Martina McBride Goes All the Way Up to 11
Martina McBride really summed herself up when she belted out the song “I’m Little but I’m Loud!” at a mere seven years of age. The petite framed country singer has a mighty big voice that is rivaled by very few in the music industry today, and she has plenty of Grammy nominations and a good number of Academy of Country Music award wins to prove it. She is even tied with the great Reba McEntire for the most wins of the Country Music Association’s “Female Vocalist of the Year” award!
McBride is best known for her heart wrenching country ballets. “Independence Day” tells the story of a woman suffering from an abusive husband, who finds her own type of independence through a fire. The lyrics plainly state, “Now I ain’t sayin’ it’s right or it’s wrong, but maybe it’s the only way,” which leaves listeners on their own to answer that tough question. “A Broken Wing” and “Concrete Angel” are two more powerful, highly emotional hits. These songs dealing with tough issues combined with Martina’s strong vocals are sure to leave you in awe.
McBride has a new album out for 2011, which was released October 11th, which is her eleventh album and features 11 tracks. It is rightfully titled “Eleven”. Big tracks on the new album are “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”, which is a song of hope about a woman battling cancer and “Teenage Daughters”, of which Martina is no stranger to.
The album is already getting some high praise from critics and audiences alike. Martina McBride recently kicked off her “Eleven Across America” tour. She stopped in 11 cities total. She used this tour as a way to support the fight against breast cancer, by riding a “pink express” and having all the breast cancer survivors she met sign a banner that was flown at the last stop on the tour, the Empire State Building.
Be sure not to miss this country star when she stops at a city near you. Martina McBride tickets, where she will be belting out her new singles, as well as everyone’s old favorites, are on sale right now!
Prince Goes to Canada on New Tour
He took his “Welcome 2 America Tour” on the road just about one year ago, and now Prince is looking to extend the fun — and bring it to some new fans — with his “Welcome 2 Canada Tour,” which will begin later this month at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on November 25 — 26.
The tour is fittingly named, as it will take Prince and his band, The New Power Generation, around different stops in Canada — 11 to be exact. Those stops though, will take him from coast to coast. The tour starts in Toronto and from there, Prince goes to the Maritimes so he can perform in Halifax. On his way back to the West coast, Prince will also make pit stops in Montreal, London, Winnipeg, and the nation’s capital, Ottawa. Out west he’ll visit major cities such as Saskatoon, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Victoria.
The tour is said to be very similar to the “Welcome 2 America” tour, with Prince performing some classic songs such as “Cream,” “Purple Rain” and “Raspberry Beret.” And, if you want to catch “Kiss,” perhaps Prince’s most notable songs, you’ll have to wait until the encore. It’s then that the song is generally performed, and you may even have to wait until the second encore — something that Prince loves to give his fans.
Tickets for the “Welcome 2 Canada Tour” go on sale this Friday and you can get them in a wide range of $25 Canadian dollars to $195 Canadian. And, to see if His Royal Badness is going to be in your hometown, you can find a full listing of Prince Tickets here.
Lady Antebellum Announces Date For Leg 2 Of “Own the Night” Tour
Lady Antebellum started off as a little country trio, and now they’re unstoppable! Having just begun the first leg of their “Own the Night” tour last month, they’ll just be coming off it at the end of December before they start the new leg. That leg, the group has just announced, will begin on January 27 when they play in Tulsa and will extend all the way through June 29 when they’ll wrap it up in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only does this leg take them all over North America, there’s a lot for fans to be excited about when it comes down to the actual shows.
When Lady Antebellum first started promoting the “Own the Night World Tour 2012,” they showcased the first leg as being all about owning it — yourself, the night, the show — whatever it was. When talking about the first set of shows, Dave Haywood of the band said, “Be confident, live in the moment and enjoy the experiences you’re going through — own them.”
This leg however, brings even more and lets you not only own your experiences but will bring those experiences even closer. Because this time, Lady Antebellum has said that the shows will bring even more intimacy and a chance for fans to really get up close with the band during the show. They haven’t given up just what exactly that means, but it’s certain to be a chance of a lifetime for fans. And with this leg taking them into Canada for more than just a couple shows, there’s certainly more chances for even more fans to see this hit country group live! Full tour dates are listed on our Lady Antelbellum ticket page, although venues are not yet listed.
Embrace the Weird by Attending a Weird Al Concert in Person!
Everyone knows who Weird Al is thanks to his wildly successful parody songs like “Eat It”, “I’m Fat” or even more recent hits like “White & Nerdy.” Why even rapper Chamillionaire of “Ridin’ Dirty” admitted that sometimes fans credit him with making fun of Weird Al’s version! That’s when you know you’ve made it…When your parody song is a comparable hit to the original!
Of course, Weird Al only pokes fun at the musicians he likes and who have already achieved celebrity because of their hit albums. So the musicians he parodies take just as much pride in the farce as does Weird Al. Whether he’s performing classic spoofs like “Smells Like Nirvana” or “Achy Breaky Song” or debuting something new like his hilarious Lady Gaga parody, “Perform This Way,” in which he struts and sings in a bikini. Oh yeah, you know you’ve been waiting for that image.
However, don’t get too excited, all you chubby-guy chasers out there. Many of the shots of the music video you see are actually CGI-created, imposing Weird Al’s head on another singer’s body. Of course, there’s no faking it live and in person, so that’s reason #50 to come see Weird Al in concert. Weird Al is not only a singer, a composer and mock lyricist, but also a performer. He has performed over 1,000 live shows and actually won three Grammy Awards and recorded six platinum records in the U.S.
Weird Al’s concerts include many past hits, as well as previews of his newest songs from the album Alpocalypse. In his latest album, he parodies everyone from Lady Gaga (in “Polka Face” and “Perform This Way”) to Weezer, The White Stripes, The Doors, Miley Cyrus, Bruno Mars and even Queen.
For such a funny guy, it’s all the more surprising that Weird Al always gets permission and a blessing from the singers he parodies. Though he is protected by satire law, he believes it is vital to maintain relationships with popular artists and singers. No wonder so many high profile musicians have admitted to being a Weird Al fan. His parodies are not critical but are considered a “badge of honor” in the music industry. Get your Weird Al tickets and come see him in person!
Garth Brooks Announces More Vegas Dates
When he first retired in 2001, we all knew that Garth Brooks wouldn’t be able to stay out of the spotlight for too long. It did take a full 8 years but in 2009 Garth started playing regular gigs at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. That contract was for 5 years, with Brooks playing at the theater 15 weekends out of the year, 4 shows each weekend. To fill in those 50 shows, Garth has been announcing them little at a time, and the newest dates have just been announced!
The dates that Garth had announced previously were: October 7-8; October 21-22; and November 4-5. Show times for these performances are at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
In addition to those, Garth has just announced the new dates of: December 2-3; January 5-7; January 27-28; and February 17-18. These shows all begin at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. respectively, with the exception of January 5’s show that begins at 8 p.m.
Garth Brooks is not only one of the founding fathers of country music, he also puts on a show like no other! Ever since his tenure at the Wynn Las Vegas began, he’s been dazzling sold-out crowds and reminding us why country music just wouldn’t be the same without him. Fans rave about how Garth can play to the entire crowd while two-stepping across the stage during his dance numbers, and then slow it down for a crooner with his most memorable soulful songs — all for a night you’ll never forget
Come Experience the Magic of Mary Poppins Live and in Person
If you are looking for a “Jolly Holiday” at the theater then don’t miss out on Mary Poppins live on stage! No matter if you fell in love with the 1964 Disney movie or happen to prefer the P.L. Travers books, you’ll love this play, as it mixes the best elements of both worlds. This is a play that the whole family can enjoy, from the young to the young at heart.
The original children’s series of Mary Poppins were published in 1934, and eventually turned into a successful musical in 1964. The musical combines elements of both the film and the books, though it also deviates a tad from both, so as to provide a completely new experience for audiences.
The practically perfect Mary Poppins was performed by Ashley Brown in the original Broadway production, as well as the national tours. Gavin Lee was cast in the role of Bert for both as well. The 2011 tours currently have Nicolas Dromard as Bert and Steffanie Leigh as Mary Poppins, and both are receiving plenty of good reviews in their respective roles.
There are plenty of old favorite songs from the movie version, but some have been given a new spin or have been placed into a new scene from the book. There are also a few completely new songs to enjoy written by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. You won’t need a “Spoon Full Of Sugar” to get these new versions down–they are just as hummable and delightful as all your old favorites like “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”. New songs to look for include “Cherry Tree Lane”, “Playing the Game”. The play was nominated for seven Tony Awards, and won for Best Actress in a Musical and Best Theatre Choreographer.
National tours of this play may be making way to your hometown soon, so be sure to keep an eye out for this production, the celebration of an unforgettable character and longstanding mythos. Come take a stroll with Bert down Cherry Tree Lane, and see what is going on live at Number 17. Everyone from grandpa to the grandkids is sure to have a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious of a good time!
The Dallas Cowboys Hit a New Low While the Jets Tank – What Happened?
Well, things are looking about normal for an NFL cynic: Dallas is looking lame while the Jets are stalling. This past Sunday (as of October 2nd) Dallas suffered a devastating loss–not to the rising star of the season, nor to a bulky team like New England Patriots – but to the Detroit Lions. Tony Romo deserves just as much praise as he does criticism; he helped Dallas to a 24-point lead, and the team controlled the game until halftime. However, three interceptions later, the momentum shifted.
Down to the last two minutes of the game, the Dallas Cowboys were looking competitive. Then, Dallas blew it by the third interception, losing 34-30. Actually, some Dallas fans went around town saying that Dallas had won, as they hadn’t seen the final moments of the game! Every second counted in this one. Tony Romo later said, “It hurts. We were obviously in a position to win this game. … It doesn’t feel good right now.” These sentiments joined by those of Sean Lee, who called the lost “devastating.”
Hey, don’t be too hard on Dallas. Despite the fact that this was an “upset” roster wise, Detroit is actually looking stellar this season. They have built up a 4-0 loss, their best lead since 1980! If only the Lions had beat the Cowboys in a normal, competitive game. It does hurt a bit though, since this is Dallas’ worst “blown lead” in the last 50 years of game play.
Meanwhile another heavily hyped NFL team is running out of fuel, and it’s Jet-fuel. The New York Jets crashed in their game against the Baltimore Ravens, with 34-17. Like the Lions, the Ravens are actually building some momentum of their own (their third victory in four games). It just hurts that New York was primed and ready for their comeback. Now, the Jets are 2-2 and looking less than amazing. Even if they go on to win this year, it’s not going to be an 18-0 type of situation.
Fans noticed some major problems in the Jets’ offense; in fact, only three points were claimed in regular play. The other 14 came from an interception return and a kickoff. The Ravens defense won the game, and it’s hard to deny that their offense was just more aggressive than New York’s.
For someone who doesn’t believe in amazing recovery seasons and sentimental wins, things are as they should be. Dallas and New York are squashed while we wait for someone to “rise out of the ashes” and take this season!
Sting Adds More Tour Dates
Sting has just announced the fall leg of his “Back to Bass” tour where he’ll once again be going back to basics with just two guitarists, a drummer, and his own bass with him on-stage. But there’s one area in which Sting is not being stingy, and that’s in the number of shows he’s going to perform. Listening to demand from fans in Houston, San Francisco, and Seattle, Sting has added second shows in all these cities; plus added a few in Los Vegas and Reno too!
Sting started the tour earlier this year and proved that it’s a show not to miss. Sting brings with him some of his best solo work, and he also pulls many classics from The Police out of his bag of tricks too. The solo hits are taken from Sting’s recently released box set, Sting: 25 Years; while the classic hits from his former band include sing-a-longs such as “Roxanne,” “Every Breath You Take,” and of course, “Message in a Bottle.”
Sting kicks off this fall leg in Boston, Massachusetts, where he’ll perform for two nights on October 22 and 23. From there he’ll travel all over the United States before heading up to Canada to close out the tour in Vancouver with a three night gig from December 8 — 10. Sting has a full listing of concert dates and locations on his website, with a reminder to check back often as he confirms even more new dates — so who knows how long this one is going to last!
Wouldn’t it Be “Loverly” to See My Fair Lady Again?
“Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” to see My Fair Lady live and in person? This charming story first hit the stage way back in the year 1956, and was such a huge success it was made into a film starring the beloved Audrey Hepburn (though many still say the role was robbed from Julie Andrews). In 1956, the play won some impressive awards including Best Musical and Best Performance by a Lead Actor. The Broadway and London revivals since then have never been short of awards themselves. Critics always rave over this production for its beautiful numbers, so isn’t it time to see it all over again? “With a Little Bit of Luck”, perhaps, you’ll make it to the show!
The basic story is that of a flower girl named Eliza Doolittle, who is longing to be a genteel lady, and a haughty professor of speech who says he can make her just that. His name is Henry Higgins and he’s joined by a kindly linguist Colonel Pickering, who rises to the challenge. What ensues from there is pure fun for the eyes and the ears of the audience, as favorites such as “I Could Have Danced All Night” and “On the Street Where You Live” are belted out live. Will Higgins be able to transform this guttersnipe into a well-spoken lady? You will have to watch the play to find out of course!
You can catch the play currently on the Non-Equity 2011-2012 North American Tour being put on by Big League Productions. Aurora Florence will be playing Eliza Doolittle, with Gary Kimble currently in the role of Henry Higgins. Will it live up to the hype of all the plays that have come before it? The audiences will be the judge of that, but it looks to have great potential according to the latest critics.
You may quickly find that you too have “Grown Accustomed to Her Face” and you may just need to see the show again and again! Find out when the production will be in a city near you and see the musical “by which all other musicals are measured.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1990 and 2000 Legacy
Andrew Lloyd Webber earned much of his fame in the 1980s thanks to grand musical productions like The Phantom of the Opera and Cats. (While Evita earned much acclaim in the 1980s it was actually a 1970s production) While everyone knows Andrew Lloyd Webber from his biggest hits, you may wonder what the composter and theatre guru has been doing as of late.
He’s kept very busy, and particularly since the 1990s and 2000 decades. Andrew Lloyd Webber oversaw the production of Sunset Boulevard, a thirteen million dollar investment that never quite proved profitable. Though the show was popular and though the songs are often sung today with Webber’s greatest hits (“With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye”), the production closed early, even after winning seven Tony Awards and setting all sorts of advance purchase records.
In the late 1990s, Andrew Loyd Webber turned his attention to Whistle Down the Wind, a collaboration with rock star Jim Steinman that did not end well. The talented and perfectionist composter found greener pastures when the 2000 era came in. Some of his best work debuted this decade including The Woman in White and his own production of the legendary entity, The Sound of Music.
Since the mid to late 2000 decade, Andrew Lloyd Webber has been doing “charity work” for a few reality TV shows, but his greatest achievement has to be the 2009 Love Never Dies production. This official sequel to The Phantom of the Opera featured music by Webber and lyrics by Glenn Slater and Charles Hart. The storyline jumps ten years into the future and reunites Christine and the Phantom. Unfortunately, the production received generally poor reviews and thus the Broadway production was postponed, perhaps indefinitely.
His latest venture, The Wizard of Oz, in which he collaborates with Tim Rice (of The Lion King fame) should prove interesting, as the production will feature new songs and feature Phantom alumni Michael Crawford as the Wizard. Despite all of his new age success, it’s hard to escape the fact that Webber’s best work was in the 1980s during which he created at least two iconic masterpieces which revolutionized theatre–the one with the big kitties and the one with the white mask. You can still see the best work of Andrew Lloyd Webber when The Phantom of the Opera and Cats tours your city!
