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Italian-Canadian Classical Crossover Singer Giorgia Fumanti Releases 13th Album ‘Cinema Collection’

Eric Alper
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Italian-Canadian Classical Crossover Singer Giorgia Fumanti Releases 13th Album ‘Cinema Collection’

Italian-Canadian Classical crossover star and International Award Winning and Billboard Charting-singer Giorgia Fumanti has for many years been making international headlines all over the world, had numerous hit records and has worked with some of the biggest names in the pop and classical worlds.

From classical icon José Carreras to pop legend Michael Bolton as well as classical superstar Lang Lang who commented that Giorgia has “one of the most beautiful voices in the world.”

Her 13th album “Cinema Collection” (VEGA2 Records) includes some of the most recognizable film songs in the history of motion pictures and Academy Award winners.

In celebration of Giorgia Fumanti’s love and passion of movie melodies, this new album contains the most beloved music classics and signature theme songs ever recorded that transports listeners into a magical world.

An enchanting musical journey through iconic movie melodies, arranged and produced by Stefano Galante, invites listeners all over the world to enjoy Giorgia Fumanti’s unique interpretations and haunting vocals that will no doubt touch the heart and soul.

In the pattern of Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, this Italian-born, Montreal based soprano is that rare breed of beautiful and charismatic performer able to blend the formal and disciplined world of opera and classical, with the loose and unstructured realm of pop and folk. She is equally comfortable sharing the stage with opera crossover legend José Carreras as she is trading lines with soft rock ballad sensation Michael Bolton, or accompanying internationally renowned concert pianist Lang Lang.

This beautiful collection includes songs by some of the greatest film composers including John Barry, Henry Mancini, Giorgio Moroder, Ennio Morricone, John Williams and others from movies we have all cherished:

1 OVER THE RAINBOW (THE WIZARD OF OZ)
2 LOVE IS À MANY-SPLENDORED THING (LOVE IS A MANY-SPLENDORED THING)
3 WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR (PINOCCHIO)
4 FOR ALWAYS (A.I.: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE)
5 CALLING YOU (BAGDAD CAFÉ)
6 UN JOUR TU REVIENDRAS (IL ETAIT UNE FOIS DANS L’OUEST)
7 MOON RIVER (BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S)
8 I WON’T LIGHT A CANDLE (SCHINDLER’S LIST)
9 PLACES (OUT OF AFRICA)
10 ANGEL (CITY OF ANGELS)
11 LES FEUILLES MORTES (LES PORTES DE LA NUIT)
12 TAKE MY BREATH AWAY (TOP GUN)
13 STRANGER IN PARADISE (KISMET)
14 QUAND ON PRIE LA BONNE ETOILE (PINOCCHIO)
15 LA PLUS BELLE CHOSE AU MONDE (LA COLLINE DE L’ADIEU)
16 YOUR LOVE (ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST)
17 Where Dreams ARE BORN (A.I.: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE)
18 L’AMORE VINCERA (OUT OF AFRICA)
19 ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST (ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST)
20 NOW WE ARE FREE (GLADIATOR)

Folk Artist Doug MacNaughton Is Cultivating Boundless Connections In “The Well of Friendship”

Eric Alper
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Folk Artist Doug MacNaughton Is Cultivating Boundless Connections In “The Well of Friendship”

Brandon, MB-born, Toronto-based lyrical wizard and music magician Doug MacNaughton delivers a new pop-infused indie folk song, ‘The Well Of Friendship,’ out now.

Originally from Brandon, Manitoba, MacNaughton’s spark for music began when he first heard Mike Oldfield’s 1973 album Tubular Bells. Fascinated by Oldfield’s ability to perform every instrument, MacNaughton found this multi-instrumentalist songwriting adventure something he would love to pursue.

Armed with a background in performing and a love for all things rock and jazz, MacNaughton began to develop his songwriting talent five years ago, leading him to be a regular face in and around the Toronto music scene. MacNaughton is now to release his first 8-track album in 2023.

