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All-New Canadian Tour An Evening Of “Exceptional Silliness” With John Cleese

Eric Alper
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All-New Canadian Tour An Evening Of “Exceptional Silliness” With John Cleese

Unique Lives & Experiences presents the legendary and hilarious John Cleese in “An Evening of Exceptional Silliness”. Spend an evening of humour with the “One and Only¨ John Cleese as he shares hilarious and silly highlights from his life and career.

At 82 years of age-John Cleese is still the “World’s Funniest Man”. He made his first mark as a member of the legendary Monty Python Troupe in the 1960’S and has gone on to write, produce, direct and star in some of the greatest comedic hits of the last 50 years-even receiving an Oscar nomination for the best screenplay for A Fish Called Wanda.

If you’re in the mood for a good laugh (and who isn’t these days) -this is the show for you.

Tickets for the 12 City Canadian wide tour are on sale now by visiting www.uniquelives.com.

Tour Dates:

Toronto:

Kitchener:

Halifax:

St. John’s:

St. Catharines:

London:

Edmonton:

Calgary:

Saskatoon:

Regina:

Vancouver:

Victoria:
 

April 26 – Roy Thomson Hall

April 27-  Centre in the Square

April 29 – Rebecca Cohn Auditorium

May 1 – Mary Brown Centre *On sale January 1

May 3 – First Ontario Performing Arts Centre

May 4 – Budweiser Gardens

May 9 – Winspear Center

May 10 –Jack Singer Concert Hall

May 11 – TCU Place Place

May 13 – Conexus Arts Capital Auto Theatre

May 17 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre

May 18 –  The Royal Theatre

Sunshine Coast, BC’s Ron Kalmakoff Pays Ode & Urgency to the Planet in “Mother Nature”

Eric Alper
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Sunshine Coast, BC’s Ron Kalmakoff Pays Ode & Urgency to the Planet in “Mother Nature”

Whether you believe it or not, climate change is real, global warming is real, and our planet is in crisis. Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Kalmakoff addresses the urgent need for action in the face of this emergency with the release of his new single and video, “Mother Nature” — available now.

Landing ahead of his forthcoming album, Nature — arriving November 15th — the song features soaring instrumentation and a bold tapestry of male and female vocal harmonies, complete with the sound of late-‘60s light-rock ballads and conjuring a slowed-down 5th Dimension’s “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In.”

With lyrics like ‘You’re not the only one/In this place, in this space/It’s not your universe,’ the message of “Mother Nature” is not one of the dawning of a bright new future — but rather an admonishment to those who don’t care, as well as a kind of prayer to Mother Earth for help, and possibly forgiveness.

Mother, Mother, Mother Nature
Mother, Mother, Mother Nature
We need you more, than we ever did before
We need you more

When writing the song, Kalmakoff shares he felt the weight of responsibility to future generations. “Global warming, climate change, pollution, fires, floods, the need for clean water, creatures big and small disappearing from our planet: how to wrap some of these overwhelming issues in just a few words and only minutes of music?” he says. “As do many others, I feel the urgency — and I now worry for generations to come.”

Though the theme of nature and the planet is lush in this song, the new album Nature is a collage of Kalmakoff’s life experiences, from his childhood in Saskatchewan to now, living on the West Coast of Canada. It’s about the people he has known along the way, the artists he’s admired, and the beauty of Canada — all woven through the songs and the music.

The forthcoming release opens with one of his new original pieces, “Fly With The Wind” — written about his younger self, and the struggle to leave home and family on the prairies to start a new and unknown life in British Columbia. One of his favorite lines in the song is, ‘Like a prairie seed, you felt the need, to fly with the wind,’ he shares.

Included in the selection of twelve songs are five covers written by other Canadian singer/songwriters – Leonard Cohen, Loreena McKennitt, Jim Cuddy, Jimmy Rankin and Michelle Creber. “These are a few of the many Canadian artists I have admired for not only their voices, but their writing styles as well,” Kalmakoff shares. “It was so hard to choose whose work to cover, but I wanted to pick songs where I felt I could add a different artistic layer to, as if to paint the words my own way.”

