Page 665 – That Eric Alper

Isaiah Falls Announces LVRS Paradise Tour Across North America and Europe

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

Isaiah Falls Announces LVRS Paradise Tour Across North America and Europe

Rising R&B newcomer Isaiah Falls is set to take the stage across North America for his 17-stop LVRS Paradise Tour in support of his two-disc debut album, LVRS Paradise, out now via LVRS ONLY/ROC Nation Distribution. Kicking off on July 1 in Montreal at the International Montreal Jazz Festival, the tour will travel through several major destinations like Toronto, Chicago, and New York, concluding at San Francisco’s The Independent on August 1. Tour support will include Karri and members of Isaiah’s Luxury Lane collective. Tickets are now on sale and available for purchase HERE.

After closing out the U.S. run, Isaiah brings LVRS Paradise overseas for a string of European shows this fall. He’ll touch down in Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and London—offering fans a deeper glimpse into the world he’s built with LVRS Paradise in some of the continent’s most intimate venues.

New merch pieces will also be available soon via https://isaiah-falls.com/.

On May 2, Isaiah Falls released side A of his debut album, LVRS Paradise. Expanding on the seductive world of his breakout EP Drugs N’ Lullabies, Falls introduces a deeper chapter of his sonic evolution–a moody, immersive space he calls “a safe place for lovers.” Across hazy grooves, after-hours textures, and intimate confessions, LVRS Paradise captures both sides of desire: the euphoria of new love and the serenity of being fully seen, leaning into moody textures. Indulging in the late-night vulnerability fans first fell for, with features from Ambré, Odeal, and Joyce Wrice, Falls traces intimacy and connection with ease, offering a portrait of love built on the courage to surrender. Listen HERE.

Side A opens with “FOR LVRS ONLY,” a lush, slow-burning invitation that sets the tone for the project’s meditative sensuality, painting the scene of gentle, intentional love. The focus track, “TRICK DADDY,” flips into a more playful, flirtatious gear–an anthem of extravagant devotion where Falls packages grand gestures and modern love languages in a confident, feel-good moment rooted in partnership and pleasure. On “BUTTERFLIES” featuring Joyce Wrice, Falls leans into the emotional high of infatuation, his syrupy cadences melting into Wrice’s dreamy harmonies. While “SEARCHING” featuring Odeal, uses ambient synths, vulnerable vocals, and an entrancing rhythm to capture the ache of longing an emotional distance. The project closes on a spiritual note with “HEAVEN2ME,” a gospel-tinged ballad that nods to the divine nature of love–a final exhale that elevates the romance to something bigger than the physical.

In addition to headlining his own LVRS Paradise North American Tour, Isaiah Falls will join SiR’s Stepping Into The Light Tour as a special guest for 10-dates this May, kicking off May 7 at Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver. Isaiah and SiR–both torchbearers of R&B’s new wave are a can’t-miss double bill. Tickets are available HERE.

With comparisons to Drake, Bryson Tiller, and Brent Faiyaz, Isaiah Falls is cementing his place as one of R&B’s most exciting new voices. His breakout project, Drugs N’ Lullabies, landed on VIBE’s 25 Best R&B Albums of 2024, which featured his breakout single, “Florida Baby,” earning him Billboard’s Rookie of the Month and spots on Billboard and Complex’s 2025 R&B Artists to Watch lists. Drugs N’ Lullabies was also praised by VIBE, Yams Magazine, and Rap-Up as one of 2024’s best albums, with VIBE naming “Butterflies” one of the year’s Best R&B Songs. Most recently, he delivered an exclusive performance of “DIVA” to mark the relaunch of Billboard Live. With features in UPROXX and VIPER Magazine, Isaiah Falls is on a mission to rekindle the romance in R&B–one soul-baring verse at a time.

