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Kitchen Dwellers Channel Montana Magic on Surprise ‘The Katabatic EP’ and Announce 2026 Winter Tour

Eric Alper
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Kitchen Dwellers Channel Montana Magic on Surprise ‘The Katabatic EP’ and Announce 2026 Winter Tour

Bozeman’s own progressive roots powerhouses Kitchen Dwellers have just dropped a breathtaking surprise with ‘The Katabatic EP’, a three-song journey that captures the raw, windswept soul of a Montana winter. Recorded during a fertile creative window in late 2021, this new project is a sonic masterclass in “Galaxy Grass,” blending high-octane bluegrass with psychedelic grit and atmospheric depth. The EP is bookended by the instrumental tracks “Katabatic” and “Mimas and Ida,” both featuring the fiery brass textures of guest trumpeter Eric “Benny” Bloom of Lettuce, while the poignant “Madison” dives into the erratic, beautiful rhythms of life and fly-fishing. It is a thrilling snapshot of a band at the height of their powers, taking their Montana-bred storytelling to soaring new heights.

The excitement continues as the quartet prepares to ring in the New Year with a sold-out two-night stand in Portland before launching an expansive 2026 Winter Tour. This trek is set to be a legendary run of multi-night residencies in home-turf venues like The ELM in Bozeman and the Mission Ballroom in Denver, featuring an elite roster of guests including Lindsay Lou, Cordovas, and Mountain Grass Unit. From the high-altitude energy of Telluride to the coastal vibes of Solana Beach and the immersive art of Meow Wolf, Kitchen Dwellers are bringing their explosive live chemistry to every corner of the country. Whether you are catching them in a cozy opera house or at the tropical Viva El Gonzo festival in Mexico, these 2026 dates are a mandatory pilgrimage for anyone craving the cutting edge of modern string music.

Tour Dates:

Dec 30 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall

Dec 31 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall

Jan 15-16 – Telluride, CO – Sheridan Opera House

Jan 17-18 – Crested Butte, CO – Center for the Arts

Jan 20 – Buena Vista, CO – Surf Hotel

Jan 22-23 – Denver, CO – Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom

Jan 24 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom

Jan 29 – Billings, MT – The Pub Station Ballroom

Jan 30-31 – Bozeman, MT – The ELM

Feb 12 – Jackson, WY – The Virginian Lodge

Feb 13-14 – South Salt Lake City, UT – The Commonwealth Room

Feb 15 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory

Feb 17 – Menlo Park, CA – The Guild Theatre

Feb 19 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Solana Beach

Feb 20-21 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy & Harriet’s

Feb 22 – Flagstaff, AZ – Orpheum Theater

Feb 24 – Santa Fe, NM – Meow Wolf

Feb 26 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall

Feb 27 – Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum Art Co.

Feb 28 – Austin, TX – Empire Garage

Mar 13-15 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Pour House

May 07-09 – San Jose del Cabo, MX – Viva El Gonzo

Chris Williams and Kid Reverie Capture Transcendent Magic on the Stunning New Single “Bees”

Eric Alper
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Chris Williams and Kid Reverie Capture Transcendent Magic on the Stunning New Single “Bees”

Americana fans, get ready to lose yourselves in the ordered chaos of “Bees,” the breathtaking new single from Chris Williams and Kid Reverie (aka Steve Varney). Following the “life-affirming” success of their 2023 debut ‘Something From Nothing’, this new collaboration marks a thrilling shift as the duo moves from remote Zoom sessions to the legendary Blasting Room Studios in Colorado. “Bees” is a masterclass in atmospheric folk, weaving together pensive banjo, soaring cello from Russick Smith, and Varney’s restrained tenor into a ruminative meditation on human self-interest. The track beautifully captures the duo’s evolving chemistry, blending Williams’ roots-rock sensibility with Varney’s subversive production edge to create a soundscape that is as intellectually sharp as it is emotionally resonant.

This latest project signals a deeper level of collaboration, with Williams and Varney trading songwriting duties and pushing each other into new creative territories. While their first album was born from a serendipitous connection over a banjo lesson, this upcoming EP proves they have blossomed into one of the most exciting partnerships in modern folk. Recording in person has added a raw, immediate energy to the tracks, anchored by the stellar musicianship of a full ensemble including Max Barcelow and Jeb Bows. It is rare to find music that feels this cinematic yet deeply personal, but “Bees” manages to strike that perfect balance, offering a quietly powerful entrance into what is certain to be one of the most anticipated folk releases of the coming year.

25 Things You Need To Know About Chris Rea

Eric Alper
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25 Things You Need To Know About Chris Rea

The music world is saying goodbye to Chris Rea, who passed away on December 22, 2025, at the age of 74. For more than five decades, Rea turned ordinary moments into songs that felt lived-in, human, and quietly profound. His voice sounded like it had already traveled a few thousand miles, and his songs reminded listeners that the road itself often matters more than the destination.

Here are 25 things you need to know about him, the artist who made driving, longing, and reflection feel timeless.

  1. Chris Rea was born in Middlesbrough, England, in 1951 to an Italian father and Irish mother.
  2. His family owned Camillo’s Ice Cream, a well-known local business that shaped his working-class upbringing.
  3. Before music, Rea seriously considered becoming a journalist.
  4. He did not start playing guitar until his early 20s.
  5. His first guitar was a 1961 Hofner V3, bought second-hand.
  6. Rea became known for his distinctive slide guitar style, inspired by Delta blues players.
  7. His breakthrough song in the U.S. was “Fool (If You Think It’s Over),” which reached #1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
  8. That same song earned him a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
  9. He released 25 studio albums over his career.
  10. Two of those albums, ‘The Road to Hell’ and ‘Auberge’, reached #1 on the U.K. Albums Chart.
  11. Rea sold more than 30 million records worldwide.
  12. “Driving Home for Christmas” was written during a low point in his career while riding in a car stuck in holiday traffic.
  13. The song became a perennial holiday classic years after its original release.
  14. Many of Rea’s songs revolve around cars, roads, and travel as metaphors for life.
  15. He was an avid car enthusiast and historic motor racer.
  16. Rea raced vintage cars including Ferraris, Lotuses, and a Morris Minor police car.
  17. He even worked as a pit mechanic for the Jordan Formula One team in 1995.
  18. Rea wrote and starred in the 1996 film ‘La Passione’, combining his love of music and motor racing.
  19. Health challenges deeply shaped his life and music, including pancreatic cancer and major surgery in 2000.
  20. After his illness, he shifted away from pop toward blues-based music.
  21. He founded his own label, Jazzee Blue, to release music on his own terms.
  22. Rea created the ambitious ‘Blue Guitars’ project, an 11-CD exploration of blues history.
  23. He suffered a stroke in 2016 but returned to recording and touring afterward.
  24. Rea remained married to his wife Joan, whom he met as a teenager, for more than 50 years.
  25. His daughters, Josephine and Julia, both inspired songs bearing their names.

Fishbone Reclaims Their Throne with an Explosive Live Cover of Alice in Chains’ “Them Bones”

Eric Alper
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Fishbone Reclaims Their Throne with an Explosive Live Cover of Alice in Chains’ “Them Bones”

The legendary genre-defiers Fishbone are capping off a monumental year with a sonic explosion, officially releasing their long-coveted live cover of Alice in Chains’ “Them Bones.” Captured in a single, blistering take during the 2020 MoPop Founders Award tribute, this release is more than just a cover—it is a historic document marking the only time the original lineup has performed together publicly since 1993. Driven by punchy horns and that signature dissonant vocal harmony, Fishbone transforms the grunge classic into a soulful, R&B-infused riot that Spill Magazine rightly claimed “stole the show.” It is a powerful reminder of the deep, mutual respect between these 90s alt-rock titans and a gift to fans who have been clamoring for an official recording of this “red hot” performance for five years.

This release follows the massive success of their June 2025 album ‘Stockholm Syndrome’, their first full-length effort in two decades, which proved the band hasn’t lost a single ounce of their bite. With tracks like the George Clinton-assisted “Last Call in America” and the scorching “Racist Piece of Shit,” the album has been hailed as a vital masterclass in controlled mayhem. As the band prepares to head back into the studio for new 2026 material, they are also hitting the stage for select dates, including a highly anticipated support slot for Dance Hall Crashers at the House of Blues Chicago this April. Still innovative and still kicking against the pricks, Fishbone continues to expand their legacy as the ultimate musical revolutionaries.

Karen King Delivers a Shimmering Holiday Anthem with “Christmas Time In New York City” and the Return of Alleva Dairy

Eric Alper
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Karen King Delivers a Shimmering Holiday Anthem with “Christmas Time In New York City” and the Return of Alleva Dairy

Native New Yorker and powerhouse vocalist Karen King has gifted us the ultimate holiday soundtrack with her festive new music video for ‘Christmas Time In New York City’. This original anthem, co-written with longtime collaborator Adelaide Mancuso, is a vibrant love letter to the Big Apple that perfectly captures the resilience and magic of the city during the most wonderful time of the year. Backed by a magnificent 12-piece orchestra with arrangements by the legendary Angelo DiPippo and Tedd Firth, King’s vocals soar over a track recorded at the world-class Cove City Sound studio. But the celebration doesn’t stop with the music—King has also announced the highly anticipated reopening of the historic Alleva Dairy in Chelsea Market this February. After 130 years as a Little Italy staple, America’s oldest cheese shop is bringing its century-old recipes and family traditions to a new Manhattan home, proving that Karen King is truly the reigning queen of both “cheese and show” in the city that never sleeps.

