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Plastic Injection Molding Solutions for High-Performance Manufacturing

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

Plastic injection molding has been playing an indispensable role in the manufacturing industry, allowing companies to produce high-quality components with intricate designs and at low costs in large quantities. Precision-engineered plastic parts are highly demanded in various industries, and material selection along with process know-how is vital for the success of the product in the long run. The use of advanced materials like eva resin is becoming more common to provide flexibility, resistance to impact and better performance in specific applications. Plastic Molded Concepts is a prominent partner for high-capability injection molding, providing horizontal and vertical plastic injection molding solutions that meet the highest quality, performance, and compliance standards.

Understanding Plastic Injection Molding Solutions

Plastic injection molding is a procedure that involves the injection of molten thermoplastic material into a specially created mold, the cooling of the material, and the removal of the finished part. This method is able to handle high-volume productions with very little variation, which is why it is the preferred choice for factories that require very precise and uniform products as well as great amounts of output that can be scaled up or down.

Modern injection molding solutions, however, have moved beyond the mere basic function of producing the part and normally include:

  • Materials engineering and resin selecting
  • Mold designing, tooling, and optimizing
  • Automated production workflows

Post-production services like assembling, finishing, and quality checking.

Thanks to the combination of all these capabilities, manufacturers can not only reduce production risk but also lead times, and cost efficiency—without losing quality.

Horizontal and Vertical Injection Molding Capabilities

A defining factor of advanced injection molding providers is their ability to offer both horizontal and vertical molding services. Each configuration supports different production requirements and part designs.

Horizontal injection molding is the most commonly used configuration and is ideal for:

  • High-volume production programs
  • Multi-cavity and family molds
  • Large or geometrically complex components

This approach is widely used in automotive, medical, consumer goods, and industrial manufacturing where efficiency, automation, and throughput are critical.

Vertical injection molding is particularly effective for insert molding and overmolding applications. Its advantages include:

  • Efficient integration of metal or threaded inserts
  • Improved part alignment and consistency
  • Reduced labor and material handling

Vertical molding is frequently applied in electrical components, connectors, medical devices, and parts requiring multi-material construction.

Plastic Molded Concepts offers both horizontal and vertical injection molding solutions, allowing manufacturers to select the optimal process based on part complexity, material behavior, and production volume.

Engineered Materials and Resin Expertise

The success of injection molding is heavily influenced by the performance of the material used, which is the main reason for the selection of engineered resins based on their mechanical strength, thermal resistance, flexibility, chemical stability, and regulatory considerations. EVA-based materials are the most preferred ones in the industry due to their elasticity, shock absorption and durability that are particularly required in flexible and long-lasting resilient applications. 

Skilled molding partners analyze resin flow properties, cooling characteristics, and shrink rates to guarantee dimensional accuracy and surface quality. The right choice of material reduces the number of defects, prolongs product life cycles, and enhances the performance of the parts in tough environments overall.

Applications Across Multiple Industries

Plastic injection molding solutions support a broad range of industries, including:

  • Medical and healthcare: Precision housings, disposable components, and device parts manufactured under strict quality controls
  • Automotive and transportation: Lightweight, high-strength components that withstand vibration, heat, and mechanical stress
  • Electrical and electronics: Insert-molded connectors, insulation components, and protective enclosures
  • Industrial and commercial products: Custom-engineered parts optimized for durability and cost efficiency

By leveraging flexible molding technologies and advanced materials, manufacturers can adapt quickly to changing market and regulatory demands.

Quality Control and Manufacturing Precision

Injection molding processes require consistency and precision as a matter of course. Major suppliers apply strict quality control practices that involve:

  • Monitoring, Validation, and Verification conditions during production
  • Measurements and checks, and authentication of materials

Regulatory documentation, product tracking, and quality assurance controls

Thus, every single molded part is guaranteed to fulfill both design requirements and industry standards. Design-for-manufacturability (DFM) support additionally improves results by pinpointing possible problems prior to the start of the production process.

