#last dj tour date <3 until july

[hotdyke-hardstyle]

Victoria De Angelis on her first DJ Tour (2024)

Anomalie Art Club - Berlin, Germany | video: maneskinzone

[wherewhereare]

2020

~~~~~~~~~~~

January

~~~~~~~~~~~

TUE:   Jan 01:  New Year's Day

SAT:   Jan 04:  Jen’s Birthday

MON:  Jan 13: Anniversary of Blake’s father’s death.

[PH] TUE: Jan 08: ?? Opry Duck Hunt

[PH] SUN:        Jan 19-16: Season 18 Voice Battle Rounds Tape

MON:  Jan 20:  MLK Day – No School

SAT:   Jan 25:  Blake performs at The Grand Theater- Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma.

THU & FRI: Jan 30 & 31: No School – Parent/Teacher Conference

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

February

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Feb 2020 The Voice Season 18 Premiere

[PH] First week of Feb Season 18 Knockouts taped

FRI:    Feb 07: Gwen LV Residency

SAT:   Feb 08: Gwen LV Residency

[PH] MON:       Feb 10: XXst Annual Grammy Awards

WED: Feb 12: Gwen LV Residency

FRI:    Feb 14:

----- Valentine's Day

----- Gwen LV Residency

SAT:   Feb 15: Gwen LV Residency

MON:  Feb 17: President's Day Observed – No School

WED: Feb 19: Gwen LV Residency

WED: Feb 19 – 21: 2020 Country Radio Seminar

[PH] THU:        Feb 20: ACM nominations announced

FRI:    Feb 21: Gwen LV Residency

SAT:   Feb 22: Gwen LV Residency

MON:  Feb 24: Patti's Birthday

FRI:    Feb 28: Apollo's Birthday (2014)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

March

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SUN:  Mar 01:

----- Todd's Birthday

----- Endy’s Birthday

FRI:    Mar 20 to Apr 12: Boy’s Spring Break. Classes resume Mon, Apr 13.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

April

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[PH] SAT: Apr 06 to 06 May: OK Spring Turkey Hunting Season

[PH] SUN: Apr 07: 54th Annual ACM Awards in LV

MON: Apr 13: Classes resume.

FRI:    Apr 17: “Trolls 2: Trolls World Tour” is released.  Gwen will be providing the voice for DJ Suki, the Trolls’ resident disk jockey as she did in the original movie.

THU:  Apr 30 & May 1: No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences

 4/3/2020 

Peter Barclay Field 

Tuncurry, AU 

 Details

                                                                                 Beach St, Tuncurry map

 4/4/2020 

Parramatta Park 

Sydney, AU 

 Details

                     Pitt St & Macquarie St, Sydney map

 4/5/2020 

The Entertainment Center 

Gosford, AU 

 Details

                     4 Racecourse Rd, Gosford map

 4/9/2020 

Stuart Park 

Wollongong, AU 

 Details

                     George Hanley Dr, Wollongong map

 4/11/2020 

Hastings Foreshore Reserve 

Hastings , AU 

 Details

                      4/12/2020 

Yarrawonga Showgrounds 

Yarrawonga, AU 

 Details

                     Dunlop Street, Yarrawonga map

 4/13/2020 

Bonython Park 

Adelaide, AU 

 Details

                     Port Rd., Adelaide map

 4/15/2020 

HBF Arena 

Perth, AU 

 Details

                     Kennedya Dr, Perth map

 4/17/2020 

Sunshine Coast Stadium 

Bokarina, AU 

 Details

                     31 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina map

 4/18/2020 

Brisbane River Stage 

Brisbane, AU 

 Details

                     59 Gardens Point Road, Brisbane map

 4/19/2020 

Foreshore Park 

Newcastle, AU 

 Details

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

May

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FRI:    May 01: Gwen LV Residency

SAT:   May 02: Gwen LV Residency

[PH] WED:       May 06: Oklahoma Turkey Season Ends

WED: May 06: Gwen LV Residency

FRI:    May 08: Gwen LV Residency

SAT:   May 09: Gwen LV Residency

WED: May 13: Gwen LV Residency

FRI:    May 15: Gwen LV Residency

SAT:   May 16: Gwen LV Residency

TUE:  May 26: Kingston’s Birthday (2006)

MON:  May 25: Memorial Day Observed – No School.

[PH] (Bush Dates) - May 10, 11, 17, 24, & 26

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

June

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FRI:    Jun 05: Todd and Jen’s Wedding Anniversary.

[PH] THU:        Jun 06-09: CMA Festival Nashville

[PH] TUE:        Jun 11 – 12: Last day of School for the Boys.????

TUE:  Jun 16: Father’s Day

WED: Jun 17: Eric’s Birthday

THU:  Jun 18:

----- Blake’s birthday

[PH] (Bush Dates) - 6 CT, 7 NJ, 8 CAN, 11 Boston, 13 NH, 14 NY, 15 NJ

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

July

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FRI:    Jul 03: Independence Day Observed

SAT:  Jul 04: Dennis Stefani's Birthday

THU:  Jul 09:  [Thirteen now] “Twelve years ago today Blake apprehended a thief at his uncle's home in Ada, OK.  He held the man until police arrived and arrested him.” [Tweet].

 [PH] (Bush Dates) - 24 Edmonton, 26 WI, 27 IA, 28 MO, 30 NO

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

August

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FRI:    Aug 21: Zuma’s Birthday

[PH] -----The Academy of Country Music 13th annual ACM Honors ceremony, which will take place August 21 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

[PH] Aug 28: Boy’s first day of School

[PH] (Bush Dates) -  2 KS, 3 CO, 6 LA, 7 Concordia, 9 Tolumne CA, 10 Costa Mesa, 11 Tucson, 14 AR, 16 Tampa, 17 Miami, 18 Jacksonville, 20 Atlanta, 23 VT, 24 MD, 25 PA, 27 Allentown, 29 Wantaga NY, 30 Bethel NY

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

September

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MON:  Sep 07: Labor Day Observed – No School

[PH] MON:       Sep 30: No School

[PH] (Bush Dates) - 1 Quebec City, 4 OH, 6 Ill, 7 MI, 8 MI, 10 Moncton, 12 Montreal, 13 Ottawa

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

October

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[PH] Oct 01: Deer Archery OK to Jan 15

SAT:   Oct 03: Gwen's Birthday

SAT:   Oct 31: Halloween

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

November

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FRI:    Nov 13: Anniversary of the Death of Blake’s brother Richie. November 13, 1990

WED: Nov 11: Veterans Day Observed – No School

[PH] SUN: 22 Nov:  American Music Awards.

[PH] Nov 27 to Dec 01: Boys, Thanksgiving Break, no school

THU:  Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day Observed

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

December

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[PH] 21 Dec to Jan 06: Boys Christmas Break (Classes resume Tuesday, 07 Jan 19)

THU:  24 Dec: Christmas Eve

FRI:    25 Dec: Christmas Day Observed

THU:  31 Dec: New Year’s Eve.

[tsgaspencolorado]

The Aspen Edit // 4.4.19

Image by Brooke Casillas Photography THE APRIL ASPEN EDIT // Spring is finally moving into town and here's hoping that all those winter snow showers bring an abundance of spring and summer flowers. As we gear up for a greener season ahead, we look forward to time to connect with friends, slow down, savor the beauty of this place we all love, and explore our valley a little more. And of course, we can't dismiss the closing day parties. So many parties. See our round-up of April events below.

Live. Love. Local. Amy & Erin

Artist Reception // Palladium Properties presents artist Sally Linden at their Glenwood Springs office. Join them for the opening reception night with this stunning showcase of wild horse images. Friday, April 5th | 6-8 PM | 305 8th Street | Glenwood Springs | More details

Spring Sip n' Shop // Join us at Hollyann for a spring style event with a TSG Aspen giveaway for shoppers! With tons of new items in, it's the perfect time to try on some fresh fashion favorites. Plus, stock up on gifts and goods for Easter, Mother's Day, teachers, and more. Sip. Shop. Savor. See you there. Friday, April 12th | 3 -7 PM | 361 Market Street | Basalt

Run, Run, Run // Time to lace up those sneakers. Open to anyone wanting to become a better runner, TAC Fitness kicks off their 12-week Running Program on April 17th. Classes meet Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings through early July. Get all the details and sign-up here. If walking is more your pace, check out the latest post from TAC Fitness on our city page. Read more

TLN Boutique Sale // It’s sale season at The Little Nell boutique, every day from now until their spring closure on April 7th. Stop by and shop until you drop. Tell them Scout sent you! See more goods here.

New Twist on an Old Favorite // The Little Nell's famous Xavier's White Cosmo got the scouted treatment with a spring take on this sipping favorite.Get the link to the details here.

Spring Real Estate Round-Up // Last month we rounded up several of our favorite homes from across the Colorado and Texas Scout network. Check out homes from Aspen and our sister cities here. Plus, Palladium Properties was featured in a National Real Estate Round-up. See the details here.

SCOUTED CALENDAR  More can't-miss events this month. Tell them SCOUT sent you!

THE APRÈS Friday, April 5th through Sunday, April 7th | Buttermilk | Details New to the music line up this year, this three-day music festival is the perfect send off to the ski season. Three-day and single day tickets still available for sale. 

BUTTERMILK AND BACON Sunday, April 7th | 9 AM - 5 PM | Buttermilk | Details It's closing day at Buttermilk, but there is always bacon to make your day that much better. Get in your last turns on the mountain and enjoy a lot of bacon. We hear there are bacon doughnuts popping up somewhere along the way.

HIGHLANDS CLOSING PARTY Sunday, April 14th | Afternoon | Aspen Highlands | Details After ski patrol's informal local's choice BBQ at the top of Highland Bowl, head to the base for a DJ, costumes, and camaraderie as the mountain closes for the season. 

SENDING OFF SNOWMASS Saturday, April 2oth| 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM | Elk Camp at Snowmass | Details Surf and snow party with free leis, a dance party, and margarita blender bikes. There is even a pond skim - get your swimsuits ready. The party continues down at the base.

IT'S CLOSING TIME. AGAIN. Sunday, April 21st | 11 AM - 4 PM | Sundeck atop Aspen Mountain | Details Aspen Snowmass is throwing it all the way back to the 80's to celebrate Aspen Mountain Closing Day! And yes, they will be crowning a Prom King and Prom Queen. Dress to impress.

AND THE PARTY WON'T STOP Sunday, April 21st | 2-6 PM | Ajax Tavern | Details Following the 80's prom party at the Sundeck, ski down to Ajax Tavern to close out the ski season in #NellStyle. Enjoy street-food inspired bites, drink specials and a DJ. Don your most stylish 80's threads and get ready to dance in your ski boots until the sun sets.

Looking for more things to do around town? Visit the Aspen Chamber for art events, live music offerings, pub crawls, and history tours happening all month long.

SAVE THE DATE Summer celebrations to put on your calendar now.

T-LAZY 7 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Saturday, June 8th | T Lazy 7 | Details To celebrate 80 years, T Lazy 7 is throwing an old-fashioned Ranch Party where friends and family alike can come together to reminisce about the good old days and reconnect for the future years to come.

TSG ASPEN SUMMER SIP N' SCOUT Thursday, June 12th | Elliott Yeary Gallery in Aspen | Details to follow Save the date for our summer party as we kick-off Food & Wine and the start to one of our favorite seasons! 

SCOUTED ON INSTAGRAM  Our favorite Instagram posts from Scouted businesses, fans, and followers. Remember to tag your photos #liveloveaspen or @tsgaspen for a chance to be featured!

@tonicmethod

@caitlindunnjewelry

@corrimcfadden

@yotmfestival

@shophollyann

@travelfor2photography

Not on our email list? Sign-up here!

Live. Love. Aspen. Amy & Erin

[toldnews-blog]

New Post has been published on https://toldnews.com/lifestyle/cemetery-was-the-right-vibe-for-a-glamour-goth-wedding/

Cemetery was the right vibe for a glamour goth wedding

Grossan, a music aficionado, and the rock musician Ayers, who has jazz in his blood, aren’t the “wedding factory” types. (Elizabeth Lippman/The New York Times)

Molly Creeden

Just months after they started dating more than two years ago, Ally Jane Grossan and Nabil Ayers felt certain they were headed for marriage, and it was with as much surety that they didn’t want their wedding to feel formulaic and familiar.

“We wanted to get married somewhere that’s isn’t a wedding factory,” said Grossan, a founder of Brooklyn FI, a financial planning firm geared to creatives and tech entrepreneurs in New York. “It’s always the same: a beautiful space, flowers and salmon or chicken, and we just wanted to do something that wasn’t that.”

By many markers, the couple’s evening wedding on Thursday, Dec. 20, in the Masonic Lodge at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery could not be typecast. There was DJ Gregg Foreman — lithe former music director for the musician Cat Power with Joan Jett hair — who played songs by the Cure on the piano. There was the bride’s walk down the aisle with her parents, to the cascading drumbeats of the eerie first bars of “Atmosphere” by post-punk band Joy Division. There was the irrevocable fact that several yards away, entertainment industry legacies — from Mickey Rooney to Johnny Ramone — lay deceased.

“I don’t know why, I’ve always loved cemeteries,” said Grossan, 30. “Père Lachaise in Paris is one of my favorite places; Green-Wood in Brooklyn. I don’t think they’re morbid. I think they’re beautiful.” Ayers, 46, agreed: “It’s like a beautiful park.”

It was at another wedding reception in June 2016 at House of Yes, an events space in Bushwick, Brooklyn, where Ayers first spotted Grossan. “I remember thinking, who is that beautiful woman standing there?” he said. The two were in attendance to celebrate the marriage of respective co-workers: Anna Bond, with whom Ayers worked at 4AD, an independent record label where he is the US label manager, and the groom, J Edward Keyes, who was Grossan’s then-boss at Bandcamp, a self-publishing music platform where she was a senior editor.

Ayers waited to make his move until he saw Grossan chatting with Joan LeMay, a friend from Seattle, where from 1997 to 2008, he ran Sonic Boom Records and was a drummer in indie rock bands like the Long Winters. Ayers greeted his friend, who introduced him to Grossan. “My first impression was that he was wearing this fabulous suit with cool glasses,” she said of Ayers’ signature oversize frames.

The pair spoke for a few minutes before rejoining the party, and then found each other again, talking for an hour against the backdrop of karaoke. They spoke about music. At 24, Grossan had been appointed the series editor of the publisher Bloomsbury’s 33-1/3 Series, a collection of biographies about individual music albums and artists. “I, and anyone else who had ever heard about it, was impressed by that,” Ayers said.

Ayers is the son of noted jazz composer and vibraphonist Roy Ayers, with whom he has had a distant relationship. He was given a drum set at age 2 by his uncle, jazz musician Alan Braufman, and has made music his lifeblood since.

Nabil Ayers, center, and Ally Jane Grossan are lifted during “Hava Nagila” at their wedding reception at the Masonic Lodge at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. (Elizabeth Lippman/The New York Times)

“I remember someone telling me that night: ‘Oh that’s Nabil Ayers from 4AD, that guy’s a big shot,’” Grossan said. After the two parted ways, Grossan followed Ayers on Twitter in the Uber ride back to her home in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

The next day, Ayers reached out to LeMay with a request: Could she ask Grossan to pass along her email address? Once in hand, Ayers sent Grossan a casual message mentioning Skee-Ball, which Grossan had revealed was a talent. Two days later, Ayers was surprised he hadn’t heard back. “I thought it was weird. We’d gotten along well, and my friend had asked her if it was OK to get in touch.”

After giving the go-ahead, Grossan thought it was odd that she hadn’t heard from Ayers. “I checked the spam folder and was like, ‘No way, this doesn’t happen.’” There was Ayers’s email from his 4AD address.

Grossan responded immediately and the two made plans to meet the following Sunday for a drink. On the Thursday evening beforehand, however, Grossan was seated at a table in the Hammerstein Ballroom at the Libera Awards — a ceremony honoring the indie music community — and heard Ayers’ name announced. She looked up to see him walking on stage to accept an award on behalf of singer/songwriter Grimes for the video “Kill V. Maim.” Grossan emailed him: “Short and sweet — great speech.”

They found each other after the program and Grossan invited Ayers to join a group heading to a karaoke bar (note: for how much karaoke appears in this story, the groom does not particularly enjoy it). There, jammed into a bench with industry peers, Ayers was enchanted as Grossan sang the grim, rapid fire lyrics to System of a Down’s “Chop Suey” with perfect elocution. “She took her shoes off for the song, and I was like, ‘Whoa, she’s really going to do it,’” Ayers said. “I was really impressed.”

