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Nate Smith Announces Extensive North American ‘Long Live Country Rock & Roll’ Tour

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Hit country music star Nate Smith is embarking on his biggest and most extensive North American run yet, the “Long Live Country Rock & Roll Tour,” produced by Live Nation. The 23-date trek kicks off on March 26 at Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom, visits major markets coast-to-coast, and features special guests Josh Ross, Brandon Wisham, and Just Jayne. Following a wildly successful year that saw him earn his fourth consecutive #1 with “Fix What You Didn’t Break” and gain major traction with his collaboration “After Midnight” featuring Tyler Hubbard, Smith is poised for his biggest headline run to date.

The tour culminates with a two-night takeover at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium on June 17-18. This headline run follows Smith’s return to the road as direct support for Jason Aldean on the 2026 leg of his FULL THROTTLE TOUR, continuing Smith’s run as one of the genre’s most exciting live performers, having previously sold out every stop on his WORLD ON FIRE TOUR. Tickets for the “Long Live Country Rock & Roll Tour” go on general sale this Friday, December 12.

2026 HEADLINE DATES FOR NATE SMITH’S LONG LIVE COUNTRY ROCK & ROLL TOUR:

  • MARCH 26: Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
  • MARCH 27: Norman, OK @ Riverwind Casino
  • MARCH 28: Ft. Worth, TX @ Billy Bob’s Texas
  • APRIL 2: Wallingford, CT @ The Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theatre
  • APRIL 3: Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore Silver Spring
  • APRIL 4: Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
  • APRIL 9: Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues Orlando
  • APRIL 10: Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre
  • APRIL 11: Charlotte, NC @ Coyote Joe’s
  • APRIL 16: Waukee, IA @ Vibrant Music Hall
  • APRIL 17: Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room @ Old National Centre
  • APRIL 18: Cincinnati, OH @ The Andrew J Brady Music Center
  • APRIL 23: Wheatland, CA @ Hard Rock Live
  • APRIL 25: Reno, NV @ Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort
  • MAY 7: Omaha, NE @ Steelhouse Omaha
  • MAY 8: Columbia, MO @ 9th Street
  • MAY 14: Mankato, MN @ Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
  • MAY 15: Grand Rapids, MI @ GLC Live at 20 Monroe
  • MAY 16: Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore Detroit
  • MAY 28: New York, NY @ The Rooftop at Pier 17
  • MAY 29: Boston, MA @ Citizens House of Blues
  • JUNE 17: Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
  • JUNE 18: Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium

Linda Ronstadt’s “The Christmas Song” Gets a Warm New Lyric Video

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Legendary vocalist Linda Ronstadt’s classic 2000 holiday collection, ‘A Merry Little Christmas’, is back in the spotlight this season with a cozy new lyric video for “The Christmas Song.” The soothing visual pairs Ronstadt’s unmistakable, warm voice with the scene of a burning fireplace, instantly providing a comforting bit of Yuletide warmth for the holidays. ‘A Merry Little Christmas’ was the final album the singer released with Elektra/Asylum Records after 27 years with the label, and it contains several beloved holiday staples, including a sassy duet with the late Rosemary Clooney on “White Christmas,” which remains one of the disc’s brightest and most enduring moments.

FISHER and Dom Dolla Lead Western Canada’s Huge FVDED In The Park Festival

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FVDED In The Park, one of Western Canada’s largest music festivals, is making its anticipated return to Surrey’s Holland Park on July 3rd and 4th, setting the standard for open-air music experiences on the West Coast. This year’s festival promises an unparalleled celebration of electronic music, anchored by massive global acts including headliners Fisher and Dom Dolla. Blueprint Founder Alvaro Prol emphasizes that the entire experience—from the enhanced layout to the immersive art installations—is designed with the fan at the center, creating a fun, high-energy, and welcoming weekend for the community.

The full 2026 lineup is stacked with top-tier talent joining the headliners, featuring artists like Disco Lines, Knock2, Griz, and Mau P. With a strong reputation for defining Canada’s electronic scene and curating exceptional festivals, FVDED In The Park is primed to give its community another unforgettable summer dance experience. Two-Day General Admission, GA+, and VIP tickets will go on sale beginning December 17th at 11 am local time.

