Motel 6, the leading economy lodging brand and Official Sponsor of Opening Acts, today announced a songwriting contest that will help give one aspiring superstar the chance to take their music on the road.
“We recognize that touring is an important step for up-and-coming musical artists, yet it can be extremely costly to be on the road for an extended period of time,” said Julie Arrowsmith, president and CEO of G6 Hospitality, parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6. “After a night of performing, Motel 6 offers a comfortable, welcoming place for bands to rest and recharge at an affordable rate that won’t break the tour budget. We are happy to help pave the way for musicians to build the career of their dreams.”
Motel 6 Songwriting Contest This fall, singers and bands are invited to create a song about or inspired by Motel 6. Songs will be judged on criteria such as originality and storytelling. The top six songs will be selected by Motel 6, and the grand prize winner will be chosen by public vote.
The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of $6,000 and 20 room nights at Motel 6 locations of their choice to help kickstart their next tour. The five runners-up will also receive six room nights each to support their own road trips. Musicians can enter for a chance to win at www.motel6songwriting.com/entry now through Sunday, Sept. 29 at 12 p.m. (PDT).
Learn how to vote by following Motel 6 on Instagram.
Support for Musicians and Their Fans For most musicians, staying on budget while on the road is a must. Emerging artists, their crews and fans can join the free My6 program, which offers a minimum of 6% off stays and an expedited booking process, plus access to hundreds of discounts with music, food and entertainment brands.
With nearly 1,500 locations conveniently located across the U.S. and Canada, including along major interstates, a Motel 6 or Studio 6 Extended Stay hotel is always near the next tour stop, ready to offer a clean and comfortable room at a great rate to artists, crews and their fans. To book a stay, visit www.motel6.com.
Children and parents are in for a big treat this summer as The Wiggles hop into their Big Red Car and travel across the U.S. and Canada, embarking on one of their biggest global tours ever. An incredible musical adventure awaits as they take their new show on a 25-city tour, based on the smash hit single Bouncing Balls!,up and down the West and East Coasts of North America. A live show filled with song and dance creating unforgettable memories for all featuring Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, Captain Feathersword, TikTok sensation The Tree of Wisdom, and, of course, the fantastic great eight Wiggles!
The Wiggles Line Up (Top Left): Red Wiggle Caterina Mete, Purple Wiggle Lachy Gillespie, Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, Purple Wiggle John Pearce, Red Wiggle Simon Pryce, Yellow Wiggle Tsehay Hawkins, (Sitting Left) Yellow Wiggle Evie Ferris, Blue Wiggle Lucia Field
Blue Wiggle Anthony Field said, “We can’t wait to hit the road again and bring our biggest and brightest show yet to families all across the country! This tour will be a Wiggly celebration that will create unforgettable memories for everyone. We have some exciting surprises in store, including new songs…it’s going to be a lot of fun!”
Luke O’Neill, CEO of The Wiggles, continues, “Wigglemania is sweeping the globe! In the past year alone, our YouTube following has practically tripled, while our Spotify streaming numbers have soared by 78%. As The Wiggles celebrate the recent release of their monumental 100th album, we are also proud to have the beloved Classic and new Wiggles programs on various streaming platforms in the U.S. and Canada, including Peacock, The Roku Channel, Happy Kids, Kidoodle TV, Sensical, Kidstream, Ketchup TV, FilmRise Channels, and many more. With fans eagerly awaiting The Wiggles’ return to North America post-pandemic, we are thrilled to announce upcoming live performances in venues across the country. Get ready to Wiggle with us!”
The dazzling interactive and engaging live-show experience is set to spark creativity, curiosity and a love of learning through The Wiggles signature blend of entertainment and education. Audiences will sing along to classic Wiggles songs such as Hot Potato, Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy, Rock-A-Bye Your Bear, Do The Monkey, interspersed with their newer hits likeWiggle and Learn, Bin Night, Roar Like a Dinosaur and of course, Bouncing Balls!