ISAIAH FALLS LVRS PARADISE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

JULY 1 – Montreal, QC | Montreal Jazz Festival

JULY 4 – Toronto, ON | Velvet Underground

JULY 7 – Detroit, MI | El Club

JULY 8 – Chicago, IL | The Promontory

JULY 10 – Cambridge, MA | The Middle East – Sonia

JULY 12 – New York, NY | Gramercy Theatre

JULY 14 – Washington, DC | Union Stage

JULY 16 – Atlanta, GA | Aisle 5

JULY 19 – Orlando, FL | The Beacham

JULY 23 – Houston, TX | House of Blue – Bronze Peacock

JULY 24 – Dallas, TX | House of Blues Houston – Cambridge Room

JULY 25 – Austin, TX | Parish

JULY 27 – Phoenix, AZ | Crescent Ballroom

JULY 29 – Los Angeles, CA | The Echoplex

JULY 31 – Sacramento, CA | The Rink Studios

AUGUST 1 – San Francisco, CA | The Independent

ISAIAH FALLS LVRS PARADISE EUROPEAN TOUR DATES

SEPTEMBER 23 – Paris, FR | La Place

SEPTEMBER 24 – Amsterdam, NL | Paradiso

SEPTEMBER 25 – Berlin, DE | Badehaus

SEPTEMBER 28 – London, UK | Village Underground

LVRS PARADISE (SIDE A) TRACKLIST

1. FOR LVRS ONLY

2. A FLORIDA LUV STORY

3. GET YA MONEY

4. TAKE A HIT

5. TRICK DADDY

6. DESIRES ft. Ambré

7. SEARCHING ft . Odeal

8. BUTTERFLIES ft. Joyce Wrice

SIR THE STEP INTO THE LIGHT TOUR – ISAIAH FALLS SPECIAL GUEST

MAY 7 – Vancouver, BC | Commodore Ballroom

MAY 8 – Portland, OR | Crystal Ballroom

MAY 11 – Seattle, WA | Showbox SoDo

MAY 13 – San Jose, CA | San Jose Civic Auditorium

MAY 15 – Sacramento, CA | Ace of Spades

MAY 20 – Dallas, TX | House of Blues Dallas

MAY 22 – New Orleans, LA | The Fillmore New Orleans

MAY 24 – Orlando, FL | House of Blues Orlando

MAY 25 – Miami Beach, FL | Fillmore Miami Beach

MAY 28 – Charlotte, NC | The Fillmore Charlotte

30 Famous Musicians Who Secretly Rocked Your Childhood TV

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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30 Famous Musicians Who Secretly Rocked Your Childhood TV

You ever hear a cartoon theme song so good it made you pause mid-Cheerio? Turns out, a bunch of them were secretly written or sung by your favorite bands and artists. They weren’t just jingles—they were bangers in disguise. The more you dig, the more you realize: your childhood playlist was stacked with legends.

The theme for Rocko’s Modern Life? That’s the B-52’s giving your Saturday morning a dose of weird, wild, and wonderful. And when Ms. Frizzle revved up the bus in The Magic School Bus, that wasn’t just cartoon chaos—that was Little Richard turning a science class into a rock ‘n’ roll field trip.

PBS got real lucky when Ziggy Marley stepped in with the joyful reggae vibes of Arthur. That theme wasn’t just catchy, it was soul medicine. And over on Nickelodeon, TLC brought the ‘90s cool to All That, making the opening track a moment of hip-hop history.

Before you ever heard “Girlfriend” on the radio, Bowling For Soup was already winning kids over with the endlessly fun theme to Phineas and Ferb. And speaking of pop-punk, Simple Plan powered up What’s New, Scooby-Doo? with enough energy to turn a mystery van into a tour bus.

Coolio rapped his way into Nickelodeon lore with the unforgettable theme to Kenan & Kel. Cyndi Lauper sprinkled glitter and punk magic on Pee-wee’s Playhouse. And Solange Knowles gave The Proud Family a voice with so much soul, you’d swear Destiny’s Child was in the living room.

Will.I.Am brought a futuristic funk to Samurai Jack, while Taj Mahal made Peep and the Big Wide World feel like a front porch jam session. Meanwhile, Tally Hall gave Happy Monster Band music that could’ve just as easily been a Pitchfork-endorsed indie EP.

If the lyrics “Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog” live rent-free in your head, you have They Might Be Giants to thank for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. And yes, those same Johns gave educational brilliance to Higglytown Heroes, JoJo’s Circus, and Jack’s Big Music Show.

Let’s not forget Andre 3000 creating and composing music for his own animated series Class of 3000. Christina Milian absolutely crushed the catchy theme to Kim Possible. And Dr. John lent his iconic New Orleans charm to the Curious George theme song.

Modern shows didn’t skip out either: Jeff Rosenstock composed the punky perfection of Craig of the Creek, while Patrick Stump from Fall Out Boy brought his stadium-sized pipes to Spidey and His Amazing Friends. Meanwhile, Estelle not only voiced Garnet on Steven Universe, but sang part of the show’s beloved theme song.

