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Reply #30 posted 04/06/16 7:46am

JoeBala

SUSAN SARANDON

By GEORGE SAUNDERS

Photography CRAIG MCDEAN

Published 04/04/16

In many ways, Susan Sarandon has managed to perform the unthinkable two-step in public life. It's hard to think of another living actress who more confidently and convincingly inhabits her roles without ever seeming to get swallowed up in them. Whether it's the tough, once-bitten waitress on the run in the seminal road movieThelma & Louise (1991) or the fearless nun fighting for the dignity of a convicted murderer in Dead Man Walking (1995), Sarandon doesn't so much disappear like a chameleon into her characters as amp up their humanity, intelligence, resilience, and faults. As a result, her performances do something far more than persuade; they live. Each one is a ticking time bomb of empathy and hope and frustration. And let's not forget, Sarandon doesn't only play for awards season. She's also taken some risky and offbeat detours—The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975),The Hunger (1983), The Witches of Eastwick (1987), Igby Goes Down (2002),Arbitrage (2012).

And yet, the 69-year-old New Yorker is the anti-Garbo off the stage and screen. She's never been one to keep silent about her political and social beliefs. She's been an extremely vocal champion and liberal activist for decades (against corporate greed and the war in Iraq, for the fundamental rights of women to choose what happens to their own bodies). If you want a public figure that will stick to easy answers and comfortable platitudes, do yourself a huge favor and don't call Sarandon. This spring, the world gets to see her in her latest role, a starring one. In writer-director Lorene Scafaria's brilliantly scripted comedy The Meddler, Sarandon plays an overbearing, not-very-deeply-buried live wire of a recently widowed mother who moves to Los Angeles to be closer to her daughter (played by Rose Byrne). Ultimately, it's more a search for meaning after loss and grief than a light comedy played for laughs. Sarandon has also been busy this season campaigning for Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders. In fact, she'd just returned from the Nevada caucuses this past February when she got on the phone with her friend, the writer (and everyone's personal hero) George Saunders. As expected, they went their own way.

SUSAN SARANDON: I can't believe you had time to do this. You're my dream guy, and you came through.

GEORGE SAUNDERS: We've been trying to sit down and talk for about three years. If this is how we have to do it, so be it. How are you?

SARANDON: I'm good. I left Las Vegas at about 4:30 this morning, and I just got to New York, so I might use more sentences than I usually do to express myself.

SAUNDERS: Well, I got to see The Meddler. I thought your performance was wonderful, so I wanted to start with that. And I should also say, I'm kind of a nerd, so whenever I get a chance to talk to an artist I really admire, I tend to gravitate to process. What I wanted to ask you about was this: your character, Marnie, could, on paper, be an unlikable character, someone who's a little pushy and maybe a little socially tone-deaf. But you made her so lovable and tender. Really, there wasn't a frame in the movie where I wasn't like, "Oh, poor thing."

SARANDON: She's based on the director's mom. A lot of it is their story, and I saw a little teaser after Lorene first asked me to do the movie, of the mom actually doing the opening sequence. I wore almost all of her mom's clothing—all those animal-print tops and everything. So when I first saw her, I thought, "God, she's so interesting and so well-meaning—what a character." So I just suspended my judgment and jumped. And then when I watched the first part of the film, I thought, "My God, she's annoying, she's so insane." [laughs] But the film was such a labor of love. Whenever you're in a project where the money is really small and the time is very short, people have joined in because they believe in it. So even though we really didn't have dressing rooms, everybody was working fast and furiously. There wasn't space to mood-up. I think Rose Byrne was just extraordinary. Talk about a character that could be really unsympathetic at times. She just jumped in these scenes that go from anger to hysteria to crying to laughing and back to anger. I just marveled. And we didn't have a lot of time to do a number of takes, so I was lucky to have so many great people all around me. You just feel free to do anything, because you know you're safe.

SAUNDERS: As a fiction writer, one of the things that really spoke to me was the way that the sum total of her personality was made in the juxtaposition of the really annoying moments with the moments where somebody poked at her for being annoying. It was the simultaneity of those two things that made her personhood complete. But you used a phrase a minute ago that I've never heard before, but I love. You said, "There wasn't space to mood-up." Explain that to me.

SARANDON: That's one of my little expressions. I never really studied acting so I kind of kiddingly talk about "building your circle" and "mooding up," because I really didn't learn any technique. But sometimes when you have to go into something, unless you're gifted and can just turn it on and off like a jukebox, you find someplace where there's nothing going on to get yourself into whatever state your character is entering into. But in this instance, we were in the director's old house that she'd sold to a friend, so there was no place to go, except a room that was filled with all kinds of equipment. So it's just trying to focus and get yourself in a place where you're not planning what you're going to do but just being open to whatever the state is that your character enters with.

SAUNDERS: I'm fascinated with actors, and I've never quite understood the process. Right before you're going to do something, can you rough out for me what your state of mind is? On what basis do you make the thousands of microdecisions with your face and your mind and your body that end up making us feel for somebody like Marnie?

SARANDON: I can't speak for other people, but for me, it never really worked to think something like, "What Beatle did she like in high school?" or those kinds of elaborate backstories. It never really worked for me to have long arguments about motivation. I think looking at your own life, on- and offscreen, you can motivate anything, or you can delude yourself into anything. Really, for me, it's important to know who's pitching and who's catching—just what that scene is supposed to accomplish in terms of storytelling. That being said, on the day, basically what you're trying to get yourself into an open place. And if the character is in a state of anxiety or vulnerability, you try to find some touchstone. I don't think you can plan. I don't like to plan. Very often, for me, acting is like loving; it's using the muscle that you use in loving, in that your heart feels open. Physically, you feel open. And so therefore your job is to enter, open, and listen. And see what happens.

SAUNDERS: It sounds like you're describing a high state of alertness to what is actually happening in that moment.

SARANDON: You have to take away the idea that something you do is right or wrong. I don't think there's a right or a wrong; I think there's an "it works" or "it doesn't work" for the whole. And that's why you need a director you trust, so you can just keep throwing out suggestions. And somebody can be the captain of the ship, which allows you to make big mistakes. That's how you figure out what works and doesn't work. If you always have to be watching yourself and judging, I don't think you're as free. I hesitate to direct even though I feel I contribute a lot on a set. But I feel it's easier to sit in the backseat and go, "Oh, yeah, let's go there." You're not worried about getting to the destination. But the guy or the woman who has to get you to the destination is worried about a lot of other things, so my job as an actor is to try as many things as possible, be as open as possible, listen, and keep my heart open. That's the joy when it all comes together and things surprise you, and you find yourself having a moment that you didn't count on. What I like about The Meddler style of movie is that it's a fairly lighthearted romantic comedy, but there are hidden moments where something happens that's unexpected, that hopefully have some kind of emotional resonance that you didn't see coming. I love when a film does that. That, for me, is what life is like; you're scooting along, and then all of a sudden somebody comes up to you and says or does something, and you find yourself moved. Other times you're going into a situation that you think is going to be heartbreaking, and you find yourself really pissed off or laughing at a very serious moment.

ERY OFTEN, FOR ME, ACTING IS LIKE LOVING; IT'S USING THE MUSCLE THAT YOU USE IN LOVING, IN THAT YOUR HEART FEELS OPEN.—SUSAN SARANDON

SAUNDERS: One of the inspiring things about your career is that there's a quality of real fearlessness in it—you seem to be in it for the challenge and the experience. I'm wondering, having done a performance and having given the director a bunch of different things to work with, what happens when you see the final film and it's not the take you expected or would have chosen? What's your next move? Because I find that the great artists I've met are people who are so playfully invested in their process that, even if it doesn't come out the way they like, they still power through and even take energy from it. Does that ever happen to you while watching the final film?

SARANDON: Yeah, absolutely it happens. With the most interesting directors, the cast comes together to make something magical that nobody counted on. So I think you have to be ready to switch gears and go with the team as a director, as opposed to superimposing your own strict idea of the story. There are very few directors that can micromanage and still come out with something that's living and breathing on a page. Wes Anderson is one of those where, if he has a very strong cast, he can direct the minutia of that story and still manage to have something that lives and breathes. Because sometimes what happens is that, when you micromanage actors and moments, it just doesn't quite live. The directors I consider really great have the ability to recognize when something's going in an unexpected direction and see it as a bonus and be able to go with it, as opposed to locking down what they thought was going to happen.

SAUNDERS: There's a great Gerald Stern quote, where he said, "If you start out to write a poem about two dogs fucking, and you write a poem about two dogs fucking, then you've written a poem about two dogs fucking." So the whole idea is you're trying to start with a plan and then have the thing talk back to you in a way that makes you disrupt the plan.

SARANDON: What happens when you write? You don't have everything figured out, do you?

SAUNDERS: No, I have nothing. My model is I have nothing figured out, and I'm starting with some little nugget and hoping that it will talk back to me enough to let it grow. But what I find fascinating about what you do is this: It's easy to enact that model of openness when you're by yourself and you have infinite time. But when you're working with a team, and it's competing visions and strong-minded people, I imagine that sort of ad hoc group compromise must be really challenging. It's one thing to be a perfectionist when you're alone, but when you're trying to make it work in an ensemble that's a whole different deal.

SARANDON: It can be very heartbreaking. Sometimes it's ruined when suddenly there's really cheesy music or when they over-score it or they cut around you because somebody else isn't working. Or the way they edit the movie ends up turning it into something more marketable. It's a miracle when something actually turns out well because there are so many ways for it to go wrong. That's why I learned many years ago to focus on the process and have as much fun as I can in the process. Because then you send it off to school and there's no telling who it's going to fuck and end up with at the end of the day. [Saunders laughs] Sometimes they don't even let it go; they bury it. There have been a few little films I'd done like that that the studio just decided not to do much with, films like Anywhere but Here [1999] or Jeff, Who Lives at Home [2012]. Thank God people find them later and love them. I'm always really drawn to people who have seen these strange little films. It's nice when that happens. But very often it is heartbreaking, so you just can never count on a formula, on a movie that you think is going to be a big hit, and that's why you do it. You have to choose each one for what you think you'll learn and the fun you'll have. And maybe the cool people that you work with or a character that you're going to be able to explore ... You just keep your fingers crossed.

SAUNDERS: When I was watching you, in this film and in so many of your other ones, one thing that hit me is that what makes you such an important actress is some almost indefinable thing that I think has to do with your innate intelligence. So in other words, some kind of subliminal human thing, where we see a highly activated, intelligent person, and our eye is drawn to her. So I want to ask you this: If we could look back at you as, say, a 10-year-old and get inside your mind, into your fantasy life and your wishes, what would we see there that we could now go, "Oh, yeah, that was the beginning of an artistic life."

SARANDON: That's an interesting question, and I don't think I've ever been asked that before.

SAUNDERS: Boom! Give me a talk show.

SARANDON: Boom! I was very withdrawn and definitely played with dolls well into eighth grade. But I was the oldest of nine, and that grounded me in a way that I don't think I would have been grounded otherwise. So I was able to—or forced to—function practically. But I think, by nature, I was someone who lived in my head, in my imagination. I wrote what I thought were plays, but probably would have been more like movies. It never occurred to me to act. I wasn't that outgoing, really. But being a Catholic, I was drawn to the mystery of the Latin and the smoke and the mirrors and all of that. That part of my disposition definitely did lend itself to finding my way to the back door of some artistic pursuit.

HE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FILM AND THEATER IS LIKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MASTURBATION AND MAKING LOVE . . . IN FILM, YOU JUST HAVE TO GET ONE MOMENT RIGHT; YOU'RE PRACTICALLY BY YOURSELF.—SUSAN SARANDON

SAUNDERS: I was raised Catholic, too, and I think that's so right; what I took from that was a sense of theater and drama, and also the idea that there were truths that couldn't actually be uttered directly but really had to be reached through ritual. You come out of those Masses so moved, and you're like, "Why did that happen?" And the truth of it is that it happened through an hour of highly enacted ritual.

SARANDON: Well, trans-substantiation.

SAUNDERS: Oh, what a word!

SARANDON: From the very beginning, that sets you off in a certain direction. Later the church let me down. I always had a problem with original sin; I always had a problem with the exclusivity of the church and a lot of the things that the nuns taught me. So by the time I went to the Catholic University of America, which was the time the priests were all leaving with the nuns, the more I studied about the Bible and how it came about, the more I lost my faith. Because it didn't seem to have relevance, except in Central America or South America, countries where the church was connected to the fight of the people for economic justice. That's why it was so interesting to find myself back with Sister Helen [in Dead Man Walking], this new breed of nuns who were making a difference in the community. Because once we got past the smell of the church and the ritual of the church and all of that, and actually got into the doctrine ... When I grew up in the church, we were praying because the Communists were going to come over and hang you upside down on a cross, and I so wanted to be a good person, and I had these rosary beads that I would sleep with every night, and I just wanted the blessed Virgin to be on my side. Then one night I looked down and my rosary beads were glowing. And I realized that I did not want to see the blessed Virgin—I was terrified.

SAUNDERS: They were glowing?

SARANDON: They were glowing because, unbeknownst to me, my aunt had given me these rosary beads that were glow-in-the-dark. [Saunders laughs] So all of a sudden I look down and they're glowing, and I'm looking toward the door and thinking, "Oh, my God, I don't want anything to come though here. I'm not worthy, I'm not ready." I didn't want to be one of those kids who sees Our Lady of Fatima.

SAUNDERS: I was, not an altar boy, but a reader of the Epistle, and I walked in on a nun and a priest furiously French kissing when I was in seventh grade. I walked in, saw it, and went, "No way," backed out, composed myself, and went back in, and it was still going on. And the experience of seeing that was actually very deep. Because it didn't cause me to lose my faith, but suddenly you realize, "Well, they're just people."

SARANDON: I don't know where that ranks. Is that worse or not as bad as seeing your parents have sex?

SAUNDERS: [laughs] But this Catholic thing, I think what it does is it makes a place for mystery in a person. And even when the faith goes away, there's that space where you crave something bigger than yourself. For me, that's kind of where art came in, after that.

SARANDON: Right. Well, there are a lot of Catholics in this business. I don't know about other disciplines. But there are definitely a lot of Catholics—lapsed Catholics.

SAUNDERS: Only lapsed. Let me kind of sidebar that. Was there a moment when the young Susan went, "I want to act"? Did the light bulb come on all at once? Or was it kind of gradual?

SARANDON: It never came on. What happened was so strange. I did study drama at Catholic U, but the undergraduates weren't put in productions, really, except as extras, and it wasn't a hands-on kind of thing at all. I couldn't afford to go to another college. And my grandparents lived in D.C., so I was able to live with them, and that's how I was able to afford it at all. I worked at the switchboard in the drama department, which is probably where I saw the most drama. So what happened was, to get out of my grandparents' house, I got married to Chris Sarandon, who was a graduate student, and he knew everything at that point, I thought, because he was older. He introduced me to poetry and black-and-white movies. Anyway, I married him my senior year, and after I graduated, he went to the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, and I tagged along and was doing some local modeling and commercials and things like that. A woman named Jane Oliver, who handled Sylvester Stallone, saw Chris at the theater and asked him to come in and audition. We went in and auditioned—he needed someone to read with him. I read with him, and she said, "Well, why don't both of you come back in the fall." Chris had a job in summer stock. So I went off, the little wife, to summer stock. And then in the fall, when we came back, she set me up in the first week we were in New York with a film called Joe [1970]. Chris got cast in a Broadway show, and I went up for this movie that John Avildsen was directing. It was his first real movie; he wasn't even in the Directors Guild, so he wasn't officially directing it, and it was the first movie that this company was making that wasn't a pornographic movie. They called me in and asked me to do an improvisation. I asked them what that was, and they explained it. People who teach acting hate this story, but this is actually what happened. I did the improv and they said, "Okay, wait here." And they came back and said, "We'd like you to do this film." Then I just kept getting things. I did Joe and then I got a few other things and got on a soap opera, again, not knowing what I was doing. But that was a fantastic way to learn, because it was kind of live and with cameras. It was in the moment. Things just kept going like that for eight, nine, ten years. And then finally I just had to admit—I guess this is what I do. That's really the way it happened. And I think it made it easier for me. I always saw it as a means to an end and not an end in itself, because it dealt with so much self-examination. I also had school debt I had to pay off. Sometimes I would do commercials to get me through. And so I kept bumping along like that and learning different things. I knew I wanted to get out on my own. I was just super-curious, and I was a good listener. And that got me through.

SAUNDERS: Along that path, are there moments you can remember where your understanding of your craft leapt up because of something you encountered during a project, or because of something someone told you?

SARANDON: There's that connection where you're really with somebody and you're listening to them and something happens that is surprising and it keeps you hooked. It was like that for me, and then I'd see the results and want it to be better or braver. And I never felt that I had completely conquered the task. So that kept me coming back. I'd think, "Oh, I was on to something in that moment, but why didn't I just really do it? I chickened out." Or, "God, that was right, but it wasn't clear enough. If only I had trusted it." Then I learned to say, "What's your framing?" So much really depends on the camera crew. And I'd have conversations with the camera crew about what was going on in the scene, so that they were prepared to shoot it. I love the fact that when you work, you create this tribe. You create this situation where you are so dependent on each other. That's especially true for film. In theater, the actor has much more say, much more control, for better or worse. I always think that the difference between film and theater is like the difference between masturbation and making love. Because, in film, you just have to get one moment right; you're practically by yourself. And in theater, you actually have to have a relationship with the audience. So for that reason, theater for me is terrifying but much more rewarding, because you know what they're seeing. Film is all little bits and pieces. And you can do an amazing job, but if the camera isn't getting it, it doesn't work. And then other times when you feel you really weren't present, and then you see it and somehow it works. So there's a mystery, there's a strange collaboration that takes place with everybody.

T'S A MIRACLE WHEN SOMETHING ACTUALLY TURNS OUT WELL BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS FOR IT TO GO WRONG. THAT'S WHY I LEARNED MANY YEARS AGO TO FOCUS ON THE PROCESS AND HAVE AS MUCH FUN AS I CAN IN THE PROCESS.—SUSAN SARANDON

SAUNDERS: That feeling of coming to part after part and feeling the little flare-ups of really being in it must be kind of addictive, and it must flow into the rest of your life.

SARANDON: Absolutely. What makes that connection addictive is that, when you know it's working, something real happens. Even if it's painful. Although I remember Anthony Perkins saying, "Real is not necessarily interesting." So real is not enough. But what happens as an actor is that you're really trained to listen and to be open and have empathy. It's such a natural consequence that you end up being more political. You can empathize with the mother whose kids are going to be sent to Iraq, or you can emphasize with the mother who is losing their child to a disease. How could you not then be active? So you're automatically drawn to that aspect in the rest of your life. Most of the people I really admire bring that attitude toward their life. For example, I was reading that commencement speech you gave at Syracuse. And I could see how the memories that you mention from the seventh grade also play out, thematically, in your short stories. There's that sensitivity and observation and recall you have, even in the midst of the weird-ass situations you come up with, that people are complicated and yet these moments are so moving. But not sentimental. That's one of the things I tell people whenever I'm handing out your books. Which I do quite often, by the way.

SAUNDERS: Thank you.

SARANDON: I should get a percentage.

SAUNDERS: I was wondering about that little bump in sales.

SARANDON: That's what I love about your writing. You're clearly somebody who has been picking up and learning as you go along. And it reminds me a lot of my old friend Kurt Vonnegut.

SAUNDERS: I wanted to ask you about him. But first, before I forget, let me ask you a parenthetical: You talked about the way that the empathy that you feel for a character, that's almost like compassion training wheels, and you take it out into your life. Could you play somebody for whom you didn't feel any natural empathy? For example, could you play Ann Coulter or someone else that you really didn't agree with?

SARANDON: That's a good question. I guess it would have to be a character that I've not done before. I have played horrible mothers. I've played a Republican prosecutor wanting to run for the Senate who's doing terrible things. But I think you have to look at how it's written, and whether or not there's something in that person to connect with. Because, really, acting is kind of a forced compassion, where you learn that given certain circumstances, you can feel and do things that you never thought yourself capable of. And so it stops you from being super-judgmental. But at the same time, I think you have to ask yourself, what is the point of the script? What is the script selling? Because all scripts are political, every story is political. It either challenges or reinforces some schism or stereotype. So what is the project going to say at the end of the day? What does it tell you about the world, or what does it challenge in terms of your world? And I don't mean that it has to be Dead Man Walking, but even with The Nutty Professor [1996], it's amazing that you're rooting for her to get the fat guy. That was an amazing hour and a half that they did with that movie. So I don't mean that it has to be obvious about an issue. But you've got to take responsibility for what you put out there. So I would have to like her for some reason—even if it's her blind delusion—or else I wouldn't want to play her. Because you have to live with them for a long time.

SAUNDERS: The question comes to life for me when I consider writing about certain people in the world right now who—granted, they're cornered or they grew up a certain way or whatever—but people (murderers, war criminals) who do really reprehensible things, and in that particular moment they really aren'tredeemable. And I wonder, is there a place in art for that character? I've had that situation where I start writing somebody really miserable, and in order to make the story come alive, I have to give them a vote of confidence, make him vulnerable or wounded. But in real life, you often meet people who, in that particular moment, actually shouldn't get a vote of confidence. I often wonder if there are certain areas of real life that are roped off, with a sign saying, "Art, don't come in here." But that's maybe a deeper question ...

SARANDON: That's a really good question. You know, when Alan Rickman, a dear friend of mine, played villains, he always made it complicated. He didn't redeem what they did, but he made you feel that it was hard for them to be so horrible.

SAUNDERS: Right. There was a cost.

SARANDON: Because it gives you pause. I think where you get into trouble—for instance the mixing of sex and violence—is when you're telling an audience that this horrible thing is enjoyable. The suffering just gets out of hand too much. It becomes pornographic.

SAUNDERS: Well, it's inaccurate, isn't it? The idea that those kind of behaviors would be cost-free is kind of delusional. I heard this Zen teacher one time talking about abortion, and he was saying the way that abortion makes bad karma is any time the person involved pretends that there's not a cost to the choice, one way or the other; whether you get it or don't get it, there's a cost. That's just basic responsibility, to admit that there's a cost. And the bad karma is when you pretend that the thing is free.

SARANDON: It's interesting that you bring that up. Because when I got the script for Thelma & Louise, when I met with the director, Ridley Scott, I said, "I don't want to do a revenge film. I'm not interested in doing that moment in the script after they shoot the truck, where it says they jump up and down and they're real happy about it. And before she kills the guy, she takes a stance like a police officer." I said, "That doesn't really interest me, to be Charles Bronson. What would be interesting to me is that there is a price." She understands when she kills that guy, and she kills him not as an execution, in my interpretation, but just trying to shut him up, and her rape from the past takes over. Then she's on the rest of this journey knowing that she's going to have to pay. So I said to him, "If, at the end, you redeem her, then I don't know where I'm going. So let's make the drive a week or five days, have her not get much sleep, where going off the cliff seems like a good idea. It can't be as long as a month, because then you have time to think about it." And when we were shooting, I added some lines. I think what's really motivating her, what's pushing her, is not revenge, but it's trying to understand why men would think women would want this kind of behavior. And so we added some lines. That was the through-line that I took instead of revenge. Because I think that's what made it different, instead of a shoot-'em-up cowboy film. It just didn't interest me the other way.

SAUNDERS: The great American denial riff is that you can do whatever you like and you always triumph at the end. The world is saying no, you can do what you like, but there are consequences. And maturity is to be able to turn to the consequences and accept them.

SARANDON: Well, in terms of our foreign policy, that's where we made a mistake after 9/11. Everyone's going, "Why, why, why," and there wasn't any investigation or learning from any of what we had been doing up to that time that had set us up. Not that we deserved it, but that [our actions] led to consequences. 9/11 just seemed to come out of the blue. And there were people asking questions, but then there were no answers. At some point, it just turned into, "We've got to do what we've got to do." And I think those are the moments when you grow, when you get the opportunity to try to figure out, exactly as you said, what price are you paying, and if it's worth that price.

SAUNDERS: It seems like, in our discourse, there's a real discomfort with any kind of not-knowing or ambiguity. For example, we don't really know why we kill each other with guns so much; it's actually a really hard question to answer. But that's a very scary space to go into. Usually, we just rush in with a too-easy answer, which doesn't convince or satisfy. So I would love to see a candidate who would just say, "I don't fucking know why, but let's try to find out; we have the resources." Let me go back and just ask you, can you tell me how you met Kurt Vonnegut, and what your impressions were of him?

SARANDON: I came to New York the same time that his daughter Edith did. We were friends with Jonathan Demme. We were all down on the West Side of New York, and I think I met Kurt through Edie. And then I was lucky to do Who Am I This Time? [1982], which was an adaptation of his short story that Jonathan Demme directed with Chris Walken and I, and that really cemented the friendship. And even when Edith moved out of the city, I kept in touch with Kurt. And also politically there were a number of times when we found ourselves in the same place trying to point out what was going on.

SAUNDERS: What was he like, personally?

SARANDON: He wasn't a chatty guy, but when he spoke, it was always clear and very funny, in the way that he wrote, in a very specific kind of combination of word groupings and expressions that lived somewhere else; he felt kind of like small town on your porch, but yet they were perfect little pearls and gems. I've read some of his letters from when he was young. He was a prisoner of war, and even when he was in his early twenties, there were things mentioned that showed up in his novels. One of the sweetest things in those letters was him wanting to be a writer but doubting himself, not having confidence in himself. But still, his powers of observation were so strong. He had a particular way of framing things. As I've said, I've just come back from Vegas, and I was in on the caucus process. It's insane. What a mess. And also with these particular candidates who are running, so many times I said, "I just wish Kurt were alive." This is like something he would be writing. This is just crazy stuff. I would love to hear his take on it.

SAUNDERS: Bernie didn't win in Nevada.

SARANDON: No. I mean, it was very, very close. But it was so chaotic. It was kind of discouraging, that whole process. But considering the difference in the money and how far down he was in the polls early on, I think he doesn't consider it a failure, from what I can tell. I think they want me in Massachusetts and in Maine, which is fun.

SAUNDERS: He's wonderful.

SARANDON: He's great. It's a very exciting time in the history of this country, to even see people responding to a different way of doing business and really wanting to make a change.

GEORGE SAUNDERS IS THE AUTHOR OF EIGHT BOOKS, INCLUDING THE SHORT STORY COLLECTIONS IN PERSUASION NATION AND TENTH OF DECEMBER. HIS NOVEL LINCOLN IN THE BARDO WILL BE OUT IN 2017.

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Reply #31 posted 04/06/16 8:15am

JoeBala

New Upcoming Releases

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Taye Diggs to Host Fox Game Show ‘You’re Back in the Room’

Daniel Holloway

Senior TV Reporter @gdanielholloway

COURTESY OF MEDIAPUNCH/REX SHUTTERSTOCK

APRIL 5, 2016 | 10:35AM PT

Taye Diggs has signed on to host Fox’s upcoming comedy game show “You’re Back in the Room.”

Based on the U.K. series of the same name, “You’re Back in the Room” features teams of contestants working to complete everyday tasks — from frosting a cake to blowing up balloons — while hypnotized. Fox gave the series an eight-episode order in December. Production is set to begin in July.

Diggs stars on the TNT drama “Murder in the First,” currently in its third season. He recently wrapped up a multi-episode arc on Fox’s freshman drama “Rosewood.”

“The second I saw this show I knew I needed to be a part of it. It’s the most unique blend of comedy and competition I’ve seen in years,” Diggs said. “I’m also quite excited as this is a program I can watch and laugh at with my 6-year-old son.”

In addition to Diggs, Keith Barry, who stars in the original U.K. version of “You’re Back in the Room,” has joined the Fox series as resident hypnotist. The Fox show is produced by Tuesday’s Child, which produced the U.K. series. in association with BBC Worldwide Productions. Karen Smith and Joe Sungkur serve as executive producers.

Lupita Nyong’o, Ben Kingsley Channel Their Inner Animals at ‘The Jungle Book’ Premiere

Lamarco McClendon

MICHAEL BUCKNER/VARIETY/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

APRIL 5, 2016 | 07:59AM PT

The jungle came to Hollywood for the world premiere of Disney’s “The Jungle Book” Monday night at Hollywood’s historic El Capitan Theatre.

The film’s launch brought out stars Lupita Nyong’o, Ben Kingsley, Neel Sethi and Giancarlo Esposito, and director Jon Favreau, among others. The premiere fell on the same day that it was announced COO Thomas Staggs would step down at Disney. Disney CEO Bob Iger was at the premiere, but declined to discuss Staggs’ departure at length.

“Jon Favreau’s vision to bring this jungle to life in a way that we can feel immersed in it and that we can feel the realness and the danger this boy is in, and the real risks the animals take to keep him safe raise the stakes in this film in a way that I think is important for us to experience,” said Nyong’o, who voices Raksha. “I was proud to play a mother, a protector, who had chosen a son that was nothing like her and fought for him no matter what.”

While the majority of the cast play CGI animated animals, their distinct voices and presences are still felt. Sethi’s character (Mowgli) — one of only two humans in the film — blends effortlessly with the animals and the actors bring a certain realness to their characters.

“I spent a little time on my hands and knees running around my living room to feel what would that voice be if I was on all fours,” said Esposito, describing his preparation for Akela. “I start with a whisper. For a wolf, I wanted to be fierce and it eventually got there. But, I don’t deal with volume. I deal with nuance and then the words sort of give me the nature of the animal.”

Kingsley said he envisioned his character to be a military man.

“I decided that my character was Colonel Bagheera and that he’s military,” added Kingsley. “I used a very precise voice, a voice that could not be misunderstood, not ambiguous, direct but also has underlying notes of tenderness and affection.”

The film holds on to classic songs like “The Bare Necessities,” but, unlike the 1967 original, the new spin on “The Jungle Book” has a more dramatic feel. Favreau combined elements from the Rudyard Kipling classic with the animated film that shifted the movie’s tone from a G-rated kid’s musical to a PG-rated adventure film.

“I think that a film of real quality demanded that the story become a bit more robust in its action sequences,” said Favreau. “I think it allows for it to appeal to a broader age range than might be attracted to something that’s more younger skewing like the original.”

The new rendition is filled with CGI, which made it possible for the film to be shot in a 12-story downtown Los Angeles building. Favreau said, “It demanded a lot of technical acumen.”

“I relied upon my visual effect supervisors and the artists that work with me to guide me through,” said Favreau. “Over the three years, I’ve worked on this and they helped me understand it. Now, at the end of this project, I feel very comfortable with this new technology and look forward to seeing how it could be applied to other stories.”

“The Jungle Book” swings into theaters everywhere April 15.

Diane Lane Cast in Broadway’s ‘The Cherry Orchard’

Gordon Cox

Legit Editor @GCoxVariety

GREGORY PACE/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

APRIL 5, 2016 | 07:00AM PT

Diane Lane will lead the cast of the Roundabout Theater Company’s upcoming revival of Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard.”

As a child, Lane made her Broadway debut in a 1977 production of “The Cherry Orchard.” In the new production, she’ll play Ranevskaya, the turn-of-the-century Russian woman who returns with her family to their orchard estate to try to put off its foreclosure.

Stephen Karam, the buzzy playwright behind the well-reviewed play “The Humans” (currently on Broadway following an Off Broadway run at the Roundabout), pens the new adaptation of the 1904 Chekhov play. Simon Godwin, the associate director at London’s National Theater, will make his Broadway debut with the production.

Lane appeared on stage most recently in the new play “The Mystery of Love and Sex,” which premiered Off Broadway last year, and in a 2012 Chicago revival of Tennessee Williams’ “Sweet Bird of Youth.” Her most recent bigscreen credits include “Batman v Superman” and “Trumbo.”

“Cherry Orchard” will play as part of the Roundabout’s 2016-17 season. Its current season is currently wrapping up with a well-received revival of “She Loves Me” as well as a starry production of “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” which just began previews.

“The Cherry Orchard” begins previews Sept. 15 ahead of an Oct. 16 opening at the American Airlines Theater. Further casting remains to be announced.

Film Review: ‘Gary Numan: Android in La La Land’

Dennis Harvey

Film

COURTESY OF SXSW

APRIL 4, 2016 | 06:35PM PT

The original paranoid android is portraitized in this slick musical docu.

The eponymous pioneering Brit synthpop star moves across the Atlantic and stages a comeback in “Gary Numan: Android in La La Land.” This portrait doesn’t provide much of a career overview, let alone fill in the blanks for those who wonder just what he’s been up to in the 30 years or more since he was last significantly in the public spotlight. But if Steve Readand Rob Alexander’s documentary feature sometimes seems too transparently a glorified promo for a recent album/tour, its subject is winningly candid and guilelessly charming — a far cry from his cold, “android”-like original persona, which was at least partly taken up as a cover for his Asperger-related performing anxiety. The polished pic will primarily access fans old and new via home-format sales.

Numan (nee Gary Webb) started Tubeway Army as a London teengager in the late 1970s, getting them signed to a major label during punk’s first wave. But a chance encounter with a studio synthesizer enraptured him and turned his focus toward electronic music a la Kraftwerk, though he says he wasn’t aware of them or other predecessors until later. While his label was initially dubious about the shift, the immediately resulting albums (“Replicas,” “The Pleasure Principle”) and singles (“Are ‘Friends’ Electric?,” “Cars”) were international smashes. The elaborate futuristic atmosphere of his live shows, his “robotic” movements and emotionally remote demeanor were, he says, not just artistic decisions but also ways of coping with various mood and behavioral problems related to the Asperger syndrome he wasn’t diagnosed with until fairly late.

But his stay atop the charts was relatively brief, and the stage spectaculars’ escalating costs gradually put him in the red; such business-side difficulties triggered an eventual falling out with his father-manager. (The finances must have gotten worked out, however, since the houses we see Numan and family living in are quite luxurious.) He kept making records and touring, but the film delivers scant insight into his creative activities of the last many years — a missed opportunity, since for anyone but dedicated fans, his post-“Cars” history is pretty much a blank.

Instead, the focus here is primarily on his gearing up to make 2013’s “Splinter (Songs From a Broken Mind),” an album he sees as crucial to extending his career. In the end, it turns out to be his bestselling and best-reviewed effort in decades. But its creation is fraught with anxiety (not unusual for him, one gleans), particularly since he simultaneously moves with wife Gemma and their three young daughters from England to an imposing residential castle in Los Angeles.

Gemma is a bustling, many-hair-colored husband wrangler in the Sharon Osbourne mold, accustomed to minding the store for her grateful, somewhat neurotic spouse. But the most endearing character here is Numan himself, who these days performs in simple T-shirt and jeans (a big change from days of yore), and seems equally unpretentious in what appears a very sweet temperament. Numan is genuinely surprised and touched when latter-day stars like Trent Raznor cite him as an influence, let alone invite him on stage to access their large fanbases. It’s hard to believe this lovable bloke ever had a communication-ending rift with his parents. But then, “Android in La La Land” may well be less than a full-disclosure tell-all, despite its seemingly unfiltered portrait.

The film is slickly packaged, with audio aspects naturally first-rate.

Film Review: 'Gary Numan: Android in La La Land'

Reviewed at SXSW Film Festival (24 Beats Per Second), March 14, 2016. Running time: 85 MIN.

Production

(Documentary — U.K.) A Perfectmotion Picture production, in association with Machine Music and Faction Films. (International sales: Circus Road, ) Produced by Rob Alexander. Executive producers, Sylvia Stevens, Caroline Spry, Brad Shenfeld, Mike Connolly, Ian Davies, Rebecca Long.

Crew

Directed by Steve Read, Rob Alexander. Camera (color, HD), Read; editor, Ollie Huddleston; music, Gary Numan; music supervisor, Graham Langley; sound, Alexander, Read; re-recording mixer, Peter Brown.

With

Gary Numan, Gemma Numan, Raven Numan, Persia Numan, Ade Fenton, Steve Malins, Martin Mills.

By Andy Daglas

What to watch on Wednesday, April 6...

12:01am Pacific, Hulu
The Path
"The Homecoming" finds Cal paying a call on his estranged mother, but his motives aren't entirely of the warm and fuzzy variety. While he's away, Sarah seizes the opportunity to deal with Miranda alone.

SEASON 3 FINALE, 8pm, Freeform
Young & Hungry
Gabi asks herself how far she’ll go for Josh, who himself is considering ending his therapy sessions after a big breakthrough. Elsewhere in “Young & No More Therapy,” Elliot and Alan arrange a honeymoon do-over, while Sofia is smitten with a fellow spin-class enthusiast.

8pm, Fox
American Idol
The final three singers perform—and I do mean “final,” because this is the first half of the two-part series finale, which concludes tomorrow at 8pm.

8pm, ABC
The Middle
Sue is hot for teacher in “Crushed,” and she goes to great lengths to try and catch his eye. Back home, Mike and Frankie meet Cindy’s parents and realize that the apple did not fall far from the oddball tree.

