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Deep Dish Return To Global Underground With ‘GU49: Dublin’ Arriving In May

Eric Alper
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Deep Dish Return To Global Underground With ‘GU49: Dublin’ Arriving In May

Electronic music legends Deep Dish make their monumental return to Global Underground with ‘GU49: Dublin’ this May. Twenty-five years ago, Global Underground and Deep Dish brought ‘GU21: Moscow’, followed by the seminal ‘GU25: Toronto’, where Sharam and Dubfire showed the world how it’s done. Deep Dish complete the trilogy with ‘GU49: Dublin’, delivering a masterclass in mixing.

The album features an album-exclusive Deep Dish remix of the seminal Moderat track “Eating Hooks”, which will be released as a single on May 1. A launch party took place at Index Dublin on Friday, January 30 as a sold-out event. Deep Dish say “Global Underground was foundational for us, not just as a platform but as a legacy — a series shaped by decades of iconic artists who helped define the culture of DJing and club music. It was always about storytelling, and in many ways, each compilation served as a musical time-capsule. We always tried to include the most timeless songs possible, and coming back to the series now feels like closing a circle while opening a new chapter.”

Andy Horsfield, Global Underground founder, adds “It’s an honour to be able to team up with Ali and Sharam again to deliver yet another outstanding GU City series album this time from the vibrant city of Dublin. Deep Dish have again excelled themselves, just like they did with Moscow and Toronto in delivering a stunning album with ‘GU49: Dublin’. I’m sure the GU and Deep Dish fans across the globe are going to love this album as much as we do.” A track listing announcement arrives in February. ‘GU49: Dublin’ will be available as download, CD and vinyl, with a limited edition collector’s edition.

Mýa Returns With Smooth R&B Single “ASAP” Ahead Of Tenth Studio Album

Eric Alper
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Mýa Returns With Smooth R&B Single “ASAP” Ahead Of Tenth Studio Album

Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Mýa returns with “ASAP”, a smooth, mid-tempo R&B single that blends classic soul, funk, and modern groove. Produced by Mýa alongside Lamar “MyGuyMars” Edwards, the song captures the urgency of honest communication, unfolding as a heartfelt plea to save a relationship before it’s too late. The single debuted as one of the most added records at R&B radio this week ahead of its official release, with early support across major markets including Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Detroit, and nationally on SiriusXM.

Reflecting on the sound of “ASAP”, Mýa says, “This is for my core R&B fans who love feel good music, with meaningful lyrics that hit the soul. ‘ASAP’ highlights one reaching a crossroad and choosing clarity by being honest about your wants and needs in times of uncertainty, without fear or hesitation.” The single marks an important moment in Mýa’s next creative chapter as she puts the finishing touches on her highly anticipated tenth studio album, coming this year. With a multi-faceted career built on independence, artistic control, and consistency, Mýa continues to evolve while staying grounded in the timeless elements that have made her one of music’s most enduring voices.

Mýa will appear live on SHERRI on Monday, February 2, where she’ll make a special announcement and discuss what’s ahead. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Mýa’s Grammy Award-winning collaboration “Lady Marmalade”, a cultural landmark that continues to resonate decades later. A defining moment in pop and R&B history, the record remains a testament to collaboration, excellence, and female empowerment. Recognized by Billboard as one of the “Top Female Artists of the 21st Century” in 2025, Mýa is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and Screen Actors Guild Award-winning actress who has built a dynamic, genre-spanning career over 25 years.

Bulgarian Festival PHILLGOOD Announces PHILLRAVE Electronic Stage With HAAi And Sofia Kourtesis

Eric Alper
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Bulgarian Festival PHILLGOOD Announces PHILLRAVE Electronic Stage With HAAi And Sofia Kourtesis

PHILLGOOD announces a third stage dedicated entirely to electronic music as the brand new Bulgarian indie-electronic festival heads to Plovdiv’s Rowing Canal July 17-19. PHILLRAVE will host artists including HAAi, Sofia Kourtesis, Erol Alkan, Acid Arab, Pretty Girl, and Swimming Paul. Elsewhere across the site, Son Lux and Los Bitchos join previously announced headliners The Cure, Gorillaz and Moby. The 2026 edition now unfolds across three distinct spaces: the main PHILLGOOD Stage, the leftfield PHILLCOOL, and the newly launched electronic hub PHILLRAVE.

