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84 Surprising Facts About Chuck Mangione

Eric Alper
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84 Surprising Facts About Chuck Mangione

On July 22, 2025, we said goodbye to Chuck Mangione, the flugelhorn legend whose melodies filled the air with joy for generations. From jazz clubs to Olympic ceremonies to animated supermarkets, Chuck left a mark unlike any other. Here are 84 fun and wholesome facts to remember him by—one sweet note at a time.

  1. Chuck Mangione was born in Rochester, New York, on November 29, 1940.
  2. He was raised in a big Italian family with his brother Gap.
  3. His uncle was writer Jerre Mangione.
  4. Chuck started out in music with the Mangione Brothers Sextet.
  5. His early tune “Something Different” was recorded by Cannonball Adderley.
  6. He studied at the Eastman School of Music from 1958 to 1963.
  7. He played trumpet for Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers in the early ’60s.
  8. He once filled the same trumpet chair as Clifford Brown and Lee Morgan.
  9. In 1968, he co-founded The National Gallery, blending jazz and modern art.
  10. Their debut album interpreted paintings by Paul Klee in musical form.
  11. Chuck served as director of the Eastman jazz ensemble from 1968 to 1972.
  12. His 1970 live album Friends and Love featured the Rochester Philharmonic.
  13. He loved pairing jazz with orchestral arrangements.
  14. His longtime saxophonist partner was Gerry Niewood.
  15. Chuck’s song “Bellavia” won a Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition.
  16. “Bellavia” became a winter anthem during the Blizzard of ’78.
  17. His tune “Chase the Clouds Away” played during the 1976 Olympics.
  18. He wrote “Give It All You Got” for the 1980 Winter Olympics.
  19. Chuck performed it live at the closing ceremony for a global audience.
  20. In 1978, “Feels So Good” became his biggest hit.
  21. The song reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  22. “Feels So Good” became one of the most recognizable instrumentals ever.
  23. His 1978 album Children of Sanchez was a Grammy-winning film score.
  24. The title track of that album is nearly 15 minutes long.
  25. He composed the theme to the 1981 comedy film The Cannonball Run.
  26. His 1970s touring band included Chris Vadala and Grant Geissman.
  27. They toured behind Fun and Games and Children of Sanchez.
  28. Their live album An Evening of Magic was recorded at the Hollywood Bowl.
  29. He opened and closed that show with “Feels So Good” and its reprise.
  30. He played with a 70-piece orchestra at that performance.
  31. Frequent collaborator Jeff Tyzik arranged the horns that night.
  32. Bill Reichenbach arranged the lush strings on “B’ Bye.”
  33. In 1980, he threw a nine-hour benefit concert for Italian earthquake victims.
  34. Guests included Chick Corea, Steve Gadd, and Dizzy Gillespie.
  35. A&M Records released part of it on vinyl as Tarantella.
  36. That same year, Chuck helped raise over $50,000 for St. John’s Nursing Home.
  37. He celebrated his 60th birthday with a concert at the Eastman Theatre.
  38. He had a recurring role on the cartoon King of the Hill.
  39. In the show, he was Mega Lo Mart’s celebrity spokesman.
  40. He always exited scenes playing “Feels So Good.”
  41. His 2000 album Everything for Love featured a track titled “Peggy Hill.”
  42. Chuck once appeared on Magnum, P.I. as a nightclub musician.
  43. He played “Little Boy Blue” on Sharon, Lois & Bram’s Elephant Show.
  44. He kept a strong connection to children’s television and education.
  45. He often smiled with his whole face when he played.
  46. Chuck’s signature instrument was the flugelhorn.
  47. He popularized the flugelhorn in American pop culture.
  48. He often performed in big, floppy hats and oversized coats.
  49. His warm tone made his music instantly comforting.
  50. He released over 30 albums in his lifetime.
  51. Chuck toured internationally for decades.
  52. He made jazz feel accessible and fun.
  53. His concerts blended humor, storytelling, and musicianship.
  54. He was known to laugh on stage mid-solo.
  55. Chuck inspired generations of young brass players.
  56. He encouraged students through clinics and masterclasses.
  57. He helped shape the Eastman jazz curriculum.
  58. His albums were stocked in jazz, pop, and easy listening bins.
  59. His bandmates often described him as “musically fearless.”
  60. He loved musical collaboration more than musical competition.
  61. His compositions mixed jazz, classical, Latin, and pop.
  62. Chuck once said his favorite sound was “a melody that hugs you.”
  63. He wrote tunes for lovers, dreamers, and Sunday afternoons.
  64. His music has been used in movies, ads, newscasts, and memes.
  65. In interviews, he often expressed disbelief at his own fame.
  66. He called “Feels So Good” his “accidental smash.”
  67. The tune has been covered, sampled, and parodied countless times.
  68. Chuck’s music brought calm during turbulent times.
  69. He performed for multiple presidents and at countless fundraisers.
  70. He appeared on Johnny Carson and Sesame Street alike.
  71. Chuck was inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame.
  72. His flugelhorn is in the Smithsonian Jazz Collection.
  73. He helped define the “smooth jazz” movement before it had a name.
  74. His 1980s albums explored funk, synths, and fusion.
  75. Yet he always returned to warm melodies and acoustic instruments.
  76. He stayed based in Rochester for most of his life.
  77. His hometown honored him with Chuck Mangione Day.
  78. He was beloved as much for his kindness as his compositions.
  79. He never lost touch with his brother Gap, his first bandmate.
  80. Chuck’s smile was as famous as his horn.
  81. His last studio album was Everything for Love in 2000.
  82. He played until the end, often in benefit concerts and tributes.
  83. Chuck Mangione passed away peacefully at age 84 in Rochester.
  84. And yes—his music still feels so good.

