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Kelsie Watts to Make Her Broadway Debut as Queen Jane Seymour in SIX The Musical

Eric Alper
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Kelsie Watts to Make Her Broadway Debut as Queen Jane Seymour in SIX The Musical

Kelsie Watts, the powerhouse recording artist celebrated for her electrifying vocals and viral social media presence, is set to make her Broadway debut as Queen Jane Seymour in the globally acclaimed SIX The Musical. Remixing 500 years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st-century girl power, SIX is the winner of 23 prestigious awards, including the 2022 Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. Watts has captivated millions with her viral singing videos and soulful performances, amassing over 194 million views across social platforms. With 1.7 million TikTok followers and 1 million Instagram fans, she’s become a beloved figure for her empowering pop anthems. Now, her remarkable journey continues as she takes the stage in SIX, marking her Broadway debut while gearing up for exciting new music releases in 2025. The new Queens will begin performances on Wednesday, February 19, at the Lena Horne Theatre (256 W 47th St, NYC).

A few years ago, Kelsie was performing in a variety show on the Nashville Showboat, where her favorite number was “Desperado” by The Eagles. After one show, a woman in the audience handed Kelsie her card, encouraging a call about a casting opportunity. That woman was Roberta Duchak, musical director for SIX. Now, in 2024, the stars have aligned. “I’ll forever be grateful to Roberta for her friendship, guidance and her belief in me,” Kelsie reflects.

On joining the SIX cast, Kelsie shares, “Joining the Broadway Cast of SIX The Musical is absolutely mind blowing! I’ve wanted to be on Broadway since I was a little kid. But to be honest, I never thought it would happen. As an artist, I’ve chosen to express my creativity through tattoos, pop/rock music and little things like changing my hair color. Even though I studied opera and vocal performance, I believed these are things that excluded me from being in musical theater. I’m so grateful to say I was wrong. The Broadway world has accepted me with open arms just as I am. I am beyond ecstatic to take on the role of Jane Seymour.”

Born into a musical family in Lubbock, Kelsie Watts discovered her voice at just two years old. Encouraged by her talented parents, she honed her artistry performing in church, school plays, and later studying opera and commercial music at Belmont University in Nashville, where she began songwriting and creating music that launched her career.

Kelsie’s self-released music soon caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to her feature on AJ McLean’s (Backstreet Boys) single “Hurts to Love You” in 2020. Later that year, she wowed audiences on Season 19 of The Voice with her viral performance of Kelly Clarkson’s “I Dare You,” earning a spot on Team Kelly and millions of social media views.

Kelsie has since emerged as a dynamic independent pop artist. Her single “Live Out Loud,” produced by GRAMMY-nominated NicoTheOwl, became the theme for the Tokyo Sky Tree Global Campaign and streamed 24/7 during the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. In 2021, she released the empowering anthem “Look What You Missed” and the heartfelt ballad “I Can’t Say Goodbye,” written about the sudden loss of her brother to mental health struggles, aiming to support others in similar pain. In 2024 Kelsie released singles “After Midnight” and a duet with Nate Amor, “Forgetful,” which was written by the incredible Diane Warren. When not writing and performing, Kelsie can be found advocating for mental health and has worked with Didi Hirsch and the Not Alone Challenge to help spread awareness.

With an impressive list of accomplishments already under her belt, Kelsie Watts’ Broadway debut in SIX marks the start of an exciting new chapter for this powerhouse artist and songwriter. A rising force in the music industry, Kelsie Watts is undeniably one to watch.

5 Surprising Facts About Talking Heads’ ‘Speaking in Tongues’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Talking Heads’ ‘Speaking in Tongues’

When Talking Heads released Speaking in Tongues on June 1, 1983, they redefined how art-rock could dominate the charts and dance floors. From the infectious “Burning Down the House” to the heartfelt “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody),” the record bridged avant-garde experimentation with commercial success. Here are five lesser-known facts about this groundbreaking album that highlight its innovative spirit and creative genesis.

1. The Art of the Limited Edition

The Speaking in Tongues limited-edition LP wasn’t just music; it was a museum-worthy piece of art. Designed by legendary artist Robert Rauschenberg, the packaging featured a clear vinyl disc enclosed in clear plastic, accompanied by three colorful plastic discs that created a collage effect. The design was so impactful that it earned Rauschenberg a Grammy Award for Best Album Package. Meanwhile, frontman David Byrne handled the standard album art, proving the band’s dedication to marrying music with visual art.

2. “Burning Down the House” Started as a Funky Chant

The album’s biggest hit, “Burning Down the House,” had unconventional origins. Chris Frantz was inspired by a Parliament-Funkadelic concert and started chanting “Burn down the house!” during a jam session. This chant morphed into the song’s title, while David Byrne refined the lyrics using his unique method of singing nonsense syllables until words clicked. Early drafts included quirky phrases like “Foam Rubber, USA” before arriving at the iconic chorus.

