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Southern Rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck Blaze Through With New Single “Back To The Beginning Again”

Eric Alper
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Southern Rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck Blaze Through With New Single “Back To The Beginning Again”

Robert Jon & The Wreck are firing on all cylinders with their brand-new single “Back To The Beginning Again,” recorded at the legendary Sunset Sound in Los Angeles. The self-produced track finds the band digging deep into their Southern California roots, blending blues grit with 90s-inspired texture and raw emotional power.

Built on a swampy, slow-burning groove and layered guitars, “Back To The Beginning Again” captures the push and pull between the thrill of the stage and the grind behind the scenes. “The song reflects on deeper feelings of disillusionment and depression that happen while on tour and working in the music industry as a whole,” says guitarist Henry James.

Keyboardist Jake Abernathie brings the heat with a howling Hammond organ solo that cuts straight through the soul of the song. Meanwhile, the band’s signature harmonies and unshakable swagger ground the performance, giving it both bite and beauty.

“As we get more invested in the business, politics, and hustle of this life, it can become difficult to feel connected to the initial pureness and excitement of playing music that made us fall in love with it as children and teenagers,” adds James. That longing fuels the song’s emotional center – a yearning to rediscover the spark that first made music feel magical.

“Back To The Beginning Again” follows the band’s acclaimed album Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes, released on Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records. It’s a reminder that even in the grind, Robert Jon & The Wreck are still chasing that first spark – and lighting it brighter than ever.

Dark Star Jubilee Brings Three Days of Jam, Joy, and Community to Legend Valley

Eric Alper
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Dark Star Jubilee Brings Three Days of Jam, Joy, and Community to Legend Valley

The Dark Star Jubilee returns to Legend Valley May 22–24, 2026, igniting the 2026 All Good Trifesta Season with a weekend of pure musical magic. For its 13th year, the beloved Memorial Day tradition celebrates family, community, and the unbreakable bond between bands and fans. Anchored by three nights of two-set performances from Dark Star Orchestra, the Jubilee continues to be one of the Midwest’s most cherished festivals.

This year’s lineup shines with first-time and returning favorites. Little Feat make their long-awaited Jubilee debut, bringing their legendary mix of rock, funk, and jam to Legend Valley for the first time. Peter Rowan joins the Sam Grisman Project for a special tribute to Old & In The Way, uniting two generations of bluegrass brilliance in one unforgettable collaboration. Reggae icons The Wailers return for their fifth appearance, while Kitchen Dwellers and Dogs In A Pile bring high-energy jams back for round two.

Melvin Seals & JGB mark their eighth Jubilee performance, while local heroes Rumpke Mountain Boys notch their ninth, more than any other act aside from DSO. Rounding out the lineup are Magnolia Boulevard, Jennifer Hartswick Band, and Donna The Buffalo, each returning with their own soulful energy. Additional artists and surprise collaborations will be announced soon.

“Dark Star Jubilee is where it all begins – the heartbeat of the Trifesta,” said Tim Walther, founder of All Good Presents. “It’s more than a festival. It’s a reunion – a space for the family to gather before we head to Merriweather and then to Snowshoe Mountain Resort.”

From morning yoga to late-night jams, Dark Star Jubilee is more than a music festival – it’s a way of life. Fans can expect local craft vendors, workshops, art installations, The Amazing Giants, and nonstop good vibes. With no overlapping sets, every note flows in harmony, keeping the crowd connected and the music alive all weekend long.

Tickets & Info
Early Bird 3-Day GA and VIP tickets, along with RV and car camping passes, go on sale Friday, November 7 at 10 AM ET at darkstarjubilee.com.

Fallsview Casino Turns Up the Fun with Billy F Gibbons, Le Grand Cirque, Better Than Ezra, Tonic, and The Price Is Right Live

Eric Alper
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Fallsview Casino Turns Up the Fun with Billy F Gibbons, Le Grand Cirque, Better Than Ezra, Tonic, and The Price Is Right Live

From signature rock artists to pinch-me moments and jaw-dropping acrobatics, Fallsview Casino continues to add to its stellar entertainment line-up. Starting with none other than the incomparable Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top and the BFG Band who plug in on February 4.  Next, from March 18–22,  Le Grand Cirque Presents MAXIMUM VELOCITY mesmerizing fans with their spectacular stunts. On March 28 Better Than Ezra and Tonic keep the party going and rock the stage with their 90s alternative rock. COME ON DOWN!  from April 16–19, as THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE™ returns with classic games and more. Tickets go on sale for all performances on Friday, November 7 at 10:00 am through ticketmaster.ca.