Selecting the Right Injection Molding Partner

The process of selecting an appropriate injection molding collaborator directly influences the quality of the product, its scalability, and the overall cost of ownership. The main aspects that should be taken into account are:

  • Proven expertise in both horizontal and vertical injection molding
  • Deep knowledge of engineered resins and material behavior
  • Advanced tooling, automation, and production capabilities
  • Strong quality systems and regulatory compliance

Plastic Molded Concepts proves these attributes by offering comprehensive plastic injection molding solutions, from material selection and tooling to large-scale production.

Conclusion

Even today, plastic injection molding solutions are still the backbone of modern manufacturing. They provide precision, efficiency, and large volumes of production at lower costs in all sectors of industry. When coupled with high-quality materials, advanced molding configurations, and strict quality control, injection molding becomes a powerful tool in the hands of a manufacturer. Choosing to work with an experienced vendor that has both horizontal and vertical injection molding will guarantee steady performance, minimal risk, and a manufacturing operation that lasts for decades.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Julian Lage Shares New Single “Night Shade” From Forthcoming Blue Note Album ‘Scenes From Above’

Eric Alper
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0
Julian Lage Shares New Single “Night Shade” From Forthcoming Blue Note Album ‘Scenes From Above’

Seven-time GRAMMY Award-nominated guitar virtuoso Julian Lage shares “Night Shade,” the epic seven-minute centerpiece from his forthcoming Blue Note release ‘Scenes From Above,’ arriving January 23. The track arrives with an official live performance video showcasing Lage’s striking new quartet featuring keyboardist John Medeski, bassist Jorge Roeder, and drummer Kenny Wollesen. “Night Shade” carries a Medeski organ run that channels gospel gold while Lage delivers a series of solos that suggest brilliantly gestural blues. Throughout the exhilarating journey, the music continually crests like a wave about to crack open into chaos, but the band holds steady both to be heard and to hear others. Four dazzling instrumentalists occupy the same room, talking to one another but never over one another, creating a conversation that rewards close attention.

‘Scenes From Above’ marks Lage’s second album with three-time GRAMMY Award-winning producer Joe Henry and follows 2024’s GRAMMY Award-nominated ‘Speak To Me’. The album was introduced in November with “Opal” and followed in December by “Talking Drum,” which sees the quartet sizzling as Medeski stabs his organ between the beat until he lifts up to ride alongside Lage. Lage describes the project as an egalitarian experience rather than a leader-driven statement, music connected to growth and development within relationships where nobody expects anything predetermined. The nine tracks frame a brilliantly open experience with four astounding players giving and taking space in equal measure.

JULIAN LAGE – 2026 TOUR DATES
Jan. 31 – Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts – Brookfield, WI
Mar. 13-15 – GroundUP Music Festival – Miami Beach, FL
Mar. 29 – Big Ears Festival – Knoxville, TN
Mar. 31 – Keswick Theatre – Glenside, PA
Apr. 1 – Savannah Music Festival – Savannah, GA
Apr. 2 – SOPAC South – Orange, NJ
May 7 – Huxley’s Neue Welt – Berlin, DE
May 9 – Tivoli Vrendenburg Grote Zaal – Utrecht, NL
May 10 – Jazz à Liège – Liège, BE
May 11 – Die Kantine – Cologne, DE
May 13 – Muziekgebouw Eindhoven – Eindhoven, NL
May 15 – Royal Festival Hall – London, UK

Dave Drops Official Video For “Raindance” Featuring Tems From Chart-Topping Album ‘The Boy Who Played The Harp’

Eric Alper
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Dave Drops Official Video For “Raindance” Featuring Tems From Chart-Topping Album ‘The Boy Who Played The Harp’

British rap artist Dave shares the official music video for “Raindance” featuring Tems, the hit single from his record-breaking third album ‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’. Filmed in Lagos, Nigeria, the video unites two of the world’s biggest artists and follows Dave’s surprise appearance in Tems’ video for “Mine”. The single has spent 10 consecutive weeks in the Top 30 and reached a new peak of number 3 on the UK Official Charts, while making significant global impact at number 24 on the Spotify Global Chart and landing in the Top 20 across 11 countries, including number 1 in Greece, number 4 in Switzerland, number 7 in Ireland, and number 8 in Germany.

‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’ landed straight at number 1 on the Official Albums chart, making Dave the first British rap act to debut three albums at number 1 on the UK Chart following 2019’s ‘PSYCHODRAMA’ and 2021’s ‘We’re All Alone In This Together’. The album amassed 74,000 UK chart sales in its first seven days, cementing it as the second biggest opening week for a British album in 2025 and the biggest selling rap album in a week on vinyl with 15,561 sales since OCC records began. The album has already been certified Gold in the UK, surpassing 100,000 sales and over 200 million streams across all platforms in less than six weeks post-release.

The global success of ‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’ extends beyond the UK, landing in the Top 10 across 11 countries including Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Holland, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland, while reaching number 19 in Canada and number 22 in Germany with no music ahead of release. The 10-track album features collaborations with James Blake, Jim Legxacy, Kano, and Tems, with “Raindance” serving as the second visual following the cinematic video for “Chapter 16” featuring Kano. The combination of introspective storytelling and global chart dominance proves Dave continues to operate at the peak of his craft.

Dave kicks off his highly anticipated The Boy Who Played the Harp headline world tour next month, having already sold over 215,000 tickets including four sold-out shows at the iconic O2 Arena in London. The 2026 world tour launches with limited tickets still available, positioning Dave for another massive year of live performances following the unprecedented success of his third studio album. This release cycle demonstrates what happens when artistic vision meets undeniable commercial appeal, and the “Raindance” video only amplifies that momentum.

Is the Free Boiler Scheme Better Than Electric Heating?

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

Electric heating means the use of electricity rather than gas or oil. Storage heaters and panel heaters are the most common types. Some households even have electric heaters. Unlike fuel burning, electric heating just uses electrical elements to produce heat. 

It is easier to install electric systems. They are perfect for flats and small homes. Many homes without access to gas pipes also use electric heating.

What Is the Free Boiler Scheme?

The free boiler scheme is a government-backed support programme which mainly works under the ECO4 scheme. The scheme helps low-income households replace old boilers. The boiler upgrade can be fully funded. 

Homeowners and private tenants may qualify. The property must meet efficiency rules. The new boiler is usually gas or oil-based. The aim is lower bills and better heating.

Who Can Get a Free Boiler?

Not everyone gets a free boiler. One must be income and benefits eligible to get one. Even some people receiving certain benefits may be able to get one. Benefits like Pension Credit and Universal Credit can help one get a free boiler. 

The home should have an inefficient boiler. The boiler must be very old or broken. The property should have low energy efficiency. If an energy assessment is approved, then that is the last step in the process.

What Is Electric Heating?

Electric heating means the use of electricity rather than gas or oil. Storage heaters and panel heaters are the most common types. Some households even have electric heaters. 

Unlike fuel burning, electric heating just uses electrical elements to produce heat. It is easier to install electric systems. They are perfect for flats and small homes. Many homes without access to gas pipes also use electric heating.

Installation Cost Comparison

Free boilers cost nothing for eligible households. The scheme covers boiler and installation costs. Electric heating systems usually cost less upfront. 

However, installation costs still apply. Wiring upgrades may increase costs. Electric boilers can be expensive to fit. Free boiler schemes remove financial stress. This makes them attractive for low-income households.

Running Cost Comparison

Installation costs are not as important as running costs. Gas boilers are generally less expensive to operate. The price of gas is lower than that of electricity. So, electric heating is more expensive per unit. 

Electric heaters consume a large amount of energy. This leads to a swift increase in the monthly bill. It is the free boilers that, in the long run, provide better savings. This is particularly important for low-income households on a fixed income.

Heating Performance and Comfort

Boilers provide steady whole-home heating. Radiators warm rooms evenly. Hot water is at all times accessible. Electric heaters are heating the rooms one by one. 

Unevenness can be felt in heating. Some of the rooms might remain unheated. Storage heaters are tied to off-peak tariffs. In general, boilers provide a better level of comfort.

