features, News

Check Out Our Photos of Rise Against’s Concert at The Sylvee in Madison

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Photo by Dan DeSlover/The Early Registration

Madison’s vibrant live music scene welcomed a powerful night of punk rock as Rise Against took over the stage at The Sylvee on Sunday, March 15. The Illinois-based band brought their signature blend of melodic punk, socially conscious lyrics, and explosive energy to the popular downtown venue, giving fans a night full of sing-along anthems and high-octane moments.

The evening featured a stacked lineup, with Destroy Boys and Koyo joining Rise Against as support acts. The evening drew fans from across Wisconsin to the 2,500-capacity venue for a packed night of live music.

For more than two decades, Rise Against has built a reputation as one of punk rock’s most impactful bands, combining driving guitars with lyrics that tackle social and political issues. Their live shows are known for their relentless energy and connection with the crowd, and their stop in Madison proved no different as fans filled The Sylvee to hear a mix of beloved hits and newer material.

Photographer Dan DeSlover was there to capture the night’s biggest moments, from the band’s electrifying performance on stage to the sea of fans singing along throughout the venue. Check out our gallery below for a closer look at Rise Against’s Madison stop.

Photos by Dan DeSlover.

  • Photo by Dan DeSlover/The Early Registration
Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Sips & Sounds 2026 Day 2, Foster the People, Flipturn and Calvin Harris Lead the Finale

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After an unforgettable opening night featuring Christina Aguilera, Day 2 of the Sips & Sounds Music Festival brought another stacked lineup to Auditorium Shores on Saturday, March 14, wrapping up the two-day event in style. Timed alongside the annual SXSW festivities across Austin, the festival once again drew thousands of fans to the waterfront park for a day packed with indie rock, rising pop stars, and one of the biggest names in electronic music.

With two stages, the Coca-Cola Stage and the SXSW Stage, the second day of the festival offered a steady flow of performances from early afternoon through late night, giving fans plenty of reasons to bounce between stages and soak in the festival atmosphere.

Mallrat Opens the Coca-Cola Stage

Australian pop artist Mallrat kicked off the afternoon on the Coca-Cola Stage, launching the day’s performances on the festival’s main stage. Her dreamy blend of indie pop and electronic elements made for a perfect early-day soundtrack as fans trickled into the park and spread out across the lawn. With Austin’s skyline rising behind the stage, Mallrat’s laid-back yet catchy set helped ease the crowd into the final day of the festival.

Jade LeMac Brings Rising Star Energy

Over on the SXSW Stage, Canadian singer-songwriter Jade LeMac delivered a set that showed why she’s quickly becoming one of pop’s most exciting young voices. With a powerful vocal presence and emotionally driven songs, LeMac connected easily with the audience.

Fans will have more chances to catch her soon, she’s slated to hit the road this summer as a supporting act on Hilary Duff’s upcoming tour, making her Sips & Sounds appearance feel like an early glimpse at a rapidly rising artist.

Stephen Sanchez Channels Vintage Pop Charm

Back on the Coca-Cola Stage, Stephen Sanchez transported the crowd with his retro-inspired sound and crooning vocal style. His set blended nostalgic influences with modern pop songwriting, creating a performance that felt both classic and fresh. Sanchez’s smooth delivery and charismatic stage presence turned the mid-afternoon slot into one of the day’s standout performances.

The Runarounds Keep the Momentum Going

The SXSW Stage then welcomed The Runarounds, who kept the festival energy rolling with an upbeat performance packed with indie-rock hooks and energetic guitar work. By this point in the afternoon, the crowd had grown considerably, and the band’s lively set helped push the festival atmosphere into full swing.

Foster The People Reflect on Their SXSW Roots

One of the day’s most memorable sets came from Foster the People, who returned to Austin with a performance that felt both celebratory and reflective. During the set, frontman Mark Foster told the crowd about playing one of the band’s very first shows at SXSW years ago for a crowd of just seven people.

The moment served as a reminder of how far the band has come, and a message about staying grounded even as success grows. With fans singing along to their signature indie-pop anthems, the performance felt like a full-circle SXSW moment.

Flipturn Closes the SXSW Stage

As evening approached, Flipturn took the stage to close out the SXSW Stage lineup for the weekend. The indie-rock group delivered a soaring, emotionally charged performance that drew one of the largest crowds the stage had seen all day. Their expansive sound and passionate delivery made for the perfect lead-in to the festival’s final headliner.

Calvin Harris Turns the Festival into a Massive Dance Party

To close out the festival, global EDM superstar Calvin Harris headlined the Coca-Cola Stage, delivering a massive set that transformed Auditorium Shores into a full-scale dance party.

