Page 22 – That Eric Alper

Stephen Wilson Jr. Brings “Gary” And Soulful “Stand By Me” To Howard Stern Studio

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 12, 2026

Stephen Wilson Jr. Brings “Gary” And Soulful “Stand By Me” To Howard Stern Studio

Stephen Wilson Jr. made his Stern Show debut this week, performing his new single “Gary” and a stirring cover of “Stand by Me” live in the studio for a Howard 101 special. The singer, songwriter, and guitarist opened up about his path to music, telling Howard Stern he was once a quiet kid who struggled to find his place before discovering the guitar at 16. That gift from his father shifted everything.

“I was pretty much a fly on the wall, and I really didn’t have much to say,” Wilson Jr. said. “So, it was really hard for anyone to imagine me as a singer because I wasn’t a talker.” He recalled practicing up to 12 hours a day, teaching himself Soundgarden songs and adopting a percussive playing style inspired by Dave Matthews. The dedication helped shape the sound that recently earned him a New Artist of the Year nomination at the 2025 CMA Awards.

During the appearance, Wilson Jr. also shared the story behind his weathered Takamine guitar, nicknamed “One,” which he purchased for $400 from the back of a van in a Nashville parking lot. “I shop with my hands, not brands,” he said with a laugh. He knew within seconds it was the right fit. The performance special airs February 10 at 7 p.m. on Howard 101.

Tame Impala Plots Massive 2026 North American Run With DJO And Dominic Fike

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 12, 2026

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Tame Impala Plots Massive 2026 North American Run With DJO And Dominic Fike

Tame Impala has announced a new leg of North American arena dates set for late summer 2026. The run supports the band’s latest album, ‘Deadbeat,’ and brings Kevin Parker and company back across the continent following earlier international shows. Joining the tour are special guests DJO and Dominic Fike, splitting duties across the outing.

The North American leg kicks off July 7 in Miami and travels through Tampa, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Montreal, Toronto, Boston, Charlotte, and Nashville. DJO will appear on the first half of the run. Dominic Fike joins beginning August 25 in Columbus, with stops in Minneapolis, Seattle, Vancouver, Portland, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, and Houston before wrapping September 19.

Earlier in the year, Tame Impala will tour across Europe and the UK, including dates in Porto, Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Dublin. The expanded schedule underscores the global reach of ‘Deadbeat’ and the band’s continued arena draw.

Tame Impala 2026 Tour Dates:
04/04 — Porto, PT @ Super Bock Arena – Pavilhão Rosa Mota
04/05 — Lisbon, PT @ MEO Arena
04/07 — Madrid, ES @ Movistar Arena
04/08 — Barcelona, ES @ Palau Sant Jordi
04/10 — Lyon, FR @ LDLC Arena
04/12 — Turin, IT @ Inalpi Arena
04/13 — Bologna, IT @ Unipol Arena
04/14 — Zurich, CH @ Hallenstadion
04/16 — Munich, DE @ Olympiahalle
04/18 — Gliwice, PL @ PreZero Arena
04/20 — Prague, CZ @ O2 Arena
04/23 — Hamburg, DE @ Barclays Arena
04/25 — Copenhagen, DK @ Royal Arena
04/26 — Stockholm, SE @ Avicii Arena
04/27 — Oslo, NO @ Unity Arena
04/29 — Berlin, DE @ Uber Arena
04/30 — Frankfurt, DE @ Festhalle
05/01 — Dusseldorf, DE @ PSD Bank Dome
05/03 — Paris, FR @ Accor Arena
05/04 — Amsterdam, NL @ Ziggo Dome
05/05 — Antwerp, BE @ AFAS Dome
05/07 — London, UK @ The O2
05/08 — Manchester, UK @ Co-op Live Arena
05/09 — Birmingham, UK @ Utilita Arena Birmingham
05/11 — Glasgow, UK @ OVO Hydro
05/13 — Dublin, IE @ 3Arena

