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Mountain Music Festival Returns To Gatlinburg With Bret Michaels, Rick Springfield, Sebastian Bach And More

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The Mountain Music Festival will return August 21 through August 23 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The three-day classic rock gathering will feature more than twenty-five artists performing across three stages along with interactive fan events including photo opportunities with select bands, a Rock N Roll Marketplace, a Rock N Roll Art Gallery, and an outdoor patio experience.

The 2026 lineup features a mix of classic rock favorites and emerging acts including Bret Michaels, Rick Springfield, Sebastian Bach, Night Ranger, Lita Ford, Warrant, Vixen, and John Waite. Additional performances come from Pearcy and DeMartini performing the music of RATT, Lynch Mob, Jackyl, White Lion, Vandenberg, Steelheart, and many more artists throughout the weekend.

New to the festival this year will be Guitar Clinics hosted by Joel Hoekstra, Reb Beach, and George Lynch. The sessions will give fans an opportunity to hear stories from the road, receive performance insights, and learn techniques directly from the guitarists in an intimate setting. Access to the clinics is available through a special three-day pass package.

Three-day and two-day General Admission passes are on sale now, while single-day tickets will be released later this year. VIP Top of the Mountain passes sold out during the alumni presale. Fans purchasing early can also take advantage of limited discounts on multi-day passes through March 31.

LINEUP

Friday, August 21
Pearcy and DeMartini performing the music of RATT
Sebastian Bach
Lynch Mob
Tuk Smith and The Restless Hearts
Reb Beach
Tora Tora
The Cruel Intentions
Ted Poley
Wildstreet
Soto and Bieler
No Love Lost

Saturday, August 22
Bret Michaels
Night Ranger
Jackyl
Lita Ford
White Lion
Vandenberg
Dangerous Toys
Crazy Lixx
Bad Marriage
Wildstreet
Hoekstra and Gibbs

Saturday Late Night Show
Faster Pussycat

Sunday, August 23
Rick Springfield
38 Special
Warrant
Vixen
John Waite
Steelheart
The Cruel Intentions
Bad Marriage
Luke Robert

Soul Singer James Emmanuel Releases New Single “Time”

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Nigerian-born, Edinburgh-based soul singer James Emmanuel has released his new single “Time” via Fontana. The track was recorded in Joshua Tree and reflects on Emmanuel’s journey from singing in gospel choirs as a preacher’s son in Nigeria to building a career in Scotland after years of working odd jobs and performing residencies at Edinburgh’s renowned venue The Jazz Bar.

Over the past year Emmanuel has reached several milestones including the release of his debut EP, performances at Royal Albert Hall and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, and recognition with a Scottish Music Award. “Time” carries a message that success is built through perseverance rather than speed, with Emmanuel describing the song as a reflection of the challenges he faced while pursuing music.

The single blends a reflective melody with soulful vocals that draw comparisons to the intensity of Charles Bradley and the warmth of Marvin Gaye. Inspired by his personal experiences, Emmanuel describes the song as a reminder that life unfolds as a journey rather than a race.

With growing momentum behind him, Emmanuel continues to bring his music to live audiences across the U.K. with several upcoming festival and headline appearances.

TOUR DATES:

Thursday 14 May – Brighton @ The Great Escape Festival
Saturday 16 May – Edinburgh @ Cabaret Voltaire
Sunday 12 July – Birmingham @ Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul

Bryan Adams Announces ‘Roll With The Punches’ Canadian Tour

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Bryan Adams has announced a new cross-country tour in support of his 2025 album ‘Roll With The Punches’. The arena and amphitheatre run begins August 24 in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec and travels across the country through September, bringing Adams’ high-energy live show to fans nationwide. The album recently earned a 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Rock Album of the Year and adds new songs to a catalog that already includes classics such as “Summer of ’69”, “Heaven”, “Run to You”, and “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”.

Joining Adams on the tour as special guest in most cities will be Canadian singer Lights, whose pop sound will open the shows across the country except for the Thunder Bay date. VIP packages will also be available, including premium seating, a pre-show Q&A with Adams, a behind-the-scenes production tour, and exclusive merchandise including a signed vinyl pressing.

