Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival organizers have revealed Wave 2 of the 2026 lineup, adding Cage The Elephant, Knock 2, LCD Soundsystem, Freddie Gibbs, and Japanese Breakfast to an already extensive bill. The festival returns to Sunshine Grove from March 19 to March 22 for its tenth anniversary with programming that spans global names, established acts, and new voices. The additions also include Paris Texas, Beltran, Dirty Heads, and Empress Of.
The festival introduces the first Aquachobee Dub Reggae Takeover featuring Mykal Rose, Subatomic Sound System, Screechy Dan, Scientist, Papa Michigan, and Sister Nancy. Attendees can also expect an opening ceremony with a traditional Rastafarian Drum Circle and a full slate of late night programming. Incendia returns as a four night series curated by Renegade to highlight underground energy and special guests. With previously announced headliners and a wide roster of performers across many genres, Okeechobee continues to grow as one of Florida’s most distinctive festivals.
Tickets are on sale now, with options include 4-Day General Admission, 4-Day GA+, and 4-Day VIP, along with a variety of camping, parking packages and culinary experiences. Payment plans are available for a 25% deposit. and complete ticket information is here.
Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt will join forces for a co headline tour beginning February 23 in Waterville and running through March 12 in Lansdowne. The run includes theater dates across Maine, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Tickets go on sale November 21 at 10 AM local time, with an artist pre sale opening November 19.
Lovett continues to be recognized for his work across country, swing, jazz, and folk after a career filled with major honors. Hiatt remains one of the most respected American songwriters, with a steady output of albums since 1974 and collaborations with Ry Cooder, Nick Lowe, Jim Keltner, and Jerry Douglas. Each evening will highlight their catalogs, musicianship, and long standing connection on stage.
Tour Dates Feb 23 — Waterville ME — Waterville Opera House Feb 24 — Portland ME — State Theatre Feb 26 — Plymouth MA — Plymouth Memorial Hall Feb 27 — Groton MA — Groton Hill Music Center Feb 28 — Portsmouth NH — The Music Hall Mar 1 — Beverly MA — The Cabot Mar 3 — Huntington NY — The Paramount Mar 4 — Morristown NJ — Mayo Performing Arts Center Mar 6 — Reading PA — The Santander Performing Arts Center Mar 7 — Rutland VT — The Paramount Theatre Mar 8 — Port Chester NY — The Capitol Theatre Mar 10 — Rochester NY — Kodak Center Mar 11 — Troy NY — Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Mar 12 — Lansdowne PA — Lansdowne Theater
The National Music Centre (NMC) is deepening its connection with Canada’s Francophone music community through the opening of a satellite space in Montreal’s Latin Quarter, within the Quartier des Spectacles part of downtown.
Last night, as part of the official opening of NMC’s Montreal satellite space, MU, a registered charity transforming Montreal into an open-air museum, unveiled a mural by artist Mathieu Potvin, titled “Merci Beau Dommage.” The piece is part of the “Les bâtisseur·e·s culturel·le·s de Montréal” collection, which honours key figures who have helped shape the city’s cultural identity. With Beau Dommage showcased in the Quebec Music Hall of Fame exhibition at the National Music Centre in Calgary, the unveiling celebration was a symbolic first event for the new Montreal co-location.
Located in the same building as l’Association québécoise de l’industrie du disque (Adisq), the 3,000-square-foot Montreal space will serve as an anchor point for NMC’s growing activities in Eastern Canada, specifically in Quebec. The proximity to Adisq will help foster collaboration on a range of activities, including music industry events, professional development programs, workshops for industry professionals and artists, as well as other special pop-up events exploring new opportunities to strengthen cultural ties and support and amplify the work of Quebec-based creators and businesses.
“There’s no better time than now for nation-building and creating bridges between the East and the West. As a national organization, it’s vital that we not only amplify but actively engage with Canada’s diverse music communities,” said Andrew Mosker, NMC President and CEO. “Our new presence in Montreal reflects our commitment to strengthening relationships with Francophone creators, artists, businesses, industry partners, and audiences in the rich cultural hub of Quebec and other parts of Canada.”
“Our partnership with the NMC will create new opportunities for innovative projects, foster collaborations, and offer enriching musical experiences for Francophone communities from coast to coast,” adds Eve Paré, Executive Director of Adisq.
