Friday, September 30, 2011

PHOTOS: Emmy-winner Michael Chiklis and Oscar-winner Taylor Hackford on set in Sarasota

Emmy-winner Michael Chiklis (TV's "The Shield") with University of Tampa film students Lauren Holloway (left) and Vicki Delisle Thursday at Ringling Museum of Art's Ca' d'Zan Mansion in Sarasota. Photo provided. 

I spent about three hours observing Oscar-winning director Taylor Hackford at work last night on set of Jennifer Lopez, Jason Statham, Nick Nolte and Michael Chiklis film "Parker" for this front page story:


I also contributed to this photo gallery.

Here are additional pics from Thursday's shoot:

Taylor Hackford (red shirt) filming at Ca' d'Zan Thursday. Photo by Wade Tatangelo.
Fire truck scene from "Parker" shoot Thursday at Ca' d'Zan. Photo by Wade Tatangelo.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

INTERVIEW: Brian Henson, chairman of The Jim Henson Company, on his naughty new creation 'Stuffed and Unstrung'

L-R: Michael Oosterom, Brian Henson and Tyler Bunch Photo: Carol Rosegg

My earliest, most cherished memories are watching "Sesame Street," "The Muppet Show," "The Muppet Movie" and everything else produced by The Jim Henson Company.

So it was wonderful interviewing current company chairman Brian Henson, who fondly recalled hours spent backstage during taping of the Muppet productions and discussed how those memories shaped his cool, adult-only production "Stuffed and Unstrung," which is playing the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Oct. 5.



Wednesday, September 28, 2011

PHOTOS: Oscar-winning director Taylor Hackford in Sarasota to shoot Jennifer Lopez, Jason Statham movie 'Parker'

Oscar-winning director Taylor Hackford is shooting part of Jennifer Lopez movie "Parker" in Sarasota.

Just received this pic of Oscar-winning director Taylor Hackford at Ringling Museum of Art's Ca’ d’Zan Mansion.

He's being welcomed by Sarasota Film Festival's Sharyn Weiner, vice president, and Kathy Jordan, managing Director at Ca'd'Zan.

Hackford, the president of the Directors Guild of America. is in Sarasota today through Friday to shoot "Parker."

The crime/thriller stars Jason Statham and Jennifer Lopez as well as Nick Nolte and Michael Chiklis (TV’s “The Shield.”).

"Parker" is based on author Donald Westlake's namesake criminal protagonist in numerous novels.


Here's Hackford pictured above, whose resume includes directing “Ray,” “Devil’s Advocate” as well as “Officer and a Gentleman,” with Tom Garrett, who emailed me the pics tonight.


Garrett, pictured above with Chiklis, is film professor at the University of Tampa and director of special initiatives for the Sarasota Film Festival. Garrett told me SFF will be throwing a wrap party for the Ca’ d’Zan shoot.

“Parker” screenwriter John McLaughlin, best known for contributing to the “Black Swan” script, wrote the screenplay for the 1988 movie “Death Collector,” which Garrett directed.

The Ringling Museum of Art has stated the the leads wouldn't be present.

Lopez performed Saturday at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. There are no other upcoming public events posted on her official website.

Get Guns N' Roses in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Guns 'N Roses back in the bad, old glory days.

My vote, like I have one, is for Guns N' Roses and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2012 class.

Especially G N' R.

Although the group's output wasn't much (a masterpiece and two great albums), there still hasn't been a better hard rock band to come along since the original lineup split in the mid-1990s.

And who knows?

Entrance into the hall could mean a real GNR reunion, which, face it, if you're a hard rock fan it only gets better if Led Zeppelin (with original members and Jason Bonham on drums) tours again.

Here's how I rank the new nominees:

1. Guns N' Roses
2. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
3. Eric B. & Rakim
4. Freddie King
5. The Small Faces/The Faces
6. The Cure
7. Rufus with Chaka Khan
8. Heart
9. The Spinners

Previous nominees up again are The Beastie Boys, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donna Summer, Laura Nyro, Donovan and War.

Beastie Boys, Chili Peppers and Nyro all probably deserve a place in the rock hall.

The act must have released its first single or album 25 years ago to qualify. More than 500 voters determine who enters the hall. New members will be inducted at a ceremony at the hall of fame in Cleveland on April 14.

—Undated/credited publicity photo.

Read more.



Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Headline of the day: 'Topless Rihanna shocks Northern Ireland farmer'


Pop star Rihanna during filming in the New Lodge area of North Belfast, Northern Ireland, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011. / AP PHOTO

End of the day and I'm perusing the Bradenton.com "Entertainment - Music" page looking for blog fodder when I stumbled across this gem courtesy of the Associated Press:


A bare-breasted beauty proved to be just too much for a fellow working his land outside North Belfast.

"The state of undress was becoming inappropriate," the farmer said. "I had a conversation with Rihanna. I hope she understands where I'm coming from. We shook hands."

Well, at least he got to shake her hand.

His neighbors behaved in a much more normal manner.

"Hordes of locals gathered to watch the pop star film the video," concludes the article.

Read more.

Monday, September 26, 2011

TONIGHT: Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays with Damon Fowler Group and special guest Shar Baby

Shar Baby
This week's edition of Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays at Aces Live in Bradenton features a full evening of Blind Pig recording artist the Damon Fowler Group plus special guest, singer/guitarist Shar Baby.

From the Alabama Blues site:
Often compared to Jessie Mae Hemphill, Alabama blues singer/guitar player Shar-Baby’s good-time soulful blues gets the house rocking and feet stomping.

Shar-Baby first fell in love with the blues aged 6, after hearing a recording of Hubert Sumlin, Howlin' Wolf's legendary guitarist, and it became her dream to follow in his footsteps. She comes from a very musical family and her father was a gospel singer, who opened for many greats including Sam Cooke, the Dixie Hummingbirds, and the Blind Boys of Alabama. Music was in her bones from the beginning and she still plays the Harmony electric guitar her Dad bought her in the early 60's. She formed her first band as a teenager with her sister and they called themselves the Braylock Sisters. Over the years, Shar has traveled from North to South living and performing her upbeat blues.



See you at Aces or watch online. Both options free.

Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays
Showcasing the best in touring talent
8:30 p.m. Mon., Sept. 26 with special guest:
Damon Fowler Group 
and Shar Baby
No cover

Click to watch the performances and my between sets interview with Fowler and Shar Baby:
8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com
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UPDATED 9/27: Jennifer Lopez movie being shot in Sarasota has been cast

Mario Anzuoni / Reuters / Los Angeles Times
UPDATED 9/27: "Manatee Players director cast in Jennifer Lopez movie shooting in Sarasota this week"

-------

The casting call for nearly 300 extras issued Friday by the Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office has been filled.

The major motion picture “Parker” will be shot at Ca’ d’Zan Mansion at Ringling Museum of Art Wednesday through Friday.

Directed by Oscar-winner Taylor Hackford, the crime/thriller stars Jason Statham, Jennifer Lopez, Nick Nolte and Michael Chiklis.

The taping, predominantly taking place at night, is closed to the public.

People interested in being an extra in “Parker” were asked to submit a head shot or current digital picture to rjscasting@aol.com or www.rjscasting.com along with contact information. The phone message and website for the Orlando-based company alerts interested parties that the "the movie 'Parker' has been cast."

www.rjscasting.com

Read Saturday's front page story:

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Nirvana, Ringling Museum of Art and Florida Studio Theatre

Here's what I have running in today's Bradenton Herald.

New FST season is anything but 'normal'Bradenton Herald
Having taken his Sarasota company from a small touring group to one of the top professional theaters in the ...

Bradenton Herald
Greatest shrine on earth: Ringling Circus Museum reveals major ...Bradenton HeraldOn Saturday, Ringling Circus Museum's Tibbals Learning Center, which already houses the planet's largest ...
Bradenton Herald
Buzz worthy: 'Nevermind': the last rock landmarkBradenton Herald
... grab the masses by the throat like “Nevermind.” Wade Tatangelo, features writer/columnist, can be reached at (941) 745-7057.

Bradenton Herald

Friday, September 23, 2011

REVIEW: Manatee Players make joyful noise with 'The Sound of Music'

Kathryn Parks as Maria/by Denny Miller
Perhaps she had a case of the jitters.

Kathryn Parks’ first number on opening night felt a bit flat.

Starring as Maria in the Manatee Players’ production of “The Sound of Music” she sang the title tune pitch perfect but sans the enthusiasm required to properly sell the iconic song.

A few scene later, though, Parks became transformed when joined by the gifted local youths playing the seven von Trapp children during the delightful scene where Maria teaches them “Do-Re-Mi.”

For the rest of the evening, Parks displayed genuine star power in one of the most famous and demanding stage roles.

She soon rejoined the children for the bonding bedroom scene that leads to “My Favorite Things.” Parks and her young cast-mates nailed the classic show’s most famous song.

Her chemistry with rebellious eldest daughter Liesl (Krissy Pizzo) was touching throughout especially on their second act duet of “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.”

Of course, when it comes to “The Sound of Music” and chemistry what makes or breaks the show is that shared between Maria and Captain von Trapp (William Masuck).
They have plenty.

From the subtle shared glances of Act I to the kiss of Act II, their relationship has a beautiful and believable arc.

Photos by DENNY MILLER/Special to the Herald From left, Krissy Pizzo, William Masuk, Nick Drivas, Amanda Lade, Marissa Govic, Jordan Boyer and Miranda Wolf star in the Manatee Players’ production of “The Sound of Music.”

And Masuck did an outstanding job changing from stern to sweet.

His finest moment, though, came at the end of the show when he accompanied himself on guitar during a most tender “Edelweiss.”

The song is sung as a statement of Austrian patriotism in a concert hall sullied by those ugly, still anger-inducing flags of the Nazis.

As for the nuns, Jeanne Larranaga (Mother Abbess) rattled the back wall with her powerhouse rendition of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.”

Star local actor Robert May watched nervously with the audience.

“The Sound of Music” marks his directorial debut .

It also marks his presence as a young man quite capable of superbly staging one of the greatest, most beloved musicals of all time — and probably many mores high-profile shows in the future.

What: “The Sound of Music”
When: Through Oct.9
Show times: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Manatee Players Riverfront Theatre, 102 Old Main St., Bradenton
Tickets: $25/$11 students
Information: (941) 748-5875 or www.manateeplayers.com

UPDATED 9/24.: Movie starring Jennifer Lopez being shot in Sarasota; extras wanted

Jennifer Lopez at the Season 10 finale of "American Idol" in May. Credit: Mario Anzuoni / Reuters

UPDATED 9/24: "'From what I’ve been informed of regarding the scene being filmed in Sarasota, all the principal actors -- Jennifer Lopez, Jason Statham, Michael Chiklis and Wendell Pierce -- are working at different times, but will be there,' Garrett said. 'And the Sarasota Film Festival is hosting the wrap party.'

The Ringling Museum of Art issued a more detailed, but strikingly different report."

From Saturday's front page story:


UPDATED at 4 p.m.:

Just heard back from Ringling Museum of Art regarding details of the film shoot:

"The motion picture 'Parker' is filming one scene, the final ‘charity auction scene’ September 28 through 30 at the Ringling Museum," reads statement by Pam Fendt, chief of marketing and communications, Ringling Museum of Art. "The movie is directed by Taylor Hackford and stars Jason Statham and Jennifer Lopez. Neither of these leading stars will be on site for the scene being filmed at the museum. The taping, predominantly taking place at night, is closed to the public."

Read complete story posted at Bradenton.com.
----------------------------------

Crime/thriller movie "Parker" directed by Taylor Hackford and starring Jason Statham, Jennifer Lopez, Nick Nolte and Michael Chiklis to shoot at Ca' d'Zan Mansion at Ringling Museum of Art next week.

And you could be in it.

"Three days of paid work for 'upscale' looking formally dressed extras needed for major feature film to shoot at Ca d’Zan next week," reads the email from Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office.

R.J.’s Casting and Unique Casting Partners is looking for high-end, wealthy-looking "Palm Beach" types ages 30 to 70 to work as background extras.

You must be available to work in Sarasota on Sept. 28, 29 and 30 and provide the appropriate wardrobe.

Pay is $105.00 per day for three days.

Interested parties please submit a headshot or current digital picture to http://www.rjscasting.com/ along with all contact information.


Scene calls for:
Elegant guests, women, 100. The event is a fundraiser for the very rich in Palm Beach. Full length ball gown or long formal skirts with coordinating fancy jackets. Shawls, purses that are clutches or small shiny handbags are great. Jewelry options and shoes options are necessary. We will have a small stock. Any undergarments: spanks, strapless bras, nude and black should be brought Also bring own warming jacket in case necessary and comfort shoes for when they are not shooting. Avoid all white dresses please.

Elegant guests, men, 100. Tuxedo, tux shirt, bowtie (can be a color), pocket squares. Black dress shoes or tux shoes. Black socks, white t-shirt to go under. We have a deal to get discount tuxes so we will need to have the following sizes. Height, weight, suit, shirt (collar and sleever ie 16 1/2, 34), waist and inseam and shoe size.



Catering staff 12 PRETTY WOMEN - 12 HANDSOME YOUNG MEN- black pants or skirt if women, white shirts, black thin ties, white t-shirt for men, black shoes and socks. Black heels for women.

Musicians 12 ORCHESTRA PREFERABLY REAL MUSICIANS-- THEY WILL BE FITTED FOR TUXEDOS

*****NEED ASAP -- all black, formal.

Undercover security-- 5 men, fit , should be in dark suits (no pleats in pants please) lighter colored shirts and solid ties. Should look almost like secret service agents. Will be given ear mikes and back gun holsters.

Security guards- 12 men around the jewelry. Will be given gray uniforms and hats MEDIUM AND LARGE . They need to bring white t-shirts, black lace up shoes, black belt and black socks.

Exterior security guards- 24 CLEAN CUT men. Will be given white uniform shirts, navy pants. They need to bring white t-shirts, black lace up shoes, black belt and black socks.

Palm Beach Cops- 12 men Will be given navy cop uniforms. They need to bring white t-shirts, black lace up shoes, black belt and black socks.

Firemen- 8 men STRONG LOOKS. Please check with Patricia for sizes. If possible bring a dark navy blue t-shirt, blue dickies to go under turnouts or shorts, socks.

This is a very big and fun project to be a part of. Please join us. Please pass this along to your extended network. We have to make this great.

R.J.

rjscasting@aol.com

More info on "Parker."

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Pre-order Bradenton band Have Gun Will Travel's new album 'Mergers & Acquisitions'


Bradenton alt-country aces Have Gun Will Travel has its third album (and first for Suburban Home Records), “Mergers & Acquisitions” ready for release.

The CD will be in stores Nov.1.

The pre-order starts Friday (Sept. 23) at the Suburban Home store at Shopradiocast. The album will be available on LP, CD, digitally, and as a deluxe set.

When you pre-order the album through Shopradiocast, you will get an automatic download of the album. The CD and LP will come with a free HGWT beer coozie (while supplies last). The deluxe set will contain vinyl, CD, beer coozie, pint glass and Button. Only 100 deluxe sets will be sold. The vinyl will be pressed on two colors (333 on white, 667 on blue) and will come with a download coupon.

The band recorded much of “Mergers & Acquisitions” at their downtown Bradenton practice space. Other parts of the album were recorded with Andy Feldman in Tampa who co-produced the album with HGWT. Scott Anderson (of HGWT) mixed the album. Acclaimed Pinellas Park-based musician/producer Steve Connelly mastered the record.

The artwork  was done by Janell Francois with photography by Kelley Jackson. Devon Stuart of the Takers makes a guest appearance on the song, “Thirteen Miles to Empty.”


Track Listing:
1. Dream No More
2. To The Victor Go The Spoils
3. Time Machine
4. Freightliner
5. Disappearing Kind
6. 13 Miles to Memphis
7. By The Flicker Of The Flame
8. Keep It In Your Heart
9. Katharine, Don’t Fall Off The Wagon
10. Song Of Seven Sisters
11. Crooked Chords
12. Streets Of New England

Read my interview with HGWT singer/songwriter/guitarist Matt Burke, conducted during recording of new album: "Bradenton band’s ‘Blessing’ on national Chevy ad."


www.hgwtmusic.com
www.facebook.com/hgwtmusic
www.suburbanhomerecords.com


Not remembering R.E.M.

The band --  Mike Mills, left, Michael Stipe, Bill Berry and Peter Buck --  in a 1994 file photo originally released by Warner Bros. Records. Credit: Warner Brothers / Associated Press

I've had 24 hours to think about it and, well, nothing.

As a teen, R.E.M.'s breakup would've saddened me, big time, the way the White Stripe's did back in February.

Problem is, R.E.M., a band I once adored, has not made an album that mattered to me since 1992's "Automatic for the People."

The band's decision to finally call it quits actually comes as a relief, allowing me to focus on their masterful 1980s output and forget how boring they have been since the mid-1990s.


Top seven songs inspired by 'The Sound of Music'

While working on my story "The timeless songs of ‘The Sound of Music’" I started thinking about all the great covers and contemporary songs featuring samples from the classic musical.

Here are my seven favorites.

"The Sound of Music" opens today at the Manatee Players theater in downtown Bradenton.

1. "My Favorite Things," John Coltrane




2. "Wind It Up," Gwen Stefani
Pop smash features prominent sample of "The Lonely Goatherd."




3. "Do-Re-Mi/ABC," Brooklyn Rundfunk Orkestrata 




4. "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," Modern Music




5. "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," Shirley Bassey




6."Edelweiss," Vince Hill




7. "The Sound of Music," Carrie Underwood


Monday, September 19, 2011

Bill O’Reilly headed to Tampa to deliver 'truth'

Bill O’Reilly's appearance March 11 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts is dubbed "It's Time for the Truth — Straight Up Whether you like it or not, Tampa will never be the same."

Which is pretty much exactly what you would expect from the polarizing pundit whose show, "The O’Reilly Factor," on the Fox News Channel, has remained one of the highest rated cable news programs for more than a decade.

Hundreds of newspapers (including the Bradenton Herald) carry O'Reilly's weekly column, and more than five million copies of his six non-fiction books are currently circulating, including his latest bestseller "Pinheads and Patriots."

Details: 7:30 p.m. March 11. Regularly priced tickets start at $47.50 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.


Sunday, September 18, 2011

TONIGHT: Super 'Sugar Shack Monday' with Damon Fowler Group performing and Jose's Real Cuban Food on Food Network viewing party

Damon Fowler on Aug. 5 at Blues Revue open house party in Bradenton. Photo by Wade Tatangelo.

This week's edition of Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays at Aces Live in Bradenton features a full evening of Blind Pig recording artist the Damon Fowler Group plus a special viewing party for one of our favorite restaurants:

Jose Baserva's Jose’s Real Cuban Food will appear on the popular road show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19 on Food Network.

A nationwide audience will be able to see crazy-haired host Guy Fieri dine on Baserva’s picadillo, paella and boliche.

Guy Fieri at Jose's Real Cuban Food
To accommodate the larger crowd, Baserva and his awesome food will be moving across the street to Aces Live.

The Damon Fowler Group will perform original blues and Americana music and perhaps a few choice covers from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and then start a second set after the show airs.

I'll be interviewing Baserva and Fowler around 7:45 p.m. and then again after the show airs. 


See you at Aces or watch online. Both options free.

Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays
Showcasing the best in touring talent
7:45 p.m. Mon., Sept. 19 with special guest:
Damon Fowler Group 
No cover

Click to watch the performances and my interview with Fowler and Baserva:
7:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19


Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com
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Monday, September 12, 2011

Jose’s Real Cuban Food in Bradenton to have 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' viewing party at Aces Live

Jose Baserva by PAUL VIDELA/pvidela@bradenton.com .
Jose Baserva is finally ready to celebrate.

He waited in suspense for months because Food Network kept changing the air date on him.

Now it’s confirmed.

His Bradenton restaurant Jose’s Real Cuban Food will appear on the popular road show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19 on Food Network as well at noon Tuesday, Sept. 20 and 9 p.m. Friday Sept. 30.

A nationwide audience will be able to see crazy-haired host Guy Fieri dine on Baserva’s picadillo, paella and boliche.

To accommodate the larger crowd, Baserva and his delectable food will be moving across the street to Aces Live; joining forces with Bradenton Beach resident Damon Fowler’s “Sugar Shack Mondays.”

The internationally acclaimed Damon Fowler Group will perform original blues and Americana music from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and then start a second set after the show airs. The group will be joined by special guest Shar-Baby, a blues singer and guitarist based in Birmingham. Ala.

A second viewing party featuring Jose’s famed Cuban sandwiches will take place at Aces Live during lunch Tuesday.

“I can’t wait,” Baserva said. “I’m looking forward to see myself on national TV.”

Details: 7 p.m. Sept. 19, Aces Live, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton. Admission: Free. Information: (941) 795-3886 or http://4aceslounge.com.

Janet Jackson bringing 'number ones' to Straz Center in Tampa

Janet Jackson performs in Hong Kong on Feb. 14. Credit: Janet-Love.com via LATimes.com

Janet Jackson is bringing her biggest hits to a relatively small venue for what should be a  memorable night of pop magic.

The super star's "Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour" stops at Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa Sunday, Dec. 4.

She will be performing songs exclusively from her 2009 double-album"Number Ones" — each selection did reach No. 1 on Billboard's various charts, including the new song "Make Me."

Jackson jumped out of the long shadow of her brother with the classic 1986 album "Control," which features the "number ones" "Nasty," "What Have You Done for Me Lately," "When I Think of You," "Let's Wait Awhile," "The Pleasure Principle" and the title track.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, Sept. 17, at 12 noon. Regularly priced tickets start at $59.50 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Damon Fowler Group returns from Delbert McClinton show to headline Sugar Shack Mondays

Damon Fowler promo photo by Tracy May.

This week's edition of Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays at Aces Live in Bradenton features a full evening of Blind Pig recording artist the Damon Fowler Group.

During the interview portion of the show, I'll be talking to Fowler, Chuck Riley (bass) and Devin Neel (drums) about their show Saturday opening for Delbert McClinton at the Florida Theater in Jacksonville. We'll also discuss Fowler's new "super group" Southern Hospitality.

See you at Aces or watch online. Both options free!

Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays
Showcasing the best in touring talent
8:30 p.m. Mon., Sept. 12 with special guest:
Damon Fowler Group 
No cover

Click to watch the performances and my interview with Fowler and perhaps some special guests:
8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12


Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com
/center>

Bradenton singer Shantel Norman advances to finals on ABC show 'Karaoke Battle USA'

Shantel Norman, far right, with the other three finalists from ABC's "Karaoke Battle USA"

Bradenton singer Shantel Norman advancsd to finals on ABC show "Karaoke Battle USA"

"Well on to the national finals next Friday 9 p.m.," she posted on Facebook. "I appreciate everyone's support and the fans of good soul music. Some don't approve of my soulfulness but most do ;) this is who i am, what I love, and too bad I cant and won't change my voice to satisfy man. I only satisfy God and myself."


"Bradenton’s Shantel Norman dishes on her performance tonight on ‘Karaoke Battle USA’"

Friday, September 9, 2011

UPDATED 9/12: We the Kings' Travis Clark to play solo show in Bradenton

UPDATED 9/12: Full story running today in Bradenton Herald:



Travis Clark of We the Kings. Photo by Tara Vetro courtesy of Clark family.

Here's some news that should excite fans of Bradenton's most famous pop-rock band.

Travis Clark of We The Kings will perform 5 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 13) at The Bridge Church in Bradenton. It's a special community event open to middle and high school students only. Tickets are $10 at the door.

I just got off the phone with Clark and he sounded stoked about the gig.

“I just really like doing a solo, acoustic show,” he said before his band performed in Washington, D.C. “People really dig it when it’s that intimate.”

We the Kings is touring in support of its latest album, “Sunshine State of Mind,” the group’s third on S-Curve Records, now part of Universal Music. We the Kings’ new single, “Say You Like Me,” goes to radio Monday (Sept. 12.)

Visit my Bradenton Herald page Sunday (Sept. 11) Monday (Sept. 12) for complete Clark story. I'll eventually link back to it here as well. In addition, I'll have separate blog post containing some interesting stuff the singer/guitarist told me that didn't make final cut.

Information on Travis Clark show Sept. 13, The Bridge Church at Palma Sola Bay.

Clark shares solo, acoustic performance of the officially unreleased “Party, Fun, Love and Radio,” which we discussed during today's interview:




UPDATED 9/11 WITH GOOD NEWS: Bradenton's Shantel Norman performs tonight on 'Karaoke Battle USA'

UPDATED 9/11:
Shantel Norman, far right, with the other three finalists from ABC's "Karaoke Battle USA"

Shantel Norman advanced to finals! 

"Well on to the national finals next Friday 9 p.m.," she posted on Facebook. "I appreciate everyone's support and the fans of good soul music. Some don't approve of my soulfulness but most do ;) this is who i am, what I love, and too bad I cant and won't change my voice to satisfy man. I only satisfy God and myself."

Bradenton singer Shantel Norman on "Karaoke Battle USA" with host Joey Fatone. Courtesy of ABC.

Watch Bradenton singer Shantel Norman tonight on the semifinal round of "Karaoke Battle USA," airing at 9 p.m. on ABC. Filmed at the House of Blues in Hollywood, Calif., she performs a super-charged rendition of the Tina Turner hit "The Best."

Norman had never performed the song before and had only three days to learn it. But judging by the preview clip below, she nailed it. Just watch the reaction on judge Carnie Wilson's face.
 
"To learn it I would go to sleep with it playing on my iPod,” said Norman, who sings locally with the reggae band Democracy, when contacted by phone this morning.


Before Norman could sing "The Best" she had to make a personal connection with the song.

"In my mind,  a song has to mean something to me so when I’m doing 'The Best' it's for my son," she said. "He was with me in Hollywood and when he was little I would sing to him."

Norman's 10-year-old Kaderius Pearson attends H.S. Moody Elementary School in Bradenton.

"You might be able to see him on tonight’s episode standing right there by the stage," she said. “I told the judges I dedicated the song to my son, we’ll see if they air it.”


“Karaoke Battle USA” debuted Aug. 12 and features the top karaoke singers across the country. Hosted by Joey Fatone (’N Sync, “Dancing with the Stars”), the judges are Wilson (Wilson Phillips, “Bridesmaids”), Joe Levy (editor-in-chief at Maxim magazine; formerly an editor at Rolling Stone) and Brian Scott (winner of the 2009 Karaoke National Championship).

You can also vote for your favorite semifinalist online www.karaokebattleusa.com.

Last week, Norman advanced by performing a knockout, Aretha Franklin-style rendition of “Respect.” “Karaoke Battle USA” airs Fridays at 9 p.m. and concludes Sept. 16. The winner receives a one-album contract with Hollywood Records and a trip to Ireland to represent the U.S.A. in a world karaoke competition.

“It’s gonna be a good show tonight," Norman said. "I can't wait for it to air.”

Here's the sneak peek of tonight's show from ABC's website. Watch Norman close the clip at the 2:30 mark with "The Best":


video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Damon Fowler, JP Soars and Victor Wainwright form blues super group Southern Hospitality

From left: Damon Fowler, JP Soars, Victor Wainwright/Publicity photo

Blind Pig recording artist and Bradenton Beach resident Damon Fowler has joined forces with fellow Florida guitarist/singer JP Soars and Memphis-based piano man/singer Victor Wainwright for a blues super group, which also includes Fowler's forever bassist Chuck Riley and Soars' drummer Chris Peet.

Dubbed Southern Hospitality, the band of friends and like-minded musicians made its official debut opening for Buddy Guy on August 14 at the Heritage Music Blues Fest in Wheeling, W.Va. The BluesWax photojournalist present called Southern Hospitality’s performance “one of the highlights of a very talented lineup.” YouTube footage confirms (see below).

At the show each frontman sang a couple tunes and the band jammed ‘em out. Fowler took lead vocals on a pair of self-penned originals. He played the party-starting title track off his 2009 Blind Pig debut "Sugar Shack" and the swampy kiss-off of “You Go Your Way” from "Devil Got His Way." “It was really nice,” Fowler said. “It was cool to have two guitar and piano, it really added to the overall texture.”


Complete story (with more videos) I did for Blues Revue's ezine BluesWax.




Official Southern Hospitality tour dates:

11/19/2011 CAPE CORAL FL SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BLUES FESTIVAL
1/18/2012 PENSACOLA BEACH FL PARADISE GRILL
1/21/2012 FORT LAUDERDALE FL LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES PRE-CRUISE PARTY
1/21/2012 SEBASTIAN FL SEBASTIAN RIVER ART FAIR
1/22/2012 SEBASTIAN FL EARLS HIDEAWAY
1/23/2012 JUPITER FL CHEF JOHNS
1/26/2012 DELRAY BEACH FL THE BACK ROOM
1/28/2012 SEBASTIAN FL TBA

Southern Hospitality website.

Jose’s Real Cuban Food in Bradenton: Air date changed for 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives'

Jose Baserva by PAUL VIDELA/pvidela@bradenton.com
Jose Baserva has been waiting in suspense for months because Food Network keeps changing the air date on him.

His restaurant Jose’s Real Cuban Food had been scheduled to be seen June 6 during an episode of Food Network’s popular road show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

Then he had a September date, which changed as of today.

Here's the latest info on when a nationwide audience will be able to see crazy-haired host Guy Fieri dine on Baserva's picadillo, paella and boliche.

9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19 on Food Network as well noon Tuesday, Sept. 20 and 9 p.m. Friday Sept. 30.

Back in June, Baserva told the Herald business had quadrupled since the news broke in May that “Triple D” had taped at Jose’s.

“It’s nuts, it’s absolutely nuts,” Baserva said. “We really appreciate community helping us out.”

What’s the restaurant owner expect in terms of customer turnout after the show airs?

“Forget it!” Baserva said with a big chuckle.

 Jose’s Real Cuban Food is at 8799 Cortez Road West, Bradenton.

Friday, September 2, 2011

UPDATED 9/8: Bradenton blues festival with national headliners, local talent in the works

UPDATED 9/8: More info from today's story "Bradenton’s got the blues: Inaugural blues festival set for October 2012"

UPDATED 9/3: Longer, more detailed version of story that ran on front page 9/3 titled "Blues festival in works for Bradenton."

PHOTO PROVIDED Photo of North Atlantic Blues Festival in Rockland, Maine. Its producer, Paul Benjamin, will be an adviser for Bradenton’s blues festival.

Labor Day playlist

From silly to somber, a Labor Day playlist to go with all that beer and barbecue you'll be patriotically consuming this weekend.

These are songs that celebrate the working man/woman and occasionally bash those evil bosses.

Go to my Bradenton Herald page on Sunday to see which songs made the final cut for the column I just filed.

1. “Big Boss Man,” Jimmy Reed
2. "Bang the Drum All Day," Todd Rundgren
3. “Maggie’s Farm,” Bob Dylan
4. “9 to 5,” Dolly Parton
5. "Factory Girl," The Rolling Stones
6. “Welcome to the Working Week,” Elvis Costello
7. “Take This Job and Shove It,” David Allan Coe/Johnny Paycheck
8. “Shove This Jay Oh Bee,” Canibus with Biz Markie
9. "Working for the Weekend," Loverboy
10. “Working Man Blues,” Merle Haggard
11. "Working for MCA," Lynyrd Skynyrd
12. "Cleaning Windows," Van Morrison
13. “Workin’ for a Livin’,” Huey Lewis
14. "U.M.C. (Upper Middle Class)," Bob Seger
15. “She Works Hard for the Money,” Donna Summer
16. "Takin' Care of Business," Bachman Turner Overdrive
17. "Chain Gang," Sam Cooke
18. "I Can't Wait to Get Off Work (And See My Baby on Montgomery Avenue)," Tom Waits
19. "Earn Enough for Us," XTC
20. “Working Class Hero,” John Lennon