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Chuck D Explores Hip Hop’s Revolutionary Power In New Book ‘In The Hour Of Chaos’

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Public Enemy’s Chuck D releases ‘In the Hour of Chaos: Art and Activism with Public Enemy’s Chuck D Volume 6’ on February 10 as part of the California Series in Hip Hop Studies. The book presents a razor-sharp investigation into hip hop and rap music from the searing lyricist and global music icon, engaging with some of the world’s leading thinkers on the genre. “Professor Chuck” sets out on a journey that celebrates fifty years of hip hop and charts paths forward for its future.

The book explores the intersections of hip hop with Black radicalism and feminism, media and technology, and globalization and politics. This curated collection shows the power of culture and the arts not only to bring people together but to bring about political change in this current hour of chaos. The work features conversations with leading thinkers including Robin D. G. Kelley, H. Samy Alim, Jeff Chang, Davey D, Scot Brown, Cheryl L. Keyes, Gaye Theresa Johnson, Bryonn Bain, Maya Jupiter, Adam Bradley and Joan Morgan.

‘In the Hour of Chaos’ is not an autobiography or a manifesto but a profound meditation on hip hop’s transformative power that takes readers deep into the mind of the genre’s most unabashed revolutionary. Chuck D delivers an essential examination of hip hop culture through conversations that reveal the genre’s political and cultural significance across five decades.

Shannon Smith Releases Wedding Song “I Do” Written Night Before His Marriage

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Western Australian soul-pop and Americana singer-songwriter Shannon Smith releases his new single “I Do” on February 6, just ahead of Valentine’s Day. The song was written the night before his wedding and performed for the first time at the reception. At its heart, “I Do” captures that quiet pause before everything changes, the feeling of standing on the edge of a new life and thinking about gratitude and disbelief. Rather than leaning into ceremony or cliché, the song speaks from a deeply personal place about choosing one person fully, knowingly and with joy.

“I didn’t set out to write a ‘wedding song’,” Smith says. “It was just me trying to put into words how surreal and lucky it felt. Loving someone, and being loved back, that’s the whole thing.” Musically, “I Do” blends folk and country sensibilities with a warm, enveloping arrangement of acoustic guitar, drums, double bass, pedal steel, subtle electric guitar and lush strings. The production mirrors the emotion of the song: full, open-hearted and sincere, never overworked. Smith wrote the song late on the eve of his wedding, unsure whether it would ever be heard beyond the room, but by the next day it became part of the celebration itself.

Smith’s debut album ‘Out of the Shadows’ charted on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart and reached #2 on the AIR Independent Chart. The release earned strong national airplay, consistent AMRAP support and multiple WA Country Music Awards, including Emerging Artist of the Year and Video Clip of the Year. His rich vocal tone, dynamic arrangements and emotionally honest lyrics have drawn comparisons to Allen Stone, Leon Bridges, Nathaniel Rateliff and Amos Lee. A compelling live performer, Smith has appeared at major venues and festivals across Western Australia, including the nationally broadcast Telethon WA Music Showcase.

Five For Fighting And Edwin McCain Announce Summer Co-Headline Tour This June

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Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik and Edwin McCain team up for a summer co-headline tour bringing two enduring catalogs to theaters and amphitheaters across the U.S. this June. Each night will feature Five For Fighting and McCain alternating closing sets. “So looking forward to sharing the stage with Ed and his fantastic band while bringing fans back to the future,” Ondrasik says. He brings along his band featuring drummer Randy Cooke (Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr, Dave Stewart), bassist Sean Hurley (John Mayer, Ringo Starr, Alanis Morissette) and guitarist Peter Thorn (Chris Cornell, Melissa Etheridge, Don Henley) to play songs fans have loved for over two decades along with recent viral hits.

Five For Fighting has released six studio albums, including the platinum certified ‘America Town’ and ‘The Battle for Everything’, and the top 10 charting ‘Two Lights’, along with an EP and live albums. Ondrasik has penned major hits including the chart-topping “100 Years,” “The Riddle,” “Chances,” “World” and “Easy Tonight,” which have earned tens of millions of streams and place him as a top 10 Hot Adult Contemporary artist for the 2000s. The reflective “100 Years” has joined “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” as part of the American Songbook and continues to stand the test of time at weddings, birthdays, graduations, memorials and home videos. Five For Fighting’s music has been featured in more than 350 films, television shows and commercials, including the Oscar-winning The Blind Side, Hawaii Five-O, The Sopranos and the CBS drama Code Black.

