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Randy Owen to Be Honored With BMI Icon Award at the 72nd Annual BMI Country Awards on Nov. 19th

Photo Credit: Academy of Country Music

BMI will celebrate the legendary career of Alabama frontman Randy Owen by naming him a BMI Icon during the 72nd annual BMI Country Awards. Owen will be recognized for his prolific songwriting and significant contributions to Country music. The invitation-only event will be held at BMI’s Nashville office on Nov. 19th and will be hosted by BMI’s President and CEO, Mike O’Neill alongside BMI’s Nashville VP of Creative, Clay Bradley.

Throughout the evening, BMI will also reveal the Country Songwriter of the Year, Country Song of the Year and Country Publisher of the Year, while celebrating the top songwriters and music publishers behind this past year’s 50 most-performed songs in Country music.

“Randy Owen’s impact on Country music is immeasurable and his songwriting has left an undeniable mark on the genre,” Bradley said. “His talents have solidified Alabama as one of the most successful Country bands of all time and his memorable melodies and relatable lyrics continue to influence countless artists that follow in his footsteps. We are honored to present him with this year’s BMI Icon Award.”

Since his 1974 affiliation with BMI, Owen has received more than 25 BMI Million-Air awards, earned the 2000 BMI President’s Award and received the BMI Country Song of the Year accolade in 1989 for “Fallin’ Again.” Owen has been a cornerstone in Country music for over five decades and remains an influential figure with 43 No. One singles and 80 million records sold. The Country Music Hall of Fame inductee has helped cement Alabama’s legendary status by co-writing at least half of the band’s signature chart toppers including their first No. One, “Tennessee River” and countless others such as “Mountain Music,” “Song of the South,” “Can’t Keep a Good Man Down,” “Feels So Right,” and “Close Enough to Perfect.” Throughout Alabama’s renowned career, they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Musician’s Hall of Fame, and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. They have collected 20 American Music Awards, 12 ACM Awards, two GRAMMY Awards and were named CMA’s Entertainer of the Year three years in a row. Owen’s impact extends beyond his work with Alabama as other artist have also recorded his songs, further demonstrating the appeal and quality of his craft.

The BMI Icon Award is given to exceptional songwriters in recognition of their unique and indelible influence on music makers over many generations. In receiving this award, Owen’s joins an impressive list of Country legends including Matraca Berg, Toby Keith, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Dean Dillon, and Hank Williams, Jr., as well as multi-genre creative/songwriting royalty Stevie Nicks, Little Richard, Carole King, Patti LaBelle, Brian Wilson, James Brown, Janet Jackson, Bo Diddley, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Peter Gabriel, Al Green, Van Morrison, Sting, Bryan Ferry, Carlos Santana, Los Lobos, and more.

Alabama, country music’s first band, is known for hit songs including “Mountain Music,” “Roll On,” “Dixieland Delight” and “If You’re Gonna Play In Texas (You Gotta Have A Fiddle In The Band).” From humble beginnings to international stars, Alabama went on to sell 80 million albums and charted 43 No. One hits, becoming the most successful band in the history of country music. In November 2022, Alabama co-founder Jeff Cook passed following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. With his prior encouragement and wishes, Alabama continues touring on a limited basis, keeping the iconic music they created alive for the current and future generation of fans. Most recently, Alabama was honored by CMT with the nationally televised CMT GIANTS: ALABAMA. The two-hour special featured Blake Shelton ft. Steve Wariner, Brad Paisley, Jamey Johnson, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan, Riley Green, and Sam Hunt performing some of the band’s most legendary hits. For more information visit www.thealabamaband.com.

Ultimate Guide to Everest Base Camp Trek

By Mitch Rice

Trek Highlights

  • Epic trekking journey to Everest Base Camp (5364 m)
  • Hiking to incredible Kala View Point (5545 m)
  • Exploration of Tengboche and Pangboche Monasteries
  • Sherpa cultural wonders of the Everest region
  • Peaceful and adventurous trekking experience
  • Cultural sightseeing tour of Kathmandu

Trek Overview

The Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC) is one of the world’s most iconic and lifetime trekking experiences. Located in the Khumbu region of Nepal, the trek provides a view of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. The “Everest Base Camp Trek,” or the Nepali name is Sagarmatha (Brow of the Ocean), and an even more popular Sherpa is Chomolungma (Mother Goddess of the World). Khumbu region provides you with a sufficient chance of exploring high mountain scenery.Doing the Everest Base Camp Trek doesn’t only provide the Himalayan perks; it also provides the greatest insights of intrepid mountaineering people, the Sherpa! Get to know about the lifestyle of the Sherpa people and relish the chance to encounter more than a dozen snowy mountains. Moreover, the EBC Trek challenges trekkers to the limit. 

It gives immense life lessons and provides the best experiences of Nepal’s Himalayan wilderness adventures.Your Mount Everest Base Camp Trek of 14 Days is a lifetime journey, and it creates unforgettable memories of adventure. Once your mind is made up for a holiday, the Himalayas strike your mind first. As a result, your thoughts stray to the dizzy altitude of Everest. Mount Everest is a major attraction for being at the top of the world. 

How long do you need for Everest Base Camp?

The recommended length of time to do Everest Base Camp is fourteen days. You need time to acclimatize and extra time set aside just in case anything happens with your flights. When I arrived at Ramechhap Airport, it was backed up because the previous three days there were no flights due to weather. My trek was supposed to be twelve days, but with the delays, it ended up being ten days. 

Kala Patthar: Add an extra day by climbing to this viewpoint at 5644 m/18,519 ft before you begin the return trek to Lukla. The 360-degree views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu are sensational!

Gokyo: You can detour west from EBC to the turquoise-colored Gokyo Lakes, some of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. Returning to Lukla via the village of Gokyo will add about three days to the trek, and you can summit Gokyo Ri (5357m/17,575ft) for epic views.

Pioneer’s Route: You can skip the nail-biting flight to Lukla on the old Pioneers’ Route, which climbs from Bhandar or Salleri (accessible by bus or 4WD from Kathmandu) to Lukla over six days. This was the route that early mountaineers, including Sir Edmund Hillary, took before the Lukla airstrip was built in the 1960s.

Tumlingtar to EBC: For a quieter trek, follow the ancient trail through Makalu Barun National Park, joining the main EBC route at Lukla after about 10 days of walking. This challenging route to EBC takes about 22 days in total, starting with a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar.

Three Passes: Make a circuit of the Sagarmatha National Park on the stunning Three Passes Trek—a very challenging route for experienced hikers that crosses three of the Everest region’s highest passes over about 20 days, starting on the main EBC trail.

What to expect on the trek

If this is your first trek in Nepal, EBC is a great route to start with as the infrastructure is good and the views can’t be beaten, but it’s not entirely typical of Nepal’s trekking routes—many trails are much more rugged, with simpler accommodation, more basic food, more challenging paths, and far fewer travelers.

If you’ve trekked elsewhere in Nepal, you may be surprised by how busy the EBC route is—those photos of human traffic jams on Everest were taken at bottlenecks on the mountaineering route to the summit, but even lower down the mountain, there are plenty of people around.

Expect to spend three to eight hours per day walking along well-maintained trails, though the number of hours walked each day typically decreases as you ascend. 

After Namche, the landscape becomes rockier, and the mountain peaks feel much closer. Along the way, you’ll pass Buddhist monasteries such as Tengboche, stupas, prayer wheels, and walls of ceremonial mani stones bearing Tibetan inscriptions, as well as the school founded by Sir Edmund Hillary at Khumjung and a small museum where you can see what some locals believe is a “real” yeti skull.

Is the Everest Base Camp trek hard?

The two-week trek to EBC requires stamina but not superhuman powers. Many older kids manage it, for example, but you’ll find it easier if you’re reasonably fit and have some experience of multi-day mountain trekking.

 If you’ve never hiked in your life, you may struggle, but if you have a regular workout routine of some kind, you’ll probably do fine. Pre-trek gym-based or outdoor training is a good idea.

Lukla, the most common starting point for the trek, sits at 2860 m (9383 ft), and you’ll climb to 5364 m (17,598 ft) at base camp. The trek gets harder the higher you go because the air gets thinner and the temperatures get colder, especially at night. 

Best Time to Do the EBC Trek

When setting out on a journey, the weather is undoubtedly a primary concern. Selecting the optimal time to travel ensures a worthwhile and delightful holiday experience. The Everest Base Camp trek is best done during autumn (Sep-Nov) and spring (March-May). 

These seasons offer unparalleled views of the glistening Himalayas and their stunning landscape, providing trekkers with an enhanced trekking experience. The temperature during these periods is moderate, striking a balance between hot and cold. Alternatively, for those seeking to avoid crowds, winter (Dec., Jan., and Feb.) could be an excellent option.