FVDED IN THE PARK 2026 FULL LINEUP:

  • Fisher
  • Dom Dolla
  • Disco Lines
  • Griz
  • Knock2
  • Mau P
  • Bunt
  • Crankdat
  • Levity B2B Wooli
  • Marlon Hoffstadt
  • Odd Mob
  • Tape B
  • Alleycvt
  • Hedex
  • INZO
  • jigitz
  • MPH
  • Nia Archives
  • Notion
  • OMNOM
  • Oppidan
  • TroyBoi
  • TSHA
  • VTSS
  • Whipped Cream
  • X CLUB.
  • Bambii
  • borne
  • bullet tooth
  • Champion
  • DENNETT
  • Effin
  • Kaleena Zanders
  • Linska
  • MCR-T
  • MGNA Crrrta
  • RaeCola
  • Roddy Lima
  • Starjunk 95
  • Uniiqqu3
  • Young Franco
  • Zorza
  • Adame Twins
  • AlyssaJB
  • BB Rose
  • Buccaltheft
  • Chatterbox
  • fagofcolour
  • Gissala
  • Jadè
  • jaemo
  • Kempeh
  • MADS
  • NAI
  • Orchiid
  • SHMING
  • Stargirl

COLLECTIVE SOUL Announces Las Vegas Residency and Extensive 2026 Tour

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COLLECTIVE SOUL, who have sold over 15 million albums worldwide (six of which have gone Gold or Platinum) and boast seven #1 singles, including “Shine,” “December,” and “The World I Know,” have spent much of their past 30-plus years on the road and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

In addition to the headlining shows they’ve already announced to kick off 2026–with a new residency in Las Vegas, NV on the books for February 4–6 at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas (with special appearance by Edwin McCain), as well as Creed’s “Summer of ’99 and Beyond Cruise” in April—with even more shows to be announced next year.

On the band’s official website, the presale begins Wednesday, December 10 at 10:00am local time, while general tickets are available on Friday, December 12 at 10:00am local time.

Earlier this summer, the band released their definitive feature-length documentary, Give Me A Word: The Collective Soul Story, via Trinity Content Partners.  The trailer can be seen on the band’s official YouTube page. Directed by Joseph Rubinstein and produced by Greg Richling and Jonathan Sheldon of Pfonetic, the film is available to purchase on DVD and Blu-ray as well as on the band’s official website, while fans can watch on demand (VOD) via Amazon (North America), Apple Music (Worldwide), Google (U.K. and North America), Vudu (North America), Hoopla (North America), and Olyn (North America), among others.

Give Me A Word: The Collective Soul Story tells the band’s untold history: the family component to the band, the creativity, and the wisdom that has been hard won over their illustrious career. It was filmed at Elvis Presley’ Palm Springs, CA estate in early 2023 during the recording of the band’s latest album, HERE TO ETERNITY. COLLECTIVE SOUL is the only other music artist besides Elvis to ever record at the historical landmark. Not only does the film contain footage of the recording process, it also features archival footage throughout the band’s career dating back to the band’s early days.

COLLECTIVE SOUL’s latest album, HERE TO ETERNITY was released May 17, 2024 on their label, Fuzze-Flex Records, distributed physically by AMPED Distribution and digitally by Virgin Music Group. It was produced by E. Roland and co-produced by Shawn Grove, and includes 20 brand new songs which is available everywhere on digital stores and streaming partners (including a Dolby ATMOS version), as a single disc CD, and as a limited-edition double-disc colored vinyl, also available on the band’s official website. It garnered impressive debuts on various Billboard and Luminate charts thanks to devoted fans whose support continues to help the band celebrate their 30th anniversary. Consequence.net described the first single, “Mother’s Love,” as, “Centered around a thick blues guitar lick, the song also sports the band’s signature pop hooks and big harmonies — an apt choice for a first single, as it provides a complete cross-section of COLLECTIVE SOUL’s long-established style.”

Check out COLLECTIVE SOUL at any of the following stops, with more shows to be announced soon:

DATE               CITY                             VENUE

Thu 1/29           Anaheim, CA                 Grove of Anaheim

Fri 1/30             Rancho Mirage, CA       Agua Caliente Resort Casino

Sat 1/31            Rohnert Park, CA          Graton Resort Casino

Wed 2/4            Las Vegas, NV              The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Fri 2/6               Las Vegas, NV              The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Sat 2/7              Las Vegas, NV              The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Fri 3/27             Windsor, ONT.               Caesars Windsor – The Colosseum

Sun 3/29           Niagara Falls, ONT.       Fallsview Casino Resort – OLG Stage

Tue 3/31           Wilkes-Barre, PA           F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts

Thu 4/2             Red Bank, NJ                Count Basie Center for the Arts

Fri 4/3               Hershey, PA                 Hershey Theatre

Sat 4/4              Waterloo, NY                Del Lago Resort & Casino

Tue 4/7             Morristown, NJ              Mayo Performing Arts Center

Thu 4/9             Bristol, VA                    Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol

Fri 4/10             Charles Town, WV        The Event Center at Hollywood Casino

Sat 4/11            Danville, VA                  Caesars Virginia

4/17-4/21           Great Stirrup Cay, BAH  Creed Summer of ’99 and Beyond Cruise

Fri 4/24             Orlando, FL                   Hard Rock Live Orlando

Sat 4/25            Savannah, GA               Johnny Mercer Theatre

Tue 4/28           Greenville, SC               Peace Center Concert Hall

Wed 4/29          Dothan, AL                    Dothan Civic Center

Fri 5/1               Baton Rouge, LA           L’Auberge Baton Rouge Casino Resort

Sat 5/2              Bossier City, LA            Margaritaville Resort and Casino

Sat 7/25            Menahga, MN               Mid Summer Music Fest

BILLIE EILISH and James Cameron Team Up to Reinvent the Concert Movie – Watch The Trailer Now

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Pop culture visionary Billie Eilish and cinematic legend James Cameron have teamed up to deliver an innovative new concert experience, ‘BILLIE EILISH – HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR (LIVE IN 3D)’. Captured during her sold-out world tour, the film brings the massive live show to the big screen, presented in immersive RealD 3D and Premium Large Formats. The film is co-directed by the two Academy Award winners, Eilish and Cameron, promising a spectacle that merges her celebrated musical performance with groundbreaking cinematic technology.

With the release date set for March 20, 2026, the collaboration is poised to reinvent the concert movie genre, which has seen immense success recently. The film’s new trailer is debuting at participating theaters starting December 18, giving fans an initial look at the innovative 3D technology used to document the tour. This unprecedented partnership, presented by Paramount Pictures, ensures that this will be one of the most talked-about film events of the year, bringing the emotional and electric energy of the ‘HIT ME HARD AND SOFT’ tour directly to theaters globally.

Best Enterprise Background Screening Solutions to Know in 2025

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By Mitch Rice

A Comparative Review of Leading Providers for Compliance, Scale, and Accuracy

Large organizations face increasingly complex background screening demands. High-volume hiring, multi-jurisdictional compliance, global workforces, and heightened regulatory scrutiny mean that background checks must be accurate, consistent, and defensible.

In this 2025 comparison, we evaluate the leading enterprise background screening services, focusing on compliance governance, scalability, technology, reporting, and global capabilities. These providers stand out for organizations managing nationwide or international hiring programs and regulated roles.

1. ScoutLogic

Best Suited For: Enterprises prioritizing compliance governance, scalable programs, and hands-on partnership

ScoutLogic distinguishes itself in the enterprise screening market through a compliance-first operating model paired with scalable screening infrastructure. Built for complex organizational environments, the platform supports large hiring volumes while maintaining consistency across roles, locations, and departments.

Rather than relying entirely on automation, ScoutLogic integrates technology with expert oversight. This approach helps enterprise clients manage regulatory change, reduce screening risk, and maintain predictable turnaround times without sacrificing accuracy.

Key Capabilities:

  • Enterprise-level criminal background checks and verifications

  • Centralized dashboards for organization-wide visibility

  • Compliance monitoring with audit-ready reporting

  • Role-based screening programs aligned to risk profiles

  • Dedicated implementation and account management support

Advantages:

  • Strong focus on federal, state, and local compliance standards

  • Well-suited for high-volume and multi-entity hiring

  • Clear, consistent reporting across enterprise programs

Considerations:

  • Less emphasis on fully self-serve automation than tech-only platforms

  • Initial setup may require more planning for complex programs

2. Accurate Background

Designed For: Enterprises seeking configurable workflows and adaptable screening programs

Accurate Background offers flexible enterprise screening solutions that can be customized by role, department, or business unit. Its platform supports configurable packages and permission-based reporting, making it a fit for organizations with diverse hiring needs.

