Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter James Maddock has announced that this summer he’ll open for Counting Crows for five shows in July. The dates include Summer Stage in Central Park and Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. In typical Madock fashion he said the following about the summer dates: “This should catapult me to superstar status so come see me while ticket prices are less than $1,000.”

What’s most interesting about this pairing though is why it hasn’t happened sooner? Maddock is a frequent collaborator of Crows’ multi-instrumentalist David Immergluck and the two have collaborated for more than two decades. Regardless, it’s a fantastic pairing and those scheduled to see the Crows for those five dates are in for something special.

Until those July dates, Maddock’s staying busy. This Friday he’s at Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck, NJ with his full band. And on the 29th of this month he’s at the famed Bitter End in New York City with a full band.

Maddock remains one of New York City’s premier songwriters and continues to release material that demands to be heard by wider audiences. If his name is new to you, take a few moments and do a deep dive. You won’t regret it.