Reliability in Cold Weather

The winters in the UK can be very cold. The heating system that works reliably is the only one that can be called for. Gas-fired boilers can easily operate in cold climates. They are fast in heating the residences. 

Electric heaters are the ones that might fail during extremely low temperatures. The electrical power interruptions may stop heating by electricity. However, sometimes, boilers still provide heating during outages. This is the added benefit of peace of mind.

Environmental Impact Comparison

Electric heating can be cleaner. This depends on electricity sources. Renewable electricity reduces emissions. Gas boilers still use fossil fuels. 

However, modern boilers are very efficient. They produce fewer emissions than older models. ECO4 focuses on efficiency improvements. Both options can reduce carbon footprints.

Maintenance and Repairs

Boilers need regular servicing. Annual checks are recommended. Servicing keeps boilers safe and efficient. Electric heating needs less maintenance. 

Fewer moving parts reduce faults. However, electric repairs can be costly. Free boiler schemes often include warranties. This reduces future repair worries.

Suitability for UK Homes

Most UK homes already have gas connections. Boilers fit existing systems easily. Electric heating suits small or modern flats. Older homes lose heat faster. Electric heating may become expensive there. 

Boilers handle larger spaces better. Free boiler schemes suit traditional UK housing. This makes them more practical.

Impact on Property Value

Energy efficiency affects property value. Modern boilers improve EPC ratings. Higher ratings attract buyers and tenants. Electric heating may lower EPC scores. 

This depends on insulation quality. Free boiler upgrades add long-term value. They improve comfort and efficiency. This benefits homeowners.

Free Boiler Scheme Versus Electric Heating

Free boilers imply a lower running cost. They are the source of a heat that is always available. They can be recommended for most houses in the UK. Electric heating is less laborious to install, but it is more expensive in the long run. 

Free boiler initiatives eliminate the requirement for upfront capital. They also work toward eliminating fuel poverty. For many, the choice still leans towards boilers.

When Electric Heating May Be Better

Electric heating is an open option for properties that are off the grid. The houses with no gas may have to rely on electric systems. A well-insulated flat might be able to afford the power bills. Renewable electricity can make the bills shrink. 

Solar panels plus the electric heating are a perfect match. Some landlords prefer electric systems because of the gas safety checks that they don’t have to bear. The context is always important.

Final Verdict

Most of the time, free boiler schemes offer significant advantages over electric heating. They provide greater savings for most households, improve comfort levels, and deliver more reliable warmth.

Running costs stay lower compared to electric alternatives, which are only suitable in certain situations. ECO4 free boilers specifically help vulnerable groups, making modern heating accessible to those who need it most. 

When choosing a system, it’s also important to know which boiler brands to avoid to ensure efficiency and long-term reliability. For most UK homes, a well-chosen boiler remains the smartest heating option.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Cheyenne Delivers Flirty Pop Single “Anticipating You” Before New Era Begins

Eric Alper
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Cheyenne Delivers Flirty Pop Single “Anticipating You” Before New Era Begins

Cheyenne drops “Anticipating You,” a flirty pop track built for late-night drives and open windows. The single carries modern production that sits comfortably in the pop and indie-pop lane, with glossy synths and warm guitar tones supporting a confident vocal performance that stays locked in from start to finish. Lyrics like “Lying wide awake, while you saturate every part of my brain” capture restless desire and the space between wanting and having. Cheyenne leans into vulnerability and pleasure without apology, creating intimacy that pulls you into a world where nothing else matters. The track arrives as her fifth and final single before a new era begins in 2026, following her Pirate Studios showcase and four previous releases. With an East Coast tour approaching, “Anticipating You” announces Cheyenne as an artist ready to claim her moment. This one lands with the kind of polish and self-assurance that makes repeat plays inevitable.


