Home Blog Page 229

Stewart Copeland Announces Extensive Summer Spoken Word Tour

0

ounding drummer of The Police Stewart Copeland announces his 2026 summer spoken-word tour titled “Have I Said Too Much – The Police, Hollywood, and Other Adventures.” This 34-city trek features a 90-minute program of conversation alongside rare photos and video footage from his career. The evening concludes with a Q&A session where the musician addresses his history as a performer and writer. This presentation delivers a unique and insightful look at the life of an elite world-class entertainer.

The tour begins on June 3 in Fort Lauderdale before moving through major markets including San Francisco, Boston, and Nashville. Copeland draws from material previously explored in his books ‘Strange Things Happen’ and ‘Police Diaries’ to offer a comprehensive account of his musical journey. Tickets for these events go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 13 at 10:00am through standard digital platforms and at his website. These dates offer fans a rare chance to engage directly with one of the most influential drummers in rock history.

STEWART COPELAND 2026 TOUR DATES:

June 3 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Amaturo Theatre

June 5 – Clearwater, FL @ Capitol Theatre

June 6 – Melbourne, FL @ King Center for the Performing Arts

June 7 – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL @ Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

June 9 – Atlanta, GA @ City Winery

June 12 – Dallas, TX @ The Kessler Theatre

June 13 – Austin, TX @ State Theatre

June 14 – Houston, TX @ Heights Theatre

June 16 – Phoenix, AZ @ Musical Instrument Museum

June 18 – San Juan Capistrano, CA @ Coach House

June 20 – San Francisco, CA @ Presidio Theatre

June 27 – Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theater

June 28 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre

July 7 – Old Saybrook, CT @ The Kate

July 9 – Boston, MA @ City Winery

July 10 – Waldoboro, ME @ The Waldo Theatre

July 11 – Concord, NH @ BNH Stage

July 12 – East Greenwich, RI @ Greenwich Odeum

July 14 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount

July 16 – South Orange, NJ @ South Orange Performing Arts Center

July 17 – Pawling, NY @ Daryl’s House Club

July 18 – Phoenixville, PA @ The Colonial Theatre

July 19 – Alexandria, VA @ The Birchmere

July 21 – Annapolis, MD @ Rams Head On Stage

July 22 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Palace Theatre

July 24 – Kent, OH @ The Kent Stage

July 25 – Cincinnati, OH @ Ludlow Garage

July 28 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Parkway Theatre

July 30 – Milwaukee, WI @ Vivarium

July 31 – Skokie, IL @ North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

August 1 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Wealthy Theatre

August 4 – Nashville, TN @ City Winery

August 6 – Rocky Mount, VA @ Harvester Performance Center

August 7 – Hopewell, VA @ The Beacon Theatre

Geese Performs Stripped Back Set For NPR Tiny Desk Concert

0

Brooklyn-based quintet Geese brings a focused and earnest energy to the NPR Music offices for a brand-new Tiny Desk Concert. Recorded following the success of the 2025 LP ‘Getting Killed’, the three-song performance highlights the quieter and more melancholic textures of their recent work. Frontperson Cameron Winter leads the set with seated guitar work while Emily Green provides a jagged edge to the melodic pulse of the group. The ensemble navigates through “Husbands” and “Cobra” before reaching a soaring conclusion with “Half Real.” This session captures 10 years of collaborative history through a technical display of lock-step musicianship and emotional purity.

Charli xcx Stars In Official Trailer For Pete Ohs Film ‘Erupcja’ Arriving This April

0

American maverick Pete Ohs unveils the official trailer for his latest film ‘Erupcja’ starring Charli xcx in a leading role. Arriving in theaters on April 17, this anti-romantic comedy follows Bethany as a volcanic eruption strands her and a fiancé in Warsaw. Charli xcx delivers a magnetic performance as a woman ditching her personal baggage to reunite with a childhood friend played by Lena Góra. The story moves through European lofts and back alleys to explore the emotional complexities of self-discovery and love. This project showcases a dizzyingly charming postcard aesthetic that highlights the creative range of its multi-talented cast.