This expansion builds on an already strong relationship between NMC and Quebec’s music community. NMC’s Calgary home proudly houses the Adisq Hall of Fame, which celebrates Quebec’s music industry and Canadian Francophone artists, as well as the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Many Francophone artists have been celebrated through NMC’s exhibitions and supported through its artist residencies and live performance programs.
The Montreal space will also host a number of activities bringing NMC’s curatorial experience and storytelling approach to new audiences in Quebec. These efforts align with NMC’s national mandate to celebrate, preserve, and share the stories of Canadian music from coast to coast to coast.
By establishing a presence in Montreal, the National Music Centre is taking a meaningful step toward building stronger connections between Canada’s English and French-speaking music communities, and furthering its aspiration is to be present in other parts of Canada over the coming years.
Gary “Mani” Mounfield wasn’t just the bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. He was a cornerstone of the Madchester sound, a beloved figure in British music, and one of the most universally admired musicians to ever pick up a bass. Following the news of his death on November 20, 2025, we look back on 25 things you should know about the man behind the groove.
He was born in Crumpsall, Manchester on November 16, 1962.
His father, Colin, worked as a chef for the Manchester United football team.
He developed an early love of darts, which became a lifelong passion.
Mani joined The Stone Roses in 1987, just as they were finding their sound.
His basslines defined Madchester, especially on tracks like “I Wanna Be Adored” and “Fools Gold.”
He played a Rickenbacker 4005 bass, famously painted in a Pollock-inspired splatter style.
After The Stone Roses split in 1996, he joined Primal Scream full-time.
He was considered the most likely Rose to support a reunion, often quoted saying it would happen when “Man City won the European Cup.”
Mani was a live wire on stage, with an energy that radiated through every performance.
He performed with Ian Brown during the Roses’ hiatus, including festival sets in Madrid and Barcelona.
He formed Freebass, a supergroup with Peter Hook (Joy Division, New Order) and Andy Rourke (The Smiths).
He appeared in the film 24 Hour Party People in a small but fitting guest role.
He was a dedicated Manchester United fan, despite being raised with Irish roots.
Mani’s musical influences ran deep, drawing from funk, punk, reggae, and psychedelic rock.
He met his wife Imelda at Rockfield Studios, during the making of Second Coming.
The couple had twin sons, and remained married until Imelda’s passing in 2023.
He lived in Heaton Moor, Stockport since 1991, never losing his North West roots.
He rejoined The Stone Roses in 2011, igniting a wildly successful reunion tour.
He performed six nights at Manchester’s Heaton Park during their comeback.
In 2019, he received the Made of Athy Award, celebrating his Irish heritage.
He was always up for a jam, once playing tambourine at a Paul Weller show.
He supported the “Manchester Versus Cancer” benefit, reuniting with Ian Brown to play “I Am the Resurrection.”
He was a beloved presence in backstage darts tournaments, bringing the same fire he had on stage.
His awards included Best Bass Guitar and Godlike Genius as part of Primal Scream.
Mani passed away on November 20, 2025, leaving behind a musical legacy that shaped generations.
Whether it was the swirling psychedelia of “She Bangs the Drums” or the raw power of Primal Scream’s live shows, Mani was the pulse behind it all. His presence, humor, and unmistakable sound will echo forever.
Yes, but not just because you’re 60. Age matters less than you think. What actually gets you a free boiler? Your benefits, your income, and your heating system’s efficiency. The ECO4 scheme offers fully funded replacements until March 2026, but only if you tick specific boxes. Miss one requirement and you’re out.
Here’s what determines eligibility: qualifying benefits like Pension Credit, household income under £31,000, property ownership (or landlord consent), and an EPC rating of D or lower. No upfront costs. No repayments. But the clock’s ticking.
Who Actually Qualifies?
Think turning 60 opens the door to free heating? Not quite.
The government doesn’t hand out boilers based on birthday candles. ECO4 targets fuel poverty; households choosing between heating and eating. Being a pensioner helps, but the real gatekeepers are your bank statement and benefit letter.
The Benefits That Matter
Here’s the shortlist that gets you approved:
Primary Benefits
Secondary Benefits
Pension Credit (Guarantee)
Child Tax Credit
Universal Credit
Working Tax Credit
Income Support
Housing Benefit
Income-related ESA
Income-based JSA
One crucial point: State Pension alone doesn’t qualify. Receiving your weekly pension? That’s not enough. You need Pension Credit, specifically the Guarantee component. Don’t confuse the two.
Income Limits
No qualifying benefits? You can still get in if your household income sits below £31,000 yearly. Some councils use stricter thresholds through the LA Flex Scheme. Worth checking your local rules.
Property Requirements: The Three Tests
Your home needs to pass these checks:
Ownership Status
Own it outright or have a mortgage? Green light. Private tenant? You’ll need written landlord consent before applying. Social housing? Different pathway entirely; contact your council.
Boiler Condition
Seven years old minimum, or broken beyond reasonable repair cost. Non-condensing boilers and back boilers jump the queue; they waste up to 40% of your fuel. That’s money burning in your exhaust pipe.
Energy Performance
EPC rating of E, F, or G required. High-efficiency homes (A-C ratings) get deprioritised. No current EPC? They’ll assess it for free during your application.
What Disqualifies You?
Let’s cut through the wishful thinking. These scenarios lock you out:
Household income over £31,000 without qualifying benefits
Boiler under 7 years old (unless it’s dead and expensive to fix)
EPC rating of C or better
Landlord says no to installation
Already have an A-rated boiler that works fine
Age 60+ doesn’t override these rules. Ever.
The Application Process: Five Steps
No mystery here. Just documentation and patience.
Step 1: Check Eligibility Use an online checker or call your council. Take two minutes with your benefit letters handy. Most installers offer postcode-based tools that give instant qualification likelihood.
Step 2: Submit Documentation You’ll need proof of benefits, boiler make and model, property ownership documents, and landlord consent if renting. Incomplete applications are the number one rejection cause.
Step 3: Home Assessment A certified assessor visits free of charge. They evaluate your heating system, confirm EPC rating, and identify other improvements like insulation. No obligation at this stage.
Step 4: Approval If cleared, expect installation scheduling within 8-12 weeks. Current demand means longer waits in some regions; some applicants hit 4-month delays.
Step 5: Installation Takes 1-2 days. Gas Safe-registered engineers remove your old boiler and fit a new A-rated condensing model with smart controls. Zero cost to you.
Critical Deadlines You Can’t Ignore
ECO4 ends in March 2026. Period.
What happens after? Nobody knows. The government hasn’t announced a successor scheme. Miss this window, and you might lose this level of support entirely. Demand already outstrips installer capacity in most areas, creating months-long backlogs.
Even if your boiler works now, securing approval protects against future breakdowns. Waiting until it dies could mean waiting until ECO4 dies too.
Common Mistakes That Kill Applications
Smart people make dumb errors. Here are the worst:
Assuming State Pension = Pension Credit
They’re different benefits. The State Pension is your standard retirement payment. Pension Credit is means-tested support for low-income pensioners. Only the latter qualifies.
Skipping Landlord Consent
Private tenants: get written permission before applying. Not after approval. Not during assessment. Before.
Using Outdated EPC Ratings
Certificates expire after 10 years. If yours is old, request a new assessment through your application. Don’t guess.
Delaying Until the Boiler Dies
Apply while it still functions. Waiting for catastrophic failure means waiting in the winter cold during the application process.
Alternatives If ECO4 Rejects You
Didn’t cut? Other options exist.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Offers £7,500 grants (not fully free) for heat pumps or biomass boilers. Requires boilers over 10 years old. You’ll co-fund the difference.
Great Britain Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Focuses on insulation but may include boiler support for council tax bands A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland/Wales).
Warm Homes Local Grant
Launching April 2025 for low-income households. Details remain sparse.
Local Authority ECO4 Flex
Some councils run targeted schemes for vulnerable residents outside standard criteria. Worth investigating locally.
The Bottom Line
Being over 60 opens the door. It doesn’t guarantee you walk through. ECO4 Scheme qualification depends on benefits, income, property status, and heating efficiency. The application takes 8-12 weeks from installation approval; longer if demand spikes in your area.
