Celine Dion-Driven Musical Comedy Titanique to Hit Montreal, Toronto
The farcical Celine Dion jukebox musical “Titanique” is setting its course for Canada. Producers of the off-Broadway smash say the show will make its maiden voyage to Montreal later this year followed by dates in Toronto. “Titanique” is a musical parody of James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster “Titanic.” – David Friend, Canadian Press
Drake and Kendrick’s Beef Is the Most Miserable Spectacle in Rap History
Kendrick won a pyrrhic victory and Drake might be done for good, all amid serious allegations that make it difficult to separate fact from fiction. – Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork
Gwen Stefani Hosts an Unforgettable Opening of Toronto’s Newest Concert Venue
The Great Canadian Casino Resort, formerly Woodbine, hosted the No Doubt singer and massive pop star as it officially opens its 5,000-seat venue. – Nick Krewen, Toronto Star
Winnipeg Musicians Raising Money for Palestinians
Band Together, Music & Solidarity Humanitarian Aid Fundraiser for the Citizens of Palestine features Propagandhi (performing as a trio), Op-Ed, Death Cassette, Mariachi Ghost, Nicky Mehta with Daniel Roy and Vvonder May 21 at the Park Theatre. Profits will be donated to International Development and Relief Foundation Canada. – Winnipeg Free Press
Vancouver International Jazz Festival is Back for Another Bangin’ Year
Headlined by Grammy-winner Killer Mike, the lineup includes a mix of free and ticketed shows across Vancouver. in June. Expect everything from Veronica Swift and Y La Bamba to the Sister Jazz Quintet and the Blue Moon Marquee. – Vicki Duong Georgia Straight
Can’t-miss Vancouver Concerts for May 2024
Be it pop girlies or prog daddies or Polish hip hop, we love and support all music. Here are our picks for Vancouver shows in May 2024. – V.S. Wells, Georgia Straight
It's Montreal Festival Season Again! Here are Some of the Best in the City and Beyond
From major music fests to smaller, indie parties, bookmark this handy calendar. – Erik Leijon, Montreal Gazette
National Music Centre Features Instruments from Before and During the Holocaust
Violins of Hope loans restored instruments to orchestras for concerts and to exhibits and educational programs commemorating the Holocaust. – Eric Volmers, Calgary Herald
International
Read Lucian Grainge’s Memo on UMG-TikTok Deal: ‘Entire Music Ecosystem’ Will Benefit
The new agreement, announced in the early morning, addresses "key changes in several critical areas," Grainge said in outlining what UMG achieved in negotiations. – Dan Rys, Billboard
Universal Music Beats Earnings Forecasts After Blockbuster Taylor Swift Tour
Universal Music Group last week reported first-quarter earnings that comfortably beat expectations, helped by the record-breaking success of its star act Taylor Swift. – Reuters
Madonna’s Copacabana Beach Concert in Rio de Janeiro her Biggest Ever
Madonna concluded her world tour on Saturday with a free concert at Copacabana Beach. Pre-show, Rio’s City Hall estimated some 1.5 million spectators might attend, more than 10 times more than Madonna’s record attendance of 130,000 in Paris’ Parc des Sceaux in 1987. – Eleonore Hughes, Associated Press
How Will New Artists Learn to Navigate the Music Business?
Several platforms that allow artists to create and listen to music also see educational initiatives as a way to foster loyalty — and possibly make extra money. – Elias Light, Billboard
Europapa or Baby Lasagna? Contestants to Look Out For at Eurovision 2024
The Eurovision Song Contest, a music kitsch-fest watched by some 200 million people, kicks off in Malmö, Sweden on Sunday with its “turquoise carpet” gala, in what fans say is a wide-open year with half a dozen countries having a shot at the title. – Isabelle Carlsson, Reuters
Stamping Out Sexual Assault at Gigs: “Make Your Voice Heard and Show Solidarity”
Sprints' Karla Chubb talks to NME about her recent ordeal of being assaulted at a show, as the charity Girls Against share advice for victims and witnesses and react to the rejection of the Misogyny In Music report. – Andrew Trendell, New Musical Express
Martin Kanja, AKA Lord Spikeheart, covers everything from colonialism to his grandmother in music that mixes African culture with metal. He hopes to help more artists like him break through. – Caroline Kimeu, The Guardian
Photos: Rolling Stones Play at Jazz Fest with Appearances from Irma Thomas and a Zydeco Great
New Orleans soul singer Irma Thomas and Zydeco great Dwayne Dopsie joined the legendary Rolling Stones on stage during their show on Thursday (May 2) at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. – Chris Granger, NOLA.com