MIKA Returns with the Dazzling “Immortal Love” Video and Announces the ‘Hyperlove’ Era

Eric Alper
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MIKA Returns with the Dazzling “Immortal Love” Video and Announces the ‘Hyperlove’ Era

The world of pop music is about to get a whole lot more colourful as the legendary MIKA officially unveils the music video for his shimmering new single “Immortal Love.” This track is a masterclass in heartfelt pop craft, serving as the latest taste of his highly anticipated seventh studio album ‘Hyperlove’, arriving January 23 via Republic Records. Returning to the piano as his creative anchor, MIKA has crafted an analogue-rich soundscape that explores the beautiful tension between human emotion and our digital world. The song itself carries a touching inspiration—MIKA’s beloved 16-year-old golden retriever—and features a timeless chorus that proves his melodic genius is as sharp as ever. With collaborations from Nick Littlemore and even narration by the iconic filmmaker John Waters, ‘Hyperlove’ is shaping up to be one of the most creatively daring English-language releases of 2026.

To celebrate this triumphant new chapter, the multi-platinum visionary is bringing his “Spinning Out Tour” to North America this spring for what promises to be a series of kaleidoscopic and high-energy live experiences. Kicking off at Boston’s Citizens House of Blues on April 29, the tour will weave through major cities like Chicago and Austin before concluding with a sold-out night at the historic Castro Theatre in San Francisco. MIKA’s live shows are renowned for their theatricality and joy, providing the perfect stage to showcase new anthems like “Modern Times” alongside global classics like “Grace Kelly.” Whether he’s judging talent on European television or raising millions for global relief efforts, MIKA remains a powerhouse performer who continues to push the boundaries of pop with authenticity and a middle finger to the ordinary.

Spinning Out Tour North America Dates:

Apr 29 – Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues

May 01 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring

May 02 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17

May 04 – Laval, QC – Place Bell

May 05 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore

May 07 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre

May 09 – Dallas, TX – Factory in Deep Ellum

May 10 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater

May 13 – Los Angeles, CA – Orpheum Theatre

May 14 – San Francisco, CA – The Castro – SOLD OUT

The Muppets Deliver a Heart-Wrenching Tribute to Their Creator with “Just One Person”

Eric Alper
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The Muppets Deliver a Heart-Wrenching Tribute to Their Creator with “Just One Person”

Television history reached a peak of raw, beautiful emotion in the 1990 special ‘The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson’, which served as a moving farewell to the visionary who started it all. In a masterfully written sequence, a frantic Fozzie Bear and the rest of the gang realize mid-production that their beloved creator has passed away, leading to a moment of collective grief that resonates just as powerfully today as it did decades ago. Instead of letting the curtain fall, the ensemble—joined by the legendary Big Bird—channels their sorrow into a breathtakingly soulful rendition of “Just One Person.” It is a stunning piece of performance art that captures the essence of Henson’s legacy: the idea that one individual’s imagination can indeed change the world and touch millions of lives.

Trace Adkins Celebrates Three Decades of Hits with the Massive 30th Anniversary Tour

Eric Alper
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Trace Adkins Celebrates Three Decades of Hits with the Massive 30th Anniversary Tour

Country music powerhouse Trace Adkins is marking an incredible milestone in 2026, hitting the road for a 24-date headline run that celebrates 30 years since his platinum debut ‘Dreamin’ Out Loud’. It is a rare feat in the industry to maintain this kind of staying power, and Adkins is bringing his signature baritone and unmistakable grit to fans across the South, Midwest, and beyond. This “30th Anniversary Tour” isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a full-throttle victory lap from an artist who remains in the single-digit percentile of performers to reach such a legendary career mark. From the opening night in Oxford, Alabama, to the final bow in West Virginia, this tour promises to be a masterclass in modern country heritage.

The itinerary is absolutely stacked with iconic stops, most notably a special two-night residency at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium this May. Whether he’s firing up the crowd at Billy Bob’s Texas or taking the stage at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Adkins will be delivering a setlist packed with the 40 hit singles that defined his legacy, including triple-platinum anthems like “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and the sentimental “You’re Gonna Miss This.” Coming off a busy year that saw him starring in the action film ‘Day of Reckoning’ and releasing the bittersweet holiday track “One More Christmas,” Trace Adkins proves he is still at the top of his game. This is a must-see event for anyone who loves country music delivered with heart, soul, and a lot of horsepower.

