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A new film starring Alec Baldwin and Nick Cannon. A December comedy series featuring Na’im Lynn and guest-starring Kevin Hart. A Barclays Center event followed by a tour slated for late spring 2027. And Rip Micheals’ first stand-up special: no stage—all crowd.

NEW YORK, Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From Chevy Chase’s Vacation to Ryan Reynolds’ Van Wilder, National Lampoon has helped define American comedy for generations. Now, the iconic brand is partnering with Rip Micheals Entertainment and Eugene Parker’s 5120 Entertainment for an expansion spanning arena events, films, original series and a new comedy channel, alongside a revenue platform designed to help comedians keep earning from their work.

The announced slate includes National Lampoon’s Hollywood Hustle, starring Alec Baldwin and Nick Cannon, planned for early 2027, and a comedy vertical series featuring Na’im Lynn, with Kevin Hart guest-starring alongside an ensemble cast, slated for December 2026.

The live entertainment expansion arrives at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on December 17, while Rip Micheals’ In the Crowd Work premieres November 26, putting Micheals directly among the audience with a distinctive premise: no stage—all crowd.

These projects introduce the ambitions behind National Lampoon Presents, the new banner launching December 2, 2026.

FROM TELEVISION TO SOLD-OUT ARENAS
The partnership pairs more than five decades of National Lampoon comedy heritage with the live entertainment experience of Rip Micheals, creator and producer of the Wild ‘N Out Live! tour, April Fools Comedy Jam and other large-scale comedy productions.

Micheals took Wild ‘N Out from television to sold-out venues nationwide across four tours, reaching more than 1.5 million fans in over 100 cities. Its touring achievements include a Pollstar record for staging two shows in two different markets on the same night.

The partners’ strategy connects live events that build audiences with original programming that extends their reach, while the new channel and album revenue platform create additional earning opportunities for performers.

BARCLAYS CENTER: COMEDY’S LEGACY MEETS ITS NEXT GENERATION
On December 17, 2026, Barclays Center in Brooklyn will bring together comedy legends associated with National Lampoon’s legacy and some of the hottest performers from Rip Micheals’s sold-out arena tours.

Celebrating National Lampoon’s decades-long contribution to comedy, the event will connect generations of performers and audiences on one arena stage. Participating performers and additional event details will be announced separately, with a tour slated to launch in late spring 2027.

NO STAGE. ALL CROWD.
Premiering November 26, 2026, In the Crowd Work is Rip Micheals’ first stand-up special, placing him directly among the audience rather than on a stage.

The audience becomes the center of the performance, with Micheals building the special around his interactions with the people surrounding him. The format brings viewers into the exchange between comedian and crowd.

STAR-DRIVEN FILMS AND ORIGINAL COMEDY
The planned early-2027 film slate includes Hollywood Hustle, starring Alec Baldwin and Nick Cannon, alongside new films from 5120 Entertainment, with additional movie content expected as early as January.

Slated for December 2026, the new comedy vertical series featuring Na’im Lynn and guest-starring Kevin Hart adds short-form storytelling to the lineup, alongside an ensemble cast. Additional programming includes Na’im Lynn’s My Stand-Up Series.

The slate connects established names and emerging voices across live performance, stand-up, film and digital series.

A NEW HOME FOR COMEDY—AND ONGOING INCOME FOR COMEDIANS
The partners are also launching a new comedy channel that will produce comedy specials, creating a destination for original stand-up and comedian-led programming.

A companion revenue platform is designed to give comedians opportunities to earn ongoing residual income from their comedy albums, extending the earning potential of their work beyond a single performance.

Short sets, roast sessions, digital radio and podcasts are also part of the broader programming plans. Together, the live events, channel and revenue platform are intended to help performers develop material, reach audiences and build lasting value from their work.

“Comedians need a home where they can put their material out, reach audiences, and earn from their work,” said Rip Micheals, founder of Rip Micheals. “We took Wild ‘N Out from the screen to sold-out arenas.”

Beyond Wild ‘N Out Live!, Micheals’ production portfolio includes April Fools Comedy Jam, featuring Marlon Wayans; Fall Back in Love Comedy & Music Jam; and Urban Eats and Treats. His international production credits include UK comedy performances featuring Marlon Wayans and Eddie Griffin.

“National Lampoon has always stood for bold, original comedy that pushes boundaries and brings people together,” said National Lampoon representative Jerry Daigle. “With this partnership, we’re building on that legacy while creating new opportunities for comedians and introducing the brand to a new generation of audiences. Rip Micheals and 5120 Entertainment bring a strong track record in live entertainment and a shared vision for creating fresh, exciting comedy experiences. We’re looking forward to what we can build together.”

National Lampoon’s history spans publishing, film, stage and radio. Its Radio Hour and stage production Lemmings helped launch performers including Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner and Harold Ramis.

The partnership connects that legacy with Micheals’ arena touring experience and 5120 Entertainment’s film and television capabilities.

“At 5120 Entertainment, we’re focused on building projects that connect talent with audiences,” said Eugene Parker, CEO of 5120 Entertainment. “Our partnership with National Lampoon gives us the opportunity to bring an iconic comedy brand to new audiences and develop experiences across live events, and ultimately television, film, and digital projects. We’re excited to build alongside National Lampoon and Rip Micheals Entertainment.”

Further announcements will include viewing information, Barclays Center event details, tour dates, additional programming dates and information about the new channel and comedian revenue platform.

ABOUT NATIONAL LAMPOON
National Lampoon is an American comedy brand spanning film, stage, radio and publishing. Its cultural touchstones include Animal House, the Vacation franchise, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Van Wilder.

ABOUT RIP MICHEALS
Founded by comedian, creator and producer Rip Micheals, Rip Micheals produces large-scale comedy, music and entertainment experiences. Micheals is the creator and producer of the Wild ‘N Out Live! tour, April Fools Comedy Jam, Fall Back in Love Comedy & Music Jam and Urban Eats and Treats.

ABOUT 5120 ENTERTAINMENT

Led by CEO Eugene Parker, 5120 Entertainment develops and produces film, television and live entertainment projects. Its credits include Back on the Strip, starring Wesley Snipes, Tiffany Haddish and Kevin Hart.

MEDIA CONTACT

Thorough Consulting

Parnell Gervais

ThoroughConsulting@gmail.com

631.664.4927

Independent artist and entrepreneur Stevieontay Burnz prepares to release Burnz and Beyond, a new project built around cannabis culture, ambition, independence, and the real-life experiences behind The Southern Maryland Experience (The Experience Dispensary)

Stevieontay Burnz is bringing together two worlds that have become inseparable from his story: music and cannabis culture.

The independent artist, entrepreneur, and founder of The Southern Maryland Experience (The Experience Dispensary) is preparing to release his new album, Burnz and Beyond, a project that takes listeners deeper into the lifestyle, business, and experiences that have shaped both his music and his growing brand.

Rather than separating the artist from the entrepreneur, Burnz and Beyond puts both sides of Burnz on full display.

The album draws inspiration from his experiences building The Southern Maryland Experience, navigating the independent music industry, developing cannabis products and brands, and continuing to push forward through the challenges that come with entrepreneurship.

From The Southern Maryland Experience to Burnz and Beyond

Founded under Unlimited Experience Holding Company LLC, The Southern Maryland Experience / The Experience Dispensary has grown from its Maryland roots into a legal cannabis and hemp-focused retail brand with operations in North Carolina.

The company focuses on the legal, 21+ cannabis and hemp market, offering a curated selection of products while building a brand centered around cannabis culture rather than the traditional dispensary experience.

For Burnz, that business isn’t separate from his music.

It is part of the story.

That connection can be heard throughout Burnz and Beyond, where cannabis references sit alongside themes of ambition, relationships, pressure, independence, success, and the realities of trying to build something from the ground up.

The Burnz and Beyond Rollout Begins

The album rollout begins with “Wax Wizardry,” arriving September 30, 2026.

Mixed and mastered by Crackle Kapone, “Wax Wizardry” introduces listeners to the cannabis-heavy atmosphere surrounding the project while showcasing the sound Stevieontay Burnz has continued developing as an independent artist.

The rollout continues with:

“Married to Mary” — October 7

“Terp Temple” — October 14

“The Experience” — October 21

AND MORE TO FOLLOW!

Each release expands the world surrounding Burnz and Beyond, connecting Burnz’s music with the cannabis culture and entrepreneurial journey behind The Southern Maryland Experience.

The project also follows a growing run for Stevieontay Burnz that has included independent media coverage, radio exposure, interviews, live performances, and continued expansion of his presence across streaming platforms and music media.

More Than an Album

The title Burnz and Beyond represents exactly what Stevieontay Burnz is attempting to build.

The music is one part of a much larger vision.

As an artist, Burnz is building his catalog and identity independently. As an entrepreneur, he is continuing to develop The Southern Maryland Experience as a recognizable cannabis-focused retail and lifestyle brand.

Those paths now meet in Burnz and Beyond.

Instead of simply rapping about cannabis culture from the outside, Burnz’s music comes from someone actively involved in the industry — dealing with the long hours, risks, regulations, branding, customers, products, and constant pressure involved in building a legal cannabis business.

That gives Burnz and Beyond a perspective that goes beyond cannabis references alone.

It’s the soundtrack to the lifestyle behind them.

What’s Next for Stevieontay Burnz

With Wax Wizardry kicking off the rollout September 30, Stevieontay Burnz is entering the next stage of his independent career with new music, expanded media coverage, and continued growth surrounding The Southern Maryland Experience.

For Burnz, the goal isn’t simply to release another album or operate another dispensary.

It’s to build an ecosystem where music, cannabis culture, entrepreneurship, art, and community can exist under one identity.

And with Burnz and Beyond, those pieces are beginning to come together.

Follow Stevieontay Burnz on all major streaming and social platforms for the latest releases from Burnz and Beyond.

Listen to Stevieontay Burnz

Spotify: Stevieontay Burnz

Official Website and EPK: Stevieontay.info

Cannabis Website: www.thesomdexp.com

Denver has always had a reputation for live music. But beyond the city's better-known rock, indie, electronic, and jam scenes, something else has been developing quietly: a diverse and increasingly exciting R&B and soul community.

The city's independent artists are building a sound that doesn't fit neatly into one box. Some lean into classic soul and live instrumentation. Others blend neo-soul with jazz, electronic production, funk, gospel, or alternative R&B. What connects them is a commitment to creating music on their own terms.

That makes Denver an especially interesting place to discover emerging soul music in 2026.

Unlike larger music markets where artists can feel pressured to follow established formulas, Denver's independent scene seems to encourage experimentation. Musicians collaborate across genres, share stages, and build audiences through live performances, community events, intimate venues, and word-of-mouth.

Here are some of the artists and acts helping shape that movement.

See the Full extended list at Best Denver R&B Artists of 2026.

Wes Watkins: Keeping Live Soul Music Alive

Wes Watkins represents a side of Denver's R&B culture rooted deeply in musicianship.

A trumpeter, singer, songwriter, and composer, Watkins brings together gospel, jazz, funk, blues, and rhythm and blues. His music has the warmth of classic soul but remains connected to contemporary Denver.

His work is a reminder that great R&B doesn't always need to be built around elaborate production. Sometimes the most powerful thing an artist can bring to a song is the ability to perform it live with a band and make an audience feel connected.

For listeners who appreciate horn arrangements, groove-heavy soul, and musicianship, Watkins is an artist worth exploring.

Kayla Rae: A New Voice for Contemporary Soul

Kayla Rae represents the more intimate side of Denver's modern R&B movement.

Her music centers on expressive vocals, personal songwriting, and the emotional themes that have always made R&B so relatable. Her songs explore relationships, self-worth, healing, and personal growth while maintaining a polished contemporary sound.

What makes her particularly interesting is her emphasis on the song itself. Rather than chasing trends, Kayla Rae's work focuses on strong vocal performances and relatable storytelling.

For fans of vocal-driven R&B and the emotional honesty of early-2000s soul music, she is one of the Denver artists to keep on the radar.

Crl Crrll: Pushing R&B Into the Future

Crl Crrll sits on the more experimental end of Denver's R&B spectrum.

As a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, he combines soul with electronic production, indie pop, funk, and experimental textures. His music feels futuristic without losing the warmth and emotional accessibility that define great R&B.

His approach also reflects something important about Denver's independent scene: artists aren't necessarily choosing between traditional soul and modern production. They're combining both.

The result is music that can work equally well through headphones late at night or in an intimate live setting.

Paige Sandusky & Neo Soul Unplugged: Where Live Music Takes Center Stage

Paige Sandusky & Neo Soul Unplugged represent the power of live musicianship.

Rather than relying primarily on heavily produced recordings, the project focuses on intimate performances that bring together neo-soul, jazz, funk, and classic R&B. The ever-evolving collective creates an environment where musicianship and improvisation are just as important as the songs themselves.

That makes every performance feel different.

For Denver audiences who miss the days when R&B performances were built around full bands, live arrangements, and musical chemistry, Neo Soul Unplugged offers something special.

DZIRAE GOLD: Cinematic Soul With a Dramatic Edge

DZIRAE GOLD brings a different kind of energy to Denver's R&B landscape.

Describing her sound as "Cinematic Soul," GOLD blends contemporary R&B with orchestral arrangements, ambient textures, gospel influences, and powerful vocal performances.

Her music demonstrates how far modern soul can stretch without losing its emotional foundation. Instead of treating R&B as a fixed genre, she approaches it as a canvas for storytelling and atmosphere.

For listeners who enjoy dramatic vocals and music that feels expansive and cinematic, DZIRAE GOLD is an artist worth discovering.

Sol Satellite: Groove, Jazz, Funk, and Collaboration

Sol Satellite embodies the collaborative spirit of Denver's music community.

The Colorado-based collective combines progressive neo-soul, jazz improvisation, funk, Afro-Latin rhythms, and vintage R&B into a sound built for live performance.

The band's appeal comes from chemistry. The musicians are able to move between tightly arranged grooves and spontaneous improvisation, creating performances that feel alive in the truest sense.

For anyone who believes the best way to experience soul music is in a room with talented musicians playing together, Sol Satellite should be on the list.

Danae Simone: R&B Built Around Emotional Honesty

Danae Simone represents the quieter, more introspective side of contemporary soul.

Her music emphasizes warm basslines, understated percussion, elegant harmonies, and emotionally transparent songwriting. Rather than overwhelming listeners with production, she creates space for her vocals and stories to carry the music.

Themes of healing, relationships, self-worth, and personal growth give her songs a relatable quality while maintaining the sophistication associated with modern neo-soul.

Her approach is proof that sometimes the most powerful R&B is also the simplest.

Lady Los: Music That Invites You to Slow Down

Lady Los, led by vocalist and songwriter Celena Miller, has developed a sound built around warmth, patience, and intentional musicianship.

The collective blends ambient neo-soul, classic R&B, jazz, and meditative grooves into performances that feel immersive rather than flashy.

In a music culture increasingly focused on speed and constant content, Lady Los offers the opposite experience. Their music creates room to breathe.

That makes the group an intriguing part of Denver's growing soul community and an example of how live music can become something deeper than entertainment.

Kid Astronaut: Building an Entire Musical Universe

Kid Astronaut approaches R&B from a conceptual perspective.

The singer-songwriter, producer, and conceptual artist uses futuristic imagery and cosmic storytelling to explore deeply human themes including loneliness, healing, identity, empathy, and connection.

His music combines alternative R&B, indie soul, electronic textures, and classic vocal harmonies, but the futuristic concepts give the work a distinctive identity.

Rather than simply releasing individual songs, Kid Astronaut creates music that feels connected to a larger world.

For listeners who enjoy artists with strong visual concepts and deeper narratives, his catalog offers plenty to explore.

Mandy Groves: The Soundtrack to a Denver Midnight

Mandy Groves creates music built around atmosphere.

Her sound blends contemporary soul, alternative R&B, downtempo electronica, neo-soul, and organic instrumentation. The result is intimate and reflective—the kind of music that feels perfectly suited to a late-night drive through the city.

Her understated vocal style works alongside the production rather than overpowering it. Ambient textures, electric piano, electronic percussion, and layered harmonies create a dreamlike quality throughout her work.

For fans of atmospheric R&B and alternative soul, Groves represents another side of Denver's increasingly diverse music community.

Why Denver's R&B Scene Matters

What makes Denver's R&B movement interesting isn't simply the number of artists making soul music.

It's the variety.

You can find traditional live-band musicians, experimental producers, cinematic vocalists, alternative soul artists, neo-soul collectives, jazz-influenced performers, and conceptual singer-songwriters—all operating within the same broader ecosystem.

That diversity is becoming one of Denver's greatest musical strengths.

The artists emerging from the city aren't necessarily trying to recreate Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago. They're building a sound shaped by their own surroundings and by a local culture that values collaboration and creative independence.

For music fans, that's good news.

It means there are still artists to discover before they become household names.

The Denver Artists to Watch in 2026

From Wes Watkins' live soul musicianship to DZIRAE GOLD's cinematic approach, from Crl Crrll's futuristic production to Sol Satellite's infectious grooves, Denver's independent R&B scene is far more diverse than many listeners realize.

And these artists represent only part of the story.

For a deeper look at the artists shaping Denver's contemporary R&B and soul movement, check out Best Denver R&B Artists of 2026.

Whether you're a longtime Denver music fan or someone looking for your next favorite R&B artist, the city's independent soul scene deserves a closer listen.

The next great voice might already be performing somewhere in Denver.