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Trisha Yearwood to Headline Second Annual ‘Band As One Nashville’ Benefit at the Grand Ole Opry House

Eric Alper
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Trisha Yearwood to Headline Second Annual ‘Band As One Nashville’ Benefit at the Grand Ole Opry House

Susan G. Komen has announced the return of its premier benefit event, the second annual Band As One Nashville Concert for the Cure, taking place on March 22, 2026. After a highly successful inaugural year that raised over $700,000 for breast cancer research and patient services, the event is moving to the legendary Grand Ole Opry House. Country music icon Trisha Yearwood returns as the headlining host, bringing together a star-studded lineup of “friends” to honor survivors and raise vital funds. The evening promises a mix of powerful musical performances and heartfelt storytelling, emphasizing the urgency of Komen’s mission: addressing a disease that claims a life in the U.S. approximately every 12 minutes.

Yearwood, a long-time advocate for the cause, expressed her excitement to “spread love” through music alongside other artists committed to the fight against breast cancer. While the full list of “Friends” for the 2026 stage is traditionally revealed closer to the date, last year’s debut set a high bar with appearances by Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Sheryl Crow, and Lauren Alaina. Joshua Daniel, Senior Director of Entertainment Engagement at Komen, highlighted that moving to the Opry House allows the organization to build on the momentum of the inaugural success at the Ryman, ensuring that the 2026 concert remains a cornerstone of Nashville’s philanthropic and musical calendar.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Plot 2026 North American Tour

Eric Alper
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Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Plot 2026 North American Tour

Jason Isbell has officially mapped out an extensive North American tour for 2026, featuring a mix of full-band performances with the 400 Unit and intimate solo acoustic dates. This tour serves as a live celebration of his latest solo record, ‘Foxes in the Snow’, which was released last March via his own Southeastern Records. The run begins later this month with a string of solo shows across the Southeast before the 400 Unit joins him for a double-header at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre on January 23 and 24. A major highlight of the tour is a two-night residency at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall in February, featuring a solo acoustic set with Shelby Lynne on the 20th and a full-band show with Alejandro Escovedo on the 21st.

The tour continues through some of the continent’s most hallowed venues, including a highly anticipated stop at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on May 2, where the band will be supported by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Throughout the summer, Isbell will visit iconic stages like the Wolf Trap in Washington, D.C., and the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston. This busy schedule comes on the heels of his annual Ryman Auditorium residency and the 10th-anniversary reissue of ‘Something More Than Free’, which included the previously unreleased B-side “Should I Go Missing.” Whether performing stripped-back arrangements from ‘Foxes in the Snow’ or the driving rock anthems of ‘Weathervanes’, Isbell continues to solidify his reputation as one of the most vital and evocative songwriters of his generation.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit 2026 Tour Dates:

Jan 14 – Durham, NC @ Durham Performing Arts Center
Jan 15 – Manassas, VA @ Hylton Performing Arts Center
Jan 16 – Charlotte, NC @ Ovens Auditorium
Jan 17 – Athens, GA @ The Classic Center
Jan 23 – Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
Jan 24 – Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
Jan 26 – Sacramento, CA @ Channel 24
Jan 28 – Santa Rosa, CA @ Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
Jan 29 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
Jan 30 – Temecula, CA @ Pechanga Theater
Jan 31 – Los Angeles, CA @ Orpheum Theatre
Feb 18 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Met Philadelphia Presented by Highmark
Feb 20 – New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
Feb 21 – New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
Feb 22 – New Haven, CT @ College Street Music Hall
Feb 24 – Cleveland, OH @ KeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse Square
Feb 25 – Columbus, OH @ Palace Theatre
Feb 27 – Boston, MA @ Boch Center Wang Theatre
Feb 28 – Boston, MA @ Boch Center Wang Theatre
Mar 1 – Niagara Falls, ON @ OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
Mar 2 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Benedum Center
Mar 4 – Iowa City, IA @ Hancher Auditorium
Mar 5 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory
Mar 6 – Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed
Mar 7 – Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed
Mar 13-20- Cayamo Cruise
Mar 25 – Bowling Green, KY @ SkyPAC (Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center)
Mar 26 – Little Rock, AR @ Robinson Center
Mar 27 – Memphis, TN @ Orpheum Theatre
Mar 28 – Indianapolis, IN @ Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
Apr 24 – Miramar Beach, FL @ Sun, Sand, and Soul
Apr 26 – Orlando, FL @ Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Apr 29 – St. Louis, MO @ The Fabulous Fox Theatre
May 1 – Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom
May 2 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
May 3 – Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater
May 20 – Dallas, TX @ Winspear Opera House – AT&T PAC
May 21 – Dallas, TX @ Winspear Opera House – AT&T PAC
May 22 – Austin, TX @ Long Center for the Performing Arts
May 23 – San Antonio, TX @ Majestic Theatre
July 16 – Richmond, KY @ EKU Center for the Arts
July 17 – Knoxville, TN @ Tennessee Theatre
July 18 – Knoxville, TN @ Tennessee Theatre
July 19 – Brevard, NC @ Brevard Music Center
July 23 – Grand Rapids, MI @ TBA
July 24 – Interlochen, MI @ TBA
July 25 – Huber Heights, OH @ Rose Music Center at The Heights
July 26 – Charlottesville, VA @ Ting Pavilion
July 28 – Lenox, MA @ Koussevitzky Music Shed at Tanglewood
July 30 – Washington, DC @ Wolf Trap