Iggy Pop somehow sang the theme to Aaahh!!! Real Monsters and Space Goofs, and Joe Perry of Aerosmith provided guitar heroics for Spider-Man: The Animated Series. Not to be outdone, Aaron Neville sang Little People, Bruce Cockburn did Franklin, and Macy Gray delivered a heartfelt theme for As Told By Ginger.

Even The Jonas Brothers rocked out the theme for American Dragon: Jake Long, Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo gave us Rugrats, Grimes created the whimsical intro to Hilda, and The Darkness injected high-voltage glam into Grace’s Amazing Machines.

And yes, Wayne Brady sang the funky, unforgettable theme to The Weekenders. Because of course he did.

So next time someone says “kids’ music doesn’t slap,” play them Yo Gabba Gabba! — a show created by The Aquabats and featuring guest performances by The Killers, MGMT, The Roots, and Weezer. Then watch their face melt like a LEGO sneaker in the sun.

Lace Up and Brick Out: LEGO and Nike Team Up for the Ultimate Dunk Tribute

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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Lace Up and Brick Out: LEGO and Nike Team Up for the Ultimate Dunk Tribute

If you ever dreamed of combining your sneaker obsession with your childhood LEGO passion, July 1 might just become your favourite day of the year. For the first time ever, LEGO and Nike have joined forces to create the LEGO Nike Dunk set — a 1,180-piece, high-top sneaker tribute that lands squarely in the sweet spot between streetwear cred and brick-building bliss. Priced at $129.99 CAD, this is a flex, a collectible, and a hands-on homage to one of Nike’s most iconic silhouettes.

With over 1,000 pieces, the set is packed with fan-service details. We’re talking interchangeable laces, hidden stash compartments, and even a rotating basketball toy that adds an extra level of play and display. At 9.5 inches high and 15 inches wide, this can sit quietly on a shelf, but it’s bold, bricked-up, and proudly wearable — well, at least by your imagination.

What makes this launch even more exciting is that it’s just the beginning. Following the July release of the LEGO Dunk build, Nike and LEGO are rolling out a full collection of LEGO-inspired sneakers and apparel in August and September, continuing into the fall. Yes, your brick-built kicks could have a matching real-life pair. It’s like having your cake and constructing it, too.

This is more than a nostalgic nod. It’s a love letter to design junkies, toy collectors, and sneakerheads alike — and it’s being treated with the attention it deserves. The promotional rollout reflects what the industry is doing right now: prioritizing bold collabs, maximizing multi-platform buzz, and using culturally iconic items to build brand loyalty across generations. It’s not just about the bricks anymore — it’s about how they fit into our lifestyle stories.

Whether you’re new to LEGO builds or a longtime AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO), this release hits that rare space where collectible culture and pop design intersect. And let’s be honest — who wouldn’t want to explain to guests why there’s a brick sneaker sitting on your coffee table with a secret stash compartment and its own basketball-playing LEGO minifig named B’Ball Head?

Coldplay Opens Stanford Stadium to Live Music for the First Time With Sold-Out Shows

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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Coldplay Opens Stanford Stadium to Live Music for the First Time With Sold-Out Shows

This past weekend, Coldplay launched the 2025 North American leg of their record-breaking Music Of The Spheres World Tour with two sold-out performances at Stanford Stadium. Held on Saturday May 31 and Sunday June 1, the shows marked a landmark moment for both the band and the region, as the stadium – long renowned for its sporting legacy – opened its doors to live music for the very first time.

Please find below approved photographs from the performances:

The band performed to an elated audience, delivering a set full of songs from their latest global No. 1 album Moon Music, alongside beloved classics including “Yellow”, “Viva La Vida”, “Paradise”, “Fix You”, “The Scientist”, “A Sky Full Of Stars” and many more. The show, renowned for its dazzling production and immersive experience, once again featured Coldplay’s hallmark visuals – LED wristbands, confetti bursts, lasers, and fireworks lighting up the venue in spectacular fashion.

Support for the North American dates came courtesy of Willow and Elyanna, both of whom were met with rapturous reception from the early evening crowds.

Photo Credit: Anna Lee

Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour has now sold over 12 million tickets globally – the most ever for a single tour – firmly establishing it as a cultural and touring phenomenon. Beyond the record-breaking numbers, the band’s commitment to creating a joyful, inclusive, and environmentally responsible live experience for fans continues to set a new touring benchmark across the world.

