#Four-Decker Billboards | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

projektnomad · 10 months ago

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2040

You sit at the bus stop with your typewriter on your lap, the sound of your own keys clacking and the keys of other people around you is almost enough to drown out the clop of horseshoes on the broken tarmac road. Pages of other people’s writing and advertising flyers are stuck on every available surface.

You finish your status update: “Waiting for the bus, it’s late again. Lol. Peace.”

You remove the page from the paper feed and take your paste and a brush from your satchel, smear the rear of the page and stick it on the side of the bus shelter, covering up half an advert for “Kardashian premium handwriting pen nibs” and half a Polaroid selfie of a girl with a plastic dog nose and ears sellotaped to her face.

“Cock ring! Cock ring, you buy!” An excitable Asian man wearing a Wish uniform is waving a small plastic ring at you. He’s looking you up and down to attempt to judge what you might be into, he sees you’re a writer and reaches into his bag before pushing a lump of cling film wrapped heroin your way and asking for 8 dollars. You ignore him and he moves to the next person, a tall man in a camo jacket, trying to push a survival kit and compass on them.

The cock ring has reminded you it’s Valentine’s Day. You take a bundle of random meme cards out of your satchel and sift through them until you find a few good ones that look semi romantic. A picture of Hitler with ‘be mein’ written underneath, a fat cat tucking into a heart shaped box of chocolates and a frog with a crown on its head. You take your fountain pen and write a creepy love note that’s ‘just kidding. Unless...’ then insert a Polaroid of your dick into each one before addressing them to your three favourite board gamer girls and putting a Valentine’s themed stamp on each.

Drawn by four strong horses the bus pulls up, it’s an open top double decker which is nice as you’ll be able to burn-vape on the top deck. You make your way up top and get a front seat. You pack your soilvape leaves into your pipe and light it with a one use wood burner, puffing away as you watch the sights and sounds of the city roll past. It’s fairly warm and sunny for the time of year and you notice the eBay sellers at their high street stalls are taking bids on spring fashions. You happen to notice and stare a little too long at a large billboard for the new Casio clockworkz design, a striking, bulky stainless steel watch from the Watchbroz range. The marketer stood on the billboard ledge fires a rolled up leaflet at you from his air pressure powered ad-cannon. His aim is impeccable and you place the leaflet in your satchel for later.

You see the cards you’ve yet to post and the name of one of the gamer girls has reminded you about the invoice in your satchel. It’s from Twiddlykk*nks, you pledged to her Kickstarter for a new board game based on the wooden Tubbz ducks franchise. You keep forgetting to pay it, so you fill out the form ready to post at your next stop.

You leave the bus at Facebook square and try to find your group. They’re a nice bunch, you think. You can’t stand some of them, admittedly, but there’s that girl you have a massive crush on and the one who has a crush on you but you’re not really interested, it’s just nice to know someone thinks you’re cool. You’re greeted in the usual way, total indifference from some, a friendly wave from others and that one guy who hands you a Polaroid of his dick with a nipple clamp on it. He smiles as you accept it before withdrawing back into the huddled group, never breaking eye contact.

You sit with your typewriter and start to think about something funny to write for the group wall that will get that one girl’s attention while simultaneously pissing off that dude who only wears meme T-shirts even in the dead of winter.

Clack clack. Clack clack. Yes, yes you think as the words come together on the page like iron dust falling onto magnets. I am a fucking genius.

#facebook #valentines day #steampunk

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andylanger · 1 year ago

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BIOGRAPHY:

Andy Langer is a journalist, moderator, emcee, television reporter and podcaster. He's a Writer At Large at Texas Monthly, where he’s written about music for the magazine since 1997. He also hosted the magazine’s National Podcast Of Texas, an interview-based podcast spotlighting Texas newsmakers, entertainers, authors, legends and rising stars, from Nolan Ryan to Brooklyn Decker, Tanya Tucker to Senator Ted Cruz, Admiral William McRaven to Dan Rather. And by way of Texas Monthly’s partnership with The New York Times, Langer was the music columnist for the paper’s “Texas Pages.” In June, Langer was named “Best Music Journalist” by Austin Chronicle readers in the paper’s annual Best Of Austin poll. It’s an honor he’s won six times.

Langer can also be heard weekday afternoons on Austin City Limits Radio (97.1 KGSR Austin), a station he helped transition from the legendary KGSR to its current brand-sharing agreement with the longest running music television show in history, PBS’ Austin City Limits. And from 2002-2016 he was a contributing editor and the music columnist at Esquire- a run that included anchoring eight special music issues, four music/fashion packages and a rare Q&A with Apple’s Steve Jobs (later documented in Walter Isaacson’s Jobs biography). For six years, Langer also hosted the magazine’s Esquire Minute for Sirius/XM. Langer’s print work has also appeared in the pages of Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Bon Appetit, Southern Living and Billboard. He also hosted the Sirius/XM music variety show, The Armadillo Radio Hour, and was as a weekly contributor to NPR's Bryant Park Project. In March of 2021, his interview with American icon Willie Nelson served as South By Southwest’s keynote address. Langer graduated from the University Of Texas at Austin’s School Of Journalism and cut his teeth at the Daily Texan. He lives in Austin.

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nerianasims · 4 years ago

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Billboards #1 1963

Under the cut.

Steve Lawrence – “Go Away Little Girl” -- January 12, 1963

"Little girl" didn't mean "little girl" in songs of the era. She could be 49 for all we know. And yet, having to constantly remind onesself of that does not make for a pleasant listening experience. Nothing about it is a pleasant listening experience. Okay, he's drawn to someone he shouldn't be and doesn't know if he can resist. That's a common enough human experience. But he's so smarmy about it. And musically, it's light and boring lounge schmaltz.

The Rooftop Singers – “Walk Right In” -- January 26, 1963

It's okay. It's catchy. I can believe the singers are living breathing people, and not automatons, which is saying a lot for folk-pop of the era. There's some nice acoustic guitar work. I just can't get over the feeling this was originally either about drugs or sex work and has been sanitized. It's fine though. Which is a major improvement over the offensively bad "Michael" two years back.

Paul & Paula – “Hey Paula” -- February 9, 1963

They want to get married as soon as possible because they just can't wait. Why is not said -- this song is Wonder Bread -- but it's obviously because of sex. Also they're singing to each other's stage names, Paul and Paula. "Hey Paula" and "Hey Paul." Getting married very young because you can't handle not having sex any more is a really bad idea. Anyway, it's hard for me to think about the lyrics much because the music is so bland I think it killed some brain cells.

The Four Seasons – “Walk Like A Man” -- March 2, 1963

Can't sleep, Frankie Valli will get me. That falsetto. Dear lord. Anyway, his girlfriend has been spreading lies about him and he's gonna "walk like a man" to get away from her. I'd run like a woman to get away from his voice.

Ruby & The Romantics – “Our Day Will Come” -- March 23, 1963

Now here's a wonderful voice. Ruby Nash has a rich, beautiful contralto, and she puts a lot of joy into it. She's telling someone not to be upset about waiting, because "our day will come" and they'll be able to live happily ever after together. The bossa nova arrangement is nice, but this is all about Nash's voice. Quite good.

The Chiffons – “He’s So Fine” -- March 30, 1963

The narrator is in love with a shy guy whom she's having problems getting close to, but she's determined. "Sooner or later/ I hope it's not later." A nice bouncy girl group song. Also George Harrison ripped the melody off for a much worse song years later.

Little Peggy March – “I Will Follow Him” -- April 27, 1963

In high school, one of my friends and I made up words to this song that went "I hate him/ I hate him/ I hate him" and etc. So uh. This song. As-is, I find it annoying. It's a good jumping off point for you and your friends when you're deeply pissed off at some guys, though.

Jimmy Soul’s “If You Wanna Be Happy” -- May 18, 1963

If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life, don't marry a pretty woman, marry an ugly woman who can cook. This song makes me laugh. It's dated and problematique. Whatever, I find it amusing.

Lesley Gore – “It’s My Party” -- June 1, 1963

Johnny and Judy are colossal jackasses. They timed starting to go steady at Johnny's girlfriend's party, sheesh. It's all rather unlikely. Considering she's going through something that would be both heartbreaking and horribly embarrassing, Lesley Gore doesn't sound too terribly broken up about it, even if she is supposed to be crying. It's still a good song.

Kyu Sakamoto – “Sukiyaki” (originally "Ue O Muite Aruko") -- June 15, 1963

Kyu Sakamoto had a wonderful voice for pop songs or light tenor roles on Broadway, and he used it well. This is a bittersweet song in Japanese about looking up when you walk after your heart is broken so no one sees your tears -- after your protest movement against U.S. interference in your country fails. Hm. We tend to underestimate how much people in the past knew, and it is entirely possible this song became a hit partly in solidarity with that protest movement. Or maybe because people happened to hear it on TV because of the movement. Or maybe just because it's a pretty song, sung beautifully.

