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CMT Live – Nate Smith at Busch Country: One Night Only Premieres July 30 on Paramount+

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Busch Light and CMT are setting the country music “World on Fire” by bringing the unforgettable concert series, Busch Country: One Night Only, with award-winning artist, Nate Smith, to country fans everywhere. The special episode, CMT Live – Nate Smith at Busch Country: One Night Only, can be streamed starting on July 30th on Paramount+.

Busch Country: One Night Only brings fans closer than ever to their favorite country artists, providing a rare chance to experience intimate, private shows where the only way in is to win…until now!

For the first time, CMT is now giving country fans an inside look at Busch Country: One Night Only in a special that captures the most riveting moments during Nate Smith’s memorable show in Cleveland this past May.

CMT Live – Nate Smith at Busch Country: One Night Only captures the on-stage energy and front-row fandom, diving deep into the soul of country music through Nate Smith’s powerful performance. From performing his latest single, “Dads Don’t Die,” for the first time live, to fan favorites like “Whiskey On You” and “World on Fire,” the night ended with an electrifying encore that left fans wanting more.

“Unbreakable” by Ellefson-Soto Drops August 15 with Guest Spots by Tim Ripper Owens & Laura Guldemond

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Grammy Award-winning and former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and acclaimed metal vocalist Jeff Scott Soto have once again joined forces and are set to release their highly anticipated second album, Unbreakable, on August 15th, via Rat Pak Records. Alongside the album announcement, the duo has unveiled a powerful new music video for the title track “Unbreakable,” giving fans a first taste of the record’s sound.

The duo Ellefson-Soto is joined by Italian guitarist Andy Martongelli and Paolo Caridi on drums and features 11 studio tracks with guest appearances from Tim Ripper Owens (KK’s Priest) and Burning Witches front-woman Laura Guldemond.

Recorded at Rogue Studios in Wembley UK, by Alessio Garavello and produced by Chris Collier (Mick Mars, Korn, Flat Black) “Unbreakable” is a sonic assault packed with catchy riffs, melodic vocals, and thoughtful lyrics that blends their classic metal roots with modern rock intensity.

“This album digs even deeper,” says Ellefson. “It’s heavier, more personal, and shaped by everything we’ve experienced on and off the stage.” Soto adds, “The energy we poured into this one—it’s the sound of two lifetimes colliding in riffs, rage, and redemption.”

Ellefson further comments, “One of the things I like most is I feel like you can hear a real sense of brotherhood on our records, that we’re really in the creative process together as a band. The consistency of our sound has remained intact while allowing us to further build upon each other’s strengths from our debut album. It’s an honest, organic approach that blends well and lets us explore new sounds and musical paths. At the end of the day, I don’t think there is anything that an artist desires more than that!”

“Unbreakable” drops August 15th, and will be available on all major streaming platforms with limited edition autographed vinyl, CD, and cassette bundles exclusively through Rat Pak Records.

1. Unbreakable
2. SOAB
3. Shout
4. Hate You, Hate Me
5. Poison Tears featuring Laura Guldemond of Burning Witches
6. Ghosts
7. Vengeance featuring Tim Ripper Owens of KK’s Priest
8. Snakes and Bastards
9. It’s Over When I Say It’s Over
10. The Day We Built Rome
11. Death on Two Legs (CD/LP Bonus Track)

“Up All Night” by Alice Cooper Group Roars Ahead of ‘The Revenge of Alice Cooper’ Album & Global Livestream

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Just one week ahead of the highly anticipated new album The Revenge of Alice Cooper, the reunited original Alice Cooper Group releases their latest single, “Up All Night,” a defiant, riff-heavy anthem that captures the chaos, danger, and thrill of rock ’n’ roll after dark.

“Up All Night” is a full-throttle celebration of youthful mischief, the trouble you don’t regret. With snarling guitars, pounding rhythms, and Alice’s unmistakable growl, the track feels like a direct transmission from 1971 – raw, loud, and unapologetically alive. It’s a fitting final teaser before the full album drops on July 25th.

