Home Blog Page 857

Chris Rea Celebrates Shamrock Diaries 40th Anniversary with Green Vinyl Reissue

Eric Alper
-
0
Chris Rea Celebrates Shamrock Diaries 40th Anniversary with Green Vinyl Reissue

Legendary singer-songwriter Chris Rea is marking the 40th anniversary of his acclaimed album Shamrock Diaries with a special reissue on 1LP green recycled vinyl set for release on 16th May 2025. Released in 1985, the album remains a fan favourite and a testament to Chris’ enduring musical legacy.

Shamrock Diaries was a deeply personal and introspective work, drawing inspiration from Chris’ Irish heritage and his own life experiences. The album’s raw honesty and emotional depth resonated with listeners, solidifying Rea’s reputation as a master storyteller. You can pre-order it here.

Chris Rea’s time in Ireland inspired the material for Shamrock Diaries. In a recent interview included in the 2019 deluxe version, Rea noted the similarities between Dublin and his hometown of Middlesbrough, which had a significant Irish population. Further, Chris has familial connections to Ireland. Two of the album’s most popular songs, Stainsby Girls and Josephine, were written for his wife Joan and daughter Josephine, respectively.

After his mother passed away, Chris returned to his hometown of Middlesbrough. He told Q Magazine that upon his return, he found his childhood home had been demolished. The experience of finding his childhood home missing, after three years of extensive touring in Europe, was so disorienting that it felt like a scene out of a science fiction movie, and inspired him to write Steel River.

Chisel Hill, another one of Chris’ songs, is named after a house he purchased near Roseberry Topping, a distinctive hill south of Middlesbrough. Chris revealed that Chisel Hill is an emotional song for him, as it was written during a happy time in his life, when he had a house, a child, and his career was doing well. He reflected that the person who wrote that song must have been content, and admitted that the song still makes him emotional.

The 40th anniversary of Shamrock Diaries is a testament to Chris Rea’s enduring impact on the music world. His ability to connect with listeners through his heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies continues to inspire and resonate with fans of all ages.

Tracklisting
Side A:
Steel River 6:15
Stainsby Girls 3:51
Chisel Hill 4.04
Josephine 4:26
One Golden Rule 4:27
Side B:
All Summer Long 4:08
Stone 4:20
Shamrock Diaries 4:54
Love Turns To Lies 4:09
Hired Gun 8:00

+LIVE+ And Collective Soul Reunite for the Summer Unity Tour 2025 For First Co-Headline Tour in 17 Years

Eric Alper
-
0
+LIVE+ And Collective Soul Reunite for the Summer Unity Tour 2025 For First Co-Headline Tour in 17 Years

+LIVE+ and Collective Soul announced their 2025 co-headlining Summer Unity Tour with an epic video. Produced by Live Nation, the 30-date tour kicks off on Tuesday, July 8 in Auburn, WA at White River Amphitheatre, with additional stops across the U.S. in Bend, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, Buffalo, Charleston, Jacksonville, Nashville, Austin, Denver, and more before wrapping up on Friday, August 29 in Grantville, PA at Hollywood Casino at Penn Race Course.

Special guests Our Lady Peace and Greylin James Rue will join on all upcoming dates. The 2025 Summer Unity Tour marks Collective Soul and +LIVE+’s first tour together in 17 years, since their extended 2008 co-headline run.

“+LIVE+ is thrilled to be joining forces with the amazing Collective Soul! The great vibes between our two bands on and offstage is something we have both enjoyed for years, and here we come in 2025! This will be a very special night of music for all of the fans; I know everyone is gonna get rocked and uplifted right along with us…come on out!” – Ed Kowalczyk
“It was August 1994, and we, Collective Soul, were on our way to Woodstock. As our van pulled up to the grounds, another one pulled up beside us and out jumped the band +LIVE+. We became immediate friends, exchanging guitar picks with each other as soon as we met. Since that day, the Ed and Ed show has been nothing but pure, genuine friendship, and rock and roll. We’re excited that 31 years later, we still not only enjoy each other’s company, but enjoy playing music. It’s going to be a fun summer sharing it with fans, friends and +LIVE+.” – Ed Roland

Tickets will be available starting with artist presales beginning Tuesday, March 18 at 10am local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, March 21 at 10am local time.