The Essex – “Easier Said Than Done” -- July 6, 1963

The narrator's friends are saying she should tell a guy she's into him, but she can't seem to do it. It's a buoyant little song, but nothing more than that.

Jan And Dean – “Surf City” -- July 20, 1963

This song is explicitly not for me. "Two girls for every boy" sounds no fun at all. And they keep singing it in falsetto. As for the sound, it's an early 60s surf song. Yawn.

The Tymes – “So Much In Love” -- August 3, 1963

The narrator and his fiancee are so much in love, and his backup singers are snapping and woo-wooing to support him in the background. It's nice, and kind of a big nothing at the same time. There's something very assembly line about it.

Little Stevie Wonder – “Fingertips (Pt. II)” -- August 10, 1963

Stevie Wonder was 13 at the time. Which means I don't like this song. He's just too young. Also it's live and sort of all over the place, though it's mostly harmonica. I'll be much happier to hear Stevie Wonder when he's back a few years from now.

The Angels – “My Boyfriend’s Back” -- August 31, 1963

I consider this song close to perfection. It's musically fun and taunting, and the taunting is serious. "Look out now, cuz he's comin' after you." This piece of shit who's been spreading rumors about and sexually harassing the narrator is about to eat dirt. Oh yeah, I love it.

Bobby Vinton – “Blue Velvet” -- September 21, 1963

Apparently David Lynch named a movie for this? I avoid David Lynch like the plague, so that doesn't influence my hearing of the song. The narrator and the woman in blue velvet were in love, but then she "left." It's melancholy enough that I feel she may have died, not just left. Pretty, sad, but that's about it.

Jimmy Gilmer And The Fireballs – “Sugar Shack” -- October 12, 1963

The titular "sugar shack" is supposedly a coffeehouse. I have my doubts. They had to bury implications under a lot of layers in 1963. Or maybe I'm just trying to make the song more interesting, imagining the narrator wants to marry a sex worker and not a waitress. The song is bouncy and bubbly and dull.

Nino Tempo & April Stevens -- "Deep Purple" -- November 16, 1963

I find this song very unpleasant due to Nino Tempo's singing. There's something about it that grates on me, the woo-woo's especially. This is about dreaming an old -- possibly dead -- lover is coming back to you. And it's sure cheery and peppy. Also there's a spoken word section that's not good at all. I do not like this rendition of this song one bit.

Dale & Grace – “I’m Leaving It Up To You” -- November 23, 1963

No Ray Charles this year? I'm in desperate need here. Sigh. Grace's voice is high and nasal and I have nothing to say about Dale. The idea of the song is that they're leaving it up to the other person in the relationship whether to keep going. The lyrics are nothing special, but they're fine. The music is boring except that Grace's voice is like nails on a chalkboard. I don't know how much more stuff like this I can take.

The Singing Nun – “Dominique” -- December 7, 1963

Well, it's different. It’s French. Jeanne-Paule Marie Deckers, the Singing Nun, wrote this cheery song about the founder of her order. He chose poverty and only talked about God, you know the drill. I don't connect with it, and I also have nothing negative to say about it. It's a refreshing song.

BEST OF 1963: My Boyfriend's Back and Sukiyaki in a tie WORST OF 1963: Nino Tempo & April Stevens' rendition of Deep Purple, though there were many contenders

#billboard number ones

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bringinbackpod · 3 years ago

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Interview with Dustin Collins

We had the pleasure of interviewing Dustin Collins over Zoom video! Momentum continues to build for Billboard No. 1 singer-songwriter and Georgia-born Dustin Collins, who recently announced his forthcoming Working Man album, as he signs with New Vision Artist Management’s Mike Kraski and New Revolution Entertainment’s Jeff Solima. Kraski began his career in sales and distribution at CBS Records and eventually made his way to Sony Music Nashville, where he worked with Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Montgomery Gentry among many others, and was eventually elevated to executive VP and general manager for the Nashville division. In 2003, Kraski left Sony and launched an artist friendly label that was aptly named Equity Records. As President and CEO, he launched the career of Little Big Town. Since 2007, Kraski has worked in artist management, consulting and music publishing at Tenacity Management and at M-Pact Music Group and recently partnered with legendary artist manager John Dorris to launch New Vision Artist Management. Solima, whose career started at Music Matters, who managed Tracy Lawrence (16 of 17 singles were all No. 1) and Clay Walker (debut single No. 1), opened the multi-award-winning Hitsquad Promotions in 1993. In 2006, he co-founded New Revolution with partner Rob Dalton, and in 2008, he co-founded Bigger Picture Promotions with partner Michael Powers. Bigger Picture became the No. 5 record label in 18 months, setting the No. 1 record at the time of 9 consecutive No. 1 singles, and launched Craig Campbell, Chris Janson, and relaunched Chris Cagle, Uncle Kracker’s “Smile,” and Kid Rock. New Revolution clients have included Tim McGraw, Brantley Gilbert, Martina McBride, Lee Brice, Gloriana, Uncle Kracker, Jesse James Decker, among others, while delivering Emerson Drive’s only No. 1 with “Moments” and relaunching Big & Rich with four consecutive Top 15 singles. Produced by industry veterans Buddy Cannon (Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire) and Bill McDermott (Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley), Working Man is slated for release this summer from DCDL Entertainment. A portion of proceeds from the lead single and album will benefit GUMI (Glad You Made It) Camp USA. GUMI focuses on providing U.S. veterans with the tools they need to help them heal after deployment overseas and enable them to re-enter society. Working Man follows Collins’ latest album, It’s Been Awhile, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers South Central Albums chart. His independent single “Cold Dead Hands” ascended to No. 1 on the Billboard Singles Sales chart. Collins also earned a slot on Aaron Watson’s Vaquero Tour and has opened for Tanya Tucker, Shenandoah, Clay Walker, Chris Janson, Kane Brown and many more. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected]. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #DustinCollins #ColdDeadHands #musicinterview #MusicPodcast #NewMusic #zoom Listen & Subscribe to BiB https://www.bringinitbackwards.com/follow/ Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringinbackpod source https://www.spreaker.com/user/14706194/interview-with-dustin-collins

#podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #music #aspn #americansongwriter #americansongwriterpodcastnetwor

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burtontotaylors · 7 years ago

Conversation

Taylor Swift: Career Growth

Feb 2001: Wrote her first full-length song, 'Lucky You'

June 2002: Signed a development deal with RCA Records at 14 years old

Sept 2002: Wrote her first set of songs with Liz Rose

May 2003: Began recording demos with Nathan Chapman

June 2004: Walked away from RCA Records after being told she couldn't record an album until she was 18 years old

Aug 2004: Became the youngest songwriter ever to be hired by the Sony/ATV Tree publishing house

Mar 2005: Performed at an industry showcase at The Bluebird Cafe and got noticed and ultimately signed by Scott Borchetta on Big Machine Records

June 2005: Interned as an artist escort at the CMA Music Festival

Sept 2005: Began working on her debut album

June 2006: Released her very first single, 'Tim McGraw', which has since sold over 1 million copies and has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America

Oct 2006: Released her eponymous debut album, selling 39,000 copies in its first week

Nov 2006: Opened for Rascal Flatts on the final nine dates of their Me & My Gang Tour

Dec 2006: Began promoting her debut album on a radio tour and made various TV appearances including on The Grand Ole Opry and Good Morning America

Feb 2007: Released the second single from her album, 'Teardrops On My Guitar', which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100

Jul 2007: Was named the Nashville Songwriters Association's Songwriter/Artist of the Year, becoming the youngest person ever to be honored with the title

Sept 2007: Released her third single, 'Our Song', which shot to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making her the youngest person in history to single-handedly write and sing a number-one country song

Oct 2007: Released a holiday album, 'Sounds of the Season: The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection'

Dec 2007: Won the Country Music Association's Horizon Award for Best New Artist, claiming it to be "the highlight of her senior year" in her acceptance speech

Mar 2008: Opened for Rascal Flatts again on their Still Feels Good Tour

Jul 2008: Began promoting her second album on various chat shows including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which dedicated a whole episode to the album's launch

Sept 2008: Released her upcoming second album's lead single, 'Love Story', which became the second-best-selling country single of all time and became her trademark track

Nov 2008: Released her second studio album, 'Fearless'

Dec 2008: Released her second single from the album, 'White Horse'

Feb 2009: 'Fearless' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 Album Chart with sales of 592,304 in its first week, becoming the top-selling album of 2009

Apr 2009: Released her third single from the album, 'You Belong With Me'

Apr 2009: Began her debut 105-date world tour, The Fearless Tour, which grossed $63,705,590 with 1,138,977 fans in attendance

Aug 2009: Released her fourth single from the album, 'Fifteen'

Sept 2009: Became the first country music artist to win an MTV Video Music Award when "You Belong with Me" was named Best Female Video, but her speech was interrupted by Kanye West

Jan 2010: Released the fifth and final single from her second album, its title track, 'Fearless'

Jan 2010: Won four Grammy Awards from eight nominations including Album Of The Year, making her the youngest person ever to achieve that

