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Jacksonville Rapper Lil Poppa Returns With New Single “Out Of Town Bae”

Eric Alper
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Jacksonville Rapper Lil Poppa Returns With New Single “Out Of Town Bae”

Jacksonville rapper and CMG signee Lil Poppa drops his new single “Out Of Town Bae,” with an official video set to follow. The track arrives as his first release of 2026 and paves the way for a new project landing this spring. Arriving just ahead of Valentine’s Day, the single showcases the melodic introspection that has become central to Poppa’s sound – threading emotion through lyrics that feel authentic and grounded in real life.

The release builds on momentum from ‘Almost Normal Again,’ a 16-track project that cemented Poppa’s standing among the South’s most compelling voices. The album demonstrated his talent for balancing melody with unflinching honesty, creating records that resonate with listeners seeking music rooted in genuine experience. His ability to translate personal narratives into universally relatable songs has distinguished him within contemporary hip-hop.

Poppa recently wrapped his Almost Normal Again Tour, a national run that began in Washington, DC, and concluded with a hometown performance in Jacksonville, FL. The tour brought his catalog to audiences across the country and highlighted the strength of his dedicated fanbase. The trek reinforced his reputation as an artist whose live performances match the emotional weight of his recordings.

“Out Of Town Bae” expands a discography that includes ‘Blessed, I Guess,’ ‘Half Man Half Vamp,’ ‘Wee Are Who We Are,’ and ‘Almost Normal Again.’ Each project has strengthened his ability to craft songs that reach beyond regional boundaries while maintaining the raw storytelling that connects with his core audience.

Ani DiFranco Announces 2026 Spirit of Love Tour with Special Guest Valerie June

Eric Alper
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Ani DiFranco Announces 2026 Spirit of Love Tour with Special Guest Valerie June

Today, prolific singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco announces her Spirit Of Love tour, an extensive run of live performances for the spring and summer of 2026. The shows begin April 22nd in Jackson, MS and wrap August 16th in Sonoma, CA. Fans can be the first to purchase tickets beginning on Monday February 16th at 10am local time through Thursday February 19th at 10pm local time. The public on sale date is Friday February 20th at 10am local time. Go HERE for details.

DiFranco is also a headline performer at the celebrated New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on April 24th alongside Jon Batiste, Lorde, Sean Paul, Big Freedia and other luminaries.

In addition, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Valerie June joins the Spirit Of Love tour on May 1st at the Ryman Auditorium, where DiFranco will perform for the first time in 14 years. The tour continues north hitting Asheville, Baltimore, Providence and more before returning to the West Coast in August. Additional dates in August will be added as well. For a full list of dates, see below or go to anidifranco.com/tour.

DiFranco is currently gearing up to release her book The Spirit of Ani, on March 3. In this powerful collaborative work, she is in conversation with cultural anthropologist Lauren Coyle Rosen discussing her creativity, spirituality, personal experiences, and evolving consciousness. She is vulnerable and unapologetic, offering an unprecedented window into her fiercely prolific journeys.

Widely considered a feminist icon, Grammy winner Ani DiFranco is the mother of the DIY movement, being one of the first artists to create her own record label, Righteous Babe Records, in 1990. She has released 23 albums traversing folk, punk, hip-hop, soul and electronic genres and addressing a range of autobiographical, political and social issues. Her latest music releases include Unprecedented Sh!t (2024) and the 30th anniversary edition of her seminal album Not A Pretty Girl (2025). DiFranco is also an author and Broadway performer. Her memoir No Walls and the Recurring Dream was a New York Times Top 10 best seller in 2019, and her children’s books The Knowing and Show Up and Vote are out now. In addition, DiFranco completed a 5-month run on Broadway as ‘Persephone’ in Hadestown in 2024.

