Bon Jovi Still Touring Strong After 30 Years
Jon Bon Jovi is mixing it up a little this year by touring prior to the release of the band’s new album “What About Now.” The band just finished up a spirited show at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh and will continue to travel the country with shows in most major cities including Canada.
The show is an infusion of new songs as well as the greatest hits and fan favorites from the past. The new songs are carry similar themes to many of Bon Jovi’s hits in that they promote staying strong and “the world is crazy but we can make it.” New tracks that you can expect to hear include “Army of One,” “That’s What the Water Made Me,” “Heroes” and “Amen.”
Hits from the 80’s that we all love and want to hear anytime Bon Jovi is on stage includes “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “It’s My Life,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Bad Medicine” and “I’ll Be There For You” and “Runaway.”
This show isn’t all smoke and pyro either. The set features moving video screens that come and go with the music. It makes for an amazing show and one that you’re sure to remember for years to come.
At almost 51 years old, Bon Jovi still has his looks, his voice and his performance ability. His still bares his soul whether he’s singing the gentle “Amen” or baring it all in “Keep the Faith.” Of course, the experience of seeing Richie Sambora on stage with keyboardist David Bryan and drummer Tico Torres just rounds out the entire show.
TicketSupply.com has your Bon Jovi concert tickets. From Atlanta to Phoenix, you can find a seat to see Bon Jovi no matter where you live.
Nigerian President Finances $1M Beyonce & Jay-Z Trip to Lagos
It’s not rare that people pay celebrities to make appearances and put on shows. But when the person paying is the president of a third world country, and the money being paid is taken from poverty alleviation funds, it’s a different story entirely. And rumor has it that this is what’s just happened in Nigeria before Beyonce’s and Jay-Z’s last performance there.
Reportedly, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan gave the power couple that is Beyonce and Jay-Z $1 million to perform in Nigeria. The money was allegedly taken from funds meant to help the millions of people that live in poverty throughout the nation. That’s according to a letter that has been signed by Bayelsa officials, which states that the purported amount was given to fund the ThisDay Music Festival held in Lagos.
The existence of such a letter has not yet been confirmed, nor has the total amount given to the stars, whether it was the full amount or a portion. It is believed that the total cost of the festival, which was millions, was paid for by the Nigerian government from funds meant to help its poverty-stricken citizens.
It’s also thought that, while the Jonathan didn’t hand over the funds directly, he does have a close partnership with a man named Obaigbena, promoter of the ThisDay festival; and that the promoter was given free access to government funds.
The Beyonce and Jay-Z incident sadly isn’t the first one that has cast this country in a shady light. Kim Kardashian was reportedly also paid, out of the same type of funds, to make a short appearance in Lagos with Nigerian R&B artist Dare Art-Alade.
It’s not believed that any of the artists involved were aware of where the funds that were paid to them originated from.
The Phantom of the Opera Celebrates 25 Years on Broadway
What would a trip to New York be without the opportunity to catch Broadway’s longest running musical, now in its 25th year, the legendary Phantom of the Opera?
Produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this musical version of Gaston Leroux’s famous novel won the Tony for Best Musical the year of its debut in 1988, along with six other Tony awards, and has been going strong ever since. The story of a hideously deformed outcast who spends his life hiding underneath the stage of the Paris Opera House, Phantom is a timeless story of love and redemption, as the phantom falls in love with a chorus girl.
Combining a powerful story line with musical genius and mind-blowing theatrical effects, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s cherished production continues to enthrall audiences nightly, in New York’s Majestic Theatre. Starring Hugh Panaro as the cursed phantom and Sierra Boggess as the hapless chorus girl, the story is as magical as ever and the music is positively mesmerizing.
For anyone visiting New York, this is a must see; a remarkable story in an extraordinary venue that is rapidly becoming something of a national monument. The show, which debuted first in London in 1986 starring Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, still continues to captivate audiences simultaneously at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End, with over 10,000 performances in that setting. There have also been dozens of other productions worldwide during the last 25 years.
New York’s Phantom of the Opera continues to get rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, using words like “spectacular,” “thrill,” “visually overwhelming,” and “extravaganza.” For tickets and showtimes in both New York and London, go to TicketSupply.com and don’t miss this historical Broadway musical!
Legendary Songwriter Diane Lampert Dies
It’s typical for audiences to pay the most attention to the celebrities on the big screen, with songwriters often getting little notice. Sadly though, the world was forced to turn their attention to one legendary songwriter, Diane Lampert, this weekend, after she died of heart failure in a Manhattan hospital. She was 88 years old.
Prominently known in the 50s and 60s, Lampert wrote title songs for over 20 movies with The Snow Queen, I’ll Take Sweden, Billie, and Silent Running being some of her most famous work. Bob Hope, Cary Grant, and Buster Keaton were jus a few of the huge Hollywood names that starred in films Lampert wrote the music for.
However, it was her hit Nothin’ Shakin’ (But the Leaves on the Trees) that the songwriter was most famous for. Lampert actually wrote this song in 1963, and it was then performed by The Beatles for a radio show on the BBC in London. It was released in disc format to the public on the “Live at the BBC” album The Beatles released in 1994.
Lampert is survived by her beloved husband, Fred Stuart, who announced the news this past weekend. He is currently the president of Rainbow Music Corp. A memorial service for Lampert is scheduled for Wednesday morning at the Riverside Memorial Chapel.
Take the Kids to Disney On Ice
When it comes to theater events, it can be difficult to find one that is not only suitable for children, but one that will keep them interested as well. Even the beloved The Lion King is recommended for children 5 and older. However, there is one event that is guaranteed to be a child’s dream come true and that is Disney On Ice.
Depending on where you live, there’s several shows that you may have the opportunity to see. This year’s Disney On Ice shows include:
Treasure Trove is the latest show from Disney On Ice. This show features characters from the greatest movies produced by Disney including Rapunzel and Flynn from Tangled, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Mulan and Snow White. You’ll also see Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Hook and a few pirates. Timon and Pumba along with Simba and Nala are a part of the show as well. You’ll even go back in time a bit as Alice, the Madhatter and the Queen of Hearts’ Army of Cards take to the ice as well. This show is truly a compilation of Dinsney’s greatest treasure of characters.
Rockin’ Ever After showcases the hottest music and characters from over the years. In this production, Merida makes her Disney On Ice debut. Other favorites include Ariel and Sebastian, Rapunzel and Flynn from Tangled, Beauty and the Beast’s enchanted castle and Belle.
Dare to Dream includes all of Disney’s royal characters including Rapunzel and Flynn, Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from The Princess and the Frog, and Cinderella and Prince Charming. This is truly a Disney princess showcase event.
This Disney On Ice show is a celebration of 65 of Disney’s unforgettable characters and 18 favorite stories. Character appearances include Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, and more. Stories include The Lion King, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Toy Story and Mulan.
Worlds of Fantasy presents some of the most recent favorites of Disney characters including Lightening McQueen and Tow Mater from Cars, Woody and Buzz of Toy Story and even some classics such as Ariel and Sebastian.
No matter who your child’s favorite characters are, they will not be disappointed with one of these Disney On Ice Performances. Find your tickets now on TicketSupply.com.
Travis Barker Will Miss Blink 182’s Australia Tour Due to His Aviophobia
It was back in September 2008 when Travis Barker of Blink 182 was in the same severe plane crash as several other people. While Travis survived the crash, unfortunately four others did not. Barker did suffer from some pretty severe injuries after that crash, but none perhaps more so than those he’s still dealing with inside his own head. Understandably due to that crash, Barker now has a severe fear of flying; and it’s this that will force him to miss Blink’s Australia tour which kicks off on Wednesday.
“I’m sorry to announce I won’t be joining Blink-182 on this Australian tour,” Barker wrote on his official Facebook page. “I still haven’t gotten over the horrific events that took place the last time I flew when my plane crashed and 4 people were killed, two being my best friends. I gave the band my blessing to take another drummer if they still wanted to do the tour without me. I hope to come to Australia again someday perhaps by ship if need be. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a boat that worked the schedule this time around. Once again I’m sorry to all the fans.”
The outpouring of support from those same fans on that page are an indication that everyone understands what he’s going through, and are willing to give him time to heal.
Those two friends Barker lost were his personal assistant Chris Baker and his friend, Che Still, who Barker had asked to come along after his ex-wife could not get away. DJ AM was also on that same plane and while he survived the crash, he died of a drug overdose less than a year later in August 2009.
Stepping in for Barker during the Australian run will be Tenacious D’s Brooks Wackerman. Fans will get their first chance to hear what the new drummer sounds like when the tour begins on February 21 in Sydney.
Bette Midler Takes Broadway Stage in “I’ll Eat You Last”
If you’re going to write a play in which there is only one character, and that character needs to be a woman who’s flamboyant, confident, and larger than life, then you need Bette Midler to play the part. Director Joe Mantello knew that as he embarked upon the new play, I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers, and that’s why audiences will be delighted once again with Bette’s stage presence starting on April 5.
The play, in which Bette carries on her own, is about Superagent Sue Mengers. Coming from a family that escaped Hitler’s Germany and still faced much poverty for years after, Sue Mengers rose up and became the best known agent in Hollywood. It was in the 1970s that Mengers was at the height of her success, representing almost every single major star in Hollywood. She would later become one of the most famous socialites and then, a legacy that was part glamor, and part sadness.
Now, that story will play out on the Booth Theatre stage. Previews for the show begin on April 5, with the show officially opening on April 24. John Logan has written the play, and it will be produced by the team of Graydon Carter, Arielle Tepper Madover, James L. Nederlander, The Shubert Organization, Terry Allen Kramer, Stephanie P. McClelland, Jeffrey Finn, Ruth Hendel, Larry Magid, Jon B. Platt, and Scott and Brian Zeilinger.
Sadly, the world lost Sue Mengers two years ago, but producer Graydon Carter is excited about this chance to bring her legacy to life.
“I adored Sue, and no trip to Los Angeles was complete without a dinner at her place. To work with Bette, John, Joe, and my fellow producers to bring her to the Broadway stage is something that I believe would have pleased Sue greatly.”
Seeing Bette on the Broadway stage is always something truly unforgettable. Tickets have already gone on sale, so make sure you get yours today!
Nashville Invades the Big Apple with Nash Bash!
Several months ago, there was something missing on New York City’s airwaves. While you could find just about any type of music that you wanted, country wasn’t one of them. Cumulus Broadcasting, seeing the great things happening in country music right now and noticing the void, set out to fix the problem by launching NASH FM 94.7 — the only country on any NYC frequency at the moment. The radio station was so successful that it’s celebrating by now bringing some of country’s biggest stars to the Big Apple in a three-day concert series titled Nash Bash!
The event will take place February 18 — 20 at the Roseland Ballroom. Lady Antebellum, Sara Evans, and Blake Shelton will be headlining the event, but there will be a ton of other great musical acts showing up for support, too. Those include Gary Allan, Lonestar, Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert, Dustin Lynch, and Randy Houser, to name just a few. Kix Brooks will also be on hand to perform each evening, and he’ll also be taking on the role of host of the show for all three days.
In a statement regarding the event, Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey said, “The response to launching New York City’s only country radio station last month has been amazing and we’re excited about this opportunity to let our listeners celebrate with top country acts as we roll out NASH nationwide.”
That Nash brand will also include more than just NYC’s station and this event. It will include a magazine, a television program, and an online community. In order to promote their station even more so, Cumulus will not be selling tickets but rather, giving them away to listeners of Nash FM.
Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike Broadway Tickets Are on Sale Now!
After enjoying huge success at its premier at the McCarter Theatre Center and Lincoln Center, Christopher Durang’s Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike is headed to Broadway’s Golden Theatre; and tickets are already on sale!
The story is one of an adult brother and sister who have never left their childhood home, while their Hollywood sister has been busy making movies and living the life of glamor far from the desolate farm. She comes home, with a handsome young fella on her arm, and things are thrown into complete chaos at home. Every emotion you could possibly imagine comes right to the surface, and family matters have never seemed so dramatic. And the fact that this one has major star power behind it doesn’t hurt either.
The odd couple that has never home, brother Vanya and sister Sonia are played by David Hyde Pierce and Kristine Neilsen, respectively. And across them on stage are the talented Sigourney Weaver playing the part of Masha, and Billy Magnussen, taking on the part of her boyfriend, Spike.
The creative team includes Mark Bennett on original music and sound design; Emily Rebholz in costume design; Justin Townsend in lighting design, and David Korins in scenic design. Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike is produced by Joey Parnes, Larry Hirschhorn, and John O’Boyle.
This play is on for a 17-date limited engagement only, and it all starts on March 5, 2013. Tickets are already on sale and they won’t last long, so make sure you get yours today!
Toby Keith is Going on Tour, and Bringing Kip Moore with Him!
After enjoying the huge success that followed his Hope on the Rocks album that he put out last fall, Toby Keith is taking it on the road — and he’s stopping off at a handful of festivals along the way, too.
With a slew of rodeo and festival dates in February and April, the Hope on the Rocks tour will officially kick off on June 14, after Toby plays at the Thunder on the Mountain festival the night before. The show on the 14th will be in Cincinnati and from there the country singer will make stops in Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Indianapolis, to name just a few. Toby has also left himself some time in between dates, and there are rumors that this is because more are currently in the process of being confirmed. For a full listing of current dates and venues, you can check out the Toby Keith tickets page on TicketSupply.com.
Throughout the tour fans will hear some of Keith’s most famous songs such as his current hits, “I Like Girls that Drink Beer,” and “Hope on the Rocks.”
And with Kip Moore coming along for the ride, they’ll also be able to hear some songs also on the top of charts, such as “Beer Money” and “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck.”
Don’t miss this chance to see a country icon together with one of country’s biggest up and comers! Tickets are on sale now, so get yours today!