Jelle Dittmar Performs Rhythmic New Composition Using Custom Drainpipe Instrument

0

ward-winning musician Jelle Dittmar showcases a unique instrument of his own invention crafted from a common drainpipe. The build features a strategic cutout revealing a double-bass string which the artist plays with a bow. This demonstration highlights the sonic range of the device by transitioning from a dry signal through various effects and into a complete production. This performance delivers a rich and textured audio environment that shows that anyone can create unconventional instruments. The hard part, of course, is sounding like this.

Andrea Bocelli Performs “Nessun Dorma” At Olympic Opening Ceremony Before Starting Romanza Anniversary Tour

0

Last night, Maestro Andrea Bocelli, one of the most recognizable voices in music, delivered a breathtaking performance of his iconic “Nessun Dorma” at the Olympic Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The performance was a standout moment during the star-studded ceremony, as Bocelli took the stage just after the President of the Italian Republic officially declared the Olympic Winter Games open.

Surrounded by an orchestra and the Olympic athletes, Bocelli delivered an unforgettable performance of “Nessun Dorma” as the Olympic flame was carried into San Siro Stadium. His performance culminated in the flame’s exit from the stadium, a symbolic moment opening the Games beyond the venue. The performance served as a powerful reminder of how music can be a shared language, echoing the athletes’ journeys and stories.

Bocelli made his Olympic debut at the Closing Ceremony of the Torino 2006 Winter Games, remaining a key figure for the Italian Olympic Games two-decades later. Music emerges as a universal language in this year’s program, celebrating unity through diversity for a truly shared experience, becoming an integral part of the story that unites sport, art, and culture, in the spirit of the Olympic values of dialogue and sharing.

Bocelli’s 2026 Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour, celebrating his widely-acclaimed 1997 breakthrough album Romanza, officially kicks off tonightin Columbus, OH. The tour, presented by global wealth management and investment banking firm, Stifel, will feature many of his famed songs live, including timeless songs like Con Te Partirò.

Produced by AEG Presents, the 2026 Romanza 30th Anniversary Tour will see Bocelli perform in iconic venues across the world, including his return to Madison Square Garden for two nights in New York City, The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, CO, Bell Centre in Montreal, QC, TD Garden in Boston, and more. Internationally, the tour will see Bocelli perform in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Venice, Italy, Gdansk and Warsaw, Poland, and Vienna, Austria. For more information and tickets, please visit https://www.andreabocelli.com/tickets.

Romanza became a global phenomenon upon its release in 1997, selling more than 20 million copies worldwide. The record earned Platinum and Diamond certifications in over 20 countries, including Triple Platinum in the United States and Diamond status in Canada. It is both the best-selling Italian-language album and the best-selling predominantly non-English language album of all time. Romanza also topped the charts in 11 countries and reached the top of Billboard’s U.S. World Albums and Top Catalog Albums charts.

Maestro Andrea Bocelli is the most successful classical artist of all time who has sold nearly 90 million records and amassed over 25 billion streams since rising to fame after winning the 1994 Sanremo Music Festival. Renowned for his interpretations of major operatic works under legendary conductors such as Lorin Maazel, Seiji Ozawa, and Zubin Mehta, he has earned six Grammy and six Latin Grammy nominations and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Bocelli has performed for four Presidents of the United States, four Popes, the British Royal Family, and at global events around the world including the Olympic Games and World Expos.  He also founded the Andrea Bocelli Foundation to advance education and healthcare worldwide. His 2020 Easter performance at Milan’s Duomo became one of the most-watched classical livestreams in history, offering an uplifting message of love, healing and hope.

