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Rising K-Pop Boundary-Pushers Cortis Announce First-Ever North American Tour

Eric Alper
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Rising K-Pop Boundary-Pushers Cortis Announce First-Ever North American Tour

Cortis are crossing the ocean for the first time. The boundary-pushing K-pop group, featuring Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho, have announced their first-ever North American tour. The 2026 Cortis Tour Put Your Phone Down kicks off with two back-to-back shows in Incheon, South Korea on July 18-19, before the Live Nation-promoted North American leg launches in August with six shows spanning Toronto, New York, Atlanta, Irving, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Their rise has been rapid. Less than a year into their career, Cortis debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 with their second EP ‘Greengreen’, an achievement that underscores just how quickly they’ve climbed onto the global stage.

The group has already hit some major milestones. Earlier this year they headlined the Opening Night of the NBA Crossover Concert Series during NBA All-Star 2026, becoming the first K-pop act to lead the event, then returned the next day for the All-Star Game halftime show.

The summer only gets bigger. Cortis make their Lollapalooza Chicago debut, sharing the lineup with Charli XCX, Tate McRae, and Lorde, with a main stage set August 1st and an official aftershow July 31st that sold out immediately, leading right into the North American run. Presales start June 9th, ahead of the general sale June 10th at 3 pm local time, with VIP packages on offer.

2026 Cortis Tour Put Your Phone Down North American Dates:

Aug 4 – Toronto, ON – The Theatre at Great Canadian Toronto

Aug 6 – New York, NY – Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden

Aug 8 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre

Aug 11 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Aug 13 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater

Aug 15 – San Francisco, CA – The Theater at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

Box Office Blockbuster ‘Michael’ Heads Home With Streaming And Physical Editions This Summer

Eric Alper
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Box Office Blockbuster ‘Michael’ Heads Home With Streaming And Physical Editions This Summer

The biggest musical biopic of the year is coming home. Lionsgate has announced that ‘Michael’, the worldwide box office blockbuster chronicling Michael Jackson’s life and legacy, arrives on Premium Digital and Premium Video on Demand beginning June 9th, followed by DVD, Blu-ray, 4K UHD, and collectible editions on July 14th. With a 97% Popcornmeter score, the film has grossed $852.4 million to date.

The cast runs deep. Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson stars in the titular role in his film debut, alongside Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller, Colman Domingo, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film was produced by Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain.

The story digs beneath the music. ‘Michael’ traces Jackson’s journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of The Jackson 5 to his rise as the visionary artist who relentlessly pursued becoming the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Jackson as never before.

The numbers behind it are staggering. ‘Michael’ opened in theaters April 24th with a $217.4 million debut, the biggest opening weekend ever for a musical biopic, surpassing Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. Deadline reports the Universal/Lionsgate production is the second-best opening year-to-date, trailing only Universal’s Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

Collectors get plenty to dig into. The home release packs special features including the making-of documentary “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” a behind-the-gates look at Hayvenhurst, multiple time-lapse transformations, and more, some exclusive to the physical editions. Lionsgate is also making the film available through Movies Anywhere as part of its initial June offering.

Clint Black And Retro-Nuevo Trio Midland Join Forces For Limited Fall 2026 Tour

Eric Alper
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Clint Black And Retro-Nuevo Trio Midland Join Forces For Limited Fall 2026 Tour

Two eras of country are sharing one stage this fall. Nineties legend Clint Black is teaming up with Grammy-nominated retro-nuevo trio Midland for a limited-run tour, bringing the two acts together for just eight exclusive performances. The pairing promises nights packed with timeless hits, modern country favorites, and a one-of-a-kind concert experience.

The collaboration runs deeper than the road. Black, whose career spans decades, still captivates audiences with classics like “Killin’ Time,” “A Better Man,” and “Like the Rain,” while Midland has earned wide acclaim for fan favorites including “Drinkin’ Problem,” “Burn Out,” and “Sunrise Tells the Story.” The two acts are also gearing up to release their new duet “Up In Texas” on Midland’s forthcoming album ‘Stages’, out June 12th via Blue Highway Records.

This is a rare chance to catch both together. The eight-show run offers audiences an evening of hits, high-energy performances, and storytelling from two of country’s most distinctive voices. Select presales start Wednesday, June 3rd, ahead of the general sale Friday, June 5th at 10 am local time.

