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Megan Thee Stallion announces worldwide trek

American rapper Megan Thee Stallion has announced her first-ever headline tour in arenas across the globe.

Produced by Live Nation, The Hot Girl Summer Tour comprises 31 dates spanning the US, the UK and Europe.

The trek kicks off on 14 May in Minneapolis, visiting US cities including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and her hometown of Houston, before wrapping up in Las Vegas on 22 June.

The domestic leg of the tour will be supported by Grammy-nominated artist GloRilla.

The international leg of The Hot Girl Summer Tour begins in Glasgow, Scotland, on 4 July and hits cities including Paris, Amsterdam and Dublin, before wrapping in London at the O2 on 17 July.

The 29-year-old, who is represented by Roc Nation Management, will then return to the US for a performance at Broccoli City Festival in Washington DC.

The announcement of the tour comes shortly after the rapper (real name Megan Pete) earned her third No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Hiss”.

Also this year, Megan and Warner Music Group announced an innovative agreement in which she could use the label’s global services whilst retaining ownership of her masters and publishing.

2024 HOT GIRL SUMMER WORLD TOUR DATES

May 14 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center^

May 17 – Chicago, IL – United Center^

May 18 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena^

May 21 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden^

May 22 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center^

May 24 – Napa, CA – BottleRock Napa Valley Festival*

May 26 – Boston, MA – Boston Calling Festival*

May 28 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena^

May 30 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum^

Jun 1 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena^

Jun 4 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena^

June 6 – Hollywood, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino^

Jun 8 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena^

Jun 10 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center^

Jun 11 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center^

Jun 13 – Austin, TX – Moody Center^

Jun 14 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center^

Jun 16 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival*

Jun 17 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena^

Jun 19 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center^

Jun 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena^

Jun 22 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena^

Jul 4 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro

Jul 5 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live

Jul 7 – Paris, FR – Zenith

Jul 10 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome

Jul 11 – Cologne, DE – Lanxess Arena

Jul 14 – Dublin, IE – 3Arena

Jul 16 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena

Jul 17 – London, UK – The O2

Jul 27 – Washington DC – Broccoli City Festival*

^With Support From GloRilla

 


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Rapper Jack Harlow launches new US festival

Jack Harlow is launching a new music festival this May in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

The inaugural Gazebo Festival will be co-headlined by the rapper himself, as well as R&B star SZA.

James Blake, Vince Staples, Veeze, Pinkpantheress, Rich Homie Quan, Omar Apollo, Majid Jordan, Slum Village, BNYX, Karrahbooo and more round out the bill.

The two-day event will take place at Kentucky’s Waterfront Park on Memorial Day Weekend (25-26 May) to celebrate “the intersection of music and culture”.

“I am so grateful for his commitment to making first class things happen for Louisville”

Gazebo Festival is a partnership between Harlow (repped in North America by Wasserman Music) and local promoter, Production Simple.

Tickets for the event are available from 6 March and start at $255 ($235) for general admission. A portion of all ticket proceeds will benefit community organisations and local initiatives in the Louisville area through the Jack Harlow Foundation, which was launched last year.

“Jack Harlow is an extraordinary Louisvillian who continues to give back to his hometown,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg in a press release. “This is yet another way Jack is showing up for our city, and I can’t wait to see the excitement this festival creates. I am so grateful for his commitment to making first class things happen for Louisville and our people.”

 


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Goldenvoice plans new US punk festival

A new punk-centric festival is coming to the Californian city of Pomona, courtesy of AEG-backed promoter Goldenvoice.

Black Flag, Bad Religion, Iggy Pop, Misfits, Social Distortion, Turnstile and Sublime are among the acts set to perform at the event, dubbed No Values.

The one-day event will take place on 8 June at the Pomona Fairplex, across four stages. Tickets go on sale on 23 February, starting at $199 (£157, €183) for general admission, plus fees.

In the US, Goldenvoice produces several festivals, most notably Coachella, as well as operating 14 mid-sized venues and promoting over 1,800 shows per year.

The unveiling of No Values comes amid a surge of new rock and punk-centred festivals. Goldenvoice last year launched a new hard rock festival called Power Trip, at the home of Coachella.

The unveiling of No Values comes amid a surge of new rock and punk-centred festivals

Guns N’ Roses, Iron Maiden, ACDC, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica and Tool performed at the October event at the Empire Polo Club in California.

Live Nation has also launched several new rock festivals in recent years, including Sick New World, When We Were Young, Adjacent and The World is A Vampire – the latter two via subsidiaries C3 Presents and Ocesa respectively.

Elsewhere, Australian promoter Apex Entertainment is capitalising on the genre’s boom with a new touring festival featuring rock and post-punk icons.

Pandemonium Rocks is scheduled to land in Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast this April with performances from the likes of Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, Blondie, Gang Of Four and Dead Kennedys.

Read more about new festivals launching in 2024 in this IQ feature, published yesterday (21 February).

 


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US visa hike for foreign artists given green light

US visa petition fees are set to increase by as much as 260% from 1 April, impacting international musicians hoping to perform in the country.

The US government initially proposed increases in January 2023 but after backlash from the sector, hikes were paused until now.

Now, fees for the petition-based O and P visas are set to surpass US$1,000 (£797) for applicants whose petitioner is a large business (eg a major agency, promoter or record label).

O visa petitions – which allow applicants from business, entertainment, sports and arts to work in the US for up to three years – will rocket by 260%, from $460 (£366) to $1,655 (£1,312).

P visas – which permit artists to work in the country for a shorter time frame – will increase by $460 (£366) to $1,615 for applicants.

However, the increases are less dramatic for applicants whose petitioner is a non-profit or small business (25 or fewer full-time employees).

The sector is currently exploring how more artists can apply for visas with a nonprofit as the petitioner

For O visa petitions, where the petitioner is a nonprofit, the fee is rising by $70 to $530. Where the petitioner is a small business, the new fee is $370 more—$830.

For P visas, where the petitioner is a nonprofit, the fee is increasing by $50 to $510. Where the petitioner is a small business, the new fee is $350 more—$810.

The sector is currently exploring how more artists can apply for visas with a nonprofit as the petitioner.

The new regulations also limit the number of beneficiaries that can be included on a single petition to 25. This 25-beneficiary cap applies to all O and P petitions, and will significantly increase the costs for large ensembles that use P or O-2 visas, such as orchestras and theatre and dance companies.

There are also changes to USCIS’s Premium Processing time frame and fees, with the guaranteed time frame for the optional expedited service increasing from 15 calendar days to 15 business days. The Premium Processing fee is also set to change on 26 February, rising from $2,500 to $2,805.

In more positive news, the backlog of applications made using the standard processing time has cleared, meaning applicants will no longer be unnecessarily forced to pay for the expedited service.

 


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OVG names president of premium and global strategy

Oak View Group (OVG) has announced the appointments of Josh Pell to president of premium experiences and global strategy and Katee LaPoff to chief technology officer.

Pell will continue to report to Steve Collins (president global venue development) and Francesca Bodie (chief operating officer).

In her new role, LaPoff will continue to report to Collins, as well as Ade Patton (chief financial officer) and Chris Granger (president of OVG360).

“I have been privileged to work with Josh for almost a decade and with Katee more than twice that time,” says Collins. “I was excited when each joined OVG and today I am extremely proud to see these two dynamic leaders promoted into expanded roles that recognise not only their accomplishments but also the confidence we all have in their abilities to propel the company forward. Katee’s vision and depth of experience, make her the ideal person to develop the technology strategy across all of OVG’s businesses. Josh’s first-hand knowledge at almost every level of hospitality management will continue to distinguish OVG’s premium level foodservice and retail experiences at our venues.”

LaPoff adds: “Our Oak View Group leaders and teams have an unwavering commitment to innovation and disruption in the sports and live entertainment industry. Nowhere is the entrepreneurial spirit more important and relevant than technology, where pushing the boundaries is critical to staying ahead. I am thrilled to step into the CTO role and continue to work across divisions to deliver tech strategies that add value for our partners while bringing teams and artists closer to their fans.”

“I am extremely proud to see these two dynamic leaders promoted into expanded roles”

Pell comments: “Attention to detail is what continues to set Oak View Group venues apart, creating a truly premium atmosphere for all our guests. The opportunities to ‘Wow’ our guests and enhance the entire venue experience are endless. I’m excited for the opportunity to continue to explore unique, innovative approaches to our hospitality offerings leveraging our design and planning team, our world-class partners, and state-of-the-art technology.”

In her new role as CTO, LaPoff will lead the technology team, fostering innovation and collaboration across OVG’s businesses.

Over the last three years, LaPoff has served as Oak View Group’s senior vice president of project management and technology where she was responsible for the global strategy and execution of venue technology, including those at the Moody Center, Acrisure Arena, and CFG Bank Arena.

Prior to OVG, LaPoff was the SVP of Technology at Madison Square Garden Companies for 10 years.

Pell, in his new role, will oversee Oak View Group’s e-commerce platform and all premium opportunities, and will continue to manage OVG’s hospitality, food & beverage, and technology design initiatives globally.

He will have P&L oversight over all owned and operated food and beverage programs and direct the development of additional revenue opportunities. In his previous role as SVP, global hospitality strategy planning and development, Pell was instrumental in the hospitality design and rollout of the Moody Center, Acrisure Arena, and CFG Bank Arena programmes.

Prior to joining OVG in 2022, Josh held a variety of senior positions at T-Mobile Park, Chase Center, and Petco Park.

 


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Lionel Richie, Diana Ross to headline new Live Nation fest

Lionel Richie and Diana Ross will headline the inaugural Fool In Love festival, produced by Live Nation and Redrock Entertainment.

The debut instalment promises to deliver “legendary performances from pop, soul, and R&B greats” including Santana, Al Green, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, The Isley Brothers, Charlie Wilson, Eric Burdon & The Animals, The O’Jays, The Jacksons and many more.

The one-day event will take place on 31 August at Hollywood Park on the grounds adjacent to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Santana, Al Green, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, The Isley Brothers will perform

Spanning nearly 300 acres, Hollywood Park is the largest urban mixed-use development under construction in the western United States.

Also slated to perform at the park are Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, the Stylistics, the Chi-Lites, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Zapp, Kool & the Gang, Rose Royce and Morris Day & the Time.

War, the Spinners, the Whispers, Durand Jones & the Indications, Barbara Mason, Mayer Hawthorne, the Delfonics, the Stylistics, Los Lobos, Stevie B, Heatwave, the Bar Kays feat. Larry Dodson, Cameo, Shalamar, S.O.S. Band, Dazz Band, the Legendary Blue Notes, Bloodstone, Frankie J, Con Funk Shun, the Pointer Sisters, the Mary Jane Girls and many more are also on the bill.

GA, GA+, VIP and Platinum tickets will be available with layaway payment plans starting at US$19.99 down.

 


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ASM and LN enlisted for conservation-first arena

The US will soon gain a new 20,000-seat outdoor amphitheatre, dubbed “a musical postcard from Mother Nature”.

Thunder Ridge Nature Arena is due to open in the Ozarks, Missouri, in May, after a decade in planning, development and construction.

ASM Global has been contracted to manage and operate the facility and has partnered with Live Nation to produce live music events.

Upcoming concerts include Luke Bryan (27 July) and Chris Stapleton, whose 13 June performance sold out within minutes of going on sale.

Thunder Ridge Nature Arena was envisioned by local conservationist Johnny Morris, who has set aside the property’s land, buildings and infrastructure for a not-for-profit foundation committed to the cause of conservation. He called the venue “a gift to the people and heritage of the Ozarks”.

“This remarkable creation is more than a place to see a concert”

ASM Global CEO Ron Bension says: “We are so pleased to join with Johnny Morris to operate this unique and spectacular venue. This remarkable creation is more than a place to see a concert. It’s a destination in itself. A true experience unlike any other.”

Live Nation’s president of US Concerts Bob Roux, adds: “Thunder Ridge will absolutely be a must-stop for some of the biggest musical acts in the industry. The stunning surroundings, beautiful structures and the venue itself create an extraordinary musical moment for guests.”

The Ridgedale-based amphitheatre – which has views of 1,200 acres of Table Rock Lake – was built by a specialised team utilising biomimicry architectural techniques.

The venue includes a “luxury box embellishment” called The Nature Tower that rises 12 stories from the Ozark limestone and dolomite earth. Four of its floors will contain VIP suites replete with bedrooms, unobstructed views of the performing stage and panoramic nature sightlines, according to a press release.

In addition to live entertainment, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena will be home to the Missouri Thunder Professional Bull Riding team.

 


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K-pop mega concert in LA postponed due to weather

Krazy Super Concert 2024 in Los Angeles has been postponed due to “the incoming heavy rains across the Southern California region”.

The K-pop mega concert was set to take place on 9 and 10 February at the BMO Stadium (cap. 22,000) in Los Angeles.

However, California has been drenched with heavy rain as back-to-back atmospheric rivers slammed the West Coast, raising the threat of flash floods and landslides.

Krazy Super Concert was to include performances from K-pop girl groups aespa and (G)I-DLE, along with boybands THE BOYZ and ZEROBASEONE on both days of the event.

Joining them on the first day would have been CL and The Kid Laroi. Day two would have also featured Taeyang, Lauv and AB6IX.

“This difficult decision was made out of an abundance of caution and concern”

The LA edition would have been the second Krazy concert to be held, following the inaugural Krazy K-pop Super Concert 2023 in New York.

“This difficult decision was made out of an abundance of caution and concern for the comfort and safety of our audience, artists and staff,” reads a statement on the official BMO Stadium website. “A new date will be announced soon,” the statement continued, adding that “all tickets will be honoured for the new date”.

The ‘Pineapple Express‘ made landfall on Wednesday, causing heavy mountain snow, gusty winds and rockslides in northern California. San Diego County was under flood advisory throughout Friday morning as the storm spread across the southern part of the stae.

The second storm in the series will arrive in California over the weekend and has the potential to be much stronger, according to reports.

 


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AEG apologises to Sleep Token fans over pre-sale fiasco

AEG has issued an apology to Sleep Token fans who were unable to get tickets to the rock band’s upcoming US tour due to a technical error.

Fans who had signed up for pre-sale codes for the band’s Teeth Of God tour didn’t receive them until 24 hours after the general sale had started, leading to thousands of people missing out on tickets despite signing up in advance. Fans took to social media to complain, prompting AEG to email those affected.

“As a Sleep Token fan who took the time to register early for access to tickets, we know how committed you are to the band,” the email reads. “That’s something we don’t take lightly, and knowing that, we tried to provide you with early access to the presale as a reward for your loyalty.

“Since discovering the malfunctions, we have worked to provide codes to every fan that has contacted us”

“While our intentions were good, to put it simply: we failed. Our emails and sale codes were sent on time yet delivered to you late. And while there are many reasons for that, there’s no excuse. We let Sleep Token and you down. Since discovering the malfunctions, we have worked to provide codes to every fan that has contacted us.

“We value our fans and our artists and will continue to work to create the elevated experience you all expect and deserve. We are so very sorry we let you down.”

Sleep Token had also said on their social media channels that “so called ‘bot/scalper’ purchases are being identified and cancelled, before being redistributed for genuine followers to procure.”

The 21-date Teeth Of God tour will kick off on 27 April at Sick New World festival and carry on through to 28 May.

 


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Black Promoters Collective partners with Jazz in the Gardens

Black Promoters Collective (BPC) has formed a strategic alliance with US event Jazz in the Gardens to “redefine and expand the festival experience”.

The coalition will bring acts from soul, R&B, jazz, hip-hop and Afrobeats to the Miami event at the Hard Rock Stadium on 9-10 March.

Maxwell, Babyface, Jeezy, Scarface, Jaheim, Tamia, Marsha Ambrosius, October London and DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic Live! are among the acts that will perform at the 17th edition, hosted by Rickey Smiley and Jess Hilarious.

“BPC is thrilled to work alongside the City of Miami Gardens to enhance the already vibrant Jazz in the Gardens brand and take it to the next level,” says BPC Partner and CMO Troy Brown. “For example, notably, JITG has never incorporated the Afrobeat genre into its lineup. BPC plans to change that and infuse the festival with a mix of genres, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees.”

“BPC plans to change that and infuse the festival with a mix of genres”

“This collaboration also signifies a crucial milestone in the growth of the Black Promoters Collective, expanding its portfolio into festivals and other live performance markets. The partnership with JITG aligns with BPC’s commitment to redefining the live performance experience, promising a truly unforgettable festival for all attendees.”

Miami Gardens mayor Rodney Harris adds: “We are so excited to be hosting the 17th annual Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival. This year’s partnership with the Black Promoters Collective promises an enhanced festival experience, and a line-up of talented artists who represent the diverse culture we have in Miami Gardens and South Florida region.”

Past JITG events have taken place at Hard Rock Stadium and included such artists as H.E.R., Rick Ross, Mary J. Blige, The Isley Brothers, The Roots, T-Pain, Anita Baker, Salt-N-Pepa, Smokey Robinson, Chaka Khan, LL Cool J, Aretha Franklin, and many more top artists of soul, R&B and jazz.

Black Promoters Collective is a coalition of six independent promoters and event production companies in the US.

The Black-owned organisation was launched in 2021 to “advance the profile of independent Black promoters in the music industry and place urban music back in the hands of Black promoters at a national and global level”.

 


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