Dynamic Guitar Duo: Keel & Stickley’s Self-Titled EP Drops September 5

Two master guitarists with distinct, complementary personalities join together for bold music full of depth, energy, and inspiration. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Release Debut Duo EP

ASHEVILLE, NC — Larry Keel and Jon Stickley have long been recognized as two of the finest flatpicking guitarists of this generation. Now, they’ve joined forces to celebrate the pure joy of acoustic guitar music with their new duo project. Their chemistry is undeniable—effortlessly weaving rhythm and lead, creating an intimate conversation between two guitars and two voices, while maintaining their own distinct musical personalities. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2025)

Their self-titled debut EP, Larry Keel and Jon Stickley, will be independently released on September 5. Pre-save/Pre-order here.

A Duo Years in the Making

“I’ve wanted this project to happen for so long!” Keel says. “Jon and I have been on many of the same bills all over the place for so many years, teaming up in jams, sit-ins, and campfire pickings, and yet we’ve never gotten our fill of playing together as guitar players—which we both seem to crave. So, now we’ve put this guitar duo act in motion, playing shows and making a record, and it feels great getting to scratch that itch.”

About the EP

The five-track collection blends lyrical songwriting with adventurous instrumentals:

“Future Ghost” – A shredding, dynamic instrumental that highlights the duo’s contrasting styles. Stickley describes the interplay as “very freeing and exhilarating.”
“Sailor Suit” – A cover of Steve McMurry’s 1990s Acoustic Syndicate tune, with Stickley on lead vocals.
“Pioneers” – Written by Keel during a 1990s tour along the Oregon Trail, this track reflects on the journeys of early settlers in the American West.
“Take the Air” – A Stickley original, inspired by David Grisman and Tony Rice, written in 7/4 time during the pandemic as a meditative, uplifting riff.
“Starborn” – Classic Keel: upbeat yet tinged with melancholy, closing with a spacey outro that serves as a tribute to a released soul.

Together, these songs push the boundaries of two-guitar arrangements, resulting in a progressive and compelling acoustic collection.

“Pioneers” is out as an early single. Stream/buy here.

Festival Favorites

Keel and Stickley are no strangers to the stage. Both have been staples on the bluegrass, Americana, and jam band circuits for years, sharing late-night jams and festival stages at Strings and Sol, Jam Cruise, DelFest, Hulaween, Suwannee Spring Reunion, Roots Revival, Hoxeyville, The Bender Jamboree, WinterWonderGrass, and Billy Strings’ Renewal, among many others.

✨ The Keel Stickley Duo brings raw virtuosity, creative spirit, and late-night jam energy to every note. Their debut EP is just the beginning of an inspired new chapter in their musical journey.

Larry Keel and Jon Stickley track listing
1.) Future Ghost (2:34)
2.) Sailor Suit (4:07)
3.) Pioneers (3:24)
4.) Take the Air (2:56)
5.) Starborn (4:03)

Produced by Larry Keel and Jon Stickley
Recorded/Engineered by James McLaughlin
Mastered by Crystal Mastering
Artwork/Design by Luther Blevins

From Festival Favorite to VOD: The Compatriots Launches Nationwide This September

The heartfelt comedy will be released digitally starting in the US and Canada on September 16. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

The Compatriots Brings Heartfelt Humor and Immigration Stories to VOD This September

Release Date: September 16, 2025 (U.S. & Canada)
Platform: VOD Nationwide (with international releases to follow)

Blue Harbor Entertainment has announced that its award-winning festival favorite The Compatriots will be available on Video on Demand across the U.S. and Canada beginning September 16, 2025. Additional VOD releases in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and other territories are coming soon. (EG-PR, 2025)

The film’s release aligns with Citizen Day in the United States (Sept. 17), making its themes of immigration, identity, and belonging especially timely.

A Story of Friendship, Belonging, and Resilience

Marking the narrative feature directorial debut of Spencer Cohen, The Compatriots is a nuanced comedy-drama starring Rafael Silva (Javi) and Denis Shepherd (Hunter), alongside Dakota Lustic, Caroline Portu, Jaison Hunter, and Brandon Grimes.