As darkness fell over the Austin skyline, Harris unleashed a high-energy mix of chart-topping hits, club anthems, and festival favorites. Massive drops, pulsing lights, and thousands of fans dancing along created a fitting finale to the weekend.

The performance served as a high-octane ending to two days of music, bringing the 2026 edition of Sips & Sounds to an electrifying close.

A Perfect SXSW Weekend Finale

Across two days, Sips & Sounds once again proved why it has become one of Austin’s most exciting spring festivals. With a lineup that blended major global acts, beloved indie bands, and emerging artists, the event captured the creative energy that makes SXSW week in Austin so special.

And judging by the crowds and the performances, the festival’s 2026 edition left fans already looking forward to next year.

Photo Gallery

Scroll down to check out our full gallery of photos from Day 2 of the 2026 Sips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin.

Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Sips & Sounds 2026, A Star-Studded First Night at Austin’s Waterfront Festival

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Austin’s spring festival season kicked off in style Friday night as the Sips & Sounds Music Festival returned to Auditorium Shores for the first of two days of music along the scenic banks of Lady Bird Lake. Timed to coincide with the buzz of SXSW, the two-day event brings major headliners and rising artists to one of the city’s most scenic outdoor spots, offering festivalgoers skyline views, local food and drinks, and back-to-back performances across two stages.

With a lineup spanning indie rock, R&B, electronic music, and pop royalty, Day 1 (Friday, March 13) delivered a packed schedule that kept fans bouncing between the SXSW Stage and the Coca-Cola Stage all afternoon and evening.

Skateland Opens the Festival

Local Austin energy set the tone early as Skateland kicked off the festival on the SXSW Stage. The opening set felt like a perfect warm-up for the weekend, with early arrivals gathering on the lawn as the afternoon sun hung over the downtown skyline. With a laid-back but lively sound, the band provided the kind of local kickoff that Austin festivals are known for.

Aidan Bissett Gets the Crowd Moving

Next up on the main Coca-Cola Stage, rising pop artist Aidan Bissett delivered one of the day’s first big crowd-drawing sets. Bissett’s upbeat songs and charismatic stage presence connected instantly with the early crowd, with fans singing along and filling in the open spaces near the barricade. His set injected a youthful pop energy into the festival lineup and proved why he’s quickly becoming a festival favorite.

The Two Lips Bring Indie Charm

Back on the SXSW Stage, The Two Lips leaned into a breezy indie vibe that perfectly matched the outdoor setting. Their performance felt like the soundtrack to a perfect Austin afternoon, jangly guitars, catchy melodies, and a steadily growing crowd settling in on the grass as the day transitioned toward evening.

Ravyn Lenae Delivers Soulful Highlights

As the sun dipped lower, Ravyn Lenae took over the Coca-Cola Stage with a captivating R&B performance. Her smooth vocals and atmospheric sound gave the festival its most soulful moment of the day. Lenae’s set created a hypnotic mood across the park, with fans swaying along as the skyline lit up behind the stage.

Between Friends Keeps the Momentum Going

Electronic-pop duo Between Friends followed on the SXSW Stage with a genre-blending set that kept the energy high. Their mix of dreamy pop hooks and electronic textures made for one of the most danceable moments of the early evening, with the crowd clearly enjoying the shift toward a more upbeat vibe.

Major Lazer Soundsystem Turns the Festival into a Dance Party

Nightfall brought one of the most electrifying performances of the day as Major Lazer Soundsystem took over the Coca-Cola Stage. Known for their high-energy electronic sets, Diplo and company transformed Auditorium Shores into a full-on dance party. Pulsing beats, massive drops, and crowd-hype moments had thousands of fans jumping in unison as the festival reached peak energy.

Grouplove Ignites the SXSW Stage

Meanwhile, indie-rock favorites Grouplove headlined the SXSW Stage with a joyous, sing-along-heavy performance. Their feel-good anthems and colorful stage presence made their set one of the most uplifting moments of the night, with fans shouting lyrics back toward the stage as the band delivered hit after hit.

Christina Aguilera Closes Night One in Iconic Fashion

Finally, pop icon Christina Aguilera closed out the first night of the festival on the Coca-Cola Stage. Aguilera’s powerhouse vocals and decades-spanning catalog made for a headlining performance that reminded everyone why she remains one of pop’s most celebrated voices.

Her setlist leaned heavily into fan favorites and career-defining hits, including songs like “Dirrty,” “Genie in a Bottle,” “Ain’t No Other Man,” and “Beautiful,” all delivered with the kind of vocal intensity that has defined her career. The performance provided a dramatic and nostalgic finale to a night already packed with memorable moments.

