Home Blog Page 1027

Dark Star Orchestra Announces 2025 Winter Tour with Stops in Six Cities

0

Dark Star Orchestra is keeping their celebratory spirit rolling right into 2025! After wrapping up their annual Jamaican Jam in the Sand festival and a winter run along the West Coast, the band will bring their Winter Tour eastward this March, making stops in six cities over eight electrifying shows.

This newly announced run features two-night stands at both the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ. Fans can also catch the band at the College Street Music Hall in New Haven, CT, the State Theatre in Ithaca, NY, and two exciting first-time venues: the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, RI, and the Luhrs Center in Shippensburg, PA.

Secure your spot before the general public! The artist pre-sale begins on Wednesday, December 11 at 10 AM ET, and tickets open to everyone on Friday, December 13 at 10 AM ET. Sign up for an Artist Pre-Sale code at darkstarorchestra.net, and don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable winter adventure.

Tour Dates:

MAR 6 // New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall
MAR 7 & 8 // Wilkes-Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center
MAR 10 // Ithaca, NY – State Theatre
MAR 12 // Providence, RI – Providence Performing Arts Center
MAR 13 // Shippensburg, PA – Luhrs Center
MAR 14 & 15 // Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center for the Arts

The Philly Specials, Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata Announce Global Partners to Help Execute Operation Snowball

0

The Philly Specials—Jason, Lane, and Jordan—are excited to announce their global partners, including retailers and toy companies, who have donated 200,000 age-appropriate toys, apparel, cosmetics, and more to help achieve Operation Snowball. Operation Snowball is their ambitious goal of delivering a gift to every student in the School District of Philadelphia this December, in collaboration with The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia.

With the release of their third and final holiday album, A Philly Special Christmas Party (Vera Y Records), currently at #2 on Billboard’s Holiday Charts, the players decided to do something never before done for Philadelphia’s public school students—truly embracing the spirit and magic of the season. All proceeds from album sales support this citywide initiative, as well as direct donations to The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia.

The initial idea for Operation Snowball was sparked by Jason Kelce, who wanted to match the indomitable spirit of the City of Philadelphia by doing something BIG that would reach an unprecedented number of young people. When children’s entertainment company Spin Master generously donated close to $1 million worth of toys to get the initiative (and “snowball”) rolling, Operation Snowball was born. Spin Master is best known for its innovation in toys and games, including award-winning brands like PAW Patrol™, Hatchimals™, and Rubik’s Cube™.

In addition to Spin Master, The Philly Specials are teaming up with the following global partners, toy companies, and non-profits to bring Operation Snowball to life:

  • Just Play: A leading global toy manufacturer that delivers play for kids of all ages—from the Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award Finalist furReal Peanut the Playful Monkey to the magical “phygital” toy HOLOBRITE—along with many other best-selling toys representing the world’s best entertainment brands.
  • Fanatics: A leading global digital sports platform that created exclusive merchandise for Operation Snowball.
  • Jazwares: Makers of Squishmallows, Bumbumz, and more.
  • QVC: A world leader in live, shoppable entertainment that made a financial donation to support this initiative.
  • Tarte Cosmetics: Celebrating 25 years of female-founded, cruelty-free beauty infused with good-for-you ingredients and kindness.
  • The Toy Foundation: A nonprofit organization that unites the toy industry’s donations to bring the power and comfort of play to children in need. It works with World Vision to distribute toys globally.
  • Amazon Wondery / Amazon Local Good: Operation Snowball’s delivery and logistics partner, managing the distribution of toys.
  • WildBrain: A global leader in kids’ and family entertainment that created the animated video for “It’s Christmas Time (in Cleveland Heights)” featuring Jason and Travis Kelce and Boyz II Men, which premiered on December 6.
  • Five Below: A leading high-growth value retailer offering trend-right, high-quality products loved by tweens, teens, and beyond.
  • Wawa: The beloved Philadelphia convenience store donated coupons for hot chocolate to gift to every student.
  • Shipmate Fulfillment  and Zippy Shell: Offering additional delivery, shipping, and logistics support to help execute Operation Snowball.

“We are grateful for the generosity of Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata, in coordination with The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, for launching Operation Snowball,” said Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D., Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. “This ambitious effort will help bring joy—one of our core values in our five-year strategic plan, Accelerate Philly—to students across Philadelphia this holiday season, thanks in part to sales of the third holiday album, A Philly Special Christmas Party.