As a longtime supporter of music education, Ondrasik teamed up with Let Music Fill My World again in 2025, a privately funded non-profit launched by Tullman Family Office. The Music Matters Challenge is a nationwide competition aimed at rekindling the transformative power of music education in schools across the country, giving winners the chance to make a lasting impact through the power of music.

Five For Fighting + Edwin McCain Tour Dates:

June 4 in Paducah, KY at The Carson Center*

June 5 in Memphis, TN at Graceland Soundstage At Elvis Presley’s Memphis

June 6 in Bowling Green, KY at Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center*

June 7 in Lexington, KY at Lexington Opera House

June 9 in Nashville, IN at Brown County Music Center

June 12 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI at Kewadin Casino

June 13 in Northfield Park, OH at MGM Northfield Park*

June 14 in Cincinnati, OH at Taft Theatre

June 16 in Morgantown, WV at Metropolitan Theatre

June 18 in Des Plaines, IL at The Des Plaines Theatre*

June 19 in Green Bay, WI at EPIC Event Center

June 20 in Morton, MN at Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel*

June 21in Omaha, NE at Steelhouse*

June 23 in Des Moines, IA at Val Air Ballroom

June 25 in Arlington, TX at Arlington Music Hall

June 26 in Tulsa, OK at Chapman Music Hall*

June 27 in Salina, KS at The Stiefel Theatre

June 28 in Colorado Springs, CO at Pike’s Peak Center*

June 30 in Denver at Paramount Theatre*

July 1 in Layton, UT at Edward A. Kenley Centennial Amphitheater

*Five For Fighting Closes These Shows

The All-American Rejects Announce European And UK “Recess” Summer Tour Dates

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The All-American Rejects announced their European and UK “Recess” Summer Tour today. The series of dates kicks off June 9 in Warsaw, Poland and will have the band make stops in major cities including London, Paris and Berlin, plus an appearance at Download Festival in the UK. Their UK stops mark their return to touring the region for the first time in over ten years. Fans can expect to experience their most popular hits ranging from “Dirty Little Secret,” “Move Along,” “Gives You Hell” and more, as well as new music from their forthcoming album ‘Sandbox’, out May 15. Tickets for general on-sale begin Friday, February 13 at 10:00AM BST via Ticketmaster.

Formed in 1999 in Stillwater, Oklahoma, The All-American Rejects quickly became one of the most iconic rock bands of the 2000s. Led by Tyson Ritter and Nick Wheeler, the band debuted in 2002, featuring their hit “Swing, Swing.” Their 2005 album ‘Move Along’ cemented their place in rock with chart-toppers like “Dirty Little Secret” and “It Ends Tonight.” In 2008, “Gives You Hell” became a global hit and a Billboard No. 1 in 2009. The band continued pushing creative boundaries on ‘Kids in the Street’ in 2012.

The Rejects have continued evolving, taking their sound in new directions while staying true to the emotional core that has always defined their music. Their latest singles “Easy Come, Easy Go” and “Get This” have proven their undying commitment to writing songs that resonate with fans and prove that their relevance and connection with audiences are only getting stronger with time. ‘Sandbox’ marks their first album in over a decade.

The All-American Rejects “Recess” 2026 Summer Tour:

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Warsaw, Poland Progresja

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Berlin, Germany Columbiahalle

Thursday, June 11, 2026 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic Rock For People

Saturday, June 13, 2026 Leicestershire, UK Download Festival

Sunday, June 14, 2026 Manchester, UK Manchester Academy

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 London, UK o2 Forum Kentish Town

Thursday, June 18, 2026 Tilburg, Netherlands 013 Poppodium

Friday, June 19, 2026 Paris, France Bataclan

Diljit Dosanjh Returns To Arenas And Stadiums Across North America With The 2026 ‘Aura World Tour’

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Today, global Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh announces his 2026 Aura World Tour across North AmericaThis marks Diljit’s return to the stage after his highly successful and record-breaking 2024 Dil-Luminati Tour. Promoted by Live Nation, the 13-city tour kicks off on Thursday, April 23 with a stadium performance at  BC Place in Vancouver, before making stops across North America in Dallas, New York, Toronto and more. The tour concludes on Saturday, June 20 at Chase Center in San Francisco.