With the Austin skyline glowing behind the stage and thousands of fans singing along, Aguilera’s set was the perfect way to cap off an eventful opening night.

A Strong Start for Sips & Sounds 2026

Day one proved that Sips & Sounds has quickly become a major highlight of Austin’s spring music calendar. The festival blends major headliners with emerging talent across two stages, creating a dynamic experience that feels both massive and intimate at the same time.

And with Day 2 still ahead, featuring another slate of big performances, the weekend at Auditorium Shores is only just getting started.

Photo Gallery

Scroll down to check out our full gallery of photos from Day 1 of the 2026 Sips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin.

  • Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Jesse Welles Brings His Under The Powerlines Tour to The Sylvee in Madison

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Photo by Deanna Glatczak

Madison fans gathered at The Sylvee on Wednesday, March 11, for an intimate and powerful evening with rising folk songwriter Jesse Welles, who brought his Under The Powerlines 2026 tour to the downtown venue. The show was part of a national run of dates highlighting Welles’ raw songwriting and politically charged folk music.

The night began with a stripped-down approach as Welles took the stage alone with an acoustic guitar, performing the first six songs solo. “Sometimes You Bomb Iran,” “The Great Caucasian God,” and “Join Ice” set a poignant and reflective tone early in the set, showcasing the kind of sharp storytelling and protest-leaning folk that has helped Welles build a rapidly growing audience online and on tour. His music often echoes the spirit of classic folk revival artists, using simple arrangements and pointed lyrics to tackle social and political themes.

After the acoustic opening stretch, the show expanded sonically as Welles was joined onstage by a full electric band, shifting the concert into a fuller, more dynamic performance. The added instrumentation brought new energy to the songs while still keeping the focus on Welles’ thoughtful lyrics and distinctive vocal delivery.

From the attentive crowd on the packed floor to fans watching from The Sylvee’s balcony, the Madison stop highlighted why Welles has become one of the most talked-about emerging voices in modern folk music.

Below, check out our photos from the show at The Sylvee.

Photos by Deanna Glatczak.

  • Photo by Deanna Glatczak
Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: The Floozies Bring the Funk to The Sylvee in Madison

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Madison music fans packed into The Sylvee on Saturday, March 7, for a high-energy night of funk, electronic grooves, and brass-driven chaos as The Floozies brought their Too Many Flooz Tour to town. The evening featured a stacked lineup with Too Many Zooz and Bray Radbury, delivering a genre-bending mix of sounds that kept the crowd moving from the moment the doors opened.

The Floozies, the electro-funk duo made up of brothers Matt and Mark Hill, have built a reputation for turning concerts into full-blown dance parties. Blending live instrumentation with electronic production, the group’s funky guitar riffs, punchy drums, and bass-heavy beats transformed The Sylvee into a pulsing dance floor. Their energetic style has helped them carve out a unique niche in the live electronic scene, where improvisation and musicianship collide with EDM-inspired production.

Saturday’s Madison stop was part of a wider tour pairing The Floozies with the wildly entertaining brass trio Too Many Zooz. Known for their explosive “Brass House” sound, a fusion of jazz, EDM, and punk influences, the trio brought a theatrical intensity to the stage, complete with high-octane saxophone lines and crowd-hype moments that complemented the funky electronic vibe of the night.

From the packed general-admission floor to the balcony overlooking the stage, fans at the downtown Madison venue soaked in the electric atmosphere. Between dazzling stage lighting, thumping basslines, and an enthusiastic crowd, the concert showcased why The Floozies continue to be a must-see act on the touring circuit.

Below, check out our photos from the show at The Sylvee.

Photos by Dan DeSlover.

News

Spotify Is Celebrating Its 20th Anniversary at SXSW With a Star-Studded Showcase

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Two decades after changing the way the world listens to music, Spotify is kicking off its 20th anniversary celebration at one of the music industry’s most iconic events: SXSW in Austin, Texas.

The streaming giant announced this week that it will mark the milestone with “Spotify 20: Live at Stubb’s,” an official SXSW concert scheduled for March 14 at Stubb’s Amphitheater. The showcase will feature a lineup designed to celebrate the past, present, and future of music, pairing legendary artists with rising voices shaping the next generation of sound.

A lineup spanning decades of music

Leading the celebration is Alanis Morissette, the seven-time Grammy winner whose groundbreaking 1995 album Jagged Little Pill helped define alternative rock in the ’90s. Songs like “Ironic,” which has amassed hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify, continue to connect with listeners across generations.

