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Grateful Dead’s Legacy Comes to Life: Animazing Gallery Unveils Art & Photography Exhibit Celebrating 60 Years of Deadhead Culture

Eric Alper
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Grateful Dead’s Legacy Comes to Life: Animazing Gallery Unveils Art & Photography Exhibit Celebrating 60 Years of Deadhead Culture

et to coincide with Dead & Company’s “Dead Forever – Live at Sphere” concerts March 22 through May 17, Animazing Gallery in Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas will host a Grateful Dead Art and Photography Exhibit with a series of events in honor of the band’s 60th Anniversary.

The retrospective exhibit and sale will showcase the work of renowned Grateful Dead artists including psychedelic rock artist Stanley Mouse (creator of the Grateful Dead’s iconic skeleton and roses image, as well as countless Iconic Grateful Dead imagery), Jay Blakesberg (long time photographic documentarian of the Grateful Dead experience) and photographer Chloe Weir (a young talent and daughter of Grateful Dead and Dead & Company founding member Bobby Weir). Additionally, the exhibit will showcase historical Grateful Dead images from the earliest years of the band curated by Ricki Blakesberg from Retro Photo Archive. Animazing will also be debuting the “Jerry Gnome” a limited edition cast bronze 27-inch-tall statue celebrating founding Grateful Dead member Jerry Garcia created by Bay Area artist & metal sculptor Zim Caroselli.  Zim was one of the original artists who created the giant “Puppets and Floats” at the Grateful Dead’s annual Mardis Gras concerts in the Bay Area in the mid 1980s and 1990s.

A series of personal appearances by the artists at Animazing Gallery will allow fans an opportunity to meet and chat with the artists.  Appearances will include:

  • Jay Blakesberg and Chloe Weir on March 22, April 19, and May 10 from 12 noon to 2 p.m.  In addition to mingling in the gallery, Weir and Blakesberg will share stories about the photos on display.

  • Stanley Mouse on April 18 and 19 from 12 noon to 3 pm.

  • Jay Blakesberg Book Signing on March 29 at 12 noon – celebrating his new fine art coffee table book – Dead & Company: Rainbow Full of Sound.

Additionally, Animazing Gallery will host a special event on Bicycle Day, April 19, celebrating the psychedelic revolution.  In addition to personal appearances by all artists, the event will feature unique Blotter Art produced with Shakedown Gallery’s Matthew Rick and will be on display and for sale at Animazing.

The exhibition will also include a life-size, lifelike stature of Jerry Garcia created as a tribute to the iconic musician and founding member of the Grateful Dead by artist Larry “Rubber” Torro.  Also featured will be a custom Gibson SG guitar that includes Jerry Garcia’s original stage played humbucker pickup. The guitar was customized by San Francisco guitar tech, Gary Brawer in 2007.

“This will be a powerful show, featuring some of the most recognizable Grateful Dead art and photography in one place,” said Nick Leone, owner of Animazing Gallery.  “This collection really shows many of the most iconic works that have visually defined the Grateful Dead’s long strange trip! They have captured and created imagery that documents this pop culture zeitgeist that is now 60 years in the making.”

Of all the great visual artists who have been associated with music in one way or another over the years, none have been more rock and roll than Stanley Mouse.  He has produced some of the most lasting visual images in rock history.

He became a part of 1960s psychedelic art scene in San Francisco, creating what he called “weirdo art,” which today are some of the most collectible Stanley Mouse paintings. He often collaborated with the late Alton Kelly, and together they created iconic works, including Grateful Dead’s 1966 Avalon Ballroom concert poster skeleton and roses, as well as countless psychedelic concert posters spanning decades.  Stanley designed the covers for Grateful Dead’s debut album as well as the compositions used for the covers of the band’s Workingman’s Dead, American Beauty, Europe ’72, From the Mars Hotel, and Terrapin Station albums, and Jerry Garcia’s Cats Under the Stars album cover.

Jay Blakesberg is a San Francisco-based commercial photographer whose work has appeared in numerous magazines over the last four decades including Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Guitar Player, and Time among many others.

Over the last 47 years, his rock and roll journey has seen him work with many legendary artists including Grateful Dead, Carlos Santana, Tom Waits, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Radiohead and Phish among others.

Blakesberg has published 16 coffee table books of his music photography, including books on the Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia, Dead & Company, Primus, The Flaming Lips along with his visual autobiography retrospective entitled Retro Blakesberg – The Film Archives, Volume 1.

