Category: Entertainment News

Inside the Origin of Jimmy Buffett’s Legend: Occupational Hazard Documentary Spotlight

Occupational Hazard is releasing in major cities in early September timed to Jimmy Buffett Day (September 4). Photo: Michael Ochs Archive, used with permission.

Documentary Film Spotlight: Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers

Greene Street Entertainment, in association with Confluence Productions, presents Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers—a feature documentary that journeys back to the 1970s and early 1980s to tell the origin story of Jimmy Buffett’s original Coral Reefer Band. (EG-PR, 2026)

Set against the creative backdrop of Key West, the film explores the musicians, friendships, touring years, and studio sessions that helped shape Buffett’s legendary sound. It is the story upon which the “Parrot Head” empire was built, told directly by the people who laid the foundation.

The Release Schedule

  • Key West Special Screenings: Opens September 5, 2026
  • Theatrical Rollout: Select cities (including NYC and LA) to follow
  • TVOD Release: Nationwide across the US and Canada in November 2026

Behind the Magic

Narrated by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges, Occupational Hazard captures the camaraderie, chaos, and magic of an era that thrived on freedom and lived without a rulebook. Through rare, never-before-seen archival footage and deeply personal interviews with founding members, tour managers, producers, and music legends, the film offers fans an intimate look at the volatile beauty of a musical moment that couldn’t last, but changed everything.

Fresh off its premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2026, this festival favorite has picked up accolades across the country and stands as a candid, heartfelt tribute to Buffett and his original crew.

Film Fast Facts

  • Title: Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers
  • Runtime: 92 minutes
  • Country: USA | Year: 2026
  • Director: John H. Cunningham
  • Producers: John H. Cunningham, Ted E. Haynes
  • Narrator: Jeff Bridges
  • Featured Appearances: Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally, Keith Sykes, and members of The Coral Reefer Band

About the Subjects & Filmmakers

Jimmy Buffett (1946–2023)

Singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett regaled audiences for over five decades with songs about the faces and places he encountered along the road less traveled. Combining Hemingway’s eye for detail with Mark Twain’s mischievous humor, Buffett’s music celebrated the hustlers, beach bums, and pirates of the world through timeless themes of escapism, wanderlust, and unbridled curiosity.

John H. Cunningham (Director & Producer)

John H. Cunningham is a filmmaker and USA TODAY bestselling author of the 12-book Buck Reilly adventure series and The Last Raft. Before transitioning to fiction and film, Cunningham spent 35 years in commercial real estate, serving as Executive Vice President at Alexandria Real Estate Equities in NYC. Splitting his time between Virginia and Key West, he combines deep business acumen with a passion for compelling storytelling.

Courtesy photo

From Prairie DIY to Montréal Grit: The Uncompromising Rise of Truck Violence

Truck Violence’s new album The weathervane is my body is out now. Photo: Matthew Van Dystadt-Aguiar, used with permission.

Truck Violence Returns with Unforgiving DIY Triumph: The weathervane is my body

Canada’s Truck Violence howls through the harsh edges of hardcore and folk, delivering a final sound that is both deeply comforting and fiercely confrontational. Their second full-length record, The weathervane is my body, is an attempt to answer—an attempt at conciliation through refusal. (another side, 2026)

It is available now, featuring the standout single and album closer, “Kindly, wash yourself.”

From Prairie Towns to City Streets

After relocating from the Alberta prairies to Montréal at just seventeen years old, guitarist and banjoist Paul Lecours and singer-poet Karsyn Henderson navigated the massive shift from rural isolation to urban intensity.

  • Small-town roots: The pair grew up in a town of just 600 people, graduating in a class of nine.
  • Early DIY spirit: By age fifteen, they were running a local studio and radio station with no industry support, no infrastructure, and no template—only the work itself and the conviction that it was worth doing.
  • Expanding the sound: Drawing influence from punk, shoegaze, and sludge, their distinctive identity emerged from years of experimentation. Upon arriving in Montréal, Chris Clegg (bass) and Thomas Hart (percussion) joined to build Truck Violence from the ground up.

Uncompromising, In-House Execution

The weathervane is my body is the culmination of that entire journey. The group composition, recording, mixing, and visual media were all produced completely in-house without outside intervention. Here, DIY is not an aesthetic choice or a marketing angle—it is the only honest option available.

The album serves as an expansion of the angry statement of purpose launched in their debut album, Violence, which Pitchfork hailed as “never predictable or formulaic.” Rooted in noise rock and post-hardcore traditions, the new record stands immediate, self-determined, and uncompromising.

