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Queens of the Stone Age Announce ‘The Catacombs Tour’ With Reimagined Sets And Historic Theaters

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Prepare to discover heretofore unknown dimensions of Queens of the Stone Age this fall on The Catacombs Tour — a limited series of very special one-night-only evenings at a curated selection of North America’s most historic theaters.  

The conception of The Catacombs Tour was inspired in large part by the band members’ collective experience during the creation of their Alive in the Catacombs cinematic and musical opus. Comprised of all-new arrangements crafted specifically for the occasion, The Catacombs Tour will see QOTSA draw upon the spirit of those sublime subterranean renditions and infuse it into reimagined versions that promise to twist the volume knob in both directions. Enhanced by assembled ensembles, the end result will be a precious few unique and intimate performances unlike any previous QOTSA tour.  

Tickets for Queens of the Stone Age The Catacombs Tour will be on sale at qotsa.com beginning June 27th at 10am local time. Appropriate dress is encouraged — you’ll want to look as good as the music is going to sound on this very special evening at the theater. 

The Catacombs Tour, UK and Europe dates will be announced shortly. See below for a full list of North American shows.

10/02/25 – Chicago,IL – Chicago Theatre
10/03/25 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
10/05/25 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
10/07/25 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
10/08/25 – Boston, MA – Wang Theatre – Boch Center
10/10/25 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
11/08/25 – Santa Barbara, CA – Arlington Theatre
11/10/25 – San Francisco, CA – Davies Symphony Hall
11/11/25 – Los Angeles, CA – Dolby Theater
11/19/25 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall
11/21/25 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre

7 Ways You Can Enhance Your Brownie Recipes This Season

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Brownies are a timeless treat, but why settle for the ordinary when you can take them to the next level? This season is the perfect time to experiment with bold flavors, creative mix-ins, and unexpected twists that turn a classic batch into something unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to add a little crunch, a touch of spice, or a whole new texture, there are endless ways to upgrade your brownie game. Ready to give your go-to recipe a flavorful makeover? Here are seven ways to enhance your brownies and make them the highlight of any dessert spread.

Here’s How You Can Enhance Your Brownie Recipes This Season

Add a swirl of caramel or peanut butter

Adding a swirl of caramel or peanut butter to your brownie batter creates a rich, indulgent twist that elevates every bite. The creamy texture blends seamlessly into the fudgy base, adding layers of sweetness or a hint of nutty depth.

Whether you drizzle it on top before baking or swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect, this simple addition makes your brownies extra decadent. Caramel brings a buttery, slightly smoky sweetness, while peanut butter adds a smooth, savory contrast. Either way, this upgrade takes your brownies from classic to irresistible with minimal effort.

Mix in crushed cookies or pretzels for extra crunch

Mixing in crushed cookies or pretzels adds a satisfying crunch to your brownies, creating a perfect contrast to their soft, fudgy texture. Cookies bring in extra sweetness and unique flavors, whether it’s chocolatey sandwich cookies, buttery shortbread, or spiced gingersnaps.

On the other hand, pretzels offer a salty twist that enhances the deep richness of the chocolate. Simply fold them into the batter before baking or sprinkle them on top for a crispy finish. This easy upgrade adds texture and variety, making each bite more exciting and packed with flavor.

Use browned butter for a richer flavor

Using browned butter in your brownie recipe adds a deep, nutty richness that takes the flavor to the next level. As the butter melts and caramelizes, it develops a toasted aroma with hints of toffee and butterscotch, enhancing the overall depth of the chocolate.

Swapping regular melted butter for browned butter is a simple step that makes a noticeable difference, adding complexity without overpowering the classic fudgy texture. This small but impactful upgrade creates a more indulgent brownie, making it perfect for the season’s cozy gatherings and sweet cravings.

Stir in seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg

Stirring in seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and depth to your brownies, giving them a festive twist. These spices complement the richness of chocolate, creating a cozy, aromatic flavor that feels perfect for the season.