Presales for the tour begin March 3 with various presale windows running through March 5. Tickets go on sale to the general public on March 6 at 10 am local time.

TOUR DATES

August 24 – Trois-Rivieres, QC @ Amphitheatre Cogeco
August 25 – Kingston, ON @ Slush Puppie Place
August 26 – Oshawa, ON @ Tribute Communities Centre
August 28 – Hamilton, ON @ TD Coliseum
August 29 – London, ON @ Canada Life Place
August 31 – Sudbury, ON @ Sudbury Arena
September 1 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON @ GFL Memorial Gardens
September 3 – Thunder Bay, ON @ Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
September 5 – Saskatoon, SK @ SaskTel Centre
September 8 – Lethbridge, AB @ VisitLethbridge.com Arena
September 10 – Red Deer, AB @ Marchant Crane Centrium at Westerner Park
September 11 – Dawson Creek, BC @ Ovintiv Events Centre
September 13 – Penticton, BC @ South Okanagan Events Centre

Japanese Musician haruka_2go Plays Two Recorders At Once Using Mouth And Nose

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Japanese musician haruka_2go has developed an unusual performance style that involves playing two recorder flutes at the same time. One recorder is played traditionally with the mouth while the second is balanced using a loaf of bread and played with the nose, creating a distinctive multi-instrument technique that has captured attention online for its creativity and precision.


Country Singer John PayCheck Announces ‘Better Plan’ U.S. Tour

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Country singer John PayCheck has announced his 2026 Better Plan Tour, a multi-state run currently scheduled to visit 23 cities across 15 states. The tour begins March 13 at The Southgate House Revival in Newport, Kentucky, bringing PayCheck’s honky-tonk roadshow to venues throughout the United States with additional dates expected to be announced.

The tour will feature songs from PayCheck’s first two albums, ‘We All Have A Story’ and ‘More Days Behind’, along with tributes to the music of his father, country legend Johnny PayCheck. The Nashville-born performer says touring remains central to his music, calling the connection with fans on the road the driving force behind the project.

PayCheck recently joined the roster of The Kirby Organization and is preparing to announce his third studio album, recorded in Nashville and expected later in 2026. The upcoming record follows national recognition for his previous releases, including press coverage from Forbes, American Songwriter, and Cowboys and Indians.

His 2024 album ‘More Days Behind’ also received GRAMMY consideration in 2025. With new music planned throughout the year and an expanding tour schedule, PayCheck continues building momentum as a road-tested country performer rooted in traditional honky-tonk storytelling.

TOUR DATES:

Mar 13 – Newport, KY @ The Southgate House Revival
Apr 02 – Hickory, NC @ Shooters Tavern
Apr 10 – Worcester, MA @ Off The Rails
Apr 17 – Longview, TX @ Reo Bar & Grill
Apr 18 – Lindale, TX @ Brisket Love BBQ & Icehouse

May 02 – Hillsboro, OH @ The Patriot Public House
May 03 – Wadsworth, NY @ Wadsworth’s Grill
May 06 – Yorkville, IL @ The Law Office Pub
May 07 – Milwaukee, WI @ Shank Hall
May 09 – Cadillac, MI @ The Venue Event Center
May 12 – Elko New Market, MN @ The Doublewide
May 29 – Bisbee, AZ @ Bisbee Grand Hotel

Jun 20 – Burleson, TX @ Hoots Hall
Jun 24 – Millersburg, OH @ Amish County Theater

Jul 11 – Cordele, GA @ Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club

Aug 15 – Spearfish, SD @ Crow Peak Brewing Company
Aug 23 – Sauk Rapids, MN @ Rollie’s

Sep 12 – Brookeville, IN @ The Farm Party
Sep 24 – Coltons Point, MD @ Potomac Gardens
Sep 26 – Hagerstown, MD @ Hub City Vinyl
Sep 27 – Beacon, NY @ Howland Cultural Center

Oct 17 – Beaumont, TX @ Soggy Bottom Saloon

Nov 07 – Bandera, TX @ 11th St. Cowboy Bar

Indonesia Travel Essentials: Internet, Transport, and Apps

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By Mitch Rice

Indonesia Travel Essentials start to feel easy when you handle three things early: an internet that stays steady, transport that does not waste your day, and a small set of apps you will actually open. Indonesia is warm, loud in the best way, and full of small moments that do not wait for you to find a signal.