Rest in peace, Chuck. Thanks for the good feels, always.

71 Surprising Facts About Hulk Hogan

Eric Alper
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71 Surprising Facts About Hulk Hogan

The world lost a legend today. Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, passed away at the age of 71. Here are 71 wild facts to celebrate the man, the myth, the 24-inch pythons.

  1. Hulk Hogan was born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia.
  2. He grew up in Port Tampa, Florida, from the age of one and a half.
  3. His real name was Terry Gene Bollea.
  4. Hogan was of Italian, Panamanian, Scottish, and French descent.
  5. He played fretless bass guitar in several Florida rock bands before wrestling.
  6. His band Ruckus was popular in the Tampa Bay area.
  7. He dropped out of the University of South Florida to pursue music.
  8. Wrestlers Jack and Gerald Brisco discovered him at a gig.
  9. His first wrestling trainer, Hiro Matsuda, broke his leg during training.
  10. Hogan returned ten weeks later and kept training.
  11. He made his wrestling debut on August 10, 1977, against Brian Blair.
  12. He wrestled under a mask as “The Super Destroyer” early in his career.
  13. Hogan and Ed Leslie (Brutus Beefcake) wrestled as the Boulder Brothers.
  14. He adopted the name “Hulk” after appearing on TV beside Lou Ferrigno.
  15. Vince McMahon Sr. gave him the last name “Hogan.”
  16. He refused to dye his hair red, despite McMahon’s suggestion.
  17. His WWF debut was in 1979 against Harry Valdez.
  18. He fought André the Giant at Shea Stadium in 1980.
  19. In Japan, he was nicknamed “Ichiban” meaning “Number One.”
  20. He was the first winner of the original IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
  21. Hogan wrestled a different style in Japan, using the Axe Bomber as his finisher.
  22. He starred as Thunderlips in Rocky III in 1982.
  23. He became the face of the AWA before returning to WWF in 1983.
  24. On Jan 23, 1984, he beat Iron Sheik to win his first WWF title.
  25. Gorilla Monsoon declared “Hulkamania is here!” that night.
  26. Hogan introduced his “demandments”: train, say your prayers, eat vitamins.
  27. He slammed the 520-pound André at WrestleMania III in 1987.
  28. That slam was dubbed “the bodyslam heard around the world.”
  29. He was the first to win back-to-back Royal Rumbles (1990, 1991).
  30. His 1,474-day reign remains the longest of the WrestleMania era.
  31. He lost the WWF title to André in 1988 before 33 million viewers.
  32. That match still holds the TV ratings record for wrestling.
  33. He formed The Mega Powers with Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth.
  34. He won his second WWF title at WrestleMania V.
  35. Hogan beat Earthquake in 1990 after a fan postcard campaign.
  36. He became the first three-time WWF Champion at WrestleMania VII.
  37. He co-hosted Saturday Night Live with Mr. T in 1985.
  38. He appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in April 1985.
  39. Hogan starred in No Holds Barred (1989), Mr. Nanny (1993), and Suburban Commando (1991).
  40. He had his own cartoon: Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.
  41. Marvel Comics owned the trademark to “Hulk Hogan” for 20 years.
  42. He turned heel and formed the nWo in 1996, becoming “Hollywood Hogan.”
  43. The nWo storyline helped WCW beat WWF in ratings for 83 straight weeks.
  44. He was WCW Champion six times, with the longest title reign in company history.
  45. His match vs. Sting at Starrcade 1997 was WCW’s biggest PPV ever.
  46. He wore all black for the first time on Nitro in 1995.
  47. He once ran for president — as a storyline.
  48. His final WCW appearance was at Bash at the Beach 2000.
  49. He returned to WWF in 2002 and fought The Rock at WrestleMania X8.
  50. Fans turned him face mid-match with deafening cheers.
  51. He won the Undisputed WWE title at Backlash 2002 at age 48.
  52. He formed the Mega-Maniacs with Brutus Beefcake in 1993.
  53. He wrestled as “Mr. America” in 2003 with a mask and flag tights.
  54. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 by Sylvester Stallone.
  55. He was inducted again in 2020 as a member of the nWo.
  56. Hogan was the most requested celebrity of the 1980s for Make-A-Wish.
  57. He co-founded Real American Freestyle in 2025 and served as its commissioner.
  58. He was a judge on WWE Tough Enough before being removed in 2015.
  59. He had his own reality show, Hogan Knows Best, on VH1.
  60. His album Hulk Rules hit #12 on Billboard’s Top Kid Audio chart in 1995.
  61. Hogan’s video game Hulk Hogan’s Main Event released in 2011.
  62. He was the cover athlete for more than 15 wrestling video games.
  63. Hogan was body-slammed in only a handful of matches across four decades.
  64. He once endorsed a blender instead of the George Foreman Grill.
  65. He launched Real American Beer in 2024.
  66. He was baptized in December 2023 at Indian Rocks Baptist Church.
  67. He married Sky Daily in September 2023.
  68. He voiced characters in China, IL and Robot Chicken.
  69. He hosted American Gladiators in 2008.
  70. Hulk Hogan’s final WWE appearance was in 2025 at the Raw Netflix debut.
  71. He died on July 24, 2025, of cardiac arrest at home in Clearwater, Florida.