Feb 2010: Began promoting her upcoming third album on various talk shows and gave free mini-concerts in unusual locations, including on an open-decker bus on Hollywood Boulevard and a departure lounge at JFK airport

Aug 2010: Released her third album's lead single, 'Mine'

Oct 2010: Became the youngest ever artist and one of only six women to be named Entertainer of the Year by the Country Music Association

Oct 2010: Released her third studio album, 'Speak Now', which sold 1,047,000 copies in its first week and became the fifth biggest debut in history for a female artist

Nov 2010: Released the album's second single, 'Back To December'

Feb 11: Began her second tour, the Speak Now World Tour, which earned $97 million from 89 shows and 1.6 million fans

Mar 11: Her debut album was re-calculated to have sold 5.5 million copies worldwide

Mar 11: Released her third album's third single, 'Mean'

Apr 11: Released her third album's fourth single, 'The Story Of Us'

Jun 11: Was named Songwriter/Artist of the Year by the Nashville Songwriters Association

Jun 11: Released her third album's fifth single, 'Sparks Fly', with its music video of the ongoing world tour

Oct 11: Was named Entertainer of the Year by the Academy of Country Music and Entertainer of the Year by the Country Music Association

Dec 11: Released her third album's six and final single, 'Ours', a bonus track which went on to peak at number one on the Billboard Country Songs Chart

Dec 11: Was named Billboard's Woman Of The Year

Feb 12: Won Best Country Song for 'Mean' at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, which she later performed live

Jul 12: Contributed two original songs to 'The Hunger Games' soundtrack album, 'Safe and Sound' and 'Eyes Open'

Aug 12: Announced her upcoming fourth studio album via a livestream online chat and released the album's lead single, 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together', which became her first number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart

Sept 12: Released her fourth album's second single, 'Begin Again'

Oct 12: Released her fourth studio album, 'Red', selling 1.21 million copies in its first week and becoming the third biggest debut in history for a female artist and the fastest-selling album in over a decade

Oct 12: Released her fourth album's third single, 'I Knew You Were Trouble'

Mar 13: Began her third world tour, The Red Tour, for which she played 86 dates and was attended by over 1.7 million fans, grossing just over $150 million

Mar 13: Released her fourth album's fourth single, '22'

May 13: 'Red' was re-calculated to have sold 6 million copies worldwide

Jul 13: Released her fourth album's fifth single, co-written and performed with Ed Sheeran, 'Everything Has Changed'

Oct 13: Co-wrote and released 'Sweeter Than Fiction' for the 'One Chance' movie, which received a Best Original Song nomination at the 71st Golden Globe Awards

Oct 13: Released her fourth album's sixth single, 'The Last Time'

Nov 13: Was honored by the Country Music Association with a special Pinnacle Award for "unique" levels of success, presented by various country artists and friends including Tim McGraw, George Strait and Faith Hill

Jan 14: 'Safe and Sound' won Best Song Written For Visual Media at the Grammy Awards

Feb 14: Began The 1989 Secret Sessions, where she invited groups of fans from different countries into each of her houses to listen to her upcoming album prior to its release

Aug 14: Announced her upcoming fifth album via another livestream online chat, claiming it to be her "first documented pop album", and released the album's lead single, 'Shake It Off'

Aug 14: 'Shake It Off' instantly reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 after being made available on iTunes

Oct 14: Released her fifth studio album, '1989', which debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 and sold 1.287 million copies during the first week of release

Nov 14: Released the album's second single, 'Blank Space'

Dec 14: '1989' became the best-selling album of 2014, selling 3.66 million copies in only three months

Dec 14: Was again named Billboard's Woman Of Year, the only artist to be awarded this title twice

Jan 15: '1989' became the highest-selling first-week album from a female artist ever, topping Britney Spears' 'Oops I Did It Again' from back in 2000

Feb 15: Released the album's third single, 'Style'

Feb 15: '1989' was re-calculated and has been said to have sold 8.6 million copies worldwide

Mar 15: Became the first artist in history to have three consecutive albums sell over 1 million copies in their first week

Mar 15: 'Shake It Off' was nominated for three Grammy Awards including Record of the Year and Song of the Year

Apr 15: She was named by Time magazine as one of the 2015 Time 100 in the "Icons" category

Apr 15: Was one of only eight artists to receive a 50th Anniversary Milestone Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards

May 15: Released the album's fourth remixed single, 'Bad Blood', premiering the official music video at the start of the Billboard Music Awards

May 15: Began her fourth concert tour, The 1989 World Tour, from which only five shows from the North American run (May 20–June 6 2015) generated a total of $16.8 million from 149,708 ticket sales

Jun 15: Wrote to Apple Music, criticizing how it doesn't offer royalties to artists during the streaming service's free three-month trial period. A day later, Apple changed their policy.

July 15: '1989' became the fastest selling album in more than a decade

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ovmatt-blog · 6 years ago

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Chapter 7. Magic Eye Hostel

Cold stars blinked at me in the velvety-black boundless sky… Some terribly powerful unfathomable force hurled me through the night sky at a reckless speed, the chill wind blowing into my hot sweaty face… Whoosh! … The whistle of cleaved air in my ears… Whoosh! … I turned over… My jacket was flapping in the wind… Suddenly I started losing altitude… Bang!

...I touched the ground with my arms as I was let down to land, squatting down. I was gulping lungfulls of cold night air. I opened my streaming eyes, hastily drew myself up to full height and looked around…

I was standing in a wide cobbled pedestrian street. Bright billboards, flickering with neon ads, soft music, flowing from gaping entrances and drowning the distant rearing of rumbling cars and passing double-deckers, created the swift mix of light and sounds… The restaurant quarter…

It was strangely warm and chestnuts waved their long leaves under the fresh night breeze. A line of them, twined with the strings of glaring electric light bulbs, shielded the glass-walled terrace of the restaurant I was standing in front of, Tin-Tin and Max flanking me. A huge neon signboard in the form of two pure-white outstretched wings on the top of the building, splashing white light in all directions, spelled ANGELS. A rain of white electric light strings illuminated its transparent panes, which alternated with gaping spaces. A greatly crowded place it was, with all the tables occupied by visitors, chatting and laughing while having their meals, and waiters in black rectangular aprons, balancing trays and several plates on their wrists, while shuttling about wooden tables.

I stood absolutely charmed by the luring warmth and light. “Maybe we should drop in?” I implored my companions.

Max looked askance at me, “But you have said you are out of money?” His very tone and entire appearance seemed to blame me for squandering.

“Max is virtue itself,” Tin-Tin winked to me, “Cheer up, Robin! One day we will afford the luxury of dining here!”

“It’s late, we should hurry on,” Max said in a conspiratorial tone and then said in a loud voice, addressing no one in particular, “We are the guests of Magic Eye Hostel.” A strange grinding sound followed… With unbelieving eyes I was staring at the glass restaurant, which – well, you won’t believe– was rotating clockwise! And the next second the icy gust of the west wind blew out the white electric lights on the chestnuts, while the restaurant showed its backside and stopped with a clang…

…We were standing in the cobbled street, in front of a grey stone single-storeyed building, fenced about with short silver fir trees in tubs. Narrow loophole-like windows were decorated by hanging boxes, from which none-so-pretties were peeping out. The neon signboard read Magic Eye Hostel and the “e”s in its name, shaped and coloured as green eyes, winked at the deserted open countryside beyond the fir fince. Below the signboard were smaller neon letters: Special offer – pay in instalments!

The arch-shaped oak door lacked a keyhole or door handle. Tin-Tin knocked at the door three times and after a second it opened inside. Max stepped over the threshold, Tin-Tin and me at his heels. The door closed behind our backs with a creak and we plunged into complete darkness.

We were standing close together near the entrance in pitch darkness, unsure whether to move further into the house or to remain at the threshold until dawn. Then Tin-Tin made a few steps and stumbled against something, nudging it with his foot. Something soft and warm and evidently alive brush against my leg, I started and ticked off, “What the –”, when all of a sudden a tongue of flame emerged out of nowhere in the centre of the hall and hung in the air, lighting up the face of a lad, arising behind it, who turned out to be carrying a candle in his hand.

He was wearing a long nightshirt and nightcap with a long liripipe dangling near his shoulder. He raised the candle higher, so that its flickering light was thrown along the square hallway. The walls were completely crammed with pounchy bookcases, stuffed with shabby books, bound in old leather. Flower-shaped green glass vases, white crystal glasses with sterns in the form of human figures, supporting those cups, and old-fashioned gilted Christmas-tree toys glistened in the pool of dim light.

At the foot of the one of the bookcases was a peach-coloured cloud. I looked more closely – the cloud turned out to be a huge fluffy cat, screwing up his eyes. No doubt, it was he who had rubbed against my leg in the darkness. Having noticed my intent gaze, he looked back with a green-eye stare.

“It is a bit late,” uttered the “Liripipe”.

