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Shaun White’s The Snow League Launches with Marriott Bonvoy as Official Hotel Partner for 2025 Season

Eric Alper
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Shaun White’s The Snow League Launches with Marriott Bonvoy as Official Hotel Partner for 2025 Season

The Snow League, the first professional winter sports league exclusively dedicated to snowboarding and skiing launched by legendary athlete Shaun White, has announced Marriott International’s global travel platform Marriott Bonvoy is the league’s official hotel and loyalty partner for its inaugural season.

The new league, launched by White, will kick off in Aspen Snowmass March 7-8, 2025, featuring elite athletes, state-of-the-art venues, and a competition format designed to captivate audiences both in person and globally.

“We are excited to partner with Marriott Bonvoy as a founding sponsor of our new league,” said Omer Atesmen, CEO of The Snow League. “Marriott Bonvoy’s dedication to creating exceptional experiences worldwide aligns perfectly with our vision for this league, and we look forward to working together to inspire fans and athletes around the world.”

With a legacy of delivering exceptional guest experiences, Marriott Bonvoy is poised to elevate The Snow League’s debut season through premium hospitality offerings, enhanced fan experiences, and initiatives that celebrate the vibrant culture of snowboarding and freeskiing. Marriott Bonvoy recently launched four Marriott Bonvoy Moments experiences for the Aspen Snowmass competition that members can redeem with points earned from travel and everyday activities.  Each package includes a private mountain experience with White, VIP access to the Marriott Bonvoy suite to watch the inaugural Snow League competition, a three-night stay at W Aspen, and more. Learn more at moments.marriottbonvoy.com.

“The Snow League is set to be the next global sports phenomenon and Marriott Bonvoy members will have unparalleled access to its debut season,” said Peggy Roe, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, Marriott International. “Travel brings fans closer to the action, whether that is music, culinary, adventure, or sports. Marriott Bonvoy’s mission is to provide our members with access unlike any other and we know this partnership with Shaun and The Snow League will be unforgettable.”

In addition to exclusive access to Snow League events, Marriott Bonvoy will be offering league athletes opportunities to experience Marriott Bonvoy’s incredible collection of hotel brands and experiences during Season One competitions and co-hosting Championship parties and other activations throughout the season.

Snow sports enthusiasts looking to stay close to the action all winter long can explore Marriott Bonvoy’s incredible portfolio of ski resorts around the world found here.

Launched in June 2024, The Snow League is the first professional winter sports league entirely dedicated to snowboarding and freeskiing. Founded by three-time Olympic gold medal winning snowboarder and entrepreneur Shaun White, the league’s first season will feature a four-event global competition format, with the inaugural competition kicking off at Aspen Snowmass’ Buttermilk Mountain in March 2025, and continuing at top winter resorts worldwide.  The first season will feature men’s and women’s snowboard halfpipe competitions at all four events. Freeskiing will be introduced during the league’s second event in late 2025, and will be included in all future events. Athletes will compete to accumulate points based on their results from each event to be tallied together at the end of the season to crown The Snow League World Champion. The Snow League is represented by Range Sports to advise on its media rights and commercial partnerships strategy and execution

NBC Sports and Peacock will present The Snow League’s inaugural event from Aspen Snowmass. NBC Sports will present the four events of the league’s first season live on Peacock, with encore presentations on the NBC broadcast network. Broadcast times and location will be announced closer to the start of the competition.

Julien’s Auctions & TCM Announce ‘Harry Belafonte: A Man of Action’ Auction Celebrating His Legacy

Eric Alper
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Julien’s Auctions & TCM Announce ‘Harry Belafonte: A Man of Action’ Auction Celebrating His Legacy

Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), the ultimate destination for Hollywood memorabilia auctions, announced today, “HARRY BELAFONTE: A MAN OF ACTION,“ their exclusive auction event celebrating the legacy and impact of the Hollywood legend and cultural figure who channeled his groundbreaking career and super stardom to be a force for change. A historic archive of nearly 400 artifacts representing Harry Belafonte’s peerless career spanning seven decades as one of the 20th and 21st century’s most celebrated entertainers and lifelong activist in major civil rights movements from the 1950s through the 21st century, including the American Civil Rights movement, anti-Vietnam War, anti-apartheid, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate change will be presented for the first time to the public Thursday, March 6, 2025 in Los Angeles and online at juliensauctions.com

Highlights include (with estimates):

“We Are the World” Items: Lead sheet signed by Harry Belafonte, Bruce Springsteen, Lindsey Buckingham, Kenny Loggins, Lionel Richie, Huey Lewis, Kim Carnes, Cyndi Lauper, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, and Paul Simon ($30,000 – $50,000) and 1986 American Music Award ($2,000 – $3,000).