07/07 — Miami, FL @ Kaseya Center *
07/09 — Tampa, FL @ Benchmark International Arena *
07/12 — Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena *
07/15 — Philadelphia, PA @ Xfinity Mobile Arena *
07/18 — Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena *
07/19 — Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena *
07/22 — Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre *
07/25 — Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena *
07/26 — Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena *
07/28 — Boston, MA @ TD Garden *
07/29 — Boston, MA @ TD Garden *
08/01 — Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center *
08/04 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena *

08/25 — Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena +
08/28 — Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center +
09/01 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena +
09/05 — Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena +
09/08 — Portland, OR @ Moda Center +
09/11 — Denver, CO @ Ball Arena +
09/14 — Phoenix, AZ @ Mortgage Matchup Center +
09/17 — Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center +
09/19 — Houston, TX @ Toyota Center +

= w/ DJO
= w/ Dominic Fike

Bud Cort, ‘Harold And Maude’ Star And Cult Film Icon, Dies At 77

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 12, 2026

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Bud Cort, ‘Harold And Maude’ Star And Cult Film Icon, Dies At 77

Bud Cort, the actor best known for his role in the 1971 film ‘Harold and Maude,’ died on February 11, 2026 in Norwalk, Connecticut. He was 77. His family confirmed that he died from complications of pneumonia at an assisted-living facility. Cort rose to prominence playing Harold Chasen, a death-obsessed teenager who forms a romantic bond with a 79-year-old woman, Maude, portrayed by Ruth Gordon in the Hal Ashby-directed film.

Though ‘Harold and Maude’ was met with mixed reviews upon its initial release, it grew into a cult classic throughout the 1970s, particularly on college campuses. Cort received Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for his performance. The film was later selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. Cort spoke candidly about being strongly associated with the role, noting that it shaped both opportunities and limitations in his career.

Born Walter Edward Cox on March 29, 1948, in Rye, New York, Cort began his career with small roles before being cast by director Robert Altman in ‘MAS*H’ and ‘Brewster McCloud.’ Over the years, he appeared in more than 40 films, including ‘Heat,’ ‘Dogma,’ and ‘The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou.’ He also directed and co-wrote the 1991 film ‘Ted & Venus.’

Cort’s television work included appearances on ‘Arrested Development,’ ‘Ugly Betty,’ and ‘Criminal Minds,’ as well as voice roles in ‘Batman: The Animated Series,’ ‘Superman: The Animated Series,’ and ‘Justice League Unlimited.’ In 1979, he was seriously injured in a car accident that required multiple surgeries and interrupted his career. He is survived by his siblings and extended family, and a memorial is planned for a later date in Los Angeles.

Nolatet Returns With ‘Somethin’ To Relax With’ And Live Fire Energy

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 12, 2026

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Nolatet Returns With ‘Somethin’ To Relax With’ And Live Fire Energy

Acclaimed New Orleans ensemble Nolatet announces its third album, ‘Somethin’ To Relax With,’ arriving April 3 via RPF Records and Royal Potato Family. The quartet reunites bassist James Singleton and drummer Johnny Vidacovich with vibraphonist and percussionist Mike Dillon and pianist Brian Haas. Recorded live at LowDown in Tulsa across two sold-out shows in 2025, the album captures the band’s fearless chemistry in real time. The title track “Somethin’ To Relax With” is out now, offering the first taste of this kinetic new chapter.

“In the past, we’ve always worked out new material live, onstage, in front of the audience,” says Singleton. “Our specialty is collective improvisation, and as a band we gravitate more toward creative, improvised music than sticking to charts. So when it came time to record these songs, we made the decision to do it live in front of an audience.” Haas adds, “Every member of Nolatet is a composer… I think the kinetic energy of an audience makes for a more energetic and riskier album.”

Across six new compositions, including “Switchback,” “Doc Richter To You,” and “Black Pencil,” the band balances earthy jazz finesse with bold syncopation and harmonic imagination. JazzTimes has praised their mix of quirky melodies and punk-rock moxie, while DownBeat has highlighted their graceful execution. ‘Somethin’ To Relax With’ stands tall on that foundation, delivering a vibrant document of collective improvisation in motion.