Romanza – 30th Anniversary World Tour Dates
Saturday, February 7, 2026 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Thursday, February 12, 2026 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 – Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena
Friday, February 20, 2026 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center
Sunday, February 22, 2026 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at the BJCC
Monday, February 23, 2026 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena *with special guests Michael W. Smith and Lauren Daigle
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Saturday, April 25, 2026 – Aguascalientes, Mexico – Feria Nacional de San Marcos
Saturday, June 27, 2026 – Venice, Italy – Piazza San Marco
Friday, August 14, 2026 – Gdansk, Poland – Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk
Sunday, August 16, 2026 – Warsaw, Poland – PGE Narodowy
Saturday, August 22, 2026 – Vienna, Austria – Ernst-Happel-Stadion
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
Saturday, September 12, 2026 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
Sunday, September 13, 2026 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
Friday, September 18, 2026 – Phoenix, AZ – Mortgage Matchup Center
Sunday, September 20, 2026 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Monday, September 21, 2026 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Thursday, December 10, 2026 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Friday, December 11, 2026 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center
Sunday, December 13, 2026 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Wednesday, December 16, 2026 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Thursday, December 17, 2026 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Saturday, December 19, 2026 – Hamilton, ON – TD Coliseum
Monday, December 21, 2026 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
Tuesday, December 22, 2026 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena

Nick Jonas Surprises Fans With Deluxe Edition Of New Album ‘Sunday Best’ Today

0

Following the release of his new album Sunday Best on Friday, Golden Globe and GRAMMY-nominated recording artist, songwriter, actor, and producer Nick Jonas surprises fans with the release of a deluxe edition today. Sunday Best (Deluxe) expands on the original 11-track album with two brand new songs “London Foolishly” and “While You’re Gone,” along with a live version of fan favorite single “Gut Punch.” Listen to Sunday Best (Deluxe) HERE

One of the deluxe edition’s standout additions, “London Foolishly,” holds special meaning for longtime fans. Jonas originally wrote the song at just 17 years old and performed it live on Cambio, where it quickly became a fan favorite despite never receiving an official release, until now. See Jonas’ post with the original footage of his “London Foolishly” debut HERE.

Sunday Best was met with critical acclaim from both press and fans. Associated Press praised the album as “Easy listening for those in need of a love song,” while Billboard noted that as Jonas reflects on life as a husband and father, his storytelling “explores honesty, growth and rediscovery.”

On Sunday Best, Jonas returns with his first solo project in nearly five years and dives deeper than ever before, drawing from important life chapters, both celebratory and challenging, that he’s faced over the past two years and the new perspective he’s gained as both a husband and father. Through unguarded storytelling and vulnerable moments he has never previously shared publicly, the album offers listeners an intimate look into his world and explores honesty, growth, and rediscovery. 

Sonically, Jonas draws inspiration from his musical roots and early years singing in church choirs, infusing the record with the warmth and spirit of musical influences from both his childhood and adult life. Sunday Best features vivid lyricism, rich and soulful arrangements, and warmly layered instrumentation that highlight his most emotionally resonant work to date.

SUNDAY BEST DELUXE TRACKLIST:
1. “Sweet To Me”
2. “Handprints”
3. “I Need You”
4. “You Got Me”
5. “Gut Punch”
6. “Hope”
7. “Seeing Ghosts”
8. “Aphrodite”
9. “911”
10. “The Greatest” feat. Jonas Brothers
11. “Princesses”
12. “London Foolishly”
13. “While You’re Gone”
14. “Gut Punch” (Live)

A multi-talented singer, songwriter, actor, and producer, Nick Jonas’ illustrious career has spanned across music, acting, writing, producing, and philanthropy over the past 25 years. He first began his career on stage at the age of eight, booking his first gig as Tiny Tim in an off-Broadway production of A Christmas Carol in 2000 at the legendary Madison Square Garden. Immediately catching the eye of Broadway producers, he went on to perform in theatrical productions of Annie Get Your Gun (2001), Beauty and the Beast (2002), Les Misérables (2003), The Sound of Music (2003), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (2012), The Last Five Years (2025), and more. Beyond theater, Nick’s story as one-third of Jonas Brothers remains well-documented—especially given the band’s chart-dominating 2019 comeback Happiness Begins, sold-out world tours, and a subsequent GRAMMY Award nomination. He has also established himself as a dynamic solo artist with a penchant for breaking boundaries. His 2014 self-titled album yielded the triple-platinum “Jealous,” double-platinum “Chains,” and gold-certified “Levels.” Its 2016 follow-up Last Year Was Complicated spawned the anthem “Close” [feat. Tove Lo] and brought his streams into the billions. That same year, he was also honored with the prestigious Hal David Starlight Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Nick was then nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for his co-written song “Home” from the 2017 animated film Ferdinand. Nick has also distinguished himself in the world of film and television. Most recently, he starred in The Good Half, delivering a knockout performance in his first leading role, and wrapped production for an upcoming film titled Power Ballad, where he is set to star alongside actor Paul Rudd. Nick will also soon star in the upcoming filmed production of the beloved Broadway musical Jersey Boys. Along the way, he has captivated audiences as a re-occurring judge on NBC’s The Voice and in big screen favorites such as Jumanji: Welcome to the JungleUgly DollsMidwayJumanji: The Next Level, Chaos Walking, and most recently A Very Jonas Christmas Movie. An active philanthropist, Nick is also the co-founder of Beyond Type 1, a nonprofit organization changing what it means to live with diabetes. Through platforms, programs, resources and grants, Beyond Type 1 is uniting the global diabetes community and providing solutions to improve lives today. 2025 marks a special year for Nick and Jonas Brothers as they celebrate their 20th anniversary as a band. Most recently, they released their new studio album, Greetings from Your Hometown, and just finished performing across North America on their Greetings From Your Hometown tour, which kicked off on August 10th at MetLife Stadium and through the end of 2025.

