Justin Bieber Performs with Drake in Toronto
Anyone who’s ever even stood outside a stadium where Justin Bieber is performing will tell you that the screams heard are one of the loudest things on this planet. But “Believe” it or not, they do get louder. Especially if you’re in Toronto and another Canadian heartthrob, Drake, walks out on stage.
This is what fans at Rogers Centre in Toronto were treated to on Saturday. Just making his way out of the throngs of fans in Ottawa the weekend before, Justin brought his “Believe” tour to Toronto. During the show, Justin took the time to recognize the home crowd, and to introduce another Canadian artist to the stage.
“We’re pretty close to home,” Justin told the screaming crowd. “I want to do a special song I haven’t done on tour yet. Give it up from your hometown, Drizzy Drake.”
Drake walked out onto the stage, the two bust out into “Right Here” from Justin’s Believe album, and the crowd went wild. Afterwards Drake also extended the favor and said some very nice things about the Biebs.
“There’s very few people I met in the world that are as talented and as incredible as this young man right here. I wanna thank you for giving me a childhood dream, which is my first opportunity to perform at the Skydome,” Drake said. This was the former name of the Rogers Centre, until it was changed in 2005.
The two mixed it up even more, performing Drake’s “The Motto” immediately after, and Justin once again got the chance to show off his rapper-style, filling in for Lil Wayne‘s portion of the song.
Patriots Defeat Dolphins to Win AFC East
The New England Patriots didn’t take their game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday lightly. Knowing that now was not the time for reckless mistakes, the Pats played it safe. It was a smart move, as they defeated the Dolphins 23 — 16, and gave them their twelfth winning season in a row.
It was the sixth consecutive win for the New England Patriots, but it definitely wasn’t their best game of the bunch. They finished the game with only 321 yards; and Brady going 24 for 40 for 238 yards. He was also sacked four times by the Dolphins‘ tough defense, and intercepted once.
But while it wasn’t a great showing on the part of New England, it was the Dolphins’ mistakes that really gave the Patriots the AFC East.
Two of those mistakes were incredibly costly, and both made by Ryan Tannehill as he couldn’t connect with Brian Hartline when the wide receiver went deep and was wide open. And while his running game proved solid, Tannehill also finished the day with just 13 for 29 for 186 yards.
An illegal blocking penalty on Reggie Bush also proved to be fatal for the Dolphins, as this negated a touchdown scored after Reshad Jones made an interception and then returned the ball for 30 yards. Had that counted, the Dolphins would have been much closer to taking the win. Instead they have seriously hurt their playoff chances as they gear up to face the 49ers this coming weekend.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Comes to Broadway – It’s Cinderella!
You would think that Cinderella would have been on Broadway before now. Wonderful show tunes, glass slippers, the Great White Way — it all just seems to fit somehow. But surprisingly, while talk of the shamed sister turned princess has always surrounded the New York stage, it’s never actually come to fruition. That is, not until now.
Cinderella will begin previews on January 24, 2013 with an official opening of February 24, 2013 at the Broadway Theatre. Laura Osnes who’s most well-known for her performances in Bonnie & Clyde and South Pacific, will take the lead role in the musical directed by Mark Brokaw. The fairy tale is such a classic that the iconic trademarks such as the glass slipper, the giant pumpkin carriage, and all the ‘bibbidi-bobbidi-booing are all still there; but audiences can expect some fun new modern twists too.
Those include fun musical acts interspersed throughout the classical story, as well as fun modern splashes included in the new book, written by Douglas Carter Beane, who also wrote Sister Act and Xandadu.
Santino Fontana will be taking on the role of the Prince (that’s Charming for anyone who’s keeping track); and Victoria Clark will be making it all happen with a wave of her magic wand as she fills the role of the Fairy Godmother. Harriet Harris dons the shoes of Cinderella‘s wicked stepmother, with Ann Harada and Marla Mindelle playing stepsisters Charlotte and Gabrielle, respectively.
The best kind of Broadway show is one the whole family can enjoy together. Starting in January, you can!
Rolling Stones Begin 50th Anniversary Tour!
When the Rolling Stones kick off a tour, it’s always big news. But when they kick off their 50th anniversary tour, it’s an event; and one that people are still talking about two days after their show at London’s O2 Arena on Sunday.
This is a show that had it all, while in true Stones style, still keeping it to the basics. The Stones have never needed lasers or light shows, or robotically choreographed dancers in the background — and they still don’t fifty years later. Who needs backup when Mick Jagger is still shredding the stage apart, in near constant movement from the drop of the first beat to the last applause? And who wants lights or lasers interfering with the guitar show Keith Richards always puts on?
The Stones brought all of this and more on Sunday night, making it a classic Stones show, with a few modern twists and some old-school throwbacks.
It was Mary J. Blige who brought the most contemporary feel, matching Mick pitch for pitch as they belted out “Gimme Shelter” together; and Jeff Beck was on hand to show off his own guitar skills on “I’m Going Down.”
In addition to new friends, old friends were there for the ride too, with former Stones member Bill Wyman taking the stage to lend guitar support on “It’s Only Rock and Roll” and “Honky Tonk Women.” Mick Taylor, who left the Stones in 1974, was also there, and was one of the favorites of the crowd.
No more so than Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Woods, and Charlie Watts though, who all played with the crowd while putting on a truly unforgettable show.
Happy birthday, Rolling Stones, and here’s to many more to come!
Bear Down! Injured Bears Send Vikings Packing
The Chicago Bears were just one game ahead of the Minnesota Vikings when they went into Sunday’s game; and they were a team in trouble. On a losing streak, and looking as though they might be playing without star quarterback Jay Cutler, it was going to take a lot to pull out a win against the Vikings. But while Cutler was there and helped lead his team to a 28 — 10 victory, the Bears surrendered several players for the win.
Throwing for 188 yards and a touchdown, and connecting on nearly every pass, Jay Cutler showed no signs of the concussion that kept him out of last week’s game against the 49ers. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for Devin Hester, Matt Forte, and Charles Tillman — all who suffered injuries in the game against the Vikings.
With about five minutes left in the first half on Sunday, the Bears announced that Hester would not be returning for the game due to a concussion that he received in the first half. It’s still unclear as to when during the first half he received that concussion.
Coming back from halftime, the third quarter didn’t get much better for the Bears. Matt Forte ran off the field halfway through, and seemed to be favoring his right leg. It was announced later that he had suffered an injury to his right ankle; and Tillman was also removed from the game with an ankle injury.
It was also during the third quarter that both Bears’ starting guards, Lance Louis and Chris Spencer, were removed from the game — this time, both knee injuries.
At the end of the game, it looked as though Jay Cutler may be the only Bear in fine form. It’s definitely not rare to see this happen to a team more than halfway through a very tough season. But it will be interesting to see how Chicago compensates for these injuries as they prepare for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks.
So You Think You Can Dance – The Show Comes to You Live
There’s nothing more enjoyable than a little competition when it comes to performance, and dance is perhaps one of the visually exciting competitions around. First premiering in July of 2005, “So You Think You Can Dance” ended its first summer season as the highest rated show on television.
It’s not surprising the show has taken off in a blaze of glory. “So You Think You Can Dance” was created by the producers of the popular show, “American Idol”. Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgo seem to be able to hit gold whenever they scout for talent. The show is currently being produced by nineteen Entertainment and Dick Clark productions.
Similar to the format for American Idol, dancers move through the phases of the competition, performing solo, duet and group number spots in a variety of styles. The variety includes classical, contemporary, ballroom, hip-hop, street, jazz, and musical theater expressions, with many sub-genres within the categories represented. They compete for the votes from the judges, which, combined with the viewing audience, determines who will remain to advance from one-step to the next each week.
There is no doubt that watching a live performance can be nothing short of entertaining. No matter what your dance preferences are, there is something refreshing and appealing in the innovative ways the dancers find in expressing themselves, and the variety keeps your attention riveted as much as the dance interpretations, the fabulous costumes and the skills of the dancers, themselves.
The live shows, hosted by Cat Deeley, are generally sold out, so buying a ticket early for a showing close to your area is a smart strategy. With the help of award winning choreographers to fill your eyes with dazzling performances, it’s bound to be one of the most remarkable evenings on your entertainment schedule. “So You Think You Can Dance” received an Emmy award for choreography in 2007 and 2008. It has also won Emmy’s for Outstanding Costumes for a Musical/ Variety, for Outstanding Lighting Direction and Design, and won the choice TV Break Out Show. Find out what the fuss is all about and join the marvelous sensation of viewing the best in talented dancers live. Tickets are available from November 27 to December 5 to wrap up another great season of talent among those who know they can dance. Get your tickets today to see one of these great events!
Dave Grohl Confirmed as Keynote Speaker at 2013 SXSW
If you haven’t yet heard of one of the biggest music events of the year, then pack your bags and get ready to head down to Houston, Texas for the South by Southwest (SXSW) event! This event is a collection of the best film, interactive, and music festival, and it’s being held in March of next year. And what’s sure to make this year’s festival one of the biggest ones yet is that Dave Grohl is going to be the keynote speaker!
Dave Grohl is perhaps best known as being the lead singer of the Foo Fighters, but this is a man with loads of credentials behind his name. He was the drummer for Nirvana on one of their biggest albums, “Nevermind,” and he’s also taken his place behind the drums when playing with Tom Petty. It was only after these accomplishments that he moved onto the Foo Fighters, and with them won 11 Grammy Awards. He’s also collaborated with Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Elton John, to name just a few. Certainly sounds like someone who’s qualified to speak as keynote speaker at SXSW!
The Dave Grohl keynote will be open to any registrants who have signed up under the Music and Platinum package, as well as registered showcasing artists. This event, along with everything else that goes on at SXSW, is a great chance for networking, career-building, and of course, stage after stage of music to entertain those who attend the conference.
The keynote will take place on March 14, 2013; but the entire conference runs from March 12, 2013 to March 17,2 013 at the Austin Convention Center in Texas. This event is wildly popular, and spaces won’t last for very long, so make sure you register today!
A Christmas Story: The Musical Debuts on Broadway!
It’s one of the most beloved Christmas stories of all time, and now it’s on the Great White Way only for the holiday season! It’s A Christmas Story: The Musical, and audience members can expect to see the things they love most from this classical holiday story.
Yes, Ralphie still gets his tongue stuck on the cold metal pool (and he even tries to sing through it!) and you’ll still be able to see a giant pink bunny. And that Chinese scene? Don’t worry, as politically incorrect as it may be, that scene still made the Broadway cut, and it’s still as hysterical as you remember it from the movie. And all of it is pulled off with a fabulous cast that helps this story make the leap from screen to stage.
Johnny Rabe, and also sometimes Joe West, pull off a brilliant Ralphie as the two interchange different days playing the role. Alongside them is Erin Dilly who takes on the role of Ralphie’s mom, and is one of the first people to tell him that if he gets a BB gun for Christmas, he’s likely to “shoot his eye out with it.” But she’s not so tough. Audience members get the chance to see a particularly endearing side of her when she starts into the soft song, “What a Mother Does.”
John Bolton plays the Old Man (and brings a new level of hilarity to it,) and Dan Lauria (the dad on “The Wonder Years”) brings it all together with his narration. Choreography for the play was done by Warren Carlyle, and the rhythmic dance moves fit beautifully into the play.
If you haven’t seen it on Broadway yet, or if you’re one of the very few who haven’t seen the movie, get your tickets for A Christmas Story: The Musical today!
Lakers Now 4-out-of-5 Against Rockets!
Mike D’Antoni may have only officially been the head coach of the L.A. Lakers for a few days but already, his influence can be seen and felt on the Lakers court. That much has been evident throughout his current stint as head coach, even if it has been only a short run so far. But it may not have been any clearer than it was on Sunday night, as the Lakers routed past the Rockets, and defeated them 119-108.
Kobe Bryant had an outstanding night with 22 points altogether, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. During the game, Bryant also reached for his 18th career triple-double, which gave the Lakers a huge edge in the win; as well as three of the 10 steals the Lakers made during the game.
D’Antoni isn’t even on the court yet, or on the players’ bench. Instead, he waits and watches in the Lakers’ locker room, due to recent knee surgery, in which he had one replaced. Bernie Bickerstaff, the interim coach, is instead taking the place on the bench, but that doesn’t mean that D’Antoni’s drive and spirit can’t be felt. The plays being made on the court now are vastly different than what they looked like even in October; and it’s D’Antoni’s playbook that the Lakers have to thank for it.
Jeremy Lin was also on the court, although playing on the side of the Rockets, and he went into the Lakers locker room afterwards to visit his former coach briefly. His words afterwards sum up why the Lakers are doing so well under his coaching style.
“He’s the ultimate players’ coach. I think he just gets it. He knows how to get the most out of his players. [The Lakers] will be just fine. What you saw tonight, they’ll probably be able to do pretty consistently, in terms of moving the ball and spacing,” Lin said.
The Lakers will look to extend their winning streak as they face the Brooklyn Nets tonight.
Justin Bieber Cleans Up at the 40th American Music Awards
The American Music Awards were held this past Sunday at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, and it was a huge night for Justin Bieber. On top of two outstanding performances he gave, Justin also took home three awards — including the top award of the night.
The first award that Justin won was also the first award of the night that was handed out. It was for favourite pop/rock male artist and upon acceptance, he thanked and dedicated it to just about everyone, including “the haters” and his fans.
Justin’s second award came when Jenny McCarthy presented the best award for favorite pop/rock album. It went to Bieber for his album “Believe,” and as he came up on stage to get his award, McCarthy doused him in kisses, saying that Justin was “just so cute!” Laughing afterwards, Bieber said half-jokingly, “I feel so violated right now.”
But the big moment of the night came as Justin faced other top competitors for artist of the year. Rihanna, Drake, Maroon 5, and Katy Perry were all also up for the award. After Bieber’s name was called, he pulled his mom (who came in lieu of recent ex-girlfriend, Selena Gomez) up on stage with him. Choosing to be a better winner than he was in his first acceptance speech, Bieber focused on his roots. During his speech he turned to his mom and said, “I wanted to thank you for always believing in me.” He also turned back towards his fans and asked that they too, continue to believe in him.
That wasn’t it for Justin on his big night, though. He also performed two different songs. One was a soft acoustic of his song “As Long as You Love Me,” in which Justin took over the duties of Big Sean, rapping certain lyrics himself. He also performed the high-tempo song, “Beauty and the Beat,” in which Nicki Minaj joined him onstage to perform alongside him.