Diljit’s Aura World Tour officially launched last year with multiple dates in Sydney and Melbourne in November, making history as the first Punjabi artist to headline and sell out stadiums across Australia, collectively drawing more than 90,000 fans.

In 2025, Diljit received an International Emmy Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor for his acclaimed role in the Netflix film Amar Singh Chamkila, marking a significant moment for Indian representation on the global stage. That same year, VOGUE readers named Diljit Best Dressed at the 2025 Met Gala, where he turned heads in a custom ivory Prabal Gurung sherwani and turban featuring meaningful cultural details. Most recently, J Balvin joined Diljit on a remix of his 2025 track “Senorita.” Listen HERE.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with Citi and AMEX presales (details below) beginning Tuesday, February 10 at 10am local time, followed by an artist presale starting at 12pm. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Thursday, February 12 at 10am local time at LiveNation.com.

CITI PRESALE (US): Citi is the official card of the Aura World Tour in the US. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, February 10 at 10am local time until Wednesday, February 11 at 10pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

AMEX PRESALE (CANADA): American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets for the Canada dates before the general public beginning Tuesday, February 10 at 10am local time through Wednesday, February 11 at 10pm local time.

Diljit’s 2024 Dil-Luminati Tour featured a mix of stadium and arena dates across the U.S. and Canada, drawing 215,000 fans and grossing more than $27 million USD across the 13 shows. The run was historic, becoming the largest North American tour ever by a Punjabi artist.

DILJIT DOSANJH – AURA WORLD TOUR DATES:

Thu Apr 23 – Vancouver, BC – BC Place

Thu Apr 30 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome

Sat May 02 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place

Thu May 07 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre

Sun May 10 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena

Wed May 13 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center

Sat May 16 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

Wed May 20 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

Fri May 22 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

Sun May 24 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

Sun May 31 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre

Thu Jun 18 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena

Sat Jun 20 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

With a magnetic presence that transcends geographical borders, Diljit Dosanjh stands as an emblem of excellence in the realm of Punjabi music on the world stage. Hailing from the vibrant state of Punjab, India, Diljit has risen to become a global sensation, a shining star captivating audiences with his enchanting voice, soulful music, and power-packed performances. His repertoire of chart-topping singles includes “G.O.A.T” (236 million views), “Lover” (123 million views), and “Proper Patola” (364 million), to name a few.

Beyond the realm of music, Diljit’s talents extend to the silver screen, where he commands a legion of fans with his captivating performances. With a massive social media following and a stellar presence in Indian cinema, Diljit effortlessly juggles the roles of actor, entertainer, and influencer, captivating audiences with his undeniable charm.

Diljit Dosanjh has created an array of historic milestones, starting with being the first Indian-born artist to perform at the prestigious Coachella festival in 2023. He has become the most loved Indian artist when it comes to touring, generating more than $10 million in ticket sales from his “Born to Shine Australia Tour” in 2023, which is HUGE for an Indian artist. He became the first-ever Indian artist to perform and sell out at Rogers Arena Center in Vancouver, Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, and became the highest-selling Indian artist at the Brisbane Entertainment Center, Australia. His show in Melbourne sold out 14,000 tickets in less than 72 hours! Diljit is poised to make history once again by becoming the first Indian artist to perform at a sold-out stadium show at BC Place in Vancouver (27th April 2024) and Rogers Centre in Toronto (13th July 2024).

His music not only attracts the Asian diaspora worldwide but also has drawn the attention of international music icons like Diplo and Sia. Collaborations such as “Hass Hass” with Sia have garnered millions of views, showcasing Diljit’s ability to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western musical sensibilities.

Partnering with touring industry giants, Diljit Dosanjh is spearheading a revolution in global touring culture for Indian artists. His association with these powerhouse companies signifies a shift in perception towards Indian music on the global stage, paving the way for future generations of artists to follow in his footsteps. Diljit Dosanjh’s journey is not just about music; it’s a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the ability to break barriers. As he continues to conquer hearts and transcend boundaries, his story serves as an inspiration to music lovers and dreamers worldwide, redefining the very essence of global music culture.