Key Capabilities:

  • Customizable background check packages

  • Compliance tools with detailed audit trails

  • Integrations with leading ATS and HR platforms

  • Reporting dashboards with role-based access

Advantages:

  • High degree of configurability

  • Strong integration ecosystem

  • Transparent reporting structure

Considerations:

  • Customization can add administrative overhead

  • Pricing may vary depending on program complexity

3. First Advantage

Ideal For: Large, multinational enterprises requiring broad global coverage

First Advantage is one of the most established providers in the enterprise screening space, offering extensive domestic and international services. Its global reach makes it a common choice for organizations hiring across multiple regions.

Key Capabilities:

  • International criminal background checks

  • Employment, education, and credential verifications

  • Drug testing and occupational health services

  • Enterprise analytics and reporting tools

Advantages:

  • Broad international screening footprint

  • Comprehensive service offerings

  • Longstanding experience with global enterprises

Considerations:

  • Platform complexity may lengthen onboarding

  • Support experience can differ by geography

4. HireRight

Well Matched For: Enterprises with ongoing international and cross-border hiring needs

HireRight is widely used by organizations operating in multiple countries. Its emphasis on international compliance documentation and global screening processes supports enterprises navigating varied regulatory environments.

Key Capabilities:

  • International background checks and verifications

  • Global compliance documentation support

  • Identity verification and employment history checks

  • Enterprise reporting and analytics

Advantages:

  • Strong focus on global hiring requirements

  • Useful compliance documentation tools

  • Established enterprise presence

Considerations:

  • Turnaround times may vary by country

  • User interface may feel dated compared to newer platforms

5. Checkr

Best For: Automation-focused enterprises with strong internal compliance resources

Checkr is known for its API-driven, automation-first approach. It is often favored by technology-forward organizations seeking fast turnaround times and developer-friendly integrations.

Key Capabilities:

  • Automated criminal background checks

  • API-first architecture and integrations

  • Pre-adverse and adverse action workflows

  • Candidate-facing status transparency

Advantages:

  • Modern, automation-centric platform

  • Strong developer tools and integrations

  • Fast processing for standard checks

Considerations:

  • Limited hands-on compliance guidance

  • May require more internal oversight in regulated environments

How to Select an Enterprise Background Screening Partner

Enterprise screening programs require more than speed. Accuracy, governance, and consistency are critical to reducing risk and maintaining trust across the organization.

Compliance Management:
 Providers with proactive compliance monitoring and documentation—such as ScoutLogic—help enterprises maintain defensible screening practices across jurisdictions.

Scalability and Control:
 Centralized dashboards, standardized workflows, and role-based permissions are essential for organizations managing multiple business units or locations.

International Hiring Support:
 For global organizations, providers like First Advantage and HireRight offer broad coverage, though consistency and turnaround times can vary.

Service and Accountability:
 Dedicated account management and structured implementation support often reduce friction during large-scale rollouts or policy changes.

The strongest enterprise screening solutions balance technology with expertise, enabling scale without compromising compliance or accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Background Screening Provider Leads the Enterprise Market in 2025?

ScoutLogic is widely regarded as a leading enterprise background screening provider in 2025 due to its compliance-driven model, scalable workflows, and dedicated enterprise support. Its blend of technology and expert oversight helps organizations manage risk while supporting high-volume hiring.

What Key Factors Should Enterprises Evaluate When Comparing Providers?

Enterprises should focus on compliance expertise, scalability, reporting transparency, and governance controls. The right provider should support complex hiring structures, deliver audit-ready documentation, and offer reliable account support.

Why Is Compliance Oversight Critical for Enterprise Screening Programs?

Large organizations face increased regulatory exposure across jurisdictions. Strong compliance oversight helps ensure consistent screening standards, reduces legal risk, and supports defensible hiring decisions.

Supporting Scalable and Compliant Enterprise Hiring

Enterprise organizations depend on background screening partners that can handle volume, complexity, and regulatory scrutiny without sacrificing accuracy. The leading providers combine robust technology with governance, transparency, and service reliability. Among them, ScoutLogic continues to set a strong benchmark for enterprise screening in 2025 by supporting compliant hiring, scalable operations, and long-term workforce integrity.