With inspiration by artists such as Joni Mitchell, Cassandra Wilson, and Frank Zappa, the second single off the album, ‘The Well Of Friendship,’ draws on the celebration of human connection with the opening riff coming to him in a dream. When MacNaughton opened his eyes the following morning, he grabbed his guitar, and this single was born.

The result is a guitar-lead folk-pop song full of joy and upbeat messages surrounding the importance of friendship. From its thumping bass intro to its 12-string guitar overlay, ‘The Well Of Friendship’ is a foot-tapper from beginning to end. The chorus is catchy and enlightening, allowing a gentle flow of friendship themes to run riot. As the song builds, MacNaughton showcases his songwriting talent by allowing separate vocal lines to intertwine and become instruments. Delivering not only a well-loved tune but a composition masterpiece as well.

MacNaughton dips into his box of musical hats, offering lead and backing vocals, guitars, bass, and penny whistle throughout. Support arrives from Jessica Stuart on backing vocals, guitars, bass, and percussion, plus Ryan Granville-Martin contributing backing vocals, drums, and percussion. The three work excellently together under MacNaughton’s leadership.

Lyrically, it’s simple, but that’s what makes it great. A clear message allows overlaying musicianship to shine right on through.

‘Visit the well of friendship
Drink deep of what keeps you sane
Friends have peace, hope, love to share
Forget your worries, forget your pain
Forget your worries; forget your pain.’

MacNaughton explains about the single, “There are lots of songs about love, but not so many songs celebrating friendship – to me, friends are as necessary to life as water, and the image of friendship as well as a community’s source of water, just came to me right away.

The first time I tried that opening riff on the 12-string, it gave me a total Genesis or Harmonium vibe! I loved it, and we kept it in the recording.

You may catch a Beatles reference in there, and this is also one of the only songs that use the words’ existential ennui’ successfully.”

Watch Radiohead Perform “High And Dry” On The Tonight Show Back In 1996

Eric Alper
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Watch Radiohead Perform “High And Dry” On The Tonight Show Back In 1996

While performing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on March 16, 1996, Radiohead chose to perform “High And Dry” from their recent The Bends album.

Billy Idol To Release Expanded Reissue Of Self-Titled Debut Album July 28

Eric Alper
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Billy Idol To Release Expanded Reissue Of Self-Titled Debut Album July 28

— Rock legend Billy Idol is releasing an expanded edition of his self-titled debut album on July 28 via Capitol/UMe/Universal Music Canada. The reissue includes the original 10-track album, the previously unreleased August 12,1982 concert from The Roxy in West Hollywood, CA as well as the recently unearthed and previously unreleased 12-minute Clubland Extended Remix of his classic song “White Wedding” from Idol’s debut.

Fans are also encouraged to celebrate the release of this iconic album with a Dolby Atmos aural upgrade by GRAMMY-winning engineer Paul Hicks who has remixed albums in Atmos for The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, George Harrison and more.

Idol will continue to take his lauded live show on the road this summer with a select run of headline tour dates. The run of shows includes a debut performance at New York City’s Kings Theatre, D.C.’s The Anthem, and Boston’s MGM Music Hall, as well as an appearance at Jazz Aspen Snowmass with the Foo Fighters. Performing a career-spanning set featuring his iconic hits and new music from his latest EPs, Idol will be joined by his longtime band, including his collaborator and lead guitarist of over forty years, Steve Stevens. See below for the full routing.

Idol embarked last week on the first-ever Generation Sex tour in the U.K. and E.U. The punk supergroup, comprised of Idol and Tony James from Generation X as well as Steve Jones and Paul Cook from Sex Pistols, will perform at festivals and headline gigs around Europe, playing selections from each band’s extensive catalog. In addition, Generation Sex will play at the legendary Glastonbury Festival this weekend.

For 46 years, Billy Idol has been one of the faces and voices of rock’n’roll. Between 1977 and 1981, Idol released three albums with Generation X as their camera-ready frontman. In 1982, he embarked on a transatlantic/trans-genre solo career that integrated the bold and simple lines of punk and rock’n’roll decadence. Last year, Idol released his latest project, The Cage EP, via Dark Horse Records. The new music follows Idol’s 2021 The Roadside EP, which received praise from fans and critics alike. In January, Idol was honored with the first Hollywood Walk of Fame Star of 2023. The ceremony included guest speakers Henry Rollins and Shepard Fairey.

BILLY IDOL (EXPANDED EDITION)
TRACKLIST

DISC 1—BILLY IDOL

Come On, Come On
White Wedding (Part 1)
Hot In The City
Dead On Arrival
Nobody’s Business
Love Calling
Hole In The Wall
Shooting Stars
It’s So Cruel
Congo Man
White Wedding (Clubland Extended Remix) [Previously Unreleased]

DISC 2—LIVE FROM THE ROXY, 1982 (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)

Baby Talk
Untouchables
Come On, Come On
Hot In the City
Dead On Arrival
Heavens Inside
Ready Steady Go
Hole In The Wall
Shooting Stars
Kiss Me Deadly
White Wedding
Nobody’s Business
Dancing With Myself
Mony Mony
Triumph

BILLY IDOL LIVE 2023
August 27—Vancouver, BC—PNE Amphitheatre
August 28—Spokane, WA—Spokane Pavilion
August 31—Bonner, MT—Kettlehouse Amphitheater
September 2—Loveland, CO—Budweiser Events Center
September 3—Aspen, CO—Jazz Aspen Snowmass*
September 8—Washington, DC—The Anthem
September 9—Boston, MA—MGM Music Hall
September 12—Brooklyn, NY—Kings Theatre
September 16—Camden, NJ—WMMRBBQ
September 17—Washington, DC—The Atlantis
October 20, 21, 25, 27 & 28—Las Vegas, NV—The Cosmopolitan

*w/ Foo Fighters

Katy Perry To Release Anniversary Editions Of Her First Three Capitol Albums, Scheduled For October 20

Eric Alper
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Katy Perry To Release Anniversary Editions Of Her First Three Capitol Albums, Scheduled For October 20

2023 is a momentous year in the iconic career of Katy Perry. As her first three albums for Capitol Records mark notable anniversaries, she’ll celebrate with the release of the Katy Perry CATalog Collector’s Edition Boxset. Katy has the distinction of being the biggest-selling female artist in the history of Capitol Records.

Set for October 20 release, new black vinyl editions of One Of The Boys, Teenage Dream and PRISM will be available at retailers everywhere. An exquisitely presented, individually numbered, limited edition boxset with colored vinyl and keepsakes designed with previously unseen images from the albums’ photo shoots can be pre-ordered exclusively at Katy’s online store, where fans will also find CATalog-themed fan packs and t-shirts. Urban Outfitters will have its own editions of special colored vinyl.

On June 17, 2008, Katy released One Of The Boys. The breakthrough album, which is now certified triple Platinum in the U.S., included the Billboard Hot 100 topping “I Kissed A Girl” (6x Platinum), the GRAMMY®-nominated “Hot n Cold” (8x Platinum) and the double-Platinum “Waking Up in Vegas.” The limited edition version of the One Of The Boys 15th Anniversary Edition will feature the album on cloudy blue sky vinyl, housed in an embossed jacket, plus a bonus 7” of “A Cup of Coffee” and “I Think I’m Ready” on opaque violet vinyl with new cover art and a 2024 calendar. Beginning today, “A Cup of Coffee” and “I Think I’m Ready” are available digitally for the first time.

The 9x Platinum Teenage Dream will finally become a “teenager” on August 24, 2023. Widely regarded as one of the greatest pop albums of all time, Teenage Dream was the first, and only, album by a female artist to feature five No. 1 singles. With hits like “Firework” (12x Platinum), “California Gurls” (Diamond – 10x Platinum) and the 8x Platinum “Teenage Dream” and “E.T.”, it ushered in what the RIAA recognized as the highest-certified era of any artist ever. The limited edition of Teenage Dream Teenager Edition includes the original album on red and white peppermint “pinwheel” vinyl with bonus tracks from the Complete Confection and a 24” poster.

PRISM, released on October 18, 2013, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and hit No. 1 on iTunes in more than 100 countries. Now 5x Platinum, the album includes the chart-topping, Diamond-certified hits “Dark Horse” and “Roar.” The PRISM 10th Anniversary Edition contained in the limited edition boxset includes the original album on “prismatic splatter” vinyl plus three bonus tracks and a 12-page deluxe photobook.

Amid the ongoing celebration, fans still have a chance to catch “Katy Perry: PLAY.” After nearly two years, her critically acclaimed residency at Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas will come to a close on November 4, 2023. For further details, visit https://www.katyperry.com/.

Since Katy Perry’s Capitol Records debut in 2008 with One of the Boys, she has racked up a cumulative 101 billion streams alongside worldwide sales of over 68 million adjusted albums and 138 million tracks. The biggest-selling female artist in Capitol history, Katy is one of only five artists across all labels to have surpassed 100 million certified units with their digital singles – and the first-ever Capitol Records recording artist to join the elite RIAA 100 Million Certified Songs club. She was the first artist in RIAA history to earn three RIAA Diamond Song Awards – for “Firework,” “Dark Horse” and “Roar.” “California Gurls” (feat. Snoop Dogg) recently brought Katy her fourth Diamond Song Award.

In addition to being one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, Katy is an active advocate of many philanthropic causes. In 2013, Katy was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has used her powerful voice to ensure every child’s right to health, education, equality, and protection. Katy has also been a champion for LGBTQ+ equality, and has received numerous awards for her work, including the Trevor Project’s Hero Award in 2012, the Human Rights Campaign’s National Equality Award in 2017, amfAR’s Award of Courage in 2018, and Variety’s Power of Women distinction in 2021. She has similarly focused her entrepreneurial flair towards her eponymous shoe line, Katy Perry Collections, as well as for selective companies working to improve health and wellness.

KISS’ ‘I Was Made for Loving You’ + Earth Wind and Fire’s ‘Boogie Wonderland’ = FUNKY

Eric Alper
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KISS’ ‘I Was Made for Loving You’ + Earth Wind and Fire’s ‘Boogie Wonderland’ = FUNKY

The legendary Bill McClintock is back with another fine, fine mashup – this one uses Kiss’ I Was Made for Lovin’ You with Earth, Wind & Fire’s Boogie Wonderland and throws in Wild Cherry’s Play That Funky Music just because you deserve it.

Up The Irons! The Op Games And Iron Maiden Release First-Ever Monopoly: Iron Maiden Somewhere On Tour Edition

Eric Alper
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Up The Irons! The Op Games And Iron Maiden Release First-Ever Monopoly: Iron Maiden Somewhere On Tour Edition

Usaopoly (The Op Games), the board game and puzzle publisher behind iconic licensed games and best-selling party games Telestrations, Blank Slate, and Hues and Cues, has teamed up with Iron Maiden, one of heavy metal’s most prolific and influential bands of all time, and global leader in play Hasbro to bring fans the ultimate piece of tabletop memorabilia – MONOPOLY: Iron Maiden Somewhere on Tour.

Played by traditional MONOPOLY rules, players will buy, sell, and trade properties named after classic albums, including The Number of the Beast, Brave New World, Senjutsu and more, to bankrupt their opponents and be the last one with Eddie-faced money to win. The notorious mascot also adorns the traditional Chance and Community Chest cards, aptly renamed “Feeling Lucky?” and “Open the Box,” entertaining gamers and Troopers alike with instances of success (“Advance to nearest Maiden Goodies”) and brushes with bad luck (“Bad weather… Ed Force One diverted”). Six custom sculpted pewter tokens also serve as miniature tributes to the band’s records and gear, such as an Albatross, Amp Stack, Flying Helmet, Nicko’s Drum Kit, Wasted Years Computer, and Steve’s Bass.

“We’re delighted to have been given the opportunity to have MONOPOLY get the full Eddie treatment,” said Rod Smallwood, Manager of Iron Maiden. “In true Maiden fashion we commissioned our main tour artist, Akirant, to grace the board and the box lid with some of our most loved Eddies on tour. The game is full of our humor (who else would ransom Nicko’s pal Sooty?), even the player pieces reflect our unique history (yeah, the impaled albatross!) and the weird and wonderful world we share with our fans and they have come to expect from us!”

MONOPOLY: Iron Maiden Edition releases hot on the trail of The Future Past Tour 2023 currently traversing Europe through August. Fans in North America can join the Iron Maiden celebration this fall when the band brings heavy metal stateside at the Power Trip Festival taking place in Indio, California this October, as well as three shows in western Canada.

“We’re excited to add another prolific license to our line with the launch of MONOPOLY®: Iron Maiden Edition and provide fans with a new collectible that merges one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time with Hasbro’s timeless Fast-Dealing Property Trading Game,” said Dane Chapin, CEO of The Op. “The Iron Maiden fandom shares a universal sense of camaraderie, and we love that we can provide them with an engaging game that highlights so many of the band’s legendary shows and immaculate album art.”

MONOPOLY: Iron Maiden Edition (MSRP: $44.99), the ultimate collectible game for Iron Maiden “Troopers,” is available now from The Op Games. Follow along on social @TheOpGames and @IronMaiden for more about the game and latest announcements.

Live Nation Venues Lead Industry with New All-In Pricing to Make Ticketing More Transparent for Consumers

Eric Alper
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Live Nation Venues Lead Industry with New All-In Pricing to Make Ticketing More Transparent for Consumers

Live Nation will begin providing a new all-in pricing experience for concerts at the venues and festivals the company operates across the United States starting this September.

Live Nation has been advocating for all-in pricing to become law for many years, and joined a forum at the White House today hosted by President Biden to discuss this and other reforms that would benefit artists and consumers. With all-in pricing, fans can see upfront the full ticket price, including fees. Fans typically know tickets will include service fees, but seeing the total cost from the start makes buying tickets easier and consistent with other retail shopping experiences.

Tom See, President of Venue Nation, said: “Live Nation is proud to provide fans with a better ticket buying experience. We have thousands of crew working behind the scenes every day to help artists share their music live with fans, and we’ll continue advocating for innovations and reforms that protect that amazing connection.”

In addition to all in pricing, Live Nation and Ticketmaster joined with an industry-wide coalition earlier this year to promote FAIR Ticketing Reforms that protect artists and fans, while pushing back against laws that enable scalping. FAIR Ticketing advocates for:

  1. passing federal all-in pricing legislation
  2. letting artists determine resale rules
  3. making speculative ticket selling illegal
  4. enforcing the 2016 BOTS Act

Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins To Release His First Book, Adversity For Sale, On August 8, 2023 With HarperCollins Leadership

Eric Alper
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Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins To Release His First Book, Adversity For Sale, On August 8, 2023 With HarperCollins Leadership

Jeezy is a winner and a motivator. He hates to lose, and that’s what he preaches. His mission in life is to touch the hearts of men, women and children. That’s why he’s here. 

Growing up in the projects, Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins learned early on how to hustle to get what he needed. He knows what it is like when you don’t know how you’re going to make it to the next day. It was that motivation and early life lessons that helped create the artist and businessman that he is today.

Now, in his new book, Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe, he is sharing for the first time what he learned with those coming up behind him, so they don’t have to make the same mistakes he did. From a young age, Jeezy was taught that if you’re eating, you offer somebody else a piece. Jeezy will use parts of his story to illustrate some rules and principles he’s used to get him through his darkest days and keep him going, even when it felt impossible to go any further and the odds stacked against him felt insurmountable. It was these principles that helped him not only climb the Hip Hop and R&B charts but also become a leader within the Hip Hop community.

“Sometimes you have to go through some things—even some things that are excruciating and that you think you’ll never survive—in order to get where you want to be,” says Jenkins. Through this book, his goal is to give everyone from the block to the boardroom a message of hope to get through their days.

“In this 50th year anniversary of Hip Hop, there is no one we’d rather partner with than Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins,” said Matt Baugher, publisher of HarperCollins Leadership. “Adversity for Sale details not only his remarkable story but the depths of knowledge he has to pass on to others. This book is his latest contribution to modern culture and we’re all better for it.”

In this book, Jeezy will teach you how to: Surround yourself with people who believe in your success and want to see you win, find the lesson in every setback in order to move forward and help you change your mindset so that you change your life.

Adversity for Sale will be available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook with Jenkins narrating. You can pre-order today at https://www.harpercollinsfocus.com/9781400236251/adversity-for-sale/.

Sonia Aimy and Jbwai Jbwai’s Cultural Fusion Concert On July 6 at Toronto’s The Distillery District

Eric Alper
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Are you ready for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and cultural fusion? On July 6, 2023, prepare to be mesmerized by Sonia Aimy’s captivating performance from her album Reconnect (Slammin Media/Saimy’s Art) at Toronto’s Distillery District. Tickets are available here.

But that’s not all! Joining Sonia on stage is the incredibly talented Jbwai, adding his own unique sound to the mix. Together, they will create a pulsating and irresistible blend of afro-jazz, afrobeat, highlife, and African griot that will have you grooving all night long.

This won’t just be a regular concert.

The performance will take the form of a mesmerizing musical film, with Sonia’s powerful voice and electrifying dance moves bridging the gap between African cultures and the rest of the world.

Get ready for a musical journey that will take your breath away. The stage will come alive with vibrant colors, pulsating rhythms, and heart-stopping beats. This is not just a concert – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

With a voice of shimmering velvet, her boundless energy, and soulful appeal, Sonia Oduwa Aimy blends afro-jazz, afrobeat, highlife, and African griot call-and-response. The Nigerian-born, Italian trained and Canadian-based artist celebrates seven influential African Canadians in her 2023 film TRACE: Tracing African Canadian Extraordinaire. Her 2021 album, Reconnect (Slammin Media/Saimy’s Art), has been internationally praised and broadcast. Singing in public since 11 in Nigeria, she moved to Italy, where she performed throughout the country and around Europe. She appeared with African musical legends Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela, with the National Theatre of Turin as the first Black Cinderella, and in Italian film, radio, and TV productions. Passionate about such pressing social issues as racism and human trafficking, she founded the non-profit organization African Women Acting (AWA) in Ontario in 2013. AWA also promotes African culture, as does Sonia’s artistic services company, Saimy’s Art.

Michael Baiye who is better known by his stage name “Jbwai” is a Toronto based Cameroonian musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, born in Kumba, a prominent town in the southwest region of English-speaking Cameroon. The town is known for his vibrant business and entertainment atmosphere and known as K TOWN. Growing up, the trained himself to become streetwise, and did his primary education at the diligent bilingual academy in Kumba, after obtaining his common entrance and first school leaving certificate. Later, he moved to CCAS Kumba where he did his secondary and high school, he gains admission into the University of Buea, and later traveled to Canada for further studies where he studied computer science and specialize in computer maintenance and networking, where after graduating, he took courses in sound engineering, sound design, and music production.

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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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