3. DIY Production After Parting Ways with Brian Eno

For the first time since More Songs About Buildings and Food, Talking Heads produced the album themselves, stepping away from longtime collaborator Brian Eno. While Eno’s influence had previously shaped their sound with complex polyrhythms, Speaking in Tongues leaned into simpler, groove-oriented structures. Tracks like “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” showcased this shift, with a repetitive ostinato forming the backbone of the song—a stark departure from their earlier, denser compositions.

4. “This Must Be the Place” Is an Honest Love Song

“This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” stands out as one of Talking Heads’ most sincere tracks. Known for his abstract and cerebral approach, David Byrne embraced emotional vulnerability here, creating what he called “a love song made up almost completely of non sequiturs.” Its naive charm extends to the instrumentation: Tina Weymouth played guitar, Jerry Harrison handled bass on a Prophet synthesizer, and Byrne alternated between guitar and synth, experimenting in ways that defied traditional songwriting.

5. A Dance and Chart Sensation

While Talking Heads were rooted in new wave and art-rock, Speaking in Tongues achieved crossover success, even dominating the dance charts. Tracks like “Slippery People” and “Making Flippy Floppy” resonated with clubgoers, propelling the album to the No. 2 spot on Billboard’s Dance Chart for six weeks. Beyond its grooves, Speaking in Tongues became the band’s highest-charting album in the U.S., peaking at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and earning platinum status in Canada.

Speaking in Tongues was a cultural milestone that balanced intellectualism with accessibility. From its Grammy-winning artwork to its chart-topping hits, Talking Heads proved that music could be both innovative and mainstream. Whether you’re grooving to “Burning Down the House” or reflecting on the emotional depth of “This Must Be the Place,” this record remains a testament to the limitless possibilities of creativity.

5 Surprising Facts About U2’s ‘War’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About U2’s ‘War’

When it comes to iconic albums, U2’s War sits high on the list, not only for its powerful music but for the fascinating stories behind its creation. Released on February 28, 1983, this was the album that catapulted U2 into the international spotlight, showcasing their ability to merge raw emotion with political commentary. Here are five lesser-known facts about War that might surprise even the most dedicated U2 fans.

1. The Boy on the Cover Was Bono’s Friend’s Brother

The striking cover of War features a young boy staring directly into the camera, a face that has become synonymous with the album’s powerful themes. That boy is Peter Rowen, the younger brother of Bono’s childhood friend, Guggi. Rowen also appeared on the covers of U2’s Boy and Three, making him an integral part of the band’s early visual identity. The band chose his image to symbolize the emotional and psychological effects of war, rather than depicting physical violence.

2. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” Was Inspired by an Argument and a Bus Stop Encounter

One of the most celebrated protest songs of all time, “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” began as a guitar riff by the Edge, written after an argument with his girlfriend. Struggling with self-doubt, he channeled his frustration into the song. Later, a chance encounter at a bus stop with violinist Steve Wickham led to the addition of the electric violin, recorded in just half a day. This haunting violin part became one of the song’s most memorable elements.

3. Larry Mullen Jr. Was Convinced to Use a Click Track by Sly & the Family Stone’s Drummer

Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. was initially resistant to the idea of using a click track during recording, as he felt it restricted his style. However, a conversation with Andy Newmark of Sly & the Family Stone changed his mind. This decision resulted in tighter drumming and became a defining feature of the album’s sound, especially on tracks like “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “New Year’s Day.”

4. “New Year’s Day” Was Originally a Love Song

Bono initially wrote “New Year’s Day” as a love song for his wife, Ali Hewson. However, the track took on a political tone after Bono was inspired by the Polish Solidarity movement. Its distinctive bassline, which Adam Clayton accidentally discovered while trying to play “Fade to Grey” by Visage, gave the song its unique energy. “New Year’s Day” went on to become U2’s first UK top 10 hit and remains one of their most performed songs.

5. Kid Creole’s Coconuts Made an Unexpected Appearance

The album’s eclectic sound owes a nod to the Coconuts, the backup singers for Kid Creole. While on tour in Dublin, they were invited to contribute backing vocals for the track “Surrender.” Producer Steve Lillywhite described the collaboration as a happy accident, one that added unexpected flair to the serious tone of the album.

War as a statement that cemented U2 as a force in both music and political discourse. Its boldness, creativity, and raw emotion continue to resonate decades later, proving that great music is timeless. Whether it’s the haunting violin in “Sunday Bloody Sunday” or the politically charged lyrics of “New Year’s Day,” War remains one of U2’s most defining works.

