Old Crow Medicine Show celebrates two decades of “Wagon Wheel,” the song they turned into a folk anthem, kicking off their Tiny Desk concert with its unmistakable ramblin’ energy. The band’s high-octane blend of roots music shines through with “O Cumberland River” and “Wolfman of the Ozarks,” featuring train-like harmonica riffs and a jaw harp duet. They close with “One Drop,” a gospel-inspired call for unity, reminding us all why their music spans generations.
Virtual Sports stakes at online casinos
By Mitch Rice
Virtual sports stakes are surging in importance at online casinos, suggesting players unique staking options. These events mimic real-life sporting events, providing instant results and the ability to join in games around the clock. Virtual betting is appealing due to its speed and variety, allowing sports fans to enjoy the excitement anytime they want.
Online casinos such as Sector777 Casino already offer a wide range of virtual sporting events covering various disciplines and betting types. Thanks to modern technology, these games are becoming more accessible, giving users active interaction with fast results and the ability to place bets without long waits.
What’s the stakes?
Virtual sports bets are bets placed on events that are generated using computer technology. Unlike traditional betting, virtual sports events do not require real players or teams as their outcome is determined by algorithms based on random numbers. The timing of these events is very short, usually within a few minutes, which allows betting to take place virtually without interruption.
Players can choose different types of bets on virtual disciplines, including betting on winners, exact scores or number of goals. Each match or race is a separate event, with instant results, which greatly increases the frequency and availability of betting. Virtual events are also unaffected by external factors such as weather or punters’ condition, making them available around the clock. This format not only saves time, but also provides a constant stream of active bets, making virtual sports popular among many players.
Types of games in virtual sports
Virtual sports covers a variety of disciplines, each of which is a simulation of real-life sporting occasions. These games allow betting on various sports by simulating real competitions through technology. Every game is fast-paced, giving players the ability to bet around the clock.
The main types of games in virtual sports are:
- Soccer Virtual: soccer matches with team simulations that produce quick results.
- Horse Racing: Horse racing simulations where participants compete on a variety of tracks.
- Auto Racing: Car racing with model cars and dynamic tracks.
- Basketball: Simulations of basketball matches with the ability to bet on the winner and other parameters.
- Tennis: Virtual matches between players with quick results.
- Cybersports: Simulations of popular cyber sports games such as shooters and strategy games.
- Bike Racing: Cycling races where players bet on the winners.
- American Football: Virtual American soccer games with predetermined scenarios.
These games give players a betting variety and quick results, creating an alternative to traditional sporting events.
The technology behind virtual betting
At the core of virtual betting are sophisticated algorithms and technologies that provide realistic and dynamic sports simulations. One of the most important tools is the random number generator, which is used to create random but plausible results of matches and races. This algorithm ensures that the outcome of each event is unpredictable and random, which is essential to ensure betting integrity. Technologies that simulate the movements, behavior and interactions of the participants provide a high level of realism, bringing the events closer to real sporting events.
Modern graphics engines and animation are actively used to improve visual perception and player engagement. This allows you to create detailed scenes with images of athletes, tracks and fields that are as close to reality as possible. Sound effects play a significant role in creating a realistic feel, enhancing the perception of the game and adding depth to what is happening. Combined with AI algorithms that can adapt the game depending on a variety of factors, these technologies provide a high level of interactivity for virtual sporting events.
The future of virtual wagering
The future of virtual betting looks promising with the development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and improved graphics. This will make simulations more realistic, with the ability to accommodate user preferences and dynamic changes during the game. Algorithms will become more accurate, increasing player interest and improving the quality of gameplay.
As the range of sports and new game formats expands, virtual betting will attract an ever-wider audience. With the development of mobile technology and adaptation of betting to different platforms, the industry is expected to gain new opportunities for growth. These changes may strengthen virtual betting as an important part of the entertainment and gambling market.
Advantages of virtual sports wagering
One of the main advantages of virtual betting is its accessibility. Events are held around the clock, making it possible to bet at any time. The quick completion of games and frequent outcomes allow players to bet without long waits, and the lack of dependence on real matches eliminates the influence of external factors.
In addition, virtual games offer a variety of disciplines and betting types. From car racing to tennis, everyone can choose their favorite sport and different betting options. These events are stable, not dependent on weather or injuries of participants, which makes them convenient for regular betting and attracts players looking for regular betting opportunities.