The story follows Javi, an undocumented immigrant facing deportation, who unexpectedly reconnects with his estranged best friend Hunter, a charming bachelor yearning for deeper connections. Together, they embark on a heartfelt mission to keep Javi in the only country he has ever known.

Inspired by Cohen’s childhood best friend Alberto Sayan, a Dreamer from Peru, the film offers an intimate look at the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants—especially those brought to the U.S. as children and now facing deportation to countries they barely remember.

Festival Accolades

Since its premiere, The Compatriots has made an impressive run on the festival circuit, earning:

Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature – Woods Hole Film Festival
Emerging New England Filmmaker Award – Woods Hole Film Festival
Best LGBTQ Feature – Poppy Jasper Film Festival
Best Narrative Feature – San Antonio Film Festival

It has also been featured at the Maui, Ojai, Chelsea, and Fort Lauderdale Film Festivals.

Director’s Statement

“Dreamers are not an abstract concept; they are our neighbors, nurses, teachers—and in my case, my best friend Alberto,” says director Spencer Cohen. “They are integral parts of our communities, and they deserve to feel safe in the country they call home. I hope audiences will see Javi as their best friend and fight for policies that give permanent protection to millions like him.”

About Blue Harbor Entertainment

Founded in 2023 by Amanda Sherwin, Mike Messina, and Seth Needle, Blue Harbor Entertainment is a boutique distributor dedicated to empowering independent filmmakers. With decades of combined industry experience, the company offers full-scale distribution and marketing solutions for theatrical, digital, and television releases—providing a flexible, filmmaker-first approach in today’s evolving entertainment landscape.

Release Date Reminder: The Compatriots premieres on VOD September 16, 2025, in the U.S. and Canada.

Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

Gianmarco Soresi’s ‘Drama King’ Tour Hits San Antonio This September

Comedian Gianmarco Soresi brings his comedy tour to the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club. Photo: Jim Cambridge, used with permission.

Gianmarco Soresi Brings His “Drama King” Tour to San Antonio

📅 September 12–14, 2025
📍 Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club – San Antonio, TX

Comedy fans in San Antonio, get ready—Gianmarco Soresi, the quick-witted comedian, actor, and viral social media sensation, is bringing his Drama King Tour to the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club for three nights of sharp, high-energy stand-up. (Shark Party Media, 2025)

A Comedian on the Rise

Fresh off being named one of Vulture’s “Comedians You Should and Will Know” and Deadline’s “Comedians Ready to Break Out in 2025,” Soresi is making waves in the comedy world. He recently hit 1 million YouTube subscribers and taped his first hour-long comedy special at Los Angeles’ Elysian Theater—release details coming later this year.

The Gianmarco Style

Known for his razor-sharp societal observations and animated, upbeat-yet-dark comedic style, Soresi has earned praise from NPR, Esquire, The Atlantic, Buzzfeed, ABC News, and more. He’s performed on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central, Don’t Tell Comedy, and even The Real Housewives of New York.

His acting credits include Billy Crystal’s Here Today, Netflix’s Bonding, Hustlers, and The Last OG. In 2022, he was selected as a JFL New Face, cementing his spot as one of comedy’s must-watch performers.

Beyond the Stage

When he’s not touring, Soresi keeps busy in NYC with:

The Silver Lining – his recurring new-material showcase with guest comics
The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi – a live podcast with co-host Russell Daniels and special guests
A set on Netflix’s Verified Stand-Up

🎟 Show Details

Venue: Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
📍 618 Northwest Loop 410 #312, San Antonio, TX 78216

Dates & Times:

Sept 12: 7:30p.m. & 9:45p.m.
Sept 13: 7p.m. & 9:30p.m.
Sept 14: 7:30p.m.

Tickets: Get them here

If you like comedy that’s fast, fearless, and a little bit dark, you won’t want to miss Gianmarco Soresi live in San Antonio.