With the album just around the corner, excitement builds for a once-in-a-lifetime pre-release event in London, bringing the original band – Alice Cooper, Dennis Dunaway, Neal Smith, and Michael Smith – together on stage for an unforgettable evening.

The album playback and Q&A will be hosted by none other than Sir Tim Rice and will feature a very special appearance by producer and honorary sixth band member, Bob Ezrin, whose legendary partnership with the band helped define the sound of an era. The night will include a world-exclusive pre-listening session of the full album and an in-depth conversation with the band about the making of The Revenge of Alice Cooper.

The album playback event, which sold out within 24 hours, will be streamed live globally on July 24th at 2 pm ET with Q&A from 3–4:30 pm ET via the Alice Cooper and earMUSIC YouTube channels, as well as on TalkShopLive, ensuring no fan misses out on this historic reunion and giving audiences everywhere a front-row seat.

Recorded in an old-school Connecticut studio with Bob Ezrin at the helm, The Revenge of Alice Cooper brings the spirit of classic Alice Cooper into the present with venomous riffs, theatrical storytelling, and vintage horror flair. The album even features a posthumous guitar appearance from Glen Buxton on “What Happened To You,” preserving his legacy within the band’s rebirth.

From the primal swagger of “Black Mamba,” to the rebel howl of “Wild Ones,” and now the late-night roar of “Up All Night,” the record is a loud, wild reminder that true rock never dies.

Keith Urban Drops Live “Long Hot Summer” on July 25, Teases Fall Album Amid High and Alive World Tour

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Four-time Grammy Award winner Keith Urban is known as one of the best live performers in the world. His concerts are musical parties packed with No. 1 songs that are highlighted by jaw-dropping musicianship. Whether from the stage, in the aisles, between seats, or in the crowd, Urban delivers unforgettable shows that are candy for the eyes and music for the soul.

On July 25th, the Australian native will release “Long Hot Summer,” the first live recording from an as-of-yet-unnamed live album slated to come this fall via MCA. The 2011 release, from his album Get Closer, hit No. 1 in the U.S. and Canada. The track has also been certified platinum in Australia.

Urban’s current High and Alive World Tour has been in full swing since May featuring support by Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen, and Karley Scott Collins. His palpable spontaneity and unpredictability have ignited moments including a poignant interaction with a blind fan, a performance with a cast member from Urban’s forthcoming CBS show The Road and an impromptu performance of the Jeopardy theme.

“6 Months Later” by Megan Moroney Gets a Hilarious Karma Hotline Video, Pop-Up Party & Big Chart Debuts

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Answering the call, country phenomenon Megan Moroney runs a revenge hotline in the hilarious romance-comedy-inspired music video for her buzzing single “6 Months Later.” She co-directed the visual alongside CeCe Dawson, marking her third time behind the camera and continuing what has fast become a tradition of big screen-worthy videos from the award-winning multi-platinum Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records singer/songwriter.

The clip opens on a post-breakup Moroney as she channels-surfs with an old school clicker, curlers in her hair, and a bowl of popcorn. She catches a commercial for the “Karma Now! Hotline,” which promises “GUARANTEED RESULTS IN 6 MONTHS” and is sponsored by “Emo Cowgirl.” She grabs the receiver on a bejeweled rotary phone and orders her revenge on-demand. One unforgettable vignette after another follows as her toxic ex gets his due with a surprise “Ice Cold” shower, “Expired” milk in the fridge, “Bad Meat” on a date, and “Trash” on his morning run. She relishes each moment, dancing on the bed during the finale.

If your summer has been ruined by a cheating, lying, and undeserving dude, it may be time for you to call the “Karma Now! Hotline” too…

Fans gathered at The Emo Cowgirl – a first-of-its-kind pop-up bar at The Westin Nashville’s L27 Rooftop Lounge – yesterday (Tues, July 15th) for an early screening of the video, complete with popcorn and special signed takeaways. Meanwhile, “6 Months Later” just impacted country radio this week. It joins her headline-making radio single “You Had To Be There” (a collaboration with country legend Kenny Chesney, who enlisted Moroney as support for his stadium-filling Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour), which continues to rise.