His work has been exhibited in commercial galleries nationally, and currently a large-scale retrospective exhibition entitled RetroBlakesberg: The Music Never Stopped is on display at The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles through August 2025.

Retro Photo Archive, is a collection of archival images captured on film from 1966 through 2005 and is owned by Ricki Blakesberg.  The archive features a treasure trove of pop culture and music imagery, including photographs of the Grateful Dead throughout their career beginning with images from the halcyon days of the Summer of Love, Europe 72, Wall of Sound, and the band’s legendary trip to Egypt, where they played in front of the Great Pyramids.

Chloe Weir’s journey into photography began at an early age. Growing up amidst the atmosphere of concerts and performances, she developed a profound passion for encapsulating moments through the lens of her camera. Even in her youth, Chloe exhibited a remarkable artistic vision, capturing the essence and energy of these events with an intuitive understanding that belied her age. This early exposure as the daughter of Bobby and Natascha Weir laid the foundation for her future endeavors in photography, shaping her into the talented and perceptive artist she is today. Chloe’s photograph gracing the cover of Bobby Weir’s album, Blue Mountain, was taken when she was 14 years old and was an early testament to Chloe’s capacity to create captivating visuals that leave a lasting impression.

Seeking guidance and mentorship, Chloe reached out to Jay Blakesberg, a renowned photographer associated with Grateful Dead. Under his tutelage, she refined her skills while documenting shows by Dead & Company, a band that carries on the legacy of Grateful Dead. Chloe’s portfolio extends beyond her work with Dead & Company, encompassing a diverse array of artists such as the Eagles, Willie Nelson, Lukas Nelson, Billy Strings, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson and Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros.

Animazing Gallery began in 1984 as a gallery specializing in conceptual animation art. Over time, the collection expanded to include works by a wide range of renowned illustrators and pop culture artists. Animazing Gallery has become an industry stronghold for illustration art and contemporary art inspired by the masters of illustration.

Upon acquiring a collection of comic strips by Charles M. Schulz in 1995, the gallery began to focus on at American Illustrators. In the gallery’s search to find art exhibiting “the perfect line,” the owner soon discovered an important collection of drawings and watercolors by Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. The artwork was exhibited in numerous museum exhibitions.

Additionally, owner Nicholas Leone works with and represents a number of notable rock musicians to showcase their art in the galleries. The galleries also feature a significant collection of autographed guitars and rock and roll treasures.

Leone serves as a consultant for numerous auction houses and handles gallery sales and acquisitions.  He curates and hosts pop up events throughout the United States to celebrate gallery artists and their works. The company has two galleries located in the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas featuring an abundant repertoire of work by classic illustrators and contemporary artists.

5 Surprising Facts About Björk’s ‘Homogenic’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Björk’s ‘Homogenic’

There are records that sound like an artist finding their way—Homogenic sounds like an artist setting fire to the past and carving out a whole new universe. Released in 1997, Björk’s third studio album is a sonic earthquake, blending icy strings, volcanic beats, and raw, unfiltered emotion. It’s the kind of record that grabs you by the collar and demands your full attention. But beyond its towering soundscapes and operatic intensity, Homogenic has some wild stories behind its creation. Let’s dive into five little-known facts that make this album even more legendary.

1. A Stalker’s Tragedy Changed Everything

Originally, Homogenic was supposed to be recorded in Björk’s London home. But that plan collapsed after a harrowing event: a stalker, Ricardo López, attempted to assassinate her before taking his own life. The incident left Björk shaken, leading her to flee the chaos and retreat to Spain, where she recorded the album in total seclusion. That sense of isolation and raw emotional turmoil can be felt in every beat and lyric of the record – if it sounds over-the-top, it was, it was about her survival.

2. Wu-Tang Clan Almost Produced a Track

Imagine Homogenic with a dose of Wu-Tang’s signature production. It nearly happened! Björk had been in talks with RZA and the legendary Staten Island crew about contributing to the album, but scheduling conflicts got in the way. They were busy finishing Wu-Tang Forever, and the collaboration never materialized. Still, the idea of Björk’s ethereal voice over grimy, Shaolin-style beats remains one of music’s greatest “what ifs.”