The Vision Behind the Cover Art

Shot on film by the band on Avenue du Parc in Montréal, the album cover captures the record’s entire thesis in a single frame:

A figure perches atop a small Québécois-style house, hand-built from reclaimed materials—spine curved, legs pulled in, bare-backed against a skyline that dwarfs everything beneath it. A rural thing dropped into the grit of the city: small, out of place, and refusing to disappear. Naked and defenseless, open to every stimulus the world delivers.

The weathervane is my body, track list:

  1. My dog would fuck the air
  2. Jaundiced and reaching for a mother
  3. Compelled by Christy
  4. House caught fire
  5. New Jesus
  6. Your name, It’s walking
  7. Stomach as a tower and the globules descending
  8. Gerard, be quiet
  9. Kindly, wash yourself

Catch Truck Violence Live

Truck Violence will be touring across North America this fall and winter.

Courtesy photo

Magik Theatre Unveils 2026–2027 Season & Free Educator Happy Hour

Magik returns to Hemisfair for expanded 2026-2027 season full of smash hits and fantastical fun. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

San Antonio’s Magik Theatre Unveils Star-Studded 2026–2027 Season & Educator Appreciation Event

As San Antonio students head back to the classroom, Magik Theatre is gearing up for an unforgettable new season of storytelling, education, and community connection. (Magik Theatre, 2026)

Serving roughly 30,000 students every year through its widely popular field trip program, Magik acts as a vital bridge between arts and literacy in South Texas. From timeless bestsellers to pioneering operatic collaborations, the upcoming 2026–2027 lineup brings beloved children’s literature straight to the stage.

“We built this season around characters that are adored by children and treasured by grown-ups. Generations of families, educators and their students, and friends of all ages will bond over these timeless tales — creating the unique community connection that live theatre makes possible.”

— Collin Pittmann, Artistic Director

Back-to-School Educator Happy Hour

Magik is hosting its annual Free Educator Happy Hour to give hard-working local teachers, faculty, and school staff a chance to unwind, connect with peers, and see how the upcoming lineup can complement their curriculum.

  • When: Thursday, September 3, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • What to Expect: First look at recent theatre renovations, a sneak peek at the new season, free food and drinks, door prizes, classroom resources, and a look behind the curtain.
  • Admission: Free and open to all area educators and school staff (registration required).

2026–2027 Mainstage Lineup

All mainstage productions feature Sensory-Friendly, Pay-What-You-Wish, and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performances.

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

  • Dates: October 3 – 25, 2026 | Ages 3+
  • Adapted by: Jodi Davidson (based on the book by Laura Numeroff)
  • The Story: Boy’s peaceful afternoon gets delightfully derailed when Mouse shows up. A mishap-fueled joyride filled with endless giggles.

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical

  • Dates: November 21 – December 24, 2026 | Ages 3+
  • Book & Lyrics: Timothy Mason | Music: Mel Marvin
  • The Story: Narrated by Max the Dog, watch the mean Grinch discover the true meaning of Christmas. Features iconic hits like “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”

A Year With Frog and Toad the Musical

  • Dates: January 30 – March 7, 2027 | Ages 4+
  • Book & Lyrics: Willie Reale | Music: Robert Reale
  • The Story: This three-time Tony-nominated Broadway hit follows cheerful Frog and grumpy Toad across four fun-filled seasons with a jazzy, upbeat score.

John Davies’ Pinocchio (Co-Production with OPERA San Antonio)

  • Dates: March 20 – April 4, 2027 | Ages 4+
  • By: John Davies (featuring classical music by Mozart, Donizetti, Offenbach, and Pergolesi)
  • The Story: Two San Antonio performing arts powerhouses join forces for a family-friendly one-act opera exploring honesty and trust.

Charlotte’s Web

  • Dates: April 24 – May 23, 2027 | Ages 5+
  • By: Joseph Robinette (based on the book by E.B. White)
  • The Story: Widely considered one of the greatest children’s books of all time, follow Wilbur the pig and his extraordinary spider friend Charlotte in this heartwarming tale of compassion.

Seussical the Musical (Theatre for Young Audiences Version)

  • Dates: June 19 – August 8, 2027 | Ages 3+
  • Music: Stephen Flaherty | Lyrics: Lynn Ahrens
  • The Story: A high-energy summer celebration bringing together Horton, Gertrude McFuzz, and The Cat in the Hat with a toe-tapping score blending pop, gospel, and R&B.

