AMERICAN IDIOT Tickets On-Sale February 15

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that individual tickets for the national tour of the explosive Broadway hit AMERICAN IDIOT called “wonderfully raucous” and “emotionally charged” by The New York Times and “flat-out electrifying” by the Boston Globe, will go on-sale to the public Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 at 10 a.m. AMERICAN IDIOT will play the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph Street) for one week only, April 16 – 21, 2013.

AMERICAN IDIOT, a 2010 Tony Award^®-nominated Best Musical and 2010 Grammy Award winner for Best Musical Show Album, features the music of Green Day with the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong. The book is by Armstrong and Michael Mayer and direction is by Tony Award^®-winner Mayer (“Spring Awakening”).

The acclaimed creative team also includes choreography by Olivier Award-winner Steven Hoggett (“Black Watch”) and orchestrations and arrangements by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tom Kitt (“Next to Normal”). The Tony Award^®-winning scenic design by Christine Jones and the Tony Award^®-winning lighting design by Kevin Adams will also be featured in the tour.

Alex Nee will star as Johnny along with Trent Saunders as St. Jimmy, Casey O’Farrell as Will, Thomas Hettrick as Tunny, Alyssa DiPalma as Whatsername, Jenna Rubaii as The Extraordinary Girl and Kennedy Caughell as Heather.

AMERICAN IDIOT will also feature Aurie Ceylon, Carson Higgins, Antwaun Holley, Daniel C. Jackson, Brandon Kalm, John Krause, Alison Morooney, Turner Rouse, Jr., Jamal Shuriah, Dustin Harris Smith, Ashley Tobias, Chelsea Turbin, and Jared Young.

“I am thrilled that we get to continue sharing AMERICAN IDIOT with audiences across North America,” said director Michael Mayer. “The creative team and I couldn’t be happier with the stellar group of actors we’ve assembled. All of them are talented new additions to the AMERICAN IDIOT family.”

Winner of two Tony Awards^®, AMERICAN IDIOT is the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9-11 world. Through incredible spectacle, thrilling performances and with the hope embodied by a new generation, AMERICAN IDIOT has given audiences the time of their lives night after night since its Broadway run at the St. James Theatre (March 2010 – April 2011) and its subsequent national tour, which launched December 2011 in Toronto.

“Since its inception, audiences have been surprised by the emotional journey the show takes them on, told almost exclusively through Green Day’s songs, including many they are already familiar with and love,” said Tom Hulce, producer. “This is such a potent time for our country and the search of our characters for what to believe in is gorgeously celebrated through Billie Joe and Green Day’s wonderfully lush score,” he added.

The musical features the hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday” and the blockbuster title track “American Idiot” from Green Day’s 2004 Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum album. Also included in the score are several songs from Green Day’s 2009 release “21^st Century Breakdown,” and an unreleased love song, “When It’s Time.”

AMERICAN IDIOT premiered at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in September 2009 and played through November of that year. In April 2010, the musical opened on Broadway where reviews were unanimously positive with Charles Isherwood of the New York Times calling the show “the most adventurous musical to brave Broadway in the past decade” and the Toronto Star naming it “the first great musical of the 21^st century!”

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

The performance schedule for AMERICAN IDIOT is as follows:

Tuesday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 20 at 2 & 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 21 at 2 & 7:30 p.m.

Please note: Ticket prices and performance schedule are subject to change.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for AMERICAN IDIOT at the Cadillac Palace Theatre range from $18-$85.  A select number of premium seats are also available for many performances. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place (845 N. Michigan Ave.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. 

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com or www.americanidiotthemusical.com.

ELVIS LIVES “THE ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST EVENT” To Play The Akoo Theatre at Rosemont March 23, 2013

No one can deny the impact Elvis had on the music world, but I have never been overly enamored with him.  I mean, I enjoy his popular stuff, its fun. But my nine year old, he LOVES ELVIS.  Like makes me listen to the Elvis station on Sirius, loved Elvis.  He spots the sign for ELVIS LIVES at the theater when we were there for the Rockettes.  Are you an Elvis fan?

ELVIS LIVES
“THE ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST EVENT”
To Play The Akoo Theatre at Rosemont March 23, 2013
 

On Stage Touring, LLC, in association with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE), announced that the national hit ELVIS LIVES will be presented at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
 

ELVIS LIVES, which keeps on capturing the imaginations and interests of fans of all types including Broadway, concert and Elvis aficionados, is an unforgettable multi-media and live musical journey across Elvis' life featuring finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises' annual worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, each representing Elvis during different stages in his career.  The Elvis tribute artists will be joined by a live band, back-up singers and dancers, along with an Ann-Margret tribute artist, as well as iconic imagery made available from the Graceland archives; which includes a new exhibit of life-size images of Elvis’ stage-wear that will be on display in the lobby of each theater hosting a performance.