“When I first came to Philadelphia, it was apparent how much pride, joy, and a sense of community and family this city exudes,” says Jason Kelce. “It’s the City of Brotherly Love, and this city has supported this initiative over the past two years. We’ve done two Christmas albums, and because of your support, we’ve raised over four million dollars and given to over fifty charitable organizations. This year, we’re trying to go even bigger—trying to give a gift to every kid in Philly’s public schools this holiday season. If that’s not the holiday spirit, I don’t know what is. That’s the Philadelphia spirit that I’ve come to know, love, and appreciate.”

“Operation Snowball is an incredible undertaking that reminds us who matters most in our fight for, and investments in, public education: our children,” says Kathryn Epps, President and CEO of The Fund for the School District. “As the only nonprofit organization charged with aligning philanthropic dollars with district priorities to spur student achievement, The Fund is proud to partner on this opportunity to celebrate our children and reward them for their hard work and dedication this school year. We thank The Philly Specials and former Eagle and album executive producer, Connor Barwin, for their generous support of our students.”

Listen to A Philly Special Christmas Party Here.

“Santa Drives An Astrovan,” the album’s third single, has reached #1 on the iTunes Holiday Charts and is accompanied by a music video shot before a live audience at Lincoln Financial Field. The first two singles from A Philly Special Christmas Party include the iTunes #1 holiday chart-topping duet by Kelce and Stevie Nicks, “Maybe This Christmas,” and the #7-ranked collaboration “It’s Christmas Time (In Cleveland Heights)” by Jason, Travis, and Boyz II Men. The music video for “Loud Little Town,” featuring Jason and Kylie Kelce, was released on YouTube the night before Thanksgiving.

A Philly Special Christmas Special raised over $3 million, and its singles “This Christmas,” “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “Fairytale of Philadelphia,” and “Pretty Paper” have garnered over 10 million streams across platforms. “Fairytale of Philadelphia” reached #1 on iTunes, and 50,000 copies have been sold on vinyl. The stop-motion special created by unPOP Animation, A Philly Special Christmas Special, has been viewed over 700,000 times, with 10,000 live viewers tuning in for its Thanksgiving night premiere. Its predecessor in 2022, A Philly Special Christmas, immediately sold out its limited pressing. That record reached four top-ten spots on various Billboard Music Charts, including #1 on the Compilation Albums Chart.

A Philly Special Christmas donated over $1 million to local charities, including the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, and fulfilled the wish lists of Philadelphia School District teachers via DonorsChoose.

As the only fundraising organization with a direct understanding of the needs of students and families in Philadelphia’s traditional public schools, The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia works to ensure that an excellent public education is within reach of every child. By aligning philanthropic and private-sector dollars with district priorities to advance academic achievement, The Fund helps transform students’ lives. To learn more, visit thefundsdp.org.

Trampled by Turtles To Headline Rooster Walk 15 Music & Arts Festival

0

Rooster Walk 15 is excited to announce that the chart-topping progressive bluegrass band Trampled by Turtles will headline the 15th annual Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival, taking place May 22-25, 2025, at Pop’s Farm in Martinsville, Virginia.

“We’re thrilled to finally welcome Trampled by Turtles to Rooster Walk,” said Johnny Buck, Executive Director of Rooster Walk. “Our fans have been asking for them for years, and after several attempts, it all came together for RW15. We can’t wait!”

In addition to Trampled by Turtles, Town Mountain (Asheville, NC), a long-time favorite, will return to Rooster Walk for their sixth performance at the festival. They previously co-headlined Rooster Walk 1 in 2009.

Other newly announced bands include: Kendall Street Company (jamband / Charlottesville, Va.); Sneezy (partyfunk Chicago, Il.); Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast (soul roots / Asheville, N.C.); Caleb Caudle (roots music / Winston Salem N.C.); The Wilson Springs Hotel (roots rock / Richmond, Va.); Isaac Hadden (jam / Asheville, N.C.); Sol Driven Train (R&B / Charleston, S.C.); Florencia & The Feeling (R&B/soul, Johnson City, TN); Ramona & The Holy Smokes (honky tonk / Charlottesville, Va.); Big Fat Gap (bluegrass / Chapel Hill, N.C.); Mountain Walrus (jam / Roanoke, Va.);  The Shoaldiggers (Horny swampgrass, North Carolina); Griffin (southern rock / Martinsville, Va.); DJ What? (dj / Martinsville, Va.); Raffi Kids Tribute by Mile Andrews (Chapel Hill, N.C.)

