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Photo Gallery: Foster The People with Good Neighbours at Toronto’s History
5 Surprising Facts About Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born In The U.S.A’
Released on June 4, 1984, Bruce Springsteen’s seventh studio album Born in the U.S.A. was a cultural moment, a political statement, and a global rock anthem all in one. From the pounding drums of the title track to the nostalgic storytelling of Glory Days, this album transformed Springsteen from a rock icon into an international superstar.
The Birth of an American Rock Classic
In the wake of Nebraska (1982), a stripped-down folk album that showcased Springsteen’s raw storytelling, Born in the U.S.A. was conceived as its electrified counterpart. Originally, Springsteen had a vast catalog of material—anywhere between 70 and 90 songs—crafted over two years of writing and recording. Some of these songs originated from the same demo sessions as Nebraska, but the production style couldn’t have been more different. Instead of the hushed, ghostly acoustics of Nebraska, Born in the U.S.A. roared with pounding drums, searing guitars, and fist-pumping choruses.
A Title Track That Was Misunderstood
Few songs in rock history have been as widely misinterpreted as Born in the U.S.A. With its booming drum intro and arena-filling chorus, many—including politicians like Ronald Reagan—mistook it for a patriotic anthem. In reality, Springsteen penned it as a protest song about the mistreatment of Vietnam War veterans, using its bombastic sound as a Trojan horse for a sobering message. Its misunderstood nature only fueled its power, turning it into one of Springsteen’s signature songs.
Seven Singles That Dominated the Charts
In an era dominated by MTV and the rise of music videos, Springsteen embraced the medium with full force. Seven singles from Born in the U.S.A.—Dancing in the Dark, Cover Me, Born in the U.S.A., I’m on Fire, Glory Days, I’m Goin’ Down, and My Hometown—cracked the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, a feat that placed the album alongside Thriller and Rhythm Nation 1814 in the pantheon of multi-hit records. The Dancing in the Dark video, directed by Brian De Palma, introduced audiences to a young Courteney Cox, further cementing the album’s place in pop culture.
An Album That Sold Millions and Defined a Decade
With over 30 million copies sold worldwide, Born in the U.S.A. became Springsteen’s best-selling album and one of the top-selling records of all time. It topped the charts in multiple countries and spent an astonishing 84 consecutive weeks in the Billboard Top 10. More than just a commercial triumph, the album’s impact stretched far beyond the music industry—it helped shape the sound of ‘80s rock, inspiring countless artists who sought to replicate its grandeur and storytelling depth.
A Cover That Became an Icon
Designed by Annie Leibovitz, the album’s cover—featuring Springsteen’s back against an American flag—became just as iconic as the music itself. Some believed it was a defiant gesture, a critique of America’s failures, while others saw it as a symbol of unwavering patriotism. Regardless of interpretation, it remains one of the most recognizable album covers of all time.
Springsteen’s relationship with Born in the U.S.A. has been complex. While it catapulted him to worldwide fame, he has expressed reservations about the level of stardom it brought him. Nonetheless, the album’s legacy remains intact. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2012, capturing the heart of America at a time of transition, offering both hope and a critical lens on its promises. Nearly 40 years after its release, it still pulses with the energy of a stadium anthem and the depth of a poet’s reflection. Whether you blast Born in the U.S.A. at full volume or sit back and dissect its lyrics, one thing is clear: this album isn’t just part of rock history—it is rock history.
5 Surprising Facts About Bob Marley and The Wailers’ “Catch a Fire”
Few albums have ignited a genre’s worldwide recognition quite like Catch a Fire by The Wailers. Released in April 1973, this record marked a pivotal moment—not just for reggae, but for the future of Bob Marley as a global icon. Before Catch a Fire, reggae was still largely confined to Jamaica and the Caribbean, but with this album, The Wailers introduced the world to their socially conscious, groove-driven sound. The story of Catch a Fire is one of resilience, reinvention, and revolution—a landmark album that continues to burn bright.