An internet that stays reliable

Airport WiFi can be slow, and hotel WiFi can drop right when you need a map. If you want your phone working the moment you step outside into the humid air, set up an Indonesia eSIM before you fly. You land, switch on data, and you are ready to order a ride, message your hotel, or check a ferry time without hunting for a shop.

If you prefer one setup that you can use across stops, Jetpac is a simple option to keep in mind, especially when you are bouncing between islands and do not want to swap plans.

Getting around without stress

In most cities, ride-hailing is the easiest day-to-day option. Use cars when it is raining or when you have luggage. Use motorbikes for short hops through traffic, but only if you feel comfortable with it.

For longer distances, trains are a calm way to travel in Java. You get a seat, a bit of air conditioning, and a window view of rice fields and small towns. For islands, ferries and short flights are common. Build in buffer time. Indonesia runs on real life, not perfect schedules.

Apps you will use every day

Keep this set on your home screen:

  • Gojek or Grab for rides and food delivery
  • Google Maps for walking routes and saved pins
  • WhatsApp for hotels, drivers, and local tours
  • Google Translate for menus and quick chats
  • Traveloka or Tiket.com for flights, hotels, and some ferries
  • KAI Access if you are booking trains in Java

A small tip that saves time: screenshot your booking details and hotel address. Reception can be patchy on the road.

Jakarta: big city energy, fast moves

Jakarta is a real working capital, not a beach town, and it is worth seeing for its food and street-level rhythm. The city feels hot and busy, with the hum of scooters, mall music drifting out to the sidewalk, and sudden rain that cools the air for ten minutes.

Try a bowl of soto Betawi or nasi uduk from a spot that is full at lunchtime. If you are here in the wet season, keep a light rain jacket in your day bag and plan rides instead of long walks.

Bali: temples, surf towns, and slow afternoons

Bali has layers. You can spend the morning at a temple, the afternoon on a beach road lined with frangipani, and the evening in a small warung with grilled fish and sambal. The air often smells like incense and motorbike exhaust, especially near busy streets, and the sound of offerings being set down blends into daily life.

Quick wrap-up

Indonesia Travel Essentials come down to staying connected, moving smart, and keeping your apps simple. An Indonesia eSIM helps you avoid the first-day scramble, and Jetpac can be handy if you want one setup that follows you from city streets to island docks.

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

A Practical Habit Music Fans Are Adopting When Buying Gear Online

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By Mitch Rice

For many music fans, listening is only one part of the hobby. Over time, the interest often expands into collecting records, upgrading headphones, experimenting with speakers, or even building a small home listening setup. The growth of online shopping has made it easier than ever to explore these options. A person can now compare dozens of headphones, turntables, or audio accessories without leaving home. However, the convenience of e-commerce also means that purchases happen quickly, sometimes faster than people intend. Because of that, more music fans have started paying closer attention to how they buy gear online. Instead of simply ordering the first item they like, they spend a few extra minutes checking reviews, comparing prices across retailers, and looking for possible discounts. For example, some consumers browse PromoCodie before making a purchase to see if there are any special offers available for the products they plan to buy. This small step has gradually become a practical habit for those who frequently buy audio equipment or music-related products.

One reason this habit is becoming common is that prices for music gear can vary widely depending on the retailer or timing of the purchase. A pair of headphones, for example, may appear at one price on a brand’s official website but be discounted on another platform during a limited promotion. Similarly, retailers sometimes release short-term deals tied to holidays, product launches, or seasonal sales. Because of this, experienced buyers often avoid rushing to checkout immediately after deciding on a product. Instead, they quickly check whether another store offers a better price or whether a promotion is currently available. Coupon and promotion platforms help simplify this process by collecting information from multiple retailers and organizing it in one place. Rather than searching through dozens of individual websites, users can quickly see whether a discount might exist. For people who regularly upgrade audio equipment or purchase music-related items, this kind of resource can save both time and money.

