Page 291 – That Eric Alper

Barry Manilow Postpones Las Vegas Residency To Focus On Recovery

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 5, 2026

Barry Manilow Postpones Las Vegas Residency To Focus On Recovery

Barry Manilow is rescheduling his February 12-21 residency at the Westgate Las Vegas following his December lung cancer surgery. The iconic entertainer is recovering well and feeling great, but his doctors want him to take additional time before hitting the road. Manilow is focusing on his health and recovery to be fully prepared for his arena tour, which starts February 27 at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.

“I’m doing great and recovering very well after my surgery,” Manilow said in a statement to his fans. “I’ve been getting exercise and spending some time in the studio, which has been fantastic. With my doctor’s guidance and recommendation, however, we have decided to postpone my residency dates at Westgate Las Vegas from February 12-21 so I can stay focused on healing and getting ready for the tour that’s kicking off at the end of February. Having a few extra weeks to rest and prepare is what the doctor ordered.” Tickets for the postponed Las Vegas dates will be fully refundable at the point of purchase. Manilow will return to the Westgate March 26-28.

Manilow’s new single “Once Before I Go” debuted on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart this week, marking more than 50 years since his first appearance on the chart with “Mandy” in 1974. At every arena show, Manilow will celebrate local music educators with the Manilow Music Teacher Award. Created through the Manilow Music Project, a program of the Manilow Fund, the award honors educators who instill passion and inspire their students. Nominees will be revealed on January 22, the same day voting opens. The teacher receiving the most online votes will be recognized onstage during Manilow’s concert and will receive a total prize of $10,000, including a $5,000 cash award and $5,000 in Manilow Bucks for classroom instrument purchases.

BARRY MANILOW 2026 DATES

Feb. 27 – Tampa, FL, Benchmark International Arena

March 1 – Charlotte, NC, Spectrum Center

March 2 – Norfolk, VA, Scope Arena

March 3 – Baltimore, MD, CFG Bank Arena

March 5 – Cincinnati, OH, Heritage Bank Center

March 6 – Columbus, OH, Nationwide Arena

March 7 – Nashville, TN, Bridgestone Arena

March 9 – Lexington, KY, Rupp Arena

March 11 – Charleston, SC, North Charleston Coliseum

March 13 – Orlando, FL Kia Center

March 14 – Sunrise, FL, Amerant Bank Arena

March 16 – Estero, FL, Hertz Arena

March 17 – Estero, Fl, Hertz Arena

April 24 – Greensboro, NC, First Horizon Coliseum

April 27 – Jacksonville, FL, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

April 29 – Duluth, GA, Gas South Arena

Zayn Announces Largest Solo Tour With 31-Date Konnakol Trek

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 5, 2026

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Zayn Announces Largest Solo Tour With 31-Date Konnakol Trek

Zayn has announced The Konnakol Tour, his largest solo trek to date spanning 31 dates from May through November 2026. The run marks his first time headlining arenas and stadiums across North America, South America, Mexico and the UK. Produced by Live Nation, the tour launches May 12 at Manchester’s AO Arena and wraps November 20 at Miami’s Kaseya Center. One Direction fans now have the opportunity to see both Zayn and Harry Styles playing some of the biggest venues in the world on their individual tours this year.

The tour supports Zayn’s fifth studio album KONNAKOL, arriving April 17 and available for pre-order now. The record represents his most culturally inspired project to date, with the pop-forward album expanding on the sound fans first heard on his record-breaking debut ‘Mind of Mine’. Lead single “Die For Me” drops Friday, February 6. Zayn started 2026 with his debut residency at Las Vegas’ Dolby Live, following his first-ever solo tour in support of 2024’s ‘Room Under the Stairs’.

A VIP KEY presale begins Tuesday, February 10 at 12pm local time in all markets. All existing Zayn VIP KEY holders will be notified and automatically receive a unique passcode unlocked in the VIP Key app. Fans can join the community through Sunday, February 8 at 11:59pm EST to receive their unique passcode for presale access. General onsale starts Friday, February 12, with additional presales running throughout the week. Last year Zayn joined forces with BLACKPINK’s Jisoo on the single “Eyes Closed”, which earned a 2026 iHeartRadio Music Award nomination for Favorite K-Pop Collaboration and debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.