The Original Canadian Production of COME FROM AWAY Performs its 1000th Performance

Eric Alper
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The Original Canadian Production of COME FROM AWAY Performs its 1000th Performance

The original Canadian production of the multi-award winning global sensation Come From Away will mark a milestone on January 29, 2025 when it gives its 1000th performance at the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre.

The Canadian production of Come From Away began in Toronto on February 18, 2018, and played to sold-out audiences for over two years, until its run was cut short by the global COVID pandemic on March 13, 2020. It returned to the stage on December 15, 2021, when theatres and other public spaces were allowed to reopen. Only seven days later, on December 21, this run was cut short by the new COVID variant, Omicron, which triggered the government to announce a new lockdown.

For safety and to ensure a healthy future run, the producers opted to put the show on hiatus until times were more consistently stable. When the show was ready for its return, it did so in our nation’s capital.  Indeed, Come From Away began its next chapter at the National Arts Centre English Theatre, running August 14 to September 1, 2024.

The show finally returned to its original Canadian home, the Royal Alexandra Theatre, on September 22, 2024, and was greeted with rave reviews and standing ovations.

“Not many shows play 100 performances,” explains David Mirvish. “To reach 1,000 is truly remarkable. In Toronto there have only been four shows that have managed this – The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, The Lion King and Mamma Mia! Come From Away joins this illustrious club.”

“This demonstrates not only the popularity of this homegrown musical, but also speaks of its timeless themes of kindness, acceptance and understanding,” says Hannah Mirvish. “Of course, this would not be possible if it weren’t for the brilliant writing of the book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, the astute direction of Christopher Ashley and the excellent work of the wonderful creative team Chris assembled.”

Come From Away has much more to be proud of:

  • More than 1,300,000 patrons have seen the show since it began performances in 2018.
  • Box office sales surpassed $140,000,000, including over $16,000,000 in HST.
  • Estimated economic impact to the Toronto economy of over $1.1 billion.
  • The show created over 11,000 employment weeks for cast, stage managers, musicians, crew members and front-of-house team members.

About The Current Cast

Come From Away features an all-Canadian cast starring: Kyle Brown as Bob & others, Saccha Dennis* as Hannah & others, Steffi DiDomenicantonio* as Janice & others, Barbara Fulton* as Diane & others, Lisa Horner* as Beulah & others, James Kall* as Nick/Doug & others, Jeff Madden* as Kevin T. /Garth & others, Ali Momen* as Kevin J. /Ali & others, Cory O’Brien* as Oz & others, Kristen Peace *as Bonnie & others, David Silvestri* as Claude & others and Cailin Stadnyk* as Beverley/Annette & others.  The cast also includes Clint Butler, Kate Etienne*, Barbara Johnston, Jawon Mapp, Sarah Nairne and Aaron Walpole as Standbys. *Original Canadian company members

This New York Times and Globe and Mail Critic’s Pick and Four-Star rated (Toronto Star) musical takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

On 9/11, the world stopped.

On 9/12, their stories moved us all.

Come From Away features a book, music and lyrics by Olivier, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award winners and Grammy and two-time Tony Award nominees Irene Sankoff & David Hein, direction by Tony Award winner and Outer Critics Circle Award winner Christopher Ashley, musical staging by Olivier Award winner and two-time Tony Award nominee Kelly Devine, and music supervision by Olivier Award winner and Grammy Award nominee Ian Eisendrath.

Come From Away features scenic design by Tony Award winner Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Tony Award nominee Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by two-time Tony Award winner Howell Binkley, sound design by Olivier & Outer Critics Circle Award winner and Tony Award nominee Gareth Owen, orchestrations by Olivier Award winner and Grammy & Tony Award nominee August Eriksmoen, and music arrangements by Olivier Award winner and Grammy Award nominee Ian Eisendrath. The Canadian production features casting by Stephanie Gorin, CSA, CDC.

A “Best Musical” winner all across North America, the smash hit musical has won the Tony Award for “Best Direction of a Musical” (Christopher Ashley), 4 Olivier Awards (London) including “Best New Musical,” 5 Outer Critics Circle Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding New Broadway Musical,” 3 Drama Desk Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding Musical,” 4 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards (North American Tour) including “Best Production,” 4 Helen Hayes Awards (D.C.) including “Outstanding Production of a Musical,” 4 Gypsy Rose Lee Awards (Seattle) including “Excellence in Production of a Musical,” 6 San Diego Critics Circle Awards including “Outstanding New Musical,” 3 Toronto Theatre Critics Awards including “Best New Musical,” 3 Dora Awards (Toronto) including “Outstanding New Musical/Opera” and “Outstanding Production,” and the 2017 Jon Kaplan Audience Choice Award (Toronto).

