Page 4 – That Eric Alper

THE WATCHMEN Return to the Stage for March 2026 Ontario Tour

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

THE WATCHMEN Return to the Stage for March 2026 Ontario Tour

Canadian alternative rock icons The Watchmen are officially heading back on the road this March, bringing their muscular, roots-based pop sound to key stages across Ontario. Founded in Winnipeg in 1988, the band became a staple of the ’90s alt-rock explosion with multi-platinum and gold-selling triumphs like McLaren Furnace Room, In the Trees, and Silent Radar. Known for vocalist Danny Greaves’ soaring, unmistakable range and the band’s high-energy live chemistry, they have remained one of the country’s most enduring and respected live acts. This upcoming run of dates follows a busy 2025 that saw the group supporting fellow rock heavyweights like Big Wreck and The Trews, proving that their catalog of hits—from “Stereo” to “All Uncovered”—continues to resonate with audiences decades later. Whether you’re a longtime fan from the Slomotion era or a newcomer discovering their technical grit, this March tour is a perfect opportunity to see a seminal Canadian band that has never lost a step.

The Watchmen March 2026 Tour Dates:

March 26 – Kitchener, ON – Elements
March 27 – Oshawa, ON – Bond|St Event Centre
March 28 – Ottawa, ON – Bronson Centre

Photo Gallery: Burna Boy and Nissi Nation at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on December 17, 2025

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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Photo Gallery: Burna Boy and Nissi Nation at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on December 17, 2025

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.

OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino Crowned #1 Venue in Canada by Billboard

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino Crowned #1 Venue in Canada by Billboard

The OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino has officially been named the #1 venue in Canada and a top 10 venue worldwide in Billboard Magazine’s 2025 year-end rankings for the 2,501–5,000 capacity category. This prestigious recognition follows a blockbuster tracking period (Oct. 2024 – Sept. 2025) that saw the Niagara Falls destination host a staggering lineup of global superstars, including The Killers, Lenny Kravitz, Nickelback, Reba, and Babyface. Richard Taylor, President of Niagara Casinos, noted the award is a testament to the team’s dedication to world-class entertainment, while VP of Marketing Cathy Price credited the front-line and behind-the-scenes crews for creating the “fantastic guest experiences” that propelled the venue to the top of the Billboard Boxscore charts.

The accolade further solidifies Fallsview’s status as a premier global entertainment hub, joining sister property Mohegan Sun Arena, which was also recognized as a top 6 worldwide venue in its respective category. Over the past year, the OLG Stage has become a go-to tour stop for high-caliber acts like The Beaches, The Black Crowes, and Yungblud, attracting audiences from around the globe to its state-of-the-art 5,000-seat theater. With upcoming 2026 performances already announced for icons like Tom Cochrane, Kim Mitchell, and Collective Soul, the venue is showing no signs of slowing down. This #1 ranking verifies that the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino is not just a regional favorite, but a world-class leader in the live music industry.

Upcoming OLG Stage Performances:

Jan 16 – Tom Cochrane
March 27 – Sawyer Brown
March 29 – Collective Soul
April 25 – Carly Pearce
May 2 – Kim Mitchell & David Wilcox
May 16 – The Commodores (with Village People)
May 22 – Switchfoot, Fuel & Lit

HAMASAARI Explores Cinematic Dimensions with New Album ‘Pictures’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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HAMASAARI Explores Cinematic Dimensions with New Album ‘Pictures’

French prog-rock collective HamaSaari is set to release their highly anticipated new album, Pictures, on January 23rd via Klonosphere. Emerging from the ashes of their former project Shuffle, the band has cultivated a sound that is at once massive and delicate, drawing deep inspiration from the atmospheric heights of Pink Floyd and the technical precision of Karnivool. Their latest single and video, “Frames,” featuring guest vocals from Christelle Ratri, serves as a haunting introduction to the album’s thematic core. Nearly three years in the making, Pictures is a fully realized conceptual statement that explores the dimensions of what we choose to frame or conceal, weaving together myths, dreams, and reality into a “stormy ritual” of shifting shades and cinematic movement.