“The excitement continues to build with the dynamic and wide range of entertainment options,” says Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing & Resort Operations, Niagara Casinos. “If it’s your first time or you are a returning guest – there is no better time to visit. Fallsview Casino Resort offers the best in entertainment, dining and more.”

On February 4, Billy F Gibbons best known as the centerpiece of ZZ Top along with his signature beard and the BFG Band will be performing at the Avalon Theatre.  Widely regarded as one of the world’s finest guitarists working in the blues-rock idiom, the down ‘n dirty growl is unmistakable and heard on hits such as “La Grange,” “Sharped Dressed Man” and “Cheap Sunglasses”.  Gibbons however is also a recognized collector of guitars and cars, noted in best-selling book, Rock + Roll Gearhead. Solo album releases include Perfectamundo, The Big Bad Blues and Hardware – what Gibbons describes as Tone, Taste and Tenacity.

Catch Le Grand Cirque Presents MAXIMUM VELOCITY live from March 18–22, a breathtaking explosion of energy, artistry, and daredevil brilliance! From jaw-dropping aerial feats to heart-stopping acrobatics, this is live entertainment at its absolute peak. Featuring an extraordinary cast of world-class performers from across the globe, each act pushes the limits of human strength, grace, and imagination. It’s fast-paced, high-energy, and packed with moments that defy gravity — and belief. This show has been popular worldwide— it’s an experience you’ll never forget!

We are also thrilled to welcome Better Than Ezra on March 28 at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino, known for their hit “Good”, and covered by Taylor Swift for “Breathless”, this New Orleans quartet are an enduring force in rock music.  They occupy rarified air with spots on Billboard’s “100 Greatest Alternative Songs of All Time” and “100 Greatest Alternative Artists of All Time.” A force of nature on stage, the group consistently deliver on tour as countless fans sing along to every word nightly. Other hits include “Desperately Wanting”, “In the Blood,” “Juicy” and many More.

Joining Better than Ezra is Tonic, known for the close brotherhood shared among members Emerson Hart [vocals, guitar], Jeff Russo [lead guitar], and Dan Lavery [bass]. Since 1996, the GRAMMY® Award-nominated multiplatinum trio has consistently delivered anthemic and undeniable rock fashioned from eloquent songcraft, lyrical honesty, and unshakable melodies. They released their platinum full-length debut, Lemon Parade, followed by the single, “You Wanted More,” which served as the lead-off from the platinum Original Soundtrack Album for American Pie and Tonic’s second full-length, Sugar. Other hits include “If You Could Only See,” “Open Up Your Eyes” and many more.

From April 16-19, THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE™ arrives at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino with a brand-new, high-energy live stage show as fans can see the legendary sets they grew up watching—The Big Wheel™, Plinko™, Cliffhangers™, and the fabulous Showcase. Randomly selected contestants will have the chance to win appliances, dream vacations, electronics, even a brand-new car, while lucky audience members can score prizes without ever leaving their seat. If you’ve ever shouted prices at your TV, dreamed of spinning the Big Wheel, or imagined yourself in the Showcase Showdown—this is your moment.

Show dates & performances
Billy F Gibbons and the BFG Band

Date: Wednesday February 4, 2026

Showtime: 8:30pm

Venue: Avalon Theatre

Le Grand Cirque Presents MAXIMUM VELOCITY
Date: March 18-22, 2026
Showtimes: March 18: 3:00pm; March 19: 3:00pm & 8:30pm; March 20: 9:00pm; March 21: 3:00pm & 9:00pm; March 22: 3:00pm & 7:00pm
Venue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

Better Than Ezra & Tonic
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Showtime: 8:00pm
Venue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

The Price is Right Live!™
Dates: April 16-19, 2026

Showtimes: April 16: 8:30pm; April 17: 9:00pm; April 18: 9:00pm; April 19: 3:00pm

Venue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

Tickets for all performances go on sale Friday, November 7 at 10:00am.

