AJ Croce bio snippet via AJCroceMusic.com

After 50 years and more than 50 million records sold, Jim Croce’s legacy as an iconic singer/songwriter is firmly cemented. A.J. Croce, a Billboard charting singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and performer, returns this fall, bringing Jim’s classic songs to the stage with his “Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary Tour.”  After 10 studio albums and 30 years of touring the world establishing his own career, in the early 2000’s, A.J. taught himself guitar and several of his father’s (Jim’s) classics. The fan response from dropping in a song or two like “Operator” in his own show was astounding and deeply emotional. He then debuted a concert that celebrated the legacy of his father’s songs, stories and music; as well as his own. The show featured two generations of Croce music and many songs by other artists which connect father and son as performers. Throughout the past seven years, A.J.’s “Croce Plays Croce” tour has sold out performing arts centers across America. In 2022, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jim’s breakthrough album, You Don’t Mess Around With Jim, A.J. honored the memory of his father with a fall tour featuring a seven piece ensemble and a multimedia production.

A.J. is hitting the road again this year in celebration of two of Jim Croce’s legendary albums, 1973’s Life and Times, and his final release, I Got A Name;  in addition to songs from You Don’t Mess Around With Jim. The much-anticipated fall performances, “Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary Tour,” commences on October 27, coinciding with the October 13 release of The Definitive Croce collection, and includes performances at historic venues like New York City’s Town Hall and Detroit’s Royal Oak Music Theatre. The tour will continue over the next year from coast to coast.  The “Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary” show features a legendary band including drummer Gary Mallaber (Van Morrison/Steve Miller Band), bassist/singer David Barard (Dr. John), and guitarist/violinist James Pennebaker (Delbert McClinton);  accompanied by background singers Jackie Wilson and Katrice Donaldson.  The shows will also feature a moving multi-media presentation and will include all of Jim’s chart-topping hits, as well as many deep cuts.

Over the past three decades, A.J. Croce has established his reputation as a piano player and vocal stylist who pulls from a host of musical traditions and anti-heroes — part New Orleans, part juke joint, part soul. From his 10 studio albums, it’s clear that he holds an abiding love for all types of musical genres: Blues, Soul, Pop, Jazz, and Rock n’ Roll. A virtuosic piano player, Croce toured with B.B. King and Ray Charles before reaching the age of 21, and over his career, he has performed with a wide range of musicians, from Willie Nelson to the Neville Brothers, to Béla Fleck and Ry Cooder. A.J. has also co-written songs with such formidable tunesmiths as Leon Russell, Dan Penn, Robert Earl Keen, and multi-Grammy winner Gary Nicholson. His albums have all charted on an impressive array of charts: Top 40, Blues, Americana, Jazz, College, and Radio 1. The Nashville-based singer/songwriter has landed 22 singles on a variety of Top 20 charts.  His songwriting and style has evolved from Jazz & Blues on his debut and sophomore albums, to the roots-rock of the more recent collaborative recordings like Cantos with Ben Harper, Twelve Tales with Allen Toussaint, and Just Like Medicine with Vince Gill. Read more HERE

Stacey Rusch bio via StaceyRusch.com

Stacey Rusch is a charismatic philanthropist and TV Host, most recently working for QVC, with her own branded show, broadcasting live to over 100 million American homes. Stacey is well spoken, and well traveled, while holding the unique ability to capture the attention of everyone around her wherever she goes. She’s a globetrotter and adventure enthusiast, having visited over 40 countries. She’s lived in Europe and speaks fluent German. Stacey’s insatiable appetite for wanderlust and cultural diversity led her to yoga. She previously worked as a private Yoga Teacher for the White House Athletic Center, NASA, CIA, and American University, promoting joy and positivity to some of the nation’s most influential figures.

Grounded in her faith, Stacey is also a passionate advocate for animals, having volunteered in Africa and Asia for the conservation efforts of mountain gorillas and giant pandas. In Washington DC, she is the Ambassador for the Humane Rescue Alliance, working to find forever homes for dogs in the DMV. She has also worked to empower women through her dedication to women’s wellness. She has served for many charitable organizations like the March of Dimes, Dress for Success and Make a Wish Foundation.

When she’s not in the air or on air, Stacey escapes to her sanctuary, her home in Virginia, with the light of her life, her daughter, Arabella and furbaby, Arlo.