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Sweet Sounds Return: Calgary’s Beloved Children’s Jazz Artist MUSIC WITH MANDY Unveils ‘Sugar Rush’

Eric Alper
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Sweet Sounds Return: Calgary’s Beloved Children’s Jazz Artist MUSIC WITH MANDY Unveils ‘Sugar Rush’

Calgary-based Music with Mandy, the charming children’s jazz artist, is back with her latest single, “Sugar Rush.” Mandy Morris, the creative force behind Music with Mandy, weaves her magic with warm vocals and light-hearted compositions.

The inception of “Sugar Rush” in April 2020 coincided with a moment of uncertainty. It unfolded when Mandy faced a temporary halt in the production of her previous album, “From My Head to My Toes.” Undeterred, Mandy, was determined to turn a setback into something sweet, as she collaborated with the imaginative 7-year-old prodigy, Graham Smart, over Zoom. Together, they crafted a musical tale centred around the irresistible allure of candy, inviting listeners on a whimsical adventure into a candy store filled with sugary delights.

Performed at various festivals, “Sugar Rush” captures the essence of boredom, hyperactivity, and a sugar crash, creating a delicious treat for audiences of all ages. Mandy’s bright performances bring the lyrics to life, with kids in the audience mirroring the story’s emotions.

Mandy is passionate about connecting children and their families with music, and “Sugar Rush” is another of her stories through song that helps young children navigate their emotions indulging in a music high that lingers long after the last note fades away.

JUNO Award Nominee Jazz Singer/Songwriter ALEX BIRD Caps 2023 with 100,000 Streams

Eric Alper
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JUNO Award Nominee Jazz Singer/Songwriter ALEX BIRD Caps 2023 with 100,000 Streams

Alex Bird is a JUNO nominated jazz singer, songwriter and actor in Toronto, ON. Alex and his band “The Jazz Mavericks” are working on an entirely new chapter of the Great American Songbook; they are pushing the boundaries of a beautiful tradition and bringing it into a new era. Bird’s original debut album “Whisky Kisses” (Oct 2020) received reviews, awards, airplay, and distribution around the world.

Following that momentum, Bird and The Jazz Mavericks released their second album, “You Are the Light and the Way” (Nov 2021). Bird and songwriting partner Ewen Farncombe wrote 12 new originals, and the album was recently nominated for Best Vocal Jazz Album at the JUNO Awards (2022). The album was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Alex Bird and the Jazz Mavericks are quickly becoming an in-demand band.

Alex literally grew up with the classics. As a young boy he was taken to hang around the Toronto Jazz scene, and had the opportunity to see and meet many of the greats along the way; Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, Mel Tormé, Ray Charles…the list goes on. Without even knowing it, his musical training developed, sitting around at smoky Jazz clubs into the wee small hours of the morning.

From One Legend To Another: Jay Douglas Pays Resounding Tribute to Dennis Brown with ‘The World Is Troubled’

Eric Alper
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From One Legend To Another: Jay Douglas Pays Resounding Tribute to Dennis Brown with ‘The World Is Troubled’

In a world where treasured vocalists are born, covering a legend’s classic isn’t for the weak. More so a recreation of Dennis Brown’s reggae classic– an artist once christened by Bob Marley as one of the greatest reggae singers out there. And yet Jay Douglas’ re-embodiment of “The World Is Troubled” is a timely homage to the original.

Toronto-based singer, Douglas comes full circle with this new release, since first taking on the stage in Jamaica years ago as a teenager. From that point, the JUNO-nominated and award-winning Canadian Reggae icon has found a lane in the fusion of a wide-variety American repertoire that includes Jazz, West Indian rhythm, and blues. Where he remains an underrated, multitalented, and legendary artisan.

Douglas shares what every person could wonder– recording Dennis Brown’s archetypal song.

“I’ve always been a big fan of Dennis Brown and his music,” he says. “The Crown Prince of Reggae was a kind man who would give you his last dollar if he saw you needed it. He had a great R&B style and did wonderful renditions of many Rhythm and Blues classics like Ben E. King’s “Spanish Harlem”.”

This latest single “The World Is Troubled” from Douglas is a reflection of what humanity has metamorphosed into. The singer interpolates the original song’s message of “the world is troubled, but not the people of this world.”

Especially highlighting these specific lyrics, ‘The world is troubled and living ain’t easy’. What are we doing for our grandchildren, the next generation?”

The remake features conscious artist Tasha T, who has vowed to keep targeted messages in her music. At just the 2:00 mark on the song, Toronto-based singer, Tasha readies herself to deliver powerful vocals as she sings, “I wonder if you know what is going on every day, so much to do and so much to say.” She continues to assert herself, “Let them not set us apart, the greed is tearing us apart.”

Jay Douglas reached out to Kingston-born drummer Lowell Fillmore, known by his moniker Sly Dunbar to collaborate with on the song. “He said he was on the original track,” he explains “so he got together the same guys that recorded the original.”

Douglas continues to inspire and enthrall audiences with his gift ever since debuting over 45 years ago. In “The World Is Troubled,” the continued attempt to impart imperative messages to listeners is achieved so well. The spiritedness from the musical production is felt and will motivate listeners to make a change.

How TikTok Has Changed Music

Eric Alper
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How TikTok Has Changed Music

TikTok has had a profound impact on the music industry, reshaping how music is discovered, promoted, and consumed. Here are some key ways in which TikTok has influenced the music landscape:

  1. Viral Music Challenges and Trends: TikTok is known for its viral challenges and trends, many of which are centered around specific songs. These challenges can catapult relatively unknown tracks to the top of the charts, as users create and share videos featuring the song.
  2. Discovery Platform: TikTok serves as a powerful platform for discovering new music. Users can easily find and share songs, introducing a wide audience to artists and genres they might not have encountered through traditional channels.
  3. Artist Promotion: Emerging and established artists alike use TikTok to promote their music. The platform offers a direct and engaging way for artists to connect with fans, share snippets of new releases, and participate in challenges, fostering a sense of community.
  4. Revival of Old Songs: TikTok has a knack for reviving old songs and introducing them to a new generation. Classics and forgotten gems can experience a resurgence in popularity through challenges or creative reinterpretations by users.
  5. Influence on Charts and Streaming: TikTok’s impact on music charts is significant. Songs that gain traction on the platform often see increased streaming numbers, contributing to their performance on charts like the Billboard Hot 100.
  6. User-Generated Content for Official Music Videos: Artists increasingly incorporate TikTok-inspired content into their official music videos. This blurring of lines between user-generated and professional content creates a more interactive and engaging experience for fans.
  7. Music Label Partnerships: Record labels and artists recognize the platform’s influence and actively partner with TikTok for promotional campaigns. This includes pre-releasing snippets of songs, launching challenges, and collaborating with TikTok influencers.
  8. Global Reach: TikTok’s global user base allows for music to cross borders and gain international recognition quickly. Artists have found success on a global scale, reaching audiences they might not have accessed through traditional promotional methods.
  9. Impact on Genres: TikTok has played a role in the rise of certain genres, particularly those with catchy hooks and danceable beats. Genres like pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music have seen increased popularity on the platform.
  10. Algorithmic Recommendations: TikTok’s recommendation algorithm analyzes user preferences and serves personalized content, including music. This algorithmic approach contributes to the platform’s effectiveness in introducing users to a diverse range of songs.

TikTok has transformed the music industry by democratizing the process of music discovery, providing a platform for artists to connect with fans, and reshaping how songs become hits. Its influence extends beyond the app, impacting charts, marketing strategies, and the overall cultural conversation around music.

The Rolling Stones Singles 1966-1971 Vinyl Set Coming February 2, 2024

Eric Alper
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The Rolling Stones Singles 1966-1971 Vinyl Set Coming February 2, 2024

ABKCO Records will release The Rolling Stones Singles 1966-1971 on February 2. The limited-edition set includes reproductions of 18 7” vinyl singles and extended play records by “The World’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band,” as originally released by Decca, London Records and ABKCO Records. The collection serves as a second volume and companion to The Rolling Stones Singles 1963-1966 (ABKCO, 2022). All tracks were remastered by 13-time Grammy Award-winning engineer Bob Ludwig, and the discs are manufactured by Third Man Pressing in Detroit. The set, replete with period-correct picture sleeve art, will also come with a 32-page book containing extensive liner notes by Stones authority Nigel Williamson, as well as rare photos and ephemera, plus a set of five photo cards and a poster, all housed in a hard-shell box.

The Rolling Stones Singles 1966-1971 spans a crucial period in the band’s evolution, when their move towards the experimental and psychedelic sounds of “We Love You” and “She’s a Rainbow” gave way to the rootsy, blues-based rock of “Honky Tonk Women” and “Wild Horses.” Also during this time, guitarist/founding member Brian Jones was replaced by Mick Taylor – the first lineup change since the group’s founding. Amidst the stylistic shifts and tumult between ’66 and ’71, the Stones racked up seven Top 10 singles on both sides of the Atlantic, including four Number Ones.

“Paint It, Black” topped the charts internationally in 1966. Its eerie tone and sitar line played by Brian Jones sounded nothing like what the band had previously recorded. Singles 1966-1971 contains both the US and UK versions of the 45; the latter’s B-side “Long Long While” is a rare non-LP track. Other rare B-sides in the set include “Who’s Driving Your Plane” from the US Top 10 hit “Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?,” and “Child Of The Moon” from UK #1 “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” Stones collectors will also take satisfaction in the mono mixes of “We Love You” and its flipside “Dandelion” (1967), which both contain a reprise at the end with an ode to the other track. These are both exclusive to the single release.

Released in August 1968, the picture sleeve for the “Street Fighting Man”/”No Expectations” single depicts protestors being brutalized by police. After the Chicago Police Department ravaged anti-war protestors outside the Democratic National Convention later that same month, the Stones’ US label withdrew the single, making it one of the most sought-after collector’s items in the band’s canon. The Rolling Stones Singles 1966-1971collection faithfully reproduces that controversial record art, and also includes the 1971 UK maxi-single version of “Street Fighting Man,” with “Surprise Surprise” and “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love.” While not technically a Rolling Stones song, Mick Jagger’s “Memo From Turner” from the Performance soundtrack is included. Originally released as a single in 1970, the song features slide guitar by Ry Cooder, and its B-side “Natural Magic” is a Cooder instrumental.

While every track on The Rolling Stones 1966-1971 box set was recorded in the time frame suggested by its title, some of the records were originally released later. “I Don’t Know Why,” “Out Of Time” and the stereo mix of the 1969 #1 hit “Honky Tonk Women” were 45s that came out in 1975-76, around the time ABKCO issued the Stones rarities album Metamorphosis. “Sympathy For The Devil” was remixed separately by The Neptunes and Fat Boy Slim in 2003 and originally released as part of a Super Audio CD at the time – it exists here as a 7” vinyl record.

ABKCO Records is home to catalog of The Rolling Stones from the band’s inception to early 1971. This includes the albums The Rolling Stones, England’s Newest Hit Makers, 12 X 5, The Rolling Stones No. 2, The Rolling Stones, Now!, Out of Our Heads, December’s Children (And Everybody’s), Aftermath, Got Live If You Want It!, Between the Buttons, Their Satanic Majesties Request, Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed and Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! The Rolling Stones in Concert. ABKCO Films is home to Charlie Is My Darling – Ireland 1965 and The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus.

The Rolling Stones Singles 1966-1971 tracklist:

“Paint It, Black” US version (originally released May 1966)
Side A: Paint It, Black
Side B: Stupid Girl

“Paint It, Black” UK version (originally released May 1966)
Side A: Paint It, Black
Side B: Long Long While

“Mother’s Little Helper” (originally released June 1966)
Side A: Mother’s Little Helper
Side B: Lady Jane

“Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?” (originally released September 1966)
Side A: Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?
Side B: Who’s Driving Your Plane

“Let’s Spend The Night Together” (originally released January 1967)
Side A: Let’s Spend The Night Together
Side B: Ruby Tuesday

“We Love You” (originally released August 1967)
Side A: We Love You
Side B: Dandelion

“She’s A Rainbow” (originally released November 1967)
Side A: She’s A Rainbow
Side B: 2000 Light Years From Home

“In Another Land” (originally released December 1967)
Side A: In Another Land
Side B: The Lantern

“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (originally released May 1968)
Side A: Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Side B: Child Of The Moon

“Street Fighting Man” US version (originally released August 1968)
Side A: Street Fighting Man
Side B: No Expectations

“Honky Tonk Women” (originally released July 1969)
Side A: Honky Tonk Women (mono mix)
Side B: You Can’t Always Get What You Want

“Memo From Turner” (originally released November 1970)
Side A: Memo From Turner (Mick Jagger)
Side B: Natural Magic (Ry Cooder) from the film Performance

“Street Fighting Man” UK maxi-single (originally released June 1971)
Side A:
1. Street Fighting Man
2. Surprise Surprise
Side B: Everybody Needs Somebody To Love

“Brown Sugar” (A-side originally released April 1971; B-side originally released June 1971)
Side A: Brown Sugar
Side B: Wild Horses

“I Don’t Know Why” (originally released May 1975)
Side A: I Don’t Know Why (aka Don’t Know Why I Love You)
Side B: Try A Little Harder

“Out Of Time” (originally released September 1975)
Side A: Out Of Time
Side B: Jiving Sister Fanny

“Honky Tonk Women” (originally released April 1976)
Side A: Honky Tonk Women (stereo mix)
Side B: Sympathy For The Devil

“Sympathy For The Devil” Remix (originally released as part of SACD E.P. & CD single September 2003)
Side A: Sympathy For The Devil (The Neptunes Remix)
Side B: Sympathy For The Devil (Fat Boy Slim Remix)

Russia Puts Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova On The Terrorist List

Eric Alper
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Russia Puts Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova On The Terrorist List

As of today, Russia has added Nadya Tolokonnikova, a prominent member of the protest punk group Pussy Riot, to its terrorist list, sparking widespread concern and criticism. This move is seen as an alarming development, considering Tolokonnikova’s history of advocating for political and social change through activism and art. Pussy Riot gained international attention for their fearless performances challenging the Russian government, and Tolokonnikova’s inclusion in the terrorist list raises questions about the state’s approach to dissenting voices. Human rights advocates and supporters of free expression should be continuing to emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals’ rights to peaceful protest and artistic expression, and the decision to label Tolokonnikova as a terrorist reflects a broader trend of tightening restrictions on activism and dissent in Russia, and must be seen from the international community – especially those in music – as nothing less than censorship and dangerous actions from the Russian government.

Tolokonnikova has released this statement: I’ve been vocal about sending aid, humanitarian and military, to Ukraine since day 1, I stand by this today. A year ago, I announced a gallery show called “Putin’s Ashes” and I was added to the wanted list. Last week, I announced a Hollywood production of my story and they escalated their review of me – a terrorist.

Yesterday Biden said “If you’re being celebrated by Russian propagandists, it might be time to rethink what you are doing.”

So in that same way, if Russia calls me a terrorist, I must be doing something right.
I’m happy to show republican congress members what it means to have a spine, and to stand up for freedom, and for Ukraine.

Putin’s Russia is a terrorist state, there’s no reasoning or negotiations with them. My friend and comrade Alexey Navalny, who was poisoned by a nerve agent in 2019, has recently gone missing in Russian jail where he serves his 19 year prison sentence – we don’t know where he is for 7 days. It’s a military dictatorship, as real as it gets.

Damian And Stephen Marley Announce Co-Headlining Traffic Jam Tour 2024

Eric Alper
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Damian And Stephen Marley Announce Co-Headlining Traffic Jam Tour 2024

In February and March 2024, the Grammy award-winning brothers Damian “Jr Gong” Marley and Stephen “Ragga” Marley will launch their exclusive Traffic Jam Tour across North America. This marks the inaugural occasion in history when the brothers have jointly presented a curated set, offering a unique showcase to their fans. The 18-date tour begins February 16 and features 15 dates produced by Live Nation, with stops including Las Vegas, NV; Seattle, WA; Vancouver, BC; Boston, MA; Brooklyn, NY; Toronto, ON; and more before concluding at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, IL, on March 30. Additionally, three festival dates complete the outing including CaliVibes Fest, Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival, and Reggae Rise Up Florida.

The seamless performance will feature a special curated set list of both brothers’ catalogs and a medley of their father Bob Marley’s classics. Damian and Stephen Marley have written and performed a multitude of singles together over the last two decades – including the most recent collaboration, “Cast The First Stone” from Stephen Marley’s new LP Old Soul. The brothers wrote/produced/performed on the anthemic Grammy-winning reggae classic “Welcome To Jamrock,” in addition to timeless compositions like “Medication,” “Grown & Sexy,” “All Night,” “It Was Written,” and, of course, “Traffic Jam.”

Stephen Marley, the acclaimed 8x GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer, marks a momentous return with the recent release of Old Soul, his first full-length project in seven years, available now in all formats including digital, CD, standard black 2LP vinyl, and a limited-edition double LP vinyl in stunning translucent yellow and green discs. This much-anticipated album, released by Tuff Gong Collective/UMe/Ghetto Youths International, boasts a star-studded lineup of special guests featuring music legends including Eric Clapton, Bob Weir, Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Buju Banton, and Slightly Stoopid.

Multi-Grammy-winning talent Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley is a highly acclaimed Jamaican singer, songwriter, and producer. He is the youngest son of the revered legend Bob Marley. His musical style fuses reggae with elements of dancehall, hip-hop, R&B, and rock, crafting a fresh and modern sound that is uniquely his own. Damian was the first ever Reggae artist to win a GRAMMY AWARD outside of the Reggae category. The acclaimed 2005 breakthrough disc, Welcome To Jamrock, won a GRAMMY AWARD for Best Reggae Album, with the New York Times naming the track “the best reggae song of the decade.” In 2010, Marley teamed up with Nas and brother Stephen Marley for his Distant Relatives project and went on to partner with Skrillex for their groundbreaking track “Make It Bun Dem,” which Rolling Stone called “a monster mash-up of dubstep and dancehall.” Which went platinum with over 1 Million copies sold in the United States alone. Following the track’s success, the reggae superstar released his fourth studio album, Stony Hill, resulting in his third GRAMMY AWARD for Best Reggae Album. In September of 2022, Marley released his fifth studio album, The Kalling, which went on to win Best Reggae Album at the 65th Annual GRAMMY AWARDS. Most recently, “Jr. Gong” released his rendition of the famed George Harrison track, ‘My Sweet Lord.’. The track got the stamp of approval from George’s beloved wife, Olivia, as well as the George Harrison Estate. Damian is the co-founder of the renowned Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise, which is gearing up for its 9th annual.

Stephen “Ragga” Marley is a world-renowned singer, songwriter, and producer whose work has earned no fewer than eight Grammy Awards. Born into a musical family, Stephen is the child of reggae legends Bob Marley and Rita Marley. He began singing professionally at 6, touring the world with his elder siblings Ziggy, Sharon, and Cedella in The Melody Makers. In 2008, he released his first solo album, Mind Control, which won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. His subsequent solo albums include Mind Control Acoustic, Revelation Part I: The
Root of Life, and Revelation Part II: The Fruit of Life. Stephen’s first new full-length album in more than seven years, Old Soul, was released on September 15 via Tuff Gong Collective/UMe/Ghetto Youths International. The new album is a departure from his previous Reggae repertoire, showcasing more of his bluesy, acoustic soul side, as evidenced by the first single, “Old Soul.” Stephen is also an acclaimed producer, working closely with his brother Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley on the massive crossover hit Welcome To Jamrock. In addition, Stephen continues to champion charitable endeavors centered in Jamaica as a co-founder of the Ghetto Youths Foundation, along with his brothers Damian and Julian Marley.  In 2017, Stephen established Kaya Fest, the annual music festival, which features special guests and rare family performances, all with the larger purpose of raising awareness around the benefits of cannabis, guided by the mantra “Education Before Recreation.”

DAMIAN + STEPHEN MARLEY: TRAFFIC JAM TOUR DATES:
Fri, Feb 16: Long Beach, CA – Cali Vibes Fest*
Sat, Feb 17: Stateline, NV – Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival*
Sun, Feb 18: Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues Las Vegas
Wed, Feb 21: San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
Thu, Feb 22: Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live Sacramento
Sat, Feb 24: Boise, ID – Revolution Concert House & Event Center
Sun, Feb 25: Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
Mon, Feb 26: Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
Tue, Feb 27: Vancouver, BC – Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Sun, Mar 17: St Petersburg, FL – Reggae Rise Up Florida*
Tue, Mar 19: Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
Wed, Mar 20: Washington D.C. – The Fillmore Silver Spring
Sat, Mar 23: Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues Boston
Mon, Mar 25: Toronto, ON – HISTORY
Tue, Mar 26: Montreal, QC – MTELUS
Wed, Mar 27: Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
Fri, Mar 29: Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
Sat, Mar 30: Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
*Festival Performance

The Pogues Reissue ‘Fairytale of New York’ As A Charity Single in Honor of Shane MacGowan’s Legacy

Eric Alper
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The Pogues Reissue ‘Fairytale of New York’ As A Charity Single in Honor of Shane MacGowan’s Legacy

Experience the magic of Christmas with The Pogues’ 1987 hit “Fairytale of New York”, transporting yourself to the heart of the holiday season with this timeless classic featuring Shane MacGowan’s and Kirsty MacColl’s unmistakable vocals.

Capture the festive spirit with this 7” vinyl single, featuring the original track and instrumental version. This cherished song has touched the hearts of millions, igniting a sense of Christmas warmth and will bring the festive season in with a hint of nostalgia.

£6 from the sale of each product will be donated to Dublin Simon Community (Charity Number: CHY 5963). You can get it here.

Emma Kilkenny, Head of Fundraising & Communications at Dublin Simon Community said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to The Pogues and Shane McGowan’s family for their generosity in creating such a special legacy for Dublin Simon Community with this release. Music is an emotional and visceral gift that can lift spirits and bring hope to people at their lowest point. We share the truly magical memory of Shane’s performance at the very special Christmas Busk recorded in St Patrick’s Cathedral during Covid lockdown. The Christmas Eve Busk is a beating heart at the core of Dublin Simon’s fundraising and Shane was always a very welcome and truly amazing addition to this special event.”

For almost 55 years Dublin Simon Community has been working to end and prevent homelessness.  Originally founded as a soup run by a group of students from Trinity & UCD, the organisation was founded on the values of community, respect, inclusion and non-judgement.  Today Dublin Simon continues to operate with these founding values and more, delivering low-threshold supports like Street Outreach, emergency accommodation, addiction treatment and healthcare services, independent housing and a range of homelessness prevention supports for people from all walks of life, working to end homelessness for people every single day.

The Simon Christmas Eve Busk is a sacred tradition for more than a decade, surviving through Covid in virtual form thanks to the dedication of the brave and talented buskers, but now boldly back on Dublin’s Grafton Street each year.  Shane McGowan was amongst those amazing Busk veterans who supported this event by lending his talents and voice to the chorus for change for people experiencing homelessness.

For more details visit www.dubsimon.ie

My Next Read: “What a Fool Believes: A Memoir” By Michael McDonald and Paul Reiser

Eric Alper
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A sweeping and evocative memoir from the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Grammy Award–winning, platinum selling icon of blue-eyed soul Michael McDonald, written with his friend, Emmy Award–nominated actor, comedian, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Paul Reiser.

Doobie Brothers. Steely Dan. Chart topping soloist. Across a half-century of American music, Michael McDonald’s unmistakably smooth baritone voice defined an era of rock and R&B with hit records like “What A Fool Believes,” “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “I Keep Forgettin’,” “Peg,” “It Keeps You Running,” “You Belong to Me,” and “Yah Mo B There.”

In his candid, freewheeling memoir, written with his friend, the Emmy Award-nominated actor and comedian Paul Reiser, Michael tells the story of his life and music. A high school dropout from Ferguson, Missouri, Michael chased his dreams in 1970’s California, a heady moment of rock opportunity and excess. As a rising session musician and backing vocalist, a series of encounters would send him on a wild ride around the world and to the heights of rock stardom—from joining Steely Dan and becoming a defining member of The Doobie Brothers to forging a path as a breakout solo R&B artist.

Interwoven with the unforgettable tales of the music, Michael tells a deeply affecting story of losing and finding himself as a man. He reckons with the unshakeable insecurities that drove him, the drug and alcohol addictions that plagued him, and the highs and lows of popularity. Along the way he relays the lessons he’s learned, and that if he’s learned anything at all it’s that there’s often little correlation between what you get and what you deserve.

Filled with unbelievable stories and a matchless cast of music greats including James Taylor, Ray Charles, Carly Simon, and Quincy Jones, What a Fool Believes is a moving and entertaining memoir that is sure to be a classic.

SiriusXM Launches Shaggy’s Boombastic Radio

Eric Alper
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SiriusXM Launches Shaggy’s Boombastic Radio

SiriusXM announced today that Grammy Award-winning reggae icon Shaggy is launching an exclusive year-round SiriusXM channel, Shaggy’s Boombastic Radio. Bringing listeners Shaggy’s favorite reggae, dancehall and afrobeats, the channel is now available to subscribers in their cars on channel 332 and on the SiriusXM app. The channel was announced as part of SiriusXM’s Next Generation Industry & Press Preview event in New York.

Shaggy’s Boombastic Radio, curated entirely by Shaggy, invites listeners to immerse themselves in the sounds of reggae, dancehall and vibrant afrobeats. From the iconic rhythms of Sean Paul and Lady Saw to the dynamic sounds of Wizkid and Burna Boy, Shaggy’s Boombastic Radio is packed with songs that will get everyone moving while celebrating the rich musical traditions of the Caribbean and Africa.

As part of the exclusive channel programming, Shaggy’s Boombastic Radio will debut Shaggy and Sting’s recent live performance from their inaugural One Fine Day Festival. The performance, captured at the Mann Center in Philadelphia, will air on the channel over Thanksgiving weekend.

Shaggy’s Yaad, the reggae icon’s current show which first debuted on SiriusXM’s FLY and is now in its third successful year, will now regularly air on Shaggy’s Boombastic Radio. The show, hosted by Shaggy, takes listeners on a cultural journey with a wide mix of rare and classic tracks spanning the hip-hop, dancehall and reggae genres.

Born Orville Richard Burrell and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Shaggy got his start as an MC in New York City’s burgeoning dancehall scene soon after moving to Brooklyn in his teens. Not long after serving four years in the U.S. Marines (including two tours of duty in the Middle East as part of Operation Desert Storm), he inked his first record deal and quickly scored a global crossover smash with “Oh Carolina.”

As the only diamond-selling dancehall artist in music history, Shaggy, managed by Martin Kierszenbaum/Cherrytree Music Company, has sold more than 40 million album units to date, in addition to landing 8 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and 7 albums on the Billboard 200 (including 4 in the top 40). He has received 2 Grammy Awards and is among the top 3 streamed reggae artists of all time on Spotify.

Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM streaming for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

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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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