Rest easy, Hulkster. The prayers were said, the vitamins were taken, and the world heard you loud and clear. Hulkamania lives forever.

Don West Announces Debut Album ‘Give Me All Your Love’ Featuring New Single “Julia”

Eric Alper
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Don West Announces Debut Album ‘Give Me All Your Love’ Featuring New Single “Julia”

Australian soul singer-songwriter Don West announces his highly anticipated debut full-length Give Me All Your Love, out November 15th on Mandatory Music. Alongside the announcement, he shares the second single off the album, “Julia,” a heartfelt, groovy track that continues the sonic journey DON WEST has been taking audiences around the world on.

“Julia” follows the single “Send It Back,” DON WEST’s first release of 2025. The song, brimming with his signature silky and charismatic vocals, invites listeners along his journey of deep questioning in the name of love – a theme DON WEST unpacks profoundly in the album.

Co-written by DON WEST and Nathan Hawes (Kesmar, Surely Shirley, Lazywax) and produced entirely by Hawes, the album aims to evoke emotion rather than fixate on perfection. “There’s something beautiful in imperfect takes. It’s soul music, all feel,” he says of the album’s recording process. His music allows the listener to feel like they’re in the room where it all happens, achieved by the use of multi-track tape and vintage microphones and influenced by the recording techniques of the 1960s and 70s.

Give Me All Your Love, in DON WEST’s words, is an album about “love and sex, heartbreak and pining. It’s a window into my experience and mindset at the time of writing the record.” While drawing inspiration from greats such as Marvin Gaye and Al Green, DON WEST is creating his own lane in the soul genre.

The past year has been explosive for DON WEST, with his audience growing from the thousands in early 2024 to now 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify – the platform that also tapped him as their next RADAR artist for Australia. His rapid success has translated from streaming to live shows, having sold out two Australian tours in the last 12 months. The response to his debut self-titled six-track EP, released last November, is proof that fans can’t get enough of his exceptional ability to put a modern twist on a classic sound. This EP includes beloved tracks such as “Small Change” and “Friends,” which have already reached a combined 38 million streams on Spotify alone.

Bob Dylan Center Brings ‘How Many Roads’ Exhibit to NYU’s Gallatin Galleries This Fall

Eric Alper
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Bob Dylan Center Brings ‘How Many Roads’ Exhibit to NYU’s Gallatin Galleries This Fall

The Bob Dylan Center and New York University have announced The Gallatin Galleries as the destination for a special adaptation of the center’s exhibition, “How Many Roads: Bob Dylan and his Changing Times, 1961–1964.”

The exhibit, which opens August 25 and runs through October 15, traces key moments from Bob Dylan’s early career and follows his rapid rise from an unknown performer to one of the most influential songwriters of his generation—a dynamic period spanning his first three albums. Further details are available here.

The exhibit will be anchored by Bob Dylan Center-produced documentary films, which tell the story of the vibrant Greenwich Village folk scene in the early 1960s, with never-before-seen interviews with Suze Rotolo, Allen Ginsberg, Dave Van Ronk, John Cohen, Izzy Young, Bruce Langhorne and Mark Spoelstra; the stories behind “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Death of Emmett Till”; an investigation into the events in Mississippi that inspired “Oxford Town” and “Only a Pawn in Their Game”; and the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom of Aug. 28, 1963.