The Road Hammers, Doc Walker, Michelle Wright, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Head to OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

Eric Alper
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The Road Hammers, Doc Walker, Michelle Wright, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Head to OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

The OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino has announced a premier lineup of country and southern rock performances for the upcoming late winter season in Niagara Falls. The festivities begin on February 21 with a high-energy triple bill featuring Canadian country-rock icons The Road Hammers, the harmony-rich Doc Walker, and legendary vocalist Michelle Wright. This “Till The Wheels Fall Off” tour pairing brings together three of Canada’s most decorated acts for a night of road-tested anthems and classic hits. Fans can expect a powerhouse performance from The Road Hammers, led by Jason McCoy, Clayton Bellamy, and Chris Byrne, alongside Doc Walker’s signature soaring melodies and Wright’s timeless stage presence. Tickets are onsale now at Ticketmaster.

On March 1, the venue welcomes six-time Grammy winner Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Isbell arrives following the success of his 2025 solo acoustic record, ‘Foxes in the Snow’, which highlighted his status as one of the most evocative storytellers of his generation. While his recent solo work explored more personal, stripped-back themes, this performance sees him reunited with his full band for a set spanning his critically acclaimed catalog. Rounding out the country-focused schedule on March 6 is Texas-born maverick Charley Crockett. Bringing his “Gulf & Western” sound to Ontario, Crockett’s performance follows the release of his ambitious ‘Sagebrush Trilogy’, including the acclaimed 2025 albums ‘Lonesome Drifter’ and ‘Dollar A Day’. With a no-nonsense honesty and diehard work ethic, Crockett has quickly become a must-see live act for fans of traditional country and soul.

The BLK LT$ Steps Into the Spotlight with RZA-Executive Produced Album ‘Honey’

Eric Alper
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The BLK LT$ Steps Into the Spotlight with RZA-Executive Produced Album ‘Honey’

The BLK LT$ (pronounced “Black Lotus”) has officially released her 13-track album, ‘Honey: The BLK LT$ Meets The Killa Beez’, via RZA’s 36 Chambers imprint. Executive produced by RZA in collaboration with Grammy winner Yonatan Watts, the project serves as a sophisticated fusion of hip-hop grit and R&B sensuality. The Toronto-born, Atlanta-based artist has spent years as a behind-the-scenes powerhouse, contributing to the sound of superstars like Drake and Future. Now, she takes center stage with a record that reimagines Wu-Tang classics through a contemporary female lens. LT$ explains that the interpolation process was a “fusion of inspiration and experimentation,” balancing deep respect for the source material with her own “C.R.E.A.M.(y)” sonic aesthetic.