Ticket Options & Special Programs

Package TypeDetailsPrice
Full Season SubscriptionPriority seating for all 6 shows$120 ($20/ticket)
Flex Pass10 prepaid tickets (use anytime during 2026–2027)$220 (Save 25%+)
Corporate Flex Pass20 prepaid tickets$420
Single TicketsDiscounts for children, seniors, military, educators, and studentsVaries

Note: All ticket prices are subject to nominal facility and processing fees.

Take a Seat! Sponsorship

To celebrate Magik’s multi-million dollar renovation featuring brand-new seating, patrons are invited to sponsor a chair. Each sponsorship includes a custom-engraved plaque honoring your donation—a perfect way to commemorate your family’s love of the arts.

Share the Magik Initiative

This new community program provides local partners and their families with complimentary tickets to ensure every child can experience live theatre regardless of financial barriers. (Businesses interested in sponsoring can contact Kristin Beno, Director of Development).

Visit Magik Theatre

Located in the heart of Hemisfair Park, families can enjoy a show, explore Yanaguana Garden, and dine at nearby restaurants.

  • Address: 420 S Alamo, San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Box Office Hours: Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Phone: (210) 227-2751
  • Tickets: Available online, by phone, or at the box office.

Indie Horror Spotlight: ‘Hellbilly Hollow’ Brings Practical Gore and Heavy Metal to Theaters

The blood-soaked Southern throwback horror film will be released in select U.S. theaters on September 25, 2026. Photo: Bald Man Films/Convoke Media, used with permission.

THE BACKWOODS GET BLOODY: “HELLBILLY HOLLOW” TRAILER DROPS AHEAD OF SEPTEMBER THEATER RELEASE

One of the South’s most iconic haunted attractions is about to become the setting for an all-new generation’s nightmares.

Bald Man Films and Todd Slater’s Convoke Media have officially unleashed the first trailer for “Hellbilly Hollow,” a blood-soaked Southern throwback horror reminiscent of cult classics Terrifier and Friday the 13th. Filmed on location at the real-life Hellbilly Hollow haunted attraction in Vincent, Alabama, the film slashes into select U.S. theaters via Atlas Distribution Company on Friday, September 25. (Cinematic Red PR, 2026)

Check out the trailer breakdown, storyline, and behind-the-scenes details below.

The Synopsis: Real Scares in the Alabama Backwoods

In Hellbilly Hollow, a team of paranormal YouTubers ventures deep into the Alabama backwoods to film at a haunted attraction the night before Halloween. They soon encounter a sinister presence far more frightening, and deadlier, than specters and staged scares:

  • Tickles: A disfigured, childlike clown.
  • Bull: His manipulative caretaker brother.

One by one, the investigators and local thrill-seekers fall victim to the siblings’ sadistic games inside the attraction’s real-life haunted barn, hayride, and scare zones.

From Commercial Shoot to Southern Slasher

The idea for the film took root on-site at the attraction, where director Kevin Wayne was initially filming a commercial. After envisioning a sinister figure hunting victims through the haunt’s eerie backwoods setting, the concept evolved into a full-length feature.

“I’ve wanted to make a horror film for a long time – but not just any horror film. With ‘Hellbilly Hollow,’ I saw a chance to tell a true Southern horror story – one that’s sinister and twisted, atmospheric and character-driven, not just reliant on jump scares and gore.” — Kevin Wayne (Director / “Tickles”)

“We came up with a slate of outrageous, never-before-seen kills. From day one, we knew this would be the start of something bigger – a series of films built around a place, two complex, deranged siblings, and the culture they inhabit.” — Kurt Deimer (Producer / “Bull”)

Practical FX, Heavy Metal, and Carnage

Designed to deliver authentic throwback thrills, Hellbilly Hollow turns carnival mechanics into lethal traps. Engineered by executive producer and production designer Mike Denard, the set features customized, practical set pieces including:

  • Wack-a-Troll
  • High Striker
  • Acid Darts
  • Car Dunk Sequence

The Sound of Horror:

Supercharging the scares, the film features an original score composed by Roy Mayorga (Ministry), sound design by Tom Boykin (John Wick: Chapter 4, The Last of Us), and eight original songs performed by rock artist and co-star Kurt Deimer.