“The exhibit centers on Dylan’s music as a lens through which to view some of the most defining events of the 20th century,” said Mark Davidson, curator of the exhibit, co-editor of “Bob Dylan: Mixing Up the Medicine” and senior director of archives and exhibitions at American Song Archives, the organization that operates both the Bob Dylan Center and Woody Guthrie Center. “The early ’60s were a time of rapid change for America, and Dylan paced alongside, documenting—this exhibit shows you how.”

“Greenwich Village is where Bob Dylan became Bob Dylan,” says Steve Higgins, managing director of American Song Archives. “There could not be a more perfect venue for the first Bob Dylan Center installation outside of Tulsa.”

“One of the many joys of developing our NYU presence in Tulsa—an incredibly rich city for the study of American popular music—has been the opportunity to cultivate a deep relationship with the Bob Dylan Center and the Woody Guthrie Center. Several of our students have already benefited from transformational internships in the archives of both organizations, and now we are thrilled to bring the Dylan Center’s first-ever traveling exhibition to our Washington Square campus,” said NYU President Linda G. Mills. 

The Gallatin Galleries (located at 1 Washington Pl, New York, NY 10003)
are free and open to the public during operating hours:
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Bob Dylan Center inspires and celebrates fearless creativity by exploring the music and artistry of the Nobel Prize–winning singer-songwriter as a catalyst for personal expression and cultural change. As the primary public venue for the Bob Dylan Archive collection, the center curates and exhibits a priceless collection of more than 100,000 items spanning Dylan’s career, including handwritten manuscripts, notebooks and correspondence; films, videos, photographs and artwork; memorabilia and ephemera; personal documents and effects; unreleased studio and concert recordings; musical instruments and many other elements. The center presents a full roster of public programs including concerts, film screenings and author talks. Since opening in May 2022, the Bob Dylan Center has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and 40 countries. The center has garnered numerous design awards and accolades from publications including the New York Times, Vanity Fair, Variety, Uncut and Mojo. 
 

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Celebrates 25 Years With Emmylou Harris and an All Star Anniversary Lineup

Eric Alper
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Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Celebrates 25 Years With Emmylou Harris and an All Star Anniversary Lineup

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (HSB) is very proud to share the initial lineup for its silver anniversary in San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park from Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5. Now in its 25th year, the free music festival will once again present a truly eclectic bill of top performers spanning an array of genres, including Lucinda Williams, Courtney Barnett, Samara Joy, The String Cheese Incident, Reverend Horton Heat, Watchhouse, Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets, Dan Tyminski Band, Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band, and Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes. The lineup was teased with an exclusive medley streaming now on the official Hardly Strictly Bluegrass app and website. Additional performers will be announced soon.

“For 25 years, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has been a testament to the power of music to bring people together—free, inclusive, and rooted in the spirit of community,” said Sheri Sternberg, one of the founders and Executive Producer of HSB. “What started as a humble celebration of bluegrass has grown into a beloved San Francisco tradition that honors the past while embracing the future. We’re proud to carry forward the legacy of Warren Hellman and look forward to gathering once again in Golden Gate Park for a weekend of unforgettable music.”

“I’m excited to return to Golden Gate Park for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass,” says Courtney Barnett. “Last time I played there was with Kurt Vile in 2017 and we all had such a great time!”

This year, in addition to the festival, there will be some first-ever special events held to celebrate HSB’s birthday.

In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of HSB, and honoring the memory of Nancy Hellman Bechtle, the San Francisco Symphony and singer, composer, and actor Lyle Lovett join forces Saturday, September 13. Lovett and the San Francisco Symphony will be joined by conductor Edwin Outwater and Lovett’s Acoustic Group. Known for his gift of storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers.

Portions of the concert’s proceeds will benefit the San Francisco Symphony’s Music and Mentors program, which provides assistance to instrumental music programs in San Francisco’s public middle schools and high schools. Tickets for “Celebrating Hardly Strictly Bluegrass: Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group with the SF Symphony” went on sale to the public on July 19. For more information, view tickets HERE.

HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS 2025HSB will kick off its landmark 25th anniversary weekend celebration this year with a very special sold-out festival eve benefit concert honoring legendary singer and songwriter Emmylou Harris – the only artist to perform at each and every edition of the much beloved San Francisco free music festival. Set for Thursday, October 2 at San Francisco, CA’s The Masonic, “A Tribute to Emmylou Harris & 25 Years of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass” will see the 14x GRAMMY® Award-winner joined by some of her closest friends and collaborators including Allison Russell, Albert Lee, Margo Price, Patty Griffin, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Sam Bush, Shawn Colvin, Steve Earle and other guests. Buddy Miller will serve as the show’s musical director, backed by The Red Hot Dirt Ramblers. The all-star lineup features some of Emmylou Harris’ current and recent bandmates, including Albert Lee, Bryan Owings, Chris Donohue, Eamon McLoughlin, Glen D Hardin, Phil Madeira, Sam Bush & Steve Fishell. All proceeds will benefit the foster-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit dog rescue organization Bonaparte’s Retreat. 