Conclusion
Betting on virtual sporting events is becoming an important part of the gambling industry, offering players unique betting opportunities. By utilizing advanced technologies such as random number generators and graphics engines, these games provide an interesting experience. The 24/7 availability and quick completion of events appeal to those looking for variety and consistent betting opportunities.
Virtual sports has a high probability of gaining a strong foothold in the entertainment industry due to its stability and convenience. The ability to bet on a variety of sporting events, regardless of real-world factors, makes such games accessible to a wide range of people. With interest in such entertainment continuing to grow, virtual sports simulations could become an important part of the gambling ecosystem in the future.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Trey Anastasio Announces Solo Acoustic Tour
Trey Anastasio has announced plans for a very special solo acoustic run. The tour gets underway March 8, 2025 at Springfield, MA’s Symphony Hall and then visits US theatres and concert halls through early April. Real-time presales begin Wednesday, December 4 exclusively via treytickets.shop.ticketstoday.com. All remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, December 6 – please check venues for on-sale times. For complete details, please see trey.com/tour.
Over the past four decades, composer/guitarist/vocalist Trey Anastasio has forged a singular, multi-faceted career, winning acclaim and garnering accolades across genres and disciplines including rock, classical, musical theatre, and more. He is a founding member of Phish, one of today’s most successful and innovative rock bands. As a solo artist, Anastasio has released over two dozen studio and live albums and has toured extensively with the Trey Anastasio Band, Classic TAB, and other iterations. In 2020, Anastasio recorded and released the pandemic-era album Lonely Trip, followed by his first album of solo acoustic material, Mercy, in 2022. Those two albums generated much of the material found on Evolve. Anastasio’s latest release is Atriums, a six-chapter song suite of ambient, instrumental guitar compositions originally conceived of and recorded for Phish’s Sphere run.
In 2023, Anastasio – a lifelong philanthropist and advocate – established The Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program, a non-profit organization dedicated to addiction recovery, and commemorated the opening of its brand new facility in Ludlow, Vermont. Founded by Anastasio in 2020, the Divided Sky Foundation’s inaugural fundraiser was “The Beacon Jams,” an eight-week livestream residency from New York City’s historic Beacon Theatre. In the fall of 2024, Anastasio and Phish raised over $4 million for the program with three sold-out benefit concerts in Albany, NY.
Anastasio has performed and collaborated with such artists as Bruce Springsteen, the Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews, Herbie Hancock (whose 2005 “Gelo na Montanha” earned Anastasio a Grammy nomination), Carlos Santana, Toots and the Maytals, B.B. King, The Roots, and – as part of the trio Oysterhead – Les Claypool of Primus and Stewart Copeland of The Police. He co-wrote the music for the Broadway musical Hands on a Hardbody, which received a Tony nomination for “Best Original Score” in 2013. This summer, Anastasio inducted Steely Dan into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame.
An accomplished composer and arranger, Anastasio has performed his original compositions with numerous symphonies, including The National Symphony Orchestra, The Boston Pops at Tanglewood, the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall, and many more. In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Anastasio among the greatest guitarists of all time.
TREY ANASTASIO – SOLO ACOUSTIC TOUR 2025
MARCH
8 – Springfield, MA – Symphony Hall
9 – Boston, MA – Wang Theatre at Boch Center
11 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – The F.M. Kirby Center
12 – Rochester, NY – Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
14 – Columbus, OH – Mershon Auditorium
15 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theater
16 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
18 – Chicago, IL – Orchestra Hall
19 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theatre
21 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre
22 – Birmingham, AL – Alabama Theatre
23 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
26 – Orlando, FL – Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
28 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
29 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre
30 – Charleston, SC – Gaillard Auditorium
APRIL
1 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre
2 – Greenville, SC – Peace Concert Hall
4 – Washington, DC – Warner Theatre
5 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center for the Arts
“Weird Al” Yankovic Releases 1 Video, 4 Separate Takes Of “Tacky” And It’s Brilliant
The amazing “Weird Al” Yankovic strikes again! In true Weird Al fashion, he’s gifted fans with four simultaneous takes of his 2014 parody masterpiece “Tacky,” set to Pharrell’s “Happy.” “It’s come to my attention that this video is no longer available anywhere else on the internet, so I’ve decided to upload it here!” he shared. Shot in six takes, the official video famously used the sixth—but these alternate versions are a delightful glimpse into his comedic genius (and his famous friends like Aisha Tyler, Margaret Cho, Eric Stonestreet, Kristen Schaal, and Jack Black.)