A dash of cinnamon brings a subtle sweetness, while nutmeg adds a hint of earthiness that enhances every bite. You can also experiment with other seasonal spices like ginger or cloves for an extra layer of complexity. This simple addition transforms classic brownies into a treat that’s even more comforting and flavorful.

Fold in fruit like raspberries or dried cherries

Folding in fruit like raspberries or dried cherries adds natural sweetness and texture to your brownies. Fresh raspberries provide a juicy contrast to the rich chocolate, while dried cherries bring a chewy, slightly tart element that enhances the depth of flavor.

Combining fruit and chocolate creates a balanced bite that feels indulgent and refreshing. Whether you mix them into the batter or press them on top before baking, this simple upgrade gives your brownies a unique twist perfect for the season.

Sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet and salty balance

Sprinkling sea salt on top of your brownies is a simple yet powerful way to enhance their flavor by creating the perfect sweet and salty balance. The salt amplifies the richness of the chocolate while adding a subtle contrast that keeps each bite from feeling overly sweet.

A light sprinkle just before baking allows it to melt slightly into the surface while adding it after baking gives a delicate crunch. Whether using flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch or fine salt for a more even distribution, this small addition brings out deeper flavors and makes your brownies even more irresistible.

Top with a layer of ganache or melted chocolate

Topping your brownies with a layer of ganache or melted chocolate adds decadence, making each bite smooth, rich, and indulgent. A silky ganache creates a glossy finish that enhances the texture and flavor, while melted chocolate can be drizzled or spread for a more rustic touch.

Try incorporating a Mushroom Chocolate Bar into the topping for an even more creative twist, blending its unique flavors with the deep, fudgy base. Whether for a thick, creamy layer or a delicate drizzle, this simple upgrade makes your brownies irresistibly luxurious.

Why Should You Enhance Your Brownie Recipes This Season?

Enhancing your brownie recipes this season is a great way to bring variety and excitement to a classic treat. With simple upgrades like swirls of caramel, crunchy mix-ins, or a sprinkle of sea salt, you can create unique flavors and textures that elevate every bite.

Seasonal twists like warm spices or fresh fruit add a festive touch that is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights. Whether you’re experimenting for fun or looking to impress guests, these creative additions make brownies even more indulgent and memorable.

Factors To Check Before Enhancing Your Brownie Recipes This Season

Before enhancing your brownie recipes this season, consider key factors to ensure the best results.

Start by checking the base recipe—whether you prefer fudgy, cakey, or chewy brownies, certain additions may work better with specific textures.

The quality of ingredients also plays a big role, so using high-quality chocolate, butter, and mix-ins will make a noticeable difference.

Balance is essential, as too many add-ins can overwhelm the flavor or affect the consistency.

Lastly, consider baking time adjustments, as extra ingredients like fruit, caramel, or ganache may require slight modifications to achieve the perfect texture.

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

10 Wonderfully Wild Covers of The Beatles’ “Yesterday”

“Yesterday” by The Beatles is a musical blank canvas, open to interpretation, reinvention, and—sometimes—utter reinvention in genres the Fab Four never saw coming. With over 2,000 known versions out there, here are 10 of the most genre-bending, mood-swinging, mind-tilting covers of “Yesterday” you never knew you needed… until now.

1. Marvin Gaye (1970)
Motown’s smoothest operator took “Yesterday” and wrapped it in satin. His version, from That’s the Way Love Is, lives in a warm, soulful haze—like heartbreak at sunset, with a bassline for a hug.

2. Molly Hatchet (2012)
Southern rock titans Molly Hatchet brought muscle and denim to “Yesterday” on Regrinding the Axes. Imagine a bar fight breaking out in the middle of a memory—that’s how hard this one hits.

3. En Vogue (1992)
If ’60s harmonies got a ’90s R&B glow-up, this is it. En Vogue’s a cappella spin on “Yesterday” doesn’t just cover it—it serenades it with perfect pitch and powerhouse soul.

4. La Lupe (1967)
Known as the Queen of Latin Soul, La Lupe’s fiery version on El Rey y Yo turns “Yesterday” into a dramatic, Havana-flavored rollercoaster. Sad? Maybe. Subtle? Absolutely not.