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Relics: Leather couch used by the civil rights leader at Harry Belafonte’s New York apartment ($3,000–$5,000) and signed 1964 Southern Christian Leadership Conference letter ($5,000–$7,000).

Musical Instruments & Objects: “An Evening with Harry Belafonte & Friends” PBS Special West African drum ($300–$500) and “Global Carnival” whistle ($200–$300).

Plus, “Belafonte at Carnegie Hall” 1960 Gold Record award ($800–$1,200), Kennedy Center Honor Award ($500–$700), President John F. Kennedy signed letter ($3,000–$5,000), “Trayvon” hooded sweatshirt ($300–$500), artwork, books from friends and fellow activists and more.

Julien’s and TCM, in partnership with Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), will also host a special screening of the acclaimed documentary Following Harry on Wednesday, February 19th with a panel featuring the documentary’s director Susanne Rostock, President & CEO of BMAC (Black Music Action Coalition) Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, GRAMMY®nominated singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc, and GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award winning rap icon Chuck D of Public Enemy.

 

The Best Day to Release Music? Here’s What You Need to Know

Eric Alper
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The Best Day to Release Music? Here’s What You Need to Know

You’ve got the song. You’ve got the cover art. You’ve got the momentum. But have you got the right release day? Choosing the best day to drop new music isn’t just about excitement—it’s about strategy. Streaming platforms, music press, and even listener habits all influence how far your song will go. Whether you’re an indie artist, a label-backed act, or just trying to make waves on Spotify and Apple Music, knowing which day to release can make a massive difference.

Let’s break it down, day by day.

Monday – A Quiet Start

  • The slowest day for new releases, as most industry focus is on charting weekend numbers
  • Less competition, but also lower engagement as people start their workweek
  • Streaming platforms are still digesting Friday’s releases, making it hard to get playlisted
  • Radio programmers tend to finalize their weekly adds, meaning new tracks could get ignored
  • Rarely used for big drops unless it’s a surprise release or an exclusive
  • Best for soft launches, teasers, or building buzz ahead of a bigger drop

Tuesday – The Old Industry Standard

  • Once the go-to day for album releases before the global shift to Friday
  • Still relevant for physical albums and vinyl releases since some indie stores restock midweek
  • Less cluttered than Friday, but doesn’t carry the same energy for digital streaming
  • Great for press-heavy releases, as media outlets are looking for midweek stories
  • Can work well for catalog reissues, deluxe editions, or soundtrack releases
  • Artists dropping on Tuesdays can grab attention without fighting major label Friday releases

Wednesday – The Hidden Gem

  • Overlooked by many artists, making it a low-competition day
  • Streaming algorithms start adjusting midweek, meaning a strong push could land on editorial playlists
  • Industry focus is split between reflecting on early-week trends and preparing for Friday drops
  • Best for singles that need steady momentum rather than a huge launch day
  • Works well for experimental music, niche genres, or artists with dedicated fanbases
  • A solid choice for regional releases or international artists wanting to stand out

Thursday – The Sneaky Playlist Hack

  • A smart pick for getting ahead of the Friday rush while still landing on New Music Friday playlists
  • Influencers, bloggers, and journalists are prepping their Friday coverage—meaning you can catch them early
  • If your song performs well, it has a full weekend to gain traction
  • Beneficial for artists who want to capitalize on pre-weekend buzz without getting lost in Friday drops
  • Radio stations may consider adding strong Thursday releases to their weekend rotation
  • Works best for big social media pushes and last-minute PR hype

Friday – The Industry Standard

  • The global music release day since 2015, maximizing chart tracking and streaming impact
  • Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists update, giving a chance for massive exposure
  • The day most major labels drop new music, meaning heavy competition
  • Listeners are actively searching for new music for weekend playlists
  • Ideal for big releases, radio-ready singles, and high-profile collaborations
  • Best for mainstream artists, major indie acts, and anyone chasing playlist placements