Ani DiFranco Spirit of Love Tour:

*with Special Guest Valerie June

April 22 – Jackson, MS – Duling Hall
April 24 – New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

April 25 – Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall
April 26 – Gainesville, FL – Heartwood Soundstage
April 28 – Savannah, GA – Victory North
April 29 – Birmingham, AL – Lyric Theatre

May 1 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium*
May 2 – Asheville, NC – Asheville Yards*
May 3 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater*
May 5 – Baltimore, MD –Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall*
May 6 – Lansdowne, PA – Lansdowne Theater*
May 8 – Providence, RI – Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS)*
May 9 – Portland, ME – State Theatre*
May 10 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre*

August 1 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
August 5 – Jacksonville, OR – Britt Pavilion*
August 6 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Hall*
August 8 – Lyons, CO – Rocky Mountain Folks Festival (Valerie June also performing)
August 15 – Santa Cruz, CA – Civic Auditorium*
August 16 – Sonoma, CA – Gundlach Bundschu Winery Amphitheater*

Doja Cat Headlines Global Citizen’s Move Afrika Tour In Kigali And Pretoria

Eric Alper
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Doja Cat Headlines Global Citizen’s Move Afrika Tour In Kigali And Pretoria

Global Citizen brings Doja Cat to headline the third edition of Move Afrika with shows in Kigali, Rwanda, on March 17 and Pretoria, South Africa, on March 20. The platform – dedicated to ending extreme poverty and advancing social justice – returns to BK Arena in Kigali and expands into South Africa with a performance at SunBet Arena in the nation’s capital. Additional regional and local performers will be revealed soon. The tour connects international headliners with African talent, production teams, and audiences to demonstrate that African cities belong on the global touring circuit.

“From my South African roots straight to the world stage, we’re bringing energy, purpose, and real change to Move Afrika in Kigali and Pretoria. This isn’t just a tour, it’s a movement that creates jobs and opportunities that last,” Doja Cat said in a statement. “I’m proud to be part of something that celebrates Africa’s creativity, invests in its future, and shows the world that Africa isn’t coming, it’s already here.”

Tickets for the Kigali performance are available now at moveafrika.org. The Pretoria show offers Mastercard cardholders presale access from Feb. 16-18, with the Big Concerts Fan Club presale running Feb. 17-18. General on-sale begins Feb. 18 at Ticketmaster.com. The tour positions African creative excellence at the center of international touring while generating employment and strengthening local creative economies.

“We are honored to welcome Doja Cat as the headliner for Move Afrika 2026,” said Hugh Evans, co-founder & CEO of Global Citizen. “She has delivered unforgettable performances at some of Global Citizen’s most defining moments, from Paris to New York to the historic FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show. Now she joins us as we expand across the continent, from Johannesburg to Accra, Kigali to Lagos, and now Pretoria. Move Afrika is redefining global touring by placing Africa’s creative excellence at the center of the international circuit, creating jobs, strengthening local creative industries, and driving long-term economic growth powered by culture.”

All-Star Tammy Wynette Tribute Concert Set For March 30th At The Ryman

Eric Alper
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All-Star Tammy Wynette Tribute Concert Set For March 30th At The Ryman

The First Lady of Country Music Tammy Wynette Tribute Concert takes place Monday, March 30th, at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The one-night-only event honors the life, music, and enduring influence of an artist whose voice shaped multiple generations of country music. Wynette’s catalog delivered strength, honesty, and emotional depth to listeners worldwide, and her impact continues to resonate throughout the genre. The concert brings together an exceptional roster of performers to celebrate her extraordinary legacy.

Wynonna, Randy Houser, Ann Wilson of Heart, The War And Treaty, Gretchen Wilson, Macy Gray, Brittney Spencer, Lucinda Williams, Lorrie Morgan, and Terri Clark headline the tribute. The diverse lineup spans rock, soul, and country – reflecting the broad reach of Wynette’s artistry. Each artist brings their own interpretation to a songbook that includes some of the most recognizable titles in country music history. Tickets are available now for this historic gathering at the venue that once housed The Grand Ole Opry.

The setlist features Wynette’s most cherished recordings, including “Stand by Your Man,” “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” “Golden Ring,” “I Don’t Wanna Play House,” “Silver Threads and Golden Needles,” “‘Til I Get It Right,” “We’re Gonna Hold On,” “Women to Woman,” “Apartment #9,” “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad,” “‘Til I Can Make It on My Own,” “One,” “Whatever Happened to Us,” and additional classics. The performance promises to showcase the full scope of Wynette’s remarkable catalog through fresh perspectives.