3. She Wanted the Album to Sound Like Iceland

Björk didn’t just want Homogenic to sound like her emotions—she wanted it to sound like Iceland itself. She described the record as capturing the essence of her homeland: “rough volcanoes with soft moss growing all over them.” To bring that vision to life, she combined cinematic string arrangements with glitchy, industrial beats, mimicking the contrast between Iceland’s natural beauty and technological modernity. The result? An album that sounds like tectonic plates shifting beneath the Northern Lights.

4. A Babysitter Became a Producer

In one of the most Björk-like twists ever, Homogenic’s production team included someone who originally had nothing to do with music. Rebecca Storey was hired as a babysitter but quickly took an interest in the studio equipment. Instead of just watching over Björk’s son, she started assisting with production and sound engineering. Next thing you know, she was an official part of the album’s creation. Only Björk could turn child care into a music career.

5. The Album Cover Was Designed by Alexander McQueen

It’s impossible to talk about Homogenic without mentioning its unforgettable cover art—Björk looking like a futuristic warrior queen, dressed in an elaborate, otherworldly ensemble. That striking look was the work of none other than fashion icon Alexander McQueen. Björk told him she wanted to look like someone who was forced into battle, but whose weapon was love. The led to the most visually stunning and conceptually rich album covers of all time.

Nearly three decades later, Homogenic remains a landmark in electronic music, a record that still feels ahead of its time. From the cinematic intensity of Jóga to the raw energy of Pluto, it’s an album that doesn’t just sound good—it sounds important. Because it is.

5 Surprising Facts About Sade’s ‘Diamond Life’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Sade’s ‘Diamond Life’

When the band Sade released their debut album Diamond Life, it brought people into a mood, a lifestyle in the same way that even people who didn’t like jazz or light pop loved Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me. Both albums were everywhere. Diamond Life was a sonic cocktail of jazz, soul, and the kind of smooth sophistication that makes you feel like you should be sipping a martini in a dimly lit lounge. Released in 1984 in the UK and 1985 in the U.S., it catapulted Sade Adu and her band into international stardom, turning Smooth Operator into an eternal anthem of cool.

But did you know Diamond Life has some deep-cut stories behind its creation? Let’s dig into five lesser-known facts that make this album even more iconic.

1. “Smooth Operator” Almost Never Happened

One of the most defining songs of Sade’s career was actually written two years before the band even formed. Co-written by Sade Adu and Ray St. John when they were still in the band Pride, Smooth Operator sat on the shelf for a while before the group finally recorded it for Diamond Life. St. John didn’t continue on with Sade’s band, but his contribution became the song that would introduce them to the world. And if you’ve ever wondered why the track’s spoken-word intro feels like a movie scene—it’s because it was inspired by noir films.

2. It Was Recorded in Just Six Weeks

Most debut albums take years to refine, but Diamond Life was knocked out in six weeks at Power Plant Studios in London. Producer Robin Millar, who had worked with everyone from Fine Young Cannibals to Everything but the Girl, guided the band through the process—without the luxury of modern digital recording. That meant mixing desks had to be manually operated by multiple people at once, with band members adjusting echo and reverb in real time. It was a team effort, proving that sometimes, constraint fuels creativity.

3. A Cleaning Ticket Inspired “When Am I Going to Make a Living”

Before she was an internationally recognized artist, Sade Adu had the same struggles as any aspiring musician—mainly, how to pay the bills. The song When Am I Going to Make a Living was born out of that exact frustration. Legend has it that she scribbled the first lyrics on the back of a dry-cleaning ticket after picking up her clothes with the last bit of money she had. That realness translated into one of the most relatable songs on Diamond Life, a testament to perseverance and ambition.

4. The Cover Art is Inspired by Old Hollywood Glamour

Sade Adu has always carried an air of effortless sophistication, and the cover of Diamond Life reflects that. Photographed by Toshi Yajima, the black-and-white image of Sade isn’t just stylish—it was designed to evoke the golden age of cinema. The inspiration? Old Hollywood icons like Ava Gardner and Lauren Bacall. The visual elegance of the cover perfectly complements the album’s smooth, cinematic sound.

5. “Your Love Is King” Is the Ultimate Underdog Hit

In the U.K., Your Love Is King was an immediate smash, hitting No. 6 on the charts. But when it was released in the U.S. as the album’s third single, it barely made it into the Billboard Hot 100—peaking at No. 54. Meanwhile, Smooth Operator stole the spotlight, soaring to No. 5 and topping the Adult Contemporary chart. While Your Love Is King didn’t get the same commercial glory, it remains a fan favorite and is considered one of the most beautifully arranged love songs in the band’s catalog.