The group dispersed and Grossan and Ayers wound up at New Wonjo in Koreatown, talking over cold noodles late into the night. That night the couple kissed for the first time.

It would be the first of many dates.

“Most of the men in the music journalism space are obnoxious: They’re proud of knowing the names of every single album,” Grossan said. “But Nabil knows more that everyone and is so understated. He never tries to display his knowledge to anyone. He’s just excited to talk about it.”

Like the tongue-twisting lyrics to Chop Suey, the relationship moved at a heady clip. On an early date, Grossan mentioned that her favorite album was Hole’s Celebrity Skin; several weeks later, on her birthday in July, Ayers gave her a copy in vinyl. That month, the pair decided on impulse that Grossan would be Ayers’ date to a September wedding in Paris. And in October, Ayers met Grossan’s father, television producer Mark Grossan, in a hot tub during Orange County’s Beach Goth music festival. By Christmas, they had plans for Ally Jane Grossan to move into Ayers’ Brooklyn Heights apartment when her lease was up in May.

In early 2018, Ayers began looking for rings to propose to Grossan. Once he found one — a vintage emerald-cut diamond with two baguettes that reminded him of the art deco angles of the Chrysler Building — he put his plan in motion. He had arranged to have Julien Baker, Grossan’s favorite musician, perform a private serenade during the Sasquatch Music Festival in George, Washington, on May 25, 2018.

But the couple was running late that day. Grossan got her first speeding ticket while they were en route to the Gorge Ampitheater from Seattle. She was frazzled as Ayers hurried her through security, texting with Baker’s manager about the mere minutes they had before the musician was due on stage. Telling Grossan they were hurrying to meet a friend at a backstage video shoot, Ayers wove them through the 20,000-person crowd, past the tour buses, and around a bend behind the stage. There, they found Baker and her violinist on a cliff overlooking the gorge. She started playing Love Me Tender by Elvis. When the violin solo began, Ayers dropped to one knee and asked Grossan to marry him.

The couple chose to marry in Los Angeles, where Grossan grew up and where her grandparents, Murray and Rosalyn Grossan, 95 and 94, live. (They were unable, however, to attend the wedding). Ayers had recently organised a show at the Hollywood Cemetery and thought it might dually be suitable for matrimony. On the summer day when Grossan and her mother toured the cemetery for a visit, the staff was cleaning up the site of the memorial for Chris Cornell, Soundgarden’s frontman.

Nabil Ayers, right, and Ally Jane Grossan at their wedding reception at the Masonic Lodge at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, (Elizabeth Lippman/The New York Times)

On the evening of December 20, however, morbidity was the last thing on the minds of the 125 friends and family who gathered in the temple of Masonic Lodge in festive interpretations of “glamour goth,” the couple’s suggested attire for guests. This meant oversize earrings, peacock feathers, sparkly slides, tattooed fingers, faux fur and evening gowns, with an over-index of black rimmed glasses paired with long rocker hair.

“Each of you are glowing tonight, and the love of life that you are share with each other helps to light this world around us,” said the officiant, Rabbi Michele Ellise Lenke, under a white huppah in the temple room, which was a vision in crimson, from carpet to walls, with a Masonic Eastern Star hanging in the center. “Julien Baker may sing about turning the lights out,” the rabbi said, “but my wish for you is to keep shining bright.”

In his vows, Ayers spoke of his respect for Grossan’s drive and ambition, and called her his motivation in life. “I’ve always been a happy person,” he said. “It’s become clear to me that you’ve always been a happy person. So it’s hard to believe that I would meet someone who has made me infinitely happier, but you’ve done that.”

Grossan, who is taking her husband’s last name, praised his accomplishments and his “infectious warmth.” “Waiters, bartenders, shopkeepers and strangers we meet are immediately drawn to you,” she said. “It’s like the whole world is completely in love with you, but not as much as me. I vow to protect and cherish that feeling.”

In toasts over dinner in the building’s Eastern Star Room, where guests drank sparkling Topo Chico water, natural libations from Silverlake’s Psychic Wines, and ate a Mediterranean buffet feast, Ayers was referred to by a co-worker, Gabe Spierer, as “the nicest guy in rock.”

(“Not only rock, but one of the nicest guys in earth, wind and water,” Matt Berninger, the frontman for the rock band the National amended later in the evening).

Ayers’ mother Louise Vesper, a former ballet dancer, recalled seeing the body language between the couple for the first time, and praised the fact that “in their busy lives, they still make time for their parents.” The party moved back across the hall to the Masonic Temple for dancing, and then onto an after party at Brass Monkey — for karaoke, of course.

[antiquatedfuture]

Summer Solstice Distro Update

NEW ZINES The Chapess #9- The latest issue of The Chapess, the quarterly zine from UK zine press Synchronise Witches featuring women writers from around the world. ($5)

An Herbal Medicine-Making Primer- A well-written and accessible introduction to anarcho-herbalism, wildcrafting, and medicine-making. ($3) Last Night at the Casino #12- A collection of casino chips and the stories that accompany them. Adventure and travel tales from around the country. ($2)

Minor Leagues #3- Through minimalist comics and sketches, this issue of Minor Leagues confronts loss while also managing to incorporate playful vignettes and letters from readers. A continually one-of-a-kind zine. ($4)

Radical Nuns: A Feminist Fanzine and Coloring Booklet- Portraits and short biographies of nuns who "altered history for the betterment of people." Visionaries, activists, political prisoners, education reformers, pop singers, computer scientists, DJs, pop artists, queer writers, and graffiti artists. ($4) Radical Domesticity #2: The Sewing Issue- How to sew on a button, how to sew in a zipper, the differences between scissors, how to measure yourself correctly, and more. ($3) Rock n' Roll Forever- A decade of punk photography from Nuts! fanzine editor Ben Trogdon. Hundreds of photos, full-color, countless bands and countless punk-life oddities. ($14) Well Worn Very Used- A peek into the fetish sock trade. Kara Comegys chronicles being a new seller and the curiosities and uncertainties that come along with it. ($2)

Wildlifoodin #3- Living off the grid, foraging, cultivation, the future of soil, and a whole lot more. ($5)

NEW MUSIC Buffalo Voice- Pilgrim Takes His Spill- Led by songwriter and sound-experimenter Tucker Theodore, Buffalo Voice's Pilgrim Takes His Spill is a series of ten perfectly destroyed anthems. (Cassette + Digital Download) ($5) Hoop- Super Genuine- The debut full-length from Seattle's Hoop. Arresting, emotionally complex dream-pop. Guest vocals from Briana Marela and Allyson Foster (Hunger Cloud Darkening) put this album over-the-top into the territory of an instant classic. (Cassette + Digital Download) ($5)

The Washboard Abs- Recurring Chasms- On Recurring Chasms, Olympia's The Washboard Abs take their intimate indie-pop to new heights. Incorporating angular rhythms and art rock sensibilities to these perfectly distilled songs, the album is a beautiful and complex journey through personal battles and trauma recovery. (Cassette + Digital Download) ($5)

NEW BOOKS

Rad Families: A Celebration- Rad Families: A Celebration honors the messy, the painful, the playful, the beautiful, the myriad ways we create families. ($19.95)

The Tramp Printers: Forgotten Trails of the Traveling Typographers- A gorgeously printed, in-depth history of "the tramp printer," a unionized wanderer who carried the skills and knowledge of the printing trade across the United States and beyond. ($15)

NEW PAPER GOODS

Find Your Way Postcard- It takes time. Advice from the one-and-only Artnoose. Printed by Hope Amico. ($3)

Hi Mom Postcard- Don't forget about your mom. ($3)

Let There Be More Light Postcard- In these dark times, let there be light. ($3)

Silent Allies are Not Allies Postcard- A letterpressed reminder ($3) Sorry Mom Postcard- Sometimes an apology is in order. ($3)

NEW SHIRTS

Ancient Trees of the Northwest T-Shirt- Ancient trees of the Northwest, posing for their portrait. Respectively: Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, and Sitka Spruce. ($20) Planetary T-Shirt- Getting spacey. Designed and printed by Kyle Rollins in Olympia, Washington. ($20)

NEW MISCELLANY

Reading Cat Sticker- A cat, excitedly reading. ($1)

Shared Arrow Sticker- Sharing the arrow. A new sticker by Deth P. Sun. ($1)

NEWS *We'll be tabling at the Portland Zine Symposium on July 22nd and 23rd and then hopefully doing a few more West Coast tabling events before the summer is out. *There's just a few days left of our distro-wide LP SALE! A few dozen LPs, from some of the best Northwest artists, all being sold at cost. We're just trying to clear a little space because there's so much stuff coming in. *The ever-popular Field Guide to the Aliens of Star Trek TNG zine series is getting turned into a book this fall! The zines are going out of print and we have the last of them, so get those while you can. *In July and August, The Washboard Abs will be taking their new album Recurring Chasms on the road. Tour dates are announced, with more info to come soon. *The first album from Midwife (a collaboration between Sister Grotto’s Madeline Johnston and Tucker Theodore) just came out last week. This is probably my album of year so far–ethereal and shoegaze-ish, heartbreaking and gorgeous.

*The fourth volume of our Well, I Don’t See Why Not compilation series has sold out for good in the physical world, so is now FREE digitally!

*Poppet has a great new music video (be prepared to play this song on repeat!) and a new Etsy shop of fabulous clothes.

*In some hard news, Portland is still grieving from a recent hate crime. You can donate to the young women who survived the attack here and donate to the families of those who died in the attack (as well as other organizations) here.

*In more hard news: On Sunday, Seattle police murdered a pregnant Black woman named Charleena Lyles. This Friday, Seattle's having a Black Lives Matter March for Justice in response. For those outside of the area, you can donate to help her family. *Given the state of the world, there's never been a better time to get together with your community (or expand your community). Zine Nation has posted a great Summer Zine Fest list that covers a wide array of zine events around the world.

*And if you want to watch the most feel-good things around: Mazzy Chiu, the two-year-old daughter of local zinesters A'misa Chiu and Alex Chiu, has a YouTube cooking show called The Mazzy Show. It's wonderful.

Until next time,

Antiquated Future

[blackkudos]

Craig David

Craig Ashley David (born 5 May 1981) is a British singer, songwriter, rapper, DJ and record producer who rose to fame in 1999, featuring on the single "Re-Rewind" by Artful Dodger. David's debut studio album, Born to Do It, was released in 2000, after which he has released a further five studio albums and worked with a variety of artists such as Sting, Tinchy Stryder, Big Narstie, Kano and Jay Sean. David has 20 UK Top 40 singles, and seven UK Top 40 albums, selling over 15,000,000 records worldwide as a solo artist.

David has been nominated for fourteen Brit Awards: five times for Best British Male, and twice receiving a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

Early life

David was born in Southampton, Hampshire, the son of Tina (née Loftus), a retail assistant at Superdrug, and George David, a carpenter, and grew up in the Holyrood estate. David's father is Afro-Grenadian and David's mother is Anglo-Jewish and related to the founders of the Accurist watch-making company; David's maternal grandfather was an Orthodox Jew and his maternal grandmother a convert to Judaism. David's parents separated when he was eight and he was brought up by his mother. He attended Bellemoor School and Southampton City College.

David was bullied by other students at school. He wrote and released the song "Johnny" in 2005 about his sad memories of being bullied.

David's father played bass in a reggae band called Ebony Rockers. As a teen, David began accompanying his father to local dance clubs, where DJs let him take the microphone.

Career

Early career

David's earliest exposure came when he worked on a B-side to British group Damage's cover of "Wonderful Tonight", on the track "I'm Ready". He then started doing vocals for the English garage duo Artful Dodger, on tracks such as "Something" and "What Ya Gonna Do".

Wildstar Records first became aware of David when the artist's then manager Paul Widger met the label's co-owner Colin Lester and played some of his music. Lester later told HitQuarters that he was particularly impressed by the first song he heard, "Walking Away", saying "That was an absolute stand out ... It struck me that any seventeen year-old that could write a song like this had huge potential." The Wildstar boss was further won over when, on later visiting the artist's home in Southampton, he found David's tiny bedroom stacked from floor to ceiling with 12" vinyl records, commenting: "That convinced me he was the real deal and not just some kid acting out the part." At that point Lester offered him a development deal with his label. When Lester later heard the song "7 Days", he said he immediately heard a number-one record and promoted the contract to an album deal the same day.

2000–03:

Born to Do It

and

Slicker Than Your Average

The song "Re-Rewind (The Crowd Say Bo Selecta)", from the Artful Dodger album It's All About the Stragglers, hit number two on the UK charts in 1999; thus, paving the way for a solo career. David's first single, "Fill Me In", released on Colin Lester's and Ian McAndrew's Wildstar Records, topped the UK chart and was the first of a string of four top 10 singles from his debut album Born to Do It, which eventually sold more than 8 million copies worldwide, earning multi-platinum status in more than 20 countries. The song "Key to My Heart", taken from the US version of the album, was also featured on the award-winning Warner Bros. animated film Osmosis Jones.

The success of David's debut, which was written almost entirely by David and Mark Hill of Artful Dodger, led to the United States release of "Fill Me In" in May 2001. It reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Born to Do It was released in the United States on 17 July 2001, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 1 million copies. The single "7 Days" hit the top 10 in the U.S.; although "Walking Away", which had reached number 3 in the UK and number 5 in Australia, missed the top 40 in the U.S. and was the last of his singles to chart there.

In April 2009, MTV viewers voted Born to Do It as number 2 on their "Greatest Album of All-Time" poll, behind Michael Jackson's Thriller.

The follow-up album, Slicker Than Your Average, was released in 2002. The album's first four singles continued David's streak of top 10 hits in the UK, bringing a total of nine consecutive top 10 hits until "World Filled with Love" peaked at number 15 in 2003. None of the six singles released from the album charted in the U.S.. Although "What's Your Flava?" and "Rise & Fall" (duet with Sting) received airplay on the urban contemporary and soft adult contemporary formats, they did not make the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart or the Adult Contemporary chart. However, "What's Your Flava?" made the Rhythmic Top 40 chart (number 32), Mainstream Top 40 chart (number 24) and the Top 40 Tracks chart (number 37). According to the RIAA, Slicker Than Your Average was certified Gold in the U.S..

David also commented that the album title could be looked at in two different ways: "On the one hand, it's coming across like I'm arrogant. On the other hand, it's saying I have a lot more composure on the album.""

The album was leaked onto the internet prior to its official release but David was not too bothered as he feels it "spreads the word".

2005–08: The Story Goes... and Trust Me

David later signed on with Warner Music and put together his third album, The Story Goes..., which was released worldwide in August 2005 (excluding the U.S. where it was never released). The first single, "All the Way", returned him to the top 3. The second single, "Don't Love You No More (I'm Sorry)", tied with "7 Days" as his longest-running single in the charts since "Re-Rewind", spending 15 weeks inside the UK top 75. The album's third single, "Unbelievable", debuted at number 18 in March 2006.

In 2007, David collaborated with British rapper Kano on his album London Town, for the single "This Is the Girl". The track was released on 27 August 2007 and debuted at number 18 on the UK charts.

The first single from his album Trust Me, "Hot Stuff (Let's Dance)", was released on 5 November 2007. David successfully sought permission from David Bowie to sample his 1983 number-one single "Let's Dance". The single was a top ten hit, whilst the album charted at number 18 on the UK Albums Chart. "6 of 1 Thing", the second single to be taken from Trust Me, charted at number 39 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming his third-lowest-charting single to date.

"Officially Yours" was released on 23 June 2008 and peaked at number 158 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming his lowest-charting single to date and was the final single from Trust Me. In July, a new track titled "Are You Up for This" started receiving airplay on various radio stations as part of a promo with Ice Cream Records, which also featured a remix with Wittyboy called "Nutter Butter". On 17 August 2008, David performed at a birthday tribute concert for songwriter Don Black at the London Palladium. He performed the song "Ben", originally a hit for Michael Jackson.

David took part in Soccer Aid 2008 at Wembley Stadium on 7 September 2008. He picked up the "Man of The Match" award on the night and played in the same England side as ex-internationals such as Alan Shearer, Teddy Sheringham and David Seaman, and played against the likes of Romário, Paolo Di Canio, Jaap Stam, and Luís Figo. David received two 2008 UK Urban Music Award nominations for Best Album with Trust Me and Best R&B Act. On 7 November 2008, David was recognised for his contribution to the music industry by receiving an honorary degree of Doctor of Music, from Southampton Solent University at a graduation ceremony held at Southampton Guildhall.