The high energy show features Ultimate winner Bill Cherry, along with Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest top five finalists Kevin Mills, Leo Days and Ben Klein, as the principle cast for the winter/spring production of ELVIS LIVES, joined by the professional talent of Lorri Russo as Ann-Margret.

“We are very pleased that ELVIS LIVES continues to delight audiences all over the nation and that Elvis fans in Rosemont will be given the opportunity to see these talented entertainers.  We hope to see finalists from the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest starring in ELVIS LIVES for years to come,” said Kevin Kern, Director of Public Relations for EPE.

“We are excited to be working with some of the most exceptional tribute artists in the world.  These talented performers really capture the spirit of the King of Rock N’ Roll while evoking the sensation of being there with Elvis as he journeys through his musical career,” stated Barbara Cooley, Executive Producer for On Stage Touring. “Elvis Lives is truly a dynamic and family friendly production.”

ELVIS LIVES performs at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, for two performances on Saturday, March 23 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit akootheatre.com or call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Akoo Theatre box office and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Contact GroupTix for tickets for groups of 10 or more at 773-327-3778. Tickets are now on sale and range in price from $24.50 to $69.50.

Rockettes' Radio City Christmas Spectacular Review

THE ROCKETTES TAKE CHICAGO ON AN UNPARALLELED
CHRISTMAS JOURNEY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON FEATURING
NEW SCENES, DAZZLING COSTUMES AND A 50-FOOT LED SCREEN COUPLED WITH SHOW STOPPING ROCKETTES PERFORMANCES

I'm not sure I can find the words to accurately discribe the beauty and enchantment I experienced last Friday night while watching the Rockettes at Akoo Theater with my boys.  It was truly breath taking and magical.  Between the costumes and the kicks there was also holiday joy and amazing stage design.  

Did I mention, I took my boys who are currently 10, 9 and almost 5.  I have to admit I was a little nervous about how much they'd enjoy the show.  Honestly, at 10 the oldest isn't yet into appreciating the beauty that is a Rockette.  But thankfully there was Santa and Christmas magic and awesome scenery so they all loved it.  Admittedly, probably not as much as this momma did but they enjoyed it nonetheless.  It made for a fabulous date night with just me and my little men and was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.

And there's still plenty of time to get tickets and see the show that runs until December 30th.  I promise you won't be disappointed.

Ticket Information
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, presented by Chase, plays at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont during the 2012 holiday season for 34 dazzling performances, December 14-30, 2012. A limited number of Premium seats are available for $79.00 - $89.00 and single ticket prices range from $30.00 - $75.50. Tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular are on sale to the public at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Groups of 10 or more may reserve tickets now by contacting Group Theater Tix at 312-423-6612.

Disclosure: I have been provided with complimentary tickets in order to facilitate a show review. 

Burning Calories to the Tracks your Favorite Celebs listen to

We may not all be able to afford personal stylists and trainers, but we do have access to the same music that are favorite celebrities have. If these tunes can get them pumped in the gym and look good for the Red Carpet, then we can use them to drop a jeans size and look good for bikini season. Free music downloads @ kazagold.com is a site that offers a great way to collect all those tracks your favorite actresses or singers have loaded onto their iPods. Perhaps knowing that when Jennifer Garner is planking and doing crunches to maintain her rock-hard abs to the sound of Justin Timberlake’s ‘Rock Your Body’, it will inspire some of us to download that track and give it hell in the gym. To learn how free music download sites can make your musical life better, and to learn what some of Hollywood’s A-level stars are listening to, continue reading.

The Truth About Free Download Sites

Much like the false accusation that Justin Bieber was sending Selena Gomez death threats, some sites that claim to offer free music downloads are also spreading false news. Although some sites may not charge their users a fee per-song, there are monthly charges. Furthermore, most sites don’t give their clients the ability to burn unlimited CDs, and have small media libraries. When researching a free music download website, be sure they are indeed truly free. Also, make sure they have a huge inventory of songs in their digital library, and that downloads are compatible will all types of MP3 players and computers. After all, you don’t want to be stuck singing the Pretender lyrics by the Foo Fightersafter realizing you just got screwed over.