She’ll be joined by country star Ella Langley, one of the genre’s fastest-rising artists, while St. Vincent (Annie Clark) is slated to perform a special DJ set. The combination of artists reflects the theme of the event: honoring the music that shaped the last 20 years while spotlighting the sounds that will define the next era.

The concert will be open to SXSW Platinum and Music badge holders, making it one of the festival’s marquee industry events.

Why SXSW matters to Spotify

SXSW has long been part of Spotify’s story. The company’s co-founder Daniel Ek first introduced the platform to many industry insiders during a keynote at the festival in 2010, more than a year before Spotify officially launched in the United States.

Since then, SXSW has remained a hub for the intersection of music, technology, and culture, making it a fitting place for Spotify to celebrate two decades of innovation in music discovery and streaming.

Conversations and creator programming

Spotify’s presence at SXSW will go beyond just the concert.

The company is also hosting several conversations featuring major artists and executives, including a discussion between Spotify Chief Public Affairs Officer Dustee Jenkins and pop star Nick Jonas about longevity and creativity in the music industry.

Additionally, Spotify co-CEO Gustav Söderström will participate in a panel with country superstar Lainey Wilson and podcast host David Friedberg, exploring the evolving relationship between artists, technology, and audiences.

Supporting artists behind the scenes

Spotify will also offer something a little quieter during the chaos of SXSW: a “Heart & Soul” wellness space in the SXSW Artist Lounge created with nonprofit Backline. The space will provide a place for artists and managers to decompress and access mental health resources during the busy festival week.

A milestone moment for streaming

Founded in 2006, Spotify originally launched with a mission to combat music piracy by creating a legal and accessible way for fans to discover and stream music. Today, it’s one of the world’s largest music platforms and a central part of how artists connect with listeners around the globe.

And fittingly, its 20th birthday celebration is happening in a place built for discovery.

If SXSW has always been about finding the next big thing, Spotify’s anniversary showcase is a reminder of how far the music industry, and the way we experience it, has come over the last two decades.

News

Governors Ball Unveils Genre-Spanning 2026 Lineup Led by Lorde, Stray Kids, A$AP Rocky & Jennie

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A$AP Rocky performs at Lollapalooza 2025 in Chicago, IL (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).

The Governors Ball Music Festival has officially revealed its 2026 lineup, and once again, New York City’s biggest summer festival is delivering a bold, genre-blurring bill. Returning to Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens on June 5–7, 2026, Gov Ball’s three-day event brings together pop superstars, global acts, indie favorites, and hip-hop heavyweights for one of the most eclectic festival lineups of the year.

Friday: Lorde & Baby Keem Kick Things Off

Friday’s lineup is topped by Lorde and Baby Keem, setting the tone for a day that balances introspective pop with cutting-edge hip-hop. The day also features a strong mix of alternative and rock acts including Pierce the Veil, Turnover, The Beths, and Arcy Drive.

Pop-leaning and experimental names like Katseye, Mariah the Scientist, Audrey Hobert, and Confidence Man round out a packed opening day.

Saturday: Stray Kids & Kali Uchis Lead a Global-Forward Day

Saturday leans heavily into global pop and alternative energy, with K-pop powerhouse Stray Kids and genre-defying star Kali Uchis headlining the day.

The undercard is stacked with indie and alternative favorites, including Blood Orange, Wet Leg, Thee Sacred Souls, Japanese Breakfast, and Ravyn Lenae.

Acts like Amy and the Sniffers, Jane Remover, Snow Strippers, and Flowerovlove ensure Saturday stays unpredictable from start to finish.

Sunday: A$AP Rocky & Jennie Close Out the Weekend

Sunday’s headliners bring massive star power, with Harlem native A$AP Rocky and BLACKPINK’s Jennie closing out the festival.

Hip-hop fans will have plenty to celebrate with performances from Freddie Gibbs (alongside producer The Alchemist), Clipse, Dominic Fike, and Hot Mulligan.

Indie and rising-artist highlights include Geese, Holly Humberstone, Rachel Chinouriri, and Hemlocke Springs, making Sunday one of the most diverse days on the schedule.

Tickets & What’s Next

Presale tickets for Governors Ball 2026 are available now via the festival’s official website, with additional details, such as daily schedules, stage breakdowns, and aftershows, expected in the coming months.

With a lineup that blends global pop, hip-hop legends, indie staples, and emerging artists, Gov Ball 2026 once again proves why it remains one of the most forward-thinking festivals in North America. June can’t come soon enough.