49 Winchester Announce Album ‘Change Of Plans’ Produced By Dave Cobb

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Today, acclaimed country-rock band 49 Winchester announced their forthcoming album Change of Plans set for release on May 15 via Lucille Records / MCA. Along with today’s announcement, the six-piece band released their latest track “Pardon Me” from their forthcoming record. The track introduces a new chapter for the Virginia-based group, pairing their signature Appalachian grit with a reflective, forward-looking perspective that sets the tone for the full project. Pre order Change of Plans HERE and listen to “Pardon Me” HERE.

Change of Plans was executive produced by GRAMMY-winning producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson) at his recording studio in Savannah, GA. The project follows a string of critically praised releases and captures the band at a creative peak, expanding their sonic palette while remaining rooted in the storytelling that has defined their career. The album reflects both personal and artistic evolution, shaped by years on the road and an unwavering commitment to authenticity

“Pardon Me” finds 49 Winchester leaning into emotional honesty and lived-in storytelling, balancing rugged instrumentation with a sense of vulnerability and growth. The track follows the band’s debut release under Lucille Records / MCA, a powerful cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes.” MCA is collaborating with New West Records for the band’s upcoming release, scheduled for 2026, with all subsequent releases set to be released exclusively under the MCA banner.

Hailing from Virginia, 49 Winchester blends Southern rock and country with a raw, honest storytelling approach. Known for their electrifying live shows, the band has quickly gained critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. This fall, they brought that energy to two nights at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on November 14 and 15.

Led by singer-songwriter Isaac Gibson, alongside Bus Shelton (lead guitar), Chase Chafin (bass), Noah Patrick (pedal steel), Tim Hall (keys), and Justin Louthian (drums), 49 Winchester continues to channel the heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom of Appalachia into every song they release.

This year, 49 Winchester kicked off their headline tour on February 5 in Oxford, MS. Along with headlining dates, the band will be supporting Eric Church and Tim McGraw throughout 2026. A full routing can be found below and tickets can be purchased here.

Tour Routing:

*Eric Church Support

^Tim McGraw Support

2.05.26 Oxford, MS The Lyric Oxford
2.06.26 Fayetteville, AR Ozark Music Hall
2.07.26 Springfield, MO Gillioz Theatre
2.10.26 Bloomington, IL The Castle Theater
2.12.26 West Des Moines, IA Val Air Ballroom
2.13.26 Hays, KS The Fox Theatre
2.14.26 Wichita, KS The Cotillion
2.17.26 Davenport, IA Capitol Theatre
2.19.26 North Little Rock, AR Simmons Bank Arena*
2.20.26 Kansas City, MO T-Mobile Center*
2.21.26 St. Louis, MO Enterprise Center*
2.24.26 San Antonio, TX San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
2.27.26 El Paso, TX Lowbrow Palace
2.28.26 Tempe, AZ Extra Innings Festival
3.05.26 Knoxville, TN Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City*
3.06.26 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Complex*
3.07.26 Charleston, SC North Charleston Coliseum*
3.13.26 Tulsa, OK Cain’s Ballroom
3.14.26 Austin, TX Rodeo Austin
3.19.26 Birmingham, AL Legacy Arena at the BJCC*
3.20.26 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena*
3.21.26 Nashville, TN Grand Ole Opry
4.09.26 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
4.10.26 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE
4.11.26 Newport, KY MegaCorp Pavilion
4.13.26 Albany, NY Empire Live
4.16.26 Columbus, OH KEMBA Live!
4.17.26 Cleveland, OH Globe Iron
4.18.26 Detroit, MI Majestic Theatre
4.24.26 Lexington, KY The Burl Outdoors
4.25.26 Lexington, KY The Burl Outdoors
4.29.26 New York, NY Webster Hall
5.02.26 Santiago, MX DuckFest
5.15.26 Pelham, TN The Caverns
5.16.26 Pelham, TN The Caverns
5.29.26 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
5.30.26 Orlando, FL The Plaza Live
5.31.26 Panama City Beach, FL Gulf Coast Jam
6.02.26 Wilmington, NC Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre
6.05.26 Dewey Beach, DE Bottle & Cork
6.26.26 North Platte, NE NebraskaLand Days
6.27.26 Lubbock, TX Cotton Fest
7.09.26 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts^
7.10.26 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center^
7.11.26 Hershey, PA Hersheypark Stadium^
7.16.26 Toronto, ON RBC Amphitheatre^
7.17.26 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center^
7.18.26 Burgettstown, PA The Pavilion at Star Lake
7.23.26 Camden, NJ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion^
7.24.26 Wantagh, NY Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater^
7.25.26 Saratoga Springs, NY Broadview Stage at SPAC^
7.30.26 Boston, MA Fenway Park^
7.31.26 Syracuse, NY Empower FCU Amphitheater^
8.01.26 Darien Center, NY Six Flags Darien Lake^
8.06.26 Virginia Beach, VA Veterans United Home Loans^
8.13.26 Birmingham, AL Coca-Cola Amphitheater^
8.14.26 Charlotte, NC Truliant Amphitheater^
8.15.26 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live^
8.21.26 Kansas City, MO Richard L. Berkeley Riverfront Park^
8.22.26 East Troy, WI Alpine Valley Music Theatre^
8.23.26 Minneapolis, MN Target Field^
8.27.26 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center^
8.28.26 Clarkston, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre^
8.29.26 Grand Rapids, MI Acrisure Amphitheater^
9.10.26 Austin, TX Moody Center^
9.11.26 Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion^
9.12.26 Rogers, AR Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion^
9.17.26 Maryland Heights, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheater^
9.18.26 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center^
9.19.26 Tinley Park, IL Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre^
9.24.26 Alpharetta, GA Ameris Bank Amphitheatre^
9.25.26 Tampa, FL Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre^
9.26.26 West Palm Beach, FL iThink Financial Amphitheatre^