Lake Street Dive Brings Eclectic Genre Bending Sound To OLG Stage At Fallsview Casino

0

Lake Street Dive brings their unique and cross-pollinated sound to the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino on August 7. Known for an all-embracing ethos, the five-piece band merges soul, folk, jazz, and classic pop into a cohesive live experience. Tickets for this summer performance go on sale February 13 at 10:00am. This show captures the group at a creative peak following the release of their latest album ‘Good Together’.

The ensemble has pushed the possibilities of pop music since forming in Boston during 2004. Their current material stems from a mindset of joyful rebellion and highlights the palpable camaraderie between the bandmates. Popular hits like “Side Pony” and “Good Kisser” anchor a setlist built on harmony, tempo, and deep-seated grooves. This performance serves as a testament to the band’s ability to build a potent connection with every crowd.

A brief guide to music licensing requirements for US businesses

0

By Mitch Rice

Music can set the tone in any business environment, whether you’re running a café or a fitness studio. But if you’re using a personal streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music, you may be in violation of copyright laws.

A staggering 78% of small-to-midsize businesses in the U.S. unknowingly break the law by playing music for customers through personal accounts. Understanding music licensing requirements can help you avoid hefty fines and ensure your business stays compliant.

Why licensing is mandatory

Songwriters and artists hold exclusive rights to perform their work publicly under U.S. copyright law. Playing music in a public setting, like on business premises, is generally considered a ‘public performance’, and the law requires you to get permission from copyright holders. Personal streaming accounts are licensed for private use only—so playing music from these services in a store or restaurant may count as a public performance.

The consequences can be severe: fines can range from $750 to $150,000 per song. To enforce these rules, Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) send field agents to monitor businesses and ensure they’re complying. The risk is real, and it’s essential to understand what licenses you need.

Major PROs in the US

There are several key players in the U.S. music licensing scene. It’s important to note that many songs are ‘split-share’, meaning they are co-written by artists belonging to different PROs. To be fully protected, a business usually needs licenses from all the major organizations:

  • ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers): Represents over 18 million works from artists like Beyoncé and Katy Perry.
  • BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.): One of the largest PROs, representing over 22 million works by artists like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga.
  • SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers): A boutique, for-profit PRO representing high-profile creators like Bob Dylan and Adele.
  • GMR (Global Music Rights): A private, invitation-only PRO representing stars like Bruce Springsteen and Drake. Because they are a private entity, their licensing rates and enforcement can be more rigorous.

Notable exemptions: The radio and TV rule

The Fairness in Music Licensing Act of 1998 provides a specific exception, but it’s narrower than many realize. This exemption only applies to music played via terrestrial radio or over-the-air television. It doesn’t cover streaming, CDs, or digital playlists.

  • Size limits: Retail stores under 2,000 square feet and restaurants/bars under 3,750 square feet are exempt from paying for radio or TV broadcasts.
  • Equipment limits: If your business is larger than the limits above, you may still be exempt for radio/TV if you use fewer than six speakers total (no more than four per room) and no more than four TVs.