The record expands on the organic, polyrhythmic foundation established in their 2023 debut, Ineffable, letting reverb-soaked guitars and expressive vocals guide the listener through complex emotional landscapes. To support the release, HamaSaari will embark on an extensive European tour throughout the spring and summer of 2026, bringing their emotionally charged live show to clubs and festivals across France, Germany, Spain, and the UK. From the intimate “Frames” to the broader explorations of human belief systems found throughout the LP, the band verifies their status as artisans of modern progressive rock who aren’t afraid to confront the fundamental questions of the human experience. It is a sophisticated, deeply immersive project that feels like a vital step forward for the collective.

HamaSaari – Pictures EU Tour 2026:

March 12 – Le Mans (FR) – Le Bar’ouf
March 19 – Lyon (FR) – Rock ’n Eat
March 21 – Stuttgart (DE) – Club Zentral
March 22 – Munich (DE) – Substanz
March 24 – Kronach (DE) – Kulturclub Kronach
March 27 – Kleve (DE) – Radhaus
April 10 – Perpignan (FR) – L’Anthropo
April 11 – Zaragoza (ES) – Sala Creedence
April 12 – Badalona (ES) – Estraperlo – Club del Ritme
April 17 – Murcia (ES) – Sala Revólver
April 18 – Málaga (ES) – ZZ Pub
April 21 – Coslada (ES) – The RockLab
April 22 – Ponferrada (ES) – Sala La Vaca
April 24 – Tolosa (ES) – Bonberenea
July 4 – Woodbunge Festival (DE)
July 18 – Prog For Peart – Abingdon (UK)
July 25 – Rhine Entertainment Festival – Xanten (DE)

SAM GRISMAN PROJECT Unveils Masterful Self-Titled Double Album and Studio Debut

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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SAM GRISMAN PROJECT Unveils Masterful Self-Titled Double Album and Studio Debut

Bandleader Sam Grisman has finally delivered the studio debut fans have been waiting for with the release of Sam Grisman Project, a 20-track self-titled double album available via David “Dawg” Grisman’s Acoustic Disc. Tracked over just three days in early 2025 at the Tractor Shed in Tennessee, the record is a high-fidelity “sonic snapshot” of Grisman’s esteemed ensemble, featuring virtuosic contributions from the likes of Alex Hargreaves (Billy Strings), John Mailander, and Dominick Leslie. By recording with minimal overdubs, the project preserves the raw, immediate energy of their live shows, weaving together a sophisticated tapestry of Grateful Dead classics, Bob Dylan covers, and sharp original compositions. Whether it’s the Nashville-infused vocals of Logan Ledger on “Ramble on Rose” or the twin-fiddle bluegrass energy of “Went to See the Gypsy” featuring Tim O’Brien, the album functions as a masterclass in modern acoustic music that honors its deep roots while pushing the ensemble’s collective creativity into new territory.

The collection is particularly resonant for those who follow the Garcia/Hunter lineage, with Grisman offering tender, lullaby-esque reinterpretations of tracks like “Lazy River Road”—a song that carries personal significance from his early memories with Garcia himself. Beyond the covers, the record highlights the group’s songwriting prowess through Max Flansburg’s fiery “Long Hard Year” and Nate Leath’s fiddle-driven instrumentals. Recorded just days before their star-studded Ryman Auditorium debut, this double album verifies the Sam Grisman Project as more than just a tribute act; they are a vital, cohesive unit capable of reshaping the American songbook with fresh perspective and immense technical heart. It is a warm, textured journey that feels like an open invitation into Grisman’s musical community, delivering a rich character that only the finest acoustic instruments and deepest friendships can produce.

Sam Grisman Project Tracklist:

Ramble on Rose (feat. Logan Ledger & Lindsay Lou)
Went to See the Gypsy (feat. Tim O’Brien)
Long Hard Year
Pork Fat Makes My Chicken Tan
Loser (feat. Logan Ledger)
When First Unto This Country
Riley’s Run
Buckets of Rain
Wild Bill Jones
Morning Dew
Deal (feat. Logan Ledger)
Rosin on the Ground
Lazy River Road
Willow Creek
Sow ’Em on the Mountain
Rosin in the Gourd
(Additional Tracks not listed in source)
So Many Roads

