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Billy Talent Marks 20 Years Of ‘Billy Talent II’ With Special International Shows

Eric Alper
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Billy Talent Marks 20 Years Of ‘Billy Talent II’ With Special International Shows

Iconic Canadian rock group Billy Talent has announced a limited run of tour dates to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of their masterpiece sophomore album, Billy Talent II, released via Warner Music Canada. The band will perform the multi-platinum album in its entirety, front-to-back, giving fans a rare opportunity to experience the record that catapulted them to international superstardom.  The run of dates includes shows in three international markets (Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna) along with a massive homecoming in Toronto.  Tickets will be available for purchase on January 30th, at 10:00am local – check billytalent.com for all the details.   In addition to these shows, Billy Talent will be headlining Hurricane and Southside Festivals in Germany, and Summerside Festival in Switzerland, which will feature special Billy Talent II performances. Shows in additional cities are expected to be announced soon.

Released in 2006, Billy Talent II stands not only as a defining moment in rock music, but also as the band’s most commercially successful album to date. Upon its release, it debuted at #1 on the Canadian Albums Chart and #1 on the German Albums Chart, and showcasing the band’s status as a true force in global rock music. The album was certified 4x Platinum in Canada and 2x Platinum in Germany, selling over one million copies worldwide. Along with the certifications, the album produced a non-stop string of smash hits including “Devil in a Midnight Mass,” “Fallen Leaves,” “Surrender,” and “This Suffering” that remain rock radio staples to this day. The track “Red Flag” not only was featured on the soundtrack to several video games, but also brought the band their American television debut with a Late Night with Conan O’Brien performance.  Billy Talent II garnered critical acclaim and major award wins, including the JUNO Award for Rock Album of the Year and multiple MuchMusic Video Awards.

This year, Billy Talent will be recognized at the 2026 JUNO Awards with the prestigious Humanitarian Award, honouring the band’s long standing commitment to philanthropy and community impact.  Since their first high school food drive, Billy Talent has championed humanitarian causes for the entirety of their three decade long career. Through sustained partnerships with Make Music Matter, War Child, and MS Canada, the band supports communities affected by conflict and youth living with Multiple Sclerosis. Their advocacy has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and generated global awareness.

Also appearing on the Toronto show are special guests Death From Above 1979 and opener Hollerado. Support acts for the European dates will be announced shortly.

BILLY TALENT II – 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR DATES

Friday, June 12, 2026 Paris, France – L’Olympia

Saturday, June 13, 2026 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg

Monday, June 15, 2026 Vienna, Austria – Arena Open Air

Saturday, July 18, 2026 Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre (Budweiser Stage)

Lionel Richie And Earth, Wind & Fire Announce Massive 2026 North American Tour

Eric Alper
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Lionel Richie And Earth, Wind & Fire Announce Massive 2026 North American Tour

Legendary singer, songwriter and producer Lionel Richie and one of the best-selling bands of all time, Earth, Wind & Fire announced their 2026 North American Tour. Produced by Live Nation, the 26-city tour kicks off on Wednesday, June 24 at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul making stops across North America in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles and more before wrapping up in Austin at Moody Center on Friday, August 14.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with Citi presale (details below) beginning Tuesday, January 27 at 10am. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, January 30 at 10am local time at LiveNation.com.

PRESALE: Citi is the official card of Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire 2026 Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, January 27 at 10am local time until Thursday, January 29 at 10pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

VIP:  The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, access to the pre-show VIP Lounge, limited edition tour poster, specially designed VIP gift item & more. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

Lionel Richie’s show is created in partnership with Brian Burke Creative.

LIONEL RICHIE AND EARTH, WIND & FIRE 2026 TOUR DATES:

Wed Jun 24 – Saint Paul, MN – Grand Casino Arena
Fri Jun 26 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sat Jun 27 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Tue Jun 30 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
Wed Jul 01 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Sat Jul 04 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Sun Jul 05 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Wed Jul 08 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Fri Jul 10 – Hartford, CT – PeoplesBank Arena
Sat Jul 11 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Tue Jul 14 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena
Thu Jul 16 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena
Sat Jul 18 – Greensboro, NC – First Horizon Coliseum
Sun Jul 19 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Wed Jul 22 – Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena
Fri Jul 24 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Sat Jul 25 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center
Tue Jul 28 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
Wed Jul 29 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Fri Jul 31 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Mon Aug 03 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Thu Aug 06 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
Sat Aug 08 – Palm Desert, CA – Acrisure Arena
Sun Aug 09 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome
Tues Aug 11 – Phoenix, AZ – Mortgage Matchup Center
Fri Aug 14 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

International superstar Lionel Richie boasts a discography of albums and singles that is second to none. With more than 125 million albums sold worldwide, an Oscar, Golden Globe®, and four Grammy Awards, Richie has been honored with distinctions including 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year, and the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors. In March 2018, Richie cemented his iconic legacy as he imprinted his hand and footprints at Hollywood’s storied TCL Chinese Theatre. In 2022, he was both inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and received the 2022 American Music Awards Icon Award, his 18th AMA award. He also received the 2022 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library of Congress. Richie debuted and served as producer on the documentary The Greatest Night in Pop, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim. The Greatest Night in Pop quickly became a cultural phenomenon as the most watched music documentary of 2024 with a staggering 1.3 billion minutes viewed. Richie has served as a judge on ABC’s “American Idol” for the past eight seasons and is back for its 9th season. He also served as executive producer on AppleTV+’s “KPOPPED,” which hit #1 in South Korea and the top 10 in 99 countries. Most recently, Richie offered an intimate and candid reflection on his journey through music, fame, and personal transformation in his New York Times bestselling memoir Truly, released on September 30, 2025.

Earth, Wind & Fire are a music institution. In 1969, music legend Maurice White birthed the music force named after the elements from his very own astrological charts. With soul as deep as the plant, Earth, Wind & Fire charted a history that will live on forever. They’ve scored eight number one hits and have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. They’ve released 23 albums; eight of those albums went Double Platinum and hit the Top 10, making them one of the best-selling artists of all time. They’ve won an impressive nine GRAMMY Awards including one for Lifetime Achievement (2012). In 2000, Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their lasting impact on popular music and, in 2019, their contributions to arts and culture were acknowledged in Washington DC with the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors.

The music of Earth, Wind & Fire is more alive than ever as they continue to inspire new audiences and thrill those who have been with them from the beginning. Like the elements in their name, Earth, Wind & Fire’s music has withstood ever-changing trends in the world and shows no sign of vanishing as they continue to create joy and uplifting music that will forever reach a sacred universal atmosphere. From the funky and infectious “Let’s Groove” to the timeless dance classic “September” to the heartfelt “Reasons,” Earth, Wind & Fire’s catalog of hits has become the soundtrack to many lives; now, then and forever.

Folk Americana Roots Hall Of Fame Sets Star-Studded 2026 Induction Celebration In Boston

Eric Alper
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Folk Americana Roots Hall Of Fame Sets Star-Studded 2026 Induction Celebration In Boston

The Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame has announced performers and presenters for its second annual Induction Celebration, set for March 24, 2026 at the historic Boch Center Wang Theatre. The exclusive evening honors a landmark class of artists and industry leaders whose work has shaped Folk, Americana, and Roots music, while advancing FARHOF’s nonprofit mission to honor the past, celebrate the present, and nurture the future of American music.

Living inductees Judy Collins, Tom Rush, and Tom Paxton will attend and perform, anchoring a night filled with intimate tributes, live performances, and special presentations. Additional performers and presenters include Brad and Graham Whitford, Paula Cole, Maggie Rose, Bobby Rush, Lizz Wright, Dom Flemons, Noel Paul Stookey, John Oates, and many more. The evening’s music will be supported by a specially assembled FARHOF House Band led by Scott Sharrard, featuring members associated with Little Feat, Jackson Browne, and George Clinton.