Cast and Crew Highlights

  • Cast: Kurt Deimer, Kevin Wayne, Danny Vinson, Sandra Ellis Lafferty, Megan Alexandrea Weaver, Hallie Shepherd, Trey Miller, and Keller Fornes.
  • Director: Kevin Wayne
  • Writer: Bernadette Chapman
  • Producers: Kurt Deimer, Todd Slater
  • Director of Photography: David Brower
  • Executive Producers: Michael T. Clarke, Mike Denard, Andy Gould, David Miller, Tim Miller, James Srygley, Kevin Wayne, and Brandon Evans.

ABOUT BALD MAN FILMS

Founded by Cincinnati-born rocker, actor, and producer Kurt Deimer, Bald Man Films specializes in producing genre content. The company is the culmination of Deimer’s unconventional journey from the school of hard knocks to entrepreneur, rock musician, actor, and film producer.

ABOUT CONVOKE MEDIA

Convoke Media is a strategic investment and content company operating at the intersection of film, television, digital media, and institutional capital. Recent films include, The Optimist, Flyover, Scare BnB, Paul & Greg & Amelia, & Don’t Log Off. Founded by veteran media executive Todd Slater, the company focuses on the development, financing, and scaling of premium content with global commercial potential.

Hellbilly Hollow still. Photo: Bald Man Films/Convoke Media

The Future of Music Ownership: Inside Paul ‘PK’ Kemsley’s New AI Music Company

Artist Included launches artist-first AI music company focused on creator ownership and ethical re-recordings. Photo: Artist Included, used with permission.

A New Era for Iconic Music: Artist Included Launches Ethical AI Platform with Re-Recorded Culture Club Classic

A new artist-first music and technology company, Artist Included, has officially launched with a mission to help iconic artists reclaim creative participation, ownership, and long-term value in their music. Co-founded by entrepreneur Paul “PK” Kemsley and entertainment attorney and film producer Jeremy Rosen, the company uses ethical, artist-approved voice AI to create a new model for legendary acts to reimagine classic recordings and own new master tracks for today’s market. (Miller PR, 2026)

Celebrating a Legend: A New Take on “Karma Chameleon”

To mark its debut, and coincide with Boy George’s 65th birthday, Artist Included partnered with BMG to release a fresh recording of Culture Club’s iconic hit, “Karma Chameleon.”

“Revisiting ‘Karma Chameleon’ in this way was emotional and creatively inspiring. The goal was never to replace the original — it was to celebrate it and let the song keep evolving for new audiences.”

— Boy George

Clarification on the tech: This is not a synthetic AI track. Boy George recorded brand-new vocals in the studio. Ethical technology was used solely to support and enhance the final master, ensuring the technology serves the creator rather than replacing them.

Unlocking Value Across the Board

The “Karma Chameleon” release is the first of many planned projects spanning catalog artists from the 1960s through the 2000s. Artist Included helps creators unlock revenue streams that historically bypassed them, including:

  • Digital & Physical Formats: Streaming platforms, exclusive vinyl releases, foreign-language versions, remixes, tokenization, and Dolby Atmos.
  • Media & Sync Licensing: Film, TV, advertising, gaming, and trailerized formats.
  • Direct Engagement: Brand partnerships, sponsorships, and direct-to-fan campaigns.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

The company’s ethos centers on flipping traditional music economics back in favor of the original creators.

  • Paul “PK” Kemsley, Co-Founder & CEO:

“For decades, artists created the soundtrack to our lives while much of the long-term value moved away from the original creators. Artist Included was built to help reverse that dynamic. This is not about replacing artists or exploiting old catalogs — it is about helping artists create new ones. Used responsibly, AI can become one of the most powerful creative tools the music industry has ever seen.”

  • Jeremy Rosen, Co-Founder:

“The future of AI in music must put artists at the center — creatively, ethically, and economically. Artist Included is building a model where artists control and participate directly in the future value created from their music, voice, brand, and legacy. All ego aside, we are shifting the narrative from piracy to partnership; a timely AI reframe.”

Heavyweights Backing the Movement

Artist Included has built a powerful network of entertainment veterans, technology partners, and prominent investors to support its scale:

CategoryPartner / Key Executive
Board LeadershipRobert Earl (Founder of Planet Hollywood) as Chairman of the Board.
Technology PartnerSyntiant (Developed the artist-approved vocal AI platform powering the recordings).
Strategic InvestorsMike Walsh (Uber/Salesforce seed investor), Doug Raetz (Co-President, Cresset Sports & Entertainment), and Red Light Management.
Executive LeadershipKurt Busch (Syntiant CEO), Antony Antoniou (Capital Strategy), Rob Guthrie (Music Publishing Exec), and Patryk Strojny (Former McKinsey Exec).

Looking Ahead

At a moment when AI is reshaping the global landscape, Artist Included offers a transparent, consent-first alternative built on full rights clearance and shared economics. Additional artist partnerships, new releases, and strategic announcements will be unveiled in the coming months.

Photo: Artist Included

The Judy Blume Adaptation Comes Home: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Digital Release Guide

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret will be available on 4K and digital release on August 25. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Heads to 4K & Digital This August

Great news for movie lovers and Judy Blume fans alike: Lionsgate has announced the 4K + Digital release of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. on August 25. (EG PR, 2026)

Whether you’re revisiting a favorite story or discovering it for the first time, this acclaimed coming-of-age comedy-drama is ready to join your digital home library.

🎬 The Movie

Synopsis

In this adaptation of Judy Blume’s classic novel, 11-year-old Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) is uprooted from her life in New York City to the suburbs of New Jersey, navigating the tumultuous throes of puberty alongside new friends in a new school.

She relies on her mom (Rachel McAdams), who is also adjusting to life outside the big city, and her loving, vibrant grandmother (Kathy Bates). A timeless coming-of-age story, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. sparkles with humor while tackling life’s biggest questions.

“Margaret sparkles with humor while exploring life’s biggest questions.”

Movie Details

AttributeDetails
GenreComedy, Drama
RatingPG-13
Release DateAugust 25 (Lionsgate 4K + Digital)
Running Time105 minutes
CastRachel McAdams, Abby Ryder Fortson, Elle Graham, Benny Safdie, Kathy Bates
Directed byKelly Fremon Craig
Written byKelly Fremon Craig (based on the book by Judy Blume)
Produced byJames L. Brooks, Julie Ansell, Richard Sakai, Kelly Fremon Craig, Judy Blume

Where to Stream & Watch

Available on major digital platforms, including:

  • Amazon Prime Video
  • Apple TV
  • Fandango
  • Google Play
  • YouTube

📀 4K + Digital Technical Specs & Special Features

  • Format: 16×9 (1.85:1) Presentation
  • Audio: English Dolby Atmos; Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital; French 5.1 Dolby Digital; English Descriptive Audio
  • Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Exclusive Special Features:

  • Finally That Time: Making Margaret
  • Are You There Margaret? It’s Me, Judy
  • The Secret Crew Club: Margaret and Friends
  • Bringing the Period to Life: Designing Margaret
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Key West Roundtable
  • From Book to Screen: Margaret Comes To Life
  • Bras, Bellbottoms, and Bikinis: Creating Costumes
  • Judy Reads Margaret
  • Theatrical Trailer
Photo: Lionsgate

📚 The Classic Novel

Book Synopsis

Margaret Simon, almost twelve, likes long hair, tuna fish, the smell of rain, and things that are pink. She’s just moved from New York City to Farbook, New Jersey, and is anxious to fit in with her new friends—Nancy, Gretchen, and Janie. When they form a secret club to talk about private subjects like boys, bras, and getting their first periods, Margaret is happy to belong. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

But none of them can believe Margaret doesn’t have religion, and that she isn’t going to the Y or the Jewish Community Center. What they don’t know is Margaret has her own very special relationship with God. She can talk to God about everything—family, friends, even Moose Freed, her secret crush.

Margaret is funny, real, and relatable. As you read her story, you’ll know why this book has been a beloved favorite for generations of readers.

About the Author: Judy Blume

Judy Blume spent her childhood in Elizabeth, NJ, making up stories inside her head. She has spent her adult years in many places, doing the exact same thing, but writing them down on paper.

With over 75 million copies of her books sold across 26 languages, Blume is the celebrated author behind classics like Superfudge, Blubber, Forever, Wifey, and Summer Sisters. She holds a B.S. in Education from New York University and was honored with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement by the American Library Association.

Catch Texas Soul, Blues & Stand-Up Live at Paper Tiger’s ‘La Noche del Tigre’

The new live music and comedy series ‘La Noche del Tigre’ is coming to Paper Tiger. Photo: The Krishna Company, used with permission.

🎸 Live Music & Comedy Collide: Announcing ‘La Noche del Tigre’ at Paper Tiger

San Antonio, get ready! The Krishna Company is proud to present the launch of La Noche del Tigre, a brand-new live music and comedy series bringing high-energy performances to Texas. (The Krishna Company, 2026)

The inaugural show lands at the iconic Paper Tiger in San Antonio, featuring a stacked lineup of six Texas and nationally acclaimed musical acts alongside two powerhouse stand-up comedians.

Whether you’re in it for the soulful Texas vocals, heavy rock riffs, or non-stop laughs, this is a night you won’t want to miss.

📅 Event Details & Tickets

  • When: Thursday, August 20, 2026
  • Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM | Show starts at 7:00 PM
  • Where: Paper Tiger — 2410 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
  • Tickets: $25 Advance | $30 Day-of (At the door)

🎤 The Lineup

Featured Music Acts

Tameca Jones

A long-time favorite in San Antonio, Texas soul singer and songwriter Tameca Jones has shared stages with heavy hitters like The Black Pumas, Gary Clark Jr., Leon Bridges, and Willie Nelson. You might recognize her emotive single “Sandman” from Hulu’s Black Cake, or her Adele-influenced single “So Gone” off her highly anticipated debut album, Plants & Pills (2024). Tameca is currently working on her follow-up album, slated for 2027.

Blackillac

Voted Austin Music Award’s “Best Hip Hop/Rap 2020,” this southern duo is making serious waves. Formed in 2018 by rappers ZEALE and Phranchyze under the guidance and production of 4x Grammy winner Gary Clark Jr., Blackillac built their roots in Willie Nelson’s historic Arlyn Studios. Releasing new tracks monthly, the duo is getting ready to drop their debut album featuring long-awaited collaborations with Clark Jr.

Eric Tessmer

Dubbed the “Best Guitarist in Austin” by The Austin Chronicle and a “working-class guitar hero” by the Austin American-Statesman, Tessmer is an Austin-based blues force. Inspired by Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, his sound is dark, moody, and packed with an edgy guitar virtuosity you have to hear live.

SANA SANA

SANA SANA is a cross-cultural musical experience formed by three artists whose lives were shaped by borders both visible and invisible. Their nostalgic, rhythm-rich sound reflects the nuance of being raised in the U.S. by Latino parents and immigrants—capturing the feeling of existing between two homes. It’s music made for anyone who lives in the “in-between.”

Abomic Toms

Hailed as Los Angeles’ bright new rising stars, rock & roll trio Abomic Toms recently opened for legends Billy Idol and Joan Jett at the LA Forum. Composed of Brandon Bernath (vocals/bass), Ashley Valentine (drums), and Willem Wolfe (guitar)—son of Billy Idol himself—the band is proving that rock-and-roll excellence runs in the family.

James Bullard

Raised in West Texas and bouncing between Austin and L.A. since 1999, James Bullard comes from a deeply musical family, performing since age five. Over the last decade, he has collaborated extensively with West Coast and Texas songwriters. Now residing in Austin, he continues to bring rich, authentic songwriting to the stage.

Featured Comedians

Nacya Marreiro

A multi-talented comedian, actress, and writer, Nacya has taken her stand-up worldwide—from NYC’s The Stand to LA’s Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store, as well as Austin’s Creek and the Cave. You can catch her 2021 YouTube comedy special or check out her lead role in the Amazon Prime comedy film “Moving Valentine.”

Chris Tellez

Known for his dark, dry wit and masterful storytelling, Chris Tellez is a comedian to watch. Recently featured on Comedy Central, Chris has performed at top festivals including Colossal Clusterfest, Moontower, and Oddball. He’s shared the stage with comedy giants like Nate Bargatze, Nick Thune, and Big Jay Oakerson.

🎟️ Don’t wait until it’s sold out! Grab your advance $25 tickets now and join us for an unforgettable inaugural night at Paper Tiger.

Special thanks to the event sponsors: Nomad Sound, Attal Recordings, Jam Comedy, and GK Ventures.

International Pop Star SHAB Returns with Electric New ‘Perfume’ Remix

The rapidly charting anthem returns with a fresh, dance-floor ready reimagining. Photo: Miller PR, used with permission.

SHAB Returns with High-Energy “Perfume” Remix Following Billboard & Dance Radio Success

LOS ANGELES, CA — Following the industry embrace of her latest single and music video, “Perfume,” international pop artist SHAB returns with an exciting new remix, giving the glamorous pop anthem a fresh, high-energy twist. (Miller PR, 2026)

“Perfume (Remix)” is now available on all major streaming platforms, alongside the official music video for the original version on YouTube.

A Fresh Twist on a Fan Favorite

Originally written by SHAB alongside A-list songwriters Bonnie McKee and JHart, “Perfume” blends contemporary pop production with subtle Persian influences, celebrating confidence, femininity, and self-expression.

The new remix, which was the most-added song to U.S. dance radio during its first week of release, transforms the track into an energetic, dancefloor-ready experience while preserving the infectious melodies and playful spirit that made the original resonate with fans.

Accompanied by an innovative and fashion-forward music video, the remix offers listeners a fresh way to experience one of SHAB’s standout releases.

“Perfume has always been about confidence, fun, and embracing who you are,” says SHAB. “I loved hearing the song take on a completely new energy with this remix. It brings a different side of the record to life, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

Building Global Momentum

This release continues SHAB’s momentum following three Billboard and Mediabase Top 40 chart appearances over the last nine months. Hits like “It’s On You,” “Lipstick,” and “Skin & Bones – VIP” have further established her as one of pop’s most exciting independent artists.

About SHAB

SHAB is an international pop artist who has captivated audiences with her powerful story of escaping Iranian fundamentalism as a refugee to become an acclaimed global entertainer.

With her unique blend of Middle Eastern, pop, and electronic influences, SHAB’s rise to fame has been marked by critical acclaim and a rapidly growing fanbase—boasting over 25 million YouTube views and 13 million Spotify streams.

Career Highlights & Achievements:

  • Tours: Four tours across Europe & the UK, plus a critically acclaimed 2025 U.S. national tour with The Wanted.
  • Press Features: Highlights in Rolling Stone, Newsweek, Marie Claire, FHM, Hot Press, and Wonderland.
  • Recent Releases: Her 2025 double album, One Suitcase, and her first U.S. pop radio hits, including “Lipstick” and “Voodoo” (a collaboration with hip-hop legend Fat Joe).

Advocacy & Giving Back

In addition to her musical success, SHAB is a passionate advocate for refugees and women’s rights. Serving as an ambassador for the UK-based charity Choose Love, SHAB is donating all of her profits from purchases of the One Suitcase album to support displaced people around the world. Her advocacy is deeply personal, rooted in her lived experience as a refugee, and aligns with her mission to empower others through both her music and humanitarian work.

Award-Winning Documentary ‘To Use a Mountain’ Premieres at DCTV in NYC

Peace activists standing at the entry to the Nevada National Security Site. Photo: To Use a Mountain, LLC, used with permission.

New Documentary Spotlight: TO USE A MOUNTAIN

Facet, Narrow Vision Endeavors, and Correspondent Productions Present:

TO USE A MOUNTAIN

  • Director, Cinematographer, Editor: Casey Carter
  • Producers: Colleen Cassingham, Jonna McKone
  • Executive Producers: Brett Story, Maida Lynn, Ryan Krivoshey
  • Format: Feature Documentary | USA, 2025 | 99 Minutes

Release & Screening Information

  • Theatrical Release: Opens theatrically at DCTV in New York on Friday, August 21, with a regional theatrical expansion to follow.
  • VOD Release: Coming in 2027 via Grasshopper Film.
  • Community Screenings: TO USE A MOUNTAIN is currently screening with frontline communities across the country confronting issues of nuclear waste, nuclear weapons production, and next-generation nuclear projects initiated in response to the energy demands of the AI data center boom.

Festival Accolades

  • Visions du Réel (Switzerland) — World Premiere | Special Jury Award, International Competition
  • Dallas IFF (Dallas, Texas) — Documentary Feature Competition
  • DOXA (Vancouver) — Best Feature Honorable Mention, ParaDOXA Forum
  • IDFA (Amsterdam) — Best of Fest
  • Big Sky (Missoula, Montana) — Official Selection
  • And many more…

Synopsis

In 1982, six rural communities across the United States were notified that all of the nation’s nuclear waste might be buried beneath them forever. (EG PR, 2026)

Faced with a mandate to isolate the waste for 10,000 years, the Department of Energy mapped, analyzed, and assembled its assessments, while the unsuspecting stewards of sacrificial territory found themselves fighting for their homes, health, history, and dignity.

In the end, one site was chosen: a desert ridge in Nevada called Yucca Mountain, on the unceded lands of the Western Shoshone. After decades of controversy, construction at Yucca Mountain was halted, and to this day, no permanent solution has been devised for America’s 90,000 tons of high-level nuclear waste.

Against the impassive logic of government analysis and archives, TO USE A MOUNTAIN assembles a people’s history of resistance and stewardship through a visceral journey across the landscapes, ecologies, and personal histories of the candidate sites. Farmers, miners, citizen scientists, Native American leaders, and activists—each with a story bound to this enduring threat—stand in stark contrast to the cold, silent machinery of bureaucracy, in a meditation on resistance, memory, and the timeless struggle between power and place.

About the Filmmaker: Casey Carter

Casey Carter is a filmmaker and interdisciplinary designer whose work engages nonfiction storytelling in film and video, photography, data visualization, and cartography. His work centers around themes of governmentality, geography, environmentalism, and personal subjectivities.

Prior Work & Background

His short films—TWO BOYS AND A DREAM (2023), TWO PRISONS (2020), and THE RIGHTS OF NATURE (2019)—have screened at festivals including Revolutions Per Minute, SF Shorts, Salem, Ashland Independent, and Hong Kong Film Art.

He holds a B.S. in Physics and a B.S. in Photography from Middle Tennessee State University, as well as a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan.

Grants & Recognition

His work has been supported through grants and fellowships from institutions including:

  • Sundance Documentary Film Program
  • International Documentary Association (IDA)
  • UnionDocs Center for Documentary Art
  • New York Foundation for the Arts
  • The Marble House Project
  • Monson Arts
  • The Redford Center
  • SFFILM
  • Flies Collective
Photo: To Use A Mountain, LLC

Genghis Tron Announces New Album ‘Signal Fire’: Everything You Need to Know

Genghis Tron releases long-awaited new album Signal Fire. Photo: Aaron Jones, used with permission.

Genghis Tron Return to Face the Present on Signal Fire

For almost two decades, Genghis Tron bandleaders Michael Sochynsky and Hamilton Jordan have gazed into the future and imagined what the world would look like after the extinction of our species. It’s an outcome that has long troubled, but also inspired, them to steer the pioneering outfit in breaking new ground with each successive release, moving from the genre-smashing electro-grind of 2008’s Board Up the House to the lush, pummeling hypnosis of 2021’s Dream Weapon. (another side, 2026)

Now, with their fourth full-length album, Signal Fire—co-produced and mixed by Seth Manchester (Model/Actriz, Battles, Big Brave)—Genghis Tron awakens us from the post-apocalyptic daydreams of their previous work with a violent, and most welcome, shove.

This time, the distant-future reveries give way to an unsettling awareness of the present we’re actually living, as our circumstances grow too pressing to try and escape.

“Signal Fire envisions a Kojima-esque dystopia of endless proxy warfare, where the deluge of available information has outmoded the human ability to parse it. A world where those amoral, shameless, and cunning enough can literally reshape the reality at their whim through sheer insistence.”

— Tony Wolski, vocalist and lyricist

A Visceral Evolution

Roaring onto the scene in 2004 with a uniquely demented blend of extreme metal, synthesizer textures, and drum-machine madness, Genghis Tron are no strangers to making a forceful impression. But Signal Fire marks the first time the band—joined again by Wolski and Nick Yacyshyn (SUMAC) on drums, plus newcomer Kenny Szymanski (The Armed) on bass—has captured this level of urgency with such visceral precision.

Through their contributions to 2021’s Dream Weapon, Wolski and Yacyshyn (who joined the band in 2020, replacing former vocalist Mookie Singerman and the band’s drum machine) had already proven themselves to be indispensable to the full realization of Genghis Tron’s vision.

Refining the Craft

Twenty years into their career, having proven their ability to forge common ground between Ministry and Aphex Twin, between Brutal Truth and Boards Of Canada, and between Cluster and Converge, ugly-beautiful new genre hybrids from Genghis Tron no longer come as a surprise.

What’s remarkable, however, is how Sochynsky and Jordan have taken a project that started in 2004 as a dorm-room genre-pastiche experiment, “a chaotic, wild amalgamation of all our favorite stuff, literally slammed together,” says Jordan, and refined their songwriting craft to deliver a sound that is unmistakably their own.

Sochynsky and Jordan acknowledge that their approach to songwriting is, at its core, the same it has always been: trading ideas, whether on synths, programmed beats, or guitars. The crucial difference? Genghis Tron now sounds like an actual band.

On Signal Fire, Genghis Tron has never sounded more unhinged, more alive, and more free to continue upending everyone’s expectations in service of making compelling music.

Signal Fire track list:

  1. I Am All
  2. Signal Fire
  3. Future Worship
  4. Like Fotocrom
  5. Tomorrow Mirage
  6. Nothing Blooms in the Hollow
  7. Without Form
  8. Born Prey
  9. A Love So Pure
  10. New Gods