8pm, The CW
Arrow
Oliver and Diggle get wind of Malcolm’s plot to bust Darhk out of the hoosegow, quite possibly because Malcolm just sauntered into the Arrow-Cave and told them about it, as is his wont. Elsewhere in “Eleven-Fifty-Nine,” Laurel receives an unexpected offer and Felicity has a heart-to-heart with Curtis.

8pm, Pop
Schitt’s Creek
Johnny gets roped into a business partnership with Bob in “Bob’s Bagels,” while David pursues his own professional ventures at a women’s clothing store. Meanwhile, Moira helps Alexis recuperate from illness.

SEASON 5 FINALE, 8:30pm, Freeform
Baby Daddy
Sam, Ben, Riley, and Danny decamp to the Hamptons in “Homecoming and Going,” a situation that leaves Ben torn between his feelings for Sam and for Riley. Back in the city, Bonnie believes that Brad has moved on and attempts to do likewise, and Tucker is thrilled to have the apartment all to himself.

8:30pm, ABC
The Goldbergs
“Dungeons and Dragons, Anyone?” centers on a classic nerds vs. jocks battle—with Adam leading the latter group. As they throw down on the tabletop, Erica disappoints her parents with her choice of college.

9pm, Fox
Empire
Hakeem has big plans for his tenure as acting CEO of Empire, even as Camilla tries to tighten her grip on him and as the rest of the Lyons try to bring him back into the fold. Elsehwere in “A Rose by Any Other Name,” Jamal absorbs a fan backlash while Andre and Rhonda endure some marriage troubles.

9pm, PBS
NOVA
In “Vikings Unearthed,” archaeologist Sarah Parcak uncovers new evidence suggesting that the intrepid Norse may have voyaged even farther than previously known. Why, Vikings may have once pillaged the very spot you’re sitting in right now.

9pm, The CW
Supernatural
“Hell’s Angel” sees Lucifer making a homecoming to his old heavenly stomping grounds, which should go about as well for everybody as it did the last time he was there. Back on Earth, Crowley tells the boys that he has a cunning plan to defeat Amara.

9pm, ABC
Modern Family
As Manny and Luke babysit Lily in “The Party,” the adults go off to enjoy adult fun (not that kind). Claire and Gloria bask in a spa day, Phil and Mitch take in a picture show, and Jay and Cameron hit a sports bar to watch a boxing match.

9:30pm, ABC
Black-ish
Dre and Bow realize they need to find a backup legal guardian for the kids in case disaster strikes. Meanwhile in “The Leftovers,” Jack discovers the truth about the old family dog’s demise, which leads to the unraveling of numerous other secrets and lies.

SEASON 1 FINALE, 10pm, Sundance
Hap and Leonard
“Eskimos” finds Hap and Leonard on their own, and finds Trudy ready to unburden herself to Hap.

10pm, Comedy Central
Broad City
Ilana’s parents visit to spend their 30th anniversary in the Big Apple in “Burning Bridges.” Unfortunately, Ilana and Abbi are too preoccupied with their own romantic entanglements to join in the celebration.

10pm, FX
The Americans
Elizabeth and Philip’s latest mission in “Chloramphenicol” has a teensy, tiny, wee little flaw that could jeopardize everyone’s safety and shatter their commitment to Mother Russia. Back in the U.S.S.R., Nina too faces a life-threatening situation.

10pm, WGN America
Underground
The runners’ race to catch a northbound train hits one hurdle after another in “Run & Gun.” Meanwhile, the Macon slaves are grilled about their plans.

10pm, ABC
Nashville
“What I Cannot Change” welcomes Juliette back to town, having received treatment for her postpartum depression. Meanwhile, Layla hopes to book a high-profile gig opening for superstar Autumn Chase (Alicia Witt), Will decides to produce his own album, and Rayna is inspired by a worthy cause.

10pm, TV Land
Lopez
George adopts a rescue dog and lands a date with a dog rescue volunteer in “George Takes a Hike.”

10:30pm, TV Land
The Soul Man
A few stumbles on the campaign trail prompts Boyce to bring in a professional campaign manager in “Boyce’s Choices.” Although I’m not sure hiring the guy who came up with “Jeb!” was the savviest of moves.

LATE-NITE:
– Adam Scott and John Cena on Conan, 11pm, TBS
– TransTech Social Enterprises CEO Angelica Ross on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, 11pm, Comedy Central
– Wendell Pierce on The Nightly Show With Larry Wilmore, 11:30pm, Comedy Central
– Cameron Diaz, Jon Favreau, Alessia Cara, and Chad Smith on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, 11:35pm, NBC
– Anna Kendrick & Sam Rockwell, David Duchovny, and Autolux on Late Show with Stephen Colbert, 11:35pm, CBS
– Jenni Konner, Lena Dunham, Ashley Greene, Birdy, and Brann Dailor on Late Night with Seth Meyers, 12:35am, NBC
– Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Schaal, and Kacey Musgraves on The Late Late Show with James Corden, 12:37am, CBS

Just Music-No Categories-Enjoy It!

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Reply #32 posted 04/06/16 8:22pm

Identity	[img:$uid]http://i.imgur.com/ksCqXej.jpg[/img:$uid] Joss Stone Announces Special Guest for UK Show April 6, 2016 Joss Stone will welcome the amazing Nitin Sawhney to be part of her set at the Roundhouse for Barnabo's on May 15th. This special event is Joss's first and only UK headline performance in 2016.
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Reply #33 posted 04/06/16 10:47pm

Identity	[img:$uid]http://i.imgur.com/EhCgsa1.jpg?1[/img:$uid] DC Entertainment's Rebirth is almost upon us, and after the big reveal at WonderCon, the next chance for extensive details on the new crop of books is in June's free Previews Catalog. The June edition of Previews launches on April 13th.
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Reply #34 posted 04/07/16 7:43am

JoeBala

Thanks ID I keep forgetting to order Joss new album.

Working man's poet, Merle Haggard lived his life in song

By Associated Press

Published: 21:23 EST, 6 April 2016 | Updated: 21:24 EST, 6 April 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Merle Haggard didn't just write great country songs, he lived them.

His real life experiences of poverty as the son of Oklahoma migrants, an early stint in prison and a life lived on the road gave his songs true grit when others would just have to imagine those scenarios for inspiration. Haggard wrote songs for the American working class to drink to, to dance to and to cry to.

Haggard died Wednesday at his home in Palo Cedro, California on his 79th birthday, according to his manager.

FILE - In this Oct. 2, 2007 file photo, Merle Haggard poses at his ranch at Palo Cedro, Calif. Haggard died of pneumonia, Wednesday, April 6, 2016, in Palo Cedro, Calif. He was 79. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, FIle)

"We've lost one of the greatest writers and singers of all time," said his friend Dolly Parton in a statement. "His heart was as tender as his love ballads. I loved him like a brother. Rest easy, Merle."

A masterful guitarist, fiddler, songwriter and singer, the Country Music Hall of Famer with the firm, direct baritone released dozens of albums and No. 1 hits over the decades. His music was rough yet sensitive, reflecting on childhood, marriage and daily struggles, telling stories of shame and redemption, or just putting his foot down in "The Fightin' Side of Me" and "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink."

General audiences knew him best for "Okie From Muskogee," a patriotic anthem released in 1969 at the height of the Vietnam War. It quickly became a cultural touchstone for its anti-hippie lyrics proclaiming "we don't burn our draft cards down on Main Street; we like living right and being free."

The Byrds, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Grateful Dead, Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams and Reba McEntire all covered his songs, while others have paid tribute to the legitimacy he brought to country music, such as Eric Church's 2006 song "Pledge Allegiance to the Hag," or the Dixie Chicks' "Long Time Gone," a criticism of Nashville trends in 2000.

Haggard's songwriting earned him comparisons to folk songwriter Woody Guthrie because of his fascination with the common man, such as "If We Make it Through December." But his most poignant songs were the most personal, like the migrant ballad "Hungry Eyes," or the autobiographical "Mama Tried."

"I don't have a great education and music was a way out of poverty," Haggard said in a 2014 interview with The Associated Press. "I knew there was not much for me to look forward to if I didn't make it in music."

His childhood was out of a John Steinbeck novel; his family migrated from Oklahoma to California and lived as outsiders in their adopted state. Born in 1937 near Bakersfield, Haggard was raised in a converted railway boxcar, the only dwelling his parents could afford. When Haggard was 9, his beloved father fell ill and died, leaving Haggard with lasting grief. He turned to petty crime and spent several years in and out of institutions.

He served three years in San Quentin as inmate 845200 for burglarizing a cafe during a drunken spree. It was during that stint he saw Johnny Cash play, and he returned to Bakersfield at age 22 in 1960 ready to write music.

"My decisions have been easy," Haggard said in 2014. "It was either back in the cotton patch or go to work in the oil fields... They didn't compare with music. I was able to make more money in a beer joint than I was digging ditches."

Singer-bandleader Wynn Stewart was an early patron, hiring Haggard to play bass in his group. Haggard's first hit was a cover of Stewart's "Sing a Sad Song" and by 1966 he had been voted most promising vocalist by the Academy of Country and Western Music.

He became a superstar in 1967, first with a cover of Liz Anderson's "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive," then with such originals as "Sing Me Back Home" and "The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde," featuring Glen Campbell on banjo.

Fame brought him unexpected respectability. His criminal record was erased by California's then-Gov. Ronald Reagan, who pardoned him in 1972, and he was invited by President Richard Nixon to sing at the White House.

He was that rare combination of a hard country artist who also was a commercial success. Between 1966 and 1987, he had 38 songs rise to No. 1 on the Billboard country singles charts and earned two Grammys and was named entertainer of the year by the Country Music Association in 1970.

Still, Haggard referred to the improvisations of his band, the Strangers, as "country jazz," and in 1980, became the first country artist to appear on the cover of the jazz magazine "Downbeat."

His band over the years incorporated horns, saxophones and trombones and included well-respected musicians such as Norm Hamlet, Roy Nichols, Biff Adam and Clint Strong, as well as his wife Theresa and son Ben.

"Merle Haggard was an original. Not just a singer, not just a songwriter, not just another famous performer. He was your common everyday working man," said Hank Williams Jr. in a statement.

FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2014 file photo, Merle Haggard arrives at the 56th annual GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles. Haggard died of pneumonia, Wednesday, April 6, 2016, in Palo Cedro, Calif. He was 79. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - In this May 28, 2003 file photo, country music legend Merle Haggard smiles during a news conference at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington where he and his sister Lillian Haggard Hoge donated belongings taken on their family's Dust Bowl-era move from Oklahoma to California on Route 66.

Haggard died of pneumonia, Wednesday, April 6, 2016, in Palo Cedro, Calif. He was 79. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Visitors pay their condolences at the plaque of Merle Haggard at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, April 6, 2016.

Haggard, who rose from poverty and prison to international fame through his songs about outlaws, underdogs and an abiding sense of national pride in such hits as "Okie From Muskogee" and "Sing Me Back Home," died Wednesday at 79, on his birthday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)

FILE - In this Oct. 8, 1977 file photo, Merle Haggard performs at the Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, Tenn. Haggard died of pneumonia, Wednesday, April 6, 2016, in Palo Cedro, Calif. He was 79. (AP Photo/ File)

R&B singer-songwriter Leon Haywood, famous for writing tune sampled by Dr. Dre, dies at 74 in Los Angeles

Leon Haywood died in his sleep Tuesday, his godson confirmed
Dr. Dre famously sampled Haywood in 1992 hit 'Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang'
Haywood began his career as a blues musician in the 1960s

By Associated Press

Published: 22:12 EST, 6 April 2016 | Updated: 00:17 EST, 7 April 2016

Leon Haywood, the silky smooth R&B singer-songwriter and producer whose 1975 single 'I Want'a Do Something Freaky to You' was famously sampled by Dr. Dre and others, has died. He was 74.

Haywood's godson Darnell 'OG Cuicide' Price said he died in his sleep Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Haywood's 'I Want'a Do Something Freaky to You' served as the groovy hook on the Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg duet 'Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang.'

R&B singer Leon Haywood died in his sleep Tuesday, his godson confirmed

Leon Haywood worked as a musician since the 1960s, and had his biggest hit with the 1975 single 'I Want'a Do Something Freaky to You'

The song was also featured in 50 Cent's 'Corner Bodega,' Aaliyah's 'I Gotcha Back' and Redman's 'Rockafella.'

Haywood's other hits included 'It's Got to Be Mellow,' ''Keep It in the Family' and 'Don't Push It Don't Force It.'

Born in Houston, Texas, Haywood began his career as a blues musician performing with the likes of Guitar Slim and Big Jay McNeely before achieving success in the '60s, '70s and '80s in the soul, R&B and funk genres.

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Reply #35 posted 04/07/16 8:26am

JoeBala

Latin Jazz saxophonist Gato Barbieri dies at age 83

By Associated Press

Published: 22:44 EST, 2 April 2016 | Updated: 22:44 EST, 2 April 2016

NEW YORK (AP) — Latin Jazz saxophonist Leandro "Gato" Barbieri, who composed the Grammy-winning music for the steamy Marlon Brando film "Last Tango in Paris" and recorded dozens of albums over a career spanning more than seven decades, has died at age 83.

Laura Barbieri, his wife of nearly 20 years, said her husband died Saturday in a New York hospital from pneumonia. The musician recently had bypass surgery to remove a blood clot.

"Music was a mystery to Gato, and each time he played was a new experience for him, and he wanted it to be that way for his audience," she said. "He was honored for all the years he had a chance to bring his music all around the world."

FILE - In this Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015 file photo, Gato Barbieri arrives at the Lifetime Achievement and Trustees Awards presentation at the Ka Theater in the MGM Grand Hotel, in Las Vegas. Grammy winning Latin Jazz saxophonist Leonardo ¿Gato¿ Barbieri has died at a New York hospital, Saturday, April 2, 2016. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

The Argentine-born musician recorded some 35 albums between 1967 and 1982, when he stopped consistently making new records. He toured regularly and went on to record four more albums, including 1997's smooth jazz "Que Pasa," which reached No. 2 on Billboard's contemporary jazz charts.

Though in poor health, Barbieri, still sporting his trademark black fedora hat, had been performing monthly at the Blue Note jazz club in New York, since 2013. He last performed at the club on Nov. 23.

"He was my best friend," Laura Barbieri said Saturday. "I'm so grateful we had these 20 years together." She said a public memorial was being planned, but details have not been finalized.

Last year, Barbieri received a Latin Grammy lifetime achievement award for a career that covered "virtually the entire jazz landscape."

The citation from the Latin Recording Academy credited Barbieri with creating "a rebellious but highly accessible musical style, combining contemporary jazz with Latin American genres and incorporating elements of instrumental pop."

Barbieri won a Grammy for best instrumental composition in 1973 for his music for "Last Tango In Paris," the controversial erotic drama starring Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider that earned two Oscar nominations.

When director Bernardo Bertolucci needed sexy music for "Last Tango," he turned to Barbieri who was known for his distinctive, sensuous, huge-toned tenor sax sound.

"It was like a marriage between the film and the music," said Barbieri of the soundtrack that made him an international star, in a 1997 interview with The Associated Press. "Bernardo told me, 'I don't want the music to be too much Hollywood or too much European, which is more intellectual. I want a median.'"

Barbieri said tango had a special appeal because it is deeply tied to his Argentine soul.

"Always in the tango is tragedy — she leaves him, she kills him. It's like an opera but it's called tango," Barbieri said in 1997, noting that half of Argentinians, including him, had roots in Italy. "The lyrics and the melodies are very beautiful. It's very sensual."

Born on Nov. 28, 1932, in Rosario, Argentina, Barbieri grew up in a family that included several musicians, but did not take up an instrument until he was 12 when he heard bebop pioneer Charlie Parker's recording of "Now's the Time" and began studying clarinet.

After moving to Buenos Aires in 1947, Barbieri picked up the alto saxophone. He earned the nickname "El Gato," which means "The Cat," in the 1950s because of the way he scampered between clubs with his saxophone.

He gained national prominence playing alto saxophone in an orchestra led by Lalo Schifrin, the pianist and composer who later made a big impact with his TV and film scores, including "Theme from Mission: Impossible."

Later in the 1950s, Barbieri switched to tenor saxophone as he began leading his own groups.

In the 1960s, splitting his time between Rome and New York, Barbieri became part of the Ornette Coleman-inspired free jazz revolution, working extensively with trumpeter Don Cherry from Coleman's groundbreaking quartet. Influenced by other modern jazz saxophonists — including John Coltrane, Albert Ayler and Pharoah Sanders — he developed a warmer, grittier sound on the tenor sax. He recorded and performed with such avant-garde jazz musicians as Cherry, Carla Bley and Mike Mantler.

But he soon rediscovered his roots, incorporating South American rhythms, harmonies and melodic themes on albums starting with "The Third World" in 1969 — and eventually developed his own contemporary jazz sound. He followed that with the live album "El Pampero" in 1971.

After releasing the "Last Tango" album in 1972, Barbieri recorded a series of mellower Latin-infused soul-jazz and jazz-pop albums, including four "Chapter" albums for the Impulse! label, which explored Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and Argentine rhythms. He then released "Caliente" (1976) for the A&M label, which included his popular rendition of Carlos Santana's "Europa."

Barbieri recorded new material consistently until 1982, when a dispute with his record label led him to focus solely on touring. He recoded only intermittently in the 1980s, and did not release any albums from 1988-97. He released "Que Pasa" in 1997 after dealing with the turmoil of losing his Italian-born wife of 35 years to a degenerative illness in January 1995, and then undergoing triple bypass heart surgery two months later.

He had to recover physically and overcome depression at the death of his wife to finish the album, which he credited with being a healing force.

"The only way I saw was to go out and do something every day," he said. "The music gave me life."

Barbieri would release only three more albums over the rest of his life — including "The Shadow of the Cat" in 2002, a Latin-flavored smooth jazz session featuring guest trumpeter Herb Alpert, and "New York Meeting" in 2010 on which he played straight-ahead jazz standards, such as Thelonious Monk's "Straight, No Chaser" and Miles Davis' "So What."

Barbieri married again in 1996 and had a son, Christian, who turns 18 on Sunday. Besides his wife and son, he is survived by his sister Raquel Barbieri, who lives in Buenos Aires.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be sent to The Reciprocity Foundation, a nonprofit that works to help homeless and foster youth in New York City.

This story has been corrected to show Barbieri's first name was Leandro, not Leonardo, and to correct the label for "Caliente" to A&M, not the Impulse! Label.

___

AP Entertainment Writer Anthony McCartney in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

FILE - In this Friday, Sept. 15, 2006 file photo, Argentinian tenor saxophonist Gato Barbieri performs in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. On Saturday, April 2, 2016, the Grammy winning musician died in a New York hospital from pneumonia at the age of 83, his wife, Laura said. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2586575.1459670771!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_400/gato-barbieri.jpg

Gato Barbieri: An appreciation

Jim Bessman

Manhattan Local Music Examiner

April 7, 2016 6:39 AM MST

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Gato Barbieri performs "Last Tango in Paris"

YouTube

Argentinian avant-garde jazz saxophonist Gato Barbieri, who died April 2 at 83, was known for his stylistically broad recording output, which included the Grammy-winning theme from his score for Bernardo Bertolucci’s landmark 1972 film Last Tango in Paris.

Gato Barbieri at the 2015 Latin GRAMMY Person of the Year honoring Roberto Carlos at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on November 18, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for LARAS

He appeared monthly at New York’s Blue Note jazz club up until health problems stopped him last November.

“Blue Note is deeply saddened by the loss of legendary saxophonist Gato Barbieri,” the club said in a statement. “Our relationship with Gato goes back to his debut at Blue Note New York in January of 1985. He helped establish the club in its early years and became a staple at Blue Note venues worldwide for over 30 years. In 2013, he began more regular appearances at Blue Note New York, performing multiple times each year leading up to his final public performance on Monday, November 23, 2015.”

Jeffrey Levenson, who runs the Blue Note’s jazz label Half Note Records, noted, “Early in his career Mr. Barbieri was a prominent member of the jazz avant-garde, making records with the trumpeter Don Cherry, the pianist and composer Carla Bley and others that challenged the music’s harmonic and rhythmic conventions. He later developed a more melodic approach that acknowledged his Latin American heritage, and that won him a large and loyal worldwide audience.”

New York-based jazz-funk bassist Amanda Ruzza, who hails from Brazil, was heavily influenced by Barbieri.

“Gato Barbieri’s music was so incredible—it had the power to influence people at a subconscious level,” she says. “Growing up in Brazil, his music was always around, and playing his songs was ‘the obvious thing to do.’”

“I never thought how much it impacted my artistry until I moved to New York, and connected with other Latin American musicians,” continues Ruzza. “When they began calling out Gato’s songs at gigs, I finally realized how blessed I was by his art, and how much his music contributed into making me who I am as a musician. ‘El Maestro Gato’ will be always with us, through the hearts of musicians who will continue to pass around and permutate his Latin American spirit and sound.”

Concluded the Blue Note: “Today we’ve lost an icon, pioneer and dear friend. Gato’s significant contributions to music and the arts were an inspiration to us all. We look forward to celebrating Gato’s legacy at Blue Note for years to come.”

Carole King celebrates 45th anniversary of ground-breaking ‘Tapestry’

Carol Banks Weber

Jazz Music Examiner

April 6, 2016 9:40 PM MST

Play

Carole King wrote “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman” for Aretha Franklin, who took it to the top. Here is the original songwriter’s version, live.

CaroleKingVEVO

In 1971, every girl in America played one album until the grooves wore out. That album was Carole King’s three-time, Grammy-winning Tapestry.

Carole King and Tom Scott made jazz pop-accessible on one of the best testimonies, "Jazzman."

Photo by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images for SeriousFun Children's Network

The world honored King back in February on the ground-breaking album’s 45th anniversary. Nine days later, on Feb. 19, 2016, the documentary, “Carole King: Natural Woman,” premiered on PBS’s “American Masters.”

Originally released on Feb. 10, 1971 on Ode Records, Tapestry featured all of King’s hit songs written for other artists, including Aretha Franklin and The Shirelles, as well as a few of her own.

King, 74, was well-known in the ‘60s as a songwriter, content to sit behind the scenes of a nice and easy pop movement that relied on low-maintenance melodies and unmet romantic yearning. When Tapestry came out, however, King managed to break the unwritten rule that women stayed mostly in the background and remained a muse for a male-dominant industry.

Shaky as a singer but a fount of ideas as a piano-playing composer, King became a musical heroine to many young women who would grow up to emulate her universal reach.

Tapestry — #1 on the Billboard 200 chart for 15 weeks straight — also delved into serious adult matters, reflecting King’s own personal turmoil as a just-divorced single mom in the middle of the divisive Vietnam War.

King would later spread her wings musically by penning and singing the Billboard Hot 100 single, “Jazzman,” giving renewed life to a dying genre on the solo of real jazzman, saxophonist Tom Scott, and in those life-affirming lyrics.

'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' trailer reveals the Rebellion's earliest mission

Travis Hopson

DC Film Examiner

April 7, 2016 6:57 AM MST

Play

'Rogue One' Teaser Trailer 1

Star Wars

It's an interesting and bold move for Disney and Lucasfilm to follow the wildly successful "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" with a film that doesn't continue the established narrative. Instead, Gareth Edwards' "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" jumps back to a 'A New Hope' and the Rebellion as it gears up for a daring operation against the Empire. But just as the Force binds all living beings together, this early storyline has ramifications on everything that follows.

Photo: Lucasfilm

The first trailer for 'Rogue One' has arrived and if there was a way to pump up the excitement for Disney's expanded Star Wars universe, this was it. Everybody knows that Princess Leia had the Death Star plans in her possession in 'A New Hope', placing them inside R2-D2 so they could be found by Obi Wan Kenobi. But how did they get them in the first place? That's the story being told here, as a band of rebels set forth to steal the plans so they could blow the battle station to smithereens. Felicity Jones stars as the roguish Jyn Erso, who we see being put in command of the mission by Rebel leader, Mon Mothma.

With Ben Mendelsohn as a brand new villain and Donnie Yen using some form of martial art to kick Stormtrooper butt, this doesn't look like any other Star Wars film we've seen before, which in itself is hugely exhilarating. Also starring Diego Luna, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, and Riz Ahmed, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" opens December 16th.

What to Watch Tonight: The Series Finale of American Idol, the Season Premiere of The Odd Couple, and New Episodes of Archer and Mom

By Andy Daglas

What to watch on Thursday, April 7...

DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE, 7pm, Ovation
The Genius of Roald Dahl
A profile of the beloved children’s author examines the unique temperament of his work, traces his storytelling influences, and explores his roots in Cardiff. Author David Walliams hosts.

SERIES FINALE, 8pm, Fox
American Idol
The fans select an Idol for the 15th and final time, after which the new champ will suspend democratic fan voting, pack the judges’ table with cronies, declare themselves Idolus Rex, and rule over a new Imperial Era of singing competitions.

8pm, CBS
The Big Bang Theory
Sheldon divulges a secret about Leonard when they, Penny, and Amy enjoy a weekend outing at a cabin in “The Big Bear Precipitation.” Back home, Raj gets carried away with giving pregnancy gifts to Bernadette and Howard.

8pm, ABC
Grey’s Anatomy
En route to fetch a transplant heart in “I Wear the Face,” Meredith learns exactly why Owen has a bone to pick with Nathan. Elsewhere, Catherine butts into Jackson and April’s affairs, the hospital treats a musician and MS patient who has a tremor in his hand, and the residents apply for the Preminger Grant, which is somehow not the name of a character actor who played wealthy villains on ‘70s and ‘80s procedurals.

8pm, The CW
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow
The team is divided over Rip’s next plan to foil Savage: killing a teenage boy who will eventually become a monstrous dictator. Meanwhile in “Progeny,” Sara helps Snart get through a hard time, and Ray learns something that could affect his relationship with Kendra.

SEASON 2 PREMIERE, 8:30pm, CBS
The Odd Couple
Oscar and Felix can’t help but listen in on their neighbors’ squabbling in “All About Eavesdropping.” This being a sitcom, they also can’t help but get involved to try and save the couple’s marriage. In other rocky relationships, Emily and Dani feel the strain when they train for a race to the top of the Empire State Building.

9pm, NBC
The Blacklist
“Mr. Solomon,” the first half of a two-parter, finds the team scrambling to stop some thieves from getting their hands on a tactical nuke. Also, Liz and Tom make a decision that will change both their lives. Not, like, “getting annihilated by a tactical nuke” change, but still, pretty important in its own way, I’m sure.

9pm, CBS
Mom
With the restaurant closed for renovations, Christy goes to work as Jill’s personal assistant in “Cornflakes and the Hair of Three Men.” Meanwhile, a wrong number leads to a love connection for Bonnie and the mistaken caller (William Fichtner).

9pm, ABC
Scandal
“Thwack!” kicks election season into high gear, with all the Machiavellian machinations that entails. Though for the record, the writings of Niccolò Machiavelli are actually much more nuanced and morally grounded than that adjective would have you believe. To learn more about contemporary American politics, Machiavelli in the context of Renaissance Italy, and tonight’s episode of Scandal, consult your local library.

9pm, The CW
The 100
Jaha tries a new approach to bring Abby over to his cause in “Fallen,” and it doesn’t sound like it’ll be a pleasant one. Elsewhere, Monty lands deep in the soup and Jasper hurries to rescue a comrade.

9:30pm, CBS
2 Broke Girls
“And the Show and Don’t Tell” sends the ladies to prison… where they’re visiting Caroline’s dad as he performs in a musical. (Had you going for a second though, didn’t I? Ehh?) While there, they also share their plan to upgrade the cupcake window into a dessert bar, financed by Caroline’s Hollywood haul.

10pm, FX
Archer
Archer and Lana are tasked with a tricky exchange in “The Handoff.” Having more fun is the rest of the gang, amused by the best voicemail ever.

10pm, History
Vikings
After the Vikings get their pointy hats handed to them, Ragnar’s leadership comes in for scrutiny in “Portage.” But he may yet have one more trick up his sleeve. Elsewhere, Rollo gains an edge at the French court while Count Odo pays the price for his obliviousness.

10pm, ABC
The Catch
In “The Trail,” Valerie’s estranged husband enlists the team’s help after a pharma giant’s clinical trial leaves his sister suffering nasty side effects. Meanwhile, Ben sets his scam-artist sights on a princess.

10pm, Spike
Lip Sync Battle
Jason Derulo and Katharine McPhee compete, presumably with a thorough staging of the Smash songbook. No lie, I had to triple-check that Smash didn’t have an exclamation point in it. Doesn’t it feel like it ought to?

10pm, CBS
Rush Hour
Gerald is arrested when it’s discovered that his watch was pilfered in a robbery-homicide in “Two Days, or the Number of Hours Within That Time Frame.” So it’s up to Carter to sneak his cousin out of jail and catch the killer culprits.

11pm, History
Join or Die with Craig Ferguson
Jack Black, Tymberlee Hill, and Prof. Stephen Prothero consider what might have been the most important drug ever. Smart money says it’s the new one upon which Huey Lewis so eloquently insisted back in ‘84.

LATE-NITE:
– Paul Reubens, Liam Cunningham, and Michael Kiwanuka on Conan, 11pm, TBS
– Political analyst Juan Williams on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, 11pm, Comedy Central
– Jake Tapper on The Nightly Show With Larry Wilmore, 11:30pm, Comedy Central
– Russell Crow, Jonathan Groff, the Lumineers, and the Sugarhill Gang on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, 11:35pm, NBC
– Mindy Kaling, Tituss Burgess, and Ken Burns on Late Show with Stephen Colbert, 11:35pm, CBS
– Sen. Bernie Sanders, Savion Glover, Brandi Carlile, and Brann Dailor on Late Night with Seth Meyers, 12:35am, NBC

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Go Behind The Scenes Of Yuna’s ‘Crush’ Video Featuring Usher

News R&B News

Malaysian singer-songwriter, entrepreneur and designer Yuna has been under the American mainstream radar for a while now, but that may change with her single “Crush” featuring Usher.

Straying from her signature ambient, folksy sound, Yuna says she was inspired by the 90s vibe of TLC, Aaliyah, and Alicia Keys when “Crush” came to be.

“When I wrote this I was studying Alicia Keys, Aaliyah , TLC, and I was like man, I gotta write stuff like this,” she says in the behind-the-scenes clip of the video shoot (below).

On the soft groove, Yuna and Usher sing to each other as potential love interests. “I feel a little rush, I think I have a little crush on you / I hope that’s not too much, but boy when I’m with you / I hear my heart singing, la la la la la la la la la,” they sing on the chorus.

The video is slated to drop later next week. Peep the BTS below:

Yuna’s recently announced album, Chapters, is set for release on May 20, 2016. The album has features from Usher, Jhene Aiko and more. Pre-order Chapters on iTunes here. Also, catch Yuna on tour starting April 29 in Washington, D.C. Tickets are available for purchase online here.

Check Out Some Of The ‘Black Girls Rock 2016’ Performances!

News R&B News

Last night (April 5), BET’s 10th annual “Black Girls Rock! Awards” aired in celebration to honor black women and girls (famous or not) who have impacted in the world.

The event was packed with great vibes and star power as black women uplifted each other in a society that often overlooks them and praises catty feuds.

The honorees were producer and writer Shonda Rhimes (Shot Caller Award), R&B legend Gladys Knight (Living Legend Award), The Walking Dead actress and “Eclipsed” playwright Danai Gurira (Star Power Award)

Award-winning actress and activist Amandla Stenberg (Young Gifted and Black Award), and Black Lives Matter founders Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi (Community Change Agent Award).

R&B stars Jazmine Sullivan, Brandy, Monica, and Andra Day, Marsha Ambrosius, Corrine Bailey Rae, and Lauryn Hill, all performed for their fellow female movers and shakers.

Wearing a gold body suit, Jazmine Sullivan performed her self-love single “Masterpiece,” Brandy got into character of a down-and-out for her performance of her new single “Beggin & Pleadin”

Monica beautifully performed the ballad “Alone In Your Heart from her latest LP, Code Red, sharing a mommy-daughter moment with daughter Laiyah, as well.

Lauryn Hill closed out the show with an amazing, energetic performance of “Lost Ones.” Glady Knight also performed a slew of her hits including “Midnight Train To Georgia” and “Love Overboard.”

Rihanna’s presence at the show was also a highlight as she’s currently on a word tour as one of the biggest stars in the world, and a black woman who’s unapologetically fearless in her career, music, and image.

Her speech resonated with the crowd when she said, “All girl rock, black girls…

we’re just on another level,” she said during the acceptance speech of her Rock Star Award.

Fantasia Tries Out Country On New Offering, ‘Ugly’

R&B Music R&B Music

With new management and new music, Fantasia’s positioning 2016 for a takeover, the “Rock-Soul” artist is now trying out another genre.

Her new release “Ugly” (written by Audra Mae and Nicolle Galyon, and produced by Ron Fair) is a full-fledged country song, complete with guitar, violins, harmonica, and the story of a woman who’s feel unfulfilled in life and seeks fulfillment in a bad relationship.

“Picket fence, two car garage and a man that she don’t love / But he makes six figures, and she thought he’d fix her / But that iron gate feels more and more like an old bird cage, than a way to keep out the danger …..So she takes to liquor,” she sings before singing lyrics of gratitude.

“Ugly” is from her album “The Definition Of…” which will arrive in stores later this year via RCA Records.
Fantasia will perform the song on the grand finale of “American Idol”. Cop it on iTunes tomorrow, April 8th.

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R.I.P. Dennis Davis, longtime drummer of David Bowie, has died

Davis drummed on albums including Station to Station, Low, "Heroes", and more

by Alex Young

on April 07, 2016, 1:00pm

Dennis Davis, longtime drummer of David Bowie, has died following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Davis drummed on Bowie’s albums throughout the 1970s and 80s, including Young Americans, Station to Station, Low, “Heroes”, Lodger, and Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps). In total, he played on seven of Bowie’s records, and joined him on the road throughout the ’70s and once more in the early 2000s. Other artists Davis worked with include Iggy Pop (The Idiot), Jemaine Jackson (Let’s Get Serious), and Stevie Wonder (Hotter Than July, Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants, Original Musiquarium, and Characters).

Born in Manhattan, Davis studied under Max Roach and Elvin Jones before joining the Clark Terry Big Band in 1967. During his tour in the Vietnam War, he performed as part of the US Navy’s Drum and Bugle Corps before returning to the states and joining Roy Ayers’ band.

Tony Visconti, Bowie’s longtime producer, said in a statement:

“Dennis Davis has passed away. He was one of the most creative drummers I have ever worked with. He came into David Bowie’s life when we recorded some extra tracks for Young Americans and stayed with us through Scary Monsters and beyond. He was a disciplined jazz drummer who tore into Rock with a Jazz sensibility. Listen to the drum breaks on Black Out from the Heroes album. He had a conga drum as part of his set up and he made it sound like two musicians were playing drums and congas. By Scary Monsters he was playing parts that were unthinkable but they fit in so perfectly. His sense of humor was wonderful. As an ex member of the US Air Force he told us stories of seeing a crashed UFO first hand by accidentally walking through an unauthorized hanger. There will never be another drummer, human being and friend like Dennis, a magical man.”

Jimmie Van Zant has died: Cousin of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant was 59

By Jeremy Gray | jgray@al.com

on April 08, 2016 at 6:34 AM, updated April 08, 2016 at 7:05 AM

Jeremy Gray | jgray@al.com

Jimmie Van Zant, cousin of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant and a musician in his own right, has died.

"We know you're lookin' down on us from rock 'n' roll heaven, Jimmie," Lynyrd Skynyrd posted on ...k Thursday.

"It is with a very heavy heart that we inform you that Jimmie Van Zant has passed away today holding his wife's hand. His very close friends, Steve & Sue Prindel were alongside Jimmie & Zohra, as Jimmie transitioned. We ask that you keep Jimmie, Zohra and all of his loved ones in your thoughts & prayers. We also ask that you respect their need for privacy in this very sad and difficult time. Thank you. God bless you and let the Freebird Fly !!!" a post on Jimmie Van Zant's Facebok page read.

Van Zant died in hospice care after battling liver cancer for several years, The Daily Banner reported.

The 59-year-old Van Zant had released three albums in his career, The Jimmie Van Zant Band (1996), Southern Comfort (2000) and Feels Like Freedom (2012), UltimateClassicRock.com reported.

That report continued: "Upon the release of Feels Like Freedom, he was the subject of a Billboard profile where he discussed the pros and cons of having the Van Zant name.

"First of all, it's my family, so I am very glad to be a part of it," he said.

"I've been asked many times whether doors open or close because of it. In my day-to-day, the Van Zant carries weight no different than DuPont paint or Chevrolet or Ford.

"There's a brand name, but there is to be expected quality, and we try to deliver that. It gets tough sometimes. I get messages on Facebook saying I'm riding off of coat tails, but it's no different than if your dad had a restaurant or a car dealership.

Before he passes on, he tells you to carry it on. Do you want to sell out? No, it's priceless. That's something you can't buy."

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Pedro 'Chatanuga' Weber Dead: Mexican Actor, Comedian Passes Away At 82

By Janel Saldana | Mar 22 2016, 12:35PM EDT

Pedro Weber, better known as "Chatanuga," passed away on Tuesday morning. He was 82. Televisa

Another great icon of Mexican television has passed away. Pedro Weber, better known as “Chatanuga,” died of heart complications on Tuesday morning. He was 82. According to several sources, the actor and comedian had been dealing with heart complications since 2004. For the last 12 years, he had been receiving medical treatment to control his disease and was forced to follow a riguours diet due to his weight issues.

Born on November 27, 1933 in Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, “Chatanuga” participated in aproximadately 200 plays, movies, TV shows, and telenovelas in his native Mexico, where he lived until his very last day. Weber had his big break in theatre, where he was discovered and supported by another great legend of Mexican comedy, Adalberto Martínez, better known as “El Resortes.”

Weber’s career went beyond Mexican telenovelas and films. He was an M.C. at the Caravana Corona for 10 years, and he even accomplished an unusual crossover for an actor when he landed a job in New York’s Madison Square Garden as Stage Director. Among his greatest films are, “Dos Caballeros de Espada,” “La Duquesa Diabólica,” “Noches de Cabaret,” “Pedro Navaja,” and many more.

In the telenovela world, he landed roles in popular soaps such as “El Privilegio de Amar,” “Carita de Angel,” and “Rebelde. Before he decided to dedicate his life to acting, Weber worked in La Castañeda, a mental institution where he developed in different areas.

Rest in peace, Pedro “Chatanuga” Weber.

John Leguizamo 'Latin History For Morons': Actor Returns To Stage With One-Man Show

By Natalie Roterman | Apr 05 2016, 06:26PM EDT

Actor John Leguizamo arrives for the premiere of Lionsgate's 'American Ultra' at the Ace Theater in downtown Los Angeles, California on August 18, 2015. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images

Actor John Leguizamo, who is of Colombian and Puerto Rican descent, has been living in the U.S. since age 4. At one point, he recalls having figured out what was missing in high school history classes and textbooks: Latinos. “We’re not taught anything that we contributed to this country and we’ve been around for 500 years,” he told HuffPost Live. “It was like, I’m watching TV and I’m watching movies and listening to radio and we’re invisible,” Leguizamo insisted. “I was like, where are all the Latin people?”

After the realization, the actor thought up “Latin History for Dummies,” except the name couldn’t go through because of the “For Dummies” instructional book series representatives, but the idea was still there, and after thinking it through for the last 15 years, the show “Latin History for Morons,” is all set to go!

The play is a one-man show, set to be told in the form of a satirical history lesson for Leguizamo’s son, where he will touch on how Spanish-speaking immigrants helped to shape the U.S. “Hopefully their minds are going to be rebooted and reset to realizing what a huge impact we Latin people have had in this country,” the actor told Fox News Latino, “and how all our contributions have been erased systematically.”

Leguizamo’s concern was also heightened when he read a statistic that said 45 percent of Latino kids drop out of high school. “Just imagine, you’re a white kid and all of a sudden everybody’s Latin and everything they’re teaching you is Latin and you don’t hear anything about yourself or about your contributions,” the actor said. “You feel like an invisible person screaming in the woods and nobody hears you,” he added. “And it’s really weird and unfair because we had huge contributions.”

The show debuts tonight at California’s La Jolla Playhouse and is slated to debut in New York City's Public Theater next Spring 2017.

Entertainment

Shakira New Album: Colombian Singer Hints At Upcoming Studio Production

By Jessica Lucia Roiz | Apr 06 2016, 10:28AM EDT

Singer/actress Shakira attends the Disney Premiere of Zootopia in Hollywood, California, on February 17, 2016. VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images

Shakira hasn't been missing in action, per say, but she has been very M.I.A. from her music career. Shak, who has been busy with her philanthropic work as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, her recent role in Disney's "Zootopia," her new parenting app, and of course, with motherhood, has hinted at a possible studio album following her 2014 self-titled production.

Earlier this month, the mother of the adorable Milan and Sasha, shared two photos on Instagram that clearly teased her 18 million followers. "Writing songs! / Escribiendo canciones! Shak," said one of the posts. Another post simply stated: "Drumming." Yes, we are crossing our fingers that the writing and drumming are part of her long overdue album.

The last album the Colombian songstress dropped was two years ago with "Shakira." The 10th studio production includes hits such as "Dare (La La La)," "Empire," and "Can't Remember To Forget You" featuring Rihanna.

In a press conference held in October 2015, the 39-year-old singer promised to start working on an album for 2016. "By the end of this year or the beginning of the next year I will start working on my new album in the studio," she said. "Now I want to be first and foremost a mother, because after three months I will no longer have a baby. He will be grown up as a healthy one years old boy," she added.

Various news reports reveal that Shak will return to her roots, releasing an all Spanish-language production. In the meantime, check out her complete discography. Which is your favorite Shakira album? We like "Pies Descalzos"!

SHAKIRA'S DISCOGRAPHY
Magia (1991)
Peligro (1993)
Pies Descalzos (1995)
Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998)
Laundry Service (2001)
Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 (2005)
Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 (2005)
She Wolf (2009)
Sale el Sol (2010)
Shakira (2014)

Entertainment

'The Angry Birds' Movie: Demi Lovato Excited To Be Part Of Soundtrack

By Jessica Lucia Roiz | Apr 05 2016, 10:26AM EDT

Demi Lovato joins the fluffly cast of "The Angry Birds." Columbia Pictures

Demi Lovato kicked off a spectacular 2016, and considering the year is not over, it only keeps getting better for the songstress! For the past couple of months, Lovato has been making the rounds with her enchanting single "Stone Cold," delivering powerful performances in places such as the iHeart Radio Music Awards, "Saturday Night Live," and on "The Ellen Show."

Now, Lovato, who recently received the Vanguard Award for her advocacy for acceptance of the LGBT community at the 2016 GLAAD Media Awards, is proud to announce her newest venture on the big screen as part of "The Angry Birds" movie.

Demi Lovato joins "The Angry Birds Movie" Columbia Pictures / Rovio Entertainment

The 23-year-old star will not act in the forthcoming movie like Shakira did in "Zootopia"; however, she will be part of the movie's fun-filled soundtrack. "Excited to announce I’m singing a song for #AngryBirdsMovie! Can’t wait for u to hear it and see the movie in May," she expressed on Twitter to her over 35 million followers.

As we patiently wait for the soundtrack single to launch, here's what you can expect in "The Angry Birds Movie" hitting theaters on May 20th, which by the way, also stars bachata crooner Romeo Santos!

"The Angry Birds Movie" hits theaters May 20. Columbia Pictures / Rovio Entertainment

The 3D animated comedy takes viewers s to an island populated entirely by happy, flightless birds – or almost entirely. In this paradise, Red (Jason Sudeikis, We're the Millers, Horrible Bosses), a bird with a temper problem, speedy Chuck (Josh Gad in his first animated role since Frozen), and the volatile Bomb (Danny McBride, This is the End, Eastbound and Down) have always been outsiders. But when the island is visited by mysterious green piggies, it’s up to these unlikely outcasts to figure out what the pigs are up to.

The Columbia Pictures/Rovio Entertainment film, directed by Fergal Reilly and Clay Kaytis, also includes a stellar voice-over cast, such as: Bill Hader (Trainwreck, Inside Out), Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids), and Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), as well as Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele), Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live, next year's Ghostbusters), Tony Hale (Veep, Arrested Development), Ike Barinholtz (The Mindy Project, Neighbors), Hannibal Buress (Broad City, Why? With Hannibal Buress), Jillian Bell (22 Jump Street), Danielle Brooks (Orange is the New Black), and YouTube stars Smosh (Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla).

Billboard Latin Music Awards 2016: Juanes, Lucero, Marc Anthony, More Confirmed To Perform

By Jessica Lucia Roiz | Apr 07 2016, 11:59AM EDT

Check out all of the confirmed performers for the 2016 Billboard Latin Music Awards. Getty Images

The 2016 Billboard Latin Music Awards are just around the corner and celebrities keep confirming their attendance.

Joining the star-studded ceremony, which will be held ending April in Miami, are newly announced performers Juanes, Lucero, Yandel, Natalia Jimenez, and Marc Anthony. Nicky Jam, Victor Manuelle, Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizarraga, and a historic performance by Daddy Yankee and Don Omar are previously confirmed acts.

Recently, the Latin Billboards announced that Alejandro Fernandez has also been invited to perform with his daughter, Camila, as part of this year's "Billboard Duets." His 18-year-old daughter first stepped into the spotlight after her first public performance singing "Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti" with her father in 2014. The father and daughter recently dropped their first-ever duet, covering "Lion King's" "Circle of Life" in Spanish.

In addition to his highly-anticipated showcase with his daughter, El Potrillo will receive the Billboard Hall of Fame Award, reserved for artists who have achieved worldwide recognition for their work, transcending musical genres and languages. This honor has been previously given to Celia Cruz, Vicente Fernandez, and Marc Anthony. On the other hand, Marco Antonio Solis will also get a special recognition, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Mexican singer will be honored with this award in celebration of his 50 plus years in the industry. His trajectory kicked off in the mid-'70s when Solis formed part of Los Bukis, gaining instant success in Latin America and the U.S.

A new wave of presenters has also been revealed, including TV favorites Edith Gonzalez (Eva La Trailera), Michael Buffer (The voice of professional Boxing) and Rafael Amaya (El Sr. de Los Cielos). The awards show will include a stellar lineup of presenters, including many of Telemundo's TV personalities such as, Dr. Ana Maria Polo from "Caso Cerrado," Angelica Vale, Giselle Blondet, Maria Celeste Arraras, Patricia Manterola, and the participation of the sexy Victoria's Secret model, Adriana Lima.

The 2016 Billboard Latin Music Awards, hosted by Pedro Fernandez and Gaby Espino, will air at 7 p.m. ET on April 28 via Telemundo.

Awards

Daytime Emmy Awards 2016: 15 Facts About Sonia Manzano, Actress Receiving Lifetime Achievement

By Armando Tinoco | Apr 06 2016, 06:54PM EDT

The legendary "Sesame Street" actress is set to receive a Lifetime Achievement award at the Daytime Emmys 2016. Getty

Who doesn't remember Sonia Manzano, the beloved Maria on "Sesame Street." The legendary actress is set to receive a Lifetime Achievement accolade during the Daytime Emmy Awards 2016. “My children and just about every child in America has grown up learning their ABC’s from the iconic character of “Maria,” on Sesame Street played by Sonia Manzano,”said Bob Mauro, President, NATAS. “Sonia not only brought the life events of marriage, having a baby, and being a mother to viewers young and old, she also brought a seldom-seen diversity, a Latin role-model, unlike anything on television at the time. She is one of the most beloved female performers in the history of Sesame Street, and the National Academy is proud to be honoring her with our prestigious Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement.”

“Honoring Sonia Manzano has a special meaning for me as we both started our professional careers doing the play, Godspell, though in different casts when we were practically children,” said David Michaels, SVP, Daytime (NATAS). “Her talent both in front of the camera and as a writer, bringing the themes of diversity to a national audience on Sesame Street, is an extraordinary achievement worthy of this well-earned recognition!” Manzano will be picking up the honor on May 1, when the winners will be announced. Here are 10 facts about Sonia Manzano:

1. Sonia Manzano was born in Linwood, New Jersey, and was raised in South Bronx.

2. Sonia Manzano's parents are from Puerto Rico.

3. Sonia attended the High School Of Performing Arts and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

4. She joined "Sesame Street" in 1971 and holds 15 Emmy Awards for her previous work as part of the writing staff.

5. Manzano has performed on the New York stage in "The Vagina Monologues," "The Exonerated and "Love, Loss and What I Wore."

6. She has written for the Peabody Award-winning children’s series, "Little Bill."

7. Her children’s book, "No Dogs Allowed," published by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing in 2004, was selected by the General Mills initiative Spoonfuls of Stories.

8. Manzano's second book, A Box Full of Kittens, was published in 2007.

9. Manzano’s first young adult novel "The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano," published by Scholastic in 2012, was chosen as a Pura Belpre Honor Book.

10. A Christmas picture book, "Miracle on 133rd Street" was released September 2015.

11. Her memoir "Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx" was published September 2015.

12. Manzano received the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Award in Washington, DC and the Hispanic Heritage Award for Education in 2003.

13. She was inducted into the Bronx Hall Of Fame in 2004.

14. She received an honorary doctorate in fine arts from Notre Dame University in 2005.

15. She retired from "Sesame Street" in 2015 after 44 years.

Entertainment

Watch Carla Morrison Dance In Space In Her New 'Vez Primera' Music Video

By Natalie Roterman | Apr 06 2016, 10:45AM EDT

Singer Carla Morrison releases music video for her single "Vez Primera." CarlaMorrisonMusic

As we reported a few weeks ago, Carla Morrison is back... This time stronger than ever. The Mexican star is set to perform at three of the biggest festivals in America. At the same time, and after working in collaboration with some of the top performers in the industry, she continues to promote her most recent album "Amor Supremo." In addition, she just released the music video for her latest single “Vez Primera,” which was directed by Mexican creative agency Broducers.

The clip shows Morrison dancing in space (choreographed by Fana Adjani), perfectly capturing her creative and magical personality. It is very suitable for her great, ethereal voice.

Recently, the singer of "Eres Tú," announced her collaboration with renowned American stars Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Morrison is part of the duo's latest album entitled “This Unruly Mess I've Made.” Lewis confessed to Billboard that Carla's interpretation on the song "The Train" was simply "brilliant." On the English language track, Morrison's parts are in Spanish. Regarding this unique arrangement Lewis said: "She sounded phenomenal... We thought Spanish sounded more beautiful than the English versions. Also, we didn't make a super complicated chorus, most people can pick up nuggets of the lyrics even if they aren't bilingual."

For Carla, Amor Supremo represents a new moment in her music; she has mentioned during various interviews, that this production reinvented her career. She has also pointed out to El País newspaper, that "this record is different from the previous ones, because it is a little more inclined towards synthesizers, it is something more digital. It is a record that, although still speaks of heartbreak, also talks about empathy and accept that sometimes things can not happen and you must let go."

Morrison started her career in 2008. Since then she has collaborated with superstars like Julieta Venegas and Natalia Lafourcade. In addition, Carla has won two Latin Grammy Awards in recognition to her first full length album, Déjenme Llorar.

Entertainment

Selena Quintanilla 21st Death Anniversary: Chris Perez Shares Love Letter From Singer [PHOTO]

By Jessica Lucia Roiz | Apr 01 2016, 02:53PM EDT

Selena Quintanilla's widower, Chris Perez, shares a rare love letter on singer's 21st death anniversary. Instagram/SelenaandChris

It was a bittersweet Thursday for Selena Quintanilla fans and loved ones as March 31st marked 21 years since the irreplaceable Queen of Tejano was taken away from us. Fans, media, and celebrities alike, such as Luis Enrique and Becky G, celebrated Selena's legacy by sharing rare photos, music videos, or nice tribute articles. The people closest to the late Mexican-American songstress also expressed their feelings on social media. One of them being her widower and former Los Dinos guitarist, Chris Perez.

"Today has been bittersweet....for obvious reasons," he said around 9p.m. ET on his official Facebook page. "But, I'm happy to be with my band family and on our way to Arizona," he added. The 46-year-old Grammy-winning artist elaborated to his nearly 600K followers on why his day was both good and bad. "Bittersweet. I'm missing someone terribly BUT, feeling grateful for what's in front of me," he stated on a photo of him and his band. "Thank you guys for keeping Selena's memory and legacy alive. I know she would be proud and smiling," he added, remembering his first and true love, Selena.

Chris Perez Band Facebook/ChrisPerezMusic

Less than five minutes later, Perez, frontman of the Chris Perez Band, shared a ---probably one of many--- rare love letter from the "Dreaming Of You" singer. "Here's one for the road....let's get to Arizona in one piece. Thanks again for the support guys....here's a pic for you," he said along with a photo of the still-in-tact note written in cursive by Selena.

"Remember I'll always and forever love you and I miss you more as every second goes by. I love you always, Selena," read part of the letter that she penned.

Selena, Chris Perez Love letter from Selena to Chris Facebook/ChrisPerezMusic

Selena's older siblings, A.B. and Suzette, also wrote heartfelt messages on Facebook. ""Can't believe I've survived this long without you....it's insane!! I miss you more than you can ever imagine.... For those who wonder what goes on inside my heart..it's the same as what I felt on day one," stated Suzette. Meanwhile, A.B. shared the followng message: "This post is dedicated to anyone who has lost a loved one. It never gets easier only harder!!!."

Selena Quintanilla

Suzette shares this picture of Selena Quintanilla on her 21st death anniversary. Facebook/SuzetteQuintanillaOfficialPage

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RFD-TV To Honor Merle Haggard

Jessica Bray

Country Music Examiner

April 7, 2016 4:49 PM MST

Television channel, RFD-TV, plans to honor Merle Haggard with multiple television specials.

Photo by Frazer Harrison

The country music world lost a legend yesterday when Merle Haggard passed away on his 79th birthday. Throughout his six decade career, the artist known to his fans as “The Hag” had 36 number one hits. During that time he appeared on numerous television programs, many of which will air on RFD-TV beginning tonight and continuing through the weekend.

On Thursday, April 7th, at 10:00 p.m., "Ralph Emery's Memories" will be shown, with a repeat on Sunday, April 10th, at 8:30 a.m. On Friday, April 8th, fans can watch "Pop Goes the Country" with special guests Merle Haggard, Leona Williams, and Ronnie Reno at 4:30 p.m. Then at 6:30 p.m., they can watch when Merle Haggard appeared on "The Porter Waggoner Show." That episode will repeat on Sunday, April 10th at 10:30 a.m.

On Saturday, April 9th, "Presley’s Country Jubilee" will have a Merle Haggard tribute show at 7:30 p.m., with repeat on Tuesday, April 12th, at 6:30 a.m. On Sunday, April 10th, "Hee Haw" will feature Merle Haggard and Linda Ronstadt at 8:00 p.m., with repeat on Monday at 6:30 a.m. At 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, "The Marty Stuart Show" will have Merle with Connie Smith.

Thursday was filled with outpourings of respect and remembrance of Haggard on RFD-TV’s Market Day Report. Moe Bandy, Gene Watson, and Tanya Tucker were but a few who called in to share their memories of what he meant to them. View their tributes by clicking here.

Teresa Maggard, Merle Haggard's wife, left a message on his website that read, "My Merle passed away this morning peacefully surrounded by his loved ones after a long hard battle with his health. Today April 6, 2016, which was his 79th birthday. He left to go to a much better place. He was the best singer, songwriter and performer I’ve ever seen. Not only did he write the songs he sang, he was the music. I will miss him forever."

Merle Haggard was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. His hit songs resonated among many who enjoyed his music. Whether it be "Misery and Gin," "If We Make it Through December," "Silver Wings," or "That's the Way Love Goes," there was a song for anyone that would listen. He will be remembered for his songwriting, his perseverance, and his kindness to those in music.

Paul Simon Releases "Wristband" from forthcoming album

David Gerard

New Music Examiner

April 8, 2016 7:39 AM MST

Paul Simon, venerable singer/songwriter and former member of iconic '70's duo Simon and Garfunkel has announced his thirteenth solo outing, Stranger To Stranger is slated to drop this June - releasing the teaser single, "Wristband", and embarking on a North American cities tour. It will be Paul's first gift of new music since the critically acclaimed but commercially disappointing So Beautiful Or So What in 2011.

The album is scheduled for a June 3rd release date on the Concord Jazz label (which dropped the "jazz" after being acquired by Universal Music Group), while single "Wristband" is available now on most major digital music outlets. Produced by longtime musical partner Roy Halee, Paul has integrated elements of minimalist composer Harry Partch into the work, as well as recording with flamenco musicians and Italian electropop artists Clap! Clap!

Among the eleven new tunes is a paean to his wife, former New Bohemian Edie Brickell - their marriage of fourteen years has not been without discord: in 2014, the pair made headlines for a domestic argument that lead to a 911 call, and the couple's subsequent arrest. The couple's daughter Lulu, has been particularly vocal about the troubles both at home, and with Paul and Edie's relationship. I'd clue you in on the song's title, but frankly, it's just a teenie weensie bit on the mawkish side. Hope the music redeems it.

The North American tour will kick off in New Orleans during their annual Jazz Fest, with gigs following in Boston, Dallas, Nashville, Kansas City, Montreal and the famed Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The tour will wrap up on June 30th at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in Queens, NY - literally blocks from where Simon and Garfunkel grew up as teenagers. His last appearance there was with Art Garfunkel in 1970 - a planned reunion concert in 2010 had to be canceled on account of vocal problems. Garfunkel has stated that things are back to normal, but Simon has so far resisted attempts

Belinda Carlisle shines on Go-Gos classics, solo hits at Trinity Cathedral

April 6, 2016 2:19 PM MST

Belinda Carlisle concert at Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland on 4-5-2016

Belinda Carlisle turned back the clock (and raised temps) last night at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Cleveland with a ninety-minute set that touched on nearly all points in her forty-year career.

Belinda Carlisle made "Heaven on Earth" at Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland.

Pete Roche

Carlisle forged a path for female New Wavers (Madonna, Cyndi Lauper) as front woman for The Go-Gos, whose Beauty and the Beat (1981), Vacation (1982), and Talk Show (1984) albums spawned a string of Top Ten hits. In the ‘90s and ‘00s, Carlisle juggled marriage and motherhood with solo stardom and rehab…and still came out on top.

If the release of numerous hits and live albums or the publication of Carlisle’s candid 2010 autobiography Lips Unsealed: A Memoir gave you the impression that this lovely L.A. songbird is winding down with middle age, you can call off the vultures.

Carlisle (now in her late fifties) is still cute as a button, thank you very much, and was in terrific voice throughout her 17-song marathon. She looked and sounded radiant and healthy, and she moved more than some singers half her age. Dressed comfortably in black pants and top (with auburn hair pulled back), the Go-Go rocked the packed Prospect Avenue house of worship with a sterling four-piece band whose dexterity allowed not only for authentic replication of Carlisle’s studio originals, but transformed several formerly-laidback AC tunes into tight, up-tempo expositions.

Still striking a delicate (and always dramatic) balance between ingénue and femme fatale, Carlisle eased into the entertainment with the title track from 1989’s Runaway Horses. “Head Over Heels” was the first of several Go-Gos classics on order—and saw Belinda literally kick off her leopard print slip-ons for maximum mobility. She performed the rest of the show barefoot, gyrating between verses at the mic in that signature hip-swiveling, cheerleader dance she made famous in early MTV videos with her Go-Go gal pals.

The set leaned heavy on Horses, with terrific renditions of the Rick Nowels / Ellen Shipley-written tracks “We Want the Same Thing,” “Circle in the Sand,” “Vision of You,” and calypso-tinged “La Luna” bringing aural bubbles and fizz to the act. The Sandra Stewart (Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks) gem “Valentine” proved another peppy offering, and “I Get Weak” had this 44-year old crushing on Carlisle all over again.

We weren’t the only one smitten: Dozens quit their seats (Gold Circle included) to shake a leg to Horses hit “Leave a Light On” and surfadelic Beauty smashes “Our Lips Are Sealed” and “We Got the Beat.”

Carlisle and company kept the music coming so fast that the singer never got to introduce the backup boys. Her guitarist coaxed crisp ska chords and reverb-slathered arpeggios from a Fender Squire strat. The bassist thumbed a low-slung five-string Gibson. Her keyboard player employed Axiom and Nord Stage Ex synths to mimic piano, strings, and horn parts.

And Carlisle’s drummer…well, he got the beat and maintained it, hair flailing as he assaulted the skins.

Belinda obliged calls for an encore twice, delivering an exquisite “Heaven on Earth” and bodacious “Big Scary Animal” (from 1993’s Real) alongside effervescent Go-Gos entry “Vacation.” Feisty finale “Mad About You” pretty well summed up how Cleveland attendees felt about Carlisle by 10:30pm.

But it wasn’t over yet: Belinda and band returned for a cool cover of the Leon Russell / Delaney & Bonnie oldie “Superstar” (popularized by The Carpenters in 1971).

Baby, baby, baby, ohhh, baby indeed.

Santa Barbara songwriter Gabriel Lopez (New Kids on the Block, James Brown) opened with a short set of tunes from the albums This Is About You, Shine Like the Sun, and It’s Obvious It’s Obvious.

Lopez has a powerful, operatic voice, but we couldn’t decipher any lyrics save his U2 cover (a tranquil version of “Pride”), whose words are familiar to most Earthlings born after 1985. Chalk it up to the mix. Lopez sang along to prerecorded music triggered on a laptop and sometimes strummed rhythm chords on an Epiphone Les Paul, but the guitar was more afterthought than anything else. Still, Lopez won the audience over with his conviction and charisma.

Gabe’s had lots of music commissioned for use in television and films over the last decade. His most recent effort, the digital download “California Blues,” features mentor Carlisle on harmony vocals—and was a highlight of his twenty-five minute turn in the spotlights. Check out www.gabelopez.com for details (and the new single).

The Elevation Group has hosted around a dozen “Cathedral Concerts” in the church since 2014. Guests have included Grammy Award-winning songwriters and ‘80s celebs like Mary Chapin-Carpenter, Bruce Hornsby, Marc Cohn, Howard Jones, and Colin Hay (of Men at Work). Visitors to the ornate E. 22nd transept have also witnessed uproarious rock performances by Red Wanting Blue and Airborne Toxic Event.

Comedienne Sandra Bernhard is booked for an April 30th Trinity appearance. Jazz-pop phenomenon Joe Jackson (“Is She Really Going Out With Him?” “Steppin’ Out”) is scheduled for July 9th.

Advance tickets for both events are available at the link below.

http://tinyurl.com/zlkkrzy

www.belindacarlisle.tv

http://trinitycleveland.o...-concerts/

Belinda Joins 'Baywatch' Movie Cast: Mexican Singer Will Star Opposite Zac Efron, The Rock

By Armando Tinoco | Mar 15 2016, 12:45PM EDT

The Mexican pop star has joined the cast of "Baywatch," a film version of the hit television show. Instagram/belindapop

We had not heard from Belinda since the controversy around Pope Francis visit in Mexico. The pop star had been accussed of taking a spot that wasn't for her and angering the pontifex. She lashed out and denied the allegations, but she soon was in hot water for traveling (to see the Pope) in a helicopter for governmental use. Belinda had been mum since and focused on her new shoe line coming up, but major news was released yesterday and it turns out that the actress has joined the cast of "Baywatch."

The movie is an adaptation of the hit television series that starred David Hasselhoff. In this remake Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Zac Efron were cast as leads in the film set to open in 2017. The "Egoista" singer shared on Instagram that she had arrived in Savannah, GA, but didn't reveal what she was doing there.

Turns out that the movie is being filmed there and she was there to start her stint. Belinda started off her career in Mexican telenovelas as a child actress in productions like "Amigos Por Siempre," "Complices Al Rescate" and "Aventuras En El Tiempo."

American audiences might remember Belinda from her role in the Disney Channel movie "The Cheetah Girls 2" opposite Raven Symone. The "Boba Niña Nice" hitmaker will now star in the big screen and probably wear a red bathing suit. Belinda keeps fit and has a great figure as we've been able to observed from photos she shares on social media. Take a look at some of her pics here and tell us what you think!

TV Review: ‘Hunters’

Hunters Review Syfy Alien Terrorists

Peter Brew-Bevan/Syfy)

April 8, 2016 | 07:15AM PT

Utterly generic, conceptually cynical and instantly forgettable, the two-word pitch for “Hunters” was pretty clearly “Alien terrorists!,” coupled with auspices that include “The Walking Dead” producer Gale Anne Hurd and showrunner Natalie Chaidez (“12 Monkeys”). The resulting series, though, feels completely disposable, having likely found its way to Syfy because this shot-in-Australia drama was a relative bargain. Let’s hope so, anyway, because there’s nothing in the first couple of hours that warrants seeking it out.

Yes, “Hunters” (the name given the terrorists) involves another secret government agency, the Exo-Terrorism Unit, armed with special weapons to terminate the aliens walking among us, including a ruthless cell leader played by “Nip/Tuck’s” Julian McMahon. Yet the series, inspired by Whitney Streiber’s novel “Alien Hunter,” with Ernest Dickerson directing the premiere, traffics in no shortage of clichés: An emotionally scarred FBI agent, Flynn (Nathan Phillips), is paired with an inordinately skilled partner (Britne Oldford) in seeking to thwart whatever nefarious plans the Hunters have in mind, which remain as nebulous as the extent of their powers.

Flynn is still grieving because of the disappearance of his wife, giving him a bad attitude and trust issues. Still, whatever character development there is – and there’s not much chemistry in the key players’ interplay – takes place as everyone walks down lots of darkened hallways, with periodic eruptions of alien-looking guts. The producers appear to assume that dark and gritty — and the obvious real-world parallels — will be perceived as serious and edgy. News flash, gang: “Alien” hit theaters nearly 40 years ago; you have to bring a little more to the party than that.

Syfy has kept its original-series portfolio stocked, in part by balancing the cost of its lineup with dramas originated abroad, or at least constructed to qualify for helpful tax credits. But the network might be better advised to take fewer and bigger shots, as opposed to churning out similar-looking series and hoping that (in this case) the promo line “From the producer of…” will be enough to lure genre fans into the tent.

“Hunters” bows alongside the second season of the movie adaptation “12 Monkeys,” another entry in the relatively long list of dramas that feature time travel as a narrative device. Having watched two episodes of its new companion, the prevailing feeling is a desire to go back in time, if only to get those hours back.

What to Watch This Weekend: The Premieres of Outlander and Fear the Walking Dead, Season 2 of Catastrophe, and the Finales of Sleepy Hollow, Billions, andTogetherness

By Andy Daglas

What to watch on Friday, April 8...

NEXT: Saturday, April 9 | Sunday, April 10

SEASON 2 U.S. PREMIERE, 12:01am Pacific, Amazon
Catastrophe
Rob and Sharon acclimate to marriage and parenting, all while coping with randy coworkers, kooky loved ones, and the challenges of post-partum depression. The full six-episode season streams today.

6pm, Cartoon Network
The Powerpuff Girls
In “Man Up,” Buttercup’s gung-ho attitude inadvertently allows macho malefactor Man-Boy to escape. So as the girls try to take him down again, she decides to try the “Serenity Now” approach.

SEASON 3 FINALE, 8pm, Fox
Sleepy Hollow
Abbie and Ichabod figure out the missing piece of the Pandora’s box puzzle in “Ragnaork,” while the team does everything it can to prevent the Hidden One from wiping out humanity (no pressure).

8pm, The CW
The Vampire Diaries
Stefan must reckon with the wreckage Damon has wrought on their relationship over the years in “I Went to the Woods.” Meanwhile, the younger Salvatore pursues a strange lead, Matt dispatches Valerie to Dallas to bring Alaric into the search, and Rayna learns of a new threat.

8pm ABC
Last Man Standing
Vanessa is convinced that getting inked will elevate her to Cool Mom status in “Tattoo.” Elsewhere, Kyle instructs Ryan in the art of camping.

8:30pm, ABC
Dr. Ken
In “Dave’s Sex Talk,” Julie educates Dave on the birds and the bees since Ken has been avoiding it. But that doesn’t stop Ken from taking credit anyway, causing problems with Allison.

9pm, NBC
Grimm
A tent revival preacher (William Mapother) exposes his Wesen self in “The Believer,” leaving Nick and Hank to handle the ensuing ruckus among his devoted flock. Elsewhere, Capt. Renard tightens his grip on local government, and Eve takes a cue from Adalind as she sees more access to Black Claw.

9pm, CBS
Hawaii Five-0
A case from Grover’s past rears its head in “Malama Ka Po’e (Care for One’s People),” forcing him and his family to flee a mob boss out for revenge.

9pm, The CW
The Originals
After Freya is abducted in “Behind the Black Horizon,” Elijah and Finn follow a lead straight to Mystic Falls—where Deputy Donovan is none too pleased to see another boost in the vampire population. Back in the Big Easy, Klaus and Hayley get to the bottom of one of Lucien’s hidden agendas, and Kol’s erratic behavior worries Davina.

10pm, Cinemax
Banshee
As Carrie gets her vigilante on in “The Burden of Beauty,” Brock suspects Lucas for the serial killings.

10pm, Syfy
Wynonna Earp
Returning to Purgatory draws unwanted attention to Wynonna in “Keep the Home Fires Burning,” even as she struggles to adopt the Black Badge Division’s rulebook. Seriously, “hats must be no more than 9.5 gallons in size”? What is the point of that? Elsewhere, Henry the drifter strikes a deal he might be unable to keep.

10pm, USA
Motive
When Angie and Lucas investigate the killing of a high-end escort in “Calling the Shots,” Angie has to adjust to her partner serving as the primary. Also distracting her from that case is a surprising revelation about Montgomery. Such are the challenges of life in a quasi-serialized procedural.

11pm, Cartoon Network
Childrens Hospital
“Hump Cola” finds Owen making a surprising and delicious discovery about the fluid in Chief’s hump. Elsewhere, Blake believes that Glenn is struggling with an addiction.

11:30pm, Cartoon Network
Adult Swim Golf Classic
Jon Daly and Adam Scott hit the links for an intense charity golf outing set in 1966.

LATE-NITE:
– Kerry Washington, Ken Jeong, and Dion on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, 11:35pm, NBC

Just Music-No Categories-Enjoy It!

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JoeBala

Carlo Mastrangelo, a Doo-Wop Voice for Dion and the Belmonts, Dies at 78

By DANIEL E. SLOTNIKAPRIL 6, 2016

From left, Carlo Mastrangelo, Dion DiMucci and Fred Milano of Dion and the Belmonts. Credit Laurie Records

Carlo Mastrangelo, an original member of Dion and the Belmonts, whose baritone vocals undergirded the group’s harmonies on a string of doo-wop hits like “No One Knows” and “A Teenager in Love,” died on Monday in Boynton Beach, Fla. He was 78.

The cause was cancer, said Warren Gradus, a current member of the Belmonts.

Mr. Mastrangelo grew up in a mostly Italian neighborhood around Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. He played drums, wrote songs and sang, often on street corners or in subway stations, with his Roosevelt High School classmates Angelo D’Aleo and Fred Milano.

They formed the Belmonts in the mid-1950s, taking the band name from the avenue where Mr. Milano lived. (The neighborhood is also called Belmont.) Dion DiMucci, another boy from the neighborhood, joined the group as lead tenor in 1957.

In 1958 they released their first hit, “I Wonder Why,” an upbeat earworm that began with a memorable wordless vocal by Mr. Mastrangelo.

“You hear this kind of nasally bass coming out of Carlo Mastrangelo,” Mark Rotella, author of “Amore: The Story of Italian American Song” (2010), said in an interview with NPR in 2010. “And it sounds like the revving of a car engine.”

“I Wonder Why” climbed to No. 22 on the Billboard singles chart. The group reached No. 5 with “A Teenager in Love” in 1959 and No. 3 with “Where or When” in 1960.

“He actually arranged some of the vocals, and Dion learned a lot of his scatting from Carlo,” said Mr. Gradus, who joined the Belmonts in 1963. “So Dion took a lesson from him.”

Mr. DiMucci left the group in 1960 for a solo career; as Dion, he had a string of hits including “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer.” The Belmonts continued to chart with hits like “Tell Me Why” and “Come On Little Angel,” but Mr. Mastrangelo left in 1962 to pursue a solo career of his own.

In early 1959 the Belmonts toured with Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. Mr. Holly’s drummer got frostbite during the tour, so Mr. Mastrangelo filled in. Mr. Holly, Mr. Valens and the Big Bopper, whose real name was J. P. Richardson, died in a plane crash on Feb. 3, 1959.

In 1971 Mr. Mastrangelo released an album with the progressive rock band Pulse. He continued to play in a variety of ensembles and occasionally performed with the Belmonts, sometimes along with Dion.

Mr. Milano died in 2012. Mr. D’Aleo still performs with the group.

Carlo Mastrangelo was born in the Bronx on Oct. 5, 1937. He lived in Boynton Beach with his wife, Lucille, who survives him. He is also survived by three sisters, Margie DiDio, Martha Onofrietto and Anna Gaudio; a daughter, LuAnn Mastrangelo; two grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Arts

PBS' Documentary on Jackie Robinson Reveals Complicated Life

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS APRIL 8, 2016, 9:09 A.M. E.D.T.

NEW YORK — PBS' documentary on the life of Jackie Robinson gets most interesting when the gloves and bats are put away for good.

The two-part film directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon airs Monday and Tuesday at 9 p.m. EDT on most PBS stations. The first part details Robinson's early life and his baseball career, when he became the first black player in Major League Baseball in 1947. The second part is more complex, showing Robinson navigating a civil rights era that he helped put in motion.

Burns' team was nudged into making "Jackie Robinson" by Jackie's 93-year-old widow Rachel. They had gotten to know each other when Burns made his documentary series on baseball, which aired in 1994. She wanted Burns to make a film solely on Robinson but he didn't have time, and two attempts with other directors didn't work out.

Finally, Burns, his daughter and son-in-law found time, although he gently reminded her that "you can't fire me."

"You can tell in the moments that she's on (screen) that she wants you to understand how complicated this was, that it wasn't just this simple mythology that we have," he said.

The film illustrates how pressure had been building to integrate baseball, particularly after blacks served with distinction in World War II. Robinson was urged to turn the other cheek when he endured taunts and insults, and this took effort — it wasn't in Robinson's nature.

They cast doubt on a moment that has been immortalized with a statue in Brooklyn. Early in Robinson's rookie year, teammate Pee Wee Reese supposedly put his arm around Robinson to signal acceptance by a white player who grew up in Kentucky.

But there are real questions about whether this happened at all. It would have required Reese, a shortstop, to cross the field to Robinson, who played first base. There was no mention of it in newspaper accounts of the game in Cincinnati when it supposedly took place. Rachel Robinson had urged a different statue depicting the two players shaking hands. Robinson himself indicated in an autobiography that something like it had happened — but a year later, when he played second base.

Burns also detailed the supposed embrace in his 1994 documentary series.

"It's white people wanting to have skin in this game," Burns said. "We want to feel that we were good enough and forward-thinking enough. It's a good story, but it's mythology."

After being traded to the New York Giants in 1957, Robinson retired rather than play for the Dodgers' hated rivals. He became an executive at Chock Full 'O Nuts, and active in civil rights.

His post-baseball public life was complicated. As the film states at the opening of the second night, "Americans would see the real Jackie Robinson, and they would not always like him."

Robinson was a Republican, a member of the party of Lincoln, and supported Richard Nixon in the 1960 election against John F. Kennedy. During the campaign, he urged Nixon to reach out to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. when the minister was jailed. Nixon didn't, but Kennedy did, and narrowly won the election with newfound black support.

After Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson signed civil rights legislation, Robinson supported him in 1964 and urged other blacks to do the same. He was essentially there at the birth of the Republicans' strategy of appealing to Southern whites, and Nixon snubbed him after he was elected president in 1968.

Although he pushed for civil rights progress and held fundraisers at his Connecticut home, Robinson worked for a Republican in New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller. He clashed with Malcolm X and more militant black activists. Twenty years after he broke baseball's color barrier, some blacks called him an "Uncle Tom."

All along, the Robinsons dealt with the difficulties of being parents in the 1960s. Jackie Robinson Jr. returned from Vietnam with a drug addiction that he struggled for years to beat, and just as it seemed he had, he died in a car accident.

Robinson threw out the first pitch at the 1972 World Series, and spoke out on the need for baseball to hire a black manager. He died of a heart attack shortly thereafter at age 53.

The end of the film — and the end of Robinson's life — is filled with pessimism. He realizes that he never had it made, that despite the progress he embodied, he was still a black man in a white man's world, Burns said.

The filmmaker said he gets criticism, even hate mail, for talking about race frequently in his projects, but said it's an important, ongoing part of the American story. He's eager to make a documentary on President Barack Obama, who is interviewed for "Jackie Robinson," but figures that needs 15 or 20 years of perspective.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Embraces N.W.A, and Ice Cube Is Cool With It

By JOE COSCARELLIAPRIL 7, 2016

Ice Cube, one of the core members of N.W.A, which will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Credit Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Warner Bros.

On Friday night in Brooklyn, the rap group N.W.A will join an array of white men with guitars as honorees at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fam...n ceremony.

As only the fifth hip-hop act ever voted in (after Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Run-DMC, the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy), and the first not from New York, this Compton, Calif., group represents by far the most unconventional selection in a Hall of Fame class that is rounded out by classic-rock radio favorites from the late 1960s and ’70s: Cheap Trick, Chicago, Deep Purple and Steve Miller.

For N.W.A — whose core members included Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, M.C. Ren and D.J. Yella — the honor comes on the heels of a legacy-defining year that brought the release of the biopic “Straight Outta Compton.” The film, released last fall, went on to gross more than $160 million at the box office, while revitalizing interest in N.W.A’s brash, political gangster rap. (The group released just two studio albums, in 1988 and 1991; Eazy-E died in 1995.)

Ahead of the ceremony, a mostly diplomatic Ice Cube, 46, who went from incendiary solo albums like “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted” to starring in mainstream comedies like “Ride Along 2” and the “Barbershop” movies, discussed the Rock Hall with reverence. He argued that rock ’n’ roll is an attitude, not a sound, and explained why N.W.A would not be performing at the event. (The show, at the Barclays Center, will be aired by HBO on April 30.) These are edited excerpts from the conversation.

How much do you think “Straight Outta Compton” helped to legitimize N.W.A in the eyes of an institution like the Rock Hall and its voters?

I think it was the thing that put us over the top. [N.W.A had been nominated three times before.] The movie was able to remind them of the impact of the group on pop culture and that the music is just as much rock ’n’ roll as anything. Rock ’n’ roll is a form of sped-up blues to me.

Does this help to blunt the disappointment of being overlooked by the Academy Awards?

No. It’s apples and oranges to me. The music business is the music business, and the movie business is the movie business.

Gene Simmons, of Kiss, said a few years ago that rappers didn’t belong in the Hall of Fame, because they don’t play guitar or sing.

I respect Gene Simmons, but I think he’s wrong on this, because rock ’n’ roll is not an instrument and it’s not singing. Rock ’n’ roll is a spirit. N.W.A is probably more rock ’n’ roll than a lot of the people that he thinks belong there over hip-hop. We had the same spirit as punk rock, the same as the blues.

Is everyone in the group planning to attend the ceremony? When N.W.A reunited at the BET Awards last year, Dre didn’t show.

I believe everybody’s going to be there. As it stands now.

Will you be performing?

Nah, we’re not performing. I guess we really didn’t feel like we were supported enough to do the best show we could put on.

By the organizers?

Pretty much, yeah. We wanted to do it on a whole other level, and that just couldn’t happen. But we’re totally honored, humbled and appreciative to the Hall for even just considering us, inducting us and inviting us.

Will you have any words in your speech for N.W.A’s former manager, Jerry Heller, who played an important role at the beginning but is now suing for defamation over the film?

No. I don’t have anything to say to Jerry. He’s never owned up to his participation in the destruction of the “World’s Most Dangerous Group.” So he doesn’t deserve to be mentioned. [Ice Cube left N.W.A in 1989 because of royalty disputes.] The music that we put together, he had little or nothing to do with. We would never listen to his ideas.

Do any of the fellow inductees mean anything to you personally?

These are names I’ve heard my whole life. I’ve probably heard their music at some point, growing up. I’m kind of interested to know what their major hits are. I’ve been in hip-hop, R&B, soul and funk for so long, so it’s always cool to know why people love these groups. I don’t know what they sing, like they probably don’t know what I do. It’s a night of discovery.

What would Eazy have said if you told him in the ’80s that you guys would eventually be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

He would say, “You’re [expletive] right.”

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Reply #42 posted 04/08/16 10:18am

JoeBala

Kiss Announce 2016 U.S. ‘Freedom to Rock’ Tour

By Jeff Giles April 8, 2016 10:33 AM

Kiss

Kiss will keep busy this summer with a round of U.S. dates that will bring the band to more than 25 spots on the map they haven’t visited in more than a decade — and mark their first-ever appearances in four cities.

Dubbed the Freedom to Rock Tour, this summer’s shows begin July 7 in Boise, and although the final date on the calendar currently has the band wrapping up in Huntington, W.V., on Sept. 10, they’ve promised to expand their itinerary over the coming weeks. Caleb Johnson has been booked as the tour’s opening act during its first month, with Dead Daisies taking over as of the Aug. 10 show.

Tickets for most Freedom to Rock shows are scheduled to go on sale to the public April 15. Check out the complete list of current dates below, and visit the official Kiss site for detailed ticketing information.

Kiss Summer 2016 Freedom to Rock Tour
7/07 — Boise, Idaho — Taco Bell Arena
7/09 — Eugene, Ore. — Matthew Knight Arena
7/10 — Kennewick, Wash. — Toyota Center
7/15 — Spokane, Wash. — Spokane Arena
7/16 — Bozeman, Mont. — Breeden Fieldhouse
7/18 — Colorado Springs, Colo. — World Arena
7/20 — Independence, Mo. — Silverstein Eye Centers Arena
7/22 — Lincoln, Neb. — Pinnacle Bank Arena
7/23 — Springfield, Mo. — JQH Arena
7/25 — Wichita, Kan. — Intrust Bank Arena
7/27 — Sioux City, Iowa — Tyson Events Center
7/29 — Cheyenne, Wyo. — Cheyenne Frontier Days
7/30 — Minot, N.D. — North Dakota State Fair
8/01 — Mankato, Minn. — Verizon Wireless Center
8/03 — Duluth, Minn. — Amsoil Arena
8/05 — Moline, Ill. — iWireless Arena
8/06 — La Crosse, Wis. — La Crosse Center
8/08 — Milwaukee, Wis. — BMo. Harris Bradley Center
8/10 — Green Bay, Wis. — Resch Center
8/12 — Fort Wayne, Ind. — Allen County Memorial Coliseum
8/13 — Grand Rapids, Mich. — Van Andel Arena
8/15 — Saginaw, Mich. — Dow Event Center
8/17 — Springfield, Ill. — Illinois State Fair
8/20 — Rockford, Ill. — BMo. Harris Bank Center
8/22 — Dayton, Ohio — Nutter Center
8/24 — Toledo, Ohio — Huntington Center
8/26 — Youngstown, Ohio — Covelli Centre
8/27 — Erie, Pa. — Erie Insurance Arena
8/29 — Rochester, N.Y. — Blue Cross Arena
8/30 — State College, Pa. — Bryce Jordan Center
9/01 — Allentown, Pa. — Great Allentown Fair
9/03 — Worcester, Mass. — DCU Center
9/04 — Portland, Maine — Cross Insurance Arena
9/07 — Bridgeport, Ct. — Webster Bank Arena
9/09 — Richmond, Va. — Richmond Coliseum
9/10 — Huntington, W.V. — Big Sandy Arena

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Reply #43 posted 04/08/16 11:15am

JoeBala

Upcoming Releases:

Rey Ruiz - Estaciones

Rey Ruiz

Salsa

Now Out!

Victor Manuelle - Que Suenen Los Tambores

Victor Manuelle

Salsa

Now Out!

La Santa Cecilia

Latin Rock Alternative

Now Out!

Dois Amigos, Um Século de Música: Mul...

Caetano Veloso

World Music Acoustic Live

Release Date: April 8, 2016

Diana Zavalas

Piano

Now Out!

Juan Gabriel - Dúos & Interpretaciones

Release Date: March 25, 2016

Latin Pop

Various(Duets)

1) Te Quise Olvidar ft. Alejandro Fernandez
2) Yo Te Recuerdo ft. Marc Anthony
3) No Discutamos ft. Paty Cantu
4) La Frontera ft. Julio Alvarez and J Balvin
5) Te Recuerdo Dulcemente ft. Andres Calamaro
6) Te Sigo Amando ft. Belinda
7) Lagrimas y Lluvia ft. Joan Sebastian
8) Yo No Se Que Me Paso ft. Carlos Rivera
9) Ya Lo Se Que Tu Te Vas ft. Franco De Vita
10) Amor Del Alma ft. Jose Feliciano
11) No Vale La Pena ft. Maria Jose
12) Muriendo De Amor ft. Miguel Poveda
13) Luna Llena ft. David Bustamante
14) Yo Te Perdono ft. Ana Gabriel
15) Yo Se Que Esta En Tu Corazon ft. Carla Morrison
16) No Tengo Dinero ft. Wisin

Juan Gabriel - Los Dúos

Duets

Latin Pop

Now Out!

1.	Querida- Featuring Juanes
2.	Se Me Olvido Otra Vez - Featuring Marco Antonio Solis
3.	Hasta Que Te Conoci - Featuring Joy
4.	La Diferencia - Featuring Vicente Fernandez
5.	Si Quieres - Featuring Natalia Jimenez
6.	Asi Fue- Featuring Isabel Pantoja
7.	Yo Te Bendigo Mi Amor - Featuring David Bisbal
8.	Caray - Featuring Alejandra Guzman
9.	Siempre En Mi Mente - Featuring Espinoza Paz
10.	Abrazame Muy Fuerte - Featuring Laura Pausini
11.	Te Lo Pido Por Favor - Featuring Luis Fonsi
12.	Veras - Featuring Jose Maria Napoleon
13.	Amor Es Amor - Featuring Antonio Orozco
14.	Pero Que Necesidad - Featuring Emmanuel
15.	Ya No Vivo Por Vivir - Featuring Natalia Lafourcade
16.	Vienes O Voy - Featuring Fifth Harmony

A Cure For Loneliness

Release Date

April 8, 2016

Genre

Pop/Rock R&B

Artist: Pet Shop Boys

Album: Super

Released: 2016

Style: Synthpop

Artist: Woodkid

Album: Desierto

Released: 2016

Style: Pop

Artist: All Saints

Album: Red Flag

Released: 2016

Style: Pop

Artist: Lights

Album: Midnight Machines

Released: 2016

Style: Pop

Artist: Boulevards

Album: Groove!

Released: 2016

Style: Pop

Holy EP is out:

vinyl: http://smarturl.it/MorlyVinyl
iTunes: http://smarturl.it/MorlySMHEP

Morly - EP Collection

Review: Ronnie Spector honors UK peers on 'English Heart'

Ronnie Spector, "English Heart" (429 Records)

In 1964, Ronnie Spector toured Britain with the Ronettes just weeks before the Beatles arrived in America. "English Heart" is her tribute to that British Invasion, in turn influenced by her band and former husband Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound."

While Spector is often cited for the power of her pipes, these 11 songs are styled more around subtlety and insinuation.

Producer Scott Jacoby has wisely favored the feel of the 1960s originals over the sounds, evocation rather than imitation. There are exceptions, like the thumping drums and Farfisa organ on the Dave Clark Five tune "Because." Conversely, electronic percussion on "You've Got Your Troubles" (originally by The Fortunes) lends a contemporary touch, contributing to the accommodating combination of old and new.

If there's a jarring moment on the album, it's Spector substituting "baby" for "Lord" on the refrain of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," which somehow manages to seem faster than the Animals' version when it is actually slower.

Spector wisely covers smaller but superior U.S. hits like Lulu's "Oh Me Oh My (I'm a Fool for You Baby)" and Sandie Shaw's "Girl Don't Come" instead of the usual smashes. A version of the Rolling Stones' semi-obscure "I'd Much Rather Be With the Girls" with the daughter of her late sister (and fellow Ronette) Estelle Bennett and cousin Cindy Mizelle is pure joy.

Hindered by an uneven recording career since the '70s, Spector also covers the Zombies, Beatles, Bee Gees and Kinks on "English Heart," and sounds ready to create some more memories of her own.

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Reply #44 posted 04/09/16 6:49am

JoeBala

First images of Jason Bourne starring Matt Damon

Four years after the latest Bourne film, in which Jason Bourne doesn’t actually appear, comes the sequel which is titled simply Jason Bourne.

The new chapter about the secret agent Jason Bourne is writen by Matt Damon and Christopher Rouse.

Several years after his disappearance at the conclusion of The Bourne Ultimatum, Jason Bourne unexpectedly resurfaces at a time when the world is faced with unprecedented instability.

Cast

Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, Julia Stiles as Nicky, Tomy Lee Jones as Robert Dewey, Alicia Vikander, Vincent Cassel and Ato Essandoh.

Gallery

Jason Bourne is directed by Paul Greengrass. Premieres on 29 July 2016.

23 Awesome new images of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and the trailer!

Today Disney released the first teaser trailer for this year’s Star Wars movie, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Even though a bit longer than the usual teasers, the trailer isn’t showing much more of the plot line than we already know. Instead we get introduced to the character Jyn Erso, played by Felicity Jones. After watching the trailer you will get an instant Han Solo vibe of of the character, being a young criminal and all.

To be honest the trailer is much more exciting than the trailers for Episode VII. For those of you who don’t know the story, the film takes place between Revenge of the Sith and New Hope, dealing with stealing the plans for building the first Death Star which was destroyed in New Hope. Jyn Erso as an experienced thief and criminal (also rebel) will be in charge of this task.

Diego Luna and Forest Whitaker have a prominent part in the teaser, but their characters are unknown at this point.

Gallery

There are at least two bad guys in the teaser and two or three characters for which is not quite clear which side they serve.

Click the images for a larger view.

Forest Whitaker in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Rogue One will premiere on December 16th 2016. Directed by Gareth Edwards, written by Chris Weitz and John Knoll. Gareth Edwards is mostly known for the 2014 remake of Godzilla.

First images of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Later this year another treat for all Harry Potter fans will hit theaters, introducing the characters from Harry’s book, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

“Fantastic Beasts” is the second film by director David Yates this year, the first one being The Legend of Tarzan. David Yates directed the last four Harry Potter films as well, so I guess he knows what he is doing with this one.

Gallery

Cast

Ezra Miller as Credence, Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, Colin Farell as Percival Graves, Ron Perlman as Gnarlack, Jon Voight as Henry Shaw, Sr, Katherine Waterston as Porpentina Goldstein, Carmen Ejogo as Seraphina and Gemma Chan.

Plot

The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards seventy years before Harry Potter reads his book in school.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them premieres on 18 November 2016.

Author JovPosted on April 7, 2016

Alice Through the Looking...Screencaps

Well this is a first, a sequel to the classic story of Alice in Wonderland.

After Tim Burton in his own twisted mind retold the story in 2010 now director James Bobin is creating a completely new story for Alice in which she returns back to the enchanted kingdom, and in time.

Alice Through the Looking Glass also marks the last appearance of Alan Rickman in film, even though it is just with his voice portraying the Blue Caterpillar.

Cast

Johnny Depp as Mad Hatter, Sacha Baron Cohen as Time, Anne Hathaway as White Queen, Helena Bonham Carter as Red Queen, Alan Rickman as Blue Caterpillar, Mia Wasikowska as Alice Kingsleigh, Michael Sheen as Wite Rabbit, Andrew Scott as Addison Bennett, Rhys Ifans as Zanik Hightopp and Stephen Fry as Chesire Cat.

Plot

When Alice wakes up in Wonderland she must travel through a mysterious new world to retrieve a magical scepter that can stop the evil Lord of Time before he turns forward the clock and turns Wonderland into a barren, lifeless old world. With the help of some new friends, Alice must also uncover an evil plot to put the Queen of Hearts back on the throne.

Gallery

Alice Through The Looking Glass HD Screencaps

Alice Through the Looking Glass is directed by James Bobin. Premieres on 27 May 2016.

Author JovPosted on April 7, 2016

The cool, minimalist “skull” wallpapers from Suicide Squad

DC Comics released a few new Suicide Squad posters in which each character is represented by a skull with a unique styling so we can recognize them.

The latest news on the film is that currently some reshoots are going on in order to make the film more “light” and more humorous. One would suspect that the Batman v Superman critics bashing is responsible for this and DC Comics isn’t taking any chances with this movie, even though Dawn of Justice is doing just fine on the box office.

Posters

Slipknot

Rick Flag

Killer Croc

Katana

Joker

Harley Quinn

Enchantress

Diablo

Deadshot

Boomerang

Wallpapers

Now it was a shame not to be able to use the posters as desktop backgrounds, so I edited them a bit to make them more appropriate for landscape mode. Click the images for a larger view.

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Reply #45 posted 04/09/16 7:27am

JoeBala

(Credit: AP / Charles Sykes)

Inductee Steve Miller performs at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction 2016

Updated April 9, 2016 2:35 AM
By NEWSDAY.COM STAFF

See the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class -- Deep Purple, Steve Miller, Chicago, N.W.A. and Cheap Trick -- who were inducted during a ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8. HBO's edited version of the ceremony airs April 30.

Cheap Trick

(Credit: AP / Charles Sykes)

From left, inductees Rick Nielsen, Bun E. Carlos and Robin Zander of Cheap Trick perform during the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Steve Miller & Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen

(Credit: AP / Charles Sykes)

Rick Nielsen, right, of Cheap Trick gives a "Miller" guitar to Steve Miller at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Credit: Getty Images/ Theo Wargo)

Steve Miller, left, receives a guitar given to him by Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Credit: Getty Images/ Theo Wargo)

Foreground from left, Steve Miller and Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen onstage at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Credit: AP/ Charles Sykes)

Cheap Trick band members and inductees, from left, Bun E. Carlos, Tom Petersson, Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Chicago's Danny Seraphine

(Credit: Getty Images/ Mike Coppola)

Danny Seraphine poses in the press room at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Kimbra

(Credit: Getty Images/ Theo Wargo)

Kimbra, center, performs David Bowie's "Fame" with The Roots and David Byrne to open the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Cheap Trick's Robin Zander

(Credit: Getty Images/ Mike Coppola)

Robin Zander of Cheap Trick attends the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Credit: EPA/ Peter Foley)

Robin Zander of Cheap Trick poses for photographers backstage the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Chicago's Danny Seraphine

(Credit: Getty Images/ Theo Wargo)

Danny Seraphine, Chicago's original drummer, speaks during the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen

(Credit: EPA/ Peter Foley)

Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen poses for photographers at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Credit: EPA/ Peter Foley)

Cheap Trick's lead guitarist and songwriter Rick Nielsen shows his lower back teeth, capped with a checkerboard pattern, in the press room at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Cheap Trick

(Credit: EPA/ Peter Foley)

Cheap Trick members, from left, Bun E. Carlos, Rick Nielsen and Robin Zander at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Credit: Getty Images/ Theo Wargo)

Inductee Rick Nielsen, right, of Cheap Trick speaks onstage at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Chicago's Lee Loughnane

(Credit: EPA/ Peter Foley)

Lee Loughnane of Chicago plays his horn backstage at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Chicago

(Credit: EPA/ Peter Foley)

Chicago band members, from left, James Pankow, Walter Parazaider, Lee Loughnane and Robert Lamm pose for photographers at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

N.W.A.

(Credit: Getty Images/ Theo Wargo)

N.W.A. members, from left, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, Ice Cube and DJ Yella onstage at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Credit: Getty Images/ Theo Wargo)

N.W.A. takes a selfie at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Kid Rock

(Credit: Getty Images/ Theo Wargo)

Kid Rock presents inductee Cheap Trick at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Credit: Getty Images/ Theo Wargo)

Kid Rock presents inductee Cheap Trick at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Sheryl Crow

(Credit: AP/ Charles Sykes)

Sheryl Crow performs a tribute to Glenn Frey during the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Grace Potter performs a Glenn Frey tribute

(Credit: AP/ Charles Sykes)

Grace Potter performs a tribute to Glenn Frey the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

N.W.A.

(Credit: AP/ Greg Allen)

N.W.A., from left, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and MC Ren of N.W.A in the press room at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Kendrick Lamar

(Credit: AP/ Greg Allen)

Presenter Kendrick Lamar in the press room at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

DJ Yella of N.W.A

(Credit: AP/ Greg Allen)

DJ Yella of N.W.A in the press room at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Steve Miller

(Credit: Getty Images/ Mike Coppola)

Steve Miller speaks in the press room during the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Steve Miller

(Credit: Getty Images/ Mike Coppola)

Steve Miller jokes backstage with a publicist as he criticizes the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's induction process. Miller was among the inductees at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Credit: AP/ Charles Sykes)

N.W.A members, from left, MC Ren, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and DJ Yella at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Credit: AP/ Charles Sykes)

Inductees, from left, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren and DJ Yella of N.W.A at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Credit: Getty Images / Mike Coppola)

Inductee Dr. Dre of N.W.A., left, with presenter Kendrick Lamar in the press room during the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Credit: Getty Images / Theo Wargo)

Ice Cube of N.W.A. speaks during the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Credit: Getty Images / Theo Wargo)

From left, Roger Glover, Ian Gillan and Ian Paice of Deep Purple perform during the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Kendrick Lamar

(Credit: Getty Images / Theo Wargo)

Kendrick Lamar inducts N.W.A. at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Steve Miller

(Credit: Getty Images / Theo Wargo)

Inductee Steve Miller performs at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Steve Miller

(Credit: AP / Charles Sykes)

Inductee Steve Miller performs at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Metallica's Lars Ulrich

(Credit: Getty Images / Mike Coppola)

Lars Ulrich of Metallica backstage during the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Stevie Van Zandt honors Bert Berns

(Credit: Getty Images / Theo Wargo)

Stevie Van Zandt of The E Street Band (who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014) honors lifetime achievement award winner Bert Berns during the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Deep Purple's Roger Glover & Ian Gillan

(Credit: AP / Charles Sykes)

Inductees Roger Glover, left, and Ian Gillan of Deep Purple perform during the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Deep Purple's Glenn Hughes & David Coverdale

(Credit: Getty Images / Timothy A. Clary)

Inductees Glenn Hughes, left, and David Coverdale of Deep Purple backstage at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Deep Purple's Glenn Hughes

(Credit: Getty Images / Mike Coppola)

Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple backstage at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Deep Purple

(Credit: Getty Images / Theo Wargo)

Deep Purple musicians and new Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Ian Paice, left, and Roger Glover and Ian Gillan, at right, during the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Deep Purple's David Coverdale

(Credit: Getty Images / Mike Coppola)

David Coverdale, former Deep Purple singer, speaks backstage during the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Deep Purple's Ian Gillan

(Credit: Getty Images / Theo Wargo)

Ian Gillan of Deep Purple performs during the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Metallica's Lars Ulrich honors Deep Purple

(Credit: AP / Charles Sykes)

Lars Ulrich of Metallica introduces inductees Deep Purple at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Credit: Getty Images / Theo Wargo)

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich shows the crowd the tag he says he just took off his blazer, saying it was a Christmas gift from his son and its color is, appropriately, called "deep purple."

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N.W.A. upbeat, Steve Miller lashes out at Rock Hall of Fame

By Afp

Published: 01:57 EST, 9 April 2016 | Updated: 01:58 EST, 9 April 2016

Gangsta rap pioneers N.W.A. called their success a lesson for youth as they entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but the institution came under blistering criticism from fellow honoree Steve Miller.

Hard rockers Deep Purple and Midwestern chart-toppers Chicago and Cheap Trick were also inducted in a Brooklyn gala after an annual vote by music industry insiders.

N.W.A., whose dark tales from the streets of Compton, California defined gangsta rap, shocked much of white America in 1988 with "Fuck Tha Police," a no-holds-barred indictment of officers' treatment of young African Americans.

N.W.A. members Dr. Dre and presenter Kendrick Lamar pose in the press room during the 31st Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony ©Timothy A. Clary (AFP)

The Hall of Fame turned into a rare N.W.A. reunion as original member Dr. Dre, who went on to become a multimillionaire executive at Apple, took the stage in a black suit and tie next to bandmate Ice Cube in his trademark thick shades and cap.

"Back then, there were a lot of people against us and had problems with what we were saying," said Dr. Dre, noting that even the band's full name, Niggaz Wit Attitudes, caused controversy.

"But this is proof to all the kids out there growing up in places similar to Compton that anything is possible."

Ice Cube, who has gone on to a major career as a solo rapper and actor, dismissed criticism, most recently from Gene Simmons of Kiss, that hip-hop did not belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

"Rock and roll is not an instrument, rock and roll is not even a style of music. Rock and roll is a spirit," Ice Cube said, adding that it encompassed genres from jazz to punk.

"Rock and roll is not conforming to the people who came before you, but creating your own path in music and in life."

N.W.A., the first West Coast rappers in the Hall of Fame, had been nominated four times but won the nod shortly after a Hollywood biopic on the group, "Straight Outta Compton."

- Sharp rebuke from Miller -

N.W.A. did not perform, citing logistical issues.

The Hall of Fame, which is based in Cleveland, held the induction at the Barclays Center arena in Brooklyn, with HBO set to broadcast the show on April 30.

While N.W.A. politely posed for pictures alongside young rap star Kendrick Lamar, who introduced them, fellow honoree Miller did not mince words.

Miller told reporters that the entire show nearly collapsed and accused the Hall of Fame of trying to "steal" the rights to use footage and of demanding that anyone with him besides his wife pay $10,000 for a ticket.

"The whole process needs to be changed from top to bottom," said Miller, who described the event as "so unpleasant."

"They need to get their legal work straight, they need to respect the artists they say they're honoring, which they don't," he told reporters after performing a medley of songs including his 1973 hit "The Joker."

Miller, born in Wisconsin where he learned guitar under the legendary Les Paul, emerged in the cultural mix of 1960s San Francisco as he blended jazz and blues with roots Americana.

He still plays regularly at age 72 and guides the musical instrument collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

- Hard rock trinity complete -

With Deep Purple, all three bands considered the trinity of British hard rock in the 1970s are in the Hall of Fame after Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.

The band led by Ian Gillan turned up the volume for hits including "Highway Star," "Hush" and "Smoke on the Water," whose bluesy but heavy opening is among the most famous in rock.

But guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who wrote the riff, did not show up, saying the current lineup had made him unwelcome.

Drummer Ian Paice described Blackmore as a "singular animal," saying he might have turned up at the last minute.

David Coverdale, a former Deep Purple singer who went on to lead Whitesnake, called Blackmore's absence "a big disappointment" and said he emailed him several days ago in a last-ditch attempt to persuade him.

Deep Purple was introduced by Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, who said his life was transformed by seeing the hard rockers play his native Copenhagen when he was nine.

Donning a blazer in the color of the band's name, Ulrich said Deep Purple both played "with raw intensity" as if by themselves yet "projected a thousand-yard deep stare into the bowels of the arena."

Chicago, who adapted the jazz of the band's namesake town to become soft-rock giants, brought out their celebrated horn section but played without former singer Peter Cetera, who also blamed organizers.

But Cheap Trick, the hard-working heartland rockers who became a surprise sensation in Japan, reunited on stage with drummer Bun E. Carlos who only a few years ago was suing his bandmates.

"Who knew that 'I want you to want me' would become such a defining phrase for a rock band from Rockford, Illinois?" singer Robin Zander said of Cheap Trick's famous song.

"Seems like such a stupid phrase. But it works, I guess."

N.W.A. members Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren. Eric "Eazy-E" Wright's mother Kathie Wright and DJ Yella pose in the press room during the 31st Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony ©Timothy A. Clary (AFP)

Inductee Steve Miller told reporters the entire 31st Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony nearly collapsed and accused the Hall of Fame of trying to "steal" the rights to use footage ©Timothy A. Clary (AFP)

Ian Gillan, Ian Pace and Roger Glover of Deep Purple pose in the press room during the 31st Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony ©Timothy A. Clary (AFP)

Inductees Chicago band members James Pankow, Walter Parazaider, Lee Loughnane and Robert Lamm pose in the press room during the 31st Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony ©Timothy A. Clary (AFP)

Vinyl's Juno Temple and Bobby Cannavale cheer from the audience as Deep Purple, N.W.A. and Cheap Trick are inducted into Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

By Iona Kirby For Dailymail.com

Published: 21:13 EST, 8 April 2016 | Updated: 03:51 EST, 9 April 2016

They play record company employees during the 1970s in their hit HBO show Vinyl.

And no doubt Juno Temple and Bobby Cannavale were delighted for the chance to watch five acts be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in New York City on Friday.

The actors were joined by the likes of Michael Douglas as Deep Purple, N.W.A., Cheap Trick, Steve Miller and Chicago were given the highest honour in rock music.

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Life imitates art: Vinyl stars Bobby Cannavale (L) and Juno Temple were at the 31st Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony in New York City on Friday

Juno, 26, looked lovely in a sequined little black dress as she cuddled up to her co-star, who wore a military inspired navy jacket.

The evening kicked off with a tribute to David Bowie, performed by The Roots, David Byrne and Kimbra (who is known for singing on Gotye's Somebody That I Used To Know).

The performance - which was a rendition of the late star's hit Fame - had not been announced and was a surprise for many in the audience.

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Rocking out: Deep Purple were one of the bands to be voted in after being on the ballot three times

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Medley: Ian Gillan and Steve Morse rocked out during renditions of Smoke On The Water and Highway Star

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Former members: Glenn Hughes (L) and David Coverdale were also at the event

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Hanging out: (L-R) Ian Gillan, Ian Paice and Roger Glover posed in the press room with Lars Ulrich

The ceremony marked the fifth hip hop act of all time to be voted into the Hall Of Fame, in the form of N.W.A.

Previous groups to be given the honour are Run-DMC, The Beastie Boys, Gradmaster Flash And The Furious Five, and Public Enemy.

And while the band were delighted with the prestigious title, they did not perform during the evening.

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Thrilled: The Metallic star inducted the band, and said he has long been a big fan of theirs

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Prestigious: It's the highest honour in rock'n'roll, and the band clearly didn't take it lightly

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Talking time: David Coverdale of Deep Purple took to the stage for his speech

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Part of the gang: Rob Thomas was also at the event, where he performed with Chicago

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Sitting this one out: Ice Cube (R), seen with O'Shea Jackson Jr., said N.W.A. wouldn't be performing

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Straight into the Hall of Fame! (L-R) Mc Ren, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and DJ Yella were inducted on the evening

'Nah, we're not performing,' Ice Cube told The New York Times ahead of the event. 'I guess we really didn't feel like we were supported enough to do the best show we could put on.'

When asked if this was the fault of the organisers, he said: 'Pretty much, yeah. We wanted to do it on a whole other level, and that just couldn’t happen.'

However Ice Cube was quick to add: 'But we’re totally honored, humbled and appreciative to the Hall for even just considering us, inducting us and inviting us.'

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Cuddling up: Meanwhile Dr. Dre posed up with Nicole Young at their table

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From one talented artist to another: Kendrick Lamar inducted the band, who are the fifth hip hop act to be given the honour

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Came outta Compton! Kendrick Lamar hails from the town that inspired NWA's hit track

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Fraymous: Grace Potter took to the stage in a fringed black waistcoat to perform on the night

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Check him out: Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen (L), whose band were inducted, posed with Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith

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Famous faces: Michael Douglas was among the celebrities at the event, held at Barclays Center

While N.W.A., who were inducted by Kendrick Lamar, didn't take the stage, Deep Purple performed a medley of their greatest hits, including Smoke On The Water and Highway Star.

Current members Ian Gillan, Steve Morse, Roger Glover and Ian Paice were all there, along with former members David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes.

The band - who have been on the voting ballot three times - was inducted by Metallica's Lars Ulrich, who was thrilled to be a part of it.

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Wowing the crowd: Sheryl Crow delighted the audience with a performance during the ceremony

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It's about time: Steve Miller, pictured with wife Kim, was another of this year's inductees

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Taking the stage: The 72-year-old, who famously sang Fly Like An Eagle, performed during the evening

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In loving memory: David Byrne, Kimbra and The Roots performed David Bowie's Fame as a tribute to the late star

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Cute couples: Maureen and Steven Van Zandt and Sandi and Scott Borchetta seemed in good spirits

'Deep Purple, as I have been vocal about in the past, are long overdue,' he told The Pulse Of Radio ahead of the show. 'They've been eligible for 20, 22 years I believe. So I'm psyched.

'I'm happy to play a small role in that, and I am, as a humble fanboy I guess, just looking forward to even being in the… I may actually sit at the same table as these guys, so it's gonna be a fun night.'

It was only appropriate that stars of Vinyl should be in attendance, as there was a strong focus on 1970s music during this year's ceremony.

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Posthumous honour: Steven Van Zandt inducted the late Bert Berns, who contributed to songs such as Twist And Shout and Brown Eyed Girl, as a non-performer

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A special honour: Steven posed for photos with the songwriter's children Cassandra and Brett

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Devil Without A Cause: Kid Rock was among the celebrity guests in attendance

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Tribute: Deep Purple paid homage to their late member Jon Lord as Ian Gillian took to the stage

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Feel the force: Ian put on an impassioned display as he took to the stage whilst Roger Glover whipped up the crowds with an impressive guitar solo

Cheap Trick are known for their iconic 1977 hit I Want You To Want Me, while 72-year-old Steve Miller, who also performed, is famed for songs including Fly Like An Eagle.

Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas was also at the event, where he performed with Chicago, while Kid Rock and The Black Keys were among the other guests.

Chicago formed in 1967 and are best known for their songs Saturday In The Park and Look Away.

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Stunning in silver: Kimbra dazzled in a sequinned cape style dress and silver shoes

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Caped crusader: Kimbra dazzled in her metallic ensemble as she put on a stunning performance

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Buds: Chris Jericho (L) and Glenn Hughes cosied up for a snap together

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Happy to help: Dan Aurerbach and Patrick Carney of The Black Keys inducted Steve Miller

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Let's party: Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas performed with inductees Chicago whilst Lars Ulrich of Metallica also took to the stage to induct Deep Purple

Just Music-No Categories-Enjoy It!

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Reply #47 posted 04/09/16 7:31am

JoeBala

Netflix 4K Shows Go Live on Dish’s Hopper 3

House of Cards

Courtesy of Netflix

April 8, 2016 | 09:56AM PT

Dish is getting more 4K content for its latest generation of Hopper set-top boxes, courtesy of Netflix: The streaming service will start to deliver shows like “Daredevil” and “House of Cards” in 4K through its app on the Hopper 3, Dish announced Friday.

Dish’s Hopper 3 joins the Roku 4, Nvidia Shield, TiVo’s Bolt and Amazon’s latest Fire TV as set-top devices capable of playing Netflix 4K content. The streaming service is also delivering 4K videos to smart TVs from a number of manufacturers, including Hisense, TCL, Sony, LG and Samsung.

Still, 4K Netflix streams on the Hopper are notable, if only for the fact that the cooperation between the two companies gives Dish another avenue to deliver ultra-high resolution content to its customers. Pay TV operators have been slow to add 4K content to their line-up, in part because of the lack of networks broadcasting in 4K.

Dish was one of the first U.S. pay TV companies to team up with Netflix, adding an app to its Hopper at the end of 2014. Others have been less amicable towards the streaming company. Comcast, for example, still hasn’t added Netflix to its X1 cable box.

Netflix first introduced 4K streaming in 2014, and has slowly been growing its 4K content slate. By the end of this year, the streaming service aims to have around 600 hours of 4K programming available for streaming. However, consumers will have to pay extra to get use of their 4K TVs while streaming Netflix: Only subscribers who have opted for the $12 a month premium plan get to see titles in ultra-high definition.

Michael Douglas Celebrates the Spirit of Community at MPTF’s Reel Stories, Real Lives Event

Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock

April 8, 2016 | 09:25AM PT

Community was a major theme at the fifth annual Reel Stories, Real Lives event held at Milk Studios Hollywood on Thursday, benefiting the Motion Picture & Television Fund.

Michael Douglas, a longtime champion of the charitable organization, was honored for his generous support of the Fund over the past five decades.

“What my Dad’s generation did for Hollywood by building upon the MPTF’s legacy is unparalleled,” Douglas said. “Today, the thriving 95 year old Fund, four years younger than my Dad, is like no other.”

The ceremony, hosted by Adam Scott, highlighted the impact that the Fund has had on the lives it has touched through a collection of real-life stories penned by screenwriters like Drew Pearce (“Iron Man 3”) and Michele and Kieran Mulroney (“Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows”), and read by stars including Danny De Vito, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Bryce Dallas Howard.

Established almost a century ago by such Hollywood icons as Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and D.W. Griffith, the MPTF offers health and human services to those in the motion picture and television community, including those with limited or no resources.

Described by Douglas as “the safety net that will catch any of us if we happen to fall,” the Fund provides senior care, residential living and well-being programs to over 150,000 members and their families.

“No other industry takes care of its own the way the entertainment business does,” Douglas said, echoing the Fund’s mission statement.

Though he acknowledge the changes in the industry have presented challenges to the MPTF in recent years, Douglas was emboldened by the personal narratives performed throughout the evening. “Being here tonight, and listening to these incredible stories, reminds me of what hasn’t changed,” Douglas said. “The through line of this industry is the MPTF, a place where we come together in the spirit of community and giving back to those in need.”

Other celebrity readers who participated throughout the evening included Idina Menzel, Dennis Haysbert and Matt Bomer (“American Horror Story: Hotel”).

The stories that were performed included moving tales of physical, emotional and financial hardship that was alleviated by the Fund’s caring volunteers and social workers. Many of the people mentioned in the stories were present in the audience, and were warmly introduced by the stars who told their tales.

Bomer, who narrated a powerful first-person account of a man who turned to the MPTF for help following the death of his film industry husband, was deeply moved by the story he read.

“It’s incredible that the Fund’s been looking after people in our industry for almost a hundred years,” Bomer said. “The entertainment business is often perceived as cynical, so to have a charity like this, where they’re helping so many people who really need it, people who’ve given their lives and dedicated their careers to this industry, I think it’s a hugely important cause that I hope to do more with in the future.”

The evening ended on a poignant note, with Douglas recounting the death of his mother, actress Diana Douglas, in 2015. “Toward the end of her illness, in an attempt to relieve her discomfort, we moved her to the MPTF campus, and I can attest to the love and support which she received there,” Douglas said, his voice choked with emotion. “I deeply appreciate their efforts, and was not at all surprised when I got a call last week from social services just asking how I was doing.”

Gwen Stefani opens up about the music industry in new interview

Erica Dominguez

Miami Music Examiner

April 7, 2016 9:49 AM MST

Gwen Stefani opens up about her heartbreaking divorce from her husband of 13 years, Gavin Rossdale. The singer says she was extremely angry after the split.

on.aol.com

Back in March, Gwen Stefani released her highly anticipated new album, This is What the Truth Feels Like. Her record label told her it would be a hit, and that it became. The solo record, her third, landed at the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart. It also marked her first solo album to reach the top spot; a feat only five other female artists have accomplished in the past. Some may argue that technically it’s her second record to land at the top spot with No Doubt’s breakthrough album, Tragic Kingdom, doing the same in 1995.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 31: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Gwen Stefani talks with Executive Editor at LinkedIn Daniel Roth during 'LinkedIn For Interview With Daniel Roth' at LinkedIn Studios on March 31, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty I

Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for LinkedIn

In conjunction with the release of the new record, Stefani joined forces with social media site LinkedIn to become an "Influencer." "Influencers" are business people who have made a difference in the world and share their stories and ideas on the website to their followers. Stefani joins a long list of fellow “Influencers” including Richard Branson of the Virgin Group, Arianna Huffington of The Huffington Post, Oprah, and many more.

In an exclusive interview with LinkedIn, Stefani spoke openly about the music industry on topics like what drives her to do what she does, whose advice influences her most, and how she adapts to the always-evolving music industry.

"People should always do what's genuine to them and their heart," she explains to LinkedIn's Daniel Roth when asked about what advice she would give young musicians. "Try to be true to yourself because people see right through that stuff. For me, I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would be anywhere outside of my dad's garage."

But sometimes, even when you put your whole heart into something, you need to take some advice from someone else and adapt. "I listen to them [my team] because I don't have all the good ideas. And some of the best things that I've ever done in my life are collaborations. Everybody has a gift," she admits.

"An example of this would be, 'Gwen, the record feels too personal. We think you should just put out an artistic body of work.' At that point, they were probably right, because I hadn't written the rest of the record. Instead of listening to that and quitting, I went back in and wrote 'Used to Love You' the next day. I sent it to them, and for the first time ever, somebody from a record company called me to say that they thought I had a big record."

As with any musician, no matter if they are an up-and-coming artist or a veteran like Stefani, selecting a single to represent a full album is tricky. "I think that singles are a mystery and you can think about them as much as you want, but that doesn't mean you're going to ever get one," she explains. "It doesn't matter if you work with the greatest single makers, which I've done, it doesn't work like that. There's a magical piece to it."

To see Stefani's complete interview, head on over to LinkedIn here. This is What the Truth Feels like is currently available in stores.

Rolling Stones unveil details of new expanded archive release 'Totally Stripped'

By: Robert Rheubottom AXS Contributor Apr 8, 2016 2 days ago

YouTube

The Rolling Stones have announced details of an expanded reissue of their 1995 live acoustic album Stripped. Titled "Totally Stripped," the deluxe reissue will hit shelves in multiple formats on June 3 via Eagle Rock.

According to a media release posted April 6 at Eagle Rock, "Totally Stripped" features a new version of the live performances and re-recordings that made up the 1995 "unplugged" album and accompanying documentary. The overhauled documentary gives fans a behind-the-scenes peek at the making of the album, which consisted of select tracks from two studio sessions held in March 1995 in Tokyo and July 1995 in Lisbon, as well as from three intimate live shows.

Bonuses contained on the deluxe edition features the first-ever release of the three live shows that constituted the live portion of the album in their entirety. The performances were recorded at small concert in the spring of 1995 in Amsterdam at The Paradiso, Paris' L’Olympia and London's Brixton Academy. Other perks include a CD of favorites taken from across the three live shows along with a 60-page hard book set.

"Take the best element from (MTV) ‘Unplugged’, said frontman Mick Jagger, commenting about the creation of the original project. "The intimate thing of it, without actually doing it completely unplugged.”

The deluxe five-disc edition is available in DVD or Blu-ray. Fans will also be able to purchase "Totally Stripped" in a standard documentary-only edition. DVD/CD and DVD/LP editions are also available, which include the documentary and one additional disc of highlights from the film.

See below for a complete track listing of the deluxe edition. For more information, click here.

The Rolling Stones are back home in London after finishing their hugely successful AEG Live produced America Latina Ole Tour with a landmark concert in front of 1.2 million fans in Cuba on March 25. They made a rare public appearance on Tuesday in London for the media launch of "Exhibitionism. "

The "Satisfaction" hitmaker's first-ever exhibit began a six month run on April 6 at London's Saatchi Gallery. An 11-city touring version of the show will follow the show's initial London run. Tickets are available at AXS. For all the latest details on The Rolling Stones, click here.

Rolling Stones, "Totally Stripped" deluxe edition track listing:

CD
“Not Fade Away” – Amsterdam
“Honky Tonk Women” – Paris
“Dead Flowers” – Amsterdam
“Faraway Eyes”- London
“Shine a Light” – Amsterdam
“I Go Wild” – Paris
“Miss You” – London
“Like a Rolling Stone” – Amsterdam
“Brown Sugar” – Paris
“Midnight Rambler” – London
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” – Paris
“Gimme Shelter” – Amsterdam
“Rip This Joint” – Amsterdam
“Street Fighting Man” – Amsterdam

DVD 1
Totally Stripped Documentary

DVD 2
Paradiso, Amsterdam (May 26, 1995)
“Not Fade Away”
“It’s All Over Now”
“Live With Me”
“Let It Bleed”
“The Spider and the Fly”
“Beast of Burden”
“Angie”
“Wild Horses”
“Sweet Virginia”
“Dead Flowers”
“Shine a Light”
“Like a Rolling Stone”
“Connection”
“Slipping Away”
“The Worst”
“Gimme Shelter”
“All Down the Line”
“Respectable”
“Rip This Joint”
“Street Fighting Man”

DVD 3
L’olympia, Paris (July 3, 1995)
“Honky Tonk Women”
“Tumbling Dice”
“You Got Me”
“All Down the Line”
“Shattered”
“Beast of Burden”
“Let It Bleed”
“Angie”
“Wild Horses”
“Down in the Bottom”
“Shine a Light”
“Like a Rolling Stone”
“I Go Wild”
“Miss You”
“Connection”
“Slipping Away”
“Midnight Rambler”
“Rip This Joint”
“Start Me Up”
“It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll”
“Brown Sugar”
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash”

DVD 4
Brixton Academy, London (July 19, 1995)
“Honky Tonk Women”
“Tumbling Dice”
“You Got Me Rockin’”
“Live With Me”
“Black Limousine”
“Dead Flowers”
“Sweet Virginia”
“Faraway Eyes”
“Love in Vain”
“Down in the Bottom”
“Shine a Light”
“Like a Rolling Stone”
“Monkey Man”
“I Go Wild”
“Miss You”
“Connection”
“Slipping Away”
“Midnight Rambler”
“Rip This Joint”
“Start Me Up”
“Brown Sugar”
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash”

By Andy Daglas

What to watch on Saturday, April 9...

11:30am, Discovery Family
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
“On Your Marks” sees Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle debating what comes next, now that they’ve at long last acquired their cutie marks. Scootaloo, for one, is thinking a more prominent place in the opening titles and a bigger slice of the merchandising, with a 2017 spin-off in her sights.

SEASON 2 PREMIERE, 9pm, Starz
Outlander
“Through a Glass, Darkly,” brings Claire and Jamie to France, where they plan to infiltrate the Jacobite rebellion, prevent the Battle of Culloden, and put the very first “love lock” on Paris’s Pont des Arts.

DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE, 9pm, HBO
Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper
This profile of railroad heiress Gloria Vanderbilt explores the many triumphs and tragedies in her life through a series of conversations with her son, journalist Anderson Cooper. Archival footage and home movies spanning eight decades are also featured.

10pm, Esquire
Beowulf
Rheda has eluded capture in Bregan, but she’s not out of the woods yet: the Abrecan-led coalition is bearing down on her people. Meanwhile, Slean lays his life on the line in an effort to make amends.

11pm, TBS
Conan in Korea
A special installment finds Conan O’Brien and Steven Yeun visiting various parts of South Korea, from Seoul to the Korean Demilitarized Zone and the Joint Security Area.

11pm, Comedy Central
Nikki Glaser: Perfect
The comedian tackles adulthood, pornography, and testicles in a stand-up set recorded during the New York Comedy Festival in November 2015.

11:30pm, NBC
Saturday Night Live
Russell Crowe is here to kick butts and promote his new movie, and he’s all out of butts. As the musical guest, country singer-songwriter Margo Price also hopes you are entertained, but doesn’t want to ask directly for fear of stepping on the host’s line.

Just Music-No Categories-Enjoy It!

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Reply #48 posted 04/09/16 9:54am

JoeBala

Better Days Ahead For Haley Reinhart

05:31 PM Friday 4/8/16 0 | |

Pollstar recently had the opportunity to chat with songstress Haley Reinhart, the former “American Idol” third-place finisher who has since launched a solo career and toured with historical-styled cover band Postmodern Jukebox. She is gearing up to release her second album, “Better,” which includes her surprise hit-cover of “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” and the title track single, released today.

During her time on the tenth season of “American Idol” competition, the judges acknowledged that she was one of the most talented performers in the competition. She developed a loyal following based on her soulful covers of rock and pop classics, and ended up finishing in third place.

Soon after, she signed with Interscope Records in July 2011 and promptly recorded her debut album Listen Up! which released less than a year later in May 2012. Reinhart said an element of the album she enjoyed the most was that she was very much involved in the songwriting for the album, although at 21 years old, she did not yet have much experience in composition. Listen Up! went on to sell more than 50,000 copies and the subsequent touring allowed Reinhart to become the first former Idol contestant to perform at Lollapalooza.

Haley has since been collaborating with Scott Bradlee and his group Postmodern Jukebox, and their videos have been viewed by millions. PMJ, currently on tour, has become a fixture on Pollstar’s Global Concert Pulse, and Reinhart has become of the most recognizable singers associated with the group’s work.

In October, her cover of “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” for an Extra Gum commercial went unexpectedly viral, and the video has garnered over 18 million views at publication time.

Pollstar had a chance to talk with Haley Reinhart about her upcoming album and what life has been like for her for the past few years.

So what can fans expect from Better?

It’s been a long time coming. Some of these songs were written four years ago, but they have lived on and taken a big place in my heart. I’ve collected the songs that I’m really proud of for this album.

Listen Up! was more of a pop album, but your music over the last few years, including singing with Postmodern Jukebox has been a much different style. What kind of music is this new album going to be?

Well, I think there are a lot of messages in this album that can relate to the content of Listen Up! It relates to younger women, it’s motivational. Musically, it is [more of] an extension of the last album. I have pretty much honed in on a full live sound and I work with my favorite people I've really gelled with best over the years.

My collaborators give me a lot of freedom to explore different directions and dig deep. I think the best way to get close to your authentic sound is when you have that kind of freedom. I believe you will get to know me a little bit more through the songs I’ve represented.

Did you write the music on Better?

Yes, all the songs are collaborations. They’re very driven from my point of view and where I was at the time that I wrote them.

As an artist, I want to I want to pump these songs out as soon as I can, while I still relate to them whole heartedly. Some of these songs were written three or four years ago, [so] I am very ready to get them off my chest.

What was the recording process like?

So, I’ve worked with a lot of different producers over the last four years. I became attached to the [original] demos [but I] also wanted to include a full live band to really connect the dots and make it a very cohesive sound throughout. And so that’s what we did. We went into Westlake Studios and I got some of the greatest musicians in the L.A. Area. Stanley Randolph, Brandon Brown, Quintin Zigler, Jacob Scecney, Roland Garcia, they are all on there. And last but not least, my dad Harry Reinhart is playing lead guitar on the tracks as well!

But no (fellow American Idol contestant) Casey Abrahams? I thought he was your guy.

Yeah, Casey was on tour while we were recording, [but] he is credited as playing on the album because he played the keys for “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You.”

That track has really gone viral! What has that been like, to be getting so much attention again based on a song that was recorded for a gum commercial?

So the team from Extra came to me and asked if I wanted to record a studio version. So Casey played that one with me. Once I saw the commercial, I knew it had to be an intimate performance. [But] I never thought that radio stations would enjoy it and really start playing it…. It makes me feel really good that so many people appreciated my rendition of such a classic.

So talking about covers, you have done a lot of covers. You started with American Idol, which is basically all covers. Then you did Listen Up! and promoted it, but your next major project was Postmodern Jukebox, which is again covers in different styles. What is it about covers that has attracted you?

Well I never like to be put in any sort of box. [With PMJ] I get to pick out songs that I love naturally, like Radiohead’s Creep, and put my spin on it. [In the project], I get to channel way back to the ‘40s and the ‘20s and wherever we want to go, a New Orleans dirge or Billie Holiday. It’s been really refreshing in so many ways.

Postmodern Jukebox is touring right now, but you weren’t able to join them in Europe because of the upcoming album release?

Yeah, I was able to do a handful of shows in the UK. A memorable show I did out there was on the day George Martin died, we played When I’m 64 and from there the show just flowed.

What is the process for selecting songs for PMJ like?

I think the process is probably different for each vocalist. Out of all the songs [he shows me], I tell him which ones I see being amazing.

For “Creep” they already had an arrangement, so I just sang it from my soul. Scott Bradlee is an incredible arranger so the trust is very much there. We give each other feedback, and we talk about whether there should be scatting, a solo in different points, and how to build the song dynamically.

How have you continued to grow, moving through these different stages in your career?

Postmodern Jukebox has allowed me to practice things further, to move into different genres and evolve. If people ask me how to categorize the new album, I usually give them about 10 different genres.

I [think] each record [should] evolve into its own sound. In this one I was just as much into the production as my own vocals. I really got into the cinematic, epicness, etherealness of it all.

That’s the reason I’ve named it Better. [In the artwork] I’ve surrounded it with roses and flowers, to represent this process of growth and flourishing that I have been going through.

You were very young when you started “American Idol,” and within a year after the show you had released Listen Up! and were promoting it. I’m sure your life changed a lot during that time.

Yeah, I was [20] years old. I left Chicago; I left my family. When I started writing the album, I was working with a different producer every day. I think we cranked out that album in six months, which as I look back on it was crazy.

Just like “Idol”, I think the writing process and speeding through it like that was such a great learning experience for me. When I get in the studio, I intend on creating something authentic and that experience helped me learn how to work hard to get that... Now, I don’t really have a problem spending 14 hours in the studio if that’s what it takes.

It makes sense that you waited almost four years to release your second album. You probably needed a lot of time to process things.

Yeah, I think because of how quickly the other album had to be put out, I didn’t realize how many other, different ways that could be done. I really had to take time to look at the songs and decide which ones were truly essential to the album.

Does that mean some songs were cut from the album?

Well it was originally going to be an EP, but I was never really excited about that. I wanted it to be more worth peoples’ time and money and my own time. There were more songs that I could have shared, and I still will, but the fact that we were able to make this full-length is really a dream for me. That’s how I saw [this project] from the get-go.

Do you feel good about the album?

I am so ready to get it out there. I can’t tell you how big of a breath I am going to take and really let my shoulders drop [after the final changes are made].

Do you feel nervous about the album’s upcoming release?

No, I’m more excited than anything. I have no expectations other than my fans loving it. These are songs that they have already heard me perform live, [some] for years now. I [just] intended to take this record and [share these songs with] more people.

Do you have any goals for your career? Are you interested in signing another contract?

Yes, I want the Grammy. I want SNL. I want the luxury of it. I want to be able to support my family. My dreams are very large and they always have been. I enjoy creating new ones as I achieve old ones.

The beautiful thing about life is just how reachable everything is if you believe in it. In my heart I believe in everything I’ve been sent down here to accomplish.

I’ve met with [many] record labels since the “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” cover took off. I am willing to get into another contract if it feels right, but I’m surely taking my time this time around and making sure that my instincts are speaking to me.

You had a lot of fans on Idol. You’ve mentioned that a lot of those fans have carried over, and many have seen you perform your new material. What can you say about them?

It’s incredible. The Idol fans span various ages and a lot of them travel far and wide to see me, whether with my own shows or with Postmodern Jukebox. There is a mutual love and respect between us.

For them I feel bad having kept them waiting. They would joke around and ask when the new album was coming and I would always say “Soon!” but that was only because I am a woman of my word and I didn’t want to promise a date that I couldn’t be sure of.

I even know [some] of them by name now. I really appreciate them for sticking around all this time.

Any last thoughts?

My single 'Better' is out today as well as the pre-order of the whole album. Make sure you check out my U.S. summer tour dates this June!

Track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"My Cake"	Jose Aguiree Lopez, Fabian Ordorica, Haley Reinhart, Keithian Sammons	2:58
2.	"Behave"		3:11
3.	"Better"	Alex Reid, Anders Grahn, Reinhart	3:38
4.	"Can't Help Falling in Love"	George David Weiss, Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore	2:53
5.	"Check Please"	Rob Kleiner, Clare Reynolds, Reinhart	3:29
6.	"Bad Light"	Adam (sic), James Flannigan, Grahn, Reinhart	3:41
7.	"Talkin' About"	Reinhart, Justin Gray, Grahn	3:19
8.	"Good or Bad"	Reinhart, Grahn	3:49
9.	"Love Is Worth Fighting For"	Reinhart, Reynolds	4:00
10.	"I Belong To You"	Alex Geringas, Clarence Coffee, Jr., Reinhart	4:18
11.	"Listen"	Grahn, Maria Marcus, Reinhart	4:03

Here are the June tour dates at publication time:

June 3 — Petaluma, Calif., McNears Mystic Theatre
June 4 — San Francisco, Calif., Great American Music Hall
June 6 — Los Angeles, Calif., El Rey Theatre
June 7 — Solana Beach, Calif., Belly Up Tavern
June 9 — Phoenix, Ariz., The Crescent Ballroom
June 11 — Denver, Colo., Bluebird Theater
June 13 — Minneapolis, Minn., Varsity Theater
June 14 — Chicago, Ill., Lincoln Hall
June 15 — Columbus, Ohio, A & R Music Bar
June 17 — Detroit, Mich., St. Andrews Hall
June 18 — Pittsburgh, Pa., Stage AE
June 19 — Philadelphia, Pa., World Cafe Live
June 21 — Washington, DC, The Hamilton Live
June 22 — New York, N.Y., The Gramercy Theatre
June 23 — Boston, Mass., Brighton Music Hall
June 25 — Bay Shore, N.Y., YMCA. Boulton Ctr. For The Perf. Arts
June 26 — Asbury Park, N.J., House Of Independents

More information on the shows is available at HaleyReinhart.com.

Just Music-No Categories-Enjoy It!

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JoeBala

Entertainment

2016 Billboard Music Awards: Ludacris, Ciara Confirmed As Hosts For The Show

By Natalie Roterman | Apr 10 2016, 11:30AM EDT

Grammy award winning recording artist Ludacris & music superstar Ciara to host the 2016 Billboard Music Awards. Courtesy Photo: BBMAs

Dick Clark productions and ABC announced today that the 2016 Billboard Music Awards will be hosted for the third year in a row by Grammy award winning recording artist Ludacris. He will be joined by first-time host and international recording artist, Ciara. It was also announced that this year’s award show will move to the brand new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The award show will be the first-ever broadcast event from the new venue, which officially opened on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. The “2016 Billboard Music Awards” is set to return to ABC and will broadcast live on Sunday, May 22 at 8pm ET. This year’s show will showcase big performances, unexpected collaborations and pop culture moments that will have everyone talking.

“The Billboard Music Awards is one of best award shows to honor chart success. My great friend Ludacris and I have also shared songs together on the Billboard chart,” said Ciara. “I look forward to sharing the stage with him on this special night. It will definitely be a night to remember!”

"It is my honor to host the Billboard Music Awards for the 3rd year and a pleasure to host with my good friend Ciara,” said Ludacris. “I’m looking forward to another great show in a new and exciting venue."

The “2016 Billboard Music Awards” finalists will be announced on Monday, April 11 live on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Tune-in to “Good Morning America” in the 8am ET hour when Ludacris and Ciara reveal finalists in six categories. Immediately following the broadcast, five additional categories will be exclusively announced live via Billboard Music Award’s Facebook and Periscope, followed by a live stream on ABC News of the remaining categories.

Billboard Music Awards finalists are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital songs sales, radio airplay, streaming, touring and social engagement. These measurements are tracked year-round by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. The awards are based on the reporting period of March 23, 2015 through March 17, 2016. Since 1940, the Billboard charts have been the go-to guide for ranking the popularity of songs and albums, and are the ultimate measure of a musician’s success.

By Andy Daglas

What to watch on Sunday, April 10...

PREVIOUSLY: Friday, April 8 | Saturday, April 9

8pm, MTV
2016 MTV Movie Awards
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kevin Hart host the 26th annual celebration of celluloid from the Warner Bros. backlot, raising the chances of an Animaniacs cameo to a solid 15 percent. Jessica Chastain, Zac Efron, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, and many more are slated to present.

SERIES PREMIERE, 8pm & 8:30pm, Starz
The Girlfriend Experience
A law student (Riley Keough) is drawn into the world of escort relationships in the first two episodes of this drama co-produced by Steven Soderbergh (whose 2009 film serves as the inspiration). Mary Lynn Rajskub and Paul Sparks also star.

8pm, ABC
Once Upon a Time
“Her Handsome Hero” finds Belle seeking Rumplestiltskin’s help to safeguard their child from Hades, but the use of dark magic proves a sticking point. Elsewhere, Emma grapples with a nightmare that become a reality, Hades urges Gaston to take revenge on Rumplestiltskin, and a flashback recalls the first meeting of Belle and Gaston.

8pm, PBS
Call the Midwife
A mother-to-be and her dockworker husband are forced to make a hard choice about her impending birth, and Barbara is caught in the middle. Meanwhile, Sister Evangelina encourages a young mother to continue trying to breastfeed despite her difficulties, and Nurse Crane is taken with un hombre encantador in her Spanish class.

8pm, CBS
Madam Secretary
Elizabeth devises a plan to secure the release of schoolgirls held captive by Boko Haram in “Desperate Remedies.” In other affairs, Henry closes in on Jibral Disah’s precise location. Who knew that drawing the terrorist into an elaborate global game of “Marco Polo” would actually work?

8pm, Fox
The Simpsons
Following an argument, Marge and Lisa enjoy an excursion to Capital City in “How Lisa Got Her Marge Back.” There they take in a musical, whose star Andrew Rannells offers the middle Simpson child some valuable perspective. Back home, Bart ropes Maggie into his latest mischief.

8:30pm, Fox
Bob’s Burgers
The family lends a hand to an old friend of Bob’s after unpaid parking tickets land him in the clink. Meanwhile in “Wag the Hog,” a babysitting job gives Linda more trouble than she bargained for.

SEASON 2 PREMIERE, 9pm AMC
Fear the Walking Dead
With L.A. in flames in “Monster,” the families escape aboard Strand’s yacht even as they remain wary of the captain. But the seas prove scarcely safer than dry land, presumably because early-model zombies still retain some rudimentary boating ability.

SEASON 5 PREMIERE, 9pm, Showtime
House of Lies
Marty and Jeannie struggle to get the hang of co-parenting in “Creative Destruction Phenomenon,” even as Marty receives a tempting offer from an old associate. Elsewhere, Doug and Clyde jockey for position.

SEASON 3 FINALE, 9pm, Hallmark
When Calls the Heart
Hope Valley must rally after a landslide puts one townsperson in danger in “Prayers From the Heart.” I hate to rub it in at a time like this, but Stevie Nicks did warn them about this.

9pm & 10pm, CBS
Elementary
Sherlock and Joan receive a plea for help from a woman claiming to be an old cohort of Mycroft’s in “All In.” As the detectives investigate their client—and the underground poker ring she runs—they suspect she may not be entirely on the up-and-up. Then in “Art Imitates Art,” a woman’s murder has ties to a piece of artwork and a crime from her past, and Joan tries to strike a bond with a recent client.

9pm, TLC
Who Do You Think You Are?
Scott Foley uncovers ancestral connections to both the Salem witch trials and the Founding Fathers. It wouldn’t be surprising to also learn he’s related to a junior high social studies textbook.

9pm, NBC
The Carmichael Show
After Jerrod’s childhood chum finishes a 10-year prison stint in “Ex-Con,” the family considers questions about the criminal justice system and the possibility of rehabilitation.

9pm, PBS
Grantchester
A false alarm leads to a true murder case for Sidney and Geordie, while Amanda lands in hot water and things with Margaret take a turn for the serious.

9pm, HBO
Vinyl
Richie’s in a pickle as the Buck Rogers murder case gains steam in “Rock and Roll Queen.” Elsewhere, Jamie crashes with Kip as the Nasty Bits finish up their record, Maury Gold pitches an old-school LP at American Century, and an Indigo song brings Clark and Jorge together.

SERIES PREMIERE, 9:30pm, Showtime
Dice
Andrew Dice Clay stars in this semi-autobiographical comedy about his efforts to get his career back on track, which could be tough since “make it 1987 again through science or magic” is off the table. “Elvis” opens the series with the Dice-Man losing a pretty penny at a casino.

9:30pm, Fox
The Last Man on Earth
Phil organizes a party for the group in “Skidmark,” while Todd enjoys a bout of good fortune.

SEASON 1 FINALE, 10pm, Showtime
Billions
Chuck goes looking for Axe in “The Conversation,” leading to a climactic clash. “Pistols at dawn, good sir!” one of them will surely exclaim, gracing the other’s cheek with the smart sting of a crisp white glove.

10pm, ABC
Quantico
In “Care,” Liam and Miranda challenge the NATS to sneak across the U.S.-Canada border as part of their training on human trafficking. Embarrassingly, they get totally shown up by a carful of teenagers en route from Windsor to Detroit with fireworks and booze. In the future, Simon helps Alex at risk of his own life.

10pm, HBO
Girls
After her road trip with Fran comes to sudden end, Hannah must rely on Ray to get her back to the Big Apple. Elsewhere in “Homeward Bound,” Adam pops by Laird’s apartment to help tend to his nephew, Shoshanna reacclimates to life in the States, and Marnie receives new parameters for her relationship with Desi.

SERIES FINALE, 10:30pm, HBO
Togetherness
The family comes together to support Michelle in “For the Kids,” as she makes one final effort to save her charter school plans.

11:30pm, Cartoon Network
Robot Chicken
Skits in “Hopefully Salt” include Superman dealing with privacy issues and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles upgrading their arsenal.

Just Music-No Categories-Enjoy It!

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Reply #50 posted 04/10/16 5:12pm

Identity	[img:$uid]http://i.imgur.com/aj7b1a9.jpg?1[/img:$uid] Coachella Q&A: Wild Belle Edition Link
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Reply #51 posted 04/12/16 6:54am

Identity

Watch the TitanFall 2 Teaser Trailer

April 2016

EA is ready to talk about the sequel to Titanfall. The publisher just released a brief teaser trailer for Titanfall 2, the sequel to the multiplayer mech shooter from Respawn Entertainment, a studio formed by former Call of Duty veterans.

The game will be multiplatform — the original was a Microsoft exclusive — and will be coming to the Xbox One, PC, and PlayStation 4.

The game will be officially unveiled on June 12th at E3 in Los Angeles.

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Reply #52 posted 04/12/16 8:23pm

purplethunder3
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Coachella to be streamed exclusively on YouTube 17 h Newsdesk SHARE WITH: Not everyone can make it to the California desert, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Coachella. Un-leashed by T-Mobile, music fans around the world can tune into Coachella’s YouTube channel on April 15-17 to catch performances of both emerging artists and the biggest acts on the lineup. The live stream will also be available on the YouTube Music app, and on any screen where you can watch YouTube. You can further enhance your experience with several new features on Coachella’s YouTube channel for this year’s festival: You’ll have the freedom to choose from three live stream channels and a video-on-demand hub to see highlights and performance footage throughout the weekend. You can also find this on mobile at CoachellaLive.com. An interactive personalized schedule to customize your live viewing experience. The live stream channel will change automatically based on the artists & bands you select. The Coachella YouTube Channel social feed will incorporate new exclusive highlights and top moments from the festival. Stay tuned in here to find out which artists will be in the live stream and subscribe to Coachella’s YouTube channel to watch the latest videos and even relive past performances.

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." --Plato

https://youtu.be/CVwv9LZMah0

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Reply #53 posted 04/12/16 10:03pm

Identity	Don't look now, but Marvel just dropped the new trailer for Doctor Strange.
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Reply #54 posted 04/13/16 6:36am

JoeBala

Thanks ID looking forward to those shows , since I can't afford most shows these days.

Review: Jane Monheit Tries Ella Fitzgerald on for Size

By NATE CHINENAPRIL 6, 2016

Jane Monheit

“The Songbook Sessions: Ella Fitzgerald”

(Emerald City)

Jane Monheit approaches a familiar touchstone from an unexpected angle on her new album, “The Songbook Sessions: Ella Fitzgerald.” An act of loving homage from one vocalist to another, it features Ms. Monheit with her longtime band, but in the hands of an outside producer, the trumpeter Nicholas Payton. There’s a flicker of odd-couple tension in their alliance, and it works.

Ms. Monheit, 38, has been touted as an acolyte of Fitzgerald ever since her bright-eyed rise in the late 1990s, though this was always more a matter of sworn influence than of manifest style. Fitzgerald was a jazz singer of unerring instinct and quick composure, crisp and bracing as a classic gin fizz. Ms. Monheit is more like a cosmopolitan with an extra splash of cranberry: ruby-hued, smooth, right on the edge of cloying.

To her great credit, she hasn’t tried to be a Fitzgerald clone, or even indulged in a full-scale tribute before this one. And she isn’t offering an ingénue’s take on the subject: There’s an anchoring sense of lived experience in her singing, no less on a light-footed swinger like“Something’s Gotta Give” than on a crystalline ballad like “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye.” Her deliberative phrasing and intonation point beyond Fitzgerald to another shining exemplar, Judy Garland. (Ms. Monheit called her new label Emerald City, leaving just a few dots to connect.)

Ms. Monheit can still let pathos get the better of her; it happens on Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s “In a Sentimental Mood” (listed on the album as “Chelsea Mood”). But her band — with Michael Kanan on piano; Neal Miner on bass; and Rick Montalbano, her husband, on drums — has a buoyant ease that prevents her from dragging. And Mr. Payton, who has lately been honing his skills as a studio auteur, brings a few fresh ideas to the fore.

He arranged two-thirds of the tracks, including “All Too Soon” and “All of You,” each involving electric piano, a sinuous groove and a gleaming trumpet solo. (He also brought in the percussionist Daniel Sadownick and, on two tracks, the harpist Brandee Younger.)

Mr. Payton is the likeliest party behind the multitracking of Ms. Monheit’s voice on “Somebody Loves Me,” and the choice to link another Gershwin standard, “I Was Doing All Right,” to the Amy Winehouse tune “Know You Now.” And his vision for “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” with organ and piano in a braided loop, feels like a remix: Ms. Monheit doesn’t enter until almost two minutes in, sounding eager but unburdened.

Shelby Lynne to star in upcoming movie produced by Mike Epps

Shelby Lynne Portraits-Lisa VanHecke Photography 2012-26-2.jpg

Shelby Lynne, who grew up in coastal Alabama, made Rolling Stone's list of the 40 saddest country songs ever. (Lisa VanHecke photo courtesy of Everso Records)

asutton@al.com" />By Amber Sutton
on April 05, 2016 at 10:35 AM, updated April 05, 2016 at 10:54 AM

Singer Shelby Lynne announced on social media on Monday that she'll be starring in "The Magnificent Room" produced by Mike Epps.

While little information has been released about the "The Magnificent Room," the film was written and will be directed by Cynthia Mort. The film's Instagram and Facebook accounts began sharing images of Lynne this weekend.

Lynne, who grew up in Mobile, is a Grammy-winning country singer who made a name for herself with the 1999 album "I Am Shelby Lynn." Since then, the singer has released several successful albums, including "Love, Shelby," "Identity Crisis" and more.

In addition, Lynne has taken on several acting roles, including playing Johnny Cash's mother, Carrie, in 2005's "I Walk the Line."

Hey, hey, he's a huge fan: New Orleans man fills his life, home with Monkees memories

GEORGE GURTNER| SPECIAL TO THE ADVOCATE

March 28, 2016; 3:54 p.m.

3 Comments

Every so often, long after you thought you had heard or seen the last of the rock group The Monkees — not to mention that entire “British invasion” — one of those nickel and dime lyrical ditties will come blaring out of the past from an AM radio station in your car, and visions of moppy hair and bell-bottom pants will fill your head once again:”Hey, hey, we’re the Monkeeeees…”

“Wash your mouth out,” you can almost hear Renny Simno saying. Simno is a development officer at Loyola University. That’s in real life. But those Monkees are in every breath he takes and every bit of food he ingests.

“I’ve been a fan of the Monkees for 30 years … I was 10 years old when I saw them on TV. I was hooked immediately,” Simno says.

At the Metairie Family Gras this year, two of the original Monkees — still-impish Micky Dolenz and pal Peter Tork — kicked off the group’s 50th anniversary tour. Simno, needless to say, was there.

“Fifty years,” Simno muses, as he sits behind the drum set in his living room — the very drum set once used by Dolenz. Simno bought the set at an auction in New York for $2,800, and had it shipped to his home in Metairie for an additional $1,000. If you’re sensing “rabid Monkees fan” here, you hit it right on the money.

When he opens the front door of his home, a giant screen showing a Monkees feature is going strong. The walls in this room are heavy with covers from Monkees magazines, album covers from long ago, and here there are Monkees toys, key chains, stuffed pillows, wall emblems. If it’s Monkees anything, you can bet it’s somewhere to be found in this house.

In another time it was said that “The sun never sets on the British empire.” The same is true of Renny Simno’s Monkees empire. Only, contrary to popular opinion, these one-time mop-heads were not British.

They got their start in Los Angeles.

Of the original quartet, three remain. The only British Monkee, Davy Jones, died of a heart attack in 2012. Since that time, the group has operated as a trio.

“I’ve been a fan of the Monkees for 30 years,” the 39-year-old Simno says. “I remember MTV did an all-day marathon called ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday.’ It was the 20th anniversary of the Monkees that year … a resurgence of the group. That’s when I first saw them and heard that great sound they made, I was hooked. They had the biggest tour of the year in 1986. They were on Nick at Night and Nickelodeon all the time.”

That was 20 years after their two-year run as a sit-com on television, 1966-’67.

“You’ve got to remember,” says Simno, the Monkees historian, “in 1967, the Monkees music outsold the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. They were everywhere during that time. Their music was great.”

During those television years, the Monkees show beat out “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Bewitched,” “Hogan’s Heroes” and “Get Smart” for audiences and won two Emmys. When things cooled off and the plug was pulled on the Monkees TV show, syndication brought them back on Saturday mornings from 1969-’72.

“And then it was their touring and their music and everything from T-shirts to posters to toys that kept them going big,” Simno says.

“Their voices, their talent, you won’t find anything like what they offered, what they offer anywhere,” he says. “The more and more I read about them, the more fascinating I found that whole story. Way back in 1965, they ran a small ad in a newspaper looking for musicians to join their group. When the four of them finally came together, it just clicked. I truly think theirs is the most interesting and unique story in all of music history. Way back in the ’60s, four guys forming a music group kind of, like, an American Beatles coming together and doing a TV show. There was never anything like it.”

As he talks, seemingly recalling every move the Monkees ever made, Simno points out this wall plaque and a Monkees throw rug transformed into a wall decoration. Other names and connections float by.

“Mike Nesmith actually wrote one of Linda Ronstadt’s songs and Neil Diamond and Carole King and Neil Sedaka.”

“Last Train To Clarksville” wafts through the house and you’re not sure if its a piped in sound effect Simno has set up or your imagination. “Naaaaa,” you say to yourself. “The man will think I’m daft if I ask about it.”

“I’ve seen them live 10 times all around the country,” Simno says. “My brother has a place up in Manhattan and when they play anywhere in the area I would be up there. I would.” Simno stops in mid sentence and plows into a newly discovered mountain of memorabilia: Monkees lunch boxes. Monkees trading cards, bubble gum …

“When Davy Jones passed away, I ended up having a little party of about 50 people where and I displayed all of my Monkees collectibles and I had the TV show playing in the living room and I had the Monkee’s movie, ‘Head’ from 1968 playing.”

As an afterthought, Simno says, “That movie, ‘Head,’ from 1968 … It was actually produced and directed by Jack Nicholson. Not a lot of people realize that.”

But you can bet Renny Simno knew that. And he didn’t have to look it up.

What to Watch Tonight: The Series Premiere of The Last Panthers, the Season Finale of Face Off, andBroad City, The Path, and The Americans

By Andy Daglas

What to watch on Wednesday, April 13...

12:01am Pacific, Hulu
The Path
Two of the Movement’s elders stop by the annual Ascension Day picnic, taking a rare break from their busy schedule of heckling the Muppets. Also in “The Future”—the episode called “The Future,” that is, not the relative time designation… although I suppose if you’re planning to watch the episode, both are true in your case? I digress. Also in “The Future,” Abe learns about Mary Cox’s past troubles and Hawk nudges closer to Ashley.

6pm, Cartoon Network
The Powerpuff Girls
Broken bones only make Bubbles more formidable in “Strong-Armed.” Or, rather, her snazzy new robotic cast does.

8pm, Fox
Rosewood
Rosewood reckons with his mortality while investigating the murder of a man with a condition similar to his own. Elsewhere in “Dead Drops & Disentanglement,” Donna and Erica butt heads while Hornstock seeks Villa’s help getting through to his teenage daughter, who conveniently enough is a witness in the current case.

8pm, ABC
The Middle
“Survey Says…” finds Frankie joining Sue and her new beau Jeremy for lunch, but the conversation quickly takes a critical turn. Meanwhile, Axl’s decision to give up the gridiron disappoints Mike, and Brick fixates on a customer satisfaction survey.

8pm, Pop
Schitt’s Creek
Moira sets out to make the town spic and span in “Moira vs. Town Council,” while cleanliness of a more personal nature causes a rift between Alexis and Mutt. Elsewhere, David misappropriates the company credit card.

8:30pm, ABC
The Goldbergs
In “Rush,” Erica’s new boyfriend cultivates her appreciation for Canada’s favorite arena-rock trio—but he also gets under Murray’s skin. Barry, on the other hand, is dealing with a surfeit of parental affection after he accuses Beverly of preferring Adam and she overcompensates to prove him wrong.

SEASON 10 FINALE, 9pm, Syfy
Face Off
The three finalists and their teams prepare the makeup for short horror films in “Sinister Showdown Part 2.” Hey, have the losing finalists on this show ever conjured makeup to make them look just like the winner, in hopes of confusing the producers about who should get the prize?

SERIES PREMIERE, 9pm, NBC
STRONG
Volleyball champion Gabrielle Reece hosts this competition series that puts 10 women through a series of strength and conditioning challenges, guided by 10 elite male trainers. The competitors and their fitness gurus arrive at the compound in tonight’s first two episodes, before the show moves to its regular timeslot tomorrow at 8pm.

9pm, Fox
Empire
Lucious bares his soul in directing his latest music video in “The Tameness of a Wolf,” even as family tension intensifies. On the Mirage a Trois tour, Hakeem must soothe Tiana and Laura’s clashing egos.

9pm, PBS
NOVA
“Can Alzheimer’s Be Stopped?”spotlights the latest research into the cause of the disease, as well as efforts to develop a way to slow and outright prevent it.

9pm, ABC
Modern Family
After finding a stray dog, Claire hopes to track down its owner while hiding it from human Labrador puppy Phil. Elsewhere in “Man Shouldn’t Lie,” Jay is too stubborn to admit he’s fond of his and Gloria’s new couple-friends, and Cameron rents the upstairs apartment to a Christian rock band.

9:30pm, ABC
Black-ish
Dre and Bow debate marriage traditions after his sister Rhonda gets hitched, prompting a surprising admission from Bow. Meanwhile in “Johnson & Johnson,” the twins fear they’ve grown too advanced in years to serve as their aunt’s flower girl and ring bearer, while Junior and Zoey help Ruby come to terms with Rhonda’s same-sex relationship.

SERIES PREMIERE, 10pm, Sundance
The Last Panthers
This six-episode crime drama centers on an infamous gang of European jewel thieves who come out of apparent retirement. A daring jewelry heist in Marseilles initiates the intrigue, with an English loss adjuster and a Parisian cop among those on the case. Samantha Morton, John Hurt, and Tahar Rahim star, while the late David Bowie contributed the theme song.

10pm, WGN America
Underground
August feels the strain of the journey in “Troubled Water,” and the runners aren’t exactly having an easy time of things when they wind up trapped in a floating coffin. Meanwhile, Ernestine struggles to remain influential.

10pm, Comedy Central
Broad City
Abbi and Ilana decide to take a trip in “Getting There.” But the first leg of their journey—making it to the airport—winds up being much easier said than done.

10pm, ABC
Nashville
The Exes hit the road with Autumn Chase—and hit a few speed bumps thanks to their newfound fame. Elsewhere in “When There’s a Fire in Your Heart,” Deacon looks askance on Maddie and Cash’s growing bond, Will and Kevin team up once more, and Juliette hopes to get Glenn back on her team.

10pm, FX
The Americans
In “Clark’s Place,” Philip is forced to make a critical decision that will leave its mark on both him and Martha. But y’know what? I think they should bite the bullet and get their own mail robot for home. Those little dudes are just so convenient!

LATE-NITE:
– Conan Korea on Conan, 11pm, TBS
– Ken Jeong on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, 11pm, Comedy Central
– TBD on The Nightly Show With Larry Wilmore, 11:30pm, Comedy Central
– Ice Cube, Ellie Kemper, and Conrad Sewell on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, 11:35pm, NBC
– Robert Downey, Jr., Don Cheadle, Emily VanCamp, Chadwick Boseman, & Paul Bettany, and Mayer Hawthorne on Jimmy Kimmel Live, 11:35pm, ABC
– Tom Hiddleston, Maisie Williams, Rooney, and Fabrizio Moretti on Late Night with Seth Meyers, 12:35am, NBC

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Underworld Blood Wars is the Title for the Fifth Installment

BY CS

ON APRIL 12, 2016

Underworld Blood Wars is the title for the fifth installment

Screen Gems and Lakeshore Entertainment announced today that Underworld Blood Wars will be the name for the fifth installment of the series, which features Kate Beckinsale returning as Selene. Underworld Blood Wars is scheduled to open in theaters on October 14, 2016.

Theo James (The Divergent Series) returns as Selene’s ally David, reprising the role he played inUnderworld: Awakening. British actors Tobias Menzies (“Outlander”, “Rome”) and Lara Pulver (“Sherlock”) take on the respective roles of a formidable new Lycan leader and a fiercely ambitious Vampire, and Charles Dance (“Game of Thrones”) again plays Vampire elder Thomas. Rounding out the film’s stellar international cast are: James Faulkner (“Game of Thrones”), Peter Andersson (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), newcomer Clementine Nicholson, Bradley James (A&E’s upcoming “Damien”) and Daisy Head (the upcoming Fallen).

Anna Foerster is the director of Underworld Blood Wars. Foerster, who previously directed episodes of the television series “Criminal Minds” and “Outlander,” is widely known for her work as cinematographer on epic blockbusters such as Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrowand White House Down.

The screenplay for Underworld Blood Wars was penned by Cory Goodman (The Last Witch Hunter, Priest) and based on characters originally created by Kevin Grevioux, Len Wiseman and Danny McBride. Lakeshore Entertainment’s Tom Rosenberg (The Lincoln Lawyer, Million Dollar Baby), Gary Lucchesi (Million Dollar Baby, Underworld), and Richard S. Wright (The Lincoln Lawyer, Underworld) are producing as are David Kern (Underworld: Awakening), along with Len Wiseman (Underworld, Total Recall).

Foerster’s accomplished behind-the-scenes team comprises cinematographer Karl W. Lindenlaub (The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Independence Day), production designer Ondrej Nekvasil (Snowpiercer), costume designer Bojana Nikitovic (A Good Day to Die Hard), and editor Peter Amundson (Pacific Rim, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans).

Ghost in the Shell Photo Released as Production Begins

GHOST IN THE SHELL MOVIE NEWS SCARLETT JOHANSSON

BY CS

ON APRIL 14, 2016

Ghost in the Shell Photo Released as Production Begins

Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures have announced that production is underway onGhost in the Shell, starring Scarlett Johansson (Avengers: Age of Ultron, Lucy) and directed by Rupert Sanders (Snow White and the Huntsman). The film is shooting in Wellington, New Zealand. Paramount Pictures will release the film in the U.S. on March 31, 2017 and has released the first Ghost in the Shell photo, which you can view in the gallery below.

The film, which is based on the famous Kodansha Comics manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow, is produced by Avi Arad (The Amazing Spider-Man 1& 2, Iron Man), Ari Arad (Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance), and Steven Paul (Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance). Michael Costigan (Prometheus), Tetsu Fujimura (Tekken), Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, whose animation studio Production I.G produced the Japanese Ghost in the Shell film and television series, and Jeffrey Silver (Edge of Tomorrow, 300) will executive produce.

Based on the internationally-acclaimed sci-fi property, Ghost in the Shell follows the Major, a special ops, one-of-a-kind human-cyborg hybrid, who leads the elite task force Section 9. Devoted to stopping the most dangerous criminals and extremists, Section 9 is faced with an enemy whose singular goal is to wipe out Hanka Robotic’s advancements in cyber technology.

RELATED: Scarlett Johanss... Spotlight

“We are so pleased to be in Wellington to shoot ‘Ghost in the Shell,’” said producers Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Michael Costigan and Jeffrey Silver. “The city boasts state-of-the-art production facilities and a rich urban landscape that make it an ideal setting for a sci-fi action film. The crew-base in New Zealand working on the film is first class, and working with Sir Richard Taylor and the team at Weta Workshop is inspirational on every level. The people of New Zealand have been terrific partners in helping us bring this story and its beloved characters to audiences around the world and we are thankful for their continued hospitality.”

Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures have entered into a marketing agreement with the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC), Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), Callaghan Innovation and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) which recognizes the significant economic, cultural and industry development benefits the production will bring to New Zealand. The collaboration will further promote New Zealand’s growing screen industry, develop local talent and showcase New Zealand to the rest of the world.

“The production will broaden the perceptions of the diversity of New Zealand’s locations by showcasing a science fiction urban setting in New Zealand,” says Dave Gibson NZFC Chief Executive.

Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said: “Tourism New Zealand is thrilled to be working with Paramount Pictures for the first time on ‘GHOST IN THE SHELL.’ Film tourism is an important element in Tourism New Zealand’s work to inspire people to visit New Zealand and we look forward to this new opportunity to showcase New Zealand to the rest of the world.”

The cast of Ghost in the Shell includes Beat Takeshi Kitano as Daisuke Aramaki, Juliette Binoche as Dr. Ouelet, Michael Pitt as Kuze, Pilou Asbæk as Batou, and Kaori Momoi. The members of Section 9 are played by Chin Han, Danusia Samal, Lasarus Ratuere, Yutaka Izumihara and Tuwanda Manyimo.

The film’s crew includes Cinematographer Jess Hall, Editor Neil Smith, Production Designer Jan Roelfs, and Costume Designers Kurt Swanson and Bart Mueller.

Baywatch

RELEASE DATE:May 19, 2017

STUDIO:Paramount Pictures

DIRECTOR:Seth Gordon

MPAA RATING:N/A

SCREENWRITERS:Damian Shannon, Mark Swift, Barry Schwartz

STARRING:Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario, Priyanka Chopra, Jon Bass, Kelly Rohrbach, Ilfenesh Hadera, Hannibal Buress, David Hasselhoff

GENRE:Comedy, Action

DURATION:N/A

COPYRIGHT HOLDER:N/A

COPYRIGHT:N/A

Plot Summary:

"Baywatch" follows devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon (Johnson) as he butts heads with a brash new recruit (Efron). Together, they uncover a local criminal plot that threatens the future of the Bay.

Baywatch

Wonder Woman

RELEASE DATE:June 2, 2017

STUDIO:Warner Bros. Pictures

DIRECTOR:Patty Jenkins

MPAA RATING:N/A

SCREENWRITERS:Michael Goldenberg, Jason Fuchs

STARRING:Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Ewen Bremner, Said Taghmaoui,Elena Anaya, Lucy Davis, Connie Nielsen

GENRE:Action, Adventure

DURATION:N/A

COPYRIGHT HOLDER:N/A

COPYRIGHT:N/A

OFFICIAL WEBSITE:Facebook| Twitter| Instagram

Plot Summary:

Set to open in 2017, the "Wonder Woman" movie is based on characters created by William Moulton Marston, appearing in comic books published by DC Entertainment.

Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman Set Photos

Wonder Woman

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X-Men: Apocalypse IMAX Poster Brings the Cast Together

X-MEN: APOCALYPSEMOVIE NEWS X-MEN

BY SPENCER PERRY

ON APRIL 13,

X-Men: Apocalypse IMAX poster brings the cast together

20th Century Fox has released the official X-Men: Apocalypse IMAX poster, bringing much of the cast together in one epic image! Check it out in the gallery below.

RELATED: X-Men: Apocalypse Character Guide

Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshiped as a god. Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel’s X-Men universe, amassed the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible. Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the world as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender), to cleanse mankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) with the help of Professor X (James McAvoy) must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction.

X-Men: Apocalypse IMAX Poster

X-Men: Apocalypse also stars James McAvoy as Charles Xaver, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, Nicholas Hoult as Beast, Rose Byrne as Moira MacTaggert, Lucas Till as Havok and newcomers Alexandra Shipp as Storm, Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, Ben Hardy as Angel, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops, Olivia Munn as Psylocke and Lana Condor as Jubilee. Oscar Isaac is starring as the film’s title antagonist.

Said to be the conclusion of a trilogy started with X-Men: First Class and continued with X-Men: Days of Future Past, the Bryan Singer directed X-Men: Apocalypse is set for release on May 27, 2016.

X-Men: Apocalypse

X-Men: Apocalpse

X-Men: Apocalypse Empire Cover

X-Men: Apocalypse

Sony Pictures Teases The Dark Tower, MIB 23, Passengers and More at CinemaCon

CINEMACON MOVIE NEWS SONY PICTURES

BY SILAS LESNICK

ON APRIL 13, 2016

Sony Pictures’s CinemaCon 2016 presentation showcased upcoming films like Passengers, MIB 23 and more!

Sony Pictures kicked off its 2016 CinemaCon presentation with a look at Ang Lee’s upcoming drama, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk. Featuring a cast that includes Kristen Stewart, Steve Martin, Vin Diesel, Garrett Hedlund and more, the film follows a young military private who returns to America after a harrowing experience in Iraq. A guest at a Thanksgiving football game, Billy (played by newcomer Joe Alwyn) reflects back on his experiences as he tries to grapple with what it all means. It was revealed that, when the film hits theaters on November 11, high frame rate footage will be used to differentiate the war footage from the football game narrative.

“It’s sort of weird being honored for the worst day of your life,” says Billy in the trailer, which is backed by a choir version of David Bowie’s “Heroes.”

“Your story no longer belongs to you,” Steve Martin’s character tells him later. “It’s America’s story now.”

“What really happened over there?” Kristen Stewart’s character asks at the very end. Billy can only stare in silence.

Sony Pictures then moved on to their upcoming original science fiction tale, Passengers. Stars Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence took the stage to introduce the project, which features Pratt as a man named Jim Preston who, no longer feeling like he has a place on Earth, decides to go instead to an Earth colony 120 years away. Although he’s supposed to sleep through the journey with the rest of the transport vessel Avalon’s 5,258 person crew, Preston winds up waking up only 30 years into his journey. Unable to return to the unconscious state needed to survive the journey, he instead explores the ship and, in the footage showcased, finds some faint companionship in aShining-esque robot bartender, played by Michael Sheen. Even though he’s effectively the only person alive on the Avalon, Preston finds that he’s still considered a lower class member of society by the ship’s computer systems and he’s denied many of the luxuries that richer travelers would receive. Soon, however, Preston is no longer alone as another passenger awakens in Lawrence’s Aurora Dunn. She’s a much wealthier writer who is making the voyage so that she can write about her experiences.

Although the special effects were not entirely finished, the Morten Tyldum film promises some great sci-fi visuals, including one sequence where Aurora is swimming in the ship’s pool when the artificial gravity goes out, trapping Aurora without air in a giant floating sphere of water.

Although production on the film has not yet begun, the Sony Pictures presentation offered a tease of Danny Boyle’s long-awaited Trainspotting 2 with a video composed of footage from the 1996 original, set to Iggy Pop’s “Lust For Life.” Production on Trainspotting 2 should begin next month. There was also a very quick tease of Edgar Wright’s now-filming Baby Driver, flashing quick shots of a cast that includes Ansel Elgort, Jon Hamm, Lily James, Eiza Gonzalez, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx and Jon Bernthal, set agains Golden Earring’s “Radar Love.” Rounding out Sony Pictures’ TriStar titles was an extended look at Money Monster, a high concept thriller directed by Jodie Foster and starring George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Jack O’Connell. You can check out the recentMoney Monster trailer right here.

On the Sony Pictures Animation front, five different projects were brought up, including Smurfs: The Lost Village (4/7/17), The Emoji Movie (8/11/17), an untitled nativity story, told from the point of view of a donkey and his animal friends (12/8/17), Hotel Transylvania 3 (9/21/18) and the animated Spider-Man film written by Phil Lord and Chris Miller (12/21/18).

Describing The Emoji Movie as “a movie that’s about the power of self expression,” Sony Pictures Animation President Kristine Belson teased a storyline set inside an iPhone. The Emojis within live in a place called Emoji valley and wind up having to leave the village to head into the “world of wallpaper.” From there, every icon on a phone becomes its own distinct location.

“We’re going to bring in some really, really funny new monster recruits,” Belson then teased of the next Hotel Transylvania while keeping relatively mum on the animated Spider-Man film.

“This is a vision of Spider-Man that will take your breath away,” she said. “It will break new ground for both animation and the superhero genre.”

Moving into the Screen Gems portion of their presentation, Sony Pictures offered up a first trailer for Resident Evil: The Final Chapter. In classic Resident Evil style, the trailer begins as a cheerful Umbrella Corporation infomercial before static takes over the screen.

“My name is Alice,” says Milla Jovovich. “This is my final story.”

We see the cast assemble for some kind of offensive with the tagline appearing onscreen, “All evil things must end.”

The Sony Pictures Screen Gems portion then offered additional trailers for films like Underworld Blood Wars, which seems to take place in the wake of the arrival of a new Lycan leader, in turn bringing back Kate Beckinsale as the vampire Selene to bring him down. Other trailers included the found footage home invasion thriller Keep Watching, the psycho-surrogate thriller When the Bough Breaks (starring Morris Chestnut, Regina Hall and introducing Jaz Sinclair), and the latest from Evil Dead‘s Fede Alvarez, Don’t Breathe. Set for release on August 26, Don’t Breathestars Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette and Daniel Zovatto as a trio of kids that break into a house hoping to rob a blind man. They wind up facing a blind Stephen Lang who, despite his disability, reveals that he’s a killer and has no intention of letting the kids leave the house alive.

Sony Pictures then teased The Dark Tower with a teaser featuring production art and images from the book covers. Starring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey, the massive Stephen King adaptation officially began production this week and is heading for a February 17, 2017 release.

Also revealed were new trailers for The Shallows, which features Blake Lively as a surfer stranded on a rock 200 feet from the shore. The tide is rapidly rising, but somewhere in the water around her, she’s being stalked by an enormous great white shark. From Orphan and Non-Stopdirector Jaume Collet-Serra, The Shallows arrives on June 24.

Ron Howard’s third Dan Brown adaptation also got a trailer. Inferno features the return of Tom Hanks as his Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons character, Robert Langdon. The trailer sees Langdon pulled into a new mystery that revolves around a map of Dante’s Inferno and the poet’s depiction of a nine-circled Hell. Look for it to arrive on the big screen October 28.

Director Paul Feig then introduced his Ghostbusters cast with Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones taking the stage (apparently it was their first reunion since production wrapped) to introduce what was said to be the film’s first scene. Opening outside the “Aldrige Mansion Museum,” we’re introduced to a trio that includes Abby Yates (McCarthy), Jillian Holtzmann (McKinnon) and Erin Gilbert (Wiig). They’re investigating some kind of paranormal report and Gilbert turns to a man outside the museum (played by Zach Woods).

“We’re looking for a man named Ed Mulgrave,” says Gilbert.

“Ed Mulgrave?” says Woods’ character. “He died 15 years ago!”

The trio turn to see another man arriving.

“Who is this, then?” Gilbert asks.

“That’s his son, Edward Mulgrave, Jr.”

“That’s obviously who I meant,” Gilbert sighs.

Entering the library, Yates pulls out the new PKE Meter and explains to the team what it is. Yates and Holtzmann consistently joke back and forth, but Gilbert is far more reserved. When she steps in a small patch of slime, her first thought is that her friends are pulling a prank. She confronts them about it, but then all three turn to see that a blue glowing light is coming up from a just-opened basement door. This is the female ghost featured in the trailer and we see it vomit slime all over Yates (to the delight of Holtzmann, who continues to eat Pringles throughout the scene).

Running from the library, terrified, the trio suddenly stop and realize that they’ve finally seen a ghost and overjoyed at what that means for them moving forward.

From there, the footage turned into the trailer with an extended scene at the end of Dan Aykroyd’s cameo. In it, Gilbert is trying to hail a cab but the cabbie, played by Aykroyd, refuses to drive to Chinatown, despite ghost activity in the area.

“Look,” says Aykroyd. “I don’t drive to Chinatown, I don’t give rides to crazies and I ain’t afraid of no ghost!”

“I’m not afraid of ANY ghosts!” Gilbert corrects as he speeds off.

Next up was an extended trailer for Sausage Party, the R-rated animated film from Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg about the secret life of food items. That led directly into a short presentation on Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming western, The Magnificent Seven with Fuqua joining star Chris Pratt to introduce the very first footage that has been revealed anywhere. The project reteams Fuqua with Denzel Washington and boasts a cast that also includes Ethan Hawke, Vincent D’Onofrio, Haley Bennett, Byung Hun Lee, Jason Momoa, Matt Bomer, Peter Sarsgaard and Billy Slaughter.

“He’s a gambler,” said Pratt of his character, a cowboy by the name of Joshua Farraday, “and somebody you don’t want to cross.”

The footage began with Washington dressed in black, coming into a saloon and having a confrontation with the bartender, who he ultimately shoots.

“Man carries a gun,” says Washington’s Sam Chisolm. “He tends to use it.”

“Pity,” says Farraday when he sees the dead bartender. “I just ordered a drink from him.”

We see Chisolm hire Farraday as the first of his group. They’re ultimately working for Haley Bennett’s character.

“You seek revenge?” Chisolm asks her.

“I seek righteousness,” she shoots back. “But I’ll take revenge.”

The footage then takes off with a montage of action set to Dr. Dre’s “One Shot One Kill.”

“Take off that badge!” Chisolm screams to a crooked lawman at the end of the footage.

“I’m still sheriff!” he shouts.

“Consider this a recall,” Chisolm glares.

Before Tom Holland took the stage (read about his appearance and the title reveal of Spider-Man: Homecoming right here), Sony Pictures offered a rapid fire look at logos for films extending quite a bit into their upcoming slate. Among the titles that flashed on the screen were The Girl Who Played With Fire (the sequel to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo), a CGI take on Beatrix Potter’sPeter Rabbit, the upcoming Elizabeth Banks-directed Charlie’s Angels reboot, James Wan’s big screen Robotech movie, the Jumanji reboot, Blade Runner 2, Insidious: The Next Chapter,Zombieland 2, the Men in Black/21 Jump Street sequel, officially titled MIB 23, Bad Boys III,The Equalizer 2, Flatliners, Barbie, and, from the creators of Broad City, a film starring Scarlett Johansson called Rock Yhat Body.

Containment Cast Talks Walking DeadComparisons and 'Waiting for the Zombie Reveal'

containment-season-1-photos (1)

By Vlada Gelman / April 13 2016, 12:07 PM PDT

The CW’s upcoming viral outbreak series Containment is basically The Walking Dead with a huge twist — there are no zombies!

“It’s just dead,” star George Young explains to TVLine’s Michael Ausiello in the above video.

Whereas the AMC drama is pure fiction, the CW medical thriller (premiering next Tuesday at 9/8c) is “based on something real, grounded [and] that can actually happen,” Young adds. (Leading lady Claudia Black nonetheless concedes, “When I read the pilot, I was waiting for the zombie reveal. I was like, ‘This is a really amazing, subtle, sophisticated zombie story.'”)

containment-season-1-cast-photo2

While the cast welcomes the chance to play realistic life and death stakes, it comes with a downside: a gruesome end can’t be ruled out for any of the characters. (Job security? Pssh!)

“There’s several thousand people quarantined within the cordon” — including much of the main ensemble — “and all of those inside are certainly not safe by any stretch,” executive producer Matt Corman teases.

containment-cast-photos (2)

As for Containment‘s own life expectancy — it’s now being billed as a limited series event — EP Chris Ord says, “We’re looking at the first season as its own thing, but it’ll leave us room to go forward and do more.”

how-i-met-your-dad-2014-cast-photo

Courtesy of YellowUmbrellaHIMYM.com

How I Met Your Dad: Highlights From the Newly Leaked Pilot Script

By Ryan Schwartz / April 12 2016, 2:39 PM PD

Haaaaaave you ever wondered how How I Met Your Dad might have turned out had it snagged a series order? Well, now you don’t have to!

The “kindred spirit” to How I Met Your Mother was shelved by CBS after being developed in 2014, but the script has made its way online. The pilot, which starred indie film darling Greta Gerwig (Frances Ha) and was narrated by rom-com vet Meg Ryan (When Harry Met Sally), is not an exact replica of the Mothership’s own pilot episode, but remains tonally true to its predecessor.

Here’s a brief breakdown of the script (which you can read in its entirety here, courtesy of the website TV Writing), along with some highlights:

THE CAST | Gerwig as Sally Javits, Tiya Sircar (The Crazy Ones) as Juliet, Andrew Santino (Mixology) as Danny Javits, Drew Tarver (Bajillion Dollar Propertie$) as Todd, Nick D’Agosto (Masters of Sex) as Frank, Anders Holm (Workaholics) as Gavin and Ryan as the narrator/Older Sally.

THE PLOT | * Party girl Sally moves in with her brother Danny after husband Gavin kicks her out after less than a year of marriage. The guest room she’s expecting to use has been turned into a nursery for the baby Danny and his husband Todd are set to adopt, but the adoption eventually falls through. (We guess she’s staying!)

* Juliet, the Barney Stinson to Sally’s Ted Mosby, is happy the marriage falls apart and quickly sets her BFF up with IT guy Frank for a rebound “nail and bail.”

* Sally and Frank’s date goes horribly wrong when Sally attempts to be sexy. This in turn causes Frank to have a panic attack over dinner when he thinks they’re about to have do the deed; they ultimately decide to just remain friends.

* Sally almost goes back to Gavin, who had a tendency of trying to “fix her,” but the husband and wife ultimately agree that they’re better off apart. In other words, the split is amicable.

* How does it end? Sally, Juliet, Danny, Todd and Frank toast to new beginnings at a bar, though it’s unclear if that bar happens to be MacLaren’s Pub. Oh, and this part is really important: Just as the pilot cuts to black, Older Sally refers to Frank as “Uncle Frank.”

THE SIMILARITIES TO HIMYM | The comedy isn’t as similar to its predecessor as you might expect, outside of the framing device and the reliance on flashbacks (and yes, there are plenty of those).

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TVLine Items: Americans Vet Joins Tyrant, Hairspray Casting Call and More

By Rebecca Iannucci / April 11 2016, 12:30 PM PDT

When one door closes at FX, another opens for Annet Mahendru.

The Americans actress — whose Russian spy Nina Krilova was (Spoiler alert!) executed in the April 6 episode — has been cast in Tyrant‘s upcoming third season.

Mahendru will recur as Nafisa Al-Qadi, the wife of Ma’an’s spiritual and political leader, Sheik Al-Qadi. Nafisa is more politically strict than her husband, and she also happens to be the sister of a high-ranking Caliphate sympathizer.

Ready for more of today’s newsy nuggets? Well…

* NBC’s Hairspray Live! is holding an open casting call for the lead role of Tracy Turnblad. Auditions will be held Sunday, April 24, from 10 am to 2 pm at Telsey + Company in New York City. Casting directors seek a female, 18 or older, to play high school age. She must be heavyset, outgoing and have a love for dance.

* Syndicated daytime talk show The Real has been renewed through 2018, our sister site Deadline reports.

* Nathan Darrow (House of Cards) and Scott Lawrence (JAG) have joined the fourth and final season of Sundance’s Rectify. They will respectively play Billy, an old classmate of Amantha’s who helps her reconnect with her youth, and Avery, the leader of Daniel’s halfway house who uses compassion and tough love to guide his group of ex-offenders.

Roadies Showtime

Courtesy of Showtime

Roadies: Showtime Is Ready to Rock in Poster for Cameron Crowe Comedy

By Rebecca Iannucci / April 12 2016, 11:02 AM PDT

Showtime has released the official poster for its upcoming comedy Roadies, and we’ve got your front-row seats right here.

Hailing from creator/writer/director/producer Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous), the hour-long series stars Luke Wilson (Old School) and Carla Gugino (Wayward Pines) and centers on the reckless, romantic, funny and often poignant lives of a committed group of roadies who live for music and the de facto family they’ve formed along the way.

Roadies premieres Sunday, June 26, at 10/9c. Scroll down for a closer look at the artwork, then hit the comments and tell us: Are you amped for Roadies‘ arrival?

Roadies Showtime

What to Watch Tonight: The Season 4 Premiere ofOrphan Black, the Spring Return of Bones, and the Series Debut of American Grit

By Andy Daglas

What to watch on Thursday, April 14...

6pm, Cartoon Network
The Powerpuff Girls
“Power-Up Puff” sees Buttercup and Bubbles levelling up during fight, but Blossom is bereft to learn that she’s a few experience points short herself. That’s followed by Donny the Pony becoming a havoc-wreaking monster thanks to a transmogrifying ray mishap in “Horn Sweet Horn.”

DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE, 7pm, Ovation
Jane Austen: The Unseen Portrait?
A British academic delves into the mystery of an enigmatic, long-lost drawn portrait that may or may not depict the beloved 19th century author. What will forensic analysts, art historians, and experts in contemporary fashion make of the picture? Could it have been made by a charming yet ultimately roguish country vicar in a courtship effort that the subject wildly misinterpreted?

SPRING PREMIERE, 8pm, Fox
Bones
Eight weeks after the fateful explosion, a rehabilitating Hodgins is struggling to adjust to life in a wheelchair. On the case-of-the-week front in “The Death in the Defense,” Brennan and Booth must figure out which of a public defender’s many unseemly clients wanted her dead.

8pm, ABC
Grey’s Anatomy
“There’s a Fine, Fine Line” kicks off a two-hour installment with the hospital under lockdown, Ben operating on a pregnant woman sans proper surgical equipment, and Miranda dealing with the fallout from his decision. Then in “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding),” Miranda forms an advisory committee to consider Ben’s actions, while April and Jackson decide to set their squabbles aside for their child’s sake.

8pm, The CW
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow
In need of a place to lie low, the team moseys into the Old West in “The Magnificent Eight." There they encounter grizzled bounty hunter Jonah Hex (Johnathon Schaech), who’s an old buddy of Rip’s, along with a band of outlaws, who are decidedly less friendly.

8:30pm, CBS
The Odd Couple
When the Felix is away (spending his first night over with Emily), the Oscar will play (throwing an old-school rager with Murph’s help) in “Unger the Influence.”

SERIES PREMIERE, 9pm, Fox
American Grit
John Cena hosts this competition series that pits 16 men and women against grueling military and survival challenges. Not to be confused with American Grit Place, where you can buy a customized Navy SEAL doll and accessorize him or her with a variety of adorable outfits.

9pm, ESPN
30 for 30
“This Magic Moment” recalls the Orlando Magic’s exhilarating mid-1990s run, when budding superstars like Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway led the young franchise to within a hair’s breadth of the NBA championship.

9pm, NBC
The Blacklist
It’s Red to the rescue when a tragedy lands one member of the team in dire straits in “Mr. Solomon: Conclusion.” Still stranded in Vague B-Plot Land, Tom and Liz grapple with an unexpected complication.

9pm, The CW
The 100
As Alie draws out Raven’s dark side in “Nevermore,” Jasper’s own rage ramps up (although it’s still not quite at the level of the average The 100 fan these days). Elsewhere, Monty must make a split-second choice while Octavia mulls her place in the world.

9pm, CBS
Mom
Christy encourages Bonnie to pursue things with her new gentleman suitor, Adam, in “Caperberries and a Glass Eye.” But will a skeleton in his closet put the kibosh on the courtship?

9:30pm, CBS
2 Broke Girls
Randy shows up at the diner hoping to mend fences with Max in “And the Loophole,” but she outsources her romantic decision to Caroline. In other affairs of the heart, Han introduces the girls to a real estate agent who happens to have the hots for him.

SEASON 4 PREMIERE, 10pm, BBC America
Orphan Black
A Neolution assault upends Sarah’s Icelandic sanctuary in “The Collapse of Nature,” and sends her and her family on the run yet again. That’s followed at 11pm by the debut of new recap showAfter the Black, featuring stars Tatiana Maslany and Kevin Hanchard, along with hosts who BBC America assures me are not additional Tatiana Maslanys.

TIMESLOT PREMIERE, 10pm, NBC
Game of Silence
In “Blood Brothers,” Jackson goes along with Gil and Shawn’s revenge plan but keeps Marina in the dark. Unbeknownst to any of them, Jackson’s old enemies are hot on his heels while a homicide investigation has a bead on his buds.

10pm, FX
Archer
A prep school reunion presents a business opportunity in “Deadly Prep.” No surprise that such an environment would prove fruitful for alpha-douche Archer.

10pm, History
Vikings
With Paris in their sights, the Vikings relaunch their boats—now uniquely upgraded by Floki. (And I’m guessing he did more than invent the shuffleboard court.) Elsewhere in “Death All ‘Round,” Aethelwulf and Alfred receive honors from Pope Leo in Rome, while King Ecbert and King Aelle butt royal heads in Wessex.

10pm, ABC
The Catch
A government agency tasks the team with tracking down the possessor of potentially deadly blueprints. Elsewhere in “The Princess and the I.P.,” Ben continues to pursue the princess, although this is like the sixth time he’s been told she’s in another castle.

10pm, Spike
Lip Sync Battle
A matchup between Real Housewives of Atlanta veteran NeNe Leakes and Chrisley Knows BestnamesakeTodd Chrisley will settle once and for all who is the best lip-syncer to emerge from NBCUniversal’s semi-scripted reality programming realm.

10pm, CBS
Rush Hour
Carter and Lee search for a young graffiti artist who witnessed an LAPD detective’s murder in “Captain Cole’s Playlist.” I suggest they check the local rec center or the chock'lit shoppe, both well-known “hang out” sites for today’s modern youths.

11pm, History
Join or Die with Craig Ferguson
Jay Leno, comedian Mark Forward, and public relations pro Howard Bragman consider history’s biggest fall from grace (Non-Lucifer Division).

LATE-NITE:
– Emilia Clarke, Jason Jones, and Eagles of Death Metal on Conan, 11pm, TBS
– W. Kamau Bell on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, 11pm, Comedy Central
– Bassem Youssef on The Nightly Show With Larry Wilmore, 11:30pm, Comedy Central
– Hugh Laurie, Sen. Ted Cruz, and Future on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, 11:35pm, NBC
– Chris Hemsworth, Abbi Jacobson & Ilana Glazer, and Anderson Paak ft. Schoolboy Q on Jimmy Kimmel Live, 11:35pm, ABC
– Ohio Gov. John Kasich, David Duchovny, Juliette Lewis, Michelle Wolf, and Fabrizio Moretti on Late Night with Seth Meyers, 12:35am, NBC

Just Music-No Categories-Enjoy It!

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Record Store Day 2016: The Ultimate Guide

From vintage Bowie singles to a Hello Kitty picture disc, here are the best releases of this year's event

BY BRANDON GEIST, ANDY GREENE, JOSEPH HUDAK, CHRISTOPHER WEINGARTEN April 14, 2016

(Rex Shutterstock/ZUMA Press)

On Saturday, April 16th, Record Store Day will flood music outlets around the country with new releases, reissued classics and thousands of fans looking bring these coveted titles home. This year, everyone from Big Star to Justin Bieber is getting in on the act. The full list of 2016 RSD offerings includes more split singles, vintage treasures and strangely colored vinyl than any single person could possibly consume, so we've broken it down into a few tidy categories and selected the most essential offerings in each.

Rock

David Bowie released his final album, Blackstar, in January, just two days before his shocking death. And now six songs from the earliest chapter of his career are coming out in a Record Store Day pressing limited to 7,500 copies. I Dig Everything – The ...ngles 1966 seems to be a European copyright-protection release, but that doesn't make it any less fascinating to check out super-obscure early Bowie tunes like "I'm Not Losing Sleep" and "Good Morning Girl." There's also a seven-inch picture disc of "TVC15" to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Station to Station. Get them both to see just how much he advanced in those 10 crucial years between 1966 and 1976.

New Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Cheap Trick signed to Big Machine Records last year (home of Taylor Swift) and their new LP, Bang, Zoom, Crazy ... Hello, just landed in stores, but if you want to hear the bonus track "Arabesque," you need to be one of 4,000 people to get your hands on the 10-inch vinyl pressing Found New Parts.

The Doors have once again raided their seemingly bottomless well of archival material and come up with Live at the Aquarius: The...erformance. It's a 1969 show featuring classics like "Light My Fire" and "Soul Kitchen." The 180-gram clear-vinyl package includes a recording of the soundcheck.

Bob Dylan is coming out with another album of cover songs associated with Frank Sinatra on May 20th, but one month before that, you can preview four songs on "Melancholy Mood," a four-track collection of tunes from the album that came out in Japan earlier this year. Dylan's old tourmates the Grateful Dead are dropping Capitol Theatre, Passaic NJ 4/25/77, which features a cover of Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried" among many other Dead classics. More than a few Deadheads consider 1977 the high-water mark of their touring career.

The Monkees are celebrating their 50th anniversary with a new album and tour this year, but on Record Store Day, you can re-live their entire saga withClassic Album Collection, a 10-LP box featuring their nine studio records along with a bonus album packed full of B sides and rarities. The Sex Pistols covered the Monkees tune "Stepping Stone" at many of their shows back in the 1970s, and on Record Sore Day, they're re-releasing Never Mind the Bollocks Here's the Sex Pistols as a 12-inch picture disc limited to 5,000 copies. The Sex Pistols toured heavily with the Buzzocks in their early days, and the British pop-punk pioneers are releasing More Product in a Different Compilation: Best of the United Artists Recordings as a two-LP set. It chronicles their work between 1977 and 1980.

Rap

Record Store Day or no Record Store Day, the big rap news this weekend is the release of the long-shelved 2002 J Dilla album The Diary – according to estate creative director Egon Alapatt, it's the final existing album that Dilla had said he wanted released in his lifetime. The album, featuring the beloved beatmaker rapping over other producers' beats, sees wide release the day before, but the RSD edition (limited to 4,000) features a seven-inch pressing of track 11, "The Ex," featuring Bilal. In addition, one of 2016's best rap records, Kevin Gates' relentless Islah, is finally getting a vinyl release, with 3,000 copies printed up on gold vinyl. Recent records by Logic and Scarface will show up in limited picture-disc versions, and the Eminem and Nicki Minaj remixes of the Weeknd hit "The Hills" will get their first physical release in America, anchoring opposite sides of a 12-inch.

Old-school heads will have their pick of a number of reissues: The D.O.C.'s untouchable, Dr. Dre-produced 1989 debut, No One Can Do It Better, will get its first vinyl repress since its original release; Lil Wayne's mid-career left turns, 2004's Tha Carter and 2005's Tha Carter II, will each get two-LP releases with lenticular covers; Ol' Dirty Bastard's first two singles,"Brooklyn Zoo" and "Shimmy Shimmy Ya," will get a run on a picture disc shaped like the iconic public-assistance card from his 1995 debut, Return to the 36 Chambers; and a glow-in-the-dark 10-inch of Outkast's space-y 1996 hit "Elevators (Me and You)" will touch down.

Country

It seems it's just not Record Store Day without entries from Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. This year, the Red Headed Stranger delivers a rollicking take on "Truck Drivin' Man" from 1974 that is paired with a 1994 rendition of the same song by Uncle Tupelo on the seven-inch vinyl's B side. The Man in Black, meanwhile, is represented by a pair of LPs: his 1962 Sun Records release All Aboard the Blue Train With Johnny Cash (on blue vinyl, naturally) and The Best of the Johnny Cash Show, a collection of performances by Cash and guests from his iconic Seventies TV series. Nelson's partner-in-crime Billy Joe Shaver also represents the outlaw genre, via a seven-inch that combines his real-life tale of shooting a guy in the face in 2007, "Wacko From Waco," with the more spiritual "When Fallen Angels Fly."

Unlike on the country radio charts, women are well-represented in Record Store Day's country and Americana output. Brandy Clark and Sheryl Crowco-release a clever colored seven-inch – one side is Clark singing current single "Girl Next Door"; the other features Clark and Crow's respective renditions of Clark's "Homecoming Queen." Emmylou Harris re-releases her magnificent 1995 album Wrecking Ball in a deluxe three-LP package, and Lucinda Williams drops a 12-inch of her Ghosts of Highway 20 song "Faith and Grace," extended to 18 minutes." There's also a Shawn Colvin duet with Steve Earle on the Everly Brothers' "Wake Up Little Susie" and the Beatles' "Baby's in Black," previewing the singer-songwriters' upcoming full-length collaboration.

Chris Janson is the lone contemporary entry, as Warner Music Nashville re-releases his debut album, Buy Me a Boat, on vinyl. With a wild performing style, Janson evokes artists from Hank Williams Jr. to Elvis Presley — the latter of whom has his own RSD album. Elvis: I'm Leavin' is a collection of the King's country songs recorded in Nashville.

But it's the latest entry from Shooter Jennings and his RSD-friendly label Black Country Rock that stands as the most bizarre country release. Titled A Night in Room 8, the LP is a recording of Willie Nelson and Harlan Howard collaborator Billy Don Burns sharing stories and songs live to tape in Room 8 of the Joshua Tree Motel — the very spot where Gram Parsons overdosed in 1973.

Metal

This year's official Record Store Day ambassadors are none other than the biggest metal band in the world, Metallica, so it figures that there would be plenty of quality headbanging fodder on tap for the festivities. For their part, Metallica will not only play an in-store set at Berkeley, California's Rasputin Music but are also primed to release a special live album, Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité, Metallica! – Live at Le Bataclan. Paris, France – June 11th, 2003. All proceeds from the sale of the record will go to the Fondation de France’s Give for France charity in support of the country following the terrorist attacks in November.

Other metalhead-friendly Record Store Day titles include Bring Me the Horizon's Live From Maida Vale seven-inch picture disc, Halestorm's Into the Wild Live: Chicago four-track EP, Iron Maiden's "Empire of the Clouds" 12-inch picture disc and the first-ever vinyl pressing of Deftones compilationB-Sides & Rarities. GWAR, Anthrax, Rob Zombie and Killswitch Engage are also set to drop exclusive releases, but perhaps the most explosive offering will come from Brujeria. The death-metal supergroup, rumored to feature current and former members of Napalm Death, Carcass, Dimmu Borgir and more, will vomit up two new cuts on their Viva Presidente Trump! seven-inch EP, adorned with particularly brutal cover art depicting the Donald with a machete in his head in homage to the infamous image from Dawn of the Dead.

Oddities

This is a banner year for the too-much-TV crowd. Rhino is releasing mono versions of the Monkees' "Saturday's Child" and "You Just May Be the One"pressed on vinyl shaped like their iconic guitar logo. The Dr. Who audiobookGenesis of the Daleks – first printed in 1978 and based on the six-part 1975 serial – will get a reissue on "Tardis blue vinyl." And two of Disney's popular Silly Symphonies, 1929's "The Skeleton Dance" and 1933's Oscar-winning"Three Little Pigs" will be featured on opposite sides of a 10-inch.

Ever wanted to hear Ethan Hawke sing? If you don't feel like sitting through all 97 minutes of Born to be Blue, you can grab a 45-rpm record of him doing his best Chet Baker on "My Funny Valentine" and "I've Never Been In Love Before" – pressed like a vintage Atco single. And Hello Kitty: Hello World, a pop tribute to the cartoon cat, will be re-released with 1,000 copies of a very colorful picture disc.

See Rob Zombie's Elvis-Inspired 'Get High' Video

"I always loved the way Elvis looked on his comeback special standing in front of a giant 'ELVIS' sign," singer says of model for latest clip

BY KORY GROW April 13, 2016

Rob Zombie has released an Elvis-inspired video for his song "Get High."

Rob Zombie drew inspiration for the video for his electronic-tinged dance-rock track "Get High" from an unusual source. "I always loved the way Elvis looked on his comeback special standing in front of a giant 'ELVIS' sign," the singer tells Rolling Stone. "So I figured let's do that, but instead of my name it will say 'GET HIGH.' It's a simple message for everyone."

The track – under its full title, "In the Age of the Consecrated Vampire We All Get High" – will ultimately appear on Zombie's new record, The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser, due out April 29th. It follows the release of "Well, Everybody's Fuckin...a U.F.O.," the explicit video for the album's lead single, in which topless women dance, vintage sex-ed reels play and big-eyed space aliens make their presence known.

Zombie has been working on the 12-track album over the past two years, between touring and film projects. In 2014, he told Rolling Stone he'd hoped to have the album done before he began work on his new picture 31. "I don't want to come back to the record after the movie," he said. "It's too long of a break. We have a ton of stuff written and, little by little, we're finishing them up. We're more than half done at this point." That movie ended up premiering at this year's Sundance film festival and currently has a wide release slated for September.

In the meantime, Zombie will join Korn on a co-headlining tour of the U.S. from July through September.

UTubers: Marie Osmond releases music video for new song, 'Music Is Medicine'

Recommended by Lindsey Williams, Deseret News

Published: Tuesday, April 12 2016 3:30 p.m. MDT

Updated: yesterday

Marie Osmond - Music Is Medicine

Marie Osmond released a music video for the title track of her new album, "Music Is Medicine." The album comes out Friday.

On Friday, Marie Osmond will release her new album, “Music Is Medicine.”

A YouTube video uploaded Sunday shows Osmond performing the title track from the album.

“I am thrilled for you to hear this new album, ‘Music is Medicine,’ because for me, music has always been a healing balm for my soul,” Osmond wrote on her website. “Through all the ups and downs, music has always been there for me.”

In the music video, Osmond brings cheer to children at St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Las Vegas. In 1983, Osmond co-founded the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, an organization that raises money to assist children’s health care.

UTubers is a feature that highlights YouTube videos created by people with ties to Utah.

Kacey Musgraves, Jason Isbell to Salute Bob Dylan at Nashville Concert

Country stars, Americana darlings and rock vets come together to honor Dylan on his 75th birthday

BY ANDREW LEAHEY April 13, 2016

Kacey Musgraves, Brothers Osborne and Jason Isbell will perform at a Bob Dylan birthday concert in Nashville. Scott Dudelson/GettyImages

On May 24th, Bob Dylan turns 75 years forever young. One day beforehand, a cross-section of country singers, indie rockers, roots-music newcomers and Americana A-listers will kick off a two-night stand at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, where they'll pay tribute to the birthday boy with the so-called Dylan Fest: Nashville.

Bob Dylan; Nashville Skyline; Nashville Skyline review; anniversary

Similar to the nationwide Petty Fest shows that have honored the music of Tom Petty over the last decade, Dylan Fest will feature the Cabin Down Below Band — a New York City-based lineup of professional sidemen, producers and music industry vets — and a rotating crop of guest singers. The lineup includes Kacey Musgraves, Brothers Osborne, Jason Isbell, Emmylou Harris, Boz Scaggs, Wynonna Judd, original Nashville Cat Charlie McCoy, Nikki Lane, the Civil Wars' John Paul White, Holly Williams and Robert Ellis. Dylan Fest will look far beyond the country community for its vocalists, too, with everyone from Kesha to Heart's Ann Wilson also scheduled to take the stage.

Tickets start at $45 and top out at $59.50, with profits going to the Tennessee-based Thistle Farms, a non-profit organization that employs, houses and advocates for women who've survived prostitution, human trafficking and substance abuse.

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Hear Ace Frehley and Paul Stanley's First Song Together in 18 Years

Cover of Free's "Fire and Water" will appear on former Kiss guitarist's covers album, 'Origins Vol. 1'

BY KORY GROW April 14, 2016

Hear Ace Frehley and Paul Stanley's First Recording Together in 18 Years

Ace Frehley has released his cover of Free's "Fire and Water," his first recording with Paul Stanley on vocals in nearly two decades. Jay Gilbert

Fifteen years ago this week, Ace Frehley played his last gig as a member ofKiss. Now, after years of public bad blood, he's releasing a covers album that features his first song in nearly two decades with his old bandmate Paul Stanley. "Fire and Water," originally recorded by Free, will appear on Origins Vol. 1, which comes out tomorrow.

For all the back-and-forth slogging in the press, though – especially around the bad's 2014 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – both Frehley and Stanley say they've never not been friends. "We are linked together forever," Stanley tells Rolling Stone. "We created something that will live far past our lifetimes. And I would love to see him succeed."

"We've always been friends," Frehley said in February. "The press seems to amplify negativity. I guess it makes good copy."

"People look through the windows and the see mouths move, but they don't hear what's being said," Stanley says. "I was happy Ace called me up with this. It's very funny, because on my phone when he called, his name comes up, and it put a smile on my face. Like, I pick up the phone and go, 'Ace Frehley!'"

Free's third album, 1970's Fire and Water – which also features their biggest hit "All Right Now" – made a significant impact on the guitarist early in his life, and he has wanted to record his own take on its title track since the Seventies. He recorded the backing tracks with his band – which also covered songs by Cream, Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, among others, and also welcomed guests like Pearl Jam's Mike McCready and Slash to the sessions – and then sent it to Stanley with hopes he'd be interested in singing it.

Stanley, too, thought it was a great song choice. "[Free vocalist] Paul Rodgers, besides being a friend, is one of the greatest singers of the last couple of generations," he says. "He has always been an inspiration, and so I didn't take singing that song lightly. You don't often get a chance to redo a Free song, and when you're singing something by somebody who you respect immensely, it's like me sending it to him."

"I thought Paul did a fabulous vocal on it," Frehley told Rolling Stone. "He jumped at the chance to do this because it's something that's outside of Kiss and his character in Kiss, and it gave him a chance to, you know, sing. With Paul, you usually think of him singing in a slightly higher register, and on 'Fire and Water,' he's singing deep from his diaphragm, and it's a real cool vocal. Everyone who's heard it just thinks it's the shit."

"I don't get a chance to sing those kinds of songs as often as I'd like," Stanley says. "It's not like I'm learning Mandarin or anything like that – it's part of my wheelhouse – but it's just not something I get to record often. I thought it was very funny because Ace seemed blown away. And I'm thinking, 'I'm a singer and that's what I do.' I'm glad he was pleased with it."

Stanley also underscores that all is copacetic between Frehley and him. "I have no anger," he says. "I'm sitting in an amazingly beautiful house with an incredible family, an amazing wife, an amazing life, and it's all built on Kiss. And the foundation of Kiss is something Ace is a part of. We couldn't have built this without him. He's part of it."

Allen Toussaint's Final Recordings Due Out as 'American Tunes'

Hear New Orleans legend's piano rendition of Earl King's "Big Chief"

BY DANIEL KREPS April 13, 2016

Allen Toussaint's final recordings will be the focus of the upcoming posthumous LP 'American Tunes,' his tribute to Professor Longhair.

Allen Toussaint's final recordings will be the focus of the upcoming LPAmerican Tunes. The late New Orleans legend's first posthumous release features Toussaint paying tribute to his musical hero Professor Longhair with 14 interpretations of tracks written by Paul Simon, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Henry Roeland "Roy" Byrd (a.k.a. Professor Longhair) and more.American Tunes is due out June 10th via Nonesuch, which also offered up the first taste of the LP: an instrumental, solo piano rendition of Earl King's "Big Chief."

"Our father approached this project with great care and understanding of the songs selected and paid true homage to Professor Longhair, his musical hero," Toussaint's children, Alison Toussaint-LeBeaux and Clarence Reginald Toussaint said in a statement. "He wanted to bring as much of the Toussaint touch as he could to these wonderful classics."

The album was recorded over a pair of sessions with producer Joe Henry: The first was Toussaint simply on piano at his home studio in New Orleans in 2013, while the second found Toussaint supported by guests like Van Dyke Parks, Bill Frisell, Rhiannon Giddens, Greg Leisz and more during a Los Angeles session in October 2015. Toussaint died the following month in Spain after suffering a heart attack.

Album Art; Allen Toussaint; American Tunes

"He seemed as energetic and buoyant and focused as he ever seemed to me," Henrytold the New York Times of the second recording session. "Nothing gave away a notion that he might not be well, or that we might be writing his last statement, as it were."

American Tunes will be available in a variety of formats including a two-LP vinyl version that features three bonus tracks. Fans who preorder viaNonesuch receive an instant download of "Big Chief."

A New Life, A New Memoir: Toni Tennille Speaks About Life After The Captain

04/04/2016 03:09 pm ET | Updated Apr 04, 2016

Jed RyanJed Ryan is a New York City-based freelance writer and photographer with a focus on LGBTQ issues.

Love Will Keep Us Together. Muskrat Love. Do That To Me One More Time. These are the irresistible songs that cemented their place in pop culture forever, and made household names of Captain and Tennille, the musical husband-and-wife team who performed them. “Captain” was keyboardist Daryl Dragon, and “Tennille” was dynamic singer/songwriter Cathryn Antoinette “Toni” Tennille. In addition to their impressive discography, Captain and Tennille also hosted their own popular variety show on ABC from September 1976 to March 1977. The duo were undoubtedly America’s sweethearts during the 70’s and early 80’s, presenting the image of a perfect couple both on and off the charts. It was therefore a surprise in late 2014 when it was announced that Captain and Tennille were divorcing— after 39 years of marriage.

Today, Toni Tennille lives in Florida with Bee-Bop and Lula, her two champion Australian shepherds. After a truly variegated career spanning many decades, she is now retired from show business. However, Tennille has decided to tell her story at long last. Entitled Toni Tenille: A Memoir,the new book promises to be a candid and emotional journey of her colorful life and career, from childhood to her current life as a newly single woman. It also promises some very revealing— and not always pretty— insight on her life with The Captain. Ms. Tennille took the time to speak with me about her new book and much more:

Hello, Toni. Congratulations on the book! I really look forward to reading it.
Thank you. It took a few years to get it done, but we’re pleased with how it turned out.

What inspired you to write the book? Was there a specific moment when you just knew it was the right time?

Not at all. You know, when you finally get to be my age and you’ve had some success, then your friends and your fans from “the old days” will always say, “You need to write your memoir!” I wasn’t ready to write it, because I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. I started thinking about it when I moved to Prescott. That was in 2009. When you read the book, you’ll understand a lot more about my thinking. But I wasn’t ready to write about it back then because— well, first of all, I didn’t think that my story was that interesting...

Really?
The only famous person I ever slept with was Daryl. There was no rehab or anything like that! I thought that it would not be that interesting, for those reasons. There wasn’t anything really salacious. But, why did I write it? I thought about it over the last five years or so, wondering about what I would do and how I would write it, but I would never have written it by myself. And I would never have worked on it with a writer who I didn’t know. Then my niece, Caroline Tennille St. Clair, sent me a couple of manuscripts that she had written. One was a novel for kids, for the “8 to 14” crowd. It was lovely and well-written, and I thought it was good... but it didn’t speak to me because of how old I am. However, the second novel she sent me absolutely knocked me flat! It was shocking how wonderful it was. I read it, and I then found myself wanting to know more about the characters, and wanting to know where she got the idea for it, and everything else. I gave it to my friends and people that I knew of all ages, and they all had the same reaction that I did. So, I thought, “This young woman is a fine writer.” She’s my sister Jane’s youngest daughter, and I’ve known her since she was six years old and she sat on my lap on our Christmas special while I sang Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas to her. I’ve watched her grow and become this writer and painter. She just has all kinds of wonderful talents. So, I talked to her about it. I asked, “Would you be interested in it?” She was. I said, “If I work with you, Caroline, let’s see what we can come up with!” We started working over two years ago, when we were on a short family cruise. Caroline got out her digital recorder, and Jane and I sat down and started talking and remembering. Caroline got hours and hours of story from Jane and me. We made sure that we had our facts correct, and we argued about the right years and stuff like that. As we began, we decided that we would tell the story in the traditional memoir format. We would start at the beginning, early in my life, and we would take it up to now. That’s the way I wanted to write it. Caroline too. As we began to work together, I found that I was really good at writing what happened. I was born in 1940, and grew up in Alabama in the segregated South as the daughter of white, upper middle class parents in Montgomery. I left Alabama in 1959 and moved to California. Then I met Daryl, who of course was a very important part of my whole life. Caroline would take my story and put it into historical context: She put it through what was going on in history at the time in this country. Caroline has the ability to set a scene. I can tell what happened, but she can set a scene so that people feel like they are there. I couldn’t do that on my own!

Wow! That sounds amazing. So... when you and The Captain, Daryl, divorced in late 2014, the news exploded all over the internet. People were saying silly things like, “Love couldn’t keep them together” and that kind of thing...
Ha, ha!...
Yes. People thought they were being so clever. But anyway, I would imagine that many of your fans were upset about it...
Yes, I imagine...

Was your book in part motivated by your desire to tell the “real story”?
I’m sure that psychologists are going to have a field day trying to figure out what it is about Daryl when they read the book! But I was desperately in love with Daryl, from the very first time we started working together. I wrote many, many love songs for him. It turned out later that he never read the lyrics. He didn’t know what I was writing. Here I was, coming from a loving family. Not a perfect family, but a family that loved. All of us. I have three sisters. I grew up with the idea that I could help anybody find their way to a more loving space. Oh, it was so naive— but that’s the way I was! I couldn’t tell what Daryl felt about me, except that I knew he thought I was a wonderful songwriter and a fabulous singer— and he really wanted to work with me and make records together. I knew that... but I was hoping to open the door to this man. I felt bad for him. I felt, “Oh my gosh, he just doesn’t understand how wonderful I can be!” He was very negative about everything. I thought I could get through. There’s a very short poem written by Edwin Markham that I am going to read to you. It’s called Outwitted, and it has been somewhat of my theme from the first time I learned it, when I was in high school:
“He drew a circle that shut me out—
Heretic, a rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in!”

I spent my whole marriage trying to take him into the circle of the love that I had for him— and I was never successful. People put us in that place: “Oh, they have the perfect love” No, we didn’t. I did, but he didn’t... and I could never make it happen. Finally, after many years, it just died. It’s a cliche to say that if you don’t take care of the garden, the flowers are going to die. That’s kind of what happened. I am at the “last checked box”. You know what I mean? When they ask, “What age are you?”, I say, “I am the last box: 75 and up!”. I wanted to have the life I felt I could have. But I couldn’t as long as I was with him. I tell you: It took a lot of thinking, a lot of soul-searching. I went to a wonderful therapist in Prescott who really helped me through the worst time of trying to figure it out. Finally, she said to me, “Toni, why don’t you go ahead and make this decision to leave Daryl, and get a divorce?” I said, “Well, I’m worried about how disappointed people will be.” That’s honestly what I said! She said, “This is not somebody else’s life. This is yours. You have to make the decision about what you want to do.” I thought about what she said, and I thought, “You know? It’s true. I get to make this decision”. And so I did. Not that it was easy, but I did it!

Just to backtrack... when you say that you are at the “last checked box”, I’d prefer to say that you are in the “evening of your life”! Evenings can be wonderful!
(Laughs) I am. I’m in the evening of my life, and it’s a wonderful life. I’m here in Florida, and I’m surrounded by the love of a great family. I just feel wonderful.

Congratulations for that. So... the 70’s and early 80’s, when Captain and Tennille had their hits all over the charts, was actually a very heady and hedonistic time in American culture. What was it like being a pop star and a public figure during that time?
The honest answer is that it was overwhelming to me— to have that fame and recognition. I’m just going to tell you the truth: I didn’t go into it for that reason. I went into it because Daryl and I made great music together. We made great records. Things just kind of came to us. We worked for two years in little clubs in Los Angeles, and some of them were just dives! But we worked, and we learned, and he and I just sparked each other musically. Because of this crazy love thing that I had for him, I wrote some great songs. I can write children’s songs like Butterscotch Castle, but I can also write very sensual things, like Deep in the Dark. But anyway, we sparked each other— and we got a record deal. We got the interest of four or five major labels in L.A., and we signed with the one that would let us produce our own first album. All the others wanted us to use the staff producer. We both knew that it was Daryl’s producing that gave us our really unique sound. Then Love Will Keep Us Together came out, and went to number one in the summer of 1975, and then we won the Grammy, and all these things started coming our way. But Daryl has never been the kind of person who is comfortable in social situations, so it was hard for me because of that part. A lot of people think, “Oh boy! Fame! Isn’t that fun?” But no, it wasn’t that fun for me. That wasn’t what I was looking for. It came, and I was grateful that it did, with all the good things that came with it. But it was hard for me.

When people watched you on TV, or were lucky enough to see you perform live, your love of performing was so obvious. It really shined through.
I loved that part. It’s the other part that I’m not comfortable with— the part that comes when you’re off stage and you’re just trying to be a regular person, and you can’t be a regular person anymore. That was hard for me. That’s actually why I laid low in Prescott for eight years. I didn’t do anything. I didn’t accept interviews from anywhere except the local paper, who did a piece on me and my dog Smokey. We worked at the hospital as a therapy team. Basically, I just did “regular stuff”, and kept to myself, and had a nice quiet life. I see that soon happening again. My plan is that once we get this book done and Caroline has her shot as a published author, I am just going to drop below the radar again. Honestly. I don’t know how successful I’ll be, but that’s my plan!

(Laughs) A lot of your fans will want to know if you will be performing again any time soon!
(Laughs) No!
Gotcha! So, in a way we touched upon this already: Usually, in a relationship, one partner is the more outgoing, gregarious one, and the other is usually more reserved. In your case, there was no mystery which of the two of you was which! But when we watched the variety show, for example, we never really knew if Daryl’s reserved nature was an “act”, or if he really was content to let you have the spotlight...
He preferred it that way. When we were alone together, he had no trouble telling me what he thought or what he wanted. But in social situations, he was very uncomfortable and very awkward. What you saw was what he is. When we were on stage, I never quite knew what he was going to say— if he even said anything. My job was to try to relate Daryl to the audience. Sometimes it was like, “What in the world did he just say? What does it mean?”... because I never even knew. It was like walking on a tightrope all the time on stage with Daryl. When we had our TV show, I already had experience. My mother was a TV talk show hostess— one of the first ever to have her own show in the ‘50’s in Alabama. I was around television my whole life. I did theater. I was very comfortable in front of an audience. Daryl had never even seen a cue card, much less read one. In those days, there was a guy sitting on the floor holding up a card with what you were supposed to say on it. He was just really uncomfortable with that. But what happened was: By him just being himself, he became a character— and people were just fascinated by that and loved it. I was like, “OK. Fine!” We did a couple of concerts in Prescott, just for the people there... and Daryl came on stage after I finished doing 90 minutes of really singing my ass off, and then I said, “You asked for him. Here he is!” He walked out, looked at the audience, and said, “PRESCOTT!” That’s all he said! And the audience jumped up and gave him a standing ovation. (Laughs) Whenever I did a concert, I tried to get him to come on stage to say “Hi!” or even do a song with me, and he would. But then he just quit doing it. No amount of coaxing could get him out there. But then again, I never knew what was going to do once he got out there.

(Laughs) As Captain and Tennille, you and Daryl brought us some songs that are cemented into pop culture forever. I still believe that Do That To Me One More Time...
... which I wrote!
Yes! I believe that it’s still one of the most feverishly romantic songs ever!
Thank you. It was my number one of my number ones! It was about Daryl. But it wasn’t about the reality. It was my fantasy of what I always hoped would happen but never did. Go online and read the lyrics for a song I wrote called Deep in the Dark. That’s about a sensual experience. I’m very proud of those lyrics. I think they are almost poetic by themselves. But that’s one side of me, and the other side is, “Come on along to our butterscotch castle!” I can write just about anything, but I did my best writing— and was inspired the most— when I was with Daryl. I’m glad that you like Do That To Me One More Time. I really am!
Well, it’s timeless. You can put it on, decades later, and still get “in the mood”! So, back to the book. What was the hardest thing about writing it? Was it having to revisit some painful memories?
Yeah. But, you know, a lot of people have painful memories... and some people have much, much worse things in their life than I did. My life was just a life of hoping that this man who I adored so much would love me as much as I loved him, which never happened. So, I can’t complain. I really can’t! But the hardest part for me was sitting in my little house in Prescott and remembering all these things: the frustration, and the dashed hopes that I had. And, I relived it again when I did the audiobook. But there are some funny things in there too! I am not saying that it’s all gloom and doom and Toni’s frustration. We have some wonderful experiences, and some very funny experiences that I write about. Those were good. Those were fun to revisit!

Yes. Like I said, I can’t wait to read it myself. And I’ll make sure to tell people that if they want to want to know the “best bits”, they are going to have to get the book and read it themselves! But can you give maybe one anecdote from “the heyday”, like maybe a story about one of your fellow peers in the music business?
I can tell you the story about Gordon Lightfoot. He was one of my favorite songwriters and singers. When we were working in clubs back in the 1970’s before we finally had a hit, I used to do Gordon’s songs. I also did songs by Elton John, Carole King, Carly Simon, Billy Joel— we were your “Top 40 band” in the club. And then I’d throw in some of the songs that I had written as well. That’s what we did for years. It was wonderful because it helped me learn how to program a show: to take the audience on an “emotional arc”. You bring them up and make them feel good, and then make them feel some different emotions. It’s a gift to program a concert and take people along with you on this arc. Anyway, one of the funnier things that happened was when we were performing in Toronto, at the Canadian National Exposition. Gordon Lightfoot lives there. This was about 1977 or 1978. We got an invitation by Gordon’s people to come to a party at his house. I just couldn’t wait. My sister Louisa was performing background vocals with us, and she came along. We got to Gordon’s house, and there were all sorts of other people there. There was some kind of party thing going on that I really didn’t understand, but Louisa did! Gordon took us through this gorgeous home of his— a beautiful, beautiful home. He had this great big kitchen, and he opened the kitchen door, and about ten raccoons just walked into this kitchen. They went on the counters and just made themselves at home. Evidently, Gordon let these raccoons into his kitchen every night to do whatever they wanted. I found out from Louisa on the ride home that there was a lot of “druggy” stuff going on at that party— but I didn’t even notice. I was still thinking about the raccoons! (Laughs) Years later, Gordon did a concert at one of the local casinos in La Quinta, down in the Palm Desert area where Daryl and I had a summer house. We went to see him, and sat in the front row, and he looked old. He was what we used to say, “rode hard and put away wet”. But when he started to sing, it was the same voice— the same songs that I had sung in the clubs before I ever knew him. I sat there and I cried. I was so moved by it. Thank God it was the front row, so that people couldn’t see me cry! But then I went backstage and met him, and it was very moving to me. I almost thought I spotted a little tear in Daryl’s eye, but probably not! (Laughs)

(Laughs) Maybe if he would have taken his sunglasses off, you would have known for sure! (Both laugh) For those who don’t know, what were some of Gordon Lightfoot’s songs?

He did Sundown, and If You Could Read My Mind...
Ah yes! If You Could Read My Mind is another timeless, sensual song. It goes perfectly with Do That To Me One More Time!
Oh, thank you!

I have to ask: You have so much youthful energy. Do you have any secrets for being this way?
I wish I did! I really do. I don’t know. I’m curious about life. I’m truly interested in people. That’s not to say that I want them all over my house, because I’m a very private individual. I have family with whom I’m very tight, and I have friends who I love, some of whom I’ve had to leave behind in Nevada and in Prescott where I lived for so many years. Those are the people who I love and trust. My niece Caroline and her boyfriend Michael are helping me with social media, because I didn’t know diddly about it! I still don’t understand Twitter! But as for the people who write on my Facebook page, I am fascinated by their take on things and what they have to say, and what they share with me— such as videos they like and that kind of thing. I am fascinated by that. I like to chat back and forth with them, and to hear what they have to say. I think that’s what keeps you young: curiosity and interest in things. That’s all I can say! I’m blessed with a good constitution. I’m trying to stay healthy. It may come one of these days, but I don’t want anyone to have to take care of me and fuss with me. When I die I just wanna go “Boom!” I’m curious about things and about people, so that may be it. I have been very lucky with what I’ve had in my life so far.

Wow! Thank you for sharing! So, lastly... You’re now a single woman for the first time in a long time. Is there anyone special in your life now?
Are you kidding? No! And there never will be! I’m done with men! I mean, bless men’s hearts. But no. I’m perfectly happy with my dogs and my friends. Actually, my idea of a great “man friend” is a gay man, who loves theater— to go see a play, to go to a concert, and that’s it! You can just be really good friends. That’s my ideal. So there!
(Laughs!) Gotcha! Thank you so much for speaking with me.
You are welcome!

“Toni Tennille: A Memoir” is now available fromwww.Amazon.com.

Just Music-No Categories-Enjoy It!

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Reply #59 posted 04/14/16 6:49pm

JoeBala

Thanks PT for the stream shows info!

Lauryn Hill Launches Her Own Music Festival, Diaspora Calling!

NEWS R&B NEWS

Lauryn Hill has partnered with TIDAL X to bring music lovers a music festival called Diaspora Calling!, a three-day Brooklyn music and art festival that began yesterday and will run until tomorrow (April 15).

According to a statement, the festival is designed to celebrate artists from the African diaspora. “Even if we work independently, we are a resounding collective voice, both reconciling and embracing our relationship to history, our origins, our future and to ourselves,” Hill said in the press release.

Yesterday, the festival kicked off with an art gallery showcase put together by Hill and filled with music by DJ Spinna and DJ Juls. The gallery is open to the public from 12-4 p.m. today (4/14) and tomorrow (4/15).

Tomorrow, Hill will take the stage as the headliner, while Stephen “Ragga” Marley, Mr. Eazi, Wondaboy, Machel Montano, and Stonebwoy will accompany her for additional performances.

Not in NY? Don’t worry, the music portion of Diaspora Calling! will be livestreamed on TIDAL for both members and non-members.

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‘Funky Divas’ En Vogue Return With New Song ‘Deja Vu’

R&B MUSIC R&B MUSIC

En-Vogue-Deja-Vu

The ladies of En Vogue are back!

Original members Cindy Heron-Braggs, Terry Ellis, and newcomer Rhona Bennett have released their first song in nearly five years called “Déjà Vu” from their forthcoming release, Electric Café.

The song pays homage to the sounds of 1960s R&B with the visceral and precise harmonies and melody, which sometimes mimics the rhythmic, funky drum pattern and other times, the melody smoothly glides in harmony about feeling a connection with a love interest.

“Whether it’s old-school soul or challenging prejudice and racism with “Free Your Mind,” as a group, we are consistently evolving musically and staying relevant with the times,” says Heron-Braggs. She continues, “We find total freedom and fulfillment when we hit the stage. It’s the ultimate connection with our fans. It’s about the energy you receive, the love, and the reciprocation from the message in the music.”

Visually, the ladies are styled by seasoned creative director, Troy Jensen (stylist for iconic En Vogue videos, “Free Your Mind” and “Don’t Let Go”), capturing the sophistication and elegance long associated with the En Vogue style.

“We’re proud of being considered trendsetters, fusing music with style from the beginning with our little black dresses to our red ‘hot’ “Giving Him Something He Can Feel” video to the futuristic look of “Free Your Mind”, says Ellis. Now celebrating 25 years in the business, En Vogue has sustained their unique look and sound. “We adore our fans and constantly strive to give them music from our hearts,” says Bennett.

To support the new music and Electric Café release, the group is currently embarking on a world tour, with shows throughout North America (U.S. and Canada) and Europe (Holland, the U.K., Denmark). Fans can visit EnVogueMusic.com for concert dates, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, and the latest En Vogue news.

Chrisette Michele Drops New Single ‘Unbreakable,’ Journeys To Upcoming Album ‘Milestone,’ & Shows How To Get a Song Serviced To Radio

R&B MUSIC R&B MUSIC

As Chrisette Michele preps her forthcoming album, Milestone, she drops a second single titled “Unbreakable” (following the first offering, “Steady”).

On the bouncy groove, Chrisette sings of having an unbreakable love, most likely inspired by her new betrothment to her manager/fiancé Douglas Ellison. “You can keep on tryin’, you can’t break a diamond / Our love’s on fire, unbreakable love,” she sings on the chorus.

Along with the rollout of the single, Chrisette lets fans in on her journey to the album’s release in a series called “Journey to Milestone”. In the clip below, she explains the process that went into getting “Unbreakable” onto the radio. And in doing so, she gives insight on what it takes to get a song “serviced” to radio; great info for new and indie artists who are seeking radio support.

Exclusive Interview with Stitchers’ Jasmin Savoy Brown

by Allie Lanning April 12, 2016, 12:12 pm 1

Photo Credit: Kaelyn Elizabeth

If you’ve spent any time in the Stitchers’ community in the past several weeks, the name Nina has come across your radar and you’ve either had two reactions: happiness or worry. I had a chance to sit down for an interview with the woman herself, Jasmin Savoy Brown, to calm some of the fandom’s nerves; and found out that she loves Broadway and that she’s extremely dedicated to portraying her new character in a confident way. I encourage you to take a look at the next coming weeks of Stitchers’, as you’re going to want to know this young woman, she’s going to go far.

If she is as incredibly kind, down to Earth, and warm-hearted on-screen as she is off-screen, I can’t imagine the fandom will have much to worry about. Which is good. Because this is just the beginning of what will be an incredibly successful career for her.

How long is Nina around for?

“I don’t know if I can say. (Laughs). I really don’t know, but for a little while. She’s around long enough for you to decide whether you love her or you hate her.”

It seems like you have such a diverse background, having appeared on shows like Brooklyn 99, Grimm, and The Leftovers. Had you heard of Stitchers’ before you were cast in the role?

“Yeah! I had heard about it because there were a bunch of posters all over the place and a couple of my friends, my friend Catherine Kim (Mia Nichols, 1×09) did something last season and she had talked a lot about it. She said how much fun it was and I watched her episode, so I had heard about it and I was super excited to get an audition because it seemed like it would be so fun and so different from the role that I most recently did previously, which was on The Leftovers. So I was super excited when I booked it to get the chance to play someone so different and so fun.”

I’ve felt that Nina was put on Stitchers’ to kind of represent most of the watchers or the fandom. We are a community that values nerdiness and geeky stuff as well. And she is described as a ‘Fangirl.’ Is that something you felt you could relate to?

“Yes! In a funny way. I actually learned a lot from playing Nina about the whole world of comic books, Doctor Who, and Torchwood and all that stuff. I am a fangirl, I’m a geek when it comes to Broadway. So, that was my understanding through a different context. I was so bummed because I had tickets to go to Broadway-Con this year and I missed it because I was shooting Stitchers’, it was kind of ironic. (Laughs). Right now, everyone is currently obsessed with Hamilton and I love Hamilton, I’ve been a big fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda forever. (Laughs) Yeah, I’m a geek about Broadway.”

And you have a history in musical theatre! Did that or any of your previous roles help you to prepare to play Nina?

“Yeah, I guess so. Whenever I’ve had a chance to sing, like, I sang on “The Leftovers” so it was good that I had that vocal training and background. I think having theatrical training, in general, has prepared me for all the work I’ll do, because, I have such a rigorous work ethic. So even if it doesn’t directly translate to “oh I’ve done musicals and now I’m on Grimm,” the work ethic that I bring from being trained in the theatre has helped me and it’s helped me with dialogue. That was something that was really different shooting Stitchers’ versus shooting other things I’ve worked on, the dialogue is changing so much, so quickly, from a spot and you might get a line change and we moved so fast. So having that theatrical training really helps me be able to take that direction and take new lines so fast. “

What was your favorite thing about playing Nina?

“Really, it was the education. Getting to learn so much more about the comic book, video game, you could really say ‘nerd culture’. I really love to research, whenever I play a role. It’s my own personal rule that I don’t say a line unless I know what it means. So if there’s a word I don’t know or a reference I don’t know, and the one’s that stick out in my mind are like Torchwood or Doctor Who, I would watch those shows. I would watch the episode or look up a clip on YouTube and it was really fun. I want to go to Comic-Con now. (Laughs) Just to see what it’s like and to have that experience.”

What was one thing you felt you had to bring to the table when it came to portraying Nina?

“I felt that I had to bring confidence. And by that I mean, here’s this girl, she knows who she is. She loves all this nerd stuff and nerd culture and I feel so often, like when I see that on TV, that these characters are like silly and not totally confident. They’re not really portrayed as attractive. And I thought if I’m going to play Nina, I want her to be confident and not have a problem with it. I want her to be proud of it and that’s what makes her more attractive and so knowledgeable. She stands by what she knows.”

How does Nina’s interact with the team and how does that change as the season progresses?

“I think it’s cool because, especially now that you’ve pointed out that she kind of represents the viewer, it would be as if a viewer or a stranger were introduced to this world and knew nothing about it. She just gets to meet people just like anyone else would. Knowing nothing and meeting someone for the first time just like any other relationship. You meet someone and you kind of get to know them, but I don’t want to give too much away! (Laughs).”

Speaking of relationships, is there any comfort you can give to the worrying fandom on how Nina will come into play for Camsten?

“Yeah!! At the end of the day, everyone in that world loves Nina. Everyone on the Stitchers’ team, that gets to know her, really loves her.”

If you could stitch into anyone, who would it be?

“Ohhhhhhhh what?! Oh my gosh…I’ll probably have a different answer every day, but today my answer is that I’d stitch into my grandfather on my dad’s side because he died when I was really young. I didn’t get to know him but I know that we have a lot of shared interests. I believe he was a really good tap dancer back in his day. So it’s a really interesting history because there’s this black man in Philadelphia in the late 1800’s and I didn’t get to know him at all and I think it would be really cool to see what his life was like and see that part of my bloodline.”

NEWS

Star Wars: A New Hope: 2LP Gold Vinyl

April 14, 2016 by Paul Sinclairtags: 1970s, coloured vinyl, John Williams, soundtracks

To be honest, it’s getting quite tricky to keep up with all the Star Wars related vinyl, with different labels releasing different coloured vinyl, picture discs and the like. Here is the latest; Sony Classical are issuing a double GOLD vinyl edition of John Williams‘ original score from the original movie, that is Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

At least this limited edition is relatively affordable. At the time of writing it’s less than £22 in the UKwhich is decent for a double gatefold coloured vinyl. Put it this way, that’s about £100 cheaper than Friday Music’s 3LP blue vinyl of David Bowie‘s A Reality Tour!

This Star Wars gold 2LP vinyl edition is out on 3 June 2016.

1 Episode IV – Main Title 5:25
2 Episode IV – Imperial Attack 6:19
3 Episode IV – Princess Leia’s Theme 4:24
4 Episode IV – The Desert and the Robot Auction 2:53
5 Episode IV – Ben’s Death and TIE Fighter Attack 3:50
6 Episode IV – The Little People Work 4:06
7 Episode IV – Rescue of the Princess 4:50
8 Episode IV – Inner City 4:16
9 Episode IV – Cantina Band 2:47
10 Episode IV – The Land of the Sandpeople 2:51
11 Episode IV – Mouse Robot and Blasting Off 4:04
12 Episode IV – The Return Home 2:49
13 Episode IV – The Walls Converge 4:34
14 Episode IV – The Princess Appears 4:06
15 Episode IV – The Last Battle 12:07
16 Episode IV – The Throne Room and End Title

Singer Halsey leaves little to the imagination in a sequinned bralet and tiny hotpants before changing into VERY racy strappy bodysuit at the MTV Movie Awards

By JABEEN WAHEED FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 06:20 EST, 10 April 2016 | UPDATED: 13:12 EST, 10 April 2016

She's been known for her cool and eccentric take on style.

And singer Halsey didn't disappoint as she stepped out in a scantily clad ensemble at the 2016 MTV Movie Awards on Saturday in Burbank, California, before changing in to an even more skimpy attire backstage.

The 21-year-old New Jersey native radiated in a coral pink sequinned bra-let with a matching embellished blazer- allowing her toned pins to be on display in pair of extremely short shorts.

Scroll down for video

Style queen: Halsey, 21, didn't disappoint as she stepped out in a scantily clad ensemble at the 2016 MTV Movie Awards on Saturday in Burbank, California

The skimpy undergarment element to the dress was held together by two silver-encrusted panels, which showed off her ample assets and whimsical 'Serendipity' tattoo underneath her left breast.

Clutching to a metallic style clutch, she stood tall in a pair of matching platforms- further elongating her pins.

The high-waisted shorts which fell just shy of her navel was mostly overshadowed by the smart adorned outerwear, which tied the look together.

Not content with one look: Opting to push the unique style boundary further, Halsey later underwent an outfit change backstage- as she showed off more skin

Skimpy co-ord: The 21-year-old New Jersey native radiated in a coral pink sequinned bralet with a matching embellished blazer- allowing her toned pins to be on display in pair of extremely short shorts

All in the detail: Her skimpy undergarment element to the dress was held together by two silver-encrusted panels, which showed off her ample assets and whimsical 'Serendipity' tattoo underneath her left breast

Whilst she has experimented with her hairdo over the years, the electropop artist put on a chic Audrey Hepburn inspired display with her brunette pixie bob.

Opting to push her unique style boundary further, Halsey underwent an outfit change backstage- as she showed off yet more skin.

Wearing a heavily cut-out white bodysuit which just about covered her bosoms with gold embellishment, the musician added a long white cape- giving off a futuristic aspect to her look.

Scantily clad: Halsey wore a heavily cut-out white bodysuit which just about covered her bosoms with gold embellishment

She showed off yet more of her ink collection as her legs forewent any element of clothing- yet managed to put on a fearless display in a pair of cream white perspex boots.

Her eyes lined in lashing of black eyeliner and silver shimmer caught the light as she worked her red-carpet pose.

Gaining more confidence throughout the night, she later opted to lose the cape before deciding to cover up a little bit in a black suit ensemble- with a peak of her signature bra trend underneath.

Sparkling: Her eyes lined in lashing of liner and silver shimmer caught the light as she worked her red-carpet pose

Suddenly shy: She later opted to cover up a little bit in a black suit ensemble- with a peak of her signature bra trend underneath (with Daisy Ridley- L)

The biracial bisexual beauty seems to be taking to her successful escalating career in the music business extremely well, as she revealed that she was hospitalised for bipolar disorder as 17.

In a candid interview with Billboard, the talented artist revealed that the only thing that helped her was her love of performing.

'I could be having the worst day of my life, hate my body, think I'm fat, think I suck, and as soon as I hear the first few notes of my intro, that all goes away,' Halsey explained.

Currently 'off': Despite her PDA with Justin Bieber and Ruby Rose, the tattooed millennial is in an on/off relationship with her Badlands producer, Lido (born Peder Losnegård)

She also admits to having a complicated relationship with her social media following, who she reveals have 'chastised' her on numerous occasions.

'I talk to them like real f***ing human beings, because they are,' the pixie-haired musician said.

'But then there's also a sense of entitlement, where they feel like they have the right to chastise me like they would a friend. And sometimes you want to be like, "Who the f*** are you to say that?'"

Halsey has also been romantically linked to the likes of Justin Bieber and Ruby Rose and has been in an on/off relationship with her Badlands producer, Lido (born Peder Losnegård).

‘American Idol’ Runner Up LaPorsha Renae Signs To Motown

NEWS R&B NEWS

Last night (April 7), America chose the winner of “American Idol’s” 15th and final season.

La’Porsha Renae and Trent Harmon were the final two contestants, with the winner being Harmon. But this year, for the show’s farewell season, both finalists received record contracts, and La’Porsha has signed with Universal Music Group’s imprint, Motown Records.

LaPorsha-Renae-Trent-Harmon-american-idol-top-2-2016-billboard-650

“Because of the overwhelming fan demand and success of the farewell season of ‘American Idol,’ we have made the decision to sign both the winner, Trent Harmon, and runner-up, La’Porsha Renae, to exclusive recording agreements,” Big Machine Label Group founder and CEO Scott Borchetta tells Billboard. “I can’t think of a better way to bring this American institution to a close. Everyone at the Big Machine Label Group, the Universal Music Group and Motown Records are so thrilled with the outcome and can’t wait to get to work.”

Newbie Gabrielle Musicano Links With French Montana For ‘Fuego’

POP POP MUSIC

Twenty-year-old singer/songwriter Gabrielle Musicaro has the word “music” in her name; that must be fate!

She tapped popular rapper French Montana for her brand new single “Fuego, a pop urban tune has which has already been getting love on NY’s Power 105 and is quickly gaining traction in the UK. “Fuego” is catchy and melodic and Montana’s verse gives it just the right amount of edge.

Musicaro has been performing since the age of 3 and has spent her teenage year working on her craft. The young singer has tried a bit of all aspects of performing arts from drama, dance, cheerleading, chorus and has been recording music since 13. Gabrielle is currently studying theatre and performance at Purchase College in NY.

“Fuego” sounds like a summer radio buster! Purchase “Fuego” on iTunes HERE.

According to Johnny Gill: New Edition Will Release A New Album Along With Upcoming BET Biopic

NEWS R&B NEWS

new-edition-album

Not only is New Edition’s three-night, BET mini-series in the works, but an album may accompany it!

According to member Johnny Gill, there are talks within the group to make new music in conjunction with the release of the biopic, which is set for 2017. He told Billboard, “I have put aside some songs already for New Edition.” He continued, “We’re gonna try to have the album ready to go by the time the movie’s out, by 2017 when the movie drops. I’m making plans to start the recording process with that as well.”

The biopic is currently in the casting stages, with “Empire” star Bryshere Gray and singer Luke James rumored to have already signed on. Official casting announcements have not yet been released.

About the film and its casting, Gill says, “I was just disappointed that Denzel [Washington] wasn’t available to play me,” Gill jokes. “I just want somebody who can capture the essence of me, and I think that’s important for all of us in the movie. That’s going to be the most important thing in telling this story is that these actors capture the essence of who we are. We’re hands-on involved as well. We have to spend time with them. They’re going to spend time with us for a week or two and kinda just get to know us and our personalities and get insight and stuff like that. It’s going to be interesting when it all comes together, but everybody’s gonna get a chance to tell and see what our story’s like. We can’t wait.”

Gill’s latest single “This One’s for Me and You” from his 2014 solo album Game Changer features the rest of the New Edition members (sans Bobby Brown).

If a new album arrives in 2017, it will be the first in thirteen years since 2004’s One Love.

[Edited 4/14/16 18:52pm]

Just Music-No Categories-Enjoy It!

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SUSAN SARANDON

New Upcoming Releases

Taye Diggs to Host Fox Game Show ‘You’re Back in the Room’

Daniel Holloway

Lupita Nyong’o, Ben Kingsley Channel Their Inner Animals at ‘The Jungle Book’ Premiere

Lamarco McClendon

Diane Lane Cast in Broadway’s ‘The Cherry Orchard’

Gordon Cox

Film Review: ‘Gary Numan: Android in La La Land’

Dennis Harvey

The original paranoid android is portraitized in this slick musical docu.

Film Review: 'Gary Numan: Android in La La Land'

Production

Crew

With

By Andy Daglas

What to watch on Wednesday, April 6...

12:01am Pacific, HuluThe Path"The Homecoming" finds Cal paying a call on his estranged mother, but his motives aren't entirely of the warm and fuzzy variety. While he's away, Sarah seizes the opportunity to deal with Miranda alone.

8pm, FoxAmerican IdolThe final three singers perform—and I do mean “final,” because this is the first half of the two-part series finale, which concludes tomorrow at 8pm.

8pm, ABCThe MiddleSue is hot for teacher in “Crushed,” and she goes to great lengths to try and catch his eye. Back home, Mike and Frankie meet Cindy’s parents and realize that the apple did not fall far from the oddball tree.

8pm, PopSchitt’s CreekJohnny gets roped into a business partnership with Bob in “Bob’s Bagels,” while David pursues his own professional ventures at a women’s clothing store. Meanwhile, Moira helps Alexis recuperate from illness.

8:30pm, ABCThe Goldbergs“Dungeons and Dragons, Anyone?” centers on a classic nerds vs. jocks battle—with Adam leading the latter group. As they throw down on the tabletop, Erica disappoints her parents with her choice of college.

9pm, PBSNOVAIn “Vikings Unearthed,” archaeologist Sarah Parcak uncovers new evidence suggesting that the intrepid Norse may have voyaged even farther than previously known. Why, Vikings may have once pillaged the very spot you’re sitting in right now.

9pm, The CWSupernatural“Hell’s Angel” sees Lucifer making a homecoming to his old heavenly stomping grounds, which should go about as well for everybody as it did the last time he was there. Back on Earth, Crowley tells the boys that he has a cunning plan to defeat Amara.

9pm, ABCModern FamilyAs Manny and Luke babysit Lily in “The Party,” the adults go off to enjoy adult fun (not that kind). Claire and Gloria bask in a spa day, Phil and Mitch take in a picture show, and Jay and Cameron hit a sports bar to watch a boxing match.

9:30pm, ABCBlack-ishDre and Bow realize they need to find a backup legal guardian for the kids in case disaster strikes. Meanwhile in “The Leftovers,” Jack discovers the truth about the old family dog’s demise, which leads to the unraveling of numerous other secrets and lies.

SEASON 1 FINALE, 10pm, SundanceHap and Leonard“Eskimos” finds Hap and Leonard on their own, and finds Trudy ready to unburden herself to Hap.

10pm, Comedy CentralBroad CityIlana’s parents visit to spend their 30th anniversary in the Big Apple in “Burning Bridges.” Unfortunately, Ilana and Abbi are too preoccupied with their own romantic entanglements to join in the celebration.

10pm, FXThe AmericansElizabeth and Philip’s latest mission in “Chloramphenicol” has a teensy, tiny, wee little flaw that could jeopardize everyone’s safety and shatter their commitment to Mother Russia. Back in the U.S.S.R., Nina too faces a life-threatening situation.

10pm, WGN AmericaUndergroundThe runners’ race to catch a northbound train hits one hurdle after another in “Run & Gun.” Meanwhile, the Macon slaves are grilled about their plans.

10pm, TV LandLopezGeorge adopts a rescue dog and lands a date with a dog rescue volunteer in “George Takes a Hike.”

10:30pm, TV LandThe Soul ManA few stumbles on the campaign trail prompts Boyce to bring in a professional campaign manager in “Boyce’s Choices.” Although I’m not sure hiring the guy who came up with “Jeb!” was the savviest of moves.

Thanks ID I keep forgetting to order Joss new album.

Working man's poet, Merle Haggard lived his life in song

R&B singer-songwriter Leon Haywood, famous for writing tune sampled by Dr. Dre, dies at 74 in Los Angeles

Latin Jazz saxophonist Gato Barbieri dies at age 83

Gato Barbieri: An appreciation

Carole King celebrates 45th anniversary of ground-breaking ‘Tapestry’

'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' trailer reveals the Rebellion's earliest mission

What to Watch Tonight: The Series Finale of American Idol, the Season Premiere of The Odd Couple, and New Episodes of Archer and Mom

What to watch on Thursday, April 7...

DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE, 7pm, Ovation The Genius of Roald Dahl A profile of the beloved children’s author examines the unique temperament of his work, traces his storytelling influences, and explores his roots in Cardiff. Author David Walliams hosts.

SERIES FINALE, 8pm, Fox American Idol The fans select an Idol for the 15th and final time, after which the new champ will suspend democratic fan voting, pack the judges’ table with cronies, declare themselves Idolus Rex, and rule over a new Imperial Era of singing competitions.

8pm, CBS The Big Bang Theory Sheldon divulges a secret about Leonard when they, Penny, and Amy enjoy a weekend outing at a cabin in “The Big Bear Precipitation.” Back home, Raj gets carried away with giving pregnancy gifts to Bernadette and Howard.

9pm, CBS Mom With the restaurant closed for renovations, Christy goes to work as Jill’s personal assistant in “Cornflakes and the Hair of Three Men.” Meanwhile, a wrong number leads to a love connection for Bonnie and the mistaken caller (William Fichtner).

9pm, The CW The 100 Jaha tries a new approach to bring Abby over to his cause in “Fallen,” and it doesn’t sound like it’ll be a pleasant one. Elsewhere, Monty lands deep in the soup and Jasper hurries to rescue a comrade.

10pm, FX Archer Archer and Lana are tasked with a tricky exchange in “The Handoff.” Having more fun is the rest of the gang, amused by the best voicemail ever.

10pm, History Vikings After the Vikings get their pointy hats handed to them, Ragnar’s leadership comes in for scrutiny in “Portage.” But he may yet have one more trick up his sleeve. Elsewhere, Rollo gains an edge at the French court while Count Odo pays the price for his obliviousness.

10pm, ABC The Catch In “The Trail,” Valerie’s estranged husband enlists the team’s help after a pharma giant’s clinical trial leaves his sister suffering nasty side effects. Meanwhile, Ben sets his scam-artist sights on a princess.

10pm, Spike Lip Sync Battle Jason Derulo and Katharine McPhee compete, presumably with a thorough staging of the Smash songbook. No lie, I had to triple-check that Smash didn’t have an exclamation point in it. Doesn’t it feel like it ought to?

10pm, CBS Rush Hour Gerald is arrested when it’s discovered that his watch was pilfered in a robbery-homicide in “Two Days, or the Number of Hours Within That Time Frame.” So it’s up to Carter to sneak his cousin out of jail and catch the killer culprits.

11pm, History Join or Die with Craig Ferguson Jack Black, Tymberlee Hill, and Prof. Stephen Prothero consider what might have been the most important drug ever. Smart money says it’s the new one upon which Huey Lewis so eloquently insisted back in ‘84.

Go Behind The Scenes Of Yuna’s ‘Crush’ Video Featuring Usher

Check Out Some Of The ‘Black Girls Rock 2016’ Performances!

Fantasia Tries Out Country On New Offering, ‘Ugly’

R.I.P. Dennis Davis, longtime drummer of David Bowie, has died

Davis drummed on albums including Station to Station, Low, "Heroes", and more

Jimmie Van Zant has died: Cousin of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant was 59

Pedro 'Chatanuga' Weber Dead: Mexican Actor, Comedian Passes Away At 82

John Leguizamo 'Latin History For Morons': Actor Returns To Stage With One-Man Show

Shakira New Album: Colombian Singer Hints At Upcoming Studio Production

'The Angry Birds' Movie: Demi Lovato Excited To Be Part Of Soundtrack

Billboard Latin Music Awards 2016: Juanes, Lucero, Marc Anthony, More Confirmed To Perform

Daytime Emmy Awards 2016: 15 Facts About Sonia Manzano, Actress Receiving Lifetime Achievement

Watch Carla Morrison Dance In Space In Her New 'Vez Primera' Music Video

Selena Quintanilla 21st Death Anniversary: Chris Perez Shares Love Letter From Singer [PHOTO]

RFD-TV To Honor Merle Haggard

Paul Simon Releases "Wristband" from forthcoming album

Belinda Carlisle shines on Go-Gos classics, solo hits at Trinity Cathedral

Belinda Joins 'Baywatch' Movie Cast: Mexican Singer Will Star Opposite Zac Efron, The Rock

TV Review: ‘Hunters’

Brian Lowry

What to Watch This Weekend: The Premieres of Outlander and Fear the Walking Dead, Season 2 of Catastrophe, and the Finales of Sleepy Hollow, Billions, andTogetherness

What to watch on Friday, April 8...

NEXT: Saturday, April 9 | Sunday, April 10

SEASON 2 U.S. PREMIERE, 12:01am Pacific, Amazon Catastrophe Rob and Sharon acclimate to marriage and parenting, all while coping with randy coworkers, kooky loved ones, and the challenges of post-partum depression. The full six-episode season streams today.

6pm, Cartoon Network The Powerpuff Girls In “Man Up,” Buttercup’s gung-ho attitude inadvertently allows macho malefactor Man-Boy to escape. So as the girls try to take him down again, she decides to try the “Serenity Now” approach.

SEASON 3 FINALE, 8pm, Fox Sleepy Hollow Abbie and Ichabod figure out the missing piece of the Pandora’s box puzzle in “Ragnaork,” while the team does everything it can to prevent the Hidden One from wiping out humanity (no pressure).

8pm ABC Last Man Standing Vanessa is convinced that getting inked will elevate her to Cool Mom status in “Tattoo.” Elsewhere, Kyle instructs Ryan in the art of camping.

8:30pm, ABC Dr. Ken In “Dave’s Sex Talk,” Julie educates Dave on the birds and the bees since Ken has been avoiding it. But that doesn’t stop Ken from taking credit anyway, causing problems with Allison.

12:01am Pacific, Hulu
The Path
"The Homecoming" finds Cal paying a call on his estranged mother, but his motives aren't entirely of the warm and fuzzy variety. While he's away, Sarah seizes the opportunity to deal with Miranda alone.

8pm, Fox
American Idol
The final three singers perform—and I do mean “final,” because this is the first half of the two-part series finale, which concludes tomorrow at 8pm.

8pm, ABC
The Middle
Sue is hot for teacher in “Crushed,” and she goes to great lengths to try and catch his eye. Back home, Mike and Frankie meet Cindy’s parents and realize that the apple did not fall far from the oddball tree.

8pm, Pop
Schitt’s Creek
Johnny gets roped into a business partnership with Bob in “Bob’s Bagels,” while David pursues his own professional ventures at a women’s clothing store. Meanwhile, Moira helps Alexis recuperate from illness.

8:30pm, ABC
The Goldbergs
“Dungeons and Dragons, Anyone?” centers on a classic nerds vs. jocks battle—with Adam leading the latter group. As they throw down on the tabletop, Erica disappoints her parents with her choice of college.

9pm, PBS
NOVA
In “Vikings Unearthed,” archaeologist Sarah Parcak uncovers new evidence suggesting that the intrepid Norse may have voyaged even farther than previously known. Why, Vikings may have once pillaged the very spot you’re sitting in right now.

9pm, The CW
Supernatural
“Hell’s Angel” sees Lucifer making a homecoming to his old heavenly stomping grounds, which should go about as well for everybody as it did the last time he was there. Back on Earth, Crowley tells the boys that he has a cunning plan to defeat Amara.

9pm, ABC
Modern Family
As Manny and Luke babysit Lily in “The Party,” the adults go off to enjoy adult fun (not that kind). Claire and Gloria bask in a spa day, Phil and Mitch take in a picture show, and Jay and Cameron hit a sports bar to watch a boxing match.

9:30pm, ABC
Black-ish
Dre and Bow realize they need to find a backup legal guardian for the kids in case disaster strikes. Meanwhile in “The Leftovers,” Jack discovers the truth about the old family dog’s demise, which leads to the unraveling of numerous other secrets and lies.

SEASON 1 FINALE, 10pm, Sundance
Hap and Leonard
“Eskimos” finds Hap and Leonard on their own, and finds Trudy ready to unburden herself to Hap.

10pm, Comedy Central
Broad City
Ilana’s parents visit to spend their 30th anniversary in the Big Apple in “Burning Bridges.” Unfortunately, Ilana and Abbi are too preoccupied with their own romantic entanglements to join in the celebration.

10pm, FX
The Americans
Elizabeth and Philip’s latest mission in “Chloramphenicol” has a teensy, tiny, wee little flaw that could jeopardize everyone’s safety and shatter their commitment to Mother Russia. Back in the U.S.S.R., Nina too faces a life-threatening situation.

10pm, WGN America
Underground
The runners’ race to catch a northbound train hits one hurdle after another in “Run & Gun.” Meanwhile, the Macon slaves are grilled about their plans.

10pm, TV Land
Lopez
George adopts a rescue dog and lands a date with a dog rescue volunteer in “George Takes a Hike.”

10:30pm, TV Land
The Soul Man
A few stumbles on the campaign trail prompts Boyce to bring in a professional campaign manager in “Boyce’s Choices.” Although I’m not sure hiring the guy who came up with “Jeb!” was the savviest of moves.

DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE, 7pm, Ovation
The Genius of Roald Dahl
A profile of the beloved children’s author examines the unique temperament of his work, traces his storytelling influences, and explores his roots in Cardiff. Author David Walliams hosts.

SERIES FINALE, 8pm, Fox
American Idol
The fans select an Idol for the 15th and final time, after which the new champ will suspend democratic fan voting, pack the judges’ table with cronies, declare themselves Idolus Rex, and rule over a new Imperial Era of singing competitions.

8pm, CBS
The Big Bang Theory
Sheldon divulges a secret about Leonard when they, Penny, and Amy enjoy a weekend outing at a cabin in “The Big Bear Precipitation.” Back home, Raj gets carried away with giving pregnancy gifts to Bernadette and Howard.

9pm, CBS
Mom
With the restaurant closed for renovations, Christy goes to work as Jill’s personal assistant in “Cornflakes and the Hair of Three Men.” Meanwhile, a wrong number leads to a love connection for Bonnie and the mistaken caller (William Fichtner).

9pm, The CW
The 100
Jaha tries a new approach to bring Abby over to his cause in “Fallen,” and it doesn’t sound like it’ll be a pleasant one. Elsewhere, Monty lands deep in the soup and Jasper hurries to rescue a comrade.

10pm, FX
Archer
Archer and Lana are tasked with a tricky exchange in “The Handoff.” Having more fun is the rest of the gang, amused by the best voicemail ever.

10pm, History
Vikings
After the Vikings get their pointy hats handed to them, Ragnar’s leadership comes in for scrutiny in “Portage.” But he may yet have one more trick up his sleeve. Elsewhere, Rollo gains an edge at the French court while Count Odo pays the price for his obliviousness.

10pm, ABC
The Catch
In “The Trail,” Valerie’s estranged husband enlists the team’s help after a pharma giant’s clinical trial leaves his sister suffering nasty side effects. Meanwhile, Ben sets his scam-artist sights on a princess.

10pm, Spike
Lip Sync Battle
Jason Derulo and Katharine McPhee compete, presumably with a thorough staging of the Smash songbook. No lie, I had to triple-check that Smash didn’t have an exclamation point in it. Doesn’t it feel like it ought to?

10pm, CBS
Rush Hour
Gerald is arrested when it’s discovered that his watch was pilfered in a robbery-homicide in “Two Days, or the Number of Hours Within That Time Frame.” So it’s up to Carter to sneak his cousin out of jail and catch the killer culprits.

11pm, History
Join or Die with Craig Ferguson
Jack Black, Tymberlee Hill, and Prof. Stephen Prothero consider what might have been the most important drug ever. Smart money says it’s the new one upon which Huey Lewis so eloquently insisted back in ‘84.

SEASON 2 U.S. PREMIERE, 12:01am Pacific, Amazon
Catastrophe
Rob and Sharon acclimate to marriage and parenting, all while coping with randy coworkers, kooky loved ones, and the challenges of post-partum depression. The full six-episode season streams today.

6pm, Cartoon Network
The Powerpuff Girls
In “Man Up,” Buttercup’s gung-ho attitude inadvertently allows macho malefactor Man-Boy to escape. So as the girls try to take him down again, she decides to try the “Serenity Now” approach.

SEASON 3 FINALE, 8pm, Fox
Sleepy Hollow
Abbie and Ichabod figure out the missing piece of the Pandora’s box puzzle in “Ragnaork,” while the team does everything it can to prevent the Hidden One from wiping out humanity (no pressure).

8pm ABC
Last Man Standing
Vanessa is convinced that getting inked will elevate her to Cool Mom status in “Tattoo.” Elsewhere, Kyle instructs Ryan in the art of camping.

8:30pm, ABC
Dr. Ken
In “Dave’s Sex Talk,” Julie educates Dave on the birds and the bees since Ken has been avoiding it. But that doesn’t stop Ken from taking credit anyway, causing problems with Allison.

9pm, CBS
Hawaii Five-0
A case from Grover’s past rears its head in “Malama Ka Po’e (Care for One’s People),” forcing him and his family to flee a mob boss out for revenge.

10pm, Cinemax
Banshee
As Carrie gets her vigilante on in “The Burden of Beauty,” Brock suspects Lucas for the serial killings.

11pm, Cartoon Network
Childrens Hospital
“Hump Cola” finds Owen making a surprising and delicious discovery about the fluid in Chief’s hump. Elsewhere, Blake believes that Glenn is struggling with an addiction.

11:30pm, Cartoon Network
Adult Swim Golf Classic
Jon Daly and Adam Scott hit the links for an intense charity golf outing set in 1966.

LATE-NITE:
– Kerry Washington, Ken Jeong, and Dion on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, 11:35pm, NBC