Artists to download to get you fit 

If the stars are using music to fuel their physical goals, then let’s do the same! Recording artist Rihana gives partial credit to musicians such as Shop Boyz, Sean Paul and Jay-Z for her fit and trim figure. She loves listening to Jay-Z’s ‘Umbrella’ while boxing and doing pushups.

If you are looking for a yoga play list then do what actress Jennifer Aniston does and download some Groove Armada, Steveie Wonder, and The Rolling Stones. Holding the lotus position while listening to ‘Wild Horses’ will surely inspire you, as it does her, to get past the point of pain and achieve amazing flexibility and good core strength.

If you need a jogging play list then download what actress Reece Witherspoon has in her ears while hitting the pavement in the Hollywood Hills. She reports that ‘Soak up the Sun’ by Shryl Crow and ‘Buttons’ by The Pussycat Dolls gets her running to the beat.

Why not download tracks to make a compilation. Hillary Duff states that her 80s dance and punk tracks move her all over the place.

But is music really that important when it comes to working out? In an article by Livestrong, the author sites a study conducted by ‘The Journal of Exercise and Sport Psychology’ that reveals music as a factor to reducing the feeling of fatigue. Also, it can boost the spirits and produce relaxation response that can be helpful (for stretching and yoga). Also, the rhythms of music are proven to improve motor coordination. The article states that not only can this reduce the risk of injury but it can also help those who suffer from a movement disorder like Parkinson’s disease. I wonder what Michael J Fox has on his iPod? Clearly, celebrities know the benefits of working out to music, and now you do too!

Your Music, Your Choice

Do your research and find a good free music download site that offers you the kind of service you desire, and the variety of artists you want loaded on your MP3 player to not only help you get pumped when you work on your upper body strength, but that will also help you relax during those challenging stretching routines. The world of music is just an online click away.

Mom Gone Groupie Wordless Wednesday 12-12-12 #WW#RoyalBliss

This past Saturday night I went out with a friend to see a bank (actually several bands) I'd never heard of.  I like music and any excuse to go out and have fun so why not.  Well I liked the one band a lot...especially the drummer....

I blame my friend (in the first photo) and my 'friend' the Captain for the above photo!!  But fun was had by all and I'll look forward to seeing Royal Bliss when they make it back our way again because their drum...super sweet!!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to link up your Wordless Wednesday post so I can visit you too!

Soundfreaq Sound Kick BlueTooth Speaker Review

The music lover in me swoons.  The Soundfreaq Sound Kick has made my work day much more fun.  For over a year I've had two choices for listening to music at work, either dealing with my horrible built in speakers on my computer which are super quiet and bad sound quality or listen through my phone.  My phone has decent sound for a phone but its not something I want to listen to all day, everyday.  I have said a thousand times that I'd get myself some decent speakers but there was just always something that didn't seem to work with anything I looked at.  But I am a happy girl now.  

The Soundfreaq Sound Kick plugs in to charge but then can unplugged to move around  (battery life is listed at 7hours but I haven't drained it yet but I'm not at work using it that long in a day).  Being able to unplug is great for me when I need to do something out in our shop or if my boss wants to borrow it.  I can also plug my phone into the speaker to charge the phone if I need to.  I love this  because I tend to run out of outlet (or usb plug) space pretty quickly.  And I was able to set up the bluetooth function within seconds.  So now when I come in to the office each day all I have to do it connect my bluetooth to the Sound Kick and start up Pandora.  My normal station is "P!nk Radio" but this week I had to go and find the Christmas station.  (I'm hoping it will help me get in the mood to wrap the mountain of Christmas presents I have bought!!)  But regardless of WHAT I listen to it sounds fabulous.  I'm sure my sound geek husband would tell me I don't have my speaker placed for optimal sound but my ears simply aren't all that picky and having it placed anywhere facing me makes me giddy.  It's such an improvement!  

The ONLY imperfection I've found for me, the way I use it is because I may occasionally turn it up a little too much to be able to answer the phone and not sound like I'm having a party is that it doesn't have a mute button.  (I can prevent myself from getting TOO crazy with it by turning down the volume on my phone as that regulates the maximum volume the Sound Kick will go to.)   It has a pause button but this doesn't work at least with my phone/Pandora app.  Its not a huge deal as I can obviously just turn it down but a one touch mute button would be the only thing I would add if I could.  And speaking of the buttons, they're pretty cool too they are inset a little and you don't actually pretty them, they are like touch pads and with each registered touch the light on the front blinks.