Saturday – The Viral Wild Card

  • Few official releases, meaning a clear lane for viral potential
  • Social media engagement peaks, making it great for TikTok-heavy or meme-driven songs
  • Not ideal for traditional playlisting or chart tracking, but perfect for fan-driven discoveries
  • DJs and nightlife-focused artists can capitalize on weekend party playlists
  • Best for remixes, dance tracks, and surprise drops from artists with a strong online following
  • If you’re aiming for a club anthem or festival hit, this could be your secret weapon

Sunday – The Emotional Drop

  • Another low-competition day, but streaming numbers are typically lower
  • Listeners gravitate toward chill, introspective, or acoustic music as they wind down for the week
  • Gospel, folk, and singer-songwriter genres perform well on Sundays
  • Great for personal releases, charity singles, or music with a deep emotional connection
  • Not the best for mainstream playlisting, but works for building a grassroots audience
  • Ideal for artists who want to create a moment rather than chase big numbers

So, Which Day Is Best?

If you’re a major label artist, Friday is the obvious choice. If you’re indie and want to stand out, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday could work in your favor. Want to go viral? Try Saturday. Looking for a personal, heartfelt release? Sunday might be your sweet spot.

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your strategy should align with your genre, audience, and promotional plan. No matter when you release, the key is to be consistent, engage your fans, and make the most of every opportunity.

For all your publicity needs, feel free to email Eric@ThatEricAlper.com or call me at 647-971-3742. With 25+ years of experience and a deep passion for connecting artists to audiences, I’m here to help you make an impact.

Toronto Rockers F-105 Celebrate Love as a Force of Nature with New Ska Single “Immovable”

Eric Alper
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Toronto Rockers F-105 Celebrate Love as a Force of Nature with New Ska Single “Immovable”

If you want to get in good with your lover, write a song about them. But if you really want to seal the deal, write a song that describes them as a force of nature.

It’s what Toronto’s F-105 are up to on their new single, the frankly worshipful “Immovable.” Singer/songwriter/guitarist Din has cooked up an ardent little promise ring of a tune, in which he compares the object of his affections to a host of almighty natural phenomena—including, but not limited to, “An eternal light/ Even when you’re not.”

“You are immovable,” the song’s habit-forming refrain repeats over and over, in a tone as admiring as its subject is inevitable.

A pleasantly skanking number with distinct ska/reggae overtones, “Immovable” comes from F-105’s new EP, F-105 II: Side A. It’s a six-song outing that furthers Din’s agenda of “using the rock ’n roll life force to make some noise about the common threads that connect us.” Bassist Isaac Daniel Eng, keyboardist AJ Jiang and drummer Elvis Lewis join their fearless leader to wring the utmost emotional heft out of material they workshopped together over two years of live performances and then laid down “off the floor” in an intensive six-hour recording session. Producer Marc Meriläinen has steered the group toward terrain that makes for a terrific contrast with the previously released, all-acoustic F-105 II: Side B. (Don’t try to make sense of the numbering; you’ll just spoil the fun.)

“Some great stuff there,” says Jaimie Vernon, author of The Canadian Pop Music Encyclopedia, in praise of the new EP. He singles out “Immovable” as a particular favorite: “The falsetto is strong and shows Din has range. The whole thing is well done.”

Such plaudits are getting increasingly common as Din passes two decades of honing his pipes via worldwide touring and cementing his songwriting chops over the course of nine albums (four with F-105 and five with his previous outfit, The Soles). Over the years, he’s traded in styles and genres ranging from pop punk to indie rock to alt country rock to funk and beyond. At the same time, he’s also worked tirelessly on behalf of Indigenous rights and pursued his muse as a visual artist. (He designs every album cover, poster and piece of merch that bears his band’s name.)

“Immovable” arrives as a single accompanied by a performance video that’s a collage of clips from three of the band’s rapturously received live gigs. Speaking of which, the real thing will be back in action for a Sunday, February 16, appearance at the Winterfolk Festival in Toronto (with Glen Hornblast and Friends). Come out and bear witness to a force in today’s music that isn’t just immovable—it’s unstoppable.