“Yeah, we were at classes and – ” started Tin-Tin, but was interrupted by, “I see a newcomer…”

“Yeap, my name is Robin Orion, I would like to – ” But I was also interrupted by his short, “Yule.” While I was staring at Tin-Tin, asking with my eyes what this person meant by this, he proceeded to the bureau and opened a huge ledger. Hardly had Tin-Tin hissed to me, “His name, it’s his name,” when this strange guy held out a quill to me and pointed at the ledger, “Write down your name and how many nights you will stay for…”

“Well, I have only one pound and I …”

Yule interrupted me again, “Don’t bother me, state the number of nights, you can pay later.” Then he shut the ledger down with a loud noise and exclaimed, “Now will we listen to a tale or don’t you need breakfast tomorrow? Let’s go to the kitchen!”

Tin-Tin swore under his breath… Going in arrière-garde I asked him quietly, “And how are tales and breakfasts connected?”

“He will explain it to you…” hissed Tin-Tin.

“And how much do you pay per night?”

“I don’t pay, I have no money,” light-heartedly he answered, “I live in debt.”

“I hear all you chuchoter! Yes, I am a waiter at the Gudwin restaurant and help out here as receptionist and stay overnight and cook breakfasts… But cooking is my passion! And one day I will become le Chef at Gudwin’s! And you know that I need new impressions to get inspiration at cuisine! Even for cooking your breakfasts!” Yule proclaimed. “Therefore, you tell me the tales and what is the tale about in the evening that is your breakfast in the morning!” he finished his tirade, evidently exhausted by its length.

We passed the arch, leading to the kitchen with snowy whitewashed walls, covered with all types of hanging utensils – frying pans, stew pans, saucepans, pots, pitchforks, knives of all sorts – for meat, bread, cheese, deserts, and of all shapes – bent, curved, jagged, and of all colours – silver grey, steel-blue and even green and pink.

The floor of greyish-white faceted wood bars was pensively observing a sooty ceiling, anticipating the frequent pat-pat of the kitchen master’s foot soles, striding between steaming casseroles and hellishly burning pans emitting puffs and columns of black smoke.

In the middle of the room there stood a white oval wooden table with two semi-circular benches down each side. The benches had high striped backs where lettuce green stripes alternated the dark green ones. Huge blankets and petite pillows with oriental patterns were lying, folded in piles on the benches. Flashes of hearth fire played over the walls and reflected themselves in the utensils and flaming gothic glasses in the cupboard.

Yule was spinning here and there, opening and shutting cupboard doors, to proclaim at last, “I will brew up some tea!” And he jabbered, “You know, different travellers bring me exotic food as a present – dried grasshoppers from Mexico, rose petal jam from Uzbekistan, tofu from Japan. And tea – green needles, bergamot, pu-erh, oolong.” He waved with his hand in the direction of an oven and soon a kettle started to whistle. Then he took a glass jar with little grey-green balls out of the sideboard and a glass pitcher out of the cupboard, threw one ball into the pitcher, poured in boiling water and uttered, “Now I will show you a Wonder!” Fascinated, we were watching his preparations.

For a few seconds nothing was happening, but then the ball started to swell and expand, unfurling its long, narrow green leaves, and tiny yellow flowers shot up from the ball, soaring bottom up and, finally, in the centre, a Miracle – an innocent white lotus flower emerged and… it was blooming.

After we tore our gazes away from it, we looked up at Yule, waiting for an explanation. With an air of reverie he stated, “This precise ball is called – White Lotus virgin.” Looking at our perplexed faces, he snapped, “Blooming tea it is! Haven’t you heard about it? During the rainy season, the Chinese collect the tea plants’ upper leaves and leaf buds, and wrap them around a dried flower – chrysanthemum, jasmine, lily or hibiscus, which is put in the middle. Amaranth flowers, lavender, clover, calendula or peony can be also added to highlight the flavour. Chinese wanderers have told me that this tea can be not only sphere-shaped (the sphere being the symbol of love in China) but also ring-, Chinese lantern- or even Dragon-shaped, which is very precious and rare! But my dream is to see the unique “Birth of Pearl”!

…Having unfolded the blankets, we were sitting on the benches, drinking tea out of bowls, when Yule asked, “So who will be our Scheherazade for tonight?”

His question caused sudden confusion in our ranks, but after several seconds of violent whispering and hissing – “I won’t! It’s your turn!” “No, it’s your turn, I had already…” – Tin-Tin cleared his throat and said, “I’ll tell you the tale of soft oatmeal cookies … So …” He cleared his throat once again and started his tale.

The Tale of Oatmeal Cookies

It was such a night in the beginning of July when there is a light glow in the sky till midnight and it’s getting light at four in the morning. Still now it was thick darkness. Not a star twinkled in the sky and the darkness was so dense that a foal, resting afield, could not discern his own nostrils, and to prove the sheer fact of his existence, he sniffed and immediately snorted loudly, as the fragrant aroma of fresh grass tickled his nose.

All day long he had been rolling in sweet fields, his mouth full of grass, plunging into the sea of oat to spring out of it and again scamper and roister recklessly in the grassland.

Only when the sun set, he lay down by himself, a bit far from his Mum, near the very edge of the oatmeal field. Juicy herbs were his bed and lush grass was his pillow, over which his chestnut mane spread. He was being gradually overcome with slumber, when a strange sound made him perk up his ears… The slightest breeze wandered in the ripe oats, and the field stirred and waved as the wind brushed it along…

Having calmed down, the foal drifted into sleep and smiled sweetly in his dream, as he saw himself bathing in a river flowing with milk, and rolling in its honey banks, through his half-closed eyelashes came a glow of light. Fully awoken, he opened his eyes wide, just in time to see that one by one three balls of light hopped in the air out of nowhere, flashing in circles above the endless field. The foal got to his feet and thrust into the sea of oat, which stood quiet and still, talking in its sleep with the wind.

Slowly the foal sneaked in the direction of the lights, drawing the oat ears with his head and hiding under the infinite sky, and when he finally approached the balls, he saw that these were … three fairies.

Pink, lettuce and bright-yellow-winged girls, the size of a human palm, gowned in a trapezium-shaped lettuce tunic, rose-shaped garment with many folds and a sunny circle dress correspondingly, they were hovering above the oats, their transparent wings shining brightly in the dark.

Or more precisely, the lettuce-winged fairy was hovering above the oats, drawing grains out of the oat ears, while the yellow and pink girls hung in the air, watching her working, having folded their arms in yellow puff sleeves on a bright chest and having propped rosy blooming cheeks with tiny fists respectively.

At last the yellow-winged fairy’s patience gave out and she asked, “Chloe, could you please explain what you are doing? The Queen of Elves has announced that she will grant a handful of magic blossom dust to the person who brings her soft oatmeal cookies! We need to hurry up to bake these cookies and – ”

“Leigh, you have answered your question yourself. We need to bake soft oatmeal cookies and how are you going to bake them without the oats? By the way, oat grains need to be hulled and ground to make oatmeal, so tonight we all will have plenty of work to do!”

“And oatmeal has such a delicious nutty flavour…” the rose-bud fairy drawled in a dreamy voice.

“Fiore,” Leigh came down on her, “what are you dreaming of again? Let's get to work!”

And they got to work in full swing. The fairies were hulling, grinding, rolling and singing a song:

Seed of oat – inside the husk…

“How to pound, would you ask?”

Mortar would be shell of nut,

Pestle-rush – the groat is ground!

Their voices were so sweet that they resembled the golden bells, gently ringing. The foal neighed softly in rhythm with the music, as he liked the melody and wanted to join in the song.

“Chloe, Leigh, look! A chestnut foal is in the oat! He is so jolly!” exclaimed Fiore tenderly.

“Certainly, Fiore, a pretty foal,” said Leigh absently, busy holding a heavy nut shell, full of rolled oats, “Chloe, you know that we need to find some stones or a slab to place dough balls on and get the fire lit to bake them?”

“And we need raisins and chocolate to add to the dough…” sighed Fiore dreamfully.

“Er… maybe Stonehenge?” asked Chloe, her voice not sounding confident.

“Let it be Stonehenge,” Leigh fumbled about in her pocket and drew out a handful of some pharmacist’s powder, shining in the darkness like magic pollen. She strewed some pollen into the air so that they all got veiled with the shining cloud and cried out, “Stonehenge!” And the moment she did so, they all disappeared. But they didn’t pay attention to the fact that when she was sprinkling the shining pollen in the air, some specks of it spilled down straight at the foal and the next second he felt some strange whirling sensation…

The end

***

It must be the middle of the night. I want to sleep so much. And Tin-Tin’s voice is so lulling…

When I opened my eyes, a bit refreshed, Tin-Tin said, “The end.” Blimey, I’ve slept through the tale… Meanwhile, Yule, being open-mouthed, was staring at Tin-Tin, and Tin-Tin and Max were staring at Yule in reply, evidently awaiting for his approval of the tale and readiness to bake soft oatmeal cookies for us tomorrow.

I elbowed Tin-Tin in his side and whispered, “What have you told him to give him such a stunned face?”

“My Mum used to invent crazy endings to bedtime fairy tales and I recalled one of them…”

Finally, Yule closed his mouth, blinked his eyes and uttered, “Well, it’s late, I’ll show you to your suite.” He stood up and then slightly bowed to the storyteller, “Tin-tin, thank you for your tale, it was fascinating…”

He conducted us to the well-stout oaken door, turned the handle and pushed it. We stepped in and the glorious view of a summer night orchard and meadow outside the high hedge opened before our eyes…

“Wow!” came out of my mouth – it was evidently July or August there, as ripe fruits pulled down the branches of apple, pear and plum trees. Little yellow-bright balls of light, resembling light bulbs, were hovering and floating in the hot and dark evening air, creating slightest chime, adding to the chirring din of grasshoppers and dragonflies. If got entangled in the stalks of the luxuriant flowers, poured by tiny fountain jets, streaming up out of the ground, the light balls blew out of the tangles and danced against the night sky. And when I stretched my arm, trying to catch one of them, it jumped and hopped away, rotating and spinning in the air…

“Make yourself comfortable, choose your sleeping place.” With a wide gesture of his right hand Yule circled the entire orchard, “when the lights go out, the curtains are drawn.” And with these words he retreated.

I turned round the corner to see what was behind the wall, containing the door through which we came in, hoping to see there a front side of the manor. Still I found the opposite side of the same wood-panelled wall, decorated with seascapes and bright sconces, the only difference from its other side being the absence of a door. A lonely wall stood vertically in the centre of the orchard.

I looked behind me – there opened a view on the narrow path, starting from the gate in the centre of a neatly cut blackthorn hedge and leading through the open country to the redwood where the pines outlined sharply against the light-coloured summer evening sky, almost touching the moon with their heads. I stood still for some seconds, breezing the night pine-smelling air, and then returned to my friends.

Two white beds were standing near the wall on the grass and a hammock was stretched between two apple trees. Tin-Tin went to the far bed and Max fell into the hammock and starting rocking at once, pushing off from the grass plot with his leg.

“Guys, how do you sleep here? Don’t you freeze in the night in the open air?”

“Nope, the nights are really warm. It’s July, not August still,” yawned Tin-Tin, fluffing his pillow.

Suddenly I recalled Urai. “You know, this Dragon story reminds me of something… I can't think of what exactly…”

“You’re mental, you’re just inventing all this. What can it remind you of?” Tin-Tin said sleepily, “Look, it’s after midnight. Go to bed and believe me, you will have a great sleep here!” And with these words he collapsed into his bed and snored immediately.

I got into the remaining bed and tumbled in between the sheets smelling of lilac. Not visible, thin like the web and soft like the gauze, the lightest canopy was floating in the air, securing us from the rain and cold. I threw the curtain aside and looked at the stars, and they winked back at me. I didn’t remember how I fell asleep and in my dream I saw my Dad with his usual long blond hair, gathered in a ponytail. I looked at his hands – there were golden strings at the wrists, ingrown into his skin…

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cynthiajayusa · 6 years ago

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What’s Hot Central Florida: January 2019

Welcome to the What’s Hot Column, where we feature countless events in the Greater Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and surrounding areas. This is also your connection to activities and events by local LGBT+ Organizations. Continue reading on to learn What’s Hot this New Year, well at least in January!

Tuesday, January 1

Disney Springs Town Center presents Kingdom Hearts III Experience – A one-of-a-kind, limited-edition experience featuring the chance to be one of the first to play a demo of the new game, a special Keyblade exhibit featuring life-size replicas directly from the upcoming game, larger-than-life art inspired by characters and worlds from the game, and more. Now through January 29, admission is free.

Join Stonewall Orlando as they welcome 2019 with their Inaugural Guilty Pleasures New Year’s Day Party. Taylor B. & James C will be behind the bar for this special occasion serving up cocktails. Tommy Mot will be bringing in some friends and new Stonewall DJS rocking the day away along with surprise guest DJ’s. Tako Cheena will be serving up the food so come hungry. Free admission, and free parking, It all starts at 11am!

Saturday, January 5

The Parliament House proudly presents New Years REHAB as their first party of 2019. Footlight Players at 10pm & 12am along with DJ Brianna in the Disco till 3am.

Monday, January 7

Wilde Lexus Sarasota & ABC 7 in association with the Van Wezel present Something Rotten, “Broadway’s big, fat hit!” (New York Post). Set in 1595, this hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write a hit play. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first Musical! With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, Something Rotten! is “The Producers + Spamalot + The Book of Mormon. Squared!” (New York Magazine). Show runs till January 8. For Tickets and Information at: Vanwezel.org.

Wednesday, January 9

Dr. Phillips Center in association with AEG present Diana Ross. In a remarkable career spanning over 50 years, Diana Ross has proven herself the consummate music artist as well as one of the most iconic female singers of all time. For Additional information and Tickets Drphillipscenter.org.

Friday, January 11

Southern Nights Orlando Welcomes Bob The Drag Queen, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8 (18+ Welcome) with drag shows at 11pm & 12:30am featuring Roxxxy Andrews, Maya Andrews, Tasha Long, & Sassy Devine! (Don’t worry if you can’t make the show, she will also be at Southern Nights Tampa the following day Saturday, January 12)

Amor & Southern Nights Tampa present international Dj Nina Flowers, as they take you on a Journey! Doors open at 9pm with admission $10 before 10pm, and $15 after. 18yr+ welcome.

The Amway Center proudly presents Billy Joel. A Songwriters Hall of Famer, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Tony Award-winner (“Movin’ Out”), and six-time Grammy Award-winner (“Just the Way You Are” – Record of the Year and Song of the Year, “52nd Street” – Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance and “Glass Houses” – Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance) including the prestigious Grammy Legend Award. For additional information and tickets gp to: amwaycenter.com.

98.1 Salsa y Más, DJ Frankie G Productions and Fuego Night Club present Freestyle meets Salsa. Performing live all their Freestyle and Salsa hits are George Lamond & Brenda K Starr backed by Orquesta Mambo Lebron. Featuring DJ sets by Frankie G, Baron Lopez, Blazer One, Baby D & Benny Velez. Doors open at 9:30pm with show time 11:30pm sharp. This is an 18+ event, and for additional information and tickets go to: Fuegonightclub.net.

The Annual Orlando Home and Garden Show returns to I-Drive for its 11th year at the Orange County Convention Center . This is a premier show talking about things that are related to home accessories, kitchenware and bathroom ware. This international expo will facilitate the home owners and buyers by giving them an opportunity to have a direct conversation with the landscapers and gardeners of the contemporary times. Orlando Home & Garden Show will bring into lime light the importance and value of various kinds of home improvement ideas and techniques. By attending this expo the home owners and buyers can also understand the significance of all kinds of home accessories and kitchens and bathroom accessories, architecture & designing, and hand, machine & garden tools. For tickets, which start at $9, or additional info go to: Showtechnology.com.

Saturday, January 12

Crawl With Us in association with the Bars and Nightclubs of Ybor City present the “Onesie Bar Crawl” featuring Kelly Days Firehouse Tavern, Flynns Retro Bar, Bad Monkey, Big Easy, Boneyard, Dirty Shame, Southern Nights Tampa, Bradleys on 7th, Honey Pot, Coyote Ugly Saloon, The Bricks, Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Brass Tap, Double Decker Pub, First Chance Last Chance, Gaspars Grotto, James Joyce, Reservoir Bar, Tequilas and many more. Presales are only $10 till day of the event, and $25 day of.

Sunday, January 13

The Van Wezel Foundation presents Air Supply. Graham Russell & Russell Hitchcock have been singing together for over 40 years and this season they return to the Van Wezel to share some of their famous hits including “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “The One That You Love,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All,” “Goodbye,” “It’s Never Too Late” and “Dance With Me.” Showtime at 7pm. For additional information or tickets go to: vanwezel.org.

Tuesday, January 15

The Tampa Bay Times in association with The Straz Center present Les Misérables, which is Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an unforgettable story of heartbreak, passion and the resilience of the human spirit. Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck. Show runs till January 20th. For additional Information or tickets go to: Strazcenter.org.

Thursday, January 17

Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando & AGoldPhoto Pet Photography along with Orlando Brewing present their annual Pet Photo Shoot Fundraiser. Adam from AGoldPhoto uses photography to tell stories of adoption, rescue and highlight various animal welfare issues. The goal of the photos is to bring traffic to his website, but once you are there, you’ll learn something too. His unique approach to working with animals allows him to showcase the pet’s personality in ways most people haven’t seen. Event runs from 5-7pm and shoot start at $50 per pet with $35 of that going to the Shelter. For additional information and to schedule your timeslot go to: Agoldphoto.com.

The Van Wezel presents Linda Eder, one of the original stars of Broadway’s Jekyll & Hyde, Linda has one of the greatest voices of our time, and her diverse repertoire spans Broadway, standards, pop, country and jazz, making her one of America’s most beloved singers and dynamic live performers. Showtime at 8pm, with tickets and more info available at: vanwezel.org.