Last summer, the band issued an update on their sustainability initiatives, revealing that, on a show-by-show comparison, the current tour has so far produced 59% less CO2e emissions than their previous stadium tour in 2016/17, exceeding their original target of a 50% reduction. More than 9 million trees have already been planted around the world (with a further million currently being planted). Full info can be found at sustainability.coldplay.com.

DHL is the Official Logistics Partner of the Music Of The Spheres World Tour, supporting the band in their mission to cut tour emissions by 50%.

UPCOMING MUSIC OF THE SPHERES 2025 WORLD TOUR DATES:

JUNE

6: Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium (Support: Willow, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

7: Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium (Support: Willow, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

10: Denver, CO – Empower Field at Mile High (Support: Willow, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

13: El Paso, TX – Sun Bowl Stadium (Support: Willow, Elyanna, Jim Ward) – SOLD OUT

14: El Paso, TX – Sun Bowl Stadium (Support: Willow, Elyanna, Jim Ward) – SOLD OUT

JULY

7: Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

8: Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

11: Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

12: Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

15: Boston, MA – Gillette Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

16: Boston, MA – Gillette Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

19: Madison, WI – Camp Randall Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

22: Nashville, TN – Nissan Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna, Bobby Gonz) – SOLD OUT

26: Miami, FL – Hard Rock Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

27: Miami, FL – Hard Rock Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

AUGUST

18: Hull, UK – Craven Park Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

19: Hull, UK – Craven Park Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

22: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

23: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

26: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

27: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

30: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

31: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

SEPTEMBER

3: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

4: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

7: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

8: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

Tyla Releases Explosive New “Bliss” Video Directed by Director X

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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Tyla Releases Explosive New “Bliss” Video Directed by Director X

Tyla has released a brand new Director X directed music video for her track “Bliss”. Tyla’s penchant for the larger-than-life is on full display in her quite literally explosive new video for “Bliss,” starring the South African native breaking free into euphoria with an eruptive desert backdrop pacing the action. It’s an intimate new feature that allows Tyla’s vulnerable demeanor to take centerstage, replete with sultry close-ups and direct communication through the camera lens.

Along with her recent win for Favorite Afrobeats Artist at the 2025 American Music Awards, Tyla’s latest single and video “Bliss” aims to add to her historic reign and career highlights which notably already include her debut album, TYLA, which was the highest charting for an African female soloist in Billboard 200 history. “Water,” her triple-platinum superstar-turning hit, helped the singer achieve the same feat on the Billboard Hot 100.

Following her first-career GRAMMY victory in 2024 -” Water” for ‘Best African Music Performance’ – Tyla has received nods at the BET Awards, MTV VMAs, MTV Europe Awards, and a plethora of others. Most recently, at Billboard Women in Music, Tyla was the Impact Award honoree and performed the chart-topping single from her TYLA+ deluxe album, “PUSH 2 START.” In conversation with Billboard, Tyla gave fans a taste of what’s to come from her second go-round.

“I’ve changed a lot in a short amount of time because I was kind of forced to – with how fast I had to adapt to everything,” she said. “I don’t think it’s going to be the same energy at all, especially with what I’ve started making. It’s different, but also still Tyla.”

This summer, TYLA will host Nickelodeon’s legendary Kids Choice Awards on June 21st and after an electrifying performance at Coachella, she will continue to bring the party to the festival stage as she is set to play the heralded Governors Ball in June and revered Bonnaroo Festival shortly after.

Sparks Celebrate Career-Best Chart Success as ‘MAD!’ Storms UK Albums

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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Sparks Celebrate Career-Best Chart Success as ‘MAD!’ Storms UK Albums

As they prepare for their MAD! Tour, with dates in the UK in June and July, Sparks – brothers Ron and Russell Mael – are celebrating their career-best UK chart position. Their 28th studio album MAD!, released on May 23 2025, entered at Number 1 in the Official Physical Albums Chart, Official Independent Albums Chart, Official CD Albums Chart, Official Vinyl Albums Chart and Official Scottish Albums Chart, and at Number 2 in the Official Albums Chart (sales and digital combined).

Sparks previously peaked at Number 4, 51 years ago, with 1974’s Kimono My House. MAD! gives them their seventh UK Top 40 album to date and fourth UK Top 10 in the last 8 years.

Speaking to the Official Charts they said: “We’re so deeply appreciative of the way our new album MAD! has been embraced by all of you, to such an extent that it’s reached Number 2, our highest chart position ever! Hard to believe! We will continue – to paraphrase a certain band, Sparks – to “do things our own way,” knowing the support we’re getting from all of you. See you soon on the UK leg of our tour in June and July!”

The band also took to social media to thank their fans saying “Thank you everybody for making MAD! be this incredible achievement for Sparks, we’re just so over the moon and want to thank you all for your wonderful support and reception to the album” Russell Mael.

“We’ve always felt really strongly about this album musically and we’re glad that so many people seem to agree with our judgement” Ron Mael.

Sparks’ MAD! Tour kicks off in Japan this week before returning to Europe. Fans can expect musical thrills and unbridled joy from the career-spanning show. UK dates are:

Wed. June 18 – London, Eventim Apollo
Thu. June 19 – London, Eventim Apollo
Sat. June 21 – Manchester, O2 Apollo
Sun. June 22 – Manchester, O2 Apollo
Tue. June 24 – Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall (SOLD OUT)
Fri. July 18 – Edinburgh, Edinburgh Playhouse
Sat. July 19 Wolverhampton, The Halls

Kizz Daniel Drops New EP ‘Lemon Chase’ Ahead of Forthcoming Album ‘Uncle K’

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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Kizz Daniel Drops New EP ‘Lemon Chase’ Ahead of Forthcoming Album ‘Uncle K’

Nigerian superstar Kizz Daniel returns with a brand-new EP entitled Lemon Chase. The 7-track project is a precursor to his forthcoming album, Uncle K, which is primed for widespread acclaim.

On the EP, Kizz Daniel says “When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade out of it. I wanted this project to feel like real life; sweet, sour, confusing, beautiful. This is music for your heart, for when you’re healing, or hoping, or remembering. I just wanted it to be honest, authentic and true to self.”

With Lemon Chase, Kizz Daniel continues to grow, not just as a hitmaker, but as a storyteller who’s open to pulling back the curtain. The international pop star has an ability to draw listeners into a space where vulnerability, raw emotions, and self-reflection all exist in equal measure. The EP, out now, includes guest appearances from FOLA, Zlatan, ODUMODUBLVCK, Bella Shmurda, Runtown, Angelique Kidjo, and Johnny Drille.

Kizz Daniel has been building anticipation for Uncle K with a series of singles and next-level collaborations like “Police” featuring Johnny Drille and five-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo. Now, the Ogun star delves deeper into his personal story while providing listeners with the latest taste of his upcoming fifth studio album.

Otis Redding Statue Unveiled in Macon to Honor King of Soul’s Legacy

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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Otis Redding Statue Unveiled in Macon to Honor King of Soul’s Legacy

The Otis Redding Foundation celebrates Otis Redding’s ongoing legacy with the Otis Redding Statue, a life-size bronze sculpture that pays tribute to the King of Soul and his multi-platinum, international classic hit “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” With June marking Black Music Month, the statue honors the late icon’s cultural contributions in the history of American music, and legacy of his deep roots in Macon giving back to the community. This June, the Otis Redding Foundation will also lead their popular Otis Music Camp, the annual summer program that empowers new generations of young artists through arts education.

The Otis Redding Statue is now installed at the corner of Cotton Avenue and Cherry Street in downtown Macon, atop a new water fountain added to its design by sculptor Bradley Cooley Jr. It stands in front of the cultural hub the Redding family has built along Cotton Avenue, which includes the Zelma Redding Amphitheater and Otis Redding Center for the Arts (ORCA), and the Otis Redding Museum. The statue is an enduring reflection of Macon’s rich musical legacy, a community that’s been a vital home to helping Otis Redding, the Redding family, and many artists to flourish. The statue was previously displayed since 2002 in Macon’s Gateway Park overlooking the historic Ocmulgee River, and originally created by sculptors Bradley Cooley and Bradley Cooley Jr.

“The statue of Otis Redding is not simply a symbol of the Reddings’ enormous impact on Macon. It being on Cotton Avenue, mere feet from where a relocated statue of a Confederate soldier stood for almost a century is a beautiful testament to Macon’s generational progress. The statue of Otis Redding and the Center are a true representation of who we were, are, and can and will be” – says Seth Clark, Mayor Pro Tempore for Macon-Bibb County and Executive Director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative.