Myles Smith And Niall Horan Release Collaborative Single “Drive Safe”

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Myles Smith releases “Drive Safe” today, his first single of 2026 and a collaboration with Niall Horan. The track marks the first official collaboration between the two artists, co-written by Smith and Horan and reflecting the close creative friendship they have developed over time. Pairing Smith’s emotionally precise songwriting with Horan’s globally celebrated melodic sensibility, the song feels intimate and effortless, shaped by a shared instinct for honest, heartfelt storytelling.

“I’ve been such a big fan of Myles for a while now and I’m so happy we got to work on this song together,” Horan says. Smith adds: “Collaborations only really matter to me when they come from something real, and working with Niall genuinely did. He’s got this effortless instinct for melody, but beyond that he’s a good friend who very quickly became one of my closest. Our friendship shaped the song, and hopefully you can feel it in every line.” Built around the idea that life will inevitably throw curveballs and present obstacles, “Drive Safe” frames uncertainty not as something to fear but as part of the journey. Anchored by the refrain “Life is a road, don’t know what’s along the way, so drive safe,” it offers reassurance that connection can make even the hardest stretches feel less daunting.

The release arrives during a period of growing momentum for Smith. Over the past 12 months, he has played to more than 100,000 people across sold-out headline shows in the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and North America, alongside a packed Glastonbury performance. In 2025, Smith won the Ivor Novello Award for Most Performed Work and the Rolling Stone UK Breakthrough Award, fronting their Awards Issue. This summer, he joins Ed Sheeran as main support on his US tour. Sonically warm and uplifting, “Drive Safe” sees Smith continue to refine the heartfelt storytelling that has become a hallmark of his work, opening a new chapter defined by emotional clarity and artistic confidence.

New Biography Chronicles Motown Pioneer Sylvia Moy’s Groundbreaking Songwriting Career

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Dr. Margena A. Christian’s biography ‘It’s No Wonder: The Life and Times of Motown’s legendary songwriter Sylvia Moy’ arrives February 10, restoring the Detroit native to her rightful place at the forefront of music history. Moy became Motown’s first certified female in-house songwriter and producer, battling sexism and breaking down barriers in a room full of men. At the height of the Civil Rights Movement, when most African American women in the music industry could only dream of singing careers, Moy found unprecedented success behind the scenes. Booklist’s starred review calls the book “more than a biography” and “a long-overdue act of recognition.”