Jan 16 – Oxford, AL – Oxford Performing Arts Center

Jan 17 – Dover, FL – Tampa Bay Rodeo’s Bull Bash & Country Music Festival

Mar 07 – Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s Texas

Mar 08 – Bossier City, LA – Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana

Mar 28 – Opp, AL – Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo

Apr 16 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Apr 18 – Orlando, FL – Venue TBA

Apr 23 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center

Apr 24 – Harris, MI – Island Resort & Casino

Apr 25 – Harris, MI – Island Resort & Casino

May 14 – Miles City, MT – World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale

May 15 – Deadwood, SD – Deadwood Mountain Grand

May 16 – Fort Yates, ND – Prairie Knights Casino & Resort

May 22 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium

May 23 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium

Jun 19 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center

Jun 20 – Mount Vernon, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center

Jun 21 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – Alabama Theatre

Jul 22 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Frontier Days

Jul 24 – Castle Rock, CO – Douglas County Fair & Rodeo

Sep 11 – Hutchinson, KS – Kansas State Fair

Sep 17 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theatre

Sep 18 – Carteret, NJ – Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center

Sep 19 – Charles Town, WV – Hollywood Casino At Charles Town Races

Joy Shannon Crafts a Mystical Masterpiece with Tolkien-Inspired ‘In the Forest Singing Sorrowless’

Eric Alper
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Joy Shannon Crafts a Mystical Masterpiece with Tolkien-Inspired ‘In the Forest Singing Sorrowless’

Irish harpist and vocal enchantress Joy Shannon has delivered a breathtaking dream-walk that pairs her ethereal melodies with the legendary poetry of J.R.R. Tolkien. Created as a beacon of hope during Shannon’s own courageous battle with breast cancer, In the Forest Singing Sorrowless is a stunning testament to the healing power of art and purpose. Featuring an incredible lineup of guest contributors—including Tolkien’s great-granddaughter Ruth Tolkien and the mesmerizing Maria Franz of Heilung—the album weaves a dark folk tapestry that feels as ancient as the Irish burial mounds Shannon explored in her previous works like Aes Sídhe. It is a profound, intimate excavation of grief and love that resonates with a “heartbeat of the earth” rarely captured in modern music.

The musical chemistry on this release is nothing short of supernatural, with the brooding cello of Kakophonix adding a rich, cinematic depth to Shannon’s intricate harp arrangements. From the heartbreaking resonance of “Beren and Lúthien” to the haunting, atmospheric reimagining of “Misty Mountains,” Shannon manages to find the pulse of Middle-earth through a uniquely Celtic lens. This isn’t just a tribute; it is a lush, sorrowless haven that provides a much-needed escape from the modern world. For fans of gothic folk and mythic storytelling, this album is an absolute triumph of the spirit, proving once again that Shannon is one of the most vital voices in the dark folk scene today.

Arkells Strike Gold with the Synth-Infused New Single “Money” Featuring Portugal. The Man

Eric Alper
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Arkells Strike Gold with the Synth-Infused New Single “Money” Featuring Portugal. The Man

The unstoppable 9X JUNO Award winners Arkells have just dropped a certified banger with their new single “Money,” and it is exactly the kind of vibrant, synth-drenched anthem we need right now. Teaming up with the legendary John Gourley of Portugal. The Man, the track dives deep into our complicated, ego-driven relationship with finances, delivering a “godless” critique wrapped in an irresistible feel-good melody. Frontman Max Kerman’s sharp songwriting shines here, finding the perfect rebellious foil in Gourley’s guest vocals to create a track that feels both globally relevant and sonically explosive. Following the success of “What Good?”, this new release serves as a thrilling second look at the band’s highly anticipated 2026 album.

The momentum is truly electric as the Hamilton heroes prepare for a massive 2026, including a high-profile performance at the JUNO Awards in their hometown. Before they take the stage at the TD Coliseum, the band is heading across the pond for a series of intimate, up-close European and UK dates that are already selling out at lightning speed. Fans in Manchester and London have already snapped up every ticket, eager to hear a preview of the new record in these legendary small clubs. Whether they are surprising fans at a Jonas Brothers concert or sold-out holiday shows in Niagara Falls, Arkells continue to prove why they are the gold standard of Canadian rock and roll—bringing an infectious energy that keeps everyone’s eyes on the prize.

Dec 18 – Niagara Falls, ON – OLG Stage (Sleigh The Night) – SOLD OUT

Mar 12 – Berlin, Germany – Mikropol

Mar 13 – Hamburg, Germany – Nochtspeicher

Mar 15 – Cologne, Germany – Artheater

Mar 17 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Bitterzoet

Mar 19 – Manchester, United Kingdom – Deaf Institute – SOLD OUT

Mar 20 – London, United Kingdom – Underworld – SOLD OUT

Mar 29 – Hamilton, ON – TD Coliseum (2026 JUNO Awards)

May 30 – Fergus, ON – Meadows Music Festival

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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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