MARTYRS Bring Wintry Melancholia with Surprise Charity EP ‘sno-fi’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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MARTYRS Bring Wintry Melancholia with Surprise Charity EP ‘sno-fi’

Merthyr Tydfil’s “least favourite sons,” the Welsh DIY duo Martyrs, have delivered a seasonal surprise with their brand-new EP, sno-fi. Released as a Bandcamp Download Exclusive, the project was inspired by a missed opportunity to perform at a London benefit show hosted by indie pop legends The Understudies; instead, Jon Howells and Michael Hall decided to craft their own six-track fundraiser, with every penny from sales going directly to Cancer Research UK. Following the surprise global radio success of their Halloween Dream EP, sno-fi sees the duo returning to the lo-fi, genre-agnostic roots of their debut. It is a collection of strange, melancholic “festive” tunes that swap sleigh-bell cheer for a raw, intimate soundscape, even featuring a role-reversal spoken word track and a haunting live acoustic version of “snowglobe” recorded in the hollowed-out lobby of a Victorian-era hotel.

Lyrically, the EP moves away from the commercial glitter of the season to speak to those facing loneliness, addiction, or grief during the holidays. Vocalist Michael Hall notes that the band wanted to create something for the people often left out of the Christmas narrative while raising vital funds for cancer research. Musically, the tracks are “drenched in seasonal melancholia,” blending synth-driven atmospheres with stripped-back arrangements that feel both dreamlike and grounded. From the found-footage aesthetic of the “snow came down” video to the inclusion of home demos and live takes, sno-fi is a quintessential DIY offering that prioritizes emotional honesty over holiday polish. It’s a sophisticated, slightly dark, and deeply human addition to the winter music canon—one that verifies Martyrs as a band capable of turning personal reflection into a collective act of kindness.

sno-fi Track Listing:

1. snowglobe
2. snow through frosted glass
3. snow came down
4. snowglobe (Live Acoustic)
5. snow came down (Demo Version)
6. snowblind

DAN SINDEL Offers a Comedic Holiday Antidote with New Single “Duck the Halls”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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DAN SINDEL Offers a Comedic Holiday Antidote with New Single “Duck the Halls”

Veteran LA rocker Dan Sindel is taking a blowtorch to seasonal clichés with his new holiday novelty track, “Duck the Halls.” Originally written years ago for the TV show Duck Dynasty, the song has resurfaced as a high-energy, irreverent collaboration featuring Terin on vocals alongside Sindel’s signature multi-instrumental production. Eschewing the typical “Santa suits marching in lockstep,” the release is accompanied by an original animated video hand-drawn and created by Sindel himself—with a strict “No AI” policy. The visuals follow a crew of bumbling characters through a dangerous “Evil Forest” filled with menacing trees, offering a bizarre, South Park-style comedic break from the relentless commercialism of the season. It’s a perfect pivot for a musician who cut his teeth in the ’80s metal scene performing alongside legends like Accept, King Diamond, and Saxon.

Sindel, who produces every note of his eclectic music and animates his own media, describes “Duck the Halls” as a necessary relief for those feeling cynical about the holiday onslaught. With nods to the likes of Frank Zappa and Dr. Demento, the track fits comfortably into specialty comedy rotations and alternative holiday segments. “I’m no Grinch,” Sindel notes, “but the true meaning of Christmas has all but vanished beneath an onslaught of obscene commercialism.” By blending his heavy metal pedigree with a penchant for graphic design and absurdist humor, Sindel has crafted a holiday anthem that is as technically sharp as it is hilariously unconventional. It’s a “Duck the Halls” rallying cry for anyone looking to rock on through the seasonal noise while staying far away from the predictable holiday “soup d’jour.”

ANNE MURRAY Offers Limited-Time Documentary Stream to Celebrate ‘Here You Are’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

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ANNE MURRAY Offers Limited-Time Documentary Stream to Celebrate ‘Here You Are’

Following the massive response to her new album Here You Are and a sold-out tribute at the Grand Ole Opry, music icon Anne Murray is giving fans a unique holiday gift. Through December 30th, the acclaimed documentary Anne Murray: Full Circle is available to stream via a private link as part of her “A Season with Anne” event. It’s an intimate, moving look at a trailblazing career that saw Murray shatter genre barriers and influence generations of storytellers. Longtime manager Bruce Allen notes that this limited-time screening is a direct “thank you” to the fans whose decades of support have kept Murray’s legacy thriving. The film features rare archival footage and personal reflections, providing a deep dive into the journey of one of the most celebrated voices in Canadian music history.

This seasonal event serves as a perfect companion to her current chart success, reinforcing the cultural impact of an artist who remains as resonant today as she was during her groundbreaking crossover years. By sharing Full Circle for free this month, Murray isn’t just looking back at her remarkable journey from the Maritimes to global superstardom; she’s inviting fans into the inner circle of her life offstage. Whether you’re a lifelong follower or a new listener discovered through the recent all-star tributes, the documentary offers a sophisticated look at the grit and grace required to sustain a career of this magnitude. It’s a rare, unguarded moment from a legend who has always let the music speak for itself, now giving her audience a front-row seat to the story behind the songs.

ANDY THOMAS Delivers Bluesy Swamp-Rock Stomp with New Single “Dirty Work”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

0

ANDY THOMAS Delivers Bluesy Swamp-Rock Stomp with New Single “Dirty Work”

Longtime in-demand guitarist and newly minted solo artist Andy Thomas is taking a stand with his new single “Dirty Work,” a fuzz-laden anthem for anyone tired of being overworked and mistreated. Produced by fellow Virginian and Widespread Panic bassist Dave Schools, the track is a raw, swamp-rock masterpiece born out of Thomas’s decision to walk away from a toxic boss for the last time. It’s a “spite song” in the best sense, channeling the spirit of blues greats with a no-love-lost attitude and a V8-powered groove that demands attention from the first note. Beyond the grit, the song represents a personal milestone for the Trongone Band frontman; having found sobriety in recent years, Thomas is now using his newfound stability to step into the spotlight and tell his own story with a voice that is as strong and direct as his electrifying guitar work.

After years of climbing the ranks as a sideman for acclaimed acts like Yarn, Thomas is shifting his focus toward a purpose-driven solo career that feels like a reclamation of his musical soul. He speaks candidly about his journey, noting that sobriety allowed him to refine his love for music and realize that his story has a place on the world stage. “Dirty Work” isn’t just a self-warning to never let your guard down—it’s the sound of an artist who has realized he can beat anything and is now cresting the horizon with enough energy to power the entire eastern seaboard. With Schools at the helm of the production, Thomas has crafted a tune that feels both classic and urgent, verifying his transition from an elite guitarist to a compelling songwriter with a lot on his mind.

MANDOLIN Launches Incendiary Debut Album ‘same feeling, different font’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 18, 2025

0

MANDOLIN Launches Incendiary Debut Album ‘same feeling, different font’

Rising Texas singer-songwriter and producer Mandolin has just delivered her hotly anticipated debut album, same feeling, different font, a record that firmly establishes her as one of the most exciting prospects in progressive soul and R&B. Building on a potent discography that includes standout singles like “Lie To You” and “Mad,” the new album retains Mandolin’s power-packed vocals and vintage production style while pushing her artistry into more atmospheric, alternative territory. The project is a masterclass in intimate storytelling, featuring dream-like melodies and smoky, textured guitar work from collaborator Christian Magden. From the gripping vulnerability of the opening interlude “broken” to the indie-inflected groove of “HEAD! (Want You Now),” Mandolin navigates complex emotional landscapes with the kind of precision and integrity that has already earned her critical acclaim from the likes of CLASH and Ones To Watch.

Having recently cut her teeth as direct support for fellow Texan BLK ODYSSY, Mandolin showcases a masterful command over both songwriting and production throughout the LP. Tracks like the hazy slow jam “Party Girl” and the stripped-back freestyle “cigarettes but I don’t smoke” highlight her undeniable lyrical focus and starry arrangements. The journey concludes with the hypnotic “Closing Time,” where Mandolin reshapes heartbreak into newfound strength and resolve, her voice rising with bittersweet clarity. It is a bold, cohesive debut that proves she isn’t just an “option” in the current landscape—she’s a burgeoning force. With a sound that bridges the gap between classic soul warmth and modern R&B tension, Mandolin is effectively crossing international borders and setting a high bar for the genre in 2026.