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Korean Post-Apocalyptic MMO Project DNA Unleashes Unreal Engine 5 Power

Eric Alper
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Korean Post-Apocalyptic MMO Project DNA Unleashes Unreal Engine 5 Power

The year is 2046. Earth is shattered. From underground bunkers, survivors rewrite biology and reengineer the human race. Project DNA, the new post-apocalyptic action MMORPG from Korean studio Supervoid, arrives with its first gameplay trailer and a premise built on genetic evolution, psychic warfare, and transplanted consciousness.

The cinematic opening sets the tone with a stark question. “A cultivated shell. Transplanted memories. Am I still human? Is immortality a blessing or a curse? Without death, does life still matter? Now, I’ll find the answer.” The scale is immediate. The stakes are existential. The world feels unstable and urgent.

Built in Unreal Engine 5, the footage reveals fast-paced, non-targeting combat driven by precision and strategy. Dodge. Block. Strike. Massive bosses tower over scorched landscapes. Fire consumes the horizon. Combat flows with momentum and weight, demanding movement and timing over static rotations.

At the core sits the Evolution System. Genetic algorithms reshape your character as humanity continues centuries of artificial breeding and consciousness transfer. The mission is direct: reclaim the surface. Project DNA heads to PC via Steam, and its first reveal positions it as a bold entry into the next generation of action MMOs.

AviaGames at GDC 2026: Advancing Innovation and Scalable Growth in Skill-Based Mobile Gaming

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

As AviaGames celebrates its 10th anniversary, the company is stepping onto the global stage at GDC 2026 to share its forward-looking vision for skill-based gaming — rooted in responsibility, fair systems, and player trust. This milestone highlights a decade of steady growth, product innovation, and a long-term commitment to building competitive casual experiences designed with integrity at their core.

From March 9–13 in San Francisco, GDC attendees can visit AviaGames at Booth #656, located near Tencent Games and Keywords Studios. The space is designed to be more than a traditional exhibit. It will serve as an interactive hub for meaningful conversations, collaboration, and industry exchange. Visitors can explore the company’s expanding portfolio, meet team members across product and leadership, and engage in discussions around partnerships, business development, employer branding, and career opportunities.

In addition to its presence on the show floor, AviaGames will take part in two featured panel sessions. One session, presented alongside PayPal, will explore how payments innovation strengthens player confidence. The second, hosted by Meta, will examine how integrated brand and performance strategies drive measurable growth. Together, these sessions outline a practical framework for partnership-driven expansion within today’s evolving gaming ecosystem.

For professionals attending GDC 2026, Booth #656 offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, explore collaboration potential, and gain insight into how competitive casual gaming continues to advance.

About AviaGames

AviaGames is a female-founded mobile gaming company headquartered in the Bay Area. Its portfolio features recognized titles such as Solitaire Clash, Bingo Tour, 8 Ball Strike, and Pocket7Games. Across more than 15 connected games, the company delivers accessible skill-based entertainment designed for players of varying experience levels.

With over 60 million downloads and more than 450 million tournaments hosted each month, AviaGames consistently ranks among the leading titles on the iOS App Store. The company’s mission centers on fostering an inclusive environment where competitive experiences are built on fairness, transparency, and continuous innovation.

Leadership Spotlight: CEO Vickie Chen’s Platform Vision

AviaGames was founded by CEO Vickie Chen, a Finalist for the 2025 Stevie® Women in Business Awards and a featured leader in Women-Led Games. Under CEO Vickie Chen’s guidance, the company has developed a player-focused ecosystem that blends engaging gameplay with disciplined, long-term strategy.

Today, AviaGames serves millions of players and has earned industry recognition for innovation, leadership, and its commitment to building inclusive teams. As the company moves into its second decade, it remains focused on redefining what competitive casual gaming can accomplish at scale.

Why Visit AviaGames at GDC 2026?

At GDC 2026, Booth #656 will function as a central meeting point for live product demonstrations, strategic conversations, partnership exploration, and recruiting discussions. Attendees can experience the competitive casual portfolio firsthand, including Solitaire Clash, while learning more about fair-match systems and secure transaction processes. The team will also be available to discuss collaboration opportunities across payments, marketing, and platform development.

Session #1: Strengthening Player Confidence Through Payments

On Wednesday, March 11, from 2:50–3:20 PM in Room 2009 (West Hall), AviaGames and PayPal will examine how payment and payout systems influence player confidence. In skill-based gaming environments, clarity, speed, and operational transparency are essential. Reducing friction between gameplay and receiving funds plays a significant role in sustaining engagement.

CEO Vickie Chen will join payments leaders to discuss Express Checkout solutions, faster payout infrastructure, fraud prevention safeguards, and structured risk management frameworks that support secure transactions. This session offers practical insights for developers, operators, and payments professionals building trusted digital ecosystems.

Session #2: Partnership-Driven Growth — The Avia Playbook

On Thursday, March 12, from 2:00–2:30 PM in Room 2024 (West Hall), AviaGames and Meta will present a collaborative approach that aligns brand storytelling with performance marketing. The discussion will explore how cross-functional teams synchronize objectives, co-develop campaign strategies, and apply structured testing cycles to generate measurable results.

Attendees will leave with actionable guidance for improving team alignment, accelerating experimentation, and strengthening marketing effectiveness in competitive mobile environments.

Discover the Future of Competitive Casual Gaming

GDC represents more than an annual gathering; it serves as a platform for shaping the industry’s direction. By attending AviaGames’ sessions and visiting Booth #656, professionals can explore advancements in secure payments, learn how integrated marketing partnerships fuel sustainable growth, and connect with leaders driving innovation.

As AviaGames enters its second decade, its mission remains clear: to create competitive casual experiences that players trust and enjoy. For those attending GDC 2026, Booth #656 offers a front-row look at how the next chapter of skill-based gaming is taking shape.

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

Backstreet Boys Extend “Into The Millennium” Las Vegas Residency With Six New Summer Dates

Eric Alper
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Backstreet Boys Extend “Into The Millennium” Las Vegas Residency With Six New Summer Dates

The Backstreet Boys have added six additional summer 2026 dates to their “Into the Millennium” residency at Sphere in Las Vegas. These new performances are scheduled for July 30, July 31, and August 1, 6, 7, and 8. The announcement follows the previous release of twelve dates throughout July. Since launching last year as the first pop act to headline the venue, the group has performed for over 575,000 fans across 35 sold-out shows. These performances utilize the venue’s immersive technology, including 360-degree visuals and choreography.

The residency features a specific production moment where the band members fly through the venue’s interior space. Attendees frequently participate in a themed dress code, wearing all white as a tribute to the group’s 1999 album, ‘Millennium’. Alongside the concert, the BSB Terminal fan activation returns to The Venetian Resort. This airport-themed experience recently received a Clio Music Award Silver for excellence in music marketing and fan engagement. Developed with Vibee, the activation serves as a physical extension of the residency’s visual themes.

Tickets for the newly added dates go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 27, at 9:00 AM PT. Fans who registered for the Artist presale gain access tomorrow, Wednesday, February 25, starting at 11:00 AM local time. Vibee Concert and VIP Hotel Experience Packages are available immediately. The residency remains a central production for Live Nation in Las Vegas, combining legacy pop hits with modern technical capabilities. This summer expansion provides more opportunities for international audiences to attend the high-impact event.

The BSB Terminal remains open to the public, with specialized perks reserved for Vibee VIP pass holders. This activation deepens the connection between the band’s history and the current residency through interactive displays. The continued sell-out status of the residency highlights the demand for the group’s signature live performances in this specific venue format. The August dates represent the latest chapter in this ongoing Vegas engagement.

Lita Ford And Dio Disciples To Headline “Rock For Ronnie” Benefit In Griffith Park

Eric Alper
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Lita Ford And Dio Disciples To Headline “Rock For Ronnie” Benefit In Griffith Park

The annual “Rock for Ronnie Concert in the Park” returns to Griffith Park on Sunday, May 31, 2026, to benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. This year’s lineup features a headline performance from Lita Ford along with sets from tribute acts Led Zepagain and Whole Lot of Rosies. The bill also includes Dio Disciples, Jason Charles Miller, and British hard rock veterans Legs Diamond. Los Angeles up-and-comers Saints of Sinners will round out the day’s music. Eddie Trunk hosts the event, which runs from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on the South Lawn of the Autry Museum.

A highlight of the afternoon is the closing set by Eddie Trunk’s All-Star Band. While specific players for the 2026 jam will be announced shortly, past participants have included noted musicians such as Dave Grohl, Adrian Vandenberg, and Ricky Warwick. The event functions as a family-friendly gathering featuring live rock music, food trucks, and craft vendors. Attendees can participate in both silent and live auctions featuring rare rock collectibles between artist performances. The “Garden of Hope” installation also returns to provide a dedicated space to celebrate cancer victims and survivors.

Net proceeds from the concert are donated directly to the Dio Cancer Fund to support prevention, education, and research. This year marks the organization’s 16th year of raising awareness within the rock community. General admission tickets are currently available at an Early Bird price of $25 through February 28. Prices increase to $35 on March 1 and will be $50 at the door on the day of the show. A limited quantity of VIP seating tickets is also available for $95. This outdoor concert offers ample free parking adjacent to the LA Zoo for all ticket holders.

The Autry Museum’s South Lawn provides an expansive setting for the day’s activities, which include artist meet-and-greets and professional merchandise sales. One hundred percent of the event’s net profit goes toward the fund’s mission of early detection and research for a cure. Following this May concert, the organization will host its annual Bowl for Ronnie Celebrity Bowling Party on November 12. Fans and supporters can secure tickets online now to ensure their place at this significant community milestone.

U2 Releases “Yours Eternally” Short Film Documenting Ukrainian Front Line Resistance In Kharkiv

Eric Alper
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U2 Releases “Yours Eternally” Short Film Documenting Ukrainian Front Line Resistance In Kharkiv

U2 has released a four-and-a-half minute documentary film to accompany “Yours Eternally”, a track featured on the ‘Days of Ash EP’ released last week. Directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Ilya Mikhaylus and produced by Pyotr Verzilov, the film coincides with the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. The production captures the daily lives of soldiers within the 40,000-strong Khartiya Corps on the front lines of the Kharkiv region. This short film serves as a focused excerpt from a full-scale documentary scheduled for release at the end of 2026.

The footage features appearances by Ed Sheeran and Taras Topalia alongside the soldiers of the National Guard of Ukraine. Ilya Mikhaylus and his crew embedded with the unit in December 2025 to document the specific experiences of individuals like Alina and her fellow defenders. Mikhaylus describes the project as an attempt to show the human heart of those defending their homeland and the sacrifices made for freedom. The film presents an immersive look at the environment of the Kharkiv front. Every frame highlights the reality of the ongoing resistance.

The production was made possible through the cooperation of Khartiya Corps Commander Colonel Ihor Obolenskiy and Vsevolod Kozhemyako. The documentary follows Verzilov’s history of socially significant production work with entities such as Pussy Riot and Media Zona. By centering the narrative on the second Khartiya Corps, the film provides a direct perspective on the personnel involved in the defense of Ukraine. The collaboration between the filmmakers and the military unit ensures a documented level of authenticity. This release functions as a significant cultural contribution to the anniversary of the conflict.

The ‘Days of Ash EP’ remains the primary musical context for this visual release. The song “Yours Eternally” provides the sonic foundation for the documentary’s exploration of struggle and survival. This project marks a meaningful intersection of global music figures and the direct reality of the Ukrainian front lines. As a precursor to the 2026 feature film, this short establishes the thematic and visual tone of the larger documentary. The film is available now as a visual companion to the recent EP release.

Godsmack, Papa Roach, And Slayer Headline 20th Anniversary Of Rocklahoma At Red Dirt Ranch

Eric Alper
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Godsmack, Papa Roach, And Slayer Headline 20th Anniversary Of Rocklahoma At Red Dirt Ranch

Rocklahoma has confirmed its 20th-anniversary lineup, scheduled for September 4-6, 2026, at the Rockin’ Red Dirt Ranch in Pryor, Oklahoma. The three-day Labor Day weekend tradition features headlining performances from Godsmack, Papa Roach, and Slayer. This appearance by Slayer marks a 40th-anniversary celebration of their seminal album, ‘Reign In Blood’. The event begins with the DEB Concerts’ Thursday Night Throwdown Kick-Off Party on September 3. Hosted by Eddie Trunk, the festival remains one of the longest-running destination rock events in the United States.

The roster includes a broad selection of legacy acts and emerging artists such as Stone Temple Pilots, Cypress Hill, and Dropkick Murphys. Performance slots are also confirmed for Black Label Society, The Pretty Reckless, and Wolfmother. The festival grounds accommodate a diverse range of genres, from the punk of Pennywise and Suicidal Tendencies to the alternative rock of Jet and Living Colour. This anniversary edition represents one of the most expansive lineups in the event’s two-decade history. Every arrangement for the weekend serves the festival’s reputation as the loudest weekend in America’s heartland.

Pryor Creek Music Festivals continues to operate the event as a central gathering point for the regional rock community. The experience combines campground culture with a high-impact stage schedule featuring Black Veil Brides, Buckcherry, and Molly Hatchet. Younger acts like Militarie Gun and Plush join veterans such as Slaughter and Ugly Kid Joe on the bill. This structure ensures a comprehensive look at the current rock landscape. The festival provides an immersive environment where long-time attendees and new fans congregate at the Red Dirt Ranch.

Weekend passes, VIP packages, and camping options go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday, February 25, at 10:00 AM local time. Fans can secure premium experiences through the official festival platform to mark the twentieth year of the event. The scale of the anniversary production includes specialized sets from Ozzolution and Barbarians of California. This milestone year highlights the festival’s endurance and its role as a premier rock destination. The 2026 iteration functions as a definitive celebration of two decades of campground and stage history.

Iron Maiden Documentary “Burning Ambition” To Hit North American Theaters This May

Eric Alper
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Iron Maiden Documentary “Burning Ambition” To Hit North American Theaters This May

Trafalgar Releasing has announced the official title and theatrical plans for the upcoming Iron Maiden feature documentary, ‘Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition’. Directed by Malcolm Venville and produced by Dominic Freeman, the film arrives in North American theaters for a limited engagement starting May 7. This feature-length project charts the band’s five-decade journey from their 1975 formation in East London to their current status as global rock icons. Tickets for the screenings go on sale March 18. This announcement coincides with the band’s ongoing “Run For Your Lives World Tour”.

The documentary includes on-camera reflections from high-profile admirers (such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich, and Chuck D) regarding the band’s cultural influence. These contributors speak to the legacy of a group that has sold over 100 million records and performed nearly 2,500 concerts across 64 countries. The newly unveiled key art by Albert “Akirant” Quirantes provides the first visual look at the production. This film serves as a definitive document of the band’s seventeen studio albums and their persistent impact on generations of fans worldwide.

The arrival of the film follows a homecoming performance at London Stadium near the band’s original East London roots. As part of their 2026 schedule, Iron Maiden will also headline a unique celebration named “EddFest” at Knebworth Park on July 11. This event is one of over 50 worldwide shows planned for the year. The documentary provides an immersive look at the stamina required to maintain such a massive touring operation over fifty years. Every sequence highlights the remarkable scale of the Iron Maiden touring machine.

The production by Dominic Freeman follows his previous work on ‘Spirits in the Forest – A Depeche Mode Film’, ensuring a high standard of music documentation. By focusing on the band’s remarkable five-decade journey, the film captures the transition from local clubs to historic venues like Knebworth Park. This limited theatrical release offers fans a specific window to experience the band’s history on a cinematic scale. This project is a major component of the group’s 50th-anniversary milestones. Detailed theater locations will accompany the ticket launch in mid-March.

Cardiff Indie Outfit Guilty Party Releases Lo-Fi Surf Rock Single “White Sands”

Eric Alper
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Cardiff Indie Outfit Guilty Party Releases Lo-Fi Surf Rock Single “White Sands”

Cardiff-based outfit Guilty Party has released “White Sands”, a track defined by stripped-back, crispy lo-fi surf rock. The single combines wistful vocals with fuzzy melodic guitars and up-front drums to offer a glimpse behind the curtain of modern life. This latest output follows the millennium-infused acoustic ballad ‘Little More Time’, which previously secured a position on the BBC Radio Wales A-List. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Lee House, the new music maintains a hooky balance of indie sleaze and grunge-pop. Every arrangement focuses on an honest, scrappy delivery that avoids over-production.

The band utilized a live-in-the-room recording process to capture the energy of the performance. This approach pays tribute to the stripped-back indie bands the members grew up loving, emphasizing a “less is more” philosophy. “White Sands was a blast to write, record, everything,” the band notes. “It’s about wanting to get your head above the waves of regularity and mundanity.” By playing off each other in the studio, the group ensured the track retained a sense of spontaneity and humor. This method contrasts with more layered studio projects, resulting in a more direct sonic profile.

Guilty Party has a history of strong BBC Radio airplay with previous singles such as ‘Lemonade’, ‘Unwound’, and ‘Wanna Change’. The track ‘Lemonade’ was notably playlisted at Cardiff Stadium during the 6 Nations. Their sound draws comparisons to artists like Wet Leg and Parquet Courts while retaining a distinctive Welsh identity. This new release continues their trajectory following the success of ‘Where Do We Go From Here’, which was featured on the 6 Music roundtable. The band continues to build momentum within the independent circuit through these consistent radio-backed releases.

The production on “White Sands” highlights the group’s ability to find melody within a fuzzy, lo-fi environment. The track functions as an anthem for those seeking to escape the slip into mundanity. With Lee House at the helm for technical duties, the recording captures the band’s current creative focus on transparency and movement. This release serves as a definitive look at their evolving sound as they move further into 2026. The track is available now for listeners following the Cardiff indie scene.

Honey Revenge, South Arcade, Games We Play, Winona Fighter, And Chase Petra Headline “idobi Radio Summer School Tour”

Eric Alper
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Honey Revenge, South Arcade, Games We Play, Winona Fighter, And Chase Petra Headline “idobi Radio Summer School Tour”

The “idobi Radio Summer School Tour” returns for its third year, continuing its focus on artist development and ticket affordability. Founded by Eric Tobin, Michael Kaminsky, and Kevin Lyman, the North American trek functions as a traveling festival for emerging independent artists. This year’s lineup features Honey Revenge, South Arcade, Games We Play, Winona Fighter, and Chase Petra. Honey Revenge returns to the tour as a headliner following the release of the single “Hot Commodity.” The tour begins June 19 in San Diego and concludes with a two-day finale at the Vans Warped Tour in Long Beach.

The founders launched the initiative to address the absence of touring platforms that serve both breaking acts and younger audiences. This model utilizes a rotating bill to encourage music discovery within local scenes. Michael Kaminsky, Eric Tobin, and Kevin Lyman state, “Summer School has been about music discovery and community (a traveling festival with rotating bills, where you show up early, stay all night, and hopefully leave with a new favorite band).” idobi Network CEO Eddie Barella notes the platform’s commitment to bringing alternative artists directly to the masses through this partnership with Live Nation.

General ticket sales begin Friday, February 27, at 10:00 AM local time via the tour’s official website. A Citi cardmember presale is currently active through February 26, while the idobi Radio Summer School presale begins February 25. These early access opportunities precede the wide release at the end of the week. The 2026 routing includes stops at major venues like Irving Plaza in New York and the House of Blues in Chicago. Every artist on the roster will perform at the final Long Beach dates in late July, marking a collaborative milestone with the Vans Warped Tour.

idobi Radio Summer School Tour Dates:

June 19 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park

June 20 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco

June 21 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

June 22 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

June 24 – Houston, TX – House of Blues

June 26 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues

June 27 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre

June 28 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore

June 30 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore

July 1 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza

July 4 – Toronto, ON – The Phoenix Concert Theatre

July 5 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place

July 7 – Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues

July 8 – Allentown, PA – Archer Music Hall

July 10 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Roxian Theatre

July 11 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues

July 12 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s

July 14 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall

July 16 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues

July 17 – Minneapolis, MN – Uptown Theater

July 19 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall

July 20 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot

July 22 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SODO

July 23 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom

July 25-26 – Long Beach, CA – Vans Warped Tour

Danko Jones Announce Fall European Dates For “Rising” Tour

Eric Alper
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Danko Jones Announce Fall European Dates For “Rising” Tour

Canadian rock outfit Danko Jones has unveiled the music video for “I Love It Louder” alongside a comprehensive schedule for the “Rising Tour 2026”. This announcement follows the release of their twelfth studio album, ‘Leo Rising’, through PERCEPTION and Sonic Unyon. The record stands as their most electrifying and uplifting work, designed to energize venues across Europe and the United Kingdom. The fall tour begins October 12 in Potsdam and continues through November 7.

The upcoming dates feature support from Split Dogs for the majority of the run, while Los Pepes join the tour for the final United Kingdom performances. Danko Jones expresses significant momentum regarding the new material and the return to the stage. “Our new album, Leo Rising, is just too fun to play live for us to stop,” the band states. They emphasize the importance of securing tickets early, noting the sold-out status of their previous fall appearances. Every night on the itinerary focuses on the high-impact energy that has defined the trio’s two-decade career.

The tour covers a broad geographic range (including dates in Austria, Hungary, Romania, and the Netherlands). The production for these shows centers on the raw, driving power of the new tracks combined with established fan favorites. This schedule represents a significant commitment to the band’s international audience. The inclusion of specialized support acts like Split Dogs adds a layer of curated intensity to the bill. By targeting both major markets and regional hubs, the group ensures maximum reach for this album cycle.

The “Rising Tour 2026” serves as a primary celebration of the band’s continued relevance in the hard rock genre. Fans can claim tickets immediately to witness the live translation of “I Love It Louder” and other highlights from ‘Leo Rising’. The transition from the studio to the stage remains a priority for the band as they prepare for the October kickoff. Each performance provides an immersive look at the group’s current creative peak. The momentum from the record release carries directly into this ambitious autumn schedule.

Rising Tour 2026 Dates:

October 12 – Potsdam, DE – Waschhaus

October 13 – Nurnberg, DE – Lowensaal

October 14 – Vienna, AT – Flex

October 15 – Budapest, HU – A38

October 16 – Bucharest, RO – Quantic

October 17 – Sofia, BG – Pirotska 5 Event Center

October 19 – Cluj, RO – Form Space

October 21 – Zagreb, HR – Vintage Industrial Bar

October 22 – Ljubljana, SI – Kino Siska

October 23 – Salzburg, AT – Hi Rockhouse

October 27 – Oberhausen, DE – Turbinenhalle 2

October 28 – Ghent, BE – Handelsbeurs

October 29 – Frankfurt, DE – Batschkapp

October 30 – Haarlem, NL – Patronaat

October 31 – Tilburg, NL – Next Stage

November 1 – Leeuwarden, NL – Neusoorn

November 3 – Saarbrucken, DE – Garage

November 5 – London, UK – Garage (with Los Pepes)

November 7 – Manchester, UK – Rebellion (with Los Pepes)

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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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