The Grammy Award-nominated original Broadway cast recording of Come From Away is available digitally and in stores everywhere. Grammy Award winner David Lai and Grammy Award nominees Ian Eisendrath, August Eriksmoen, Irene Sankoff & David Hein served as album producers.

Come From Away was originally produced by Junkyard Dog Productions (Randy Adams, Marleen and Kenny Alhadeff and Sue Frost).

Come From Away was originally co-produced in 2015 by La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Theatre, and presented in 2016 by Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC, and Mirvish Productions at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.

Come From Away was developed at the Canadian Music Theatre Project (Michael Rubinoff Producer, Sheridan College in Oakville, ON), and was further developed at Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals, in East Haddam, CT. It was also part of the National Alliance of Musical Theatre’s Festival of New Musicals in New York 2013.  The Canada Council for the Arts, The Ontario Arts Council, and the Fifth Avenue Theatre in Seattle, WA, also provided development support.

Come From Away
Now Playing Until April 6, 2025
The Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King St W.

Performance Schedule:
Wednesday: 1:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Thursday: 7:30 pm
Friday: 1:30 pm & 8:00 pm
Saturday: 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Sunday: 2:00 pm
Monday February 17: 1:30 pm Added performance
Friday February 21: No matinee (1:30 pm) performance
Tickets from $49 at mirvish.com or 1-800-461-3333

CAJ Fall 2024 Mentorship Program Matches 52 Journalists With Mentors

Eric Alper
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CAJ Fall 2024 Mentorship Program Matches 52 Journalists With Mentors

The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) is pleased to announce that 52 early- and mid-career journalists (including this guy’s own Hannah Alper) have been successfully matched with mentors as part of the 11th round of its semi-annual mentorship program.

“Matching more than 50 journalists to be mentored by some of the best and most talented in our industry is a tremendous way to ring in a new year,” said Brent Jolly, CAJ president. “Journalists helping journalists develop new skills and techniques to help them succeed is a beacon of optimism that is at the core of the CAJ’s mission in 2025.”

Over the course of the next few months, mentees will work with mentors from across the country, mediums and platforms. Mentors had the option to select mentees for a full six-week individual or group mentorship, or to have a one-hour conversation. This allowed flexibility for mentors’ busy schedules, and allowed for more early- and mid-career journalists to participate in this round of the program.

The CAJ received a total of 107 applications for this round of the mentorship program. As a competitive program, applications were first evaluated by a panel of committee members and then shared with individual mentors. Mentors then made the final decision about which mentees they wanted to work with.

The mentorship matches for this round are:

  • Shireen Ahmed – Columnist, CBC Sports
    • Selsela Naseri – Presenter, Mawj TV
    • Lauren Phillips – Education reporter, The Coast; Freelance journalist; OCUFA Higher Education Fellowship
  • Drew Anderson – Alberta-Saskatchewan reporter, The Narwhal
    • Emma Arkell – Freelance journalist
  • Patricia Bitu-Tshikudi – Morning radio show host, ICI Manitoba
    • Sorousheh Salman – Student, Toronto Metropolitan University
  • Laurence Brisson Dubreuil – Video journalist, CTV News Montreal
    • Emma Honeybun – Journalist and photographer, Canstar Community News
  • Rachel Browne – Freelance journalist
    • Hannah Alper – Student, Western University; Coordinating editor, Western Gazette
    • Emma Jones – Recent masters graduate, Toronto Metropolitan University
  • Darren Calabrese – Freelance photojournalist
    • Keito Newman – Student, Soka University of America
  • Adrian Ghobrial – Senior correspondent, CTV National News
    • Adam Duffy – Student, Fanshawe College
  • Mike Hager – B.C reporter, The Globe and Mail
    • Robert Korotyszyn – Reporter, Western Wheel
    • Emma Bainbridge – Student, McGill University
  • Nicholas Hune-Brown – Executive editor, The Local
    • Mayumi Ramos – Student, University of Toronto
    • Asad Chishti – Casual reporter/editor, CBC North/Yukon
  • Paul Hunter – Journalist, CBC News
    • Yalda Sarwar – Student, Carleton University; Volunteer host/anchor, CKCU Radio
    • Freshta Farhang – Publisher/editor-in-chief, Kharbanama News Agency
    • Konnor Killoran – Student, Toronto Metropolitan University
  • Godlove Kamwa – TV host, ICI Manitoba
    • Caroline Samii-Esfahani – Freelance journalist
  • Tamara Khandaker – Podcast producer, Al Jazeera
    • Genevieve Sugrue – Student, University of Toronto
    • Lucas-Matthew Marsh – Freelance journalist
    • Meriem Nour – Student, Toronto Metropolitan University
  • Adrian Lee – Opinion editor, The Globe and Mail
    • Angelina Mazza – Freelance journalist
    • Diary Marif – Journalist, Rabble
    • Andrea Varsany – Freelance journalist
    • Angus MacCaull – Student, University of King’s College; Freelance journalist
    • Nalyn Tindall – Student, Toronto Metropolitan University; Features editor, The Eyeopener
    • Kayla Kurin – Freelance journalist
  • Geoff Leo – Investigative reporter, CBC News
    • Julia Israel – Video journalist, CBC Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Clara Loiseau – Journalist, Journal de Montréal
    • Christopher Nardi – Parliamentary reporter, National Post
    • Alexis Zhou – Student, McGill University; Freelance journalist
  • Maggie Macintosh – Education reporter, Winnipeg Free Press
    • Angela Capobianco – Digital broadcast journalist, Global News Halifax
    • Cassidy McMackon – Reporter/editor, The Canadian Press
  • Samira Mohyeddin – Founder, On The Line Media
    • Azeeza Kagzi – Student, University of Ottawa; Broadcast news editor, The Fulcrum
  • Colin Perkel – Retired journalist, formerly with The Canadian Press
    • Patrick Sutherland – Executive director, The Ontarion Campus Newspaper
    • Ariel Tozman – Student, Toronto Metropolitan University
  • Saša Petricic – Senior foreign correspondent, CBC News
    • Jack Sutton – Student, Fanshawe College; Writer/podcaster/host, FSU (The Interrobang Newspaper)
    • Alexis Lapointe – Freelance journalist
  • Aarti Pole – Network anchor, CBC News
    • Shaaranki Kulenthirarasa – Student, Toronto Metropolitan University
  • Sarah Rieger – News writer, WealthSimple Media
    • Faith Tabladillo – Student, MacEwan University
    • Lauren Anjema – Student, University of Western Ontario
  • Manjula Selvarajah – National technology columnist, CBC Radio
    • Arrthy Thayaparan – Digital producer, Thomson Reuters
    • Ryan Persaud – Student, Humber College
  • Matt Simmons – Journalist, The Narwhal
    • Tori Fitzpatrick – Reporter/editor, CBC News
    • Caroline Bellamy – Freelance journalist
  • Donna Sound – Reporter, CTV National News
    • Vanessa Tiberio – Student, Toronto Metropolitan University; Radio room reporter, Toronto Star
    • Christian Zdravko – Student, University of Toronto
  • Liz Sullivan – Deputy editor of visuals, The Globe and Mail
    • Kai Wilson – Student, Western University; Photo and layout editor, Western Gazette
  • Salim Valji – Calgary reporter, TSN
    • Andrew Wilimek – Student, University of Ottawa; Co-editor-in-chief, The Fulcrum
  • Connie Walker – Investigative journalist
    • Mikayla Tallon – Student, University of Regina
    • Dionne Phillips – Freelance journalist
  • Marika Wheeler – Journalist, Radio-Canada
    • Jules Bugiel – Journalist in residence, CKUT Radio
  • Jen Zoratti – Arts reporter and columnist, Winnipeg Free Press
    • Madison Taylor – Student, Queen’s University

Caley Watts Is Spotify’s Newest Indigenous Ambassador For January

Eric Alper
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Caley Watts Is Spotify’s Newest Indigenous Ambassador For January

Caley Watts, Cree singer/songwriter based in The Great Bear Rainforest, BC, is Spotify’s newest Indigenous ambassador for the month of January.

Growing up along the river banks, mountain ranges and rainforests that fill Nuxalk Territory, Caley’s music blends folk melodies heavily reminiscent of the beauty of her home. Her debut album River’s Daughter is set to be released later this year, and she’s been well on her way to climbing the charts with hits like “East Wind” and “White Buffalo”.

To celebrate the takeover, she’ll also be featured on a billboard in Toronto’s iconic Yonge-Dundas Square on January 24.

Casting Announced for the North American Premiere of JUST FOR ONE DAY – The Live Aid Musical

Eric Alper
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Casting Announced for the North American Premiere of JUST FOR ONE DAY – The Live Aid Musical

Casting is announced for the Toronto and London productions of JUST FOR ONE DAY – The Live Aid Musical. This acclaimed new musical had a record-breaking world premiere at London’s The Old Vic theatre January 2024 – where it became the theatre’s fastest selling musical ever. It will make its North American premiere at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto from January 26 to March 16, 2025. This will be followed by its highly anticipated West End season at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End from May 15, 2025 to January 10, 2026.

Marking 40 years since the iconic Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia, 10% from the sale of all tickets to JUST FOR ONE DAY will be donated directly to The Band Aid Charitable Trust.

Joining the previously announced Craige Els, who originated the role of Bob Geldof at The Old Vic, will be Kelly Agbowu, Julie Atherton, Jason Battersby, Jordan Cambridge-Taylor, Eloise Davies, James Hameed, Fayth Ifil, Melissa Jacques, Hope Kenna, AJ Lewis, Freddie Love, Tim Mahendran, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky, Jack Michael Stacey, Emily Ooi, Ashley Samuels, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Jake Small, Tamara Tare and George Ure, with Kerry Enright, Evan Fox Harrison, Esme Laudat, Eddie Mann, Jaye Marshall, Lukin Simmonds and Dyd Wynford.

On July 13, 1985, music united the world.

Now, 40 years on, discover the behind-the-scenes story of Live Aid in a whole new way at JUST FOR ONE DAY – The Live Aid Musical.

This exhilarating night out “rocks in all the right ways” (WhatsOnStage), with hit songs by Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Madonna, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and more of the iconic artists who made history at simultaneous charitable concerts in London and Philadelphia.

Live Aid was an unprecedented global music event that brought 1.5 billion people together, and they all have a story to tell about ‘the day rock ‘n’ roll changed the world’.

Whether you saw it live, watched it from home or weren’t even born yet, you won’t want to miss this “rip-roaring” (The Daily Telegraph) and “remarkable” (Daily Mail) new musical written by John O’Farrell (Mrs. Doubtfire, Something Rotten!) and directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, The Little Big Things).

Director Sheppard has assembled a stellar creative team: Musical Supervision, Arrangements & Orchestration by Matthew Brind, Choreography by Ebony Molina, Set by Soutra Gilmour, Costume by Fay Fullerton, Lighting by Howard Hudson, Sound by Gareth Owen, Video & Projection by Andrzej Goulding and Casting by Stuart Burt CDG.

JUST FOR ONE DAY – The Live Aid Musical is produced by Jamie Wilson Productions, Kevin McCollum, Sonia Friedman Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Kenny Wax Ltd, The Ambassador Theatre Group, Mirvish Productions, Nederlander Theatres, No Guarantees, Burnt Umber Productions, Stephen C Byrd, Willette & Manny Klausner and The Old Vic by permission of The Band Aid Charitable Trust.

JUST FOR ONE DAY – The Live Aid Musical is presented in Toronto by David and Hannah Mirvish.

Toronto Dates
CAA ED MIRVISH THEATRE – 244 Victoria St.
January 26 – March 16, 2025

Performance schedule:
Tuesday – Saturday: 7:30PM
Wednesday: 1.30PM
Saturday/Sunday: 2PM
No matinee Wednesday, January 29
Tickets from $49 at mirvish.com or 1-800-461-3333

Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Returns in 2026 with Beth Hart, Los Lonely Boys, and More

Eric Alper
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Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Returns in 2026 with Beth Hart, Los Lonely Boys, and More

4x GRAMMY Award-nominated guitar legend Joe Bonamassa and Sixthman, the leader in festivals and music cruises for more than a decade, have announced the next adventure of their world-famous blues-rock party at sea, KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA, sailing March 25-29, 2026 from Miami, FL to Key West, FL and Nassau, Bahamas aboard the luxurious Norwegian Pearl. Fans are encouraged to sign up for the Presale as the event will sell out quickly. Bookings are available for just $100 down per person before July 25 or while cabins last. Presale bookings will begin on January 23 with the public on-sale scheduled for February 11 at 4pm ET, if cabins remain.

Hosted and curated as always by the Blues Titan himself, Joe Bonamassa, KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA will feature two electrifying headline shows on the Pool Deck from Bonamassa along with live performances by incredible talent such as Beth Hart, Los Lonely Boys, Tommy Emmanuel CGP, Robert Randolph Band, Ruthie Foster, Mike Zito, Jimmy Vivino, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Ally Venable, D.K. Harrell, and many more to be announced. In addition, the blues-powered cruise’s 11th Caribbean voyage will provide exclusive experiences including once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, immersive activities, a live podcast recording of Live from Nerdville with Joe Bonamassa, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation Experiences, autograph sessions, guest jams, intimate acoustic sets, guitar clinics, tastings, and much more.

KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA will pay visits to not one but TWO spectacular ports of call, allowing cruisers the chance to explore and enjoy both the natural beauty, laid-back charm, and historic architecture of Key West, FL as well as the vacationer’s tropical paradise, Nassau, Bahamas – famed for its perfect white-sand beaches, palm trees covered in coconuts, and refreshing, crystal-clear waters. Please note: Shore excursions will not be available until 4-6 weeks prior to sailing. Cruisers will be able to book an excursion upon receipt of their official booking number.

The Norwegian Pearl will provide everything needed to make KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA the most deluxe cruise vacation ever, with fully stocked bars at (virtually) every corner, tasty dining options, the Pool Deck (with multiple hot tubs), the Pearl Club Casino, Mandara Spa, Body Waves Fitness Center, Sports Court, and much more.

KEEPING BLUES ALIVE AT SEA will once again benefit the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA), dedicated to providing students, teachers, and musicians the resources and tools needed to further music education. Founded by Bonamassa in 2011, KTBA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to fuel the passion for music by funding programs and scholarships for students and teachers who lack the resources or access to achieve their potential within music education. With total donations of over $2.7M raised from fundraisers, merchandise sales, and the KTBA at Sea Cruises, KTBA has impacted the lives of over 110,000 students in all 50 states via weekly donations to music programs in schools, as well as funding other merit-based scholarships and extracurricular initiatives nationwide, totaling over 700+ projects. In 2020, KTBA took its mission a step further by forming the Fueling Musicians Program, an emergency relief plan for touring musicians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fueling Musicians Program is now a permanent part of the organization, and to date has helped over 400 musicians by providing financial assistance for essential living expenses in order to help them reach their creative goals and get back to touring. For more information, please visit keepingthebluesalive.org.

KEEPING BLUES ALIVE AT SEA
March 25-29, 2026
Sailing from Miami, FL to Key West, FL and Nassau, Bahamas aboard Norwegian Pearl

LINEUP:
Joe Bonamassa 
Beth Hart
Los Lonely Boys
Tommy Emmanuel CGP
Robert Randolph Band
Ruthie Foster
Mike Zito
Jimmy Vivino
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Ally Venable
D.K. Harrell
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My Morning Jacket Announces New Album ‘is’ and All-Star One Big Holiday Festival Lineup

Eric Alper
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My Morning Jacket Announces New Album ‘is’ and All-Star One Big Holiday Festival Lineup

My Morning Jacket is beginning the new year with the announcement of their eagerly awaited new album, is, arriving via ATO Records on Friday, March 21. Pre-orders are available now.

Produced by 3x GRAMMY Award-winner Brendan O’Brien (Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam), is – which marks My Morning Jacket’s 10th studio album and first full-length new collection in more than three years – is heralded by today’s premiere of the ravishing lead single, “Time Waited,” available everywhere now. An official music video directed by Danny Clinch, featuring new performance footage interspersed with archival photos from throughout the band’s history, is streaming now on YouTube. A love song for the ages, imbued with equal parts wide-eyed romanticism and wistful recognition of love’s intrinsic fragility, “Time Waited” emerged from a sample of a spellbinding piano part lifted from pedal-steel virtuoso Buddy Emmons’ lost classic album, Emmons Guitar Inc.

“I made a loop of that piano intro and listened as I went for a walk, and all these melodies started coming to me,” says My Morning Jacket vocalist/guitarist Jim James. “For a long time, I didn’t have lyrics, but then I had a dream where I was in a café and a song was playing, and the lyrics to that song became the lyrics to ‘Time Waited’ – the melodies just fit perfectly. And the lyrics are about how flexible time is, how we can bend and warp time, especially if we are following our hearts, the universe and time itself can flow to work with us.”

For more than 25 years, My Morning Jacket have achieved an incredibly rare feat in the world of rock ‘n’ roll – upholding a long-established cultural legacy while sustaining all the curiosity and creative hunger of their very earliest days. In a monumental step for the Louisville, KY-bred five-piece – vocalist/guitarist Jim James, bassist Tom Blankenship, guitarist Carl Broemel, drummer Patrick Hallahan, keyboardist Bo Koster – is once again expands the limits of their sound and elevates their artistry to unprecedented heights. The result is perhaps the most masterfully realized work yet from a band fully committed to their belief in music as a conduit for revelation of all kinds.

Largely recorded at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, is finds My Morning Jacket deviating from their typically self-produced approach by teaming up with multiple GRAMMY® Award-winner Brendan O’Brien, one of the most esteemed producers in rock music, known for his extensive work with Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam. For James – who has produced or co-produced all of the band’s studio albums since their 1999 debut The Tennessee Fire – the decision to work with O’Brien stemmed from a newfound willingness to open up their process and involve an outside creative force in shaping My Morning Jacket’s restlessly inventive yet nuanced form of psych-rock.

“Up until now I’ve never been able to let go and allow someone else to steer the ship,” James says. “It almost felt like an out-of-body experience to step back and give control over to someone who’s far more accomplished and made so many more records than us, but in the end I was able to enjoy the process maybe more than I ever have before.”

Prior to joining O’Brien in the studio, My Morning Jacket got together for two highly exploratory writing and recording sessions, amassing over a hundred demos before settling upon the 10 eclectic tracks that eventually comprise the finished album. New songs such as the sprawling, album-opening epic, “Out In The Open” and the delightfully warped “Squid Ink” reveal a band whose voracious creative appetite is wholly matched by a deft command of their visionary musicality. When it came time to name the collection, My Morning Jacket chose a title that speaks to the infinitely unpredictable nature of music-making.

“I like how the word is indicates a sense of presence in the now – there’s no logic or rationale behind this record; it just is,” says James. “All these songs came into existence out of an attempt to connect with something beyond the human experiment, which for me is one of the most beautiful things about music – that connection with something larger than us, yet something we are all equally a part of.”

is – which arrives as My Morning Jacket celebrates the 20th anniversary of their 2005’s landmark Z, a lavishly acclaimed collection named by Rolling Stone among “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time” – represents another milestone in the band’s ever-evolving body of work, as well as an opportunity to breathe new energy into their historically stunning and hard-driving live performances. James points to the “undeniable force of loving” as the most essential factor in the band’s longevity and unending enchantment with the process of musical creation.

“One of the cool things about being around this long is that we’re not afraid to scrap something if we don’t absolutely love it,” he says.

“It feels really great to have a collection of songs we all love this much, and to know that we worked as hard as we possibly could on them. Hopefully those songs will be helpful to people and give them some kind of peace as they try to deal with the insanity of the world – because that’s what music does for me, and doing the same for others is always my greatest dream come true.”

Widely regarded among the greatest live acts in music today, My Morning Jacket will celebrate is with an extensive tour schedule to be announced soon. Meanwhile, the band is currently readying the next edition of My Morning Jacket’s One Big Holiday, a three-night music vacation set for April 3-5 at Miramar Beach, FL’s Seascape Resort. In addition to three unique headline shows from My Morning Jacket, the event will see performances from an all-star lineup that includes Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Devon Gilfillian, Dinosaur Jr., Karina Rykman, S.G. Goodman, and Futurebirds, plus Late Night Campfire Sets by Tyler Ramsey, Maggie Halfman, and Bendigo Fletcher, as well as Late Night Silent Jam Performances by Karina Rykman, Eggy, and Illiterate Light. Tickets are on sale now exclusively at topeka.live/onebigholiday25. For tour announcements and additional updates, please see www.mymorningjacket.com/events.

MY MORNING JACKET is Tracklist:
Out In The Open
Half A Lifetime
Everyday Magic
I Can Hear Your Love
Time Waited
Beginning From The Ending
Lemme Know
Squid Ink
Die For It
River Road

Old Settler’s Music Festival Announces 38th Annual Event with Tierro Lee as New Festival Director

Eric Alper
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Old Settler’s Music Festival Announces 38th Annual Event with Tierro Lee as New Festival Director

It’s a new day at Old Settler’s Music Festival. The 38th annual gathering of music, camping, and picking circles will take place April 24–27, 2025, just 45 minutes south of Austin, Texas, and 12 miles southeast of Lockhart. Pre-Sale Early Bird tickets are on sale today, with the lineup to be announced soon.

Nestled on 148 acres of tree-covered grounds, friends old and new can gather for a weekend of music featuring award-winning roots, bluegrass, and Americana artists performing on two stages. The festival’s laid-back, family-friendly vibe has earned a top-five ranking on USA Today’s list of North America’s 10 best festivals.

Making magic happen since 1987, the festival has established a loyal following among music lovers. Amenities include onsite parking, kids’ activities, workshops, a variety of food offerings, and partially electrified campgrounds powered by renewable green energy.

The Youth Talent Competition returns in 2025 and has already inspired new generations of musicians, including Grammy winner Sarah Jarosz. Musicians up to age 18 are invited to enter at oldsettlersmusicfest.org/music/youth-talent.

The Old Settler’s Board of Directors is excited to welcome Tierro Lee as the 2025 Festival Director. Tierro brings 14 years of large-scale camping festival leadership experience to the team. His previous leadership roles include serving as the founder and producer of the Arise Music Festival (2012–2019), Thrive Fest Hawaii, Rise and Vibes, and Tico Time Bluegrass.

“I am very excited to join the Old Settler’s family and will be laser-focused on curating an outstanding lineup, delivering a quality attendee experience, and—most importantly—uniting this incredible musical community for a not-to-be-missed event this April,” says Tierro.

About Old Settler’s Music FestivalOld Settler’s has grown from a one-day bluegrass festival in 1987 into a nationally renowned four-day event attracting loyal music fans. Many return annually for amazing performances by both legendary and up-and-coming bluegrass, folk, and Americana artists such as Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas, The War and Treaty, Alison Krauss, Los Lobos, The Jayhawks, Milk Carton Kids, and The McCrary Sisters, as well as local favorites including Sarah Jarosz, Shakey Graves, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Shinyribs.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Old Settler’s Music Festival is directed and staffed largely by devoted volunteers. Its mission is to bring a legacy of American roots music to a new age of listeners while preserving the music and a strong culture of family, friends, and community.

For more information, visit oldsettlersmusicfest.org.

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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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