Karla Redding-Andrews, Vice President and Executive Director of the Otis Redding Foundation, says – “As lifelong residents of Macon, our family is proud to have our father’s statue relocated to Cotton Avenue, together in front of the new amphitheater named for our mother, and just blocks from property our father owned in the 1960s. Macon has always been a vibrant community that has been an important foundation to support our father and mother’s dreams, nurturing us to be able to lead and develop opportunities to support the dreams and education of future generations. At the Otis Redding Foundation, we carry on our purpose of serving the youth and adults of Macon and middle Georgia, together let’s continue to make an impact for our community to continue thriving here at home and the world.”

Established in 2007 by Founder and President Zelma Redding, the Otis Redding Foundation is now housed in ORCA, now the home site for its signature summer camp programs (Otis Music Camp and Camp Dream). The Otis Music Camp runs June 2 – 21, 2025, serving youth ages 12-18 interested in the music business. Camp Dream will follow from July 14 – 25, 2025, serving children ages 5-11 to explore the arts, from music and dance to visual arts and theater. The state-of-the-art ORCA is a 15,000 sq-ft facility encompassing the Zelma Redding Amphitheater, multiple creative labs and classrooms, and the O3 Recording Studio, named after Otis Redding, III, who passed away in April, 2023.

This June in celebration of Black Music Month, also sees one of Otis Redding’s most acclaimed albums Otis Blue, getting a mastered vinyl treatment, to be released by Warner Music’s Rhino Reserve premium vinyl series on June 27th. For more information on the Otis Redding Foundation, its programs and ORCA, visit https://www.otisreddingfoundation.org/ and https://www.orcamacon.org/.

Grace Potter Releases Lost T Bone Burnett-Produced Album ‘Medicine’

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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Grace Potter Releases Lost T Bone Burnett-Produced Album ‘Medicine’

Grammy-nominated musician Grace Potter releases her long awaited album Medicine, produced by the legendary T Bone Burnett via Hollywood Records. You can stream Medicine on Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes and watch the brand new music video for the title track HERE.

“I remember being in the studio with T Bone and feeling like this was everything I’d been waiting for. It never occurred to me that the album might not get released, but I’m at peace with the fact that it’s taken this long,” says Potter. “This is an album that truly belongs in its own space, and I’m so happy to finally give it the platform I know it deserves.”

In 2008, Potter went into the studio with T Bone Burnett and cut an album unlike any other in her wildly expansive body of work. Made with a wrecking crew of musical luminaries, the Burnett-produced LP captured Potter at a moment of profound metamorphosis, then wound up shelved. She has now joined forces with Hollywood Records to unearth those recordings from deep in the vaults and release Medicine: a powerhouse album that’s equal parts archival gem and thrilling new addition to her extraordinary catalog.

Potter is set to appear on Live! With Kelly and Mark next Wednesday, June 4. Last week, she was featured on the cover of the Arts section of The New York Times. She was also recently featured in Garden & Gun, on Southern Living’s Biscuits & Jam podcast, and Takin’ A Walk podcast on behalf of the new album. Earlier this month, Potter “wowed” (People Magazine) the crowd with a capella rendition of the National Anthem at the 151st Kentucky Derby at the iconic Churchill Downs.

Recorded at The Village Studios, Medicine strays far from the high-spirited roots-rock of Potter’s earliest work, bringing a shadowy intensity to her soul-baring songs of lust and longing and self-salvation. To carve out the sonic landscape envisioned for the album, Burnett enlisted his longtime collaborators Jim Keltner, bassist Dennis Crouch, guitarist Marc Ribot, and keyboardist Keefus Ciancia.

Over the course of its 12 songs, Medicine achieves a hypnotic power thanks to the charmed interplay between Potter’s shapeshifting voice and the sonic exploration of her collaborators. The tracklisting’s myriad high points include the title track, which has since become a staple in Potter’s notoriously transcendent live show, “Paris (Ooh La La),” the first song ever written on her iconic Gibson Flying V, as well as the original, never-before-heard versions of “Make You Cry,” “Losing You,” “To Shore,” and “Before the Sky Falls.”.