PHILLRAVE brings together internationally recognised artists from across techno, acid, house and leftfield electronic scenes. Opening night sees Acid Arab, Daniel Avery and Erol Alkan set the tone, joined by Ison. On July 18, the focus shifts to forward-facing club sounds with Sofia Kourtesis, HAAi, Bulgarian favourite KiNK and Raredub. The final night closes with Kelly Lee Owens, Pretty Girl, Swimming Paul and Liubo Ursiny. Over 25% of tickets have already sold outside Bulgaria, with attendees travelling from across Europe as well as Iceland, China, Mexico, Brazil and Kazakhstan.

On the PHILLGOOD main stage, new additions join The Cure, Gorillaz, Moby and Wolf Alice. British indie band The Subways arrive on July 17, Son Lux take the stage on the final day with their cinematic blend of electronics, post-rock and experimental composition, while Los Bitchos appear on July 18 with their vibrant, instrumental surf-exotica sound. PHILLCOOL champions cult and genre-defying artists including a rare appearance from Bulgarian pioneers KLAS, marking 40 years on the country’s music scene, alongside contemporary acts such as Bulgarian Cartrader, Zhluch & Gena, Jin Monic, Lunikk and Hug or Handshake. Tickets are available at ticketstation.bg.

Don McLean To Be Honored With Bronze Statue At Surf Ballroom In Clear Lake

Eric Alper
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Don McLean To Be Honored With Bronze Statue At Surf Ballroom In Clear Lake

Don McLean will be honored with a life-size bronze statue at the Surf Ballroom & Museum in Clear Lake, Iowa in 2027. The Surf Ballroom, a National Historic Landmark where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson performed on February 2, 1959 as part of the Winter Dance Party tour, announced the tribute as “American Pie” turns 55 years old. The statue will stand as a permanent tribute to the songwriter whose work helped carry the story of that night into global cultural memory. The announcement comes on February 3, the anniversary of the 1959 plane crash that claimed the lives of Holly, Valens and Richardson.

The new statue is inspired by an existing life-size bronze portrait created by acclaimed sculptor Zenos Frudakis. Originally completed in 1989, the portrait was featured on the cover of McLean’s album ‘Classics’. Frudakis, a lifelong friend of McLean, is known for his statues of Muhammad Ali, Nina Simone, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He is creating an entirely new statue for public display at the Surf, adding a new landmark for visitors to the historic ballroom and its adjacent museum experiences.

Rick French, chairman of The Buddy Holly Educational Foundation and a national trustee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, said “The Buddy Holly Educational Foundation is thrilled that one of our most iconic ambassadors is being honored with a statue at The Surf Ballroom, the site of Buddy Holly’s final performance. While American Pie was famously inspired by the plane crash that claimed the lives of Buddy, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson on February 3, 1959, it has stood for more than half a century as an anthem to the cultural shifts of our country and is as relevant today as it has ever been.” Peter Bradley Jr., vice chairman of The Buddy Holly Educational Foundation, is working closely with McLean, his management team and Jeff Nichols at the Surf Ballroom to plan the unveiling. Bradley noted that “to this day Don remains one of Maria Elena Holly’s closest friends and she was overjoyed to learn a statue is being cast in his honor.” The Surf Ballroom first opened in 1933 and was rebuilt in 1948 after a fire. McLean is currently on tour with dates running through August.

Don McLean Tour Dates:

Fri, Feb 06 – Lobero Theatre – Santa Barbara, Calif.

Sat, Feb 07 – Saban Theatre – Beverly Hills, Calif.

Fri, Mar 20 – Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee – Immokalee, Fla.

Sat, Mar 21 – Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts – Melbourne, Fla.

Sun, Mar 22 – Savannah Center – The Villages, Fla.

Mon, Mar 23 – Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre – Clearwater, Fla.

Sat, May 16 – Honeywell Center – Wabash, Ind.

Fri, May 22 – Edmond Town Hall – Newton, Ct.

Thu, May 28 – Riviera Theatre – North Tonawanda, N.Y.

Fri, May 29 – Caesars Circus Maximus Theater – Atlantic City, N.J.