THE KONNAKOL TOUR DATES:

Tue May 12 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena

Sat May 16 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro

Tue May 19 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena Birmingham

Sat May 23 – London, UK – The O2

Sun Jun 14 – Monterrey, MX – Estadio Borregos

Wed Jun 17 – Guadalajara, MX – Arena VFG

Sat Jun 20 – Mexico City, MX – Estadio GNP Seguros

Sun Jul 19 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena

Mon Jul 20 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena

Thu Jul 23 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum

Fri Jul 24 – St. Paul, MN – Grand Casino Arena

Mon Jul 27 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Tue Jul 28 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Fri Jul 31 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

Mon Aug 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Mortgage Matchup Center

Tue Aug 25 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena San Diego

Fri Aug 28 – Inglewood, CA – Intuit Dome

Tue Sep 1 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center

Wed Sep 2 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

Sat Sep 5 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Fri Oct 2 – Santiago, CL – Movistar Arena

Tue Oct 6 – Buenos Aires, AR – Movistar Arena

Sat Oct 10 – São Paulo, BR – Allianz Parque

Wed Oct 14 – Lima, PE – Costa 21

Sat Nov 7 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center

Sun Nov 8 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

Wed Nov 11 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

Thu Nov 12 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center

Sun Nov 15 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

Thu Nov 19 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center

Fri Nov 20 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center

R.E.M. Brings Back ‘R.E.M. At The BBC’ Box Set For March Release

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 5, 2026

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R.E.M. Brings Back ‘R.E.M. At The BBC’ Box Set For March Release

R.E.M. has announced the return of their ‘R.E.M. at the BBC’ box set, arriving March 6 following fan demand. The collection spans eight CDs and one DVD, gatheringarchival BBC performances captured across nearly 25 years. Material stretches from the band’s early days in 1984 through their later period in 2008.

The package draws from multiple BBC programs and venues. Highlights include a full hour from Later with Jools Holland, Radio 1’s Live Lounge sessions, and recordings made for John Peel’s influential studio sessions. Concert broadcasts feature their Glastonbury Festival appearance from 1999, an intimate 2004 church performance in London, and a 1995 show from Milton Keynes. The tracklist covers essential R.E.M. material including “Losing My Religion”, “Man on the Moon”, “Radio Free Europe” and “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”. The DVD portion adds the short film Accelerating Backwards alongside the Later performance and three additional video clips.

Arkells Announce New Album ‘Between Us’ With Features From Portugal. The Man

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 5, 2026

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Arkells Announce New Album ‘Between Us’ With Features From Portugal. The Man

9-time JUNO Award winners Arkells announce their brand new album ‘Between Us’ for release on April 17 via Universal Music Canada and Virgin Music Group. Produced and recorded in Los Angeles with Grammy Award winner John Congleton, the forthcoming album features the new single “Next Summer” released today, paired alongside an illusory performance video. Its instantly hummable chorus nods to a modern The Killers meets Gaslight Anthem singalong.

“When someone new enters your life, do you ever wonder, ‘what did last summer look like for this person? And for me? And what will next summer look like?'” questions frontman Max Kerman. “This song is a nod to the beauty and the mystery of what might lay ahead, and an appreciation of how we got to today. There’s a longing in the song, but it’s hopeful.” A select group of fans were treated to an early preview of “Next Summer” and new album details earlier this week when Arkells took over The Big Chill ice cream shop in Toronto, serving up the essence of summer in the peak of winter.

“Next Summer” arrives on the heels of their latest single “Money”, featuring Portugal. The Man, and the punchy tune “What Good?” The new album includes additional features from GROUPLOVE and Poolside on the 11-track collection. ‘Between Us’ is available now for pre-order on vinyl and CD, including a signed edition on grass-green vinyl. The cover was shot by Boston-based artist and photographer Pelle Cass, who photographed the vibrant image of Arkells atop Hamilton’s Jackson Square rooftop.

Arkells will road trip across the pond for European and UK tour dates from March 12 through 20, bringing the band to various cities in Germany, Netherlands and United Kingdom. The band performs at the 2026 JUNO Awards in their hometown of Hamilton on March 29 at the TD Coliseum. In December 2025, the Hamilton heroes popped up on stage as special guests of the Jonas Brothers at their sold-out stop at TD Coliseum, surprising the audience with a performance of their beloved hit “Leather Jacket”.

Universal Music Canada Signs Rising R&B Artist Kuzi Cee

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 5, 2026

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Universal Music Canada Signs Rising R&B Artist Kuzi Cee

R&B’s next breakout star is stepping into a new chapter. Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company, today announced that rising R&B artist Kuzi Cee has officially joined the UMC roster, following the success of his breakout single “Rather Be” and the growing buzz he’s been generating with fans across platforms.

The signing, led globally by the UMC team and in partnership with Mercury Records out of the United States, marks the latest milestone in a standout run for Kuzi. Released in October 2025, “Rather Be” quickly became a breakout moment, amassing over 2 million global audio streams and more than 37.5 million views across social platforms. On TikTok, thousands of user-generated videos drove discovery and repeat listening, signaling a fast-growing fanbase. Through a series of organic teasers, Kuzi invited listeners into the creative process — sharing early versions of the song, testing hooks, and ultimately working with fans to land on the title, artwork, and final production elements based on what resonated most.

“Kuzi’s voice is undeniable — and one that’s been on our team’s radar for some time. It’s been wonderful to watch him grow into his own as a storyteller and artist. Kuzi has an insatiable work ethic, and the passion to back it up,” said Julie Adam, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada. “He pours everything he has into his art. We love his energy, and we’re so excited to be part of his journey.”

From organic online traction to the airwaves, “Rather Be” continues its rise, with Kuzi named an iHeartRadio Future Star for February and March 2026 and the track receiving national airplay across Virgin Radio stations throughout Canada.

“I’m so excited to start this new chapter with the team at Universal Music — to tell my story and share my music with the world,” says Kuzi Cee. “To everyone who’s ever taken a chance on me and my music, I can’t thank you enough. All of that support brought us to this moment. I’m ready to lace these kicks up, put pen to paper, and push R&B to every corner of the world.” He continues, “And to the six-year-old Kuzi who fell in love with singing — I promise this is just the beginning.”

Born in Zimbabwe and now based in Calgary, Kuzi Cee spent his formative years living between London, New York, Toronto, and Pennsylvania, absorbing the sounds and cultures of each city along the way. The result is a sound that blends nostalgic R&B sensibilities with modern polish, anchored by dynamic flows, buttery vocals, and emotionally resonant lyricism exploring love, longing, and real connection.

With a sound that feels both timeless and current, Kuzi Cee is emerging as one of R&B’s most compelling rising Gen-Z voices. His growing live résumé includes support slots for Nelly, G-Eazy, T.I., Ashanti, Mario, Michael Bublé, and more. Stay tuned for much more to come as Kuzi prepares to release new music throughout 2026 — with early teasers already giving fans a glimpse of what’s next — ahead of his debut full-length project.

Neve Campbell Reflects On Sidney Prescott In New ‘Scream 7’ Featurette

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 5, 2026

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Neve Campbell Reflects On Sidney Prescott In New ‘Scream 7’ Featurette

Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group have released a behind-the-scenes featurette for Scream 7, featuring Neve Campbell discussing Sidney Prescott’s journey over the past 30 years. The video includes soundbites from Kevin Williamson, creator, co-writer and director of the franchise’s latest installment. The featurette offers insight into how the character has evolved across three decades of the horror series.

Scream 7 arrives in theatres, 4DX, ScreenX, premium large formats and IMAX on February 27. Tickets go on sale Monday, February 9th. When a new Ghostface killer emerges in the quiet town where Sidney Prescott has built a new life, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter becomes the next target. Determined to protect her family, Sidney must face the horrors of her past to put an end to the bloodshed once and for all.

The film stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Mckenna Grace, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Asa Germann, Celeste O’Connor, Sam Rechner, Ethan Embry, Tim Simons and Mark Consuelos. Kevin Williamson directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with Guy Busick, based on a story by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick. William Sherak, James Vanderbilt and Paul Neinstein produce.

National Music Centre Celebrates Women’s History Month with The Acoustic Guitar Project Showcase on March 6

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 5, 2026

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National Music Centre Celebrates Women’s History Month with The Acoustic Guitar Project Showcase on March 6

) In celebration of Women’s History Month, the National Music Centre (NMC), in partnership with Write On!, will present a special edition of The Acoustic Guitar Project, spotlighting women and gender-diverse songwriters from across Alberta. The initiative will culminate in a live showcase at the King Eddy on Friday, March 6.Following an open call for submissions, genre-blending singer-songwriter Eden Taylor, indie-folk singer-songwriter Irene Poole, pop-country singer-songwriter Sadie-Lee, folk-rock-soul singer-songwriter Sonia Deleo, and folk singer-songwriter Tori Vere were selected to take part in this collaborative songwriting initiative. Each artist contributed to the evolving legacy of a single travelling acoustic guitar, an instrument that has inspired countless songs around the world.

Participants spent one week with the guitar to write an original composition, received one-on-one mentorship from Write On! for focused and personalized song development, and recorded their work in the National Music Centre’s world-class studios. Now, the resulting songs will be performed during a live showcase at the historic King Eddy. “This project is really about giving artists the time and space to connect with their songwriting,” said Stephanie Hutchinson, NMC’s Director of Programs. “The Acoustic Guitar Project offers a rare chance for artists to leave their mark on an instrument that’s been shaped by so many stories before it. We’re especially proud to spotlight women and gender-diverse artists through this program during Women’s History Month.”

NMC & WriteOn! Present: The Acoustic Guitar Project Showcase takes place at the King Eddy on Friday, March 6. Tickets are available at studiobell.ca/whats-on. NMC Members get discounted admission. To become an NMC Member, visit studiobell.ca/become-a-member

Skid Row Teams With Sweetwater For Worldwide Lead Vocalist Search

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 5, 2026

0

Skid Row Teams With Sweetwater For Worldwide Lead Vocalist Search

Skid Row has partnered with Sweetwater to launch a worldwide search for their next lead vocalist. The collaboration opens auditions on February 5th, inviting singers globally to front one of hard rock’s most enduring bands. Sweetwater, the leading online retailer of musical instruments and pro-audio equipment, will host the initiative as Skid Row enters a new chapter.

The band celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026. Skid Row delivered hard rock anthems including “18 and Life”, “I Remember You”, “Monkey Business” and “Youth Gone Wild”. Their self-titled debut and Slave to the Grind, the first heavy metal album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200, established them as a defining force in rock music. Recent performances featuring guest vocalists like Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale have demonstrated the timeless power of their catalog.

“This is not a contest or a gimmick,” the band states. “It’s a genuine search for the right voice, presence, and authenticity to carry Skid Row forward.” Sweetwater’s Nick Bowcott recalls seeing the New Jersey band before they were signed. “They totally blew me away with the sheer quality of their songs, and the infectious high-energy of their performance,” he says. “We at Sweetwater are excited to partner with the group to host this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Auditions open February 5th with no submission deadline. Skid Row will review submissions until they find the right singer. Full details are available at sweetwater.com/insync/skid-row-the-next-chapter.

How The Beatles Actually Wrote Songs Gets A Deep Dive From David Bennett

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 5, 2026

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How The Beatles Actually Wrote Songs Gets A Deep Dive From David Bennett

Listening closely to demos and outtakes reveals how The Beatles shaped their songs long before final takes. In a new video, David Bennett walks through the band’s creative process with clarity and curiosity, spotlighting arrangement choices that evolved in real time.

The episode moves song by song, tracing ideas as they form and shift. From “Yellow Submarine” to “The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” and “I’ve Got A Feeling,” each example shows how structure, harmony, and feel were refined through exploration rather than instant inspiration.

Reggie Watts Releases Five One-Of-A-Kind Vinyl Records Through Ghostnote Collaboration

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 5, 2026

0

Reggie Watts Releases Five One-Of-A-Kind Vinyl Records Through Ghostnote Collaboration

Ghostnote, an innovative new marketplace where music lovers can own a genuine piece of musical history, has partnered with musician/comedian/writer/actor Reggie Watts on a special opportunity for fans: Five self‑pressed and hand‑doodled, vinyl records – featuring unreleased music, and more.

Pressed in-house at LA’s Vinyl Ceremony, the A‑side features a live‑looped collaboration with Kyle Kaivita—who also designed the “tape‑and‑ice” liner image. Kyle live‑loops sample beats and warm Rhodes‑style keys, while Watts adds sprinkles and vocals – an improvisation at LA’s Gold Diggers. The B‑side is a bright, tight track—a Berlin studio session with Delwin Campbell.

Also available: two cassettes and two stamping plates from the pressing. Fans will be able to make offers on the items starting today via Ghostnote.

On Ghostnote, every item is a one-of-a-kind creation, straight from the artist’s hands—written, played, drawn, or even worn during their creative journey. Each piece has its story told and authenticated by the artist on Ghostnote. With a secure resale model, each new owner joins the registry, and the artist receives a royalty—making everyone part of the creative adventure, with artists earning along the way.

Ghostnote founder, Brett Allen says, “It’s about getting everyone involved—each item becomes more special as it’s passed from one fan to another – and artists keep earning as their items find new homes. Our resale ecosystem enables artists and fans to continue experiencing something creative, together.”

About the collaboration, Watts said, ““I love making stuff the easy, fun way and getting it directly to fans. I create a lot, and the traditional systems can’t keep up. These records are curated objects – (on Ghostnote) you experience the things you love, then let them go – I hope these records float around.”

Jason Burkhart, Vinyl Ceremony owner, on the connection between the two companies, “At Vinyl Ceremony, we invite artists into the vinyl-making process—test pressings and on‑site personalization—but it’s Ghostnote’s artifact provenance that completes the picture, ensuring that fans get both the physical soul and the verifiable story of the work.”

To mark the special collaboration between Reggie Watts and Ghostnote, fans have the chance to win the “It’s not a recording, but it is a record” liner card prototype, with hand doodles and an autograph by Watts. Simply sign up for a Ghostnote account to enter the giveaway. For more details, visit HERE.