Moy single-handedly saved Stevie Wonder’s early career at Motown while penning many of his classic hits including “My Cherie Amour,” “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” “I Was Made to Love Her” and “Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day.” She solidified herself as one of the label’s most prolific composers, writing songs for other Motown acts like “Honey Chile,” “It Takes Two,” “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak For You),” “My Baby Loves Me,” “(We’ve Got) Honey Love,” “Forget Me Not” and “With a Child’s Heart.” Without Moy’s contributions, the landscape of popular music would sound completely different.

Meticulously researched and fiercely feminist, ‘It’s No Wonder’ examines the groundbreaking career of a pioneer whose legacy has been carefully tucked away within the annals of music history until now. Christian’s historical corrective reveals how Moy navigated an industry stacked against her from the start and emerged as one of its most essential creative forces.

The Hu And Apocalyptica Announce Spring Tour With The Rasmus Starting May

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The 2026 concert calendar just got even busier for Hunnu Rock pioneers The Hu and Cello Metal standouts Apocalyptica as the bands announce today that they’ll be hitting the road together for a run of shows this May and June. The tour kicks off on May 12 in Silver Spring, MD and will take them across the country before wrapping in Anaheim, CA on June 7. Joining The Hu and Apocalyptica will be platinum-selling Finnish rock band The Rasmus.

Public on sale for the tour will begin Friday, February 13th at 10AM local time. Official artist presales for The Hu and Apocalyptica will be available starting Wednesday, February 11th at 10AM local time through Thursday, February 12th at 11:59PM. Venue presales will be available on Thursday, February 12th from 10AM to 11:59PM local time. Special VIP packages, including meet and greet experiences and exclusive merchandise will also be available for purchase. Fortickets and additional information on VIP packages, visit thehuofficial.com pre-sale code ‘THEHUN’ and apocalyptica.com pre-sale code  ‘CELLOS’.

In addition to closing all shows on this tour, The Hu are celebrating the recent release of their latest single, “The Real You”. “The Real You single is the representation of our new album, The Hun,” says Temka – Temuulen N (band’s tovshuur player, throat singer). “While we have traditional songs that have our signature rhythm in our third album, there are few upbeat, fast songs such as this single. We recorded this song thinking of our ancestors, riding fast on the horse back through the landscape. Listen to this song to express the feelings you have buried inside and feel the overwhelming energy we pass through to you. Enjoy.”  

“The Real You” is one of the few songs from The Hu in which Western music components are prominent. As evident in the wording, the song is asking the listeners to not judge others but focus on themselves and to become a better person. Derived from the Mongolian proverb, “Don’t worry about what is on top of a person’s head, just worry about what is not on yours.”

Formed in 1993 at the world-renowned Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland, Apocalyptica began life as a loving, lo-fi nod to Metallica from four classically trained musicians with no greater ambition than to explore their favorite band’s music with their chosen instrument. The project would take on a life of its own when they finally released Plays Metallica By Four Cellos in 1996. Unbeknownst to Apocalyptica, they’d just boarded a rocket ship that would propel them through eight rapturously received records, a staggering six million records sold, and a relentless touring schedule that would see them bringing their uniquely symphonic concept of heaviness to every time zone and countless festival stages around the world. Most recently, following the 25th anniversary of their debut record, the band released their latest album, Plays Metallica, Vol. 2, to widespread acclaim.

The Hu and Apocalyptica Spring 2026 Tour Dates

5/12/2026 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore

5/13/2026 — New York, NY — Palladium Times Square

5/14/2026 — New Haven, CT — College Street Music Hall

5/15/2026 — Stroudsburg, PA — Sherman Theater

5/18/2026 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave / Eagles Club

5/19/2026 — Green Bay, WI — EPIC Event Center

5/20/2026 — Maplewood, MN — Myth Live

5/22/2026 — Memphis, TN — Minglewood Hall

5/23/2026 — Irving, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

5/24/2026 — San Antonio, TX — Aztec Theatre

5/26/2026 — Houston, TX — Warehouse Live

5/27/2026 — Oklahoma City, OK — Diamond Ballroom

5/29/2026 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren

5/30/2026 — Las Vegas, NV — The Theater at Virgin Hotels

5/31/2026 — Valley Center, CA — Harrah’s Resort SoCal – The Events Center

6/4/2026 — Reno, NV — Grand Theater

6/6/2026 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern

6/7/2026 — Anaheim, CA — House Of Blues

— special guest The Rasmus appearing on all shows —

Caribbean Stud Poker Table Game Explained

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By Mitch Rice

Pull up a chair and spin a few times on Book of Ra Magic or Royal Joker at PlayJonny Casino: Hold and Win, then switch gears to Caribbean Stud Poker and treat it like a quick skills drill. Play 20 hands on purpose not on autopilot. If you accidentally fold a hand you should’ve raised, don’t sweat it. Laugh, clock the mistake, and keep going. This game looks like poker, but it’s really a clean, dealer-versus-you table game with one meaningful choice after the deal. That simplicity is the point and the fun.

Five cards, one decision

Caribbean Stud looks like poker, yet it doesn’t run like poker night at a buddy’s place. You don’t bluff. You don’t “read” the table. You play the dealer, and you make one real call after the deal: fold or raise.

The dealer shows one card face up. It’s a distraction more often than a clue. Stick to the flow.

  1. You place an ante. Some tables also offer an optional jackpot side bet.
  2. You receive five cards. The dealer also gets five, with one card face up.
  3. You either fold (you lose the ante) or raise exactly 2× your ante.
  4. The dealer reveals the hand and qualifies with Ace-King high or better.
  5. If the dealer qualifies, hands compare like standard poker. If the dealer doesn’t qualify, the ante usually pays and the raise comes back.

That “qualifies” rule is the first myth to kill. A non-qualifying dealer doesn’t mean your hand “won.” It means the round pays out in a special pattern.

What your raise can pay

The ante is simple: win it and it usually pays 1:1. The raise has a pay table, and that’s where strong hands get rewarded. A common setup looks like this.

Your winning handTypical raise payout
Royal flush100 to 1
Straight flush50 to 1
Four of a kind20 to 1
Full house7 to 1
Flush5 to 1
Straight4 to 1
Three of a kind3 to 1
Two pair2 to 1
One pair or less1 to 1

One more thing: those payouts matter only if you raise and then win. Folding ends the conversation.

Side bets: fun money with a price tag

If the table offers a Progressive or Jackpot side bet, it pays based on your hand, separate from the main result. You can lose to the dealer and still cash the side bet.

The trade-off is cost. Side bets chew through bankroll faster than the main game. Treat them like dessert: set a cap before you start, then stop when you hit it.

Strategy that keeps you out of trouble

Caribbean Stud doesn’t ask for clever moves. It asks for fewer bad ones.

Raise with any pair or better. Fold hands worse than Ace-King high. For Ace-King high, don’t auto-raise; look for support in the rest of your cards, like another high card that improves your chance to beat a qualifying dealer. When the hand feels thin, folding is not timid; it’s correct.

A decent north star: play tight, raise with real strength, and stop paying extra to “see what happens.”

Mistakes that show up every night (and are easy to fix)

Most losses in Caribbean Stud come from habits, not from bad cards.

  • Raising because the dealer’s up-card looks weak. One card isn’t a promise.
  • Forgetting the dealer qualification rule. A non-qualifying dealer often returns the raise, so don’t count on it paying.
  • Chasing the progressive every hand. Small add-ons add up fast over 30 minutes.
  • Mixing up payouts. The ante pays one way; the raise pays by the hand table.
  • Playing on autopilot. Take 10 seconds and actually rank your hand before you click.

Fix two of these and the game starts to feel calmer. Almost boring. That’s a compliment.

The Canadian setup that makes it easier to stick to a plan

Discipline gets easier when the money side feels familiar. The casino supports CAD play and lists deposit options like Interac, Visa, and Mastercard, plus Apple Pay and Google Pay.

The welcome package marketed for Canadian players runs across three deposits: 100% up to CA$750 + 150 free spins, then 55% up to CA$750 + 100 free spins, then 100% up to CA$750. That’s a headline total of CA$2,250 and 250 free spins, with weekly cashback also promoted at up to 25%.

Use that info the boring way. Keep Caribbean Stud as your “clear head” table game, use the spins you already received on slots, and quit the session while you still feel sharp.

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