+LIVE+ have sold over 23 million albums worldwide and earned two No. 1 albums: “Throwing Copper” and “Secret Samadhi.” Their catalog is filled with such gems as “Lightning Crashes,” “I Alone,” “All Over You” and “Lakini’s Juice,” which live on today as classics on rock radio.

“Throwing Copper” – which the band celebrated in 2019 with a deluxe, 25th anniversary edition, along with a global tour across major festivals, amphitheaters and arenas – produced the band’s biggest single, “Lightning Crashes,” which was No. 1 at Modern Rock radio for 10 consecutive weeks. “Throwing Copper” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eventually surpassed sales of 10 million albums sold, with Rolling Stone honoring the album with placement on its “1994: The 40 Best Records From Mainstream Alternative’s Greatest Year.”

“Secret Samadhi” (1997) immediately shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eventually went double-Platinum. The release of the Platinum-selling “The Distance to Here” (1999) turned +LIVE+ into an international powerhouse and moved the band from arenas into stadiums. +LIVE+ has been and remains today a global concert juggernaut.

Hailing from Atlanta, Collective Soul celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2024 with the release of their highly anticipated and critically acclaimed 12th studio album, “Here To Eternity,” on their Fuzze-Flex Records label. It was written and produced by Roland and co-produced by Shawn Grove, and recorded at Elvis Presley’s estate in Palm Springs, California. They’re the only other music artist to ever record at the historical landmark. Very special guest appearances include Paul McCartney guitarist Brian Ray, longtime Sheryl Crow bandleader Peter Stroud, and Mickey Thomas of Jefferson Starship.

With 11 studio albums – including 1995’s self-titled “Collective Soul” album, which went triple-Platinum – and eight No. 1 hits, frontman and chief songwriter Roland is unwaveringly driven in his desire to double down on doing more of what he does best: making music, sweet music, both in the studio and onstage. Seeing eye to eye, and ear to ear, is part of the secret sauce of why Collective Soul continues to both record and play together at an uncompromised level of high quality.

They were one of only five artists to have performed at both Woodstock festivals in ’94 and ’99. With electrifying newer material that accompanies the everlasting Collective Soul classic hits “Shine,” “December,” “The World I Know,” “Heavy,” and “Where The River Flows,” these five fiery rockers are only just getting started with the next phase of their thriving career that has moved millions of records and wowed multitudes of fans across the globe.

One of Canada’s most influential rock bands, Our Lady Peace has shaped the alternative rock landscape for over three decades. With multi-Platinum-selling albums and global hits “Superman’s Dead,” “Clumsy” and “Somewhere Out There,” OLP has sold over 5 million albums worldwide and garnered more than 360 million streams. They are among the elite 13 Music Canada Diamond-certified artists, holding three-times-Triple and five-times-Double-Platinum certifications. With 19 Top 10 radio hits in Canada – including five No. 1 singles – OLP has won four JUNO Awards and 10 MuchMusic Video Awards, making them one of the most celebrated bands in MMVA history.

Their extensive touring history includes sharing stages with The Rolling Stones, Guns N’ Roses, Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters and Alanis Morissette. As they close the “OLP30” chapter with “OLP30 Vol. Three,” the band looks ahead to a monumental year that includes their induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame on June 14, and a hometown show at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on July 24.

Greylin’s music explores the deep shifts that accompany life’s transformations. A singer and songwriter whose work blends emotional introspection with life, Greylin draws inspiration from the natural world, finding beauty in its raw, unfiltered forms.

Greylin debuted in her first major show in the summer of 2024, opening for the legendary Smashing Pumpkins in Muskoka, Canada. On the horizon, Greylin is set to release new music produced by Gavin Brown, who is known for his work with artists Billy Talent and Three Days Grace. Her next single will be featured in an upcoming thriller movie, marking an exciting new chapter in her growing career.