Texas Blues Guitar Hero Billy F Gibbons Hits the Road Again with Chris Layton and Mike Flanigin

Eric Alper
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Texas Blues Guitar Hero Billy F Gibbons Hits the Road Again with Chris Layton and Mike Flanigin

Billy F Gibbons is ready to light up 2026 with a six-week run of pure Texas blues fire. The ZZ Top frontman is back with the BFG Band, featuring Chris “Whipper” Layton on drums and Mike “The Drifter” Flanigin on Hammond organ. This powerhouse trio kicks things off January 20 in Napa, California, and will hit 28 cities before wrapping February 28 in Atlanta. Each night promises Gibbons’ signature blend of grit, groove, and good times.

The tour makes a special stop January 31 at the legendary Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa — the same stage where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper played their final show. “I’m joined with Whipper and The Drifter, in our collective Texas collective blues tradition,” Gibbons said. “We predict good times as we always say, ‘Ya can’t lose with the blues.’”

Gibbons’ solo legacy keeps expanding. After dropping Perfectamundo, The Big Bad Blues, and Hardware, he’s been hard at work on a fourth album for Concord Records. A new single, “Brown Paper Bag,” is expected to roll out with the tour’s kickoff, while “Livin’ It Up Down In Texas” continues to heat up the Landman soundtrack.

Layton’s thunderous drumming and Flanigin’s soul-fired keys bring deep Austin roots to this lineup. Both have long histories with Gibbons through The Jungle Show and countless live sessions that honor the blues while keeping it fresh and fearless. Their chemistry promises a setlist that bends from Texas twang to surf grit and beyond.

Fans can expect raw energy, fuzzy riffs, and maybe a surprise or two — because when Billy F Gibbons rolls through town, the blues ain’t just alive, it’s kicking harder than ever.

Billy F Gibbons and the BFG Band Tour ’26

January
20 – Napa, CA – Uptown Theatre
21 – Monterey, CA – Golden State Theatre
23 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern
24 – Santa Barbara, CA – Lobero Theatre
25 – Anaheim, CA – Grove of Anaheim
28 – Santa Fe, NM – Lensic Performing Arts Center
29 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre
31 – Clear Lake, IA – Surf Ballroom

February
01 – St. Charles, IL – The Arcada Theatre
03 – Columbus, OH – Southern Theatre
04 – Niagara Falls, ON – Fallsview Casino Resort
06 – Wilmington, DE – Grand Opera House
07 – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
10 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall
11 – Plymouth, MA – Plymouth Memorial Hall
13 – Rutland, VT – Paramount Theatre
14 – Patchogue, NY – Patchouge Theatre
16 – New York, NY – City Winery New York
17 – New York, NY – City Winery New York
19 – Wilkes Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
20 – Mashantucket, CT – Foxwoods Resort Casino
21 – Tarrytown, NY – Tarrytown Music Hall
23 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
24 – Frederick, MD – Weinberg Center for the Arts
26 – Rocky Mount, VA – Harvester Performance Center
27 – Bristol, TN – Paramount Bristol
28 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse

10 Essential Albums for Soul and R&B Storytelling

Eric Alper
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10 Essential Albums for Soul and R&B Storytelling

When soul and R&B collide with storytelling, you get more than rhythm and groove. You get life lessons, confessions, and melodies that stay in your bloodstream. These 10 albums are musical novels written in heartbeats, arranged in alphabetical order.

‘Back to Black’ – Amy Winehouse
Amy turned heartbreak into poetry and soul into truth. Every horn and lyric bleeds with the brilliance of a London jazz club caught under a broken light.

‘Channel Orange’ – Frank Ocean
Frank redefined love, identity, and longing with cinematic detail. Each track feels like a memory caught between sunlight and static.

‘Confessions’ – Usher
Usher’s storytelling lives in the details, the whispered regrets, and the late-night calls. It’s pure R&B drama, told with smooth precision and emotional honesty.

‘Innervisions’ – Stevie Wonder
Every song is a reflection, a dream, a call for change. Stevie’s stories glow with spiritual power and human connection that move like sunlight through sound.

‘Lemonade’ – Beyoncé
Beyoncé crafted an album of resilience and self-discovery. Each track paints the evolution of love, forgiveness, and empowerment with breathtaking clarity.

‘Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ – Lauryn Hill
Lauryn made an entire generation look inward. Her songs teach lessons on love, faith, and self-worth wrapped in warm, timeless soul.

