What better way for Kid Rock to celebrate his 40th birthday than a show for his Detroit family - approximately all 60,000 of them. Well, the show at Ford Field is actually on January 15 - two days before his birthday. But you get the idea. The show celebrates Kid's b-day AS WELL AS marks the first stop on his Born Free Tour. Which his horde of rambunctious fans have been exited for. Mostly because he's finally touring on his new album of the same name. Exciting time for Kid and his kids. (In this case, "kids" is interchangeable with "fans.")
As of right now, only the first three months of the tour has been planned. But, it's already pretty impressive. He travels from the Wright State University's Nutter Center in Dayton, OH to the Intrust Band Arena in Wichita, KS. Then from the Pensacola Civic Center in Pensacola, FL to the North Charleston Convention Center in Charleston, SC. He travels from the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO to the United Center in Chicago, IL. The guy goes one way. Then he goes the other. And, he rocks the whole time in between. As it stands, the tour is scheduled through March 12 where they play the FedEx Forum in Nashville, TN. But, surely, more dates are soon to be announced.
As always, Kid Rock is backed by the Twisted Brown Trucker Band. But, as a special treat, Jamey Johnson is tagging along for the ride to promote his newest album, The Guitar Song. It should be a really fun event when musicians of such great talent and reputation for onstage energy share the spotlight. This is a concert not to be missed by rock 'n' roll fans, country fans and those that like to celebrate birthdays alike. Check on Kid Rock's full tour schedule to find out when he's playing your town.
And, since he's touring on an album that has such special guests performing with him as T.I., Sheryl Crow, Bob Seger and Zac Brown, you gotta think that this is a show worth remembering, too. Get your tickets now and help the Kid celebrate peaking the hill.
Let the holiday movie blitz begin. Kicking off the weekend is TRON: Legacy, the follow up to 1982's cult classic, TRON. Jeff Bridges reprises his role as Kevin Flynn, the programmer turned program. It's typically a good sign when at least one original cast member returns to take part in a sequel so long after the original. Plus it's just really hard to go wrong with Jeff Bridges, he was even awesome in Stick It. Olivia Wilde and Garrett Hedlund join the adventure to save the aforementioned Flynn. Anyone who has seen the original should know what to expect, light bikes, lasers discs, and stunning visuals. The original TRON blew people away with its special effects and Legacy looks to pick up on that … well … legacy. This is certainly a must see for anyone who was a fan of the original, or just anyone looking for a fun adventure.
If you're more into the gritty drama scene, then The Fighter is a can't miss. There is already a lot of awards talk for this movie. Mark Wahlberg stars as the troubled boxer Mickey Ward who struggles to resurrect his fighting career. Christian Bale also stars as Dicky Eklund, Ward's ex-con trainer and half brother. Amy Adams rounds out the cast as Mickey's girlfriend Charlene. This movie is getting rave reviews thanks to tour de force performances by all three leads. Wahlberg is the perfect choice for a tough and scrappy boxer, and Bale is currently one of cinemas best chameleons, able to transform completely in every role he takes. If you want to go see what all the fuss is about, I'm willing to bet you won't be disappointed.
If action and drama aren't really what you're looking for, then there is always How Do You Know. The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast with Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd, and Jack Nicholson. It's written and directed by James L. Brooks whose resume is as long as it is impressive, he owns 19 Emmy Awards, which is more than anyone else ever. Anytime you get an all-star cast teamed up with a hall of fame writer/director you can be sure that your ticket is money well spent.
Finally, for all the children at heart, there is Yogi Bear. Everyone's favorite picnic basket stealing bear makes his live action debut. Well, as live action as a computer generated bear gets, but you know what I mean. Dan Aykroyd lends his vocal talents as Yogi, and surprisingly Boo Boo is voiced by Justin Timberlake. The film also stars Tom Cavanagh and Anna Faris. Much like the old cartoons expect plenty of slapstick gags, and crazy misadventures as Yogi and Boo Boo try to outsmart Ranger Smith. This movie should be a good way for parents to share an old classic with their kids today.