Nearly four decades after its release, Diamond Life remains one of the greatest debut albums of all time, a timeless blend of sultry jazz, smooth soul, and undeniable elegance. It sold over 10 million copies worldwide and made Sade the best-selling British female debut artist for nearly 25 years. More importantly, it proved that cool is forever.

Playing For Change Premieres “Crossroads” Song Around The World Featuring Keb’ Mo’, Kingfish & More

Eric Alper
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Playing For Change Premieres “Crossroads” Song Around The World Featuring Keb’ Mo’, Kingfish & More

Playing For Change, a Certified B Corp (Social Purpose Corporation) and global music collective dedicated to inspiring and connecting the world through music, is proud to announce the release of a new Song Around The World, “Crossroads,” in partnership with Visit Mississippi, premiering March 27, 2025 on Playing For Change’s YouTube channel and website. This iconic track, originally penned by American blues artist Robert Johnson, pays homage to Mississippi’s profound influence on shaping the landscape of American music.

Known as the “Birthplace of America’s Music,” Mississippi holds a special place in music history as the birthplace of the blues in the Mississippi Delta, which went on to influence a myriad of other musical genres, from country to rock ‘n’ roll, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of American music.

“Crossroads” Song Around The World showcases a stellar lineup of musicians, including GRAMMY Award-winning blues artist and ambassador, Keb’ Mo’, GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist and singer-songwriter, Kingfish, CMA Musician of the Year, Charlie Worsham, and Cedric Burnside, electric blues guitarist and grandson of the legendary R.L Burnside. This collaboration also features GRAMMY-nominated artist Sierra Hull, soul singer-songwriter KIRBY, renowned musician and producer, Vasti Jackson, GRAMMY-nominated artist Bombino from Niger, and a diverse array of blues and world music talents who have united to spotlight the enduring impact of Mississippi music on a global scale.

As this year marks the celebration of two Mississippi kings—B.B. King (The King of Blues), who would have turned 100 years old and Elvis Presley (The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll), who would have turned 90 years old, Playing For Change and Visit Mississippi hope to shine a light on the cultural significance and musical heritage of the state, fostering a deeper appreciation for the roots of American music and the vibrant tapestry of sounds that have emanated from within.

Playing For Change was created to unify the world through the power of music. The primary focus of PFC is to record and film musicians performing in their natural environments and combine their talents and cultural power in innovative videos called Songs Around The World. To date, PFC has produced over 400 videos, recorded over 1,400 musicians in 65 countries and touched the hearts of over 3 billion viewers through music videos, performances and school programs.

Through 20 years of spreading peace through music, Playing For Change has been honored to partner with the United Nations, The White House and the Winter Olympics, collaborated with legendary musicians such as, Ringo Starr, Bono, John Paul Jones, Slash, Keith Richards, Susan Tedeschi and more, and appeared on CNN, The Tonight Show and Rolling Stone. Playing For Change is also the proud 2019 recipient of the prestigious Polar Music Prize.

Yamaha Announces 2025 Young Performing Artists Competition Winners

Eric Alper
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Yamaha Announces 2025 Young Performing Artists Competition Winners

Yamaha has announced the 11 winners of the 2025 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition. The competition is designed to acknowledge and reward exceptional young musicians studying in the United States and excelling in classical, jazz, and contemporary music genres.

“Each of the 2025 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition Winners are extraordinarily unique and gifted!” said John Wittmann, associate vice president of artist relations. “The real magic happens when they come together and perform their chosen works, including some original pieces for the exuberant audience at the Bands of America Summer Camp in June. The YYPA winners have earned this recognition and will never forget this once-in-a-lifetime musical experience. Yamaha remains committed to music education and we will continue to help guide young music makers into rewarding careers. The YYPA Program is exciting and deeply fulfilling to us.”

Musicians skilled in brass, wind, string, percussion, and piano were invited to submit a video audition along with supporting materials. A panel of Yamaha Artists, experts, and national celebrity musicians evaluated each submission to determine this year’s distinguished winners.

The 2025 YYPA Winners:

Beneditto Caroccio – Flute – San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Ian McEdwards – Clarinet – Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Zachary Costello – Saxophone – Eastman School of Music
Jonathan Arcangel – Saxophone – University of North Texas
Sarah Goldberg – Trombone – The Juilliard School
Andrew Kim – Trombone – Michigan State University
Kai Gray – Percussion – Eastman School of Music
Yukai Yang – Drum Set – Berklee College of Music
Gaeun Kim – Cello – The Juilliard School
Yanzuo Nicole Liu – Piano – Eastman School of Music
Roman Goron – Piano – Shoreline Community College

The 2025 YYPA Honorable Mentions:

Joshua Jung – Oboe – Vanderbilt University
Harrison Kim – Clarinet – Eastman School of Music
Shenghao Wang – Bassoon – The Colburn School
Nate Spratford – Saxophone – Vanderbilt University
Seowon Kwak – Trumpet – Berklee College of Music
Glenn Choe – Percussion – Manhattan School of Music
Greyson Geisness – Viola – Interlochen Arts Academy
Christopher Yao – Piano – Eastman School of Music

The YYPA program has served as a vital platform for Yamaha to connect with and honor young, talented musicians. This competition has recognized over 300 exceptional musicians, many of whom have gone on to forge successful careers as performers and educators. Notable past winners include Leelanee Sterrett, horn of the New York Philharmonic; Paul Cornish, Blue Note recording Artist and pianist with Joshua Redman; and Matthew Ross, second flute with the National Symphony Orchestra.

The 2025 YYPA winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the YYPA Celebration Weekend from June 21 to 24, 2025. This event coincides with the Bands of America Summer Camp, held at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, from June 23 to June 28, 2025. The guest artist for the 2025 YYPA Celebration Weekend will be 2004 YYPA winner and Yamaha artist Michael Dease.

The winners will perform in front of a unique audience, receive national media coverage, and participate in workshops to launch a professional music career. Additionally, the 2025 winners will benefit from services and support offered by Yamaha Artist Relations, including professional audio and video recordings, as well as photography of their live performances. This exceptional experience promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the winners to establish themselves within the music industry.

To learn more about the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Program and the winners, visit yamaha.io/YYPA2025.

H&M’s S/S 2025 Collection Blends Bohemian Spirit with Rock ‘n’ Roll Edge With Tyla, FKA twigs and Caroline Polachek

Eric Alper
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H&M’s S/S 2025 Collection Blends Bohemian Spirit with Rock ‘n’ Roll Edge With Tyla, FKA twigs and Caroline Polachek

H&M’s S/S 2025 collection is an ode to femininity: an intriguing exploration of moods, sensibilities and identities. The campaign features a diverse collective of inspiring female icons including musicians Tyla, FKA twigs and Caroline Polachek, among others. The collection and campaign showcase H&M’s strong fashion vision, exceptional design and collaboration across the music and fashion fields. The first drop of H&M’s S/S 2025 Collection will be available in select store and www.hm.com from March 20th, 2025.

The collection will be released in two chapters that complement each other as well as offer unique perspective and attitude, paying homage to the multi-faceted nature of contemporary femininity. The first drop evokes an air of ethereal bohemian, offering a fresh take on Spring style, fit for festival dressing to city chic with nods to iconic glam rock musicians and romantic styling.

“This season, we were inspired by different stages and moments of women’s lives and the richness of femininity. We wanted to offer exceptional pieces that bring energy and light. A sense of escape felt very relevant: we wanted to play with a beautiful bohemia, rock icons and festival freedom,” says Eliana Masgalos, Design Director, H&M.

The mood is a subtle and dreamy nostalgia, which blends past and present in captivating ways. Vintage-style pieces are updated with an urban and refined edge, combining looks from the 70’s, 90’s, and today. The mood is carefree yet sharply confident.

The collection is rich in classic rock ‘n’ roll staples from voluminous sheer blouses to lace-up shirts and tunics. Pieces include intriguing textural detailing such as ornate edging on collars and cuffs, intricately crocheted dresses, mini-skirts with braiding or stitch embellishments, and laser-cut pleated ruffle skirts. The structured and tougher elements add balance – from a striking studded blazer to a 70s multi-pocket jacket in leather.

Accessories speak to boho spirit featuring slouchy shoulder bags in a variety of sizes and finishes, including lace-up seams. These can be styled with snake-print slippers and waist-belts, and festival-ready biker boots. Jewelry includes antique-style pendant necklaces, tassel earrings, chunky bangles and chokers, rings and elegant cuffs in metal and resin-style materials.

The collection is the perfect start for Spring: filled with a sense of freedom, vitality, spirit and light. H&M will celebrate the launch with a festival blending fashion and music in Los Angeles on April 9th. This event will pay homage to the city, celebrating its dynamic relationship to cinema, sound and style. More details will be announced.

USPS Celebrates Native American Culture with Powwow Stamps

Eric Alper
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USPS Celebrates Native American Culture with Powwow Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service has released a new set of Forever stamps honoring the vibrant traditions of Native American powwows. The Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture stamps feature original artwork by Cochiti Pueblo artist Mateo Romero, capturing the dynamic movements and rich regalia of Indigenous dancers. The four designs highlight the Women’s Traditional Dance, Crow Hop Dance, Men’s Hoop Dance, and Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance.

Powwows are a cornerstone of Indigenous culture, bringing together communities through dance, music, and tradition. The largest of these gatherings, the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow in Albuquerque, NM, attracts over 100,000 attendees each year.

Designed by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá, these Forever stamps will always hold the value of a First-Class Mail one-ounce rate.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, first-day-of-issue ceremonies and stamp- inspired products can be found at StampsForever.com.

TRIBIT Unveils StormBox Lava Speaker: Power, Performance, and Portability in One

Eric Alper
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TRIBIT Unveils StormBox Lava Speaker: Power, Performance, and Portability in One

TRIBIT, a global brand dedicated to accessible high-quality audio, is excited to announce the launch of its latest powerhouse: the TRIBIT StormBox Lava Speaker. With a rugged, nature-inspired design, this portable Bluetooth speaker combines advanced technology and immersive sound for an exceptional audio experience. Ideal for home, outdoor adventures, or social gatherings, the Lava Speaker lets you enjoy your favorite tunes anytime, anywhere, with style and ease.

Powerful booming sound: Equipped with TRIBIT’s exclusive XBass technology, dual 30W neodymium Magnet Woofers and dual 10W Silk Dome Tweeters, the StormBox Lava delivers an ultra-deep downward bass of 43Hz and an impressive 80W output, producing explosive sound with deep bass, crisp highs, and rich mids for an unbeatable listening experience.

Elevate any audio experience: The StormBox Lava is the ultimate entertainment hub! Sync 160+ speakers in Party Mode, enjoy hands-free calling, charge your devices on the go with reverse charging, and fine-tune your sound with customizable EQ.

24-hour playtime: Powered by 6 high-capacity batteries and TRIBIT’s patented RunStretch® technology, it delivers 24 hours of nonstop playtime, keeping the party going from day to night without a hitch.

Seamless Connectivity: Crafted with premium materials and powered by a TI Amplifier Chip and Bluetooth 5.4, the Lava Speaker ensures a stable, instant connection with smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth devices.

Shoulder strap included with detachable handle: The IP67-rated StormBox Lava speaker comes with dual straps of different lengths for easy carrying and stylish versatility.

The TRIBIT Lava Speaker offers premium features at an affordable price of $129.99, available now on tribit.com, Amazon, Aliexpress, and local distributors. A grey option arrives in May.

CMRRA Distributes Over $96M in Royalties for 2024, Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Major Industry Initiatives

Eric Alper
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CMRRA Distributes Over $96M in Royalties for 2024, Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Major Industry Initiatives

The Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency, innovators in licensing and royalty administration for over 50 years, announced today the distribution of over $96 million in royalties to its music publisher and self-published songwriter clients for the 2024 fiscal year.

“We’re proud to have distributed over $96 million in mechanical royalties in 2024,” said Paul Shaver, President of CMRRA. “This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the success of music publishers and self-published songwriters, who continue to inspire our work and push us to consistently raise the bar.

Overall, distributions saw a 23% increase from 2023, driven by significant growth across multiple revenue streams. Streaming led the way with a 38% rise, while physical formats continued their steady performance with a 12% increase. International revenues also surged by 50%, highlighting the global strength of the market. Notably, TikTok royalties saw an impressive 126% jump, reflecting the platform’s growing impact on music consumption. Interestingly, despite the shift toward streaming, digital downloads experienced a 62% increase.

“We are continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of our clients, and music publishers and self-published songwriters remain our top priority,” Shaver continued. “Our focus is on delivering exceptional support and creating opportunities that empower them to succeed in an industry that is constantly transforming. By enhancing our services and streamlining processes, we are driving increased revenue to ensure their continued growth and success.”

2024 CMRRA Highlights

  • Renewed licensing agreements with major online music platforms including Apple, SoundCloud, Spotify, Tidal, TikTok, and YouTube, at increased rates to safeguard clients’ works and ensure proper royalty distribution.
  • 360 new clients affiliated with CMRRA, with an additional 172 clients added for International Collections via SX Works.
  • CMRRA’s electronic Song Registration Form, an alternative to the Common Works Registration (CWR) format, benefited over 200 clients, facilitating the processing of more than 44,000 musical work registrations.
  • Continued building strong industry partnerships by collaborating with new and returning partners such as JUNOS, CCMA, Women in Music Canada, Honey Jam, and adding Billboard Canada, Young Music Professionals, and Songwriters Association of Canada.
  • SX Works partnered with Fender Play to streamline global licensing and administration, ensuring accurate compensation for music publishers, Collective Management Organization (CMO)’s, Performing Rights Organizations (PRO)’s, and songwriters.

As CMRRA steps into 2025, the agency is excited to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Over the past five decades, CMRRA has firmly established itself as Canada’s leading reproduction rights agency, constantly evolving to keep pace with the emergence of new technology and the resulting impact on modes of music consumption. To mark this milestone, CMRRA has unveiled a special edition of its logo, which will be featured throughout the year, and has launched an anniversary theme of The Pulse, their monthly newsletter. The newsletter will highlight the milestones that have shaped CMRRA’s history while looking ahead to the future. Each month, The Pulse will spotlight key individuals who have played an instrumental role in CMRRA’s growth and success. These contributors will share their reflections on the past five decades, discuss the organization’s evolution, and offer their vision for the next 50 years. These stories will capture the essence of CMRRA’s journey and its continued drive for innovation. The February edition can be viewed here. The March edition can be viewed here.

Looking toward the future, CMRRA remains committed to exploring new opportunities to support the framework for legal AI licensing and building on the work we’ve done on expanding the licensing of post-sync audiovisual activity. This refers to all downstream reproduction activity that occurs subsequent to the initial synchronization of music within audiovisual productions, such as streaming on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.

The publishing community can continue to count on CMRRA to work collaboratively with all of our industry partners, thus ensuring our continued goal of achieving fair compensation and effective rights management, in an ever-evolving music landscape.

The Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency Ltd. (CMRRA), a SoundExchange company, represents the vast majority of the music publishers doing business in Canada.  Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, CMRRA has been at the forefront of the evolving music rights landscape, licensing dozens of digital services, including all major online music platforms operating in Canada. It licenses, collects, and distributes royalties for the majority of songs recorded, sold and broadcast in Canada. For more information, please visit cmrra.ca.

The Radio City Rockettes Celebrate 100 Years With Major Announcements Including A Nationwide Talent Search

Eric Alper
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The Radio City Rockettes Celebrate 100 Years With Major Announcements Including A Nationwide Talent Search

The Radio City Rockettes announced today that the iconic precision dance company is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, with celebrations beginning today and continuing throughout the year, including at the 2025 Christmas Spectacular. Founded in St. Louis, MO in 1925, the Rockettes are the longest-running precision dance company in America and world-renowned for their signature Rockettes Precision Dance Technique. As part of this milestone anniversary, the Rockettes also announced an expansion of their prestigious dancer development program, which kicks off with the 2025 Rockettes open call auditions on April 22 at Radio City Music Hall. Additionally, to honor the thousands of women who have kicked up their heels on the Rockettes line over the last century, the dance company is launching Rockettes Legacy™ with the mission of fostering lifelong connections for all former Rockettes and preserving the Rockettes extraordinary history through a living archive. To learn more about the Rockettes 100th anniversary, visit rockettes.com/100.

“Over the last century, the Rockettes have entertained hundreds of millions of people with their unparalleled athleticism, grace and unity,” said Jessica Tuttle, Executive Vice President, Productions for Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., the parent company of the Radio City Rockettes. “This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the enduring legacy of the Rockettes and honor the rich history of these trailblazing women who are part of a unique sisterhood. As we look to the future, we commit to the continued evolution of the line and to inspiring generations of women to follow their dreams.”

As the stars of the annual Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, the Rockettes perform for more than one million people each holiday season at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Dancers hoping to join the Rockettes line in its 100th year can attend open call auditions at Radio City Music Hall on Tuesday, April 22, with callbacks taking place on April 23 and 24. At the audition, dancers will be considered for a coveted spot on the Rockettes line for the 2025 Christmas Spectacular or an invitation to participate in the company’s no-fee dancer development program. And, as part of their commitment to ensuring that all dancers see themselves represented on the line, the dance company is again expanding its development programming with the launch of Rockettes Preparatory – a complement to the existing Rockettes Conservatory offering.