Previously announced RW15 bands include: Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country (jam-roots-country / Nashville, TN),  Andy Frasco & The U.N. (rock/Los Angeles, CA); Little Stranger (indie hip-hop / Charleston, S.C.); Yarn (roots rock / NC-NY), Hogslop String Band (bluegrass / Nashville, TN), ShadowGrass (progressive bluegrass / VA-NC); the Rooster Walk House Band (various cities).

A third and final batch of bands will be announced in January 2025.

Tickets and camping passes for Rooster Walk 15 are available now at www.roosterwalk.com, which also features all the information needed to plan for an amazing experience. Some options are in low inventory.

The festival will be held Thursday through Sunday of Memorial Day weekend at the scenic Pop’s Farm venue. With over 50 bands performing on 6 stages, attendees can expect an immersive experience filled with live music, food, craft beer, family-friendly activities, arts, and outdoor adventures, including guided fly fishing trips, pedal boats, yoga, and more.

Rooster Walk has earned recognition as one of the Top 5 festivals in Virginia by Richmond-Times Dispatch and was voted the region’s Most Creative Charitable Event by Virginia Living Magazine for three consecutive years.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit local and regional charities, including the Penn-Shank Memorial Endowment Scholarship Fund for Martinsville High School students and the Rooster Walk Music Instrument Program for local schools. Additionally, a portion of every admission ticket sold before January 1, 2025, will be donated to the United Way’s efforts to support Hurricane Helene victims in the mid-Atlantic region.

Rooster Walk is produced by Rooster Walk Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has donated over $330,000 to local charities since its founding in 2009.

Bob Mosley’s 1972 Solo Debut Gets Long-Awaited Revival with OMAD Records Reissue

0

The influence of 1960s rock legends Moby Grape has long been acknowledged by a diverse range of artists, from Robert Plant and Little Steven to Beck, Chrissie Hynde, Cat Power, and Jeff Tweedy. The band’s five distinct songwriters created a timeless musical tapestry that continues to resonate with new generations. Yet, while Moby Grape’s legacy thrives, one of its most integral members—bassist and singer Bob Mosley—never received the recognition he deserved for his 1972 Warner Bros. solo debut Bob Mosley… until now.

Today, OMAD Records is proud to announce the long-awaited reissue of Bob Mosley, newly remastered and available on CD beginning December 6. The original sessions captured Mosley’s formidable musical vision at its peak. With raw, bluesy rockers like “The Joker,” the horn-driven soul of “Gypsy Wedding,” and the country-tinged yearning of “Thanks,” the album is a testament to Mosley’s vocal prowess and muscular bass playing. Supported by drummer Allen Wehr, guitarists Woodie Berry and Frank Smith, the Memphis Horns, and pedal steel from Ed Black, the record brims with energy and emotion—yet its initial release never achieved the widespread acclaim it deserved.

Enter singer, songwriter, and producer John DeNicola, a lifelong Moby Grape devotee who was inspired to give this unsung gem the sonic depth it always merited. DeNicola’s own track record includes co-writing the iconic hits “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” and “Hungry Eyes” for the Dirty Dancing soundtrack, earning him an Academy Award and a Grammy nomination. He also discovered the band Kara’s Flowers, which later evolved into Maroon 5. Through his boutique label OMAD, DeNicola has consistently championed artistry and authenticity.

Upon revisiting Bob Mosley, DeNicola was struck by the thinness of the original mix—particularly in the low-end frequencies. “It’s a record that should have soared, and I felt like the bass and drums deserved more presence,” he says. Though the original multitracks had gone missing, DeNicola obtained the master two-track DDP file from Warner Bros. and employed innovative “de-mix” technology and AI-driven separation tools. By isolating and rebalancing the rhythm section, DeNicola has finally brought out the warmth, depth, and groove that Mosley intended.

“I’m really happy with it,” DeNicola enthuses. “This record now sounds as it should have from the start—bolder, fuller, more alive. Bob Mosley’s talent always shone through, but now it’s presented as it was meant to be heard.”

In an era when physical media is experiencing a resurgence, OMAD’s reissue of Bob Mosley on CD—and potentially on vinyl—offers a fresh opportunity for both longtime fans and newcomers to discover this lost masterpiece. All profits from the release will go directly to Mosley himself, a former Marine who has faced personal challenges over his 81 years but remains a cherished figure in the rock pantheon.