‘Songs in the Key of Life’ – Stevie Wonder
A masterpiece of storytelling across joy, loss, and celebration. Stevie weaves worlds with rhythm and wisdom that still feel alive decades later.

‘Superfly’ – Curtis Mayfield
Curtis turned street stories into spiritual statements. The grooves glide with grace while the lyrics reveal compassion and community.

‘What’s Going On’ – Marvin Gaye
Marvin asked the world’s biggest questions with tenderness and groove. His voice carries a timeless message of hope and understanding.

‘Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1’ – Jill Scott
Jill’s debut feels like a conversation with an old friend. Her words bloom with warmth, wit, and love that invite every listener to lean closer.

How Market Research Shapes the Music Industry (And, Honestly, Makes It More Interesting)

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Numbers and rockstars… Sounds like an odd couple, right? But here’s the truth: the music business is as much about spreadsheets as it is about riffs and catchy choruses. If you think market research is just for soulless corporations, buckle up. It’s everywhere in music. And honestly, when it’s done right, it makes things better for fans and artists alike.

Why Market Research Gets the Encore

You ever notice that new artists sometimes seem to pop out of nowhere? Suddenly everyone’s talking about them, they’re in every playlist, and you’re wondering if you missed a memo. That’s market research doing its thing. Labels and managers don’t just throw songs into the world and hope they stick—they check what people like (and don’t like) before spending big on pitches, tours, or TikTok campaigns.

Not convinced? There’s this classic example of how Billie Eilish had a massive online following before her album even dropped. Someone, somewhere was clearly paying attention to the numbers and the chatter. The data practically shouted, “Yep, people want more of this.” So her team gave us more.

The Playlist Revolution (And Other Ways Market Research Sneaks In)

Playlists used to be about burning mixtapes for friends. Now they rule everything. The curators at Spotify and Apple Music? They’re deep into market research—monitoring skips, replays, where listeners bail out, and what random tune goes viral because of a meme. The next time you notice your Discover Weekly playlist absolutely nailing your mood, you’re seeing clever research in action.

It gets wild when you realize they’re not just looking at what you play, but how you play it. Do you listen at the gym? In the car? Skip after 18 seconds? I once had a friend who worked for a streaming platform, and he swore the data could predict breakout hits weeks in advance, just by seeing where new songs were sneaking onto background playlists.

Artists in the Know

Sure, major labels pour cash into research, but indie artists do their homework too. Maybe not with whole analytics teams, but even just chatting to fans on Instagram or checking Bandcamp stats gives them a sense for what clicks. If you’re an artist, even simple surveys or peeking at where merch sells best can influence your whole strategy.

And these days, using AI for market research is a total game changer. Suddenly, you don’t need a fortune to predict trends—tools can sift through thousands of Tweets, streams, and sales numbers in minutes.

The Human Touch Never Goes Out of Style

Now, all this data is cool—okay, sometimes a little creepy—but it can’t replace instinct and heart. Sometimes a song just feels right, and the numbers catch up later. Look at the surprise hits every year that nobody can really explain. Even the best tools miss the occasional unicorn.

At the end of the day, market research isn’t making music any less magical. If anything, it’s helping artists and fans find each other faster. And when that happens? That’s when you catch yourself singing along in the car, just a little too loud.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

MaveriX Return With Bold New Single ‘I Hate You All’ Ahead of 2026 EP

Eric Alper
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MaveriX Return With Bold New Single ‘I Hate You All’ Ahead of 2026 EP

Blending melodic punk rock and country grit, South Milan trio MaveriX have been dubbed “the European Social Distortion” for their fierce, genre-bending sound. Formed by Nicc, Drago, and Teo, the band has made an undeniable mark in just two years, bringing high-voltage energy to audiences across Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, and beyond.

Their debut album ‘COWPUNK!’ under Rocketman Records earned glowing reviews from fanzines and critics alike, solidifying MaveriX’s reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting new punk acts. Having shared the stage with Italian legends Punkreas, the band continues to build momentum through relentless touring and raw, spirited performances.

Now, MaveriX unleash their latest single ‘I Hate You All’ — a fiery anthem against conformity and societal facades. Fueled by spaghetti western riffs and a shout-along chorus, the track captures the defiant spirit at the heart of the band’s sound. ‘I Hate You All’ marks the beginning of a string of new releases leading up to their 2026 EP, promising even more of the band’s signature mix of attitude and authenticity.

