Category: Music

  • Holocaust Survivor Drama The Optimist Opens in Theaters Nationwide Today

    Stephen Lang and Elsie Fisher Star in Finn Taylor’s Moving True Story of Resilience, Memory, and Healing

    NASHVILLE, TN, UNITED STATES, March 11, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Optimist, an emotionally powerful independent drama inspired by the extraordinary life of Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller, opens in theaters nationwide today through Trafalgar Releasing. Directed by Finn Taylor and produced by Jeanine Thomas, the film stars Stephen Lang and Elsie Fisher.

    The film tells the true story of Herbert Heller, who survived the concentration camps of Theresienstadt concentration camp and Auschwitz concentration camp before dedicating his life to educating thousands of students about the Holocaust and the power of resilience.

    Tickets and additional information are available at:
    https://www.theoptimistmovie.com

    The Optimist features a commanding performance from Lang, returning to the big screen following his appearance in Avatar: Fire & Ash. Lang stars opposite Fisher (Eighth Grade) in a sweeping, intergenerational story exploring trauma, memory, and the enduring human capacity for healing. Set against the striking landscapes of Northern California, the film follows Herbert Heller (Lang), a children’s store owner who has carried the unspoken trauma of surviving Terezin and Auschwitz for more than sixty years. As illness forces him to confront the silence he has maintained—even from his own family—he forms an unlikely friendship with Abbey (Fisher), a troubled teenager struggling with her own emotional wounds.

    Through their growing connection, Herbert finds the courage to share the truth of his past, opening a path toward empathy, forgiveness, and renewal. The film is based on the remarkable life of Herbert Curt Heller (1929–2021), who survived Terezin, Auschwitz, and a death march before immigrating to San Francisco in 1946. After decades of silence, Heller became a beloved educator and speaker, sharing his testimony with thousands of students and community groups and earning the prestigious Jefferson Award.

    The making of The Optimist was a more than decade-long journey for producer Jeanine Thomas, who first met Heller and began developing the project before his passing. Director Finn Taylor said: “Herbert was a true hero. When Jeanine first told me of his miraculous escape I was transfixed. But witnessing Herbert transform the lives of thousands of teenagers by sharing his story was an extraordinary example of how one person can impact the world. With the help of hundreds of collaborators across two continents, we set out to make a film that honors his legacy.”

    Producer Jeanine Thomas added: “This film began as a deeply personal promise I made to Herbert—that the truth he carried for so long would not end with him. Bringing The Optimist to theaters nationwide today is both humbling and deeply meaningful. His story helped me find my own courage, and I hope it will do the same for audiences everywhere.” The ensemble cast also includes Luke David Blumm, Leah Pipes, Ben Geurens, Ursula Parker, Slavko Sobin, Stella Stocker, Oskar Hes, and Robin Weigert.

    More information about the film can be found at:
    https://www.theoptimistmovie.com

    ABOUT TRAFALGAR RELEASING
    Trafalgar Releasing is the global leader in event cinema distribution, connecting fans through unforgettable cinematic experiences in over 15,000 theaters across 132 countries. A subsidiary of Trafalgar Entertainment, the company specializes in the production, acquisition, marketing, and worldwide distribution of live and pre-recorded content to cinemas. Trafalgar Releasing’s diverse slate spans chart-topping concert films and live concert broadcasts, award-winning theatre, acclaimed opera, dance, television, podcasts, and music documentaries—featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, BTS, Metallica, Pink Floyd, Coldplay, Billie Eilish, The Chosen and the Royal Ballet and Opera. For more information, visit www.trafalgar-releasing.com.

    Corby Pons
    WIT PR
    +1 3238072199
    email us here
    Visit us on social media:
    Instagram
    Facebook
    YouTube
    TikTok
    X

    The Optimist Trailer

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • Boston’s Gordy Murphy Shares Latest Indie-Rock Single ‘Wash,’ A Sincere Call to Rediscover Joy

    Boston’s Gordy Murphy Shares Latest Indie-Rock Single ‘Wash,’ A Sincere Call to Rediscover Joy

    BOSTON, MA, UNITED STATES, March 11, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Boston multi-instrumentalist and one-man-band Gordy Murphy returns with his latest single, “Wash,” a contemplative yet uplifting indie-rock track that reflects on memory, identity, and the quiet fight against life’s monotony.

    Known for crafting music that feels as vivid and immersive as a cinematic dream, Murphy blends indie and alternative rock with classic influences and deeply introspective songwriting. Drawing inspiration from the raw electricity of Jimi Hendrix, alongside the emotional vulnerability of Jeff Buckley, Gordy creates expansive sonic landscapes that break free from conventional structure. His work moves fluidly between quiet intensity and dynamic release, layering psychedelic textures and rich instrumentation into intimate, emotionally resonant worlds.

    “Wash” captures that balance beautifully. The track carries a contemplative sincerity while maintaining an upbeat undercurrent, weaving jangling guitars, driving rhythms, and spacious production into something both nostalgic and forward-looking.

    The song was written in Murphy’s tiny Boston apartment, where he creates all of his music. A lifelong baseball fan, he found himself imagining a scene from childhood: looking out his bedroom window and spotting an old baseball half-hidden in the grass, a relic from afternoons spent playing catch.

    “That image stuck in my head,” Murphy explains. “As I kept writing, the song developed its own meaning, mainly that we should remember the things that made us unique and interesting, and fight back against the tendencies of becoming dull. Resist the monotony of life.”

    That sentiment became the emotional core of the track. “Wash is a plea to people who want to rediscover what makes them happy and unique,” he adds.

    True to Murphy’s one-man-band ethos, the single showcases his multi-instrumental prowess and keen ear for atmosphere. His signature style, blending music with visual imagery and psychological reflection, shines through in the song’s layered arrangement and evocative mood shifts. Each element feels purposeful, contributing to a soundscape that mirrors the act of reflection itself: looking back, reassessing, and choosing to move forward with intention.

    With “Wash,” Gordy Murphy continues to carve out a distinct lane in indie rock, one where memory, colour, emotion, and sound collide. It’s a reminder that sometimes the smallest images from our past can reignite the brightest parts of who we are.

    Bee Adamic
    Liberty Music PR
    +44 1273 044268
    email us here
    Visit us on social media:
    Instagram
    TikTok

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • Veteran Television Executive Kenneth Nowling Launches Crime Franchise Built for Adaptation With Tinseltown Murders

    Veteran Television Executive Kenneth Nowling Launches Crime Franchise Built for Adaptation With Tinseltown Murders

    The debut in the Montana and Sam West series delivers high stakes suspense where glamour, ambition, and deadly secrets collide from a storyteller rooted in film

    NEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES, March 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Drawing on decades of experience inside the entertainment industry, veteran television executive Kenneth Nowling pulls back the velvet curtain on Hollywood’s glittering facade in Tinseltown Murders, a suspense-driven noir thriller that launches the Montana and Sam West crime franchise. Crafted with cinematic precision and layered intrigue, the novel blends sharp dialogue, insider detail, and franchise-ready storytelling in a series designed with adaptation in mind.

    Nowling, whose career in television has shaped his understanding of pacing, character arcs, and long-form narrative structure, delivers a story where fame is fleeting, secrets are currency, and survival depends on knowing when to step out of the spotlight. With Tinseltown Murders, he introduces a world built not only for readers, but for the screen.

    “After three decades in television production, I’ve approached my novels the same way studios approach long-term storytelling — building a crime IP library designed to support multiple adaptations across film and television.”

    At the center of the novel is Montana West, a former silver-screen icon who once commanded Hollywood with talent, poise, and undeniable presence. After walking away from stardom and the compromises it demanded, Montana builds a quieter life alongside her husband, Detective Sam West. But when a promising young actress is found murdered on set under suspicious circumstances, Montana is drawn back into the world she thought she had left behind.

    The tragedy is swiftly managed with public relations spin, whispered rumors, and corporate deflection. The studio seeks silence. The press demands scandal. Law enforcement wants answers. Montana, however, wants the truth. Partnering with Sam, she reenters a landscape of fragile egos, ruthless executives, desperate fame seekers, and careers constructed on carefully managed deception.

    Nowling’s portrayal of Hollywood balances seduction with menace. The glamorous backdrop contrasts sharply with the corruption and betrayal simmering beneath the surface. Through Montana’s dual perspective as both insider and outsider, readers experience the tension of navigating an industry where every interaction feels rehearsed and every smile may hide a threat.

    While Tinseltown Murders launches the Montana and Sam West series, it also builds upon Nowling’s expanding body of work, which includes Havana Nights and The Conspiracy. Together, his novels reflect a consistent focus on intrigue, power dynamics, and the unseen forces that shape public narratives — themes that resonate across both page and screen.

    Tinseltown Murders appeals to readers who appreciate high-stakes mysteries set against sophisticated settings. Fans of modern noir and character-driven suspense will find themselves immersed in a narrative that examines second chances, ambition, and the dangerous price of fame. Montana West emerges as a compelling heroine, equally comfortable commanding a stage or confronting shadows, determined to prove that truth matters even in a city built on performance.

    The book is now available — secure your copy here: https://a.co/d/0gspIR8S

    For review copies, interview requests, or additional information, please contact:

    Kenneth Nowling
    BrightKey PR
    knowlingsr@gmail.com

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • West Coast Customs Starts 2026 with a Standout Project Collab Debuting at CES; Announces Top 5 Custom Builds of 2025

    West Coast Customs Starts 2026 with a Standout Project Collab Debuting at CES; Announces Top 5 Custom Builds of 2025

    In 2025 WCC completed builds for Fortune 100 Brands, a Centibillionaire, a Video Game Franchise and so far in ’26 a one-of-one single passenger EV vehicle

    Starting 2026 collaborating on the TRINITY project, which broke ground in tech/auto sects, I am excited to keep this momentum going with the game-changing builds we already have in the works for 2026.”
    — Ryan Friedlinghaus | CEO and Founder, West Coast Customs

    LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, March 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Defining custom car culture for more than three decades, West Coast Customs Founder and CEO Ryan Friedlinghaus today announced the brand’s standout collaborative project for the start of 2026 as well as the brand’s top five custom car culture- defining projects of 2025!

    TRINITY – longtime client, entrepreneur, artist and futurist will.i.am conceptualized and unveiled an all‑electric, self‑balancing, single‑passenger 3‑wheel vehicle at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2026. A next‑generation micromobility platform that aligns Human + Vehicle + Agent, TRINITY is powered by NVIDIA DGX Spark technology in collaboration with DEKA Research & Development, providing self‑balancing and robotics expertise and West Coast Customs, providing iconic automotive design and build execution. This trio combines frontier engineering, custom‑car craft, and AI‑first thinking, into one micromobility platform.

    With a build-packed roster of projects ranging from the spectacular to the sublime, and everything in between, in 2025 West Coast Customs completed one-of-one builds for a centibillionaire and his wife, an off road truck for one of the most popular video game franchises in the world and had not one but two vehicles mounting impressive activations at Superbowl LXI in New Orleans. They are:

    Häagen-Dazs® Caddy – the beloved ice cream brand collaborated with West Coast Customs to create an “ice cream vehicle” to support the brand’s first-ever Super Bowl LIX commercial and promotional campaign “Not So Fast, Not So Furious”. Dubbed “Dazs Drive”, the project called for a stand out vehicle to travel cross country, Los Angeles to New Orleans, to make its debut at Super Bowl LIX.

    Securing a 1963 Cadillac Series 62 convertible, West Coast Customs successfully designed and created the perfect ride with a fully-functional glass display freezer, with custom LED lighting and amplified speakers in the car’s trunk. The exterior featured luxurious ice-cream-inspired custom paint and trim work in the Häagen-Dazs® brand colors of burgundy and cream. Customized Häagen-Dazs® logo badges adorned the hood, steering wheel, and wheel caps. The interior featured custom logo-embroidered cream leather seats, a burgundy leather dashboard and a unique Häagen-Dazs® cone holder armrest.

    Monkey Tilt Truck – the online casino and betting platform, MonkeyTilt, provided West Coast Customs with the task of creating a “casino on wheels”. The brand sought to combine iconic craftsmanship with MonkeyTilt’s vision for the future of gaming and entertainment and to support the brand’s debut at Superbowl LIX.

    West Coast Customs delivered a sleek, Monkey Tilt branded black bus featuring stunning graphics and brand-requisite QR codes. “Win Big Here” messaging on the exterior of the bus allowed fans to connect, compete, and celebrate on site. The bus interior featured high-tech interactive gaming zones, luxurious lounge areas and extraordinary entertainment spaces. Slide-outs extended from the Tilt Truck, and a glass panel allowed attendees to catch a glimpse of a bust of the titular monkey inside.The Monkey Tilt Bus was named one of the top 8 experiential vehicles at Superbowl’s Fan Fest by Event Marketer magazine.

    Mark Zuckerberg – Pair of Porsches – Zuckerberg reps commissioned West Coast Customs to create duo his and her builds. The request was to transform a Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT SUV into a minivan and personal customization project for a GT3 Touring Porsche. West Coast Customs delivered a one-of-one, first-ever Porsche minivan, for Priscilla and for Mark, a complete customization of his manual Porsche. Requesting a matching color scheme, WCC Master Painters sought out a progressive Porsche OEM color, custom painting the Zuckerberg Porsche pair, a new Porsche color, Chalk.

    Activision – Call of Duty Zombie Truck – the gaming giant engaged West Coast customs to create a real-world version of the iconic Zombies Wonder Vehicle: Ol’ Tessie for Call of Duty® Black Opps 7 to debut at Activision’s NEXT ’25 event in Las Vegas.

    West Coast Customs secured a large, over-sized style pick up truck initiating fabrication work to give the truck a battle scarred look while also utilizing commercial paint and air brushing techniques to provide a worn patina appearance. Providing spot on, game-accurate details such as a portable Pack-a-Punch machine, defensive weapons like turrets and a massive spectacularly hand-crafted, exact game replica of the three-headed Abomination covering the entire front end of the truck, Ol’ Tessie debuted apocalypse-ready!

    TJ Maxx – Maxxinista Express – TJ Maxx, a leading off-price retailer and subsidiary of The TJX Companies, Inc. selected West Coast Customs to create a vehicle that would provide their shoppers with an intimate holiday experience that could travel to retail locations across the country.

    Sourcing a unique double decker bus, West Coast Customs, transformed the two-story vehicle into the Maxxinista Express, the ultimate holiday experience for TJ Maxx shoppers. The exterior of the red bus was smartly wrapped and branded with holiday-themed graphic accents and a giant hand-crafted red bow adorning the passenger entry way point. The interior featured elegant red velvet tufted booth seating with charging stations and a delectable snack serving area accented with TJ Maxx serving pieces. The second level of the Maxxinista Express revealed a luxurious overstuffed banquette and a cozy faux fireplace conversation area adorned in TJ Maxx holiday decor. The rolling holiday experience also featured individual custom red storage shopping lockers for shoppers and their Maxxinista hauls.

    Exceptional West Coast Customs brand extensions continue with:
    -Collaborations with Airbnb to provide exclusive AirBnb Experience packages throughout summer 2025, which routinely sold out.
    -Coaster-side activations at the WEST COAST RACERS rollercoaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA.
    -WEST COAST SMASH BURGER, West Coast Customs’ gourmet smash burger franchise, breaking ground on its first brick and mortar location, Fall 2026.
    -The WEST COAST CUSTOMS ACADEMY (WCCA), a custom automotive school educating the master craftsmen of tomorrow. Through a partnership with the Los Angeles County Justice Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD), the 2025 school year the program graduated close to 100 students.

    Globally recognized for its original designs, concepts and cutting-edge technology, the West Coast Customs flagship 60,000 sf facility is headquartered in Burbank, CA with multiple departments offering every aspect of unparalleled custom car craftsmanship.

    RMF
    Cheryl Lynch LA
    +1 818-694-6942
    email us here
    Visit us on social media:
    Instagram
    Facebook
    YouTube
    TikTok

    West Coast Customs Project Highlights in 2025

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • FREESTYLE DIGITAL MEDIA RELEASES DOCUMENTARY ‘THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA–THE DICK BIONDI STORY’

    FREESTYLE DIGITAL MEDIA RELEASES DOCUMENTARY ‘THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA–THE DICK BIONDI STORY’

    Tribute Feature Documentary Sets Digital Debut on VOD Platforms Worldwide Starting March 6, 2026

    By making this documentary, I came to see Biondi not only as a legend, but as a reminder of how deeply one human voice–full of heart, warmth, and belief in people–can shape lives, including my own.”
    — Filmmaker Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice

    LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, March 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, has just released the tribute feature documentary THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA–THE DICK BIONDI STORY, which is now available to rent/own on DVD March 10, 2026, as well as global digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms, starting on March 6, 2026.

    No one ruled radio like Dick Biondi, the fast-talking, fan-loving DJ who turned radio into a rock ’n’ roll revolution when Top 40 was king. The wildly popular “Wild I-tralian” was the first U.S. DJ to play The Beatles on the radio and helped promote legends like Elvis Presley, Little Richard, and the Beach Boys. Kids adored him. Station managers fired him. And his legacy lasted for six decades. Broadcasting from Chicago’s WLS-AM, he brought joy and mischief to millions of teens across America. THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA–THE DICK BIONDI STORY is a nostalgic journey through the golden age of AM radio, told through rare photos, re-creations, and interviews with fans, musicians, broadcasters, and Biondi himself. Narrated by filmmaker Pamela Enzweiler-
    Pulice, this heartfelt documentary celebrates the man who helped define a musical era and set the bar for every DJ who followed.

    Directed by Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice and produced by Enzweiler-Pulice with co-producers Stephanie M. Serna, Pat Wisniewski and Ron Onesti, THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA–THE DICK BIONDI STORY was written by Enzweiler-Pulice and Tom Desch. Subjects interviewed include: Dick Biondi, Tony Orlando, Paul Shaffer, Frankie Valli, Brian Wilson, Bob Sirott and Jim Peterik.

    “Dick Biondi’s voice brought excitement, rebellion, joy, and comfort into millions of homes and cars, turning ordinary moments into lifelong memories,” said filmmaker Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice. “By making this documentary, I came to see Dick Biondi not only as a legend, but as a reminder of how deeply one human voice — full of heart, warmth, and belief in people — can shape lives, including my own.”

    Freestyle Digital Media negotiated a deal to acquire THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA–THE DICK BIONDI STORY directly with the filmmakers and Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films.

    THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA–THE DICK BIONDI STORY website: https://www.dickbiondifilm.com/

    ABOUT FREESTYLE DIGITAL MEDIA
    The digital distribution unit of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, Freestyle Digital Media, is a premiere multi-platform distributor with direct partnerships across all major cable, satellite, digital, and streaming platforms. Capitalizing on a robust infrastructure, proven track record, and a veteran sales team, Freestyle Digital Media is a true home for independent films. Recent releases include ALLSWELL IN NEW YORK starring Emmy award-winning actress Liza Colón-Zayas from the hit FX series THE BEAR, ALL HAPPY FAMILIES starring Josh Radnor and Rob Huebel, the drama based on a novel THE GHOST TRAP starring Zak Steiner from EUPHORIA and Greer Grammer of AWKWARD, and the Weekly World News horror-comedy THE ZOMBIE WEDDING. Other Freestyle Digital Media titles include THE ROAD DOG starring comedian Doug Stanhope, SURVIVE starring HBO’s GAME OF THRONES star Sophie Turner and Corey Hawkins, the music documentary profiling blues guitar legends Jimmie Vaughan and Stevie Ray Vaughan, BROTHERS IN BLUES, DEAR ZOE starring Sadie Sink from the hit Netflix series STRANGER THINGS, Jessica Capshaw and Theo Rossi, the teen musical BEST SUMMER EVER featuring a fully integrated cast and crew of people with and without disabilities, produced by Jamie Lee Curtis, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mary Steenburgen, and Ted Danson, and THE WEDDING YEAR starring Sarah Hyland and Anna Camp.

    For more information, visit:
    www.allenmedia.tv
    www.freestyledigitalmedia.tv

    Eric Peterkofsky / Sarah Madden
    Allen Media Group/Freestyle Digital Media
    Eric@es.tv / Sarah.Madden@es.tv

    Official FDM Trailer – THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA–THE DICK BIONDI STORY (2026)

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • Anuv Jain Expands His Dastakhat World Tour With First Major US Run in 2026

    Anuv Jain Expands His Dastakhat World Tour With First Major US Run in 2026

    Anuv Jain US Tour brings Dastakhat World Tour 2026 to Chicago, NYC, Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, and San Francisco this May. Tickets on sale February 20.

    Bringing this tour to the US feels especially meaningful because listeners here have grown with these songs for years. I am excited to finally experience that connection in person.”
    — Anuv Jain

    FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, UNITED STATES, February 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Anuv Jain is bringing his Dastakhat 2026 World Tour to the United States, performing live in six major cities this May. The US run follows a critically praised opening leg of the world tour in India, along with sold-out international stops across Australia, Europe, and the Middle East, where Jain performed to packed venues and earned widespread audience acclaim.

    The Dastakhat 2026 World Tour will include concerts in Chicago, Boston, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, and San Francisco. Known for his emotionally intimate live performances and acoustic-driven sound, Jain continues to connect with a global audience through music that centers on honesty, vulnerability, and shared experience.

    “Dastakhat is my way of leaving something honest behind in every room I perform in,” says Anuv Jain. “The opening shows reminded me how powerful shared silence and shared singing can be. Bringing this tour to the US feels especially meaningful because listeners here have grown with these songs for years. I am excited to finally experience that connection in person.”

    Anuv Jain’s live concerts are known for their emotional intimacy and minimalistic production, allowing the music and lyrics to take center stage. Each performance is driven by acoustic arrangements, storytelling, and direct audience connection, creating an environment where fans actively participate by singing along and sharing the emotional journey. The Dastakhat World Tour reflects Jain’s commitment to authenticity and vulnerability, offering audiences an experience that feels personal, reflective, and lasting.

    Anuv Jain has amassed over 800 million streams worldwide, with breakout releases such as “Husn” surpassing 500 million global streams and topping viral charts across multiple countries. His music consistently resonates with young audiences through themes of love, longing, and self-discovery. The Dastakhat World Tour represents a defining chapter in his evolution from an independent online artist to a globally touring performer.

    The US leg of the Dastakhat World Tour is produced by Kash Patel Productions.

    Kash Patel, Founder of Kash Patel Productions, emphasized the importance of the US run within the broader Anuv Jain World Tour.

    “Anuv Jain represents a rare honesty in today’s music landscape,” Patel said. “From the first night of Dastakhat, audiences responded to the emotional clarity of his performances. As producers, our responsibility is to protect that experience while expanding its reach. We are proud to produce the Anuv Jain US tour and bring this powerful live concert experience to North America.”

    Tickets for the Anuv Jain US Tour will go on sale Friday, February 20th at 12 PM EST.

    Tickets are expected to sell quickly due to limited venue capacities and strong demand across North America.

    Dastakhat World Tour 2026 US Tour Dates:
    Friday, May 1, 2026: Park West in Chicago, Illinois
    Sunday, May 3, 2026: Big Night Live in Boston, Massachusetts
    Tuesday, May 5, 2026: The Town Hall in New York, New York
    Friday, May 8, 2026: Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, Georgia
    Saturday, May 9, 2026: The Studio at Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas
    Monday, May 11, 2026: The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, California

    For more information, visit https://kashpatelproductions.com/events/

    ACCESS THE OFFICIAL TOUR MEDIA KIT HERE

    ABOUT ANUV JAIN:
    Anuv Jain is an Indian independent singer-songwriter whose emotionally grounded music has earned global recognition. Rising to prominence with Baarishein, he has since delivered chart-topping releases including Husn and Jo Tum Mere Ho. His work has earned him recognition from Forbes 30 Under 30 and GQ India, as well as collaborations with international artists. Through the Dastakhat Tour, Anuv Jain continues to expand the global footprint of Indian independent music while maintaining an intimate live concert experience.

    ABOUT KASH PATEL PRODUCTIONS:
    Founded in 2016 and led by Kash Patel, Kash Patel Productions (KPP) has revolutionized the cultural event industry in North America. KPP has showcased some of the biggest names in entertainment, including A.R. Ameen, A.R.Rahman, Aastha Gill, Alka Yagnik, Anirudh Ravichander, Anuv Jain, Arunita Kanjilal, Atif Aslam, B Praak, Badshah, Jonita Gandhi, Kumar Sanu, Mika Singh, Neha Kakkar, Russell Peters, Sadhana Sargam, SANAM, Sayli Kamble, Shannon K. Sanu, Shreya Ghoshal, Shuba Vedula, Shweta Mohan, Sid Sriram, Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Vir Das, Vishal & Sheykhar, Zakir Khan, and Zarna Garg.

    This has earned Kash Patel Productions international acclaim as they continue to deliver exceptional cultural events that redefine live experiences. To stay updated on the latest news and events from Kash Patel Productions, please visit https://kashpatelproductions.com, where you can follow their incredible journey in the cultural event community.

    ABOUT REPRESENT:
    Founded by Aayushman Sinha, REPRESENT is a leading artist management and consulting company shaping the future of pop culture in India and beyond. Recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of India’s top music startups to watch, REPRESENT offers a comprehensive 360-degree approach to talent representation, bridging independent artists with global opportunities beyond traditional management models.

    REPRESENT’s roster includes influential artists such as Armaan Malik, Anuv Jain, DJ Chetas, Lost Stories, MC Stan, Lisa Mishra, OAFF, and Zaeden. The company has delivered over 200 releases, partnered with major global brands including Coca-Cola, Meta, Snapchat, and Reddit, and expanded into live entertainment through its RE:PLAY division, with artists collectively performing more than 1,000 shows worldwide. Learn more at https://representmgmt.in/.

    ABOUT RE:PLAY:
    RE:PLAY is India’s first exclusive agenting business in the live music entertainment space. Focused on booking, touring, and international artist expansion, RE:PLAY works to elevate India’s live music ecosystem and position the country as a preferred destination for global touring artists.

    With an exclusive booking roster, RE:PLAY manages live performances across national and international markets. Together, REPRESENT and RE:PLAY operate as a unified ecosystem, supporting one of the most critical aspects of an artist’s career: live shows, while offering a seamless suite of services under one umbrella.

    Joelle Polisky
    The Round Table Group
    joelle@trt.group

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • Sam Riddle Raises a Glass to Small-Town Memories with New Single

    Sam Riddle Raises a Glass to Small-Town Memories with New Single

    “Drink With Your Name On It” – Out February 20, 2026

    This song is about those places that raised us, the bars, people, and routines. You don’t realize they’re the best days of your life while you’re living them—you only realize it when you look back.”
    — Sam Riddle

    NASHVILLE, TN, UNITED STATES, February 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Following the success of his breakout single “Bad Picker,” country singer-songwriter Sam Riddle returns with a heartfelt, barroom anthem that hits hard with nostalgia. His new single, “Drink With Your Name On It,” arrives everywhere on February 20, 2026.

    Built on jukebox country, clanking bottles, and blue-collar storytelling, “Drink With Your Name On It” captures the feeling of walking back into the same small-town watering hole years later—where the memories are loud, the beer is cold, and the ghosts still know your name. From peanut shells on the floor to small town USA, Riddle paints a vivid picture of Friday nights that shaped a generation.

    “This song is about those places that raised us,” Riddle says. “The bars, the people, the routines. You don’t realize they’re the best days of your life while you’re living them—you only realize it when you look back.”

    With its sing-along chorus, sharp imagery, and timeless country soul, “Drink With Your Name On It” positions Sam Riddle as one of the most authentic voices in modern country—with small-town storytelling and arena-ready riffs.

    “Drink With Your Name On It” will be available on all streaming platforms February 20, 2026.

    ###

    Keith Chester
    Epifonic
    press@epifonic.com
    Visit us on social media:
    Instagram
    Facebook
    YouTube
    TikTok

    Sam Riddle – Promo Reel

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • Rocky Duval to Present MELZITA Immersive Album Release Concert at EdgeCut Arts in NYC Feb. 21

    Rocky Duval to Present MELZITA Immersive Album Release Concert at EdgeCut Arts in NYC Feb. 21

    NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, February 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Rocky Duval is pleased to announce she will present an immersive album release concert for MELZITA on February 21, 2026, at EdgeCut Arts (457 Broome St., New York, NY; enter through FILD). The event begins at 7:00 p.m., with tickets offered as a $25 suggested donation. The program is designed as a hybrid listening-and-live performance experience, pairing focused playback moments with live performance to highlight the album’s musical detail, text, and sound design.

    At its core, MELZITA is a new interpretation of music connected to St. Hildegard of Bingen, developed by New York–based mezzo-soprano Rocky Duval and engineer/producer Andrea Roberts. The seven-track album includes three works drawn from Hildegard’s repertoire alongside four original compositions by Duval written in Lingua Ignota, Hildegard’s “unknown” language. Created as a bridge between medieval composition and contemporary aesthetics, the album moves between stark, voice-forward textures and modern production approaches that expand the emotional and sonic palette of the source material.

    Duval and Roberts, friends since childhood, conceived the project as a cohesive listening journey from very old to very new sounds. Some tracks build a drone bed using only voices or violin, while others introduce layered, contemporary elements. While Hildegard’s work has been approached through many interpretive lenses over the decades, MELZITA is positioned as an album-length exploration of continuity, connecting chant tradition, original poetry, and current sound design practices without treating the historical material as museum-piece repertoire.

    A central aspect of the project is its use of Lingua Ignota as an active writing tool. Drawing from the historical vocabulary list, Duval formed four poems, “Aieganz (Angels),” “O Liuionz (O Savior),” “Cauiz, Harizima, Ziuienz (Crickets, Saints of the Fields),” and “Ispariz (Spirit),” and composed new works from these texts. “O Liuionz” is written as a stylistic pastiche of Hildegard’s compositional language, while the other new pieces lean toward modern folk or contemporary choral writing, again emphasizing the album’s connective aim.

    The title MELZITA means “honey,” referencing Hildegard’s legacy as a naturalist and healer while also serving as an artistic reminder to prioritize softness, clarity, and care across the album’s musical choices.

    “This concert is built to let audiences hear the album as a complete world and then experience it live, in the room,” says Rocky Duval. “Hildegard’s music can feel both ancient and immediate. With MELZITA, we wanted to honor that duality; bridging chant, poetry, and sound design, and giving Lingua Ignota the chance to be heard as language, not only as history.”

    The album features Rocky Duval (vocals), with compositions by Hildegard of Bingen and Rocky Duval, arrangements by Rocky Duval and Andrea Roberts, engineering and production by Andrea Roberts, violin by Lily Lyons, keyboards by Andrea Roberts, and mastering by Jett Galindo.

    Media and community members interested in covering the event, the album release, or Duval’s work in early music and contemporary performance may request additional materials and interview availability using the contact information below.

    For more information about Rocky Duval, please visit https://rockyduval.com/.

    About Rocky Duval

    Rocky Duval is a New York–based mezzo-soprano, performance poet, and writer specializing in baroque and contemporary classical music. Performing professionally since age 11, Duval has appeared across opera, concert, stage, off-Broadway, and televised platforms, and has performed with organizations including The Metropolitan Opera Guild, The Glimmerglass Festival, Festival Bach Montreal, the Colorado Music Festival, the Seattle Symphony, Opera Steamboat, Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, and Amherst Early Music. Her debut album of baroque arias, Treacherous Fate, and the accompanying “Dido’s Lament” music video were described as “absolutely beautiful, vocally and visually,” and she won first prize in Japan’s Ise-Shima singing competition (2022). Duval’s original play Hildegard, Reborn premiered to a sold-out house at Lincoln Center in 2024 with sponsorship from the NYPL Library for the Performing Arts, featuring her arrangements and new compositions inspired by Hildegard’s texts.

    Rocky Duval
    Artist
    +1 917-881-2185
    rockyrduval@gmail.com

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • Hook Raises $10M Series A Funding Led By Khosla Ventures To Expand The Social Music Platform For Fan Creation

    Hook Raises $10M Series A Funding Led By Khosla Ventures To Expand The Social Music Platform For Fan Creation

    Capital Accelerates Hook’s Open Platform For Licensed Fan-Made Remixes And Effortless Sharing Across Social Media And Streaming Platforms

    NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, February 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Hook, the artist-first social platform for fan-powered music creation, announced it has raised $10 million in a Series A funding round led by Khosla Ventures with participation from existing investors Point72 Ventures, Imaginary Ventures, and Waverley Capital, co-founded by former Warner Music Group CEO Edgar Bronfman, Jr. Existing investors across the music ecosystem include Kygo’s Palm Tree Crew, Three Six Zero, Avex, The Raine Group, and renowned musician and DJ KSHMR. The round brings Hook’s total funding to $16 million.

    Hook transforms music from something fans passively consume into something they actively shape. Using simple, AI-powered tools, fans can remix songs across genres and moods, creating original versions and sharing them to social media with one tap—allowing familiar songs to be reimagined in new contexts while helping new artists and creators break through.

    Since launching in 2025, Hook has taken an artist-first approach to fan creativity, working directly with rights holders to ensure artists retain ownership, control, and monetization. The platform has partnered with major artists and labels, including Universal Music Group, on campaigns which have generated over 250 million views across social platforms. Through partnerships with Downtown Music/FUGA, Too Lost, Primary Wave, and Avex, Hook has access to a growing catalog of more than 20 million licensed songs. In the last 12 months alone, Hook’s active users have increased by more than 45X. This trust across the music ecosystem has enabled Hook to operate as an open platform that integrates with TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and SoundCloud, while ensuring artists and copyright owners participate directly in the value created.

    “Hook was built on a simple idea: fans want to express themselves with the music they love, and artists deserve to stay in control of how their work is used,” said Gaurav Sharma, founder and CEO of Hook. “We’re building the social music platform where creativity can thrive, and where ownership and monetization remain artist-led from day one.”

    With this funding, Hook will focus on driving user growth by expanding how fans create, connect, and participate with music, while continuing to invest in its brand and platform. The company plans to advance its product and technology, including the launch of an Android app, new community-driven features, richer creation formats, and native video and recording capabilities. Hook will also deepen integrations and partnerships across the music ecosystem, extending its open platform while ensuring artists remain in control. Together, these efforts support Hook’s vision to become the central platform where fandom, creativity, and artist-led ownership converge in the next era of social music.

    “Hook is solving a hard problem at the center of modern music: enabling remixing and social distribution in a way that works for rights holders at scale,” said Samir Kaul, Khosla Ventures’ Founding Partner and Managing Director. “The team has built a platform that pairs a consumer-native experience with licensing, attribution, and reporting infrastructure that the ecosystem can rely on. We’re excited to lead this round and support Hook’s next phase of growth.”

    As Hook enters this next phase of growth, the company is strengthening its leadership team to support its expanding product and operational ambitions. Simmi Singh has been elevated to Chief Operating Officer & Chief Product Officer. Singh joined Hook in 2023 as Chief Product Officer, where she has led product, design, and engineering and oversaw the launch of Hook’s platform for consumers, creators, and rightsholders. In her expanded role, Singh will continue to oversee these areas while also leading the company’s growth and expansion. She previously led Strategy & Operations for Podcasts at Spotify and worked alongside Sharma at JioSaavn as Head of Strategy & Operations, bringing a deep understanding of both product execution and the global music ecosystem.

    About Hook
    Hook is a social music platform building the next generation of music discovery, fan expression, and creator growth. Backed by top-tier investors, Hook turns the songs people love into sounds they can play with, empowering fans and creators to easily and legally reimagine music through intuitive, ethically trained, AI-powered tools with zero learning curve. By partnering directly with artists and rights holders, Hook helps ensure music is discovered, shared and expressed in ways that respect and reward the people behind it. At Hook, music isn’t just consumed – it’s experienced, expressed and made personal. For more information, visit www.hookmusic.com.

    Jaime Rosenberg
    2b Entertainment
    +1 917-292-2490
    email us here

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • A VALENTINE’S DAY FULL OF HEART: CLASSIC TV ICON KATHY GARVER SHARES HOLLYWOOD’S GREATEST LOVE STORIES IN NEW BOOK

    A VALENTINE’S DAY FULL OF HEART: CLASSIC TV ICON KATHY GARVER SHARES HOLLYWOOD’S GREATEST LOVE STORIES IN NEW BOOK

    LOS ANGELES , CA, UNITED STATES, February 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Award winning actress, voice talent, and beloved television icon Kathy Garver has released her latest book, ‘Romancing with the Stars: Inspiring Hollywood Love Stories’, which celebrates the most heartwarming and enduring romances in Hollywood history.

    Published by BearManor Media, the book was officially unveiled on Valentine’s Day during an intimate book signing and reading event at Garver’s home. Surrounded by friends and fans, Garver read selected excerpts from the book and delighted guests with signed copies of the new release. The afternoon was a joyous celebration of storytelling, romance, and community.

    ‘Romancing with the Stars’ celebrates the most heartwarming and enduring love stories from Hollywood history. From serendipitous on set romances to decades long partnerships, Garver shines a spotlight on the magic that happens when two stars truly align—bringing readers behind the scenes of beloved power couples whose relationships are an inspiration.

    Beloved by generations as “Cissy” on the classic CBS sitcom ‘Family Affair’, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, Garver’s remarkable career has spanned more than six decades—beginning with her early role in ‘The Ten Commandments’ and growing into an award-winning body of work across television, film, animation, audiobooks, and voiceover.

    In recent years, Garver received one of the highest honors of her illustrious career: a GRAMMY® nomination for best audiobook, narration, storytelling recording 2026 for ‘Elvis, Rocky and Me: The Carol Connors Story’, with GRAMMY® winner David Longoria. In that audiobook, Garver vividly brings to life Connors’ extraordinary artistic journey—from a #1 hit with Phil Spector and The Teddy Bears, to a nine-month romance with Elvis Presley.

    In addition to her narration work, Garver remains one of the industry’s most recognizable voice talents, with credits that include ‘Spider Man and His Amazing Friends’ (Firestar), ‘The New Yogi Bear Show’, and ‘Chuck Norris: Karate Kommando’s. Kathy is also set to star in the upcoming films ‘A Mother’s Christmas’, filming in Florida, and ‘Pollyanna’s Wish’, which will be shot in Australia and produced by Garver herself.

    ‘Romancing with the Stars’ invites readers to rediscover the timeless magic of love and Hollywood glamour through stories that are as inspiring as they are unforgettable. The book is available on Amazon, Bear Manor media or signed copies at https://www.kathygarver.com/.

    Praise for Romancing with the Stars:

    “A sweet celebration of serendipity and romance.” – Angela Cartwright (actress, artist, and author, who charmed audiences as Brigitta in ‘The Sound of Music’, Penny Robinson in ”Lost in Space, and Linda Williams in ‘The Danny Thomas Show’).

    “Kathy and Doug have painted a touching portrait of their love story, and I am so grateful that you can now know the story behind their inspiring romance.” – Jerry Mathers (an American television icon known for his role as Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver in ‘Leave It to Beaver’).

    “This book shines a light on the kind of role models we need today—couples who didn’t just talk about integrity but lived it with grace, grit, and unshakable faith. For them, integrity wasn’t a performance; it was the essence of who they were.” – Julie Rogers Pomilia (author of ‘Your Heroes My Grandparents, a Granddaughter’s Love’).

    For media requests for Kathy Garver, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Family Affair, please contact,

    Burke Allen/ Shaili Priya
    Allen Media Strategies
    +1 703-589-8960
    email us here
    Visit us on social media:
    LinkedIn
    Instagram
    Facebook

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.