Hannah Delynn’s Trust Fall: A Vulnerable and Soulful Debut Album

Finding freedom through vulnerability, Delynn writes heartfelt songs of hope and healing. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Hannah Delynn Releases Debut Album Trust Fall — Out September 5

NASHVILLE — Nashville-based vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Hannah Delynn will independently release her debut full-length album, Trust Fall, on September 5. Known for her ability to view life through many perspectives, Hannah crafts songs that are emotionally engaging, compelling, and rooted in vulnerability. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2025)

This record is a heartfelt exploration of self-responsibility and the tangled web of emotions that come with it—a journey toward finding freedom by embracing one’s true self.

“I write about matters of the heart and hope my words and songs bring you hope and healing and connect you with the beauty that is all around us—even when it feels difficult to see.” — Hannah Delynn

A Spotlight on “Jealousy”

Hannah recently released “Jealousy,” the album’s third single, which premiered on The Bluegrass Situation. They described it as “anchored by emotive piano, exploring the depths and catacombs of often squashed emotions.”

The track leans toward a raw, almost pop sound, offering complete vulnerability by shining a light on a difficult emotion.

“Instead of being a shameful thing, jealousy can be an insight into what one really wants by seeing others as mirrors to oneself.” — Hannah Delynn

A Journey Across Continents

Originally from Florida, Hannah’s path to Nashville in 2013 took her through New Zealand, British Columbia, and Australia, collecting life stories along the way. Many of these experiences now live in the songs of Trust Fall, which reflects a season of profound grief, loss, betrayal, heartbreak, but also love, generosity, friendship, and beauty.

A Collaborative Creation

Produced by fellow songwriter Maya de Vitry, who also provides harmonies and performs on the record, Trust Fall features a talented cast of Nashville musicians:

Alex Wilder — harmony vocals, piano/Wurlitzer
Ethan Jodziewicz — arco and ukulele bass
John Mailander — fiddle, electronics
Jordan Tice — guitar
Annaliese Kowert — violins
Lizzy Ross — harmony vocals

The Songs of Trust Fall

The album features 11 original tracks by Hannah Delynn, with notable co-writes:

With Maya de Vitry: “Leaf on a River,” “Blood Alone,” “No Small Thing,” and string arrangements on “For the Record”
With Josh Rennie-Hynes: “For the Record”
With Clare Reynolds: “Jealousy”
Chordal arrangements for “Waiting” by Emily Mann

Trust Fall will be available September 5 on all major streaming platforms. It’s available for pre-order on Bandcamp.

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Western Swing Royalty: Asleep at the Wheel Drops Star-Studded Title Track

‘Riding High In Texas’ is the newest single from their forthcoming album. Photo: Bismeaux Records/Signature Sounds Recordings, used with permission.

Asleep at the Wheel Releases New Single “Riding High In Texas” Ahead of Forthcoming Album

Austin, TX — In celebration of their 50+ years as a cornerstone of Texas music, legendary Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel has released the title track of their new album, Riding High In Texas, out August 22 via Bismeaux Records and Signature Sounds Recordings. (IV-PR, 2025)

The track, “Riding High In Texas,” was originally written by bluegrass great Peter Rowan and first appeared on his 1980 LP Medicine Trail. This new version features Ian Stewart—the band’s newest member—on lead vocals, delivering a quick, twangy take on the song.

In a nod to Rowan’s bluegrass roots, bandleader Ray Benson invited modern-day guitar phenom Billy Strings to lend his virtuosic picking to the track.

“Love everything about this song,” says Benson. “It also made for a great title for the record. Ian can yodel, and having Billy Strings play guitar on it… took it to a whole new level.”

The song’s hook—
“Let’s go riding high in Texas in my mind / Said sometimes I feel I gotta leave this crazy world behind”—
rings out with the band’s signature harmonies, pedal steel, and fiddles, all elevated by Strings’ unmistakable flatpicking.

Holler. premiered the track and its accompanying music video, calling it an “effortlessly cool road anthem with their signature pedal steel and fiddle licks.”

The video features Stewart on horseback, singing through the streets of Austin. Intercut with footage of saddle bronc riders and full-band performances at Dallas’ Longhorn Ballroom and Benson’s Austin studio, the video captures the Lone Star spirit that defines the band’s sound and this record.

🎵 Hear previously released singles “Texas In My Soul” and “Texas.”
📦 Pre-order or pre-save the full album Riding High In Texas.

🎉 Coming Up: Hall of Fame Induction

On August 9, Asleep at the Wheel will be officially inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

Riding High In Texas tracklist:
Riding High In Texas
Texas In My Soul
Long Tall Texan
Texas
Texas Cookin’
Lonesome Pine Special
T for Texas (Blue Yodel #1)
All My Exes (Live in Texas)
There’s Still a Lot of Love in San Antone
Beaumont Rag

Catch Asleep At The Wheel On Tour

August
Wednesday, August 6 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater
Thursday, August 7 – Vienna, VA – Filene Center (with Lyle Lovett)
Saturday, August 9 – Carthage, TX – Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
Wednesday, August 13 – Homer, NY – Center for the Arts of Homer
Thursday, August 14 – Norwalk, CT – District Music Hall
Friday, August 15 – Newton, NJ – Newton Theatre
Saturday, August 16 – Peekskill, NY – Paramount Hudson Valley
Sunday, August 17 – New York, NY – City Winery New York City
Tuesday, August 19 – Kent, OH – Kent Stage
Wednesday, August 20 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark

25 Years of Chaos: Slipknot Reissues Debut Album with Rare Tracks & Live Cuts

Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition). Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Slipknot Celebrates 25 Years with Explosive Anniversary Reissue of Their Debut Album

Slipknot is marking a major milestone in their storied legacy with the 25th Anniversary Edition of their groundbreaking, self-titled debut album — a record that reshaped the heavy metal landscape and launched the Iowa nine into the stratosphere. (another side, 2025)

Originally released on June 29, 1999, Slipknot was a sonic Molotov cocktail that exploded onto the scene with raw energy, brutal precision, and an uncompromising creative vision. Produced by the legendary Ross Robinson, the album went double platinum, earning critical acclaim and cementing its place as a metal classic. Now, 25 years later, the band is revisiting the chaos and creativity of that moment with a deluxe reissue that reveals how it all came to be.

Deluxe Edition Details

Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition) will be released on September 5, 2025, via Roadrunner Records and will be available across digital platforms and physical formats.

Pre-order formats include:

A 6LP box set on blood-splattered vinyl (limited to 1,899 copies)
2LP and 2CD editions
Full digital release across streaming services

The 6LP set includes the original album, plus never-before-heard recordings, alternate versions, and unreleased takes sourced from SR Audio, Indigo Ranch, and more. These rare tracks provide a glimpse into the creative process behind the debut—charting the band’s evolution from raw brutality to refined chaos.

In a nod to the fans who’ve been with them since the beginning, the band also released an ultra-limited blood-filled vinyl version via their secret website — limited to just 100 copies, which sold out instantly and even crashed the site.

Exclusive Live Recordings & Rare Demos

The anniversary edition includes live recordings from Slipknot’s first world tour in 1999–2000. One set captures their unfiltered power on a small stage in Hartford, CT, while another from the UK shows them commanding a festival mainstage with explosive force. These performances have been remixed and mastered from original soundboard tapes and handpicked by the band to best reflect their primal early era.

Fans will also get access to a previously unreleased demo of “Prosthetics,” recorded before entering the studio with Ross Robinson. This early version reveals the seeds of what would become one of the album’s most haunting tracks.

A Legacy of Innovation

Guitarist Jim Root reflects:

“We loved what we did with the first record but we didn’t even know if there was gonna be anything after that. We just wanted people to hear it… The dream scenario, in some ways, came true for us.”

That dream evolved into Knotfest, the band’s signature touring festival launched in 2012, and Knotfest.com, a thriving media platform amplifying new voices in the heavy music world. From genre-shattering albums to game-changing live performances, Slipknot has built a multi-generational fanbase that stretches across borders and decades.

Founding member Shawn “Clown” Crahan adds:

“Every time I’ve walked on stage, it’s never been about how many people have been there because my culture, the maggots, always show up.”

The 25th Anniversary Is for the Maggots

This anniversary is more than just a reissue—it’s a thank you to the fans, the Maggots, who’ve carried the band for a quarter century. Slipknot is bringing the story full circle, revisiting where it all began while reminding us why they’ve remained one of the most influential bands of their generation.

Pre-order now and prepare to relive the chaos that started it all.

[Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition) drops September 5, 2025.]

L-R: Box Set 6LP Packshot, 2LP Packshot. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Donella Drive Unleashes ‘Death Animation’ Ahead of Forthcoming Album Axon

Donella Drive shares new single from new album. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

🎤Donella Drive Drops New Single “Death Animation” Ahead of Axon Release

San Antonio, TX — San Antonio’s own Donella Drive recently released a brand new single, “Death Animation,” from their highly anticipated forthcoming album Axon, set to drop on August 22, 2025. (US/THEM Group, 2025)

🎧 Listen to “Death Animation” now
🎸 Premiere via Punk News

The latest track follows the band’s lead single, “Mindless Embryonic,” which debuted via Decibel Magazine earlier this year.

🎧 Listen to “Mindless Embryonic”
📢 Decibel Magazine premiere

Donella Drive: Breaking Boundaries Since 2012

Blending elements of alternative metal, post-hardcore, and progressive rock, Donella Drive continues to defy genre labels with their ambitious sound. The core duo — Aidan Escalante (lead vocals/guitar) and Andrew Salazar (bass/backing vocals) — founded the band in 2012 with a vision of pushing rock music into unexplored territory.

Their 2015 debut album, Anomalous, led to national tours supporting legendary acts like Megadeth, Deftones, and Scorpions, as well as modern favorites like Protest The Hero, Dead Poet Society, and Hail the Sun. A pivotal moment came when Escalante took over lead vocals, culminating in the 2020 release of Bloomer.

Now, with their EP Ozell out and their full-length Axon on the horizon, Donella Drive shows no signs of slowing down.

Charting Success and Major Milestones

“Keep You Waiting” peaked at #24 on the Billboard Rock Indicator chart
Reached #10 on The Foundations Chart
Finalist for The Battle For Wacken Festival
Performed live at The Viper Room, West Hollywood (2022)

Upcoming Album: Axon

🗓️ Release Date: August 22, 2025
🛒 Pre-order Now

Donella Drive Live: 2025 Tour Dates

08/15 — San Antonio, TX @ The Rock Box
08/16 — Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall

Stay connected with Donella Drive as they continue to redefine the boundaries of modern rock.

Axon tracklist:

01. My Name is Axon

02. Simian Transmission

03. Mindless Embryonic

04. Terlingua

05. Stir the Echoes

06. External Gazer

07. Past Inside The Present

08. Polychromatic Dream

09. Death Animation

10. Information Superhighway

Film, Family, and Frida: What’s New at the 46th CineFestival San Antonio

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center announces the 46th CineFestival San Antonio. Photo: CineFestival San Antonio, used with permission.

🎬 46th CineFestival San Antonio: A Celebration of Latinx Film, Music & Culture

July 9–13, 2025 | Multiple Venues Across San Antonio

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is thrilled to unveil the full program for the 46th annual CineFestival San Antonio, taking place July 9–13, 2025. As the city’s original and longest-running Latinx film festival, CineFestival promises a vibrant showcase of stories that reflect the diverse cultural tapestry of San Antonio, Texas, and the Latinx experience in the U.S. and beyond. (CineFestival San Antonio, 2025)

👉 Full schedule, festival passes, and tickets available online.

⚠️ Please Note: Due to mature content and unrated films, parental discretion is advised. All non-English films include English subtitles. Programming and times subject to change.

📍 Screening Venues

Hosted by the Carver Community Cultural Center, the festival will span four iconic locations across the city:

Little Carver Civic Center, 226 N Hackberry St
Jo Long Theatre, 226 N Hackberry St
Santikos Mayan Palace, 1918 SW Military Dr
SAY Sí, 1310 S. Brazos St

🎥 Festival Highlights

With 95 films on the lineup—including 12 features and over 25 screenings of short films—this year’s festival is an expansive tribute to Latinx voices in cinema.

33 films by San Antonio-based artists
38 films produced in or connected to Texas
16 films nominated for the Mesquite Award for Best Texas Short Film

🌟 Headlining Documentaries

Two highly anticipated documentaries will lead this year’s program:

Selena y Los Dinos, directed by CineFestival alumna Isabel Castro, tells the story of the Queen of Tejano Music through never-before-seen footage. Produced in collaboration with Selena’s siblings, the film will premiere with Castro and some cast members in attendance.
Take It Away, by Adrian Alejandro Arredondo and Myrna Perez, follows the life and legacy of beloved Tejano music host Johnny Canales, whose show introduced legends like Selena and Ramon Ayala to mainstream audiences.

“At CineFestival, we share the pride that Selena y Los Dinos brought to Mexican American communities of Texas and beyond.” – Eugenio del Bosque, Festival Director

🎬 Featured Films

Here are some of the standout features included in the 2025 program:

Carnalismo (dir. José Luis Cano) – A vibrant film exploring cumbias, lowriders, and brotherhood in Durango, Mexico.
Hola Frida (dir. André Kadi & Karine Vézina) – An animated journey into the whimsical early life of Frida Kahlo.
Prodigal Daughter (dir. Mabel Valdiviezo) – A deeply personal documentary on family, immigration, and healing.
Spring of the Vanishing (dir. Andrew Glazer) – A chilling look into the crisis of disappearances along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Ladder (dir. Emilio Miguel Torres) – A poetic sci-fi tale exploring age, ethics, and reinvention.
The Place In Between (dir. Laura Perez) – A San Antonio-shot road trip dramedy about grief, reconnection, and unexpected bonds.
Uvalde Mom (dir. Anayansi Prado) – A gripping portrayal of a mother’s courageous act during a tragedy that shocked the nation.
Valentina or the Serenity (dir. Ángeles Cruz) – A poignant story of Indigenous resilience and childhood love.

🏆 Texas and San Antonio Showcases

Mesquite Award Nominees: 16 Texas short films (13 narratives, 3 documentaries) showcasing local talent.
Vistas de San Antonio: Featuring My Rocking Chair by Alejandro Aldana and 17 shorts made by students and local creatives from Northwest Vista College, St. Mary’s University, UIW, and UTSA.
Texas Showcase: 15 short films from across the state, reflecting the bold and fresh perspectives of emerging filmmakers.

🎞️ Shorts & Youth Films

The festival also proudly presents:

U.S. Latinx Shorts Program – A diverse slate of award-winning and thematically rich short films by Latinx creators nationwide.
Youth Films – Projects by filmmakers aged 18 and under, representing schools and media programs in San Antonio, Texas, and neighboring states.

🤝 Supported By

The 46th CineFestival San Antonio is made possible with generous support from:

City of San Antonio Department of Arts and Culture,
San Antonio Film Commission,
Texas Commission on the Arts,
National Endowment for the Arts,
The Ford Foundation,
San Antonio Area Foundation,
H-E-B, and AARP.

🎟️ Don’t miss this landmark celebration of Latinx stories on screen!
Get your passes and explore the full lineup today:
👉 CineFestival San Antonio

Photo: CineFestival San Antonio, used with permission.

Kat Cunning Leads in Star People, a New Sci-Fi Feature Inspired by the Phoenix Lights

Star People will have its World Premiere at Dances With Films: LA 2025. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

🌟 STAR PEOPLE to Premiere at Dances With Films: LA 2025 🌟

The highly anticipated sci-fi thriller STAR PEOPLE will have its World Premiere at the 28th Annual Dances With Films: LA on Saturday, June 28 at 7:15p.m. at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. It will hit theaters July 25 and Video on Demand on August 12. (EG-PR, 2025)

🎬 Directed by Adam Finberg in his narrative feature directorial debut, STAR PEOPLE stars a powerhouse ensemble:

Kat Cunning (The Deuce, On Swift Horses)
McCabe Slye (Destroyer, Fear Street Trilogy)
Connor Paolo (The Last Stop in Yuma County, Gossip Girl)
Eddie Martinez (The Sinner, Night Swim)
Bradley Fisher (Westworld)
Adriana Aluna Martinez (Duster)

Written and Directed by: Adam Finberg
Produced by: Adam Finberg & Josh Shader
Runtime: 103 minutes
Language: English
Country: USA (2025)

🔭 Inspired by Real Events

Loosely based on The Phoenix Lights, the largest mass UFO sighting in U.S. history, STAR PEOPLE follows a determined photographer (Kat Cunning) who receives a tip that might explain her childhood alien encounter. But as a deadly heatwave grips the region and uninvited guests arrive, her obsessive quest for the truth spirals into something far more dangerous.

🎥 Meet the Filmmaker: Adam Finberg

Adam Finberg, a Phoenix native and graduate of the American Film Institute’s directing program, brings over two decades of storytelling experience to his first narrative feature.

He began in music videos (Armin van Buuren, Otis) and commercials (GoDaddy, Napoleon Perdis), then transitioned to socially conscious documentary work. His film The Business of Recovery exposed corruption in the addiction treatment industry and was featured on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and at the International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Washington, D.C.

Finberg has also served as lead editor on numerous unscripted shows across networks like Discovery, MSNBC, Showtime, VH1, and ABC.

Adam Finberg. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

🎟️ Festival Screening Details

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Location: TCL Chinese Theater
Address: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

🎞️ About Dances With Films

Now in its 28th year, Dances With Films (DWF) continues to uplift fiercely independent storytellers. Unlike other festivals that focus on celebrity status, DWF champions raw talent, innovative ideas, and relentless creativity. Its alumni have gone on to shape the future of film and television across genres and platforms.

Mark your calendars—STAR PEOPLE is set to be one of the standout sci-fi debuts of 2025.

Stay tuned for tickets and updates! 🚀

Welcome to the Gelliverse: Gelli Haha’s ‘Normalize’ Sets the Stage for Switcheroo

Gelli Haha releases new single ‘Normalize.’ Photo: Sophie Prettyman-Beauchamp, used with permission.

Gelli Haha Unleashes “Normalize” — The Final Single Before Debut Album Switcheroo

Gelli Haha has officially announced her newest single and video, “Normalize,” the final release ahead of her highly anticipated debut album Switcheroo, due out June 27, 2025. Drawing from the rich textures of 80s Nigerian soul boogie, the track delivers a smooth, mid-tempo synth-funk groove beneath Gelli’s raw yet velvety vocals. In the chorus, she aches for escape: “I want to fly away.” (another side, 2025)

The video for “Normalize” is a surreal extension of her live performances, directed by David Gutel. It continues the psycho-science experiment narrative introduced in her previous single “Spit,” revealing Gelli’s transformation into a parachute monster. Watch the video below.

Introducing the Gelliverse

Gelli Haha (pronounced Jelly-Haha) is more than a musician — she’s a shapeshifter, a sonic acrobat, and a visionary performer blurring the line between Studio 54 glam and Area 51 mystery. Her music dances in the tension between playful and profound, absurd and sincere.

Her debut album Switcheroo, via Innovative Leisure, serves as the official soundtrack to the Gelliverse — a vibrant, chaotic, and genre-bending world of her own design.

Switcheroo: A High-Voltage Creative Experiment

Created in collaboration with Sean Guerin of De Lux, Switcheroo is the product of spontaneous experimentation and a shared love for off-kilter pop and vintage gear. The duo leaned into analog oddities — Eventide Harmonizers, MXR Pitch Transposers, Electrix units — crafting textures that are intentionally flawed and brilliantly bizarre.

Every track is an invitation to let go, laugh, dance, and dive headfirst into the spectacle. Switcheroo is an inside joke turned theatrical masterpiece.

Don’t Miss Gelli Haha Live in LA

Gelli Haha’s wild, prop-filled, fully choreographed live performances have made her one of the most buzzed-about acts in the LA underground. She returns Friday, August 8, headlining at Resident in Downtown Los Angeles, with support from dance arts center and a DJ set by KCRW’s Travis Holcombe.

Presented by Minty Boi and Gelli Kompany. Tickets available here.

Let yourself get weird. Gelli Haha’s Switcheroo is coming.

Switcheroo tracklist:
1 – Funny Music
2 – Spit
3 – Normalize
4 – Bounce House
5 – Piss Artist
6 – Tiramisu
7 – Gelliverse
8 – Dynamite
9 – Johnny
10 – Pluto is not a planet it’s a restaurant

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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