Track Listing:

Switchback
Somethin’ To Relax With
Doc Richter To You
Black Pencil
Cluster
Surely Hazard

Upcoming Shows:
2/19 – New Orleans, LA – The Maple Leaf
4/8 – Chicago, IL – Garcia’s Chicago
4/10 – St. Louis, MO – Pop’s Blue Moon
4/11 – Kansas City, MO – Greenwood Social Hall
4/16 – Denver, CO – Dazzle (6:30pm & 9:30pm)
4/29 – New Orleans, LA – Cafe Istanbul

Lizzie Reid Unveils ‘Undoing’ And Unleashes “Sweet Relief” Ahead Of UK Tour

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 12, 2026

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Lizzie Reid Unveils ‘Undoing’ And Unleashes “Sweet Relief” Ahead Of UK Tour

Glaswegian singer-songwriter Lizzie Reid returns with news of her new EP ‘Undoing’, set for release on April 17. Leading the announcement is the gripping new single “Sweet Relief,” a ruminative and dark opener that sets the tone for her most exposed work to date. Following her SAY Award shortlisted debut “Cubicle,” Reid has carved out a reputation as a musician’s musician, earning praise for her fearless writing and sharing stages with artists including Jasmine 4.t, John Cale, Hamish Hawk, Arlo Parks, and Tori Amos.

“Sweet Relief” arrives loud and uncompromising, driven by snarling guitar lines, thundering drums, and ghostly synths that frame Reid’s stark lyricism. Accented by unsettling sirens and screeches, she delivers the striking line, “I risk everything for more, to live in pain again, shame again, bigger than ever before.” The track features guest vocals from Hamish Hawk and guitar work from Andrew Pearson, adding weight and texture to its brooding intensity.

Speaking on the single, Reid says, “Sweet Relief speaks of my experience dealing with the full throws of obsession, rumination, depression, and panic. The way I desperately attempted to comfort myself only brought momentary relief from the storm. The cycle is brutal, exhausting and incredibly sneaky. The more I searched for solutions, the murkier the waters became, making it near impossible for light to come into the frame. The temptation and urgency to ‘fix myself’ is a voice that appears to want to help, but in fact was keeping me in the cycle of darkness to relief to darkness again.”

Tour dates:
27th Feb – Assembly Rooms – Edinburgh w/ Jacob Alon
26th April – Cottiers Theatre – Glasgow
28th April – Oporto – Leeds
29th April – The Castle Hotel – Manchester
30th April – The Waiting Room – London
2nd May – Rough Trade – Bristol

Mikaela Davis Gives Grateful Dead’s “Bird Song” A Luminous Harp-Led Rebirth

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 12, 2026

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Mikaela Davis Gives Grateful Dead’s “Bird Song” A Luminous Harp-Led Rebirth

Musician Mikaela Davis and her band Southern Star deliver a stunning harp-driven take on the Grateful Dead classic “Bird Song,” reshaping the beloved tune with elegance and clarity. The delicate sweep of Davis’ harp pairs effortlessly with her soaring soprano, casting the song in a fresh light while honoring its original spirit. Every note feels intentional, every phrase warmly rendered. It is a gorgeous reinterpretation that highlights both the timeless songwriting and Davis’ distinct artistry, turning a cherished staple into something quietly breathtaking.

SiriusXM Canada announces new original series Everything Is Broken hosted by Kevin Drew

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 12, 2026

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SiriusXM Canada announces new original series Everything Is Broken hosted by Kevin Drew

SiriusXM Canada today announced the upcoming launch of Everything Is Broken, a new original series hosted by acclaimed musician, songwriter, and Broken Social Scene co-founder Kevin Drew. Set to debut on The Verge on February 14, the series explores the powerful role music plays in shaping the human experience.

On Everything Is Broken, Drew invites a diverse lineup of artists, creatives, and cultural figures to reflect on the music that has soundtracked their lives, and the music that has helped them endure hardship, celebrate triumph, and feel understood in moments of vulnerability. Through deeply personal conversations and timeless songs, each episode reveals how music becomes a companion through life’s most defining moments.

“Music has always been there for us. When things fall apart, when we find our footing again, and when we need to feel less alone,” said Kevin Drew. “This show is about those songs and the stories attached to them. It’s about connection, resilience, and the shared language we all carry through music.”