The goal of the Rockettes dancer development program is to provide opportunities for more dancers to receive the unique training needed to learn the Rockettes Precision Dance Technique. The program ensures the dance company continues to evolve by attracting the best dancers from all backgrounds. The new Rockettes Preparatory, which launches for the first time this summer, provides dancers who are less familiar with the Rockettes Precision Dance Technique with a well-rounded curriculum that introduces the dance company’s signature style and repertoire. The sister program, Rockettes Conservatory, was launched in 2020 and serves as a training intensive for more advanced, pre-professional dancers who are already familiar with the Rockettes Precision Dance Technique.

The addition of Rockettes Preparatory creates an inclusive, multi-step pipeline that fosters long-term growth for promising dancers to potentially join the Rockettes line one day – there is no fee for invited dancers to attend Preparatory or Conservatory, and participants are provided transportation to/from New York City and lodging, if needed, as well as meals for the duration of their session. Over the past five years, more than 500 dancers have participated in the Rockettes dancer development programming, with 59 of those dancers going on to become Rockettes themselves – joining a sisterhood that transcends generations.

Rockettes Legacy was launched earlier this year as a centralized, inclusive community for all former Rockettes to celebrate what all Rockettes know, whether they were on the line for one year or twenty: once a Rockette, always a Rockette. All former Rockettes are encouraged to join Rockettes Legacy and share their story at rockettes.com/rockettes-legacy to contribute to the ever-growing archive of photos, videos and first-person stories about their time on the line. Rockettes Legacy members recently united with current Rockettes on the Great Stage of Radio City Music Hall to celebrate the 100th anniversary. See the heartwarming moment here.

Initially known as the “Missouri Rockets” at the time of their founding, the dance company relocated to New York City in 1927 before finally settling at their home – Radio City Music Hall – in 1932 and becoming known as the Rockettes. In 1933, the annual Christmas Spectacular began and still features the original, classic number “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” Beginning in the 1930s and for more than 40 years, the Rockettes performed as the opening act for films at Radio City including “King Kong,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Mary Poppins” and “White Christmas.”

The Rockettes have been part of Americana throughout their history: they were among the first entertainers to volunteer for the USO during WWII, entertaining troops both at home and abroad – a partnership that continued into the 2010s – and they have performed annually in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1957. Over the years, the Rockettes have starred in other original productions at Radio City – including a long running Easter Extravaganza, New York Spring Spectacular, and New York Spectacular. In 1988, the Rockettes performed in the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and the dance company has performed for multiple United States Presidents of both parties, including at two Presidential Inaugurations and other Presidential celebrations. For 20 years beginning in the mid-1990s, the Rockettes performed for more than 12 million people in 80 cities across North America with the touring production of the Christmas Spectacular.

More recently, the Rockettes have appeared at the Tony Awards, the MTV VMAs, the NYC Pride Parade, MLB’s Home Run Derby, and the NBA All-Star Game; on programs such as “Saturday Night Live,” “America’s Got Talent,” “Today,” “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon;” and in the Hallmark film “A Holiday Spectacular.” The Rockettes have also rocked social media with their dance videos and fun takes on viral trends, amassing a social media fan base of more than 5.5 million followers. They’ve danced alongside the likes of the Backstreet Boys, Mariah Carey, Stephen Colbert, James Corden, Cynthia Erivo, Jimmy Fallon, Jennifer Garner, Kevin Hart, Jennifer Lopez, Kacey Musgraves, Leslie Odom Jr., Pitbull, Michael Strahan, Meghan Trainor and more.

To learn more about the Rockettes 100th anniversary, visit rockettes.com/100. Sign up to get the latest Rockettes news, information about events, and Christmas Spectacular ticket updates at rockettes.com.

In order to audition for the Rockettes, dancers must be at least 18 years of age and register in advance at RadioCityAuditions.com. In 2024, more than 800 dancers from 47 states and 24 countries attended the Rockettes open call auditions at Radio City. In order to be considered for and invited to participate in the Rockettes dancer development programming, dancers must attend the April auditions or be invited by the Rockettes creative team through talent scouting at colleges, universities, leading dance institutions and partner organizations, such as International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD), Harlem School of the Arts and Dance Theatre of Harlem.

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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.

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