Focus Your Audio’s 360-Degree Video ‘The Long Goodbye’ Captures the Heartbreaking Reality of Memory Loss

Eric Alper
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Focus Your Audio’s 360-Degree Video ‘The Long Goodbye’ Captures the Heartbreaking Reality of Memory Loss

When words fail, symbolism takes over. And West Vancouver indie poppers Focus Your Audio know a thing or two about symbolism, having just filmed a video that proves its emotional power in a stunning 360 degrees.

Their clip for “The Long Goodbye” is an extended visual metaphor for the ravages of dementia, as represented by a living room that’s progressively being stripped of its contents. Band members Sarah Stewart and Bobby McAloney perform the song’s poignant lamentation while the camera spins slowly around them; each time it completes another cycle; more knick-knacks and pieces of furniture are missing. All the while, the lighting grows dimmer, like a mind slowly losing track of its inventory. Amid that unfolding portrait of involuntary surrender, Stewart’s repeated refrain acts like a plea against the inevitable: “Stay with me tonight.”

The song was inspired by a real woman Stewart once knew: a single mother who graduated from med school at age 60, only to herself be diagnosed with the scourge of mental decline. But the sentiments expressed in the tune and video apply to a multitude of cases, including ones Stewart encountered in her former job as a nurse:

“Every time I listen to this song, it’s like the first time,” she says. “I go through all of the emotions of watching loved ones empty themselves over and over again in the walking out of their own long goodbye.”
Filmed at QuestCoast Studios in Richmond, BC, and written and directed by Cheyenne Rouleau, the video was captured in one take, thanks to some painstakingly applied ingenuity. The camera made three full rotations around the room while the set crew furtively removed furniture, paintings, rugs, and other symbols of a life well lived. A fake wall was created so the team could take large pieces of furniture through and close it quickly before the camera panned by again.

“Everyone needed to learn their places,” the band says. “And like a dance, each of us moved through the space, catching the camera at the right moment, with the right changes to the room, with the right lighting, not capturing an extra foot or casting a shadow on the wall in the frame.”

The group took equal care with the recording of the song itself, which was done at Vancouver’s Studio Y and Hipposonic Recording Studio under the watchful supervision of producer/engineer Mike Young (bassist for Mother Mother). The sparse arrangement spotlights Stewart’s hauntingly beautiful vocals and McAloney’s acoustic guitar, with cellist Peggy Lee adding an extra dimension of gravitas. (Other musicians the duo is currently working with include Jaron Chidiac on rhythm guitar, Richardo Germain on piano and keyboards, Calvin Dumont on bass guitar and Mike Allain on drums and percussion.)

“The Long Goodbye” is the latest empathic triumph for Focus Your Audio since they burst on the Canadian music scene In 2019 with their debut EP. Since then, their singles “Shades,” “Over There” and “On Your Own” have racked up a total of over 300,000 streams. The group’s music has also been featured on the Spotify playlist for the Netflix film The Half of It, and “On Your Own” garnered global attention when Swedish DJ/record producer StoneBridge (Ne-Yo, Beyonce) remixed the single for play on his on SiriusXM BPM Mix channel.

Media attention has included positive profiles in outlets like Canadian Music Week, The Georgia Straight and Aesthetic Magazine. On the live front, the band has shared the stage with the likes of Tobias the Owl, Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar, while polishing their in-concert presentation at Vancouver’s The Railway Club and Calgary’s Ironwood Stage. Communing with their fans in intimate settings is how they know a song is connecting, and “The Long Goodbye” is the latest and perhaps greatest proof.

“When we perform this song live, the room goes quiet, and we can see tears in the audience’s eyes,” Stewart says. “We know they’re relating it to their own lives.”

And now, thanks to the video, they can have that experience in the comfort of their own living room. Which might just look like the band’s. Either way, guard those knick-knacks and cherish those precious memories, because not every “Goodbye” is this sweet.

98º and Katrina Velarde Rekindle the Romance with a Fresh Take on “I Do (Cherish You)”

Eric Alper
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98º and Katrina Velarde Rekindle the Romance with a Fresh Take on “I Do (Cherish You)”

Think February is too early to start thinking about summer weddings? Ask a caterer. Better yet, ask 98º, who are looking ahead to the season of love with a freshly re-recorded and digitally remastered version of their classic “I Do (Cherish You).”