Though primarily a musician, Greylin’s talents and interests extend far beyond music alone. Recently, she finished filming a horror movie in Belize, set against the mysterious backdrop of the Mayan ruins in San Ignacio. Greylin’s diverse interests showcase her range as an artist, blending the eerie and the beautiful in both her music and visual storytelling.

Summer Unity 2025 Tour Dates:
Tue Jul 08 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
Wed Jul 09 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Fri Jul 11 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
Sun Jul 13 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Wed Jul 16 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
Thu Jul 17 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Sun Jul 20 – Huber Heights, ON – Rose Music Center*
Tue Jul 22 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
Sat Jul 26 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
Sun Jul 27 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Wed Jul 30 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
Thu Jul 31 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
Sat Aug 02 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Sun Aug 03 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Tue Aug 05 – Greensboro, NC – White Oak Amphitheatre
Wed Aug 06 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
Fri Aug 08 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
Sat Aug 09 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Sun Aug 10 – Nashville, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
Wed Aug 13 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Fri Aug 15 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
Sat Aug 16 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Mon Aug 18 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Tue Aug 19 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater*
Thu Aug 21 – Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Theater*
Fri Aug 22 – Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Sat Aug 23 – Albertville, AL – Sand Mountain Amphitheater*
Tue Aug 26 – Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre
Thu Aug 28 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Fri Aug 29 – Grantville, PA – Hollywood Casino at Penn Race Course*
*Non-Live Nation Date

Shack Announce First Tour in 18 Years

Eric Alper
-
0
Shack Announce First Tour in 18 Years

Renowned as much for the beauty of their songwriting as the meandering, adventure-prone history as a band, Liverpool’s masters of melody, Shack have announced their first tour since 2007, bringing their critically and fan-adored songbook back home with a first SOLD-OUT show at Liverpool’s 2,000-capacity Olympia Theatre on Fri 25 April 2025. Featuring the West Coast-by-Kirby street poetry of Michael Head and guitarist brother, John Head, the addition of three, further nationwide dates have shown the enduring strength of feeling for one of Britain’s most revered bands.

With limited tickets remaining, Shack, with a line-up including original bassist, Pete Wilkinson, go on to play additional dates in May, taking in Glasgow, Manchester and London (SOLD OUT).

Starting their gentle return by celebrating the band’s remarkable albums with a run of special vinyl reissues last year, beginning with 2003’s Here’s Tom With The Weather and then 90’s classic, HMS Fable, the brothers’ fate in reuniting Shack was seeded as their promotional duties took them to a surprise BBC 6 Music live session with Marc Riley and Gideon Coe last December. Overwhelming fans with deep cuts and classics, including the sing-a-long hymnal Comedy, hopes rose that, despite the loss of integral member and drummer, Iain Templeton in late 2022, the band could be on course to return.

“Iain was a massive part of Shack,” explains John Head. “I didn’t ever think that this could happen because Iain was no longer around. His contribution was enormous and he was one of us. It’s still a massive thing him not being here. He remains irreplaceable, but we have someone on board now in Ian (Skelly – The Coral), who will do an amazing job and is a huge fan of what Iain did with Shack himself.”

Enlisting the help of The Coral’s dexterous drummer, alongside the multi-instrumentalist skills of Nathaniel Cummings, a member and co-songwriter in Michael Head’s Red Elastic Band, the 2025 version of Shack is one of prodigious musicianship and long-standing friendships. Whilst some of the faces on stage will be new, some of Shack’s old habits have, thankfully, proven to be the hardest to break.

“We got together only the day before the 6 Music session,” explains Michael Head. “It was so natural. Whatever it is that we’ve got, it still works. Like John said to me, it was like slipping back in to a favourite pair of slippers. It’s what we’ve always done, all those years at our ma’s we’d just be playing together, guitars in every room, doing her head in. Nothing’s changed.”

