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Eric Alper Public Relations Clients Sue Foley and Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne Earn Blues Music Award Wins

Pictured at Blues Music Awards: (l-r): Holger Petersen (founder, Stony Plain Records), Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne, Sue Foley, Geoff Kulawick (President, True North Records)

The Blues Music Awards brings together Blues performers, industry representatives, and fans from all over the world to celebrate the best in Blues recordings and performances from the previous year.

The BMAs are generally recognized as the highest honor given to blues musicians and are awarded by vote of Blues Foundation members.

The Renasant Convention Center was packed with blues musicians, fans, and music-world luminaries on May 9th, anxious to see who would be the winners at the 45th Annual Blues Music Awards. Besides awarding honors in 25 categories, the BMAs, as is its tradition, featured performances from many nominees, with the gala ending in a jubilant all-star jam.

Congratulations to Sue Foley, who won in the Traditional Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award) category and Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Way, who won in the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player category. Both these artists are on the Stony Plain Records label and continue to enthrall audiences with their exceptional talent and dedication to the blues genre. Their wins at the Blues Music Awards further solidify their status as esteemed figures within the blues community and serve as a testament to their ongoing contributions to the rich tapestry of blues music.

Comedian Brian Regan Announces Fall 2024 Theater Tour Dates

Acclaimed by critics, adored by fans and admired by fellow comedians as one of the best in the business, Brian Regan announces his fall 2024 theater tour dates visiting 20 cities nationwide. Since 2005, Brian’s non-stop theater tour has visited the most beautiful venues.

Brian co-stars in three seasons of Peter Farrelly’s TV series, Loudermilk, which moved to Netflix on January 1, 2024 ranking in the Top 10 TV shows on Netflix for over a month. Farrelly personally cast Brian in the series alongside Ron Livingston, Anja Savcic, Will Sasso and Mat Fraser. Brian received praise for his portrayal of “Mugsy,” a recovering addict who is estranged from his family.

Brian stars in two Netflix stand-up specials, Brian Regan: On The Rocks, and Brian Regan: Nunchucks And Flamethrowers, and he stars in his own Netflix series, Stand Up And Away! With Brian Regan. Brian and Jerry Seinfeld Executive Produce the four-episode original half-hour series that combines sketch comedy and stand-up.

Brian made history with his stand-up special, Brian Regan: Live From Radio City Music Hall, as the first live broadcast of a stand-up special in Comedy Central’s history. Brian has performed at The Leicester Square Theatre in London and he is a regular at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. He performed at Carnegie Hall following years of performances in New York City’s finest theaters including Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, The Beacon Theater and Radio City Music Hall. Brian’s tour has included visits to Denver’s legendary 8600-seat Red Rocks Amphitheater and the 15,000-seat Huntsman Center Arena in Salt Lake City.

A regular on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Brian is the stand-up comedian guest who the show invites on for two segments: a performance segment and a segment on the couch to chat with Jimmy. Previously, Brian was a regular guest on The Late Show with David Letterman, making 28 appearances on the CBS show.

Brian made a scene-stealing cameo in Chris Rock’s film, Top Five, and he is a guest on two episodes of Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee on Netflix.

Brian’s comedy releases include: Brian Regan: On The Rocks Netflix special; Stand Up And Away! With Brian Regan Netflix series; Brian Regan: Nunchucks and Flamethrowers on Netflix and on vinyl; Brian Regan: Live From Radio City Music Hall aired on Comedy Central and is available on CD & DVD and as a video or audio download; All By Myself is available on CD and download only through his website; his two separate one-hour Comedy Central specials, The Epitome of Hyperbole and Brian Regan Standing Up are available on DVD or as a video or audio download; I Walked on the Moon is available on DVD or as an audio or video download only through his website and Brian Regan Live is available on CD.

BRIAN REGAN FALL 2024 TOUR DATES:

Friday, August 2, 2024              Las Vegas, NV              The Summit Showroom at The Venetian Resort

Saturday, August 3, 2024          Las Vegas, NV              The Summit Showroom at The Venetian Resort

Thursday, September 12, 2024             Eugene, OR                  Hult Center for the Performing Arts

Friday, September 13, 2024                  Portland, OR                Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Saturday, September 14, 2024              Seattle, WA                 Paramount Theatre

Wednesday, September 18, 2024         Bakersfield, CA             Fox Theater

Thursday, September 19, 2024             Santa Rosa, CA             Luther Burbank Center for the Arts

Friday, September 20, 2024                  Los Angeles, CA            Wilshire Ebell Theatre

Wednesday, October 2, 2024                Burlington, VT              Flynn Theatre

Sunday, October 6, 2024                      New Brunswick, NJ       State Theater

Wednesday, October 16, 2024              Munhall, PA                 Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall^

Thursday, October 17, 2024                  Hershey, PA                 The Hershey Theatre

Friday, October 18, 2024                      Philadelphia, PA           Miller Theater

Saturday, October 19, 2024                  Baltimore, MD             The Hippodrome

Sunday, October 20, 2024                    Charlottesville, VA        Paramount Theater

Wednesday, November 20, 2024          Binghamton, NY           Broome County Forum Theater

Saturday, November 23, 2024              Albany, NY                   The Egg

Wednesday, December 4, 2024            Fort Lauderdale, FL      The Parker

Thursday, December 5, 2024                St Petersburg, FL          Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater

Friday, December 6, 2024                     Orlando, FL                  Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Saturday, December 7, 2024                 Fort Pierce, FL              Sunrise Theatre

Friday, December 13, 2024         Las Vegas, NV              The Summit Showroom at The Venetian Resort

Saturday, December 14, 2024     Las Vegas, NV              The Summit Showroom at The Venetian Resort

CMT On Tour Presents Mickey Guyton: North American Dates Will Stop In 22 Cities

Four-time Grammy-nominated country performer Mickey Guyton will headline the latest installment of “CMT On Tour.” “CMT On Tour Presents Mickey Guyton” kicks off Sept. 18 at Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, GA with a 22-city tour across major cities in North America including New York, Chicago, Columbus, St. Louis, Toronto, Washington, D.C. and more, wrapping up in Lexington, KY at Manchester Music Hall on November 9.

Earlier this month, Mickey also shined at the 2024 CMT Music Awards on CBS, where she earned nominations for “Collaborative Video Of The Year” and “Video Of The Year” for her collaboration with Kane Brown on “Nothing Compares To You.”

Capitol Nashville’s Mickey Guyton “raises the rafters and distills emotion with impeccable clarity. Her high notes thrill, her nuance in storytelling captivates. A star for our times claims her place” (NPR). The four-time GRAMMY nominee and 2022 TIME Breakthrough Artist of the Year Guyton released songs “I Still Pray,” “How You Love Someone” and “Somethin’ Bout You” following her critically acclaimed 2021 debut album, Remember Her Name. Most recently, she unveiled her latest singles “Scary Love” and “Woman” to maintain her momentum in 2024.

With Remember Her Name, Mickey made history as the first Black artist to earn a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album. Title track “Remember Her Name” also landed Mickey with GRAMMY nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance. This follows Mickey’s groundbreaking GRAMMY nomination as the first-ever Black female solo artist to earn a nod in a country category (Best Country Solo Performance) for “Black Like Me” which she performed as part of the 2021 awards ceremony. “Black Like Me” was named one of the Top 10 all-genre songs of 2020 by NPR, Billboard, and Associated Press. She also co-hosted the 56thAcademy of Country Music Awards on CBS along with Keith Urban and she was named CMT’s 2021 Breakout Artist of the Year. Audiences around the world watched Mickey deliver a powerful message of inclusivity and togetherness with her “awe-inspiring,” “soulful and soaring” national anthem at Super Bowl 56 in Los Angeles.

Mickey and her music have been featured on the cover of Billboard and profiled in The New Yorker, The New York Times and Rolling Stone. Over the last year she has been featured in American Songwriter, BBC News, CBS Mornings, Ebony, Elle, Ellen, Entertainment Weekly, Essence, HITS, Sesame Street, SHERRI, The Jennifer Hudson Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Los Angeles Times, New York Magazine’s Vulture, PEOPLE, Pollstar, Sesame Street, TODAY Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, USA Today, Variety, VIBE, The View, Vogue, The Washington Post and many more.

TOUR DATES:
Wednesday, September 18 | Atlanta, GA | Buckhead Theatre
Friday, September 20 | Charlotte, NC | The Underground
Saturday, September 21 | Asheville, NC | The Orange Peel
Thursday, September 26 | Washington, DC | Union Stage
Friday, September 27 | New York, NY | The Gramercy Theatre
Saturday, September 28 | Pittsburgh, PA | Thunderbird Café and Music Hall
Wednesday, October 2 | Kansas City, MO | Knuckleheads
Thursday, October 3 | Oklahoma City, OK | Beer City Music Hall
Tuesday, October 15 | St. Louis, MO | Delmar Hall
Thursday, October 17 | Chicago, IL | Joe’s on Weed St.
Friday, October 18 | Minneapolis, MN | First Ave
Saturday, October 19 | Des Moines, IA | Wooly’s
Tuesday, October 22 | Madison, WI | Majestic Theatre
Wednesday, October 23 | Ann Arbor, MI | Blind Pig
Friday, October 25 | Grand Rapids, MI | The Stache at The Intersection
Wednesday, October 30 | Columbus, OH | The Bluestone
Friday, November 1 | Buffalo, NY | Iron Works
Saturday, November 2 | Toronto, ON | Velvet Underground
Monday, November 4 | Boston, MA | Brighton Music Hall
Wednesday, November 6 | Philadelphia, PA | World Cafe Live
Friday, November 8 | Indianapolis, Indiana | The Hifi
Saturday, November 9 | Lexington, KY | Manchester Music Hall

Porter Robinson Announces “Smile! :D World Tour” With Over 70 Dates In 2024-2025

Grammy-nominated artist Porter Robinson announces a 5-continent world tour including stops in 30+ North American cities, Europe, and Asia in support of his highly anticipated third studio album SMILE! 😀, releasing July 26th via MOM+POP.

Robinson will debut a completely new live production including a full live band during his SMILE! 😀 World Tour, after first experimenting with the band format at his own sold-out Second Sky festival and again in 2023 at Coachella’s main stage. Fans can expect opening acts ericdoa in North America, underscores in Europe and Galileo Galilei in Japan.

The SMILE! 😀 World Tour will kick off on August 29 in Boston and hit notable stops along the way including Forrest Hills in New York on August 31 and Hollywood Bowl on October 11, before heading onto an Asian run which spans 9 cities beginning November 2024. Porter concludes the tour by traversing across 8 countries in Europe throughout February and March 2025, including a stop at London’s prestigious Brixton Academy. Dates in Australia and Latin America will also be announced soon. Full routing is available below.

SMILE! 😀 World Tour Dates:
August 29, 2024 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
August 30, 2024 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
August 31, 2024 – New York, NY – Forest Hills Stadium
September 5, 2024 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
September 6, 2024 – Orlando, FL – Addition Financial Arena
September 7, 2024 – Miami, FL – FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park
September 10, 2024 – Nashville, TN – Municipal Auditorium
September 11, 2024 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
September 13, 2024 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann
September 14, 2024 – Washington, DC – Merriweather Post Pavilion
September 15, 2024 – Pittsburgh, PA – UPMC Events Center
September 17, 2024 – Montreal, BC – MTELUS
September 19, 2024 – Toronto, BC – HISTORY
September 21, 2024 – Toronto, BC – HISTORY
September 22, 2024 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore
September 23, 2024 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater
September 26, 2024 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
September 27, 2024 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
September 28, 2024 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory
September 30, 2024 – St. Louis, MO – Saint Louis Music Park
October 1, 2024 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
October 8, 2024 – El Paso, TX – El Paso County Coliseum
October 11, 2024 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
October 12, 2024 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
October 13, 2024 – San Diego, CA – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
October 15, 2024 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel
October 17, 2024 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
October 18, 2024 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
October 19, 2024 – Las Vegas, NV – BleauLive Theater
October 24, 2024 – Sacramento, CA – Wheatland Toyota Amphitheatre
October 25, 2024 – San Francisco, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
October 29, 2024 – Boise, ID – Revolution Concert House
October 31, 2024 – Portland, OR – Alaska Airlines’ Theater of the Clouds
November 1, 2024 – Vancouver, BC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
November 2, 2024 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
November 25, 2024 – Bangkok – Samyan Mitrtown Hall
November 27, 2024 – Singapore – The Star Performing Arts Centre
December 8, 2024 – Manila – The Podium
December 10, 2024 – Taipei – Zepp New Taipei
December 12, 2024 – Seoul – Myunghwa Live Hall
February 10, 2025 – Tokyo – Tokyo Garden Theater
February 11, 2025 – Osaka – Namba Hatch
February 12, 2025 – Nagoya – Diamond Hall
February 14, 2025 – Fukuoka – UNITEDLAB
February 21, 2025 – Berlin – Huxleys Neue Welt
February 22, 2025 – Hamburg – Fabrik
February 24, 2025 – Oslo – Rockefeller Music Hall
February 25, 2025 – Stockholm – Berns
February 26. 2025 – Copenhagen – Vega
February 28, 2025 – Amsterdam – Melkweg
March 3, 2025 – Cologne – Live Music Hall
March 4, 2025 – Paris – Salle Pleyel
March 6, 2025 – London – O2 Academy Brixton
March 7, 2025 – Manchester – Albert Hall
March 8, 2025 – Glasgow – SWG3 Galvanizers
March 10, 2025 – Dublin – 3Olympia Theatre

Judah & The Lion Announces 2024 ‘The Process Tour’

Today, Judah & the Lion announced their 2024 ‘The Process Tour’. The 17-city tour kicks off on October 4 at The Tulsa Theater in Tulsa making stops across the U.S. in Denver, Boston, Philadelphia and more before wrapping up in Nashville at Nashville Municipal Auditorium on October 26.

The band began releasing songs from The Process last year. The new material has racked up over 10 million combined global streams to date and earned spots on numerous playlists across all DSPs, including Spotify’s New Music Friday, Apple Music’s New Music Daily and Amazon Music’s Alternative Hits, with additional support from SiriusXM Alt Nation’s “Advanced Placement,” Pandora, YouTube, SoundCloud, Tidal, Audiomack and Deezer. The band’s single, “Floating in the Night,” is at #36 at Alternative radio. Listen to “Floating in the Night” HERE

Since their 2012 debut EP, Judah & the Lion have garnered wide-spread acclaim for their genre-bending music, received platinum/gold certifications and have accumulated over 910 million career streams. Six of their hit singles have gone Top 15 on Alternative radio and the band won an iHeart Music Award for Best New Alt Rock Band of 2018.

Their forthcoming album, “The Process,” (coming Spring 2024) was inspired by singer Judah Akers personal life and struggles. In looking towards going into the studio, Akers realized that he needed to be honest to be able to write music again. Inspired by Kübler-Ross’ five stages of grief, the album became a song-cycle through the stages of grief through the lens of eventual forgiveness and hope. Having navigated “The Process,” both Akers and partner in crime, mandolinist, Brian Macdonald have emerged with a record that is buoyant, impassioned and emotionally connective. The band has a reinvigorated sense of purpose with its aim to create music that resonates deeply, believing in music’s power to connect people and make them feel less alone in life’s journey.

THE PROCESS 2024 TOUR DATES:
Fri Oct 04 — Tulsa, OK — The Tulsa Theater
Sat Oct 05 — Kansas City, MO — Uptown Theater
Sun Oct 06 — Omaha, NE — Steelhouse Omaha
Tue Oct 08 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Union Event Center
Wed Oct 09 — Denver, CO — Fillmore Auditorium
Sat Oct 12 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave
Sun Oct 13 — Grand Rapids, MI — GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Tue Oct 15 — Columbus, OH — KEMBA Live!
Thu Oct 17 — Boston, MA — Citizens House of Blues
Fri Oct 18 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore Silver Spring
Sat Oct 19 — Philadelphia, PA — The Fillmore Philadelphia
Sun Oct 20 — Raleigh, NC — The Red Hat Amphitheater
Weds Oct 23 – Charleston, NC – The Refinery
Thu Oct 24 — Birmingham, AL — Avondale Brewing Company
Fri Oct 25 — Atlanta, GA — Coca-Cola Roxy
Sat Oct 26 — Nashville, TN — Nashville Municipal Auditorium

Megadeth Announces ‘Destroy All Enemies’ U.S. Tour

Megadeth is bringing its iconic live show to North America with a 33-city, nationwide tour, Destroy All Enemies this fall including stops in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Boston, St. Louis and many more.

Bringing along Mudvayne and All That Remains, the tour begins in Rogers, Arkansas on August 2 and runs throughout the month before wrapping in Nashville, Tennessee on September 28. Performing classic hits from Rust In Peace, Countdown to Extinction and more, the tour also brings Dave Mustaine and bandmates back to North America to perform their latest studio album The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead! Featuring some of Mustaine’s strongest-ever songwriting, the tour offers an equally ambitious live performance that delivers on all fronts.

“Our ‘Crush The World’ tour has been a tremendous experience for the four of us,” shared Dave Mustaine. “We are all playing tight, and that has made it possible for me to really focus on solos and singing, we are playing more songs than ever before, and we are closer to each other, onstage AND off. I’m excited to see Mudvayne, and All That Remains. Join us as we DESTROY ALL ENEMIES.”

The North American jaunt comes on the heels of a highly anticipated and successful stint in Latin America wrapping this month and starting back up in Europe this summer. With stops in Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and México and forthcoming dates in Sweden, Italy, France, Germany and more, the band’s global appeal and lasting impact is more apparent than ever as continued calls for international touring are demanded.

Megadeth, alongside founder and frontman Dave Mustaine, are renowned for their unparalleled energy and mastery on stage. In 2023, the GRAMMY-Award winning band dominated arenas and festivals, reaffirming its status as one of heavy metal’s most formidable live acts. Dubbed “as ferocious and hard-hitting as ever” by AllMusic, Megadeth enjoyed sold-out shows and critical acclaim on the latest run of the Crush The World Tour captivating audiences and showcasing the latest and greatest hits.

With a musical legacy spanning four decades, Megadeth has sold in excess of 50 million albums worldwide earning numerous accolades including 1 Grammy award with 13 nominations and five consecutive platinum albums. Megadeth’s debut album, Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good! was named by VH1 as the “Greatest Thrash Metal Debut Album of All Time.” The band’s latest album The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! was released in September 2022 via Tradecraft/UMG. It debuted at No. 1 across Billboard’s Top Rock, Hard Rock, and Alternative Albums charts, and No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and the lead single “We’ll Be Back” was nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Metal Performance.

Destroy All Enemies U.S. Tour 2024
8/2 Rogers, AR Walmart AMP
8/3 Houston, TX 713 Music Hall
8/5 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheatre
8/6 Denver, CO Ball Arena
8/8 Phoenix, AZ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
8/9 Los Angeles, CA YouTube Theater
8/10 Concord, CA Toyota Pavilion at Concord
8/12 Auburn, WA White River Amphitheatre
8/13 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater
8/16 Las Vegas, NV Bakkt Theatre at Planet Hollywood
8/17 Salt Lake City, UT Maverick Arena
8/20 Irving, TX The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
8/21 Austin, TX Germania Insurance Amphitheater
8/23 Macon, GA Atrium Health Macon Amphitheater
8/24 West Palm Beach, FL IThink Financial Amphitheatre
9/3 Tinley Park, IL Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
9/5 Huntington, WV Marshall Health Network Arena
9/6 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
9/7 Raleigh, NC Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
9/9 Reading, PA Santander Arena
9/10 Albany, NY MVP Arena
9/11 Boston, MA Leader Bank
9/13 Bethel, MY Bethel Woods Center For The Arts
9/14 Wantagh, NY Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
9/15 Richmond, VA Virginia Credit Union Live!
9/17 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
9/18 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE
9/20 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center
9/21 Clarkston, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre
9/24 Minneapolis, MN The Armory
9/26 St Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre STL
9/27 Southaven, MS Bankplus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove
9/28 Nashville, TN Nashville Municipal Auditorium

Rockin’ The Kremlin Book Goes Behind The Scenes Of The Eurovision Song Contest

Rockin’ The Kremlin: My Incredible True Story of Gangsters, Oligarchs, and Pop Stars in Putin’s Russia (Rowman & Littlefield; July 2), the new book by David Junk with Fred Bronson that details Junk’s exciting and dangerous time in Moscow, would not be coming out on July 2 if it were not for the Eurovision Song Contest.

The two authors met at the 2000 competition, held in Stockholm. The American-born Junk accompanied the first Russian artist signed to Universal Music Russia, the teenaged singer Alsou. Bronson was covering the pan-European song contest for Billboard. They quickly became friends and stayed in touch long after Eurovision.

Some 22 years later, Junk told Bronson he wanted to write a book about his time in Russia, dealing with oligarchs, record piracy, stolen diamonds and murder, as well as signing a number of Russian artists to the label and welcoming visiting Universal acts to Russia like Mariah Carey, Elton John, Sting, and Bon Jovi.

Then Junk asked Bronson if he would co-write the book, and the answer was a resounding “Yes!”

There are multiple chapters in the book about Alsou and t.A.T.U., about how Junk discovered them and signed them, and their adventures at Eurovision and beyond, up to their ultimate implosions.

Other artists who have performed at Eurovision are also mentioned in the book, including a wild, unbelievable chapter all about Russian superstar Alla Pugacheva and her then-husband, Philipp Kirkorov. Junk also signed the boy-band duo Smash!!, and writes extensively about founding member Sergey Lazarev, who went on to have his own solo career and compete in Eurovision. Other Eurovision performers referenced in Rockin’ The Kremlin are ABBA, Tvorchi, Mumiy Troll, Tina Karol and Verka Serduchka.

From his humble beginnings growing up on a farm in Ohio to his recent return to Ukraine to observe first-hand the long-running war, Junk’s story is a compelling narrative, with danger lurking around every corner. He describes his good times working in Russia, and the not-so-good times in this fast-paced read, which Publishers Weekly calls, “an exciting and colorful look at a dynamic period in Russia’s cultural history.”

The book has also earned praise from Ruslana, who won the Eurovision Song Contest for
Ukraine in 2004. She writes: “‘I led an American pop music invasion… to Russia. It was too loud and brash, like rock ’n’ roll’—these words from David Junk impressed and inspired me. He tries to find meaning behind the cause to which he devoted over three decades of his life— bringing America and Russia closer together after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Visiting my homeland, Ukraine, David questions if dedicating these thirty years was in vain. His story is captivating.”

Rockin’ the Kremlin: My Incredible True Story of Gangsters, Oligarchs, and Pop Stars in Putin’s Russia is published by Rowman & Littlefield and will be available in stores and from online booksellers on July 2.

David Junk was the first CEO of Universal Music in Moscow, and for a decade he promoted international artists in Russia, including stars like Mariah Carey, Elton John, U2, Sting, and Bon Jovi. He also signed many Russian artists to Universal, including t.A.T.u. and Alsou. David was Vice-President Eastern Europe at Universal Music in 2003, opened the first Universal Music office in Kyiv, Ukraine, and developed music reality shows for Ukrainian TV. David was also the North American Entertainment Relations Director of Gibson Brands, Inc., where he started company operations in Russia and opened the first Gibson Guitar showroom in Moscow. David is also the host of Art During Wartime, a podcast dedicated to the vibrant and diverse culture of Ukraine.

Fred Bronson is the author of six books, including The Jacksons: Legacy, The Sound of Music Family Scrapbook, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, and three Billboard charts books. For over three decades, he has been reporting on the music industry for Billboard Magazine, covering many topics including American Idol, the Eurovision Song Contest, ABBA, and Motown. Bronson has been called “America’s foremost chart journalist” by the editor of Billboard Magazine and as an expert on music has guest-starred on American Idol four times. He was a guest judge, with Kristin Chenoweth, on the premiere episode of the TV series, CMT’s Next Superstar. His articles have also appeared in The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and the Los Angeles Times.

Austin, TX’s Rising Pop Star Aline Garza Empowers Bullying Victims With New Single “Superhero”

After Aline Garza’s successful kickstart in music with her heartfelt breakout single “Day One” while going viral on Instagram with over 2.4 million views, the Texan artist now captures a tremendously powerful and utterly necessary message in her new single “Superhero”.

On top of an upbeat, hopeful and catchy melody, Aline Garza evokes nostalgia with a 2010’s Pop/R&B sound and spreads a heartwarming message to all bullying and harassment victims:

They only talkin’ cause they’re jealous
They so unhappy with themselves
They insecure so they’re projectin’
So don’t be tough on yourself

And, much like a warm ray of sun on a freezing day, Aline Garza shows her unconditional support for all going through a tough time in the chorus:

I wish I was a superhero
Who could save the day
A superhero
to make everything OK
A superhero
To stand by your side and take
All the pain away put a smile on ya’ face

Sadly, like millions of kids across the globe, Aline Garza experienced an isolating feeling at the age of 10, which sparked her to write and sing about it: “Writing Superhero at 10 years old was a feeling of being left out” and addresses how bullying has evolved in many other dangerous ways: “Now as the years have come, I see bullying happening more frequently in different ways including rumors, cyberbullying, physical contact, teasing, emotional, social, and verbal.”

The artist also shares that people who bully are actually reflecting their own internal fights in others: “People can be insecure so they’re negatively projecting”, and sheds light on the importance of self-confidence: “First believe in yourself, then others will too”, as well as addressing our own mental health: “Bullying causes people to not socialize and stay to themselves which can later cause mental issues”.

Aline’s musical journey began almost before she can remember, at the age of 5, and she’s won awards such as “Best New Artist” in her age group at the Vocal Star New Year’s Gala Competition and emerged as a finalist in prestigious competitions like Dream Night in 2021.

Now, following the guidance of her label XOXO Entertainment Corp. and relying on the endless support from her family, she’s ready to make a difference in the music industry! From pop to R&B, to even Gospel music, be ready for versatile and timeless hits from the young Texan artist.

Apart from her label and family, Aline expresses her gratitude to producer and co-writer Adam H. and mixer Orlando Calzada, 5x Grammy Award Winner with credits including Lady Gaga, One Direction, Beyonce and Destiny’s Child.

Ultimately, it is vital to have artists who bring attention to unjust situations, share a message of hope and, above all, who have the charisma and sensitivity that Aline has. In her own words: “I like to make music that people can relate to and has a positive message”. Aline is the true meaning of a Superhero!

Experience the Brilliance: Flato Markham Theatre’s 24/25 Diamond Season Ignites with Unforgettable Performances

Flato Markham Theatre is thrilled to announce the captivating lineup for its 2024-2025 Diamond Season, made possible by the steadfast support of Flato Developments and WEINS Auto Group.

“I am honored to be stepping into the role of Acting General Manager at Flato Markham Theatre,” shares Scott Hill. “Having begun my career here over 30 years ago, this venue holds a special place in my heart.”

Mayor Frank Scarpitti extends a warm welcome to the 2024-2025 Diamond Season, celebrating Flato Markham Theatre as a vibrant cultural hub. “Flato Markham Theatre is a vibrant hub where the community gathers to experience unforgettable moments filled with laughter, awe, and a shared passion for the arts,” he remarks.

The upcoming season promises to be nothing short of extraordinary! With a dynamic lineup that includes returning favorites and fresh talents gracing the Markham stage, audiences can expect touring theatre productions, world premieres, exclusive presentations, award-winning musicians, comedy acts, magical performances, captivating dance routines, high-energy rock ‘n’ roll shows, and the nostalgic return of holiday classics.

“We are delighted to unveil an exciting and imaginative array of world-class performances for the 2024-2025 Diamond Season at Flato Markham Theatre,” expresses Scott Hill, Acting General Manager. “We have curated a diverse season showcasing many amazing performances. We look forward to audiences experiencing top-tier events featuring some of the finest talents from both Canada and around the globe.”

OCTOBER

This October at Flato Markham Theatre promises a diverse range of performances to captivate audiences. The month kicks off with Any Dream Will Do: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber on October 4, celebrating the timeless magic of Lloyd Webber’s iconic hits. Following that, get ready for a night of sizzling jazz with The Hot Sardines on October 5, blending New York jazz with Parisian swagger. On October 17, prepare to be mesmerized by Machine de Cirque: La Galerie, a dynamic circus troupe weaving acrobatics, music, and storytelling into a visually stunning experience. As the month progresses, don’t miss Girls Nite Out on October 18 for a hilarious evening of comedy and camaraderie. Ending October with a bang, celebrate five decades of rock ‘n’ roll history with The Fabulous Thunderbirds 50th Anniversary on October 24, followed by mind-bending illusions in Outerbridge Magic: Mysteries of The Keyhole House on October 26.

NOVEMBER

November continues the excitement at Flato Markham Theatre with a lineup that promises to enchant and inspire. Start the month with Matt Dusk Sings Tony Bennett on November 1, featuring soulful renditions of classic jazz standards. Then, on November 14, immerse yourself in Rhapsody In Blue: A Gershwin Celebration, a breathtaking homage to George Gershwin’s timeless melodies. Dive into the world of Argentine tango with Social Tango on November 15, blending dance, music, and romance in a captivating performance. As the month draws to a close, get into the holiday spirit with A Very Merry Motown Christmas on November 28, followed by Michael Kaeshammer: The Spirit of Christmas on November 30, promising a festive evening of jazz-infused holiday classics.

DECEMBER

The holiday season arrives at Flato Markham Theatre with a lineup of magical performances to celebrate with family and friends. Swing into the holidays with Holly Cole: A Swinging Christmas on December 6, followed by a recreation of Pink Floyd’s iconic album in Classic Albums Live Performs: Pink Floyd, The Dark Side of The Moon on December 5. Experience the sublime beauty of Renaissance sacred music with The Tallis Scholars on December 12, a performance renowned for its exquisite vocal harmonies. Share the joy of the season with Pavlo & John McDermott: A Family Christmas on December 14, followed by a lively Celtic celebration with Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas on December 18. End the year on a magical note with Ballet Jörgen: The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition on December 30 and 31, capturing the timeless magic of this holiday classic.

JANUARY

As we step into the new year, Flato Markham Theatre presents an exciting lineup for January that promises to delight audiences of all tastes. Dive into a world of enchantment and wonder with the Gazillion Bubble Show on January 2-5, a mesmerizing experience for the whole family. On January 17, witness the awe-inspiring YAMATO: The Power of Human Strength, a dynamic performance showcasing the ancient art of Japanese drumming. Get ready for a night of soulful melodies with Brass Transit on January 24, a tribute to the iconic sounds of Chicago and other classic rock hits. Experience the fusion of world music with Omar Sosa & Seckou Keita: SUBA Trio Featuring Gustavo Ovalles, Percussion on January 25, promising a journey of rhythm and harmony. Close out January with laughter and intrigue in HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis Starring Colin Mochrie and Asad Mecci on January 31, a unique blend of comedy and hypnotic entertainment. And don’t miss sensational ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro on January 30 at 8 PM, showcasing his incredible talent and captivating storytelling in a performance that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible on the humble four-strings.

FEBRUARY

February at Flato Markham Theatre brings a diverse array of performances to ignite the senses. Kick off the month with an evening of captivating vocals by Caity Gyorgy on February 1, showcasing her talent and charisma on stage. On February 7, immerse yourself in the artistry of dance with ProArteDanza: The 9th! as dancers push the boundaries of movement and expression. Sing along to epic rock anthems in We Will Choir! You: An EPIC Queen Sing-Along! on February 28, a night of musical celebration and community spirit.

MARCH
March heats up at Flato Markham Theatre with a lineup of thrilling performances to captivate audiences. Prepare to be amazed by Mike D’Urzo: Mind Kontrol on March 1, a mind-bending show of magic and illusion. Rock out to timeless hits with Classic Albums Live Performs: EAGLES, Greatest Hits on March 7, a tribute to the legendary band’s iconic songs. Enter the whimsical world of puppetry with Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock Live on March 8, a nostalgic journey for all ages. Experience the rhythmic energy of Irish dance with Rhythm Of The Dance on March 15, a spectacular showcase of Celtic culture and tradition.

APRIL
April at Flato Markham Theatre brings a diverse range of performances to entertain and inspire audiences. Start the month with a fusion of rock and traditional music in Red Hot Chili Pipers on April 4, a high-energy celebration of musical genres. On April 5, immerse yourself in the jazz-infused sounds of The Cookers, a collective of jazz legends delivering a mesmerizing performance. Witness the acrobatic prowess of Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque on April 6, a thrilling showcase of African circus arts. Laugh the night away with the Just For Laughs Roadshow on April 24, featuring a lineup of comedic talent guaranteed to tickle your funny bone. Rock out to iconic hits with Jeans ‘n Classics: The Who & Led Zeppelin on April 25, a tribute to rock legends. Close out April and the 24.25 Diamond Season with the soulful sounds of David Wilcox on April 26, promising an evening of heartfelt music and storytelling.

Subscriptions and Single tickets are on sale now!

The Theatre is dedicated to inclusion and audience development, and thus offers $15 YouthTIX tickets to most Diamond Season shows. Additional information, pricing, and tickets for the 2024-2025 Diamond Season can be found at flatomarkhamtheatre.ca or by calling the Flato Markham Theatre Box Office at 905-305-7469.

James Gordon Releases “Lonesome As Hank Williams Tonight” From Wrinkles and Scars Album

“I’m not prone to loneliness,” Canadian folkie James Gordon says of his new single, “Lonesome As Hank Williams Tonight.” Given the deep, convincing wistfulness of the song, and that of some of the other tracks on his new, live album, Wrinkles and Scars, it’s almost hard to believe him.

On the other hand, Gordon has kept himself so extraordinarily busy working on so many wide-ranging endeavors for so many years, it’s possible that he simply hasn’t had the time to feel lonely. But he got the opportunity one night in 2022, when he attended his last meeting of the Guelph City Council, of which he’d been a member for eight years. He was happy to have gotten one of his initiatives passed — a satisfying coda for his political career — and was ready to celebrate. The problem was that he was alone in a shabby motel room on Vancouver Island (he was on tour; the meeting was conducted over Zoom) and there was no one there to help him mark the occasion. He looked out the window at the wildfire haze then pervading the island, and thought of his favorite “lonely” song, Hank Williams’ all-time classic “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.”

One of two songs from the album directly inspired by that year’s wildfires – the other being “Wild Wind Blows,” “Lonesome As Hank Williams Tonight” quotes from the Hank song, but makes it clear that the two men are lonely in different ways. Where Williams’ loneliness was existential, for Gordon — whose songs over the past four decades have tended to be upbeat — it’s more temporal. It will pass. That doesn’t make him feel any less lonesome in the moment, though. Tonight, he’s lonesome:

It’s knowing that you’re just not there
The ominous smoke that fills the air
The uncertainty that’s everywhere
Tonight it’s just too hard to bear

No midnight train to lowly whine
No robins weeping, no moon that’s cryin’
No endless night, and no leaves dyin’
But I’m as lonesome as Hank Williams tonight
As lonesome as Hank Williams tonight
I’m so lonesome I could cry

The single is a follow up to another namechecking song from the album, “Leonard’s Secret Chord,” a reference to a lyric from the great Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”

As the title suggests Wrinkles and Scars has Gordon taking a look back to assess how his jam-packed life has shaped his years. As a founding member of folk trio Tamarack, with whom he performed from 1978 to 2000, and subsequently as a solo artist, he’s made dozens of albums. He’s composed for symphony orchestras, the musical theatre and dance troupes, written film scores, and served as a songwriter-in-residence on CBC radio for over a decade. As a record producer, he’s credited on CDs by numerous Canadian folk artists, and his mentorship programs have spurred the careers of countless youth and adult songwriters alike. That’s not to mention his accomplishments as a published author, playwright, theatrical director, podcast host and his stint in politics. He’s earned every wrinkle and scar.
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Recorded at Guelph’s River Run Centre in January 2024, the album finds Gordon backed by his “Exceptional Ensemble” of Ian Bell, Randall Coryell, Anne Lindsay, Katherine Wheatley and David Woodhead. The 14 songs run the gamut from personal musings on aging and loneliness to some of the more politically charged material for which Gordon is known—including musical protestations against climate change, religious fundamentalism, and the Rwandan genocide.

“I try to stay optimistic despite our current challenges,” he says. “As an activist, I want to hold onto hope, otherwise there’s no point investing energy into ‘the cause.’ That often feels pretty unrealistic in my moments of despair.”

Gordon’s moments of despair, though, amount to blessings for the rest of us.

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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