Sat, Jun 06 – Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino – Las Vegas, Nev.

Sat, Aug 01 – Murphy Theatre – Wilmington, Ohio

Sat, Aug 22 – Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center – Indianapolis, Ind.

Bristol Math-Rock Band Maebe Sign To Ripcord Records And Release New Single “Brain Paint”

Eric Alper
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Bristol Math-Rock Band Maebe Sign To Ripcord Records And Release New Single “Brain Paint”

Bristol math-rock band Maebe signed to Ripcord Records and released new single “Brain Paint” now via all digital service providers. The single arrives alongside an official music video and marks the first look at a forthcoming new body of work from the band coming later this year on physical CD via Ripcord Records. The track celebrates instrumental rock, melding guitar virtuosity with addictive melodies and cinematic post-rock dynamics. It marks the studio debut of Maebe’s new five-piece lineup, bottling the energetic performances that won over audiences in opening slots for Intervals, Alpha Male Tea Party, Poly-Math and Standards, as well as a packed-out stage at ArcTanGent Festival.

Band leader and guitarist Mike Astley-Brown describes the track, saying “‘Brain Paint’ is a bombastic riff fest – it’s a pretty bold statement of intent, but it’s fun and heartfelt, too. Everyone in the band listens to a lot of instrumental music, and I don’t think any of us have heard anything quite like this.” Maebe began as Astley-Brown’s bedroom solo project alongside his guitar journalist day job. His 2020 debut was released with no fanfare and no promotion, purely for the love of playing.

Six years on, Maebe has evolved into one of the UK’s most exciting math-rock prospects. Second album ‘Rebirth. Relive. Repeat.’ won praise from Fecking Bahamas, Noizze, Distorted Sound, LOUDER, PROG Magazine, Guitarist and Classic Rock. The album ranked among PROG and Total Guitar’s best albums of 2023 lists, while lead single “Harsh Realm” featured on MTV’s “Metal Thrashing Madness” playlist in the US and “Tautology” received support from BBC Introducing South & West. The quintet announce a run of May and June 2026 UK headline tour dates, including an appearance at Radar Festival. Tickets are on sale now. The dates run as follows:

28 May – The Exchange, Bristol

29 May – The Rainbow, Birmingham

30 May – The Fickle Pickle, Southend

25 June – Wharf Chambers, Leeds

26 June – JT Soar, Nottingham

27 June – 33 Oldham Street, Manchester

2 August – Radar Festival, Manchester

Sunday Mornin’ Country Returns To Grand Ole Opry House With Mandy Barnett And John Berry

Eric Alper
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Sunday Mornin’ Country Returns To Grand Ole Opry House With Mandy Barnett And John Berry

 Sunday Mornin’ Country returns this year with inspiring performances from beloved Country and Gospel artists in a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, June 7th, at 4:00 PM on the Grand Ole Opry House stage. Order tickets on www.opry.com or call 1-800-733-6779.

“I have been playing the Sunday Morning Country show since the Hee Haw days when Joe Babcock recruited me. I must say that I love the show and look forward to it every year!” exclaimed Charlie McCoy

“Sunday Morning Country is a very special event. A chance to come together on the Opry stage and share songs and the message of God’s Love.” Shared John Berry. “I am thrilled to be invited to be a part of this special day!!

Artists and performances for this special celebration event include Mandy Barnett, John Berry, Cassidy Daniels, Cutter & Cash, and The Kentucky Grass, Joy Holden, Charlie McCoy, John McEwen, Aubrey Nicole, and McKenzie Phipps, with more names to be announced soon.

Past years’ performers have included the talents of Jeannie Seely, The Isaacs, William Lee Golden and The Goldens, Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky GrassJohn Berry, Skeeter Davis, Roy Acuff, Lynn Anderson, Jason Crabb, Chris Young, Jimmie Wayne, The Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Freddy Hart, Grandpa Jones, Charlie McCoy, Vestal Goodman, Paul Richey, Marty Raybon, Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, Rhonda Vincent, The Whites, Tammy Wynette, Brenda Lee, Linda Davis, Jean Shepard and many others.

Sponsored by the Nashville-based nonprofit Music City Christian Fellowship, the concert wraps up the week at the end of CMA Music Fest each year, leaving fans and guests with an uplifting memory of Nashville. Sunday Mornin’ Country is the longest-running Country/Gospel event during the music festival.

Stay current with Sunday Mornin’ Country on the Music City Christian Fellowship website and stay in touch on the social media platform Facebook.

Larkin Poe And Gov’t Mule Announce Spring Co-Headline Tour Across The United States

Eric Alper
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Larkin Poe And Gov’t Mule Announce Spring Co-Headline Tour Across The United States

Larkin Poe team up with Gov’t Mule for a spring co-headline tour across the United States. The GRAMMY Award-winning duo of Georgia-bred, Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell kick off dates April 14 at Kansas City’s Uptown Theater and travel through an April 22 finale at Nashville’s The Pinnacle. Artist pre-sales begin Wednesday, February 4 at 12:00 noon local time. Local presales start Thursday, February 5 at 12:00 noon local time. All pre-sales end Thursday, February 5 at 11:59 pm local time. General on-sales begin Friday, February 6 at 12:00 noon local time.

The tour includes stops at Des Moines’ Val Air Ballroom on April 15, Timber Rock Amphitheatre in Farmington, Pennsylvania on April 17, and Charlotte’s The Amp Ballantyne on April 18. The run also features appearances at Athens’ Classic Center on April 19 and St. Louis’ The Factory on April 20. Beyond the co-headline dates with Gov’t Mule, Larkin Poe perform at multiple festivals throughout the spring and summer, including Suwannee Spring Reunion in Live Oak, Florida from March 19-22, Joe Bonamassa’s Sound Wave Beach Weekend in Miramar Beach, Florida from April 10-12, and Stagecoach in Indio, California on April 24.

Additional festival appearances include Austin Blues Festival on April 26, BottleRock Napa Valley on May 24, Rio das Ostras Jazz & Blues Festival in Brazil from June 4-7, and Telluride Bluegrass Festival from June 18-21. The summer schedule continues with Targhee Fest in Alta, Wyoming from July 10-11, Lake Morey Summer Concert Series in Fairlee, Vermont on July 16, Levitate Music & Arts Festival in Marshfield, Massachusetts on July 18, and FloydFest ’26 in Check, Virginia from July 22-26. The full tour dates are as follows:

3/19-22 – Live Oak, FL – Suwannee Spring Reunion

3/24 – Greenville, SC – Peace Concert Hall at the Peace Center

3/25 – Savannah, GA – Lucas Theatre for the Arts @ Savannah Music Festival

4/10-12 – Miramar Beach, FL – Joe Bonamassa’s Sound Wave Beach Weekend

4/14 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater

4/15 – Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom

4/17 – Farmington, PA – Timber Rock Amphitheatre

4/18 – Charlotte, NC – The Amp Ballantyne

4/19 – Athens, GA – Classic Center

4/20 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory

4/22 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle

4/24 – Indio, CA – Stagecoach

4/26 – Austin, TX – Austin Blues Festival

5/24 – Napa, CA – BottleRock Napa Valley

6/4-7 – Rio das Ostras, Brazil – Rio das Ostras Jazz & Blues Festival

6/13-14 – Columbia, MD – All Good Now

6/18-21 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Bluegrass Festival

7/10-11 – Alta, WY – Targhee Fest

7/16 – Fairlee, VT – Lake Morey Summer Concert Series

7/18 – Marshfield, MA – Levitate Music & Arts Festival

7/22-26 – Check, VA – FloydFest ’26

Ben Harper And The Innocent Criminals Announce Expansive 2026 World Tour Across Europe And United States

Eric Alper
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Ben Harper And The Innocent Criminals Announce Expansive 2026 World Tour Across Europe And United States

Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals announce an expansive 2026 world tour, bringing their live show across Europe and the United States with a mix of intimate theaters, iconic venues, and major festivals. The tour launches in March with solo performances in Spain before ramping up with full-band dates across the American West in April, including a stretch in Colorado. Harper and company head back to Europe for a summer festival run before returning to the U.S. for a major fall tour along the East Coast and Midwest.

