Home Blog Page 23

The Ghost-With-the-Most Is Coming to Toronto As Tickets to Mirvish Productions’ ‘Beetlejuice’ on Sale October 28

It’s showtime! David and Hannah Mirvish announced today that tickets for the Canadian premiere of BEETLEJUICE, the edgy and irreverent Broadway smash hit musical comedy, will go on sale on October 28.

BEETLEJUICE will play Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre from June 3 – July 19, 2025. Tickets will be available at 10AM October 28 at mirvish.com or by calling 1.800.461.3333

Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!

BEETLEJUICE opened at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre on Thursday, April 25, 2019, presented by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures (Mark Kaufman) and Langley Park Productions (Kevin McCormick), and won the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for David Korins’ scenic design and was nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best New Musical. BEETLEJUICE had a history-making run on Broadway. Following the release of the musical’s original Broadway cast recording and Tony Awards appearance, the box office exploded, making it the surprise hit of the 2018/2019 season. BEETLEJUICE’s Tony Awards performance has gone on to be the most watched musical number from the broadcast with over 3,921,530 views.

BEETLEJUICE became a sensation with fans everywhere including on TikTok, which lead to an additional burst of ticket sales from a new audience for Broadway, making the musical one of the top grossing shows on Broadway, going on to break the Winter Garden box office record. The smash hit musical BEETLEJUICE played 366 performances at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway before being shuttered with the rest of Broadway on March 12, 2020. BEETLEJUICE returned triumphantly to Broadway with performances on April 8, 2022, at the Marquis Theatre where it continued to haunt Broadway through January 8, 2023.

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS and WARNER RECORDS released BEETLEJUICE – ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING for digital download, streaming and on CD. The album is produced by Tony Award winner Matt Stine, Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, Tony nominee Eddie Perfect and three-time Grammy Award winner Kurt Deutsch and has surpassed 250 million streams in the United States and 760 million streams globally. These landmark numbers continue the remarkable success of the album, reaching the list of top 10 most streamed OBCRs of the previous decade. The show’s songs have placed in Spotify’s “Viral 50” charts in 13 different countries. In addition, “Say My Name,” one of the show’s breakout showstoppers, was chosen as Amazon’s “Alexa Song of the Day” in 2019. The incredible growth is partly a result of user-generated content on TikTok, where songs from the album have been used in over one million videos.

BEETLEJUICE is based on the 1988 Academy Award-winning Geffen Company motion picture presented by Warner Bros. and directed by Tim Burton. The smash hit comedy starred Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder with story by Michael McDowell and Larry Wilson.

BEETLEJUICE is directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge!, Director of Warner Bros. forthcoming TOTO, the animated musical film adaptation of Michael Morpurgo and Emma Chichester Clark’s 2017 book) with an original score by Tony Award nominee Eddie Perfect (King Kong); a book by Tony Award nominee Scott Brown (“Castle Rock”) and Tony and Emmy Award nominee Anthony King (“Robbie”); music supervision, orchestrations and incidental music by Kris Kukul (Joan of Arc: Into the Fire); and choreography by Connor Gallagher (The Robber Bridegroom).

BEETLEJUICE features scenic design by three-time Tony Award nominee David Korins (Hamilton); costume design by six-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long (The Producers); lighting design by Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner (Kinky Boots); sound design by Tony Award winner Peter Hylenski (Moulin Rouge!); projection design by Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award winner Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen); puppet design by Drama Desk Award winner Michael Curry (The Lion King); special effects design by Jeremy Chernick (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), hair and wig design by Drama Desk Award nominee Charles G. LaPointe; make-up design by Joe Dulude II; associate director is Catie Davis and associate choreographer is Michael Fatica; casting by The Telsey Office.

Producers for BEETLEJUICE include Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Langley Park Productions and NETworks Presentations.

Jeff Lewis Signs New Multi-Year Agreement with SiriusXM, Expands Hit Talk Show ‘Jeff Lewis Live’

SiriusXM announced today that Jeff Lewis has signed a multi-year agreement extension with SiriusXM. The agreement extension will feature Jeff Lewis expanding his popular show, Jeff Lewis Live to two hours a day giving listeners more of Jeff Lewis just the way you want him…live and uncensored.

“SiriusXM has given me the freedom to build a show that is unfiltered, unapologetic, and morally corrupt. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow my show and my cult…I mean, listeners,” said Jeff Lewis.

Jeff Lewis Live will now air Monday through Fridays from 12:00 – 2:00 pm ET on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy (ch. 102) and on the SiriusXM app.

SiriusXM is the exclusive home to Jeff Lewis Live, where he gives a candid and behind the scenes look at the biggest drama of his own personal life. Nothing is off limits for Jeff, as he shares real-time stories about his relationships, work, culture, friendships and his honest take on the world of pop culture, reality TV and beyond.

Over the past five years, Jeff Lewis has been joined by news-making guests from the world of pop culture where listeners have tuned in to everything from hot mic moments to exclusive never before revealed stories. Jeff Lewis Live is constantly on the pulse of entertainment news with the biggest stars joining him daily, including Andy Cohen, Luann de Lesseps, Denise Richards, Kyle Richards, Shanna Moakler, Colton Underwood, Mindy Cohn, Melissa Gorga, Tori Spelling and many more.

SiriusXM’s Radio Andy features 24/7 content produced and curated by Andy Cohen, and features the latest in pop culture, celebrities, lifestyle, news and more. SiriusXM’s Radio Andy lineup includes Andy Cohen Live, Jeff Lewis Live, Smith Sisters Live, Gayle King in the House, The Jess Cagle Show with Julia Cunningham, It’s Me, Tinx and more. 

SiriusXM is available to subscribers in their car, on their phone and connected devices at home with the SiriusXM app. Streaming access is included for most subscribers. Go to https://www.siriusxm.com/ways-to-listen for more.

The Legal Status of Online Casinos Around the World

By Mitch Rice

The rapid growth of the internet has transformed numerous industries, and the gambling sector is no exception. Online casinos have become a massive global phenomenon, allowing players to enjoy their favorite casino games from anywhere, at any time. However, the legal landscape surrounding online casinos is complex and varies significantly from country to country. Depending on where you live or where you’re traveling, the legal status of online gambling could range from being fully regulated and legal to being restricted or outright prohibited.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore the legal status of online casinos like crown casino australia online in various regions around the world, highlighting the key differences in legislation, regulatory frameworks, and trends shaping the future of the industry.

Understanding the Global Online Gambling Landscape

Online gambling laws are primarily governed on a national or regional basis, with each jurisdiction creating its own regulations regarding online casinos. These regulations typically address factors such as:

  • Licensing Requirements: Whether operators must obtain a local license to offer their services legally.
  • Taxation: How winnings and operator revenues are taxed.
  • Consumer Protection: Measures to protect players from fraudulent activities or problem gambling.
  • Advertising: Rules on promoting online casinos to the public.

In many cases, the legality of online casinos is influenced by cultural attitudes toward gambling, economic factors, and concerns over issues like addiction and criminal activity. To understand how these factors play out globally, we must look at the regulatory approaches of key regions, including Europe, North America, Asia, and other parts of the world.

Europe: A Patchwork of Regulations

Europe is home to one of the most dynamic online gambling markets in the world, but the regulatory environment varies significantly between countries. While some nations have fully embraced the industry with strict licensing and oversight, others have more restrictive or ambiguous laws.

The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is widely regarded as one of the most regulated and player-friendly jurisdictions for online gambling. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) oversees the industry, ensuring that online casinos operate fairly and transparently. All operators wishing to offer services to UK residents must hold a valid UKGC license, which ensures compliance with stringent rules on player protection, responsible gambling, and anti-money laundering practices.

One of the hallmarks of the UK market is its player-centric approach, which includes:

  • Strict Advertising Rules: Operators must adhere to strict guidelines on advertising, ensuring that promotions are clear, not misleading, and don’t target minors.
  • Self-Exclusion Programs: Players can voluntarily exclude themselves from all licensed gambling sites through programs like GamStop, a national self-exclusion scheme.

Overall, the UK’s legal framework is robust and well-regarded, making it one of the safest places for online gambling.

Malta

Malta has emerged as a key hub for online gambling operators, thanks to its favorable regulatory environment and the presence of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). The MGA offers several types of licenses to online gambling operators, ensuring they meet high standards of fairness, security, and transparency.

While many operators base themselves in Malta for tax and regulatory reasons, the country’s laws allow these operators to serve players across various European jurisdictions. However, they must comply with the specific rules of the countries where they operate.

Sweden

Sweden legalized and regulated online gambling in 2019, creating a licensing system that allows both domestic and international operators to offer services to Swedish players. The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) oversees the market and ensures that operators comply with local regulations.

Notably, Sweden has some of the strictest player protection measures in Europe. These include:

  • Strict Deposit Limits: To combat problem gambling, Swedish players must set deposit limits when playing at online casinos.
  • Advertising Restrictions: Swedish laws regulate how operators can advertise their services, focusing on protecting vulnerable players.
  • Germany

Germany’s online gambling market has been the subject of much debate and legal uncertainty. For many years, online gambling was mostly illegal, with only state-run operators allowed to offer services. However, in July 2021, Germany introduced the Interstate Treaty on Gambling, which created a legal framework for online casinos and sports betting.

Under the new law, operators can apply for licenses to offer online casino games and sports betting to German residents. However, there are strict limitations on game types (such as a ban on live casino games), advertising restrictions, and a controversial 5.3% tax on player stakes. This has led some operators to question the long-term viability of the market.

  1. The European Union (EU) Perspective

While the European Union (EU) does not have a unified policy on online gambling, it allows member states to regulate the industry independently. However, EU law mandates that regulations must not be discriminatory or restrictive to free trade within the Union. This has led to numerous legal disputes between operators and national governments over issues such as licensing and taxation.

North America: A Gradually Opening Market

North America’s online gambling laws are diverse, with significant differences between the United States and Canada. The online casino market is growing, but legal frameworks are still evolving.

United States

The legal status of online casinos in the United States is complex, largely due to the country’s federal system, where states have the power to regulate gambling within their borders. Here’s how the U.S. online casino landscape looks:

  • Federal Laws: The most significant federal law affecting online gambling is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006, which prohibits financial institutions from processing payments related to illegal online gambling. However, the law doesn’t directly make online gambling illegal—it simply targets the financial transactions involved.
  • State-by-State Regulation: In recent years, several U.S. states have moved to legalize and regulate online casinos, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. Each of these states has its own licensing and regulatory framework, allowing players to access legal online casinos within state borders.

Key States with Legal Online Casinos:

  • New Jersey: One of the pioneers in online gambling regulation, New Jersey’s market is highly competitive and well-regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE).
  • Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has quickly grown into one of the largest online casino markets in the U.S., with numerous licensed operators.
  • Michigan: Launched in 2021, Michigan’s online casino market is open to a wide range of operators, overseen by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
  • Other States: While some states like Nevada have legalized online poker, most states either have no regulations or explicitly prohibit online casinos. However, as more states see the financial benefits of legal online gambling, it’s likely that the number of states regulating online casinos will continue to grow.
  • Canada

Canada’s online gambling laws are less restrictive than those in the U.S., but they are still subject to provincial regulation. While it is illegal for any company to operate an online casino from within Canada without a license, there are no laws that prevent Canadian citizens from accessing offshore online casinos.

Several provinces, including British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, have introduced their own provincially-run online casinos. Ontario, in particular, is at the forefront of creating a competitive online gambling market with plans to allow private operators to apply for licenses and serve players legally within the province.

Asia: Diverse Approaches to Online Gambling

Asia presents a mixed picture when it comes to the legal status of online casinos, with some countries embracing regulation while others maintain strict bans.

China

China has some of the strictest anti-gambling laws in the world. All forms of gambling, including online casinos, are illegal in mainland China, with the exception of state-run lotteries. Despite this, many Chinese citizens access offshore online casinos through virtual private networks (VPNs) and unregulated platforms, though doing so is technically illegal.

China has taken significant steps to block access to online gambling sites, and there have been numerous crackdowns on illegal gambling rings. However, enforcement remains challenging due to the sheer scale of the population and the availability of unregulated platforms.

Japan

Japan has recently opened up to certain forms of gambling, including legalizing land-based casinos in designated integrated resorts. However, online casinos remain illegal, and the government takes strict action against operators offering services to Japanese residents.

That said, many Japanese players still access offshore online casinos, which operate in a legal gray area. The Japanese government is aware of this and continues to monitor the situation closely, but there are no immediate plans to introduce regulated online casinos.

India

India’s legal stance on online gambling is unclear, with laws varying between states. In general, gambling laws in India date back to the colonial era, and there are no specific regulations governing online casinos. Some states, such as Goa and Sikkim, allow limited forms of gambling, including online casinos, but the vast majority of India has yet to regulate the industry.

As a result, many Indian players access offshore online casinos, similar to Japan and China. These offshore casinos often accept Indian currency and cater specifically to Indian players, but they operate in a largely unregulated market.

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

Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush’s Isolated Vocals For “Don’t Give Up”

“Don’t Give Up,” the heart-stopping duet by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush from Gabriel’s 1986 album So, is a song about resilience in the face of despair. Inspired by Depression-era photographs by Dorothea Lange and the economic hardships under Margaret Thatcher’s UK, Gabriel reflects on the emotional toll of unemployment and isolation. In the verses, Gabriel expresses the feelings of a man in despair, while Bush’s choruses offer comforting words of hope. Originally intended as a solo, Gabriel sought Dolly Parton for the duet but ultimately collaborated with Bush, whose delicate vocals added a powerful layer of empathy and encouragement to the song.