Upon its release in June, “6 Months Later” made major waves. It vaulted to No. 1 on the Spotify All-Genre Top Song Debut chart in its first three-day frame and achieved her highest chart position ever across streaming platforms. On Apple Music, it catapulted to No. 15 All-Genre. Plus, it impressively tallied her best debut on the Billboard Hot 100, surging in the Top 30.

This summer, Moroney’s blockbuster sold-out Am I Okay? Tour continues with dates scheduled through October 12th.

“Discover Women in Jazz” Returns for Season Five on JAZZ.FM91, Spotlighting Five Dynamic Artists from the GTA

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JAZZ.FM91 proudly presents the fifth season of Discover Women in Jazz, in collaboration with the Pat and Tony Adams Freedom Fund for the Arts and support from the Brian Facey and Julie Soloway Fund for the Arts. 

JAZZ.FM91 is committed to entertaining, inspiring, and connecting our community through inclusive, high-quality programming, education, and storytelling. As Canada’s only 24/7 all-jazz radio broadcaster and a charitable arts organization, we embrace our responsibility to champion greater equity and diversity in the arts.

This concert series promotes, champions and highlights women’s contributions to jazz as musicians, composers, lyricists and bandleaders and has featured artists such as Joy Lapps, Debi Botos, Joanna Majoko, Virginia MacDonald and more. 

Discover Women in Jazz features five artists from the Greater Toronto Area selected by an informed panel consisting of artist/educator/JAZZ.FM91 Board member Shirantha Beddage, former educator/former JAZZ.FM91 Board member Catherine Mitro, former Discover Women in Jazz featured artists Virginia MacDonald and Joy Lapps-Lewis, and former Jazzology featured artist Ewen Farncombe. 

Through this program, JAZZ.FM91 offers these talented women support, space, funding and marketing to foster their careers.

One concert will be broadcast live to air and live-streamed to YouTube each week from Thursday, July 31 through Thursday, Aug 28. Concert dates are: July 31st, August 8, August 14, August 21, and August 28. Each concert will take place between 8 to 9 p.m. ET.

Plus, tune in to Jazzology, supported by RBC Foundation on JAZZ.FM91 each Wednesday at 9 p.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m. ET between July 30 and August 31 to get to know more about this year’s artists leading up to their concerts. 

MEET THE ARTISTS
Madelein ertel – July 31st
Madeleine Ertel is a trumpeter, composer, and arranger known for her melodic approach. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Trumpet Performance from the University of Toronto (2020) and became active in the Toronto music scene, playing in ensembles like Brodie West’s Eucalyptus. A two-time finalist for the Toronto Arts Foundation’s Emerging Jazz Artist Award (2022, 2023), she studied composition with David Braid and attended the Engelsholm Jazz Workshop. In 2021, she participated in the Banff Musicians in Residence program. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Jazz Composition at the Jazz-Institut Berlin.

Racha Moukalled – August 7th

Racha Moukalled is a Lebanese vibraphonist and pianist based in Toronto. Originally studying jazz piano at York University, she discovered a passion for the vibraphone and improvisation. Inspired by artists like Bobby Hutcherson, Joel Ross, and Ziad El Rahbani, her music blends emotional expression with playful experimentation. Her work often explores the intersection of sound and visual art, as seen in her 2022 Women from Space Festival project inspired by Hilma af Klint. A self-taught musician for much of her life, Racha now teaches privately and performs with local groups including The Shop, Orbital Ensemble, Never Was, and Triio.

Micaela Rae – August 14th

Micaela Rae is a Toronto-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for her lyrically rich and intricate compositions. Beginning her musical journey at age ten, she later studied jazz voice at Humber Polytechnic, drawing inspiration from vocalists like Sarah Vaughan and Cecile McLorin Salvant. Her debut EP “Saccharine” (2024) showcases four originals and a reimagined jazz standard, highlighting her expressive guitar work. Influenced by artists such as Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, Micaela performs regularly in Toronto and is excited to join the 2025 Discover Women in Jazz series.