Last weekend, Potter joined Kenny Chesney during the opening weekend of his residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The two performed their GRAMMY-nominated hit “You & Tequila” and Rod Stewart’s “Hot Legs,” on which broke out her signature Flying V. This summer, Potter is set to join Chris Stapleton for select dates, including two nights at Madison Square Garden. For the complete itinerary and full ticketing information visit https://www.gracepotter.com/.&nbsp

Medicine Track List:

Before The Sky Falls*
Losing You*
That Phone
Money
Colors
Low Road
Medicine
Make You Cry*
Oasis
Paris (Ooh La La)
To Shore*
Goodbye Kiss
(*previously unreleased)

GRACE POTTER 2025 TOUR DATES

July 17, 2025 – Lowell Summer Music Series – Lowell, MA

July 18, 2025 – Rome Capitol Theatre – Rome, NY

July 19, 2025 – Artpark – Lewiston, NY

July 20, 2025 – Point of the Bluff Vineyards – Hammondsport, NY

July 23, 2025 – UBS Arena – Belmont Park, NY *Supporting Chris Stapleton

July 24, 2025 – Upper Merion Township Building Park – King Of Prussia, PA

July 25, 2025 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY *Supporting Chris Stapleton

July 26, 2025 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY *Supporting Chris Stapleton

September 28, 2025 – Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival – Franklin, TN

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Azrieli Music Prizes Performance Fund Opens Global Call for Ensemble Proposals

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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Azrieli Music Prizes Performance Fund Opens Global Call for Ensemble Proposals

The Azrieli Music, Arts and Culture Centre is launching its annual international call for proposals for the Azrieli Music Prizes Performance Fund. The fund supports professional music ensembles from around the world in preparing and presenting excellent public performances of AMP-winning works.

AMACC is currently accepting proposals through July 4, 2025, for performances during the 2025-26, 2026-27 or 2027-28 seasons. Proposals are accepted online. Submission guidelines and additional details, including a complete listing of eligible AMP-winning works, may be found at azrielifoundation.org/amp/the-azrieli-performance-fund.

Created in 2014 by Dr. Sharon Azrieli CQ for the Azrieli Foundation, the Azrieli Music Prizes celebrate excellence in music composition. Offering the largest prize package of its kind in Canada, AMP has become one of the most significant composition competitions in the world. AMP consists of one discovery prize, The Azrieli Prize for Jewish Music, and three commissions, The Azrieli Commission for Canadian Music, The Azrieli Commission for International Music and The Azrieli Commission for Jewish Music. These are awarded to the composers whose submissions display the utmost artistry, technical mastery and professional expertise in response to each Prize theme.

“We know that offering support to both the composers and to orchestras, after a composition has its world premiere, is key to the new work’s future success,” says Dr. Sharon Azrieli, CQ. “The Azrieli Music Prizes Performance Fund bolsters professional music ensembles to share these powerful works with their audiences. These valuable considerations of what Jewish, Canadian and International music each can be generates meaningful intercultural understanding throughout the world.”

Professional ensembles may submit a proposal requesting support ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 CAD, to help cover the costs of score and parts rental, soloist fees, additional rehearsal time, augmented concert promotion and/or attendance of AMP Laureates at rehearsals or the concert performance.

AMP-PF funds are awarded annually to outstanding music ensembles through a competitive selection process. Proposals must feature works from the list of 14 eligible award-winning AMP works ranging from chamber to choral and orchestral music, with and without soloists. To date, AMP-PF has helped to fund dozens of concerts featuring compositions by AMP Laureates in cities including Berlin, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Santa Barbara, Tel Aviv, Toronto, Vancouver and Warsaw.

Created in 2014 by Sharon Azrieli CQ for the Azrieli Foundation, AMP offers opportunities for the discovery, creation, performance and celebration of excellence in music composition. Open to the international music community, AMP accepts nominations for works from individuals and institutions of all ages, nationalities, faiths and genders, which are then submitted to its expert juries through an open call for scores and proposals.

The four AMP prize packages – valued at $200,000 CAD per Laureate – currently makes it the top competition for music composition in Canada and one of the most substantial in the world. Past prize-winners include Canadian composers Jordan Nobles (2024), Rita Ueda (2022), Keiko Devaux (2020), Kelly-Marie Murphy (2018) and Brian Current (2016); Israeli composer Yair Klartag (2024); Israeli-Georgian composer Josef Bardanashvili (2024); Mexican American composer Juan Trigos (2024); Iranian-Canadian composer Iman Habibi (2022); Israeli-Canadian composer Aharon Harlap (2022); Israeli-Australian composer Yitzhak Yedid (2020); Dutch-born American composer Yotam Haber (2020); Israeli-American composer Avner Dorman (2018) and US-based Polish composer Wlad Marhulets (2016).