SiriusXM Launches “Women’s Empowerment Network” Podcast, Executive Produced by Karen Hunter
SiriusXM today announced the launch of the Women’s Empowerment Network, a new podcast network executive produced by SiriusXM Urban View host and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Karen Hunter. Launching on Monday, December 9, the Women’s Empowerment Network will debut with two new podcasts, with more original content set to premiere in the coming months.
Available on the SiriusXM app and all other major podcast platforms, The Women’s Empowerment Network will offer a wide variety of new original shows, which will feature interviews with influential women from various industries and backgrounds, self-improvement tips, financial advice, mental health discussions, and more news relevant to women’s lives and careers. The network will also spotlight stories of resilience, activism, entrepreneurship, and community, with a focus on uplifting women in all walks of life.
Among the first podcasts to premiere under the network is “Karen Hunter Is Awesome!”, a daily podcast where Hunter dives deep into a wide range of thought-provoking topics. In what she considers a companion piece to her regular Urban View radio show, Hunter will challenge her listeners in new ways, covering everything from Bible prophecy to the purpose of race, and even the latest TV shows and movies, while still delivering her signature blend of intellect and candidness.
Also launching on December 9 is “Financially Speaking,” a daily podcast designed specifically to help women navigate the complex and evolving financial landscape. Hosted by a team of renowned financial experts, including Dr. Tonya Evans (cryptocurrency and intellectual property), Dr. Tisa Silver Canady (financial wellness and student loan debt eradication), Jacquette Timmons (financial behaviorist), and Ruchi Pinniger (financial coach and founder of Watch Her Prosper), this podcast will offer listeners practical advice and insights to help them make informed financial decisions and build lasting wealth.
“The Women’s Empowerment Network is a destination where women can come together and be heard in ways that are authentic, uplifting, and transformative,” said Karen Hunter. “I’ve always believed in the power of women supporting each other, and I’m excited to have this new platform where we can rise together.”
“Karen has a great talent for identifying emerging voices and building communities through audio,” said Dave Gorab, Vice President and General Manager of SiriusXM’s Talk Programming. “I’m excited to see Karen’s vision for a new podcast network thrive while it has a meaningful impact on all who listen.”
In addition to her new podcast, Hunter will continue to host “The Karen Hunter Show” weekdays from 3-6pm ET on Urban View channel 126.
Among her many accomplishments, Hunter is the author of several New York Times bestsellers, including Confessions of a Video Vixen, On the Down Low, and Wendy’s Got the Heat. She is also an assistant professor in the Film & Media Department at Hunter College.
The War and Treaty Announce New Album ‘Plus One’ And 2025 Tour
Today, The War And Treaty, who have been hailed as “one of the most exciting live acts in American roots music” (Los Angeles Times), announced their fourth full-length album, Plus One, due out February 14 via Mercury Nashville. On Plus One, the “powerhouse” (TODAY) husband and wife duo, Michael and Tanya Trotter, double down on the powerful sense of togetherness that has always fueled their music, offering up 18 life-affirming songs aimed at providing a shared experience of hope and healing and much-needed joy. Pre-order the album HERE and listen to “Carried Away” HERE.
“We see this record as an open invitation to be a part of what we’re doing—it came from wanting to be the hope we believe people need right now, as well as the hope that we need for ourselves,” Tanya Trotter shares. “One of our main intentions with this album is to inspire people to share themselves with others, and open themselves up to the possibility of being loved,” Michael Trotter Jr. shares.
Mainly produced by Michael and recorded at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Plus One marks The War And Treaty’s follow-up to Lover’s Game—a 2023 LP including standout track “Blank Page” which nabbed a GRAMMY nomination for Best American Roots Song, with The War And Treaty nominated for Best New Artist. To create their most extravagant body of work to date, the duo enlisted their longtime live band and dreamed up a singular sound touched with elements of gospel, bluegrass, contemporary country, classic soul, symphonic pop, folk-rock, and more. Partly made in collaboration with esteemed producers like Jonathan Singleton (Luke Combs, Chase Rice), John Shanks (Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow), and Jesse Frasure (Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini), the result is a transcendent album firmly rooted in their timeless musicality and forward-thinking vision.