The inaugural season of Everything Is Broken features conversations between Kevin and his friends, all connected by their love of music. His first guest is Irish actor/producer, Cillian Murphy, as the two friends reflect on the significance of music throughout their careers and their friendship.

“Everything Is Broken is a powerful example of the kind of original storytelling we’re committed to championing at SiriusXM Canada,” said Michelle Mearns, Senior Vice President, Programming and Operations, SiriusXM Canada. “Kevin brings authenticity and empathy to this series, creating conversations that highlight the powerful role music plays in connecting us. We’re proud to partner with him and to introduce this show to listeners on SiriusXM.”

As part of SiriusXM Canada’s continued investment in original programming, Everything Is Broken reinforces the company’s commitment to spotlighting meaningful storytelling and distinctive creative voices across its channels.

Everything Is Broken will air exclusively on The Verge (channel 173), available to SiriusXM subscribers across North America.

BTS World Tour ‘Arirang’ Live Viewing Events Announced For April 11 And 18

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 12, 2026

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BTS World Tour ‘Arirang’ Live Viewing Events Announced For April 11 And 18

Trafalgar Releasing, HYBE, and BIGHIT MUSIC are proud to present BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ LIVE VIEWING, a global live cinema event bringing two full-length BTS concerts to cinemas worldwide this April.

Pop royalty BTS (RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook) returns to the global stage with their highly anticipated BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’, marking their first tour as a group since their celebrated 2021–2022 ‘PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE’ tour. Opening with landmark concerts broadcast live from Goyang, South Korea, and Tokyo, Japan, the tour spans 34 cities worldwide and 82 shows, setting a new record for the most tour dates by a K-pop artist.

Audiences everywhere won’t want to miss their chance to experience two full-length concerts, presented live in cinemas worldwide.

The live cinema broadcasts will take place on:

● Saturday, April 11 – BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ IN GOYANG: LIVE VIEWING

● Saturday, April 18 – BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ IN TOKYO: LIVE VIEWING

Tickets and full screening details for each territory will be available at www.btsliveviewing.com from February 25. Audiences are encouraged to sign up for event alerts. Screening times will vary by territory. Territories will screen each concert twice, with some screenings scheduled later to accommodate local time zones. Tickets officially go on sale globally beginning Wednesday, February 25 at 5am PT / 8am ET / 1pm GMT / 8pm ICT. Korean tickets go on sale at 10am KST.

Marc Allenby, Chief Executive Officer of Trafalgar Releasing, said, “Trafalgar Releasing is very proud to bring one of the year’s most significant cultural moments to cinema audiences worldwide. The announcement of BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ has been met with extraordinary global demand, and we are excited to continue our longstanding partnership with HYBE and BIGHIT MUSIC on two unmissable live cinema broadcasts this April. Presenting two full-length concerts from Goyang and Tokyo, these events offer audiences around the world the opportunity to come together and experience the tour on the big screen.”

BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ accompanies their fifth full-length album, which reflects the culmination of BTS’ journey to date and defines them on their own terms, spanning a wide range of emotions, including love and longing.

Featuring a spectacular 360-degree in-the-round stage design, the tour is set to deliver an immersive experience that places audiences at the very center of the performance. Share the electrifying moments of BTS’ comeback of the decade together on the big screen worldwide—April 11 from Goyang and April 18 from Tokyo.

Further live viewings are planned for later in the year. More details will be announced at a later date.

Monica And Brandy Headline 2026 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival With Ella Mai And TEMS

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 12, 2026

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Monica And Brandy Headline 2026 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival With Ella Mai And TEMS

Fresh off their sold-out The Boy Is Mine Tour, global R&B icons Monica and Brandy have been confirmed as headliners for the 2026 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, joining an already stellar lineup featuring Grammy Award winning artists Ella Mai and TEMS, alongside internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Esperanza Spalding.

The festival will take place from April 30 to May 11, with the announcement igniting international excitement and reaffirming its status as one of the Caribbean’s most iconic and influential cultural experiences.