With Løve And Olivver The Kid Unite On Melodic Bass Single “Blue Starlight”

Eric Alper
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With Løve And Olivver The Kid Unite On Melodic Bass Single “Blue Starlight”

US producer With Løve joins forces with LA-based singer-songwriter Olivver The Kid on “Blue Starlight,” a melodic bass collaboration out now via SLANDER’s Heaven Sent imprint. The track emerged from a genuine creative connection formed at Hoang’s ‘Heartstrings’ album showcase in Los Angeles, where both artists contributed to separate songs on the project. That initial meeting sparked an immediate collaborative energy that translated into this co-written single about memory, youth, and suspended moments under night skies.

“Blue Starlight” opens with languid acoustic guitar and wistful piano before Olivver The Kid’s understated vocal floats into the arrangement, delivering soft longing without veering into drama. Shimmering synth layers and smooth drum patterns gradually expand the sonic space while layered harmonies add dimension. The song pivots into a chilled, brass-kissed drop that brings jubilation without losing restraint, then resolves into a melodic bass outro that wraps everything with quiet confidence. The production moves between introspection and release, built for both late-night headphone sessions and dancefloor environments.

With Løve recalls the collaboration’s origins: “Olivver the Kid and I met at a show in LA last February and shortly after that connected again online. I sent him over the initial demo that I had been working on and we began writing and working on it right away. I’m so excited to finally share ‘Blue Starlight’ with the world. This is a special track that I hope will resonate with a lot of people.” Olivver The Kid describes the song as “a moment in time. This nostalgic memory under the stars or youth and love—a sonic coming-of-age journey.” The track captures what happens when two artists who operate at the intersection of electronic production and emotional storytelling find common ground, and the chemistry translates into something that holds weight beyond its runtime.

With Løve has built his catalog through collaborations with Sabai, Kellin Quinn, RYZYN, and dreamr, while earning sync placements including Netflix’s ‘Love Is Blind.’ Olivver The Kid, originally from New Orleans, made his transition from indie pop drummer to solo artist with releases alongside Dabin, Said The Sky, and Jason Ross, plus his high-profile appearance on “Time” with G-Eazy and Skizzy Mars. “Blue Starlight” brings both artists into alignment, delivering a track that glows with melodic warmth and refuses to rush its own unfolding.

Lonesome River Band Delivers Innovative Telegrass Mastery On Their New Single “Bernadette”

Eric Alper
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Lonesome River Band Delivers Innovative Telegrass Mastery On Their New Single “Bernadette”

Legendary bluegrass hitmakers Lonesome River Band showcase a bold sonic evolution with their latest single “Bernadette” which blends traditional acoustic instrumentation with electric flair. This track introduces the innovative Telegrass treatment by incorporating the chicken pickin’ style of Telecaster wizard Rod Riley into the group’s high-energy rhythm. National Fiddlers Association Hall of Fame member Mike Hartgrove opens the piece with a sharp instrumental performance that anchors the song in classic bluegrass excellence. The narrative comes from the songwriting team of Bob and Ginger Minner who found inspiration for the title while discussing unique names for a novel. Guitarist Jesse Smathers handles the lead vocals with a soulful grit that captures the doleful story of a farmer abandoned by a trifling woman. The arrangement features a unique structural approach with split solos and distinctive open fifth harmonies throughout the chorus. Hearing the interplay between Sammy Shelor’s award-winning banjo work and the electric guitar leads is an absolute revelation for the genre.

The origin of the track is as unique as its sound because the idea sparked while the songwriters were driving and joking about names. Bob Minner recalls that “out of nowhere I sang that name and first line” before returning home to finish the composition quickly. He specifically intended to use the word “trifling” to describe the character in this bluegrass tale of abandonment. Minner sent the demo immediately to Jesse Smathers because this specific group was exactly who he heard in his head during the writing process. The band utilizes split solos to highlight the individual talents of Miller, Shelor, and Riley throughout the recording. This release successfully honors the history of the band while pushing the boundaries of modern roots music.