The track listing’s myriad high points include “Love Like Whiskey,” a soul-soothing portrait of a love strong enough to overcome any obstacle, co-written by the Trotters and Miranda Lambert; the wildly ecstatic “Called You By Your Name,” a breakneck-paced rallying cry influenced by the Black gospel tradition of shout music; “Drink From Me,” featuring virtuoso guitarist Billy Strings; “Leads Me Home,” which they performed on LIVE with Kelly and Mark; “Stealing a Kiss,” which they performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!; “Can I Get An Amen,” which they performed at the People’s Choice Country Awards; and “Carried Away,” out today.
Since first lighting up the world with their fusion of country and soul, The War And Treaty have steadily built a legacy as one of the most iconic husband-and-wife duos in music history. In the last few years alone, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter’s phenomenal talent and daring originality have led to major milestones. In addition to the GRAMMYs, the duo has received nominations from the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, CMT Music Awards, Americana Honors & Awards, and the People’s Choice Country Awards, and have taken home the Duo/Group of the Year prize at the Americana Music Honors & Awards two years in a row.
The War And Treaty has been hot on the road this year, performing with Chris Stapleton and Zach Bryan on a variety of tour dates, as well as an opening slot with The Rolling Stones. They have also performed on NBC Macy’s Fourth of July Special, at the National Memorial Day Parade, and recently performed at the 98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
In March, they are set to embark on the Plus One Tour, a 30+ city tour that will continue bringing their electrifying live show to fans across the US. The tour will see the duo perform at a number of iconic venues across the country, including New York City’s Irving Plaza, The Howard Theatre in DC, The Troubadour in Los Angeles, The Kessler Theater in Dallas, and more. The tour kicks off on March 26 in Minneapolis, Minn. and will conclude on June 19 in Bristol, Tenn. General ticket on-sale opens next Friday, December 13 at 10AM local time. For more information and tickets, please visit https://www.thewarandtreaty.com/tour/
Plus One Track Listing
1. Love Like Whiskey
2. Skyscraper
3. Can I Get An Amen
4. Called You By Your Name
5. Stealing A Kiss
6. Teardrops In The Rain
7. Leads Me Home
8. Carried Away
9. Drink From Me ft. Billy Strings
10. Reminisce
11. Save Me
12. Love Is On Fire
13. I Can’t Let You Go
14. Home
15. Love Light
16. Mr. Fun
17. Tunnel Vision
18. The Glorious Ones
THE WAR AND TREATY 2025 TOUR DATES:
March 26, 2025 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line
March 27, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall Ballroom
March 28, 2025 – Grand Rapids, MI – St. Cecilia Music Center*
March 29, 2025 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall
April 1, 2025 – Toronto, ON – The Axis Club
April 2, 2025 – Montreal, QB – Le Studio TD
April 4, 2025 – Amagansett, NY – The Stephen Talkhouse
April 5, 2025 – Uncasville, CT – Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun Resort
April 6, 2025 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
April 8, 2025 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
April 10, 2025 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios
April 11, 2025 – Washington, DC – The Howard Theatre
April 12, 2025 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
April 24, 2025 – Decatur, AL – Princess Theatre
April 25, 2025 – Wilkesboro, NC – MerleFest*
April 26, 2025 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater
April 27, 2025 – North Charleston, SC – High Water Music Festival*
May 2, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
May 10, 2025 – Austin, TX – Antone’s Nightclub
May 13, 2025 – Santa Fe, NM – The Lensic Performing Arts Center
May 15, 2025 – Fort Collins, CO – Aggie Theatre
May 16, 2025 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
May 17, 2025 – Salt Lake City, UT – The State Room
May 20, 2025 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
May 21, 2025 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
May 22, 2025 – Bend, Oregon – Tower Theatre*
May 28, 2025 – West Hollywood, CA – Troubadour
May 30, 2025 – Solana Beach – CA – Belly Up Solana Beach
May 31, 2025 – Scottsdale, AZ – Virginia G. Piper Theater – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
June 2, 2025 – Albuquerque, NM – KiMo Theatre
June 4, 2025 – New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall
June 5, 2025 – Dallas, TX – The Kessler Theater
June 19, 2025 – Bristol, TN – Paramount Bristol
Indigo Girls Reunite with Melissa Etheridge for 2025 ‘Yes We Are’ Co-Headline Tour
Following an overwhelmingly successful run of Summer 2024 co-headline dates, Grammy Award-winning folk-rock duo Indigo Girls will reunite with Grammy Award-winning rock icon Melissa Etheridge for their 2025 ‘Yes We Are’ Co-headline Tour. The two will join forces starting this summer, hitting over 30 stops across North America. The tour kicks off on July 25th at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO, continues down the West Coast, and spans the Midwest throughout August. In September and October, the tour will head to states along the East Coast and South, wrapping on October 12th at the Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix, AZ. This extensive joint run adds to both Etheridge’s and Indigo Girls’ growing roster of exciting 2024 and 2025 dates, giving fans even more opportunities to catch these legendary artists on the road.