Clint Black & Midland Fall 2026 Tour Dates:

Oct 8 – Charlotte, NC – TD Amp Ballantyne

Oct 9 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park

Oct 10 – Camdentown, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater

Oct 15 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace

Oct 16 – Auburn, AL – Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University

Oct 22 – Lynchburg, VA – Lynchburg Amphitheater at Riverfront Park

Oct 23 – Durham, NC – DPAC

Oct 24 – Glen Allen, VA – After Hours at The Innsbrook Pavilion

Japanese Rock Icon Yoshiki To Headline First-Ever Global Citizen Live: Tokyo

Eric Alper
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0
Japanese Rock Icon Yoshiki To Headline First-Ever Global Citizen Live: Tokyo

Music and philanthropy share the same stage in Tokyo this month. Yoshiki, Japan’s biggest rock star, will headline Global Citizen Live: Tokyo, the movement’s first-ever music event in Japan, taking place June 18th at the Tokyo International Forum. He joins a lineup that includes &TEAM, Ai, and Yuki Chiba, with Chris Peppler hosting the evening.

Yoshiki connects to the cause on a personal level. He says he’s very happy to perform at Global Citizen’s first concert event in Japan, adding that the mission of joining music and philanthropy resonates with him deeply.

The night carries real-world stakes. Proceeds from ticket sales contribute to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise ¥16 billion to provide at least 100,000 children with access to quality education in over 150 countries by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Twenty-seven grassroots organizations from 10 countries, including two programs in Japan, have been selected to receive awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 to further their work.

Two Japanese organizations stand among them. Ubuntu FS, headquartered in Kitakyushu, uses sports as a platform for community building, youth development, and social inclusion, while Tokyo-based SDGs Promise Japan advances sustainable development through education, economic empowerment, and capacity building, particularly across Africa.

Yoshiki arrives at a remarkable moment. The composer, classically trained pianist, rock drummer, and leader of X Japan and The Last Rockstars was named one of Time magazine’s Most Influential People of 2025. Following sold-out shows in Tokyo, he’ll perform two exclusive classical concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on July 16-17. Fans can also earn a limited number of free tickets by taking action to end extreme poverty through the Global Citizen app.

Minneapolis Declares “Prince Celebration Week” As Fans Mark Tenth Anniversary Of Annual Tribute

Eric Alper
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Minneapolis Declares “Prince Celebration Week” As Fans Mark Tenth Anniversary Of Annual Tribute

Purple is taking over the Twin Cities. As Prince Celebration 2026 gets underway, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has proclaimed June 1 through 7 “Prince Celebration Week,” recognizing the artist’s immeasurable impact on the city’s culture, identity, and global legacy. Fans from around the world are gathering during the 10th anniversary year of the annual tribute, and the Minneapolis skyline will glow purple on June 6 in his honor.

Frey doesn’t hold back on what Prince means to the city. He notes that few artists are as connected to a place as Prince is to Minneapolis, crediting his music, style, and creativity with helping define the city’s identity and making purple its unofficial color. L. Londell McMillan adds that the global “fams” community is already assembling from around the world to celebrate Prince’s life and enduring impact.

The marquee event lands June 5. The Prince Celebration of Life 10th Anniversary Concert at The Armory unites members of The New Power Generation and The Revolution on one stage, joined by Morris Day, Miguel, Tevin Campbell, Bilal, Kat Graham, and more. The night before, the Club 3121 Celebration & Jam Session brings together DJ Rashida, Liv Warfield, Ashley Tamar, and special guests.

Demand has been fierce across the board. The 10th Anniversary Kickoff Party at First Avenue, featuring DJ Lenka Paris and special guest Chaka Khan, has officially sold out, alongside Maya McClean’s “Awakening” sound healing experience at Paisley Park.

The week opens up to everyone too. A series of free community events includes the Prince Celebration Block Party and inaugural Prince Sing-Along on June 6 at the iconic Prince mural downtown. Expected to draw thousands on the eve of what would have been Prince’s 68th birthday, the all-ages gathering features performances by Grammy winner CeeLo Green, Liv Warfield, Purple Rain Musical star Kris Kollins, Jada LaFrance, Monique Blakey, and more, plus youth showcases in a multigenerational tribute to Prince’s lasting influence.

Hail The Sun Mark Ten Years Of ‘Culture Scars’ With Anniversary Tour

Eric Alper
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Hail The Sun Mark Ten Years Of ‘Culture Scars’ With Anniversary Tour

A decade-old favorite is hitting the road again. Hail The Sun announce a 10-year anniversary tour for ‘Culture Scars’, the band’s 2016 third studio LP, their Equal Vision Records debut, and an album that charted at No. 38 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart. The run kicks off Tuesday, August 11 at The End in Houston, sweeping through five more east coast nights before wrapping at Brighton Music Hall in Boston on Sunday, August 16.

The band is leaning into the intimacy of it all. They share that they’re thrilled to play these smaller shows in venues similar in size to the ones they hit back in 2016 when ‘Culture Scars’ first dropped. Tickets go on sale this Friday, June 5 at 10 a.m. ET.