The album’s release is supported by a series of striking visuals for singles like “Real Talk”—a soulful rework of the Method Man and Mary J. Blige classic “All I Need”—as well as “Damage” and “N.T.F.W.” To further immerse fans in her universe, LT$ is preparing a short film with creative direction from legendary photographer Danny Hastings, known for his work on the original ‘Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ cover art. This collaboration underscores the “destined” nature of her signing to RZA’s label, marking a full-circle moment for the three-time Grammy-nominated engineer and producer. By infusing the Killa Beez legacy with her own lush vocals and modern textures, The BLK LT$ is effectively extending hip-hop’s golden era into a new generation.

SXSW London 2026 Announces Conference Tracks and Ticket Sales for Shoreditch Return

Eric Alper
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SXSW London 2026 Announces Conference Tracks and Ticket Sales for Shoreditch Return

The leading European platform for technology and creative convergence, SXSW London, has officially launched ticket sales for its return to Shoreditch from June 1–6, 2026. Building on an inaugural event that drew over 20,500 delegates and high-profile figures like King Charles and Idris Elba, the 2026 edition will feature fifteen specialized conference tracks. These strands are designed to explore the frontier of human experience, covering themes from AI and human-machine collaboration to “London 2050,” healthtech, and the creator economy. Programming Director Katy Arnander noted that the festival’s editorial intent is to spotlight bold, unexpected perspectives, utilizing iconic venues like the Truman Brewery and Christ Church to showcase East London’s unique spirit.

The 2026 festival will see a significant expansion in its Screen and Music programs. The Screen strand will capitalize on its placement ahead of Emmy voting by increasing its focus on television and showcasing underrepresented creators from North Africa and Latin America. Meanwhile, the Music festival continues its reputation as a global launchpad, following a successful 2025 run that featured Tems and Mabel, alongside Mercury Prize nominee Pa Salieu. Disruptive entrepreneurship will also remain a cornerstone through the return of the Venture Spotlight competition, which previously awarded funding to innovators like Kneu Health and Mimicrete. Pass prices have been confirmed at £1300 for Platinum and £1000 for the standard Festival Pass, offering attendees a front-row seat to the ideas and technologies defining tomorrow.

The fifteen programming tracks for the SXSW London 2026 Conference include:

  1. AI & The New Human Experience
  2. Healthtech & Medtech
  3. Frontier Technologies
  4. London 2050
  5. Unreal Realities
  6. Society Rewired
  7. Creator Economy
  8. Marketing & Advertising
  9. Innovation & Transformation
  10. Venture
  11. Startup Academy
  12. Design
  13. Fintech & Digital Commerce
  14. Gaming & Interactive Worlds
  15. Screen, Story & Sound

Joy Shannon Merges Middle-Earth and Celtic Myth on ‘In The Forest Singing Sorrowless’

Eric Alper
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Joy Shannon Merges Middle-Earth and Celtic Myth on ‘In The Forest Singing Sorrowless’

rish harpist and dark folk composer Joy Shannon has unveiled “Grey Havens,” the haunting lead single from her latest record, ‘In The Forest Singing Sorrowless’. Released via Royal Tea and Fiadh Productions, the album is a unique tribute to the literary legacy of J.R.R. Tolkien, featuring original musical compositions set to the legendary author’s own poetry. The single “Grey Havens” explores Tolkien’s description of the Elvish journey into the West—a concept Shannon connects to the ancient Irish afterlife of Tír na n’Óg—and features a remarkable guest appearance by Tolkien’s granddaughter, Ruth Tolkien, who provides backing vocals and Elvish spoken word. The track is further elevated by the ethereal presence of Heilung vocalist Maria Franz and the somber cello work of Kakophonix (Osi And The Jupiter).

Drawing from her own experiences of resilience during a challenging year, Shannon created this album as a “mystical dream-walk” through Tolkien’s landscapes. The project is a sophisticated bridge between the worlds of Middle-earth and ancient Irish lore, featuring additional collaborations with artists such as Leila Abdul-Rauf and Travellers Rest. An accompanying music video, directed by horror filmmaker Matt Kollar, uses imagery of hawks and owls to represent the soul’s transition into the afterlife, grounding the High Fantasy themes in raw, Pagan folk aesthetics. Following the primary vocal release, Shannon also shared an instrumental version of the collection, allowing listeners to focus entirely on the intricate harp arrangements and cinematic atmosphere.

