Buzz Worthy

LISTEN: Jack White's new single 'Love Interruption'

2012-01-30T13:31:00.002-05:00

Here's "Love Interruption," the first single off Jack White's upcoming solo debut album, "Blunderbuss."

The digital version of the acoustic guitar-based, terrifically spooky, 1960s-feeling track with female backing vocals will be available to purchase at midnight.

"Blunderbuss" will be released April 24 on Third Man Records/ Columbia.

A vinyl version of the "Love Interruption" single featuring exclusive non-LP B-side "Machine Gun Silhouette" will be released Feb. 7 on Third Man Records, but is available now for pre-order at www.jackwhiteIII.com and www.thirdmanrecords.com.

White produced and recorded "Blunderbuss" at his own Third Man Studio in Nashville.

In a publicity he said it is "an album I couldn't have released until now. I've put off making records under my own name for a long time but these songs feel like they could only be presented under my name. These songs were written from scratch, had nothing to do with anyone or anything else but my own expression, my own colors on my own canvas."

—Jack White publicity photo courtesy of Third Man Records

Picking on the 'Best Pictures'

2012-01-30T12:25:00.000-05:00

I’ve been a bad cinema-goer this past year.

Of the nine movies up for Best Picture at the Feb. 26 Academy Awards I’ve seen only one.

Regardless, I feel inclined to give my opinion on each anyway — just like everybody else does.

Read more.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/29/v-print/3826615/picking-on-the-best-pictures.html#storylink=cpy

Gasparilla survival guide

2012-01-26T11:32:00.000-05:00

The Gasparilla Pirate Fest, better known as the Gasparilla Day Parade, has been a Tampa Bay tradition for more than 100 years.

The swashbuckler-themed event can be a wonderful afternoon spent along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard and throughout downtown.

Or it can be a disaster.

It all depends on your planning.

And self-discipline.

The parade officially takes place from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, but expect people to start showing up at dawn to reserve a spot and filling the neighboring bars until Last Call.

Here are 15 tips to help you have a safe, fun day while surrounded by 400,000 party people.

Read more.

REVIEW: Asolo Rep gets risqué with ’Yentl’

2012-01-25T17:06:00.003-05:00

The Asolo Repertory Theatre pushes the envelope with its highly sexualized staging of “Yentl.”

Superb acting throughout carries the play. It’s frequently steamy on stage as the actors successfully sell the many, intricate modes of young lust. The welcome comedic elements are delivered with charming aplomb.

A smart, fresh score by original “I Kissed a Girl” singer/songwriter Jill Sobule functions as wonderfully innovative Greek chorus.

The songs are strongly performed by a band of mostly Asolo Conservatory students. While the sonics lean toward Old World folk, the lyrics give the play a winning, contemporary edge.

But there are times when director Gordon Greenberg tries too hard to make the show hip.

For starters, there’s full-frontal male nudity sans complete disclaimer.

(Signs outside the entrance and all the Asolo Rep website warn about is “some mature themes and brief nudity.")

Moreover, considering the countless ways such a swimming scene could have been handled, the staging can only be described as gratuitous.

At most, a few bare bottoms would’ve sufficed.

(Incidentally, the Asolo Rep’s latest has production little to do with the Barbra Streisand movie musical of the same name except for the major plot points.)

Jill Sobule on composing music for ‘Yentl’

The play by Leah Napolin and Isaac Bashevis, based on Singer’s short story “Yentl The Yeshiva Boy,” begins with a young Jewish woman seeking to enjoy the same education as her male peers in 19th-century Eastern Europe.

After her tutoring father dies, teenage girl Yentl (Hillary Clemens) dresses in his clothes and transforms herself into boy Anshel so she can continue studying Judaism.

Older student Avigdor (Andrew Carter) defends the effeminate Anshel and the two become best friends.

Yentl falls in love with Avigdor while maintaining her masquerade, and the idea of his sexuality comes into question as they exchange romantic glances.

The story takes its strangest turn when Yentl learns that Avigdor was rejected by bride-to-be Hadass (Gisela Chipe) and then marries her to bring the three into a love triangle.

Yentl shares the marriage bed and takes Hadass’ virginity (a sheet is held up and crass comment made).
Meanwhile, Avigdor marries pushy shopkeeper Pesha (Summer Dawn Wallace).

Clemens, who’s also great as May Daniels in Asolo Rep’s “Once in a Lifetime,” shines as the character who has “the soul of a man in the body of a woman.”

The plays ends with many questions regarding the future of the main characters, except for the nonconformist Yentl.

—SCOTT BRAUN/PUBLICITY PHOTO of Hillary Clemens and Andrew Carter

Details: Playing through April 6, Asolo Repertory’s Mertz Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets: $27-$71. Information: 941-351-8000 or www.asolorep.org

UPDATED 12:45 p.m.: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band to play Tampa

2012-01-24T12:03:00.003-05:00

UPDATED 12:45 p.m. (via email from Tampa Bay Times Forum — note prices still not listed): Tickets for the show go on sale this Saturday, January 28 at 11 a.m. at the McDonald’s Ticket Office at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Ticketmaster outlets and at Ticketmaster.com. To order tickets by phone call 800.745.3000.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's "Wrecking Ball" World Tour has a date at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on March 23.

No prices have been announced yet but tickets go on sale Jan. 28, according to Springsteen's website.

It's the third stop of the tour, following the March 6 release of the album "Wrecking Ball," and only Florida date.

This will be the band's first tour since the death of sax man Clarence Clemons.
Springsteen recently released "We Take Care of Our Own," the first single off the upcoming album (watch official video below).

I wrote about it Sunday:

One of the few superstar artists left who still makes music that matters, Bruce Springsteen offers a powerful, nuanced slice of poetic rock ’n’ roll on his new single “We Take Care of Our Own.”

Propulsive drums push the fist-pumping melody.

Then there’s a chorus that could easily be mistaken for simple jingoism.

“Wherever this flag is flown,” Springsteen sings. “We take care of our own.”

It’s easy to get lost in the inviting mix of potent percussion, cutting modern guitar, somber keyboards and rich strings — but pay attention to the verses.

There’s a darkness on the edge of each line.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/22/v-print/3808230/bruce-springsteen-issues-potent.html#storylink=cpy

Read more.

—Publicity photo by Jo Lopez

UPDATED 1/20: Sarasota Blues Fest has earlier date, new name, long-time organizer has left

2012-01-19T10:28:00.007-05:00

UPDATED 1/20: "Later that same day, Barbara Strauss told the Herald from her home in Sarasota that she had parted ways with the festival..."

Read more.

The Sarasota Blues Fest typically takes place around the first Saturday in November.

But the 22nd annual edition — now dubbed the Sarasota Blues and Music Fest — will take place Saturday, Sept. 29.

Houston-based ExtremeTix and Three Zebras Entertainment, which took over ownership of the Sarasota Blues Fest last year, made the announcement this morning.

The debut Bradenton Blues Festival is scheduled to take place at the Bradenton Riverwalk at Rossi Park (currently under construction) in downtown on Saturday, Dec. 1.

REVIEW/PHOTOS: Sarasota Blues Fest 2011

www.sarasotabluesfest.com

Can LL Cool J save Grammys?

2012-01-18T13:41:00.001-05:00

LL Cool J publicity photo

The Grammys have become one of the great yawn-inducing awards shows of the year.

Perhaps with that in mind, The Recording Academy has chose rapper-actor LL Cool J to host the event when it airs Feb. 12.

For the past seven years, the show limped along sans emcee.

The performers already confirmed for the upcoming broadcast are Foo Fighters, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Jason Aldean.

Anyone excited?

Does the thought of watching Swift act surprised to win her millionth award make anyone else feel a little sick?

Read more here.

REVIEW: The Fonz makes ‘happy days’ at Manatee Players

2012-01-13T17:45:00.002-05:00

Bringing one of the most iconic, super-cool characters in sitcom history to the stage and making him sing would surely be disastrous without the right actor.

Fortunately, for the Manatee Players, Travis Rogers turns in an Aaaay-plus performance as the Fonz in the Bradenton community theater company’s production of “Happy Days: A New Musical,” which opened Thursday.

He has the hair, jeans, leather jacket and that all important swagger.

Rogers recreates every signature gesture and catch phrase with nearly the same streetwise élan that made Henry Winkler a star.

He also sings in a manly manner while still managing to emote his feelings for Pinky, who is played by Taylor Elizabeth with winning sass, charm and vulnerability.

Manatee Players revisit ‘Happy Days’

Paul Williams’ bouncy melodies are brought to life by the ace seven-piece band led by conductor/keyboard player Rick Bogner. The famed singer/songwriter’s lyrics aren’t exactly memorable but they propel the story develop the characters as needed.

As for the book, “Happy Days” creator Garry Marshall wrote it, giving the dialogue many of the same hallmarks of the hit TV show.

But not all the jokes work.

No matter how well some lines are delivered by the capable cast they just sit in the air as if waiting to be rescued by a laugh track.

As for the plot, well, it’s predictable and ridiculous and exactly what you’d expect from a musical version of “Happy Days,” the sitcom that made the world look pretty much perfect during the Eisenhower Era.

The gang’s main hangout, Arnold’s, is going to be demolished to make room for something called a mall. The plan is to prevent its destruction by raising funds with a dance contest and wrestling match that will be televised.

The major second act dilemma boils down to whether The Fonz will overcome his “weak” knee and save the day by beating the bad-guy Malachi brothers (Matthew Boerner and Tyler Johnson).

The Manatee Players’ production is silly fun marked by Rogers’ wonderful homage to Winkler.

—Photo of Travis Rogers as The Fonz by PAUL VIDELA/pvidela@bradenton.com

Details: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Jan. 12-29, Riverfront Theatre, 102 Old Main St., Bradenton. Tickets: $25/$11 (students) Information: 941-748-5875 or www.manateeplayers.com.

REVIEW: Asolo Rep’s ‘Once in a Lifetime’ full of laughs

2012-01-12T17:11:00.000-05:00

A satire of the film industry when it premiered in 1930, “Once in a Lifetime” works as a winking, rather than biting, comedy in the successful new staging by Asolo Repertory Theatre.

Sure, the first collaboration by famed playwright team George Kaufman and Moss Hart has several references so buried in dust that only film buffs will chuckle at them in recognition.

But the play’s zany appeal remains largely vibrant throughout regardless of its age and at times flimsy premise.

“Once in a Lifetime” takes the audience across the country via Pullman car with three vaudevillians who land in Hollywood to teach silent film actors how to speak on camera in the new age of “talkies.”

Jerry Hyland (Andrew Carter) thinks he’s the ringleader but it’s May Daniels (Hillary Clemens) who runs the show. George Lewis (Jason Bradley) is the rube who does what he’s told, at least for the most part.

Carter is a reliable straight man while Daniels gets the most zingers and delivers each with winning aplomb. Bradley deftly plays the egoless idiot who becomes the studio golden child.

'Asolo Rep revisits golden age of Hollywood'

David Breitbarth swings for the fences and touches all the bases as unhinged movie mogul Herman Glogauer.

A mere 19 actors play more than 70 roles, with the professionals and Asolo Conservatory students working together seamless through the numerous scenes.

Credit director Mark Rucker for keeping the comedic timing mostly spot-on and the action moving swiftly without ever getting lost in all those exits and entrances.

The look of the play also merits praise.

Set Designer Erik Flatmo and Costume Designer Alex Jaeger make each scene an eye-catching experience, even if it’s just the three leads moping around a hotel room in New York.

And then there are the more subtle details.

Like the way the actors bounce while riding on the train and the desert scenery is projected behind them as an homage to old movies.

Another treat is the actual film, supposedly shot within the story, that’s projected in front of the stage.

Yeah, “Once in a Lifetime” is screwball silliness.

But done remarkably, laugh-out-loud well.

—PUBLICITY PHOTO From left, Andrew Carter (Jerry Hyland), Jason Bradley (George Lewis) and Hillary Clemens (May Daniels).

IF YOU GO
What: “Once in a Lifetime”
When: Playing through Feb. 29
Where: Asolo Repertory’s Mertz Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Tickets: $27-$71
Information: 941-351-8000 or www.asolorep.org

Red Hot Chili Peppers postpone tour, Tampa date

2012-01-11T13:54:00.000-05:00

Red Hot Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Keidis (pictured far right) and his bum foot has reportedly pushed back the band's tour.

This just in from the Tampa Bay Times Forum (formerly St. Pete Times Forum):

Red Hot Chili Peppers regret to announce that they must postpone the start of their upcoming U.S. tour due to multiple foot injuries sustained by lead singer, Anthony Kiedis.  Kiedis recently underwent surgery to remove a crushed sesamoid bone and correct a detached flexor tendon in his foot.  He is expected to make a full recovery.

The Tampa Bay Times Forum will now host the opening date of the tour on Thursday, March 29. Tickets for the original January 23 date will be honored for the rescheduled date.  Refunds are available at point of purchase.

TICKETS:  Tickets for this show are on sale now at the McDonald’s Ticket Office at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Ticketmaster outlets and at Ticketmaster.com.  To order tickets by phone call 800.745.3000.  Ticket prices are $39.00 and $59.00 (Facility fee and service charges not included).  For dinner reservations at the newly renovated Firestick Grill on the day of the event please visit tampabaytimesforum.com or call 813.301.6926 for more information.  Advanced parking passes are available at www.Ticketmaster.com and the ticket office.

—Publicity photo by Ellen von Unwerth

REVIEW: Golden Apple spotlights Neal Sedaka

2012-01-10T18:53:00.000-05:00

“Breaking Up is Hard to Do” offers a sweet, slice of escapist nostalgia.

Especially if you grew up in, or have perhaps idealized, an Eisenhower-era of innocent romance that probably never existed.

The Golden Apple Dinner Theatre’s production of the Neal Sedaka-celebrating jukebox musical from 2005 has barely enough of a book by Ben H. Winters and Erik Jackson to connect the 18 songs:
"Where the Boys Are", "Sweet Sixteen", "Calendar Girl", “Love Will Keep Us Together,” and, of course, the chart-topping title tune, just to name a few.

Charming performances, particularly by Sarah Cassidy (as Marge Gelman) and Robby May (Gabe Green) also greatly help goose along the paper-thin plot about Lois (Alana Opie) and Marge.

It’s 1960 and Marge just got dumped so the two friends go to a low-rent Catskill resort for the Labor Day weekend in search of love.

Or at least fun.

Aspiring singer Marge falls for house crooner Del Delmonico (Brian Minyard) before realizing he’s a phony and nerd Gabe is the one who really has the goods.

It’s one of those plot points that announces itself from about six numbers away but works thanks to the chops of Cassidy and May.

Meanwhile, manager Esther Simowitz (Helen Holliday) and veteran stand-up comic/emcee Harvey Feldman (Steve Carroll) engage in a wonderful war of words and barely hidden romance. Their verbal jabs are true treats as is their stirring second act duet of “King of Clowns.”

In the end, everybody in the cast happily sings “Love Will Keep Us Together,” the song Sedaka co-wrote with Howard Greenfield in 1973 that became a mega hit for The Captain and Tennille a couple years later.

It’s a silly love song, and the show is far from substantial but it’s hard not to walk away feeling a bit uplifted by “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.”

Photo (from left) of Sarah Cassidy, Robby May and Alana Opie by Cliff Roles/Courtesy of Golden Apple Dinner Theatre.

Details: Playing through Feb. 26, Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, 25 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Tickets: $45 for dinner and show. Information: (941) 366-5454 or www.thegoldenapple.com.

UPDATED 1/6: Florida Sound Stage opens in former Sanborn Studios Lakewood Ranch facility

2012-01-05T19:25:00.002-05:00

UPDATED 1/6:

Florida Sound Stage opens in former Sanborn Studios facility in LWR

A mere weeks after Sanborn Studios, LLC terminated the lease at its primary facility in Lakewood Ranch the space is back open for business under new, local management.

D&B Media Group now operates Florida Sound Stage in Lakewood Ranch.

Read more.

—Photo of sound stage courtesy D&B Media Group

Manatee Players 2012-13 season announced

2012-01-04T15:50:00.001-05:00

“Miss Saigon” will make its Manatee Players premiere during the company’s just announced 2012-13 season.

The national award-winning theater troupe is letting folks have a little fun with guessing the opener, though, which will also be a downtown Bradenton debut when it runs Aug. 16 through Sept. 2.

“We can’t legally tell you what this show title is, but you don’t have to be blonde to figure it out!” said Denny Miller, the Manatee Players’ marketing director, in a statement issued this afternoon.

The majority of the roster is confirmed.

It features “Evita” (Sept. 20-Oct. 7), “Pump Boys and the Dinettes” (Oct. 25-Nov. 11), “Plaid Tidings” (Nov. 28-Dec. 16), “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” (Feb. 21-March 10, 2013), “Miss Saigon” (March 28-April 14, 2013) and “Fiddler on the Roof” (May 2-19, 2013).

In addition to “Miss Saigon,” “Pump Boys and the Dinettes” as well as “Plaid Tidings” will be first timers to the Manatee Players’ stage.

There’s still an opening for the Jan. 17-Feb. 3, 2013 slot.

“Hopefully, the TBA show will be announced in February,” Miller wrote.

UPDATED 1/4: Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond guitarist Larry 'Rhino' Reinhardt dies in Bradenton

2012-01-03T14:48:00.003-05:00

UPDATED 1/4:

"Iron Butterfly, Captain Beyond guitarist Larry Reinhardt dies in Bradenton"

Former Iron Butterfly guitarist Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt died Monday at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton.

Reinhardt was 63 years old and battling several illnesses, according to his longtime friend and music collaborator Richard Price.

“It was a culmination of a lot of things,” he said.

Reinhardt, a Manatee County native, can be heard on Iron Butterfly’s 1970 album “Metamorphosis.” It reached No. 16 on the Billboard 200 and produced the hit single “Easy Rider (Let the Wind Pay the Way).”

Two year later Reinhardt cofounded Captain Beyond, which released a self-titled album on famed Southern rock label Capricorn Records in 1972 and another, titled “Sufficiently Breathless,” in 1973. The group’s final release, “Dawn Explosion,” came out on One Way Records/Warner Bros. in 1977. All three albums cracked the Billboard 200 with “Sufficiently Breathless” reaching No. 90.

“Captain Beyond has a rather legendary status in the ranks of hard ’70s rock,” reads the entry from AllMusic.com.

Reinhardt began his career in the 1960s playing around Bradenton and Sarasota before he relocated to Jacksonville to play with future Allman Brothers Band members Berry Oakley (bass) and Dickey Betts (guitar/vocals) in the group Second Coming, which later featured Price on bass.

Reinhardt and Price, who is most famous for his work with Lucinda Williams, would perform together again during the past decade. The two men spoke shortly before Reinhardt’s death.

“He was a great friend and had a great sense of humor,” Price said from his home in Sarasota. “He was always there if you needed him.”

Price considers Reinhardt one of the best guitarist of his generation.

“He’s truly in the top 10 of greatest Southern rock, psychedelic, blues-rock players,” Price said. “He’s up there with all the great rock players of his time.”

--Photo of Reinhardt by Mark T. Kracker taken in March of 2011.

Go pink for New Year's Eve bash in Bradenton

2011-12-30T12:16:00.004-05:00

Don’t feel like sitting at home and witnessing the ramblings of Dick Clark and sidekick Ryan Seacrest? Tired of entertaining guests who spill sparkling wine all over your furniture at midnight? Then here are some options that will take you away from the televised events at Times Square and having to spend hours cleaning on New Year’s Day.

How about some final-day-of-the-year-fun for a good cause?

The Old Main Street Merchants Association, in conjunction with the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority, hosts its second annual New Year’s Eve Celebration with this year’s revelry doubling as a fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society’s fight against breast cancer.

All the bars on Old Main Street are participating with $2 shot proceeds going to the charity. In addition, Gold Coast Beverage Distributors has donated a keg of pink-colored Bud Light and 12-ounce cups will be sold for $2 to raise funds. Fittingly, the ball being dropped is pink (see picture above). There will be live music from 8 p.m. until midnight by Michael Mac Band and Friends featuring Julliet guitarist Jimmy DeLisi.

Dozens of vendors will line the street throughout the evening. The party starts at 5 p.m. Saturday. Old Main Street will close to vehicles between 3 p.m. and 1 a.m. Incidentally, downtown Sarasota has cancelled its popular New Year’s Eve event.

“The Old Main Street Merchants Association has really blown it out of the ballpark the last couple years,” said Cork Miller, the organization’s president. “We’re making downtown Bradenton a destination for fun and excitement.”

Click for more New Year's Eve happenings in the area.

—Photo courtesy of Bradenton Herald partner Bay News 9

UPDATED 12/29: Travis Clark promises special We the Kings hometown show tonight

2011-12-27T16:45:00.002-05:00

UPDATED 12/29:

"We the Kings to play 5th annual Palmetto show"

Bradenton’s We the Kings return again from touring the states and abroad to play a special show in front of their most loyal fans for the fifth year in a row. The pop-punk band will perform Thursday (Dec. 29) at The Hall in Palmetto.

It marks the only WTK performance of 2011 in Manatee County.

“This one will be a little more loosely structured than a normal show,” singer/guitarist Travis Clark said today while on his way to lunch in Bradenton. “People shout out songs and we’ll play it.”

Check back here or here Dec. 29 for complete story, including info on some cool covers Clark plans on playing.

—Photo by PAUL VIDELA/pvidela@bradenton.com Travis Clark, right, of We The Kings performed a concert just for students Sept. 13 at The Bridge Church in Bradenton.

If you go
What: We The Kings 5th Annual Hometown Show with Official Hot
Mess and more band to be announced
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 29
Where: The Hall, 1330 U.S. 301, Palmetto Tickets: $12 (advance); $15 (day of show).
They can be purchased at The Hall; Georgia Carpet World, a 5425 14th
St. W., Bradenton; or at Jiffy Lube, 5220 Manatee Ave., Bradenton.
Information: 941-552-2248 or www.thehallinpalmetto.com.

Christmas vacation time: Be back Dec. 27

2011-12-16T16:00:00.001-05:00

Although a few of my stories will magically appear in print and at Bradenton.com while I'm away, this weekend marks the start of a nice, long vacation. See ya Dec. 27.

Happy holidays!

Weekend roundup: Country, sacred steel blues and a flamboyant Christmas special

2011-12-16T10:29:00.000-05:00


Lee Boys perform Saturday at Aces Live in Bradenton.

It's another busy week for concert, theater and, ah, Sinbad enthusiasts.

Here's what I have running in the Weekend section that hit the streets Thursday:

Best of Area Stages: "Nutcracker," Sinbad, "Love, Sung in the Key of Aretha," "My Fair Holiday," "Liberace's Christmas Special," "Winterblunderland"

"Country hit-maker Josh Thompson returns to Joyland"

"Lee Boys bring sacred steel to Aces Live"

"FST's Kids Komedy Club holiday shows"

My editor Jana Morreale's excellent "Holiday lights tour" piece and more entertainment options here and here.

'Bad Santa' still kills me

2011-12-15T16:44:00.001-05:00

Stayed home last night and watched the holiday classic "Bad Santa."

That's right, holiday classic.

Laughed out loud pretty much all the way through just like I did when I watched the movie last year and the year before and, well, every year since it came out in 2003.

Was even moved again by the sentimental ending.

Really, "Bad Santa" couldn't be much better.

Billy Bob Thornton at his comedic best.

About time for the rumored sequel!

"Bad Santa" photo courtesy of Dimension Films.

Tweet with Tom Petty: And tell him to add Tampa to just announced tour dates!

2011-12-14T12:33:00.001-05:00

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers just announced a series of North American concerts in 2012 prior to embarking on their first tour of Europe in 20 years.

Unfortunately, Tampa didn't make the cut.

But the Florida roots rockers, who were pretty much awesome all night at the St. Pete Times Forum in 2008, do have dates May 1 at Germain Arena down in Estero and May 3 over at Amway Center in Orlando.

Also, Gainesville native Petty will be live on Twitter @TomPetty 5:30 p.m. EST Thursday (Dec. 15) to chat with the fans and answer questions for an hour.

Tell him to add a May 2 date in Tampa!

More details: TomPetty.com.

—Publicity photo of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

Get Down Downtown has a new date this month

2011-12-13T14:09:00.001-05:00

Get Down Downtown, which usually takes place the third Thursday of every month, is making a temporary move to the third Friday this month.

Also, the hours have been extended until 11 p.m. this week.

Live music by the Billy Rice Band — mostly crowd-pleasing classic rock covers — from 8 to 11 p.m. Dec. 16. Event starts at 6 p.m. on Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton. Free admission. Vendors. Good times.

—Publicity photo of Billy Rice performing with his band

Ed Lauter movie 'The Artist' named best of the year by New York Film Critics Online

2011-12-12T13:29:00.004-05:00

Ed Lauter publicity photo

Last month I wrote about the Sarasota Film Society's Cine-World Film Festival closing night film, writer/director Michel Hazanavicius’ “The Artist,” which features veteran character actor Ed Lauter.

Lauter was in town last week to film scenes for the Sarasota-Manatee movie "Blind Pass," starring Bradenton resident Danielle White with an appearance by Armand Assante.

Dinner at Gio's in Bradenton with Lauter and others from the movie led to my Sunday column.

READ "ED LAUTER: CHARACTER ACTOR."

From the HollywoodReporter.com:

The Artist has been named best film of the year by the New York Film Critics Online.
our editor recommends
Additionally, Michael Hazanavicius, who helmed the silent black-and-white movie, was named best director by the group, which met Sunday in New York to select its 12th annual awards in 15 categories. The movie also nabbed a third honor, best use of music, for composer Ludovic Bource.
PHOTOS: The Making of 'The Artist'
Sunday was a big day for the movie, which also recognized by the American Film Institute and the Boston Film Critics.

Broadway star Teresa Stanley talks about her return to Sarasota

2011-12-12T12:55:00.000-05:00

Teresa Stanley went from being a teen prodigy and then star member of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota before landing on Broadway for the blockbuster "The Color Purple."

Stanley then toured the country as a cast member of "Rock of Ages."

She returns to WBTT this week for the first time in five years to join the cast in the company's season opening show, “Love, Sung in the Key of Aretha.”

READ THE INTERVIEW

What are you doing this weekend?

2011-12-09T16:18:00.001-05:00

Steve Buscemi in "Fargo"

I'm planning on not leaving the sofa.

Or at least not straying too far from it.

But for those of you who are a bit more adventurous here are some Manatee County selections from our "Go & Do" list starting with a great movie that starts in a couple hours.

Film Fridays: South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton

The South Florida Museum will host Film Fridays Series “Winter Stories” at 6 p.m. Fridays. The series, celebrating the start of the winter season, includes “Fargo,” Dec. 9, and “Groundhog Day,” Dec. 16. Seating is limited; reservations are recommended. Admission: $3 members, $5 nonmembers. Information: 941-746-4131, ext. 27, or visit www.southfloridamuseum.org/ThingsToDo/Filmfridays.aspx.

Farmers market: Main Street, Bradenton

The downtown Bradenton Farmers Market is open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays featuring local grown and organic produce, olive oil and bread, fresh fish, organic coffee and tea, jewelry and craft vendors, and live music and cooking demonstrations. Information: 941-840-0017 or visit www.bradentonfarmersmarket.com.

Bridge Street market: Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach

The Bridge Street Market on Historic Bridge Street will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays through April 28. The market will feature area produce and plant vendors, arts and craft vendors, funky beach style gifts, jewelry, clothes, home decor, food, fun, music and more. Information: 215-906-0668.

—Publicity photo from the movie "Fargo"

Read entire list.

UPDATED 12/8: City-owned Van Wezel breaking ties with Sarasota?

2011-12-07T14:52:00.002-05:00

UPDATED 12/8: Mark Famiglio, the Van Wezel Foundation chairman of the board who also serves as the president of the executive committee of the board of directors at the Sarasota Film Festival; Robert Bartolotta, city manager of Sarasota; and Van Wezel Executive Director Mary Bensel opine on the four options concerning...

Van Wezel parting ways with Sarasota?

Big changes could be underway regarding the leadership of the top concert venue in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The City of Sarasota-owned Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall's separate Van Wezel Foundation has entered into a series of exploratory discussions regarding the future operations of the 1,726-seat venue.

The initial discussions with the Van Wezel Foundation, which began earlier this year, have centered on consolidating the operation of the Van Wezel Hall with the Van Wezel Foundation under a long term lease arrangement whereby the non-profit entity would carry the authority and responsibility for governance, operations, all expenses and fundraising.

Here's the what was issued by the city early this afternoon:

The city commission has directed the city staff to explore organizational alternatives for the future. Among the alternatives being considered are:

1. Continue to operate the Van Wezel as a City Department. Over the last two years, under the leadership of Mary Bensel, revenues have exceeded expenditures. The current budget continues this success with no budgeted subsidy from the general fund

2. Explore a private management contract for operation similar to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Ft Myers and the Mahaffey Theatre in St. Petersburg. Under this alternative a private company manages the operation with a management fee paid by the city.

3. Create a new 501 3(c) non-profit organization to manage both the day to day operations and the long term fund raising.

4. Consolidate the operation of the Van Wezel Hall with the Van Wezel Foundation under a long term lease arrangement whereby the non-profit entity would carry the authority and responsibility for governance, operations, all expenses and fundraising.

The initial discussions with the Van Wezel Foundation, which began earlier this year, have centered on the fourth alternative which has the potential of combining the excellent current operating staff with the foundation’s ability to secure major new funding in the future.

These discussions, regardless of outcome will not affect the excellent cooperative working relationship between the city and the foundation which have been partners for more than 25 years.

The discussions will have no impact on the Van Wezel's ability to continue to book quality programs in the future.

Bensel will head up the proposed new structure as president and CEO and will supervise all staff (current and future).

The discussion will focus on the following mission/objectives:

Mission: The mission of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is:

1. To present a broad spectrum of the world’s finest performing artists in order to meet the diverse cultural needs of all of Southwest Florida’s residents and visitors.

2. To bring visiting artists into the community for meaningful education and outreach programs that help develop new audiences.

3. To provide a quality facility for other local cultural organizations.

Objectives:

1. To assure the retention of and expansion of quality arts in the community

2. To develop a more efficient and effective model for fund raising and provide for . broad and expanded philanthropic support

3. To ensure that no subsidies will be necessary from the City

4 To enhance the support provided for other arts entities in the community and encourage collaboration

5. To expand audiences, communal utilization of facilities and provide affordable programming to all segments of our community

Timeline: If this alternative is implemented, it is anticipated this process will take a period of time to ensure a strong win-win arrangement. The estimated time frame for any implementation will be approximately January 1, 2013. Any agreement reached would need to be approved by the City Commission and the Foundation Board of Directors.

Stay tuned for more info/comments from the key players.

—Photo of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall provided

Amy Winehouse album 'Lioness' getting mixed reviews

2011-12-06T19:21:00.003-05:00

Just finished listening to the new Amy Winehouse album, "Lioness: Hidden Treasures," which came out today.

It's not "Back to Black," or even "Frank," and it definitely feels unfinished in many places, but I'll still take her leftovers, most of which are covers, over the vast majority of what's being played on Top 40.

Alas, it's ultimately a sad reminder of what could have been had Winehouse beat her battle with the bottle and those other demons.

Anyway, here's a rundown — courtesy of http://www.metacritic.com — of what some of the pundits have to say. Ranking of 0-100 follows name of publication.

Entertainment Weekly
75
As posthumous albums go, it's leagues beyond hastily assembled fare like Michael Jackson's Immortal. That's a credit to producers Salaam Remi and Mark Ronson.

Rolling Stone
70
This is a sad record. A grab bag of outtakes, unreleased tracks, demos, covers and song sketches, these recordings feel like a gut punch.

Los Angeles Times
63
The 12-song compilation is slight on new insights....But as vault-emptying collections go, Lioness helps rebut the tabloid qualities of her life and death, and return some of the focus back to what won her such allegiance--her voice.

The Observer (UK)
60
Covers make up the backbone of this perfectly enjoyable, but tame release.

Chicago Tribune
25
A cash-in thin on new songs that confirms Winehouse was still a long way from finishing up the five-years-in-the-making follow-up to "Back to Black."

Blondie headed to Bradenton: Rock and Roll Hall of Famers to headline fundraiser

2011-12-05T12:38:00.001-05:00

The biggest band to come out of the late 1970s new wave movement has a special date in Bradenton.

The original members of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Blondie — starring singer Deborah Harry — will perform at Forty Carrots Family Center's Firefly Gala, presented by The Dart Foundation, on March 24 at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton. The fundraising event promises to include all the fanfare of an authentic concert.

“The Dart Foundation is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for children and young adults and is proud to support Forty Carrots Family Center's mission of strengthening families. Forty Carrots' unique combination of top-ranking early childhood education and quality parenting education results in giving children a better chance at succeeding in school and life long success,” said Ariane Dart, Forty Carrots Trustee and The Dart Foundation representative, in a statement.

Following on the heels of last year's success with KC & the Sunshine Band, this year's gala combines the rock star entertainment of Blondie with world-class dining prepared by renown restaurateur and chef Sean Murphy as well as the chance to win auction items.

What: Firefly Gala starring Blondie, presented by The Dart Foundation
When: 6 pm Sat., March 24
Where: The Concessions Golf Club, 7700 Lindrick Lane, Bradenton
Tickets: TBA
For sponsorship details or information on how you can be involved email info@fortycarrots.com or call 941-365-7716. Visit our website at www.fortycarrots.org.

Red Hot Chili Peppers to play Tampa

2011-12-05T11:47:00.000-05:00

After a five year absence, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are headed back to the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa on Jan. 23. Santigold opens.

Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer are currently in Europe, touring in support of their album "I'm With You," which was released in August and produced the hit single "Monarchy of Roses."

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are a nominee for the 2012 class of inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Tickets for the Tampa show go on sale 10 a.m. Dec. 10. Ticket prices are $42.25 and $62.25 (facility fee and service charges not included) at www.Ticketmaster.com. To order tickets by phone call 800.745.3000.

—Photo by Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times

REVIEW: Manatee Players' ‘White Christmas’ is a merry stroll down memory lane

2011-12-02T17:35:00.000-05:00

PAUL VIDELA/pvidela@bradenton.com From left: Michael DeMocko as Phil Davis, Geena M. Ravella as Judy Haynes, Jessica Anne Morrow as Betty Haynes and Greg Wiegers as Bob Wallace in the Manatee Players production of “Irving Berlin's White Christmas.”

“White Christmas” has been warming hearts during the holidays for more than a half century. Bing Crosby’s Bob Wallace, Danny Kaye’ Phil Davis, Rosemary Clooney’s Betty Haynes and Vera-Ellen’s Judy Haynes are some of the most memorable characters in Hollywood history.

The stage version, titled “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” has been around less than a decade. Despite having those huge stars looming over it, the Manatee Players’ production is a fun stroll down memory lane.

The plot, as expected, closely follows the movie. Bob Wallace (Greg Wiegers) and Phil Davis (Michael DeMocko) are a top Broadway song-and-dance duo that served in the army together during World War II. Bob’s leery about romance and Phil’s a skirt-chaser. The two soon have a change of heart, though, when they meet the singing sister act of Betty (Jessica Anne Morrow) and Judy (Geena M. Ravella) Haynes.

The guys follow the gals to a Vermont lodge where the sister act is scheduled to perform during the holidays. Typical romantic highs and lows occur as Bob finally falls for Betty and Phil pledges his love to Judy.

Meanwhile, the fellows learn that the ski lodge is run by their former commanding officer, Gen. Henry Waverly (Phil Croome). Business is hurting and the lack of snow makes matters worse.
Bob and Phil decide to enlist the support of their entertainment connections, including those who served in the general's unit and turn the barnyard show into a big bash. Of course it snows just in time for the skiers and the title song.

Despite the largely timeworn material, director/choreographer Rick Kerby keeps things moving at a brisk pace. He also did a fine job of casting. The actors smartly honor the famed originators rather than ape them.

Wiegers has a voice that doesn’t make you long for Crosby’s — no easy fete — and he shines on numerous numbers including the title track and the stage-version bonus “Blue Skies.” DeMocko’s acting is perhaps a bit over-the-top but his singing and dancing chops make up for it. Morrow and Ravella do the most to create the essential romantic chemistry between the respective couples. They’re skilled vocalists, as well, crushing with a smile-inducing “Sisters.”

The performances are strong throughout, which is commendable at any time of the year but especially this month. These actors are not only working for free but are likely missing out on numerous family gatherings so they can spread some holiday cheer well worth witnessing.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Dec. 1-23, Riverfront Theatre, 102 Old Main St., Bradenton. Tickets: $25/$11 (students) Information: 941-748-5875 or www.manateeplayers.com.

More info on Armand Assante movie 'Blind Pass' filming in Manatee and Sarasota

2011-12-01T13:05:00.006-05:00

All Armand Assante scenes to be shot in Manatee County

Here's more info on today's breaking news story "Armand Assante movie filming in Manatee and Sarasota." It's the latest feature by local filmmaker Steve Tatone and his Midnight Pass Productions.

Setting: Film takes place almost entirely in Sarasota and Manatee counties except for several scenes shot in Europe. All of Armand Assante's scenes are being shot in Manatee. "We're the first film company to be given privilege to film at the new Sarasota National Cemetery," Tatone said. "That's where the opening scene takes place."

Plot: Movie focuses on a 24-year-old woman named Carrie (played by Danielle White) who has always had the best of everything. Her father (Armand Assante) is a former military man, attorney and "master of universe type," said Tatone, living on a horse farm in Manatee County. Carrie rebels, gets involved in show business and lives in the family beach house on Siesta Key. Movie starts with funeral of her father and tells his story in flashback. Carrie is a very independent woman who then finds out she has an eye disease and is going to go blind in 90 days. Daughter and father are very much alike in their approach to life and Mom (Mary Rachel Dudley) worries daughter might also commit suicide. Carrie is sent to see psychologist (Chris McKenna) and that's when the action starts in this thriller.

Here's the description from the "Blind Pass" Facebook page:

“Blind Pass” is a dramatic thriller reminiscent of “Basic Instinct” and “Last Tango in Paris”…and then some…that reminds us all never to take anything in Life for granted. The bold, edgy indie film reunites writer-director Steve Tatone with his "Beautiful Noise" star Danielle White and shoots on location in Fall 2011 in Sarasota, Florida; Milan, Venice & Lake Como Italy; Lugano Switzerland; Paris France; London England & Dublin Ireland.

Production: "Everything is being shot on location," Tatone said. Next month Midnight Pass Productions plans to open a post-production and small soundstage facility in downtown Sarasota. They're shooting "Blind Pass" with digital cameras and leasing equipment from Tampa-based First Unit Production Services. "Ninety-eight percent of the crew is from the Suncoast and Tampa Bay," Tatone said.

Financing: "It's a combination of our company money with some local investors," Tatone said.

—Publicity photo of Armand Assante courtesy of Midnight Pass Productions

REVIEW: 'My Fair Lady' at Asolo Rep in Sarasota is fantastic

2011-11-29T15:52:00.007-05:00

ANNAMAE BAFIA/PUBLICITY PHOTO of Andrea Prestinario

It’s hard to imagine a much more brilliant stage production of “My Fair Lady” than the one being presented by the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota.

Leads Andrea Prestinario (Eliza Doolitte) and Jeff Parker (Henry Higgins) joust with just the right bit of bite and make you believe they’re falling in love without so much as even sharing a kiss.

It’s the 1956 Broadway smash (turned classic 1964 film) brought into the beautiful Mertz Theatre and given a most wonderful intimacy courtesy of music director Doug Peck and assistant music director Ian Weinberger playing all of Frederick Loewe’s glorious melodies on a mere pair of facing pianos.

Sans the orchestra, the characters are free to deliver those loverly lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner with gripping nuance and grace.

Lerner’s dialogue, largely derived from George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” teems with welcoming believability. Whether witty, comic, morose or whimsical it works extremely well when delivered by Prestinario, Parker and the rest of the superb, 19-person cast working under the masterful direction of Frank Galati.

The director allows Prestinario to play Eliza as the proto-feminist I believe Shaw and Lerner intended all along. Remember, she’s the lowly flower girl who goes to the misogynistic and elitist phonetics professor demanding he allow her to pay for speech lessons. By show’s end, Eliza has made a lady of herself and turned bachelor Higgins “accustomed to her face.”

Who knows?

Maybe she won’t even get him those slippers after the final curtain and continue teaching him how women should be treated.

"Asolo Rep opens season with special staging of 'My Fair Lady'"

Regardless, Eliza’s character arc has always been the most fascinating aspect of this practically perfect musical and Prestinario shines with ample help from Parker, whose Higgins also goes through a satisfying transformation.

In addition, what has always made “My Fair Lady” such a terrific show is that the scenes and musical numbers are equally strong. Galati and cast maintain the extraordinary level of sustained greatness throughout. It's what makes the nearly 2 1/2 hour performance (not including intermission) zip by.

Prestinario has a big, beautiful voice but also understands the subtly required to sell a bittersweet kiss off such as “Without You.” Parker smartly nods to Higgins originator Rex Harrison's speak-sing approach while allowing his sonorous pipes to take over when appropriate. (Yes, Parker is a better vocalist than Harrison was.)

BIO | Frank Galati

As for the rest of the cast, each person contributes strongly. Joel Hatch plays Colonel Pickering — the one who makes the wager about Eliza becoming a lady — with a winning amount of snobbery and empathy. Sean Effinger-Dean makes Freddy Eynsford-Hill a most believable boy in love, especially when he sings “On the Street Where You Live.” And that scene-stealing Bryan Torfeh is outright hilarious as the villain Zolton Karpathy.

For all the charm of the cast, I would be remiss without mentioning the look of the show. Set designer Russell Metheny, costume designer Mara Blumenfeld, lighting designer James D. Sale, sound designer Kevin Kennedy as well as resident hair/wig and makeup designer Michelle Hart do a tremendous job of transporting the audience to the London of 1912.

Voice and dialect coach Patricia Delorey, with help from English-schooled cast member Cliff Roles, also deserve applause for making sure no one sounded silly with the Cockney or upper-class British accents.

Sure, you can sit at home and watch the excellent film version of “My Fair Lady.” But what the Asolo Rep has done with this spectacular musical shouldn’t be missed. It will make you fall in love again even with the most familiar scenes and songs all over again.

If you go
What: “My Fair Lady”
When: Through Dec. 23
Where: Asolo Repertory’s Mertz Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Tickets: $27-$71
Information: 941-351-8000 or www.asolorep.org

Neil Diamond has Tampa date at St. Pete Times Forum

2011-11-29T11:36:00.002-05:00

Neil Diamond, who finally received some much-deserved cool points this year when he became a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, has a June 3 date at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.

Tickets for the greatest-hits show go on sale 10 a.m. Dec. 5th. Ticket prices for this event are $52.25, $82.25, and $117.25 (Facility fees and service charges are not included. Charge by phone at 800.745.3000. VIP Packages are also be available.

My first and, so far only, Diamond experience came at the Forum in 2008:

The 67-year-old crooner threw himself into every self-penned lyric, turning decades-old chestnuts into in-the-moment jolts of emotion that rocked a crowd of 13,000-plus — myself included.

Yeah, good times.

In addition, Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings recently announced it would release "The Very Best of Neil Diamond – The Original Studio Recordings" Dec. 6. The album features 23 songs and is being billed as the first Diamond collection to draw from the artist's complete studio discography.

It includes tracks such as “Forever In Blue Jeans,” “Cherry, Cherry,” “Sweet Caroline,” “I’m A Believer,” “Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon, ” “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” “Red, Red Wine,” “America” and all the others that have been making people smile for the past half century.

Diamond becomex a Kennedy Center Honoree on Dec. 27. He will also perform at the 85th Anniversary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the "Today Show," NBC’s Tree Lighting at Rockefeller and the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" in upcoming weeks.

Photo: Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times

Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw tour headed to Tampa

2011-11-28T14:38:00.003-05:00

Country kings Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw's "Brothers of the Sun" tour will be making a stop at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa for a big Saturday bash June 2 that also includes Grace Potter & The Nocturnals as well as Jake Owen.

Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Dec. 9 and will be available ~~at the Raymond James Stadium box office~~, via Ticketmaster or by phone at 800.745.3000.

"Additional fees may apply to ticket prices" (which means count on 'em).

Prices haven't been announced yet.

"Brothers of the Sun" marks the first time in 10 years that Chesney and McGraw have toured together.

Not a huge Chesney fan but do enjoy his touching version of this great Guy Clark song:

TONIGHT: Blues supergroup Southern Hospitality makes Bradenton debut at Aces Live

2011-11-21T13:22:00.001-05:00

From left: Damon Fowler, Victor Wainwright and JP Soars of Southern Hospitality. Publicity photo.

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

Southern Hospitality makes its Bradenton debut tonight at Aces Live as part of Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays.

It's going to be a special night. See ya there or watch below. Both options are free.

Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays

Showcasing the best in touring talent

8:30 p.m. Mon., Nov. 21
and special guest
Southern Hospitality

Ace's, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

No cover

Click to watchat

8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

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TONIGHT: Dangerous Dan Toler's VIP Kick Off Party in Lakewood Ranch

2011-11-11T15:47:00.005-05:00

Dan Toler honoring his brother on June 25, 2011. Photo by Wade Tatangelo

Guitar great Dangerous Dan Toler's VIP Kick Off Party starts at 6 p.m. today at Ed's Tavern on Rodeo Drive in Lakewood Ranch.

The former Allman Brothers Band member will be playing with his Toler/Tucci Band and there will also be a performance by the Matthew Facciolla Band. Both acts are highly recommended.

The live music will take place on the patio.

The event is a fundraiser for Toler, who is battling ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease.

There will be drink specials, food specials, raffles and prizes.

It's a pre-party for this weekend's Dan Toler ALS Support Benefit Concert Festival, which I wrote about here: "Betts, Bramlett, more to play Toler benefit"

Click for more of my stories/interviews with Toler, whose many credits include playing with the Allman Brothers Band, Dickey Betts &Great Southern as well as the Gregg Allman Band.

TONIGHT: Cork's Cigar Bar throwing reopening bash on Old Main St. in Bradenton

2011-11-09T14:17:00.001-05:00

A significant player in the downtown Bradenton nightlife scene just announced a move that has been in the works for months.

"Cork's Cigar Bar will be open at 5 p.m. today!" reads the Facebook message posted by bartender Meagan Miller about two hours ago. "Come on in and see our new beautiful building (across street from old)."

A call to her father, Cork Miller, confirmed the relocation of his family's establishment from 425 Old Main St. to 424 Old Main St.

"The downstairs bar is all ready to go," he said. "But the upstairs won't be open yet."

A grand opening is planned for the near future to coincide with completion of second story lounge.

As for tonight, RJ Howson (guitar/vocals), Devin Neel (drums/vocals) and Gerry Neel (bass) will be hosting an open, blues-based jam starting at 9:30 p.m.

Trivia with Pennijo Beaucamp starts at 7:30pm

I first broke the news about Cork's changing locations in March and reported about it again, among other Old Main St. developments, in June.

REVIEW: FST’s ‘Next to Normal’ is crazy good

2011-11-08T19:11:00.002-05:00

From left Ashley Picciallo, Leo Daignault, Stacia Fernandez, Mike Backes in FST's winning production of 'Next to Normal.'

Its finger right on the pulse of the real modern family, the one with madness always bubbling near the placid surface, “Next to Normal” works tremendously well on an abnormal number of levels.

Featuring music by Tom Kitt with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama recipient and winner of three Tony Awards is a rock musical that manages to deftly make the most of melancholy, with sharp satire, smart observations, provocative questions and endearing humor.

Credit Florida Studio Theatre for not just doing an excellent job with an intricate show of often cleverly matched vocals performed from a tight stage and three risers over the rousing sonics of an accomplished live band but taking a chance:

The subject matter is heavy and the characters sing or say just about every dirty word George Carlin ever rifffed on.
But this cussing isn’t without purpose.
Just like nothing in the potent production isn’t without purpose.

Even if at the end audience members are forced to find his or her own definition of “normal” — or decide if it’s OK to just be “next to normal.”
Or maybe conclude “normal” is a silly, way-too subjective and hurtful word, one that deserves banished from the lexicon.

The mother Diana (Stacia Fernandez) grapples with bipolar disorder that manifests itself in a most frightening way at times. Namely in the form of her son Gabe (Mike Backes), resulting in a jolting surprise to anyone not paying close attention.

Natalie (Ashley Picciallo) plays the neglected, good girl daughter who begins to stray from her high school studies after meeting pot-smoking boyfriend Henry (James LaRosa). She quickly leapfrogs his occasional bong blasts for drugs-n-clubs benders largely fueled by Mom’s powerful, prescription stash.

Dan (Leo Daignault) is the father forced to make tough decisions regarding his wife’s well being. Scott Guthrie plays both doctors charged with treating Diana.

The show is sans flat characters — save for the doctor, who makes the most of his relatively perfunctory but often hilarious role — and the other actors shine in their juicy, largely unprecedented parts. The songs interweave wonderfully with just enough spoken lines salted throughout to create an even stronger ebb and flow.

“Next to Normal” might not be for everybody but it’s must-see performance art for anyone interested in what the exciting possibilities are in musical theater.

Details: Nov. 2-Jan. 1, FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Tickets: $29-$39. Information: 941-366-9000 or www.florida studiotheatre.org.

Radiohead to play Tampa

2011-11-08T10:16:00.000-05:00

Radiohead performs to a cheering crowd during Lollapalooza 's first day at Grand Park in 2008, in Chicago, Illinois. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

Radiohead will play Tampa during its upcoming 2012 U.S. tour.

The initial 10 date dates of the art rock band's first extensive string of U.S. shows since 2008 will begin Feb. 27 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami with dates currently running through March 15 at the Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, Ariz.

Other Lives will support on these dates.

Radiohead performs at the St. Pete Times Forum Feb. 29.

General on-sales for these shows will begin November 12, with the exception of the February 29 Tampa, FL date, which will go on sale November 19.

There will be a four ticket per person limit.

For further information on ticketing, go to http://radiohead.com/tourdates/

REVIEW/PHOTOS: Sarasota Blues Fest

2011-11-07T14:49:00.004-05:00

Ryan Shaw at Blues Fest. Photo by Caroline Sansone.

Thousands attended the Sarasota Blues Fest Saturday for a beautiful day of diverse, movingly performed roots music.

Los Lobos closed the evening with a set that ranged from Mexican-flavored originals off their latest great record "Tin Can Trust" to a terrific Allman Brothers Band-style rendition of "On Way Out."

Ryan Shaw, who performed just before Los Lobos, proved my personal favorite. He's a 30-year-old with two Garmmy nomination to his credit who brilliantly updates vintage soul. His set opened with a stirring rendition of Jimmy Cliff's reggae classic "Many Rivers to Cross" and never lost momentum.

Shaw completely reworked The Beatles' "Yesterday" into R&B gold and honored Michael Jackson with an emotive rendition of "Man in the Mirror." The most special moment of the night, though, came when Shaw performed the soul standard "Try a Little Tenderness" famously recorded by Otis Redding with backing by Booker T. & the MG's featuring the legendary Donald "Duck" Dunn on bass.

Donal "Duck" Dunn with Ryan Shaw. Photo by Wade Tatangelo.

Dunn, who lives in Sarasota, and Shaw met backstage prior to the performance. Shaw gave a warm dedication to Dunn before bringing chills by channeling the spirit of Redding without aping him. Dunn grinned in approval.

Former Little Feat singer and longtime member of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet band Shaun Murphy also elated the crowd with her powerhouse vocals when she performed around 4 p.m.

Click for a slew more of outstanding pictures by Sarasota Blues Fest photographer Caroline Sansone.

REVIEW: 'Brothers Karamazov' a struggle on stage

2011-11-04T17:52:00.002-04:00

From left: Jacob Cooper (Alyosha),
Brendan Ragan (Dmitry) and Jesse Dornan (Ivan)

Many books make for great plays. Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s more-lauded-than-read masterpiece “The Brothers Karamazov” isn’t one of them. At least not judging by the FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s staging Wednesday of Roland Reed’s script directed by Andrei Malaev-Babel, a Conservatory faculty member.

The epic novel about a dirty old man and his three disparate sons has never been considered an easy read. Dostoyevsky’s obsession with religious faith and how doubt influences one’s morality permeates the book and play, which reportedly uses only text penned by the original author.

These heavy themes loom large over the small Cook Theatre stage, crushing any momentum that might be generated by the convoluted plot.

The acting by the entire, 12-person class of second year students can’t be faulted. It ranges from solid to superb. If the play weren’t so long — three hours including a single 15-minute intermission — I would recommend attending solely to watch Kelly Campbell’s gripping performance as the play’s Jezebel, Grushenka Agrafena.

Brendan Ragan (Dmitry) Jacob Cooper (Alyosha) and Jesse Dornan (Ivan) are also commendable as the Karamazov brothers, as is Francisco Rodriguez, who plays their drunk dad as well as a police captain.

But the 150 minutes of stage time is too full of characters trading monologues rather than dialogue to engage. The conflicts feel forced because the characters are made to come across as vessels for Dostoyevsky’s musings rather than persons in dire positions.

The costumes by Maxey Whitehead and Kristen Lynne Blossom are excellent but the sparse staging did each scene a disservice. There’s essentially no stage scenery. Props basically consisted of black stools, wine bottles and glasses.

That’s a lot to ask of a theatergoer but it might have worked if 14 audience members were not seated in a semi-circle around where the action took place. One couldn’t help but watch several squirm as a dream sequence dragged or notice that three of the chairs were empty after intermission. Incidentally, the two people seated next to me also didn’t return for the second and final act.

After already investing 80 minutes (and price of admission) they should’ve stayed. The second act flows much better than the first with a strong court scene conclusion. But it was not enough to overcome the many obstacles presented by the play, which has moments of brilliance too often undermined by a snake-like story line and tiresome pontificating.

IF YOU GO

What: Asolo Conservatory presents “The Brothers Karamazov”

When: Nov. 1-20

Where: Cook Theatre in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Tickets: $28/$27 matinees/students receive 50 percent off with advance ticket purchase

Information: 941-351-8000 or www.asolorep.org

Willie Nelson returns to Sarasota to play Van Wezel; info on new album

2011-11-03T14:56:00.001-04:00

Willie Nelson is returning to Sarasota.

After last season's quick sell-out, American music icon Willie Nelson and Family return to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for another evening of brilliant country influenced by blues, jazz, folk and classic pop.

Tickets for the Feb. 3 show go on sale at 10 a.m. Sat., Nov. 12.

Nelson is scheduled to release the covers album "Remember Me, Vol. 1" on Nov. 21. Here's the track list, courtesy of TheBoot.com:

1. "Remember Me" (Ernest Tubb)
2. "Sixteen Tons'"(Tennessee Ernie Ford)
3. "Why Baby Why" (George Jones)
4. "Today I Started Loving You Again" (Merle Haggard)
5. "I'm Movin' On" (Hank Snow)
6. "That Just About Does It" (Vern Gosdin)
7. "This Old House" (Rosemary Clooney)
8. "Sunday Morning Coming Down" (Kris Kristofferson)
9. "Smoke That Cigarette" (Tex Williams)
10. "Slowly" (Webb Pierce)
11. "A Satisfied Mind" (Porter Wagoner)
12. "Roly Poly" (Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys)
13. "Release Me" (Ray Price)
14. "Ramblin' Fever'"(Merle Haggard)
15. "More and More" (Webb Pierce) *iTunes exclusive

Earlier this year I interviewed Willie's son/band mate, singer/songwriter/guitarist Lukas Nelson:

Willie’s son Lukas keeping it ‘real’

Details: 8 p.m. Feb. 3, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets (on sale 10 a.m. Nov. 12): $30-$75. Info: (941) 953-3368 or log onto www.vanwezel.org.

—Photo at top provided by Van Wezel

SATURDAY (NOV. 5): Sarasota Blues Fest keeps it fresh with Los Lobos, Ryan Shaw and much more

2011-11-03T14:02:00.006-04:00

Here's my story on this year's awesomely eclectic lineup:

"Sarasota Blues Fest plays outside box"

UPDATED 11/10: Bonnie Bramlett joins Dickey Betts, others for Dan Toler benefit in Sarasota

2011-11-02T15:11:00.001-04:00

UPDATED 11/10: Here's story with quotes from Betts and Bramlett:

Betts, Bramlett, more to play Toler benefit

Bonnie Bramlett publicity photo

Esteemed blue-eyed soul singer Bonnie Bramlett, formerly of the famed duo Delaney & Bonnie, has been added to the Dan Toler ALS Support Benefit Festival.

Dickey Betts & Great Southern headline the Nov. 12-13 event in Sarasota first reported about here.

Bramlett performed with the Allman Brothers Band during the Toler era of the late 1970s (see clip below). She can be heard on the ABB albums "Enlightened Rogues" (1979) as well as "Reach for the Sky" (1980). She also performed with Toler on the acclaimed 1978 Dickey Betts & Great Southern album "Atlanta's Burning Down."

As a member of Delaney & Bonnie, she performed with Duane Allman, Eric Clapton, George Harrison and Dave Mason.

Bramlett's songwriting credits include the classic "Superstar" (with Leon Russell and Delaney Bramlett), which was a hit in 1971 for The Carpenters and subsequently covered by everyone from Luther Vandross to Sonic Youth; the latter's version heard on the soundtrack for the hit film "Juno."

Bramlett is perhaps best known, though, for playing Bonnie Watkins on the hit TV show "Roseanne" in the early 1990s.

The Allman Brothers Band with Bonnie Bramlett and Dan Toler live at the Volunteer Jam in Nashville Tennessee

Best Halloween movies and songs

2011-10-31T14:16:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween.

Here’s my highly subjective list of the greatest horror films of all time.

The Top 10.

The ones that every self-respecting Halloween enthusiasts should see.

Read more.

Can’t stand the silliness of “Monster Mash”?

No longer thrilled by “Thriller”?

But still need some tunes that fit the theme of Halloween?

Got you covered.

Here’s a lil’ playlist to get that costume party started right.

Read more.

—In this publicity image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Linda Blair portrays a possessed Regan MacNeil in a scene from, "The Exorcist." (AP Photo/Warner Bros. Entertainment)

Meet the cast of 'My Fair Lady' and its Tony Award-winning director at Asolo Rep in Sarasota

2011-10-25T14:48:00.008-04:00

Andrea Prestinario sings the "My Fair Lady" classic "I Could Have Danced All Night" at the Asolo Rep media luncheon today in Sarasota.

The Asolo Repertory Theatre's production of "My Fair Lady" doesn't open the company's 53rd season until next month but its star already earned a nice round of applause today in Sarasota.

Producing Artistic Director Michael Edwards had all the cast and creatives on hand for a media luncheon held on the mezzanine of the Mertz Theatre.

The big cheers came after Andrea Prestinario, accompanied by a lone keyboardist, belted out a pitch perfection rendition of the classic musical's iconic number "I Could Have Danced All Night."

From left: Jeff Parker, Andrea Prestinario and Michael Edwards

"My Fair Lady," which opens Nov. 18 and runs through Dec. 23, features Prestinario as Eliza Doolittle, a role that earned her rave reviews in the Chicago Tribune and other publications during a recent "My Fair Lady" production at The Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Ill.

Jeff Parker, who like Prestinario is based in Chicago, plays Professor Henry Higgins. Making his Asolo Rep debut, Parker is a Jeff Award nominee whose extensive performance list includes Goodman Theatre, The Kennedy Center, Manhattan Theatre Club and Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Based on George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion" with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, "My Fair Lady" also marks the return of Tony Award-winning director (and now Sarasota resident) Frank Galati. His credits include last season’s hit production of Asolo Rep's "Twelve Angry Men."

Frank Galati

Galati won two Tony Awards, including Best Direction of a Play, in 1990 for "Grapes of Wrath." In 1998, he staged "Ragtime" and was nominated again for a Tony Award in the Best Direction of a Musical category. Galati also received an Academy Award-nomination as coauthor on the screenplay for the 1988 dramatic romance "The Accidental Tourist," which won Geena Davis an Oscar.

Edwards explained how he wanted to do "My Fair Lady" since he came to Asolo Rep five years ago but needed Galati to direct as to ensure the production would not be "musty."

Galati described "My Fair Lady" as a "biting satire ... about the power of language" and addressed the "serious material underneath this extraordinary musical comedy."

Edwards returned to the podium and, with a sly smile, reminded the journalists representing publications across Southwest Florida that "My Fair Lady" would also be "funny and sexy."

Laughter filled the mezzanine.

During the brief Q&A section that followed, Doug Peck, the music director/keyboardist, explained the two piano score chosen by Asolo Rep would make the show more intimate because the actors wouldn't have to project over a 40-musician orchestra.

Andrea Prestinario as Eliza Doolittle during a recent "My Fair Lady"

production at The Paramount Theatre

"My Fair Lady"
Presented in the Harold E. and Esther M. Mertz Theatre
November 18, 2011- December 23, 2011
Preview performances November 15-17
Click for ticket info

Creative Team:
Frank Galati Director
Joshua Rhodes Choreographer
Doug Peck Music Director/Keyboards
Ian Weinberger Assistant Music Director/Keyboards 2
Russell Metheny Set Design
Mara Blumenfeld Costume Design
James D. Sale Lighting Design
Kevin Kennedy Sound Design
Michelle Hart Wig & Hair Design
Patricia Delorey Voice & Dialect
Kelly Borgia* Stage Manager
Michael Morales* Assistant Stage Manager
Nia Sciarretta Stage Management Intern
Ryan Bible Student Lighting Assistant
Lauryn E. Sasso Resident Dramaturg

Cast (in alphabetical order):
Andrew Boyer* Alfred Dolittle
Colleen Cherry 2nd Maid/Ensemble
Sean Effinger-Dean Freddy Eynsford-Hill
Joel Hatch* Col. Pickering
Heather Kopp* 3rd Maid/Ensemble
Carol Kuykendall* 4th Maid/Ensemble
Rob Lindley* 1st Cockney/Ensemble
Robert David May 4th Cockney/Ensemble
Christine Mild* 1st Maid/Ensemble
Annie Morrison* Mrs. Eynsford-Hill
Thomas Mothershed Harry/Ensemble
Jeff Parker* Henry Higgins
Andrea Prestinario* Eliza Doolittle
Peggy Roeder* Mrs. Higgins
Cliff Roles Ensemble
Daniel Schwab 2nd Cockney/Ensemble
Penny Slusher* Mrs. Pearce
Barry Tarallo* Jamie/Ensemble
Bryan Torfeh* Zoltan Karpathy/3rd Cockney
*denotes member of Actor’s Equity

—All photos by Wade Tatangelo

Lucinda Williams at Jannus Live in St. Petersburg, 10/19/11: Review and setlist

2011-10-20T15:54:00.006-04:00

Lucinda Williams Oct. 19 at Jannus Live in St. Petersburg. Photo provided by Tracy May.

Lucinda Williams made it worth the wait.

When she returned to Jannus Live for her first Tampa Bay performance since 2004 the alt-country queen seemed to determined to make every song an emotional wallop.

As a cool, welcome breeze made its way through downtown St. Petersburg and blew back Williams’ blonde bangs she sang with measured passion, giving each compelling lyric ample care, as if reliving the moment of its creation.

The multiple Grammy winner considered one of the greatest songwriters alive showed she’s also an outstanding performer.

Williams played for about two hours, judiciously choosing songs ranging from her 1988 self-titled masterpiece to her excellent new album “Blessed.” A freshly penned unreleased song and three choice covers made for wonderful surprises. Blake Mills (electric guitar), David Sutton (bass) and Butch Norton (drums) provided spot-on accompaniment.

Dressed in black jeans and a dark top, Williams wielded an acoustic guitar and opened the show with a barn burning rendition of “Can’t Let Go,” off her 1998 breakthrough album “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.”

She then went back a decade for the sweet ode to having good times with her brother in the “Crescent City.” She returned to “Car Wheels” several times to start the show before delivering a chilling version of the album's most powerful number, “Drunken Angel.”

The song is a tribute to Austin-based singer/songwriter Blaze Foley. He was shot to death after a barroom brawl. Merle Haggard and others would later record Foley’s ballad “If I Could Only Fly.”

Williams sang each line like she was offering a prayer to her old pal:

“Blood spilled out from the hole in your heart / Over the strings of your guitar / The worn down places in the wood / That once made you feel so good.”

Williams then said, “Here’s a new song that will be on my next album.” A country rocker with a dollop of funk “Stowaway in Your Heart,” is a beautiful love letter to manager/husband Tom Overby goosed by a killer slide solo by Mills, a young L.A. artist who has a huge future ahead of him.

The lyric stand came in handy on “Stowaway” and a couple others, but did nothing to hinder her performance. I’ll take the cheat sheet and know that every word is right, thank you very much. It’s not like Williams has ever been known to dance around on stage.

Next came “Side of the Road.” It first appeared on Williams’ self-titled album and remains her finest lyric. The song puts you inside the head of a person filled with passion for another but unable to commit. It’s a common enough theme but never written about with such a smart metaphor marked by rich details; or sung with such a tone of resigned melancholy. Williams performed it solo Wednesday, each word a tender reminder that nothing in life or love is black and white:

“If I stray too far from you, don’t go and try and find me / It doesn’t mean I don’t love you, it doesn’t mean I won’t come back and stay beside you / It only means I need a little time / To follow that unbroken line.”

Williams continued in catharsis mode with the heartbreaking “Blue” before letting the band rip while singing her other hubby song “Born to Be Loved.” She ditched the guitar and clutched the mic with both hands, swaying softly in time as her fellow musicians took turns soloing.

Williams then unveiled her gripping rendition of Bob Dylan’s mortality hymn “Tryin’ to Get to Heaven,” which she recorded for an upcoming Amnesty International benefit album.

The band jammed hard and Williams sung with a sexy snarl on “Steal Your Love,” “Buttercup,” and then spit out the words to her classic kiss-off “Changed the Locks.”

“Thank you for coming out during these hellacious economic times and spending your hard-earned money,” she said as the crowd showered her with applause. Williams then dedicated the blues stomp “Joy” to the “99 percenters” holding the spread-the-wealth “occupy” protests nationwide.

After performing the title track to her new album she left the stage briefly and then returned with a faithful rendition of the early Allman Brothers Band gem “Not My Cross to Bear” before leading the crowd in a spirited sing along of the Buffalo Springfield protest anthem “For What It’s Worth.”

“God bless, power to the people, keep up the fight,” Williams said before exiting.

Here’s to hoping it doesn’t take another seven years for her to visit Tampa Bay. Williams holds a discerning listener rapt like few other performers.

Setlist:

1. “Can’t Let Go” (written by Randy Weeks)
2. “Crescent City”
3. “Right in Time”
4. “Well Well Well”
5. “Concrete and Barbed Wire”
6. “Drunken Angel” (see video shot at Jannus below)
7. “Stowaway In Your Heart”
8. “Side of the Road”
9. “Blue” (see video shot at Jannus below)
10. “Born to Be Loved”
11. “Tryin’ To Get to Heaven” (Bob Dylan cover)
12. “Steal Your Love”
13. “Buttercup”
14. “Real Live Bleeding Fingers and Broken Guitar Strings”
15. “Essence”
16. “Righteously”
17. “Changed the Locks”
18. “Joy”
19. “Honey Bee”
20. “Blessed”
21. “Not My Cross to Bear” (Allman Brothers Band cover)
22. “For What It’s Worth (Buffalo Springfield cover)

Bill Clinton headed to Tampa: Lady Gaga incident from Saturday would make great topic for the talk

2011-10-17T12:41:00.001-04:00

Former President Bill Clinton, who just had a big night out with Lady Gaga, will bring his "Embracing our Common Humanity" tour to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa on March 21

"President Clinton’s public speeches describe the challenge of globalization, emphasize our growing interdependence, and point the way toward a common future based on shared goals and values," reads the publicity release.

No word on whether he'll reflect on his big bash Saturday at a packed Hollywood Bowl.

The concert, dubbed “A Decade of Difference,” doubled as Bill Clinton’s 65th birthday party.

“I just love you and your hot wife,” Lady Gaga said, mere feet from Bill Clinton, his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and their daughter, Chelsea," reads the Los Angeles Times report. "Gaga described her life as a screwy embodiment of the American dream in eyebrow-raising language, and she praised the Clintons by promising that 'tonight, I thought we’d all get caught up in a little Bill romance.'"

Gaga then performed her hit “Bad Romance.”

Details: 7 p.m. March 21, 2012, at 7 p.m., Carol Morsani Hall, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Tickets: $65-$185; $325 (includes handshake, photo with the former president). Information: www.strazcenter.org or (813) 222-1000.

Photo: Former President Clinton takes the stage during the "Decade of Difference" concert Saturday at the Hollywood Bowl. Credit: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times.

UPDATED 10/17: PHOTOS/VIDEOS: ArtSlam in Bradenton

2011-10-16T20:01:00.001-04:00

UPDATED 10/17: "ArtSlam in 3 Minutes"

Find yourself!

Nearly a thousand photos/videos from ArtSlam, the Realize Bradenton event that took place Saturday on Old Main Street.

All photos/video courtesy of Realize Bradenton by Mitch Jackson.

Read my interviews with organizers from Realize Bradenton.

From Herald reporter Richard Dymond's story "ArtSlam Rocks Downtown Bradenton"

It seemed everyone had their favorite ArtSlam team Saturday.

“You’ve got to go see the kids drawing in chalk,” said ArtSlam board member Michele Redwine, referring to “Little Chalkers,” the brainchild of Denise Kowal, producer of the Sarasota Chalk Festival.

Little Chalkers was one of 15 teams that strutted its stuff from 3 to 11 p.m. on Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton, a volcanic blast of art that drew about 500 fans and more than 100 artists.

Read more: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/10/16/3571527/artslam-rocks-downtown-bradenton.html#storylink=omni_popular#ixzz1azap33If

Lucinda Williams dishes on kiss from Bob Dylan

2011-10-16T16:20:00.003-04:00

Nice to see people are reading my Lucinda Williams interview advancing her Oct. 19 show at Jannus Live in St. Petersburg (click below for details). It's the most read story today at Bradenton.com:

Lucinda Williams on an amazing career that started with a kiss from Bob Dylan
By WADE TATANGELO
wtatangelo@bradenton.com
Lucinda Williams’ uncanny ability to create songs that are at once poetic and emotive has won her a loyal following and an enormous amount of praise.

One of the greatest lyricists alive, she’s worshipped by aspiring singer/songwriters and respected by the best in the business.

For more than two decades, Williams has excelled at folk-rock tunes about falling in love, making love and having good times in the Crescent City.

But her most memorable performances are those songs that richly detail doomed relationships, loneliness, little rock stars battling demons or a small town’s reaction to a suicide.

Few vocalists can deliver a love-sick lament as convincingly as Williams, who sings in a singular, unhurried manner, her Southern drawl flowing through the speakers like teardrops.

She can also spit acid in the face of a man who has done her wrong. Venom courses through her voice as she tells an ex she has changed the locks. And the F-bomb has perhaps never been put to better use in popular music than when Williams addresses the lover who promised forever and split after just those three days.

A multiple Grammy winner named “America’s best songwriter” by Time magazine in 2002, Williams’ material has been covered by Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Mary Chapin Carpenter, John Mellencamp and numerous others.

So it came as no surprise when she received the Lifetime Achievement award for songwriting at the Americana Music Association’s 10th Annual Honors and Awards show this month in Nashville. Although honored by the accolade, Williams wasn’t looking forward to accepting it.

“I’m all nervous,” she said during a phone interview with the Herald just before the ceremony. “I have to give a big speech and I don’t know what to say other than ‘thanks everybody.’”

Songwriter supreme Lucinda Williams worried about a silly acceptance speech?
“I know, right?” she said with a laugh.

Read more: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/10/16/v-print/3570168/lucinda-williams-dishes-on-kiss.html#ixzz1ayfb6vpH

Photo: Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times

Lucinda Williams provides guest vocals on killer cover of Dylan gem:

'Twilight' alum Cam Gigandet added to Anna Paquin, Drea de Matteo film 'Free Ride' being shot in Sarasota

2011-10-13T16:09:00.002-04:00

Another star is headed to Sarasota.

When I broke the news earlier this week that the Anna Paquin, Drea de Matteo movie "Free Ride" would start shooting in Sarasota later this month, writer/director Shana Sosin hesitated when I asked her if there was anyone else she could confirm for the cast.

Guess she had to save something for Variety, which broke the news that "Twilight" bad guy Cam Gigandet will play Paquin's on screen love interest.

"Pic marks the first production for Paquin's production company SCAMP, whose other principals include Cerise Hallam Larkin, Mark Larkin and Paquin's husband and "True Blood" co-star Stephen Moyer," Variety reports.

The same story also gives Oct. 24 as date the "Free Ride" shoot will start.

—Cam Gigandet in "Priest" photo courtesy of Los Angeles Times

UPDATED 10/16: Disney dissing 'Disenchanted' at Golden Apple in Sarasota is a must-see musical

2011-10-13T15:29:00.003-04:00

UPDATED 10/16: Read my review "‘Disenchanted’ is a must-see musical"

Jennifer Baker plays Snow White in the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre production of "Disenchanted." Photo by Paul Videla.

The Golden Apple Dinner Theatre's staging of "Disenchanted" is a laugh-out-loud joy goosed with plenty of snark, wit and a cleverly delivered message of female empowerment.

Created by former Walt Disney World Resort employees Dennis Giacino (book, music and lyrics) and Fiely Matias (additional lyrics), the show gives fun, hilarious voices to the princesses locked up in the Mouse House.

Smartly directed by Kyle Ennis Turoff, the Golden Apple production stars Jennifer Baker (Snow White), Mari Bryan (Cinderella) and Alex Torres (Sleeping Beauty).

“Disenchanted” also features Dianne Dawson (Belle), Jenn Abreu (Mulan), Aileen Suseck (Pocahontas), Hilary Kraus (Little Mermaid), Helen Holliday (Rapunzel), Ariel Blue (Frog Princess) and Roberta MacDonald (Secondary Princess/Princess Badroulbadour/Esmeralda/Bitter Pixie)

Each woman shines in her respective role and in MacDonald's case, multiple roles.

My full review of "Disenchanted" will run Sunday and can be found at http://www.bradenton.com/news/columnists/wade_tatangelo/

It will run in print on front of A&E.

Read my interview with Giacino, Matias, Turoff and cast members:

"‘Disenchanted’ gives princesses fresh voices"

"Disenchanted" runs through Oct. 23.

UPDATED 4 p.m.: 'We the Kings Day' in Bradenton and across Manatee County; 'Jamie Gregorich Day' Oct. 12

2011-10-11T13:01:00.005-04:00

UPDATED at 4 p.m.:

Celebrated chef Jamie Gregorich and We the Kings singer/guitarist Travis Clark being honored in Bradenton. Photo by Wade Tatangelo

Singer, guitarist Travis Clark, wearing sunglasses and a short sleeve shirt that revealed his ample tattoos, gave the Manatee County commissioner a hug before addressing the audience.

“This is one of the awards you remember the rest of you life,” he said. “In 2008 we received the key to the city and now this from our hometown, it’s remarkable. We’re so appreciative of all of you.”

Click for entire story and more pics.

We the Kings members are in downtown Bradenton for special day.

Million-selling Bradenton rock band We the Kings are being honored today by Manatee County Commission.

Headed over there right now with photographer. Will update post ASAP.

Celebrated local chef and "Hell's Kitchen" contestant Jamie Gregorich also being honored.

Read all about it:

"We the Kings and celebrity chef receive local honors"

—publicity photo

BREAKING: Anna Paquin, Drea de Matteo movie 'Free Ride' to be filmed in Sarasota

2011-10-09T19:22:00.001-04:00

Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times

The independent film “Free Ride,” starring Anna Paquin ("True Blood"; pictured) and Drea de Matteo "The Sopranos)," will be shooting on closed sets later this month through the end of November in Sarasota.

Boars, cars and homes from the 1970s as well as extras wanted.

Read more.

Also running today:

My interview with Mikhail Baryshnikov: "Baryshnikov talks programming Ringling International Arts Festival"

My Sunday column: "A feast of art happenings"

Anna Maria Island Players kick off 63rd season with a winning 'family gathering'

2011-10-08T01:42:00.000-04:00

Photo provided.

It’s rare for a theater troupe to make audience members laugh at one scene then dry their eyes at the next. But the Anna Maria Island Players achieve just that with “A Nice Family Gathering,” which opened the company’s 63rd season on Thursday. Phil Olson’s script stumbles in places but thanks to director James Thaggard’s nimble touch and some honorable performances, the comedy-drama works much better than it should.

The play finds a communication-challenged Minnesota family sharing their first Thanksgiving Day since the untimely death of Dad (Mark Woodland; pictured center). Pops finds his way back to the land of the living, though, by communicating with his son Carl (Tal Reeve; pictured left). Played for chuckles during Act I and pathos at the end of the final Act II, Dad can bee seen and heard on stage whenever he’s talking to Carl. Although it smacks of gimmickry, Olson pretty much nails this part of the script.

Hammering it home, though, is the chemistry between Woodland and Reeve. Their portrayal of the familiar but forever relevant strained relationship between a father and son who both grapple with expressing their feelings is what makes the play have purpose. The scene between Woodland and Beth Shaughnessy (pictured right), playing Mom, is what will make you reach for your handkerchief.

Jamie Daniel does more than hold his own as eldest son Michael. His character, like Dad and Carl, goes through a major transformation and Daniel makes the leap believable. The actor hampers his authenticity though, by sporting a ponytail and beard, when playing a country club-member medical doctor following in his straight-laced father’s footsteps. Reeve’s scruffy, too, but it fits. He’s a truck driver who writes a column for the tiny local weekly with hopes of landing a staff gig at the Minneapolis major daily Star Tribune.

Shaughnessy has the acting chops to shine as the grieving widow battling what could be Alzheimer’s disease. What’s disturbing about Olson’s script, though, is it too often uses her mental lapses for cheap laughs. Anyone who has witnessed a loved one slowly losing her mind should have a hard time finding these lines funny.

Anne Bean does an adequate job of playing Michael’s wife but her over-the-top Minnesota accent sounds cartoonish, especially when the rest of the cast smartly avoids such tricky realism. Rick Kopp makes the most of jovial Jerry, Dad’s old golfing pal who may or may not be trying to put the moves on Mom.

Thaggard made quite a find with Wendy Kemp. She attended Palmetto High School as well as PACE Center for Girls and has completed early admission at State College of Florida, according to the playbill. “A Family Gathering” marks her stage debut. Kemp plays the ignored youngest sibling Stacy with the big surprises. After being barely heard in Act I her character is thrust into the spotlight during Act II, where the young actress gives a striking performance.

“A Nice Family Gathering” has its flaws but, on balance, it’s fun, touching and a wonderful fit for the cozy, intimate theater of the Island Players.

"AMI Players to have ‘a nice family gathering’"

If you go

What: “A Nice Family Gathering”

When: Today through Oct. 16. Show times: 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays

Where: Anna Maria Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria

Tickets: $15

Information: (941) 778-5755 or www.theislandplayers.org

Dan Toler ALS benefit golf tournament to be held in Bradenton

2011-10-07T17:46:00.003-04:00

dantoler.com

Here's you chance to hit the links with a real guitar hero who has been a member of the Allman Brothers Band, Dickey Betts & Great Southern as well as the Gregg Allman Band.

The Dangerous Dan Toler Benefit for ALS Golf Tournament will be held Dec. 3 at the The Preserve Golf Club in Bradenton.

Features include:

4 person scramble
1st 2nd and 3rd place winners/ Mulligan's
Closest to the hole
Hole in one
Putting green Prizes
50/50 Drawing
Auction
T-shirts

Much more exciting news on this event will be coming shortly so keep checking back.

This is also the place for more breaking news regarding "Former Allman Brothers Band guitar greats to reunite: Dickey Betts and Great Southern are headling Dan Toler benefit in Sarasota."

Toler’s battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Details: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3, The Preserve Golf Club, 7310 Tara Preserve Lake, Bradenton, Fla. Tickets: $75 per player. Information: (941) 756-2944 or www.golfthepreserve.com.

"Whipping Post" by The Gregg Allman Band featuring Allman (vocals/keyboards), Dan Toler (guitar), Frankie Toler (drums), Chaz Trippy (percussion) and Bruce Weibel (bass).

UPDATED 11/2: Former Allman Brothers Band guitar greats to reunite: Dickey Betts and Great Southern are headling Dan Toler benefit in Sarasota

2011-10-04T18:44:00.011-04:00

Bonnie Bramlett publicity photo

UPDATED 11/2: Esteemed blue-eyed soul singer Bonnie Bramlett, formerly of the famed duo Delaney & Bonnie, has been added to the Dan Toler ALS Support Benefit Festival.

Bramlett performed with the Allman Brothers Band during the Toler era of the late 1970s (here's a clip). She can be heard on the ABB albums "Enlightened Rogues" (1979) as well as "Reach for the Sky" (1980). She also performed with Toler on the acclaimed 1978 Dickey Betts & Great Southern album "Atlanta's Burning Down."

As a member of Delaney & Bonnie she performed with Duane Allman, Eric Clapton, George Harrison and Dave Mason. Her many recording credits include singing with the Allman Brothers Band. She also co-wrote The Carpenters' hit "Superstar" but is perhaps best known for playing Bonnie Watkins on the hit TV show "Roseanne" in the early 1990s.

As first reported here Oct 4., Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dickey Betts and his Great Southern Band will headline the festival taking place Nov. 12 and 13 at Herschberger Ranch in Sarasota. The benefit is being held to raise funds for Toler’s battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Herschberger Ranch is located at 13010 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.
------

Dickey Betts performing in July. From dickeybetts.com

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dickey Betts and his Great Southern Group have signed on to headline the Dan Toler ALS Support Benefit Festival.

The plan is for the former Allman Brothers Band guitar greats to once again jam together — perhaps on such Betts-penned classics as "Ramblin' Man," "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" or Jessica" (see video below).

The charity event to raise funds for Toler’s battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, takes place Nov. 12 and 13 at Herschberger Ranch, 13010 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.

"Dan Toler gives first interview since ALS diagnosis"

BlackHawk, which had a string of Top 10 country hits in the 1990s including "Every Once in A While" and "I'm Not Strong Enough to Say No," are scheduled to ~~perform, as well~~ headline the second day.

The lengthy lineup also includes "American Idol" season four runner-up Bo Bice, Wilson Williams and His Platters, Tony Tyler's newly named act Come Back Alice, the Mike Kach Group and many more (click for poster).

Dan Toler honoring his brother on June 25, 2011. By Wade Tatangelo

"Dan's always taken care of everybody around him," said Mark Serio, charity event co-organizer and Mike Kach Group guitarist. "He's a wonderful cat who I've known for 30 years and I would do anything for him."

A resident of Manatee County's Whitfield neighborhood, Toler played guitar in Great Southern before Betts, who resides in Sarasota, landed him the Allman Brothers Band gig in 1979.

Toler can be heard on three ABB albums, including the group’s comeback “Enlightened Rogues,” which reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200.

The Brothers disbanded in 1982 and Gregg Allman (a former Manatee County resident) formed his namesake solo band with Toler and recently deceased sibling David Frankie Toler on drums. Together they recorded the 1986 album “I’m No Angel” that produced the hit title track.

Former Allman drummer leaves lasting legacy

David ‘Frankie’ Toler: 1951-2011

Toler rejoined Great Southern in 2002 and stayed for several years before leaving to pursue various other projects. He announced he had ALS in August. That same month a highly successful fund-raiser was held for Toler at Aces Live in Bradenton.

"This is a labor of love for all of us," Serio said.

Details: Dan Toler ALS Support Benefit Festival, Nov. 12 and 13 at Herschberger Ranch, 13010 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Tickets: $20 (one day) $35 (two day pass), $100 (one day VIP), $150 (two day VIP). $5 for children ages 12 and under. Information: (941) 228-5099 or http://www.dantolerbenefit.myevent.com.

Platinum-selling rockers We the Kings and celebrity chef Jamie Gregorich to be honored by Manatee County

2011-10-04T13:12:00.002-04:00

Travis Clark, right, of We The Kings plans to attend Manatee County Commission meeting. Photo by PAUL VIDELA/pvidela@bradenton.com.

The next Manatee County Commission will feature some of the area's top celebrities.

Platinum-selling rockers We the Kings and “Hell’s Kitchen” contestant Jamie Gregorich are scheduled to attend the Oct. 11 Board of County Commission meeting to receive proclamations in their honor.

"We the Kings’ Travis Clark to play solo show in Bradenton"

Gregorich, culinary instructor at Manatee Technical Institute in Bradenton and sous chef at Longboat Key’s Golden Spoon-winning restaurant Euphemia Haye, will receive a proclamation naming Oct. 12 “Jamie Gregorich Day.” The 25-year-old Bradenton native was featured prominently on the hit Fox reality show earlier this year.

Jamie Gregorich, center, chats with students Joe Matthews, left, and Kala King during class at Manatee Technical Institute. Photo by PAUL VIDELA/pvidela@bradenton.com.

"The angel of ‘Hell’s Kitchen’

In the kitchen with Bradenton’s Jamie Gregorich"

We the Kings will receive a proclamation naming Oct. 11 “We the Kings Day” in Manatee County. The band’s hit single “Check Yes Juliet” has garnered 12 million views on YouTube (see below) and brought the band platinum-record status in 2010 for selling one million copies of the song.

“Manatee County is proud to recognize Jamie and We the Kings,” said Commission Chairman Carol Whitmore in a statement. “They all have grown up in Manatee County attending King Middle School and Jamie grew up on Anna Maria Island. Their national attention has put us on the map.”

The proclamation presentations will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the first floor chambers of Manatee County Administrative Building, 1112 Manatee Ave., W., Bradenton. The meeting can be viewed live online at www.mymanatee.org/mga or Bright House channel 622, Verizon channel 30; Comcast channel 20.

“TV ME!” contest submissions now being accepted

2011-10-03T13:51:00.000-04:00

The Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office (SCFEO) just announced a call for entries for the 2012 "TV ME!" contest. It's a nationwide innovative writers’ competition seeking fresh, creative content ideas for television programming. Entries may be submitted now through Dec 30. Submission instructions and prize information are available online at www.TVMEcontest.com.

“Last year’s inaugural TV ME! Contest surpassed all of our expectations,” said Jeanne Corcoran, director of the SCFEO, which is a division of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, in a statement. “Our goal was to receive 100 entries from across an estimated 10 states to infuse the competition with a broad cross-section of creativity and content. We were excited and delighted to receive more than 250 entries from a total of 28 states.”

Contest prizes for the first place winner in each of three specific categories include trophies, cash awards and gifts from sponsors, and the SCFEO will submit those first-place winning concepts electronically to executives and decision-makers in the television industry for consideration.

One grand prize winner is chosen for the best entry across all categories, who receives all of the prizes won by the three category first place winners, plus the grand prize of an escorted trip to Los Angeles California to “pitch” in person to a select group of industry professionals. All of these winners are invited to be present at a press conference announcing their achievements followed by an awards luncheon.

The grand prize winner of the 2011 "TV ME!" contest was Austin McKinley of Sarasota. McKinley was escorted to one-on-one meetings in Los Angeles to pitch and promote his concepts and talent, and met with executives from SYFY Channel, ABC Television, USA Networks, CBS, Disney, Sony Pictures Television, and other notable industry executives.

“The trip was fantastic,” McKinley said in a statement. “I was floored by how many meetings we eventually got, and the quality of the people. It was really a best-case scenario. I look forward to sending everyone we met there a link to my short film as soon as it's ready!”

Unlike ordinary competitions that require submission of full-length screenplays for movies, scripts for television, or manuscripts for novels, which can range from 90 pages to 350 pages, the "TV ME!" contest requires only 5-to-15-page pitches of a concept for television programming.

“It’s a variation on the idea of a fast and forceful ‘elevator pitch’ where you give the strongest and most concise summary possible,” Corcoran said. “This contest seeks condensed knock-their-socks-off impact. Powerful brevity is key.”

“The 'TV ME!' contest is the only one of its kind I've ever heard of, which is why the minute I heard about it, I wanted to win!” said McKinley. “The entry format lends itself to entering several ideas, and the price point is low enough it's affordable to do so.”

"'TV ME! 2012' promises to be an equally dynamic experience for creative contestants who believe they have the next new, bold, bright or off-beat idea for television," Corcoran said. "This opens up a world of opportunity to great ideas without the necessity of voluminous scripts."

Individuals and creative teams can compete for awards and prizes in three different categories:

• scripted series (from comedy to drama, animated to children’s programs, science fiction to hybrids and other genres of recurring and/or series television);

• unscripted/partially scripted (reality programs, game shows, demonstration/training programs such as cooking, crafts, skills, documentary, interview and expose programs, etc.); and

• one-offs (single standalone programs such as a mini-series , a movie-of-the-week, an award or sporting event, a special televised gala, benefit, tribute, fundraiser, concert, staged performance, etc.).

To enter or obtain more details, visit http://www.TVMEcontest.com or send email to request information: TVme@filmsarasota.com .

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

2011-09-30T14:06:00.003-04:00

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:

"Lights, camera, action at Ca' d'Zan"

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.

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

2011-09-29T13:13:00.001-04:00

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.

"Brian Henson on becoming ‘unstrung’"

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

2011-09-28T21:50:00.005-04:00

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.

He also said the stars of "Parker," namely Lopez and Statham, will be in town this week.

“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

2011-09-28T14:22:00.005-04:00

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.

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

2011-09-27T17:47:00.002-04:00

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:

"Topless Rihanna shocks Northern Ireland farmer"

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.

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

2011-09-26T13:46:00.002-04:00

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

Ace's, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

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

2011-09-26T12:41:00.007-04:00

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:

"Jennifer Lopez movie coming to Sarasota: 300 extras needed for ‘final scene’ at Ca’ d’Zan"

Nirvana, Ringling Museum of Art and Florida Studio Theatre

2011-09-25T14:51:00.000-04:00

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

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

2011-09-23T19:01:00.001-04:00

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

2011-09-23T11:18:00.011-04:00

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:

"Jennifer Lopez movie coming to Sarasota: 300 extras needed for ‘final scene’ at Ca’ d’Zan"

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."

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

2011-09-22T18:12:00.001-04:00

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.

2011-09-22T16:31:00.001-04:00

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'

2011-09-22T13:07:00.002-04:00

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

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

2011-09-19T14:41:00.002-04:00

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.

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

2011-09-18T17:45:00.004-04:00

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

Ace's, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

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

/center>

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

2011-09-12T16:36:00.002-04:00

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

2011-09-12T12:32:00.001-04:00

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.

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

2011-09-11T16:34:00.002-04:00

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

Ace's, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

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

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

2011-09-11T12:31:00.001-04:00

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’"

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

2011-09-09T20:12:00.005-04:00

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

"We the Kings’ Travis Clark to play solo show in Bradenton"

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'

2011-09-09T11:48:00.005-04:00

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.

"Bradenton's Shantel Norman to appear Friday on ABC's 'Karaoke Battle USA'"

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.”

"Singer advances on ABC’s ‘Karaoke’"

“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 platform video management video solutions video player

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

2011-09-06T15:03:00.006-04:00

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'

2011-09-06T14:37:00.002-04:00

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.

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

2011-09-02T19:12:00.005-04:00

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.

Here's the story I just did for Bradenton.com.

Labor Day playlist

2011-09-02T13:29:00.003-04:00

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

PHOTOS: Morgan Fairchild, Robert Carridine in Bradenton on set of TV pilot "Workers' Comp'

2011-08-31T15:27:00.002-04:00

Morgan Fairchild awaits her scene on set at Pinnacle Business Suites, Bradenton location for the fictional Pinnacle Workers’ Compensation Insurance Company.

Not able to attend debut screening of the Bradenton-filmed TV pilot “Workers’ Comp” at today's sold-out Sarasota County Film and Entertainment Office Film Mixer?

Here are some exclusive photos taken on-set back in April by Leigh Ann Rodgers, courtesy of Dori Sperko, executive producer of "Workers Comp."

Morgan Fairchild guides local Julian Carrizales through his scene

Robert Carradine ("Revenge of the Nerds," "The Big Red One"), who plays out-of-control "Workers’ Comp" defense attorney Kevin Andrew, chats with stunt coordinator Alan D’Atoni in front of the Sarasota Courthouse

Charley Koontz (NBC’s "Community") gives suggestions between takes while Jennifer Lee Wiggins ("House") looks on.

"The Sopranos'" David Proval, "Falcon Crest" diva Morgan Fairchild, and "Workers’ Comp" creator/writer Castille Landon on the set preparing for the party scene.

The pilot episode’s work comp claimant J LaRose ("Saw III" and "Saw IV") hangs with his co-worker, played by local firefighter Justin Sperko.

Realize Bradenton launches Downtown Matters blog

2011-08-31T14:20:00.001-04:00

Realize Bradenton, the non-profit organization that attracts people to downtown through creative collaborations, has launched the nifty new blog Downtown Matters.

Executive Director Johnette Isham writes:

Its upbeat promotions and community events create “More Buzz, More People, More Prosperity” for downtown Bradenton.

The Downtown Matters blog is big, bold, and fun! Easy to read and navigate, it contains lots of visuals, and ideas – ranging from local perspectives and history to other cities’ factoids and best practices. Guest bloggers include citizens, leaders, artists, historians, and high school and college students.

Downtown Matters explores how arts, culture, and history promote economic development and citizen dialog. Updates include Bradenton’s $6.2 Riverwalk and Art Connects postings from high school and college students who studied their city’s history and reflected on the future of the community using words, paintings, & computer graphics. This three-year innovative project is funded by the Knight Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation.

To receive the Downtown Matters blog visit www.DowntownMattersBlog.com and click on "Email Subscription" in upper right.

UPDATED 9/1: Bradenton-filmed Morgan Fairchild TV pilot 'Workers' Comp' to have sold-out debut screening

2011-08-30T18:18:00.007-04:00

UPDATED 9/1: "Bradenton-shot TV pilot starring Morgan Fairchild elicits laughs at packed debut screening"

PHOTO PROVIDED BY VADAR PRODUCTIONS Morgan Fairchild, left, being filmed in a scene with Castille Landon on the Bradenton set of television show pilot “Workers’

The screening of the first television pilot ever shot in Manatee County reached capacity way in advance of its Wednesday premiere.

A fortunate 140 people will get to see the half-hour comedy “Workers’ Comp,” starring Morgan Fairchild and Robert Carradine, at the Holiday Inn by the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport as part of a Sarasota County Film and Entertainment Office Film Mixer.

“Workers’ Comp” was shot in April, mostly at Pinnacle Plaza on Sixth Avenue in downtown Bradenton. Scenes were also filmed in Palmetto and Sarasota. I spent a wonderful day on set with Fairchild, Carradine and rest of crew.

Together with her mother, Virginia Dorris, Dori Sperko built the Bradenton-based professional services company NELCO to more than 14,000 employees in 44 states, before selling the business in 2008. During that time, Sperko oversaw more than 8,000 workers’ compensation claims, providing the idea for co-writers Castille Landon (Sperko’s daughter) and Harrison Sanborn’s series.

PAUL VIDELA/pvidela@bradenton.com 'Workers' Comp' Executive Producer Dori Sperko inside the unassuming Bradenton office complex where part of the filming for the series pilot took place.

"We are thrilled," Sperko said today from her downtown Bradenton office. "It's actually over-sold and we're trying to negotiate a way to accommodate everybody. So, although we're sad not everyone who wanted to see will be able to we are excited to hear there is so much interest."

In addition to writing, Landon also co-stars as Fairchild’s character’s daughter.

After the screening, Sperko, Landon and Harrison will participate in an audience Q&A session.

I will be attending event for story about the show, crowd reaction, etc. I'll link to it here or find it at the home site, www.bradenton.com, starting around 1 a.m. Thursday.

The version of "Workers' Comp" being screened is “cable television content -- Rated TV-M for profanity.”

Sold out. Unable to accommodate walk-ins.

Information on the 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 event: (941) 309-1200 ext. 104 or www.filmsarasota.com.

Official site for "Workers' Comp."

Bradenton band Have Gun, Will Travel announces nat'l tour, release date for new album

2011-08-30T15:55:00.004-04:00

Have Gun, Will Travel from left, Scott Anderson, Matt Burke, Danny Burke and J.P. Beaubien.

This just in from Matt Burke (interviewed here), leader of Bradenton-based alt-country luminaries Have Gun, Will Travel:

Well, it's official. Our upcoming full-length album "Mergers & Acquisitions" will be released in CD, vinyl and digital formats on Suburban Home Records. The official release date is November 1st, but we'll be doing some regional record release shows in October. And just between you and me, we'll probably have some copies with us on our upcoming US tour with Micah Schnabel (of Two Cow Garage).

Here are the dates...

9/09 - Denver, CO @ Three Kings (Suburban Home Records Anniversary)
9/10 - Denver, CO @ Three Kings (Suburban Home Records Anniversary)
9/12 - Colorado Springs, CO @ The Triple Nickel
9/13 - TBA
9/14 - St Louis, MO @ The Old Rock House
9/15 - Normal, IL @ Firehouse Pizza & Pub
9/16 - Flint, MI @ Woobie's Bar
9/17 - Cincinnati, OH @ MOTR Pub
9/18 - Columbus, OH - Venue TBA
9/20 - Buffalo, NY @ DBGB
9/21 - TBA
9/22 - Kingston, NY @ The Basement
9/23 - Boston, MA @ PA's Lounge
9/24 - Providence, RI
9/25 - New York, NY
9/26 - Brooklyn, NY - Venue TBA
9/27 - Richmond, VA - Venue TBA
9/28 - Raleigh, NC @ Slim's
9/29 - Athens, GA @ Little Kings
9/30 - Kennesaw, GA @ Sidelines

TBA or "Venue TBA" indicates that the date is currently unconfirmed. If you can help out with any of these dates please get in touch.

CD Release Shows...

10/20 - Gainesville, FL @ Double Down Live with SNAKEHEALERS and HYMN FOR HER
10/21 - Tampa, FL @ Skipper's Smokehouse with SNAKEHEALERS and HYMN FOR HER
10/22 - Bradenton, FL @ Ace's Lounge with SNAKEHEALERS and HYMN FOR HER

TODAY: Ben Prestage in Bradenton at Aces Live for Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays

2011-08-29T13:37:00.003-04:00

One-man-band Ben Prestage brings back his singular stylings -- he was superb in February, here's the footage -- to Damon Fowler's "Sugar Shack Mondays."

Prestage and the arsenal of weapons he learned to play while busking on Beale Street in Memphis not only make for great listening but interesting viewing. From his bio:

"I started playing drums with my feet as an attention grabber but soon found out that the drums played with foot pedals actually enhanced my music dramatically," Prestage said.

"Not only were people listening and buyin' discs, they were now dancing and hollerin' to boot.

"Now I am to the point where, if you close your eyes, you would think there was a professional drummer with a full-size drum-kit behind me," he continued.

Prestage recently self-released the album "One Crow Murder." It's reviewed in the current issue of Blues Revue magazine (page 45):

True, the "one man band" may be an anachronism in this day of screaming, Stevie Ray Vaughan-styled blues-rock guitars, but Ben Prestage pulls it off with talent, intelligence and a poetic ear for story telling. "One Crow Murder" is thinking man (and woman's) acoustic blues, Prestage bringing country blues into the modern era with a style that owes as much to Tom Waits as it does to Robert Johnson.

Damon Fowler's "Sugar Shack Mondays"

Showcasing the best in touring talent

8:30 p.m. Mon., Aug. 29 with special guest:

Ben Prestage

Ace's, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

No cover

Click to watch at 8:30 p.m. today (Aug. 29) for performance and then my interview with Prestage between sets.

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

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Old Main Pub celebrates 20th anniversary with weekend-long party

2011-08-26T13:20:00.003-04:00

Sharla "Shar" Gregrich (front; black shirt) parties with patrons at Old Main Pub.

An iconic downtown Bradenton drinking destination frequented by students, professionals, factory workers, retirees and everyone in between, the Old Main Pub celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend.

The kick-off "Back to the '80s" party starts at 9 p.m. Saturday Aug. 27 and the official celebration begins at noon Sunday, Aug. 28 and continues until close Monday, Aug. 29, with an obligatory break between 2:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. There will be prizes, games and 20 percent off total bar tab.

Chief bartender Sharla "Shar" Gregrich, who has served me countless cocktails, especially during my 2004-06 Bradenton run, sent this message that does a great job of summing up the oldest pub on Old Main Street's rich legacy.

Thanks to the nearby courthouse we have been one of the first stops to share the best and worst of times: marriage, divorce, court cases won, court cases lost, etc. When we did the remodel we found layers of wallpaper reflecting the trends through the decades and many patrons can recall the shag carpet on the walls of the 1960s and early '70s (when the pub was under its previous ownership). We've come a long way since then. We now have two new spacious bathrooms, three new dart boards, two pool tables, a bowling game and 10 televisions equipped with Dish Network. We have over 100 different vodkas and 15 beers on tap. We are looking forward to working in conjunction with the Downtown Development on enhancing and preserving the facade of one of Bradenton's most charming and oldest landmarks.

313 Old Main St., Bradenton
(941) 748-7795

UPDATED 9/21: Lucinda Williams headed to St. Pete; Watch her first music video ever

2011-08-25T17:59:00.004-04:00

UPDATED 9/21: Just spent 45 minutes on the phone with Lucinda Williams, who was chilling at her home in Los Angeles.

We talked about her song inspired by Amy Winehouse, her contribution to new Hank Williams Sr. tribute album, the time Bob Dylan kissed her and much more.

Look for lengthy feature to advance her Jannus show — and yes she fondly recalls playing there a decade ago (see below).

Like when interviewing Kris Kristofferson in May, I was in total fan mode. Lucinda knew it and couldn't have been sweeter.

Lucinda Williams 2011 publicity photo courtesy of All Eyes Media.

Alt-country queen Lucinda Williams has a date at Jannus Live in downtown St. Petersburg on Oct. 19.

The temperature will have finally dropped by then and I'm looking forward to a wonderful evening under the stars with one of my all-time favorite singer/songwriters.

My first Williams concert experience was at Jannus Landing about a decade ago. Special night. I wrote a blurb about it for St. Petersburg Times when it looked like the venue was going under a couple years ago:

Lucinda Williams Oct. 30, 2001
Around the height of her popularity, Williams turned in a spellbinding performance on a cool, gorgeous evening, cranking out heartfelt songs from her epic Car Wheels on a Gravel Road and its followup, Essence. The fans were as rapt as a group in church.

Hard to believe, but I recently received a publicity release that reads: "'Copenhagen' - Lucinda's first ever music video." Here it is, a most poignant song set to moving, cartoon imagery, off her excellent new album "Blessed."

Click for ticket info.

Mos Def and Talib Kwali headed to Straz in Tampa

2011-08-23T17:21:00.001-04:00

Expert emcees Mos Def and Talib Kweli released the landmark hip-hop album “Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star” on Aug. 26, 1998, to critical acclaim. More than a dozen years later, the reunited Black Star pair is hitting the road performing that iconic debut album live in full, as well as their individual hits.

Mos Def is probably best known in the rap world as a solo artist for late 1990s/early 200 hits “Body Rock,” “Definition” and “Oh No.” He’s also famous for movie roles in “The Italian Job,” “Cadillac Records” and appearances on the TV series “Dexter.”

Kweli hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart in 2000 with “Move Something” and then just missed the top spot the following year with “Get By.”

Details: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2, Carol Morsani Hall at Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Tickets start at $36.50 and go sale a noon Aug. 26. Information: (800) 955-1045 or www.strazcenter.org.