5. Boyz II Men (1994)
No instruments. No frills. Just four voices, blending like butter. Boyz II Men closed their blockbuster album with an a cappella version that somehow made “Yesterday” feel even more eternal.

6. Count Basie & His Orchestra (1966)
Big band meets Beatle ballad. The Count swung “Yesterday” like it was born for the dance floor, with Bill Henderson on vocals and the horns adding a Gatsby touch to Lennon & McCartney’s melancholy.

7. Dr. John (1975)
Recorded in a studio disguised as a nightclub, Dr. John’s version smokes with New Orleans swagger. It’s voodoo blues for a Sunday hangover, dressed in feathers and funk.

8. Sarah Vaughan (1966)
One of jazz’s greatest voices opened her Pop Artistry album with “Yesterday,” turning it into a smoky lounge confession that sounds like she wrote it herself in another lifetime.

9. Ras Attitude (2013)
Reggae meets Liverpool. Ras Attitude’s take on a tribute compilation gives “Yesterday” an island heartbeat, proving heartbreak feels a little better with a skank rhythm underneath it.

10. Cathy Berberian (1967)
Opera diva meets Beatlemania. Berberian turned “Yesterday” into an avant-garde aria, complete with vibrato and theatrical drama. It’s not background music—it’s a front-row ticket to surrealism.

“Yesterday” belongs to everyone and no one. It’s heartbreak in drag, soul in steel-toes, jazz in a leather jacket. From show choirs to sad clowns to opera icons, this one little song has seen the world—and it still keeps singing.

10 Tips for Using Spotify Canvas and Clips to Boost Plays

Spotify isn’t just for streaming anymore. It’s a stage. A canvas. A digital confetti cannon. With Spotify Canvas and Clips, artists can turn passive plays into active fans. These tools are bite-sized but mighty—and when used right, they can turn a great song into a great moment. Here are 10 playful but practical tips to help you get the most out of them.

1. Think of Canvas Like a Music Video’s Cool Cousin
Canvas is your chance to loop something eye-catching. You don’t need a budget-breaking video—just something fun, vibey, or strange enough to stop the scroll. A wiggling octopus? A dancing dog? You do you.

2. Keep It Moving—Literally
Static images don’t work here. Spotify wants motion. Loop a short, punchy visual that matches the energy of the track. Think six-second movie trailer, not sleepy slideshow.

3. Loop Smart, Not Loud
The best Canvas visuals are seamless. A good loop doesn’t scream “LOOK AT ME,” it whispers “play it again.” Use gentle movements or clever cuts to make the end meet the beginning like a musical ouroboros.

4. Match the Mood, Not the BPM
A heartbreaking ballad deserves slow swirls or melancholy silhouettes. A dance banger? Flashy animations or a glitter explosion. Let the vibe of your song guide your aesthetic.

5. Drop Easter Eggs for the Loyal Ones
Hide little surprises in your Canvas. A lyric reference, a subtle nod to your album art, or a preview of a future video. Your fans will notice—and they’ll love you for it.

6. Use Clips to Speak, Don’t Just Sell
Spotify Clips aren’t ads. They’re invitations. Use them to talk to fans like humans—tell a story, share what the song means, or just say “thanks.” It’s your chance to be more than a voice in their headphones.

7. Share Your Canvas on Socials
Got a great loop? Don’t let it live and die on Spotify. Share it on Instagram, TikTok, or anywhere music lives. That 8-second clip could turn into 8,000 new listeners.

8. Celebrate the Weird
Spotify doesn’t require your visuals to be polished. In fact, weird often wins. Claymation, finger puppets, cardboard cutouts—fans remember what makes them smile or say “what did I just watch?”

9. Update Regularly, Like a Living Mural
Switch up your Canvas over time. Keep the song fresh by giving it new visuals every few months. It gives fans a reason to revisit and re-love a track they’ve already heard.

10. Track What Works (So You Can Do It Again)
Watch your stream data. Which Canvas boosted saves? Which Clip made fans click “follow”? Spotify for Artists gives you the tools—your job is to play detective, then play to your strengths.