March 2026 remains the hard cutoff. After that? Maybe nothing replaces it.
Check eligibility now using free online tools or council contacts. No cost to enquire. Two minutes to find out. Months of regret if you wait too long, and funding evaporates. Your move.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
If you are a voracious reader, you must have a vast collection of books at home. At any given opportunity, you buy a new book to quench your thirst for reading. But buying different books is not enough. You also need to display them correctly. Bookshelf is the best solution for this. And if you have a reading room at home, you can easily convert it into a well-stocked home library with books of different genres, authors, and time periods. This room is sure to charm anyone who steps in. How about custom shelves for the library?
Tailor-made shelves and bookcases in your home library are sure to up the game. You will get a dedicated space to display your books. And since these custom-cabinets and shelves come in different shapes and sizes, you can take your pick from an extensive range of collections. You can get them further personalized to suit your specific requirements. Why don’t you contact a reliable service provider for high end cabinetry solutions?
How to ensure that the cabinets and shelves are suitable for your home library?
Through tailored solutions, you can achieve the desired results. When you contact the experts, concentrate on the following aspects:
Accurate measurements:
Before deciding on the style of the cabinet and shelves, determine where you want to install them, as the size of the items will depend on this. If you are opting for wall cabinets or wall shelves, please indicate the position on the wall where they will be fitted. The cabinet maker will take the measurements accordingly. If you don’t show him the place where you would like to install it, he will come up with a regular-sized cabinet, and when you try to install it, the fitting will not be proper.
Offbeat style and design:
For your home library, opt for uncommon cabinet designs and styles. The same applies to the shelves as well. You can opt for wooden cabinets with glass panels or those made from laminate or melamine. They have a distinct look and finish. Don’t opt for the regular-styled cabinets, as they are pretty standard and lack appeal. Designer ones are way better, even if they are expensive, than the regular ones.
Match the décor of the library:
Keep in mind that the cabinets and shelves in the library will be an integral part of the room; hence, they should match the existing décor of the space. It should blend in perfectly and should not stand out like a sore thumb. When you hire the cabinet maker, ask them to visit your house so that you can show them the room where you want to install these. Let them soak in the ambiance of the room. This will give them a clear idea about what needs to be done.
Summing it up
A library in the house is a great thing. Whenever you feel like reading a good book, you can go to the library, take out the book from the cabinet or the shelf, and read it. You can spend some quality time with yourself, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Insanidade turns up the voltage with the official music video for “Black Thunder,” a standout track from the album ‘Enough to Be a Loser.’ Directed by Ygor Silva of Macabro Studio, the video channels the bloody grit of classic B horror cinema from the sixties and seventies and pairs it with the nonstop rush of rock n roll. It feels like a wild ride built for fans who love intensity, atmosphere, and loud guitars.
The band calls this album their heaviest work yet. The record brings together nine fierce tracks including a cover of “Looks That Kill” by Mötley Crüe and pulls influence from legends like AC DC, Motörhead, Guns N Roses, Mötley Crüe, and The Hellacopters. Every song carries the spirit of old school Hard and Heavy while keeping a sharp and current edge. The riffs punch through the mix, the rhythm section hits with force, and the vocals carry the rebellious spark that defines Insanidade.
With Lucas Tamandare, Luis Maldonalle, Gustavo Vasquez, and Rodrigo Miranda at full power, the group steps forward with total confidence. “Black Thunder” stands as a loud statement of identity and a reminder of why Insanidade holds a strong place in the Brazilian underground scene. It is raw, energetic, and built for listeners who want music that moves fast and leaves a mark.
SOiL returns to the United Kingdom in October and November 2026 with their biggest run yet, expanding to fifteen dates and marking the longest UK stretch of their career. Fans across the country will see the band in new cities for the first time and feel the full force of a show built for every era. A major highlight lands on November 5 with their appearance at Hard Rock Hell Festival XIX in Great Yarmouth. The excitement surrounding this tour is already rising as the band promises a set stacked with hits, deep cuts, and a taste of new material.
Joining the trek are Finger Eleven and Adema. Both bands bring their own powerful histories and memories of touring with SOiL, and each artist shares genuine enthusiasm about stepping back onto UK stages together. With this lineup, every night carries the spirit of reunion and celebration. The run brings three groups of longtime fan favorites into one room after another, creating an atmosphere that feels warm, charged, and ready for big moments.
Tour Dates Oct 30 Brighton ENG – Chalk Oct 31 Wolverhampton ENG – KKs Steelmill Nov 1 Hull ENG – Asylum Nov 3 Glasgow Scotland – The Garage Nov 4 Newcastle ENG – Digital Nov 5 Great Yarmouth ENG – Hard Rock Hell Festival Nov 6 Nottingham ENG – Rock City Nov 7 Manchester ENG – O2 Ritz Nov 8 Bradford ENG – Nightrain Nov 10 Northampton ENG – Roadmender Nov 11 Southampton ENG – The 1865 Nov 12 Torquay ENG – The Foundry Nov 13 Bristol ENG – O2 Academy Bristol Nov 14 London ENG – Electric Ballroom Nov 15 Margate ENG – Dreamland Ballroom
Eidola steps back onto the road with fresh purpose as they launch a five week United States tour built around the companion albums “Eviscerate” and “Mend.” Three cities will receive a rare two night experience with each album performed in full one night after the other. Everywhere else gets a set designed to bring the strongest moments from both records together in a single flowing performance that feels tailored for this moment in the band’s evolution.
Sergio Medina shares that this tour reflects the vision the group carried from the very beginning. The chance to bring both albums to the stage in the sequence of their story adds extra meaning to every show and creates an atmosphere of connection for fans who have been waiting through eighteen months off the road. The band moves forward with gratitude and excitement as they prepare their most ambitious presentation yet with Nerv and Astronoid joining the run.
Tour Dates:
February 22 – Seattle, WA El Corazon February 23 – Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre February 25 – Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades February 26 – Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre * February 27 – Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre # February 28 – Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom March 2 – Albuquerque, NM Backstage at Revel March 4 – Austin, TX Come And Take It Live March 5 – San Antonio, TX The Rock Box March 6 – Dallas, TX Trees March 7 – Houston, TX Warehouse Live Midtown March 9 – Tampa, FL Orpheum Tampa March 10 – Atlanta, GA Masquerade – Hell March 12 – Baltimore, MD Soundstage March 13 – Philadelphia, PA Underground Arts * March 14 – Philadelphia, PA Underground Arts # March 15 – New York, NY Gramercy Theatre March 17 – Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club March 19 – Toronto, ON Axis Club March 20 – Detroit, MI El Club March 21 – Chicago, IL Bottom Lounge * March 22 – Chicago, IL Bottom Lounge # March 24 – Madison, WI Atwood Music Hall March 25 – Minneapolis, MN Fine Line Music Café March 27 – Denver, CO Summit Music Hall March 28 – Salt Lake City, UT Metro Music Hall *-Eviscerate in its entirety #-Mend in its entirety
Dubinski steps forward with fresh energy as they drop their blazing new single “Back To Basics” and launch into a run of headline European dates. The sibling quartet arrives tonight ready to deliver a set filled with force, melody, and a sense of purpose, all before returning to the United Kingdom for a headline show at Camden Assembly on Tuesday December 2 and a hometown celebration at Edinburgh Cabaret Voltaire on December 13. Everything about this moment feels bold and alive as the band moves into its next chapter.
Recorded at Salvation Studios in Brighton and produced by Grammy winner Mike Horner, “Back To Basics” brings a surge of rhythm and a rush of clarity. Eugene Gaine shares that the song is about choosing balance through routine and self care, and the performance carries that spirit in every note. The track arrives as the first new music since their album ‘What Is Your Definition Of Happiness?’ and shows Dubinski embracing full momentum with confidence and heart.
Tour Dates Nov 19 Dordrecht, NL – Bibelot Nov 20 Langenburg, DE – KGB Nov 21 Oldenburg-Land, DE – Rolling Stone Beach Festival Nov 23 Warsaw, PL – 2KOŁA Nov 25 Vienna, AT – Arena Nov 26 Budapest, HU – Turbina Nov 28 Milan, IT – Headbanger’s Pub Nov 29 Winterthur, CH – Gaswerk Dec 2 London – Camden Assembly Dec 13 Edinburgh – Cabaret Voltaire