Genesis and Michelob Redefine 1980s Cool with ‘The Night Belongs to Michelob’

Eric Alper
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Genesis and Michelob Redefine 1980s Cool with ‘The Night Belongs to Michelob’

In the mid-1980s, the intersection of rock royalty and high-end advertising reached its peak with the iconic “The Night Belongs to Michelob” campaign. Central to this cultural moment was Genesis, who partnered with Anheuser-Busch for a multi-million dollar sponsorship of their record-breaking Invisible Touch Tour. The centerpiece of the collaboration was a visually striking television commercial featuring an edited version of their hit single “Tonight, Tonight, Tonight.” Directed with a moody, noir-inspired aesthetic that mirrored the song’s official music video—filmed in the legendary Bradbury Building—the ad perfectly captured the “sophisticated urban night” vibe that Michelob sought to cultivate.

Hulu Reunites the Wilkerson Family for ‘Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair’

Eric Alper
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Hulu Reunites the Wilkerson Family for ‘Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair’

Hulu has released the official teaser for ‘Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair’, a highly anticipated four-part special event set to premiere on April 10, 2026. Nearly two decades after the original series concluded, the revival finds a grown-up Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) attempting to live a peaceful life away from his family—only to be dragged back into their chaotic orbit for Hal and Lois’s 40th wedding anniversary. The special reunites original stars Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek as the family’s eccentric heads, alongside Justin Berfield and Christopher Kennedy Masterson reprising their roles as Reese and Francis. While most of the original cast returns, the role of Dewey has been recast with Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, and the series introduces new generational dynamics through Malcolm’s own teenage daughter, played by Keeley Karsten. Under the direction of original series veteran Ken Kwapis and the writing of creator Linwood Boomer, the teaser promises a return to the sharp, rapid-fire humor and suburban hijinks that defined the iconic sitcom.

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Stars Arden Cho and Ahn Hyo-seop to Make Joint Late-Night Debut on ‘The Tonight Show’

Eric Alper
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0
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Stars Arden Cho and Ahn Hyo-seop to Make Joint Late-Night Debut on ‘The Tonight Show’

Arden Cho and Ahn Hyo-seop, the voices behind Rumi and Jinu in the record-breaking Netflix animated feature ‘KPop Demon Hunters’, are set to appear together on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ on Monday, January 12. This milestone marks the first-ever joint interview for the two actors, as well as their official late-night television debut. The announcement comes as the film continues its historic run, recently surpassing 500 million global views to become the most-watched Netflix movie of all time. The January 12 broadcast will also feature guests Kristen Wiig and Ashton Kutcher, alongside a musical performance by rising country star Ty Meyers.

The cultural impact of ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ has been immense since its premiere 27 weeks ago, garnering three Golden Globe nominations and a NYFCC win for Best Animated Feature. The film’s Double Platinum soundtrack has also made waves in the music industry with five Grammy nominations, including a nod for Song of the Year for the hit “Golden.” Cho and Ahn’s upcoming sit-down follows a high-energy October visit from the film’s singing voices—EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, and REI AMI—whose performance of “Golden” generated over 379 million views across social platforms. Fans can tune in to NBC at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT to catch the duo’s debut, with the episode available for streaming on Peacock the following day.

Brian Eno Discusses AI, Art, and Personal Influences on ‘The Ezra Klein Show’

Eric Alper
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Brian Eno Discusses AI, Art, and Personal Influences on ‘The Ezra Klein Show’

Trailblazing musician and producer Brian Eno recently joined ‘The Ezra Klein Show’ to discuss his latest book, ‘What Art Does’, and his long-standing fascination with the intersection of creativity and technology. During the deep-dive conversation, Eno explored his pioneering work in ambient music and his recent experiments with generative AI, arguing that art serves as a vital form of “grown-up play” that helps humans navigate complex emotions. I love Ezra’s podcast, too, especially how he elicits such thoughtful reflections from culture-shaping figures like Eno, who has worked on seminal records for everyone from David Bowie to U2. This episode highlights Eno’s belief that technology should be a collaborator rather than a replacement for human intuition, a theme that resonates throughout his current artistic output.

And here’s the rest of the interview:

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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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