A One of a Kind Opera Event: Arizona Opera, Romeo et Juliette
Romeo and Juliette, the story of the star crossed lovers, and their fateful choice, is a classic that everyone knows. If you have seen the many reincarnations of this Shakespearean play, no doubt you have your favorites. Before you decide the top of that list however, you should see Arizona Opera: Romeo et Juliette.
It starts with a chorus about the family feud between the Montagues and the Capulets, and of the young lovers who were so struck with each other that they were determined to love through it all. Their marriage is carried out by the local priest who thinks their love may end the feud. Of course, we all know it doesn’t end that way, but with a last kiss in a tomb and many tears from the audience.
So what makes this version different from the others? The beauty of the original story is all there intact, but it is multiplied by the force and awe of the addition of opera. The live music of the orchestra and the powerful voices of the opera singers all work together to make the story even more lovely, even more tragic. It is sure to have your heart sorrowing as the lovers try to defy all the ills stacked against them, and have it break as they die in each other’s arms. It is something you won’t soon forget.
The piece is performed at the Arizona Opera and is sung in French and is accompanied by English subtitles. Juliet’s part is performed by Jennifer Black an accomplished soprano with a soaring voice. Romeo’s part is sung by Brian Stucki who many say has a voice from heaven. Other artist includes debut performance of Victor Robertson as Tybalt, David Adam Moore as Mercutio, and Jordon Bisch as Frere Laurent.
The opera is scheduled to run in November and makes for a wonderful way to spend a fall evening. They will be playing at both the Tucson Music Hall and the Phoenix Symphony Hall on different dates. If you live in the area or will be visiting, be sure to buy your tickets early before the shows are sold out.
Grunge is Back in a Big Way!
It might have been a couple of decades since people have worn flannel shirts with their ripped jeans, but the bands that started it all have never left. Now, two of the bands that established grunge music, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, are rumored to be bringing it back to main stage. And they’re going to be doing it together!
The rumors that Soundgarden and Pearl Jam are going to be touring together are all just rumors for right now. But when the two bands made separate announcements that they were releasing albums at around the same time, it was just a matter of time before people put things together. Soundgarden is set to release King Animal in November; and Jeff Ament, bassist for Pearl Jam, has recently said that his band is about halfway through their new album.
But even those tidbits of information aren’t enough to get the rumor mill started. There’s got to be more, and there is. Matt Cameron is the drummer for both bands, and he has stated that he is fully committed to both. And it’s also thought that both bands will be touring will be touring after their album releases; and Cameron very obviously can’t perform in two places at once. So it does fit that these two would be teaming up.
According to Radar.com, Soundgarden also pushed their release date back, saying that they were “fine tuning” the album. But Radar thinks “they were waiting on their brother band Pearl Jam to finish things up.”
It is still all pure speculation. But if the two of the biggest names in grunge team up together, it’s sure to be almost too much for fans to handle!
Martina McBride has Special Concert Plans for the Holidays
Martina McBride is currently in Switzerland on her “One Night” tour, but she’s about to come back to the States! When she does, she’ll spend the next month and a half touring the United States on that same tour, before she takes a break for just a couple of weeks before her holiday tour begins!
It will be on September 28 that Martina will return to a sell-out crowd in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee to continue “One Night.” From there she’ll be traveling around the States exclusively until November 8 when she wraps it all up in Carmel, Indiana. She won’t take too long to rest though, because the holidays are coming up; and they’re Martina’s favorite time of year!
“The Christmas season is by far the McBride family’s favorite time of year,” she says. “Holiday music is some of my most favorite to sing and it reminds me of the memories I have growing up that I’ve shared with my daughters. I have compiled all my favorite Christmas songs and will package them together in a fun concert for all.”
To celebrate that her “Joy of Christmas” tour will begin on November 23 in Atlanta, Georgia; and this tour will keep her largely in the United States as well. With one stop in Kingston, Ontario, Canada on December 6, all other venues are in major American cities. Those include Springfield, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City to name a few. With twelve stops in total, Martina’s holiday tour will wrap up in Chicago, Illinois on December 21.
Sesame Street Comes to You
You no longer have to ask how to get to Sesame Street. It comes to you with all your favorite Muppet characters. It’s hard to forget those early childhood days when Count Von Count waved his magic wand to bring you the number four, Oscar the Grouch lived in a garbage can and Big Bird showed you the world can be wonderful no matter who you were. For over forty years, the show has been the early basis to child education, teaching in a manner that was both delightful and creative. Sesame Street is the fifteenth highest rated children’s show in America, with 95% of all pre-school children engrossed in it by age three.
You never really grow too old for Sesame Street, and you’ll love seeing the exciting live theatrical show as much as you did when snuggled in front of the television with your little ones. Each Sesame Street on Tour features a new plot, with Sesame Street’s lovable characters, scenery and soundtrack. The characters arrive in a personal traveling bus, with costumed dancers playing each role to the accompaniment of Sesame Street’s own special brand of music and comedy.
The first traveling show opened in 1980 with the production of, “A Sesame Street Mystery; the Case of the Missing Rara Avis” played at the Met Center in Bloomington, Minnesota. It was such a popular attraction that 2009 marked its 100th show. It’s an amazing performance, done on a full stage, with back drops and colorful scenery.
This year, the tour brings to you “Can’t Stop Singing”, an extended version of the street story of a season 41 episode in which Elmo finds a magic wand. He waves it around to make some magic, but nothing happens. He tries using it for some other things, finally pretending he’s an orchestra conductor, and cries, “music, music, music”. He taps himself, and the magic begins. Suddenly there is music, and he begins singing. He’s so delighted with what he’s done, he puts the spell on others. Before he knows it, there’s a jumble of song, and the Muppets are actually getting just a little upset that they can’t stop singing. Elmo learns something that day, but you’ll have to watch to know just what.
Opening September 18 at the Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown Pennslyvania, the Sesame Street Traveling Tour will soon be visiting a town near you. If you have small children, give them a special treat. Show them the way to Sesame Street and open up the world of magic, music, dancing and fun with the lovable muppets that became an American Icon. Starring Big Bird, Elmo, Bert, Ernie, and that absolutely wonderful, all-time favorite; Cookie Monster! How could you go wrong?
Chug Chug Chug at the World Beer Festival!
That golden nectar of the gods has been loved for ages! Yes, we are talking about none other than beer. If you have ever wondered about how beer is made, what its ingredients are, how fermentation happens, the ins and out of craft beer, or if you simply love to drink it up, you won’t want to miss out on the World Beer Festival in Estero, Florida.
The event is being held in November at the Germain Arena close by Naples, Florida. Doors to the event open at 11:30 AM. Your ticket will include a sampling glass, guide and of course unlimited samplings from over 120 unique beers! If you are dreaming of becoming a home brewer, then you can take part in classes that can help get you started. Already a bit of a pro? Then take advanced classes which still may have a few tips and tricks you didn’t know. You can even learn how to pair beer up with your meals. Forget wine, have a Pilsner with your fish, a fruit beer with your salad, and a barley wine with some strong good cheese.
Want to get all the extra perks? Spring for the VIP tickets and gain access to the VIP lounge, private tastings and even a separate no-line entrance. No matter if it is a general ticket or the VIP however, you are sure to have one swell swigging day! Know that this is a 21 and up event, so leave the little ones at home and remember to bring your ID. Try some brand new brews, talk with the makers, and then hang out and listen to the live music while watching some great entertainment.
Can’t make it out to Estero? The good news is that this festival travels! Dates have not been announced for the next rounds, but cities will include Durham, NC, Columbia, SC, Danville, IL and more. The Estero event is sure to be a great time however, so start planning now to make it down for the event.
Don’t miss out on the best of the best beers, live entertainment, fun classes, and new friends. Get your World Beer Festival tickets today!
Why It’s Time to Look for Green Bay Packers Tickets
Why? Because the season is getting interesting! The Green Bay Packers have scrambled back to their feet after losing 22-30 to the San Francisco 49ers. With a sigh of resounding relief for Packer fans, the weekend found them clobbering the Chicago Bears 23-10, giving them a 1-1 score for the season’s beginnings, instead of a dismal 0-2. They began the first half with a bang; a sensational all or nothing touchdown by Tom Crabtree, who remarked afterward, “It was either a touchdown or a horrible call and someone didn’t do their job and someone didn’t execute.”
From that point on, it seemed the Packers just couldn’t lose. Even though the game was still anybody’s guess, with both teams scoring only three more points by the third quarter, the stall ended when the field opened up for dancing Donald Driver to zero in for a second Packer touch-down.
The question on everyone’s mind is, will the Packers be able to present a good offense? Last year, Quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, was tearing up the turf, setting record points for offense plays. With a 15-1 regular season, confidence was high as they staged their final battle against the New York Giants – and lost. Rodgers ball placement was off, and when he was on target, his receivers just couldn’t seem to hold onto it, fumbling the game that should have been their final triumph. The opening game against the forty-niner’s began to look like Deja Vu. Once again, Rodgers threw off the mark and his receivers were dropping balls at a rate to make a grown man cry. After dropping eleven passes in last year’s games, Jermichael Finley dropped three more for the 2012 games. Offensive coordinator, Tom Clements is confident Finley will mature, but Packers fans are growing a bit uneasy.
The Green Bay Packers are set to play against the Seattle Seahawks September 24, which could be a do or die fate for the team that got off to a slow start. Seattle just clobbered the Dallas Cowboys in a brutal 27-7 game, and their message is, they’re not giving an inch. After losing to Arizona in their first game of the season, they racked up a lead against Dallas in the first five minutes with a touchdown by Jeron Johnson. Seattle began its offense a bit shaky in the first quarter, but took control of it before the second half, and kept the Cowboys flattened with bone cruncher, Golden Tate. Tate knocks them down and keeps knocking them.
The next game should tell all for the Green Bay Packers as they line up against the Seahawks, with both teams beginning the season with a slow start, and both teams with an outstanding defense. The big test will be in whether or not Aaron Rodgers pulls back together his offense, which is formidable when he’s on track.
Nas and Lauryn Hill Team Up for 10-Date Tour
Are you ready to see two of the biggest names in hip hop? If so, you better get your tickets fast! Nas and Lauryn Hill are gearing up for a tour together, but it’s only going to be for 10 shows.
The tour is being called “Life is Good/Black Rage,” and it’s a combination of the projects both artists currently have going. While Nas’ current record is called Life is Good, Lauryn Hill’s single is called Black Rage. But it’s more than just slapping together the title of a record and the name of a song. Nas’ Life is Good album is about just that — a good life, full of love and happiness. Hill’s single on the other hand, is to shine a spotlight on the “derivative effects of racial inequity and abuse.” Call it ironic, or just both sides of the world. It’s how they came up with the tour name, and it’s quite fitting.
The tour starts on October 29 in Dallas and it will run until November 19. After Dallas they’ll be heading to Oakland, Houston, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Denver, and Utah. For a full listing of dates, you can check them all out on the NAS and Lauryn Hill tickets page.
Tickets go on sale today for this incredible hip hop duo tour and you better get yours fast because these won’t last for long!
Paul McCartney to Tour North America
It started with an announcement that Paul McCartney was going to Edmonton for an event that was going to “put the city on the entertainment map.” Now, that one city has been expanded to a tour that includes four stops in total; and a whole lot of music from a whole lot of decades along the way.
McCartney is currently entertaining fans across the world with his “On the Run” tour. And though when he’s in North America it’s only for four dates, he’s tried to spread it out to give as many fans as possible a chance to see the show. McCartney’s first stop will be at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis on November 11; with a stop in Houston at the Minute Maid Park on November 14. On November 25 McCartney heads up to Vancouver; and then he’s off to put Edmonton on the map the following evening.
The shows are bound to be a huge success and bring fans everything that they’re most hopeful to hear. “On the Run” is really the best of Paul McCartney. A press release for the show announced that “long-time McCartney fans can expect to hear Beatles tunes, Wings hits, and some solos.”
Paul McCartney shows always sell out fast, but these four are going to be even hotter and tickets are going to go even faster. Pre-sales sold out within minutes; mostly due to the fact that resellers purchased them to sell on auction sites. There aren’t many left due to that, and tickets officially go on sale later today.
The Shrine Circus – Come See it Just in Time for Autumn!
The summer has wound down and autumn is moving in, but it’s not too late to attend the Shrine Circus. Still the greatest show on earth, there’s nothing really quite as refreshing as a little classical entertainment. The Shrine Circus has it all; performing elephants and tigers, clowns, trained poodles, trapeze artists and of course, the human cannon ball, David “The Bullet” Smith Jr., who became a national celebrity when he shot himself seventy feet into the air for “America’s Got Talent”.
A brand new tiger act enters the arena under the helm of trainer, Daniel Raffo of Argentina whose familiarity with handling these Bengal big cats will amaze you. The three-ring circus also features Andrea and Lluvia, who hang high above the arena by the hair, spinning at incredible speeds while juggling flaming batons.
Fabio’s Extreme Riders will stop your heart as the daredevils zip past each other at insane speeds while enclosed in a steel globe. You won’t want to miss Broadway Bo, the world’s largest performing elephant, who will play a musical instrument on a whim, balance on his hind legs, or demonstrate to you his artistic abilities in painting.
The Shrine Circus is always a friendly place to go. During intermission, audience members can walk into the rings to meet the performers or be entertained by the circus clowns. When the intermission is over, it’s back to the seat for more spectacular, marvelous circus fun.
Their greatest challenge is in delivering the show to you. It’s not easy packing up large animals, tents and tons of circus equipment, but the Shriners love what they do. It’s the vacation you can take when you can’t afford any other and a place to bring your entire family. Traveling 120 cities per year in the United States and 40 in Canada, over the years the Shriners have sponsored many great circus performers, including Clyde Beatty, the Flying Wallendas, Emmet Kelley, the Flying Concellos and the Zacchinis.
Renew the memories of other great circus performances and give the gift to your children of what a real circus is all about. Get caught up with the dazzling, the spectacular, the death defying and the charming, from dancing poodles to flying acrobats. The world is a rapidly changing arena, but one arena remains the same, and that is the three ring big tent of the Shrine Circus. Tickets are available from October 13th to the 14th in Edmonton, Alberta and November 23rd to the 25th in Minneapolis, Minnesota, so if you want a winter vacation and fun for the whole family, get your tickets today for the greatest show on earth.
Old Jews Telling Jokes: Already A New York Classic
Oy vey, the things you’ll hear when you watch Old Jews Telling Jokes, the off-Broadway show that is slaying audiences and becoming the sleeper hit of the year. If you want your funny bone tickled then this is the show to see.
This is a five person, 90-minute revue, currently playing at the Westside Theater in New York. It sprung from the creative minds of Peter Gethers and Daniel Okrent after they saw the original website with the same name by Sam Hoffman. The five hilarious jokesters include Lenny Wolpe, Todd Susman, Bill Army, Audrey Lynn Weston, and Marilyn Sokol. They tell some of the best old jokes, the ones you can recite line for line, and yet still get laughs for them.
The show also reinvents quite a few jokes for the modern era. It isn’t just a simple standup routine, though there is plenty of that too, but there are hilarious songs, exaggerated accents, over the top impressions, sketches, video clips and more. Their website claims that “you’ll laugh ’til you plotz'” and critics agree.
This is not a show for the very politically correct or small children, as there are all shades of humor to be found here. If you like a good obscene joke followed by a guilt mongering Jewish mother joke, then you’ll be in the right place! You just have to remember to bring your sense of humor, you mashugana.
There are rumors of this bawdy comedy going on to play in California, and possibly even for a tour across the US, but those plans are in the future and currently uncertain at best. For now, it is playing only in the New York area so you’ll have to make plans to come see it when you are next in the city. Tickets are currently on sale until February 17, 2013, so you still have time to include the show in your trip plans.
Come check out Old Jews Telling Jokes and see why audiences and critics can’t get enough of this “chutzpah”. Save the most money by buying your tickets online in advance, and make your mother proud.