Canvas and Clips are more than bells and whistles—they’re your chance to turn a play into a connection. So animate your hooks, loop your stories, and show the world your sound looks as good as it feels.

Top Pokies and Table Games at Jackpot Jill Casino

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By Mitch Rice

Regardless of playing on PC or mobile devices, all players from Australia try to find a portal with an excellent selection of games and a chance to get maximum profit. Given the spread of scammers, our experts advise choosing Jackpot Jill casino games, as this site has long proven its reputation as a safe and reliable establishment for real money play. Today, we will talk about its collection in more detail. So, to analyze the brand’s functionality, visit the website jackpotjill-casino-aus.com where our experts have gathered all the information about the platform’s operation.

Best Jackpot Jill Pokies Online

The main place belongs to online pokies in the assortment of Jackpot Jill casino games. Three-reel and five-reel machines are available for you, and unique seven-reel games will simply shock you. Each pokie has its style, impressive visual design, intriguing bonus features, and symbols. Reel games will delight you with modern design or, conversely, retro style.

Fans of Jackpot Jill pokies will find models with fantasy themes or adventure machines. Slots about animals, holidays, food, bars, or sports events are presented for you. Such games will delight you with their ease of control and the absence of complex rules that you need to learn to play table games.

Software providers equip pokies with a special paytable to simplify familiarity with the functionality. This paytable provides a full description of unique symbols, bonuses, mini-games, and combination coefficients.

Our experts have prepared a list of the best pokies at Jackpot Jill:

Slot Machine (Pokie)ProviderFeatures
Coin StrikePragmatic PlayDaring mechanics with cascades and multipliers, specially designed for mobile and instant sessions
Queen and the DragonsBetsoftElegant graphics, a lovely bonus round, and an interface adapted for mobile devices
Buffalo PowerBooongoHigh-frequency payouts, a “wild” symbol, and convenience for playing on a smartphone
Empire FortuneYggdrasilProgressive jackpot, vibrant interface, and a well-optimized mobile version
Gold ExpressQuickspinFast retro game with simple mechanics and convenient on-the-go play

Table Games and Live Casino

Fans of intelligent entertainment do not often play Jackpot Jill pokies. They prefer detailed opponent analysis, preparing betting strategies, card counting, and strict adherence to tactics. Understanding this, the online casino operator has added a decent collection of table games to the site, where you can easily find classic roulette, blackjack, poker, or baccarat. But to increase interest in gambling, the variety of table simulators is filled with improved games. For example, you will find roulette with several balls or wheels, blackjack with a large number of hands, or a wide selection of poker types.

We advise trying out entertainment in the live casino section to get the maximum emotions and simply merge with Jackpot Jill casino games. The human factor distinguishes them, as the gameplay is broadcast via webcam, and live dealers with professional training oppose you. They can announce the rules, call you by name, deal cards, accept bets, and start spinning the roulette wheel.

This section contains a decent collection of games:

  • Live Blackjack
  • Live Roulette
  • Live Baccarat
  • Live Poker
  • Game Shows

Online Pokies with Jackpot and Maximum Winnings

If ordinary Jackpot Jill pokies have become boring, this online casino always has something to surprise you with. In addition to classic reel games, the assortment includes slots with a cumulative system. It is based on deducting funds from each player’s bet, which allows the prize pool to reach truly grandiose sizes. Such jackpot games have high volatility. But in terms of functionality, they differ little from ordinary pokies.

However, every spin can make you a millionaire if you hit the right combination in a regular game. In some games, to get the jackpot, you need to get into a bonus game and only there collect the coveted combination.

In addition, jackpot games also include fixed jackpots. This is the maximum amount that can be won during the game. Many pokies are characterized by such payouts for the 5 most expensive symbols. Others allow you to hit the jackpot only in a bonus game. But our research shows that such Jackpot Jill pokies are the majority.

Mobile Pokies at Jackpot Jill

The good news for fans of on-the-go gambling is the chance to launch Jackpot Jill pokies on portable devices running iOS and Android. The mobile version repeats the original site’s functionality on home PC monitors, which is also true for the design. However, the adaptive version’s interface is slightly simplified, and the menu is hidden in a sliding drawer. This saves space on the device’s small display and provides comfortable gaming.

According to our data, the mobile version automatically adapts to the screen size of your gadget. This means that the menu, slots, and other pages do not hide behind the edges of the screen. This approach simplifies acquaintance with the brand’s bonus system, VIP privileges, table and live games, or pokies at Jackpot Jill.

To log in, you will need a regular browser on your device. Enter the URL address and log in using the same username and password. Do not look for a separate Jackpot Jill app. It does not exist, and if such an app appears on the Internet, you will simply install malicious software on your smartphone. Choose the browser version that completely replicates the design and game selection of the official PC site.
Also, keep in mind the principles of responsible gambling in Australia. Only gamble if you are 21 years of age or older and take breaks. Impulsive gambling and fatigue are sure ways to lose money.

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

Afrotronix Unleashes Afro-Futurist Single “Oda Ye,” First Track from Highly Anticipated Album ‘Future Tribe’

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From the ancient sands of the Ennedi desert to the heart of Montreal’s electronic scene, Afrotronix is back—and he’s rewriting the future. The award-winning artist, producer, and visionary Caleb Rimtobaye, originally from Chad and now based in Canada, has just released “Oda Ye,” the pulsating first single from his upcoming album Future Tribe, arriving September 2025.

Produced with support from the African Parks Network, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve, “Oda Ye” is more than a song—it’s a journey. A future-facing electro tribal anthem steeped in ancestral wisdom, the track blends Afro house and Saharan electro with bold cinematic storytelling. In Caleb’s own words: “Far in the futuristic desert of northern Chad, a man searches for his ancestral roots… When he places the dom upon his head, a powerful awakening ignites within him—ancient knowledge and ancestral energy surge through his being in deep, vibrant vibrations.”

Afrotronix wears the DOM helmet not just as a fashion symbol, but as a living emblem of reimagined ancestral connection. That philosophy drives his musical mission: to unite past, present, and future through sound, dance, and digital art. With “Oda Ye,” that connection is real, urgent, and electrifying.

Known for his genre-defying soundscapes that fuse Afro Tech, electric blues, Amapiano, Dubstep, and Nganja, Afrotronix is an icon of Afrofuturism who continues to break barriers. He’s performed at over 130 major festivals worldwide, including WOMAD, Afropunk Paris, and JOVA Beach Party, and has collaborated with luminaries like Baaba Maal, Youssou N’dour, Mbongwana Stars, and Brian Kennedy (Rihanna, Chris Brown).

Afrotronix’s artistry has earned him 18 global accolades, including Best African DJ at the All Africa Music Awards (2018), Best African Electro Artist (2019), and Best Artist at the Hollywood & African Prestigious Awards (2022). But his real triumph is cultural: Afrotronix is one of Chad’s most internationally recognized musical exports, reshaping how the world hears Africa.

“Oda Ye” is the first sonic fragment of Future Tribe, a bold new album that imagines an inclusive world rooted in shared memory, healing, and groove. Afrotronix calls it “a dance of intersecting horizons and futures to be created together.” It’s music that dares to dream—and dance—beyond borders.

Liona Boyd and Mark Masri Breathe New Life Into Everly Brothers Classic With Radiant Rendition of “Bye Bye Love”

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Legendary classical guitarist and Canadian music icon Liona Boyd has teamed up with acclaimed tenor Mark Masri for a heartfelt new rendition of the timeless Everly Brothers hit, “Bye Bye Love.” Available now, the song blends nostalgic warmth with a vibrant new arrangement that showcases the distinct artistry of both performers.

Liona Boyd, known around the world as “The First Lady of the Guitar,” delivers her signature shimmering guitar work alongside elegant vocals. Mark Masri—celebrated for his soaring voice as a soloist and member of The Tenors—brings emotional depth and contemporary flair, breathing new life into this beloved 1950s anthem.

“I’ve always loved this song,” Boyd shares. “It was one of my favourites to sing in concert when I first began incorporating vocals into my performances. Revisiting it now with Mark has been such a joy.”

To accompany the single, a lyric video has been released that pays tribute to the song’s timeless quality while reflecting the grace and chemistry of this musical partnership. With lush harmonies and evocative instrumentation, “Bye Bye Love” is a reminder of the beauty that arises when two seasoned artists unite across generations and genres.

For Boyd, the release of “Bye Bye Love” arrives during a milestone year— 2025 marked 50 years since her debut album The Guitar. With over three million albums sold and more than 50 million streams, her influence on Canadian and global music cannot be overstated. Her most recent album, Once Upon A Time, continues to draw praise as a cinematic, genre-spanning work inspired in part by her friendship with the late Maestro Vangelis.

Liona Boyd’s legacy includes five Juno Awards, the Order of Canada (Officer), the Order of Ontario along with being inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in June 2025. Her reach extends beyond music: she’s a bestselling author, philanthropist, and trailblazer who helped bring classical guitar into the mainstream.

Boyd’s storied career includes performances for global dignitaries such as the British Royal Family, multiple U.S. Presidents, the King and Queen of Spain, and leaders from around the world. She has graced the stage of Carnegie Hall, toured alongside Gordon Lightfoot, Tracy Chapman, and Chet Atkins, and recorded with Eric Clapton, Yo-Yo Ma, and Olivia Newton-John.

Mark Masri, whose vocals elevate “Bye Bye Love” with romantic precision, is himself a powerhouse talent with a global following. Known for his emotive range and multilingual performances, he brings a refined yet passionate interpretation to this classic, forging a natural harmony with Boyd’s lyrical style.

This new single is part of Boyd’s ongoing evolution since she began singing and songwriting in 2009, following a successful classical career that started in the 1970s. Overcoming challenges including Musician’s Focal Dystonia, Liona reinvented herself and continues to push artistic boundaries, releasing albums like No Remedy for Love, Seven Journeys, and L.O.V.E.

In recent years, Boyd has become a champion for the next generation of musicians. In 2024, she personally sponsored the purchase of 30 classical guitars through Long & McQuade, gifting them to students across Canada. Her commitment to nurturing music education remains as strong as ever.

“Bye Bye Love” is a bridge across eras, brought to life by two of Canada’s most emotive and expressive performers. It’s a celebration of musical legacy, enduring melody, and the timeless power of collaboration.

Available now on all streaming platforms, this duet invites listeners to rediscover a classic—now reimagined with heart, harmony, and history.

Aug 1-2: RUSHfest Canada 2025 Celebrates 10 Years Since Band’s Final Concert With Fan Festival at Massey Hall & TD Music Hall

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This summer, RUSHfest Canada lands in Toronto for a once-in-a-generation celebration of one of Canada’s most iconic rock bands: Rush. Taking place Friday, August 1 at Massey Hall and Saturday, August 2 at TD Music Hall, this two-day event marks 10 years to the day since Rush played their final concert in Los Angeles on August 1, 2015—and brings together fans, friends, collaborators, and tribute artists in honour of drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.

Curated by RUSHfest Scotland founder Steve Brown and Canadian superfan and music journalist Paul Beaulieu, RUSHfest Canada is more than a fan convention—it’s a legacy event with heart, history, and an extraordinary mission: all profits will be donated to Brain Cancer Research at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto in honour of Neil Peart.

“We asked ourselves what the most excellent thing we could do would be,” says Brown. “And it was simple: bring Rush fans together, celebrate their music in the venue where it all started for them, and raise money in Neil’s memory.”

Massey Hall, the legendary venue where Rush recorded their first live album All The World’s A Stage in 1975, will host the Friday night showcase. Special guests include Terry Brown (Rush’s producer for their first 10 albums) and Hugh Syme (Rush’s art director since 1975). Syme also designed the artwork for Songs for Neil Vol. 6, which will be released on Neil’s birthday, September 12, with proceeds going to charity.

Friday’s lineup includes:

  • Jonathan Dinklage – toured with Rush as part of the Clockwork Angels string ensemble
  • Jacob Moon – known for his viral cover of “Subdivisions,” which led to private Rush performances
  • Nina DiGregorio & Brody Dolynuik – from Femmes of Rock, endorsed by Alex Lifeson himself
  • Chris Herin – guitarist of progressive rock band Tiles
  • David Barrett – Toronto-based instrumental virtuoso
  • Adi Berk – known for his haunting “Red Sector A” arrangement with Moon
  • Moving Pictures (UK) – official house band, featured at RUSHfest Brazil and Lakeside Park
  • Kevin J. Anderson – acclaimed sci-fi author and Neil Peart’s writing partner

Saturday’s show at TD Music Hall continues the momentum with:

  • 2112 (Burlington) – tribute band faithful to the Rush spirit – performing the full All The World’s A Stage
  • Permanent Waves (Toronto) – crowd-favourite live performers
  • The RUSHfest Canada Allstars Band – international lineup of handpicked musicians
  • Return performances by Jacob Moon, David Barrett, and DiGregorio & Dolynuik

“We’re excited to bring the global Rush family together,” adds Beaulieu, who has attended 114 Rush concerts since 1976. “This is more than nostalgia—it’s about keeping the spirit alive, supporting a vital cause, and creating new memories in places that mean something to Rush fans.”

Special guests of honour include members of the Peart and Živojinoviç families, as well as key figures in Rush’s legacy such as Bob King and Mike Dixon. Though not officially affiliated with the band, RUSHfest Canada has the blessing of many who helped shape Rush’s story.

Limited tickets remain and can be purchased here:
Friday, August 1 at Massey Hallmasseyhall.mhrth.com/tickets/rushfest
Saturday, August 2 at TD Music Halltdmusichall.mhrth.com/tickets/rushfest

VIP packages are available via www.RUSHfestCanada.ca.

To learn more visit – 

RUSHfestCanada.ca

Facebook.com/groups/RUSHfestCanada

Francis Baptiste Trades Heartache For A Hangover On Raw, Soulful New Single “Aspirin for the Soul” + Announces Tour Dates

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There ain’t no Aspirin for your soul. But Francis Baptiste has a song that comes close. The Vancouver-based Indigenous singer-songwriter returns with “Aspirin for the Soul,” a searing folk-rock confession about pain, healing, and the bruised beauty of survival.

Born and raised on the Osoyoos Indian Band Reservation in Oliver, BC, Baptiste has spent the last 20 years in East Vancouver, where his lived experience—addiction, fatherhood, poverty, and healing—have become the raw material for his music. “Aspirin for the Soul” marks a new chapter in his songwriting: blunt, bluesy, and bruised with hope. “I’d trade suffering any day / trade a heartache for a hangover,” he sings. “There ain’t no aspirin for your soul. Oh no, ain’t no fixing what’s been broke”.

The single is a preview of his forthcoming album Lived Experience in East Vancouver, out this October. “This song is about not knowing how to deal with trauma, outside of substances,” Baptiste explains. “I can numb my pain with drugs and booze, and deal with the hangover when it comes. But there’s no aspirin for my soul”.

In classic Francis fashion, the song was recorded with a powerhouse group of musicians from across the Vancouver scene. Baptiste handles vocals and guitar, joined by Ricardo Pequenino (piano, vocals), Rob Thomson (bass), Max Ley (drums), Emmett Jerome (lead guitar), Tegan Wallgrin (violin), Feven Kidane (trumpet), Darryl Havers (organ), and even a flute cameo by Mike Allen of Five Alarm Funk.

This single arrives with a stunning video filmed at the DUDES Club, the men’s health organization where Francis now works in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. “The video is centered on recovery and talking circles,” he shares. “I’ve spent years sitting in those circles, talking about trauma and healing. It felt right to film it where I live that reality every day”.

Baptiste first turned heads with his 2022 debut Sneqsilx (Family), sung partially in Nsyilxcən, the endangered language of the Syilx people. His follow-up, Senklip, the Trickster, continued to explore intergenerational trauma, oral traditions, and his role as an Indigenous father. The Georgia Straight called his music “bluesy, bruised, and blossoming.” CBC praised his honesty, calling him “unsparingly candid”.

Now Baptiste is taking that honesty on the road. He kicks off a packed BC summer tour starting May 24 at Portside Pub in Vancouver, with dates in Penticton, North Vancouver, Revelstoke, Okanagan Falls, and more. He’ll make stops in Ottawa and Toronto this July before returning to Vancouver for the Vine Arts Festival on August 15. His full tour dates are below.

TOUR DATES
June 21 – Indigenous Day Celebration, Revelstoke, BC
June 22 – Rise and Shine, Okanagan Falls, BC
July 1 – Canada Day Celebration, Penticton, BC
July 5 – Khatsahlano Festival, Vancouver, BC
July 24 – Avant-Garde Bar, Ottawa, BC
July 27 – The Bell and the Beacon, Toronto, BC
August 15 – Vine Arts Festival, Vancouver, BC
August 30 – Penticton Farmers Market, Penticton, BC
August 31 – Drug Overdose Prevention Day, Penticton, BC

Aspirin for the Soul is a survival story, wrapped in the sounds of folk, rock, jazz, and Indigenous tradition. It’s the kind of track that hits you in the chest, then offers you a hand. Because if there’s no aspirin for the soul, maybe there’s music. And maybe that’s enough.

Steve Marriner Releases ‘Hear My Heart’ Album + Announces Canadian Tour Dates

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Acclaimed Canadian blues artist Steve Marriner is back with the new single “Straight Line,” the third release from his solo album Hear My Heart, out now via Cordova Bay Records. Following the swaggering success of his first single — a blues-soaked reinvention of Genesis’s “I Can’t Dance” and “I Don’t Know What To Say.”

With over twenty years of relentless touring and recording, Steve Marriner has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most versatile and hard-working musicians. Nicknamed “The Swiss Army Knife for his multi-instrumental talents, Marriner is a celebrated harmonica player, baritone guitarist, soulful vocalist, and creative producer.

As a co-founder and frontman of the acclaimed blues-rock band MonkeyJunk, Marriner has won two JUNO Awards for Blues Album of the Year and became part of Canadian blues history when MonkeyJunk became the first Canadian band to win a Blues Music Award in Memphis. His 2021 solo album Hope Dies Last earned a 2022 JUNO nomination, cementing his place as a powerhouse solo artist.

Beyond MonkeyJunk, Marriner has collaborated with legends including Buddy Guy, Colin James, and Blue Rodeo, as well as produced two albums — Yeah! by David Gogo and This Old Life by Big Dave McLean — both nominated for Blues Album of the Year at the 2025 JUNO Awards.

With Hear My Heart, Marriner continues to evolve, bringing new emotional depth and musical grit to his work — and solidifying his status as one of the most compelling voices in modern blues.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES

SUMMER 2025

7/9 – Mont Tremblant, QC – Festival Du Blues International de Tremblant (w/ Colin James)

7/10 – Mont Tremblant, QC – Festival Du Blues International de Tremblant (SM & LE)

7/11 – Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON – Jackson Triggs Winery (w/ Colin James)

7/12 – Campbellford, ON – Westben Theatre (w/ Colin James)

7/16 – Huntsville, ON – Algonquin Theatre (support for Matt Andersen)

7/19 – Bathurst, NB – Bathurst Hospitality Days (w/ Colin James)

7/20 – Becancour, QC – Au Son Du Moulin (w/ MonkeyJunk)

7/25 – Fort Langley, BC – Cool Blues Show 

7/26 – Salmon Arm, BC – Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival

7/27 – Salmon Arm, BC – Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival (w/ Colin James)

7/31 –  Bromont, QC – TBA (w/MonkeyJunk)

8/1 – Calgary, AB – Calgary Blues Festival

8/2 – Bow Island, AB – TBA

8/8 – Kitchener, ON – Kitchener Blues Festival

8/10 – Cranbrook, BC – Rock The Kootenays (w/Colin James)

8/16 – Uxbridge, ON – Blues At The Holler 

9/1 – Saltspring Island, BC – TBA (w/ Harry Manx)