The tradition of “Out of the Park” concerts will continue this year, once again benefiting Sweet Relief, Bay Area Musicians’ Fund. Many of the artists listed in the initial lineup will be performing nighttime shows at some of the Bay Area’s favorite venues, including Reverend Horton Heat at Sweetwater, Patty Griffin & Nick Lowe at The Great American Music Hall, Watchhouse at the UC Theatre and many more.  

HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS 2025

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

October 3-5, 2025

INITIAL LINEUP

Lucinda Williams

Samara Joy

Courtney Barnett

Reverend Horton Heat

Watchhouse

Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets

Dan Tyminski Band

Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band

The String Cheese Incident

Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes

ADDITIONAL ARTISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

ARTISTS PLAYING THE TRIBUTE TO EMMYLOU HARRIS

ALSO PERFORMING AT HSB:

Albert Lee

Buddy Miller

Emmylou Harris

Margo Price

Patty Griffin

Rodney Crowell

Rosanne Cash

Sam Bush

Shawn Colvin

Steve Earle

OUT OF THE PARK CONCERTS:

Reverend Horton Heat – Sweetwater (October 2)

The String Cheese Incident – The Fillmore (October 4)

Rosanne Cash – Bing Concert Hall at Stanford (Palo Alto) (October 5)

Chuck Prophet – Hopmonk Novato (October 11)

Rodney Crowell – Rancho Nicasio (October 5)

Josh Ritter – The Chapel (October 3)

A Night of Music, Movies, and Meaning: 

Finding Lucinda Live Screening + Performance

Four Star (October 3)

Patty Griffin/Nick Lowe – GAMH (October 3)

Dan Tyminski – Sweetwater Music Hall (October 3)

Watchhouse – The UC Theatre (October 4)

Los Straitjackets – Ivy Room (October 4)

Lainey Wilson to Play Exclusive SiriusXM Small Stage Show at the El Rey Theatre

Eric Alper
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Lainey Wilson to Play Exclusive SiriusXM Small Stage Show at the El Rey Theatre

SiriusXM today announced that Grammy Award-winning superstar Lainey Wilson will take the stage later this summer for a special SiriusXM exclusive performance on August 18 at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles.

Part of SiriusXM’s Small Stage Series, presented by Hershey’s, the intimate show will feature the rising country icon performing her chart-topping hits, fan favorites and new songs from the upcoming deluxe edition of her album Whirlwind, out on August 22. 

SiriusXM subscribers and fans can enter for a chance to attend the exclusive concert event, presented by Hershey’s HERE. On site at the show Hershey’s will provide a flavorful experience for fans with exclusive surprises, giveaways and product sampling. 

Additionally, SiriusXM listeners across North America will be able to experience Lainey Wilson’s exclusive performance on SiriusXM’s The Highway (ch. 56) on album release day, Friday, August 22 at 8:30pm ET. The concert will also be available on-demand via the SiriusXM app. Select songs from the performance will also air on SiriusXM’s The Pulse and TikTok Radio. 

Lainey Wilson’s show continues SiriusXM’s exclusive ongoing Small Stage Series featuring performances with premier artists spanning music genres and styles held in small iconic venues. SiriusXM launched its Small Stage Series in August 2021 and to date has included performances by artists including Alicia Keys, Brandi Carlile, Coldplay, Dave Matthews, Ed Sheeran, Green Day, H.E.R., J Balvin, J. Cole, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Kenny Chesney and more. 

Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

Deep Tropics Replaces Flyers With Flowers to Grow a Greener Dance Music Future

Eric Alper
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Deep Tropics Replaces Flyers With Flowers to Grow a Greener Dance Music Future

In an effort to reimagine wasteful promotional tactics, Nashville’s Deep Tropics Festival is trading flyers for flowers.

Instead of distributing paper flyers destined for the trash, Deep Tropics is handing out packets of wildflower seeds—each one stamped with the 2025 lineup and a message of regeneration. The goal is to turn everyday music fans into agents of sustainability—planting wildflowers, not litter.

The idea fits seamlessly into the festival’s climate-positive mission, which includes 100% offset carbon emissions, zero single-use plastics, and much more. The seed packets also serve as a metaphor for the Deep Tropics community—each person a seed, each moment a chance to grow something meaningful.

This year’s festival features a genre-bending lineup with artists like Chris Lake, Aluna, Alison Wonderland, and Lane 8. Beyond the music, attendees can recharge at the Oasis Spa—offering saunas, cold plunges, red light therapy, and more—or dive into immersive activations like a sustainable fashion show, interactive workshops with Ableton, and powerful panels hosted by FEMME HOUSE, Lincoln Jesser, and more.

This creative twist on flyers turns a single-use interaction into a small act of environmental care, aligning with the larger movement of redefining the role music festivals can play in sustainability and regenerative culture.