If you play music via a smartphone, tablet, computer, or CD player, these size exemptions do not apply, and you must have the right licenses regardless of your square footage.

How to stay compliant

There are two main ways for a business to comply with music licensing laws:

  1. Direct ‘blanket’ licenses: You can pay each PRO (ASCAP, BMI, etc.) a direct annual fee. This allows you to play anything within their catalog. While this gives you full control over your music, it can be costly and difficult to manage multiple contracts. This is also a requirement if your business provides live entertainment.
  2. Commercial music services: Services like Soundtrack Your Brand, SiriusXM for Business, or Pandora for Business handle the PRO ‘blanket’ fees for you. These typically cost between $35 and $100 per month, covering all necessary PRO fees. These licenses usually only cover background music, and they often require you to use their apps or hardware for playback. But this is a more manageable option for many businesses.

When signing up for a commercial service, ensure you register the account under your official business name (e.g. Sunshine Cafe, LLC). Keeping your Florida LLC filings and music contracts consistent helps maintain the corporate veil, protecting your personal assets if a licensing dispute ever arises.

Staying up to date

The licensing landscape is always changing, particularly as technology changes the way we consume music. It’s crucial to stay informed about new developments in music licensing, such as regulations around AI-generated music or new streaming laws.

  • Audit annually: If your business grows, such as by adding more speakers or expanding your physical space, your licensing fees could change.
  • Follow industry news: Keep an eye on updates from the U.S. Copyright Office or specific blogs like those of the National Restaurant Association.
  • Watch out for scams: Only deal with well-known PROs. If a ‘collection agency’ you’ve never heard of demands payment, verify its legitimacy through ASCAP or BMI’s official websites.

By staying proactive, you’ll keep your business safe and compliant, avoiding fines and ensuring a smooth operation.

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

Whitney Whitney Returns With New Single “A Man Written By A Woman”

0

Whitney Whitney returns with a powerful vocal performance on her new single “A Man Written By a Woman” via Atlantic Records. Produced by RISC and Noah Conrad, the cinematic-pop track follows a milestone year for the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter. The composition features a dad-rock sound paired with storytelling panache and vocal yearning. This performance captures an immediate and real energy that confirms her status as a vital artist to watch during 2026.

The creative process for the single involved extensive collaboration with co-writer Cleo Tighe to explore modern emotional phenomena. Whitney Whitney describes the track as a personal favorite that required six verse rewrites to achieve the desired lyrical impact. The production team focused on intricate sounds and chords to complement the sincerity of the vocal delivery. This methodical approach resulted in a track that balances technical precision with raw sentiment.

This release arrives after the success of her popular 2025 single “Isabelle” which received recognition as a Billboard Editor’s Pick. Critics noted the relatable nature of her songwriting and her ability to command attention in a crowded musical landscape. The new material continues this trajectory by offering listeners a deeper look into her evolving creative world. Her ability to blend diverse influences creates a unique space within the current pop genre.

The year ahead remains busy for the artist as she expands her discography through high-profile partnerships. Working with producers known for their contributions to artists like PinkPantheress and Chappell Roan provides a sophisticated backdrop for her new work. Whitney Whitney maintains a focus on emotional clarity and artisanal craftsmanship in every recording. This latest single serves as the opening statement for a prolific season of new music.

Comedy Legend Jerry Seinfeld Returns To OLG Stage At Fallsview Casino This July

0

Fallsview Casino Resort welcomes the return of Jerry Seinfeld to the OLG Stage on July 17. The legendary comedian brings his renowned observational humor back to Niagara Falls for a high-profile summer engagement. Tickets for this performance go on sale February 13 at 10:00am through standard digital outlets. This event offers a rare opportunity to witness one of the most successful figures in television history perform live in an award-winning venue.

Seinfeld rose to prominence following his debut on ‘The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson’ in 1981 before co-creating the most successful comedy series in television history. His extensive body of work includes the Emmy-nominated film ‘Unfrosted’ and the highly acclaimed series ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’. This performance captures the same clever and sharp-witted energy that has defined his career for over four decades. This appearance stands as a highlight of the 2026 entertainment season at the resort.