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Squirrel Nut Zippers Announce “Jazz From the Back O’ Town” Tour Inspired by 1920s New Orleans

Eric Alper
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Squirrel Nut Zippers Announce “Jazz From the Back O’ Town” Tour Inspired by 1920s New Orleans

Pioneering gypsy jazz ensemble Squirrel Nut Zippers have announced their upcoming tour “Jazz from the Back O’ Town” —a spellbinding tribute to the legendary New Orleans neighborhood that gave birth to a musical revolution.

Kicking off Friday, October 10 at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium in Anchorage, AK and running through Saturday, October 25 in Elyria, OH at the Stocker Arts Center, these intimate, yet rollicking and raucous shows, will explore the late 19th Century through the Roaring 20s NOLA Jazz scene as the Zippers provide a delightful view into this vibrant era with reverent, yet exciting, renditions of such seminal classics as Jelly Roll Morton’s “Animule Ball,” Louis Armstrong’s “Back O’ Town Blues,” and many others. 

Tickets are available starting Friday June 6 at 10 AM local time at https://www.snzippers.com/tourdates

During the “Jazz from the Back O’ Town” shows, the multi-platinum band will also perform favorites from their own catalog, adapted and arranged to more closely echo the sounds of 1920s New Orleans. Additionally, SNZ founder Jimbo Mathus will lend his humorous, insightful musings on both the musical history of one of America’s most fascinating cities and the stories and inspirations behind many of the Zippers’ most beloved songs. 

Official dates for SNZ “Jazz from the Back O’ Town” shows are as follows: 

October 10                   Wendy Williamson Auditorium                Anchorage, AK 

October 21                   The Birchmere                                        Alexandria, VA

October 22                   Miller Theatre                                         Reading, PA

October 23                   Jergel’s                                                  Pittsburgh, PA

October 24                   Payne and Mencias Palladium*            Carmel, IN 

October 25                   Stocker Arts Center                               Elyria, OH

*On sale August 1.  

“Jazz from the Back O’ Town” will provide a uniquely-historic look at the origins and evolutions of SNZ over the course of their career and the role the music of 1920s New Orleans has played in forming and shaping their sound. Not so much a period piece as a living “peek-behind-the-curtain” of inspiration and celebration. 

Phish Extends 2025 Tour With September Southern Swing and “Mothership” Finale

Eric Alper
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Phish Extends 2025 Tour With September Southern Swing and “Mothership” Finale

With their eagerly awaited Summer Tour 2025 still on the horizon, Phish has added a string of September dates that will carry the party south from Kentucky to Virginia. The run begins September 12 with a headlining appearance at Louisville’s Bourbon + Beyond Festival before the band makes its debut at Birmingham’s brand-new Coca-Cola Amphitheater for a pair of concerts, September 13–14. Two nights later, Trey Anastasio, Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon and Page McConnell return to fan-favorite Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, Georgia, on September 16–17. The tour’s grand finale finds the quartet settling into the storied Hampton Coliseum—affectionately dubbed “the Mothership”—for a three-night stand, September 19–21.

A ticket request period for all headline dates is live now at tickets.phish.com and will remain open through Monday at 12:00 PM ET. Public onsales begin Friday, June 13 at 10:00 AM ET via phish.com/tours, where complete ticketing details and venue information can be found.

Fans looking to bundle admissions with lodging can secure official 100x Hospitality travel packages for Birmingham, Alpharetta and Hampton. Packages—which include premium tickets, hotel accommodations and exclusive merchandise—go on sale tomorrow at 11:00 AM ET at phishsummer.100xhospitality.com.

SEPTEMBER 2025 ITINERARY

    Sept 12 — Bourbon + Beyond Festival, Louisville, KY

    Sept 13–14 — Coca-Cola Amphitheater, Birmingham, AL

    Sept 16–17 — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta, GA

    Sept 19–21 — Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA

Maoli Shares New Single “Lonely Won’t Leave Me Alone” Ahead of ‘Last Sip of Summer’

Eric Alper
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Maoli Shares New Single “Lonely Won’t Leave Me Alone” Ahead of ‘Last Sip of Summer’

Hawaiian superstar Maoli shares a further taste of new music with the release of his poignant new single, “Lonely Won’t Leave Me Alone.” Listen/share HERE

“This song hits you in the gut—in the best kind of way,” says Maoli. “There’s something about heartbreak that lingers in the background no matter where you are. You could be surrounded by noise, distractions, even friends, but that ache still sneaks in when you least expect it. You can’t outrun it.”

“Lonely Won’t Leave Me Alone” follows previous singles “In A Bar,” “Last Sip of Summer,” and “Yours Truly” from Maoli’s highly anticipated new album, Last Sip of Summer, out June 27 via ONErpm. Pre-order/pre-save HERE

The upcoming record finds Maoli collaborating with renowned producers Dann and David Huff, blending his authentic island-country roots with a vibrant mix of Hawaiian music, rock, reggae, and country. Drawing influence from legends like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and George Strait, Maoli has earned widespread recognition across Hawaii, Polynesia, and the American West Coast.

Maoli recently made a surprise appearance on American Idol, where he stunned a fan competing on the show.

He is currently in the midst of his Last Sip of Summer U.S. headline tour, including major dates at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre, two nights at Honolulu’s Blaisdell Arena, Vancouver’s Vogue Theater, and more. Tickets available HERE

ABOUT MAOLI

Maoli’s musical journey began in seventh grade when he learned to play the ukulele. Years later, with encouragement from his uncle, he returned to music in full force. Over the course of a 15-year career, Maoli has released numerous albums and hit singles, including covers of Brett Young’s “Mercy” (18+ million Spotify streams) and “In Case You Didn’t Know” (10+ million Spotify streams). Last year, Maoli and Young joined forces on their original collaboration, “Broke Heart Break.”

Known for his seamless fusion of island reggae and country soul, Maoli has carved a path into the mainstream by showing the musical kinship between country folk and island lifers. In 2018, frontman Glenn Awong rediscovered his country roots, recognizing the shared spirit in melodies, rhythms, and storytelling traditions.

In 2010, Maoli’s sophomore album, Rock Easy, reached the Top 5 on Billboard’s Reggae charts with three #1 singles: “Breaking My Heart,” “Whisper,” and “Rock Easy.” In 2020, Maoli won Group of the Year and Album of the Year at iHeart’s Island Awards for Sense Of Purpose, followed by Album of the Year and Song of the Year in 2021.

In 2023, Maoli’s “Maoli Music Overload (MMO)” tour sold over 45,000 tickets across four cities in Hawaii and an additional 11,500 tickets during the U.S. leg, along with standout performances at Cali Roots and Holo Holo Fest Sacramento.

Last Sip of Summer — Tracklist

    Damn Good Night

    In A Bar

    Better Off On A Beach

    Shotgun Rider

    Yours Truly

    Leaving Here Lonely

    Last Sip of Summer

    I Know A Guy

    Lonely Won’t Leave Me Alone

    I Ain’t Crazy

    Broke Heart Break

    Left Handy Heavy

2025 Tour Dates

June 14 — Anchorage, AK — Cuddy Family Midtown Park
June 27 — Honolulu, HI — Blaisdell Arena
June 28 — Honolulu, HI — Blaisdell Arena
July 17 — Los Angeles, CA — Greek Theatre
July 18 — San Diego, CA — The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
July 19 — Saratoga, CA — The Mountain Winery
July 20 — San Francisco, CA — The Warfield
July 22 — Reno, NV — Grand Sierra Resort
July 24 — Bend, OR — Hayden Homes Amphitheater
July 25 — Tacoma, WA — Dune Peninsula
July 26 — Vancouver, BC — Vogue Theater
July 29 — Seattle, WA — Pier 62
July 31 — Boise, ID — Knitting Factory
August 1 — Salt Lake City, UT — Granary
August 2 — Denver, CO — Ogden Theatre
August 3 — Albuquerque, NM — Revel Entertainment Center
August 7 — Tucson, AZ — The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
August 8 — Mesa, AZ — Mesa Amphitheatre
August 9 — Las Vegas, NV — T-Mobile Arena

Tony Rice’s 1982 Spacegrass Masterpiece ‘Backwaters’ Gets First-Ever Vinyl Reissue

Eric Alper
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Tony Rice’s 1982 Spacegrass Masterpiece ‘Backwaters’ Gets First-Ever Vinyl Reissue

Craft Recordings announces the first-ever vinyl reissue of Backwaters—the acclaimed 1982 album from innovative bluegrass outfit The Tony Rice Unit. Spanning an array of musical styles (dubbed “spacegrass”), Backwaters blends original material (“Backwaters,” “Just Some Bar in the French Quarters”) with acclaimed classics, including “My Favourite Things” and “On Green Dolphin Street.” Arriving September 12th, the LP is pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing with lacquers cut from the original tapes (AAA) by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. This reissue marks the first time the original analog tapes have been used in the cutting process, as the original pressing was digitally mastered. Fans can also find the album on standard and hi-res digital platforms on June 27. Click here to pre-order and stream the album.

One of the most revered names in bluegrass, Tony Rice (1951–2020) was instrumental in shaping the genre during his lengthy career, while his distinctive touch on the guitar influenced countless others. Born in Virginia and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Rice launched his career in Louisville, KY, where he became the lead vocalist and guitarist of J.D. Crowe’s legendary group The New South. In the mid-’70s, not long after the release of their self-titled bestseller (featuring fellow bluegrass icons Jerry Douglas and Ricky Skaggs), Rice returned to California to join David Grisman’s esteemed quintet.

During his time with the celebrated mandolinist, Rice broadened his musical palate, incorporating jazz, classical and other styles into his repertoire while honing his guitar technique. Those explorations informed his projects at the turn of the ’80s—particularly those with his group, The Tony Rice Unit. Coining the term “spacegrass” for their experimental work during this period, the group blended extended improvisations with elements of jazz, plus dashes of classical and even prog-rock—all on acoustic instrumentation (a style broadly referred to as “new acoustic”). 1982’s Backwaters is among their most famous albums from this era—and a pioneering title in the new acoustic canon.

Backwaters finds Rice joined by a stellar line-up of bluegrass musicians, including his brother Wyatt Rice (rhythm guitar), John Reischman (mandolin), Todd Phillips (bass), plus Fred Carpenter and Richard Greene on violin. Rice’s world-class acoustic guitar picking skills are on display throughout, as he leads his group through originals like the upbeat “Backwaters,” the languid “Just Some Bar in the French Quarters” and the Latin-flavored “Mobius Mambo.” The band also showcases their versatility through a selection of jazz standards, including Dave Grusin’s “A Child Is Born,” Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “My Favourite Things” (in the up-tempo style of Coltrane) and Bronislaw Kaper’s “On Green Dolphin Street.”

While Rice’s work would shift to more traditional-sounding folk and bluegrass music in the years following Backwaters, the album has long been considered a masterpiece in his prolific catalog of work. Today, it remains a sought-after fan favorite. In a retrospective review, AllMusic declared, “This is excellent music, impeccably played by a group of guys who are all virtuosos on their respective instruments…. Every note sounds right, and each member of the ensemble plays with exceptional taste and class.”

Rice, meanwhile, remained a force in bluegrass for the next three decades, releasing more than a dozen albums under his own name and more than two dozen collaborative titles, including those with The Rice Brothers, Norman Blake and The Bluegrass Album Band—a supergroup, which he founded alongside J.D. Crowe. Hailed by Ricky Skaggs as “The single most influential acoustic guitar player in the last 50 years,” Rice was also a sought-after session musician who appeared on recordings by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Béla Fleck and Emmylou Harris, to name a few. A GRAMMY® Award-winner and multiple IBMA recipient, Rice delivered his final public performance in 2013, during his induction into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

Click here to pre-order and stream Backwaters.

Tracklist (LP):

Side A:

1.  Common Ground

2.  Just Some Bar In The French Quarters

3.  Backwaters

Side B:

1.  My Favourite Things

2.  A Child Is Born

3.  On Green Dolphin Street

4.  Mobius Mambo

Tracklist (Digital):

1.  Common Ground

2.  Just Some Bar In The French Quarters

3. Backwaters

4. My Favourite Things

5.  A Child Is Born

6.  On Green Dolphin Street

7.  Mobius Mambo

Madonna Revives ’Veronica Electronica’ Remix Project With Silver Vinyl & Digital Release July 25

Eric Alper
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Madonna Revives ’Veronica Electronica’ Remix Project With Silver Vinyl & Digital Release July 25

Madonna announces the long-rumored project “Veronica Electronica” featuring rare and unreleased remixes from her critically acclaimed album Ray of Light. This pivotal moment in Madonna’s singular career will also be highlighted with a new release from the Silver Collection, Madonna’s ongoing career-spanning series of collectible, limited-edition silver vinyl reissues of her unparalleled catalogue.

Veronica Electronica arrives July 25 on silver vinyl and digitally. Vinyl orders from Madonna.com and Rhino.com will include an exclusive silver mylar lithograph. The beloved deep cut “Skin (The Collaboration Remix Edit)” from Veronica Electronica arrives today. Listen to it HERE.

Veronica Electronica, an eight-track companion to Ray of Light, was originally envisioned by Madonna as a remix album in 1998. The project was ultimately sidelined by the original album’s runaway success and the parade of hit singles that dominated the spotlight for more than a year. Ray of Light went on to sell over 16 million copies worldwide and earned Madonna four GRAMMY® Awards, including Best Pop Album.

More than 25 years later, that long-rumored concept finally comes to life. The collection features newly edited versions of club remixes by Peter Rauhofer, William Orbit, Sasha, BT, and Victor Calderone, along with the original demo of “Gone, Gone, Gone”—a previously unreleased recording produced by Madonna and Rick Nowels.

VERONICA ELECTRONICA
LP Track Listing

Side A
1.“Drowned World/Substitute For Love” – BT & Sasha Bucklodge Ashram New Edit
2.“Ray Of Light” – Sasha Twilo Mix Edit
3.“Skin” – The Collaboration Remix Edit  
4.“Nothing Really Matters” – Club 69 Speed Mix Meets The Dub

Side B
1.“Sky Fits Heaven” – Victor Calderone Future New Edit
2.“Frozen” – Widescreen Mix and Drums
3.“The Power Of Good-Bye” – Fabien’s Good God Mix Edit
4.“Gone, Gone, Gone” – Original Demo Version *

moe. Marks 35th Anniversary With Fall Tour, VIP Perks & New Vinyl Release

Eric Alper
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moe. Marks 35th Anniversary With Fall Tour, VIP Perks & New Vinyl Release

Fresh off the launch of their summer tour, moe. has announced a new string of Fall 2025 tour dates, continuing a milestone year that marks the band’s 35th anniversary. The coast-to-coast run will bring their legendary live show to iconic venues and festivals, including a return to The Capitol Theatre (Port Chester, NY), a set at Hulaween (Live Oak, FL), two nights at The Joy Theater (New Orleans, LA), and more.

The tour kicks off at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY before making its way through the Midwest, South, and Gulf Coast, culminating with a Halloween co-bill with The Infamous Stringdusters in New Orleans. VIP packages will be available for select dates, with proceeds supporting Rock The Pink—a music industry initiative benefiting the American Cancer Society that moe. is proud to support.

A special artist presale begins Wednesday, June 4th at 10am local (password 35MOE), followed by a local promoter presale on Thursday, June 5th at 10am local. General on-sale opens Friday, June 6th at 10am local time. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit moe.org/tour.

The Fall 2025 run follows the band’s previously announced Summer 2025 Tour, which launches Friday, June 7th at Cathead Jam in Jackson, MS, with performances scheduled at Mountain Jam (NY), Northlands (NH), All Good Now (MD), Great South Bay Festival (NY), and more. The band will also join forces with Umphrey’s McGee and Eggy on select dates throughout the summer.

moe. is currently touring in support of their acclaimed album Circle of Giants (ATO Records), a deeply personal and musically expansive release that captures the band’s resilience and evolution. Praised for its raw emotion and dynamic interplay, the album includes standout tracks like “Ups and Downs,” “Giants,” and “Living Again,” and marks the studio debut of keyboardist Nate Wilson, who officially joined the band in 2023.