PBS will broadcast the tribute as part of its Great Performances series, with additional details forthcoming. The combination of Nashville’s most legendary venue, an extraordinary performer lineup, and Wynette’s timeless material creates a must-see celebration of country music royalty.

Country Hall Of Famer Ray Stevens Releases New Single “Savannah” Via Curb Records

Eric Alper
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Country Hall Of Famer Ray Stevens Releases New Single “Savannah” Via Curb Records

Ray Stevens drops his latest single “Savannah” through Curb Records, marking another chapter in the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s enduring recording career. Nick Sibley penned the track as an ode to the Georgia coastal city, a location with deep personal resonance for Stevens given his Georgia roots. The song highlights the historic town’s distinctive character and Southern atmosphere through the veteran artist’s well-honed narrative style. The timing of the release aligns with Savannah’s own founding anniversary.

“I heard a new song about a favorite place of mine and recorded it right away,” says Stevens. “It’s ‘Savannah,’ coincidentally released on the birth date of that beautiful Georgia city. Check it out, the song, I mean, ‘Savannah,’ available today on Curb Records.”

The single arrives as a taste of what listeners can anticipate from ‘Ray Stevens Favorites Old and New,’ which lands April 10th. The album represents Stevens’ continued dedication to creating fresh material while maintaining the artistic vision that has powered his multi-decade run. His ability to move between country, pop, and comedic territory has made him a distinctive figure in American music, and this new work shows his creative drive remains strong.

Gibson Gives Partners With Julien’s Auctions For Star Studded Charity Guitar Sale

Eric Alper
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Gibson Gives Partners With Julien’s Auctions For Star Studded Charity Guitar Sale

Julien’s Auctions presents its fifth consecutive charity event with Gibson Gives on Thursday, March 5th, at 10 am PT. The philanthropic division of Gibson supports musicians worldwide through music education, health, and wellness initiatives. This partnership between Julien’s, Gibson Gives, and FirstBank Amphitheater has raised nearly 200K for music education programs since its inception. All proceeds from this sale benefit the Gibson Gives & FirstBank Amphitheater Music Education Program, directly supporting students in Williamson County Schools in Tennessee.

The auction showcases an impressive collection of signed guitars from legendary artists and acclaimed bands across multiple genres. Alice Cooper, Brantley Gilbert, James Taylor, and Willie Nelson have each contributed signed acoustic guitars to the sale. Cody Jinks and Parker McCollum offer signed Gibson acoustics, while Riley Green provides a signed J-45 Standard. The Tedeschi Trucks Band contributes a signed J-185 Original Acoustic Guitar to the lineup.

Rock acts dominate the electric guitar offerings with band-signed instruments from Collective Soul, Daughtry, The Doobie Brothers, and Halestorm. Judas Priest provides a band-signed Les Paul Standard 60s, while Rise Against offers a signed Hummingbird EC Acoustic. Papa Roach, UnderOath, and Volbeat round out the collection with their respective band-signed contributions. Live’s Ed Kowalczyk has signed a Les Paul Standard ’50s Plain Top in Dark Cherry Sunburst.

The event represents Gibson Gives’ ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians through accessible music education. Each guitar carries the signature of artists who have shaped contemporary music across rock, country, and alternative genres, making this auction both a fundraising opportunity and a celebration of musical legacy.

The Sale Features Guitars from:

Alice Cooper | Signed Gibson L-00 Acoustic Guitar, Ebony

Brantley Gilbert | Signed Gibson SJ-200 Studio Walnut Acoustic Guitar

Cody Jinks | Signed Gibson G-45 Generation Acoustic Guitar, Natural

Collective Soul | Band-Signed Gibson Songwriter Standard Rosewood Acoustic Guitar, Antique Natural

Daughtry | Signed Gibson ES-330 Hollowbody Electric Guitar

The Doobie Brothers | Band-Signed Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 Electric Guitar, Goldtop

Halestorm | Band-Signed Gibson Flying V 80s Electric Guitar, Classic White

James Taylor | Signed Gibson Songwriter Standard EC Rosewood Acoustic Guitar

Judas Priest | Band-Signed Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Electric Guitar