Tickets for all dates go on sale Thursday, December 12, at 10 AM local time. Artist presales for both Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge will be available on Tuesday, December 10, at 10 AM local time and run until Wednesday, December 11, at 11:59 PM local time. For tickets and additional information, please visit IndigoGirls.com and MelissaEtheridge.com. Scroll down for all announced dates.
The Indigo Girls recently joined Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr., Billy Strings featuring Sierra Hull and Zach Top, Eve Monsees, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, Brandy Clark, Rufus Wainwright, The Mavericks, Ángela Aguilar, Cam, and Lloyd Maines & the ACL All-Stars for the PBS special Austin City Limits Celebrates 50 Years: A Special Anniversary Taping, which will air in April 2025.
Their acclaimed film documentary, Indigo Girls: It’s Only Life After All, is currently available on demand and streaming on Netflix. Directed by Alexandria Bombach, the film premiered to critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival and has since received accolades from both the film and music press.
The Indigo Girls’ music was also featured in the jukebox musical romance Glitter & Doom. Directed by Tom Gustafson (Were the World Mine, Frameline32), Glitter & Doom tells the tale of a whirlwind summer romance through inventive reimaginings of classic Indigo Girls songs. The film features a star-studded queer supporting cast, including Lea DeLaria, Tig Notaro, Kate Pierson (The B-52s), RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Peppermint, and even a cameo from Amy and Emily themselves.
Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Melissa Etheridge has been one of America’s favorite female singer-songwriters for more than two decades. Her most recent studio project, One Way Out, was released on September 17, 2021. Etheridge also published her memoir Talking to My Angels (HarperCollins), which debuted at #9 on the New York Times Bestseller list.
The pairing of Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge offers music lovers an exceptional opportunity to spend a night immersed in world-class singing and songwriting.
Indigo Girls + Melissa Etheridge 2025 Tour Dates
Fri, Jul 25 Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Sat, Jul 26 Sandy, UT – Sandy Amphitheater
Mon, Jul 28 Troutdale, OR – Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn
Tue, Jul 29 Redmond, WA – Marymoor Live
Fri, Aug 1 Eugene, OR – Cuthbert Amphitheater
Sat, Aug 2 Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre at U.C. Berkeley
Sun, Aug 3 Murphys, CA – Ironstone Amphitheatre
Thu, Aug 7 Paso Robles, CA – Viña Robles Amphitheatre
Fri, Aug 8 Lincoln, CA – The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino
Sat, Aug 9 Costa Mesa, CA – OC Fair – Pacific Amphitheatre Concert Series
Sat, Aug 16 Fort Wayne, IN – The Embassy Theatre\
Sun, Aug 17 Chicago, IL – Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park
Tue, Aug 19 Milwaukee, WI – BMO Pavilion
Wed, Aug 20 Des Moines, IA – Des Moines Civic Center
Thu, Aug 21 Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
Sat, Aug 23 Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Theater
Sun, Aug 24 St. Paul, MN – Minnesota State Fair
Tue, Aug 26 Detroit, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
Sat, Aug 30 Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
Sat, Sep 13 Fredericton, NB – Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival
Fri, Sep 19 Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion
Sat, Sep 20 Huntsville, AL – Orion Amphitheater
Mon, Sep 22 Columbus, OH – Mershon Auditorium
Tue, Sep 23 Louisville, KY – Iroquois Amphitheater
Thu, Sep 25 Greensboro, NC – White Oak Amphitheatre
Fri, Sep 26 Atlanta, GA – Chastain Park Amphitheatre
Tue, Oct 7 Manhattan, KS – McCain Auditorium at Kansas State University *
Wed, Oct 8 Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie
Thu, Oct 9 San Antonio, TX – The Espee
Sat, Oct 11 Albuquerque, NM – Route 66 Casino *
Sun, Oct 12 Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
*On-sale for select date to be announced. Current presale and on-sale timelines do not apply.