Hey, it’s Jess. 👋
Every week, I get to write about the stuff we all love: new music, weird news, and events you can’t miss. However, my favorite part has honestly been hearing from you all. Some of you reply with personal stories, fun facts, or just to say hi, and I love that.
So while this newsletter will always be about what’s happening in music, I also want to keep getting to know the people reading it. Keep replying, keep sharing, and keep the good recs coming.
Now, let’s get into this week’s lineup:
THIS WEEK IN MUSIC NEWS & TOURS 🎤
Lily Allen dropped some truth bombs on her new album. Have you all heard West End Girl, yet?
Paul McCartney is back at it with a new book, Wings Spread Again, revisiting one of the most creative eras of his life.
All my fellow Bieber Fever people, you can stop holding your breath for any upcoming tours. Justin Bieber recently shared on Twitch that the idea of touring feels “super daunting.” Respectfully, the man deserves his rest (but still sad about it).
LA, this one hurts. The Hotel Cafe is CLOSING (locations that is), but still, the Cahuenga location was ICONIC. During my stint in LA, you would always find me there discovering new bands or catching my favorites in the most intimate venue in town. A music era has officially ended.
Recent Tour Announcements:
- The Neighbourhood – Dare I say… sweater weather is officially back in season. The band just announced The Wourld Tour for 2026, celebrating their upcoming album “(((ultraSOUND)))” with shows across North America, Europe, and Australia.
- Morgan Wallen – Wallen is still the problem as he continues to take over the country. Joining the Still the Problem tour are special guests like Ella Langley, Thomas Rhett, Hardy, and more.
- O.A.R. – The band just announced their Three Decades Tour, celebrating 30 years of making music together. Expect all the 90s nostalgia, sing-alongs, and good vibes.
- AC/DC – The legends are keeping the momentum going with more dates added to their Power Up Tour in 2026. Expect pure rock energy, iconic riffs, and enough pyrotechnics to light up an entire city.
- Hawthorne Heights – Get ready to scream your heart out. The band is celebrating 20 years of If Only You Were Lonely, with a special anniversary tour kicking off next spring.
- Charley Crockett – The country troubadour is adding 2026 tour dates in support of his new album Dollar a Day, the next chapter in his Sagebrush Trilogy. Expect that signature blend of country, soul, and frontier storytelling that only Charley can deliver.
DoTell: Where YOU tell us 💬
In last week’s issue, I mentioned the world’s largest corn maze, and a reader named Cassidy from Illinois wrote in to set the record straight. Turns out her hometown of Spring Grove prides itself on actually having the largest corn maze. Not only that, but Richardson Adventure Farm has zip lines, kettle corn, and “the best damn apple cider donuts you’ll ever sink your teeth into.” Cassidy, your hometown sounds like a fall dream.
This got me thinking about my own hometown. When DoTell first launched, I listed all the places I’ve lived and COMPLETELY forgot about my own. My brother wasted no time calling me out (lovingly, but dramatically). So, Laredo, Texas: this one’s for you.
Our big claim to fame is the Washington’s Birthday Celebration (WBCA), a festival that has been running for over 125 years and includes 1700s reenactments, full-blown colonial gowns that weigh over 50 pounds (shoutout to my parents, who made some), and Pocahontas receiving the keys to the city. The whole thing has been featured in National Geographic and a documentary, which, for entertainment's sake, was dramatized.
On top of that, Laredo has inspired a TV show, as well as music across genres, such as "Somewhere Over Laredo" by Lainey Wilson, "Laredo" by Leon Bridges, and "The Streets of Laredo," famously covered by Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.
Just as Cassidy takes pride in Spring Grove’s record-breaking corn maze, and Laredo is known for its presidential cosplay and music muse status, I'd love to hear about your hometowns.
This week’s prompt:
What’s one cool, weird, or unforgettable thing about your hometown?
THIS WEEK IN RANDOM, BUT AWESOME, EVENTS ✨
A picnic? But make it ALL cake. What if I told you there’s a way you can take home a box full of 20+ cake slices from people all over your city? I’m a BIG fan of getting out in your local community and making friends and what better way to do that than over cake?
I recently stumbled across Cake Picnic Tours, and let me tell you, my mouth was watering just from looking at the pics. In order to go to their events you must bring a cake. But no worries, in return? You get a take-a-way box where you can fill it with slices of other people’s cake up to your hearts desire.
Check out if they’re in your city here!
WIN SOMETHING 🎁
- Nasvhille, if your go-to jam is “Hot in Herre” by Nelly, you’re gonna want to check out this 2000s dance party.
- Bay Area friends — we’ve got tickets to FISHER in San Francisco. Tech house and chaos await.
- In LA? Catch a drink (or three) and some improv at Drunk Theatre — where the actors get progressively funnier (and drunker).
- NYC — ever wish you could step into an art piece? Submerge: Beyond the Render is your move.
- San Diego, we’ve got the ultimate holiday treat — a Staycation Giveaway that includes a hotel, dinner, and a night out on the town.
- Philly — Disney’s Fantasia in Concert is hitting the stage. Nostalgia, orchestra, pure magic.
- Seattle — John Legend is celebrating 20 years of Get Lifted. Don’t miss it.
That’s it for this week.
Now go send one of these events or giveaways to your group chat and be everyone's coolest friend!
Jess ✨
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