Live | Ed Kowalczyk Signed Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s Plain Top Electric Guitar, Dark Cherry Sunburst

Papa Roach | Band-Signed Gibson L-00 Standard Acoustic Guitar, Vintage Sunburst

Parker McCollum | Signed Gibson J-45 Studio Rosewood Acoustic Guitar, Antique Natural

Riley Green | Signed Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic Guitar

Rise Against | Band-Signed Gibson Hummingbird EC Acoustic Guitar, Ebony

Tedeschi Trucks Band | Signed Gibson J-185 Original Acoustic Guitar

UnderOath | Band-Signed Gibson SG Supreme Electric Guitar, Translucent Ebony Burst

Volbeat | Band-Signed Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar, Dark Walnut

Willie Nelson | Signed Gibson J-45 Studio Rosewood Acoustic Guitar, Antique Natural

Bebe Rexha Unveils ‘Dirty Blonde’ Album With Groundbreaking 13-Song Supercut

Eric Alper
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Bebe Rexha Unveils ‘Dirty Blonde’ Album With Groundbreaking 13-Song Supercut

Bebe Rexha launches her new album ‘Dirty Blonde’ with a revolutionary four-minute supercut that combines 13 upcoming singles and their video elements into one high-octane visual experience. The multi-platinum artist delivers the first official drop from her forthcoming album through this adrenaline-packed mashup, offering a bold glimpse into her most fearless creative chapter. The supercut marks a radical departure from traditional album rollouts, embracing a digital-first strategy built around how listeners discover music today.

The release represents a new partnership with independent label Empire, granting Rexha unprecedented creative freedom to reimagine how music reaches audiences. Designed for maximum social media impact, the supercut invites fans to clip, remix, and share moments across platforms while building anticipation for the full singles. The approach prioritizes engaging storytelling and tailored trends over conventional promotional cycles, creating an immediate and direct connection with her audience.

“This next chapter is about creative freedom – trusting my instincts, trusting my voice, and finally doing things the way I’ve always wanted to,” Rexha shares. “I’ve learned a lot, I’ve lived a lot, and I’m fully tuned into myself now. Following my gut has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career. This era is fearless, loud, and unapologetic – no filters, no limits. ‘Dirty Blonde’ is me owning exactly who I am.”

The supercut establishes the tone for an album rollout that refuses to follow industry conventions. Rexha delivers music on her own terms, blending fearless experimentation with unfiltered authenticity. ‘Dirty Blonde’ positions the artist at the forefront of a new era where creative vision drives the release strategy, and the music speaks directly to fans without traditional gatekeeping.

Humble Pie’s ‘Live In Cincinnati 1983’ Captures Steve Marriott’s Electrifying Final Shows

Eric Alper
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Humble Pie’s ‘Live In Cincinnati 1983’ Captures Steve Marriott’s Electrifying Final Shows

HEADLINE: Humble Pie’s ‘Live In Cincinnati 1983’ Captures Steve Marriott’s Electrifying Final Shows

TAGS: Humble Pie, Steve Marriott, Jim Leverton, Fallon Williams, Dave Thompson, Small Faces, Noel Redding, Fat Mattress, Cleopatra Records,

BLOG POST:

Cleopatra Records brings Humble Pie’s ‘Live In Cincinnati 1983’ to CD and vinyl for the first time on March 13th. The album captures one of Steve Marriott’s final performances with the band at Annie’s on Kellogg Avenue in Cincinnati on December 7, 1983. The set blazes through career highlights like “30 Days In A Hole,” “I Don’t Need No Doctor,” and “Hallelujah I Love Her So,” plus two bonus studio tracks from 1982. Music historian Dave Thompson provides liner notes that trace the journey to this electrifying show.

By early 1982, Marriott had relocated to Atlanta and formed a new lineup with bassist Jim Leverton and drummer Fallon Williams. Despite years of setbacks, including a collapsed Small Faces revival and a doomed 1980 Humble Pie reformation plagued by record label inactivity and health issues, Marriott was ready to reclaim the stage. This version of the band refused to deliver simple nostalgia. “I don’t want to get sunk in nostalgia,” Marriott explained. “[But] I don’t think you can escape your history, and I don’t even want to.”