There’s always been more bubbling under the surface with this band. Their songs probe the nature of existence and don’t flinch from self-reflection, a through-line since lead vocalist Donovan Melero, guitarists Shane Gann and Aric Garcia, bassist John Stirrat, and drummer Allen Casillas formed in Chico, California in 2009.

That ambition runs especially deep on their latest album ‘cut. turn. fade. back.’. Produced and engineered by Pete Adams and GRAMMY winner Johnny Kosich of Beach Noise, then mixed and mastered by Zakk Cervini (Blink-182, Bring Me The Horizon), the record encompasses the complete cycle of life through its four monosyllabic words. Its 11 songs touch on military atrocities, humanitarian crises, addiction, lost love, and death, capturing the cyclical nature of all of it.

‘Culture Scars’ Anniversary Tour Dates:

August 11 – Houston, TX – The End

August 12 – Hamden, CT – Space Ballroom

August 13 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer

August 14 – Asbury Park, NJ – House of Independents

August 15 – Long Island, NY – Amityville Music Hall

August 16 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall

Lee Brice Cranks Up Summer With New Single “What You Know About That”

Eric Alper
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Lee Brice Cranks Up Summer With New Single “What You Know About That”

Lee Brice is bringing dirty boots and gasoline veins to summer. The multi-Platinum Curb Records artist announces his new single “What You Know About That,” out Friday, June 5th, with an official music video arriving the same day. Written by Brice alongside Brian Davis and Andy Sheridan, the track is a hard-hitting anthem for the folks who get it done but still know how to have a good time.

Brice lays out exactly where the song comes from. He describes it as a tribute to his roots, the life he lived and the times he had, built on working hard, loving hard, and making memories that stick. He paints the picture too, fishing on the riverbank, riding around in his daddy’s old square body, hearing Alan Jackson on a back road, the kind of stuff where if you know, you know.

The single keeps a strong run going. It follows recent releases including “Cry,” “Country Nowadays,” “Truck Bed Mixtape,” and “Killed the Man,” each adding momentum ahead of the bigger picture.

That picture is ‘Sunriser’, Brice’s forthcoming album, out October 2nd. The record honors everyone up before dawn, delivering hopeful and resilient reflections on love, faith, and heartbreak for all the sunrisers, from firefighters, nurses, and truck drivers to blue-collar workers clocking out of graveyard shifts and tired parents waking up to care for little ones.

Icona Pop Chase The Rush Of New Love On “Butterfly Feelings” Video

Eric Alper
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0
Icona Pop Chase The Rush Of New Love On “Butterfly Feelings” Video

Falling fast has never looked so good. Multi-platinum duo Icona Pop unveil the official music video for their euphoric new single “Butterfly Feelings,” directed by Viktor Naumovski and filmed in Macedonia. The visual brings the song’s themes of transformation, vulnerability, and emotional freedom to vivid life, as Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo emerge from a symbolic cocoon, shed old layers, and reveal butterfly wings while embracing the rush of new love. Dancers in matching wings turn the whole thing into a celebration of self-expression and liberation.

The track itself bottles that dizzy feeling. Lifted from their forthcoming album ‘Ritual’, out August 14 via Ultra Records/Iconic Sound Recordings, “Butterfly Feelings” leans into the thrill of falling hard and fast. Co-written by the duo, it pairs futuristic synths, bittersweet pop melodies, and a snappy club-ready beat with the euphoric vulnerability that’s long defined their sound, anchored by the hook “My heart is beating, do you feel the same?”

The duo describe it as a little song about falling stupidly in love. They reflect on all the times they’ve felt that pull, the way you try to deny it at first but can’t stop thinking about the person.

The single extends the world of ‘Ritual’, following “Dance To This” and the title track featuring Daya. Written during a deeply transformative chapter, the album finds Icona Pop at their most emotionally fearless and creatively confident, exploring friendship, reinvention, healing, heartbreak, motherhood, and joy. For them, the dance floor has always been a place to find themselves and each other again, to disappear into the music and let go.

There’s a tour on the way too. Icona Pop have announced the first handful of dates from their Ritual Tour, kicking off October 23 in Gothenburg, Sweden, with stops in Oslo and Stockholm before wrapping November 13 in Copenhagen.

Ritual Tour Dates:

October 23 – Gothenburg, Sweden

Oslo, Norway

Stockholm, Sweden

November 13 – Copenhagen, Denmark

Virtuoso Pianist Saint Micah Kicks Off A Bold New Era With Dance-Pop Single “The Grind”

Eric Alper
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0
Virtuoso Pianist Saint Micah Kicks Off A Bold New Era With Dance-Pop Single “The Grind”

A rebirth arrives on the dance floor. Prolific pop artist and virtuoso pianist Saint Micah opens a brand-new era with the high-intensity dance-pop single “The Grind,” out now via Case Doce Music. Produced by Fernando Garibay, known for his work with Lady Gaga, and co-written with Simon Wilcox and Ramiro Padilla, the track pulls listeners straight into the rush of the club, a place to leave the work week behind and shed the public persona.