The Birth of Catch a Fire: A Chance Meeting and a Bold Investment
With the band stranded in London due to a contract dispute, road manager Brent Clarke turned to producer Chris Blackwell of Island Records for help. Blackwell, seeing the potential in The Wailers, fronted them £4,000—not to record an album, but to get home to Jamaica. Once back, Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer laid down tracks at Dynamic Sound, Harry J’s, and Randy’s studios in Kingston. It was a stroke of luck that turned into one of the most influential deals in reggae history.
The Wailers’ Sound Takes Shape with Overdubs in London
After recording in Jamaica, Marley flew to London to hand the master tapes over to Blackwell, who had a vision of making the music more accessible to rock audiences. Blackwell brought in Muscle Shoals session guitarist Wayne Perkins, whose bluesy solos on Concrete Jungle and Stir It Up added a new dimension to the album. These overdubs, along with the studio remixing, helped reggae cross over into rock markets, a move that proved critical in Catch a Fire‘s success.
A Blend of Political Rebellion and Love Songs
While many of the album’s lyrics tackle themes of poverty, injustice, and resistance, Catch a Fire also balances its fiery political messages with songs of romance and longing. Slave Driver calls out the modern oppression of Black people, linking it to the horrors of slavery, while Stir It Up is a tender, sensual love song. This ability to weave personal and political narratives into music is one of the reasons Marley’s songwriting remains timeless.
A Zippo Lighter That Made Album Art History
The original Catch a Fire vinyl pressing featured one of the most iconic album covers of all time—a hinged sleeve designed to resemble a Zippo lighter, which opened at the side to reveal the record. Only 20,000 copies were made before production costs forced a switch to an alternative cover. This new artwork, designed by John Bonis, featured Esther Anderson’s famous photo of Marley smoking, further cementing his rebellious image. The original Zippo cover has since become a coveted collector’s item.
The Tour That Brought Reggae to the World
Following the release of Catch a Fire, The Wailers embarked on the Catch a Fire Tour, covering England and the U.S. The tour generated international buzz, earning them new fans and setting the stage for Marley’s future superstardom. Despite only reaching #171 on the Billboard 200, the album’s impact far exceeded its chart position, helping reggae break into the mainstream for the first time.
Catch a Fire is second only to Legend among Marley’s most celebrated works. It remains a cornerstone of reggae, influencing countless artists across genres. The album’s troubled recording history and eventual triumph over industry obstacles reflect the very themes it espouses—perseverance, rebellion, and the fight for recognition.
Gary Clark Jr. Expands 2025 North American Tour in Support of JPEG RAW
Four-time Grammy Award winning artist Gary Clark Jr. announces additional 2025 North American tour dates in support of his critically acclaimed 2024 album JPEG RAW.
Kicking off at Palace Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 17, the tour will continue with shows in Asbury Park, Asheville, and more before concluding on September 4 in St. Louis, MO at The Pageant.
Artist presale will begin tomorrow, February 19 at 10am local time, with public on-sale to follow on Friday, February 21 at 10am local time. Sign up now at https://www.garyclarkjr.com for a first chance at tickets.
JPEG RAW signals a brave new world for Clark’s ever-expanding creative palette. The new music is dense and adventurous with a more cohesive synthesis of his eclectic musical universe. His samples, Thelonious Monk and Sonny Boy Williamson, decorate flourishes of African, World Music, and even Jazz while merging with rock, R&B, hip-hop and blues; familiar areas he has ventured before, this time with more unity forging a fresh new style. Clark’s lyrics are pointed, deeply personal, outspoken and socially conscious with occasional forays into rap and spoken word from Clark himself. The sonics are immersive, verging on modern groove-oriented psychedelia with hip-hop driven beats in verses giving way to anthemic choruses, rich with power-chording and wide fuzz riffage.
JPEG RAW is Clark’s first album since 2019’s critically lauded This Land, which became his third consecutive top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and garnered three Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance (“This Land”) and Best Contemporary Blues Album (This Land). Clark’s first Grammy win was awarded in 2014 for Best Traditional R&B Performance (“Please Come Home”).