Friday, January 18

Southern Nights Tampa presents “Surge Fridays” with International DJ Sensation Kidd Madonny, spectacular décor, sexy Go-Go dancers and much more. This is an 18 event with doors opening at 9pm and no cover till 10pm.

Saturday, January 19

The Parliament House presents RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10 alum Blair St Clair with shows at 10pm & 12am with the Footlight Players. This is an 18+ event with general admission $10, and VIP admission $25, which includes reserved theatre seating for the midnight show and photo opportunity after the show. DJ Brianna spins till 3am.

Join Friends, family and your four-legged companions at the 3rd annual St. Pete Beer and Bacon benefiting Pet Pal Shelter from 12pm – 8pm at Vinoy Park. This event will feature 100+ craft beers (3-7pm), option to sample from 15+ Craft Spirits & Cocktails, 60+ bacon dishes from 15+ food vendors, live music from 4 bands, games, prizes & tons of fun. Sample & vote for your favorite brewery. For more information & to purchase tickets, go to StPeteBeerandBacon.com.

Monday, January 21

Join Orlando Downtown Recreation Center and GayDodgeBall.com as they host their first welcome all $5 pick-up game. All skill levels are welcome and everyone is encouraged to make new friends and have fun playing dodgeball. GayDoodgeBall.com has the largest Gay Dodgeball League in Florida. This is an 8 week league, with 8 Teams Maximum, with 13-20 Players a team. For additional information go to: GayDodgeball.com/orlando.html.

Tuesday, January 22

Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando presents Hamilton, which is the story of America’s founding father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first treasury secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton is the story of America then, as told by America now. Show runs till February 10, in the Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. For additional information and tickets go to: Drphillipscenter.org.

Friday, January 25

Southern Nights Tampa presents “Surge Fridays” with DJ Twisted Dee, sexy Go-Go dancers and much more. This is an 18 event with doors opening at 9pm and no cover till 10pm.

Orlando’s Hard Rock Live presents TLC in concert. They scored nine top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including four number-one singles “Creep“, “Waterfalls“, “No Scrubs“, and “Unpretty“. The group also recorded four multi-platinum albums, including CrazySexyCool (1994) which still remains the only album by a female group to receive a diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. The Ultimate Flashback Friday starts at 8pm. For tickets which start at $33 or more info go to: hardrock.com/live/locations/Orlando.

Sunset Events & Disco Donnie present Steve Aoki at the Ritz Ybor. After years of relentless touring, EDM producer, promoter and label owner Steve Aoki is now recognized as one of the most exciting live performers in the world. Doors Open at 10pm for this 18+ event. For tickets or more info go to: Theritzybor.com.

Saturday, January 26

The world famous Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is today and tomorrow. For the full line up go to: Gasparillapiratefest.com.

The VanWezel Foundation & Hyatt Regency Sarasota present “The Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight. This seven-time Grammy winner has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performances. Hits include: ”You and I Ain’t Nothin’ No More”, “Midnight Train to Georgia”, “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”, “If I Were Your Woman,” and “That’s What Friends are For.” Show time is at 8pm. For additional information and tickets go to: Vanwezel.org.

Amor & Stonewall Orlando present: The Miss Orlando Universo Latina USA Reunion with show time at 12am starring: Chris Sant Lorans featuring Sasha Fiercee (Miss Orlando Universo Latina USA 2017) Rakell Riviera (Miss Orlando Universo Latina Usa Plus 2018) & Gucci Michelle Reyes (Miss Universo Latina USA Plus 2018) alongside the Dynasty Girls Norma Fis-Vernaza , Bella Fis & Spiidey Montalvo. With sounds by Johan Mateo Quintero, Kraig Matthews & Franklin Cruel, the doors open at 9pm.

Sunday, January 27

The Amway Center presents Marc Anthony in his Legacy Tour. Anthony is one of the most influential artists of his time and a true ambassador of Latin music and culture. He has had 25 Billboard chart hits, sold over 12 million albums worldwide and has been recognized with countless standard gold and platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America. Doors open at 7pm. For additional information and tickets go to: Amywaycenter.com.

Tuesday, January 29

Bank of America Broadway at The Straz and Tampa Bay Times present A Bronx Tale. Broadway’s hit crowd-pleaser takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes from the songwriter of Beauty and the Beast, A Bronx Tale is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family. Academy Award winner Robert De Niro and Tony winner Jerry Zaks direct this streetwise musical – based on Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri’s story that The New York Times hails as “A Critics’ Pick! The kind of tale that makes you laugh and cry.” Show runs till February 3rd. For Additional Information and Tickets go to: Strazcenter.org.

Thursday, January 31

IMG Artists present We Shall Overcome: A Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. In this thrilling, emotional tribute inspired by the words of Dr. King, producer and musical director Damien Sneed showcases repertoire from across the African-American music traditions that have electrified generations of civil rights activists and defenders. Pulling together a concert of works by Nina Simone, Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis and more including traditional gospel, modern gospel, jazz and Broadway tunes, Sneed interweaves these musical flashpoints with King’s impassioned oratory from recorded historic speeches. The end result is a stand-up-and-cheer celebration of one of America’s greatest heroes. This event takes place at the Straz Center, Tampa. Show starts at 8pm, with tickets starting at $25 at Strazcenter.org.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/27/whats-hot-central-florida-january-2019/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazin.blogspot.com/2018/12/whats-hot-central-florida-january-2019.html

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hotspotsmagazine · 6 years ago

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What’s Hot Central Florida: January 2019

Tuesday, January 1

Saturday, January 5

The Parliament House proudly presents New Years REHAB as their first party of 2019. Footlight Players at 10pm & 12am along with DJ Brianna in the Disco till 3am.

Monday, January 7

Wednesday, January 9

Friday, January 11

Amor & Southern Nights Tampa present international Dj Nina Flowers, as they take you on a Journey! Doors open at 9pm with admission $10 before 10pm, and $15 after. 18yr+ welcome.

Saturday, January 12

Sunday, January 13

Tuesday, January 15

Thursday, January 17

Friday, January 18

Saturday, January 19

Monday, January 21

Tuesday, January 22

Friday, January 25

Southern Nights Tampa presents “Surge Fridays” with DJ Twisted Dee, sexy Go-Go dancers and much more. This is an 18 event with doors opening at 9pm and no cover till 10pm.

Saturday, January 26

The world famous Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is today and tomorrow. For the full line up go to: Gasparillapiratefest.com.

Sunday, January 27

Tuesday, January 29

Thursday, January 31

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/27/whats-hot-central-florida-january-2019/

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chicagopdlover · 6 years ago

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A look at a terribly reviewed television show | KNSS 98.7/1330

As the 4th of July approaches, what is your favorite part of the festivities? Just enjoying a day off Hosting or attending a barbecue, picnic, or cookout Attending a fireworks display Fire off your own fireworks Watch a Fourth of July parade A look at a terribly reviewed television show Steve and Ted sample ABC’s “The Proposal” on The Blur 00:13:29 Download Transcript – Not for consumer use. Robot overlords only. Will not be accurate. He came in as the future of the morning Steve back into Ted Woodward at 830. The leader of Starbucks makes his drug days exit today on its feet and even your. For the coffee company Starbucks founder and executive chair 64 year old Howard Schultz officially steps down. Shields is seen as the architect of the modern Starbucks having overseen its expansion from a single coffee shop. Opening in Seattle’s Pike Place Market in 1971. In overtime. Growing the brand to more than 28000. Locations worldwide. In 1982 shall it’s becoming director of operations and marketing of Starbucks and is responsible for the company’s huge financial success. Schultz is known for being socially conscious and politically vocal on tripping York. In fact there has been speculation specials will run for office shields will now become chairman emeritus Hillary bar ski Fox News. Stuff fire department leadership is getting criticism from the firefighters union. Wichita fire department and aerial platform that was assisting in a fire at Saint Joseph Catholic church and and dale Sunday. Was recalled to Wichita before the fire was considered to be under control. In a social media post to the union said in part. The Wichita professional firefighters deeply regret the unfortunate situation to abandon our Brothers and sisters. Other Sedgwick county and surrounding volunteer fire companies during a difficult firefight. Here’s Wichita fire chief Tammy snow. We did not provide the service that we normally do to the citizens and then we regret that. And extremely sorry about that we’re still investigating as to hit the further details on. That’s like it’s been in the papers. Chiefs those said the incident was an error in judgment by staff members and they will be reiterating policies and procedures to staff the leadership. When it comes to offering mutual aid to other departments. Health and human services says they’re working to connect children separated from families of the border to their parents. And get unaccompanied minors with family members or sponsors. Immigration attorneys and advocates say they’re trying to learn more about house separated children will be reunited with their parents. Mark Webber with health and human services says all children apprehended at the border are in their care in shelters that. First thing we do when they come and HHS shelter and then 24 hours isn’t sure they are connected to a parent or family up why. And before their place for the sponsor or other family members he says the parent has to approve I have 32 parents here we’ll Satan. That is categorically. Untrue. Ruben Garcia director of annunciation house translated for a group of parents Monday who’s spoken El Paso about their difficulties contacting their children. Jack skip Rosenthal Fox News. Which are managed file the lawsuit against pizza house alleging the food companies delivery practices or at least partly responsible for a crash. That killed his mother had injured his grandmother Wichita eagle reporting Michael Capps filed a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against Pizza Hut earlier this month. The lawsuit alleges a pizza chains promised to give customers hot pizza quickly. Is responsible for workers driving when he rear ended Karen and Juanita caps. A soldier who fought in World War II is set to posthumously received the medal of honor. After twenty years in this Stanley fighting for the upgrade army first lieutenant Garland Merle Connor will be honored at the white house with the medal of honor Connor Kentucky native who died in 1998 at age 79. Earned four silver stars won bronze star three purple hearts. And the distinguished service cross for his actions storing 28 months in combat tours in World War II. He’s being honored for his bravery on January 24 1945. When he volunteered to run 400 yards through an intense concentration of enemy artillery and France. He’s credited with stopping more than 150 German troops. And preventing heavy loss of life in his own unit Connery is said to be the second most decorated soldier from World War II. At the White House Jon Decker Fox News. Snell forecast with K innocent staff meteorologist Dan Holliday can morning Dan. Good morning we could see an isolated shower or thunderstorm popped up early on but most of those will be toward north and east. This afternoon breezy and warm with a high 92. Tonight becomes partly cloudy are low 73. And the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from Wednesday through Friday tomorrow’s high 101. Triple digit heat may continue through much of this week. I’m KM SS meteorologist Dan Holliday now partly cloudy 75 degrees on southwest wind gusting to 24 miles per hour. 835 now Stephen 10 in the morning here on K and it says it’s cyber entertainment news. The cooler with deliberate and it just are off today with a obituary now one of the fan favorites on History Channel upon stars. Has passed away the old man from pond stars has died at the age of 77 Richard Harrison. With the navy veteran and open the gold and silver pawn store in Las Vegas with a sonogram tell. Your rookie of the year is sure I’m a wonderfully old man because he doesn’t always crowd for very operative word slump don’t. Potency over ponds FaceBook page posted their fans will remember and. As these sometimes grumpy always loving however often wise cracking and of course most notably. Always the voice of reason on the history reality series Paris and was surrounded by loving family this past weekend and died peacefully. We shall we know Fox News. Let’s get a little celebrity news from the world of music the fox celebrity profiles. The siege for a country singer Craig Campbell recently released a new leave piece called see you try and. I’ve read new music sales so. 1 PM crazy excited about it. Get the new music yeah okay let’s fans know what ability known. He says a lot happened during that time that delayed the news and. It’s also on the ground. We don’t record label then close. Sounds of another record company and I and haven’t a couple of singles. Lay of the land James and his sister this time. He’ll be heading out on your friend is grateful to all those who buy a ticket. On this I feel like country music and somebody there to listen I’m one in 101000 in a matter will come have a good time. It’s. But I’m glad. To see. Actually the door again. Fox News. Former white house Press Secretary Sean Spicer working on a new gig if he was on the receiving end of a lot of questions during his six month tenure at the White House. Thank you thank you. Question now former Press Secretary Sean Spicer would be the one doing the questioning and a new TV show Sean Spicer is common ground which has aid pilot episode in the works according to syndicator Dan Maher Mercury. The plans first reported by the New York Times which says the show would feature Spicer inner viewing public figures chatting respectfully on topics ranging from the media to sports to marriage Michael love and not the attorney for porn star stormy Daniels says he was approached to be a guest on that first episode but declined. Lilian woo Fox News. Party B the sad to rise of X accessed and hostility and Sheryl Crow teams up with saint Vincent. I’m Michelle Marino’s Arabian Al Sadr officially married but act yellow wrapper tweeting and a confirmation Monday. That big TMZ story. The two have been married for awhile was true saying that you want to keep that moment private. Announced that wanted to give her proper engagement. So they did it at a later time on staying in marriage was star of the moment the public he and happened in October at that point. Need to marry. XXX tens this year and it was shot and killed last week at the age twenty. As most popular song in the country it’s sad to lead single from his last album rocketed to the top of the billboard went into this week. After an outpouring of grief following his death. According to Nielsen said was streamed nearly fifty million times this week. Anemia and Sheryl Crow recruited saint Vincent for her latest single what I wanna be like you which rails against political corruption. That’s fox rocks on Fox News. The latest round of performers at farm aid has been announced. Chris staple and the latest to join the performers for the 33 annual farm made in Connecticut organizers just announcing Monday the benefit for farmers being held that the extended. 22. Stapleton won a Grammy for best country album in February and he’ll be joining farm aid regulars Willie Nelson John Mellencamp Neil young and Dave Matthews. Other performers include Casey musgrave stirred Jill Simpson and Margo price farm aid is raise more than 53 million for grants to aid family farmers and lobby on their behalf wanna go tickets go on sale Friday through live nation I’m directly Carl Fox News. Twenty years ago on this night was the TV finale series finale of the TV shows step by step. You watch the show Steve Miller who I’m problem but did not who’s on the air for seven years. Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers as parents try to. Have a blended family all of it pretty much Brady Bunch of events for the late 1990s again. Hey it was on things on the air for seven years. And the series finale was twenty years ago on this night and they NB Davis on their high noon. You go step by step finished up twenty years ago. Steve fifteen years ago today it came out in Wichita movie theaters the Thomas crown affair. Yup they think at this point ample I enjoyed it. A father doesn’t domino is a big Steve McQueen for me alone. Of them and bullet. And this movie. It is a little bit and we’re pretty much came out same time bull in Canada and in a weird little rich guy alone. Electro Thais stayed in a way. The make up the dress she wore that was the sixties. He looked gorgeous. Gorgeous. Directed by Norman juiced Leah good movement. The book and it did didn’t they did deal that really hadn’t been done a whole lot of these is split screen yeah honestly I hear they would do a split screen so something’s going on the other analyzing the tired dollars and lives and dune buggy or whatever you do this and kind of use that which was pretty revolutionary times. McQueen did all his own stunts playing polo driving a dune buggy along the Massachusetts coastline. Now the moment and Jack Weston and it yeah. But it gas. And gothic Colorado now Jack Westin gases if people missed course good music I’m kilogram. Now he he wanted to he won a couple Oscar for that to renewals in your mind reels of your mind is that famous I know the movement. Pago Steve McQueen Faye Dunaway the Thomas crown affair that came up fifty years ago today. Finally Steve last night on ABC you had the proposal. Show that is just being ruhr ripped by the critics. This is the same people that came up with the bachelor. This is a deal where you got. Of some a woman or man introduced ten contestants trying to win them over. In some in and there’s a mystery person whose identity is concealed. It’s not getting good room in fact it’s getting pummeled. Said one revealer for bolster ABC kicked off this solely pageant and an episode where nearly naked women descend the staircase and painfully high heels. I feel confident than in the pro rained department’s ability to start they showed exactly the by the intended to create. Begging viewers to ignore the ego and another viewer said it. This thing has no dramatic through line the proposal trying to manufacture romances like the chef trying to make me a lot of half of a rice crispy streets. Here’s some of the men such goings on last night on the proposal. Thanks and load lately you know amazing how. This is so high and it really ends. I did this I have to go in I. I. It’s. I feel the intelligence being sucked already are now. Air X I feel dumber by the minute I’m Nicole and I added that. I took about 35 seconds out of that boy whose. Thanks out. Dude the proposal out. The vapid programming that ABC you may not crank out for the summer. Entertainment news in the blurs brought to you Larry good friends at pizza John indoor arena here’s something. Little satisfy you and read time event and on down McKay fifteen and stop in at 208 south Baltimore. And yourself let tasty pizza fire right there at pizza John did nerdy 44 Steven did give an airport. Editor bill Roy that was our business journal new contract for Boeing’s. More work for spirit that’s coming up Stevens in the morning on eight and as answer. FOLLOW US Phone: (316) 869-1330 When texting this station, message & data rates apply. Message frequency is recurring and varies. Reply STOP to cancel. No purchase necessary. Search our Website

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alwayssummerblog · 7 years ago

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5 Of Country Music’s Hottest Mamas

While being a mom is a full-time job in itself, many woman juggle the pressures of parenthood alongside their equally busy careers. Some of our favorite country stars moonlight as kickass moms and somehow manage to raise their kids alongside having successful music careers.

To help celebrate Mothers Day, we wanted to honor just a few of the artists that make selling out arenas while judging parenthood look so good!

Carrie Underwood

While well-know for being the fourth season winner of American Idol, selling millions of albums and collecting 7 Grammy Awards, 12 Country Music Awards and 17 Billboard Music Awards, Carrie Underwood may say her greatest achievement comes in an adorable pint-sized package. Only a few short years ago, Underwood and her husband, professional hockey player Mike Fisher, welcomed son Isaiah into the world and the country singer went from superstar to super mom!

With a new single out and the promise of an upcoming record to follow, Underwood’s schedule has been busier than ever. However, this hot mama has no problem making time for her little man, whether it be reading bedtime stories or Isaiah joining his mom for a quick workout!

Story time with Daddy...Learning about Noah...and my heart melts... ❤️❤️❤️

A post shared by Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) on Jan 20, 2018 at 6:51pm PST

My boys make work outs fun (and a bit less productive, but that’s ok)! #StayThePath @caliabycarrie 📸: @erinoprea

A post shared by Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) on Feb 10, 2018 at 9:56am PST

Jana Kramer

This talented mom of 2-year-old daughter Jolie Rae is a triple threat! From her role as Alex Dupré on the hit TV series One Tree Hill, two successful albums under her belt to earning 4th place on season 23 of ABC's Dancing With The Stars, Kramer has a lot to be proud of. After releasing two smash singles from her self-entitled country album, Jana went on to come in 4th place on season 23 of ABC's Dancing With The Stars.

While Kramer is currently working on multiple projects, including a new podcast, she loves her time with Jolie Rae. “One second she’s bossing me around left and right and then the next thing she’s like a sweet little snuggle bug,” Kramer says. “And between motherhood, I’ve got music and auditions and living in Los Angeles. It’s been a whirlwind.”

What my podcast is about.....MY CHILD. MY LIFE. MOM LIFE. MY MARRIAGE. Winding down with my moms and talking about what’s an opinion verse mommy shaming. My mommy fantasies. Sex. And yes how my child WHINES. This is MY podcast. This is MY life. So to the people out there who think I “stole” an idea. How can you steal ur life? I support everyone but I don’t support bullies or people that attack me or call me mean names. I never heard of her vlog and it’s COMPLETELY different and I would have listened but I’ve been not only attacked but called mean names so I don’t support someone like that. To all the moms out there who want to whine down with me after a long day of ur kids whining and u want to just catch up and chat about it all then I hope u subscribe and love it. I have always loved sharing my life with y’all even when it’s hard so I can’t wait to talk about it all!!!!!! My podcast is avail on all formats. Link in bio. 📸 by @valoriedarling

A post shared by Jana Kramer (@kramergirl) on May 7, 2018 at 2:30pm PDT

Jessie James Decker

With a debut album and a successful tour under her belt, this mom of three is a pro when it comes to balancing her career and family! Jessie James Decker, with husband New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker, have three children Vivian, 3, Eric, 1, and newborn Forrest. Aside from a budding music career, Decker has a reality show with her husband, fashion and perfume lines and is on her way to becoming a veritable lifestyle guru, with her recently announced book Just Jessie: My Guide to Love, Life, Family, and Food.

The new book will include the country singer’s experience as a mom, wife, and entertainer as well as personal advice on life, fashion, beauty, and pregnancy. She also mixes in stories about her life, how she met Eric and lots of family-friendly recipes. We can't wait to get our copy!

Kisses for Forrest 😍

A post shared by Jessie James Decker (@jessiejamesdecker) on Apr 21, 2018 at 2:25pm PDT

Last vacation before our little boy arrives ❤️

A post shared by Jessie James Decker (@jessiejamesdecker) on Feb 24, 2018 at 1:36pm PST

Shania Twain

Of course we had to include one of the most successful female musicians in history! Shania Twain may be a household name around the world, but to her now teenage son Eja, she’s known as mom. After a substantial hiatus from the spotlight and recently releasing her first album in 15 years, Twain is hitting the stage hard with her NOW World Tour.

While Twain took a step back due to illness and personal matters, the time away allowed her to focus on raising her son and get back to being one of country music’s greatest forces!

It's beautiful to be loved! #HappyMothersDay to all the amazing mothers out there!

A post shared by Shania Twain (@shaniatwain) on May 11, 2014 at 1:50pm PDT

Faith Hill

Faith Hill is part of country music’s strongest power couple with husband Tim McGraw and together they have three daughters Gracie, Maggie and Audrey. This year alone, she and McGraw dropped their first duets album and have been touring on their Soul2Soul World Tour. However, while she may have an extremely successful recording and touring career, Hill admits that her children provided her with the strength to accomplish whatever she wanted.

“After I had my three daughters, I felt I could accomplish absolutely anything I wanted to in my life,” she explains.

“There is a strength that comes with giving birth to children. As they’re getting older, their needs are so evident on a daily basis, but also their need for independence. Watching each of them establish their independence and seeing them put it to good use gives me strength and confidence.”

There is no man that could be loved more than you. Happy Birthday from your four girls.

A post shared by Faith Hill (@faithhill) on May 1, 2016 at 12:09pm PDT

#country #MegaCountry #shania twain #faith hill

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hottytoddynews · 8 years ago

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Oxford is about to witness the greatest 10 days of music in its history. From folk to alternative and even rap, names like Passion Pit, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, The Weeks and Gucci Mane are coming to Oxford.

Thanks to outstanding venues such as the Lyric, as well as the hard work of Double Decker Festival organizers and the Ole Miss Student Activities Association, numerous big time performers will be hitting the stages here in Oxford.

With big name performers year after year, the small town’s music scene has experienced substantial growth, and from April 20 to April 30, that growth will be showcased more than ever before.

Here’s what you need to know:

Thacker Mountain Radio – April 20 at The Lyric

Thacker Mountain Radio’s house band, The Yalobushwhackers

Oxford’s 10 days of tunes begins with Thacker Mountain Radio at the Lyric on April 20. Thacker Mountain Radio is an Oxford staple where authors and musicians come together to put on a reading and musical performance. Singer-songwriter Shannon McNally and blues rock band 61 Ghosts will be performing during the show.

Moon Taxi with Flow Tribe – April 21 at The Lyric Moon Taxi returns to Oxford to perform at the Lyric on April 21 for a Friday night jam session. A five-piece, indie rock band hailing from Nashville, Moon Taxi has performed at every festival imaginable, and they are working to release a new album this summer. This show is Moon Taxi’s last stand-alone concert before they hit the summer festival circuit. Flow Tribe, a high energy band from New Orleans, will be opening for Moon Taxi.

Passion Pit with The Weeks and The Lonely Biscuits – April 27 at The lyric Before the weekend hits, Passion Pit, along with The Weeks of Jackson, Mississippi, and the Lonely Biscuits are closing out the Cspire Tech Experience on April 27.

Passion Pit’s album “Gossamer” reached all the way up to number four on Billboard’s Top 200. While it may be hard to dance along to their upbeat music and fast-paced lyrics, this is a band you don’t want to miss.

The Weeks are a Southern rock band originally from Jackson, Mississippi, but now located in Nashville, Tennessee. For this show, Ole Miss students and faculty can buy tickets at half price.

Spoon – April 28 at The Lyric Established indie rock band Spoon is taking over the lyric Friday night, April 28. Created in 1993, Spoon has been releasing music longer than most Ole Miss students have been alive. Their music is constantly changing but consistently fun, so don’t miss out.

Thacker Mountain Radio – April 28 at Double Decker Arts Festival

Muddy Magnolias

Double Decker Arts Festival begins Friday, April 28, and Thacker Mountain Radio will be taking the stage again to host a set including Jimmy “Duck” Holmes and the Muddy Magnolias. Holmes is one of the most well-known blues performers in Mississippi, and he operates the Blues Joint Café in Bentonia, Mississippi.

The Muddy Magnolias is a female duo comprised of vocalists Jessy Wilson and Kallie North. The duo was a big hit at Proud Larry’s last year and are a must-see at Double Decker 2017. Their last album was described as “city grit meets Delta dirt,” which may be the most Oxford description of an album ever.

Double Decker Arts Festival – April 29 The following day at Double Decker is chock full of incredible artists and a mix of soul, blues, jazz and rock music. Dr. John of Dr. John and the Nite Trippers is a six-time Grammy winner and member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats is one of the few modern bands that captures American soul music. And Ole Miss’ own jazz ensemble will be performing as well.

Gucci Mane – April 30 at the Grove After 10 days of rock & roll, indie music and a lot of soul, Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane will close out the 10 days of tunes on April 30 with a free performance in the Grove as part of the annual spring concert. Ole Miss has had many notable artists, but perhaps none more popular than Gucci Mane. He has dominated the rap industry since his release from prison last year.

If there was any doubt that Oxford is not a big music town, these upcoming 10 days cement it as one of the best places for artists to visit. Go to the Lyric or to the Square during the Double Decker festival to see some incredible performances, and be sure to close out Oxford’s 10 days of tunes with a historic Gucci Mane Grove convert.

By Rob Stukenborg, an intern for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at [email protected].

For questions or comments, email [email protected].

The post Oxford’s ‘Ten Days Of Tunes’ Kicks Off Tomorrow Night At The Lyric appeared first on HottyToddy.com.

#hottytoddy #olemiss #oxfordms #oxford ms #mississippi #university of mississippi #the grove

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