From timeless jazz to global rhythms, the 2026 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival returns with a vibrant musical journey that draws thousands of visitors from across the world. The lineup spans Afro beats, jazz, rock, gospel, soca, reggae, zouk, pop, and an eclectic mix of cultural sounds each bringing its own pulse to the island.

Set against the breathtaking waterside backdrop of the iconic Pigeon Island National Park, the festival’s open-air performances promise an immersive, unforgettable experience where music, culture, and destination collide.

To coincide with this announcement, early bird tickets for the 2026 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival are now officially on sale, giving fans the opportunity to secure their place at what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and destination excellence.

“Monica and Brandy’s inclusion add significant star power to an already dynamic and carefully curated lineup, elevating anticipation among music lovers, cultural tastemakers, and international travellers alike. Their performances promise to blend nostalgia with contemporary flair, aligning seamlessly with the festival’s tradition of showcasing world-class talent across genres while celebrating Caribbean culture, artistry, and creativity,” said Festival Chairman, Thaddeus M. Antoine.

As of February 10, 2026, the musical lineup is as follows, with more details to be announced:

April 30 – Opening Night: A powerful fusion of Caribbean and international sounds featuring Capleton, Valiant, Asa Bantan, D’YANI, Shervon Sealy, LM Stone, and American country artist Amber Digby.

May 5 -7 – Pure Jazz & Kingdom Night: Ladies in Concert: An elegant celebration of jazz artistry with the internationally acclaimed Esperanza Spalding, Chantal Esdelle & Moyenne, and Saint Lucian talents Camille Charlemagne and Leandra Modeste. An uplifting evening of praise and worship featuring Grammy-nominated American gospel singer and songwriter Tye Tribbett, Ada Ehi, Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers, Nigela St. Clair-Daniel, and Saint Lucian gospel all-stars. Elements of the Arts: World-class jazz meets creative expression with the Branford Marsalis Quartet, Jesse Billy, and a special arts production by the Cultural Development Foundation.

Friday, May 8 – Caribbean Fusion: A high-energy showcase of regional brilliance with Kes the Band, The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson and Skip Marley, Dexta Daps, and the Saint Lucian Mélange led by the reigning Groovy Soca King Imran Nerdy.

Saturday, May 9 – World Beats: A genre-blending night under the stars featuring Grammy Award winning Nigerian singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and genre-blending sound that fuses Afrobeats, R&B, and global pop, Tems and Grammy Award winning British R&B singer-songwriter celebrated for her smooth vocals, timeless sound, and chart-topping hits Ella Mai. Sharing the stage is the dynamic French Caribbean artist from Martinique X-Man, Lu City, Princess Lover, Les Aiglons de Guadeloupe, and October 4.

Sunday, May 10 – The Ultimate Celebration on Mother’s Day: will deliver an unforgettable grand close to the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, headlined by Grammy Award-winning icons Monica and Brandy. Sharing the stage on this spectacular night is solo guitarist from Saint Lucia Kyle Ernest, British soul legend Beverley Knight alongside Mervin Wilkinson and Friends, and the legendary hitmaker Billy Ocean, whose timeless, feel-good classics make him the perfect soundtrack for a joyful Mother’s Day celebration. This star-studded finale is set to be a powerful, emotional, and celebratory end to an extraordinary festival.

The Saint Lucia arts scene comes alive from April 30 to May 12, 2026, building on the celebrated Art and the City theme introduced in 2023. This flagship showcase will span the island, featuring an exciting mix of visual art, live music, spoken word, theatre, and immersive cultural experiences that highlight Saint Lucia’s creative spirit. Travel to Saint Lucia with ease, with direct flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) available on Air Canada and WestJet.

Jacob Collier Directs Audience Symphony Orchestra In Surprise Live Performance

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 12, 2026

0

Jacob Collier Directs Audience Symphony Orchestra In Surprise Live Performance

Jacob Collier, known for his multi-instrumentalism, unique arrangements, and improvisational skills, recently joined forces with a group of fans he dubbed the Audience Symphony Orchestra. The musician directed them live, instrument-by-instrument to perform a surprise song they didn’t expect, showing his signature approach to spontaneous musical collaboration and audience participation.