“As A Child,” which closes the album, is a ballad Kalmakoff wrote about his childhood — the wondrous beauty of childlike imagination, and how nature can spark that. “Through the elements of my surroundings — the prairie skies, the stars, to the northern lights,” he reveals, “I remember my imagination as a child would run wild with ideas.”

Hear them, and more on his forthcoming release, Nature — out November 15th.

In the meantime, pay homage to the planet alongside Kalmakoff in “Mother Nature” — available now.

Michelle Rasky Debuts Genre-Bending Breakout in Groovy “Dancing on My Own”

Eric Alper
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Michelle Rasky Debuts Genre-Bending Breakout in Groovy “Dancing on My Own”

With expertly tracked instrumentals fusing with precisely programmed synthesizers to meet in the dark, award-winning Canadian artist Michelle Rasky’s new single creates a substantial electro dance-pop single in “Dancing on My Own” — available now.

The Folk Music Ontario Songwriter of the Year award-winner’s newest genre-bending release explores how Rasky finds solace in her musical compositions the same way she’s found solace in dancing — especially throughout the recent string of unforeseen worldly events.

“One of the things that’s helped me feel positive and grounded over the past year has been throwing on music, and just dancing by myself,” the Ontario-based multi-talented artist shares. “Losing ourselves in song and movement can be so uplifting… It’s this beautiful form of self-expression and a way to be present –– to enjoy the feeling of being alive and connected.

“I really wanted to bring that kind of energy into this song.”

Listening to “Dancing on My Own” encapsulates that very feeling in a genuinely profound way reflective of her dazzling skills as a singer/songwriter.

With an array of talent at her disposal — from multi-instrumental abilities to her production experience — Michelle Rasky has been on a lifelong journey with music; “I grew up in a musical household and started playing piano when I was three years old,” Rasky recalls. “I was always passionate about a wide variety of music, and I think my love and respect for so many different artists continue to shape my approach to writing and producing.”

Along the way, the Toronto-born artist has found a knack for blending genres to create her unique organic-hybrid-pop sound that fans have come to know and love.

While her earlier works are inspired by Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, and other artists of the like, she reveals she has been on a journey recently…

While Rasky has long been developing her sound since first stepping onto the scene, her newest venture into the electro-pop dance scene feels fine-tuned and proficient. Focused on expanding her musical exploration, the dynamic artist has gravitated towards incorporating ambient textures, synthesizers, and programmed beats, ultimately finding a way to merge her deep love of electronic music into her expansive scope of work.

Rasky recorded “Dancing on My Own” in her home, giving the unique production another level of heart and soul. Handling vocals, instrumentation, and production, this adept guitar, and piano performer put together a profound electronic-leaning single for the masses to dance to.

Emanating a feeling of tenured practice, Rasky aimed for this release to speak to the joy and connection humans are able to find through dance.

“Basically, I wanted to make something that made me feel like dancing and hopefully would inspire others to dance too!”

Whether they decide to loop in a partner or stay true to the track’s title is up to them; it’s fair to say, t either way, the good times are there for all to enjoy.

“Dancing on My Own” is available now.

Indie-Pop Artist JP Maurice Prevails With Impossible Optimism In “Unstoppable”

Eric Alper
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0
Indie-Pop Artist JP Maurice Prevails With Impossible Optimism In “Unstoppable”

After years of an uphill battle with today’s music industry and its perception of pop music, Canadian artist JP Maurice is finally behind the wheel of this indie-pop train, and there is no stopping it; especially not after JP Maurice’s newest single, “Unstoppable” — available now.