Deep Tropics is produced by forward-thinking, dance music enthusiasts at Full Circle Presents. The creative site and stage designs will take the energy to stratospheric levels. The one-of-a-kind amphitheater in the park ensures every viewpoint is perfect with a beautiful downtown skyline view in the backdrop. It will host the massive, ancient temple inspired stage called “Meru”dedicated to house music, a bass music focused stage called “Lotus” and a third 360 stage known as the “Congo” along with a “Speakeasy” stage in an air-conditioned tent. Intricate lasers, choreographed audio & visual and art installs will illuminate the park. The venue is less than a mile from downtown Nashville, and some of the city’s coolest districts.

Kamelot Unleashes ‘Ascension’ Boxset Honoring the Glory of Power Metal Beginnings

Eric Alper
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Kamelot Unleashes ‘Ascension’ Boxset Honoring the Glory of Power Metal Beginnings

Seminal US power metal band Kamleot will be celebrating 30 years since their debut album, ‘Eternity’, in 2025 with a deluxe 3CD and 5 vinyl LP boxset that brings together their first three full lengths.

‘Eternity’, ‘Dominion’ and ‘Siege Perilous’ are brought together on vinyl for the very first time with a new remaster from Jacob Hansen (Volbeat and Epica), as well as previously unreleased demo tracks for ‘Look Through These King’s Eyes’, ‘Millennium’ and ‘Eternal Flame’. Having been out of print for two decades, ‘Ascension 1995-1998’ is a deluxe box-set package with curation handled by guitarist/songwriter Thomas Youngblood.

‘Ascension 1995-1998’ showcases the origins of Kamelot, from original vocalist Mark Vanderbilt’s two album tenure on ‘Eternity’ and ‘Dominion’ all the way through to the introduction of long-term talismanic vocalist Roy Khan on his studio debut, ‘Siege Perilous’, in 1998. Kamelot’s songwriting growth and evolutionary shift from power metal anthems to future symphonic metal grandeur is evident in the formative years that ‘Ascension’ brings together.

Accompanying the boxset is a 20-page full-colour booklet with in-depth liner notes, featuring a fascinating insight into the band’s history through interviews with Thomas Youngblood, and a full-colour poster. For the die-hard knights of the realm just as much as an entry point for new fans, Kamelot’s ‘Ascension 1995-1998’ is a thrilling trip down memory lane for one of modern metal’s most enduring bands.

DISC ONE : ETERNITY

1. Eternity

2. Black Tower

3. Call of the Sea

4. Proud Nomad

5. Red Sands

6. One of the Hunted

7. Fire Within

8. Warbird

9. What About Me

10. Etude Jongleur

11. The Gleeman

DISC TWO : DOMINION

1. Ascension

2. Heaven

3. Rise Again

4. One Day I’ll Win

5. We Are Not Separate

6. Birth of a Hero

7. Creation

8. Sin

9. Song of Roland

10. Crossing Two Rivers

11. Troubled Mind

DISC THREE : SIÉGE PERILOUS

1. Providence

2. Millennium

3. King’s Eyes

4. Expedition

5. Where I Reign

6. Rhydin

7. Parting Visions

8. Once a Dream

9. Irea

10. Siege

11. We Three Kings

12. One Day

13. Look Through These King’s Eyes (unreleased demo track)

14. Millennium (unreleased demo track)

15. Eternal Flame (unreleased demo track)

Effortless Raid Progression for Busy or Casual Players

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Raiding in World of Warcraft is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the game’s endgame content. Epic boss battles, powerful loot, and prestigious achievements all await in the heart of Azeroth’s toughest instances. But for many busy or casual players, committing to a consistent raid schedule or finding a reliable group can feel nearly impossible. Fortunately, there’s a solution that makes raiding accessible and enjoyable—without the stress.

How Raid Carries Help You Progress Without the Grind

For players with limited time or those who prefer a more relaxed approach, raid carries offer the perfect solution. With a carry service, you’re grouped with a team of experienced raiders who will handle the mechanics, execute clean strategies, and ensure your success through every boss fight. Whether you’re looking to complete a full raid, snag specific loot, or earn an achievement, raid carries allow you to get it done—quickly and efficiently.

This approach is ideal for casual players who want access to high-end content without spending hours organizing groups or wiping on the same boss all night. You simply join the run, follow the lead, and collect your rewards—no stress, no time sink.

Benefits of Raid Carries for Casual and Busy Gamers

1. Skip the Scheduling Headaches

No need to block out entire evenings or join a dedicated raiding guild. Carries let you raid on your own time, when it suits your schedule.

2. Guaranteed Boss Kills

Say goodbye to failed pug runs. With professional teams at your side, you’re guaranteed a smooth and successful clear—regardless of difficulty level.

3. Fast Access to Top-Tier Loot

Get your hands on raid-level gear, tier sets, trinkets, and more without the grind. Carries are a direct path to better item levels.

4. Earn Achievements and Mounts

Many raid carries also include achievement runs and rare mount drops. It’s an easy way to expand your collection and show off your progress.

5. Perfect for Alts

Want to gear up multiple characters but don’t have the time to raid with all of them? Carries make it possible to boost alts efficiently.

When to Consider a Raid Carry

  • You have a busy real-life schedule and limited time to play
  • You want raid gear without spending hours each week raiding
  • You’re frustrated with unreliable pug groups
  • You’re aiming for a specific boss drop or mount
  • You’re a casual player who still wants access to endgame content

Whatever your playstyle, raid carries give you the freedom to enjoy raiding your way.

You don’t need to be a hardcore player with a six-night raid schedule to experience the best World of Warcraft has to offer. With raid carries, you can enjoy smooth, rewarding raid progression—on your own time and without the hassle. Whether you’re after loot, achievements, or just the thrill of taking down epic bosses, professional support makes it all possible for even the most casual or time-constrained players. Jump into the action, skip the grind, and let the experts lead the way.

Songs Where Two People Talk to Each Other Through Lyrics

Eric Alper
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Songs Where Two People Talk to Each Other Through Lyrics

There’s something magical about songs that feel like conversations. When two voices trade verses, tell a story, argue, flirt, or plead, the lyrics become a script—and the music, a stage. Across genres and generations, artists have crafted unforgettable musical dialogues. Here are standout songs where the singers don’t just sing at you… they speak to each other.

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Motown’s most iconic duet, this track is a call-and-response declaration of undying support and love.

Almost Paradise – Ann Wilson & Mike Reno
A power ballad from Footloose, this track finds two lovers basking in the rare calm of their romance.

Anyone Else But You – The Moldy Peaches
Indie awkwardness at its finest, the back-and-forth lyrics feel like a quirky private joke between lovers.

Awkward – San Cisco
A catchy, upbeat track about mutual miscommunication—flirty, funny, and painfully relatable.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Frank Loesser (popularized by many duos)
A classic flirty winter exchange, though it’s sparked debate in recent years for its outdated tone.

Bonnie and Clyde – Serge Gainsbourg & Brigitte Bardot
A sultry, fatalistic French duet that turns criminal romance into poetic legend.

Ciao! – Lush & Jarvis Cocker
This Britpop breakup is deliciously petty, bitter, and oh-so-British in its sarcasm.

Close My Eyes Forever – Lita Ford & Ozzy Osbourne
A haunting metal ballad where lovers grapple with death, despair, and devotion.

Daddy What If – Bobby Bare & Bobby Bare Jr.
A tender, Shel Silverstein-penned dialogue between father and son about life’s big “what ifs.”

Dialogue (Part I & II) – Chicago
Literally structured as a political conversation between two band members—idealistic vs. apathetic.

Don’t Give Up – Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush
A powerful conversation between despair and hope, with Gabriel voicing struggle and Bush lifting him up.

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Elton John & Kiki Dee
A cheerful lovers’ duet filled with reassurance, playfulness, and Elton’s signature charm.

Don’t Know Much – Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville
Two hesitant lovers admit vulnerability in a gorgeous, Grammy-winning slow jam.

Don’t Misunderstand Me – Rossington Collins Band
A fiery Southern rock duet where both sides make their case for emotional clarity.

Don’t You Want Me – The Human League
An 80s synth-pop classic about a bitter breakup—and clashing memories of a past romance.

Does He Love You – Reba McEntire & Linda Davis
Two women confront each other over a man in this emotionally charged country ballad.

Exile – Taylor Swift ft. Bon Iver
A poetic, moody track where two exes reflect on miscommunication and missed chances.

Fairytale of New York – The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl
A drunken Christmas argument wrapped in folk punk gold. Raw, messy, unforgettable.

Father and Son – Cat Stevens
A generational divide set to song, with Stevens singing both parts of a conversation on life paths.

Fortnight – Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone
A wistful tale of missed timing and lingering ache, with Post and Taylor swapping regrets.

Guilty – Barry Gibb & Barbra Streisand
A sultry duet about temptation and emotional surrender, with rich harmonies and theatrical flair.

Henry Lee – Nick Cave & PJ Harvey
Murder ballad, but make it romantic (and creepy). A chilling dialogue about betrayal.

Hi Ren – Ren
A spoken-word rap-opera in which Ren debates with his own inner demons. Self-duet brilliance.

Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
A charming duet full of inside jokes and affectionate storytelling—hippie bliss.

I Got a Man – Positive K
A playful back-and-forth between a persistent man and a woman who’s just not having it.

I Got You Babe – Sonny & Cher
The definitive ‘60s love duet. Rebellious, idealistic, and adorably stubborn.

I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) – Aretha Franklin & George Michael
Two vocal powerhouses unite in a triumphant anthem of perseverance and destined love.

I Remember It Well – Maurice Chevalier & Hermione Gingold
A charming musical theatre duet where two older lovers disagree fondly on past events.

In Spite of Ourselves – John Prine & Iris DeMent
Raunchy, funny, and sweet—it’s a celebration of imperfect love through honest conversation.

Just Give Me a Reason – P!nk ft. Nate Ruess
A dramatic pop duet of a couple trying to hold on, sung as a plea and a response.

Kingdom of Rain – The The
A tense breakup conversation cloaked in haunting instrumentation and dark metaphor.

Leather and Lace – Stevie Nicks & Don Henley
Two voices merge in this dreamy ballad about vulnerability and balance in love.

Let’s Duet – Dewey Cox (fictional)
A hilarious parody duet from Walk Hard that’s stuffed with double entendres and innuendo.

Little Talks – Of Monsters and Men
A ghostly conversation between a grieving woman and the memory of her lost partner.

On My Own – Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald
Two lovers moving on from heartbreak—together, but apart—in this bittersweet ballad.

Paradise by the Dashboard Light – Meat Loaf
An over-the-top theatrical masterpiece. A hilarious, heated negotiation of teenage lust.

Poison and Wine – The Civil Wars
A heartbreaking dialogue between two lovers on the verge of collapse—beautifully painful.

Rock Bottom – Lynsey de Paul & Mike Moran
A sassy exchange of blame and wit in this Eurovision-ready tune.

Rockin’ Years – Dolly Parton & Ricky Van Shelton
A vow to grow old together, through thick and thin—wholesome country magic.

Say Something – A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera
A gut-wrenching conversation on the edge of goodbye, full of aching silence and restraint.

Sex (I’m A) – Lovage
A spoken-word seduction between a femme fatale and a brooding baritone—cool, quirky, and NSFW.

Sometimes Always – The Jesus and Mary Chain
Short and sharp, this alt-rock duet is a cryptic tale of love, rejection, and circular arguments.

Some Velvet Morning – Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood
A psychedelic classic trading surreal verses and contrasting vocal styles—mesmerizing and mysterious.

Somebody That I Used to Know – Gotye ft. Kimbra
Yes, it’s on the list. The ultimate post-breakup he said/she said anthem.

Stumblin’ In – Chris Norman & Suzi Quatro
An infectious soft rock duet about falling into love, clumsily but completely.

Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around – Stevie Nicks & Tom Petty
A rock-laced plea from Stevie and a warning from Tom—a love on the edge of collapse.

The Boy/Girl Song – Steve Vai
An instrumental prog-rock epic featuring vocal interplay that mimics conversation—quirky and technical.

The Cigarette Duet – Princess Chelsea
An indie-pop gem about a couple bickering over bad habits—adorably passive-aggressive.

The Dirty Glass – Dropkick Murphys
A barroom brawl of a duet, gritty and full of grit and growl—love through loudness.

The Girl Is Mine – Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney
Two legends competing for the same woman, playfully and politely.

These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ – Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood
A split-perspective song about revenge and empowerment—stylish and sharp.

Twilight – Elliott Smith
Not a literal duet, but Smith’s layered delivery suggests a two-sided farewell.

Two Different Things – Caitlin Cary & Thad Cockrell
A melancholy reflection on love’s disconnect, wrapped in alt-country warmth.

Two Way Monologue – Sondre Lerche
An indie-pop conversation on mismatched emotions and misunderstood feelings.

Up Where We Belong – Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes
A soaring duet about love lifting people out of their circumstances—pure, anthemic drama.

We Cry Together – Kendrick Lamar & Taylour Paige
An intense, NSFW depiction of a toxic relationship in spoken-word form. Raw and theatrical.

We’re Both in Love With a Sexy Lady – Flight of the Conchords
A ridiculous but charming comedic song about two guys crushing on the same woman.

Whenever I Call You ‘Friend’ – Kenny Loggins & Stevie Nicks
An upbeat soft rock track about the emotional depth of platonic love.

Where the Wild Roses Grow – Nick Cave & Kylie Minogue
A chilling duet of doomed romance told in alternating voices—haunting and poetic.

You Don’t Bring Me Flowers – Neil Diamond & Barbra Streisand
A duet drenched in regret, about love that faded while no one was paying attention.

You Don’t Know Me – Ben Folds ft. Regina Spektor
Two people share frustration over a relationship that never got off the ground—funny and sharp.

You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma – David Frizzell & Shelly West
Two lovers singing across distance, tied together by the land and longing.

You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly – Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn
A comedic country classic that turns bickering into brilliant charm.

Whether it’s breakups, banter, or ballads, songs with lyrical dialogue remind us that music isn’t just about melodies—it’s about stories, tension, and connection. These songs capture what it means to really talk to someone… even if it’s just in a 3-minute track. Now go grab your headphones, pick a duet, and eavesdrop on love, conflict, and everything in between.

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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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