So there you have it, one weekend so many movies to choose from. I was off the mark last week by not picking Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader to top the box office. I think this weekend I can safely predict TRON will delete the competition and take the number one spot. If you've seen something you like, let us know by writing a review on Eventful. Your review might get featured in our weekly movies email, The Reel Buzz. Until next week, keep the soda cold and popcorn salty.
To the delight of the fans, the tour didn't end in Denver. Another entire month of shows was added including venues like the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, Canada; the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, ND; and the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, NY. Then came the final curtain in Tulsa.
Or did it?
Brad and his gang of talented country artists (adding Jerrod Niemann to the mix) threw another curve ball at the fans. For there are more shows yet to come. Although these dates are actually an extension of the H2O World Tour, the guys got tricky and renamed the event the H2O Frozen Over Tour - because the water that was keeping the fans cool during the hot summer months would be frozen come the long winter months. Get it? The tour starts off again after the holiday season has concluded on January 20 at the Resch Center in Green Bay, WI. There are shows in Montreal's Bell Centre, Atlanta's Gwinett Arena and Louisville's KFC YUM Center to name a few. As of now, there are 16 shows scheduled with the last of the tour at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on February 26. But, we've heard that before, haven't we?
Perhaps this will be the never-ending tour. After all, Paisley himself said, "I've never been this excited about a tour" upon the very start of the schedule. It's because the music is great, the fans are excited and the performances are memorable. And, while Brad is country-ing out, he's also using the tour to educate fans on clean water initiatives. He has partnered with Hope Through Healing Hands to raise money and awareness for impoverished neighborhoods without clean water to drink - room temperature or iced.
"It's not all fun and games," Brad told The Boot back at the start of the tour. "There's obviously going to be fun and games with the Chevy simulators and the fishing thing and the dunking booth for deejays and all of that, but then there's a booth that talks about water charities. That was my intent in the beginning, to make this thing more important than just a bunch of people getting drunk on the lawn every night."
So, this winter will include music, live performances, education how to help people obtain clean water and the crisp, frozen air. Try and stop the fun and games, Brad. Try.
While the Harry Potter series began its final chapter this year, another series based on a beloved set of books is still going strong. The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader marks the third entry in ongoing story of the magical world of Narnia. Much like Harry Potter, fans of this series know exactly what to expect. Plenty of action, fantastical characters, and important lessons. While the Narnia series of movies doesn't quite have the rabid following of Harry Potter, it is still definitely worth checking out for anyone who grew up reading the novels by C.S. Lewis.
If you're looking for something other than fantasy, and a little more adult, then check out The Tourist. This new thriller stars Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. Depp stars as the titular tourist who meets a mysterious woman on train and is quickly caught up her dangerous life. For as much as Depp is known for his quirky and goofy characters (Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka, The Mad Hatter) he is also a great dramatic lead. Jolie also fits the bill perfectly for the part of the mysterious and sultry femme fatale. With two great leads and plot that looks to keep you on the edge of your seat, The Tourist looks like a great change up this holiday season from the standard family fare.
Last week Tangled not only caught, but easily passed Potter in the box office. The question is whether or not it can fend off two newcomers this weekend. I'm going to make a risky pick and take the dark horse candidate, The Tourist. I only call a movie with two of the biggest stars on the planet a dark horse due to its rating and lack of family appeal, but I still think it has what it takes to bring in the big bucks this weekend. The biggest question most people have before seeing a movie is this, "Is it any good?" That's where you come in, write a review on Eventful and let everyone else know what you think.
Have you ever thought that the boy bands of today aren't as good of the ones in the 80s and 90s? That's not to take anything away from the Jonas Brothers, Big Time Rush, Varsity Fanclub or Allstar Weekend. They're all talented groups that deserve their current spotlight.
But the term "boy band" refers to not only a specific kind of music but also a specific period of time. The term itself didn't exist until the 90s. But clearly, the concept was around much before that. The Jackson 5 and Menudo are prime examples of the genre at an early stage. But, then the grandaddy of all boy bands hit the scene in the mid 80s and changed pop music forever.
New Kids On The Block (henceforth known as NKOTB - already known as NKOTB to the true fans) exploded on the scene and truly gave hope to all pop singing ensembles. They came up with the organizational scheme that so many boy bands have adopted. They put together an image that included specific fashion, ways of acting in public and romantic relationships. Not only that, they even invented certain roles that each boy band now has to emulate in order to succeed: Jordan Knight was the talented front man, Donnie Wahlberg was the rebellious bad boy, Joey McIntyre was the lovable one. These concepts put together with five guys with good singing voices performing catchy tunes like 'Hangin' Tough," "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" and "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)" spelled success. These guys could do no wrong.
Then the 90s hit and there was an insurgence of new boy bands. 98 Degrees, *NSYNC, O-Town, and more. They were coming out of the woodwork and each celebrating success on the airwaves and MTV. The pop-listening audience was swooned by one after the other. But, one stood among the pack. That one, of course, is the Backstreet Boys. Those five guys truly nailed the part. They had pitch-perfect harmony, choreographed dance moves, the aforementioned look. They took the right stuff that NKOTB had and brought it into the next decade. The band couldn't hear themselves performing in concert over the screaming of their fans.
Bands like NKOTB and Backstreet Boys are what people are thinking of when they compare the boy bands of today with those of the beginning. Luckily enough for those fans, these two boy band greats are touring together in the summer of 2011!
What does matter is that this is your chance to see the two biggest original boy bands performing together onstage. It'd be like seeing The Rolling Stones play with The Beatles. Or Run DMC together with Sir-Mix-A-Lot. Yes, it's the combination of originals that make this a truly original tour.
First we gave a shout-out to Jeff Dunham a couple weeks ago regarding his current comedy / ventriloquism tour. And, now it's time to talk a bit about Avenue Q. Puppets are making headlines these days. (They're also making dollars as Jeff Dunham is the top grossing comedian on tour in the US and Avenue Q has a solid position in the 25 longest running shows in Broadway history with 2,534 performances.)
For those unfamiliar with the stage show, it's somewhat of a Sesame Street-style performance where the three human characters interact with the eleven puppet characters as if they're all a part of the same world. The puppets are controlled by onstage puppeteers, but they're more like stagehands and have no role in the storyline. But, where the show differs from Sesame Street is in its content. Sesame Street teaches young children about letters, numbers and colors whereas Avenue Q has much more adult humor and focuses on the point in our lives when we become frown-ups. Rent, taxes, car payments, adult relationships. The songs are a bit more risque than those on S.S, as well. The show is split into two acts and offers music numbers called "If You Were Gay," "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist," "I'm Not Wearing Underwear Today" and everybody's favorite "The Internet Is for Porn."
Late in 2009, Avenue Q left Broadway to the dismay of the fans. Luckily, it wasn't six weeks before the production reopened at the New World Stages - an off Broadway complex on West 50th Street. The show has a full schedule (twofers on the weekends) through September of 2011. The show isn't just restricted to NYC, however. There is a running schedule of shows scheduled for The Centre in Vancouver For Performing Arts in Vancouver, BC. And another one in the Brewhouse Main House in Manchester, UK. Not to mention the series of shows in San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre. Plus a couple short runs in spots like the Phoenix Little Theatre in Phoenix, AZ and the Alberta Bair Theater in Billings, MT.
Winner of three Toni Awards (including one for Best Musical), winner of a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Theatre Production, winner of a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Puppet Design, winner of a WhatsOnStage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Ensemble Performance, winner of audiences' and critics' praise around the world. Whether or not you're a fan of puppets, whether or not you're a fan of stage productions, whether or not you're ready to face the trials of becoming an adult, you're ready to enjoy this "...savvy, sassy and eminently likable...breakthrough musical" as stated by Ben Brantley of the New York Times.
The holidays have arrived: Trans-Siberian Orchestra tours
Classical music. Orchestra. Symphonic sounds. And...heavy metal? Those are all terms used to describe the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's style. It may sound like a disastrous cacophony, but it works. And to the tune of one million albums sold annually since the groups inception in 1996.
The group is the brain child of Paul O'Neill - manager and producer of such huge rockers as Aerosmith, AC/DC and The Scorpions. He pulled in Jon Oliva and Al Pitrelli - both from Savatage - to collaborate on the new idea of Rock Operas.
And collaborate they did! Their first album, Christmas Eve & Other Stories, became an immediate staple to many home's holiday music collection thanks to unique songs such as Christmas Cannon and Wizards in Winter. The album remains their most successful of the five they've released - including their 2010 release Night Castle. This just goes to show that people were ready for a new sort of holiday album.
AND apparently ready for a new kind of holiday event. A TSO concert is now one of the most hard-to-get seasonal tickets on the market. And with such a short amount of time to spread the holiday cheer, the group had to split in two to try to appease the demand: Trans-Siberian Orchestra East and Trans-Siberian Orchestra West. Both groups include world-class, orchestras, amazing lights displays and plentiful holiday cheer.
So, in honor of a new kind of holiday music, concert and cheer, feel welcome to do some head banging while passing the gravy and stuffing the stockings.
If you like mind bending psychological thrillers, then do I have a movie for you. Opening this weekend is the surreal Black Swan from director Darren Aronofsky. The film stars Natalie Portman as an up and coming ballet star whose life takes a strange turn as she competes with her rival (played by Mila Kunis). The movie is generating a lot of buzz, with even some Oscar talk for Portman. Aronofsky is certainly a talented director, so it's easy to see why this is getting talked about. If you are a fan of thrillers, or just want to experience something entirely different at the box office this weekend, then be sure to check out Black Swan.
I have to admit I was a little surprised last week to see Tangled nearly take down Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at the box office. Sure it was Harry's second week, but come on, it's Harry Potter. With Tangled's strong debut, and a decline for Potter, I think Disney takes the top spot from the wizard. Don't forget to post a review on Eventful after the movies. Is Tangled up to Disney standards? Did Harry Potter leave you dying to see Part 2? Did Black Swan have you on the edge of your seat? Then tell us!
We figured you guys waited long enough. With no further ado, here is the 2nd half of the top venues in the UK. Little known fact, London was called "Londinium" during the Roman Invasion, "Lundenwic" in Saxon times and "Lundenburg" during the kingdom of Alfred the Great.
Regardless of the city name, here is 11 - 20 of the most happening places there and elsewhere in the UK:
Since the emo / hardcore band Chidos split with their frontman, Craig Owens, the band has gone one way and Craig another. Fans of this unique musical genre were all out of sorts since Chidos was one of the pioneers helping to evolve this sound from a niche to the mainstream. Chidos has since released a new album and Craig toured the nation on a successful solo project.
Then the rumors started about a new supergroup with Craig Owens himself at the helms. Lucky for hardcore fans, the rumors have been proven factual. For D.R.U.G.S. has been formed. The band name isn't quite what it seems. It's not an endorsement for illicit behavior but rather an acronym with a hidden meaning: Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows. Perhaps the name has a specific intention. But, as with any poetry or musical lyrics, it can be interpreted on an individual basis. But, one thing it definitely means: An exciting new music project with some of hardcore's heaviest hitters.
Alongside Craig is Matt Good, former guitarist and lead vocalist for From First To Last. Nick Martin - former lead man for Underminded (as well as missed friend and team member of everyone here at Eventful) - is also in the lineup. Bassist Adam Russel from Story of the Year and drummer Aaron Stern of Matchbook Romance fame round out the starting five. In less than a year, the band has already been signed to Decaydance Records, released their first single AND just completed their first album. Clearly hardcore guys don't sit around waiting for things to happen.
Not only that, on Sunday and Monday, the band played their first two tour dates at The Pike Room in Detroit for an ecstatic and hardly patient throng of fans. It's called the Rise From The Ashes Tour and has a modest 16-date nationwide schedule. They're playing the Key Club in West Hollywood. And The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS. And The Emerson Theater in Indianapolis. The Met Cafe in Providence. Valentine's in Albany. Etc. Etc. And, that's all in the span of less than three weeks. (See above mention about hardcore guys not being lazy.)
More times than not, new music projects with this sort of early hype and excitement tend to not deliver when it comes to music and performance. D.R.U.G.S., however, proves to be addictive.
