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Brittney Spencer Announces Debut Album ‘My Stupid Life’ Due Friday, January 19

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“Nashville’s new star” (CBS This Morning) Brittney Spencer announces her highly-anticipated debut album, My Stupid Life, out January 19th via Elektra. The first track, “Bigger Than The Song,” showcases Spencer’s ability to excel on the fringe of genre periphery with her honest and free-spirited songwriting, and it’ll be performed on NBC’s TODAY Show this morning in the 9 AM ET hour.

The album’s 13 tracks are a culmination of her experience during her time trying to “make it” in Music City, discovering herself in the process. The Baltimore native moved to Nashville ten years ago, and this album is Spencer’s commitment to be unapologetically herself. Recorded at Sound Emporium Studios and Blackbird Studio in Nashville, the album is produced by GRAMMY award-winning Daniel Tashian (Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, Brett Eldredge), with the exception of two tracks, Marcus “MarcLo” Lomax (Monsters & Strangerz, Maren Morris, Justin Bieber, Kelsea Ballerini), who produced the lead single — “Bigger Than The Song” — and Romil Hemnani(BROCKHAMPTON), who produced “New To This Town.”

“This feels like a long time coming,” says Spencer. “It took me three years from the time I released my first EP Compassion to now to release my first album. These songs serve as my introduction to country music and I wanted to give them all the time and care that they (and my fans) deserve. I wrote a lot of songs from the back corners of my mind because I wanted to take a good, deeper look at myself and create something true to who and where I am at this time in my life. The more I put the pen to my feelings and thoughts, the more I realize I’ve heard similar sentiments throughout my life. Through making this album, I’ve learned we’re not alone in our heads, and I hope this album hugs the tiny, loud parts of our overthinking brains that sometimes need it most.”

The project features award-winning collaborators including Grace Potter, Maren Morris, Abbey Cone & Sarah Buxton, plus guitar contributions by Jason Isbell.

Today, Spencer shares the album’s first preview, “Bigger Than The Song.” Produced by Lomax, the track is Spencer’s tribute to artists who curated the soundtrack to her life – Reba McEntire, Aretha Franklin, Alanis Morissette, Janet Jackson, Dolly Parton, Beyonce, Britney Spears, and more. Written by Spencer, Jennifer Anne Wayne (Runaway June) and Tofer Brown (Little Big Town, Elle King, Jason Mraz), the song is a celebration of the simple joys of good music and the impact a great song can have on someone’s life.

Spencer’s debut album announcement follows her 2022 EP if i ever get there: a day at blackbird studio, which landed her on NPR’s “Best of 2022” and Paper Magazine’s “Best Country Songs of 2022.” Next month, Spencer will make her Austin City Limits TVdebut, plus her debut at ACL Fest. She’s set to play Stagecoach in 2024 and was the only country artist featured in Rolling Stone’s “Music’s Future 25” – read her full feature here.

My Stupid Life Tracklist:
1. “New To This Town” (Brittney Spencer)+
2. “I Got Time” (Spencer, Jessica Cayne, Nate Campany, Emily Reid)
3. “Night In (Phone Call)”
4. “Night In” (Spencer, Cayne, Summer Overstreet)
5. “Bigger Than The Song” (Spencer, Jennifer Anne Wayne, Tofer Brown)*
6. “My First Rodeo” (Spencer, Cayne, Sean Douglas, Zach Skelton)
7. “The Last Time” (Spencer, Sean McConnell, Sarah Buxton)
8. “Deeper” (Spencer, Tayla Parx, Gustav Landell)
9. “First Car Feeling” (Spencer, Cayne, Kat Higgins)
10. “Desperate” (Spencer, Emily Falvey, Mikey Reeves)
11. “If You Say So” (Spencer)
12. “My Stupid Life” (Spencer, James Brock Human, McConnell)
13. “Reaching Out” (Spencer, Joe Kirkland)

Dan Auerbach Reissues Long-Out-Of-Print Solo Debut Keep It Hid Via Easy Eye Sound

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Dan Auerbach’s debut solo album, Keep It Hid, returns to print, with the seminal 2009 collection being reissued on vinyl, cassette and CD via Easy Eye Sound — the label that Keep It Hid inspired Auerbach to create.

As Dan Auerbach’s first major work outside The Black Keys, Keep It Hid was the true impetus for Auerbach’s now multifaceted career as a GRAMMY®-winning producer, mentor to emerging talent, and founder of Easy Eye Sound, Billboard’s reigning Blues Label Of The Year.

