Page 192 – That Eric Alper

Patty Griffin Expands 2026 Tour With Taj Mahal And Rickie Lee Jones

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 21, 2026

Patty Griffin Expands 2026 Tour With Taj Mahal And Rickie Lee Jones

Patty Griffin brings her 2026 live run into focus with headline dates and special double bills alongside Taj Mahal and Rickie Lee Jones. The shows stretch across the Southwest, West Coast, and Pacific Northwest, carrying one of Americana’s most revered voices into some of the country’s most storied rooms. This is a songwriter’s tour built on depth, history, and songs that hold a room still.

The run continues a strong season of appearances, including Cayamo: A Journey Through Song and summer performances with Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit. Griffin’s presence on stage is steady and commanding. The response remains strong, a testament to a catalog that has shaped contemporary folk and Americana for more than three decades.

The tour celebrates her 11th studio album ‘Crown Of Roses,’ out now on PGM Recordings via Thirty Tigers. Produced by Craig Ross and featuring David Pulkingham and Michael Longoria, the eight-song collection moves between spare folk, gauzy Americana, and gospel blues textures. Standout tracks include “Born In A Cage,” “Long Time,” featuring backing vocals from Robert Plant, and “Way Up To The Sky.” The album lands with weight and resonance.

Patty Griffin 2026 Tour Dates:
Feb 22 – Menlo Park, CA @ The Guild Theatre
Feb 24 – Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall
Feb 25 – Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall
Feb 26 – Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre
Mar 13-20 – Miami, FL @ Cayamo: A Journey Through Song (Sold Out)
July 28 – Lenox, MA @ Koussevitzky Music Shed at Tanglewood
July 29 – Vienna, VA @ Filene Center at Wolf Trap

Ella Mai Returns With ‘Do You Still Love Me?’ Executive Produced By Mustard

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 21, 2026

0

Ella Mai Returns With ‘Do You Still Love Me?’ Executive Produced By Mustard

Ella Mai’s third studio album ‘Do You Still Love Me?’ is out now. Executive produced by Mustard, the project locks into the chemistry that has defined some of modern R and B’s biggest moments. The artwork set the tone. The music delivers on it. This is a fully realized statement from a Grammy-winning artist operating at scale.

Mustard’s production anchors the record with precision and weight. Ella Mai moves through each track with control and depth, expanding her catalog with songs that feel immediate and lasting. The reaction has been loud and undeniable. ‘Do You Still Love Me?’ lands as a defining entry in her discography.

The album arrives alongside her “Did You Miss Me?” anniversary run, which brought her back to intimate rooms in London, the Netherlands, France, Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles. The connection felt direct and personal, a full-circle moment that sharpened the spotlight on this new era.

Ella Mai also celebrates the ninth anniversary of her 2016 EP ‘Change’ with an anniversary vinyl release, bridging the foundation of her early work with where she stands now. With visuals for “Little Things” and “Tell Her” extending the narrative, this chapter feels expansive, grounded, and fully in motion.

Country Thunder Wisconsin Returns With Keith Urban And Riley Green Leading The Charge

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 21, 2026

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Country Thunder Wisconsin Returns With Keith Urban And Riley Green Leading The Charge

Country Thunder, the largest country music festival brand in North America, unveils a powerhouse lineup for Country Thunder Wisconsin at Shadow Hill Ranch in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. The four-day takeover lands with headliners Gavin Adcock, The Red Clay Strays, Riley Green, and Keith Urban closing each night. This is the Midwest’s premier country gathering, built for scale and built to move.

The bill stretches across eras and styles. Gretchen Wilson, Ian Munsick, Nate Smith, and Shaboozey stack the weekend with chart power and fresh heat. Daytime sets spotlight George Birge, Mark Chesnutt, Dasha, Corey Kent, Cole Goodwin, and Gabriella Rose. The energy runs sunrise to encore. The lineup reads like a snapshot of country music right now.

Shadow Hill Ranch transforms into a full-scale country city. Camping culture stands shoulder to shoulder with the main stage, from Tent Camping to Crown Camping and Glamping options. Private campsite porta-potties elevate the experience, and weekend wristbands unlock the grounds. It is immersive, communal, and loud in all the right ways.

Tickets and premium packages are available now, with flexible payment plans starting at twenty dollars down. Momentum carries across the Country Thunder network, including Country Thunder Arizona, Country Thunder Saskatchewan, and Country Thunder Alberta. The brand’s international footprint keeps expanding. Country Thunder Wisconsin stands tall at the center of it all.

20 Songs That Light Up a Road Trip

Eric Alper

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Feb 21, 2026

0

Windows down. Volume up. Snacks within reach. The highway stretches out like a promise and someone yells, “Play something good.” A great road trip playlist turns miles into memories and traffic into a dance floor. These 20 songs bring the energy, the singalongs, and the kind of choruses that feel bigger than the open road.

“Shut Up and Drive” – Rihanna
Punchy guitars and a pedal-to-the-floor hook. This one hits like merging onto the highway with perfect timing. Instant acceleration.