“Bob’s doing well these days,” DeNicola notes. “With this release, listeners can finally understand and believe his worth, just like he asks on the opening track ‘The Joker.’ His voice, his bass, and his songs deserve this moment in the spotlight.”

For more information, or to order the CD, please visit OMAD Records.

Golden Gate Park Concerts Returns with Zach Bryan And Special Guests Kings Of Leon August 15, 2025

0

Another Planet Entertainment is pleased to announce the next installment of the Golden Gate Park Concerts series with multi-Platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning performer Zach Bryan featuring special guests Kings of Leon and more to be announced. This show, produced in association with AEG, takes place on Friday, August 15, 2025 from 3pm – 10pm. Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 6 at 12pm PT and can be purchased via GoldenGateParkConcerts.com & Ticketmaster.

Zach Bryan is currently finishing up the last few dates of his wildly successful, sold-out tour “The Quittin’ Time Tour,” where he’s playing 85 arenas and stadiums across North America.  Shares Rolling Stone, “..he makes music that feels like the work of a cult hero who’s somehow broken out to the masses.” Adds New York Post, “Bryan’s got that way of waging intimacy in a grandiose arena, his stories land deep coupled with unpretentious staging and lack of strict choreography makes his performances feel more like witnessing a virtuoso at an open mic-night at your local dive.”

In San Francisco, fans will experience Bryan’s live show like never before. Taking place within the city’s iconic Golden Gate Park, this exhilarating live show will come to life on the park’s Polo Field under the stars and nestled among the magnificent surrounding trees. This magical location is sure to give fans a once in a lifetime experience of his unfailing artistic brilliance.

Since 1967, Golden Gate Park has served as the setting for some of the world’s most legendary artists. Prior daytime concerts at the Polo Field included Grateful Dead, Pearl Jam, Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Neil Young.

Last August, the Golden Gate Park Concerts series debuted with headliners System Of A Down & Deftones, drawing a sold-out crowd of over 50k attendees and becoming part of Golden Gate Park’s legendary music history as the first concert to take place in the park after dark. The San Francisco Chronicle called it “history-making” adding “…it was evident that Another Planet Entertainment’s first foray into two weekends’ worth of music at Golden Gate Park was a success.”

The concert series provides key benefits for San Francisco, while helping contribute to the prevention of cuts to City parks and programming. Another Planet Entertainment is thrilled to continue supporting the City by producing high-impact economic events such as Golden Gate Park Concerts.

Another Planet Entertainment’s Allen Scott, President of Concerts & Festivals, says “We’re beyond thrilled to bring Zach Bryan along with Kings of Leon to Golden Gate Park Concerts for the very first time. It’s an incredible lineup in an exceptionally stunning and unique setting. We can’t wait for fans to come in from all over the country to experience this memorable night.”

The on sale for the general public will kick off Friday, December 6 at 12pm PT. Ticket prices range from $199.70 – $479.70 and are available via GoldenGateParkConcerts.com & Ticketmaster.

Fans will be able to choose between GA and VIP ticket packages with tickets starting at $199.70 for a GA ticket. This is a general admission event, no reserved seating.

GA – $199.70 ($169 + $30.70 fees)

With your GA ticket, you’ll have access to a stacked day of music at the Polo Field in historic Golden Gate Park.

GA Details

General Admission standing room ticket on the Polo Field.

VIP – $479.70 ($429 + $50.70 fees)

With your VIP ticket, you’ll have access to exclusive lounges, upgraded restrooms, expedited entry and an up-front viewing area on the Polo Field.

VIP Details

Up-front VIP viewing area on the Polo Field featuring dedicated bars.
Access to a VIP courtyard lounge featuring exclusive food vendors, premium bars, upgraded restrooms and more.
Access to elevated lounge featuring bleacher seating.
Expedited entry options at the North and South sides of the park.

For the latest information on the Golden Gate Park Concerts series and more, fans can sign up for the Another Planet Entertainment newsletter here.

Produced by Another Planet Entertainment, Golden Gate Park Concerts at the Polo Field offers an unprecedented opportunity for fans to enjoy once in a lifetime music programming after dark at one of the most iconic and world-renowned urban parks in the United States. San Francisco was built on rock ’n roll and Golden Gate Park is integral to this history, with legendary concerts dating back to 1967, including the infamous Human Be-In. The inaugural Golden Gate Park Concerts at the Polo Field launched in August 2024 with headliners System Of A Down & Deftones, drawing a sold-out crowd of over 50k attendees and becoming part of Golden Gate Park’s legendary music history.