In a world of cookie cutter copy-paste formulas, JP Maurice breaks that mold with his riveting and fluid compositions that redefine bubblegum-pop: “Unstoppable” features poppy synths, emotional background cello, and, most importantly, catchy and captivating lyrics. JP Maurice paints a picture that is unmistakably deeply rooted in personal trials and tribulations that hide behind the mask of pop lyricism.

“Big change is coming” was what JP Maurice promised when he broke free and embarked on a self-directed path. Defining himself as an independent pop musician meant he was behind the wheel of his own destiny — as well as his creative entity. Listening to JP Maurice’s previous album, Boys, as well as his newest single, “Unstoppable”, makes this painfully obvious.

Following the release of his 2018 album Boys, the Vancouver-based multi-talented artist found himself immersed in his current album, Pressure Makes Diamonds — available now. Working alongside music industry veteran Ted Gowans, the newly minted 10-track LP is one of JP Maurice’s most personal endeavors to date.

“Its sounds like a premonition, but no one could have imagined what was coming in the year 2020…” he reflects. “But through it all, I have forged ahead with an album that is impossibly optimistic.”

With the situation we all face globally, shifting from day to day, it’s the rosy and bright moments that “Unstoppable” and JP Maurice provide that push people through their day to day. This impossible optimism is what has pushed so many through hardship, and it doesn’t seem like it will stop anytime soon, especially not for JP Maurice.

“Unstoppable” and Pressure Make Diamonds are available now.

JUNO-Nominated Girl Pow-R Soar with Supercharged Remix of “This Is Us”

Eric Alper
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0
JUNO-Nominated Girl Pow-R Soar with Supercharged Remix of “This Is Us”

Volumes up and dance floors cleared: JUNO Award-nominated and chart-topping Markham/Richmond Hill/Hamilton, ON’s all-girl starlets Girl Pow-R soar with supercharged new remix of their hit single, “This Is Us” — available now.

The pop vets pumping out of your speakers are none other than a vibrant group of talented teens boasting a variety of ages, a diverse host of backgrounds, and storied life experiences — and therein lies their strength. These multi-talented dynamos ranging in age from 11 to 17 are a freight train of feel good, do good, be good vibes, setting a precedent for the fans who look up to them in every way.

Now their smash album This Is Us is back with a fresh take, and an even fresher electronica sound! This Is Us (Remix & Remix Instrumentals) features six songs — including its titular track, “This Is Us,” plus fan-favourites like “Never Let Go,” “Fun All Day,” and more — all reimagined into an exciting new pop production and instrumental versions.

“We love the energy the songs provide to us and our fans, and how these songs give everyone a way to get up and celebrate life!” Girl Pow-R says. “We also enjoyed mixing things up a bit by creating new vocal recordings with new solo opportunities and small groups within Girl Pow-R, such as GPR, The Squad, and The Club — each focusing on two songs in the Remix album.

“The universal things that join us together are dynamic skill sets, and a shared mission of empowerment for young women in the world today,” the group — featuring Carina Bianchini (Markham), Cindy Kofman (Richmond Hill), Emma Bown (Hamilton), and Aashika Reddy (Markham) — adds.

Lyrics like “passionate for some change,” “take our message, shout it out,” and “we won’t be pushed around, we are strong, we are proud” underscore how this all-girl supergroup continues to make their core mission banding together, and inspiring others around them with songs that carry optimistic, positive, upbeat, and inspiring messages of self-confidence and conviction.

Not simply vocalists, Girl Pow-R are a trifecta of talent including performing as a band with instruments, and dancing. Their ability to relate to their audience through both their songs, and their visuals gives way to legions of fans who eagerly linger on every word.

And it isn’t simply their listeners who are looking up and taking notice; Girl Pow-R are recognized for their work in their home country and around the world. In 2020, Girl Pow-R has had a number of headliner performances at a variety of important festivals, and they have been turning up on Canadian outlets including Breakfast Television, eTalk Canada, CP24, Sirius XM, and in Tiger Beat, as well as a host of other high-profile media platforms.

Most recently, the group scored a major victory in claiming a nod at the coveted JUNO Awards in 2020 for Children’s Album of the Year. This Is Us debuted at #2 on iTunes Canada streaming charts, only mere spins behind the cultural phenomenon of Baby Shark. This recognition renders Girl Pow-R the youngest outfit to receive a nomination for their debut album.

And, in the last month, the group has had a phenomenal response in the US radio market, rising to #49 on the Mediabase Top 40 radio chart, just above Alessia Cara’s song “Sweet Dream” which ranked at #53 in the same week.

As Girl Pow-R continues their journey, they continue to change, reinvent themselves and reimagine their place in the music world. Their songs reflect their dedication to evolution in their sound, while remaining pure in their mission to raise up others and spread positivity — all directly reflected in their album This Is Us, and its Remix & Remix Instrumentals release.

“To help inspire some positive vibes after this difficult time of the pandemic, we decided to create some remixes of our songs that are dance tunes, with strong influences from trap and high hats,” they say. “We’re excited to share this new album of both the six remix original songs, and the six instrumental versions of the remix songs!”

“This Is Us (Melshi Remix)” and This Is Us (Remix & Remix Instrumentals) are another exciting chapter in the lives and careers of Girl Pow-R, as they seek to solidify their place in Canada’s ever-growing culture of popular music that is written, produced, and performed by talented musicians who aren’t afraid to take chances, look forward, and give the world something to both believe in and dance to.

“This Is Us (Melshi Remix)” and This Is Us (Remix & Remix Instrumentals) are available now!

Dave Grohl and Greg Kurstin Celebrate Night 2 Of Hanukkah With The Ramones’ “Blitzkreig Bop”

Eric Alper
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0
Dave Grohl and Greg Kurstin Celebrate Night 2 Of Hanukkah With The Ramones’ “Blitzkreig Bop”

Dave Grohl and Greg Kurstin have revived their now-looking-like annual Hanukkah Sessions project, covering songs by Jewish artists. Once upon a time, two nice Jewish boys from Queens named Jeffery Hyman and Thomas Erdelyi changed the world forever with their music….. as Joey and Tommy Ramone!

Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson Sing-Off in “That’s My Jam”

Eric Alper
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0
Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson Sing-Off in “That’s My Jam”

Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson go mic-to-mic in a Mixtape Medley showdown singing their rendition of popular songs from iconic pop divas.

Hosted by Jimmy Fallon, “That’s My Jam” is an hourlong music and comedy variety game show that draws inspiration from the most popular “Tonight Show” games. Each episode features two teams of two celebrities competing for a charity of their choice in a series of music, dance, and trivia-based games and musical performances. Signature games to be played include Launch the Mic, Air Guitar, Don’t Drop the Beat, Perfect Mash-Up, Wheel of Impossible Karaoke, Slay It, Don’t Spray It and many more.

Stephen Sondheim teaches ‘Send In The Clowns’

Eric Alper
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Stephen Sondheim teaches ‘Send In The Clowns’

Stephen Sondheim teaches a student from the Guildhall School of Music, London a fragment of ‘Send in the Clowns.’

Rocky Mountains, AB Folk-Roots & Appalachian-Country Swing Band OVER THE MOON Release “Lonesome Bluebird”

Eric Alper
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Rocky Mountains, AB Folk-Roots & Appalachian-Country Swing Band OVER THE MOON Release “Lonesome Bluebird”

Straight from their ranch nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Alberta folk-roots and swing duo Over The Moon deliver their signature stone-ground sound in the form of new single, “Lonesome Bluebird”— available now via Borealis Records.

“This song is basically about a beautiful young woman who is letting the fear of failure or the impression she might be making cause her to miss out on so many of life’s real experiences,” co-front Craig Bignell explains. “She makes up for it by only focusing on her outer beauty and possessions.

“We’ve always loved the movie ‘Cat Ballou’ and the way Nat King Cole and Stubby Kaye are always in the shot somewhere, singing songs about the scene,” he continues, with a nod to the duo’s counterpart, Suzanne Levesque. “We thought this would be a great concept for the ‘Lonesome Bluebird’ video.”

As musicians that spent their previous careers recording and performing ‘live’ with other artists, the multi-instrumentalists and singer/songwriters endeavoured on their own pairing — in more ways than one… Somewhere between the milestones of having met and married, the duo discovered that, not only do they collectively draw inspiration from their surroundings, but their voices also blend together beautifully.

Creating music that reflects the pulse of life lived in a territory that is both dirt-hard rugged and breathtakingly stunning, their music is a wild ride from Appalachian old-timey 1940s-esque western swing to contemporary cowboy blues — all woven together with a common thread that speaks of the Canadian west. And as a follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut LP, Moondancer, in 2017, nowhere is this more apparent than through the soundscape that is this year’s 10-song sophomore album, Chinook Waltz.

“Our concept for Chinook Waltz was to try and convey a feeling that one gets living in the foothills of Southwestern Alberta’s ranching community,” Bignell offers, citing the pair’s home base of Longview. “It’s beyond beautiful, but also rugged and unforgiving; people help each other here, and a neighbour is just as important as family.

“Like John Denver’s song ‘Country Roads’ says: ‘Life is old there.’

“We produce and record our music at home, which was a huge learning curve for us, but we feel that we’re able to get the songs and sounds we wanted that way. Words that come to mind to describe it are ‘organic’ or a ‘stone ground sound’…

“There are no studio tricks because we don’t know any,” he adds, with a wink.

“Lonesome Bluebird” and Chinook Waltz are available now.

Waterloo, ON’s JP Sunga Delivers Powerful Testimony In Newest Alternative Soul “Dirty Water”

Eric Alper
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0
Waterloo, ON’s JP Sunga Delivers Powerful Testimony In Newest Alternative Soul “Dirty Water”

Diving into the theme of self-redemption and rediscovery, multi-award nominated Canadian singer/songwriter JP Sunga inspires listeners across the board to find inner strength with his profound new single, “Dirty Water” — available now.

“Many of us tend to collect, carry, and keep baggage as we journey through our lives from negative experiences we’ve endured,” JP Sunga shares, “and it can really start to wear us down mentally, emotionally and even physically…

“‘Dirty Water’ is about self-renewal; allowing oneself the courage to accept, and the strength to heal and progress from the hurt, burdens, and regrets of their past.”

In a full-circle moment, embracing the journey towards his own self-renewal is how “Dirty Water” came to be.

While JP Sunga’s career was put on a brief hold in pursuit of creating a loving family, Sunga long-felt the call of music. Launching his music career in the early 2000’s, his respective passions for his family and his craft culminated in the decision to record a legacy project for his children.

In wanting to give his children something they could remember him by forever and, after a long internal journey to prove to himself that, no matter your age or stage in life, you can and should continue to pursue anything you feel called to do, JP Sunga got to work on his upcoming album.

From there “Dirty Water” was conceptualized; featuring an interwoven message of courage and self-renewal, JP Sunga sought to deliver strength to his listeners: “strength to heal and progress from the hurt, burdens, and regrets of their past.”

“Dirty Water” features an eruption of texture and harmonies that pair perfectly with the explosion of joyful voices that are featured in the background. With the help of US-based gospel vocal group, STEMS Music, alternative soul singer-songwriter JP Sunga is able to deliver a mini-pop-opera that is as riveting as it is thunderous.

Pair “Dirty Water” with a music video that expertly outlines the internal struggle of moving forward, and you are graced with a truly remarkable experience. Beyond his innate ability for performance, the Toronto-born, Waterloo-based artist has found success in the scene accompanied by critical acclaim for visual storytelling; the music videos that pair with most of Sunga’s releases have landed this emerging artist several Canadian Independent Music Video Award nominations.

“Dirty Water” is available now.

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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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