2008–09: Greatest Hits

David released his first Greatest Hits album on 24 November 2008. In support of the release, David released two singles to promote the album. "Where's Your Love" featuring Tinchy Stryder and Rita Ora, a homage to his UK garage days, was digitally released on 10 November 2008. The second single, "Insomnia", produced by Jim Beanz from Timbaland productions, a dance track with hard bassline beats, was released the following week on 17 November 2008. Toby Gad and Eimear Crombie provided back-up vocals and instrumental stylings. David also started working with guitarist and recording engineer Kwame Yeboah, both live and in the studio.

On 29 December 2008, a new mix of "Insomnia", titled "Up All Night Mix", was made available for digital download. As part of the Greatest Hits compilation, David re-recorded "Walking Away" with four different artists across Europe, Monrose from Germany, Nek from Italy, Lynnsha from France and Álex Ubago from Spain. The album debuted at number 48 on the UK Albums Chart. From February to April 2009, David toured Russia, the Far East and performed one show in Los Angeles as part of a Greatest Hits tour. He met fans at a meet and greet session at Singapore Changi Airport before his show.

In April 2009, Born to Do It came second in a poll by MTV UK for the Greatest Album Ever, which received over 40,000 votes, beaten by Michael Jackson's album Thriller. On 14 May 2009, David participated in the Hillsborough Memorial football match at Anfield. On 26 July 2009, David participated in the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy match at St James' Park, playing alongside boyhood hero Alan Shearer.

2009–10: New label and Signed Sealed Delivered

On 18 September 2009, fans got the first taste of the new album with an exclusive demo posted on his official website, a thirty-second snippet covering Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours". On 2 October 2009, David revealed to his fans via Twitter and his website that he had signed a new record deal with Universal Motown. The UK edition of Jay Sean's new album All or Nothing which was released on 30 November 2009, features David on a track entitled "Stuck in the Middle". David performed a bold new cover of "I Wan'na Be like You" from Walt Disney's 1967 film The Jungle Book on the ITV programme Ultimate Movie Toons, broadcast 28 March 2010.The first single from David's fifth studio album Signed Sealed Delivered was "One More Lie (Standing in the Shadows)" and it was released in the UK on 22 March 2010 where it made number 76 with the album following one week later on 29 March 2010, which entered the UK chart at number 13.

On 17 March 2010, David released a UK garage compilation album titled Rewind Old Skool Classics mixed with DJ Spoony featuring some of their favourite UK garage hits from the last ten years.

Two weeks later on 31 May 2010, the second single to be taken from Signed Sealed Delivered, titled "All Alone Tonight (Stop, Look, Listen)" was released. The chorus of the single samples The Stylistics' hit "Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)" but features completely new verses. In the weeks leading up to the release BBC Radio Two backed the single by naming it their 'Record of the Week' and adding it to their 'A-List'. On 20 May 2010, David appeared as a co-host on The Morning Show in Australia alongside Kylie Gillies, whilst regular male presenter Larry Emdur was on holiday. On 27 August 2010, Swiss DJ Remady released an album titled No Superstar on which David features on the track "Do It on My Own". David was nominated for 'Best Video' at the 2010 Urban Music Awards for the song "One More Lie (Standing in the Shadows)". The 2010 Sunday Times Rich List indicated that Craig David is worth £8 million.

2011–13: Collaborations, new material and TS5 launch

David revealed on Twitter that he has worked with record producer Jim Beanz on material for his new album. He also tweeted about working with August Rigo and more recently Fraser T Smith. Whilst doing a show in Russia, David confirmed he had left Universal Music Group and hopes to release his new album in America as well as the UK. In February 2011, David agreed to do a desert trek for Comic Relief as part of Red Nose Day 2011. A host of celebrities including Dermot O'Leary, Olly Murs and Lorraine Kelly treked 100 kilometres across a Kenyan desert to raise money for preventable blindness across Africa.

In May 2011, David made a guest appearance on NRJ12's French reality TV show Les Anges 2 where he offered advice to contestants trying to make a life in Miami. Released on 1 August 2011, David features on Erick Morillo's new mix CD Subliminal Invasion on a track titled "Fly Away". David performed at the Michael Jackson tribute concert, held in Cardiff at the Millennium Stadium on 8 October 2011.

Further to their earlier collaboration, David and Erick Morillo also canvassed a promotional track to DJs and radio stations titled "Get Drunk Up" and also featured it on YouTube. Morillo revealed David would appear on a project with Harry Romero and José Nunez, featuring a remix of the track. In December, he featured on the Blackout Mode dance track "Freak on the Dancefloor" that appeared on the compilation album R&B Collection 2012.

In 2012, David featured on a number of tracks whilst recording his own album, including releases with Stereo Palma titled "Our Love" and a collaboration with Mohombi and DJ Asaad titled "Addicted".

In July 2012, it was revealed David was writing with Backstreet Boys on their 20th-anniversary album, the follow-up to their 2009 album "This Is Us" and the first they released since the return of Kevin Richardson who departed from the band in 2005.

In January 2013, David announced on Twitter that he had signed a publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG). The deal saw David's publishing company, formally known as Bootyman Music Publishing merge to become JEM Music.

Starting in March 2013, David embarked on a world tour starting with three shows across Australia, followed by four in Europe (France, Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands) and finally finishing in May with four shows in England (Birmingham, Manchester, Southampton and London). In September 2013, Capital FM announced that David's DJ show 'TS5' would moveto Capital Xtra every Friday evening from 10:00 pm.

2014–17: Following My Intuition and return to fame

On 2 July 2014, David previewed a teaser track titled "Cold" on his official SoundCloud page. Premiering it on his TS5 radio show the week before, he wanted to preview some of the new music he has been working on in anticipation of his long-awaited sixth studio album. A further teaser track titled "Seduction" was uploaded to the same SoundCloud page in September 2014.

On 5 September 2015, David featured on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge with Sigala where they covered Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth's "See You Again" mixed with the Little Mix track "Black Magic". The following week, on 10 September 2015, David appeared on Kurupt FM's 'Sixty Minute Takeover' on BBC Radio 1Xtra with MistaJam. He performed "Fill Me In" over the track "Where Are Ü Now" and it became a viral internet hit. Two snippets of potential new album tracks were also played on the night and this 1Xtra appearance led to David making surprise performances of the "Fill Me In" / "Where Are Ü Now" remix at Fabric with Kurupt FM and Alexandra Palace with Major Lazer and Diplo.

It was later revealed that the Radio 1Xtra appearance led to a collaboration between David and Big Narstie who also featured on the show and the track they recorded titled "When the Bassline Drops" was played on MistaJam's BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra show on 7 November 2015, it was later revealed the track is to be released under SpeakerBox/JEM on 27 November 2015. David made a surprise appearance on The X Factor on 13 December 2015, where he performed his breakthrough single "Re-Rewind" during a medley with Reggie 'n' Bollie and Fuse ODG. "When the Bassline Drops" debuted at number 50 in the UK and peaked at number 10 on 5 February 2016, becoming David's highest-charting single since 2007.

On 25 January 2016, it was announced that Craig David had signed a recording contract with Insanity Records (a joint venture between Sony Music UK and Insanity Management) and independent company Speakerbox Media.

On 19 March 2016, at the second day of the Ultra Music Festival 2016, during the set of the Dutch DJ and record producer Hardwell, he appeared for present their new track "No Holding Back", which was released on 19 August 2016.

In 2016, David appeared on Kaytranada's album 99.9%, on the track "Got It Good", which he also co-wrote. This song also appeared on his sixth studio album. On 19 August 2016, Craig announced on social networks that his sixth studio album, Following My Intuition, would finally be released on 30 September 2016. It debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, giving David his first number-one album since his debut, Born to Do It, reached the top spot in 2000.

2017–present: The Time Is Now

On 15 September 2017, David announced the release of the seventh studio album, The Time Is Now, which was released in January 2018, along with the single "Heartline".

On 23 November, David released his second single from The Time Is Now, "I Know You" featuring Bastille. David and Dan Smith from Bastille performed the song live a day later on Sounds Like Friday Night. The single peaked at number 5 in 2018, making it David's highest charting single since "Don't Love You No More (I'm Sorry)" in 2005.

The Time Is Now debuted at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart, kept off the top spot by The Greatest Showman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

On 31 May 2019, David released a new single "When You Know What Love Is" from his upcoming eighth album. In July, David made a cameo appearance in Love Island, performing the single as a DJ at a Ministry of Sound pool party.

His next UK garage single "Do You Miss Me Much" was released on 23 August 2019.

On 31 December 2019 and 1 January 2020, David performed on BBC One's New Year Live concert at Westminster Central Hall with his full band and TS5 DJ Set.

Personal life and activism

David is Jewish.

David is also an avid supporter of Southampton FC, his hometown football team.

On 24 March 2010 (World Tuberculosis Day), the World Health Organization appointed Craig David as a Goodwill Ambassador against tuberculosis. His first activity in this role was to travel to South Africa to learn more about tuberculosis, where he met people suffering from the disease or having recovered from it, and scientists who have dedicated their lives to fighting tuberculosis. David stated that his mission is to help overcome the social stigma of TB in order to beat the disease.

Caricaturisation on Bo' Selecta!

David was frequently caricatured by comedian Leigh Francis on the British TV comedy show Bo' Selecta!; the show's title itself being a reference to his song "Re-Rewind (The Crowd Say Bo Selecta)". Although many other celebrities lampooned in the series appreciated the jokes and even appeared in the series themselves, David—the series' most prominently mocked target—did not enjoy the attention, remarking that the public were no longer taking him seriously. Speaking to The Sunday Times in 2007, David confessed that "The whole Bo' Selecta! thing was killing me for a while because this idiot had a cult following and I was the main caricature. ... Inside it was absolutely pissing me off and hurtful beyond belief. There were times when I thought I just want to knock this guy out".

Although he made an appearance himself on the programme (as the pseudo-fictional tribute act "Craig Davis"), he regretted it. However, he has also denied that his career had been ruined as a result of the show, and has said that he was satisfied with his musical output over the years.

In a 2015 interview with the Daily Mirror, David stated that he had no hard feelings towards Francis, explaining how he had seen him at a wedding and given him a hug, assuring him they were "cool". He further explained in the interview that it was his PR team who suggested that he "play hurt" by the caricature. He reiterated this stance on The Jonathan Ross Show in 2016 and explained that, contrary to popular belief, he had not fled the UK to escape negative attention brought about from the show.

Discography

Born to Do It (2000)

Slicker Than Your Average (2002)

The Story Goes... (2005)

Trust Me (2007)

Signed Sealed Delivered (2010)

Following My Intuition (2016)

The Time Is Now (2018)

[weownthenitenyc]

Reinier Zonneveld talks Church of Clubmusic, Filth on Acid, live improvisation and what sets him apart.

The exceeding gifted Dutch musician, DJ and producer kick-starts a busy tour season in support of his third and most notable album to date “Church of Clubmusic,” is scheduled to perform live, playing only his music except for some remixes at Thuishaven — Amsterdam. Followed by a two-day appearance at next month’s, Drumcode Festival in his hometown. Before embarking on the “Filth on Acid” label worldwide tour, Reinier will host his label’s showcase at ADE, where he will play live for 12 hours.

Hello Reinier! Thank you for making some time to speak to us!

For our readers who aren’t familiar with your music, can you tell us a little bit about your path to becoming an artist?

I started playing piano when I was 3. I’ve been basically listening and playing around with music my whole life. When I was around 10 years, I got my hands on a copy of Reason 1, and in the beginning of course had no idea how it worked. But with playing around with the functions which I really liked, I began to make some recordings. This was all just on the side as a hobby, but when I went to my first real techno party when I moved out of my parents house, I was 16 or just 17, I knew that that was what I wanted to do. The very next day I started working on it, and since then I’ve been producing and playing techno (and sometimes other electronic music styles to keep it diverse). I used to play a lot of illegal raves all around the Netherlands, and from time to time official gigs at clubs and festivals. By 2011 I did my first release, and in 2015 my music got played by a lot of the biggest names in the scene; Carl Cox, Adam Beyer, Richie Hawtin, etc. In 2016 I released a record “Rushchamber” which included “Sharp Bust” on Oliver Koletzki’s Stil vor Talent. Suddenly I made the step from sporadious gigs to touring full time, and I’ve been touring ever since.

Some of your work marries your classical background with detailed elements. How much experimentation does it take to create that balance…or do you just manage to do it instinctively?

I think this came as a result of playing (and writing) classical music, these influences will always come out one way or another. To get it right is another thing, I spend a lot of time trying things and also thinking about how you can combine melodies on the foreground with something that also bangs on a dance floor.

You recently released your third album “Church of Clubmusic.” What’s different this time? How has your process changed, if at all?

My first album, Reverse Psychology was very much focused around hypnotic / experimental techno and ambient. My second album Megacity Servant was build around melodic techno with some tech house influences. For my third album “Church of Clubmusic” I really wanted to showcase a more diverse album, that takes the listener on a trip and showcases the many electronic styles I love to produce. Something very suited for home listening, while also having tracks on it that work good in clubs and festivals. I included reworks of tracks that I made over 10 years ago, but also fresh cuts from half a year old.

On the most notable track on Church of Clubmusic…

I think that ‘Hard Gaan’ is definitely the highlight. It once started as a live improvisation in a dark club in Berlin, somewhere in the morning at the end of 2016. I suddenly turned the BPM up to 145 during my set, put an extreme distortion on the kick drum, and played the sequence of the track from a synthesizer. People started asking me at every show if I would do the crazy thing they heard or saw online from that night. And it happened that every show I did a completely live variation of just that. The track evolved and every version was different. Then at Awakenings festival in 2017 I closed the set with it, and it completely blew up the crowd (this video went viral online and is seen by tens of millions of people now) and decided to give it a name: ‘Hard Gaan’ — which means literally going hard.

On how Filth on Acid started…

Together with my very good friend Axel (who is now also my manager), we were always talking about how we would like to start a label. We got the idea for the name from a track we did together back in 2014 (Reinier Zonneveld & Axan — Filth on Acid). Axel focuses mostly on the backside of the label, but we always discuss all the ideas and plans we have together. The A&R I always do by myself alone, I like to have full control over the music we release. We knew one thing for sure: no compromises on quality, put in maximum effort and try to get people and other artists involved into the sound I was doing. No compromises for us for example means that all our cover art is hand drawn by a dedicated artist, for every single release. In the beginning this approach was a bit stressful, since a label only costs money until you stream / sell a lot of music, and especially so if you want to everything the best as we could. We invested all our savings in it. Then we’re super happy to see immediately from the first release on super good support from artists and the audience on what we were doing, and I could invite some of my favorite artists to do a release together or solo, with as the big highlight the collaborations with Carl Cox; last year Inferno and this year a 3 track EP in June that is released on 28 June.

Can you name some notable artists on your radar right now? What draws you to their work?

I really love what Mees Salomé is doing. For me he is one of the producers in the electronic scene with the best feeling for melody; the perfect balance between emotion and danceable music. The music can really grab you, while at the same time exploding a dance floor at a club and festival.

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Your music is usually a melting pot of genres, do you have a vision for the final product when you start, or do you discover it during the process?

Usually I start a track when I already have an idea in my head. This could be a melody, a sound, a rhythm. Whenever I get an idea like that I record it on my phone (imagine me singing a techno track in a full airplane at 8AM) or better; I take out my laptop or quickly go to my studio to start sketching out the main ideas of the track. This doesn’t have to be techno, if I get a nice idea for a hip-hop track or an ambient piece I would do the same.

What did you learn while making ‘Church of Clubmusic?’

I really learned to think more about track order and storytelling with a lot of tracks combined. Instead of just putting the most popular tracks on top (which is often done with regular club EPs), for an album you really have to think about the path a listener takes through your music.

Arguably, there are a lot of producers in the scene. Your work, however, always stands out to me. How do you feel you’ve been able to create a unique “sound” and style with your body of work over the years? What sets “Reinier Zonneveld” apart?

Thank you! In the past I used to hear from a lot of people that I should focus on fitting my music into a certain sound of a label. I tried to do this, but it killed my creativity. At some point I started to let this idea go, and that’s when for me a whole new world opened. I just make whatever I feel like and I’m way happier with the music I make now because of it. By working this way you really open up the way for getting the sound that is inside your mind out in your recordings. Next to that I think the fact that I play only live, touring a very big amount of gigs every year, means that I have always feedback from the crowd on all the techno tracks I make. Some of them I might play 1 or 2 times to be just used for some obscure loop in my sets later on, some I feel really work and these get adjusted by remembering how I change during my live sets and implementing that for the final release. Finally, I think an important aspect in my sound is that I do everything on my own: writing the track, producing, sound design, mixing and mastering, so you very much hear exactly how I want my techno tracks to sound, without the influence of for example an external mastering engineer.

Reinier Zonneveld – Church of Clubmusic

https://soundcloud.com/filthonacid/sets/reinier-zonneveld-church-of

On his favorite space at home…

In front of my speakers in the living room.

On essential tools in the studio…

Good monitoring and room acoustics.

To cap off our interview, what does the rest of the year have in store for you?

There are so many good things coming, which I’m really happy and thankful for. My touring schedule is very, very busy and I’ll bring my music all around the world for the rest of the year. Some highlights for me are definitely being a resident for Awakenings, Cercle on the 1st of July in Kiev, and also my own Filth on Acid parties. On the FOA parties, I play all day or all night long live. I bring out a lot of machines from my studio, like the classic Roland gear: TR909, TB303, TR606, SH101, the Moog Sub37, and some boutique synthesizers and drum computers. I will play only music by me (with the occasional remix I did of course), showing the full spectrum of my sound. At Thuishaven Amsterdam I’ll play 10 hours all day long, and at Amsterdam Dance Event I’ll do 12 hours all night and morning. We’ll bring these shows after the success of Filth on Acid Berlin also to the rest of the world (more cities to be announced soon).

There you have it folks. Electronic music’s modern day Mozart is on a field of his own. Don’t take my word for it, go see for yourself — catch the cerebral sensation live.

Reinier Zonneveld: SoundCloud | Spotify | Beatport | Vinyl

INTERVIEW: Reinier Zonneveld talks Church of Clubmusic, Filth on Acid, live improvisation and what sets him apart. Reinier Zonneveld talks Church of Clubmusic, Filth on Acid, live improvisation and what sets him apart. …

[mysteryshelf]

SUMMER OF MYSTERY BLOG TOUR - The Chairman's Toys

Welcome to the “Summer of Mystery Reads” happening July 9th to August 17, 2018, at THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF!

DISCLAIMER: This content has been provided to THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF arranged by Partners in Crime Book Tours. No compensation was received. This information required by the Federal Trade Commission.

The Chairman’s Toys

by Graham Reed

on Tour August 1-31, 2018

Synopsis:

Vancouver, British Columbia – land of psychotically expensive real estate, high-grade cannabis, and Jake Constable. A man adrift.

After Jake quits the drug business, his realtor/ex-wife, Nina, gets him a job as a house sitter for her wealthy clients. Jake celebrates by throwing a party in the mansion he was hired to look after. Unfortunately, the guest list gets out of hand, leaving Jake to contend with a hallucinogenic-vitamin-dispensing yogi, a dead guy in the bathroom, and The Norwegian – a criminal force of nature with a grudge against Jake.

When the owner of the multimillion-dollar crime scene returns home prematurely, only Jake’s inadvertent discovery of the man’s politically incorrect business history saves him from having to clean up after the party. But he still has to come clean with his ex-wife. The situation threatens to turn into an international incident when Nina’s power broker uncle and a pair of secret agents from China show up to turn the screws on Jake. Soon after that his friends start disappearing. With the Chinese government leaning on him and The Norwegian out to settle an old score, Jake comes up with a desperate plan to dupe the secret agents, save his friends, and (why not?) solve the murder.

  Editorial Reviews:

“…takes the reader on a fast, furious, and often hilarious tour. Watching him zigzag through the twisting plot is pure pleasure.” – Publisher’s Weekly

“Reed’s lively mystery debut may be overloaded with colorful characters and tricky subplots, but too much of a good thing is still a good thing.” – Kirkus Reviews

“…definitely belongs on your short list of amiable stoner sleuths, along with Bart Schneider’s Augie Boyer and Hal Ackerman’s Harry Stein. The dark-comedy aspect of this debut will also appeal to fans of Chris Knopf, David Freed, and Tim Cockey.” – Booklist

  Book Details:

Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Humor Published by: Poisoned Pen Press Publication Date: July 3, 2018 Number of Pages: 238 ISBN: 1464210055 (ISBN13: 9781464210051) Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | IndieBound

  Read an excerpt:

I was just starting to enjoy the party when The Norwegian came out of the bathroom and ruined everything.

At the time, I was dancing with a hyperkinetic yoga enthusiast named Windy. Or possibly Mindy. All attempts at verbal communication were being swallowed up by the blizzard of techno coming out of the forty thousand dollar stereo system. Which was fine by me since I didn’t imagine Windy-Mindy and I had all that much to talk about anyway.

She looked about a decade younger than me — clocking in somewhere south of thirty — and it was manifestly evident that her lifestyle choices were largely antagonistic to my own. Shrink-wrapped in Lululemon, Windy-Mindy radiated health and vigor as she bounced around in fuchsia Nikes performing an ode to the benefits of healthy living expressed through the medium of interpretive dance.

Exhausted by the spectacle, I took a breather and another belt of Woodford Reserve. In an attempt to bridge the cultural divide I waggled the bottle at Windy-Mindy, inquiring with my eyebrows. Her brow furrowed but the corners of her mouth did curl up slightly — one patronizing, the other amused. Or so the bourbon whispered to me.

It may have been correct because she countered by proffering her own bottle — the blue-tinted plastic kind that hikers and college students liked to clip to their backpacks. In her other hand were two small white tablets, which I lip-read to be Vitamin C.

I shrugged and swallowed.

The contents of the bottle turned out to be wheatgrass and champagne, a combination that tasted even worse than it sounded. I forgave Windy-Mindy when the vitamins started coming on about twenty minutes later. Every cell in my body began sending my brain a jubilant message of thanks and goodwill, as well as suggesting, by the way, that they wouldn’t mind getting to know every cell in Windy-Mindy’s body if the opportunity should arise.

This wasn’t my usual kind of trip and it made me suspect two things: (1) The tablets probably weren’t Vitamin C and (2) if Windy-Mindy was on the same ride, it might explain her unlikely but undeniable interest in me.

Another possibility was that she had heard I was Jake Constable, a.k.a. the host of the party. From there she might have leapt to the not-unreasonable conclusion that the twenty million dollar mansion in which the festivities were taking place was also mine. Which was true, in a very temporary but excruciatingly legal sense.

The actual owner of the house, Mickey Wu, had hired me to look after it while he was out of town. For most of the evening, my flagrant abuse of this responsibility had precluded me from enjoying the party. Which was too bad since it was turning into a real killer.

The place was mobbed with people, an undeniable relief in those early evening “will it happen?” moments, but now a source of concern. I took it as a matter of faith that the front door was still on its hinges as I hadn’t seen it close in hours. On the mezzanine, a velour-clad DJ was hunched over a laptop and two turntables, conjuring up humongous bass beats and mixing them with everything from sirens to symphonies. The crowd was loving it, up and moving on every available horizontal surface including the dining room table, much to the annoyance of the people clustered around it hoovering up lines of white powder.

When an albino wearing a lime green speedo and an impish grin threaded his way through the crowd on a Vespa I found myself on the verge of questioning whether the party had been such a brilliant idea after all. He was travelling at a reasonable speed and using his horn judiciously but I still couldn’t shake that harbinger-of-ill-fate feeling.

At least until I discovered Windy-Mindy and her narcotic vitamins. After that, I was blissfully surfing the moment, my worries gone and my eyes inexorably drawn to her endless curves as they took on a cotton candy glow. I frowned and shook my head, but the effect persisted.

I spent long, increasingly paranoid moments pondering whether an admixture of wheatgrass and champagne could give bourbon hallucinogenic properties until I noticed the sun winking at me from behind the skyscrapers of downtown Vancouver through the window behind her. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping to banish this unwelcome party crasher. When I opened them, the sun was eclipsed by another — The Norwegian.

My first impulse was to go over and hug him, but I knew that was only Windy-Mindy’s vitamins messing with my amygdala. My second impulse was to run.

It had been almost three years since I had seen my former business partner, and he hadn’t changed a bit. The ornate black leather trench coat and vaguely Druidic hairstyle would have been comical on a smaller man less prone to violence. As he loomed over the crowd I tried to disappear within it. We hadn’t parted on the best of terms.

I had brought him in on a deal that had started as a hobby for me, a way to use the inheritance I received from my grandfather — a couple acres of land on Hornby Island and a green thumb. Granddad grew prize-winning heirloom tomatoes there. People loved his tomatoes. I preferred marijuana. As did my friends, and their friends, and so on.

When I terminated our partnership, The Norwegian kept three hundred thousand dollars of my money and I kept my kneecaps, which seemed like a fair distribution of assets at the time. Deprived of “Granddad’s Ganja”, The Norwegian moved into harder drugs and I moved into a converted loft in a post-industrial neighbourhood in East Vancouver. I spent money, threw parties, started dating my real estate agent, wrote a screenplay, shredded a screenplay, married my real estate agent, spent the last of my money, got divorced by my real estate agent, became mildly depressed, and began perusing community college course catalogs. I was a phone call away from signing up for a denturist training program when my ex-wife/realtor lined me up with house sitting gigs for her wealthy clients.

Clients like Mickey Wu, in whose house The Norwegian was now standing. He was nonplussed when he spotted me. Then his face lit up with the expression of affected innocence that always accompanied his most heinous acts.

My pocket vibrated. I dug out my phone to find a text from Richard.

there’s a dead guy in the bathroom 🙁

I stared at the phone. Then I stared across the room at the bathroom door. The Norwegian was no longer standing in front of it. He had been replaced by Richard, who was staring back at me with an expression of genuine innocence and barely controlled panic.

***

Excerpt from The Chairman’s Toys by Graham Reed. Copyright © 2018 by Graham Reed. Reproduced with permission from Graham Reed. All rights reserved.

  Author Bio:

Graham Reed is an award-winning author of crime fiction who lives on a small island in the Salish Sea with is wife and two children.

Catch Up With Graham Reed On: grahamreed.info & Goodreads

  Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!

  GIVEAWAY:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Graham Reed. There will be 1 winner of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card. The giveaway begins on August 1, 2018 and runs through September 1, 2018. Void where prohibited.

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  Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

 </h

SUMMER OF MYSTERY BLOG TOUR – The Chairman’s Toys was originally published on the Wordpress version of The Pulp and Mystery Shelf with Shannon Muir

[cynthiajayusa]

What’s Hot Central Florida: January 2018

Sunday, December 31

The Parliament House features Peppermint and Bob The Drag Queen live from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8 and 9. Tickets are $20 in advance and they also have a $75 VIP Meet and Greet option. The Footlight players will be performing at 10p.m. and 12a.m., as well as comedian Julie Goldman in her stand up “Balls Dropped” at 7:30p.m.

Amalie Arena presents Jim Gaffigan in his stand up tour “Contagious. “Jim Gaffigan is a Grammy nominated comedian, New York Times best-selling author, top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling father of five. He recently wrapped the first season of his semi-fictitious television show, The Jim Gaffigan Show, which TV Land picked up for a second season and premieres this summer. The series, lauded by The Los Angeles Times as “Fun and Funny,” and People Magazine as “One of Summer TV’s bright spots. The Show starts at 7:30p.m. and tickets are: $32, $46 and $66.

Southern Nights Tampa & Southern Nights Orlando invites everyone to ring in the New Year with them as they feature a $15 all you can drink Wells (includes cover) with UPGRADES available for Call and Top Shelf. They will also feature a Balloon Drop, Champagne Toast at Midnight, Drag Shows and Go-Go dancers throughout the Night!

Wena’s Show Bar presents: Chicago The Musical FULL Production with one continuous show starting at 11p.m. featuring the entire cast of Wena’s: Bobbie Lake, Conundrum, Kaotica Divine, Vyn Suazion, Juno Vibranz, Kathryn Nevets, Crystle Chambers, Jakie St. James, Slayter Steele, De Delovely & Alec St. James! They will also feature a Champagne toast at midnight with a buffet too!

CFE Arena presents Kevin Hart in his “The Irresponsible Tour” at 7p.m. with tickets starting at $69.50. The show will feature new material from the comedy superstar! 2017 has been a banner year for Hart; his memoir I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons debuted at number one on the New York Times Bestseller list.  To close 2017, Kevin is appearing in the Sony reboot of the classic film Jumanji alongside Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black.

The Flamingo resort presents “Las Vegas Style Casino” with Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold-Em Poker, Big Wheel, and slot machines from 9p.m. to midnight. They will feature prizes for the top three players of the night. They will also feature a show at 11:30p.m. hosted by Iman and featuring the Blu Theater players, firework displays, DJs all day and male entertainers.

Bradley’s on 7th opens at 2:30p.m, and features a Parade Viewing Party at 4p.m., DJ Bruce Devery from 4-10-p.m., DJ Charles Machado from 10p.m.-3a.m. in the video bar,  DJ Steve Vaughn from 10p.m. to 3a.m. in the dance bar, show times at 11:30p.m, and 1:15a.m. Starring Tiffany Arieagus, Jaeda Fuentes, Hori Stevens and Felicity Lane, a live countdown from Times Square, a Champagne Toast at midnight, party favors, Bradley’s boys all night and no cover!

Tuesday, January 2

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents School of Rock from Jan 2 – 7. School Of Rock is a New York Times Critics’ Pick and “An Inspiring Jolt Of Energy, Joy And mad Skillz!” (Entertainment Weekly). Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage. Vanity Fair raves, “Fists Of All Ages Shall Be Pumping!” Tickets start at $45.

Southern Nights Orlando presents their Twisted Tuesday Grand Finale, where all of your Twisted Tuesday Final Winners will come back to compete for the Ultimate Prize….. $500 CASH, a Twisted Tuesday Trophy and a Tuesday Cast Position for a Year.  Winner is chosen by Audience Applause and a Panel of Judges. This exciting event features the music of DJ Melvin Sledge, is hosted by Axel Andrews with Kaija-adonis, MrMs Adrian and honors the 2016 Grand Finale Winner Mystree Hugga.  No cover before 11pm 21+ (18+ Welcomed).

Wendesday, January 3

Southern Nights Tampa presents their “So You Think You Can Drag” Semi Finals with a Candy land theme and hosted by Jade Embers & Gia Banks! The night will also feature Season 2 winner Artty.  They invite you to watch all previous winner compete for the $250 cash prize and a booking at Swank Saturdays.  No cover 21+ (18+ Welcomed).

Thursday, January 4

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White who first rose to fame as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon, but now as a chart-topping Grammy-nominated comedian and a feature film actor. Ron White has established himself as a star in his own right. White has always been a classic storyteller. His stories relay tales from his real life, ranging from growing up in a small town in Texas to sharing stories of his daily life to becoming one of the most successful comedians in America. All 4 of his comedy albums charted #1 on the Billboard Comedy Charts. He has sold over 14 million albums, and has been nominated for two Grammys. Tickets start at $41.

Friday, January 5

Southern Nights Tampa is celebrating the 6th anniversary of NeiBEARhood Takeover with the theme: “Revenge Of The Sixth” (A Star Wars/Si-Fi Fetish Event) staring DJ JB Burgos. The night will also feature a 1 a.m. costume contest. There is no cover before 10p.m. and this is a 21+ only event!

Saturday, January 6

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder today at 8p.m. and Sunday January 7 at 3 p.m.  Getting away with murder can be so much fun… and there is no better proof than this knock-‘em-dead hit show.  A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder is the winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Musical, and tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by eliminating the eight pesky relatives who stand in his way. All the while, Monty juggles his mistress (after more than just love), his fiancée (his cousin but who’s keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! The Hollywood Reporter raves, “Gentleman’s Guide restores our faith in musical comedy.” Tickets start at $51.

Tuesday, January 9

Orlando’s Amway Center presents Shakira in her El Dorado World Tour at 7:30p.m. with tickets starting at $47.50. Over the course of Shakira’s career, the Colombian singer-songwriter has sold over 60 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards including two Grammys, eight Latin Grammys, and several World Music Awards, American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. She is also the only South American artist to have a number one song in the U.S., and has had four of the 20 top-selling hits of the last decade.

Thursday, January 11

Southern Nights Tampa presents their annual “Turnabout,” a benefit for Metro Wellness & Community Centers. Thy invite you to watch as your favorite staff members perform in DRAG! Doors Open at 8pm $5 Suggested Donation (18+ Welcomed) with ShowTime at 9pm hosted by: Jade Embers with Gia Banks.

Friday, January 12

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents Forever Plaid from today until March 11 with tickets starting at $42. When four young singers are killed in a car crash, they posthumously take the stage for one final gig in this goofy, 1950’s nostalgia trip. This deliciously fun revue is chock-full of classic barbershop quartet harmonies and pitch-perfect melodies! Singing in close harmony, squabbling boyishly and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with overzealous precision, the Plaids are a guaranteed smash, with a program of beloved songs that keep audiences rolling in the aisles when they’re not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the 1950s.

Saturday, January 13

The Parliament House presents, direct from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9, and making her Orlando debut: AJA. Doors open at 8pm. Shows with the Foolight Players and Aja at 10p.m. & 12a.m. General Admission sold at the door only. VIP/Photo Op tickets are on sale now. 18+ welcome.

Sunday, January 14 The Parliament House presents April Fresh’s Comedy Brunch Buffet featuring a delicious brunch buffet which begins at 12pm with the show beginning at 1pm featuring: April, Sorcha Mercy, and Alexi Leigh. Brunch Buffet- $19.99 (18+); Brunch Buffet with bottomless mimosas – $29.99 (21+).

Wednesday, January 17

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents Chita & Tune: Just In Time, which is a unique concert event that pairs two of Broadway’s most celebrated legends. Chita Rivera and Tommy Tune collectively have won 12 Tony Awards and this iconic Broadway coupling is guaranteed to dazzle you! Chita has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical and received eight additional Tony nominations. Tommy has been honored with 10 Tony Awards recognizing him as an outstanding performer, choreographer, and director. The stars will showcase the artistry and history that has made them stars of the Great White Way and beyond.  The duo will be accompanied by a trio of superb Broadway musicians.  The show starts at 8p.m. with tickets starting at $26.

Thursday, January 18

Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts in association with AEG presents Jake Owen in The Good Company Tour at 8p.m. Jake Owen has had six No. 1 singles to date – the 2X Platinum anthem “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” Platinum-certified hits “Beachin’,” “Anywhere with You,” “Alone with You” and “The One That Got Away” plus Gold-certified “American Country Love Song.” The RCA Nashville recording artist recently released his fifth studio album, American Love, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. The Vero Beach, FL native is well known for his high-energy performances and laid-back style. Tickets: start at $35.

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents…..It’s not a concert…it’s a party!   Spend a nostalgic evening saluting 3 of the world’s most beloved musical groups who were instrumental in creating the Rock & Roll/Doo Wop sound: Cornell Gunter’s Coasters (Charlie Brown, Yakety Yak); The Platters featuring 4 of America’s premier singers performing their greatest hits (Only You, The Great Pretender); and The Drifters, one of Rock & Roll’s founding vocal groups with their 50 year catalog of hits (Under the Boardwalk, This Magic Moment).  This show, which starts at 8p.m. has songs to please every palate, delivered just the way you remember them, when you first heard them on the radio! Tickets start at $26.

Friday, January 19

Riverdance: 20th Anniversary Tour plays both the Straz Center for the performing Arts (Jan 19-21; tickets start at $35.25) and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Jan 26-28; tickets start at $34.25). Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland – in rock, music, theatre and film – nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour is composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan, and comes directly to North America from a sold out run across Europe and Asia.

Orlando’s Amway Center presents Miranda Lambert in her “Livin’ Like Hippies Tour” at 7p.m. with tickets starting at $39.75. The Livin’ Like Hippies Tour receives its name from the lyrics of Lambert’s aptly titled song “Highway Vagabond” which appears on The Nerve side of Lambert’s 24-song, double album, The Weight Of These Wings.The new album, The Weight Of These Wings, is the Texas native’s sixth studio album and since its release in November 2016 the record has been certified Platinum by the RIAA, spawned two Grammy Award nominations for its lead single “Vice,” been awarded the ACM Album of the Year, and most recently racked up FIVE nominations for Lambert at the upcoming CMA Awards including a coveted Album of the Year nod.

Sunday, January 21

The Flamingo resort presents the Mr. and Miss Flamingo Pageant honoring Kenya Black and Johnny Sparks (Mr. and Miss Flamingo 2017). The pageant starts at 6p.m. with the categories: Presentation, Swimwear, Talent, Formal Wear and Q&A. For contestant info contact Jon@FlamingoFLA.com.

Thursday, January 25

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents the iconic Paul Anka. The legendary singer/songwriter, one of the biggest teen idols of the late ‘50’s, is an ever-popular performer at the Van Wezel. With well over 500 songs to his credit, the most memorable being “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” “My Way” and the famous theme from “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” Paul is the only artist in history to have a song in the Billboard Top 100 during seven separate decades. His concert starts at 8p.m. and tickets start at $81.

Friday, January 26

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents Masters of Illusion, America’s largest touring magic show. They return with their “Believe the Impossible” tour! Nothing beats the experience of seeing a magic show in person. You will see grand illusions, levitating women, appearances, vanishes, escapes, comedy, magic, sleight of hand and beautiful dancers all rolled up into one live show! Only the best, most unique, amusing, astounding and amazing performers have been chosen to perform in this huge stage phenomenon. The show starts at 7p.m. with tickets starting at only $21.

Saturday, January 27

Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts added a second show at 10p.m. for Trevor Noah, who was the most successful comedian in Africa and is the host of the Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central. This year “The Daily Show” was nominated for a Writers Guild Award (Comedy/Variety Series). Noah also recently won Best Host at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards, as well as a Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Variety Series for his hosting role on “The Daily Show – Between The Scenes.” He joined “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” in 2014 as a contributor. In February 2017 Noah debuted his 9th comedy special “Afraid of the Dark” on Netflix. Tickets start at $39.50.

Monday, January 29

Dr. Phillips Center for the Perfroming Arts in association with Bill Blumenreich presents Vice President Joe Biden: American Promise Tour. Joe Biden has always believed that when given a chance, ordinary people can do extraordinary things. As a scrappy kid from Scranton who rose to the Office of Vice President, he is no exception. During his 45 years of public service, one of Vice President Biden’s greatest strengths has been his ability to bring people together, even in crisis, even across difficult divides, all the while, respecting everybody at the table. Pre-Sale tickets start at: $68 (VIP Package: $325) and includes a copy of Vice President Joe Biden’s new memoir, Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose.

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents the Magic of Adam Trent. Direct from Broadway, Adam Trent, the breakout star of the world’s best-selling magic show The Illusionists, brings his signature brand of magic and illusion to this nonstop spectacle. The Magic of Adam Trent is an immersive entertainment extravaganza of magic, comedy and music perfect for the entire family. Don’t miss the next generation of magic! Tickets start at $45.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2017/12/26/whats-hot-central-florida-january-2018/ from Hot Spots Magazine http://hotspotsmagazin.blogspot.com/2017/12/whats-hot-central-florida-january-2018.html

[demitgibbs]

What’s Hot Central Florida: January 2018

Sunday, December 31

The Parliament House features Peppermint and Bob The Drag Queen live from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8 and 9. Tickets are $20 in advance and they also have a $75 VIP Meet and Greet option. The Footlight players will be performing at 10p.m. and 12a.m., as well as comedian Julie Goldman in her stand up “Balls Dropped” at 7:30p.m.

Amalie Arena presents Jim Gaffigan in his stand up tour “Contagious. “Jim Gaffigan is a Grammy nominated comedian, New York Times best-selling author, top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling father of five. He recently wrapped the first season of his semi-fictitious television show, The Jim Gaffigan Show, which TV Land picked up for a second season and premieres this summer. The series, lauded by The Los Angeles Times as “Fun and Funny,” and People Magazine as “One of Summer TV’s bright spots. The Show starts at 7:30p.m. and tickets are: $32, $46 and $66.

Southern Nights Tampa & Southern Nights Orlando invites everyone to ring in the New Year with them as they feature a $15 all you can drink Wells (includes cover) with UPGRADES available for Call and Top Shelf. They will also feature a Balloon Drop, Champagne Toast at Midnight, Drag Shows and Go-Go dancers throughout the Night!

Wena’s Show Bar presents: Chicago The Musical FULL Production with one continuous show starting at 11p.m. featuring the entire cast of Wena’s: Bobbie Lake, Conundrum, Kaotica Divine, Vyn Suazion, Juno Vibranz, Kathryn Nevets, Crystle Chambers, Jakie St. James, Slayter Steele, De Delovely & Alec St. James! They will also feature a Champagne toast at midnight with a buffet too!

CFE Arena presents Kevin Hart in his “The Irresponsible Tour” at 7p.m. with tickets starting at $69.50. The show will feature new material from the comedy superstar! 2017 has been a banner year for Hart; his memoir I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons debuted at number one on the New York Times Bestseller list.  To close 2017, Kevin is appearing in the Sony reboot of the classic film Jumanji alongside Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black.

The Flamingo resort presents “Las Vegas Style Casino” with Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold-Em Poker, Big Wheel, and slot machines from 9p.m. to midnight. They will feature prizes for the top three players of the night. They will also feature a show at 11:30p.m. hosted by Iman and featuring the Blu Theater players, firework displays, DJs all day and male entertainers.

Bradley’s on 7th opens at 2:30p.m, and features a Parade Viewing Party at 4p.m., DJ Bruce Devery from 4-10-p.m., DJ Charles Machado from 10p.m.-3a.m. in the video bar,  DJ Steve Vaughn from 10p.m. to 3a.m. in the dance bar, show times at 11:30p.m, and 1:15a.m. Starring Tiffany Arieagus, Jaeda Fuentes, Hori Stevens and Felicity Lane, a live countdown from Times Square, a Champagne Toast at midnight, party favors, Bradley’s boys all night and no cover!

Tuesday, January 2

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents School of Rock from Jan 2 – 7. School Of Rock is a New York Times Critics’ Pick and “An Inspiring Jolt Of Energy, Joy And mad Skillz!” (Entertainment Weekly). Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage. Vanity Fair raves, “Fists Of All Ages Shall Be Pumping!” Tickets start at $45.

Southern Nights Orlando presents their Twisted Tuesday Grand Finale, where all of your Twisted Tuesday Final Winners will come back to compete for the Ultimate Prize….. $500 CASH, a Twisted Tuesday Trophy and a Tuesday Cast Position for a Year.  Winner is chosen by Audience Applause and a Panel of Judges. This exciting event features the music of DJ Melvin Sledge, is hosted by Axel Andrews with Kaija-adonis, MrMs Adrian and honors the 2016 Grand Finale Winner Mystree Hugga.  No cover before 11pm 21+ (18+ Welcomed).

Wendesday, January 3

Southern Nights Tampa presents their “So You Think You Can Drag” Semi Finals with a Candy land theme and hosted by Jade Embers & Gia Banks! The night will also feature Season 2 winner Artty.  They invite you to watch all previous winner compete for the $250 cash prize and a booking at Swank Saturdays.  No cover 21+ (18+ Welcomed).

Thursday, January 4

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White who first rose to fame as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon, but now as a chart-topping Grammy-nominated comedian and a feature film actor. Ron White has established himself as a star in his own right. White has always been a classic storyteller. His stories relay tales from his real life, ranging from growing up in a small town in Texas to sharing stories of his daily life to becoming one of the most successful comedians in America. All 4 of his comedy albums charted #1 on the Billboard Comedy Charts. He has sold over 14 million albums, and has been nominated for two Grammys. Tickets start at $41.

Friday, January 5

Southern Nights Tampa is celebrating the 6th anniversary of NeiBEARhood Takeover with the theme: “Revenge Of The Sixth” (A Star Wars/Si-Fi Fetish Event) staring DJ JB Burgos. The night will also feature a 1 a.m. costume contest. There is no cover before 10p.m. and this is a 21+ only event!

Saturday, January 6

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder today at 8p.m. and Sunday January 7 at 3 p.m.  Getting away with murder can be so much fun… and there is no better proof than this knock-‘em-dead hit show.  A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder is the winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Musical, and tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by eliminating the eight pesky relatives who stand in his way. All the while, Monty juggles his mistress (after more than just love), his fiancée (his cousin but who’s keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! The Hollywood Reporter raves, “Gentleman’s Guide restores our faith in musical comedy.” Tickets start at $51.

Tuesday, January 9

Orlando’s Amway Center presents Shakira in her El Dorado World Tour at 7:30p.m. with tickets starting at $47.50. Over the course of Shakira’s career, the Colombian singer-songwriter has sold over 60 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards including two Grammys, eight Latin Grammys, and several World Music Awards, American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. She is also the only South American artist to have a number one song in the U.S., and has had four of the 20 top-selling hits of the last decade.

Thursday, January 11

Southern Nights Tampa presents their annual “Turnabout,” a benefit for Metro Wellness & Community Centers. Thy invite you to watch as your favorite staff members perform in DRAG! Doors Open at 8pm $5 Suggested Donation (18+ Welcomed) with ShowTime at 9pm hosted by: Jade Embers with Gia Banks.

Friday, January 12

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents Forever Plaid from today until March 11 with tickets starting at $42. When four young singers are killed in a car crash, they posthumously take the stage for one final gig in this goofy, 1950’s nostalgia trip. This deliciously fun revue is chock-full of classic barbershop quartet harmonies and pitch-perfect melodies! Singing in close harmony, squabbling boyishly and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with overzealous precision, the Plaids are a guaranteed smash, with a program of beloved songs that keep audiences rolling in the aisles when they’re not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the 1950s.

Saturday, January 13

The Parliament House presents, direct from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9, and making her Orlando debut: AJA. Doors open at 8pm. Shows with the Foolight Players and Aja at 10p.m. & 12a.m. General Admission sold at the door only. VIP/Photo Op tickets are on sale now. 18+ welcome.

Sunday, January 14 The Parliament House presents April Fresh’s Comedy Brunch Buffet featuring a delicious brunch buffet which begins at 12pm with the show beginning at 1pm featuring: April, Sorcha Mercy, and Alexi Leigh. Brunch Buffet- $19.99 (18+); Brunch Buffet with bottomless mimosas – $29.99 (21+).

Wednesday, January 17

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents Chita & Tune: Just In Time, which is a unique concert event that pairs two of Broadway’s most celebrated legends. Chita Rivera and Tommy Tune collectively have won 12 Tony Awards and this iconic Broadway coupling is guaranteed to dazzle you! Chita has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical and received eight additional Tony nominations. Tommy has been honored with 10 Tony Awards recognizing him as an outstanding performer, choreographer, and director. The stars will showcase the artistry and history that has made them stars of the Great White Way and beyond.  The duo will be accompanied by a trio of superb Broadway musicians.  The show starts at 8p.m. with tickets starting at $26.

Thursday, January 18

Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts in association with AEG presents Jake Owen in The Good Company Tour at 8p.m. Jake Owen has had six No. 1 singles to date – the 2X Platinum anthem “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” Platinum-certified hits “Beachin’,” “Anywhere with You,” “Alone with You” and “The One That Got Away” plus Gold-certified “American Country Love Song.” The RCA Nashville recording artist recently released his fifth studio album, American Love, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. The Vero Beach, FL native is well known for his high-energy performances and laid-back style. Tickets: start at $35.

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents…..It’s not a concert…it’s a party!   Spend a nostalgic evening saluting 3 of the world’s most beloved musical groups who were instrumental in creating the Rock & Roll/Doo Wop sound: Cornell Gunter’s Coasters (Charlie Brown, Yakety Yak); The Platters featuring 4 of America’s premier singers performing their greatest hits (Only You, The Great Pretender); and The Drifters, one of Rock & Roll’s founding vocal groups with their 50 year catalog of hits (Under the Boardwalk, This Magic Moment).  This show, which starts at 8p.m. has songs to please every palate, delivered just the way you remember them, when you first heard them on the radio! Tickets start at $26.

Friday, January 19

Riverdance: 20th Anniversary Tour plays both the Straz Center for the performing Arts (Jan 19-21; tickets start at $35.25) and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Jan 26-28; tickets start at $34.25). Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland – in rock, music, theatre and film – nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour is composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan, and comes directly to North America from a sold out run across Europe and Asia.

Orlando’s Amway Center presents Miranda Lambert in her “Livin’ Like Hippies Tour” at 7p.m. with tickets starting at $39.75. The Livin’ Like Hippies Tour receives its name from the lyrics of Lambert’s aptly titled song “Highway Vagabond” which appears on The Nerve side of Lambert’s 24-song, double album, The Weight Of These Wings.The new album, The Weight Of These Wings, is the Texas native’s sixth studio album and since its release in November 2016 the record has been certified Platinum by the RIAA, spawned two Grammy Award nominations for its lead single “Vice,” been awarded the ACM Album of the Year, and most recently racked up FIVE nominations for Lambert at the upcoming CMA Awards including a coveted Album of the Year nod.

Sunday, January 21

The Flamingo resort presents the Mr. and Miss Flamingo Pageant honoring Kenya Black and Johnny Sparks (Mr. and Miss Flamingo 2017). The pageant starts at 6p.m. with the categories: Presentation, Swimwear, Talent, Formal Wear and Q&A. For contestant info contact Jon@FlamingoFLA.com.

Thursday, January 25

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents the iconic Paul Anka. The legendary singer/songwriter, one of the biggest teen idols of the late ‘50’s, is an ever-popular performer at the Van Wezel. With well over 500 songs to his credit, the most memorable being “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” “My Way” and the famous theme from “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” Paul is the only artist in history to have a song in the Billboard Top 100 during seven separate decades. His concert starts at 8p.m. and tickets start at $81.

Friday, January 26

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents Masters of Illusion, America’s largest touring magic show. They return with their “Believe the Impossible” tour! Nothing beats the experience of seeing a magic show in person. You will see grand illusions, levitating women, appearances, vanishes, escapes, comedy, magic, sleight of hand and beautiful dancers all rolled up into one live show! Only the best, most unique, amusing, astounding and amazing performers have been chosen to perform in this huge stage phenomenon. The show starts at 7p.m. with tickets starting at only $21.

Saturday, January 27

Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts added a second show at 10p.m. for Trevor Noah, who was the most successful comedian in Africa and is the host of the Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central. This year “The Daily Show” was nominated for a Writers Guild Award (Comedy/Variety Series). Noah also recently won Best Host at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards, as well as a Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Variety Series for his hosting role on “The Daily Show – Between The Scenes.” He joined “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” in 2014 as a contributor. In February 2017 Noah debuted his 9th comedy special “Afraid of the Dark” on Netflix. Tickets start at $39.50.

Monday, January 29

Dr. Phillips Center for the Perfroming Arts in association with Bill Blumenreich presents Vice President Joe Biden: American Promise Tour. Joe Biden has always believed that when given a chance, ordinary people can do extraordinary things. As a scrappy kid from Scranton who rose to the Office of Vice President, he is no exception. During his 45 years of public service, one of Vice President Biden’s greatest strengths has been his ability to bring people together, even in crisis, even across difficult divides, all the while, respecting everybody at the table. Pre-Sale tickets start at: $68 (VIP Package: $325) and includes a copy of Vice President Joe Biden’s new memoir, Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose.

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents the Magic of Adam Trent. Direct from Broadway, Adam Trent, the breakout star of the world’s best-selling magic show The Illusionists, brings his signature brand of magic and illusion to this nonstop spectacle. The Magic of Adam Trent is an immersive entertainment extravaganza of magic, comedy and music perfect for the entire family. Don’t miss the next generation of magic! Tickets start at $45.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2017/12/26/whats-hot-central-florida-january-2018/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.tumblr.com/post/168964670015

[wherewhereare]

STL 2020

Last Updated October 17, 2020

[PH] = Place Holder

~~~~~~~~~~~

January

~~~~~~~~~~~

TUE:   Jan 01: New Year's Day

SAT:   Jan 04: Jen’s Birthday

MON:  Jan 13: Anniversary of Blake’s father’s death.

[PH] TUE: Jan 08: ?? Opry Duck Hunt

[PH] SUN:        Jan 19-16: Season 18 Voice Battle Rounds Tape

MON: Jan 20: MLK Day – No School

SAT:   Jan 25: Blake performs at The Grand Theater- Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma. [Link]

THU & FRI: Jan 30 & 31: No School – Parent/Teacher Conference

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

February

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Feb 2020 The Voice Season 18 Premiere

[PH] First week of Feb Season 18 Knockouts taped

FRI:    Feb 07: Gwen LV Residency

SAT:   Feb 08: Gwen LV Residency

[PH] MON:       Feb 10: XXst Annual Grammy Awards

WED: Feb 12: Gwen LV Residency

FRI:    Feb 14:

----- Valentine's Day

----- Gwen LV Residency

SAT:   Feb 15: Gwen LV Residency

MON: Feb 17: President's Day Observed – No School

WED: Feb 19: Gwen LV Residency

WED: Feb 19 – 21: 2020 Country Radio Seminar

[PH] THU:        Feb 20: ACM nominations announced

FRI:    Feb 21: Gwen LV Residency

SAT:   Feb 22: Gwen LV Residency

MON:  Feb 24: Patti's Birthday

FRI:    Feb 28: Apollo's Birthday (2014)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

March

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SUN: Mar 01:

----- Todd's Birthday

----- Endy’s Birthday

FRI:    Mar 20 to Apr 12: Boy’s Spring Break. Classes resume Mon, Apr 13.

FRI:    Mar 27, 28, 29: Gwen - Lollapalooza Chile: [Link]

FRI:    Mar 27, 28, 29: Gwen - Lollapalooza Argentina: [Link] 

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

April

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FRI:    Apr 3, 4, 5: Gwen - Lollapalooza Brazil: [Link]

[PH] SAT: Apr 06 to 06 May: OK Spring Turkey Hunting Season

[PH] SUN: Apr 07: 54th Annual ACM Awards in LV

MON: Apr 13: Classes resume.

FRI:    Apr 17: “Trolls 2: Trolls World Tour” is released.  Gwen will be providing the voice for DJ Suki, the Trolls’ resident disk jockey as she did in the original movie.

THU:  Apr 30 & May 1: No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences

  (Bush Dates) – 3 AU, 4 AU, 5 AU, 9 AU, 11 AU, 12 AU, 13 AU, 15 AU, 17 AU, 18 AU, 19 AU

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

May

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FRI:    May 01: Gwen LV Residency

SAT:   May 02: Gwen LV Residency

[PH] WED:       May 06: Oklahoma Turkey Season Ends

WED: May 06: Gwen LV Residency

FRI:    May 08: Gwen LV Residency

SAT:   May 09: Gwen LV Residency

WED: May 13: Gwen LV Residency

FRI:    May 15: Gwen LV Residency

SAT:   May 16: Gwen LV Residency

TUE:  May 26: Kingston’s Birthday (2006)

MON:  May 25: Memorial Day Observed – No School.

~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

June

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FRI:    Jun 05: Todd and Jen’s Wedding Anniversary.

[PH] THU:        Jun 06-09: CMA Festival Nashville

[PH] TUE:        Jun 11 – 12: Last day of School for the Boys.????

TUE:  Jun 16: Father’s Day

WED: Jun 17: Eric’s Birthday

THU:  Jun 18:

----- Blake’s birthday

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

July

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FRI:    Jul 03: Independence Day Observed

SAT:   Jul 04: Dennis Stefani's Birthday

THU:  Jul 09:  [Thirteen now] “Twelve years ago today Blake apprehended a thief at his uncle's home in Ada, OK.  He held the man until police arrived and arrested him.” [Tweet].

THU:   Jul 30 – Aug 02: ???-  Lollapalooza 2020.  [Link]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

August

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FRI:    Aug 21: Zuma’s Birthday

          [PH] ----- The Academy of Country Music annual ACM Honors ceremony

[PH] Aug 28: Boy’s first day of School

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

September

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MON:  Sep 07: Labor Day Observed – No School

[PH] MON:       Sep 30: No School

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

October

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[PH] THU:  Oct 01: Deer Archery OK to Jan 15

  SAT:   Oct 03: Gwen's Birthday

TUE:   Oct 06:  Stella’s Birthday

SAT:   Oct 31: Halloween

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

November

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FRI:    Nov 13: Anniversary of the Death of Blake’s brother Richie. November 13, 1990

WED: Nov 11: Veterans Day Observed – No School

[PH] SUN:  Nov 15:  People’s Choice Awards 2020

[PH] SUN: 22 Nov:  American Music Awards.

[PH] Nov 27 to Dec 01: Boys, Thanksgiving Break, no school

THU:  Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day Observed

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

December

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[PH] 21 Dec to Jan 06: Boys Christmas Break (Classes resume Tuesday, 07 Jan 19)

THU:  24 Dec: Christmas Eve

FRI:    25 Dec: Christmas Day Observed

THU:  31 Dec: New Year’s Eve.

[hotspotsmagazine]

What’s Hot Central Florida: January 2018

Sunday, December 31

The Parliament House features Peppermint and Bob The Drag Queen live from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8 and 9. Tickets are $20 in advance and they also have a $75 VIP Meet and Greet option. The Footlight players will be performing at 10p.m. and 12a.m., as well as comedian Julie Goldman in her stand up “Balls Dropped” at 7:30p.m.

Amalie Arena presents Jim Gaffigan in his stand up tour “Contagious. “Jim Gaffigan is a Grammy nominated comedian, New York Times best-selling author, top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling father of five. He recently wrapped the first season of his semi-fictitious television show, The Jim Gaffigan Show, which TV Land picked up for a second season and premieres this summer. The series, lauded by The Los Angeles Times as “Fun and Funny,” and People Magazine as “One of Summer TV’s bright spots. The Show starts at 7:30p.m. and tickets are: $32, $46 and $66.

Southern Nights Tampa & Southern Nights Orlando invites everyone to ring in the New Year with them as they feature a $15 all you can drink Wells (includes cover) with UPGRADES available for Call and Top Shelf. They will also feature a Balloon Drop, Champagne Toast at Midnight, Drag Shows and Go-Go dancers throughout the Night!

Wena’s Show Bar presents: Chicago The Musical FULL Production with one continuous show starting at 11p.m. featuring the entire cast of Wena’s: Bobbie Lake, Conundrum, Kaotica Divine, Vyn Suazion, Juno Vibranz, Kathryn Nevets, Crystle Chambers, Jakie St. James, Slayter Steele, De Delovely & Alec St. James! They will also feature a Champagne toast at midnight with a buffet too!

CFE Arena presents Kevin Hart in his “The Irresponsible Tour” at 7p.m. with tickets starting at $69.50. The show will feature new material from the comedy superstar! 2017 has been a banner year for Hart; his memoir I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons debuted at number one on the New York Times Bestseller list.  To close 2017, Kevin is appearing in the Sony reboot of the classic film Jumanji alongside Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black.

The Flamingo resort presents “Las Vegas Style Casino” with Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold-Em Poker, Big Wheel, and slot machines from 9p.m. to midnight. They will feature prizes for the top three players of the night. They will also feature a show at 11:30p.m. hosted by Iman and featuring the Blu Theater players, firework displays, DJs all day and male entertainers.

Bradley’s on 7th opens at 2:30p.m, and features a Parade Viewing Party at 4p.m., DJ Bruce Devery from 4-10-p.m., DJ Charles Machado from 10p.m.-3a.m. in the video bar,  DJ Steve Vaughn from 10p.m. to 3a.m. in the dance bar, show times at 11:30p.m, and 1:15a.m. Starring Tiffany Arieagus, Jaeda Fuentes, Hori Stevens and Felicity Lane, a live countdown from Times Square, a Champagne Toast at midnight, party favors, Bradley’s boys all night and no cover!

Tuesday, January 2

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents School of Rock from Jan 2 – 7. School Of Rock is a New York Times Critics’ Pick and “An Inspiring Jolt Of Energy, Joy And mad Skillz!” (Entertainment Weekly). Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage. Vanity Fair raves, “Fists Of All Ages Shall Be Pumping!” Tickets start at $45.

Southern Nights Orlando presents their Twisted Tuesday Grand Finale, where all of your Twisted Tuesday Final Winners will come back to compete for the Ultimate Prize….. $500 CASH, a Twisted Tuesday Trophy and a Tuesday Cast Position for a Year.  Winner is chosen by Audience Applause and a Panel of Judges. This exciting event features the music of DJ Melvin Sledge, is hosted by Axel Andrews with Kaija-adonis, MrMs Adrian and honors the 2016 Grand Finale Winner Mystree Hugga.  No cover before 11pm 21+ (18+ Welcomed).

Wendesday, January 3

Southern Nights Tampa presents their “So You Think You Can Drag” Semi Finals with a Candy land theme and hosted by Jade Embers & Gia Banks! The night will also feature Season 2 winner Artty.  They invite you to watch all previous winner compete for the $250 cash prize and a booking at Swank Saturdays.  No cover 21+ (18+ Welcomed).

Thursday, January 4

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White who first rose to fame as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon, but now as a chart-topping Grammy-nominated comedian and a feature film actor. Ron White has established himself as a star in his own right. White has always been a classic storyteller. His stories relay tales from his real life, ranging from growing up in a small town in Texas to sharing stories of his daily life to becoming one of the most successful comedians in America. All 4 of his comedy albums charted #1 on the Billboard Comedy Charts. He has sold over 14 million albums, and has been nominated for two Grammys. Tickets start at $41.

Friday, January 5

Southern Nights Tampa is celebrating the 6th anniversary of NeiBEARhood Takeover with the theme: “Revenge Of The Sixth” (A Star Wars/Si-Fi Fetish Event) staring DJ JB Burgos. The night will also feature a 1 a.m. costume contest. There is no cover before 10p.m. and this is a 21+ only event!

Saturday, January 6

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder today at 8p.m. and Sunday January 7 at 3 p.m.  Getting away with murder can be so much fun… and there is no better proof than this knock-‘em-dead hit show.  A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder is the winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Musical, and tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by eliminating the eight pesky relatives who stand in his way. All the while, Monty juggles his mistress (after more than just love), his fiancée (his cousin but who’s keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! The Hollywood Reporter raves, “Gentleman’s Guide restores our faith in musical comedy.” Tickets start at $51.

Tuesday, January 9

Orlando’s Amway Center presents Shakira in her El Dorado World Tour at 7:30p.m. with tickets starting at $47.50. Over the course of Shakira’s career, the Colombian singer-songwriter has sold over 60 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards including two Grammys, eight Latin Grammys, and several World Music Awards, American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. She is also the only South American artist to have a number one song in the U.S., and has had four of the 20 top-selling hits of the last decade.

Thursday, January 11

Southern Nights Tampa presents their annual “Turnabout,” a benefit for Metro Wellness & Community Centers. Thy invite you to watch as your favorite staff members perform in DRAG! Doors Open at 8pm $5 Suggested Donation (18+ Welcomed) with ShowTime at 9pm hosted by: Jade Embers with Gia Banks.

Friday, January 12

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents Forever Plaid from today until March 11 with tickets starting at $42. When four young singers are killed in a car crash, they posthumously take the stage for one final gig in this goofy, 1950’s nostalgia trip. This deliciously fun revue is chock-full of classic barbershop quartet harmonies and pitch-perfect melodies! Singing in close harmony, squabbling boyishly and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with overzealous precision, the Plaids are a guaranteed smash, with a program of beloved songs that keep audiences rolling in the aisles when they’re not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the 1950s.

Saturday, January 13

The Parliament House presents, direct from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9, and making her Orlando debut: AJA. Doors open at 8pm. Shows with the Foolight Players and Aja at 10p.m. & 12a.m. General Admission sold at the door only. VIP/Photo Op tickets are on sale now. 18+ welcome.

Sunday, January 14 The Parliament House presents April Fresh’s Comedy Brunch Buffet featuring a delicious brunch buffet which begins at 12pm with the show beginning at 1pm featuring: April, Sorcha Mercy, and Alexi Leigh. Brunch Buffet- $19.99 (18+); Brunch Buffet with bottomless mimosas – $29.99 (21+).

Wednesday, January 17

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents Chita & Tune: Just In Time, which is a unique concert event that pairs two of Broadway’s most celebrated legends. Chita Rivera and Tommy Tune collectively have won 12 Tony Awards and this iconic Broadway coupling is guaranteed to dazzle you! Chita has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical and received eight additional Tony nominations. Tommy has been honored with 10 Tony Awards recognizing him as an outstanding performer, choreographer, and director. The stars will showcase the artistry and history that has made them stars of the Great White Way and beyond.  The duo will be accompanied by a trio of superb Broadway musicians.  The show starts at 8p.m. with tickets starting at $26.

Thursday, January 18

Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts in association with AEG presents Jake Owen in The Good Company Tour at 8p.m. Jake Owen has had six No. 1 singles to date – the 2X Platinum anthem “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” Platinum-certified hits “Beachin’,” “Anywhere with You,” “Alone with You” and “The One That Got Away” plus Gold-certified “American Country Love Song.” The RCA Nashville recording artist recently released his fifth studio album, American Love, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. The Vero Beach, FL native is well known for his high-energy performances and laid-back style. Tickets: start at $35.

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents…..It’s not a concert…it’s a party!   Spend a nostalgic evening saluting 3 of the world’s most beloved musical groups who were instrumental in creating the Rock & Roll/Doo Wop sound: Cornell Gunter’s Coasters (Charlie Brown, Yakety Yak); The Platters featuring 4 of America’s premier singers performing their greatest hits (Only You, The Great Pretender); and The Drifters, one of Rock & Roll’s founding vocal groups with their 50 year catalog of hits (Under the Boardwalk, This Magic Moment).  This show, which starts at 8p.m. has songs to please every palate, delivered just the way you remember them, when you first heard them on the radio! Tickets start at $26.

Friday, January 19

Riverdance: 20th Anniversary Tour plays both the Straz Center for the performing Arts (Jan 19-21; tickets start at $35.25) and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Jan 26-28; tickets start at $34.25). Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland – in rock, music, theatre and film – nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour is composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan, and comes directly to North America from a sold out run across Europe and Asia.

Orlando’s Amway Center presents Miranda Lambert in her “Livin’ Like Hippies Tour” at 7p.m. with tickets starting at $39.75. The Livin’ Like Hippies Tour receives its name from the lyrics of Lambert’s aptly titled song “Highway Vagabond” which appears on The Nerve side of Lambert’s 24-song, double album, The Weight Of These Wings.The new album, The Weight Of These Wings, is the Texas native’s sixth studio album and since its release in November 2016 the record has been certified Platinum by the RIAA, spawned two Grammy Award nominations for its lead single “Vice,” been awarded the ACM Album of the Year, and most recently racked up FIVE nominations for Lambert at the upcoming CMA Awards including a coveted Album of the Year nod.

Sunday, January 21

The Flamingo resort presents the Mr. and Miss Flamingo Pageant honoring Kenya Black and Johnny Sparks (Mr. and Miss Flamingo 2017). The pageant starts at 6p.m. with the categories: Presentation, Swimwear, Talent, Formal Wear and Q&A. For contestant info contact Jon@FlamingoFLA.com.

Thursday, January 25

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents the iconic Paul Anka. The legendary singer/songwriter, one of the biggest teen idols of the late ‘50’s, is an ever-popular performer at the Van Wezel. With well over 500 songs to his credit, the most memorable being “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” “My Way” and the famous theme from “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” Paul is the only artist in history to have a song in the Billboard Top 100 during seven separate decades. His concert starts at 8p.m. and tickets start at $81.

Friday, January 26

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents Masters of Illusion, America’s largest touring magic show. They return with their “Believe the Impossible” tour! Nothing beats the experience of seeing a magic show in person. You will see grand illusions, levitating women, appearances, vanishes, escapes, comedy, magic, sleight of hand and beautiful dancers all rolled up into one live show! Only the best, most unique, amusing, astounding and amazing performers have been chosen to perform in this huge stage phenomenon. The show starts at 7p.m. with tickets starting at only $21.

Saturday, January 27

Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts added a second show at 10p.m. for Trevor Noah, who was the most successful comedian in Africa and is the host of the Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central. This year “The Daily Show” was nominated for a Writers Guild Award (Comedy/Variety Series). Noah also recently won Best Host at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards, as well as a Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Variety Series for his hosting role on “The Daily Show – Between The Scenes.” He joined “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” in 2014 as a contributor. In February 2017 Noah debuted his 9th comedy special “Afraid of the Dark” on Netflix. Tickets start at $39.50.

Monday, January 29

Dr. Phillips Center for the Perfroming Arts in association with Bill Blumenreich presents Vice President Joe Biden: American Promise Tour. Joe Biden has always believed that when given a chance, ordinary people can do extraordinary things. As a scrappy kid from Scranton who rose to the Office of Vice President, he is no exception. During his 45 years of public service, one of Vice President Biden’s greatest strengths has been his ability to bring people together, even in crisis, even across difficult divides, all the while, respecting everybody at the table. Pre-Sale tickets start at: $68 (VIP Package: $325) and includes a copy of Vice President Joe Biden’s new memoir, Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose.

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents the Magic of Adam Trent. Direct from Broadway, Adam Trent, the breakout star of the world’s best-selling magic show The Illusionists, brings his signature brand of magic and illusion to this nonstop spectacle. The Magic of Adam Trent is an immersive entertainment extravaganza of magic, comedy and music perfect for the entire family. Don’t miss the next generation of magic! Tickets start at $45.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2017/12/26/whats-hot-central-florida-january-2018/

[rudimentaryrecollections]

Prague 10-30 September 2017

I began work with vigour. I was enjoying having my own space, cooking meals, taking time to stitch my torn clothes, and other domestic chores.  I got out one afternoon for a long walk. The buildings in Prague I found colourful. Pale yellows, pinks, greens and blues gave a warm ambience. I went through Old Town, which was busy with tourists, but incredibly beautiful. It’s hard to describe how much detail they put into the buildings. Frescos and sculptures and awnings and clocks… you could spend an hour just staring at one of the buildings there, let alone squares and streets and alleys full of them. I started to love the city even more, and felt joyful I could live here for the month.

I turned into a used book store and found Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, a novel I had been looking for.

On my first Friday in the city, I finished the script for the fourth episode of my animation.

I was full of energy, having hardly left the apartment for the last five days, so I celebrated with a beer. I had matched on tinder with a short haired girl named Petra, who was visiting Prague for the weekend. I invited her out and she accepted.

We met at an outdoor bar at a tram station in Prague 7. She had dark, short hair and a pale complexion. Her makeup was minimal, which is how I like it. She is a Brazilian, living in Berlin to study psychology at university.

After a few beers we walked to Cross Club, a place I had seen which intrigued me.

It was a steampunk themed club, with whacky art installations out the front, and welded junk shaping the interior and furniture. We decided to explore the different rooms. There were three different areas with electronic music playing, a multi-level beer garden with more chilled music playing and  even a bistro upstairs. We sit indoors for a beer at a booth We sat at a table indoors and laughed about the weed seeds and stems on the table. Petra wanted a cigarette so we went outdoors for our second beer. We must have been the only non-Czech people there, at least from who we saw and overheard. We sat at a table upstairs so we could chat more easily.

A blonde drunk Czech man sits next to Petra. I think “Oh geez, what does this guy want.”

Blonde drunk man: “You two make a nice couple”

Petra: “We’re not a couple.”

Blonde drunk man: “Well I think you’d make a nice couple.”

Petra: “Well, no, we are.”

Blonde drunk man: “Oh well you should prove it then. I think you should kiss him.”

Petra: “Ok”

We kiss across the table for some time, we only stop when I knock the small amount of beer in my cup over. Petra looks across to say something to the blonde drunk man, but he has vanished. Then she sits next to me and we kiss some more. I invite her back to the apartment. We leave holding hands.

As we leave we pass the blonde drunk man, sitting at a table with his friends. I make eye contact with him and we both grin at one another. He holds his hand down low for a high five.

I grant him the high five with maximum respect. It’s not often you get a guy in a club trying to help you get with a lady friend. Usually they try to take them away from you.

We get back to the apartment. I cannot open the door. I had the key, but unwittingly had left the spare key in the lock on the other side of the door. So I could not turn it from the other side. We would always do such a think in our house in Newcastle, since you needed a key to open the door from the inside and out. But this was a different type of lock. We tried to pick open the door with keycards to no avail. Also I had no luck on finding a locksmith that would answer their phone, it was Friday night after all.

So we went back to her hostel, which was fully booked. We parted ways. I had messaged Rianne and she said she had done the same thing herself before, and I would need a locksmith. I walked back and slept a few hours in the stairwell. In the morning I called a locksmith and they opened the door. Petra messaged me asking if I sorted it out. I said yes, it was all quite funny - and asked her what she was up to later.

I never saw her again. But if I tell the story at the pub I will add a happy ending. Why let the truth get in the way of a good story?

The next two weeks passed by quickly enough.

The next Monday I went to Prague 3 for a date with a Russian girl. She said she’d been smoking weed all day and cleaning her apartment. She didn’t have much else to say, there wasn’t much spark in the conversation so we spent some time together in a park drinking and snacking on some hummus I had made. Then we walked to Zizkov Television Tower – it looked like something from a science fiction film, in stark contrast to the historic buildings around it. On it’s side were sculptures by renowned Czech artist Cerny – of giant faceless babies crawling up and down. We parted ways after this.

The next Friday night I met up with a Czech girl, Jana from tinder. I walked to Letna Park on my way to meet her. Across from a stadium near here, many military vehicles were parked, with soldiers standing casually by. I figured there must be a military show on the next day. I met Julie in the city centre and we walked up to the palace and through it’s grounds, then went for a beer. She warned me she doesn’t drink much and she was noticeably tipsy after just one small beer. She invited me to come to the Czech mountains near Liberec on Monday.

During the days I was trying to do work. But I was starting to get cabin fever. I was spending too long indoors, and my productivity was falling day by day.

I went for another walk on the Saturday. Just after Vltavska station at Prague 7 there was an interesting parade. Vans drove up the street slowly, with DJs inside them playing electronic music out of giant speakers at the back of the van. People in colourful outfits followed the vans dancing and drinking and smoking. The police made sure the traffic flowed. I filmed this for a while, before a girl came out from the procession and asked me to come dance. I was reluctant at first, but then I thought it would be an interesting experience, and I let go of my inhibitions and just danced.

It wasn’t especially my type of music, but I made do with what I had. After some time we moved up the line of vans, trying our feet at the different music options. I met some of the girl’s friends who only spoke Czech. Soon we found a van with music which better suited our tastes. Then the music took over and I started having a lot of fun. I felt great – it was a unique way to do a walking tour of the city. At one point I bought some alcohol at a corner store along the way.

The parade went over and under bridges, through the centre of town where the tourists lined the streets in a guard of honour, filming and photographing the surreal event. I lost track of the friends I had made but it didn’t matter, I just walked and danced and enjoyed the atmosphere.

Eventually the vans pulled up under a bridge back near Vlatavska station, where it would become more of an open festival. I danced for some time before heading back to the apartment for some food and rum. I went back later in the evening and danced until the event dispersed, then slept deeply.

On Monday I met Jana in Liberec, where her mother lives. We caught a bus into the mountains with her mother’s dog, and went for a bushwalk there. The forest was beautiful, the sort of place that fills my dreams and imagination of folk and fairytales. We spent a pleasant day walking around there and had some beer and Czech food (rabbit with hot and spicy cabbage and dumplings) at a tavern in the hills.

The weather was nice during the rest of the week. I went for another walk with Jana in a large, wild, sprawling park in eastern Prague - Divoká Šárka. It was a remarkable place, especially with the trees showing an array of Autumn colours, light green, yellow, orange, red, purple.

On Friday Jana messaged me and asked if I wanted to go to Cesky Krumlov at 4pm on Saturday. I’d mentioned I was going there to her, but hadn’t explicitly invited her… But I thought why not. So she booked us a private room in a hostel.

[travelnursebabes]

ICELAND 2017

In July, our travel nurse friend, Kate, threw out the idea of taking a trip to Iceland! It would be a travel-nurse-girls trip, with me, Annette, Kate, and Jacquie. The added bonus was that her family friend is a travel agent, so she created a full itinerary of all the activities, as well as provided all of the travel logistics (ie. flights, transportation, hotel, etc). I don't think it's a surprise that the #TravelNurseBabes immediately said yes! October quickly approached, and we were boarding our flight from LAX to Reykjavik! The flight was about 7 hours, which sufficed as a decent night sleep!

Day 1: October 5th, 2017

Annette, Jacquie, and I landed in Iceland, and we headed to our hotel, the Radisson Blu Saga, where we meet up with Kate. We didn't let the jet-lag kick in, rather we went out and walked the quaint little city of Reykjavik. We stopped at a few bars and pubs for wine and apps, The Public House and Bravo,  before heading back to the hotel to get bundled up for our night excursion. Nothing says Iceland more than the Northern Lights, so naturally we wanted to start our trip off by (hopefully) seeing them! It was a little discouraging when our guide's opening speech focused on the "low visibility score" for the night, meaning a very little chance that we'll be able to see the phenomenon. A few hours later, while dozing off on the bus, our guide squeals and over the loudspeaker we hear her telling the bus driver to pull over because she see's a glimpse of the neon-green lights. She's called a "guide" for a reason, because sure enough, we unloaded from the bus and saw the spectacular lights dancing across the sky. This is where the iPhone 8 would've come in handy (thanks for sharing your pics, Kate), because no matter how many photos our earlier generation iPhones took, it did not do justice to what our eyes were looking at. We ended up getting on and off the bus and witnessing the Northern Lights a handful of times more, which we were extremely lucky to experience.

Day 2: October 6th, 2017

Shoutout to the continental breakfast at the Radisson!! We ate like queens and it didn't cost us a thing (except for the hotel room bill I suppose). Today's activity was the highly anticipated Blue Lagoon!! It was 100% every bit as good in real life as it looks on Instagram. What a paradise! Understandably so, you are required to shower before entering the soothing, milky blue water fed by the geothermal seawater from deep under the lava. There's a short 10 step distance between where you drop off your towel and enter the water, but the chilliness soon disappears once you step into the lagoon. I think a smile was plastered on all of our faces the entire time we were in the water. We hit up the swim-up bar, and enjoyed drinks while we glided through the water. We spent about two hours in there, taking countless photos, chatting, and enjoying the clay face masks. After the incredibly relaxing day, we went back to the hotel and got ready for our first real night out in Iceland.

We went to Saeta Svinio Gastropub, where we first had drinks in the cozy, treehouse-like 3rd story of the restaurant which was glowing with stars through the roof. Dinner was served on the first floor, and Annette and I got a little adventurous with our order, trying their native bird Puffin (not a fan), whale, and lamb. That night was one for the books-- we started off at The Drunk Rabbit Irish Pub, where they had live music and a bustling crowd. Randomly enough, a guy recognized Annette, and we later learned that they had gone on a date years ago in Chicago... creepy that he remembered her first and last name? Ridiculous that of all the places we ran into him in Iceland? I'd say yes to both. After a few beers we headed down the street to Bjarni Fel in attempts to catch the World Series game on tv. While there, we befriended a group of guys from NYC who had also resorted to the sports bar to watch the games. The night was a blast, filled with drinking games and dancing.

Day 3: October 7th, 2017

Today we rented a car and explored the south coast of the island sans-tour guides! It was a bit risky since we didn't have service to connect to google maps on the ride, but with each stop we logged onto the free wifi and updated our route. Our day-trip started in Reykjavik and we went as far southeast as Vik. In between we made beautiful stops to:

- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

- Eyjafjallajokull Volcano

- Skogafoss Waterfall

- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Each stop was magnificent, and the drive between the places of interest was on a one-lane highway surrounded by green meadows as far as you could see until they reached the mountainous glaciers. We all took turns driving, to give everyone an opportunity to take in the views and to dj the music. For the most part, it was a very relaxing drive, minus two near-death, now funny, experiences... While Jacquie was driving and Annette was co-piloting, we came across some winding hills. After a few hills, the momentum of speed that we picked up along with Jacquie's lead foot, had Kate and I in the backseat wide-eyed and terrified. For a moment, we were convinced she was a race car driver in her past life. I was too flabbergasted to formulate words, but thankfully Kate spoke up and soon after we were driving the speed limit and dying laughing that Jacquie and Annette didn't even realize we almost took off in flight. While Annette was driving, we spotted a rainbow arching perfectly over a pond and the glaciers- it was absolutely picturesque! Forgetting that she was driving, the excitement of finding the marvel almost had us squished by a semi-truck... Clearly we survived, and lived to tell our stories!! We got delicious sushi at Sushi Social (and broke an antique toy, shhh), and went back to both The Dead Rabbit for a beer followed by Bjarni Fel to meet up with our new NYC friends... we quickly became regulars to the staff at both bars.

Day 4: October 8th, 2017

Our final adventure in Iceland was the Golden Circle Classic Tour, which encompasses three of Iceland's most famous landmarks:

- Pingvellir National Park: where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia split and drift apart.

- Gullfoss Waterfall- a massive, double waterfall that cascades into a narrow canyon. BREATHTAKING!

- the Strokkur Geysir- one of the most hot springs, with bubbling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and a 20-meter high blast of boiling water every 4-8 minutes

All day we were on and off of the bus, which tired us out a bit. On our walk home, we all split a highly recommended Icelandic hotdog, which was hands-down better than the average American "meat".  On our final night, we enjoyed dinner at Tapas Barrin, where we continued our adventurous ordering, and tried whale, duck, and lamb. The next morning we were boarding the airplane back to reality, but we all agreed that our majestic weekend trip would keep us dreaming about coming back in the future.

https://youtu.be/Ip_aiuMfiUU

[westakoasta]

Joe Dub - WCI, 2005

Alright, tell us about your childhood in SF, the records that had an impact on you..

Growin up in "the city" was cool... It's one of the most diverse and open minded cities in the States. A lot of pride... Not just for the city itself but for culture as well. Music and art is not only embraced, it's encouraged. I started off singin in a choir and playin the trumpet. Plus my Mom would paint so I'd get in home art lessons. But I was hella into sports also. I played baseball from like 5 or 6 years old through high school. I was a raw ass in fielder... But couldn't really hit too well though... Haha! But yeah I had a typical childhood I guess. Gettin into trouble... Girls... Yunno that kinda shit. It wasn't really until like 85 that I started rhymin. It was more some fuck around shit we'd do in the schoolyard at lunchtime. Just freestyle shit.. Braggin and baggin.. Recorded some shit just for fun... I still got those tapes.. Fucking funny stuff man.

Around 86 or so I remember listening to KPOO (local hip-hop radio station in the bay) when they had dj's like... KK... Marcus Clemens and Dan the Automator. One night I remember they played Eric B and Rakim "Check out my Melody," Mixmaster Gee "The Manipulator" (check artist), BDP "My 9mm Goes Bang" and Just Ice "Latoya" in succession. I recorded that show still have that tape in fact. Anyways, once the show ended at that moment I knew I wanted to do this shit seriously. The beats moved me but I was more trying to rap then. It wasn't till 90 or 91 when I into making beats.

As far as records that inspired me rapwise? I was a fan of all of the old stuff. Flash, Kurtis Blow, Spoonie G, but it was the progressive shit that had me buggin. Anything that Kurtis Mantronik did... Just Ice (dopest mc of all time imo)... T LA Rock... All that... Schooly D was like a surrogate father to me as a child. Quite the role model!!!  Hahahahah!

Let's talk about the Westcoast Workforce. How did y'all came along together, the records/ tracks you did collectively... Everything. I once read about a reformation with you, Sub, Radioinactive, Xinxo, Liferex and Omid.. Is that true?

Well the Workforce was around before I was put on. It was Xinxo, Sub, AntiMC, Radio, Premonition, Memorex, Rhetoric and some other folks. It wasn't until 99 when I was at the B-boy Summit that I met Sub and AntiMC. We traded tapes and that was that. That was like February or March. Then in July of 99 P-minus hits me up and is like "Radio and Antimc are in town and trying to get at you" gave me the number. I called em... Chopped it up for a good second but we never got a chance to hang out then. In September, Deeskee, Maleko and I rolled down to LA to kick it at the Shapeshifter house in Westwood where Rob One (RIP), Exist, Bleek and Dr. Lewd lived. We left SF at about 5 AM and got in at 10 PM. Pull up to the house and Rob is sitting outside car full of records, sayin "cool you guys are here... Let's go." He had a gig and was waitin on us. So we go to the show... And i'm outside smokin and sub walks up and he's like what's up, you wanna be down with the Workforce? That was pretty much it. Megabusive, Liferexall and them got down right after that. As for getting back together, me, Xinxo, Radio, Subtitle, and Rexall, got together and talked about it when I was in LA in 2004. Some of the old names came up, but due to differences and conflictin schedules we left it at that. Omid and Premonition were included as well. But with everyone doing solo shit right now, it's just a name we claim, no albums or tours will be coming anytime soon. Me and Xinxo joke that we are the Workforce. But all of us still work together... Still hang out and what not... The timing is just off right now. I'm trying to get a Workforce song on my album... We'll see!

You probably have one of the most prolific discography in the bay, tones of collaborations and obscure groups... What were the most important ones  to you? Also there's this one called The Citadel, which was supposed to be you, Sub, Liferexall and Megabusive.. Does this one only ever existed?

I've been blessed to work with the people I have! My favorite one would have to be with the folks I know the most. Friends... Not just MC's doin songs together... People. Cuz there's no chemistry there. It's not just like "Hey let's do a song to do a song". It's because you know the person and you know they'd fit the mood of the song, whatever it may be. Some shit is fuck around and some is serious with money involved, but either way if it's the homies... It's fun! The folks I like workin with are like... All the Workforce, Deeskee, the Shapes, Khule, Topic, Tommy V, and the list goes on. It's laid back and relaxed when we work. Bustin jokes... Talkin story... That's what I like. Like me and 2Mex did this song when he was in Hawaii... Some quick shit... He's talking about his trip to Hawaii... I was talking about mine to LA. It's probably won't ever come out... But those are the best collabs when you do it for fun.

Citadel? HAHAHA. How'd you hear about that? Yeah we did that at Sub's mom's house in Mid City. Me, Megabusive, Subtitle, and Life were kickin it hard. We all made beats and rapped so Sub had the idea let's each make a 2 beats and do songs in like a week. But the only way Sub would let me rap on it was if I styled hard....HAHAHA! See he saw me freestyle once and I was stylin it up... Haha... Blowed style. But that's another story... So yeah we did that shit... Came out tight. But it was just for fun... Wait so you have a copy? Cuz I don't. I think Sub is the only one with it.

You moved recently to Hawaï... Tell us about it, how's life out there, differences with California, the hip hop scene, if it's a good place for cratedigging... Anything.

Life in Hawaii is slow. A far cry from the pace of the rest of the States. Everybody out here does things at their own speed. Where as in Cali everythings done on a schedule. I pretty much work between the two... Though it's tough sometimes. It's a small island so the scene is smaller than I'm used to. There's some good talent and the fans support. I don't get out that much though so I can't speak on it too much. Yeah man there's a few dope spots for diggin out here. I left a lot of my records back in Cali and I have like 5,000 here in Hawaii. Most of which I got here, some common shit, some rare shit, but theres a lot of come ups, not many people out here are lookin for the kind of stuff I am. So I always find something worth while. Plus, the prices are cheap... No record is ever over $20... Almost everything is under $5... I'm kind of spoiled with that!

Do you have a job besides hip hop?

Nah, I haven't had a 9 to 5 in about 3 or 4 years. Music hasn't been great to be but it's been good enough. I just sell beats and work on music all day. Hit the beach and drink myself to sleep.

You got an album with Ellay Khule called In A World Of My Own that will be released soon... Can you tell us about it? And also, what about this 8′’ vinyl released by Anti-Party? I'm curious to see what a 8" looks like?

It's actually called "In My Own World". The album came about through a mutual friend of Khule and I. He told Khule to check out my beats and I've always been a fan of Khule since I can remember so I was obviously down. At first I'd send him beats in the mail... Then he wrote the songs... Then I flew out to LA to lay the beats and vocals down.... I prefer doing music in person not long distance. It helps the chemistry. But yeah, I didn't want to give him elaborate beats... I wanted his vocals to be the focus... There's something for every Khule fan on the album... There's some hard Rifleman shit... Some Ellay Khule aggressive styling... And some real heart felt personal shit... This album is probably the most complete project i've worked on to date... Me and Khule have talked about doin another project together so this definately won't a one shot deal... As for the 8′’... It's a collection of about 5 or 6 songs off my old "Noise Pollution" tape... Yeah DJ Plankton from Anti-Party really wanted to release the whole album on vinyl but... I'm about moving forward... Plus the sound quality on that tape really wouldn't cut in on vinyl... So we agreed to bust a limited run of 8"'s with some of the songs off Noise Pollution instead... It should be coming out in july... Very limited though... I heard something like under 100 are being pressed...

What's your opinion on the evolution of the underground scene?

Umm I mean... Damn... Haha... It's weird... I'm kinda removed from the Cali scene being out here in Hawaii... But... I’ll say this... The way the scene used to be... Everyone knew their place... You had the MCs/ DJs/ producers/ B-Boys... The vendors... Promoters... And the fans. And who you were was cool. Everyone respected it... Now with all the advancements with technology and free programs for computers... I'd have to honestly say that 70-75% of the people in the scene are MC's or producers now... Now i'm not saying that people shouldn't be allowed their voice... But... Go through the proper channels... Pay dues... Hustle... No one has to hustle anymore... We used to take the last 100 bucks we had... Go get tapes made... Have about 20 bucks left... Spend that on gas and roll to LA... Just to slang tapes at shows...n Ad to tap into a different region... Get our shit out there... Sleep in cars... On couches whatever... We'd sell about 50 tapes or so in a weekend for 5 bones... And come back home broke... But to us the trips were always a success... Now... Everyones got a website with a store... It's so easy now... You don't have to leave your house and you can move 1000 units no sweat... I'd have to sum it up by saying that there's less passion nowadays... I really don't want to go any deeper into this.... Haha.

How do you see yourself at 50? And do you project yourself in the future as a rapper, I mean, do you have plans of doing something else?

At 50?.... If i make it that far... I'll still be making music....if i'm rappin still it'll probably just be for myself....but i'll still be producing...i'm a proud drop out...so....i don't think i'll ever rock a career or a 9 to 5 for that matter again....but if my life changes drastically by then....i can say i'll always have music....

What are you listening to right now... and your all time 5 favorite lps..?

Right now....i'm listening to ellay khule-califormula...alot of mandrill.....gong....totally insane....young ed....alot of my beats(not because i'm an ego maniac...but because i'm kinda forced to listen to them as i make them)....and all the myspace mc's who want me to "check out their tracks".......all time 5?......shit.....here i mean.....i'll just give you 5 incredible albums i'm listening to now.....utfo-lethal earth wind and fire-greatest hits...sade-love deluxe......cid-harder they come.....just ice-back to the old school

What about your future releases? do you plan to have some other artists on Asita?

For me i got my new album "pooretry" almost completed...that should be coming out in like sept/oct of this year....the pain killers album...which is me and my homegirl topic...that's gonna be out on beyond space ent....not really sure of the date there....but that one's bangin....we got beats from...sach...deeskee...liferexall...matth...meaty ogre...alex75 and many many more.....like i said before....the khule album is pretty much done...we're just waiting for califormula to drop....before we release it.....yeah there's gonna be alot of other folks comin out on asita....once i finish my album...i'm going to start a project with nocando....he's a younger cat coming out of blowed and his crew customer service...he's got some specific shit he wants to do so i'm making sure i'm free of all commitments before i start on that....plus an asita/la2thebay beat series....the first installment i believe will be myself...deeskee...liferexall and sach....just all instrumentals...some old some new....we'll be puttin out new ones like twice a year...featuring all the producers in the family....and i'm currently trying to do a couple projects with some other folks but so far it's just talk.....

Thanks a lot for the interview.. any last words?

I guess just thanks to all the supporters world wide....from hawaii to europe....and of course one love to all my family....blood/friends/musicians.....the people i do this for... be easy.

Interview conducted by Pseudzero for West Coast Indies, 2005.

[disyahreggaemusic]

PROTOJE BLXXDCLXXT TOUR UK @ THE 02 SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE, May 12 2017

“Now if you check the situation / a blood money run the nation…” (Protoje)

Former BBC Television Centre and iconic Grade II Listed building - The O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, was the ideal setting to host Protoje and his protege Sevana for the last show of their spectacularly successful ‘BLXXDCLXXT’ tour in the UK.

Located in the culturally diverse borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, it’s worth mentioning that rock legends such as the late David Bowie and The Rolling Stones have also played to audiences on its legendary stage. So why not Jamaica’s very own legend in the making?

The venue which has a capacity of 2,000, recently underwent major refurbishment and the acoustics benefitted from this upgrade too. So this would undoubtedly have a positive impact on the listening experience.

Thankfully, unlike the last time I saw Protoje on stage at David Rodigans ‘Ram Jam’ in 2015 - this show started on schedule.

Inside, Becca Dudley was first up on stage building up the vibes with a selection of reggae and dancehall tracks (DeadlyLDN / MTV UK / Deadly Radio 3 ) from 7pm.

Dressed appropriately in a bright red Adidas tracksuit, the tiny Becca D held her own on the huge stage for around an hour in front of a growing and lively audience.

Next up was the soulful and stunningly beautiful vocalist - Sevana. Sevana released her self titled six track EP ( Indiggnation / Overstand Entertainment) almost a year ago in July of 2016 so I was really looking forward to seeing how she translated the energy of those tracks to the patrons in the now packed venue.

Sevana was greeted by a warm and enthusiastic reception from the crowd as she stepped on to the stage so naturally - as if it was what she was born to do.

As a fan of the music, it can be a real struggle to separate work from pleasure especially when there is an artiste as captivating in persona and vocals as Sevana commanding the venue. So when she invited us into a call and response for ‘Chant it ‘ I had to put down my gear and join in the collective chorus when she said:

“I’m gonna ask you to say two things, just two things: Chant and It”

But for me, the standout track for the evening and my own personal favourite was the Protoje / Winta James produced track ‘Carry You’ which she reminded the audience was written in honour of her younger brother.

“Won’t have to say how far I’ll go / all I will do is just show you / don’t worry, I’ll carry you on my shoulder / I will be your soldier /

Sevana revealed a deep rooted vulnerability and sensitivity in this song and in the way she performed it and I have to admit - I once again had to pause for a while from photographing and absorb the moment.

Her soulful set lasted for around half an hour and had to make way for BBC Radio 1 Xtra DJ - Seani B and his legendary bashment party vibes.

“Do you know where the music comes from? If you have a love and respect for Jamaica - lemme see you put your hands in the airrr…”

Selecting vintage tracks from Bob Marley to lovers rock by Dennis Brown (big up his daughter Marla B who was rocking out in the audience) all the way through to Buju Banton Chronixx and Jr Gong - the man had the crowd dancing on their feet and belting out lyric after lyric to each song. It was a vibe.

Like clockwork, the set lasted for just about half an hour and by the now the crowd were hyped for the arrival for the headline act, the man himself - Protoje aka Diggy British.

“I’ve been told -Protoje is five minutes away from getting on this stage…!”

Seani B’s announcement sent the crowd into a frenzy of excitement as the stage crew hurriedly cleared away the decks and table from the stage.

There was such a buildup of tension, as press and fans searched the stage to catch the first glimpse of whether Diggy would enter from the left or right. I have a little trick that has never failed me that lets me know where an artiste will appear from. But hey - it’s a secret - no telling!

As I expected - Protoje burst from the right of the stage like a volcanic eruption and the fans erupted along with him.

From top to toe Proto was dripping in what I believe is his signature style: cap, glasses, trenchcoat and desert boots (Clarks maybe - I’m not sure. Wasn’t THAT close!)

Bouncing around the stage with the dynamic energy and genuine engagement with his band, Proto slowed it down and took us on a meditative journey reinforcing his faith with the now familiar chant from Eight Year Affair:

“Every morning I rise / Peace to my mind / when I hail Ras Ta Fari…”

With a catalogue spanning from his first album Ancient Future right up to his recent EP Royalty Free, Diggy pulled out hit after hit and the fans sang along word for word to every single track.

Surprise of the evening was when he brought Sevana back on stage which drove the crowd into a frenzy especially when they sang ‘Sudden Flight’ off of the 'Ancient Future’ album.

Unfortunately due to very strict restrictions, no more photography was allowed after three songs; press had to clear the pit and all my camera gear had to be confiscated until after the show was done. But you know - rules are rules and we have to respect them if we accept them

On a positive note, I was able to join in the audience and take in the clean, sharp vocals from Protoje’s newest signing - the freckle faced fireball that is Lila Ike or Lil’ AK as I like to call her. Because she can fire off lyrics like a real machine gun trust me.

Think Leno Banton, Royal Blu, Blvk H3r0 when you think of vocalists like Lila. Young, fresh and energetic with a strong retro dancehall and hip-hop influence.

Fans of Lila will be familiar with her tracks like ‘Sensimelia’ or the Foresta (German music producer)  produced track ‘Believe’ which is a stunning duet with Royal Blu. Incidentally, it is also the first track from his upcoming EP which he is working on with that producer. And of course ‘Flight Plans’ off the ‘Royalty Free’ EP.

However, it was all about promoting Ike’s new track (released on iTunes 14.05.2017) - ‘Biggest Fan’  - a heartfelt, but not soppy ode to her mother.

Lila Ike (official artwork by Nickii Kane)

In true modern day fashion, I finished watching the show on Instagram Live while I was on the train and was able to catch him singing his new track titled ‘Blood Money’  - a politically charged social commentary on the oppression faced by the majority of Jamaican people and a call to action against insidious political and corporate corruption.

“Now if you check the situation / a blood money run the nation / come take a look inna Jamaica / injustice in the place now / if what you see nuh really faze yuh / then you a the problem whe’ we face to…”

Proto really pulled this show out of the bag and it was a joy to see all the creative connects on the stage which really resonated with the audience.

We wish him and his team all the best as they continue on to Jamaica and then on to another tour of the United States before coming back to these shores for the some of the big summer festivals. I can’t wait…

Please visit www.protoje.com for all tour dates also www.sevanasiren.com and Lila Ike on Facebook.

Words and Photographs:  lizzy brown. / @iameyeandi / www.eyeandiphotography.com / dis yah reggae music