Foo Fighters Announce Surprise Bakersfield Show at The Nile Theater

Eric Alper
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Foo Fighters Announce Surprise Bakersfield Show at The Nile Theater

The Foo Fighters continue their string of surprise pop-up concerts with their first-ever Bakersfield performance, taking the stage at The Nile Theater on Monday, November 3rd. The band promises a show “unlike anything you have ever seen before,” marking another thrilling chapter in their series of spontaneous, fan-first gigs. Tickets are $30 and available only in person at The Fox Theater starting at noon PT today, with pickup and entry restrictions ensuring an intimate experience for attendees.

Ahead of the announcement, the group teased fans with a photo of guitarist Pat Smear holding Buck Owens’ iconic red, white, and blue guitar, captioned, “I came here looking for something I couldn’t find anywhere else.” The post sent fans into overdrive, as Bakersfield joins a growing list of secret Foo Fighters stops including Fremont Theater, The Observatory, and The Black Cat. The band also recently dropped a six-track live EP, Are Playing Where??? Vol. 1, on Bandcamp, with proceeds supporting local food charities in cities where they’ve performed.

Following these intimate club shows, Foo Fighters are gearing up for their first major stadium tour since the Everything or Nothing at All run. Launching August 4, 2026, at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, the 12-date trek will wrap up on September 26 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The group also shared a new single, “Asking for a Friend,” a haunting, high-energy follow-up to their hit “Today’s Song.”

Dan Thomas Releases New Folk Rock Single ‘Is It Enough Yet’

Eric Alper
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Dan Thomas Releases New Folk Rock Single ‘Is It Enough Yet’

Folk singer-songwriter Dan Thomas brings a raw new perspective to his craft with the release of his latest single, ‘Is It Enough Yet.’ Known for blending the grit of punk and rock with the storytelling spirit of folk and country, Thomas delivers a track that captures the struggle and emotion of modern artistry. His background in hard rock and heavy metal fuels his dynamic performances, where big choruses and heartfelt lyrics unite both coffee shop crowds and head-banging rock fans.

Written during a period of reflection, ‘Is It Enough Yet’ examines the pressures of creativity in the digital age. Thomas explores the endless cycle of comparison fueled by social media and the nagging feeling that success might never feel complete. “As an artist writing and performing original music, it often feels like an uphill struggle,” he says. “On social media, it looks like everyone else is achieving more, moving faster, reaching higher. But I know they’re looking at me and thinking the same thing.”

With its emotional core and anthemic energy, ‘Is It Enough Yet’ stands as a reminder that self-doubt is universal — and that authenticity remains the truest measure of artistic success. Thomas continues to carve out a unique space where folk sincerity meets rock passion, proving that vulnerability and volume can coexist.

Trevor Jackson Releases ‘Goodbye’ EP, the Second Chapter of His ‘I Love You, Goodbye’ Series

Eric Alper
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Trevor Jackson Releases ‘Goodbye’ EP, the Second Chapter of His ‘I Love You, Goodbye’ Series

Following last month’s ‘I Love You’ EP, Trevor Jackson returns with ‘Goodbye,’ the second chapter in his ‘I Love You, Goodbye’ series, available now via UnitedMasters. The multi-talented artist, actor, and creative force continues his exploration of love and loss through five introspective tracks that bridge heartbreak and healing, setting the stage for his forthcoming full-length album ‘I Love You, Goodbye (The Greatest Breakup Album of All Time)’ arriving in November.

Led by the reflective single “Man of Steel,” the EP blends soulful R&B, pop, and alternative textures. Tracks like “This Doesn’t End Like The Movies,” “Kept It,” and “Bleed Next to a Shark” dive deep into vulnerability and self-discovery, showcasing Jackson’s cinematic approach to songwriting. “Goodbye is about release, that moment when you finally accept that love changes, but it doesn’t have to disappear,” Jackson shares.

Produced by Trevor Jackson and Brunes Charles, ‘Goodbye’ continues the emotional arc of the ‘I Love You, Goodbye’ series. With over 100 million global streams and a creative career spanning music, film, and television, Jackson proves once again that his artistry thrives at the intersection of honesty, emotion, and evolution.

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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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