I've very seriously considering getting one for at home.  (I suppose I could technically take it back and forth because it is super light but that just means one more thing for me to forget to bring each morning.)  But I can't decide whether to stick with the traditional black, like I have at work or whether I should get one of the Chromatics Collection in colorful Sunset, Ocean and Twilight.  I'm think Ghost (white) would be best for home but the other colors are really a lot of fun. 

• 
  
• Award winning product: Sound Kick won Overall Best of Show from iLounge at CES 2012 and Gizmodo's award for Best $100 Bluetooth Speaker.
• Plays any audio from your mobile device including music, movies, TV shows, videos, games, Internet radio and apps.
• Compatible with any Bluetooth device including the new iPhone 5, iPad mini, iPod nano etc.,as well as iOS like iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and Android and Blackberry devices, PCs and tablets.
• Great device for whole family and is easy to share since it's compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device. Will be compatible with future devices that have Bluetooth too so you don't have to worry when you upgrade your device.
• A case is available; you can buy the case separately as well as part of a bundled version (Sound Kick + case).

Want to get your own? Or maybe for someone on your holiday list? This would be a great accessory for anyone getting a new ipod, ipad, table etc.  Sound Kick is available nationwide at Target, Radio Shack, Walmart, and Sears stores, on Target.com, Soundfreaq.com, Bestbuy.com, Staples.com, Kohls.com, Sound Kick w/case option is available on Amazon.com and Sound Kick Chromatics and Sound Kick Ghost available only at Target.com and Soundfreaq.com.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Soundfreaq and received a product sample to facilitate my review.

Things Sound Great with Klipsch from Best Buy

I am a music lover.  I literally can't imagine a day without music.  Music can really help pass time.  A few good tunes and an ebook make an hour long train ride downtown fly by.  Trust me, I've forgotten my earbuds a few times and it suddenly seems like its the longest hour ever.  But the only thing worst than not having music...is horrible sounding music.  Or having decent sounding earbuds that are too uncomfortable to wear for very long.  But with Klipsch I didn't have either of this issues.  When I took them out of the package they have a different shape than I'm used to so I wasn't sure how they'd fit.  But they fit great and offer a normal fit and and sport fit.  Either are comfortable and the sport fit is slightly more secure.  AND they sound amazing.

Klipsch are also designed to work with certain Apple products volume control and voice command.  I especially like the volume control when using earbuds during workouts.  I find that songs can have a widely different volume level and suddenly your eardrums can be blown away with an overly loud song. But with the volume control you don't have to fumble for your phone or iPod to turn on the screen and then adjust volume.

Klipsch - Image S4 Earbud Headphones Product Features

• Earbud design
  With an angled nozzle directs sound into the ear for deep bass and extended frequency response. 4 soft, flexible oval ear tips (small, medium, small/medium and large) for a comfortable fit in your ear canals.
• Moving coil driver
  Delivers brilliant sound. Tuned bass-reflex woofer system delivers enhanced bass.
• Noise-isolating design
  Reduces background noise for clear audio.
• Durable, built-in strain relief
  Keeps you comfortable while you listen to your favorite tunes.
• Works with Apple® iPod® and iPhone
  For wide-ranging compatibility.
• 4-1/5' cord length
  Allows you to move around and work on other tasks while you listen to music.
• 3.5mm connector
  For an easy connection.
• Ear tip cleaning tool
  For added convenience.
• Crush-resistant aluminum case
  Provides easy portability.
• 10Hz - 19kHz frequency response
  For faithful sound reproduction.
• 110dB/mW sensitivity
  For powerful sound.
• 18 ohms impedance
  To efficiently conduct power. 

Klipsch - Image S4 Earbud Headphones are available now at BestBuy.com

I received Klipsch Image s4 Headphones courtesy of BestBuy as a member of the Offical Best Buy Blogging Board.

Guitars Are Still Great For Kids

Photo credit: dpawatts from morguefile.com

Learning how to play guitar is an activity that develops a wider range of skills than most people may realize. While learning how to play guitar, people are also learning discipline, developing coordination, and accessing a unique creative outlet for expression. These are all traits that can help anyone develop as a person, making guitar practice something that is especially useful for children. When a child spends time learning how to play guitar, he or she is also learning how to rise above their current skills to reach a distant goal. This can have an enormous impact on the development of any child.

Getting Started

Getting the necessary equipment together isn't very difficult, with many stores offering "starter packs" to get your child going. The exact equipment you need will depend on the type of guitar your child wants to play. Acoustic guitars will only require you to buy the guitar and some acoustic strings. For electric guitars, you need to buy the guitar, strings, an amplifier, and at least one guitar cable.
The process of actually buying an instrument, looking into lessons and practice can seem daunting and intimidating. However, learning a new instrument is really a fun and exciting activity, especially when you have reliable and knowledgeable companies like Musicians Friend helping you out. It may not be easy at first, but once a child gets the basics down, they'll be eagerly looking for new guitar parts like new strings, tuners, maybe even stacked guitar pickups, all of which can be easily found and researched at Musicians Friend. 
While there is an initial investment of time and money, it is an investment worth making. After all, discipline and determination are character traits that will support your child in many things beyond the realm of music.

How Guitar Helps Kids
Learning a new instrument has been a process that requires skill and diligence since the dawn of music. Kids can become frustrated and impatient with slow progress because of the expectations that many children have when they start playing guitar. For most kids, playing an instrument will be the first time in life that he or she has not been able to pick up something new and "figure out" how to use it. When kids realize how much harder it is to play guitar than they thought, there is a propensity to simply quit.
After some instruction and consistent practice, most children will be able to see noticeable improvements in their skill level. With more practice, they will see a greater level of improvement. As they see themselves improve, kids gain a major boost of self-esteem and they see the results of what dedication can achieve.

 Content provided by Becky Wilcox

Verizon How Sweet the Sound™ tour Giveaway #VZWSM

Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound™ Gospel Celebration unites communities and cities across America in celebration and song.  The tour pays tribute to gospel music and provides local choirs a platform to showcase their talent with a broader community. Choirs rejoice in song and praise; sing in front of gospel greats and fans; and compete for a chance to win up to $50,000 in cash and prizes.

This year, regional events will take place in the following cities:

·         Dallas – Sept. 6 at Verizon Theater at Grand Prairie

·         Atlanta – Sept. 10 at Philips Arena

·         Washington, DC – Sept. 12 at Verizon Center

·         Newark – Sept. 13 at Prudential Center

·         Detroit – Sept. 15 at Joe Louis Arena

·         Chicago – Sept. 17 at United Center

·         Los Angeles – Sept. 21 at Staples Center

·         Finale - New York – Nov. 4 at Barclays Center

GRAMMY® award-winning, songwriter, producer, arranger and music director Donald Lawrence will return as host and be joined by GRAMMY® award-winning entertainer, producer, author and syndicated radio host Yolanda Adams. In addition, Erica Campbell of Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, Bishop Hezekiah Walker and CeCe Winans will serve as resident judges for this year’s competition, which will feature each region’s top six choirs 

Tickets to the 2012 Verizon How Sweet the Sound™ tour are on sale now.  For more details about Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound™ including video content, judging criteria, ticket sales information, and official rules, please visit www.HowSweettheSound.com. 

Want to attend the Chicago event? I have TWO tickets to check out these fabulous performers:

• Dexter Walker and Zion Movement
• Voices of St. James
• The Wheaton College Gospel Choir
• Andre Crittenden & the L.A.W. (Living Anointed Warriors)
• Anthony McGahee and Praise Motivated
• Gregg and F.R.I.E.N.D.S Choir

 Enter to win two tickets to Verizon How Sweet the Sound September 17th at United Center, Chicago!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Strength through Music

I know I can't be the only one who gains much of my strength through music. Not writing it or even singing, I'm not talented like that but simply by listening to and really taking in the words of good songs.   Sometimes it's just about a fun song that makes you feel good. Or lately I'm addicted to the 80s station on Sirius because it just takes me back to a simpler time when I only THOUGHT I knew what stress was.

But every once in awhile there is a song that becomes  bit of a personal anthem because the lyrics just fit so perfectly.  When our separation initially happened, Kelly Clarkson's Stronger was a personal favorite.  But this last week I stumbled up another song that I instantly fell in love with because of the lyrics.  They are soo absolutely fitting.  It's a country song, and I have not listened to country much at all so the fact that it was on at just the right moment for me to stumble upon on a rare occasion I tuned in a country station...I'm pretty sure it was meant for me.  What do you think??

$25 ToysRUs Gift Card #Giveaway from Proctor and Gamble

Do you use Pandora?   

Thanks to Pampers Radio, moms can now select either “Baby Lullabies” to help them sooth newborns or “Toddler Sing-a-Longs” to entertain little ones.  I can tell you that I have used Pandora for a couple years and have used it to keep my kids entertained numerous times but it hasn't always been the easiest to set up stations that work for them.  Sometimes you do a search for a kid friendly artist and might be surprised what you come up with. So I LOVE the idea of these new stations.

Plus there is an added bonus now through August 12th, by listening to either of these stations will give you limited-time on-screen offers from Babies”R”Us and Toys”R”Us.

Find these stations by searching “Pampers” on Pandora.

Need one more reason to be excited about Pampers Radio on Pandora?  How about the chance to win a $25 gift card good at ToysRUs or BabiesRUs courtesty of Proctor and Gamble?

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a gift card to facilitate this giveaway. 

They are Young

Last night, after baseball practice the coach offered to take all the boys out for ice cream. I'm pretty sure only insane people take 12+ 9 and 10 year old sweaty dirty boys to a restaurant and pump them full of  ice cream.  But not being one to be a party pooper, I took Timmy and a friend's son who we'd picked up for practice to get ice cream with their team. 

After about half their cones the sugar must have really kicked in because their table began singing this song, loudly, and mostly off key...oh and only the chorus..over and over again.

(Be thankful I didn't think to get video of their performance!)

But I kind of love the sentiment behind the song.  I'm hoping they'll take it to heart and make it their personal anthem!

Tonight
We are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

 © 2012 WMG

American Idol Top 13 Performances

 

Are you watching American Idol? What do you think of the Top 13? I think they all did at least a decent job this week. But I was glad to hear the judges not just overly praise every performance. Without critique how are they to improve.

But far away the stand out of the night was Jessica Sanchez! I could have closed my eyes and thought this was Whitney singing. Her voice is amazing and I have no doubt she will go somewhere in music regardless of the outcome of this season. I am however not confident she will win it as I haven't seen her really make a mark outside of her performances and I believe past seasons have shown that personality OFF stage carries a lot of weight. If she can come out of her shell and win the hearts outside of her voice, I think she'll have a good shot.

Phillip Phillips is still one of my faves (from the first round of auditions. Though he seems to step a little further from my taste each week. He reminds me more and more of Casey from last season each week and I wasn't really a Casey fan.

Who are YOU rooting for this season on American Idol?

Lady Antebellum's New Album, Own The Night

Photo Credit: Brantley Gutierrez

After sweeping the 2011 GRAMMY Awards earlier this year, the singer/songwriters returned to Nashville to focus on writing and recording the follow up to their top selling NEED YOU NOW. 

“We took more time to write and record this record than we've ever done before,” says Charles Kelley. “I remember looking at Hillary and Dave at the GRAMMYs this year, on the wildest night of our lives, and saying 'this is amazing…we'll never get to experience a moment like this again, but now we have to go home and get to work.'"

"We're definitely more in tune with each other musically and personally than ever," said Haywood. "It's an exciting place to be. This album was created from the ground up—we are writing these songs, playing these instruments and creating these arrangements.  With OWN THE NIGHT, more than ever before, I think we share a real feeling of accomplishment both as a band and as friends.”

“One of our favorite songs on the new record is called 'We Owned The Night,' which is about a special once-in-a-lifetime moment, and we thought that naming the album around that same sentiment was really appropriate," says Hillary Scott.  "It's also about the experience we want to create every night in concert for our fans…together, we own the night!"

Buy it here! 

Lady Antebellem Official Site

Facebook Page

Twitter Page

MySpace Page

YouTube Page

Tour Information:

After selling out every city on the group's first-ever headlining tour, multi-platinum group Lady Antebellum announced that they will launch the first leg of their OWN THE NIGHT 2011 TOUR on Nov. 11 in Knoxville, Tenn.  

The first leg of the 21-city arena tour will feature special guest Josh Kelley and a combination Eden’s Edge and Randy Montana in the opening slot. Tickets for the opening night in Knoxville, Tenn. will be available on Aug. 26 to the public.

OWN THE NIGHT 2011 TOUR
11/11              Knoxville, Tenn.                     Knoxville Coliseum*
11//12             Macon, Ga.                           Macon Centreplex*
11/13              Pikeville, Ky.                         East Kentucky Expo Center*
11/16              El Paso, Texas                     El Paso County Coliseum*
11/17              Phoenix, Ariz.                       Grand Canyon University*
11/18              Las Vegas, Nev.                   The Joint @ The Hard Rock*
11/25              Huntsville, Ala.                     Von Braun Civic Center**
11/26              Florence, S.C.                      Florence Civic Center**
11/27              Savannah, Ga.                     Savannah Civic Center**
12/1                Colorado Springs, Colo.       Colorado Springs World Arena**
12/2                Lubbock, Texas                    City Bank Coliseum**
12/3                Wichita Falls, Texas              Kay Yeager Coliseum**
12/4                Belton, Texas                        Bell County Expo Center**
12/8                La Crosse, Wis.                    La Crosse Center Arena**
12/9                Sioux City, Iowa                    Tyson Center**
12/10              Springfield, Mo.                     JQH Arena**
12/11              Murray, Ky.                            CFSB Center**
12/15              Amherst, Mass.                    The Mullins Center**
12/16              Wilkes-Barre, Pa.                  Mohegan Sun Arena**
12/17              Roanoke, Va.                        Roanoke Civic Center**
12/18              Morgantown, W.Va.               WVU Coliseum**               

*Tour Dates with Randy Montana
**Tour Dates with Eden’s Edge

For a full list of tour dates and ticket info, visit www.ladyantebellum.com.

My Thoughts:

I have to say that while I have been a HUGE country fan in the past, I haven't listened to much country music lately.  BUT I do LOVE Lady Antebellum.  While I do think that have just a hint of unmistakable country to them they simply are too amazing to be kept to one genre.  I have loved each other the singles that had previously been released but still wasn't sure what I wold think of this entire album.  I tend to stick to the stuff I know from the radio and don't typically listen to very many albums in their entirety.  But Lady Antebellum's Own The Night is amazing from start to finish.  There is a variety that keeps it from all sounding the same, yet it all has the unbeatable vocal quality you can't help but appreciate!  I can honestly say that this is a CD I would WANT to buy every song.  If you enjoy Lady Antebellum check out the entire new album, you won't be disappointed!!

Disclosure: I did receive a complimentary copy of this album for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own, honest personal feedback.

Broadway In Chicago Audience Rewards

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the launch of Audience Rewards for the Chicago market.  This is a national loyalty program for arts fans that began in New York and is now named “The Official Loyalty Program of Broadway,” attracting over 1 million members. The program allows audience members to earn points redeemable for show tickets and other memorabilia and merchandise.

Audience Rewards was created through an unprecedented partnership between Broadway theater owners and performing arts centers throughout the United States. The program, which began in 2005, has more than 1,000 new members joining daily and is the first and only loyalty program of its kind. Members are able to take advantage of hundreds of point-earning offers and ticket redemptions, and gain insider access to special events and advance ticketing for new shows nationwide. In addition, Audience Rewards members can also earn and redeem partner points for their theatre ticket purchases with other rewards programs such as Starwood Preferred Guest®, Delta SkyMiles® and Best Buy® Reward Zone®.

Membership in Audience Rewards is free. Local arts fans can sign up at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Customers who sign-up will receive points for purchasing tickets for participating Broadway In Chicago shows at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, Oriental Theatre, Bank of America Theatre, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. These points can then be redeemed by members for participating shows in Chicago or at over 30 participating shows on Broadway in New York. To join Audience Rewards, visit BroadwayInChicago.com and click on the Audience Rewards Button to sign up. Once members have an ID and password, they will begin earning ShowPoints and gaining access to special members-only benefits.

“Broadway In Chicago is excited to partner with Audience Rewards,” Eileen LaCario, Vice President of Broadway In Chicago said. “We are so appreciative of all of the loyal theatergoers in Chicago and this gives us another way to give them insider opportunities and to thank them for their patronage.”

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 10 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Bank of America Theatre, Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

Breaking Laces upcoming release, When You Find Out Review

BROOKLYN TRIO BREAKING LACES ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM RELEASE

WHEN YOU FIND OUT

MAY 17, 2011

“Hartong carries himself in front of the crowd as something of a more down-to-earth version of Rivers Cuomo with his head screwed on straight.” The Washington Times

New York, NY – Brooklyn-based trio, Breaking Laces returns in fine form with a potent and relatable new album, When You Find Out, set for release on May 17, 2011. The new record features their much known smart, witty, honest and frequently humorous songwriting style with well-crafted songs that range from pop ditties to distortion influenced rock.

"The idea was to take simple acoustic pop songs and make them bigger than life," says singer/guitarist/songwriter Willem Hartong, whose effortlessly indelible tunes combine widescreen song craft with personally charged lyrical intimacy.  That's certainly the case with When You Find Out, which finds Hartong and bandmates Rob Chojnacki (bass) and Seth Masarsky (drums) achieving a forceful creative breakthrough.

** Photo Credit Jen Maler

It’s a compellingly listenable record that exhibits new musical range for a band who has already won over a diehard legion of fans across the country with frequent touring around the country (500+ shows in 5 years).

The 12-song set consolidates and focuses the salient qualities of the band's prior work, while venturing into some exciting new musical territory with instantly memorable tunes such as "What We Need," "Hear to Stay," "Laser Beams" and "Carry On".

“Brooklyn's Breaking Laces transcends geography - and even time, a little bit - to hold fast to the pleasant dashes of anti-folk. There’s a little Lemonhead sugar and some They Might Be Giants quirk. The trio incorporates sampling and keyboards to flesh out its live sound, but thankfully doesn't crowd the acoustic simplicity.”  Rochester City Paper

When You Find Out's resonant songwriting demonstrates the remarkable rapport that the three band members have developed during their longstanding partnership. These achievements are all the more impressive in light of the fact that they've been accomplished on the band's own terms, with an absence of outside hype and an old-school emphasis on honest musicianship and irresistibly melodic, emotionally engaging songwriting.

The band recorded When You Find Out in New York and Nashville with producer Ed Tuton, whose resume includes work with artists as diverse as Carly Simon, T-Pain, Maxwell and Eagle Eye Cherry.  "I think that this record shows a good range of what we do," Chojnacki asserts.  "It's pretty focused, but it also covers a lot of musical ground.  We dug pretty deep for this one."

Their discipline and hard work has allowed them to develop a live show whose upbeat intensity belies the musicians' seemingly mild-mannered exterior and their stripped-down lineup of acoustic guitar, bass and drums (which they augment on stage with samplers and other electronic devices).

"I love that we can go to a small club with just the three of us, and blow the roof off the place," Masarsky adds.  "We've played on bills with a lot of different kinds of bands, and we've followed bands that are loud and fast and furious, and then we get up there with just the three of us and it's just epic, and people say 'How did you do that?'"

** Photo Credit Jen Maler

SXSW BREAKS BAND…OR AT LEAST BONES

New York, NY – Brooklyn-based rock trio Breaking Laces headed down to Austin to play four SXSW showcases, meet people, make connections, drink beer, catch some shows and head home to get ready for the release of their highly anticipated upcoming release, When You Find Out. But things didn’t go exactly as planned….

While the band did play all four gigs, the last two were quite an accomplishment – band drummer, Seth Masarsky, hit the kit with two broken wrists! Such devotion to rocking out regardless of injury, earned Seth and the band the official True Grit Award from The U.N.C.L.E. SXSW 2011 Spirit Awards.

Breaking Laces’ songwriter and lead singer, Willem Hartong tells the tale: “The first rule of Austin Fight Club is that we don't talk about the fact that Seth found his way into a basement Friday night and got Tyler Durdened. Sounds a lot better than, don’t drink while walking, right?  No matter the story, fact is we can now honestly say we live up to our name, Breaking Laces. It’s a true accomplishment.”

Breaking Laces upcoming release, When You Find Out, is stockpiled with Hartong’s smart, witty, humorous and honest songs ranging from pop ditties to distortion-influenced rock. The 12-song album, set for May 17^th release, consolidates and focuses the salient qualities of the band's prior work, while venturing into some exciting new musical territory with instantly memorable tunes such as "What We Need," "Hear to Stay," "Laser Beams" and "Carry On."

CONFIRMED TOUR DATES (More dates to be announced)

6/8                   The Triple                  Richmond, VA

6/9                   Live Bar                     Greenville, NC

6/10                 Evening Muse            Charlotte, NC

6/23                 Legendary Dobbs     Philadelphia, PA

6/24                 Ebenezer’s                 Washington DC

My thoughts:
I am in love with this funky, fun group.  I love listening to it at work because it's really upbeat and happy feeling.  I can't really think of a good group to compare them to, which I suppose is a good thing.  They are fun and quirky kind of like a Green Day but much lighter...but not sleepy light.  Maybe you can do better to come up with a comparison after you listen to the songs below.

Check out these two fun singles for FREE "God In Training" and "Shopping For Two"

http://breakinglaces.com/findout/mp3/GodInTraining.mp3

http://breakinglaces.com/findout/mp3/ShoppingForTwo.mp3

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this album for review purposes. I was not paid for a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback.