Category: News

Universal Attractions Agency has promoted Gabe Israel to the position of agent within UAA’s rock & pop department. Based out of the agency’s flagship New York office, Gabe will oversee all rock & pop bookings in the Southern territory, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Gabe will act as the responsible agent for Grammy-Nominated country artist Ty Herndon, along with Mitch Rossell and Sophie B. Hawkins, among others. In his new role, he joins a rapidly growing rock & pop department that has recently added veteran booking agents Trip Brown and Brian Swanson.

UAA General Manager Nick Martucci spoke on Gabe’s promotion, saying: “Gabe has put in the work since day one, and this promotion is well earned. He’s got a great ear, he’s built real relationships with artists and buyers, and he’s going to be a strong presence for us across the Southern territory. Excited to see him help grow the rock & pop department.”

Gabe joined UAA as an assistant in December 2024 and was later promoted to agent trainee in February 2026. A Berklee College of Music alum, he grew up playing guitar and later developed a passion for the behind-the-scenes of the music industry.

Country music trailblazer and philanthropist Ty Herndon has signed exclusively with Universal Attractions Agency (UAA). Gabe Israel will act as responsible agent. UAA will spearhead Herndon’s global representation across all major entertainment verticals, including live touring, film, television, theatrical Broadway productions, and professional speaking engagements.

The blockbuster signing comes during a monumental year for Herndon, who is currently celebrating three decades of commercial and cultural impact in the entertainment industry. The partnership is positioned to strategically leverage Herndon’s multi-media momentum, following the high-profile launch of his acclaimed memoir, “What Mattered Most,” and his recent historic chart success. Herndon recently captured the #1 spot on the iTunes Christian charts with his powerful re-imagining of “Testify to Love,” joining trailblazing artists like Semler and Flamy Grant in bringing diverse, inclusive representation to the top of Christian music spaces.

“Ty Herndon is a rare, generational talent whose voice, story, and artistry transcend the boundaries of a single genre,” said UAA agent Gabe Israel. “From filling music venues to moving audiences with his deeply personal story of resilience, Ty’s potential across touring, television, film, and Broadway is limitless. We are thrilled to welcome him to the UAA family and to build an expansive new chapter for an artist who has already given so much to country music and American culture.”

For thirty years, Herndon has been a defining voice in country music, boasting major multi-platinum success, radio hits, and a legacy of authenticity. With UAA’s robust infrastructure, the next phase of his career will focus on bringing his cinematic life story and dynamic stage presence to new mediums. In addition to a packed touring schedule, the agency will actively develop scripted and unscripted television and film projects, pursue theatrical roles on Broadway, and expand Herndon’s footprint as a highly sought-after keynote speaker on mental health, addiction recovery, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

“I am incredibly excited to partner with the visionary team at Universal Attractions Agency,” said Herndon. “As I look back on 30 years in this business, I feel more energized than ever to create, perform, and share my story. Whether it’s on a concert stage, a theater marquee, or a television screen, this partnership is about breaking new ground and connecting with people in ways that impact hearts and minds.”

About Ty Herndon

Ty Herndon is a master high-energy performer and a household name to millions of country music fans. Over his three-decade career, he has achieved top-charting radio success, sold millions of albums, and received multiple industry accolades. A pioneer for LGBTQ+ representation in country music, Herndon continues to use his platform to foster inclusivity, most recently through the release of his memoir What Mattered Most and his chart-topping return to the airwaves.

Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) has announced the addition of longtime agent Brian Swanson, who will join the agency’s rock & pop division. Brian, who is based out of Monterey, California, becomes the second agent to join UAA in the past month.

Brian Swanson will bring his client roster to UAA, including Smash Mouth, Mike Skill of The Romantics, Mike Dawes, Mariachi Continental de San Diego, and comedian Eddie B. More roster additions will be announced soon.

The announcement of Brian Swanson comes on the heels of longtime Red Hot Chili Peppers agent Trip Brown, who joined UAA last month. Together, the two agents bring a combined total of roughly 20 acts to UAA’s expanding rock & pop division.

Speaking on the addition of Brian Swanson, UAA general manager Nick Martucci said: “Brian is exactly the kind of agent who makes this business better, someone who’s built his career on organic growth, mentorship, and genuine relationships with his artists. His hard work, generosity, and tenacity are a perfect match for the culture we’ve built at UAA, and we’re thrilled to have him join our growing team in UAA’s rock and pop division.”

Brian Swanson joins Universal Attractions Agency after a tenure as a senior agent at Paquin Artists Agency. In a career spanning over 30 years in the music industry, Swanson has also worked at Northstar Artists, Madison House, and Paradigm Talent Agency, as well as on the label side at EMI and Capitol. A Minnesota native, Brian Swanson, a self-described “lifelonger” of the music industry, was also the first talent buyer for Prince’s club, Glam Slam North, which opened in 1989.

UAA’s Fred Hammond has been a leading architect of modern gospel music, particularly praise and worship, for over 40 years. From his time in groups like Commissioned and United Tenors to leading the choir Radical for Christ and maintaining a long solo career, it’s easy to see why Hammond’s visit to the Tiny Desk is frequently requested and long overdue. Fans for every Hammond era will find moments to sing along here. The recent “Love Never Fails” is designed to charge up your faith. Hammond takes us back to his Commissioned days with the 1986 track “Running Back to You.” His mega-hits “Jesus Be a Fence Around Me” and “No Weapon” are the perfect one-two punch for anyone needing spiritual encouragement against trying times. When we get to the perennial fan-favorite “We’re Blessed” (with a little bit of “Glory to Glory” sprinkled in), Hammond declares: “Tiny knows how to party in the Holy Ghost!” If the audience in the room that day is any indication, you won’t want the show to end either. So just restart the video and keep the praise party going. 

The industry veteran has also worked with The Flaming Lips, Candlebox, and more. 

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Industry veteran Trip Brown has joined the rock & pop division of New York-headquartered talent agency Universal Attractions Agency (UAA). He will be based in Nashville.

Backstory:

• Brown was the booking agent for the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 1984 to 1997.

• He has also worked with high-profile acts such as The Flaming Lips, Public Image Ltd, Candlebox, and Traffic.

• Prior to joining UAA he spent nine years at New Frontier Touring.

• He has also served at Paradise Artists, William Morris Agency, ICM, Triad Artists, and Independent Talent Group.

Roster:

• Brown brings a roster of rock and folk artists to UAA including Cimarron 615, Gasoline Lollipops, John McEuen, Johnny A. Syndicate, Live from Laurel Canyon, Stone Horses and more.

What they said:

• Nick Martucci, UAA General Manager: “Trip has spent decades doing this the right way, developing relationships, building artists’ careers from the ground up, and earning the trust of everyone he works with. That’s the kind of culture we are building at UAA, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the team.”

• Trip Brown: “I’m excited to join the amazing team at Universal Attractions and to help build the rock & pop department. It’ll be a great home for my artists and for me.”

UAA’s R&B veteran Joe Thomas earned every chain and stripe on his body as he stepped behind the Tiny Desk. For every Usher, Ne-Yo, and Leon Thomas who has played in our office, fans of one of their archetypes wondered when he would get his shot. We saw the petitions and social media posts, but trust: We chased for years. Before the music started, the singer-songwriter and producer explained: “Where have I been for the past few years? Well, I’ve been on the road touring. I’m here with you all today, and I wanna do a few songs throughout the catalog.” Each of the “few songs” Joe refers to is a chart-topping, gold and platinum-selling smash from the ‘90s and early 2000s. At the Desk, Thomas proves the time away hasn’t diminished anything. He quickly gathers the entire audience in one hand, blazing through songs like “Good Girls,” “The Love Scene” and the dirty macking anthem, “All the Things (Your Man Won’t Do).” Joe closes the set with a tender moment, inviting his daughter, Kayla, to sing background on his biggest hit, “I Wanna Know.”

UAA’s Floetry made its way “from London’s SE5 to Philly’s west side just to bring the vibe” to the Tiny Desk. And with the poetic flows of Natalie Stewart (aka The Floacist) and a rich, floating soprano from Marsha Ambrosius (aka The Songstress), the vibe in our space was immaculate. This duo has known and made music with each other since youth — it’s a sisterhood that doesn’t diminish through the ebbs and flows of life. They began their musical journey together in London and found themselves embedded in Philadelphia’s rich music scene, building a catalog of soulful R&B projects that charmed audiences. Floetry took a moment from its first tour in a decade to stop by the Tiny Desk. The duo starts their set with “Big Ben,” a callback to their U.K. origins. “Butterflies,” co-written by Ambrosius and Andre Harris — and famously performed by Michael Jackson — is mesmerizing as Ambrosius’ voice flutters. Situated in the middle of the set are the sensual “Say Yes” and “Getting Late,” songs that steam up any environment, causing the pair to joke it might be too early in the day for them. There’s a palpable joy and playfulness in the little moments between songs; that joy spills over to the audience, who excitedly sing along. Floetry closes with its debut single, “Floetic,” taking the audience back to the 20-somethings who announced their arrival onto the R&B landscape. 

Universal Attractions Agency is excited to announce the exclusive signing of influential Minnesota rapper and activist, Brother Ali. UAA’s co-owner, Jeff Epstein, and Ben Sauberman will act as responsible agent.

Brother Ali released his debut album in 2000 titled “Rites of Passage” on Rhymesayers Entertainment, a label established by fellow Minnesota rappers, Slug and Ant of Atmosphere. Renowned for a discography of critically acclaimed albums addressing socially conscious themes, Brother Ali’s notable works include “Shadows of the Sun,” “The Undisputed Truth,” and “Us,” among others. In the previous year, Brother Ali released his tenth studio album, “Satisfied Soul.”

A longtime key figure in the underground hip-hop scene, Brother Ali has collaborated with several of the most politically and socially engaged rappers in the genre’s history, including Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Killer Mike, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, and Immortal Technique.

In addition to his musical career, Brother Ali is recognized for his activism, community leadership, and teaching of Islamic spirituality. He has lectured at universities including Princeton and Stanford, and delivered the keynote address at the 25th annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum in 2013. His contributions as both an artist and community activist have earned high praise from Dr. Cornel West, Dave Chappelle, and Brother Ali’s early mentor, Chuck D.

Brother Ali will perform at the 2026 Reggae Rise Up festival in Redmond, Oregon, this summer, as well as at additional tour dates in Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Vancouver. Further dates will be announced soon.

For tickets, visit: www.brotherali.com/events

Universal Attractions Agency is pleased to announce the exclusive signing of the legendary soul and jazz-funk fusion group, The Blackbyrds. Co-owner Jeff Epstein and Rob Hoffman will serve as the responsible agents for the group.

Acclaimed trumpeter and composer Donald Byrd founded The Blackbyrds in 1973, establishing a group known for blending jazz, funk, and R&B that defined the cutting edge of the jazz fusion movement of the mid-1970s. The Blackbyrds earned a Grammy nomination for their platinum hit “Walking in Rhythm” and released several successful albums, including “City Life” (1975), “Unfinished Business” (1976), and “Action” (1977), among others. During this period, The Blackbyrds toured with the likes of Herbie Hancock, B.B. King, and Roberta Flack.

The band reformed in 1999 and, in 2003, released “Mysterious Vibes” with Dave Lee and Joey Negro, followed by “Gotta Fly” in 2012, which included the late original member Allan Barnes. The Blackbyrds are the recipients of the 2026 Washington Area Music Awards (Wammies) Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award.

The Blackbyrds are recognized as one of the most sampled groups in music. Their 1975 hit “Rock Creek Park” has been sampled by artists such as Nas, Ice Cube, Massive Attack, Eric B. & Rakim, and De La Soul. Other notable acts who have sampled The Blackbyrds include hip-hop royalty such as Tupac Shakur, Mobb Deep, Gang Starr, MF Doom, and, most recently, Jeezy & DJ Drama on their 2025 joint mixtape.

Speaking on the signing, UAA’s Rob Hoffman said: “We see immediate touring potential with The Blackbyrds, a historic group whose sound helped define jazz, funk, and R&B, and still absolutely delivers on a modern stage. We’re excited to get them in front of the right rooms and build real momentum in today’s live market.”

In regard to the new relationship with UAA, founding member of The Blackbyrds, Keith Killgo added: “This is a tremendous opportunity to work with an agency that has provided quality entertainment around the world. I look forward to working with them as we chart new territories for The Blackbyrds.”

The Blackbyrds’ upcoming performance dates include stops in St. Louis, Nashville, and Baltimore, as well as a string of dates in the UK this August. Additional dates will be announced soon.

The Blackbyrds current lineup includes original founding members Keith Killgo (drums and vocals) and Joe Hall (bass), Paul Spires (vocals), Dominique Toney (vocals), who is the daughter of original band keyboardist Kevin Toney, Roberto Villeda (keyboards), Charles Wright (guitar), Thad Wilson (trumpet), Marshall Keys (saxophone) and Sean Anthony (percussion).

Following last week’s highly publicized legal victory, Afroman has announced the first leg of the 2026 “Freedom of Speech Tour.”

The announcement follows Afroman’s viral victory in a defamation lawsuit after an Ohio jury ruled in his favor against the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, siding with Afroman and his use of 2022 police raid footage at his home in two music videos, citing it as “free speech and artistic freedom.”

The first leg of the tour will see Afroman make stops in Los Angeles, Cleveland, Sacramento, and two nights at the Blue Note Hawaii in Honolulu, among others, on the 30-plus-date run. Other stops on the tour include a spot on the Tortuga Music Festival bill with Post Malone, Ice Cube, and Kenny Chesney. Many more dates are to be announced soon.

UAA’s Brian Lottermann, who is Afroman’s agent, spoke on the lawsuit and working with the iconic rapper, saying: “Afroman is one of a kind, a road warrior like no other, and a workaholic with great passion for his craft. He’s one of the most prolific artists I’ve ever worked with – when he’s not on tour, he’s in the studio cooking up new music. After his recent high-profile lawsuit victory over the Adams County sheriff’s department, he became an American hero overnight, championing free speech and artistic integrity. This is not only a huge win for him, but for creatives all across the country.”

For updates on upcoming tour dates, visit www.ogafroman.com.

Afroman 2026 Freedom of Speech Tour Dates 

Bold*** = Just announced shows. More dates to be announced shortly.

3/24 – Lafayette, IN – Rat Pak Vene

3/25 – Marthasville, MO – Outfields Sports Bar & Grill

3/26 – Brumley, MO – Brumley Tavern

3/27 – Poplar Bluff, MO – Jake Loch Loma Lounge

3/28 – AV Fair Event Center – Lancaster, CA (with Too $hort)

3/29 – Ventura, CA – KJ’s Neighborhood Bar

3/30 – Victoria, TX – Aero Crafters

3/31 – Cleveland, TX – Pour Station

4/1 – Hawkins, TX – Red Rooster Icehouse

4/2 – Jackson, MS – Martins Downtown

4/3 – Houma, LA – The Balcony

4/4 – Hattiesburg, MS – Brewsky’s

4/5 – Mobile, AL – Merry Widow

4/6 – Orange Beach, AL – The Undertow

4/7 – Tallahassee, FL – Fire Betty’s

4/8 – Deland, FL – Cafe Da Vinci

4/11 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Tortuga Music Festival

4/15 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent***

4/16 – Nevada City, CA – Miner’s Foundry Cultural Center

4/17 – Reno, NV – The Alpine

4/18 – Sacramento, CA – Pot Stars of California 420 Celebration

4/19 – Honolulu, HI – Blue Note Hawaii

4/20 – Honolulu, HI – Blue Note Hawaii

5/1 – Corinth, MS – Crossroads Arena (with Buba Sparxxx)

5/2 – Huntsville, AL – Furniture Factory Bar & Grill

5/24 – Sturgeon County, Alberta – Venue TBA***

7/11 – Costa Mesa, CA – OC Fair & Event Center (with The Elovaters)

7/17 – London, Ontario – Rock the Park Music Festival

7/18 – Ann Arbor, MI – Venue TBA***

10/10 – Lorain, OH – Venue TBA***

Afroman is represented by Universal Attractions Agency. For booking and press inquiries, please contact Brian Lottermann / brian@universalattractions.com.