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Pop 2000 Returns With 2025 Tour Featuring Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC, O-Town, BBMAK, Ryan Cabrera, LFO, and Tyler Hilton

March 4, 2025 – New York, NY – Following a highly acclaimed run last year, the “Pop 2000 Tour,” hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC, will return in 2025 with a 28-date trek across the U.S. and Canada starting this month. The lineup features platinum-selling pop stars O-Town, BBMAK, Ryan Cabrera, LFO, and “One Tree Hill” alum Tyler Hilton, who will bring you their iconic songs, transporting you right back to the early 2000s.

The tour will kick off March 28 at Orlando’s SeaWorld and run throughout the spring and summer, making stops in cities such as Atlantic City, Toronto, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and more. A complete list of tour dates is provided below.

UAA’s head of Rock & Pop, Matt Rafal, spoke about the upcoming tour’s excitement, adding: “We’re heading into our seventh year of Pop 2000, and this year is shaping up to be our best one yet. The demand for Pop2K nostalgia increases each year, and these artists always deliver a great show. For many fans, it’s become an annual tradition!”

The Pop 2000 Tour is represented by Universal Attractions Agency.

2025 Pop 2000 Tour Dates

3/28 – Orlando, FL – SeaWorld

3/30 – Brookhaven, GA – Cherry Blossom Fest

4/12 – Temecula CA – Pechanga Resort Casino

5/22 – Tulsa, OK – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

5/23 – Roland, OK – Cherokee Casino

6/19 – Hampton Beach, NH – Bernie’s Beach Bar

6/20 – Englewood, NJ – BergenPAC

6/21 – Cohasset, MA – South Shore Music Circus

6/22 – East Greenwich RI – Greenwich Odeum

6/27 – Atlantic City, NJ – TBA

6/28 – Waterloo, NY – TBA

6/29 – Toronto, ON – Casino Rama

7/4 – Albany, NY – New York State’s 4th of July Celebration

7/5 – Delray Beach, FL – The Pavillion at Old School Square

7/10 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues

7/11 – Pittsburgh, PA – Jergel’s

7/12 – Middletown, PA – Vineyard at Hershey

7/13 – Patchogue, NY – Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts

7/17 – Indianapolis, IN – Old National Centre

7/18 – Wyandotte, MI – District 142

7/19 – St Charles, IL – Arcada Theatre

7/20 – Paw Paw, MI – Warner Vineyards

7/26 – Elizabeth, IN – TBA

8/29 – Kansas City, MO – TBA

8/30 – Grand Isle, NE – TBA

9/27 – Destin, FL – LadyGang Festival

10/4 – Vista, CA – TBA

11/21 – Ocean City, MD – Roland E. Powell Convention Center

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

About The Artists:

Chris Kirkpatrick is an American singer, dancer, actor, and voice actor best known for his work as a founding member of the pop group *NSYNC. As a voice actor, he has worked on numerous kids shows, including voicing the character of Chip Skylark on “The Fairly Oddparents”. In 2022, he competed in Season 3 of “Celebrity Big Brother” and “The Masked Singer.”

O-Town’s story began in 1999, when “Making the Band” chronicled the rise to success of O-Town throughout three seasons of the series on both ABC and MTV. The group’s first two full-

length albums included #1 singles, “Liquid Dreams” and “All or Nothing” and the Top 40 hit “We Fit Together.” “All or Nothing” was nominated for Song of the Year at the Radio Music Awards in 2001.

BBMAK (Mark Barry, Christian Burns, and Stephen McNally) are officially “Back Here” after a 15-year hiatus. The multi-platinum-selling English pop group has sold more than three million albums and had hit singles worldwide before disbanding in 2003. Best known for their self-penned infectious guitar-driven hits “Back Here”, “Out of My Heart”, and “The Ghost of You and Me”, BBMAK was one of the few bands during the pop explosion of the early 2000s to play their own instruments and write their own songs. Billboard recently named “Back Here” the 9th greatest boy band song of all time.

Ryan Cabrera is the singer and songwriter behind ubiquitous smashes such as “On the Way Down,” “True” and “Shine On” as well as albums including 2004’s Take It All Away, which hit #8 on the Billboard Top 200. Ryan was also featured heavily on MTV’s “Ashlee Simpson Show” and “The Hills”.

LFO burst onto the scene in 1999 with the #1 smash hit “Summer Girls” and followed with another top-five hit in “Girl on TV” and the top-ten hit, “Every Other Time”. Today, lone surviving member Brad Fischetti keeps the name of LFO alive, performing the songs to fans, new and old.

Tyler Hilton from portraying Elvis Presley in Walk the Line and garnering a cult following as musician “Chris Keller” on the CW hit TV show One Tree Hill, to writing and touring with the likes of Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and Joe Cocker, Tyler Hilton has enjoyed an award-winning career spanning music, film and television.

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. 

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. 

To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website. 

Platinum-Certified Pop Duo MKTO Signs With Universal Attractions Agency

February 24, 2025 – New York, NY – Universal Attractions Agency is excited to announce that platinum-selling pop duo MKTO has signed with the agency. UAA’s head of Rock & Pop, Matt Rafal, will act as responsible agent.

Malcolm Kelley and Tony Oller formed MKTO in 2010 and released their debut single, “Thank You,” in November 2012. The single was an immediate success, charting exceptionally well in the Australian and New Zealand markets. MKTO’s global breakout came the following year with the smash hit “Classic,” which cracked the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 and earned double platinum certification by the RIAA. The song has since amassed over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify and 240 million views on YouTube.

MKTO released their self-titled debut LP in January 2014, featuring their first two singles along with other popular songs, “God Only Knows” and “American Dream.” The debut album went on to sell over a million copies worldwide.

On the signing, Matt Rafal said: “I’ve been a huge fan of Tony and Malcolm since the first time I heard “Classic.” I’m thrilled to be working with them on bringing their show back to the stage. The response from talent buyers has been incredibly positive.”

With over 8.5 million monthly Spotify listeners, this year marks the first time the duo has toured together since 2015. MKTO is confirmed for a series of festivals and fair dates in 2025,

including Summer Jam in Eau Claire, WI, on June 20, where they will share the stage with Gavin DeGraw, Everclear, and headliner Lynyrd Skynyrd.

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. 

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. 

To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website. 

Talib Kweli Signs Exclusively With Universal Attractions Agency

February 10, 2025 – New York, NY – Universal Attractions Agency is excited to announce that legendary Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli has signed exclusively with the agency for representation worldwide. UAA’s President Jeff Epstein and Ben Sauberman will act as responsible agents.  

Talib Kweli rose to prominence in 1998 as one half of the duo Black Star, releasing the critically acclaimed album “Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star.” This album was an instant hit, featuring popular tracks like “Definition” and “Respiration,” the latter of which features Common. Both tracks charted on the Billboard Hot 100. Talib continued to release acclaimed albums, including 2000’s “Train of Thought,” produced by Hi-Tek, and 2002’s “Quality,” which included Talib’s most successful solo hit, “Get By.” Throughout his legendary career, Talib Kweli has collaborated extensively with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Pharrell, J Dilla, Madlib, and Just Blaze. 

This year, Talib Kweli will tour Europe and North America, kicking off on February 13 in Reykjavik, Iceland. The tour will run through June and culminate in a performance at Kings Theater in Talib Kweli’s hometown of Brooklyn, NY, on June 21. A complete list of tour dates is provided below. 

Jeff Epstein said on the signing: “We are honored to welcome the legendary Talib Kweli to the Universal Attractions Agency family. The impact Talib’s music has had on hip-hop is undeniable, and we are excited to partner with him.” 

2025 Europe & North America Talib Kweli Tour Dates 

2-13 Reykjavik, Iceland – Gamla Bíó 

2-15 Paris, France – New Morning 

2-19 Eeklo, Belgium – N9 

2-20 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg 

2-22 Athens, Greece – Gazarte 

2-23 Zurich, Switzerland – Alte Kaserne 

2-26 Rennes, France – Antipode 

2-27 Toulouse, France – Le Rex 

2-28 Brighton, United Kingdom – The Arch 

3-01 Porto, Portugal – Plano B 

3-02 Bologna, Italy – Locomotiv Club 

3-05 Dallas, TX – Trees 

3-06 Denver, CO – The Oriental Theater 

3-07 Albuquerque, NM – Sister Bar 

3-08 El Paso, TX – Lowbrow Palace 

3-22 Fort Lauderdale, FL – Kemistry Nightclub 

4-13 Rubigen, Switzerland – Mühle Hunziken 

4-16 Montpellier, France – Rockstore 

4-19 Nantes, France -Warehouse 

4-20 Wil, Switzerland – Gare de Lion 

4-25 Seattle, WA – Nectar Lounge 

4-26 – Tacoma, WA – Airport Tavern 

5-02 – Mississauga, ON – Living Arts Centre 

5-09 San Diego, CA – The Holding Company 

6-21 Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theater

For tickets, visit: talibkweli.com 

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. 

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. 

To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website. 

After 25 Years, Ying Yang Twins Are Still Shaking It Like a Salt Shaker — and Hitting the Road Again (Exclusive)

Ying Yang Twins

 Tim Mosenfelder/Getty; Twix

Twenty-five years later, the Ying Yang Twins are still bringing the party.

The Atlanta duo, comprised of Kaine and D-Roc, took a look back at their storied career, featuring collaborations with Britney SpearsLil Jon and so many more. But speaking with PEOPLE about their Big Game partnership with Twix, the duo say that “It feels like we just got started yesterday.”

“This milestone means everything to us,” Kaine says of celebrating 25 years together. “It’s a testament to the music, the fans and the bond we’ve built as friends and collaborators. We’re incredibly grateful to still be here, doing what we love.”

“What they teach you in school? Hard work pays off. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. The less you put into it the less you’re gonna get out of it,” D-Roc says. “So, if you work hard, you get honored. We’re honored to be here.”

Making their dance-floor packing hits like “Salt Shaker” and “Wait (The Whisper Song)” is a process that has evolved over the duo’s time in the music industry.

“When we started, it was all about learning and experimenting — just figuring out our sound. Now, we’ve got the experience and perspective to approach music in a different way,” Kaine explains.

“The technology, the audience and the culture have evolved, and we embrace that. We still ask ourselves: what’s the dance move or vibe people will connect with our music today? That’s part of the fun.”

D-Roc notes the process is the same in the sense that “you’ve got to make music from the heart and the soul.”

“As long as you have fun with it and it’s the music that you love, everybody else will love it, too. You know, it feels good when you get it right, but if you don’t, you’ve got to go in and try again.”

The seasoned vets say that it still means a lot when they have that moment in the studio where they realize that something is really working.

“When we’re in the studio creating something that feels larger than life, that energy is unmatched,” Kaine says. “It feels like we’re carving out a piece of history.”

Not only do the two have the pleasure of enjoying their own evolution, but they’re watching the landscape of Southern hip hop evolve as well.

“Everything is supposed to grow and everybody has their time. It started with New York, then it went to Cali and Atlanta just got it right now. So you know, we’re gonna see who gonna get it next. While you have it, you’re supposed to honor and embrace it and treat it right. Then when it’s time, pass it down to the next person,” D-Roc says.

“I respect the new generation and I don’t expect them to be doing the same thing that I was doing back then because you need it to change. Their music is a part of the crown. That’s how they feel in this generation. Just because you don’t feel that way, doesn’t mean you don’t respect the craft.”

Kaine adds, “When we started, Atlanta had this raw energy, and now it’s become a hub for creativity and innovation. Each generation keeps pushing the boundaries, and it’s amazing to see how far it’s come.”

The pair continue to push their own boundaries, too, both as individuals and as Ying Yang Twins.

“We’re hitting the road in March and April for The Millennium Tour in cities like Louisville, Detroit, Brooklyn, New Orleans, Fort Worth, Atlanta and more. It’s all about bringing the energy to the fans and celebrating what’s next for us.”

Vanilla Ice & Universal Attractions Launch “I Love the 90s” Tour + New “Forever Young” Concept Celebrating 35 Years of “Ice Ice Baby”!

Los Angeles, Calif. (January 29, 2025)— Global music icon Vanilla Ice is set to heat up stages in 2025, headlining the “I Love the 90s Tour” created by Universal Attractions Agency / UAA, and touring for nine years since 2016. This year, the tour takes an exciting new direction with the “Forever Young” concept in select markets, blending nostalgia from the 90s with chart-topping boy bands from the early 2000s. The first leg of the tour will kick off in Tucson, Arizona, on March 7, and will hit more than 20 cities across North America.

The “I Love the 90s Tour” lineup will feature Vanilla Ice alongside a rotating roster of 90s hip-hop and R&B powerhouses, including Treach of Naughty By Nature, Rob Base, Color Me Badd, All-4-One, Montell Jordan, Young MC, and more.

Complementing the 90s vibes on the “Forever Young” dates will be performances by heart-thumping beloved boy bands of the early 2000s, including O-town, Ryan Cabrera, LFO, and more, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for fans of two iconic decades.

2025 also marks a significant milestone for Vanilla Ice, who celebrates 35 years since the release of his breakthrough hit “Ice Ice Baby,” the first hip-hop single to top the Billboard Hot 100. As one of the pioneers of mainstream hip-hop, Vanilla Ice continues to captivate audiences with his high-energy performances and enduring appeal.

Says Vanilla Ice: “I’ve always believed music brings people together, and with the ‘I Love the 90s Tour’ and ‘Forever Young,’ we’re bringing the ultimate parties! These two concepts are about celebrating the hits that defined generations, and ‘Forever Young’ gives fans an unforgettable trip down memory lane with the addition of early 2000s boy bands. These shows are going to be epic!”

Says Jeff Epstein of UAA: “’The ‘I Love The 90s Tour’ continues to evolve, and with the new ‘Forever Young’ concept, we’re bringing fans the best of the 90s and early 2000s for an unmissable experience. Celebrating 35 years of ‘Ice Ice Baby’ with Vanilla Ice at the helm is the perfect way to honor the legacy of a song that defined an era while introducing an exciting new layer to the nostalgia we all love.”

The tour promises to deliver an electrifying night of music that will transport fans straight back to the iconic 1990s (and in select markets to the early 2000s as well!). These celebrations of decades that gave us unforgettable beats, timeless hits, and legendary artists promise to reignite the energy of a time when boom boxes, mixtapes, and denim-on-denim ruled the scene in a night of nostalgia, reconnecting with the songs and vibes that defined a generation. These are more than just concerts —they are a time machine for music lovers.

Tickets are available at your local ticket outlets. Please visit ilovethe90stour.com for more details and ticket links. Fans can expect VIP experiences and upgrades, exclusive merchandise, and meet-and-greet opportunities with some of their favorite artists (through OneMoreTimeVip.com and artists’ websites). Check your local listings for details.

Don’t miss the ultimate 90s and 2000s parties —get your tickets now!

“I LOVE THE 90S” 2025 TOUR DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

March 7 – Tucson, AZ – Rillito Park

March 8 – Coachella, CA – Spotlight 29 Showroom

March 14 – Pikeville, KY – Appalachian Wireless Arena

March 15 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center

April 12 – Choctaw, MS – Pearl River Resort

April 18 – Rama, ON – Casino Rama

August 2 – San Diego, CA – Bayside Stadium, Sea World San Diego *

August 8 – Washington, MO – Washington Fairgrounds

August 30 – Grand Island, NE – TBA **

September 10 – Spokane, WA – Spokane County Fair and Expo Center

September 12 – Mashantucket, CT – Premier Theater, Foxwoods Resort Casino

September 13 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live Atlantic City at Etess Arena

November 22 – Ocean City, MD – The Roland E. Powell Convention Center **

* I Love The 90’s Tour featuring Treach of Naughty by Nature, Rob Base, Color Me Badd, Young MC

About Vanilla Ice:

With a career spanning over three decades, Vanilla Ice remains one of the most recognized names in music and entertainment. Known for his genre-defining hit “Ice Ice Baby” and his influence on pop culture, he has sold millions of records worldwide and continues to innovate with his creative projects and live performances.

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, under the leadership of co-owners Jeff Allen and Jeff Epstein, UAA continues to guide the careers of prominent artists and entertainers. The agency represents over 250 artists, facilitating performances worldwide and maintaining its status as an industry leader.

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 music and entertainment industries.

Nine Days Signs Exclusively With Universal Attractions Agency; Celebrates 25 Years of “The Madding Crowd”

January 27, 2025 – New York, NY – Universal Attractions Agency is excited to announce that RIAA platinum-certified rock band Nine Days has signed exclusively with the agency. UAA’s Matt Rafal and Nick Martucci will act as responsible agents. Nine Days joins UAA’s expanding Rock & Pop division, which saw veteran agent Ryan Slone join the agency earlier this month. With the signing, Nine Days also joins a growing stable of acclaimed Rock & Pop acts on the UAA roster, including The Click Five, Russell Crowe’s Indoor Garden Party, Dada, Howie Day, Tyler Hilton, MKTO, Ryan Cabrera, Talking Dreads, and more.

Nine Days formed in 1994 on Long Island, NY, and their debut album “Something To Listen To” would be released the following year. After signing a major record label deal in 1999, the band would find widespread acclaim with the LP “The Madding Crowd,” released in the spring of 2000. The album produced the mega-hit “Absolutely (Story of a Girl),” which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, top ten on Alternative Airplay, number one on Mainstream Top 40, and reaching double-platinum certification by the RIAA, all while continuing to be streamed over 500,000 times a week. The follow-up single “If I Am” also found success on the charts and airways.

After a prolonged hiatus, the band returned in 2024 with a resurgence in popularity when the band’s hit song “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” appeared in the Academy Award-winning A24 film “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Nine Days performed their first relaunch shows this past year in part of the Creed reunion “Summer of ’99” cruise festival, appearing alongside other iconic acts of the era such as Daughtry, Tonic, Fuel, and 3 Doors Down.

Nine Days frontman and guitarist John Hampson spoke on the band’s return to the stage, saying the following: “The response to the band on the Creed “Summer of ‘99” cruises was off the charts. I don’t think we’ve felt just such pure joy being on stage since back when “Story of a Girl” was first blowing up. It was amazing and set the vibe for all the shows we did in 2024. We started off the year filming a remake of the video for “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” for a South Dakota Super Bowl commercial- yes, that happened – and then the Creed cruises, festival shows, and some solo acoustic shows I did in December. It felt so good to get back out there and on stage, and I am really looking forward to the shows celebrating the 25th anniversary this year.”

UAA Agent Matt Rafal added: “I’ve been a fan of Nine Days for decades and have always considered their songs to be timeless. Their live show has always been top-notch, and I’m really excited to have them on our roster.”

For a full overview of Universal Attractions Agency’s Rock & Pop roster, visit the official UAA website.

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.

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.

Ryan Slone Joins Universal Attractions Agency With Expanding Rock & Pop Division

January 6, 2024 – New York, NY – Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) is excited to announce that veteran music booking agent Ryan Slone has joined the agency in the rock & pop division. A longtime Tennessee resident working out of Nashville, Ryan will join UAA as part of the growing rock & pop division headed by Matt Rafal.

Ryan brings to UAA a stable of prominent rock and blues artists, including Danielle Nicole, dada, 7Horse, LOVE with Johnny Echols, Talking Dreads, Scott Mulvahill, Black Circle, and Monkeys on a String, where he will act as responsible agent.

Jeff Epstein shares high praise for Ryan, stating: “Ryan is exceptional. His extensive knowledge of the Americana and blues circuit, coupled with his strong relationships with both buyers and artists, sets him apart. Ryan’s commitment to putting artists first aligns perfectly with what we value here at UAA. It’s clear that Ryan is a natural fit for our team, and we’re excited about what he’ll bring to the rock and pop division.”

Speaking on joining Universal Attractions Agency, Ryan Slone said: “I couldn’t be more excited to join UAA. The agency has a stellar reputation, and it’s easy to see that the leadership team is second to none.”

Ryan, who graduated with an MBA in music business from Belmont University in 2012, was previously at Bonfire Touring before joining Universal Attractions Agency. Ryan’s experience also includes working as an agent at Ovation Artist Group and New Frontier Touring.

About Universal Attractions:

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.

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.

To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.

112 Brought In The New Year With Classic Hits In The Bahamas

Marvin "Slim" Scandrick and Michael "Mike" Keith of 112.

Atlantis Paradise Island/Jervin Munroe.

R&B group 112 is still at it, recently bringing in 2025 in The Bahamas for Atlantis Paradise Island’s Party Like a Royal New Year’s Eve Celebration.

The group, consisting of original members Marvin “Slim” Scandrick and Michael “Mike” Keith, were joined by two other performers Saturday (Dec. 28) for the presentation, as former members Daron Jones and Quinnes “Q” Parker previously parted ways with the group.

Backed by a live band and DJ Stormy, the former Bad Boy signees brought several of their 1990s and 2000s hits to life, including “Peaches and Cream,” “Cupid,” and their heartfelt tribute to The Notorious B.I.G., “I’ll Be Missing You.” The Party Like a Royal celebrations also included appearances from comedian Adam Devine, GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Lil Jon and DJ Webstar, who both kept the party going from the DJ booth on New Year’s Eve. Check out snaps from 112’s night at Atlantis Paradise Island below.

The best known iteration of 112 featured Slim, Mike, Q and Daron, with the quartet dropping debut album 112 via Bad Boy in 1996. The group parted ways with Sean “Diddy” Combs’ label in 2002, moving on to to Def Jam’s R&B imprint, Def Soul.

The late 2000s brought about group breakups and solo projects, with the foursome briefly reuniting in the 2010s before Q and Daron called it quits for good following the group’s 2017 release, Q, Mike, Slim, Daron.

 

 

Universal Attractions Agency Nominated for Independent Booking Agency of the Year at the 36th Annual Pollstar Awards

December 13, 2024 – New York, NY: Universal Attractions Agency is proud to be nominated for Independent Booking Agency of the Year at the 36th annual Pollstar Awards. Winners will be announced during the prestigious industry award show at the Los Angeles Beverly Hilton on February 19, 2025.

The Pollstar Awards, a highlight of the three-day Pollstar Live conference, is the world’s largest gathering of live entertainment professionals celebrating the top tours, venues, live music executives, agencies, production companies, and more. Nominees were selected by industry peers and the Pollstar Awards nominating committee, which comprises agents, managers, promoters, and other industry professionals.

On the nomination, UAA President Jeff Epstein said, “I am truly honored that UAA has been nominated for the independent booking agency of the year award. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished and deeply grateful for the support of our friends and colleagues.”

A complete list of award categories and nominees can be found here on the official Pollstar website.

About Universal Attractions:

In business since 1945, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) boasts locations in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s celebrated history includes launching the career of the legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for more than 40 years, in addition to a truly jaw-dropping list of talent on its rosters, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson, and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, UB40, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and so many more.

UAA has proven itself as an industry leader among talent agencies, continuing to help direct the careers of some of today’s most prominent artists, comedians, and entertainers. To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.

 

Afroman Signs Exclusively With Universal Attractions Agency; Joins Rock The Country 2025 Festival Lineup

November 20, 2024 – New York, NY – Universal Attractions Agency is excited to announce that Grammy-nominated rapper Afroman has signed exclusively with the agency. UAA president Jeff Epstein and agent Brian Lottermann will act as responsible agents. Coinciding with the signing, Afroman will join the 2025 Rock The Country festival lineup; the ten-date festival trek will take place throughout spring-summer 2025. Afroman is also on the separate June 20 Rock The South festival bill taking place in Cullman, Alabama. 

About Afroman 

Afroman released his debut album “My Fro-losophy” in 1998 and went on to release a string of independent LPs before finding mainstream success with the iconic comedy-rap hits “Because I Got High” and “Crazy Rap” in 2000. Both songs eventually reached RIAA platinum status, and “Because I Got High” peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Afroman signed to Universal Music Group the following year, where he would release his major label debut, “The Good Times,” a compilation of material from previous independent releases. The album charted inside the top ten on the Billboard 200. The success pushed Afroman into the forefront of popular culture as “Because I Got High” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance at 2002’s 44th annual Grammy Awards. “Because I Got High” also appeared in numerous popular films such as “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” and “Disturbia.” 

On the signing, UAA president Jeff Epstein said: “Afroman is a legend and a pop culture icon. We are excited to welcome Afroman to UAA and are looking forward to the 2025 Rock The Country festival dates and beyond.” 

 

2025 Afroman x Rock The Country Festival Dates 

April 5 – Livingston, LA – Livingston Fairgrounds 

April 26 – Knoxville, TN – Maple Lane Farms 

May 3 – Poplar Bluff, MO – Brick’s Offroad Park 

May 10 – Ocala, FL – Florida Horse Park  

May 31 – York, PA – York Expo Center 

June 14 – Hastings, MI – Barry Expo Center 

June 20 – Cullman, AL – York Farms*** 

June 21 – Little Rock, AR – Arkansas State Fairgrounds 

July 12 – Ashland, KY – Boyd County Fairgrounds 

July 19 – Sioux Falls, SD – W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds 

July 26 – Anderson, SC – Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center 

 

For tickets and more info, visit rockthecountry.com. 

 

*** –  June 20 Rock The South festival date (separate from Rock The Country). For tickets, visit www.rockthesouth.com. 

 

About Universal Attractions:

In business since 1945, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) boasts locations in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s celebrated history includes launching the career of the legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for more than 40 years, in addition to a truly jaw-dropping list of talent on its rosters, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson, and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, UB40, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and so many more.

UAA has proven itself as an industry leader among talent agencies, continuing to help direct the careers of some of today’s most prominent artists, comedians, and entertainers. To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.

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