“Life Is a Highway” – Tom Cochrane
Built for long stretches of asphalt and skyline horizons. That chorus feels like it was engineered for shouting into the wind.

“Mr. Brightside” – The Killers
Windows down, everyone singing, nobody hitting the right notes. Pure road trip electricity.

“Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac
Sharp guitars and forward motion. It sounds like independence in motion.

“Levitating” – Dua Lipa
Disco-pop propulsion that makes even a gas station stop feel glamorous. Cruise control never sounded this good.

“Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey
Small town energy, big sky payoff. That final chorus turns any car into a stadium.

“American Girl” – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Jangly freedom and endless horizon vibes. A song that feels like summer in motion.

“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
The groove snaps instantly. Perfect for turning a straight highway into a rolling dance floor.

“Send Me On My Way” – Rusted Root
Whistle-ready and sun-soaked. It practically demands scenic detours.

“Born to Be Wild” – Steppenwolf
Motorcycle attitude without leaving your seat. The ultimate open-road anthem.

“Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift
Zero stress, maximum bounce. It turns traffic jams into choreography breaks.

“Take It Easy” – Eagles
Easygoing rhythm with desert highway spirit. The soundtrack to golden-hour driving.

“Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
Neon pulse and late-night momentum. Ideal for city lights rushing past the windshield.

“On the Road Again” – Willie Nelson
Simple, direct, timeless. A reminder that the journey itself is the headline.

“September” – Earth, Wind and Fire
Bright horns and unstoppable joy. It turns the backseat into a party.

“Ride” – Twenty One Pilots
Atmospheric and steady. A soundtrack for long stretches of thought between exits.

“I Gotta Feeling” – The Black Eyed Peas
Built for group vocals and spontaneous memories. The night begins before you even arrive.

“Fast Car” – Tracy Chapman
Reflective and cinematic. Some road trip moments call for quiet miles and big feelings.

“Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen
High-speed piano and pure momentum. It feels like the road is cheering you on.

“Good as Hell” – Lizzo
Confident, bold, unstoppable. The kind of anthem that makes every arrival feel triumphant.

Katseye Announce Manon Hiatus After Grammy Breakthrough

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 21, 2026

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Katseye Announce Manon Hiatus After Grammy Breakthrough

Global girl group Katseye have announced that Manon Bannerman will take a temporary hiatus to focus on her health and wellbeing. The 23-year-old Swiss singer shared a message with fans, confirming she is healthy and taking time to care for herself. The decision follows open and thoughtful conversations within the group and their team.

The announcement arrives just weeks after Katseye stepped onto the Grammy Awards stage in Los Angeles. The six-member act earned nominations for best new artist and best pop duo or group performance for “Gabriela.” Their rapid rise from reality competition origins to global awards recognition has moved at striking speed.

In a statement shared through their fan community, the group affirmed full support for Bannerman’s decision. Scheduled performances will continue during her absence. The message to their EYEKONS was direct and unified. Katseye remain committed to one another and to the audience that has fueled their ascent.

Formed in 2023 through The Debut: Dream Academy, Katseye have built momentum with the EPs ‘SIS (Soft Is Strong)’ and ‘Beautiful Chaos.’ Singles including “Gnarly” and “Gabriela” marked major chart milestones. The support for Manon has been immediate and global, a powerful reflection of the bond between artist and audience.

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 21, 2026

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Eric Dane, the actor known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at 53, nearly one year after publicly sharing his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His family confirmed he passed away surrounded by loved ones, including his daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine.

In the days following his death, friends launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses and support the future needs of his two daughters. The fundraiser notes that Dane remained committed to raising awareness about ALS even as his health declined.

Shortly before his passing, Netflix released Dane’s episode of the documentary series Famous Last Words. The program features interviews recorded with the understanding they will only air after the subject’s death. In his conversation, Dane reflected on his life, career, struggles with addiction and his ALS diagnosis. He also recorded a direct message to his daughters, encouraging them to live fully, pursue their passions, value friendship and face hardship with dignity.

Dane’s ALS advocacy continued after his diagnosis, including efforts to support research and expand access to care. Organizations dedicated to ALS awareness have shared footage and statements highlighting his commitment to advancing treatment and funding initiatives.

He is survived by his daughters and his former spouse, Rebecca Gayheart.

Death Metal Titans Arch Enemy Unleash “To The Last Breath” Featuring New Vocalist Lauren Hart

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 20, 2026

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Death Metal Titans Arch Enemy Unleash “To The Last Breath” Featuring New Vocalist Lauren Hart

Arch Enemy surge forward with “To The Last Breath,” the first new music following their ‘Blood Dynasty’ album cycle and the opening strike of a bold new era. The track introduces Lauren Hart, formerly of Once Human, as the band’s new vocalist, marking a significant shift while reinforcing the group’s ferocious identity. This is Arch Enemy in full attack mode, sharpened and recharged.

Guitarist and founder Michael Amott describes connecting with Hart as an important step in his journey, praising her remarkable voice, dedication and professionalism. After months of speculation across the metal community about who would take the microphone, the band remained silent until now. “To The Last Breath” answers that anticipation with force, delivering a statement that blends legacy and evolution in equal measure.

Amott calls the song a reckoning, musically aligned with his original vision for the band and instantly recognizable to longtime fans. Lyrically, it confronts deception and the collapse of false control, capturing the clarity that comes when illusion shatters and resistance becomes the only option. Once that moment arrives, there is no retreat. It is do or die.

Welsh Alt.Rock Heroes The Joy Formidable Launch First U.S. Tour In Two Years

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 20, 2026

0

Welsh Alt.Rock Heroes The Joy Formidable Launch First U.S. Tour In Two Years

Welsh alt.rock band The Joy Formidable kick off their first U.S. tour in two years, bringing an intimate run of shows to cities including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago before heading east in May for dates in Milwaukee, Washington, DC, New York City and Minneapolis. These performances are designed as close-up evenings of songs and stories, reconnecting face-to-face in smaller rooms and setting the tone for the band’s next chapter arriving later in 2026. Tickets are on sale now, with select dates already sold out.

In addition to the band’s set, Ritzy Bryan and Rhydian Dafydd will spotlight their solo projects, Shy Western and Rhydian Dafydd, offering audiences a glimpse into parallel creative worlds running alongside The Joy Formidable. The tour blends nostalgia, evolution and renewed connection as the trio step back onto U.S. stages with fresh momentum.

TOUR DATES:
February 19 – Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
February 20 – Seattle, WA @ Fremont Abbey Arts Center (SOLD OUT)
February 21 – Portland, OR @ The Old Church Concert Hall
February 23 – San Francisco, CA @ Swedish American Hall (SOLD OUT)
February 24 – Los Angeles, CA @ Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
February 28 – Chicago, IL @ Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall
May 10 – Milwaukee, WI @ Vivarium
May 11 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme
May 13 – Ardmore, PA @ Ardmore Music Hall
May 14 – Somerville, MA @ The Center for Arts at The Armory
May 16 – Washington, DC @ Miracle Theatre
May 18 – New York, NY @ (le) poisson rouge
May 21 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Parkway Theater

Amsterdam Rock and Roll Firebrands Savage Beat Charge Ahead With ‘Bright Lights, Tall Shadows’

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 20, 2026

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Amsterdam Rock and Roll Firebrands Savage Beat Charge Ahead With ‘Bright Lights, Tall Shadows’

Dubbed the Amsterdam ambassadors of high-energy rock and roll, Savage Beat return with their explosive new full-length ‘Bright Lights, Tall Shadows,’ landing March 6, 2026 via Wap Shoo Wap Records. Since forming in 2016, the band have carved out a reputation for their self-described street boogie, a riff-heavy collision of late 70s punk, high-octane rock and Oi attitude. A decade of touring across the USA and Europe, major festival appearances including Zwarte Cross, Scumbash, Helldorado, Revolution Calling and Sjock, plus shared stages with The Damned, Cock Sparrer, Angelic Upstarts and The Exploited have cemented their status as full-throttle torchbearers.

On ‘Bright Lights, Tall Shadows,’ Savage Beat amplify everything that defines them: towering riffs, punchy hooks and anthems built for packed clubs and festival chaos. Standouts include the instrumental “Street Boogie Confidential,” the ferocious “Cut to the Chase” and the relentless single “Unhinged.” The record balances celebratory defiance with sharper reflections on modern tension while keeping its boot firmly on the gas.

LIVE DATES:
14 March – Album Release Show @ Skatecafe, Amsterdam (NL)
5 April – Festerfest @ Baroeg, Rotterdam (NL)
5 April – Vege op Pasen @ Hamont (BE)
15 May – Slachthuis, Haarlem (NL)
16 May – Rock Cafe Ozzy, Apeldoorn (NL)

Psychedelic London Trio The Stingrays Drift And Detonate On “Summer of You”

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 20, 2026

0

Psychedelic London Trio The Stingrays Drift And Detonate On “Summer of You”

Psychedelic London trio The Stingrays return with “Summer of You,” a track that captures their off-kilter charm and sharp musicianship in one sweeping move. Formed by Hector Delicious, George van den Broek and Milo Goldsmith, the band build a multi-dimensional world through pinpoint sonics and a distinctly British sense of humour, mocking and celebrating the quaint, the brash and the gentle all at once.

“Summer of You” opens as a relaxed groover before erupting into a breakneck guitar solo that tears through the final stretch. The band describe it as a meditation on heartbreak and new beginnings, the melancholy of letting go of a season that once felt endless. Summer may be warm and bright, but it gives way to something new, and that shift is inevitable.

The chemistry powering those dynamic shifts comes from a decade of shared history. The trio toured globally from their mid-teens under George van den Broek’s Yellow Days moniker before forging The Stingrays. A sold-out Brick Lane residency and a standout set at Live At Leeds sharpened their live edge, and “Summer of You” underscores a band fully in control of their psychedelic sprawl.