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

BLACK STONE CHERRY Announces UK Tour Celebrating 20 Years of Their Debut Album

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Black Stone Cherry has announced a nearly month-long, special UK headlining tour, “An Evening With Black Stone Cherry,” beginning in October 2026. This special run of shows, which follows their previously announced European dates, will feature two separate, exciting sets for their dedicated “Cherry Heads.” The first set will be a complete performance of their legendary 2006 self-titled debut album, celebrating its two-decade anniversary, followed by a second set comprising fan-favorite classics and brand new tracks from their forthcoming EP, ‘Celebrate’.

The band’s tour promises to be a major celebration across the UK and Ireland, hitting cities like Nottingham, Manchester, Dublin, and Edinburgh before culminating with two performances in London. The band shared their excitement, stating, “We cannot wait to come back to the UK and celebrate with all of our Cherry Heads across so many different cities! Touring overseas is such a thrill and exciting thing for us and we will absolutely bring the energy and vibe with us to every stop on the tour!” Presales for this highly anticipated run start tomorrow, December 9th.

Black Stone Cherry An Evening With 2026 UK Dates:

  • Oct 20: Nottingham, England @ Rock City
  • Oct 21: Margate, England @ Dreamland
  • Oct 23: Norwich, England @ UEA
  • Oct 24: Manchester, England @ Academy
  • Oct 26: Dublin, IE @ Academy
  • Oct 27: Cork, IE @ Cypress Avenue
  • Oct 29: Belfast, NIE @ Limelight 1
  • Oct 30: Aberdeen, Scotland @ Music Hall
  • Nov 3: Newcastle, Scotland @ Boiler Shop
  • Nov 5: Wolverhampton, England @ KK’s Steelmill
  • Nov 7: Cardiff, Wales @ Great Hall
  • Nov 8: Torquey, England @ Torquey Arena
  • Nov 10: Frome, England @ Cheese & Grain
  • Nov 12: London, England @ O2 Forum Kentish Town
  • Nov 13: London, England @ O2 Forum Kentish Town

Colby O’Donis Reunites With Akon For New Hit Single “Locked Up With You”

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Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer Colby O’Donis is stepping back into the spotlight with major momentum, releasing his latest single, “Locked Up With You,” via the newly re-energized Konvict Kulture. Instantly recognizable as the voice behind Lady Gaga’s Diamond-certified smash “Just Dance” and his own 5× Platinum hit “What You Got,” O’Donis is reuniting with his mentor and global icon Akon, igniting one of R&B-Pop’s most proven hitmaking partnerships. The chemistry between the two has always been unimpeachable, dating back to their first collaboration, and they are now building on that undeniable energy by blending O’Donis’ smooth, soulful delivery with Akon’s signature tone for a modern Pop/R&B fusion.

Since its late-October 2025 debut, “Locked Up With You” has already amassed nearly a billion streams across platforms, signaling the launch of an ambitious new era for O’Donis, who already boasts over 3B streams on Spotify and YouTube. O’Donis shares that the track’s underlying message is about deep connection, reflecting both ride-or-die love and the immediate, powerful creative bond he and Akon share in the studio. With more singles, major collaborations, and an album announcement on the horizon, O’Donis—a naturally gifted, genre-blending creative—is poised to reintroduce himself to a global audience, fueled by the resilience and unmistakable voice that first made him a breakout star.

Sylvaner Releases Intimate Debut Single “Pentimento” Exploring Heartbreak and Hidden Layers

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Las Vegas-born artist Sylvaner, who grew up absorbing a wide range of music from his father’s record stores, is making a confident entry with his debut single, “Pentimento.” This track is the first glimpse into a sound he spent three years meticulously crafting, shifting his focus from studio engineering to building his own creative world. “Pentimento” is the result of complete creative immersion; Sylvaner engineered, produced, wrote, and mixed the track himself, refining it through dozens of mixes until it achieved a perfect balance of intimate vulnerability and confident delivery.

Sonically, the single sits in a deeply affecting, soulful pop landscape, with Sylvaner’s emotional vocals gliding over raw electric guitar textures and cinematic space. The concept for the song came from a period of personal upheaval, inspired by the word “pentimento,” which describes old layers resurfacing beneath a painted surface. While the track reads like a classic breakup song, it becomes something far more introspective upon deeper inspection—a reflection on the parts of ourselves that remain even after a significant relationship has ended, showcasing Sylvaner’s meticulous and personal touch.