Haida artist Carsen Gray takes over Spotify’s Indigenous playlist as ambassador

0

Carsen Gray, a Haida artist based off the coast of mainland BC, is Spotify’s newest Indigenous playlist ambassador for the month of December. With over 70K streams on tracks like “Loud Love” and “Seeds (feat. Carsen Gray) – Acoustic Version,” Carsen is making waves in the Canadian music scene. Known for her soulful sound spiked with R&B undertones, Carsen’s driving force for her artistry is rooted in gratitude for her family, her partner and her home in Haida Gwaii.

Jade Eagleson Set to Perform at Avalon Theatre on March 21, 2025

0

Internationally acclaimed country music sensation Jade Eagleson is set to take the stage at the Avalon Theatre on Friday, March 21, 2025. With an impressive track record of chart-topping hits and record-breaking milestones, Eagleson’s performance promises a memorable night of country music for fans. Tickets for Jade Eagleson go on sale Friday, December 20 at 10:00am through ticketmaster.ca.

“Jade’s incredible talent, combined with his ability to connect with audiences, makes him one of the most exciting performers in Canadian country music today,” says Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing and Resort Operations, Niagara Casinos. “Need a last-minute holiday gift for any country fans on your list? We’ve got you covered!”

Since the release of his self-titled debut album in 2020, Jade Eagleson has soared to new heights in the country music world. The Ontario native has amassed over 335 million global streams and 130 million views on YouTube, earning him the title of having the most globally streamed debut album by an internationally signed country artist in history. With four Gold and two Platinum-certified singles on his debut album, Eagleson has gone on to land five #1 hits on Canadian Country Radio and achieve multiple certifications across his sophomore and third albums.

Eagleson’s latest album, Do It Anyway, which features the hit single of the same name, has solidified his place as one of country music’s top talents. His accolades include a Juno nomination for Country Album of the Year in 2024, Album of the Year at the 2024 CCMA Awards, and recognition as the 2023 CCMA Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year.

Tickets for Jade Eagleson go on sale Friday, December 20 at 10:00am.

Pit Diaper: The First Mosh Pit Diaper by Liquid Death x Depend

0

The Pit Diaper is an innovative new solution to help fans like you relieve themselves in the safety of the mosh pit and still enjoy all the great-tasting Liquid Death you love! Pit Diaper is powered by Depend, and each one comes with a pack of 52 Depend Guards. Hurry! Supplies are extremely limited! Order yours today: http://liquiddeath.com/pitdiaper

“Liquid Television” Lives On: Watch the MTV Cult Classic for Free!

0

The groundbreaking underground animation series Liquid Television, which aired on MTV from 1991 to 1995, is now streaming for free on YouTube and the Internet Archive. Known for launching Beavis and Butt-Head and Æon Flux, the series showcased animations from legends like Art Spiegelman, Peter Bagge, and Charles Burns. If you missed it the first time, now’s your chance to see where it all began!

Barry Manilow Announces Final Concerts In North America Before Lifetime Residency In Las Vegas

0

Following his previous critically acclaimed arena shows Barry Manilow, the undisputed #1 Adult Contemporary Artist of all time, is back by popular demand for one last run of dates before his lifetime residency in Las Vegas.

Tickets on sale starting Friday, December 20, 2024, at 10 a.m. local time – click here to purchase.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to visit these great cities of which I have so many fond memories,” said Manilow. “Each one is special to my touring history.”

Manilow, a GRAMMY, TONY, and EMMY Award-winning music icon whose success is a benchmark in popular music, will bring his high-energy, hit-packed concert to the following select cities for one last show.

‘MANILOW’ 2025 NEW TOUR DATES
5/23/25            Pittsburgh, PA                             PPG Paints Arena
5/24/25            Philadelphia, PA                         Wells Fargo Center
5/27/25            Providence, RI                             Amica Mutual Pavilion
5/28/25            Boston, MA                                  TD Garden
5/30/25            Montreal, QC                             Bell Centre
5/31/25            Toronto, ON                               Scotiabank Arena
6/3/25               Detroit, MI                                    Little Caesars Arena
6/4/25               Grand Rapids, MI                       Van Andel Arena
6/5/25               Cleveland, OH                             Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse