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Celebrate the Best of 70’s Country-Rock and 80’s Pop Music at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

Fallsview Casino Resort continues to deliver the entertainment we know and love! Join pop powerhouse Belinda Carlisle on February 23, then on June 20 enjoy The Ozark Mountain Daredevils for their “When It Shines” Final Tour, with co-headliners Pure Prairie League. Tickets go on sale Friday October 18. Now is the perfect time for concert goers to book dinner and a show for the ultimate Fallsview Casino Resort experience.  For ideas on places to dine – visit our website.

“Belinda Carlisle transcends generations with music that is simply timeless,” says Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing, Niagara Casinos. “With an incredible music catalogue, the set list will simply be phenomenal, and we are excited for this performance.”

On February 23, enjoy the incredible talent of Belinda Carlisle after nearly four decades in the business. With a multi-dimensional, internationally acclaimed recording catalogue and countless tours, Carlisle began her career as co-founder and lead vocalist of groundbreaking all-female new wave/rock band The Go-Go’s.  Her Solo career is nothing short of incredible with the album release of Belinda with the gold certified smash hit “Mad About You”. Heaven on Earth, Carlisle’s sophomore solo album, was undoubtedly the catalyst in transforming her from a successful artist with a loyal following to a household name in-demand in arenas across the globe. The album’s lead-off single and Grammy Nominated hit “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” climbed the top ten in no less than twelve countries while achieving multiple gold and silver certifications.  This single was followed in 1988 by “I Get Weak” and “Circle in the Sand,” which put Belinda-mania into full effect.

On June 20, enjoy the musical stylings of The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, a seminal American rock band renowned for their distinctive fusion of country, rock, and pop music. Formed in the early ‘70s, they are best known for their chart-topping hit singles “If You Wanna Get To Heaven” and “Jackie Blue.” They have toured relentlessly, captivating audiences with their timeless hits and electrifying live performances, earning them a dedicated fanbase worldwide. With a grateful heart and an undying spirit, the band announces their farewell tour, “When It Shines,” scheduled to take place throughout 2024-2025. Hit songs also include “Standin’ On a Rock”, “Mr. Powell”, “Country Gir”, “You Know Like I Know” and many more.

Joining the Ozark Mountain Daredevils are Pure Prairie League who continue to embellish the rich history of one of Country-Rock’s pioneering forces for over 50 years.  Their trademark sound combines sweet memories with edgy contemporary muscle. When the band released their self-titled debut in 1972, the album cover featured a Norman Rockwell-painted cowboy, who became known as “Sad Luke.” The brow-beaten buckaroo has made an appearance on every one of the band’s studio albums since, becoming a kind of trademark of the group.  Classic hits include “Amie,” “Falling In And Out of Love,” and “Let Me Love You Tonight.”

“This final tour for the Ozark Mountain Daredevils promises an electrifying experience, showcasing the band’s classic hits, fan favourites, and a retrospective journey through their illustrious career,” says Price, “Pure Prairie League are masters of their art and we look forward to witnessing both of these incredible performances in the same night will be something special.”

 

Show dates & performances

Belinda Carlisle

Date: February 23, 2025

Showtime: 7:00pm

Venue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

 

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils & Pure Prairie League
Date: Friday, June 20, 2025

Showtime: 8:00pm

Venue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

 

Tickets for all performances go on sale Friday, October 18 at 10:00am

That Time Steve Garvey, Ken & George Brett, Fred Lynn & Ellis Valentine Played a Road Game on Fantasy Island

In the 1978 episode of Fantasy Island titled “Superstar / Salem,” we’re treated to a unique blend of Hollywood dreams and historical drama, along with a special treat for baseball fans. This episode stands out not only for its storyline but for featuring appearances by real-life MLB stars Steve Garvey, Ken Brett, George Brett, Fred Lynn, and Ellis Valentine, who bring an unexpected celebrity twist to the island’s fantasies.

Honoring Four Giants of Irish Music: Commemorative Stamps for Christy Dignam, Séamus Begley, Sinéad O’Connor, and Shane MacGowan

A new set of commemorative stamps by Ireland’s An Post pays tribute to four iconic Irish artists who left us in 2023: Christy Dignam, Séamus Begley, Sinéad O’Connor, and Shane MacGowan. These artists shared with us a raw and honest exploration of Irish identity, often touching on themes of struggle, resilience, and hope.

These stamps don’t just celebrate their fame or public personas—they capture the essence of what these artists gave to us: words and music that helped us express emotions we couldn’t always find ourselves. Fame can blur the line between intimacy and distance, making us feel as if we truly knew these artists, as though they understood our experiences, joys, and sorrows.

Designed with reverence and simplicity, each stamp spotlights the artist’s eyes and hands—the eyes that saw and recorded life in its complex beauty, and the hands that shaped songs and stories that will resonate across generations. In these images, we see their humanity, strength, and vulnerability.

This collection serves not just as a tribute to their legacies but as a reminder of the enduring impact of their voices in Irish culture. You can get them here.

My Next Read: “Paul Robeson’s Voices” by Grant Olwage

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Paul Robeson’s Voices is a meditation on Robeson’s singing, a study of the artist’s life in song. Music historian Grant Olwage examines Robeson’s voice as it exists in two broad and intersecting domains: as sound object and sounding gesture, specifically how it was fashioned in the contexts of singing practices, in recital, concert, and recorded performance, and as subject of identification. Olwage asks: how does the voice encapsulate modes of subjectivity, of being?

Combining deep archival research with musicological theory, this book is a study of voice as central to Robeson’s sense of self and his politics. Paul Robeson’s Voices charts the dialectal process of Robeson’s vocal and self-discovery, documenting some of the ways Robeson’s practice revised the traditions of concert singing in the first half of the twentieth century and how his voice manifested as resistance.

5 Surprising Facts About Carole King’s ‘Tapestry’

Carole King’s Tapestry, her second studio album, has left a massive mark on music history and still regarded as such an influential album to this day. Released on February 10, 1971, the album’s introspective lyrics and soulful melodies, backed by King’s warm voice and piano, resonated deeply with listeners worldwide. With hits like “It’s Too Late” and “I Feel the Earth Move,” Tapestry not only topped the charts but also earned King four Grammy Awards.

1. Tapestry Was a Creative Collaborative Effort

While Carole King wrote or co-wrote all the songs on Tapestry, she wasn’t alone in the process. Collaborators like Toni Stern, who co-wrote the lyrics for “It’s Too Late” and “Where You Lead,” and her ex-husband Gerry Goffin, who penned the lyrics for “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” added diverse voices to the album. James Taylor also played a pivotal role by encouraging King to sing her own songs, and he contributed his guitar skills to the project.

2. The Album Cover Features a Handmade Tapestry

The iconic album cover, showing King with her cat in a cozy home setting, is memorable. But what many may not realize is that King is holding an actual tapestry she hand-stitched herself! Captured by A&M staff photographer Jim McCrary in the living room of her Laurel Canyon home, the image was more than just an aesthetic choice—it reflected King’s authentic, personal connection to the music within – including having with her cat, named Telemachus by her feet.

3. “You’ve Got a Friend” Was a Spontaneous Creation

“You’ve Got a Friend” is one of Tapestry‘s standout tracks, and it came about almost by accident. King described writing the song as an experience of “pure inspiration,” noting that the song seemed to flow through her, almost as if it “wrote itself.” The song became even more iconic when James Taylor recorded his own version, making it his only Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit. Remarkably, both versions were recorded at the same time using shared musicians.

4. “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” Takes on New Meaning

Carole King recorded her own version of “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” for Tapestry, infusing it with a deeper, more contemplative feel. Unlike The Shirelles’ 1960 hit, which captured the innocence of youth, King’s slower, introspective version reveals the perspective of a mature woman seeking a true partnership. With James Taylor and Joni Mitchell adding background vocals on separate audio channels, King’s rendition gained considerable album-oriented rock airplay, benefiting from Tapestry‘s massive commercial success.

5. Session Musicians Worked Across Multiple Albums Simultaneously

During the recording of Tapestry at A&M Studios, several session musicians were also working on James Taylor’s album Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon. This cross-pollination of talent created a unique sound that contributed to both albums’ success. Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and Danny Kortchmar were among the artists lending their talents, creating a dynamic environment that infused Tapestry with a blend of voices and styles.

Carole King’s Tapestry is far more than an album—it’s a piece of history that captures the spirit of the early ’70s while remaining timeless – from James Taylor to Barbra Streisand to Glee to Amy Winehouse and Taylor Swift all loving the record. Its songs of friendship, love, and resilience are as relatable today as they were over fifty years ago.

Thirty Years Ago, The Cranberries Brought “Dreams” to Life on Live TV

In 1993, Dolores O’Riordan and The Cranberries delivered a powerful performance of “Dreams” on Kenny Live, setting the stage for their debut single, soon after reaching the top 50 of the US Hot 100 and the top 30 of the UK Singles Chart in early 1994.

My Next Read: “The Subject of Revolution Between Political and Popular Culture in Cuba” By Jennifer L. Lambe

From television to travel bans, geopolitics to popular dance, Jennifer L. Lambe’s The Subject of Revolution explores how knowledge about the 1959 Cuban Revolution was produced and how the Revolution in turn shaped new worldviews. Drawing on sources from over twenty archives as well as film, music, theater, and material culture, this book traces the consolidation of the Revolution over two decades in the interface between political and popular culture. The “subject of Revolution,” it proposes, should be understood as the evolving synthesis of the imaginaries constructed by its many “subjects,” including revolutionary leaders, activists, academics, and ordinary people within and beyond the island’s borders.

The book reopens some of the questions that have long animated debates about Cuba, from the relationship between populace and leadership to the archive and its limits, while foregrounding the construction of popular understandings. It argues that the politicization of everyday life was an inescapable effect of the revolutionary process as well as the catalyst for new ways of knowing and being.

Watch Robin Williams Hilariously Improvise His Way Around a Simple Line for an ’80s Commercial

Howard Storm, a veteran television director, has helmed a variety of shows, including Laverne & Shirley, Full House, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Keenan and Kel, and even directed Jim Carrey’s first major film, Once Bitten (1985), predating In Living Color. Storm is perhaps best known for his extensive work on Mork & Mindy, directing 59 episodes and working closely with Robin Williams, whom he described as a “genius.” In an interview with the Archive of American Television, Storm shared his unique approach to directing Williams: he allowed him to improvise freely in rehearsals, gradually narrowing the performance until it was camera-ready. This method is perfectly captured in a rare video where Williams, promoting Storm’s directing skills, delivers a short message—after 13 minutes of hilarious impressions and riffing, highlighting his comedic brilliance. It’s a remarkable glimpse into Williams’ comedic genius, made bittersweet by his absence today.

For All the Nasty Girls: Tinashe x Urban Outfitters Tease Exclusive Collaboration

Tinashe x Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters is excited to announce an exclusive partnership with multi-platinum-certified singer, songwriter, and dancer, Tinashe. Following a long standing relationship with Urban Outfitters, this partnership merges Tinashe’s passion for high and innovative fashion with the vibrant energy of dance and street-style culture, through a collection of lifestyle designs. Designed and curated by Tinashe in partnership with Urban Outfitter’s in-house design team, the collection is set to launch in 2025.

The collection will celebrate dance and will encapsulate the immense fashion and style within the culture and how it translates beyond studio walls and into everyday life. It stands to represent fashion within the dance community and the freedom of self-expression for everyone.

“Growing up in a dance studio teaches you a lot about the intersection between exercise and fashion. I was always inspired by the way dancers would create their outfits, whether it was in ballet class pairing shorts and leg warmers or hip hop class where personal style is paramount. Dancers have always had the best personal style in my opinion, deconstructing elements that accentuate their movement, is comfortable and durable, but most importantly showcases their individuality and swag,” said Tinashe.

“I’ve always wanted to bring that creative and free dancer energy to apparel. I’m excited to finally bring this idea to life by designing specific items that you can move in and feel more creative than sports bras and leggings,” she adds.

This partnership brings Urban Outfitters’ in-house designs with Tinashe’s dynamic vision to push the creative boundaries of the collection. Together the collection prioritizes Gen Z’s desire for individuality and self expression through movement.

“Tinashe brings an unmatched energy and perspective that perfectly aligns with Urban Outfitters,” said Shea Jensen, President at Urban Outfitters. “Our mission at Urban Outfitters is to fuel the next generation of individuality and this partnership with Tinashe will continue to build that momentum.”

“Our brand is a platform for artists like Tinashe to extend their creative vision into new areas and connect with their fans in new ways,” said Dmitri Siegel, Chief Brand, Creative, and Digital Officer at Urban Outfitters. “We’re so excited to be working with Tinashe to create products and experiences that capture her unique blend of music, dance, TikTok culture, fashion, and self-expression.”

Following the announcement of her Match My Freak World Tour, which will kick off on October 14, the partnership incorporates unique opportunities to engage with Tinashe this fall, including surprise UO store stops, curated looks for tour attendees to truly match her freak, and ongoing Match My Freak Tour ticket giveaways through UO Rewards—Urban Outfitters’ free customer loyalty program.

Podcast Market to Grow by USD 2.21 Billion Driven by Smartphone Penetration and Easy Internet Access

Report on how AI is driving market transformation- The global podcast market size is estimated to grow by USD 2.21 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 36.5% during the forecast period. Rising penetration of smartphones and easy access to internet is driving market growth, with a trend towards advent of smart speakers. However, intense competition among podcast service providers and inconsistent user preferences poses a challenge. Key market players include Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Audioboom Group plc, Block Inc., British Broadcasting Corp., CBS Interactive Inc., Deezer SA, Funkwhale, Guardian Media Group plc, hearthis.at, iHeartMedia Inc., Jamendo SA, Jango, Maple Media LLC, Mixcloud Ltd., Sirius XM Holdings Inc., Sorted Ventures Ltd., SoundCloud Global Ltd. And Co. KG, and Spotify Technology SA.

Smart speakers from Samsung and SONOS provide advanced streaming capabilities, enabling users to access and play podcasts throughout their homes via multi-room listening. Controlled via iOS and Android apps, these devices offer voice access for effortless content selection. Apple’s HomePod focuses on music subscriptions but also supports podcast playback through Siri. Sony’s new premium smart speaker, SRS-RA3000, expands the market in Europe. These innovations enhance user experience and convenience, contributing to the growth of the podcast market.

The European podcast market is characterized by intense competition among service providers. This market is highly fragmented, with numerous global and local players. As a result, there are frequent price wars among mobile podcast app vendors, which negatively impacts market growth. Consumer preferences for new and entertaining content are continually evolving, necessitating continuous updates to podcast collections. To provide updated content, vendors must invest in innovative content strategies, design, and technology. Failure to keep up with changing user preferences may lead to lost time, money, and market value for vendors, potentially hindering the growth of the European podcast market.

The podcast market is a rapidly growing digital business landscape, valued at over USD1 billion in 2020. With original content as the backbone, diversity and inclusion are key elements driving its success. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in content production and delivery through automatic editing, transcription, and content recommendation services. Music streaming and internet streaming services are popular platforms, while content-based technologies like ASMR, blogs, and social networks expand reach. Interactive content, website traffic, and search engine optimization boost engagement. Windows and Mac users access podcasts via on-premises and cloud-based digital tools. Subscription models, file downloads, and video/audio files cater to various learning styles. Podcasting offers teaching, educational learning, news, storytelling tools, and entertainment channels, making it a global market worth exploring. Radio on demand, a digital innovation, continues to disrupt traditional broadcasting.The podcast market is a growing business sector with numerous opportunities for content creators and advertisers. Podcasts offer a unique way to engage audiences through spoken word and storytelling. Brands can reach their target demographics through sponsorships and targeted advertising. Podcasts provide a personal connection with listeners, leading to increased brand loyalty. With affordable production costs and a global audience, the podcast market is an attractive investment for businesses looking to expand their reach.

Podcasting, also known as radio on demand, is a digital tool that allows users to download and playback audio files or video files at their convenience. This subscription-based model has revolutionized the way we consume content, from news and education to teaching and entertainment. With the rise of the internet, podcasting has become accessible to anyone with a computer, iPod, or mobile phone. Advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and video publishing have expanded the podcasting market, offering subscribed users a more personalized and interactive experience. The podcasting market share continues to grow, with online audio becoming an essential part of marketing strategies and audio-learning resources increasingly popular for educational learning.

Podcasting, also known as radio on demand, is a digital tool that allows listeners to download and stream audio files or watch video files at their convenience. The global podcasting market has seen significant growth, with formats ranging from teaching and educational learning to news and politics, comedy, sports, society and culture, and more. Podcasting offers personalized content, enabling subscribed users to access high-quality content on various devices, including computers, iPods, mobile phones, and smartphones. Advanced technologies like AI-connected things, blockchain, and high-speed web connectivity, including 5G networks and 5G smartphones, have revolutionized podcasting. OTT tools and podcast software facilitate content production, delivery, and recommendation services. AI technology offers automatic editing, transcription, and content recommendation. The podcasting market caters to various industries, including marketing, organizational culture, and internal communication. Skilled podcast developers create original content, ensuring diversity and inclusion. Personalized content and interactive features, such as ASMR, blogs, social networks, and website traffic, enhance the user experience. Search engine optimization and marketing strategies help increase podcast awareness, attracting a wider audience. Content-based technologies, music streaming, and internet streaming services continue to shape the future of podcasting.

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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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