The 2026 induction class includes Living Artists Jackson Browne, Judy Collins, Tom Paxton, Tom Rush, and Neil Young, alongside Legacy Artists Leonard Cohen, Aretha Franklin, Mississippi John Hurt, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Muddy Waters, plus Industry honorees John Hammond and Alan Lomax. Tickets, including limited VIP options with reception and dinner, go on sale Friday, January 23, 2026 at FARHOF.org, with proceeds supporting education, preservation, and future programming.

Norah Jones Welcomes Nathaniel Rateliff For Reflective New Podcast Episode

Eric Alper
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Norah Jones Welcomes Nathaniel Rateliff For Reflective New Podcast Episode

Norah Jones is joined by Nathaniel Rateliff on a new episode of Norah Jones Is Playing Along, continuing the podcast’s second season with an intimate and thoughtful conversation. The Grammy Award–winning artists trace the personal and creative paths that shaped Rateliff’s journey, reflecting on patience, self-discovery, and the discipline of singing from a truthful place.


Kate Rockwell Returns To “Heathers” As Off-Broadway Cast Shifts This January

Eric Alper
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Kate Rockwell Returns To “Heathers” As Off-Broadway Cast Shifts This January

Kate Rockwell will return to the Off-Broadway revival of “Heathers,” joining a slate of casting changes that begin January 26 at New World Stages. Rockwell reprises the roles of Ms. Fleming and Veronica’s Mom, parts she previously played during a limited engagement last year. She joins new cast members Adam Bashian, Jimmy Ray Bennett, and Thalia Atallah, while Peyton List is also set to begin performances as Heather Chandler on the same date.

The arrivals coincide with several departures, including Kerry Butler, who will give her final performance January 25 alongside Jodie Steele, Ben Davis, Cameron Loyal, and Lav Raman. With a book, music, and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, “Heathers” continues its New York run under the direction of Andy Fickman, revisiting the darkly comic story of Veronica Sawyer and the social hierarchy that defines her high school world.

Sony Simplifies Vinyl Listening With New PS-LX3BT And PS-LX5BT Turntables

Eric Alper
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0
Sony Simplifies Vinyl Listening With New PS-LX3BT And PS-LX5BT Turntables

 Sony Electronics Inc. today announced two new models of turntables, the PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT, engineered to make it simple and easy to enjoy rich, authentic sound from vinyl records. Designed to suit both first-time vinyl listeners and audiophiles, the new turntables combine simple, intuitive operation with advanced wireless audio technology and exceptional craftsmanship.

Shared features of the PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT

Both models offer one-button full auto playback and Bluetooth connectivity supporting aptX™, aptX™-Adaptive, and Hi-Res Wireless Audio allowing users to enjoy detailed sound even wirelessly, as well as through a wired connection. A USB output with three-level gain control makes it easy to record vinyl to digital, while a high-quality cartridge, aluminum platter, and transparent dust cover provide stable playback and protection. Each supports 33⅓ and 45 RPM records (7″ and 12″) and arrives in recycled packaging, reflecting Sony’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

PS-LX3BT – Your vinyl journey starts here

Perfect for newcomers to vinyl or those seeking a simple, lifestyle-friendly setup, the PS-LX3BT features a refined, aesthetic design, making it ideal for everyday spaces while fitting seamlessly into any lifestyle. Start listening right away with the attached audio cable and built-in phono equalizer. It delivers warm analogue sound with smooth tracking, perfect for everyday enjoyment.

PS-LX5BT – Upgrade your vinyl journey

For those looking to elevate their sound, the PS-LX5BT introduces premium refinements that enhance precise audio performance. Every element, from the rigid one-piece body and aluminum tone arm to the rubber mat and circuit design, is carefully engineered to suppress unwanted vibration and preserve audio purity. Building on this foundation of precision, it’s equipped with a high-grade cartridge that delivers rich sound with a wide soundstage, ideal for focused, dedicated listening beyond everyday use. The gold-plated audio jack supports a high-grade wired connection, while its sophisticated, minimalist design blends effortlessly into any interior, elevating both sound and surroundings.