Although band never officially split up, Shack have only performed together, largely without ceremony for a charity gig in Liverpool in 2008 and a one-off in Glasgow in 2016. Each member found different turn-offs from the band’s winding road in 2007, exploring new projects following a tour in support of a greatest hits compilation, Time Machine. Surprising themselves that the gap between that last tour and today has spanned 18 years, the old bandmates have wasted no time in getting reacquainted.

“We’ve practiced together again for the first time,” reveals Wilkinson. “When we played ‘Undecided’, I can’t explain how easy it was. There’s just this feeling. I just know when Mick’s going to make a change or bring an idea in, like we always did, it just happens so easily. We’ve been playing together since I was 19, and it was apparent then that it was going to be easy for us to gel. He didn’t need to spend time explaining stuff to me, which is most important to Mick. It happens then, as it does now, without words.”

Whilst Michael Head and The Red Elastic Band have routinely honoured the songs of both Shack and the Head brothers’ original band, The Pale Fountains during recent tours, any songs written by John or co-written by the brothers have remained largely off set-lists. Having hinted at the full band return of Undecided, as well as playing Soldier Man and Butterfly in their 6 Music session, both brothers remain tight-lipped on what might make it into the final set list.

With five cult- and straight-up classic albums to choose from, including their debut, 1988’s Zilch, 1995’s Waterpistol and 2006’s The Corner Of Miles And Gil, the extensive Shack songbook will be condensed into a compact, distilled and potent celebration of the band’s legacy.

All confirmed, upcoming Shack 2025 live dates have been confirmed as follows:
Fri 25 April – Liverpool Olympia
Thu 1 May – Glasgow, St. Luke’s
Fri 2 May – Manchester, O2 Ritz
Mon 5 May – London, Union Chapel

Brian Eno’s Music for Airports Gets a Six-Hour (!!!) Time-Stretched Experience

Eric Alper
-
0
Brian Eno’s Music for Airports Gets a Six-Hour (!!!) Time-Stretched Experience

Brian Eno’s Ambient 1: Music for Airports was meant to be looped infinitely—but what happens when it’s time-stretched to six hours? This elongated version of Eno’s groundbreaking 1978 ambient masterpiece takes the concept of sonic immersion to new heights, further dissolving tension and creating an atmosphere of pure tranquility. Originally designed to ease airport anxiety, this version might just be the ultimate deep-listening experience.

Do Dogs Enjoy Music? Science Says… Yes!

Eric Alper
-
0
Do Dogs Enjoy Music? Science Says… Yes!

Ever catch your dog tilting their head while you’re blasting The Beatles or chilling to Bob Marley? Turns out, your pup might actually have musical taste—and science backs it up!

Dogs & Their Musical Ears 🎧

A study from the University of Glasgow found that dogs react differently to various types of music. Researchers played reggae, soft rock, and classical tunes for a group of shelter dogs and noticed something amazing—their stress levels dropped, and they became more relaxed. But here’s the kicker: reggae and soft rock had the most calming effects on dogs. So if your pup loves Bob Marley, they’re basically a furry little island soul.

Dr. Neil Evans, a researcher involved in the study, explained:
“We were able to measure positive changes in heart rate and behavior, showing that certain types of music really do have an effect on dogs.”

But Wait… Some Dogs Are Headbangers! 

Not every dog is into spa-day vibes. A study from Colorado State University found that while classical music relaxed dogs, heavy metal made them more agitated (so maybe don’t introduce your Chihuahua to Slayer just yet). Meanwhile, dogs exposed to pop music didn’t show much change at all—which probably explains why your pup sleeps through your Taylor Swift playlists.

Animal behaviorist Deborah Wells also found that dogs exposed to classical music rested more and barked less, but when heavy metal came on, they started pacing and acting restless.

Musical Dogs Through History 

Music-loving dogs aren’t just a recent discovery. Pablo Picasso’s dachshund, Lump, was known to enjoy the sounds of classical guitar. And let’s not forget the time when Mozart composed music specifically for his pet starling—so maybe classical composers were onto something all along!

And in 2017, Spotify teamed up with animal psychologists to create Pet Playlists, specially curated for different animals. (Yes, your dog can now stream music just like you do. Welcome to the future.)

So… What Should You Play for Your Pup?

If you want to keep your dog happy and relaxed, go for:
✔️ Reggae (Bob Marley, UB40, Toots & The Maytals)
✔️ Soft Rock (Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, James Taylor)
✔️ Classical (Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin)

If your dog prefers chaos, well… maybe test some Metallica and see what happens (just don’t say we didn’t warn you).

Final Verdict: Dogs Love Music! 🐶❤️🎶

Not only do dogs enjoy music, but the right kind of tunes can actually improve their mood and well-being. So the next time you’re making a playlist, don’t forget to add a few dog-approved bangers—because let’s be honest, your furry best friend deserves good vibes only.

Hozier Celebrates 10 Years of Debut Album With Special Anniversary Vinyl Release

Eric Alper
-
0
Hozier Celebrates 10 Years of Debut Album With Special Anniversary Vinyl Release

Following a spectacular 2024 that saw him reach the top of Billboard Hot 100 with his single ‘Too Sweet,’ 2025 sees world-renowned singer-songwriter Hozier celebrate 10 years of his 4x Platinum certified self-titled debut album with a very special vinyl repack. The release will come May 16th on Legacy/Columbia Records.

Featuring his landmark breakthrough mega hit ‘Take Me To Church’, which is RIAA certified Diamond in the US, the critically-acclaimed record also includes fan favourites ‘Work Song’, ‘From Eden’ and ‘Someone New’. One of the most impactful debut albums of the last 10 years, the record put Hozier on the map as one of the most exciting artists in the world and saw him pick up a GRAMMY nomination for ‘Song of the Year’ for ‘Take Me To Church’.

The anniversary reissue will arrive on a selection of vinyl variants including x2 LP custard vinyl, a limited edition x2 LP baby blue vinyl – only available from Hozier’s store, a US Amazon exclusive x2 LP on olive green and a very special x2 LP evergreen vinyl exclusively available in Ireland. As well as presenting the album in its glorious original form, the release will feature bonus tracks ‘In The Woods Somewhere’, ‘Run’, ‘Arsonist’s Lullabye’ and ‘My Love Will Never Die’ on vinyl for the very first time. The standard album will also be reissued on cassette.

Known for his captivating live shows, Hozier will kick off a huge run of arena dates across both South America and North America, including headlining festivals such as Bonnaroo and The Governors Ball.

Hozier 10th Anniversary Vinyl Tracklist:
Side A
Take Me To Church
Angel of Small Death & The Codeine Scene
Jackie and Wilson
Someone New
To Be Alone

Side B
From Eden
In A Week
Sedated
Work Song

Side C
Like Real People Do
It Will Come Back
Foreigner’s Gold
Cherry Wine (Live)

Side D
In The Woods Somewhere
Run
Arsonist’s Lullabye
My Love Will Never Die

Earth, Wind & Fire Announce Nine-Show Las Vegas Residency at The Venetian This Fall

Eric Alper
-
0
Earth, Wind & Fire Announce Nine-Show Las Vegas Residency at The Venetian This Fall

he legendary music group Earth, Wind & Fire will return to The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas for a nine-show limited engagement this fall. The shows will be held from October 10 – 25, 2025, with all performances scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $59.95, plus applicable fees, and will go on sale to the general public Friday, March 21, at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, VenetianLasVegas.com, any box office at The Venetian Resort, or by calling 702.414.9000 or 866.641.7469.

Citi is the official card of Earth, Wind & Fire’s limited engagement at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Citi cardmembers will have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, March 18, at 10 a.m. PT until Thursday, March 20, at 10 p.m. PT through the Citi Entertainment program.

Artist fans will have access to a pre-sale beginning Wednesday, March 19, at 10 a.m. PT. Venetian Rewards members, as well as SiriusXM, Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers, will receive access to a pre-sale beginning Thursday, March 20, at 10 a.m. PT. All pre-sales will end Thursday, March 20, at 10 p.m. PT.

The nine shows going on sale are:
Friday, Oct. 10, 2025
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025
Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025
Friday, Oct. 17, 2025
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025
Friday, Oct. 24, 2025
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025

JENNIE’s ‘Ruby’ Dominates Charts Worldwide With Over 1 Million Sales, Top 10 Debuts in 15 Countries

Eric Alper
-
0
JENNIE’s ‘Ruby’ Dominates Charts Worldwide With Over 1 Million Sales, Top 10 Debuts in 15 Countries

JENNIE’s debut studio album, Ruby, has made a powerful impact worldwide, entering the Top 10 in 15 countries and selling over 1 million albums in its first week. Ruby topped major markets, hitting #2 in Australia, Belgium, Korea, and New Zealand, and reaching #3 in the UK-making JENNIE the highest-selling Korean female soloist in first-week sales in the country. Other chart highlights include #4 in France, #5 in Japan and the Netherlands, #6 in Germany, #7 in the US, #9 in Switzerland, and strong performances across the globe.

The album’s success is highlighted by the single “like JENNIE,” which peaked at #7 on the Spotify Global Chart during its first week. JENNIE charted 10 songs on Spotify Global, including collaborations with Dua Lipa and Doechii. Ruby has also received widespread praise from critics, who have applauded its sound and artistic vision. “Ruby’ is an exhilarating listen that proves Jennie is capable of much more than she’s been given credit for.” -CLASH “… powers her solo debut with versatility and charm, translating the group’s tough-girl sound into a blistering new style,” Pitchfork “a fast-moving good time” – Rolling Stone

Continuing her momentum, JENNIE recently released the cinematic music video for “Handlebars” featuring Dua Lipa, directed by BRTH, which has already garnered over 11 million views on YouTube.

JENNIE will be recognized as Billboard’s Women in Music 2025 Global Force honoree on March 29 at YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA. She’ll then make her solo Coachella debut with performances on April 13 and April 20.

Buena Vista Orchestra Expands U.S. Tour With 55 More Cities, Bringing Cuban Music to New Generations

Eric Alper
-
0
Buena Vista Orchestra Expands U.S. Tour With 55 More Cities, Bringing Cuban Music to New Generations

The SSK Organization, a 501C3 organization, along with its founder, renowned entertainment mogul Steven Machat and his wife and partner, Debbie Machat, announce the addition of 55 American cities to Buena Vista Orchestra’s (BVO) global tour. This follows a hugely successful US tour last fall, where the Buena Vista Orchestra played 45 dates and sold out 38 venues across the country. VIP presale tickets for the US dates will go on sale on Wednesday, March 19, at 10 a.m. local time. Local presales will be held on March 19 and 20, and Spotify presales launch Thursday, March 20 at 10 a.m. with code BVO2025. Public tickets will be available from Friday, March 21 at 10 a.m. onwards. All tickets can be purchased at https://thebuenavistaorchestra.com/.

Led by Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos, a Cuban trombonist, composer, arranger and musical director best known as the original orchestra leader, composer and trombonist of The Buena Vista Social Club, which was brought into focus throughout the world in the critically acclaimed 1999 documentary film “Buena Vista Social Club,” followed up by a second film, ”Buena Vista Social Club: Adios.

As well as appearing in both films, Ramos was the arranger and orchestra leader of BVSC tours. He has also served long stints in world class ensembles Estrellas de Areito and Afro-Cuban Allstars, as well as on the solo albums of Ibrahim Ferrer, Ruben Gonzales and Omara Portuondo. Ramos is joined on the 2025 international tour by an all-star ensemble of ten Cuban musicians, including original Buena Vista Social Club members “Betun” Luis Mariano Valiente Marin (Congas, Bongo) and Fabían Garcia (Bass), who have toured with different touring versions under the moniker Buena Vista Social Club. The Buena Vista Orchestra continues to celebrate the rhythms, melodies, and soul of Cuban music and carries forward the spirit and musical excellence of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club.

With over five decades of experience in the music industry, Machat’s latest venture, the 2025 tour, is an exciting continuation of his legacy in bringing diverse and authentic global sounds to the forefront. He has represented the Electric Light Orchestra, Ozzy Osbourne, Genesis, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Leonard Cohen and Phil Spector, among others. An influential producer, Machat is the author of I Can Hear Music – The Heroes and Villains of the Muses, a book that explores the inner workings of the music world.

“I felt it was important to share this splendid Cuban music with the world,” said Steven Machat, who first met Ramos in 2017. “Cuba is still a forbidden fruit in the eyes of my country and although the Buena Vista Social Club educated a generation to their multi-cultural songs and sound, I thought the time was right to let the new generations experience, applaud and dance to the music.”

The United States tour begins on July 24, 2025, in New York’s Hamptons, and follows with shows in Boulder, Seattle, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Miami, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Austin, Boston Minneapolis, Atlanta, and West Palm Beach, among other major locations. Currently the tour, which began on March 8th, has held sold-out performances in Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Edmonton, and Calgary, and will perform tonight in a sold-out show in Vancouver. The Orchestra will then move on to Brazil, the UK, Belgium and the Dominican Republic, before beginning concerts in the U.S., followed by performances in the Caribbean, South America, Australia and Japan. The complete list of cities and dates can be found here.

“My dream was to come to the US with the Buena Vista Orchestra to play the music that shaped my life,” said Ramos. “When I met Steven Machat, I said that this dream was somewhere over the rainbow and he told me to let us see that dream together, and we will build the rainbow that will get you there.” The Orchestra is now doing just that and a signature song that Ramos has added to the playlist Is a song the world knows, Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Produced by the SSK Organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting projects that protect and enhance global cultures, Buena Vista Orchestra’s North American tour will cross borders, bringing the music to audiences worldwide. As the official sponsor of the U.S. tour, SSK not only facilitates this international tour but also plays a vital role in preserving the cultural heritage embedded in Buena Vista Orchestra’s music. Music by the Buena Vista Orchestra can be streamed on Spotify.

U.S. Tour Dates

Date: City: Venue:
Saturday, July 19, 2025 Santo Domingo, DR Teatro La Fiesta
Thursday, July 24, 2025 Hampton Bays, NY Canoe Place Inn
Saturday, July 26, 2025 Boulder, CO Chautauqua Auditorium
Sunday, July 27, 2025 Albuquerque, NM KiMo Theater
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Fayetteville, AR JJ’s Live
Thursday, July 31, 2025 Oklahoma City, OK Tower Theatre
Friday, August 1, 2025 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theatre
Saturday, August 2, 2025 Des Moines, IA Hoyt Sherman
Sunday, August 3, 2025 Omaha, NE The Astro
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 Colorado Springs, CO Pikes Peak Center
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 Beaver Creek, CO Vilar Performing Arts Center
Thursday, August 7, 2025 Salt Lake City, UT The Union
Saturday, August 9, 2025 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre
Sunday, August 10, 2025 Portland, OR Revolution Hall
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Jacksonville, OR Britt Pavilion
Thursday, August 14, 2025 San Francisco, CA Golden Gate Theatre
Friday, August 15, 2025 Saratoga, CA Mountain Winery
Saturday, August 16, 2025 Rocklin, CA Quarry Park Amphitheater
Sunday, August 17, 2025 Petaluma, CA Mystic Theatre
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 San Luis Obispo, CA Fremont Theatre
Thursday, August 21, 2025 Ventura, CA The Majestic Ventura Theatre
Friday, August 22, 2025 Costa Mesa, CA Segerstrom Concert Hall
Saturday, August 23, 2025 San Diego, CA The Magnolia
Sunday, August 24, 2025 Las Vegas, NV Wynn Las Vegas
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Highland Park, IL Ravinia
Friday, August 29, 2025 Washburn, WI Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Tucson, AZ Fox Tucson Theatre
Friday, September 5, 2025 El Paso, TX Plaza Theatre
Saturday, September 6, 2025 San Antonio, TX Empire Theatre
Sunday, September 7, 2025 San Antonio, TX Empire Theatre
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Austin, TX Paramount
Friday, September 12, 2025 McAllen, TX McAllen Performing Arts Center
Saturday, September 13, 2025 Houston, TX Bayou Music Center
Sunday, September 14, 2025 Dallas, TX House of Blues
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Minneapolis, MN Fillmore
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Madison, WI Orpheum Theater
Thursday, September 18, 2025 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
Sunday, September 21, 2025 Detroit, MI Fisher Theatre
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Homer, NY Homer Center for the Arts
Thursday, September 25, 2025 Salisbury, MA Blue Ocean
Friday, September 26, 2025 Boston, MA Colonial Theatre
Saturday, September 27, 2025 Portland, ME Aura
Sunday, September 28, 2025 New London, CT Garde Arts Center
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 Ridgefield CT Ridgefield Playhouse
Thursday, October 2, 2025 Englewood, NJ Bergen Performing Arts Center
Friday, October 3, 2025 Queens, NY Kupferberg Center for the Arts – Colden Auditorium
Saturday, October 4, 2025 New Brunswick, NJ State Theatre
Sunday, October 5, 2025 Philadelphia, PA Keswick
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 Washington, DC Lincoln Theatre
Thursday, October 9, 2025 Durham, NC Carolina Theatre
Friday, October 10, 2025 Charleston, SC Charleston Music Hall
Saturday, October 11, 2025 Atlanta, GA Center Stage
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre
Friday, October 17, 2025 West Palm Beach, FL Kravis Center
Sunday, October 19, 2025 Miami, FL Miami Beach Bandshell