Since its release, the singer-songwriter has toured extensively and stretched his wings as an actor, playing American blues legend Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which received eight Academy Award nominations. Clark also served as the official Music Director for Jon Stewart’s acceptance of the 23rd Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. In addition to programming the event, he delivered a powerful tribute on stage, which aired on PBS nationwide.
Now, as Clark hits the road once more in support of JPEG RAW, this new era continues for the acclaimed performer-one with ever-expanding horizons, and music that needs to be heard live and in person.
Gary Clark Jr. Tour Dates:
Feb 19 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort and Casino*
Feb 20 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas*
Feb 22 – Tempe, AZ – Innings Festival
Feb 24 – El Paso, TX – Abraham Chavez Theatre*
Feb 28 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theatre*
Mar 01 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall*
Mar 04 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern^
Mar 06 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium^
Mar 07 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium*
Mar 09 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre^
Mar 10 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium^
Mar 11 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center^
Mar 13 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center^
Mar 14 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live Orlando^
Mar 15 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood^
Apr 14 – Melbourne, AUS – Palais Theatre
Apr 15 – Adelaide, AUS-Hindley St Music Hall
Apr 17 – Sydney, AUS-Enmore Theatre
Apr 22 – Honolulu, HI – The Republik+
Apr 23 – Honolulu, HI – The Republik+
Apr 25 – Highland, CA – Yaamava’ Theater
May 10 – Mill Valley, CA – Mill Valley Music Festival
May 18 – San Diego, CA – Wonderfront Music Festival
Jun 17 – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre
Jun 19-21 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest
Jun 20 – Interlochen, MI – Interlochen Center for the Arts – Kresge Auditorium
Jun 24 – Lewiston, NY – Artpark Outdoor Amphitheater
Jun 26 – Shelburne, VT – Shelburne Museum – The Green
Jun 28 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Jazz Festival
Jun 30 – Deerfield, MA – Tree House Brewing Company
Jul 01 – Deerfield, MA – Tree House Brewing Company
Jul 03 – Bensalem, PA – Parx Casino – Xcite Center
Jul 05 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Stone Pony Summer Stage
Jul 06 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park
Jul 07 – Asheville, NC – Asheville Yards Amphitheater
Sep 04 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
*With support from Grace Bowers
^With support from Danielle Ponder
+With support from Clay Campania
Erasure’s Andy Bell Announces New Solo Album Ten Crowns and Releases “Don’t Cha Know” Video
Andy Bell has detailed a new solo album, Ten Crowns, which will be released on 2 May 2025 on vinyl (white, oxblood, and picture disc available), CD (standard and 2CD versions), gold cassette, and digitally via Crown Recordings. Today, Bell shares a new single, ‘Don’t Cha Know’.
The new album will coincide with a UK tour—full details below—beginning on 1 May in York, continuing to Cambridge on 19 May, with a London show at Shepherd’s Bush Empire on 16 May, followed by a run of European dates.
‘Don’t Cha Know’ was one of the first tracks to be written for the album, and, according to Andy, it marks “the beginning of the expedition” that would become Ten Crowns. Hinting at the emotional journey Andy has been on – “It’s so very hard to say hello / When your whole world comes crashing down,” – the moving track is accompanied by a stunning video by Stephano Barberis.
The new album is the result of Andy embracing a milestone in his life: Ten Crowns – 10 tracks of dazzling, joyous pop, produced and polished in Nashville, inspired by the dancefloor and gospel – was completed in the year he turned 60 and marks a majestic moment in his career.
No stranger to collaboration – his four decades of writing and recording with Vince Clarke as Erasure are still going strong – Bell threw himself into writing with close friend Dave Audé, the Grammy award-winning producer, remixer and DJ. Their work together is euphoric, and to top the celebrations, they invited Andy’s ultimate pop heroine, Debbie Harry, to join Andy on vocals for ‘Hearts A Liar’.
The new single follows the cosmic flash of ‘Breaking Thru The Interstellar’, where Andy dances us “towards another paradise… ready for a new dimension / On our galactic journey”. Inspired by his love of reading BBC science magazines and the possible existence of wormholes that allow travel through space, he explains, “It’s on first because I wanted to let people know we’re going to go for a ride now!”