Seeing release in plenty of time to be incorporated into a planet’s worth of nuptial plans, the new recording offers a contemporary take on the timeless classic that was a worldwide smash in 1999. Group members Nick Lachey, Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey and Justin Jeffre are in better voice than ever as they revisit their swoony slow-jam pledge to love us from the depths of their soul, in a way that’s beyond their control.

“I’ve waited so long to say this to you,” they declare, in a statement that has even more romantic heft than it did 26 years ago. “If you’re asking, do I love you this much? I do.”

Get ready to replace the revered original with this utterly timely update on your wedding playlist … or your engagement playlist, or just whatever personal listening log you’re keeping close to your heart. Come to think of it, set aside two places, because there’s an accompanying second version with guest vocals by Filipino star Katrina Velarde that you’re going to … well, cherish just as much. Velarde takes over the second verse and joins the boys on the second chorus, singing in her native Tagalog to give the true-blue sentiment an extra helping of cross-cultural oomph.

This new way of saying “I Do” is a tantalizing teaser for 98º’s upcoming album, Full Circle. Due May 9—just in time for the group’s 30th anniversary—the record marries five brand new songs with five re-recorded, digitally mastered versions of their greatest hits. Collaborating with the quartet on the album is an impressive lineup of acclaimed producers and songwriters, including Soulshock & Karlin (Whitney Houston, Usher, Sting), Alex Cantrell (Jojo, Beenie Man, Fantasia) Noah Conrad (Chappell Roan, BTS, Niall Horan), and Dave Aude (Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Madonna). The project is executive-produced by Multi-platinum and Diamond Award winner Adam H. Hurstfield (Ne-Yo, Snoop Dogg, Super Junior) and mixed by five-time Grammy winner Orlando Calzada (Beyoncé, One Direction), with mastering by three-time Grammy winner Chris Gehringer (Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, Harry Styles), and continued management by Johnny Wright of Wright Entertainment Group.

When it comes to marking career milestones, 98º have a lot to draw on. They’ve sold over 15 million albums worldwide and snagged four Top 5 Billboard hits, including “I Do (Cherish You),” “The Hardest Thing,” “Because of You” and their No. 1 collaboration with Mariah Carey, “Thank God I Found You.” In all, they’ve had eight Top 20 hit singles in the U.S. alone. Their albums have achieved gold or platinum status in over 60 countries and amassed over one billion streams across all platforms. Their beloved holiday album, 98º This Christmas, has sold over two million copies, solidifying its place as one of the most successful Christmas albums of all time.

Recognized as one of the most significant vocal groups in the history of pop, 98º have been honored with nominations in the Grammy Awards, the Billboard Music Awards (Top Pop Artist), the Billboard Video Awards (three times), the Teen Choice Awards (six times, including one win) and the Kids’ Choice Awards. In addition to their landmark duet with Mariah Carey—and their new team-up with Velarde— they’ve collaborated with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Usher, and Janine Teñoso.

Now, with one set of eyes on the past and another on the future, this four-man musical phenomenon is building on their mighty achievements while pointing toward something even greater. Coming Full Circle means entering a whole new era of harmony and dedication. And you can take that to the bank. Because a quarter-century later, 98º still haven’t broken a promise.

Heather Christine Breathes New Life Into a Jazz Classic With ‘C’est Magnifique’

Eric Alper
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Heather Christine Breathes New Life Into a Jazz Classic With ‘C’est Magnifique’

When Mississauga, Ontario-based jazz pop vocalist Heather Christine graduated from college, she set out for a solitary backpacking trek to France. That adventurous trip and feeling of empowerment at the time has now come full circle with her latest single, a fabulous rendition of the Cole Porter standard “C’est Magnifique.” Accompanied by the Bill King Trio, and found on the forthcoming EP entitled Heather Christine with the Bill King Trio, the single is a trip down memory lane for Christine while musically having some lovely Latin edge and moxie.

“‘C’est Magnifique’ was the first cover song that I have ever recorded,” Christine says. “It’s a song that sweeps me away to my happy place. Traveling solo gave me the chance to push through my fear and revel in the delight of a dream come true. We captured the essence of this experience for me personally with ‘C’est Magnifique.'”

Christine, who felt “overwhelmed” by the architecture, food, and music France had to offer, says “C’est Magnifique” is a song of “joy and beauty” in a world that seemingly increasingly has dark clouds brewing. For the vocalist, a deeply personal issue with fertility proved challenging. However, music served as an emotional and spiritual balm to the situation. “Even though my husband and I were battling with this heartache behind closed doors, creative and musical opportunities kept coming for me, lifting me up and taking me to new places,” she says. “Music reminds me to keep the faith.”

That faith served as the catalyst behind recording “C’est Magnifique” which appeared in Porter’s 1953 musical Can-Can. After wrapping up work with husband Matt Zaddy under the moniker River North, Christine visited Toronto’s Kensington Sound studio in the summer, located in the vibrant Kensington Market. From there Christine, Bill King (who produced “C’est Magnifique,” played piano, and has worked with The Pointer Sisters and Janis Joplin among countless others), bassist Paul Novotny, and drummer Mark Kelso reimagined the song, something difficult for such a signature piece of the Great American Songbook.

“King’s approach to ‘C’est Magnifique’ wasn’t one of mere nostalgia,” Christine says. “Instead, he sought to honour the song’s French cabaret roots while infusing it with the vibrant, percussive heartbeat of Cuban rhythms.” That rhythm is executed to perfection thanks to Kelso and Novotny who give the song a warm, punchy, and vivacious energy. “In their hands, ‘C’est Magnifique’ transformed from a classic show tune into a mesmerizing dialogue between culture and eras,” King says.

Christine describes King’s arrangement as “a beauty.” “It’s a unique balancing act of Cuban rhythm and contemporary cabaret sensibility,” Christine says of the song, which brings to mind the work on Gloria Estefan’s 2013 album The Standards. “The trio’s interplay allowed the song to breath in new ways, offering listeners a journey through time and place, where café society met the heat of the tropics.”

“C’est Magnifique” is one of four tracks (three covers and one original) found on the forthcoming Heather Christine with the Bill King Trio. It’s a release which came from just two recording sessions at Kensington Studios and the latest for Christine, who previously worked with King on her 2023 single “Walking With You,” a track heard on Toronto’s Jazz FM and internationally in the United States, Europe, Australia, and South Africa. Also in 2023, Christine performed with the iconic Liberty Silver as part of “Isn’t She Lovely,” a concert celebrating women in music. Christine created and produced the show which was held at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. That same year, she received the Music Artist of the Year Award during the City of Mississauga’s Ward One Community Excellence Awards.

Additionally, Christine is an ardent community advocate for Mississauga, creating the West Vocal Jam musical outreach program whose singers were featured in 4 events in 2024. And she’s performed at Toronto’s Redwood Theatre and Mississauga’s Celebration Square, the latter before a crowd of approximately 25,000. In 2019 Christine released her debut EP Love In Colour. Prior to her debut EP, the musician won the Best New Artist Award in 2018 presented by Mississauga Music.

Now with a new single in “C’est Magnifique,” a new EP and an EP Release concert slated for Mississauga’s Clarke Hall on Feb. 23, things are looking bright for Heather Christine in 2025. She has delivered a song whose playful style, substance, and delivery lives up to its title!

March 6: SULTANS OF STRING celebrate AURORA’s NEW PERFORMANCE HALL With Award-Winnipeg ‘Refuge’ Concert

Eric Alper
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March 6: SULTANS OF STRING celebrate AURORA’s NEW PERFORMANCE HALL With Award-Winnipeg ‘Refuge’ Concert

On March 6, 2025, Billboard-charting/3x JUNO nominees Sultans of String and guests perform their “REFUGE” concert live at Aurora’s spectacular Davide De Simone Performance Hall at Aurora Town Square! (7:30pm, $32.40, https://boxoffice.auroratownsquare.ca/event/109:41/109:44).

“We are really excited to perform in Aurora with these exceptional artists!” says bandleader Chris McKhool. “Rehearsals have been super fun so far, with everyone bringing a lifetime of musical knowledge and energy to the show!”Joining these global groove wizards on stage are acclaimed musicians: vocalist/guitarist Donné Roberts, vocalist Leen Hamo, clarinetist Majd Sukar, Saskia Tomkins performing on the nyckelharpa, Alberto Suarez playing Cuban percussion, and tar player Padideh Ahrarnejad. Joining in on the big screen are Turkish string group Gundem Yayli Grubu and others, in a spectacular integration of sound and light.

This performance features the spellbinding songs from the band’s REFUGE film, which won Best Musical Film at the Cannes World Film Festival, as well as taking home the Awards at the Vancouver Independent Film Festival, Boston Independent Film Awards, LA Independent Film Channel Festival and the Hollywood International Golden Age Festival, to name just a few!!

These songs were created in collaboration with artists hailing from countries across the globe, each with a story to share about their journey to Canada, through words and music.

“We learn so much from these diverse voices and stories”, says McKhool. “Each speaks to the kind of complexity and beauty we can achieve by coming together in creativity”.  

THE NITTY GRITTY

WHEN:
Thursday, March 6th, 2025 – 7:30pm

WHAT:
Refuge Performance featuring Billboard charting/3x JUNO nominees SULTANS OF STRING
With Special Guests:
— Alberto Suarez – percussion

— Donné Roberts – vocals and guitar
— Leen Hamo – vocals
— Majd Sukar – clarinet
— Saskia Tomkins – nyckelharpa
— Padideh Ahrarnejad – tar
Sultans of String – Chris McKhool, Kevin Laliberté, Drew Birston

WHERE:
Davide De Simone Performance Hall at Aurora Town Square.

50 Victoria St, Aurora ON, L4G 1R3

TIX/INFO:
General Admission, $32.40 (incl. hst), 905-841-7529 / 905-726-4770 | rleisure@aurora.ca
https://boxoffice.auroratownsquare.ca/event/109:41/109:44

A Boy Band Symphony Featuring Members of 98 Degrees, NSYNC, O-Town Legends, and a Full Orchestra

Eric Alper
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A Boy Band Symphony Featuring Members of 98 Degrees, NSYNC, O-Town Legends, and a Full Orchestra

Vancouver, BC, February 25, 2025 at The Orpheum Theatre with The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Louisville, KY, March 22, 2025 at Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center with The Louisville Orchestra
Pittsburgh, PA, April 7, 2025 at Heinz Hall (with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Get ready to relive the golden age of boy bands like never before! TCG Entertainment is proud to present A Boy Band Symphony—a groundbreaking live concert experience that fuses the timeless harmonies and infectious energy of boy band hits with the grandeur of a full symphony orchestra, featuring a star-studded lineup of *Chris Kirkpatrick (NSYNC), Jeff Timmons (98 Degrees), and Erik-Michael Estrada (O-Town).

This electrifying show reimagines the greatest hits from the ‘90s and early 2000s, including:

🎶 Bye Bye Bye
🎶 I Do (Cherish You)
🎶 Liquid Dreams
🎶 As Long As You Love Me
🎶 Tearin’ Up My Heart
🎶 I Want It That Way
🎶 Hardest Thing
🎶 All Or Nothing
🎶 This I Promise You
🎶 It’s Gonna Be Me

…and so many more!

Each of the legendary performers in A Boy Band Symphony helped shape the soundtrack of a generation:

Chris Kirkpatrick (NSYNC) – One of the founding members of *NSYNC, Kirkpatrick helped propel the group to superstardom with their 10x platinum album No Strings Attached, selling over 2.4 million copies in its first week—a record that stood for 15 years! Hits like Bye Bye Bye, It’s Gonna Be Me, and Tearin’ Up My Heart remain staples of pop music history.

Jeff Timmons (98 Degrees) – 98 Degrees was all about smooth harmonies and heartfelt ballads, earning multi-platinum success with hits like The Hardest Thing, Because of You, and I Do (Cherish You). With over 15 million albums sold worldwide, Timmons and his group carved out a unique space in the boy band era with their signature blend of pop and R&B.

Erik-Michael Estrada (O-Town) – As part of the first-ever reality TV-formed boy band, O-Town made history with their self-titled debut album, featuring the smash hit Liquid Dreams and their emotional anthem All or Nothing, which became one of the biggest power ballads of the early 2000s.

With over 335 weeks on the Billboard charts combined, these three artists helped define the pop music landscape. Now, they’re bringing their biggest hits to the symphony stage in a way fans have never experienced before! Whether you grew up with these songs or you’re discovering them for the first time, A Boy Band Symphony is a must-see event that blends nostalgia, musicianship, and show-stopping performances into one unforgettable evening.

Don’t miss your chance to witness this groundbreaking new show as it tours across North America!

HuDost Tackles Climate Crisis with Powerful Single ‘Fire of Eden’ From Forthcoming ‘The Monkey In The Crown’ Album

Eric Alper
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HuDost Tackles Climate Crisis with Powerful Single ‘Fire of Eden’ From Forthcoming ‘The Monkey In The Crown’ Album

There’s no shortage of artists who are concerned about climate change, but for HuDost, it’s personal. Their impassioned new single, “Fire of Eden,” was inspired by an epiphany vocalist/lyricist Moksha Sommer had while on the road, surveying the damage wrought by the California wildfires. She could see that the environmental upheavals she had been witnessing for two touring cycles held implications that were beyond troubling—not just for her, but for the baby she was pregnant with at the time. And of course, for the rest of us.

“I was on tour, performing and traveling, and the air was thick with smoke, making it impossible to perform,” she recalls. “I couldn’t help but reflect on the vulnerability I was feeling—not only as a woman carrying a child but as a person watching the environment around me deteriorate. It was a surreal and sobering moment, realizing how fragile both my personal situation and the world were.”

The song that resulted is a wholly appropriate concoction of fire and brimstone, painting disasters like the wildfires as harbingers of a truly biblical reckoning. When the great conflagration comes, we’re told, there’ll be nothing to do but “run to the river” and “cry out loud,” begging for forgiveness. The aural neo-Americana that accompanies those sentiments is every bit as ominous as you’d expect, but with a motive urgency that keeps the number well out of the realm of the maudlin. Sommer’s haunting vocals mesh perfectly with partner Jemal Wade Hines’ guitars and keys, and the contributions of guest players like Chris Powell (drums and percussion) and SistaStrings & Anit Ghosh (strings) elevate the proceedings to a near-gospel level of righteous fervor.

There’s urgency of a different kind in the accompanying music video, an AI travelogue that puts the musicians smack-dab during fiery explosions that flare up in the most unexpected of places. Arresting images to be sure, but to Sommer and Hines, using modern technology to convey an environmental message is a vital metaphor for the hand-in-glove relationship science and humanism will need to maintain to pull our world back from the precipice of collapse.

“Fire of Eden” is one of 11 kinetically compelling tracks on HuDost’s upcoming album, The Monkey in the Crown—their first in four years, and marking their 20th year as a band. Just as their legions of fans have learned to expect, the record is a rich tapestry of electric folk, Americana, and pop rock. Tracks like the new single and the previously released “Acting Out the Outrage” revel in affecting vocals and vibrant instrumentation that convey heartfelt musings on identity, resilience, and the complexities of our world.

The world has been complex, indeed, for Sommer and Hines, who met at a Rumi Festival put on by Turkish Sufis and have gone on to be musical partners, devoted spouses and activists committed to worthy causes like ONE (a nonprofit that works to end extreme poverty). Together, they’ve weathered challenges like Sommer’s 2008 brain surgery and the long road to recovery that followed. Their bonds—to each other and to the world—were further deepened by the birth of their two children (in 2013 and 2022).

These days, the HuDost family includes the music cognoscenti and the listening public alike. Writer Kristi Wooten called the group’s output “as sacred as a church service, [but] without the identifiers which can separate and shame non-believers.” Among those believers, count the voters who honored Sommer and Hines with an Independent Music Award (for Social Action Song) and two “Best of Nashville” awards. And don’t forget the consumers and programmers who have taken HuDost to #4 on the Canadian National Folk/Roots/Blues Chart, #9 on the U.S. Folk Radio Charts and #24 on the Billboard Folk/Americana chart.

The Monkey in the Crown is shaping up to surpass past releases, with a variety of exciting bundle options available for presale now. Fans can secure a limited-edition signed colored-vinyl release, a deluxe 2-CD edition featuring bonus instrumentals and acoustic tracks, and original artwork by Sommer. There’s even a rare opportunity for the duo to write a personalized song for or with a lucky fan.

While copies won’t be shipped until the album’s official release at the very end of February, presale is open now—don’t miss your chance to grab these exclusive editions. Visit their Website for more details.

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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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