Availability

The PS-LX3BT will be available for pre-sale starting today for a suggested retail price of $399.99 USD / $399.99 CAD at Sony.com, Best Buy, Amazon, and other authorized dealers.

For more information on the PS-LX3BT, please visit https://electronics.sony.com/audio/audio-components/turntables/p/pslx3bt

The PS-LX5BT will be available for pre-sale this spring for $499.99 USD / $549.99 CAD at Sony.com, Best Buy, Amazon, and other authorized dealers.

For more information on the PS-LX5BT, please visit https://electronics.sony.com/audio/audio-components/turntables/p/pslx5bt

Tom Jones And Nile Rodgers & Chic Unite For Summer Celebration At Chester Racecourse

Eric Alper
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0
Tom Jones And Nile Rodgers & Chic Unite For Summer Celebration At Chester Racecourse

Music icons Tom Jones and Nile Rodgers & Chic have announced a special outdoor summer show at Chester Racecourse on August 14, 2026, bringing together two era-defining forces for one night of live music. The event celebrates decades of timeless hits and enduring influence, spotlighting Jones’ powerhouse voice and Rodgers’ genre-shaping work as a songwriter, producer, and performer. The pairing promises a night rooted in legacy, groove, and unmistakable musical authority, underscoring why both remain towering figures on the world’s biggest stages.

Lori Rayne Breaks Country Rules With Gritty New EP ‘I Don’t Drink’

Eric Alper
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0
Lori Rayne Breaks Country Rules With Gritty New EP ‘I Don’t Drink’

Alternative country artist Lori Rayne releases her new EP ‘I Don’t Drink’, now available across digital platforms. The project captures Rayne in sharp focus, blending Southern storytelling with heavier guitars and an alternative-country edge. Unfiltered and self-assured, the EP reflects an artist fully comfortable carving her own path. It lands as a confident, energized release that makes its point without compromise.

“I Don’t Drink is the most honest reflection of who I am as an artist,” Rayne says. “It holds all the styles and influences that shape my sound and personality.” The title track flips expectations of a typical night out, celebrating connection, movement, and release without alcohol at the center. Driven by thick guitars and a jamming country groove, the song plays like a line-dance-ready anthem built for packed floors and loud speakers. The response to the track has been immediate and enthusiastic, with its bold spirit and lived-in confidence standing out.

Across the EP, Rayne balances edge with range. “The One That Ran Away” leans into heartbreak and unresolved emotion, while “To Be Country” offers a grounded nod to her roots. “Where Do We Go” pushes further into rock-tinged territory, letting the guitars lead. A stripped-down cover of “Jolene,” originally made famous by Dolly Parton, closes the EP on a strikingly personal note, spotlighting Rayne’s voice and perspective with nothing in the way.

SiriusXM Names Its Future Five Artists Set To Shape The Sound Of 2026: Carter Faith, Ian Asher, Monaleo, Sienna Spiro, and Wind Walkers

Eric Alper
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0
SiriusXM Names Its Future Five Artists Set To Shape The Sound Of 2026: Carter Faith, Ian Asher, Monaleo, Sienna Spiro, and Wind Walkers

SiriusXM today unveiled its Future Five for 2026, a curated list of five artists that were first championed by the platform and are predicted to break through and dominate this year.

As chosen by SiriusXM’s music programming team, the Future Five picks highlight five rising artists across all genres, including Hip Hop, Dance, Pop, Rock, and Country, that are believed to be some of the most up-and-coming voices that SiriusXM has been first to support. The 2026 Future Five include: Carter Faith, Ian Asher, Monaleo, Sienna Spiro and Wind Walkers. 

SiriusXM continues to use human insight and curation to further promote artist development and music discovery, with the programming team curating a list that reflects today’s most promising artists. Over the years, Future Five picks have been on point, proving the impact and success of SiriusXM’s human curation. Past Future Five selections include: Carly Pearce, Coco Jones, Doja Cat, Dominic Fike, Don Toliver, Gabby Barrett, Lil Uzi Vert, Leon Thomas,  Lola Young, Megan Moroney, Roddy Ricch, and more.