Big Changes Are Happening For SXSW In 2026

Eric Alper
-
0
Big Changes Are Happening For SXSW In 2026

or nine days, SXSW 2025 once again brought together the best in tech, film, television, music, and innovation. From legendary keynotes like John Fogerty and Tom Morello to the latest in cutting-edge technology and world-premiere film screenings, the festival delivered everything fans love about SX. But as the dust settles, the biggest news isn’t just what happened—it’s what’s coming next.

Big changes are in store for SXSW 2026, and they mark a bold new era for the festival. With the Austin Convention Center shutting down for three years, SXSW is shifting to a shorter, seven-day format where music, film, and conference events all run simultaneously. What does this mean? More immersive experiences, more time to discover new artists and ideas, and a streamlined event that allows attendees to experience the entire festival from start to finish—a first in SXSW history.

The SXSW 2025 Highlights That Set the Stage for the Future

  • Big Name Keynotes & Panels: From Metallica’s Lars Ulrich chatting with Zane Lowe to a powerhouse Last of Us panel with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, this year’s lineup delivered.
  • Film & TV Festival Firsts: Paul Feig’s Another Simple Favor and Seth Rogen’s The Studio kicked off the festival, while On Swift Horses closed it in cinematic style.
  • Music Festival Evolution: With fewer, more curated showcases, the music scene felt tighter and more intentional—something SXSW plans to expand on in 2026.
  • Tech & Innovation at the Forefront: From NASA’s Artemis II astronauts to the latest in AI and media, SXSW’s tech programming continued to push boundaries.

What’s Changing in 2026?

  • A Seven-Day SXSW: Shorter, but more immersive—with music, film, and the conference happening at the same time.
  • More Nights of Music: Music showcases expand to seven nights instead of six, giving fans even more time to experience new artists.
  • A More Curated Music Festival: Fewer acts, more discovery—SXSW is refining its approach to showcase emerging talent while spreading performances across more venues.
  • More Personalized Experiences: As post-pandemic audiences seek deeper, tailored experiences, SXSW is embracing new ways to bring people together in smaller, more meaningful ways.

The future of SXSW is leaner, smarter, and more connected than ever. As the festival enters this new phase, one thing remains clear: SXSW is still where the world comes to discover what’s next.

Get your 2026 badge at this year’s special rates during the SXSW 2026 Presale—available until March 31, 2025!

1...856857858...3,042Page 857 of 3,042

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

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

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper