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Bourbon & Beyond Returns With Phish, Pat Benatar, and a Full Pour of Culinary Firepower

Eric Alper
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Bourbon & Beyond Returns With Phish, Pat Benatar, and a Full Pour of Culinary Firepower

Bourbon & Beyond, the World’s Largest Bourbon & Music Festival, is returning to Louisville, Kentucky, for its 7th year, and producers Danny Wimmer Presents have announced an exciting roster of culinary and spirits talent who will curate elevated food-and-beverage pairings on-site alongside the stacked music lineup slated for 2025. The event takes place September 11-14 at the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville and will include multi-sensory opportunities and programming showcasing the country’s best chefs and rich bourbon culture. The four-day destination event has expanded to five music stages and more than 120 music artists, plus the festival’s culinary and bourbon experiences, following Bourbon & Beyond’s record-breaking year in 2024 and its win as Pollstar’s Global Festival of the Year 2025.

Leading the Fork & Flask curated by Kroger Stage culinary demonstrations at Bourbon & Beyond are hosts Chef Chris Santos (Chopped) and Chef Edward Lee (The Mind of a Chef). They will be joined by acclaimed chefs including Chef Claudette Zepeda (Top Chef Season 15; founder of Chispa Hospitality), Chef Esther Choi (Beat Bobby Flay and Chopped), local Louisville chef Anthony Lamas (Seviche: A Latin Restaurant; Bar Rescue), and Chef Lawrence Weeks (North of Bourbon).

The Fork & Flask curated by Kroger Stage will also feature bourbon expert Chris Blandford and Chef Amanda Freitag (Top Chef and Chopped) and showcase premium brands including Old Rip Van Winkle, Angel’s Envy, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Buffalo Trace, and more. This year’s programming will spotlight Kentucky Proud products, celebrating locally sourced ingredients and the farmers and producers who help make Kentucky a world-class culinary destination.

Programming highlights throughout the weekend include a taping of The Firkin Podcast with Redferrin and “Family Cookin’” with Terry Bradshaw and his son-in-law Chef Noah Hester, who have just announced their family cookbook. New panels such as “New School of American Whiskey” and “Buzzed About Bourbon” will bring together the voices that shape how we discover, discuss, and drink bourbon—from podcasts and social media to behind-the-scenes branding.

Join actress Elizabeth Banks (Archer Roose Wines) for Unscripted & Uncorked, a refreshingly unfiltered Q&A on how music, movies, and a good drink can bring people together. Beloved comedian and Fathertime founder Jim Gaffigan returns to Bourbon & Beyond for another round of laughs, stories, and bourbon-fueled insights. World-renowned bourbon expert Fred Minnick is back with his Blind Bourbon LIVE workshop, along with many more opportunities for fans to get up close and personal with bourbon experts.

Other special guests participating in the culinary and bourbon programming include 49 Winchester, Trombone Shorty, Kelly Hansen, Redferrin, Salt Hank, Katie Crutchfield, and more.

Attendees at Bourbon & Beyond can also enjoy a variety of onsite food and beverage offerings inspired by Kentucky’s explosion in the culinary world. Selections from local and regional restaurants are specially curated by Southern Hospitality Concessions LLC.

“Bourbon & Beyond is where the heart of music meets the soul of bourbon country and is hands down one of the most exhilarating festivals in the nation. I’m excited to crank up the heat on the stage, with chefs rocking out their best dishes alongside some of your favorite performers. We’re crafting a lineup of chefs that celebrate bourbon in the most delicious and daring way possible—where every sip feels like a high-five and every bite is a thrilling encore,” said Chris Santos, celebrity chef and judge on Food Network’s Chopped.

In addition to the culinary and bourbon experiences, Bourbon & Beyond offers incredible headlining music talent with something for everyone: The Lumineers, Benson Boone, and Alabama Shakes (reunion) on Thursday; Phish (playing two sets—their only festival appearance of 2025 and first Louisville show in three decades), Khruangbin, and Joe Bonamassa on Friday; Sturgill “Johnny Blue Skies” Simpson, Jack White, and Vance Joy on Saturday; and Noah Kahan, Goo Goo Dolls, and Megan Moroney on Sunday. Additional must-see sets during the four-day event include Cage The Elephant, TV On The Radio, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lake Street Dive, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, Foreigner (in one of the final announced dates of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2024 inductees’ Farewell Tour), Third Eye Blind, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, and many more.

The initial lineup of culinary talent and spirits panelists at Bourbon & Beyond includes (subject to change):

The Fork & Flask curated by Kroger Stage — Celebrity Chefs & Artist Pairings, hosted by Chris Santos & Edward Lee; Bourbon Experts & Celebrity Guests hosted by Amanda Freitag & Chris Blandford

    Amanda Freitag

    Barb Parish (Brown-Forman)

    Brandon O’Daniel (Copper & Kings, Nelson’s Green Brier)

    Brandon Smith (Bardstown Bourbon Co.)

    Brent Elliott (Four Roses Distillery)

    Bri Hlava (mixologist)

    Brian Probus (Firkin Podcast)

    Brooklyn Lytle (mixologist)

    Bruce Russell (Wild Turkey)

    Carrie Van Winkle (Pappy & Co.)

    Chaz Fister (Maker’s Mark)

    Chef Anthony Lamas

    Chef Brian Landry

    Chef Edward Lee

    Chef Esther Choi

    Chef Noah Hester (Bradshaw Bourbon; The Bradshaw Family Cookbook)

    Chef Jackie Joseph

    Chef Lawrence Weeks (North of Bourbon)

    Chris Blandford (Kroger Wine & Spirits)

    Chris Santos

    Christian Huber (Starlight Distiller)

    Claudette Zepeda

    Dan Calloway (Bardstown Bourbon Co.)

    Dr. Blake Layfield (Maker’s Mark)

    Elizabeth Banks (actress, Archer Roose Wines)

    Elizabeth McCall (Woodford Reserve)

    Fred Minnick (bourbon expert)

    Fred Booker Noe III (James B. Beam)

    Freddie Noe (James B. Beam)

    Greg Keely (Larrikin Bourbon)

    Harlen Wheatley (Buffalo Trace)

    Ian Sulkowski (Brown-Forman)

    Jason Brauner (Watch Hill Proper)

    Jim Gaffigan (Fathertime Bourbon)

    John Waddell (Peerless Distilling Co.)

    Kathryn Crutchfield

    Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee)

    Kelly Hansen (Foreigner)

    Kenny Coleman (Pursuit Spirits)

    Kyle Wallace (mixologist)

    Lili Lambert (mixologist)

    Melissa Rift (Old Forester)

    Neil Alvarado (mixologist)

    Neil Giraldo (artist, Three Chord Bourbon)

    Owen Martin (Angel’s Envy)

    Preston Van Winkle (Old Rip Van Winkle)

    Redferrin (artist)

    Ryan Cecil (Bourbon Pursuit)

    Salt Hank (Henry Laporte)

    Shaylyn Gammon (Blue Run Spirits)

    Terry Bradshaw (football legend; Bradshaw Bourbon; The Bradshaw Family Cookbook)

    Trey Zoeller (Jefferson’s Bourbon)

    Trombone Shorty (artist)

    Tyler Zoller (Louisville Bourbon Buzz)

    Wes Henderson (True Story Whiskey)

    49 Winchester (band)

Workshops will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily during the festival, and full details on demonstrations and tastings, along with a complete schedule, will be announced soon.

Another highlight of Bourbon & Beyond is the Kroger Big Bourbon Bar. Featuring the best bluegrass bands, line dancing, and expertly curated picks of Kentucky’s finest, it brings the bourbon trail right to Bourbon & Beyond. Bourbon lovers can also visit Chris Picks MiniBar for select single barrels curated especially for the festival; The Hunter’s Club for rare and vintage pours; and the Jack Daniel’s Sports Bar and Char House, the perfect oasis to complete the festival experience. Visit BourbonAndBeyond.com for a full description of festival experiences.

Having welcomed more than 210,000 fans in 2024, Bourbon & Beyond has become the premier destination event of the fall, combining incredible nonstop music with the best food and spirits Kentucky has to offer—with Forbes exclaiming, “Featuring some of America’s best chefs, the Louisville festival’s celebration of the culinary arts, spirits, live music and more makes it one of America’s most unique festival offerings.”

New for 2025:

    Friday headliner Phish will play two sets, with Phish Phriday hotel packages at the Galt House available through Jampack.

    Music artist Chance Peña has been added to Thursday’s lineup.

    New RV camping is available at the University of Louisville.

    A Bourbon & Beyond Student Offer is accessible with a .edu email address through FEVO.

    Festival-grounds updates:

        Expanded MINT VIP: three-story elevated structure with more space, shade, seating, restrooms, and bars

        Dedicated towel-and-chair zones

        Added picnic seating in GA

        Improved stage layout to reduce sound bleed

        New rideshare pickup for easier arrival and departure

    Join us at The Fox Den in Louisville for the semifinals of the Battle of the Strings on June 14 and the finals on June 21, where unsigned bluegrass bands can compete for a chance to perform onstage at Bourbon & Beyond.

Fans can still join the fun at the World’s Largest Bourbon & Music Festival by securing passes at BourbonAndBeyond.com or via Shop Pay at dwpbourbon.com, which allows for a buy-now, pay-later installment plan. Four-day and single-day GA and Mint VIP, as well as four-day Angel’s Envy Beyond VIP passes, are still available. Hotel packages are also offered through Jampack.

Bourbon & Beyond 2025 gratefully acknowledges the support of its hospitality, government, and stage-programming partners: Crowne Plaza, Galt House Hotel, Kentucky Proud, Kentucky Venues, Kroger, Louisville Marriott Downtown, Louisville Metro, Louisville Tourism, Team Kentucky, Traeger, and YETI Coolers.

Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center is located at 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville, Kentucky. Bourbon & Beyond is produced by Los Angeles-based Danny Wimmer Presents, one of the largest independent producers of destination music festivals in America.

Award-winning festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP) recently announced a long-term agreement with Kentucky Venues to host both Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life at the Highland Festival Grounds. The 10-year commitment, running from 2026-2035, underscores DWP’s and the city’s dedication to Louisville’s cultural and economic future. In 2024, the two festivals generated more than $33 million in total economic impact, according to Louisville Tourism.

‘This Wheel’s Still On Fire’ Exhibit Celebrates Levon Helm’s Enduring Legacy

Eric Alper
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‘This Wheel’s Still On Fire’ Exhibit Celebrates Levon Helm’s Enduring Legacy

The Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame is honoring a rock-and-roll legend with its newest display, This Wheel’s Still On Fire: The Legacy of Levon Helm. The exhibit, curated by Museum Collective, will feature never-before-displayed items, including personal photographs, instruments from members of The Band, tour memorabilia, awards, and interviews with friends and fellow musicians including Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Max Weinberg, and more. This Wheel’s Still On Fire will also allow guests to follow in Helm’s footsteps and play the drums, as Ramble Band guest drummer and multi-instrumentalist Charley Dayton provides a video tutorial. The exhibit opens inside the lower lobby of the Boch Center Wang Theatre on August 15 and will be on public display during tours and on all show days. Tour tickets will be available for purchase later this month at FolkAmericanaRootsHallofFame.org.

“This exhibit gives audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most unique and influential artists in American music history,” said Casey Soward, President and CEO of the Boch Center. “We’re thrilled to bring Levon Helm’s legacy to life for fans in Boston and beyond.”

To kick off the new exhibit, the Boch Center Wang Theatre is hosting a members-only VIP opening on August 14 that will include a question-and-answer session with Bob Santelli, founding executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music at Monmouth University; Levon’s daughter, acclaimed musician Amy Helm; and other special guests. To learn about becoming a member, visit www.FARHOF.org/support/individual-giving.

This Wheel’s Still On Fire: The Legacy of Levon Helm explores the life, legacy, and continued influence of Levon Helm. From his earliest years growing up in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas, Levon was surrounded by music and community. Helm began his music career in high school when Ronnie Hawkins invited him to join his band. By the early 1960s, Levon and Hawkins had recruited Canadian musicians Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Garth Hudson, and Robbie Robertson to form Levon and the Hawks, which later became Bob Dylan’s backing group, The Band.

After The Band’s 1976 performance in The Last Waltz, the original line-up parted ways, and Levon returned to Woodstock to build a home and studio. During this time, he focused on his solo music and acting career. The Band reunited in 1983 without Robbie Robertson and continued to record and tour. In 1998, Levon was diagnosed with throat cancer, which damaged his vocal cords. As a way of recovering from treatment and gathering musicians and community together, Levon opened his Barn to host Midnight Rambles—intimate concerts inspired by shows he had seen as a teen. Before his death in 2012, Levon instructed friends and family to “keep it going,” and the Midnight Rambles continue to keep Levon’s legacy alive, the community gathered, and the music flowing. This exhibit invites guests to join in the song as we celebrate an artistic life well lived, a connected community, and Levon’s enduring legacy.

The Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame is a cultural and educational initiative of the Boch Center, located inside the Wang Theatre at 270 Tremont St., Boston, Massachusetts. Curated by the Museum Collective, FARHOF is geared to music lovers of all ages, providing educational offerings that ensure legacies are honored and new musical traditions are nurtured for generations to come. These genres of music have historically provided an outlet for individuals of all races and backgrounds, from every corner of the United States, to express their joys, sorrows, and experiences.

Recent and current exhibits include Joan Baez: A Life of Music, Art, and Activism; All Seeing Eye: Blue Note Records Through the Lens of Francis Wolff; Bruce Springsteen: Portraits of an American Music Icon; Legends of Folk, Americana, Roots Music; Arlo Guthrie: Native Son; Life in Six Strings; Don’t Think Twice: The Daniel Kramer Photographs of Bob Dylan, 1964-65; Boston: A Music Town; The Wang Theatre: A Century of Great Music; historic artifacts from David Bieber Archives; and the Cultural Heroes sculptures on loan from Alan LeQuire Galleries in Nashville, TN.

About the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame

In 2019, the Boch Center expanded its educational programming and launched the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame (FARHOF), Boston’s living music museum, which celebrates the lifeblood of America’s musical and cultural heritage. Folk music provides an outlet for individuals of all races and backgrounds to express their highest joys and deepest sorrows.

FARHOF is dedicated to honoring the past, celebrating the present, and nurturing the future of folk and Americana-roots musicians. By learning from the past, the Boch Center and FARHOF hope to influence meaningful conversations today.

Housed in the Wang Theatre, FARHOF celebrates folk, Americana, and roots music through displays, memorabilia, artifacts, events, lectures, exhibits, concerts, and educational programs.

Kevin Bacon and Jennifer Nettles Release “Our Highway” From ‘The Bondsman’

Eric Alper
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Kevin Bacon and Jennifer Nettles Release “Our Highway” From ‘The Bondsman’

Kevin Bacon and Jennifer Nettles are excited to announce the release of their new video for “Our Highway.” The song is part of the musical accompaniment to the TV series The Bondsman, a supernatural horror series released in April 2025, currently streaming on Amazon Prime. The collection of songs inspired by the show, are almost all written and performed by Bacon and Nettles, with some of the tracks included in the series and on the record.

In The Bondsman, Kevin Bacon stars as Hub Halloran, a bounty hunter brought back to life by the Devil to capture escaped demons. With his estranged family, Hub confronts his past sins on this dangerous quest. Jennifer Nettles plays Maryanne Dice, Hub’s ex-wife and former country music partner who still dreams of becoming a recording artist in Nashville. The series combines horror, action, and heartfelt moments, highlighting Hub’s journey of redemption and unexpected opportunities for life, love, and country music.

Bacon states, “Our Highway is the second song that Jennifer and I wrote that is in the show, The Bondsman. Our characters are musicians. It was fun to go back and write songs from my character, Hub Halloran’s point of view when he was a young man. This would be a song that they had written together, when they were first going out. It’s a great driving tune about escaping with the one you love and sticking together. It was a great songwriting exercise but also a great acting exercise.”

Nettles weighs in: “Kevin Bacon is a dream collaborator. Everyone knows he’s an iconic storyteller, but his gifts extend far beyond the camera. He shines as a songwriter! We wrote these songs for The Bondsman,  but quickly came to realize they stood firmly on their own as a studio project. We had a ball bringing these songs to life in the studio, in the way we heard them as musicians (to live outside of and beyond the show). “Our Highway” is the story of two people heading out on the road in search of a dream. And who knows? We just may head out on the road to share it!!”

Asleep At The Wheel Celebrates 50 Years in Texas With ‘Riding High In Texas’

Eric Alper
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Asleep At The Wheel Celebrates 50 Years in Texas With ‘Riding High In Texas’

“It’s been fifty five years for Asleep At The Wheel as a band, and fifty of them have been spent in Texas,” says the incomparable band’s founder and fearless leader, Ray Benson. “We are known worldwide for being a Texas band and playing Texas and Western Swing music, and it gives us great pride to carry this torch and responsibility.” To honor the five decade mark in the Lonestar State, the Wheel had no choice but to dedicate their upcoming 32nd album—yes, you read that correctly—to the adopted home that made all of their dreams come true.

Out on August 22nd via Bismeaux Records and Signature Sounds Recordings, the record dubbed Riding High In Texas is a ten-song collection of some of the best songs about the 28th state from a wide range of songwriters like Jimmie Rogers, Guy Clark, and Charlie Daniels—with some A-list collaborations with Lyle Lovett and Billy Strings, to boot. And for a band whose lineup is ever-changing—since 1970, the Wheel has had over one hundred members come through—Riding High In Texas is also an opportunity to introduce a new face in the band with fiddler and vocalist Ian Stewart joining Benson and company. Suggested to Benson by long-time Asleep At The Wheel band member, Danny Levin, Stewart fit right into the ensemble. “Danny’s word was enough for me,” says Benson. “He knows the gig as much as anyone.”

Today, Asleep At The Wheel shared the first single from Riding High In Texas, “Texas In My Soul.” Written by Ernest Tubb and popularized by Willie Nelson, “Texas In My Soul” was chosen for the project because it resonated with, in Benson’s words, “How we felt in 1974 when the band moved to Texas.” Ripe with everything that makes the Wheel the Wheel, “Texas In My Soul” is full of tTwin fiddles, steel guitar licks, and a crispy, clean piano solo, all underpinning Benson’s smooth delivery of the song’s classic lyrics: “It is there I know my place is. I see only smiling faces.” 

Fans can stream or purchase “Texas In My Soul” today at this link and pre-order or pre-save Riding High In Texas ahead of its August release right here. Asleep At The Wheel will take the stage at The Heights Theater in Houston tomorrow night, June 13th. A full list of tour dates can be found below or at asleepatthewheel.com/tour. 

Riding High In Texas Tracklist: 

Riding High In Texas

Texas In My Soul

Long Tall Texan

Texas

Texas Cookin’

Lonesome Pine Special

T for Texas (Blue Yodel #1)

All My Exes (Live in Texas)

There’s Still a Lot of Love in San Antone

Beaumont Rag

Catch Asleep At The Wheel On Tour:

June

Friday, June 13 – Houston, TX – Heights Theater

Saturday, June 14 – Menard, TX – River Rat Fest

Thursday, June 19 – Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theater

Friday, June 20 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom

Saturday, June 21 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads Saloon

Tuesday, June 24 – St. Louis, MO – City Winery St. Louis

Thursday, June 26 – Fish Creek, WI – Door Community Auditorium

Friday, June 27 – Bayfield, WI – Big Top Chautauqua

Saturday, June 28 – Menomonie, WI – The Mabel Tainter

Sunday, June 29 – Chicago, IL – City Winery Chicago

July

Friday, July 4 – Austin, TX – Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic

Saturday, July 5 – Junction, TX – Texclipse Music Festival

Friday, July 25 – Waco, TX – Waco Hippodrome Theatre

Saturday, July 26 – Gun Barrel City, TX – Julyfest

August

Sunday, August 3 – Winston-Salem, NC – Ramkat

Tuesday, August 5 – Elkton, MD – Elkton Music Hall

Wednesday, August 6 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater

Thursday, August 7 – Vienna, VA – Filene Center (with Lyle Lovett)

Saturday, August 9 – Carthage, TX – Texas Country Music Hall of Fame

Wednesday, August 13 – Homer, NY – Center for the Arts of Homer

Thursday, August 14 – Norwalk, CT – District Music Hall

Friday, August 15 – Newton, NJ – Newton Theatre

Saturday, August 16 – Peekskill, NY – Paramount Hudson Valley

Sunday, August 17 – New York, NY – City Winery New York City

Tuesday, August 19 – Kent, OH – Kent Stage

Wednesday, August 20 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark

Thursday, August 21 – Millvale, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre

Wednesday, August 27 – Bar Harbor, ME – 1932 Criterion Theatre

Thursday, August 28 – Brownfield, ME – Stone Mountain Arts Center

Friday, August 29 – Charleston, RI – Rhythm & Roots Festival

Saturday, August 30 – Plymouth, MA – Spire Center

Sunday, August 31 – North Truro, MA – Payomet

September

Saturday, September 20 – Fredericksburg, TX – Luckenbach

October

Friday, October 3 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Music Festival

Sunday, October 5 – Miramar Beach, FL – Moon Crush “Avett Moon”

January

Sunday, January 1 – Saturday, January 11 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Sandy Beaches Cruise

March

Friday, March 20 – Wednesday, March 25 – Miami, FL – Outlaw Country Cruise

Backline and Spotify Launch “Heart & Soul” Global Mental Health Hub for Music Creators

Eric Alper
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Backline and Spotify Launch “Heart & Soul” Global Mental Health Hub for Music Creators

Backline, a nonprofit organization connecting music industry professionals and their family members with mental health and wellness resources, has partnered with Spotify to announce a groundbreaking global initiative, Heart & Soul, Mental Health for Creators. As part of the initiative, they are launching the first-ever Global Mental Health Resource Hub, a comprehensive support platform for music industry professionals around the world. 

This collaboration marks a major milestone for Backline, as the organization expands its services beyond the United States for the first time. With the mental health crisis continuing to impact artists, touring crew, and industry professionals at every level, this initiative brings critical support to an international audience, removing barriers to care and meeting the global music community where they are. 

“Backline is honored to serve as a steward of Spotify’s investment into the creative community, ” said Backline Executive Director & Co-Founder Hilary Gleason. “Bringing our work to scale is a meaningful way to uplift the well-being of artists all around the world. This collaboration is taking these invaluable mental health and wellness resources beyond borders. Music knows no bounds, and now people who make music happen have access to care and a compassionate community. Our work together will help ensure that artists have the resources, support, and stability they need to thrive both personally and professionally.”

    A Global Expansion of Backline’s Resources: a first-of-its kind destination for mental health support. This international, multilingual database features trusted music industry and mental health support resources and crisis lines from around the world. 
    Concierge Support for the International Music Community: To provide more personalized pathways to care, Backline has also launched global@backline.care, a dedicated email concierge service that provides one-on-one support to help individuals navigate local care options and mental health systems in their countries. 
    Mental Health Matters: A Guide for the Music Industry: A free digital guide designed for every role in the music industry. Complete with tools to stay grounded on the road, this guide offers strategies that can be used in real time along with practical resources to help music industry professionals feel their best.  
    Therapy Access for Ambassadors: Free support for EQUAL, GLOW, and RADAR ambassadors in the U.S. via Music’s Mental Health Fund, a joint program from Backline and Sweet Relief Musicians’ Fund that provides grants to cover the cost of therapy. 
    Support for Songwriters: Spaces for songwriters to discuss mental health and access support through studio residencies, dinners, panels, and more. May ‘25 Spotify Songwriting Studio residency program included: The Altons, Sinseers, and Iman Jordan. 
    Wellness Events: Backline and Spotify will be backstage at major festivals like All Things Go NYC, providing on-site wellness activations, self-care kits, and guided workshops. 

For Spotify, this partnership underscores a long-standing commitment to mental health wellness and social impact within the music industry. 

“It’s clear that the mental health challenges artists face are real, and that the current support systems often fall short. It’s on all of us in the industry to respond with action,” said Spotify Head of Artist & Label Partnerships, Monica Herrera Damashek. “That’s why Spotify is expanding its Heart & Soul for Creators initiative by helping Backline scale its Mental Health & Wellness Global Resource Hub internationally for the first time, and by offering 1:1 therapy access to EQUAL, GLOW, and RADAR ambassadors in the US and UK. We know this is only one step but we look forward to building on this for a more supported, sustainable environment for the artists who shape culture every day.”

“Heart & Soul is our commitment to the creators behind the music. Artists and songwriters face immense pressure, and their mental health can’t be an afterthought,” said Lauren Siegal Wurgaft, Head of Social Impact, Spotify. “Supporting creators’ well-being is essential to sustaining a vibrant music ecosystem. By working closely with trusted partners like Backline, we’re not just offering resources, we’re helping drive lasting change in how the industry approaches mental health.” 

This initiative is a statement of intent from both Backline and Spotify to build a healthier, more sustainable music industry for everyone. 

To explore the Global Mental Health Resource Hub, visit: https://backline.care/global-resources/

Gallaudet University and Coca-Cola Recreate “Hilltop” in ASL

Eric Alper
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0
Gallaudet University and Coca-Cola Recreate “Hilltop” in ASL

Gallaudet University, the first school for the advanced education of the deaf and hard of hearing in the world and remains the only higher education institution in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students, released a video collaboration with The Coca-Cola Company, recreating the soft drink brand’s iconic “Hilltop” commercial from 1971 in American Sign Language (ASL).

The video wrapped up a project that gave four of their students the opportunity to work with one of the world’s most recognized brands. This is the story of how it happened.

Jimi Hendrix Made His TV Debut in 1965 Playing Guitar for ‘Buddy and Stacy’ on ‘Shotgun’

Eric Alper
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Jimi Hendrix Made His TV Debut in 1965 Playing Guitar for ‘Buddy and Stacy’ on ‘Shotgun’

Before he became a guitar god, Jimi Hendrix made his TV debut in 1965 playing backup for Buddy and Stacy on Night Train. The song? A cover of “Shotgun.” The takeaway? Even then, you couldn’t ignore that sound.












Mel Brooks Announces ‘Spaceballs 2’ For 2027 And Yes, The Schwartz Is Still With You

Eric Alper
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Mel Brooks Announces ‘Spaceballs 2’ For 2027 And Yes, The Schwartz Is Still With You

After 40 years, Mel Brooks is finally giving us what we didn’t know we needed — Spaceballs 2! Coming in 2027, just in time for the original’s 40th anniversary. May the Schwartz be with our popcorn.












Neil Young Releases ‘Talkin To The Trees’ With The Chrome Hearts And Announces Love Earth World Tour 2025

Eric Alper
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0
Neil Young Releases ‘Talkin To The Trees’ With The Chrome Hearts And Announces Love Earth World Tour 2025

Neil Young, along with his new band, The Chrome Hearts debut full-length album Talkin To The Trees, is available now via Reprise Records. 

Talkin To The Trees feels like a full-on fresh-blooded leap forward as Young steps into his sixth decade in his creative odyssey filled with fearless twists and turns. The Chrome Hearts feature Spooner Oldham (Organ); Micah Nelson (Guitar and Vocal); Corey McCormick (Bass and Vocal); Anthony LoGerfo (Drums); with Neil Young (Guitar, Harp, Piano, Vibes). All songs are written by Neil Young, co-produced by Lou Adler and Young, and recorded at Shangri La Studios in Malibu. Click HERE to order/stream Talkin To The Trees. 

When “big change,” the first song from the album Talkin To The Trees, was released just in front of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, It was a not-so-subtle announcement that Young was ready to step into the future. Not only America but the world. There could be no doubt where Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts stand in these challenging times. 

These ten musical statements by Young take their rightful place among an ongoing creative tapestry. 

Talkin To The Trees is available on black vinyl, limited edition clear vinyl, CD and Digital via the Greedy Hand Store at NYA and indie retail stores. Hi-res digital audio will be available at Neil Young Archives  and all DSPs. All  Greedy Hand Store  purchases come with a free hi-res digital audio download from the  NYA Download Store . 

Tracklisting: 

1. Family Life 

2. Dark Mirage 

3. First Fire Of Winter 

4. Silver Eagle 

5. Lets Roll Again

6. Big Change

7. Talkin To The Trees 

8. Movin Ahead 

9. Bottle Of Love 

10. Thankful 

Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts Love Earth World Tour 2025: 

EUROPE: 

Jun 18 — Rättvik, Sweden — Dalhalla 

Jun 20 — Bergen, Norway — Bergenhus Fortress 

Jun 22 — Copenhagen, Denmark — Tiøren 

Jun 26 — Dublin, Ireland — Malahide Castle 

Jun 28 — Glastonbury, UK — Glastonbury Festival 

Jun 30 — Brussels, Belgium — Brussels Palace Open Air, Palace Square 

Jul 01 — Groningen, Netherlands — Drafbaan Stadspark 

Jul 03 — Berlin, Germany — Waldbühne 

Jul 04 — Mönchengladbach, Germany — Sparkassenpark 

Jul 06 — Montreux, Switzerland — Montreux Jazz Festival 

Jul 08 — Stuttgart, Germany — Cannstatter Wasen 

Jul 11 — London, UK — BST Festival 

Jul 13 — Paris, France — Adidas Arena 

NORTH AMERICA: 

Aug 08 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion 

Aug 10 — Richmond, VA — Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront 

Aug 13 — Detroit, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre 

Aug 15 — Cleveland, OH — Blossom Music Center 

Aug 17 — Toronto, ON — Budweiser Stage 

Aug 19 — Toronto, ON — Budweiser Stage 

Aug 21 — Gilford, NH — BankNH Pavilion 

Aug 23 — New York, NY — Jones Beach 

Aug 24 — Bethel, NY — Bethel Woods 

Aug 27 — Chicago, IL — Northerly Island 

Aug 29 — Milwaukee, WI — BMO Pavilion 

Sep 01 — Denver, CO — Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre 

Sep 05 — George, WA — The Gorge 

Sep 06 — Vancouver, BC — Deer Lake Park 

Sep 08 — Vancouver, BC — Deer Lake Park

Sep 10 — Bend, OR — Hayden Homes Amphitheater 

Sep 12 — Mountain View, CA — Shoreline Amphitheater 

Sep 15 — Los Angeles, CA — Hollywood Bowl 

Jonita Unleashes Bold New Anthem “Berparwai” As She Redefines Indian Pop On The Global Stage

Eric Alper
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Jonita Unleashes Bold New Anthem “Berparwai” As She Redefines Indian Pop On The Global Stage

Jonita returns with “Berparwai,” a bold Punjabi pop anthem radiating main character energy via 91 North Records. The new track is an anthem about embracing inner peace and staying true to who you are, regardless of outside opinions. Backed by slick production from Yanchan and Ariza, “Beparwai” weaves upbeat drums, smooth synths, and subtle South Asian textures into a fresh, addictive sound. 

On “Berparwai,” Jonita delivers her most unapologetic performance yet, saying, “With this track, I feel like I’m embracing myself as an artist, as a woman, as a human. From the sound to the visuals, everything about this release is raw, bold, and a side to me that perhaps hasn’t been seen before. I hope it makes people feel like the main character in their own story too.” The powerful single is matched with a visually striking music video that captures Jonita’s captivating presence. 

This year has been full of major milestones for the groundbreaking Punjabi artist. She earned her first Juno Award nomination at the 54th annual ceremony and opened the televised show with Canadian icon Michael Bublé. In March, Jonita also made history at Lollapalooza India—India’s largest music festival—by performing in a prime slot just before Shawn Mendes.

Jonita is India’s foremost female pop star, a powerhouse vocalist redefining the sound of contemporary Indian music on the global stage. With over 16 million monthly listeners, she has built an unstoppable career, seamlessly bridging Bollywood and international pop with a voice that resonates across cultures.

Born in New Delhi, India, and raised in Toronto, Canada, Jonita’s diverse upbringing has fueled her genre-defying artistry. She has delivered some of India’s biggest playback anthems, including “The Breakup Song,” “Arabic Kuthu,” “Deva Deva,” and “Vida Karo”, working with legendary composers A.R. Rahman, Anirudh Ravichander, and Pritam. Whether electrifying dance floors or evoking deep emotions, her vocals have defined anthems for a generation.

Expanding beyond Bollywood, Jonita signed with 91 North Records to carve out her own lane in global pop music. In 2024, she released the iconic “Love Like That” EP, which became an instant fan favorite and earned her a Juno Award nomination for ‘South Asian Music Recording of the Year’, solidifying her presence on the world stage.

A magnetic live performer, Jonita has performed at Lollapalooza India 2025 directly before Shawn Mendes, delivered a standout performance with Michael Bublé at the Juno Awards, and has been the chosen supporting act for global superstars Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa on their India tours. With every performance, she continues to captivate new audiences and elevate Indian music on the global map.

Adding to her accolades, Jonita was crowned ‘Musician of the Year’ at Harper’s Bazaar’s first-ever Women of the Year Awards in 2024, a testament to her game-changing impact. As she continues to push boundaries and evolve as an artist, Jonitai is shaping the future of Indian pop music—one hit at a time.

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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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