Accommodations During the Trek

While staying in Kathmandu, you’ll be accommodated in one of the best hotels, generally 3-4 stars, on a twin-sharing basis. However, accommodations during the trek are more basic, providing a room with pillows, warm blankets, and comfortable beds for the 13-day journey.

 Single travelers are also catered for, with single bedrooms available. Hygienic food is served throughout the trek, and the food and accommodation menu is fixed by the local management community.

Safety and satisfaction

We prioritize the safety and well-being of our clients and employees above all else. Our 13-day Everest Base Camp itinerary features highly experienced and knowledgeable English-speaking local guides who accompany the group throughout the journey. These guides have received extensive training from the government of Nepal and are fully insured. They carry essential equipment and a first aid kit to ensure safety.

Is this an adventure trip for you?

If you know you are physically fit, this is an arduous grade trek at (level 5). You walk to Mount Everest Base Camp and ascend Kalapathar at over 5545 m. This is where we get the best close-up views of the highest mountains in the world. Furthermore, everyone should sleep a night at the Gorak Shep elevation of 5180 m; it is the world’s highest tea house. The view of Everest from base camp is jaw-dropping, and you should not miss it at any cost. Please get involved in some good physical activity at least 1 or 2 months prior to your EBC venture.
We experience 12 days of point-to-point walking with full porterage throughout—you need only carry your daypack. Before you trek to Everest base camp, you should have some previous trekking experience if you do not partake in regular exercise or hill walking. 

Crowded:

The Everest Base Camp trek is more popular and crowded than the Manaslu Circuit trek. While both treks offer opportunities to get away from the crowds and experience remote wilderness areas, the Everest Base Camp trek can be busy during the peak trekking season.


How to Avoid Altitude Sickness Throughout the EBC Trek?

A journey to Everest Base Camp would always be arduous due to the high altitude that requires good preparation physically and mentally. Anyone with a strong fear of heights or dizziness may feel a bit heady. The maximum elevation of Everest base camp is achieved at Kalapathar at 5,545 m, and the average is near 4000 m. However, we give you enough time for acclimatization throughout the trip, but altitude is a factor here and must be considered. This is why we ask our clients to ensure good physical fitness. It’s good for us to have some previous trekking/hiking experience above 3,500 m before we head into the Mount Everest Base Camp.Walking hours stated within the itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Hike are given as approximations only. Timings stated exclude lunch stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group. 

Contact Us Nepal High Trek For More Info

Nepal High Trek And Expedition Pvt. Ltd. is an authentic local trekking company based in Kathmandu, Nepal, specializing in multi-day tours, treks, climbing and other related activities for solo travelers and private groups. You can contact us at info@nepalhightrek.com   or via WhatsApp at +9779851142116.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Hamilton-Based Alt-Folk Singer S.G. Sinnicks Releases Politically-Charged “Miss America 2.0”

Sometimes great art emerges from difficult times, either personally, socially, or politically. For Hamilton-based alternative folk singer S.G. Sinnicks, the tumultuous situation south of the Canadian border is what makes the excellent, pensive and timely “Miss America 2.0” so poignant. For Sinnicks, the song is “equal parts love song and lament” from the standpoint “of a neutral observer.”

“I spent so many years playing and touring in the U.S. seeing the growing fractures in a society that is too important to fracture and the pain in my American-born wife, friends and family as it went downhill,” Sinnicks says of “Miss America 2.0.” “The title is a bit of a play on words. Both reflecting that I miss an America that used to value things like compassion and intelligence and using an aging beauty queen in her MISS AMERICA sash for her once beautiful country.”

“Miss America 2.0,” a remake of a song entitled “Miss America” Sinnicks wrote and released on his 2012 album The Last Irishman In Corktown, is a splendid revisiting of the original with Sinnicks describing the new single as “slower and more atmospheric.” Falling in a vein similar to the likes of Wilco, Tim Easton, Rod Picott or John Prine with a mid-tempo roots seasoning throughout, “Miss America 2.0” features multi-instrumentalist Mike Boguski (piano, organ, accordion) fleshing out the extremely well-crafted track. And Sinnicks’ voice and incisive lyrics shine on the single which Sinnicks says “needed to be a little darker and sharper” than the previous version, mirroring the “world overall.”

Some know the prices and some folks know the amounts
But what do you do when a generation forgets how to count
Too many weapons and too short a fuse
Everybody’s working harder for the benefit of so very few

“Miss America 2.0” is the “first piece transformed” from Sinnicks rich discography and songbook, an idea where legacy material is retooled for new audiences. Or as Sinnicks says a “scaled-up re-release.” The musician feels the single speaks to a larger audience now in a world which survived a global pandemic but “pushed so many people who were already barely hanging on over the edge.” Sinnicks says the edgier, darker atmosphere “reflects the increasing anger and sadness we are feeling today.”

A video for “Miss America 2.0,” created by Peter Riddihough and starring Nora Hutchinson, was also made to visually drive home the message Sinnicks cleverly and thoughtfully executes almost effortlessly.

“Sometimes all I can do as a humble songwriter is call it as I see it and hope the message finds a home in the hearts and minds that it was intended for,” he says. “The song is written from the point of view of the helpless observer. I’m sure any Canadian watching American politics can relate.”

If “Miss America 2.0” is the first of a series of songs S.G. Sinnicks retools from his cherished catalog, Canadian, American and international lovers of brilliant alt-folk music will be all the better and richer for it.

“Evening to Bring Back Hope III” Returns To Vancouver October 22 at the JW Marriott Parq

Join us for an inspiring event, Evening to Bring Back Hope III, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. This gathering will celebrate and advance the incredible impact of the Bring Back Hope (BBH) initiative, which was founded by Gary Segal, C.M., O.B.C. to support Dr. Rick Hodes’ life-saving humanitarian work in Ethiopia. Dr. Hodes, tirelessly devoted to helping his patients, will be in attendance. Their partners The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), UBC Branch for Global Surgical Care (BGSC) and Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver will also be present.

BBH helps young Ethiopians suffering from severe spinal deformities access critical surgeries, transforming lives that would otherwise be cut short. Since 2012, BBH has worked alongside Dr. Hodes and his international partners—Dr. Oheneba Boachie in Ghana and Dr. Shanmugathan Rajasakaran in India—who collaborate across religious and cultural lines to bring hope and healing to hundreds of young people.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
  • Time: 5:30 PM – Cocktail Reception | Dinner to Follow
  • Location: JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC
  • Dress Code: Business Attire
  • Tickets: Individual tickets and tables are available at www.bringbackhope.com

The evening will highlight inspiring stories, including the journey of Tesfaye, who, at age 13, left his village in Ethiopia to seek treatment for a collapsed spine caused by tuberculosis when he was eight. Tesfaye’s complex 14-hour surgery in Vancouver in 2009 at VGH organized by Gary and operated on by Dr. Marcel Dvoark, saved his life. Now married and a father, Tesfaye will be in attendance to share his extraordinary story. We also hope to welcome his wife and young son, pending visa approvals.

The evening will also feature a special performance by Zada, an Ethiopian-born entertainer adopted and raised in Whistler, who has a unique connection to Dr. Rick Hodes, having raised money for him as a child.

Since the last BBH event in 2017, remarkable progress has been made. Outreach programs have expanded into rural Ethiopia, educating healthcare workers on early spine disease detection, and the Ministry of Health has set aside a section of a hospital in Addis Ababa to become Ethiopia’s National Spine Centre.

Gary Segal, BBH Founder and Chair, shares: “Helping Dr. Rick Hodes and young Ethiopians like Tesfaye has been a central part of my life for the past 17 years. This event is an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact we’ve had, and to continue the mission of saving lives and providing hope.”

 

Canadian Music Therapy Fund Presents Un-Gala 2024 With Andy Kim Oct 24 In Toronto

The Canadian Music Therapy Fund (CMTF) is thrilled to present Un-Gala 2024, a night of celebration and fundraising dedicated to bringing the transformative power of music therapy to those who need it most but lack the financial means to access it. This year’s event will focus on expanding access to music therapy for older adults facing cognitive decline due to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other age-related illnesses.

Un-Gala: A Night of Lyrics and Laughter happens on Thursday, October 24th at 7:30 PM, located at Universal Music Canada, 80 Atlantic Ave, Toronto. The evening will be hosted by Big Norm, with music from DJ Celebrity Dru. Tickets Now Available Here.

JUNO Award winner and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Andy Kim will headline the event, with an opening performance by J3M. “As an artist, I’ve seen firsthand the healing power of music, and I’m deeply committed to supporting music therapy,” says Andy Kim. “It’s more than just a melody – it’s a lifeline for so many who are in need of comfort, connection, and hope.”

The funds raised at Un-Gala will be used to provide national clinical grants to music therapy programs across Canada. These grants will enable life-changing music therapy services for seniors struggling with cognitive decline, helping to improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The Un-Gala will also support the growth of services at the Music Therapy Centre in Toronto, a flagship program of the CMTF.

Quentin Burgess, Board Chair of the Canadian Music Therapy Fund, shared, “As we come together for this year’s Un-Gala, let’s remember the profound impact music therapy has on lives. This event not only celebrates the transformative power of music therapy but also serves as a crucial fundraising platform for the Canadian Music Therapy Fund. Through your support, we can continue making these life-changing services accessible to those who need them most, regardless of financial means.”

The Canadian Music Therapy Fund is dedicated to making music therapy accessible to all Canadians. The flagship Music Therapy Centre (MTC) in Toronto provides affordable sessions delivered by accredited music therapists, serving a diverse community of clients, including seniors with dementia, children on the autism spectrum, and individuals living with disabilities or mental health challenges.

As the only non-profit music therapy centre in Canada, the MTC plays a vital role in providing holistic health and mental well-being to those who face physical and financial barriers to accessing traditional mental health services. This year’s Un-Gala will ensure that these programs continue to thrive, especially for older adults coping with cognitive decline.

Anna Kajtár, Executive Director of CMTF, emphasized, “Our mission is to raise awareness about the power of music therapy and make it accessible to all Canadians. Music therapy is a vital, yet under-recognized, tool for enhancing physical, emotional, and mental well-being. With the Un-Gala, we are building a future where music therapy is recognized, valued, and available to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances or location.”

Event highlights include a celebration of the transformative power of music therapy, featuring live performances and heartfelt testimonials from individuals whose lives have been positively impacted. Attendees will also hear special announcements about the expansion of national clinical grants for music therapy programs, along with exclusive updates on the growth of the Music Therapy Centre in Toronto and its continued work serving underserved communities.

The Canadian Music Therapy Fund is a registered charity that promotes, develops, and supports music therapy services and research across Canada. Its mission is to restore, maintain, and improve the mental, physical, and emotional health of Canadians through accessible music therapy programs. In addition to offering affordable services at the Music Therapy Centre, CMTF provides grants and scholarships to ensure that music therapy is available to those who need it most.

Colin James Releases New Video For Single “Protection” (feat. Lucinda Williams) and Announces Canadian Tour

After releasing his great Chasing The Sun album earlier in 2024, musician Colin James continues to be on fire thanks to the album’s second single, “Protection” (feat. Lucinda Williams). James says a music video was shot in Nashville recently for the song, and a certain someone makes a special appearance in it.

“This song was written by Lucinda, and I was so, so happy that she agreed to sing on it and join us for the video shoot as well,” James says. “She is a treasure. Hope you enjoy!”

Williams, who wrote the track, originally recorded “Protection” for her 2014 double-album Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone. The cover, meanwhile, came together near the end of the album recording. “When I first had to sing it, she was on the couch in the listening room, and I didn’t know she was coming over that early,” James told Canadian journalist Terry David Mulligan in an August 2024 episode of the Mulligan Stew podcast discussing “Protection.” “I hadn’t even sung the song yet because it was a late choice for us. ‘Protection’ was at the last minute.

“We were going to do a song of hers that was much quieter, much more really played down and sad. I think we decided we needed tempo. So, (co-producer) Colin Linden phoned me one morning and said, ‘What about ‘Protection’? Do you know it?’ I said, ‘I think I know it.’ We listened to it, and I said, ‘Oh, I think it would be awesome!'” After James and Williams had a “nice dinner,” Williams ended up singing on the track the following day.

The video release is the latest big news for James, but not the only feather in his proverbial cap. Chasing The Sun, released on Stony Plain Records, has topped the Roots Music Canada Album Chart for eight weeks. The album, co-produced and co-arranged by James and Colin Linden, was released in late August and has been steadily gaining new fans and listeners ever since.

With a new music video for “Protection,” a chart-topping studio album in Chasing The Sun and an extensive Canadian tour slated to start next February, the only thing currently hotter than the sun might be Colin James.

Colin James 2025 Tour Dates:
January 24, 2025 Lyric Theatre, Stuart, FL
February 7, 2025 National Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON With Terra Lightfoot
February 8, 2025 Grand Theatre, Kingston, ON With Terra Lightfoot
February 9, 2025 Empire Theatre, Belleville, ON With Terra Lightfoot
February 11, 2025 Centre In The Square, Kitchener, ON With Terra Lightfoot
February 12, 2025 Centennial Hall, London, ON With Terra Lightfoot
February 14, 2025 Massey Hall, Toronto, ON With Terra Lightfoot
February 15, 2025 FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Hamilton, ON With Terra Lightfoot
February 16, 2025 Capitol Centre, North Bay, ON With Terra Lightfoot
February 18, 2025 Community Auditorium, Thunder Bay, ON With Terra Lightfoot
February 20, 2025 Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, MB With Terra Lightfoot
February 21, 2025 Casino Regina, Regina, SK With Terra Lightfoot
February 22, 2025 TCU Place, Saskatoon, SK With Terra Lightfoot
February 24, 2025 EA Rawlinson Centre for the Arts, Prince Albert, SK With Terra Lightfoot
February 26, 2025 Grey Eagle Event Centre, Calgary, AB With Terra Lightfoot
February 27, 2025 Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton, AB With Terra Lightfoot
March 1, 2025 Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, BC With Terra Lightfoot
March 3, 2025 Royal Theatre, Victoria, BC With Terra Lightfoot
March 4, 2025 Port Theatre, Nanaimo, BC With Terra Lightfoot
March 8, 2025 Mount Baker Theater, Bellingham, WA

98 Degrees Announce Fall 2024 Tour and New Album ‘Full Circle’

98 Degrees is back with new music, a Fall Tour, and a new record label partnership with XOXO Entertainment. The iconic boy band, consisting of Nick and Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre, will open their Fall Tour on October 16th in Midland, Texas, at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center. Their new single, the soulful ballad “Got U,” will be available everywhere on November 15th. The group has re-recorded a selection of their classic hits, along with new music, for “Full Circle,” which will be released in January 2025 and is available for presale at https://talkshop.live/channels/98degrees.

The group, managed by the legendary Johnny Wright of Wright Entertainment Group and represented by Seth Shomes and Jordan Dempsey of Day After Day Productions for live engagements, has sold over 15 million albums worldwide and achieved four Top 5 Billboard radio singles. Their hits include “The Hardest Thing,” “I Do, Cherish You,” “Because of You,” and the number one hit single featuring Mariah Carey, “Thank God I Found You.”

98 Degrees stated, “We are thrilled and excited to be finally releasing a new album for the first time in a long time. We hope our fans will enjoy the new songs as much as we did recording them. As always, we’re thankful to our fans and for them providing us the opportunity to live our dream!”

Adam H. Hurstfield, CEO of XOXO Entertainment and Multi-Platinum Producer, shared, ”We are beyond excited to welcome 98 Degrees to the XOXO Entertainment family. Their legacy as one of the most iconic boybands in history, combined with their timeless sound and undeniable impact on pop music, makes this partnership a perfect fit. We can’t wait to bring fans a new era of music and unforgettable experiences with this legendary group.”

98 Degrees is a Grammy-nominated vocal group composed of brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre. They have sold over 15 million albums worldwide and achieved gold or platinum status in over 60 countries. Their first Christmas album, “98 Degrees This Christmas,” has sold over two million copies and is widely recognized as one of the most successful holiday albums ever. The group has collaborated with musical icons, including Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, and Usher.

For ticket information, please visit www.98degr ees.com.

Americana Artist KC Armstrong Declares “I Don’t Care” in Brassy, Piano-Tinged Single from ‘Finally Crafted’ Album

Brantford, Ontario-based artist KC Armstrong has had a long, illustrious career thanks to fine songwriting and fun, infectious arrangements that pack a wallop. And although the title might lead you to think otherwise, “I Don’t Care” is a great, Americana-laced barroom keeper off his Finally Crafted effort that proves Armstrong cares about offering finely-crafted nuggets that hit you in all the right places.

“I Don’t Care” is a beer-raising, brassy, and bouncy slice of Americana from its saxophone courtesy of Sean O’Connor and the ivory ticklings of keyboardist Steve O’Connor. From there, KC Armstrong’s vocals are accompanied by backing vocalist MaryEllen Allen, giving “I Don’t Care” a gritty but groovy vibe from start to finish. Guitarists Scott Utting and Barry Haggarty adds some great work throughout, while Armstrong and Jake Adams round out the rhythm section, playing bass and drums, respectively.

It’s a song you could see a craftsman like Randy Newman, Nick Lowe or the late Ronnie Hawkins performing, someone near and dear to Armstrong as his band subbed as the Hawks for the legendary barroom artist back in 2003. Armstrong’s then band Cadillac Ranch were slated to back Hawkins at the legendary SARS-Stock concert at Toronto’s Downsview Park featuring the Rolling Stones and AC/DC. Sadly, Hawkins’ health resulted in the appearance never being realized.

Armstrong, originally from Lakefield, Ontario, sings of being done wrong by his partner and simply not being too worried about it by the end of the evening. In fact, he knows that two can play this cheating game, so what goes around might just come around to his partner, ending up on the losing side when it’s all said and done.

Congratulations you’re the talk of the town
Conversations ’bout you running ’round
My old friends trying not to stare
But if you done me wrong — I don’t care

“I Don’t Care” is from Armstrong’s 2024 effort Finally Crafted, a record which took over two decades to complete as Armstrong worked slowly but steadily towards honing his production skills and talents so what he heard the songs to be in his head would end up being what came out during the recording and production processes. And while building the songs, he also ended up building something else. “Another reason for the long delay in completing the album was that I also had to learn how to construct my actual recording studio myself,” he says. “I had to learn to frame, insulate, and drywall properly (and to code).”

The musician, who also shared the stage with the late great guitar icon Jeff Healey, wrote nine songs for Finally Crafted, including “I Don’t Care.” In terms of his songwriting, Armstrong’s works often begin as poems, which results in “more interesting melodies” and with few “restrictions of having to fit the lyrics to the melody.”

A video for “I Don’t Care” was also created and Armstrong also launched short music tutorials on TikTok he calls The DIY Musician which he reveals some tricks of the trade he’s learned through trial and error while in the recording studio. And with “I Don’t Care” being such a strong single epitomizing great Americana barroom brilliance, you would be a fool not to care about this tantalizing track.

Space-Faring Hollowsage & the Three Mile Islanders Goes “Supernova” on New Single

When a song begins with the line “There has been a rip in the fabric/ Of the spacetime continuum,” you know the artist has a little something weightier on their mind than wanting to dance with somebody who loves them. But neither is “Supernova Spacetime Continuum,” the new single from Sault Ste. Marie-born, Uxbridge-based psychedelic folk-rockers Hollowsage & the Three Mile Islanders, a metaphorically apocalyptic rumination on life, death and the nature of eternity—with a scope that reaches all the way across the universe and back.

Declaring his own inability to protect humanity from “a black hole engulfing the sun,” Hollowsage—a.k.a. Sault Ste. Marie-born, Uxbridge-based singer/songwriter Sagen Pearse—comes to terms with the looming End of Everything by musing that imminent heat death may always have been the personal destiny of every one of us. If we’re lucky, that is:

And this life is just a blink of an eye
A dream before we die
A walk through a turnstile
Leading through to the unforeseen circumstance of infinity
And I hope this is not a dress rehearsal for a second scene
An encore to everything I don’t want to do again

Pretty sobering stuff, but those are the kind of thoughts that tend to go through a guy’s head when his day job is as a funeral director. (True story.) Yet Pearse doesn’t see the sentiment as excessively morbid, saying his aim was rather to explore “the mysteries of existence and the comfort in embracing uncertainty.

“I wrote this song during a period of reflection,” he explains, “where thoughts of this life, the next, and the peace found in the unknown swirled in my mind like stars in a distant galaxy. It’s probably the fastest I’ve ever written a song—everything just flowed naturally, like a story waiting to be told.”

The process, Pearse says, was “a journey that [was] deeply personal and cosmic all at once.” Which doesn’t mean he didn’t have great company when it came to time to get the sounds he had heard in his head recorded. He credits the haunting beauty of “Supernova Spacetime Continuum” in part to the guest vocals and piano of Mark Berube and Kristina Koropecki, two artists who first crossed his radar back when he was still living in his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie. Their crucial contributions, he says, “added a dimension to the song that I couldn’t have achieved alone.”

Even more dimensions are explored in the accompanying music video, a kind of rural take on 2001: A Space Odyssey that shows three men of various ages (or is it the same person at three different ages?) going in and out of a red door that’s set up in the middle of nowhere. The climactic shot captures a knowing wink from Sandford actor Ken Welsh, a friend of Pearse and his wife who died in 2022, after filming had wrapped. The completed clip is dedicated to Welsh, in tribute to the enthusiasm and devotion he showed in advancing the project’s theme of “the timelessness of human connection and the vastness of the universe we all share.”

We get to share it multiple times on Hollowsage’s sophomore album, Aftermath, an 11-song odyssey that represents a bold new chapter in the thought-provoking, emotionally charged oeuvre of Pearse and his Three Mile Islanders (Geoff Holt, Justin Dillon, Matt Gunn and Joshua Veens). Tracks like “Mortar and Stone” and “Smoke” further the outfit’s reputation for beautiful melodies and immense crescendos, all of it in service to evocative lyrics that offer a unique perspective on life, love and dying that resonates on a deeply personal level. Kevin Ker, who engineered, produced, mixed, and contributed synth and electric guitar on the album – along with backup vocals – brings his signature touch once again, having also produced the band’s acclaimed debut record.

Those qualities were already in full bloom on the group’s debut album, 2020’s Nuclear Home, which won Album of the Year and got Hollowsage named Emerging Artist of the Year at the Oshawa Music Awards. Since then, the accolades have just kept on coming. This past summer, their song “I Am the River” hit #1 on the Hunters Bay Radio Top 20 Countdown, above such esteemed names as Pearl Jam, The Tragically Hip and Coldplay. That was on the heels of the band’s appearance at the Springtide Music Festival, which took over numerous venues in downtown Uxbridge for performances by a multitude of acts.

With the new album finding its way onto playlists both personal and corporate, expect Hollowsage’s booking calendar of festivals, club shows and house parties to start filling up anew. To Pearse and his crew, it’s all part of their ongoing quest to document “the cosmic dance that is life itself.” But honestly, the galactic infinite never had a beat this good.

3-Time JUNO Award Nominees and Billboard Chart-Toppers SULTANS OF STRING Announce Ontario Tour

3x JUNO Award nominees and Billboard chart-toppers Sultans of String are touring Ontario this Fall and Winter, showcasing global roots music and high-energy performances. Stops include Toronto, St. Catharines, Aurora, Burlington, Ottawa, and more. Audiences can experience their Cannes-winning Refuge, Indigenous collaboration Walking Through The Fire, and holiday show Christmas Caravan.

Tour Dates:
• Oct 17 – Burlington – Walking Through The Fire
• Dec 10 – St. Catharines – Celebrate! Holidays
• Dec 12 – Ottawa – Christmas Caravan
• Dec 19 – Cobourg – Christmas Caravan
• Dec 20 – Stouffville – Christmas Caravan
• Dec 21 – Toronto – Christmas Caravan
• Feb 8, 2025 – Mississauga – Refuge Premiere
• Feb 25, 2025 – Kitchener – Walking Through The Fire
• Mar 21, 2025 – Brantford – Refuge
Full Calendar: www.sultansofstring.com/calendar

ABOUT THE SHOWS

Walking Through The Fire

Award-winning First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists performing with 3x JUNO Award nominees Sultans of String, WALKING THROUGH THE FIRE is a musical multimedia event unlike any other! From Métis fiddling to an East Coast Kitchen Party, Rumba to Rock, to the drumming of the Pacific Northwest, experience the beauty and diversity of music from Turtle Island/Canada with Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk of the Métis Fiddler Quartet, Ojibwe/Finnish Singer-Songwriter Marc Meriläinen (Nadjiwan), and Coast Tsm’syen Elder and Singer-Songwriter Shannon Thunderbird performing on stage, as well as virtual guests on the big screen, including Dr. Duke Redbird, the Northern Cree Pow Wow group, and more!

Refuge

Based on the album and film that won Best Music Film at the Cannes World Film Festival last year, Sultans of String bring their unique brand of musical synergy and collaboration like never before with their most ambitious, diverse, and passionately inclusive concert. REFUGE puts the Toronto-based Sultans face-to-face with a VIP roster of artists from around the globe, who have fled the peril and persecution of their homelands for the safer shores of North America.

Christmas Caravan

Celebrate the season with an adventurous musical trip around the world! 3x JUNO Award nominees Sultans of String deliver an exuberant performance featuring originals, world-music inspired classics, and seasonal favourites to warm your heart on a cold winter’s night – from fiery fiddle tunes to a Caribbean sleigh ride!

Celebrate! Holidays of the Global Village – Young Audience

“Celebrate! Holidays of the Global Village” gives young audiences an exhilarating glimpse into the multicultural mosaic of Holiday customs, celebrations and festivities enjoyed in Canada – Indigenous traditions, Ramadan, Bodhi Day (Buddhist), Carnival (Quebec), Chanukah, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Diwali, Kwanzaa (Pan-African), and Winter Solstice. Joining bandleader Chris McKhool (and Sultans of String mates Kevin Laliberte, Drew Birston) are special guests Shannon Thunderbird (Indigenous Elder) & Sandy Horn (from the Spoons), Aviva Chernick (Jaffa Road), Juan Carlos Medrano, Anwar Khurshid, Maryem and Ernie Tollar.

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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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