All of the eight Wiggles that have become a mainstay in children’s entertainment – Anthony, Lucia, Simon, Caterina, Lachy, John, Tsehay, and Evie, with their Wiggly friends, will have audiences – both children and parents – on their feet dancing and singing in this entertaining and immersive experience.
Artist/fan club pre-sale tickets and VIP Packages begins Tuesday, September 17th at 10am local time, with general on-sale beginning Friday, September 20th at 10am local time. For tickets, VIP and more info, please visit www.thewiggles.com/live.
Producers Orin Wolf, John Styles, and Barbara Broccoli have announced a Broadway production of the acclaimed new musical BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB. With a book by Marco Ramirez (Drama Desk Award, The Royale), director Saheem Ali (Tony Nominee, Fat Ham) leads an ensemble of visionary performing artists, including a band of renowned musicians from across the globe to tell the legendary story of the artists who recorded the original album. BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB features the soul-stirring music of Cuba’s golden age, choreography by Patricia Delgado and Tony Award winner Justin Peck (Illinois,Steven Spielberg’sWest Side Story) and a music team led by Tony Award winner David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit) and Music Supervisor Dean Sharenow.
The new Broadway musical will begin performances on Friday, February 21, 2025, and open Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (36 West 45th St).
Step into the heart of Cuba, beyond the glitz of the Tropicana, to a place where blazing trumpets and sizzling guitars set the dance floor on fire. Here, the sound of Havana is born—and one woman’s remarkable journey begins.
Inspired by true events, the new Broadway musical BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ brings the GRAMMY Award-winning album to thrilling life—and tells the story of the legends who lived it. A world-class Afro-Cuban band is joined by a sensational cast in this unforgettable tale of survival, second chances, and the extraordinary power of music.
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB features scenery by Arnulfo Maldonado, costumes by Dede Ayite, lighting by Tyler Micoleau, sound by Jonathan Deans, wigs, hair & make-up by J. Jared Janas, and casting by Tara Rubin Casting; Xavier Rubiano, CSA; Frankie Ramirez. Arabella Powell serves as the Production Stage Manager.
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB is produced on Broadway by Orin Wolf, John Styles, Barbara Broccoli, Atlantic Theater Company, Luis Miranda, LaChanze and John Leguizamo with Executive Producer Allan Williams.
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB made its world premiere at the Atlantic Theater Company, New York City in December 2023 and was nominated for Best Musical by the Drama League and Outer Critics Circle organizations.
If you are a person who stays updated with the virtual currency news, then you might be aware that Bitcoin is considered by many as the future of money. It has also completely revolutionized the world of money because Bitcoin is one of the most profitable currencies today, and its value is very high in the market. However, we all know that everything successful or popular also has drawbacks. Despite the massive popularity of Bitcoin, there is a severe kind of risk that a person might encounter while investing in it. Many people are rushing towards making Bitcoin investments but they need to know about the concerns surrounding the Bitcoin market. Here we will list some severe risks of Bitcoin investment and how a person can avoid them.
Highly fluctuating market
There is no denying the fact that Bitcoin’s value is constantly fluctuating in nature. Sometimes the value of Bitcoin increases at a significantly higher rate, and the next moment, its value falls to a great extent, so there is no way to predict the actual changes in the value of Bitcoin. With such massive unpredictability in the Bitcoin market, no person can tell you what you will get in return for your Bitcoin investment. But you need to know the strategy by which you can avoid a huge loss. Therefore, you should keep a focused eye on the Bitcoin market to stay updated with all the news and trends that can affect the price of the Bitcoin currency. In addition, you should know that a beginner should always start by making a small investment in Bitcoin, as it will be more profitable in the long term.
Cyber hacks
We all know Bitcoin is entirely based on technology, which is why it is always open to cyber theft. It would be best if you remembered that Bitcoin involves a considerable risk of hacking, and there is no way for a person to retrieve their Bitcoins once they lose them. There are many reports in which many Bitcoin investors lose their coins because of mining and exchange losses. The Bitcoin exchanges have a higher risk of hacking because they don’t have robust security features like a smart wallet. Moreover, keeping your Bitcoins in a smart wallet is a good idea, but you also need to ensure that you don’t forget or misplace your private keys because once you lose them, there is no way you can get your coins back. You should also know that there is a vast range of cryptocurrency wallets, so you must do careful research to find the best and most reliable option.
No regulation
Currently, the entire Bitcoin market is working without any regulations from the government. You should know that the government has no authority over Bitcoins, and the market is also young. There are no taxes and no laws regarding Bitcoin and its transactions. However, no government regulation is one of the exciting features for the people as the investors find it one of the best things about Bitcoin. Therefore they want to make a Bitcoin investment. However the lack of regulatory control can lead to many problems, and no taxation can make Bitcoin cutthroat competition for the Fiat currency. So there is no telling whether Bitcoin will exist in the future.
Relies on technology
Bitcoin is an online currency that is entirely reliant on advanced technology. The mining of Bitcoins also takes place through technology, and the transaction of Bitcoins and storing of Bitcoins requires technology. You will see that everything you do with Bitcoin takes place online, and the technology is required for it. If there is no technology or technology failure, then there is no way you can have access to your Bitcoin. Moreover, there is no backup for cryptocurrencies like gold, real estate, and mutual funds. Bitcoin is a 100% technology-based currency, which is why it is highly vulnerable to cyber fraud and hacks.
Limited use
Bitcoin is a new way of making transactions, and it is a significant digital currency, but still, very few companies are accepting Bitcoin as a mode of payment. Limited use of Bitcoin is a disadvantage of owning Bitcoin as you cannot buy everything from this digital currency as you can from the Fiat money. However, as more companies begin to adopt cryptocurrencies, it becomes easier to use Bitcoin for various purposes. If you find yourself holding Bitcoin but prefer to liquidate it, you can also easily sell BTC through various exchanges and platforms, giving you flexibility in how you manage your assets.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Did you know Steely Dan once made a jingle for Schlitz beer in 1972? Before they became legends of sophisticated rock, they crafted this catchy tune for the iconic beer brand. It’s a quirky gem that fans of the band will love hearing. While Steely Dan’s usual tracks blend jazz, rock, and smooth rhythms, this jingle offers a playful and unexpected side of the band.
What do Motörhead, Black Sabbath, Elvis Costello, Rush and Chumbawamba have in common? Kim Hawes, pioneering female tour manager. Kim Hawes spent years sleeping underneath Lemmy from Motorhead… on a tour bus. She feuded with the members of Black Sabbath, tripped mushrooms on stage with Hawkwind, faced down the Hells Angels and escalated band prank wars. She threw Madonna off her stage, turned down an invite from Nelson Mandela, and dealt with the aftermath of Chumbawamba drenching John Prescott. Through hard work, hard drinking and hard times, Kim refused to conform to others’ expectations. She hurled a TV through the glass ceiling of the male-dominated music industry, blazing a trail for young women today. She carved out a place for women in a largely man’s world, taking no crap and no prisoners while getting results other tour managers only dreamed of. This memoir of the nitty gritty of life on the road – the fights, the dares, the smashed hotel rooms and even an encounter with a Soviet submarine – is full of fresh stories about the famous names you think you know. Lipstick and Leather: On the road with the world’s most notorious rock stars is a must read for anyone who wants a fresh insight into life on the road.
The South By Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW) is accepting applications to showcase at its 2025 edition in Austin, running March 10-15. You can apply here!
The South By Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW) began in 1987 as a small, regional event aimed at bringing together music industry professionals and showcasing new talent in Austin, Texas. Since its inception, the festival has grown exponentially, transforming into one of the most influential cultural gatherings worldwide. Originally focused on music, SXSW has since expanded to include interactive media and film, drawing creators and industry leaders from all over the world. Its reputation for discovering fresh talent, especially within the independent music scene, makes it a must-attend event for musicians seeking exposure.
SXSW is more than just a festival—it’s a launchpad for artists looking to make their mark in the industry. The event offers invaluable networking opportunities with music labels, media, and influencers, as well as a chance to perform in front of diverse, engaged audiences. Many artists who have showcased at SXSW have gone on to achieve significant success, making the festival a proving ground for up-and-coming talent. The atmosphere is both competitive and supportive, providing a space where creativity can thrive, and innovative ideas are recognized.
For artists, SXSW 2025 offers an unparalleled opportunity to break through the noise. Running from March 10-15, the festival will host performances, panels, and workshops designed to help musicians grow their careers. Applications are now open to showcase at the event, presenting a golden chance for independent artists to put themselves in front of tastemakers and fans alike. By being part of SXSW, musicians can tap into the rich history and global significance of one of the most renowned cultural festivals.
Hulu and Disney+ today announced that they will launch “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band” in October of this year. An exact launch date is forthcoming.
Springsteen and The E Street Band offer the most in-depth look ever at the creation of their legendary live performances in the new documentary featuring unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access to their 2023-2024 world tour. “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band” opens a new door to Springsteen’s creative process for fans around the world, sharing fly-on-the-wall footage of band rehearsals and special moments backstage — as well as hearing from Springsteen himself. These conversations follow Springsteen closely as he develops the story he wants to tell with this tour’s setlist — interspersed with rare archival clips of The E Street Band, underscoring themes of life, loss, mortality and community. In this way, it serves as an essential and never-before-seen chapter in an autobiographical series spanning Springsteen’s memoir “Born to Run,” “Springsteen on Broadway,” and the films “Western Stars” and “Letter to You.”
The film was directed by Springsteen’s longtime collaborator, Emmy and GRAMMY Award-winner Thom Zimny (“Western Stars,” “The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash,” “Springsteen on Broadway,” “Willie Nelson & Family,” “Sly”), and produced by Zimny, Jon Landau, Bruce Springsteen, Adrienne Gerard and Sean Stuart. The film begins with a one-of-a-kind look at the band’s preparation process, following them from their earliest rehearsals in Red Bank, New Jersey to performances for tens-of-thousands across continents. All the while, fans get the chance to experience professionally shot footage from the 2023-2024 tour for the first time ever — in addition to hearing firsthand from band members about performing on stage with Springsteen and how they keep the magic of The E Street Band as potent as ever.
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band capped the first 2024 leg of their world tour in April, a cross-country U.S. run that brought surprise guests, blistering three-hour shows and setlist rarities (totaling 60 different songs through 11 performances). The band is in the midst of playing 25 shows throughout Europe this spring and summer — after last year’s European tour sold 1.6 million tickets — and will return to North America for more dates from August through late November.
In 1971, James Brown took the stage in Rome for one of his most electrifying live performances, showcasing why he was known as the “Godfather of Soul.” The concert captured Brown at the peak of his career, delivering high-energy renditions of hits like “Sex Machine” and “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” with unmatched intensity and charisma.
When rock ’n’ roll emerged in the 1950s, ministers denounced it from their pulpits and Sunday school teachers warned of the music’s demonic origins. The big beat, said Billy Graham, was “ever working in the world for evil.” Yet by the early 2000s Christian rock had become a billion-dollar industry. The Devil’s Music tells the story of this transformation.
Rock’s origins lie in part with the energetic Southern Pentecostal churches where Elvis, Little Richard, James Brown, and other pioneers of the genre worshipped as children. Randall J. Stephens shows that the music, styles, and ideas of tongue-speaking churches powerfully influenced these early performers. As rock ’n’ roll’s popularity grew, white preachers tried to distance their flock from this “blasphemous jungle music,” with little success. By the 1960s, Christian leaders feared the Beatles really were more popular than Jesus, as John Lennon claimed.
Stephens argues that in the early days of rock ’n’ roll, faith served as a vehicle for whites’ racial fears. A decade later, evangelical Christians were at odds with the counterculture and the antiwar movement. By associating the music of blacks and hippies with godlessness, believers used their faith to justify racism and conservative politics. But in a reversal of strategy in the early 1970s, the same evangelicals embraced Christian rock as a way to express Jesus’s message within their own religious community and project it into a secular world. In Stephens’s compelling narrative, the result was a powerful fusion of conservatism and popular culture whose effects are still felt today.