The Keep It Hid reissue is equipped with new album art, a limited-edition cassette release for the first time, and six updated vinyl variants: including exclusive variants for US Indie Record Stores (Orange + Black Marble), Tennessee Indie Record Stores (signed copies on Peach + Black Marble), Easy Eye Sound’s online store (limited signed copies on Orange + Yellow Splatter), Vinyl Me, Please (Maroon Marble, limited to 750 copies) and Newbury Comics (signed copies on Orange + Black two-sided vinyl).

Watch the all new video for “Whispered Words (Pretty Lies),” directed by Robert Schober — better known as Roboshobo, the artist who has directed for Metallica, Green Day, The Killers, and more.

Originally recorded by Auerbach as he was building his first home studio in Akron, Ohio — a precursor to his Easy Eye Sound Studio in Nashville, where Auerbach now records and produces most of the label’s current releases — Keep It Hid tapped into the now-veteran crate-digger’s penchant for rare finds. Inspired by forgotten 60s psych rock, obscure British power-pop, bluegrass family bands, the collection spans from echo-laden garage rock (“Heartbroken, In Disrepair”) and fuzz-scarred blues (“The Prowl”) to haunted Southern soul (“Real Desire”) and bittersweet-country comfort (“When The Night Comes”).

The album was hailed as “intimate and thrilling” by NPR’s Fresh Air upon its original release, with reviewer Ken Tucker adding it “sounds like a clearing of the throat and mind.” Dan Auerbach recently appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe to discuss Easy Eye Sound, his early career in music, his blues heroes, and more: https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/new-blues-compilation-tell-everybody-a-saturday-night-party-record-191109189602

The re-issue comes during a banner year for Auerbach and Easy Eye Sound, who just threw their second annual East Nashville Community Fish Fry in partnership with Luck Reunion last week during AmericanaFest. 2023 highlights for the label include releasing The Arcs’ first album in eight years, topping the Billboard Blues charts for multiple weeks with the juke joint compilation Tell Everybody!, the emergence of Nat Myers (the first Korean-American musician to play the Grand Ole Opry and one of NPR Music’s “Favorite New Artists” of the year), an AmericanaFest “Album Of The Year” nomination for Hermanos Gutiérrez and now Auerbach’s Keep It Hid re-issue. Performers at this year’s Fish Fry also included Hermanos Gutiérrez, as well as Shannon & The Clams, Robert Finley, and many more. Watch the magic below.

DAN AUERBACH – KEEP IT HID TRACKLIST
Trouble Weighs A Ton
I Want Some More
Heartbroken, In Disrepair
Because I Should
Whispered Words (Pretty Lies)
Real Desire
When The Night Comes
Mean Monsoon
The Prowl
Keep It Hid
My Last Mistake
When I Left The Room
Street Walkin’
Goin’ Home

Concert Announcement: WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? in Vancouver and Victoria

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Whose Live Anyway? with Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray

January 18, 2024, 8pm: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, BC

January 19, 2024, 8pm: Royal Theatre, Victoria, BC.

Tickets On Sale: October 13 2023 at 12:00pmPT in Victoria and 10:00amPT in Vancouver

The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? are proud to present their new improv tour: WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast onstage! WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long-running TV show as well as some exciting new ones, featuring musical direction by Bob Derkach.

All ages are welcomed, but please note that some “PG-13” language will be used during the performance.

Andrea Bocelli Announces February and April North American Tour Dates

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Iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli announced new 2024 North American tour dates in February and April. The new tour includes eleven show dates in major cities across the US and Canada including Orlando, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Toronto, Montreal, and Detroit. The February dates will once again honor Valentine’s Day with Bocelli’s first time in Raleigh, NC with the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra and in Greenville, SC with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. The April tour will see Bocelli return to Toronto for his first performance in 15 years with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, as well as a return to Milwaukee with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and to Indianapolis with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. All shows will be conducted by Maestro Steven Mercurio.

2024 officially marks 30 years of Andrea Bocelli’s iconic career as well as his 65th birthday. In celebration of his upcoming birthday on September 22, PBS stations across the U.S. will be airing past Bocelli Specials throughout September and October. Check local listings for air times.

Tickets for Bocelli’s 2024 North American tour dates go on sale to the public Tuesday, October 10 at 10 a.m. local time. For all upcoming tour routing, please see dates listed below and visit www.andreabocelli.com/tickets for more info.

The tour will feature performances from Bocelli’s beloved repertoire, including music to celebrate Valentine’s in February. All newly announced dates will feature selections from his uplifting solo album Believe, as well as a selection of arias, his beloved crossover hits, and famed love songs.

As one of the most recognizable voices in the entertainment industry and revered by fans internationally, Andrea Bocelli has been entertaining audiences for 30 years, counting nearly 90 million records sold worldwide. In addition to his sold-out arena-sized concert events and record-breaking live-streams, Bocelli has shared his talents at many major events including the Olympic Games, the World Cup, and Global Citizen. He has earned a Golden Globe, seven Classical BRITs and seven World Music Awards, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

ANDREA BOCELLI February 2024 U.S. Tour
Wednesday, February 14 – Raleigh, NC *with the North Carolina Symphony
Thursday, February 15 – Greenville, SC *with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, February 17 – Duluth, GA *with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, February 18 – Orlanda, FL *with Orlando Philharmonic

ANDREA BOCELLI April 2024 U.S. Tour
Thursday, April 4 – Pittsburgh, PA
Saturday, April 6 – Milwaukee, WI *with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, April 7 – Cincinnati, OH
Wednesday, April 10 – Toronto, ON *with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Thursday, April 11 – Montreal, QC
Saturday, April 13 – Indianapolis, IN *with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, April 14 – Detroit, MI

ANDREA BOCELLI November and December 2023 U.S. Tour (all tickets currently on sale)
Wednesday, November 29 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center
Thursday, November 30 – Dallas, TX – AAC
Saturday, December 2 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum Arena *with the Louisville Orchestra
Wednesday, December 6 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Thursday, December 7 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Saturday, December 9 – Hartford, CT 0 XL Center *first time in Hartford in 25 years
Sunday, December 10 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena *with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Wednesday, December 13 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Thursday, December 14 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Saturday, December 16 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
Sunday, December 17 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live

Jason Mraz Releases We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. We Deluxe Edition

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Multi-GRAMMY Award winner and Songwriters Hall of Fame Honoree Jason Mrazreleases We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. We Deluxe Edition., a newly remastered version of his GRAMMY-winning, RIAA-certified 4x Platinum album with 14 bonus tracks never-before-pressed on vinyl – including previously unheard demos, an unreleased song, and other rarities – in honor of the album’s 15th anniversary. We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. We Deluxe Edition., offered as a 3-LP set, 2-CD set, and digitally, is available now.

To celebrate the release of We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. We Deluxe Edition., a very special 15th Anniversary Performance will premiere on Jason Mraz’s YouTube Channel at 5pm PT / 8pm ET tonight, September 22nd. Filmed in Mraz’s home studio on The Mranch, the set features five new renditions of songs from the record, including “I’m Yours” and “Lucky” with special guest Colbie Caillat, all backed by his 10-piece Superband that includes the Grooveline Horns, drummer Michael “Leroy” Bram, guitarist Dr. Molly Miller, and members of Raining Jane, his longtime collaborators and co-writers of “A Beautiful Mess.” It was there in that home studio where Jason Mraz first demoed songs for We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things., and – more than a decade and a half later – recorded parts of his latest album, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, both of which were produced by Martin Terefe. The We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. 15th Anniversary Performance is the first in a series of new content directed by Jeff Coffman, revisiting and exploring the iconic album.

We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. We Deluxe Edition. includes acoustic versions of the GRAMMY Award-winning song “Make It Mine” alongside fan favorites like “Butterfly,” “Only Human,” and “The Dynamo of Volition,” as well as unreleased demos of “Lucky” (revealing Jason’s first draft of his GRAMMY Award-winning, RIAA-certified 4x Platinum duet with Colbie Caillat), “Details In The Fabric,” and “I’m Yours.” Fans can hear the breakthrough hit in its infancy: the now RIAA-certified 13x Platinum song set a record for the number of weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since been streamed more than 3.5 billion times, making it the #1-streamed song released by a solo artist in the 2000-2009 decade.

The limited-edition physical packages include a booklet with rare photos, images of Mraz’s notes while writing lyrics, a track-by-track commentary by Mraz himself, and extensive liner notes by music journalist Annie Zaleski.

Mraz’s most recent alum, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, is a sister album of sorts to We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. For Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, Mraz reunited with produce Martin Terefe as well as Raining Jane, Grooveline Horns, and string arranger David Davidson, all collaborators on the 2008 album. Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, which features the song “I Feel Like Dancing,” is a return to pop for Mraz, who just finished up a nationwide tour in support of the album.
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Jason Mraz is a two-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter and Songwriters Hall of Fame Honoree, most famously known by his hits, “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up.” His music has earned him Platinum ad Multi-Platinum certifications in more than 20 countries, and he has performed on all seven continents. His non-profit, the Jason Mraz Foundation, supports programs focused on inclusive arts education and the advancement of equality. Established in 2015, Mraz Family Farms is committed to peace in the world through organic regenerative agriculture, fair trade, and kind words. In June, Mraz released his eighth studio album, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride.

We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. We Deluxe Edition.
1. Make It Mine
2. I’m Yours
3. Lucky (with Colbie Caillat)
4. Butterfly
5. Live High
6. Love for a Child
7. Details in the Fabric (featuring James Morrison)
8. Coyotes
9. Only Human
10. The Dynamo of Volition
11. If It Kills Me
12. A Beautiful Mess
13. Make It Mine (From the Casa Nova Sessions)
14. I’m Yours (Demo)
15. Lucky (Jason’s First Draft)*
16. Butterfly (From the Casa Nova Sessions)
17. Live High (From an Avocado Salad Session)
18. Love for a Child (From the Casa Nova Sessions)
19. Details in the Fabric (Demo)*
20. Coyotes (From A Girl In New York Sessions)
21. Only Human (From the Casa Nova Sessions)
22. The Dynamo of Volition (From an All Night Session)
23. If It Kills Me (From the Casa Nova Sessions)
24. A Beautiful Mess (From a Raining Jane Session)
25. Kickin’ With You
26. Happy Endings*
*Previously Unreleased

COWBOY JUNKIES Announce Rescheduled Ontario Tour

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Cowboy Junkies dates originally scheduled for October 3 in Toronto, October 4 in Kingston, and October 5 in Peterborough have been rescheduled.

Tickets for the October shows are valid for the November shows. Ticket holders are advised to contact their point of purchase for any further questions.

COWBOY JUNKIES Announce Rescheduled Ontario Tour
November 20, 2023 – Kingston, ON: Grand Theatre
November 21 2023 – Peterborough, ON: Showplace Performance Centre
November 22, 2023 – Toronto, ON: Danforth Music Hall

Econoline Crush Unveils Powerful “Locked In Your Stone” and Announces Tour Dates

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Grief is a complicated and emotional process. People handle it in different ways. For Econoline Crush frontman Trevor Hurst, music is his therapy.

In March 2022, the Canadian rock band’s guitarist David “Ziggy” Sigmund died. Hurst learned of his close friend’s passing over the phone 15 minutes before he was to leave to listen to the final mixes of Econoline Crush’s upcoming album, “When The Devil Drives,” which Sigmund had a hand in.

The news broke Hurst. In the months leading up to his death, Sigmund had withdrawn himself from those close to him to avoid physical and emotional pain associated with his struggles, Hurst explained. The musician said he and Sigmund were as close as brothers, and the loss consumed him with a range of emotions.

“Ziggy’s death caused me to reevaluate my own personal struggles,” Hurst said. “I was angry that he was gone. I felt abandoned and lost with no relief in sight.”

He turned to the coping tool he had learned that treats him best: music. From that pain, “Locked in Your Stone” was molded.

“It served as an outlet, a way to express my sadness and my frustration,” Hurst explained. “Recording it after his death allowed me to unload some of my emotional baggage and move forward. The music for ‘Locked in Your Stone’ felt like it was meant as the outlet for my grief.”

In “Locked in Your Stone,” Hurst opens his soul out over smooth, moody synths that simultaneously convey sadness, desperation, and confusion. The instrumentals came from fragments of songs left unfinished, pieced together by Hurst and Ian Alexander Smith, the former frontman for Miniatures who produced “When The Devil Drives,” Econoline Crush’s first full-length album in more than a decade. The lyrics just flowed, Hurst said, the complex cocktail of emotions pouring onto the page.

“‘You won’t open the door. Hold on,’ signified my frustration, my desperation, my inability to reach him,” Hurst explained. “‘The thought of your insanity complicit with this tragedy’ reflects my perceived guilt that even with all my training as a psychiatric nurse, I was unable to reach him. ‘So over life and all the hype. You took your toys and quit’ represents my frustration and anger at him for falling victim to addiction and self-loathing.”

The track is part of the band’s resurgence approximately three decades after it originally formed in Vancouver in 1992. Econoline Crush signed with EMI Music Canada in 1994 and debuted that year with the EP, “Purge.” It released a full-length in 1996 called “Affliction,” then experienced its major breakthrough in 1997 with the platinum-selling “The Devil You Know.” Four years later in 2001, the band put out its final studio album for EMI, “Brand New History.” Their newest album represents their comeback and is also paired with a documentary film, “Flatlander,” about a rocker from Brandon, Manitoba’s second career as a psychiatric nurse, which will come out in 2024.

More than 30 years after Econoline Crush’s start, Hurst is its last original member. Many have come through the band in its almost three decades of operation, but few left the impact of Sigmund, who first joined in 1996, stayed until the initial breakup in 2002, then returned in 2010 until his death in 2022. Music is what brought Hurst and Sigmund together in the first place, and music is what Hurst intends to continue their relationship even as half of their duo walks elsewhere than earth.

“Music is what connected Ziggy and I in life, and music is what continues to keep us connected after his death,” he said. “‘Locked in Your Stone’ is the song that captures my grief and frustration, but in doing so, helps me release my pain and begin to heal.”

Econoline Crush Tour Dates:
Friday, October 27, 2023 Townhouse Sudbury
Saturday, October 28, 2023 London Music Hall London
Thursday, November 2, 2023 The Warehouse St. Catharines
Friday, November 3, 2023 Corktown Hamilton
Saturday, November 4, 2023 The Hub Kitchener
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Imperial Theatre Sarnia
Thursday, November 9, 2023 Lee’s Palace Toronto
Friday, November 10, 2023 Biltmore Theatre Oshawa
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Bar Le Ritz Montreal
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 Le Anti Quebec City
Friday, November 17, 2023 eVents Thunder Bay
Saturday, November 18, 2023 The Park Theatre Winnipeg

Folk/Pop Duo Winsome Kind Release Double A-Side Delight: ‘Keep on Lovin’ & ‘Trail Of Love’

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Scott Perrie and Leora Joy Perrie, the Canadian husband and wife duo of Winsome Kind, are set to draw listeners in once again with their latest singles, “Keep on Lovin’” and “Trail Of Love”, a double A-side from their highly anticipated third full-length album, Love in a Hurricane, out now.

“Keep on Lovin’” is a sweet and sultry composition that weaves together Leora’s golden voice with Scott’s exquisite guitar licks in a dance of emotive melodies. The song, a testament to their decade-long journey of love and musical collaboration, captures the undeniable chemistry between the pair. “Trail of Love” calls the clouds and signals the rain for the group’s upcoming, third album, Love in a Hurricane, preparing audiences for all the love that’s yet to come, and reminding everyone that the sun will shine again. The delightful and harmonic tracks, which were recorded on enchanting Salt Spring Island in their 32 foot camper and finished with help from Daryl Chonka (Old Growth Music), showcase the duo’s softer, more introspective side and invite us to connect with our hearts in these tumultuous times.

The accompanying music videos for both songs were directed and edited by Sydney Woodward, creator of the astonishing music video for “Harmonize” by Rising Appalachia, and beautifully capture the essence of the performance and songs, while creating an immersive visual experience for fans. Both music videos add an extra layer of enchantment shot amidst the awe-inspiring backdrop of Ruckle Park.

The two met over a decade ago while performing in a production of The Buddy Holly Story in Regina, Saskatchewan, and quickly fell in love. And so they did what two people in love with each other and music do: Leora and Scott started creating beautiful music together. In the years since, Winsome Kind has been busy in the studio, on the road, and with their kids, and making music every single step of the way. Love in a Hurricane was recorded almost entirely with a mobile on-the-go studio, which Leora and Scott used throughout Mexico and Canada to create their unique blend of folk, pop, and harmony, without ever missing a beat.

A driving, thumping folk beat and rhythm, carried by the promise of getting there when it’s the right time, and a harmony from an otherworldly prairie, nestled somewhere sweet between heaven’s dreams, make Winsome Kind the essential indie group of 2023.

2 Great Shows Are Coming To Toronto: Omar Kamal and Mavis Staples

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Palestinian singer, composer, and producer Omar Kamal brings together a stunning repertoire of emotional hits for one enchanting evening of standards at Koerner Hall on October 20. The pure power of his voice can be felt in his eclectic catalogue and captivating performances, from Sinatra’s croon and to Joe William’s swing. He’ll be performing with a Toronto all-star big band featuring London based pianist Rob Barron, multiple Juno Award-winners Allison Au, Michael Occhipinti, Roberto Occhipinti, and more.

Omar Kamal has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique blend of jazz, classical, Arabic, and oriental music. His debut album Serenade, produced by Dave Pierce (Michael Bublé, The Frank Sinatra Estate) and Bob Rock (Metallica, Jon Bon Jovi, Aerosmith) in 2017, showcased his versatility and talent as a vocalist and musician. The title track of his second album Show Me the Light reached the UK top 10 chart positions and was followed by an international tour that featured sold out shows at Dubai Opera and Ronnie Scott’s in London.

This evening is dedicated to the memory of Tony Bennett. You can go here for tickets.

“One of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace” (NPR), Mavis Staples, the iconic soul/gospel/R&B pioneer returns to Koerner Hall on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 8pm for another stunning performance. She is a civil rights icon, a multiple Grammy Award winner, a chart-topping soul/gospel/R&B pioneer with her family group The Staple Singers, a member of both the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a National Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient, and a Kennedy Center honoree. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, and sang in Barack Obama’s White House. Staples has collaborated with everyone from Prince and Bob Dylan to Arcade Fire and Hozier, blown away countless festivalgoers from Newport Folk and Glastonbury to Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, performed with The Band at The Last Waltz, and graced the airwaves, from major talk shows to Austin City Limits.

You can go here for tickets.

My Next Read: “George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle” By Philip Norman

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From the premiere Beatles biographer—author of the New York Times bestseller John Lennon: The Life and the million-copy selling Shout!: The Beatles in Their Generation—a rare and revealing portrait of George Harrison, the most misunderstood and mysterious Beatle, based on decades-long research and unparalleled access to inside sources.

Despite being hailed as one of the best guitarists of his era, George Harrison, particularly in his early decades, battled feelings of inferiority. He was often the butt of jokes from his bandmates owing to his lower-class background and, typically, was allowed to contribute only one or two songs per Beatles album out of the dozens he wrote.

Now, acclaimed Beatles biographer Philip Norman examines Harrison through the lens of his numerous self-contradictions. Compared to songwriting luminaries John Lennon and Paul McCartney he was considered a minor talent, yet he composed such masterpieces as “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Here Comes the Sun,” and his solo debut album “All Things Must Pass” achieved enormous success, appearing on many lists of the 100 best rock albums ever. Modern music critics place him in the pantheon of sixties guitar gods alongside Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards, and Jimmy Page.

Harrison railed against the material world yet wrote the first pop song complaining about income tax. He spent years lovingly restoring his Friar Park estate as a spiritual journey, but quickly mortgaged the property to help rescue a film project that would be widely banned as sacrilegious, Monty Python’s Life of Brian. Harrison could be fiercely jealous, but not only did he stay friends with Eric Clapton when Clapton fell in love with Harrison’s wife, Pattie Boyd, the two men grew even closer after Clapton walked away with her.

Unprecedented in scope and filled with numerous color photos, this rich biography captures George Harrison at his most multi-faceted: devoted friend, loyal son, master guitar player, brilliant songwriter, cocaine addict, serial philanderer, global philanthropist, student of Indian mysticism, self-deprecating comedian, and, ultimately, iconic artist and man beloved by millions.

Philip Norman grew up on Ryde Pier, Isle of Wight. His bizarre childhood as the son of an unsuccessful seaside showman inspired his memoir Babycham Night. Norman went on to win the Young Writer of the Year Award contest organized by The Sunday Times Magazine (London), where he became a star interviewer, profiling celebrities ranging from Stevie Wonder to Libyan President Moammar Gaddafi. Norman’s early career as a rock critic led to his first biography, Shout!, which received critical acclaim and sold more than a million copies. He is the author of numerous highly praised works, including John Lennon: The Life; Paul McCartney: The Life; Slowhand: The Life and Music of Eric Clapton; Rave On: The Biography of Buddy Holly; Wild Thing: The Short, Spellbinding Life of Jimi Hendrix; and a memoir of his Sunday Times years, We Danced on Our Desks.