Grace Jiji Gayle – August 21st

Grace ‘Jiji’ Gayle is a powerhouse vocalist whose roots began in the West Toronto Church of God. A graduate of Humber College’s Vocal Jazz program, she’s become a sought-after collaborator, performing with artists like Daniel Caesar, Jully Black, and Kim Burrell, and sharing stages with legends including Stevie Wonder and Mariah Carey. Her voice has been featured in film, TV, and commercial projects, and in 2021 she released her debut album Living, Loving, Learning. Grace is also a member of the Juno Award-winning Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale.

Aretha Tilloston – August 28

Aretha Tillotson is a Canadian bassist, composer, and bandleader, known for her dynamic performances and thoughtful compositions. She has toured across North America with artists like Kris Davis, Walter Smith III, and the Jensen sisters. Her debut album Introducing Aretha Tillotson (Bent River Records) won the 2024 Western Canadian Music Award for Jazz Artist of the Year. Her upcoming release, Kinda Out West (Nov 2025), features Ingrid and Christine Jensen and Dave Laing. A Berklee Global Jazz Masters graduate, Aretha studied with John Patitucci and Linda May Han Oh. She has performed with Mick Flannery and in the Broadway and Mirvish Theatre productions of SIX, and currently teaches bass and theory at MacEwan University.

Mādahòkì Farm Launches New Visitor Experiences Featuring Ojibwe Spirit Horses and Year-Round Indigenous Programming

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On Thursday, Mādahòkì Farm hosted a special event to celebrate the launch of new Visitor Experiences which provide greater access to immersive and authentic Indigenous programming. This programming was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada, Ottawa Tourism, as well as a $200,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant awarded to Aboriginal Experiences, Arts and Culture to support the development of the Mishtadim (Equine Assisted Learning) program, one of the new experiences offered.

Previously reserved for school, tour and corporate groups, Visitor Experiences are now open to individuals and families, offering unique opportunities to connect with Indigenous culture through land, animals and storytelling.

“I’m proud to see the Ontario Trillium Foundation support such meaningful work at Mādahòkì Farm. The Mishtadim experience not only helps preserve the cultural and ecological legacy of the Ojibwe Spirit Horses, but also provides a powerful opportunity for people of all backgrounds to connect with Indigenous heritage in a respectful and engaging way,” said Tyler Watt, MPP for Nepean.

Mishtadim (Equine Assisted Learning) is an experiential, learner-based approach that uses guided interactions with the rare Ojibwe Spirit Horses as guides to build confidence, leadership and emotional resilience. The program is led by nationally certified facilitators and delivered through an Indigenous lens rooted in traditional storytelling and the Seven Grandfather Teachings, all within a culturally safe and supportive environment. Mishtadim helps participants reconnect with the land, develop life skills and experience healing through meaningful connection with these sacred animals.

“The support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation has been instrumental in helping us expand our vision for Mādahòkì Farm. We’ve been able to bring the Mishtadim experience to life and add it to the new small-group programming for families and individuals. This is a major step forward in making Indigenous culture accessible, engaging, and welcoming to all visitors year-round,” said Trina Mather-Simard, CEO of Mādahòkì Farm.

This expanded summer and year-round programming received support from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

“Supporting the expansion of Mādahòkì Farm’s Indigenous tourism programming reflects our

commitment to building a Canadian tourism sector that embodies our shared national values.

Advancing reconciliation, education, and economic opportunity for Indigenous partners is a

priority for our new government,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial

Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic

Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

“The expansion of Mādahòkì Farm’s Indigenous tourism programming is a meaningful step forward for the development of Indigenous tourism in our region. Through the Destination Development Fund, Ottawa Tourism is proud to support initiatives that elevate Indigenous voices and create new, year-round cultural experiences for visitors that strengthen our destination as a whole,” said Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism.

July & August Programming

  • Mishtadim (Equine Assisted Learning): Close encounter sessions with the rare and endangered Ojibwe Spirit Horses. Held on Thursdays.
  • Creation Workshop: A short introduction to Indigenous culture with a mini tour of the cultural displays and gardens of Mādahòkì Farm, followed by creating your own traditional dreamcatcher. Held on Fridays and Sundays.
  • Farm Play: Personal meet and greet with many of the farm’s favourite farm animals – snuggle goats, feed the small animals, pet bunnies and have a personal tour meeting the Ojibwe Spirit Horses. Held on Saturdays.
  • Indigenous Marketplace: Features over 60 Indigenous vendors, with one-of-a-kind products ranging from apparel, jewelry, home decor, traditional crafts, food and more. New to the Marketplace are Grab & Go Indigenous food, drinks and snacks prepared by the Mādahòkì culinary team.
  • Legacy Trail: Walk the scenic Legacy Trail to spot traditional plants and medicines and learn about the Seven Grandfather Teachings.

Year-Round Programming – Starting September 15, 2025

  • Trail of the Native Ponies: A self-guided walking tour across Mādahòkì Farm centred around the rare and endangered Ojibwe Spirit Horses. Along the trail, visitors will hear Elders’ and Knowledge Keepers’ stories and teachings, explore interactive Indigenous art installations, browse historical stories and documents, and experience the Spirit Horses in a whole new way through an immersive augmented reality encounter. Held Thursdays to Sundays.
  • Spirit Horse Connections: A 3.5-hour cultural journey featuring a Traditional Welcome, Trail of the Native Ponies, tea & bannock, and a private walk with the rare Ojibwe Spirit Horses. Held daily – pre-booking required.

The new programming is part of Mādahòkì Farm’s evolution into a year-round destination, taking place both outdoors and inside the newly refurbished Mamawii Lodge. The farm’s two newest additions to the Ojibwe Spirit Horse herd were also unveiled during the launch event: a filly named Nesewin, meaning “air” or “to breathe” in Anishinaabemowin, and a colt named Mashkodewashk, which means sage, one of the four sacred medicines. For more information and bookings, visit madahoki.ca/visitor-experiences,

Status Audio Teases Its Most Advanced Wireless Earbuds Yet; Pro X Available Now for Pre-Order

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Globally distributed premium headphone manufacturer, Status Audio (www.status.co) is offering audio fans an exclusive first look at its next-generation wireless innovation: the Pro X true wireless earbuds, available now for pre-order at a discounted price ahead of a full retail launch in early September.

Building on the widespread acclaim of the Between Pro and Between 3ANC — which together have sold over half a million units — the new Pro X earbuds mark a bold evolution in design, comfort, and acoustic architecture. With a significantly more compact chassis, the Pro X offers a sleeker, more ergonomic fit while incorporating advanced performance features that set it apart from other wireless earbuds in its class.

“The Pro X represents everything we’ve learned and everything our community has asked for, packed into our most refined form yet,” said James Bertuzzi, CEO of Status Audio. “It’s an uncompromising product that delivers on both sound and usability, and this pre-order window gives our earliest fans a chance to be part of something special before the full rollout begins.”

At the heart of the Pro X is Status Audio’s signature hybrid triple driver system with premium Balanced Armature components from Knowles, a global leader in high-performance acoustic drivers. Enhanced voice call clarity is powered by Voiceloom AI, Status’ proprietary noise-reduction and beamforming speech enhancement technology.

Additional features include a redesigned app experience, upgraded connectivity, and industry-first codec support. These will be discussed in more detail as the September launch approaches.

Key Features:

Hybrid Triple Driver Acoustic System

12mm Dynamic Driver

Dual Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers

Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation

Adjustable Transparency (“ambient-aware”) Mode

AI-Powered Voiceloom Speech Enhancement for Clear Phone Calls

Bluetooth 5.3 with Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast Support

SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codec support

High Res Wireless Audio Certified by the Japan Audio Society

Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair Support

Multipoint Connectivity

IP55 Water and Dust Resistance

8 hours of continuous playback, 24 hours total with the charging case 

The Status Pro X is available now for pre-order at $249, with units shipping in early September. To secure your pair and be the first to experience the Pro X, visit www.status.co

“Thodi Si Daaru” by AP Dhillon & Shreya Ghoshal Drops with 70s-Flair Video Starring Tara Sutaria

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Shining in every corner of the globe as a genre-defining superstar, acclaimed singer, rapper, producer, and leader in the Punjabi music scene AP Dhillon ignites a brand new single and music video entitled “Thodi Si Daaru” featuring Shreya Ghoshal, out now. Listen HERE.



The production laces an organic beat with loose electric guitar, teeing up the verses for AP Dhillon to flaunt his signature melodic Punjabi vocals. Meanwhile, Shreya counters with a hypnotic assist, leaning into her towering high register. The track culminates on the kind of chantable chorus that crosses boundaries. Bringing audiences into his world, the visual notably co-stars Indian actress Tara Sutaria. It depicts a lively romance in motion against a seventies-inspired backdrop. The choreography and chemistry transfix in every frame as AP Dhillon and Tara laugh, flirt, and dance. It’s both hot and heartfelt!

“Thodi Si Daaru” drops in the wake of his buzzing two-pack “OKAY STFU.” Right out of the gate, “STFU” popped off to the tune of millions of streams.

Later this year, AP Dhillon will headline Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on September 7. It stands out as one of his biggest shows to date. 

Expanding his profile in North America, AP Dhillon touched down in California to play in the 2025 Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Oakland Arena in Oakland, CA. He joined a star-studded roster on Team Rice coached by Hall of Fame wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion Jerry Rice and influencer Khaby Lame.

Known for his unique blend of Punjabi music with hip-hop, R&B, pop, and trap influences, AP Dhillon rose to fame with hits like “With You,” “Excuses,” and “Brown Munde,” which became viral sensations globally.  His music often has topped international charts having amassed over 5 billion streams and reshaped the Punjabi music landscape. Beyond music, he has successfully built a brand around his artistry, touring worldwide and elevating Punjabi music to mainstream audiences.

This announcement follows the release of AP Dhillon’s buzzworthy EP The Brownprint. Listen HERE.

The Brownprint has only magnified AP Dhillon’s imprint on the culture. It has already tallied tens of millions of streams. Beyond plugs from Music Business Worldwide, Rolling Stone India, and more, Billboard hailed him as a “Punjabi superstar.”

Metallica’s “All Within My Hands” Donates $100K for Texas Flood Relief, Supporting Direct Relief and World Central Kitchen

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Metallica’s All Within My Hands has granted $100,000 to flood relief efforts in Texas. The nonprofit will provide emergency relief to Direct Relief and World Central Kitchen, which were included in Forbes’ 2024 Top 100 Charities list.

On July 4th, catastrophic flash flooding ravaged the Texas Hill Country after intense rainfall, leaving residents stranded and communities devastated. The Guadalupe River surged to an astonishing 29 feet in some areas between 4-6 am, marking its second-highest level on record. In the aftermath, local officials have confirmed 121 deaths, and at least 150 people remain missing in Kerr County alone. These numbers are expected to rise as rescue teams continue their exhaustive searches along 60 miles of the river.

Direct Relief immediately committed $50,000 and its $90 million inventory of medical supplies to aid in rapid emergency response. These supplies include essential prescription medications, field medic packs, personal care items, and chronic disease treatments like insulin and inhalers, ensuring healthcare providers and first responders have the resources they need. AWMH is matching Direct Relief’s commitment with an additional $50,000 for emergency operating funds.

Meanwhile, AWMH also proudly supports World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) vital work in Texas, granting $50,000 for their relief efforts. WCK swiftly mobilized to deliver thousands of fresh meals to families, first responders, and evacuees impacted by the devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country. By collaborating with local partners, WCK ensures nutrient-rich meals and hydration reach those most in need, quickly and efficiently.

While on their M72 Tour, Metallica and AWMH have chosen local nonprofit organizations to receive grants to support the community the trek visits in the areas of food insecurity and critical local services.