Craig Havighurst Guides Readers Toward Deeper Sonic Understanding In His New Book ‘Musicality For Modern Humans’

Eric Alper
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0
Craig Havighurst Guides Readers Toward Deeper Sonic Understanding In His New Book ‘Musicality For Modern Humans’

Nashville broadcaster Craig Havighurst revolutionizes the way people interact with sound in his recently released 286-page guide ‘Musicality For Modern Humans’. The veteran reporter utilizes twenty-five years of industry experience to simplify complex music theory for the average listener. This book addresses the inner game of sound-based art and provides a roadmap for anyone looking to escape the confines of modern algorithms. Havighurst explains how musicians manipulate tone, time, and timbre to elicit emotional and spiritual responses from an audience. He honors the educational lineage of icons like Wynton Marsalis while providing a fresh perspective on 21st-century listening habits. The narrative encourages active engagement with all genres to enhance personal well-being and community bonds. Discovering the secrets of how creativity functions through his assertive prose is a pure joy for any music lover. Readers can find both hardback and paperback editions through Sager Group LLC to begin their own lifelong exploration of discerning listening.

Live Nation NZ Confirms Bank of New Zealand as Naming Rights Partner for Waikato Regional Theatre

Eric Alper
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Live Nation NZ Confirms Bank of New Zealand as Naming Rights Partner for Waikato Regional Theatre

The Waikato Regional Theatre today announced a new five-year naming rights partnership with Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), in collaboration with Live Nation New Zealand. The partnership will see the 1,300-capacity venue renamed BNZ Theatre, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting arts, culture, and community across Hamilton and the wider Waikato region as the venue prepares to open in January 2026.

BNZ Theatre will serve as a gateway to both domestic and international arts and entertainment, offering audiences a world-class venue that champions creativity, cultural exchange, and regional pride.

Māori soul singer, TEEKS, will be the first major artist to perform on the theatre’s public opening night on January 23, followed by New Zealand legends Sir Dave Dobbyn (24 – 25 January) and Bic Runga (21 March) and the first international artist Sophie Ellis Bextor on 3 February.

BNZ CEO Dan Huggins says: “We’re proud to support BNZ Theatre – Waikato’s premier new arts and entertainment venue located in the heart of Hamilton city. This partnership reflects our commitment to the Waikato and to delivering meaningful social, cultural, and economic benefits to our customers and the wider community.

“Hamilton sits at the heart of New Zealand’s primary sector engine room – a city where agritech, research and rural enterprise intersect to drive billions in value for our national economy.

BNZ Theatre will not only bring more opportunities to enjoy the vibrant world of the arts, culture, and live entertainment, it will also help to create jobs, support local tourism and local small businesses, particularly in the hospitality and accommodation sectors.

“We are looking forward to being part of the extensive programming BNZ Theatre will bring to the region and celebrating with our customers and the wider community.”

Kristy Rosser, Senior Vice President, Head of Media and Sponsorship at Live Nation Australia and New Zealand says: “BNZ’s partnership marks an exciting new chapter for the Waikato Regional Theatre, now BNZ Theatre. From January 2026, its diverse programming will help shape a dynamic cultural hub that attracts local and international performers and elevates this world-class venue.”

BNZ Theatre will open its doors for a special civic opening on January 19 through to January 21 with the world premiere of “To the Stars / Kingā Whetū” (19 – 21 January), commissioned by the Waikato Regional Property Trust and produced by Mayall Creative. The event will celebrate the creative spirit of the Waikato region through a performance involving hundreds of local performers from diverse artistic communities.

Located at 198 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton, BNZ Theatre officially opens to the public on 19 January 2026.

For programming and further information, visit waikatoregionaltheatre.co.nz

Elementary School Kids Deliver An Angelic Interpretation Of The Grateful Dead Classic “Ripple”

Eric Alper
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0
Elementary School Kids Deliver An Angelic Interpretation Of The Grateful Dead Classic “Ripple”

The talented young vocalists of the Barton Hills Choir brought a refreshing and ethereal energy to the Grateful Dead classic “Ripple” as part of the global DeadCoversProject. Led by choir director Gavin Tabone at Barton Hills Elementary School in Austin, the group showcases the timeless songwriting of Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter. Tabone handled the production and performed all the instrumentation to create a lush musical foundation for the fifth and sixth grade singers. This specific performance highlights the choir’s long-standing tradition of interpreting classic rock staples for a modern audience.

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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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