Afroman Announces 2026 “Freedom of Speech Tour”

 

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.

Pop 2000 Returns With 2026 Tour Dates Featuring Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC, O-Town, BBMAK, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO

Pop 2000 Tour onstage at BergenPAC,  Englewood, NJ (photo: Marcelle Lemchuk)

 

The Pop 2000 tour is set to return in 2026 with a 27-date trek across the U.S. Entering its eighth year on the road, the current lineup features Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC, O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO. Select dates will also feature the U.K. trio BBMAK, known for their smash hit “Back Here.”

The show will feature all the acts on stage together, performing their hits and fan favorites, including “Bye Bye Bye,” “All or Nothing,” “On the Way Down,” and “Summer Girls,” among many others. This year’s iteration of the Pop 2000 Tour will kick off this month with a few select February dates, including a stop at SeaWorld in Orlando, FL. The tour will then heat up for the annual spring-summer run with a stop at Foxwoods Resort on April 17 before making stops across the country, including Philadelphia, San Antonio, and San Diego. The 2026 summer run will wrap up on August 29 at Corn Fest in DeKalb, IL.

UAA’s head of Rock & Pop department, Matt Rafal, spoke about the upcoming tour, saying: “It’s been fun to watch the show evolve over the years and become a summer tradition for many fans!”

Artist lineups may vary by city. Visit https://pop2000tour.com or check local listings for more info.

2026 Pop 2000 Tour Dates

2/22 – Orlando, FL – SeaWorld

2/28 – Tracy, CA – Grand Theatre Center for the Arts

4/17 – Mashantucket, CT – Foxwoods

4/18 – Philadelphia, PA – Rivers Casino Philadelphia

4/19 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center for the Arts

4/26 – San Antonio, TX – Sea World

5/9 – Tampa, FL – Busch Gardens

5/16 – Williamsburg, VA – Busch Gardens

6/6 – Onamia, MN – Grand Casino Mille Lacs

6/27 – San Diego, CA – Sea World

7/2 – Roanoke, VA – Dr. Pepper Park

7/3 – Charlotte, NC – Carolina Theatre

7/4 – Winder, GA – City of Winder “Celebrate America”

7/9 – Wyandotte, MI – District 142

7/10 – Kettering, OH – Fraze Pavilion

7/11 – Clarksburg, WV – Clarksburg Amphitheater

7/12 – Pittsburgh, PA – Jergels

7/16 – Hampton Beach, NH – Bernie’s Beach Bar

7/17 – Ridgefield, CT-  Ridgefield Playhouse

7/18 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent

7/19 – Webster, MA – Indian Ranch

7/31 – Bow, WA – Skagit Casino Resort

8/1 – Snoqualmie, WA – Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel

8/8 – Woodstock, GA – Woodstock Summer Concert Series

8/28 – Green Bay, WI – Epic Events Center

8/29 – DeKalb, IL – Dekalb Corn Fest

The Pop 2000 Tour is represented by Universal Attractions Agency.

For booking and press inquiries, please contact Matt Rafal / mr@universalattractions.com.

Floetry Returns With First Tour In a Decade; Presents “Say Yes The Tour”

 

Floetry, the iconic neo soul duo, makes a highly anticipated return with their first tour in a decade: the spring 2026 “Say Yes The Tour.” Marsha Ambrosius (“the Songstress”) and Natalie Stewart (“the Floacist”) will tour theaters nationwide this April and May, with support from three-time Grammy-nominated R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn, special guest Teedra Moses, sounds by Chill Vibes DJ Aktive, and hosted by Clint Coley.

Pre-sale begins on Thursday, February 12 at 10 a.m. EST (use code: “SayYes”). General on-sale will begin on Friday, February 13, at 10 a.m. EST.

The “Say Yes The Tour” will kick off on April 9 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ. Along the way, stops include The Met Philadelphia, Chicago Theatre, Anthem D.C., and the Novo in Los Angeles. The tour will conclude on May 17 at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA.

The tour announcement follows last year’s Floetry sold-out residency at Dave Chappelle’s intimate YS Firehouse in Yellow Springs, OH, where Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart performed for the first time together since 2016.

Tickets will be available at www.marshaambrosius.com

“Say Yes The Tour” Spring 2026 Dates

April 9 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts Center

April 10 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met

April 11 – Baltimore, MD – Lyric Baltimore

April 15 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre

April 16 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre

April 18 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple

April 22 – Washington, D.C. – The Anthem

April 23 – Portsmouth, VA – Portsmouth Pavilion 

April 24 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium

April 26 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center

May 1 – Atlanta, GA – The Arena at Southlake

May 3 – Jacksonville, FL – The Florida Theatre

May 6 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theater

May 9 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center

May 10 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre

May 14 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theater

May 15 – Los Angeles, CA – The Novo

May 17 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre Oakland

About Floetry:

Floetry, the English Neo Soul duo comprising Natalie Stewart (“the Floacist”) and Marsha Ambrosius (“the Songstress”), first began to capture attention in the UK on the underground poetry circuit.  Formed in 1999, after meeting through their shared love of basketball ten years earlier, the Brit school alumni Ambrosius and Stewart began their journey when Marsha called Natalie and asked her to contribute poetry to the songs she was writing and producing.  Natalie accepted, and they soon began performing on poetry stages in and around London.

Floetry recorded two studio albums – “Floetic” (2002) and “Flo’Ology” (2005). Marsha’s demo for Michael Jackson’s 2001 “Butterflies” appeared as a bonus track on the November 2002 release of “Floetic.” The Live Album “Floacism” was recorded at The House of Blues in New Orleans and was released in 2003.

Floetry was recognized and critically acclaimed, earning nominations for an impressive seven Grammy Awards. They also picked up three Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards and went on to pen classics for Earth, Wind & Fire, Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott, Macy Gray, and Bilal, to name a few.

Hot Like Mars Announces 2026 U.S. Tour

 

Chicago jam band Hot Like Mars has announced an extensive 2026 U.S. Tour. The band’s biggest tour to date, the 26-date trek, will see Hot Like Mars make stops in cities such as Cincinnati, Denver, New York, Asheville, and their hometown of Chicago, with a show at Garcia’s on May 22.

Formed in late 2023, Hot like Mars has emerged as a national touring act after a breakthrough 2025 that saw the band embark on its first-ever East Coast tour and release two albums: the studio LP “One Way Ticket Up” and live album “The Red Tapes.” After signing with Universal Attractions Agency earlier this month, Hot like Mars looks to capitalize on its growing national fan base and touring footprint with the upcoming tour and new songs on the way.

For tickets, visit the band’s official website: www.hotlikemars.com/tour-dates

—

2026 Hot Like Mars U.S. Tour Dates

Jan 9, 2026 – Minneapolis, MN — Turf Club

Jan 23, 2026 – Indianapolis, IN — The Mousetrap

Jan 24, 2026 – Cincinnati, OH — MOTR Pub

Jan 30, 2026 – Denver, CO — Cervantes’ Other Side / Masterpiece Ballroom

Jan 31, 2026 – Fort Collins, CO — Washington’s

Feb 5, 2026 – Boulder, CO — Velvet Elk Lounge

Feb 7, 2026 – Steamboat Springs, CO — Old Town Pub

Feb 7, 2026 – Steamboat Springs, CO — Old Town Pub

Feb 20, 2026 – Lisle, IL — Basecamp

Mar 6, 2026 – Columbus, OH — Woodlands Tavern

Mar 13, 2026 – Louisville, KY — Mellwood Tavern

Mar 21, 2026 – Kalamazoo, MI — Bell’s Eccentric Café

Mar 27, 2026 – Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn Bowl

Mar 28, 2026 – Barrington, NJ — Tonewood Brewing

Apr 18, 2026 – Madison, WI — High Noon Saloon

Apr 24, 2026 – Charleston, NC — The Pour House

Apr 25, 2026 – Barco, NC — Morris Farm

May 9, 2026 – Kokomo, IN — The Coterie

May 14, 2026 – Richmond, VA — Big Dipper Innovation Summit

May 15, 2026 – Charlotte, NC — Rabbit Hole

May 16, 2026 – Asheville, NC — The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

May 22, 2026 – Chicago, IL — Garcia’s Chicago

May 29, 2026 – Milwaukee, WI — The Cooperage

June 12, 2026 – Yuba, WI — Driftless Music Gardens

July 18, 2026 – Snowshoe, WV — 4848 Festiva at Snowshoe Mountain Resort

The 2026 Hot Like Mars Tour is booked by Universal Attractions Agency’s Jackson Stone and Rob Hoffman.

Mark Podolsky Promoted to Agent at Universal Attractions Agency

 

Universal Attractions Agency has promoted Mark Podolsky to the position of West Coast agent (capacity of 1,500 and under), based in the agency’s Los Angeles office. In his new role, Mark will take over the responsibilities previously held by Brian Lottermann, who was promoted in October to West Coast agent for casinos, fairs, and festivals.

With this promotion, Mark will serve as the primary agent for several artists, including Sugarhill Gang, The Furious Five, Nappy Roots, Luniz, and DJ Skribble.

On the promotion to agent, UAA General Manager Nick Martucci said: “Mark is a great example of the kind of long-term investment we believe in at Universal Attractions Agency, identifying early-career professionals with real potential and developing them through hands-on mentorship and real opportunity.”

“He started with us as an intern, grew into an assistant role, and earned his place as an agent trainee through talent, work ethic, and consistency. When the opportunity to add an agent to the team came up, everyone knew Mark would be a great fit. We believe in his drive and his future, and we’re proud of how far he’s come and excited to see the impact he’ll continue to make as he grows with us.”

Mark joined UAA in July 2023 as an intern and was promoted to assistant in January 2024. By late 2025, he had been elevated to agent trainee. Outside of work, Mark is an avid guitar player and has played in bands since his youth. He graduated from UCLA, where he majored in philosophy and was involved in the university’s a cappella groups.

UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell Confirms Initial 2026 Tour Dates

UB40 FEATURING ALI CAMPBEL

CONFIRMS INITIAL 2026 TOUR DATES

 

THE BIG LOVE TOUR DATES

KICK OFF APRIL 11 AT THE GRENADA REGGAE FEST

U.S. SHOWS TO FOLLOW WITH STOPS IN FLORIDA,

NEW YORK, AND MORE

Ali Campbell

Fronted by the unmistakable voice of ALI CAMPBELL—known as the legendary original lead singer of UB40—UB40 FEATURING ALI CAMPBELL has announced the initial dates for their Big Love Tour in 2026. The shows kick off at the Grenada Reggae Fest—also known as “The Big Show,” a major cultural event featuring international and local artists—before the tour arrives in the U.S. with multiple stops in Florida and throughout the New York area (see the itinerary below). The 2026 dates follow an extensive 2024–2025 European tour of sold-out shows and major festival headlining slots. The tour is being booked by Universal Attractions Agency / Jeff Epstein in North America.

ALI CAMPBELL eternally remains the voice, the face, and the sound of UB40. For the live shows, ALI is backed by the same band of world class players who have performed with him since 2008. Tapping into the pulse of the Caribbean with respect and invoking the magic of its music with reverence, ALI has struck a chord with one generation of fans after another as the founding frontman and original lead “vocALIst” of UB40 and now as the namesake of UB40 FEATURING ALI CAMPBELL.

At the very mention of “Red Red Wine,” “Kingston Town,” “(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You,” or dozens of other hits, audiences can’t help but think of ALI’s inimitable vocals punctuated by his irreplaceable intonation, butter-smooth delivery, and bold British soul. His voice has catalyzed sales of 100 million albums, 40 Top 20 hits (as well as four #1’s), billions of streams, and innumerable accolades. Beyond earning a GRAMMY® Award nomination, he has also garnered the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for “International Achievement” and the Mauritius Government Award. Accompanied by an elite cohort of world-class players, he properly continues the legacy of UB40 with the classic sound listeners know and love on the road in 2026 and beyond.

“UB40 is my legacy,” he smiles. “It’s an absolute joy to travel everywhere and sing these songs to lovely audiences. This is reggae; it brings people together and unifies them. It doesn’t matter if you’re 10-years-old or 100-years-old, it’s always a happy time. This is what I’ve done for the last 40-plus years of my adult life. I have no intention of ever stopping either.”

The initial Big Love Tour dates by UB40 FEATURING ALI CAMPBELL are as follows:

Sat 4/11/26 Grenada, West Indies National Cricket Stadium

Wed 4/15/26 Apopka, FL Apopka Amphitheatre

Thu 4/16/26 Cocoa Beach, FL Cocoa Riverfront Park

Fri 4/17/26 Pompano Beach, FL Pompano Beach Amphitheatre

Sun 4/19/26 Clearwater, FL Ruth Ekhard Hall

Wed 4/25/26 Austin, TX The Far Out (Main Stage)

Fri 5/1/26 Atlantic City, NJ Oceans Casino w/ Matisyahu

Sat 5/2/26 Mashantucket, CT Foxwoods Casino w/ Matisyahu

Sun 5/3/26 New York, NY Kings Theatre

Universal Attractions Agency Launches Corporate Events Division

 

Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) has announced the formal launch of its Corporate Events Department, a dedicated division designed to meet the growing demand from brands and organizations seeking world-class talent for corporate functions, private events, and branded experiences. UAA partner Adam Zagor, based out of the New York office, will oversee department operations and strategic relationships.

UAA has a long history of collaborating with brands, companies, and private clients to provide exceptional talent, including renowned artists such as Flo Rida, TLC, The I Love the 90’s Tour, Vanilla Ice, Rick Ross, MC Hammer, and Doug E. Fresh, DJ Jazzy Jeff, among many others.

The newly minted dedicated division will see Adam spearheading a more structured approach that positions Universal Attractions Agency as a leader in experiential entertainment for brands.

“For years, Universal has worked closely with companies and organizations to bring live entertainment to their events,” said UAA general manager Nick Martucci. “By formalizing this department, we’re committing additional resources and focus to deliver not only talent, but the kind of lifestyle-driven, experiential moments today’s brands and audiences are looking for.”

Martucci continued adding: “With this launch, we’re taking a natural next step. Adam’s leadership and experience in both artist relations and corporate partnerships make him the ideal person to guide this new chapter of growth for the agency. For 17 years now, Adam has been one of the most trusted voices here at Universal. Adam has our full support, and we are looking forward to future success.”

About Adam Zagor:

Adam Zagor is a graduate of the Fame school, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for Music & Art and Performing Arts, and went on to earn both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Performance from New York University. After working as a freelance musician for several years, performing at venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to festivals worldwide, Zagor began his career at UAA in 2009.

Zagor quickly came to realize that his passion for the music business was behind the scenes – helping to organize and arrange concerts, events, and tours. In 2017, he became the first agent promoted to partner by Epstein and Allen. Zagor currently represents K. Michelle, Marsha Ambrosius, Floetry, Mary Mary, Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Fred Hammond, Raheem DeVaughn, MC Lyte, Jeffrey Osborne, and David Benoit.

Brian Lottermann Promoted to West Coast Casino, Fair, Festival Agent at Universal Attractions Agency

 

Universal Attractions Agency has promoted Brian Lottermann to the position of West Coast agent for casinos, fairs, and festivals, based in the agency’s Los Angeles office. This promotion follows Ricky Regalado’s recent elevation to Co-Head of UAA’s casino, fair, and festivals department last month.

Brian joined Universal Attractions Agency in November 2021, where he quickly moved up to the agency’s trainee program and subsequently became the executive assistant to co-owner Jeff Epstein. In February 2023, he was promoted to West Coast agent (capacity 1,500 and under).

As the responsible agent for numerous UAA acts, Brian represents artists including Afroman, Doug E. Fresh, Goodie Mob, King George, The Pharcyde, Twista, and others. As Afroman’s agent, Brian has overseen the “Adventures of Afroman” tour, which has played out over 80 dates this year.

Additionally, Brian represents the acclaimed Southern Soul Explosion Tour, featuring King George, Sir Charles Jones, Calvin Richardson, TK Soul, Nellie Tiger Travis, and Ronnie Bell. Last month, the Southern Soul Explosion show at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater grossed $216,459.

Jeff Epstein spoke on Brian’s promotion saying: “I’m so proud of Brian to see him come up through the ranks — from my Assistant to working as the West Coast small-cap agent, to being responsible agent with me for Doug E. Fresh and Afroman, as well as the Southern Soul

whisperer. He’s come a long way and earned his spot as the new West Coast Casino, fair, and Festival agent.”

UAA’s general manager Nick Martucci added: “Since joining UAA, Brian has demonstrated exceptional growth and quickly established himself as a valuable member of the team. His professionalism, drive, and integrity have earned the respect of both his artists and colleagues, positioning him for continued success in his new role within the Casino, Fairs, and Festivals department.”

Outside of his career as an agent, Brian initially entered the business as a musician, booking local gigs as a bass player. He credits his time as a touring musician with shaping his current role as an agent, stating, “I did some small national tours in my college days and that has proven invaluable in my current position dealing with touring acts and routing dates, as well as understanding the artist’s mindset and life on the road.”

About Universal Attractions Agency / UAA:

Celebrating 80 years in the music business and founded in 1945 by Ben Bart, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) is a leading talent agency headquartered in New York City. With a rich history that includes launching the career of legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for over 40 years, UAA has been at the forefront of the entertainment industry for decades.

Today, UAA continues to guide the careers of prominent artists and entertainers. The agency represents over 250 artists, facilitates performances worldwide, and maintains its status as an industry leader under the leadership of Jeff Epstein and Jeff Allen.

UAA’s commitment to personalized attention and professionalism has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the entertainment sector, consistently adapting to the evolving landscape of the live music and entertainment industries.

Ricky Regalado Promoted to Co-Head of Casino, Fair & Festival Department at Universal Attractions Agency

Universal Attractions Agency has announced the promotion of Ricky Regalado to Co-Head of the Casinos, Fair & Festival Department, based in the New York office. Ricky will join the current head of the Department, Joel Brandes, in spearheading the Department’s operations. UAA’s Casino, Fair & Festival Department has experienced significant growth in 2025, marked by notable signings, including Chippendales, GenX -The Comedy Takeover Tour, Deal Or No Deal Live!, and The Brotherly Love Podcast.

Ricky joined UAA in 2018 as part of the internship program and quickly progressed through various positions, including agent trainee and executive assistant. In 2021, he was promoted to agent, where he has since overseen bookings in the East Coast territories. He has also served as the Responsible Agent for numerous artists and programs, including Johnny Gill, Chippendales, GenX – The Comedy Takeover Tour, The Stylistics, Deal or No Deal Live!, 70’s Soul Jam, and more.

As agent, Ricky has brokered high-profile bookings, including Erykah Badu’s 2024 headline performance at Afropunk Blktopia in Brooklyn, NY, Ludacris’s sold-out performance at The Big E! in West Springfield, MA, the national broadcast of the “I Love The 90’s” Tour for “The Fourth in America” segment on CNN, and most recently, a sold-out performance by R&B singer Joe at MGM’s stunning Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, MS.

On the promotion, UAA co-owner Jeff Epstein said: “I’m so proud of Ricky and everything he’s accomplished.” I’m honored to be working with him, and it’s been a pleasure to see him come up through the ranks from being an intern to being my assistant to helping develop and grow our Casino, Fair, and Festival Department. He’s one of the most tenacious people I know, and there’s no stopping him. Congrats, Ricky, on the well-deserved promotion!

UAA General Manager Nick Martucci added: “Ricky has grown into one of the most trusted voices at UAA. His work ethic and commitment to our artists make this promotion well deserved, and I’m excited to see what he and Joel accomplish together.”

The Casino, Fair, and Festival Department at Universal Attractions was established in 2014, when veteran agent Joel Brandes was appointed to lead the division at the agency’s newly opened Los Angeles office. In 2017, Chase Edwards joined the agency and was later promoted to West Coast casino agent in 2023. This year, the department has begun expanding into new genres—including comedy, Latin, pop/rock, and the emerging podcast space. Ricky and Joel will oversee the growth of these areas, guiding both the development of talent and the management of future projects within the department.

About Universal Attractions Agency / UAA:

Celebrating 80 years in the music business and founded in 1945 by Ben Bart, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) is a leading talent agency headquartered in New York City. With a rich history that includes launching the career of legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for over 40 years, UAA has been at the forefront of the entertainment industry for decades.

Today, UAA continues to guide the careers of prominent artists and entertainers. The agency represents over 250 artists, facilitates performances worldwide, and maintains its status as an industry leader under the leadership of Jeff Epstein and Jeff Allen.

UAA’s commitment to personalized attention and professionalism has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the entertainment sector, consistently adapting to the evolving landscape of the live music and entertainment industries.

The Smithereens Sign With Universal Attractions Agency

 

Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) has signed iconic alternative rock band The Smithereens for exclusive North American booking representation. Ryan Slone will act as the responsible agent for the band. The signing further strengthens UAA’s pop & rock division, founded in 2023, which has also seen the recent addition of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Booker T. Jones, Nine Days, and more.

 

The Smithereens, formed in 1980 in Carteret, NJ, achieved their breakthrough with the release of their debut album, “Especially for You,” in 1986. This album featured acclaimed tracks such as “Blood and Roses” and “Behind the Wall of Sleep,” which became staples of the alternative rock genre, receiving heavy rotation on MTV and college radio stations nationwide. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, the band continued to enjoy success with hits like “A Girl Like You,” “Blues Before and After,” and “Too Much Passion.”

 

Throughout the years, The Smithereens have maintained a prolific touring schedule, performing over 2,500 live shows where they have shared the stage with rock & roll titans including The Ramones, Tom Petty, Lou Reed, and The Pretenders.

 

For upcoming shows, special guest vocalist John Cowsill will join The Smithereens. See below for October-November tour dates.

 

Speaking on the signing, UAA Rock & Pop agent Ryan Slone said: “The Smithereens are rock and roll royalty. We are all proud to work with a band with an incredible legacy and a loyal fan base that spans generations!”

 

Upcoming Smithereens Shows

10/9 – Brookville, NY – Krasnoff Theater

10/10 – Saybrook, CT – Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center

10/17 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall

11/7 – Falls Church, VA – State Theatre

11/8 – Richmond, VA – Tin Pan

11/14 – Boston, MA City – Winery Boston

11/15 – Greenwich, RI – Greenwich Odeum

Tickets for upcoming shows can be purchased at: officialsmithereens.com

About The Smithereens:

Founded in New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have been creating electrifying, original rock’n’roll for 45 years. Jim Babjak (guitar), Dennis Diken (drums), and Mike Mesaros (bass) grew up together in Carteret, and the lead singer, the late Pat DiNizio, hailed from Scotch Plains. The band paid its dues in clubs all over the NYC tri-state area, from Kenny’s Castaways in Greenwich Village to the Court Tavern and Stone Pony in NJ. As The Smithereens’ fame escalated, they were in heavy rotation on MTV and appeared on The Tonight Show, Conan O’Brien, and Saturday Night Live.

The Smithereens have resonated with fans worldwide over the course of 17 albums and more than 2,500 live shows. Their most recent release, “The Lost Album,” features 12 previously unreleased songs recorded in the fall of 1993 when the band was in between contracts with Capitol and RCA.

After the 2017 passing of Pat DiNizio, the surviving members have decided to persevere and carry on their shared musical legacy. Utilizing guest vocalists such as Robin Wilson (Gin Blossoms), Marshall Crenshaw, and John Cowsill (The Cowsills/The Beach Boys), they continue to entertain and rock fans throughout the U.S. and the world.

About Universal Attractions Agency / UAA:

Celebrating 80 years in the music business and founded in 1945 by Ben Bart, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) is a leading talent agency headquartered in New York City. With a rich history that includes launching the career of legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for over 40 years, UAA has been at the forefront of the entertainment industry for decades.

Today, UAA continues to guide the careers of prominent artists and entertainers. The agency represents over 250 artists, facilitates performances worldwide, and maintains its status as an industry leader under the leadership of Jeff Epstein and Jeff Allen.