Andy and Dave had previously collaborated on two US dance chart number ones together: 2014’s ‘Aftermath (Here We Go)’ and 2016’s ‘True Original’, and after those dance tracks, the pair “just kind of carried on writing as an exercise”, Andy explains, “and after that, Dave moved his family to Nashville because LA was so expensive, and so our writing took this kind of gospel-tinged Nashville twist.”
He describes how in Nashville there’s a church on every corner (“it reminded me of singing in choirs and cathedral school as a child, where the spirit of the church is imbued in the music”). Not that Ten Crowns is a sombre, spiritual set. It’s propulsive, electronic, passionate, driven by the need to encounter new emotions and experiences as life races on. “I mean, I’ve got everything I could possibly wish for, you know, I really have, but that’s not to say I’m always fulfilled,” Andy adds. “This album’s about picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, embracing life – and about taking that feeling on even when you’re fighting demons in the world, like homophobia, and fighting demons in yourself. It’s about being celebratory and uplifting.”
Ten Crowns marks a magisterial moment in Andy Bell’s forty-year career. His joy about what that holds, and where it can go, clearly excites him. “It’s my third (sort of) solo record [following 2005’s Electric Blue and 2010’s Non-Stop] and in Erasure, our third album was our most successful out of all that we’ve done, so I’m taking that spirit with me!”
Travelling into new dimensions and possibilities with gospel in the heart and dancing in the soul clearly suits him. Ten Crowns is Andy Bell imperial, gleaming, ready for his coronation.
Ten Crowns tracklisting
Breaking Thru The Interstellar
Lies So Deep feat. Sarah Potenza
Heart’s A Liar feat. Debbie Harry
For Today
Dance For Mercy
Don’t Cha Know
Dawn Of Heavens Gate
Godspell
Put Your Empathy On Ice
Thank You
ANDY BELL LIVE TOUR
1 May – York (UK), Barbican
2 May – Birmingham (UK), Symphony Hall
3 May – Manchester (UK), Bridgewater Hall
6 May – Glasgow (UK), Royal Concert Hall
7 May – Aberdeen (UK), Music Hall
8 May – Gateshead (UK), Glasshouse
11 May – Bournemouth (UK), Pavilion
12 May – Guildford (UK), G-Live
13 May – Bath (UK), Forum
16 May – London (UK), Shepherd’s Bush Empire
18 May – Liverpool (UK), Philharmonic
19 May – Cambridge (UK), Corn Exchange
12 June – Frankfurt (DE), Batschkapp
13 June – Hamburg (DE), Markthalle
15 June – Berlin (DE), Columbia Theater
16 June – Koln (DE), Gloria
18 June – Leipzig (DE), Anker
19 June – Bremen (DE), Modernes
21 June – Holstebro (DK), Summer Sounds Festival
UK tickets are on sale now
German tour fan pre-sale from Weds 19 Feb, details here
Dropkick Murphys and Bad Religion Announce Co-Headlining ‘Summer Of Discontent’ Tour 2025
Dropkick Murphys and Bad Religion will be co-headlining for the first time during their U.S. Summer Of Discontent Tour with openers The Mainliners from July 22 through August 17.
Dropkick Murphys vocalist and founder Ken Casey said, “We are so fired up to spend the summer with these legends. We plan to give people a great night out when we hit their town. Gonna be a blast!!” Tim Brennan from Dropkick Murphys said, “Being able to tour with Bad Religion is such an exciting thing for us. It’s not everyday we get to rub elbows with a band that has that kind of legendary status and we are over the moon to hit the road with them.”
Bad Religion singer Greg Graffin said, “Bringing together our two bands and our respective audiences should create an event of epic proportions. But most importantly, I look forward to the community of camaraderie and togetherness we will share with such talented fellow musicians and punk fans across the Nation. I can’t wait!” Bad Religion’s bassist Jay Bentley added, “You know, this has been a long time coming. We’ve shared the stage at plenty of festivals with Kenny and the guys, and I am genuinely excited to hit the road with the Dropkicks, finally. Their energy is infectious, and I’m looking forward to spending the summer with them. I think it’s going to be a blast for us and our fans.”