I realized how useful this habit could be during a simple purchase a while ago. I had been planning to buy a small pair of desktop speakers for my workspace because I often listen to music while writing or working. After reading several reviews and watching comparison videos, I chose a model that seemed reliable and well balanced for everyday listening. I added the speakers to my cart and was ready to pay, since the price seemed reasonable. Just before completing the purchase, I decided to quickly search online to see whether there might be a discount available. Within a few minutes I found a promotional offer listed on a coupon site that worked with the retailer I was using. The savings were not huge, but they were noticeable enough to make the purchase feel smarter. That moment made me realize how easy it is to overlook these small opportunities simply because we are used to buying things quickly online.

Since then, checking for available deals has become a natural step in my shopping routine, especially when buying music equipment. Audio gear often represents a long-term investment, whether it is a new set of headphones, a turntable, or a collection of vinyl records. Taking an extra minute to confirm whether a discount is available adds a sense of confidence to the purchase. Instead of wondering later whether the same product might have been cheaper somewhere else, I know I have already checked the available options. Over time, this small habit has made my online shopping process feel more deliberate and organized. For music fans who regularly explore new gear or expand their collections, a simple search before checkout can make the entire buying experience more thoughtful and satisfying.

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

Sebastian Bach To Front Twisted Sister For Select Reunion Shows

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Heavy metal singer Sebastian Bach will step in for Dee Snider for a series of upcoming Twisted Sister shows as the band marks its 50th anniversary. Snider recently stepped away from the reunion plans due to degenerative arthritis, and members Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda confirmed that the former Skid Row frontman will join the group for select dates with Snider’s support.

The fall run reunites Twisted Sister following a ten-year hiatus after their 40 and Fuck It Tour. Drummer Joey Cassata will replace Joe Franco for the shows, with bassist Russell Pzutto completing the lineup alongside French and Ojeda. Specific tour dates are expected to be announced soon.

John Summit and Dom Dolla To Headline Up The Sky Music Festival In Aspen

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Electronic DJs John Summit and Dom Dolla will headline the second annual Up The Sky Music Festival on August 7 and 8 at Buttermilk in Aspen, Colorado. The two-day event returns with a lineup that also includes Empire of the Sun, Parcels, Leon Thomas, Polo and Pan and more, bringing electronic and indie sounds to the base of Buttermilk Mountain.

Set against the panoramic mountain views of Aspen, the festival blends a summer music experience with a destination getaway in the Rockies. Organizers describe the event as Aspen’s signature summer festival, pairing live performances with the scenic setting of the resort area.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, March 5 at 10 am local time with GA, VIP and cabin packages available. VIP passes include front-of-stage viewing access, a dedicated festival entrance, shaded lounge areas, premium seating and climate-controlled restrooms.

VIP ticket holders will also have access to exclusive bars with complimentary select alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, additional drinks available for purchase, and curated food stations available throughout the day inside the VIP Village.

Alanis Morissette and Ella Langley To Headline Spotify 20 Live Event At SXSW

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Alanis Morissette and Ella Langley will headline Spotify 20: Live at Stubb’s on March 14 during SXSW in Austin, marking the start of Spotify’s 20th anniversary celebrations. The event will also feature a special DJ set from St. Vincent, bringing together voices that have shaped the past two decades of music with artists helping define what comes next.

SXSW holds a special place in Spotify’s history. In 2010, co-founder Daniel Ek delivered a keynote at the festival that previewed the platform ahead of its U.S. launch the following year. To mark the milestone, Spotify has also released a new Spotify x SXSW playlist highlighting artists who have performed at the long-running Spotify House stage over the years.

Additional programming during SXSW 2026 includes a Featured Speaker Session with Spotify Co-CEO Gustav Soderstrom, Grammy-winning singer Lainey Wilson, and podcast host David Friedberg discussing the evolution of digital music and the future of creativity across music, podcasts, and audiobooks.

Spotify will also host a conversation between Chief Public Affairs Officer Dustee Jenkins and Nick Jonas to discuss his film “Power Ballad” and the idea of reinvention in music. The week’s programming will also include a Spotify for Artists Masterclass and a Heart & Soul wellness space within the SXSW Artist Lounge created in partnership with Backline.