Presale tickets for U.S. dates are available beginning Wednesday, February 4 at 10am local venue time using the password BHICLIVE. General on-sale begins Friday, February 6 at 10am local venue time. The password is valid for artist presale only. European shows are on sale now. The tour kicks off March 12 at Auditòrium de Palma in Palma, Spain with Harper performing solo. The March 14 show at Auditori de Girona in Girona, Spain is already sold out.

The U.S. run begins April 19 at The Commonwealth Room in Salt Lake City and includes two nights at Fox Theatre in Boulder, Colorado on April 24 and 25. The band performs at BeachLife Festival in Redondo Beach, California on May 02 before two nights at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on May 04 and 05. The European festival run includes Mountain Beat Festival in Trento, Italy on June 20, Collisioni Festival in Alba, Italy on June 27, and Festival Cognac Blues Passions in Cognac, France on July 04. The fall U.S. tour starts September 15 at The Basement East in Nashville and includes two nights at Bowery Ballroom in New York on September 21 and 22, wrapping with two nights at Garcia’s in Chicago on September 29 and 30. The full tour dates are as follows:

Mar 12 – Auditòrium de Palma – Palma, Spain (Solo)

Mar 14 – Auditori de Girona – Girona, Spain (Solo) (Sold Out)

Mar 15 – Teatre de la Llotja de Lleida – Lleida, Spain (Solo)

Apr 19 – The Commonwealth Room – Salt Lake City, UT

Apr 21 – Belly Up Aspen – Aspen, CO

Apr 24 – Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO

Apr 25 – Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO

Apr 26 – Bluebird Theater – Denver, CO

Apr 28 – Aggie Theatre – Fort Collins, CO

Apr 30 – Crescent Ballroom – Phoenix, AZ

May 02 – BeachLife Festival – Redondo Beach, CA

May 04 – Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA

May 05 – Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA

Jun 20 – Mountain Beat Festival – Trento, Italy

Jun 27 – Collisioni Festival – Alba, Italy

Jun 28 – MusArt Festival – Florence, Italy

Jun 29 – Rock in Roma – Rome, Italy

Jul 01 – Fiera di Cagliari – Cagliari, Italy

Jul 03 – La Nuit De l’Erdre – Nort-sur-Erdre, France

Jul 04 – Festival Cognac Blues Passions – Cognac, France

Jul 10 – Festival Pause Guitare – Albi, France

Jul 12 – Le Son by Toulon – Toulon, France

Sep 15 – The Basement East – Nashville, TN

Sep 17 – The Orange Peel – Asheville, NC

Sep 18 – Jefferson Theater – Charlottesville, VA

Sep 19 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA

Sep 21 – Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY

Sep 22 – Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY

Sep 23 – The Stone Pony – Asbury Park, NJ

Sep 25 – Toad’s Place – New Haven, CT

Sep 26 – Mr. Smalls Theatre – Pittsburgh, PA

Sep 28 – Saint Andrew’s Hall – Detroit, MI

Sep 29 – Garcia’s – Chicago, IL

Sep 30 – Garcia’s – Chicago, IL

Dan Seals And Jackie Evancho Team Up For “Love Is The Answer” Valentine’s Day Single

Eric Alper
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Dan Seals And Jackie Evancho Team Up For “Love Is The Answer” Valentine’s Day Single

The Dan Seals Estate and Melody Place Records are proud to announce the newest single from forthcoming album Dan Seals & Friends: The Last Duet, “Love Is The Answer,” releasing February 13. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the song pairs the late Dan Seals vocals with platinum-selling recording artist Jackie Evancho. The rock-fused track shares a hopeful message of love powering through difficult times. Written by Todd Rundgren, the England Dan & John Ford Coley hit released in 1979 reached the top 10 on the charts, and continues to strike a chord with new generations of audiences across the globe today. Pre-save it HERE.

Name your price, a ticket to Paradise
I can’t stay here anymore and I’ve looked high and low
I’ve been from shore to shore to shore
If there’s a shortcut, I’d have found it
But there is no easy way around it

Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer

The Forbes magazine “30 Under 30” hitmaker, Evancho has made history, breaking multiple musical records in the U.S. and UK. She is the youngest solo artist to go platinum in North America, beating Michael Jackson’s record for her 2010 EP, O HolyNight. For the same album, she also became a Guinness World Record holder for being the youngest person to have a U.S. top three record at age 10 years old.

The Season Five America’s Got Talent runner-up continues to achieve extraordinary success following her praised 2010 stint on television. The globally adored, operatic vocalist has shared the stage with critically acclaimed artists including Andrea Bocelli, Barbara Streisand, Josh Groban, David Foster, and Tony Bennett. Her most recent single, “Worthy” explores the depths of her vocal capabilities, embracing her versatility as a female artist.

Evancho is part of an iconic lineup of superstars who will be featured on the late Dan Seals duets album, arriving August 28. The Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Famer will be joined by country legends, Broadway breakouts, and award-winning musicians including Alabama, Blake Shelton, Sara Evans, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Jamey Johnson, and Luke Bryan, for reimagined collaborations of his greatest hits. See the full tracklist below:

The Last Duet Tracklist:
1. “Big Wheels In The Moonlight” – Blake Shelton
2. “God Must Be A Cowboy” – Ned LeDoux
3. “Nights Are Forever Without You” – Sara Evans
4. “Bop” – Tanya Tucker
5. “You Still Move Me” – Marie Osmond
6. “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)” – Luke Bryan
7. “The Healing Kind” – Katharine McPhee
8. “Wood” – John Berry
9. “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight (50th Anniversary Edition)” – John Ford Coley
10. “Love Is The Answer” – Jackie Evancho
11. “Addicted” – The Castellows
12. “Love On Arrival” – Wendy Moten
13. “One Friend” – Lynda Carter
14. “Three Time Loser” – Jamey Johnson
15. “My Baby’s Got Good Timing” – Jasmine Amy Rogers
16. “Still Reelin’ (From Those Rock & Roll Days)” – Alabama

Singer, concert artist, actress, and model, Jackie Evancho is a platinum-selling recording artist who first became a worldwide sensation at the age of 10 years old, with her stunning debut performance singing “O Mio Babbino Caro” on Season Five of NBC’s America’s Got Talent (AGT). Since that debut, Billboard has twice included Jackie on its list of “music movers-and-shakers under the age of 21,” as well as Forbes Magazine naming Jackie to their list of “30 Under 30,” in part due to the history she has made along the way  – the youngest solo platinum artist, earning the record away from Michael Jackson – the youngest top five debut artist ever in the U.K – the highest ranking debut artist of 2010 – and a Guinness World Record as the youngest person to ever have a U.S. top three album. Jackie has made 10 chart-topping albums and DVDs, headlined three successful PBS television specials, co-starred in the film The Company You Keep at the request of the star of the film, Robert Redford, appeared in a Guess clothing campaign at the request of Guess owner Paul Marciano, and tirelessly toured the world singing for presidents and other world leaders, at world events, and to her fans everywhere. In addition to her solo success, Jackie has recorded and/or performed duets with such notable artists as Tony Bennett, Barbara Streisand, Placido Domingo, Josh Groban, Chris Botti, Joshua Bell, Il Volo, David Foster, Andrea Bocelli, and José Carreras to name a few. In 2020, Jackie appeared as The Kitty on FOX’s The Masked Singer where she immediately became a crowd favorite through her amazing vocals and playful persona. This re-introduced audiences to not only a master of classical vocals but also showed the world that she is masterful within any genre of music. During the pandemic Jackie explored a new direction within her craft and began writing songs. She first paid homage to one of the greatest songwriters of our time, Joni Mitchell, with the release of her album, Carousel Of Time. The album received high praise from the music industry. In 2024, she released her first ever pop album, Solla. On Solla, she wrote and produced her own songs with Smash Mouth’s Greg Camp. Her new music is a departure from the arias, showtunes, and standards that she’s been most known for, but Jackie is equally as impressive within the genre her voice has taken her. Time has proven that Jackie Evancho is one of the greatest vocal talents in the world today!

Dan Seals was never one to follow convention. Born and raised in Texas, he played a right-handed, 12-string guitar with his left hand and eight strings —”upside down and backwards,” as he liked to say. This unconventional approach carried through his entire career, as he seamlessly transitioned from pop stardom to country success. Seals first gained fame as “England Dan” in the pop-rock duo, England Dan & John Ford Coley. The pair’s 1976 hit “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” cemented their place in pop history, followed by other classics, “Nights Are Forever Without You” and “Love Is The Answer.” When the duo disbanded, Seals faced financial struggles as he worked years to rebuild his career. Determined to find a new path, he embraced his country roots. In 1984, “God Must Be a Cowboy” gave him his first country top 10 hit, paving the way for an astonishing run of 11 No. 1 Billboard country hits. Hits including, “Bop,” “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold),” and “Meet Me in Montana” with Marie Osmond showcased his ability to blend emotional depth with commercial appeal. His work earned him two CMA awards, multiple GRAMMY nominations and a loyal fanbase. Seals was known for his artistic integrity, only recording songs that stirred him emotionally. His producer, Kyle Lehning, recalled how he pursued excellence with “light-hearted seriousness” in the studio. When the radio hits slowed, Seals remained a beloved touring act, later performing with his brother Jim (from Seals & Crofts) as Seals & Seals, bringing their respective catalogs to audiences worldwide. Diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma in 2007, Seals faced his final days with the same grace he brought to his music. He passed away on March 25, 2009, at 8:30 p.m.—”Showtime,” as his manager put it. Seals was posthumously inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2025. His legacy remains one of versatility, authenticity, and an enduring impact on both pop and country music. A duets album, The Last Duet, featuring Seals’ vocals with a cavalcade of respected musicians will release Summer 2026.

LOCASH To Headline 15th Annual Island Time Music Festival In Mexico

Eric Alper
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0
LOCASH To Headline 15th Annual Island Time Music Festival In Mexico

This month, PLATINUM-selling Country duo LOCASH will headline the 15th annual Island Time Music Festival — a one-of-a-kind celebration taking place February 25 through 28 on the Mexican island of Isla Mujeres. This year’s festival will feature LOCASH & Friends, marking the duo’s 6th time playing Island Time, with special guest artists joining them on stage for surprise performances.

With a stacked lineup featuring artists from Country music and beyond, Island Time serves as a benefit for the Little Yellow School House (a donation-funded school for local children with special needs). Go here for info on purchasing tickets for Island Time 2026.“We love the amazing community of Isla Mujeres and being a part of the family of artists that support these kids. This is a very special ‘one-of-a-kind’ charitable festival that has become a part of us and our mission of sharing music and making the world a better place,” shares LOCASH.

Known for a high-energy live show built on their infectious brand of Country, LOCASH will top a jam-packed bill including two-time GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Maggie Rose; Country hitmakers Trent Tomlinson, Emily West, and Lewis Brice; PLATINUM-selling Canadian artist Aaron Goodvin; and Alt-Rock powerhouse Jimmie’s Chicken Shack. In addition, this year’s Island Time lineup includes must-see acts The 615 Collective, Sarah Darling, Jon Stone and his quartet, Nekessa, Clayton Anderson, and Izzy Malik.

Featuring a night powered by Music Choice (one of the world’s most vibrant sources of modern music discovery), the 2026 festival will also mark the return of Country singer/actress Kellie Pickler. In her eighth appearance at Island Time, Pickler will greet island guests and host special events at the Little Yellow School House.

Located at the intersection of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, just eight miles off the coast of Cancún, Isla Mujeres provides a festival experience like no other in North America. Over the course of the four-day fiesta, Island Time attendees take in world-class performances at intimate venues, with unparalleled access to the artists. True to its singular spirit of community and connection, all proceeds from the festival (and its accompanying online auction) directly support essential educational services for the children of the Little Yellow School House.

One of many stops on their full-throttle touring schedule for 2026, LOCASH’s headline slot at Island Time is the latest in a series of career milestones for Preston Brust and Chris Lucas. To that end, recent highlights include landing their MULTI-WEEK No. 1 smash Hometown Home” in the Top 5 of Country Aircheck’s “Top 25 Songs of 2025,” where it nabbed the No. 4 spot. Further proving their chart-dominating power, LOCASH’s Country radio Top 40 smash “Wrong Hearts” claimed a spot on Country Aircheck’s “Top 100 of 2025.” Both songs appear on Bet The Farm — a 2025 LP that marked the duo’s first album release on their own independent Galaxy Label Group, solidifying their status as a trailblazing force in modern Country.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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