Why You Should Apply To Perform At NXNE 2025

As one of Canada’s largest and most prestigious music festivals, NXNE (North by Northeast) offers emerging and established bands alike a prime opportunity to showcase their talent, connect with industry professionals, and grow their fan base. If you’re an artist looking to make waves in the indie music scene, here’s why you should consider applying for NXNE 2025, happening in Toronto on June 11 – 15, 2025

1. Massive Exposure

NXNE attracts thousands of attendees, including fans, music journalists, talent scouts, and industry insiders. Performing at this festival places your band in front of a diverse, engaged audience that’s hungry for new music. Many NXNE performers have gone on to build significant careers after making their mark on this stage.

The best up and coming bands in Canada and the world as well as top established acts. have all played NXNE — but our focus is on emrging talent. Top acts who’ve played NXNE’s stages include: Post Malone, Lizzo, Flaming Lips, Arkells, Iggy and The Stooges, Run the Jewels, Chrvches, Billy Talent. Lumineers, Raekwon, Jazz Cartier, Azealia Banks, St.Vincent, Daniel Caesar, Lights, Kaytranada, ScHoolboy Q, The Tragically Hip, Future Islands, Spoon, Big Freedia, U.S. Girls, Yungblud, and many more.

2. Networking with Industry Pros

NXNE is not just a festival—it’s a platform for artists to network with influential industry figures. Whether you’re aiming to catch the attention of record labels, booking agents, or media outlets, this festival is a hotbed of opportunity. You’ll have the chance to mingle with industry pros who can help take your career to the next level.

3. Expand Your Fanbase

With attendees flocking from all over North America and beyond, NXNE provides a golden opportunity to grow your fanbase. Playing a standout show can lead to more gigs, festival invitations, and an increase in your social media following. Plus, NXNE is widely covered by the press, offering even more visibility for bands who perform.

4. Support Diversity and Inclusivity

NXNE has a strong commitment to supporting diversity in music, making it a festival that celebrates voices from all backgrounds. By applying to perform, you’re participating in a festival that actively promotes inclusivity in the arts. While demographic questions on the application are optional, providing this information helps ensure that NXNE continues to foster a welcoming environment for all artists.

5. Be Part of Canada’s Thriving Music Scene

Performing at NXNE means you’re a part of a cultural movement that supports Canada’s vibrant music scene. Toronto’s reputation as a music capital means you’ll be playing in one of the most musically rich cities in the world, where music fans are always ready to discover the next big thing.

How to Apply

Applying for NXNE 2025 is easy—just fill out the online form and provide all the necessary details. The festival is open to a wide range of genres, so don’t hesitate to apply if your sound is unique!

Please note that the rate of pay is $100 per band and $50 for solo acts, and all applicants will receive a confirmation email after completing the form. If you don’t receive an email, double-check your submission.

NXNE 2025 could be the platform that catapults your band to the next level. Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of this iconic festival! Apply now and get ready to bring your music to Toronto’s legendary NXNE stages.

5 Surprising Facts About Public Enemy’s ‘It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back’

Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back is a legendary album that reshaped hip hop with its still-astonishing beats, sociopolitical messaging, and innovative production. But beyond its iconic status, there are a few lesser-known facts about this groundbreaking record. Let’s dive into five surprising insights about this 1988 masterpiece.

1. The Album’s Title Was Almost Different

While we know the album as It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, it originally had a working title: Countdown to Armageddon. The group eventually changed it, opting for a line from their first album’s track “Raise the Roof.” The final title more accurately captured Public Enemy’s revolutionary vision and the defiance that fueled the record.

2. It Was Mixed Without Automation

Despite being one of the most intricately sampled albums of its time, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back was mixed entirely by hand on analog tape. This meant every layer of sound—the samples, scratches, and beats—had to be painstakingly aligned, with no automation to streamline the process. The labor-intensive production helped create the dense and chaotic sound that defines the album.

3. The Album Was Designed to Be Exactly One Hour

Public Enemy had a very specific goal for the album’s length: one hour, split perfectly between two 30-minute sides for cassette listeners. This decision was a nod to the cassette culture of the time, ensuring fans wouldn’t have to deal with long stretches of silence at the end of each side. The band even flipped the album’s sides last minute to create a more impactful flow.

4. A Sampling “Mistake” Became a Key Part of “Bring the Noise”

In one of the album’s standout tracks, “Bring the Noise,” there’s a breakdown where a kick-drum sample from James Brown’s “Funky Drummer” plays solo. This was actually a mistake—a wrong sequence came up in the SP1200 sampler. But instead of fixing it, producer Hank Shocklee embraced the error, and Chuck D rewrote his lyrics to fit the unexpected beat.

5. The Album Was Inspired by the Energy of Their Live Shows

Public Enemy’s electrifying live performances had a direct impact on the making of It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. The group wanted to translate that same energy into the album, so they amped up the tempo compared to their debut Yo! Bum Rush the Show. They wanted the album to hit just as hard as their shows, resulting in fast-paced tracks like “Rebel Without a Pause.”

The result? One of the most influential albums in music history. It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back continues to inspire generations, not just for its message but for its bold, trailblazing sound.

How eCheck Casinos Blend Old-School Vibes with Modern Gaming

By Mitch Rice

No matter how old we are, we all long for the days when there was more time to enjoy everything. The Internet has many advantages, but having everything a click away sometimes takes out the fun of doing things.

While it’s convenient to enter an online casino and start playing instantly, there’s a sense of nostalgia for the atmosphere of the physical casinos. Thankfully, there’s a solution that conveniently captures this nostalgic feeling while staying online.

Notably, echeck casino deposit Canada opportunities bring back the thrill of the old days for its loyal players. Let’s dive into the world of eCheck and why they are convenient for online gamblers.

The Crave for Nostalgia in Modern Times

While many online casino players are happy to use modern digital wallets or cryptocurrency, others appreciate the tangible link between their online gaming and their bank accounts that eCheck provides.

eCheck’s appeal is rooted in trust and simplicity. A digital form of the traditional paper check, eCheck offers players a familiar method to move their money in and out of their favourite online casinos.

It might not sound glamorous, but in online gaming, where players are often bombed with new and complex payment methods, there’s something comforting about sticking with what you know. 

What Is eCheck, and How Does it Work?

For those unfamiliar with it, an eCheck (short for electronic check) is similar to the traditional paper check your parents or grandparents used to write, only now it’s digital.

When you use an eCheck in an online casino, you authorize the casino to withdraw money directly from your account via an electronic funds transfer (EFT).

The process is simple:

  1. Head to the cashier section of the online casino and select eCheck as your payment method.
  2. You’ll need to provide your bank’s routing number, your account number, and the amount you want to deposit.
  3. The casino then contacts your bank to verify the transaction, and within a few business days, your funds are available in your casino account.

Withdrawals work similarly. When you cash out winnings using eCheck, the money is transferred directly into your bank account, typically taking between 3 to 5 business days. It takes time, but it’s a fantastic option for those who prioritize security and like to stick to the good old ways of playing!

Why eCheck Is Ideal for Online Casinos?

Aside from the ability to travel back in time and use a “classic payment method” in a digital environment, eCheck is also one of the most reliable payment methods nowadays. According to our CasinoOnlineCA experts, eCheck excels in security, ease of use, and trustworthiness.

Security

One of eCheck’s biggest advantages is its security. According to James Segrest, a leading gambling expert at CasinoOnlineCA, eCheck offers a direct, secure line between the casino and your bank, cutting out the middleman and reducing the risk of exposing your personal information. This is crucial in online gambling, where players don’t always know whether their data might get intercepted.

With eCheck, an employee from the online casino additionally verifies the payment with a trusted employee from your own bank, making it a trusted and safe option for both deposits and withdrawals.

Familiarity

If you grew up writing checks or have used them before, eCheck will feel like second nature. As Segrest puts it, “For players who prefer tried-and-true methods, eCheck is a throwback to simpler times, without the complications of digital wallets or crypto payments.”

Unlike newer payment options, eCheck doesn’t require learning a new process or navigating a new app. It’s an old-school method with a modern twist, giving players peace of mind knowing they are using something they already know.

Trustworthiness

eCheck has stood the test of time. It’s not a new, experimental payment method—it’s a digital update to something many people have been using for years. Most Canadian banks support eCheck, making it a popular choice for Canadian gamblers looking for a reliable way to move their money. And because eCheck transactions are backed by stringent bank security protocols, you can rest assured that your transactions are in safe hands, whether depositing funds or cashing out your winnings. 

How eCheck Casinos Blend Old-School Entertainment with the Modern One?

eCheck casinos create an exciting balance between retro charm and modern efficiency. And here’s how.

Nostalgic Simplicity Meets Digital Convenience

eCheck allows players to stick with what they know. It taps into simplicity, even though it might take longer. Players can rely on a familiar process while benefiting from digital convenience. It’s banking made easy, with a splash of retro cool.

Security You Can Count On

eCheck payments are processed directly through your bank, making them more secure. By avoiding third parties and using eCheck, you can reduce the risk of data exposure.

No Learning Curve Needed

With eCheck, there’s no need for extra YouTube tutorials or figuring out new tech. It’s simple, intuitive, and easy to understand, even for players new to online gambling.

Perfect for High Rollers

eCheck casinos often come with high transaction limits, ideal for those looking to make a bigger deposit, secure a bigger win, and, eventually, request a bigger withdrawal. Plus, Canadian banks support this payment method, making it even more appealing to local players.

Bringing Retro Cool to the Digital Age

As online gambling experts from the CasinoOnlineCA team note, eCheck might not be the fastest, but it offers something priceless. eCheck brings that old-school charm to the forefront. It’s all about savouring the journey, not just rushing to the destination.

Takeaways

eCheck casinos combine the security and trust of traditional banking with the convenience of modern online gambling. By offering a familiar, reliable payment option ideal for high rollers and casual players alike, eCheck allows you to enjoy your gaming experience without the hassle of newer, more complex payment systems. It’s all about slowing down, enjoying the process, and knowing that your transactions are handled with care. 

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

Blues Legends Terry Robb And David Vest Release Collaborative Studio Album CrissCross

Unlike the legendary story of blues icon Robert Johnson and his iconic “Cross Road Blues,” widely acclaimed blues guitarist Terry Robb and the highly lauded blues pianist David Vest have individually crossed clubs, cities, and countries performing their rich and illustrious discographies to blues fans from north to south, east to west. Now the two musicians have joined forces for CrissCross, the debut album from the duo featuring the almost criminally short but terribly sweet instrumental single “Long Gone Home.”

“Long Gone Home” is as rollicking and terrific as one could hope for as Robb lays down an incredibly intricate bit of acoustic guitar work. It’s “unmatched virtuosity you almost take for granted because it’s never ‘showy,'” the duo says. Meanwhile, Vest, not to be outdone, matches him note for note on the piano as “a one-of-a-kind original who makes you believe it when he sings ‘Somebody must be walking on my grave.'” Far from the classic plodding of some great blues instrumentals, “Long Gone Home” has plenty of pep for its roughly 90 seconds. It’s a track that sees both Robb and Vest take boogie-woogie-leaning solos for great effect while their fellow musician keeps things rolling.

The fact David Vest and Terry Robb sound like they’ve been joined at the hip for decades is a testament to how formidable both artists are. “Twelve originals, a mix of vocals and instrumentals,” the duo says. “In the tradition of Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell, Tampa Red and Georgia Tom, Lonnie Johnson and Blind John Davis.” The result is a combination whose synergy makes “Long Gone Home” essentially precious and pure perfection.

The song is just one of a slew of great tracks from CrissCross. Other highlights include the fantastic boogie of “Electra Jane,” with Robb’s blazing fingerpicking complementing Vest’s toe-tapping, head-bobbing tickling of the ivories, each allowing the other to shine while forming a perfect chemistry together. Another keeper is the tranquil, contemplative “Natural Facts” that welds classical music with the blues for surprisingly stellar results. It’s not your standard genre combination all that often, but both Robb and Vest tackle the song with verve and dexterity.

The tandem of Vest and Robb combines a wealth of experience and musicianship. Vest has shared the stage with the likes of Big Joe Turner, Bo Diddley, and country legend Faron Young, among others. He has also won six Maple Blues Awards and five Muddy Awards. Meanwhile Robb has worked with Diddley, Joe Cocker, Maria Muldaur, Johnny Winter and Steve Miller among countless others. These collaborations are in addition to 19 Muddy Awards for Robb and being a member of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame and the Cascade Blues Association Hall of Fame.

“Long Gone Home” is the latest single from CrissCross, out on Cordova Bay Records, the collaborative album between Vest and Robb. And the tandem have come from different roads. Vest was born in Alabama but has called Canada home for some time. On the other hand, Robb was born in Vancouver but has called Portland, Oregon home for many years. Hence the album title of crisscrossing the continent and also the border seems quite apt.

In short, you have two blues legends with more than eight decades of experience combined. Put the two together, and as much as each has to offer individually, the sum is greater than the parts. Both Vest and Robb have individually had albums top various blues and roots music charts throughout their rich musical histories. Now with “Long Gone Home,” look for Vest and Robb to only further cement their status as two of the best in the business of the blues. Thank goodness they crossed paths!

David Vest and Terry Robb Tour Dates
November 2, 2024 — Blue Frog Studios — White Rock, BC (Record Release Show)
November 9, 2024 — Hermann’s Jazz Club — Victoria, BC (Record Release Show)
November 10, 2024 — Duncan Showroom — Duncan, BC (Record Release Show)

EMLAND Releases Stylish, Suave “Better Off Without Me” From Forthcoming EVOLVE Album

Sometimes, creating a pop hit is a lot like being an air traffic controller. You align everything correctly so that the plane or single lands as deftly as it soared when it first took off. Fortunately, Emland, a pop singer born in Ahlen, Germany but now calling Mallorca, Spain home, has melded his skillset as an air traffic controller at Spain’s Palma de Mallorca airport with his pop sensibilities. The result is the stylish “Better Off Without Me,” the latest single from his album EVOLVE set for release next year.

Emland says “Better Off Without Me,” the first song Emland produced but the last song written for EVOLVE, originated after a challenging phase in his life: “a deeply painful breakup.” After questioning himself and everything around him, Emland found himself crossing paths with someone he “felt a deep connection with.” But with the pain of the breakup still fresh, the new relationship was prevented from possibly developing into something special.

“I just felt empty,” he says. “My battery was too low. I did not have the energy that I needed to make that new story grow, to make it happen. ‘Better Off Without Me’ speaks about exactly that. It’s a song that, basically, is an apology — it says sorry. I just tried to be 100% sincere and only thought about what I wanted that person to know and hear. When you’re brave enough to really open up, that’s where the magic happens. I think that’s what happened in and with this song.”

“Better Off Without Me” opens a dramatic synth intro before Emland begins singing over a sugary, atmospheric array of smart ’80s-styled synth pop. Although leading into what sounds like an EDM or dance-leaning chorus that could make the song explode, Emland gently brings it back down to its sweet spot. Fans of Owl City, Fun., and Robyn would enjoy “Better Off Without Me” as Emland creates a compact piece of synth pop that is also quite soulful and addictive.

“Better Off Without Me” is the second single released by Emland following “Fighters” earlier in 2024, both of which will be on EVOLVE. The artist says the album is anchored in the concept of what love means to Emland. “EVOLVE will feature eight songs — each one of them circling around the idea of love from a different perspective, from places where I have been during this process. Words can’t explain how much this album helped me to heal. It made me a new me.”

Born and raised in Ahlen, Germany to Spanish parents, Emland began playing piano early and always had a deep affinity to the instrument. At age 16, tragedy struck when his mother died and his father decided to relocate the family back to Spain. Depressed from the adjustment in relocating, the language barrier in a new country and grieving for his mom, Emland turned to music as a source of solace. “Every single time I sat down and played, it was just like a way to escape from where I was, he says. “It was so liberating. A peaceful place. Freedom. Somehow, it just brought back light.”

With songwriting and producing becoming second nature to him, Emland moved from piano to synthesizers and digital audio workstations (DAWs). He says the process for music is similar to his day job as an air traffic controller. “At the end, both things I do are very creative,” he says. “An air traffic sequence is a little bit like an orchestra playing. The controller and the conductor really work in a similar way. I find that quite fascinating, and I am deeply grateful for being allowed to work in both of these beautiful worlds.”

Now with “Better Off Without Me” and a forthcoming studio album in EVOLVE, the sky’s the limit for Emland.

Geneviève Marentette Revitalizes CCR, Blood, Sweat And Tears And More For ‘Songs of ’69, Volume I’

Toronto jazz chanteuse Geneviève Marentette was performing a three months-long residency at the hotel bar in the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong in 2019 and seeking material for a theme to the shows. Marentette used the past as her future inspiration, returning to the music made and released a half-century earlier in 1969. The result is the fantastic and extremely novel idea of reworking these classics into her own signature jazz style for Songs of ’69, Volume I, a stellar, stunning 10-track effort released on Vesuvius Music Inc. honoring each song with thoughtfulness, tenderness and led by Marenette’s marvelous, majestic voice.

Marentette, also known as “Gigi” to some, noticed the parallels between the music created in 1969 amid the social activism (women’s liberation movements, Vietnam War protests, Stonewall Riots and LGBTQ+ equality) they were crafted in, “a powerful reflection of a time when music and activism were intertwined.” It was also a huge year for Marentette’s mother, musician Linda Girard (one of two people Songs of ’69, Volume I is specifically inspired by and dedicated to). Girard, then 18 in 1969, left her job in Windsor, Ontario, relocated to Toronto and assisted American draft dodgers trying to evade the Vietnam War. “Her commitment to social justice, human rights, and peace echoed the ideals that inspired the musicians of that era,” Marentette says of her mother.

Although with a horde of material to choose from considering the year, the artist narrowed it down to ten gems. “There are so many gems from this year in music history: the whole era is chock-full of gorgeous, well-crafted music with a message, but I ended up with ten covers close to my heart,” Marentette says of Songs of ’69, Volume I. “These songs are in my emotional DNA; I grew up with them, and they resonate particularly with my parents and loved ones who have surrounded me and kept me in my craft.”

Songs of ’69, Volume I, produced by Marentette and Jono Grant (who also mixed and mastered the album), includes songs made famous by the Guess Who (“Undun” and “These Eyes”) and Bob Dylan (“Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You” and “Lay Lady Lay”) alongside deeper cuts by Nick Drake (“River Man”) and British prog-rock pioneers King Crimson (“I Talk to the Wind”).
Also included on Songs of ’69, Volume I is “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” a song written by Brenda Holloway and recorded by Blood, Sweat & Tears. The song, featuring cinematic string accents by Grammy-nominated musician Drew Jurecka, is especially personal as Marentette released it last month to celebrate the 83rd birthday of Blood, Sweat & Tears vocalist David Clayton-Thomas, the other person Marentette specifically dedicated the album to. He was also a source of inspiration following “resonant discussions” Marentette had with the legendary vocalist about the ’60s, “a time when musicians were warriors of social justice and peace.”

Marentette began recording in 2022 for Songs of ’69, Volume I. “The arrangements emerged from many spontaneous performances with my core trio, which includes Eric St-Laurent (guitar), George Koller (bass) and Ben Wittman (drums),” Marentette says. “As is my way as a song interpreter, we’ve fused folk, soul, and pop into a jazz-rooted approach. After years of singing jazz in hotel lounges, I love arranging and interpreting songs from every era.” It’s a sound and style that brings to mind highbrow work by Diana Krall, Sade, Cassandra Wilson, and the late Angela McCluskey.

Although the material effortlessly draws the listener in from start to finish, some songs simply shine, particularly “Undun,” with its sultry horn accents by Alison Young, some great guitar work by St-Laurent and a divine delivery from Marentette. Meanwhile, Marentette’s rendition of Nick Drake’s “River Man,” from his Five Leaves Left album, is a sparse, reflective, and deeply bittersweet tribute, made even more poignant by the loss of her sister.

“It was one of those songs I leaned on when I was 15 and had lost my sister to an overdose, and I had no idea it was from ’69, and I had no idea Nick Drake had passed away from an overdose as well until I made this album,” she says.

The album, featuring “Lay Lady Lay” tweaked to reflect a “woman-to-woman plea for intimacy and connection,” closes with an incredible reworking of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising.” It’s one of the freshest, most invigorating covers you’ll hear. The gospel, hymnal organ by Lou Pomanti and pedal steel wizard Burke Carroll accentuates Marentette’s ethereal, soulful approach to the John Fogerty-penned staple. Simply put, it’s a spine-tingling coda to what is an almost criminally consistent collection of covers.

Recorded by Grant, Rob Christian, Jeremy Darby and Julian Decorte and recorded at Victory Drive, RC Studio and Canterbury Music Company, Songs of ’69, Volume I includes two big band-style horn arrangements on “Easy to be Hard” and “Undun” featuring tenor saxophonist Alison Young. Grant played bass, drums, keys and percussion, and singer Lori Cullen provided backing vocals (“Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You”), with contributing musicians saxophonist Richard Underhill, trombonist Christian Overton, trumpeter Marie Goudy, pianists Michael Shand and Vezi Tayyeb, bassist Andrew Stewart and lap steel guitarist Christine Bougie.

Born in Leamington, Ontario and spending her teen years in Detroit, Marentette was inspired by her mother and her career as a musician. Performing throughout Asia and Europe, she returned to Canada in 2014. Having worked with a variety of artists such as Clayton-Thomas, Don Francks and Jane Siberry, Marentette produced The Heart of 21 in 2019, an EP by her mother celebrating her mom’s 70th birthday. In 2021 the artist released Live & Improvised, a live recording from a Toronto concert featuring Marentette and pianist Robert G. Scott.

1...222324...2,048Page 23 of 2,048
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.

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Copyright That Eric Alper