The song carries real personal weight. “The Grind” explores the friction between who society says you should be and who you are at your core, mirroring the artist’s own path. Equal parts ascension and reclamation, the Saint Micah moniker represents Micah McLaurin becoming the artist he wants to be, building on his lived truth rather than being controlled by it.

McLaurin speaks openly about what’s behind the name. He describes the single as a meditation on the duality between a work personality and a true self, and frames Saint Micah as a way of taking control of his own life. Sent to conversion therapy as a child, he says his mission since has been to undo that experience and rise above it without asking permission.

The momentum is already building. Saint Micah landed on Spotify Wrapped’s Best of Fresh Finds Pop 2025 following the viral success of his Latin-infused single “Remember Me,” a featured track on Spotify’s Obsessed playlist. Official remixes from chart-topping DJs Majestic and Until Dawn hit Music Week’s Pop Club Chart at No. 6, while “Satisfied” and “Baboom” both cracked the Top 10. Recent singles “Dancing With My Broken Heart” and “How Can I” keep adding to his millions of global streams.

His reach stretches well past music. Saint Micah has drawn the attention of major names across music and fashion, collaborating with producer duo PhD, creative director Nicola Formichetti, designer Zaldy, and brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, and Vivienne Westwood.

Dweezil Zappa Marks 20 Years Of Frank Zappa’s Music On “DZ20” Tour

Eric Alper
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0
Dweezil Zappa Marks 20 Years Of Frank Zappa’s Music On “DZ20” Tour

Two decades in, Dweezil Zappa is still finding new corners in his father’s catalog. The acclaimed guitarist and bandleader announces the “DZ20: Like Father, Like Son Tour,” celebrating 20 years of bringing Frank Zappa’s music to audiences worldwide. The milestone run honors two decades spent preserving, performing, and expanding one of modern music’s most adventurous bodies of work.

This has always been personal. What began as a deep connection to his father’s music grew into a celebrated live experience that’s introduced generations of fans to the complexity, irreverence, and imagination running through Frank’s compositions. For 20 years, Dweezil has interpreted the sophisticated, unpredictable, and technically demanding material with passion, precision, humor, and fearless musicianship.

The performances reinvent as much as they recreate. Dweezil assembles elite musicians to faithfully and creatively perform material spanning rock, jazz, orchestral, fusion, and experimental traditions, shaping fan favorites into hybrid arrangements and reviving rare compositions for modern ears. As he puts it, the songs you think you know may surprise you with parts you’ve never heard before.

The tour delivers more than two hours of music spanning Frank’s storied career, packed with fan favorites, deep cuts, improvisational stretches, and surprises for longtime devotees and newcomers alike. Dweezil sounds energized by the journey. He says every tour lets him revisit his father’s work from a new perspective while finding ways to surprise audiences and himself, with always something new to discover.

There’s plenty for superfans too. A robust VIP offering brings audiences closer to the artistry, with exclusive pre-show soundcheck access, a rare live mixing experience, and select side-stage vantage points. Full dates and details are available now at Dweezil Zappa’s official website.

DZ20: Like Father, Like Son Tour Dates:

October 22, 2026 – Phoenix, AZ

October 23, 2026 – Tucson, AZ

October 25, 2026 – Salt Lake City, UT

October 26, 2026 – Denver, CO

October 28, 2026 – Minneapolis, MN

October 29, 2026 – Chicago, IL

October 30, 2026 – Royal Oak, MI

October 31, 2026 – Pittsburgh, PA

November 1, 2026 – Alexandria, VA

November 4, 2026 – Tarrytown, NY

November 5, 2026 – Huntington, NY

November 6, 2026 – Albany, NY

November 7, 2026 – Wallingford, CT

November 8, 2026 – Staten Island, NY

November 11, 2026 – Red Bank, NJ

November 12, 2026 – Glenside, PA

November 13, 2026 – Medford, MA

November 14, 2026 – Portland, ME

November 15, 2026 – Quebec City, QC

November 17, 2026 – Montreal, QC

November 18, 2026 – Toronto, ON

November 19, 2026 – Cleveland, OH

November 20, 2026 – Cincinnati, OH

November 21, 2026 – Indianapolis, IN

November 22, 2026 – St. Louis, MO

November 24, 2026 – Albuquerque, NM

November 27, 2026 – El Cajon, CA

November 28, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA

November 29, 2026 – San Francisco, CA

December 1, 2026 – Seattle, WA

December 2, 2026 – Vancouver, BC

December 3, 2026 – Portland, OR

December 4, 2026 – Reno, NV

December 5, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV

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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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