“It feels good to celebrate after the amount of shit we’ve been through,” said bassist Rob Derhak. “But we’ve always found our way forward—because we have each other.”

Also available now for pre-order is moe. – The Relix Session, a limited-edition 4-LP vinyl release capturing the band live at Brooklyn Bowl on May 19th, 2023. Pressed on alternating custom blue and fluorescent green/yellow discs, this 1,500-copy edition features highlights like “Recreational Chemistry,” “Lazarus,” “The Faker,” and covers of Pink Floyd’s “Fearless” and Steely Dan’s “Do It Again.” Each package includes an exclusive 11.5″ x 11.5″ photo collage spanning the band’s 35-year career. This release is exclusive to Relix online and will be a featured item on tour this year. For more information and to pre-order the release, visit here.

Formed in 1990 at the University of Buffalo, moe. has carved out a singular place in American rock, fusing genre-bending musicianship, clever songwriting, and improvisational fearlessness. With a fanbase as loyal as it is expansive—the Famoe.ly—the band continues to headline festivals like Bonnaroo and Fuji Rock, perform alongside icons including The Allman Brothers Band, The Who, and Grateful Dead members, and organize their own events such as moe.down and snoe.down.

The current lineup features Rob Derhak (bass, vocals), Al Schnier (guitar, vocals), Chuck Garvey (guitar, vocals), Jim Loughlin (percussion, vibes), Vinnie Amico (drums), and Nate Wilson (keyboards). Their tireless touring schedule and boundary-pushing creativity have made moe. one of the most enduring and influential acts in the jam scene.

Summer 2025 Tour Dates [Previously Announced]
Friday, June 7 – Cathead Jam – Jackson, MS
Friday, June 13 – Sharkey’s Event Center – Liverpool, NY w/ Umphrey’s McGee
Saturday, June 14 – Northlands Music Festival – Swanzey, NH
Sunday, June 15 – All Good Now Festival – Columbia, MD
Wednesday, June 18 – The Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC
Thursday, June 19 – The Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC
Friday, June 20 – Cohab Space – High Point, NC
Saturday, June 21 – North to Shore Festival – Red Bank, NJ
Friday, June 20 – Sunday, June 22 – Mountain Jam Music Festival – Woodstock, NY**
Thursday, July 10 – Music in the Mountains – Big Sky, MT
Friday, July 11 – Pine Creek Lodge – Livingston, MT
Saturday, July 12 – Pine Creek Lodge – Livingston, MT
Saturday, July 26 – Great South Bay Festival – Patchogue, NY
Tuesday, August 5 – The Burl – Lexington, KY +
Thursday, August 7 – Peoria Waterfront – Peoria, IL +
Friday, August 8 – People Fest – Yuba, WI +
Saturday, August 9 – Warner Vineyards – Paw Paw, MI +
Sunday, August 10 – Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival – Rochester, NY ^
Tues, August 12 – Interlochen Center for the Arts / Corson Auditorium – Interlochen, MI +
Thursday, August 14 – Sweetwater Pavilion – Fort Wayne, IN +
Friday, August 15 – Evans Amphitheater – Cain Park – Cleveland Heights, OH +
Saturday, August 16 – Rock the Ruins – Indianapolis, IN +
Wednesday, Sept 10 – Saturday, Sept 13 – Bender Jamboree – Las Vegas, NV #
 
** with Dark Star Orchestra, Warren Haynes Band, Leftover Salmon, Goose, JRAD, String Cheese Incident, Khruangbin, Mt. Joy & more
+ with Eggy
^ with Dark Star Orchestra, Eggy, and Galactic
# with The String Cheese Incident, The Wood Brothers, Leftover Salmon, Railroad Earth and more

Fall 2025 Tour Dates
Saturday, October 11 – The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY *
Thursday, October 16 – The Bluestone – Columbus, OH *
Friday, October 17 – Vic Theatre – Chicago, IL *
Saturday, October 18 – Barrymore Theatre – Madison, WI *
Sunday, October 19 – The Fitzgerald Theater – St. Paul, MN *
Tuesday, October 21 – Val Air Ballroom – Des Moines, IA *
Thursday, October 23 – The Pageant – St. Louis, MO *
Friday, October 24 – Taft Theatre – Cincinnati, OH *
Saturday, October 25 – Brooklyn Bowl – Nashville, TN *
Wednesday, October 29 – Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA *
Thursday, October 30 – Hulaween – Live Oak, FL
Friday, October 31 – The Joy Theater – New Orleans, LA ^
Saturday, November 1 – The Joy Theater – New Orleans, LA ^

* VIP package available
^ with The Infamous Stringdusters

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Plot Funk-Fueled Fall Tour With Eddie 9V, Big Something & More

Eric Alper
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Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Plot Funk-Fueled Fall Tour With Eddie 9V, Big Something & More

Today, Maryland’s genre-defying funk/jam pioneers Pigeons Playing Ping Pong unveil their first fall 2025 tour dates: a long-awaited return to North Carolina followed by a landmark three-night Boston takeover. The band will ignite Wilmington, NC’s starlit oasis Greenfield Lake Amphitheater on October 3, harness the historic intimacy of Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre on October 4, then command Boston’s hallowed Paradise Rock Club for an immersive weekend stand October 24–26.

“We’re gearing up for a big fall, and these three cities are the perfect places to kick it off,” said frontman “Scrambled Greg” Ormont. “We’ve had amazing times at all of these venues over the years, so we know where the bar’s been set, and we’re stoked and ready to raise it.”

PPPP’s October shows will feature a curated list of openers primed to elevate each experience. Wilmington and Raleigh will see support from blues-soul phenom Eddie 9V, riding high on momentum following the release of his acclaimed 2024 studio album Saratoga. Boston’s three-night spectacle will see a genre-spanning roster: Night One (Oct 24) features cosmic funk-rock architects Big Something; Night Two (Oct 25) presents the synth-driven psychedelia of Chalk Dinosaur; and Night Three (Oct 26) will plunge into dance floor transcendence with Dizgo. 

Enhanced concert experiences will be available each night, through the Pigeons Playing Ping Pong VIP Package. This premium offering features early venue entry, access to exclusive merchandise, a commemorative VIP laminate, a meet and greet with the band, and more. 

Ticket sales commence with an artist presale, running Tuesday, June 3rd at 10 AM ET through Thursday, June 5th at 10 PM ET. Local venue presales will run from 10 AM – 10 PM ET on Thursday, June 5th, before the general onsale, beginning Friday, June 6th at 10 AM ET. 

Toronto Jewish Film Festival Returns With 80+ Films From 25 Countries

Eric Alper
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Toronto Jewish Film Festival Returns With 80+ Films From 25 Countries

The 33rd Edition of the Toronto Jewish Film Festival (TJFF) kicks off tomorrow showcasing a diverse array of films that explore Jewish identity, culture, and history through various lenses. Over 80 films will play at the Festival including 34 premieres from 25 countries. 

Among the featured documentaries is Swedishkayt: YidLife Crisis in Stockholm, where comedy duo Eli Batalion and Jamie Elman embark on a humorous and heartfelt journey to uncover Sweden’s hidden Jewish heritage, blending cultural discovery with their signature wit. They will be in Toronto for an in-person Q&A on Sunday, June 8th.

Eli Batalion & Jamie Elman | Canada, Sweden & United States | In-Person | Toronto Premiere

Torn delves into the emotional and ideological conflicts ignited by the “Kidnapped from Israel” poster campaign in New York City, offering a poignant exploration of activism and identity amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict. Director Nim Shapira will attend the Festival for an in-person Q&A on Tuesday, June 10th. 

Nim Shapira | United-States | In-person & Online | Toronto Premiere

Most People Die On Sundays is an endearing Argentine dark comedy that follows David, a gay man returning home for his uncle’s funeral, only to confront the impending death of his estranged father, leading to an introspective journey of self-discovery. Official Selection, Cannes ACID 2024.

Iair Said | Argentina, Italy & Spain | In-Person | Programmer’s Pick, Ontario Premiere

Al Khet (I Have Sinned) is a pre-war Polish Yiddish film that has been out of circulation for generations. It stars the beloved comedy team of Dzigan and Schumacher, who are the subject of a tribute in this year’s festival. “A little gem–melodrama, musical numbers, historic sweep, a woman seducing a fella not knowing he is betrothed to the daughter she abandoned!” (Yiddishist Mikhl Yashinsky) TJFF presents the world premiere of the new restoration and translation by the National Center for Jewish Film. The film will be Introduced by Dr. Diego Rotman (Hebrew University of Jerusalem, University of Toronto), author of The Yiddish Stage as a Temporary Home: Dzigan and Shumacher’s Satirical Theater. 

Aleksander Marten | Poland | In-Person | World Premiere of restoration & new translation

Unkosher Nightmares: A Short Film Programme is a collection of short films from Canada, Britain, Australia, Israel and Slovakia, where the supernatural is invoked in key aspects of Jewish life, from births to weddings to shivas. Tales of Kabbalah, generational trauma and forbidden love are brought to life with originality by a group of young filmmakers who wrestle with rituals and traditions. Directors Josh Saltzman (Shiva), Sara Farb and Farhang Ghajar (The Shomer) will participate in the post-screening Q&A of their short films on Saturday, June 14th. 

Short Film Programme| In-Person

The Community is a rich and compelling portrait of the Jewish life in Ukraine today, in the mirror of history and in the shadow of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Community captures the strength and resilience of Ukraine’s diverse Jewish community as they navigate the hardships of war. Director Alex Osmolovky will attend the screening for an in-person Q&A on Sunday, June 8th.

Alex Osmolovky | Israel, Ukraine | In-person & Online | Canadian Premiere

These films, among others, reflect the TJFF’s commitment to presenting a diverse and inclusive portrayal of Jewish experiences, sparking dialogue and reflection among audiences. From horror to comedy to poignant documentaries, free programmes and engaging panels, discover the unexpected at the Festival. The full Festival lineup can be found at: https://tjff.com/lineup-2025/.

Queens of the Stone Age Unveil ‘Alive in the Catacombs’ and Exclusive Doc ‘Alive in Paris and Before’

Eric Alper
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Queens of the Stone Age Unveil ‘Alive in the Catacombs’ and Exclusive Doc ‘Alive in Paris and Before’

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE will unveil the cinematic realization of a dream with the June 5 premiere of “Alive In The Catacombs”, an audiovisual document of the band’s long-rumored performance in the tunnels of the famed Catacombs of Paris.

Filmed and recorded in July 2024, “Queens Of The Stone Age: Alive In The Catacombs” captures QOTSA as you’ve never seen or heard them before. This utterly unique once-in-a-lifetime experience features a carefully selected setlist spanning the QOTSA catalog, each song chosen and epically reimagined for the Catacombs. The result is an unprecedented incarnation of QOTSA at their most intimate, yet surrounded by literally millions of human remains — “the biggest audience we’ve ever played for,” says QOTSA leader Joshua Homme.

The Catacombs Of Paris is a sprawling 320km (200 miles) ossuary beneath the surface of Paris. With a foundation of several million bodies buried in the 1700s, skeletal remains are largely exposed, with much of the walls built of skulls and bones.

Homme had dreamt of staging a QOTSA performance in the Catacombs since his first visit nearly 20 years ago. The city of Paris, however, had never granted permission to any artist to play within the sacred tunnels. QOTSA, being law-abiding citizens, waited until their vision was sanctioned.

Hélène Furminieux (Les Catacombes de Paris) said: “The Catacombs Of Paris are a fertile ground for the imagination. It is important to us that artists take hold of this universe and offer a sensitive interpretation of it. Going underground and confronting reflections on death can be a deeply intense experience. Josh seems to have felt in his body and soul the full potential of this place. The recordings resonate perfectly with the mystery, history, and a certain introspection, notably perceptible in the subtle use of the silence within the Catacombs.”

Every aesthetic decision, every choice of song, every configuration of instruments… absolutely everything was planned and played with deference to the Catacombs — from the acoustics and ambient sounds — dripping water, echoes and natural resonance — to the darkly atmospheric lighting tones that enhance the music. Far from the sound-insulated confines of the studio or the comfort of onstage monitors, “Alive In The Catacombs” sees the band not only rise to this challenge, but embrace it.

Homme recalls: “We’re so stripped down because that place is so stripped down, which makes the music so stripped down, which makes the words so stripped down… It would be ridiculous to try to rock there. All those decisions were made by that space. That space dictates everything; it’s in charge. You do what you’re told when you’re in there.”

The result is QOTSA distilled down to their most elemental form — Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita and Jon Theodore augmented by a three-piece string section, employing chains and chopsticks as makeshift percussion instruments. “Alive In The Catacombs” is QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE stripped to their barest essence by necessity (you can’t call it “unplugged” if there are no actual electrical outlets to plug into),McGyver-ing a car battery to power an electric piano. And unfiltered, as every song was recorded live in a complete take with no overdubs or edits.

Words fail to convey the magnificence of “Queens Of The Stone Age: Alive In The Catacombs”. Its truly stunning balance of subtlety and grandeur must be experienced to be appreciated. The beauty is in the struggle (both internal and external). This is Homme at his most physically vulnerable yet ultimately his most triumphant.

“Queens Of The Stone Age: Alive In The Catacombs” was produced by La Blogothèque and directed by Thomas Rames, and is being released by QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and Matador Records. The film will be available to rent or purchase via qotsa.com where pre-orders are currently available. Fans who purchase “Alive In The Catacombs” by June 7 will receive exclusive access to behind-the-scenes footage in addition to full streaming and download access. An audio-only version will be announced in the coming weeks.

Roger Waters Announces Global Release of ‘This Is Not A Drill – Live from Prague The Movie’

Eric Alper
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Roger Waters Announces Global Release of ‘This Is Not A Drill – Live from Prague The Movie’

Roger Waters, founding member and creative genius behind Pink Floyd, today announced the global film and music release of ‘This Is Not A Drill – Live from Prague The Movie’.  Trafalgar Releasing and Sony Music Vision will release the film worldwide beginning on July 23, with tickets on sale beginning June 12 at www.rogerwaters.film.

Originally recorded and filmed during Waters’ live show at the O2 Arena in the Czech Republic on May 25, 2023 this breathtaking new edit is directed by his long-term collaborative partner, Sean Evans.

Billed as his “first ever Farewell Tour”, the show is a stunning indictment of the corporate dystopia in which we all struggle to survive and is dedicated to “our brothers and sisters all over the world who are engaged in the existential battle for the soul of humanity”.

The release will give fans the chance to see and hear his critically acclaimed live show in full cinematic glory and includes 20 classic Pink Floyd and Roger Waters songs, including: “Us & Them”, “Comfortably Numb”, “Wish You Were Here”, and “Is This The Life We Really Want?” Additionally, Waters performs his highly celebrated new song, “The Bar”.  Together, the production is an extraordinary assault on the senses – musically, visually, politically and philosophically.

Trafalgar Releasing and Sony Music Vision will release the film worldwide beginning on July 23 with tickets on sale beginning June 12 at www.rogerwaters.film. The accompanying music, available for preorder now, is set to be released on Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, on August 1, 2025, and will see the performance presented on a 4 LP set/Blu-Ray/2 CD/DVD/Digital Audio. 

‘This Is Not A Drill – Live from Prague The Movie’ is filmed in 8k, providing exceptional detail and clarity, and features an enhanced audio mix. For the production, Waters was joined on stage by his outstanding band of musicians: Jonathan Wilson, Dave Kilminster, Jon Carin, Gus Seyffert, Joey Waronker, Robert Walter, Shanay Johnson, Amanda Belair and Seamus Blake.

Collectively they deliver an unforgettable and powerful performance, with a call to action, to love, protect, and share our precious planet home.

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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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