“SiriusXM’s Future Five is all about shining a spotlight on the artists we believe are ready to break through in a big way,” said Steve Blatter, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Music Programming at SiriusXM and Pandora. “Our programming team lives at the forefront of music discovery, and these five artists capture exactly where each of their genres is headed next.”

The 2026 Future Five:

Carter Faith 

Since debuting on SiriusXM’s The Highway in 2022 as an unsigned artist, the channel has led the way in introducing the singer-songwriter to listeners across North America, putting the spotlight on her songs “Wild” and “Betty.” Support for Faith’s music continued on the channel into 2026 with her songs featured on its new music showcase, On The Horizon. To date, driven by SiriusXM’s support, “Betty,” has reached nearly 1 million on-demand streams per week and over the last 12 weeks, she’s accumulated 2 million on-demand streams. After signing with MCA and Universal Music Publishing Group, Faith began recording her long-awaited debut album Cherry Valley and will be featured in an upcoming Netflix film. 

Ian Asher

Fueled by SiriusXM’s support across BPM and Diplo’s Revolution channels, Ian Asher has rapidly risen in the dance music scene with his signature blend of house beats, catchy vocals, and global influences. Following his breakout success with the remix of Jain’s “Makeba,” Ian teamed up with Oliver Heldens on the hit “Mas Que Nada,” and Brazilian sensation Giulia Be on his latest track, “Let’s Go (Magalenha),” further solidifying his presence in the global dance music scene. Asher’s remix of Phantogram’s “Black Out Days” landed on BPM’s Top 52 of 2025 Countdown and the channel’s support continues in 2026 with BPM being one of the first to commit support to his new track, “Constellations.” With performances at iconic festivals and clubs like EDC Mexico, MDLBEAST, Exit Festival, Ushuaïa Ibiza, and Lollapalooza as well as a Las Vegas residency with Wynn Nightlife under his belt, Ian Asher is cementing his place as one of dance music’s most exciting new talents. 

Sienna Spiro

Since debuting in May 2024, Sienna has made an extraordinary impact in the music scene with her effortlessly soulful tone, cinematic storytelling, and subtly modern yet timeless sound. SiriusXM Hits 1 was an early supporter of Sienna with airplay beginning back in May 2025 with her first release, “Dream Police,” and has continued throughout the year. Her current hit “Die on This Hill” is featured on the channels HITBOUND with Mikey Piff and Sienna was named a Hits 1 To Watch.

Monaleo

Monaleo has quickly become one of hip-hop’s most compelling new voices and is making waves across SiriusXM’s Hip Hop channels. Her breakout hit “Beating Down Yo Block,” was recently featured on SoundCloud Radio’s Lookout show on Hip Hop Nation and SoundCloud Radio and Monaleo ranked #3 on Pandora’s Trendsetter list in January 2026. A commanding presence on stage, Monaleo joined Don Toliver, Ski Mask the Slump God, and Molly Santana on a sold-out arena tour, sharing her electrifying artistry with thousands of fans and further solidifying her place in the cultural conversation. 

Wind Walkers

After spending a decade making a name for themselves in the alternative metalcore genre, Wind Walkers refuse to limit their profound artistry. They have been making a big impact on SiriusXM’s Octane with three tracks from their EP, “The End Aesthetic,” “Eating My Heart Out,” and “Silk & Static,” added into heavy rotation, being named an Octane Accelerator and the EP ranked #8 on SiriusXM Octane’s Big Uns Countdown. Wind Walkers have expanded beyond their initial heavy metal sound, now defining themselves as one of the scene’s most prominent rising stars with their metalcore, post-hardcore and pop-fused sound.

Men At Work Revive “Who Can It Be Now?” On Jimmy Kimmel Live

Eric Alper
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0
Men At Work Revive “Who Can It Be Now?” On Jimmy Kimmel Live

Men At Work delivered a sharp and instantly recognizable performance of “Who Can It Be Now?” during a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, bringing their signature mix of tension, humor, and new wave cool to late-night television.

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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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