During the summer tour-which follows Dropkick Murphys’ annual St. Patrick’s Day Tour–fans will have the chance to hear Dropkick Murphys’ classics, along with their current single “Sirens” – and possibly other new songs from their next album, which will be released via the band’s Dummy Luck Music / [PIAS] later this year. Fueled by an infectious, hard-hitting guitar riff and frontman Ken Casey’s raw, intense, and commanding vocals, “Sirens” is a rallying cry for unity, urging fans to rise against those who exploit the working class. Dropkick Murphys are: Ken Casey (lead vocals), Tim Brennan (guitars, tin whistle, accordion, piano, vocals), Jeff DaRosa (guitars, banjo, mandolin, vocals), Matt Kelly (drums, percussion, and vocals), James Lynch (guitars and vocals), and Kevin Rheault (bass). Joining the band for their live shows is bagpiper and multi-instrumentalist Campbell Webster.
You can expect Bad Religion to celebrate their diverse catalog on this tour. Concertgoers can look forward to a mix of iconic songs and beloved classics, highlighting their significant influence on the punk scene. At the same time, Bad Religion is working on a new album, and this tour is likely to energize their creativity, drawing inspiration from the lively interactions with their audience. The current lineup, recognized as one of the strongest in the band’s history, features Greg Graffin (vocals), Jay Bentley (bass), Brian Baker (guitar since ’94), Mike Dimkich (guitar), and Jamie Miller (drums). With 17 studio albums to their credit, they have established a reputation for social awareness, while also being known as one of the most powerful live bands and lasting legends in the punk genre.
Tickets for all shows go on sale February 20 at 10am local time.
Tue., Jul. 22 – Spokane, WA – BECU Live at Northern Quest
Wed., Jul. 23 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Thu., Jul. 24 – Tacoma, WA – Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park
Sat., Jul. 26 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort
Tue., Jul. 29 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
Wed., Jul. 30 – Sacramento, CA – The Backyard
Fri., Aug. 1 – Pocatello, ID – Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre
Sat., Aug. 2 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union
Mon., Aug. 4 – Kansas City, MO – Grinders
Tue., Aug. 5 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
Wed., Aug. 6 – Buffalo, NY – Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B
Sun., Aug. 10 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion
Wed., Aug. 13 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage
Fri., Aug. 15 – Atlantic City, NJ – Ovation Hall @ Ocean Casino
Sat., Aug. 16 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
Sun., Aug. 17 – Big Flats, NY – Mich Ultra SummerStage At Tags
Dierks Bentley Announces 2025 ‘Broken Branches’ Tour With Zach Top and The Band Loula
Dierks Bentley announced today his 2025 BROKEN BRANCHES TOUR, will kick off in Austin, TX and roll through over 30 U.S. cities nationwide. Produced by Live Nation, Bentley has enlisted rising star Zach Top and new Warner Music duo The Band Loula to join him this summer.
“I’m 20(ish) years into doing this, and I’ve seriously never been more excited about a tour,” said Bentley “We had Zach out for a few shows last summer, and I knew right away that we had to do more together. He loves the same kind of country music I do, and he’s got the bluegrass chops to hang with the best of ’em in a jam. I’ve got a million ideas for the set list rolling around in my head. It’ll be fun to figure out how to make it all come to life with a new album and new production.”
Known for putting on full-scope performances that “blend hits, a genuine onstage energy that easily outpaces many of today’s newcomers, and intentional audience engagement” (Billboard), Bentley’s summer tour will be packed with his biggest hits, fan favorites as well as new music.
On Friday, Bentley teased a new album with the release of lead single “She Hates Me,” which lands somewhere between Whitley and Weezer and features his patented style of country with a mischievous edge, plus the tongue-twisting story of a girl who is no longer falling for his country-boy charm. More details about the album will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am local time at www.dierks.com. Citi is the official card of the BROKEN BRANCHES TOUR. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, Feb 18th at 10am local time until Thursday, Feb 20th at 10pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program.
BROKEN BRANCHES TOUR 2025 Dates:
5/29 – Austin, TX – Moody Center ^
5/30 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavillion ^
5/31 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center *
6/5 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre *
6/6 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre *
6/7 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre #
6/12 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage *
6/14 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre *
6/19 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre *
6/20 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre *
6/21 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater *
6/26 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome ^
6/27 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre *
6/28 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre *
7/10 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater *
7/11 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live *
7/12 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center ^
7/18 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center *
7/19 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center *
7/31 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre *
8/1 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater *
8/7 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion ^
8/8 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek *
8/9 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion *
8/14 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater ^
8/15 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center *
8/16 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts *
8/21 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena *
8/22 – Birmingham, AL – Coca Cola Amphitheatre *
8/23 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum *
8/28 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden *
8/29 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake ^
8/30 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre ^
* On-Sale This Friday, February 21
^ On-Sale Next Friday, February 28
# On-Sale Friday, March 7
Skip Joins Forces with the JUNO Awards and Canadian Music as Exclusive Delivery App Partner
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (CARAS) and Skip today announced an exciting new partnership for the 2025 JUNO Awards. As the Exclusive Delivery App Partner, Skip is extending its commitment to celebrating iconically Canadian moments by partnering with the JUNO Awards to spotlight Canada’s best and brightest in music. As Canada’s homegrown delivery network, Skip and the JUNO Awards are a perfect pairing, with a shared passion for celebrating and elevating Canadian talent.
This landmark collaboration features the debut of the JUNOS | Skip Orange Carpet, where Canada’s artists will shine. The Orange Carpet premiered at the JUNO Nominee Celebration on February 11 and will take centre stage again on March 30, 2025, during The 54th Annual JUNO Awards in Vancouver, BC. With innovative activations, national contesting, and exclusive perks for members of Skip’s loyalty program Skip+, the partnership promises to deliver unforgettable experiences for fans and artists alike.
“We are thrilled to welcome Skip as the Exclusive Delivery App Partner of the JUNO Awards. Their innovative approach to connecting with fans aligns perfectly with our mission to celebrate and elevate Canadian music. The JUNOS | Skip Orange Carpet will be a bold and exciting addition to this year’s events, and we can’t wait to share these unforgettable experiences with music lovers across the country” said Allan Reid, CARAS President & CEO.
Skip’s sponsorship extends beyond the Orange Carpet. The brand will engage fans across the country through national contesting, and offer Skip+ members exclusive opportunities to attend JUNO Week events and enjoy priority viewing on the Orange Carpet. Skip’s recently-launched membership program Skip+ gives members access to greater savings, plus exclusive perks and experiences, including the opportunity to attend the JUNO Awards.“We are incredibly excited to partner with the JUNO Awards as their Exclusive Delivery App Partner for 2025”, said Rachel MacAdam, VP of Marketing at Skip. “Skip has always been committed to bringing people together and enhancing experiences that celebrate the things that matter most. This partnership allows us to showcase our passion for all things Canadian while offering fans, artists, and our Skip+ members unique opportunities to engage with the music community in a way that is fresh and innovative”.
The 54th Annual JUNO Awards and JUNO Week 2025 will be hosted in Vancouver, BC from March 27 to Sunday, March 30, 2025 culminating with The JUNO Awards at Rogers Arena on Sunday, March 30, 2025, broadcast live on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen and globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos.
Dark Star Orchestra Announces Spring Tour 2025, Including Dark Star Jubilee at Legend Valley
With winter’s edge slowly fading, Dark Star Orchestra is excited to announce their highly anticipated Spring Tour 2025. The tour will kick off on May 15 at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul, MN, before winding its way through some of the band’s favorite Midwest venues and making stops on the East Coast, culminating with a celebratory return to Asheville, NC on May 31.
Anchored by performances at the band’s very own Dark Star Jubilee (May 23–25) at Legend Valley in Thornville, OH, this year’s Spring Tour promises to deliver the unparalleled live experience fans have come to expect from Dark Star Orchestra. The group pays homage to the spirit and music of the Grateful Dead, while making each show a unique musical adventure.
Dark Star Orchestra continues to embody the Grateful Dead experience, offering an authentic yet always surprising live performance. This Spring Tour promises fresh takes on timeless tunes, high-energy jams, and special moments that honor one of rock’s most beloved legacies.
SPRING TOUR 2025 DATES
May 15 | Palace Theatre | St. Paul, MN
May 16 | Val Air Ballroom | Des Moines, IA
May 17 | The Pageant | St. Louis, MO
May 19 | Pabst Theater Group | Milwaukee, WI
May 20 | Blue Gate Performing Arts Center | Shipshewana, IN
May 23–25 | Dark Star Jubilee, Legend Valley | Thornville, OH
May 27 | Greenfield Lake Amphitheater | Wilmington, NC
May 29 | The Amp Ballantyne | Charlotte, NC
May 30 | Tabernacle Atlanta | Atlanta, GA
May 31 | Asheville Yards Amphitheater | Asheville, NC
June 1 | The Refinery | Charleston, SC
Sandy Beaches Cruise Announces 30th Anniversary Voyage With Star-Studded 2026 Lineup
The Sandy Beaches Cruise will celebrate its 30th voyage in 2026. The cruise that set the standard for music festivals at sea has announced the initial lineup for the 2026 sailing with an incredible array of artists of American roots music. The seven-day trip will take place on Holland America Line’s luxurious m/s Eurodam which departs out of Fort Lauderdale, FL on January 11th with stops in beautiful ports of call in Nassau, Bahamas, Key West, FL and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas before returning to Ft. Lauderdale on January 18th.
The 2026 lineup includes Little Feat, The Mavericks, Marcia Ball, The California Honeydrops, The Band of Heathens, Hayes Carll, Hayes & The Heathens, Asleep At The Wheel, Paul Thorn, Eddie 9V, Jimmy Hall, Sue Foley, Wayne Toups, Yates McKendree, Gary Nicholson, Big Joe Maher, The McCrary Sisters, Etta Britt, Seth James, Red Young, and many more to be added. Stay up to date at SandyBeachesCruise.com.
The Sandy Beaches Cruise offers over 100 plus live performances in five different venues including the large open-air stage on the outdoor pool deck. Guests will be treated to jam sessions, artist collaborations, Q&A’s, songwriter sessions and special events, while reuniting with old friends, making new ones, and meeting some of their favorite artists.
The Sandy Beaches Cruise is like an intimate music festival at sea with 2,000 of your best friends, but without the overwhelming crowds, long lines, dust, dirt and lack of shade. What has kept loyal fans coming back for three decades are the special bonds forged in this musical community that continue to thrive. Enthusiastic guests treat the cruise as an annual pilgrimage and new guests become regulars as the joyful, celebratory vibe onboard is all welcoming and highly addictive.
The sold out 2025 cruise featured electrifying sets from the likes of Keb’ Mo’, Founder and Musical Host Delbert McClinton, Tab Benoit, Los Lobos, Jimmie Vaughan, Marcia Ball, Shinyibs, The Band of Heathens, Jimmy Hall, Blood Brothers – Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia and many more.
Legendary artist/producer/arranger/musician Red Young held court during his specially curated late-night sets highlighting different genres each night. As regulars know, anything Young has scheduled is a must see, and he never disappoints.
“It’s always been StarVista LIVE’s goal to respect the very special communal feeling of the Sandy Beaches guests, stay true to the music legacy that Delbert created and hopefully be an important part of the future of the roots music community. I so much enjoy meeting and talking to the guests who are true music fans, incredibly passionate and knowledgeable, and so gracious,” says StarVista LIVE President of Live Entertainment Mike Jason.
The sold out 2025 cruise completed its voyage in late January and 2026 is already 80% sold. Book your cabin today at SandyBeachesCruise.com.