The Cincinnati recording demonstrates how Marriott reimagined his catalog with fresh arrangements and unexpected covers. Songs like “Five Long Years” showcase his fiery guitar work, while tracks such as “Whatcha Gonna Do About It” and “Walking The Dog” pulse with renewed energy. The performances crackle with the spontaneity and swagger that defined Marriott’s stage presence, transforming familiar material into something immediate and vital.

This album stands as a powerful document of an artist who remained uncompromising until the end. Marriott’s ability to balance humor with virtuosity, crowd interaction with intense musicianship, makes every moment compelling. ‘Live In Cincinnati 1983’ proves that even in his final chapter, Steve Marriott commanded the stage with the same fire that made him a legend.

  1. Track Listing:
  2. Whatcha Gonna Do About It
  3. Fool For A Pretty Face
  4. Hallelujah I Love Her So
  5. Five Long Years
  6. 30 Days In The Hole
  7. I Don’t Need No Doctor
  8. Big Train Stops At Memphis
  9. Walking The Dog
  10. Trouble You Can’t Fool Me [Studio Bonus Track]
  11. Lonely No More [Studio Bonus Track]

The Hold Steady Celebrate ‘Boys and Girls in America’ With Constructive Summer 2026

Eric Alper
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The Hold Steady Celebrate ‘Boys and Girls in America’ With Constructive Summer 2026

The Hold Steady are marking 20 years of ‘Boys and Girls in America’ with Constructive Summer 2026, a multi-city celebration packed with rock shows, Storytellers sets, and community-driven events. The series begins in Boston April 30 through May 3 at The Sinclair before heading to Chicago June 11 through June 13 for a weekend finale that brings the album’s spirit roaring back to life.

Boston features three full rock shows and a special Sunday matinee Storytellers performance, alongside a Friday Soundcheck and Happy Hour and a Saturday Pub Quiz. In Chicago, the band delivers a seated Storytellers set at Thalia Hall, a sweat-soaked night at Empty Bottle, and an all-day outdoor event at The Salt Shed with special guests Built To Spill, Bully, and Titus Andronicus.

The celebration extends overseas with The Weekender 2026 in London March 5 through March 8, featuring performances at The Dome, Electric Ballroom, and Dingwalls. Constructive Summer captures everything that has made The Hold Steady enduringly vital: big songs, loyal fans, and weekends built for singing every word.

THE HOLD STEADY – LIVE 2026:

THE WEEKENDER 2026 – LONDON
March 5 – The Dome (Special “Storytellers” Show)
March 6 – Electric Ballroom
March 7 – Electric Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
March 8 – Dingwalls (SOLD OUT)

CONSTRUCTIVE SUMMER 2026 – BOSTON
April 30 – The Sinclair
May 1 – The Sinclair
May 2 – The Sinclair
May 3 – The Sinclair (Special “Storytellers” Matinee)

CONSTRUCTIVE SUMMER 2026 – CHICAGO
June 11 – Thalia Hall (Seated “Storytellers” Show)
June 12 – Empty Bottle
June 13 – The Salt Shed Outdoors (Fairgrounds) *

  • w/ Special Guests Built To Spill, Bully, and Titus Andronicus

Sparta Announce Scenic Drive Documentary With Jim Ward On VEEPS

Eric Alper
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Sparta Announce Scenic Drive Documentary With Jim Ward On VEEPS

Sparta and VEEPS have unveiled the world premiere of Scenic Drive, a striking new documentary centered on frontman Jim Ward. Shot in stark black and white, the 40-minute film captures Ward returning home to El Paso, retracing formative steps while preparing for the next chapter of the band’s journey. The result is intimate, reflective, and quietly powerful.

Scenic Drive follows Ward on both a literal and emotional road trip. Revisiting songs from earlier in Sparta’s catalog, he connects past and present as the band moves toward a forthcoming record. The film acknowledges that growth does not erase history. It honors it. Watching Ward revisit these spaces and songs feels deeply human and unexpectedly moving.

The global premiere is streaming now on VEEPS, with a limited edition Scenic Drive t-shirt and bundle available for pre-order. The documentary stands as a poetic meditation on time, memory, and creative evolution.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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