REVIEW: Rain Tribute - Moptop Mania comes to Anaheim

The Rain Tribute tour made a stop in Anaheim last night at the beautiful The Grove of Anaheim.

The Beatles tribute band walked the crowd their the complete fab four discography. They opened the show with video clips from the early 60's including commercials for popular items of the era, and segments from the Ed Sullivan show. Following the video the band broke into "I want to hold your hand" followed by a wonderful rendition of "All my Loving." The band worked through a few more favorites from the era before switching gears and costumes to mimic the Shea Stadium era.

After performing 15 songs from the "A Hard Days Night" era, they transitioned the stage and complete persona changes and came out in full Sgt. Peppers regalia.

The venue was completely packed with 4 generations of music lovers. Everyone was in complete sing and dance mode, many times jumping out of their seats and twisting and shouting their way through many favorites.

This was definitely one of my favorite shows of the year, at one of my favorite venues.

PHOTOS: Black Label Society 05/02/09 - The Wiltern

Sorry - I am unable to provide photos of the opening acts Cycle of Pain, Dope, and Sevendust, as there was quite the mix-up with most of the photogs and credentials at the box-office. Luckily we found the proper person with BLS to get things squared aware. Thank you Molly. Here is an overdose of BLS photos to make up for the lack of opening acts.

Interview with Jason Reeves

24-year-old singer/songwriter Jason Reeves will kick-off his Vespa Experiment tour Friday at the Sutra Lounge in Costa Mesa. Jason’s debut album "The Magnificent Adventures of Heartache (And Other Frightening Tales...)" was released on Sept. 9 2009 and debuted at no.2 on iTune’s Folk chart. The album was also named one of iTunes’s Top Folk Albums.

Jason is touring the California coast with his friends this May. “The Vespa Experiment” will feature Reves along with fellow singer/songwriters James James and Amber Rubarth. They will be playing venues along the west coast in protest of Global Warming.
I recently had the opportunity to discuss the upcoming tour with Jason, as well as his influences in music.




Tell me a little bit about your style of music, what can people who are going to come out to see the Vespa Experience expect to hear?

I don’t like the words that people usually use to describe music and I am not trying to say that I am defying the genres or breaking rules, because I certainly am not. My music is honest and you can probably call it acoustic, it’s not too hard core – definitely not rock music, and I don’t know what to call it, it’s not pop-music in my mind.

Who were some of your influences growing up?

The two main people that made me want to write music are Bob Dylan and James Taylor. They definitely were the two biggest inspirations.

Where did the whole idea of the Vespa Experiment come from?

It was sort of a crazy idea that I came up with one day. I was hanging out with Brendan James, who is also on the tour, and we were talking about how fun, amazing and totally insane it would be to do a tour on a Vespa. Riding up the California coast just sounds like the coolest adventure you could ever partake in, at least in America. We didn’t really think it was going to happen this fast. We were just making an absurd statement and our managers thought it was a good idea and they made it happen. We are just very lucky that we are actually doing it.

The folks that are joining you on this experiment are they on your album, how do you know them?

No, each of them has their own records out and their own music. Amber and Brendan are two of my favorite musicians anyways. Even if they weren’t coming on this I would say that. I am just really happy that they are going to be a part of it.

Are you guys all close friends or just collaboratively your styles match?

We are all really good friends and I am just really fortunate to have all these friends who are incredible musicians and somehow it just works out that they are really good people and it is fun to be around them. I couldn’t have asked for 2 better people, though.

You guys are going to be on this mini-California tour for a few weeks or so. Is there a message you are trying to send, or is it just for fun?

There is definitely a message and a reason for riding the Vespa’s instead of cars. We will also be sleeping outside in the woods or campgrounds instead of hotels. The reason is to just promote taking care of the Earth in any way; it is not necessarily a specific or a hard-core message it is just that we need to be doing anything we can in any tiny or large light to stop destroying the world. It is just a little step we are taking by doing this but the reason it is called the Vespa Experiment is because we want to keep doing things like this and keep experimenting with ideas of how we can try not to ruin our atmosphere.


Tell me a little about your writing partners on your album Mikal Blue and Colbie Caillat, how do you guys work together?

When I came out here from Iowa it was because Mikal had called me , he heard my music and he wanted to know if I wanted to come out and record with him, and I obviously jumped at that. When I got here the first person I met besides Mikal was Colbie and she was just starting out writing music, and they just put us together and thought that we might be good writing partners, and it turned out pretty well. Mikal, Colbie and I became kind of a team in making music and it was an unexplainable process that came together pretty easily and magically.

Your album started out in August on MySpace, are you guys working only on just electronic distribution or are there physical copies available?

No they are out, it is in stores Nationwide in BestBuy and whatever record stores still exist, the ones that have not died out yet.


What are a couple of your favorite tracks off the album?

I think one of my favorite songs is “New Hampshire” because of the way it was recorded, it was pretty much one take. Everybody just freaked out. We had no idea what was going on or what the plan was for the song. Even a lot of the vocals are just made up. I just like how the song didn’t exist in the way it does at all before we tried recording it. I just left it with all the mistakes and whatnot in there. It felt cool to do that. I never let just one take of pretty much madness just sit in the track and stay there. There is usually a lot more planning and editing than that.

Growing up as a kid who guided and shaped you as a person?

My parents have been a great influence. My dad used to play guitar for my sister and I when we were kids, just around the house. Other than that I had a couple of teachers in high-school, especially my chorus teachers. They had a big part in encouraging me to sing, just proving over and over again that music is powerful.

Musically who have been some of your mentors?

Well, all my friends who play guitar. I never took lessons so I consider them the ones who taught me how. I would just play terribly with people who were better than me and by doing that over and over again, I learned how to do it. I don’t think it was anyone specific, but just all my friends combined, everyone teaching me something different.

Taylor Swift brings tour to Southern California and offers fans exclusive interactive activities solely for Verizon Wireless customers

Verizon Wireless today announced the Taylor Swift Fearless 2009 Tour will provide a number of exclusive interactive activities solely for Verizon Wireless customers. The multi-platinum, award-winning singer/songwriter's will bring her first U.S. headline tour to Southern California on May 22nd when she performs at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

"Taylor Swift is unequivocally one of the hottest artists in the nation right now," said Ed Ruth, director of digital content and programming for Verizon. "We are honored to work with Taylor to make her highly-anticipated first U.S. headline tour and the exclusive music developed from our mobile recording studio bus available to customers."

The exclusive interactive elements of Taylor Swift's Fearless 2009 Tour include:

-- Txt2Win Contest: Verizon Wireless customers who text "TS" to "8607" will be automatically entered for a chance to win two tickets to see Taylor Swift in concert. Winners will receive their tickets in the form of a bar coded mobile ticket sent to their Verizon Wireless handset and good for the entry of two fans. Mobile ticket winners will have priority access to the show through a VIP Mobile ticketing entrance. To enter for free, visit www.vzwrules.com/ts.


-- Exclusive Taylor Swift music: Swift will create exclusive music straight from the private on-site Verizon Mobile Recording Studio Bus. Fans will be able to download these exclusive tunes over the air to their mobile phones using Verizon Wireless V CAST Music with Rhapsody.

-- Green screen fun: Fans can become virtual video stars at every show. With the assistance of green screen technology, fans will appear as if they are performing on stage with Swift as she performs her hit songs "Love Story" and "Picture to Burn." Video clips of the green screen performances will be sent to participants' mobile phones to share with friends.

Stagecoach rolls into town - Wrap Up

Some of Country & Western’s top music stars and legends descend upon the Southern California dessert for the third annual Stagecoach festival this past weekend.

The Stagecoach festival is the Country & Western version of the Coachella Art & Music festival which was held last weekend at the same venue, The Empire Polo Club, a sprawling facility located in the middle of the Coachella Valley.

The festival consists of 3 stages which provide music throughout the day, a BBQ competition, art exhibits, mechanical bulls, and plenty of food and beverage vendors to accommodate pretty much everyone's taste.

The 3 stages offered a variety of musical performances. The Mustang stage was predominantly blue-grass and folk music, while the Palomino stage was chock-full of some of the legends of Country Music, while the Mane stage had a full line-up of today’s hottest Country stars.

Day 1 at the festival consisted of a very entertaining mix of styles. The Mustang Stage had acts ranging from the Nashville newgrass sextet The Infamous Stringdusters to the legendary bluegrass/banjo master Earl Scruggs. The Palomino Stage featured performances from Kevin Costner and his band Modern West, The Reverend Horton Heat, and Lynn Anderson. The highlight of Day 1 at the Palomino stage was an amazing performance by the Charlie Daniels Band, for 72yrs old he can still rock.

The Mane Stage on Day 1 opened up with a set from Danielle Peck followed by a Hootie-heavy Darius Rucker performance.

Up next on the Mane Stage was one of the highlights of the show, Little Big Town. As the Coachella valley winds rolled in, LBT took the stage and didn’t disappoint with their harmonious vocals, as they brought everyone to their feet.

With the crowd warmed up and the dessert sun retired for the night, consummate professional Reba McIntyre took the stage. She worked her way through what appeared to be a very well scripted set, entertaining yes, but it all seemed very thought out.

Day 1 was closed out by the rapid fire guitar-licks of non-other than Brad Paisley. He masterfully worked the crowd through all his hits, as he brought his Paisley Party Tour to the Coachella valley.

Day 2 of the festival was very stacked with big names. Highlighting the Mustang Stage was the Hot Club of Cowtown, Ricky Scaggs and Peter Rowan.

James Intveld opened the show on the Palomino stage. The Southern-California born rockabilly brought the early comers to their feet, singing along to many of the songs off his "Have Faith" album.

Up next was a great band called The Duhks. Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada the soulful voice of Sarah Dugas belted out countless tracks, while bow wielding fiddler Tania Elizabeth kept the crowds attention. This band had a very unique sound, imagine combining bluegrass, fusion, African, folk, jazz and soul all into one sound.

Over on the Mane Stage a great lineup kept the crowd entertained all day. Randy Houser opened the show, followed by an amazing performance from the Zac Brown Band. Zac Brown put on a great set including a very cool medley of their hit "Where the Boat Leaves From" mixed in with several breaks of Bob Marley’s "One-Love." Up next was Lady Antebellum who put on a very energetic set that had way a lot of cover-songs in it. Then came the fiery Rocking attitude of Miranda Lambert, she belted out all the favorites including "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend."

Next up on the Mane stage was not the headliner for the night, but definitely was who everyone came to see. Kid Rock took the stage and pounded out well over an hour long set. As the opening video intro rolled, the entire Stagecoach facility came to life dancing and screaming like the Beatles were playing. It was amazing to watch 50 yr old women dancing in the aisles screaming along to every word of "American Bad Ass."

By the time Kid Rock left the stage and Kenny Chesney took over to close out the night, I think the crowd was spent. While Chesney put on a great show, one couldn’t help but notice the droves of people flocking out of the venue a few songs in to his set.

If you didn’t make it out to Stagecoach this year, be sure to check it out next year. It was an amazing festival to attend.

--- More Photos to come tomorrow ----

PHOTOS: Poco - 04/26/09 - Stagecoach Festival

Photos from the Poco performance at the 2009 Stagecoach Festival on 4/25/09.

PHOTOS: Kenny Chesney - 042609 - Stagecoach Festival

Photos from the Kenny Chesney performance at the 2009 Stagecoach Festival on 4/26/09.

PHOTOS: Jerry Jeff Walker - 042609 - Stagecoach Festival

Photos from the Jerry Jeff Walker performance at the 2009 Stagecoach Festival on 4/26/09.

PHOTOS: James Intveld - 042609 - Stagecoach Festival

Photos from the James Intveld performance at the 2009 Stagecoach Festival on 4/26/09.

PHOTOS: Brad Paisley - 04/25/09 - Stagecoach Festival

Photos from the Brad Paisley performance at the 2009 Stagecoach Festival on 4/25/09.

PHOTOS: The Charlie Daniels Band - 04/25/09 - Stagecoach Festival

Photos from The Charlie Daniels Band performance at the 2009 Stagecoach Festival on 4/25/09.

PHOTOS: Little Big Town - 04/25/09 - Stagecoach Festival

Photos from the Little Big Town performance at the 2009 Stagecoach Festival on 4/25/09.

PHOTOS: Kevin Costner & Modern West - 04/25/09 - Stagecoach Festival

Photos from the Kevin Costner & Modern West performance at the 2009 Stagecoach Festival on 4/25/09.

Also a few pics of Kevin with the legendary Lynn Anderson

Ciara's New Album 'Fantasy Ride' Set For May 5th Release

Singer Heats Up At Radio With Two Simultaneous Hits "Never Ever" Featuring Young Jeezy And "Love Sex Magic" Featuring Justin Timberlake

LaFace/Jive Records multi-platinum recording artist Ciara is set to release her third album, Fantasy Ride on May 5th. The release comes as both of her singles "Never Ever" featuring Young Jeezy and "Love Sex Magic" featuring label-mate Justin Timberlake race up the radio charts. Both singles are currently in the Top 15 on the Rhythm, Pop and Urban mainstream charts and have combined digital downloads nearing one million in sales. Entertainment Weekly has declared "'Love Sex Magic' hits it with a bouncy, finger-popping, straight up summer jam" and People Magazine proclaims "'Love Sex Magic'...a hot grinder." Internationally, "Love Sex Magic" scores the # 1 spot on the UK's iTunes R&B Chart, Germany's Club chart and Japan's Ringtone chart.

Ciara takes on a greater creative role on her latest effort by co-writing a major portion of Fantasy Ride and serving as co-executive producer. In addition to Timberlake, she is also joined by all-star producers Danja, Tricky Stewart, Polow Da Don and Rodney Jerkins. The album reveals Ciara's growth as a singer, songwriter, producer, and performer reflecting not only her new artistic direction but also her vision on the ever-evolving worlds of music, dance, and fashion.

The 23-year old, Atlanta-based artist first came to national attention in 2004, with her 3x platinum debut album Goodies which spawned the #1 hits "Goodies," "1,2 Step" featuring Missy Elliot and "Oh" featuring Ludacris. She followed up with her platinum-certified sophomore album in 2006, Ciara: The Evolution, which contained her #1 hit "Promise" and the provocative "Like A Boy." Since hitting the music scene at 18-years old, Ciara has continuously topped the charts and earned accolades as an all-around entertainer.

Look out for upcoming television appearances on Good Morning America, Saturday Night Live, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Regis and Kelly, Ellen, and Jimmy Kimmel.

** Photo Courtesy of Sony Records

Jason Reeves, Brendan James and Amber Rubart Launch the Vespa Experiment

On April 30th, singer/songwriters Jason Reeves, Brendan James and Amber Rubarth will embark on the The Vespa Experiment, a two-week tour of the California coastline during which they hope to raise awareness about global warming. The three artists will leave behind the concrete jungle of Los Angeles and ride Vespas up the Coast with just the basics: camping gear, musical instruments, and a vision: to inspire your people to consider their impact on their environment.

As Reeves, James and Rubarth travel north, they will be accompanied by a photographer and film crew, who will document their journey as they perform at clubs, park amphitheaters, mountiantops , and campground along their route. The footage and photographs will be edited into webisodes to be posted on each of the artists' websites and at www.myspace.com/TheVespaExperiment enabling fans to follow the artists' adventures as they unfold and communicate with their peers about what they are seeing.

The Vespa Experiment Tour Dates:

5/1	Fri	Costa Mesa, CA	Sutra Lounge
5/2	Sat	Hermosa Beach, CA	Saint Rocke
5/3	Sun	Los Angeles, CA	The Roxy
5/5	Tue	Ventura, CA	The Lodge At Zoey’s
5/7	Thu	San Luis Obispo, CA	Downtown Brew
5/10	Sun	Monterey, CA	Monterey Live
5/12	Tue	San Francisco, CA	Café Du Nord

REPO! The Genetic Opera is coming to Southern California.

Since its inception as a coffee house live 10 minute opera, REPO! The Genetic Opera has garnered its exposure due to its undying fan base. The true driving force behind the unstoppable success of the movie is not the million-heiress cast member (Paris Hilton), the block buster director (Darren Lynn Bousman) or indie elite distributer (Lionsgate), it is the legions of late night crowds who line up in their home made costumes and sing the soundtrack in unison while they wait.

Long after the film’s initial run, and months after the DVD hit stores the frenzy grew. Emails from rabid REPO! Fans flooded message boards demanding REPO! in their hometown theatres. This gave birth to the three highly successful REPO! Road Tours which brought the film's creators and cast members coast to coast to meet fans. Much like Repo’s predecessors of cult lore, REPO! the Genetic Opera has become a part of Midnight movie madness nationwide, the list of theatres in cities across America continues to grow, from South Hadley, Massachusetts to Phoenix Arizona, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Portland, Oregon. Groups gather late night to perform as shadowcasts against the film, donning custom movie garb and swinging neon blue glow sticks (zydrate) through the special late-night weekend features.

REPO! The Genetic Opera is in stores and available on DVD and Blu-Ray NOW. Also, check Out Co-Creator Terrance Zdunich’s NEW website TerranceZdunich.com completely updated: including an ONLINE STORE, new GALLERY PIECES, added COCKROACH TRIVIA, and more! Visit: http://www.TerranceZdunich.com

4/24 - West Hollywood, CA – Laemmle Sunset 5 – 11:59 PM - $8
5/29 - West Hollywood, CA – Laemmle Sunset 5 – 11:59 PM - $8
6/26 - West Hollywood, CA – Laemmle Sunset 5 – 11:59 PM - $8

REPO! The Genetic Opera: In the no-so-distant future, a worldwide epidemic of organ failures devastates the planet. Out of the tragedy, a savior emerges: GENECO, a biotech company that offers organ transplants...for a price. Those who miss their payments are scheduled for repossession and hunted by THE REPO MAN. By fusing ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW and BLADE RUNNER, this futuristic tale of horror modernizes the "rock opera" genre with original music and rich, dark production design.



This rock opera boasts an entirely original soundtrack that blends equal parts goth and punk rock to form an eerie and powerful musical narrative and features vocal performances by an amazing cast; Paris Hilton, Bill Moseley, Sarah Brightman, Anthony Stewart Head, Alexa Vega, Paul Sorvino, Ohgr and more. Instrumentals and score provided by an all-star lineup that features performances from Joan Jett (who cameos in the film), Richard Patrick (Filter), Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction), Clown (Slipknot), Ray Luzier (Army of Anyone), Brian Young (David Lee Roth's band), Sonny Moore (From First to Last), Richard Fortus (Guns & Roses), David J (Bauhaus/Love & Rockets), Daniel Ash (Love & Rockets), Blasko (Ozzy Osbourne), Tommy Clefetus (Rob Zombie's band), Melora Creager (Rasputina). Also lending her voice to the soundtrack is the edgy pop star Poe.



For behind the scenes footage and more visit the film's main page www.repo-opera.com.

Tickets On Sale This Week

AC/DC
Tuesday, Sep 8
Honda Center
Anaheim, CA
On Sale Sat, 4/25, 10am

Beyonce Saturday, Jul 11 Honda Center Anaheim, CA On Sale Sat, 4/25, 11am		Beyonce Monday, Jul 13 STAPLES Center Los Angeles, CA On Sale Sat, 4/25, 11am		Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival ft. Marilyn Manson and Slayer with Killswitch.. Sunday, Jul 12 San Manuel Amphitheater San Bernardino, CA On Sale Fri, 4/24, 12pm		311 Sunday, Jul 12 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Irvine, CA On Sale Sat, 4/25, 10am
Wilco June 22 - 23 The Wiltern Los Angeles, CA On Sale Fri, 4/24, 10am		The Wiggles July 25 - 26 Gibson Amphitheatre Universal City, CA On Sale Fri, 4/24, 10am		Alejandro Fernandez Friday, Sep 11 Gibson Amphitheatre Universal City, CA On Sale Fri, 4/24, 1pm		Rock Royalty: The Zombies, The Yardbirds and The Spencer Davis Group Saturday, Jun 27 The Wiltern Los Angeles, CA On Sale Sat, 4/25, 10am
		Mike Birbiglia Friday, Oct 16 Avalon - Hollywood Hollywood, CA On Sale Now

Confirmed Final Stage Coach Line-up and Set-Times

Music fans from all-over are flocking to the California dessert for the 2009 edition of the Stage Coach Festival. The final set times have been announced, and we are ready for some boot-skooting fun in the sun. We'll be there taking photos of most of the artists as well as some interviews. Look for complete wrap-up coverage early next week.

Below are the final set times announced today.
(which of course may be subject to change)

Saturday, April 25
MANE STAGE
Brad Paisley 9:30pm
Reba McEntire 8:00pm
Little Big Town 6:30pm
Darius Rucker 5:00pm
Danielle Peck 3:50pm

PALOMINO STAGE
Charlie Daniels Band 7:25pm
Reverend Horton heat 6:00pm
Kevin Costner & Modern West 4:45pm
Lynn Anderson 3:35pm
The Sacred Cowboys 2:30pm
Maxim Ludwig and the Santa Fe Seven 1:35pm
John Linn Band 12:45pm

MUSTANG STAGE
Earl Scruggs 6:30pm
Doyle Lawson 4:50pm
The Infamous Stringdusters 3:25pm
Chris Stuart and Back Country 2:20pm
Waddie Mitchell (and hosting all day) 1:30pm

Sunday, April 26
MANE STAGE
Kenny Chesney 9:15pm
Kid Rock 7:30pm
Miranda Lambert 6:00pm
Lady Antebellum 4:40pm
Zac Brown Band 3:25pm
Randy Houser 2:15pm

PALOMINO STAGE
Dale Watson 8:50pm
Jim Lauderdale 7:40pm
Knitters 6:30pm
Poco 5:00pm
Pure Prairie League 3:45pm
Jerry Jeff Walker 2:35pm
The Duhks 1:30pm
James Intveld 12:40pm

MUSTANG STAGE
Hot Club of Cowtown 7:30pm
Ralph Stanley 6:00pm
Ricky Scaggs 4:25pm
Peter Rowan 2:50pm
Greensky Bluegrass 1:30pm


Saturday, April 25
12:45pm John Linn Band (Palomino)
1:30pm Waddie Mitchell (Mustang)
1:35pm Maxim Ludwig and the Santa Fe Seven (Palomino)
2:20pm Chris Stuart and Back Country (Mustang)
2:30pm The Sacred Cowboys (Palomino)
3:25pm The Infamous Stringdusters (Mustang)
3:35pm Lynn Anderson (Palomino)
3:50pm Danielle Peck (Mane)
4:45pm Kevin Costner & Modern West (Palomino)
4:50pm Doyle Lawson (Mustang)
5:00pm Darius Rucker (Mane)
6:00pm Reverend Horton heat (Palomino)
6:30pm Earl Scruggs (Mustang)
6:30pm Little Big Town (Mane)
7:25pm Charlie Daniels Band (Palomino)
8:00pm Reba McEntire (Mane)
9:30pm Brad Paisley (Mane)

Sunday, April 25
12:40pm James Intveld (Palomino)
1:30pm The Duhks (Palomino)
1:30pm Greensky Bluegrass (Mustang)
2:15pm Randy Houser (Mane)
2:35pm Jerry Jeff Walker (Palomino)
2:50pm Peter Rowan (Mustang)
3:25pm Zac Brown Band (Mane)
3:45pm Pure Prairie League (Palomino)
4:25pm Ricky Scaggs (Mustang)
4:40pm Lady Antebellum (Mane)
5:00pm Poco (Palomino)
6:00pm Ralph Stanley (Palomino)
6:00pm Miranda Lambert (Mane)
6:30pm Knitters (Palomino)
7:30pm Hot Club of Cowtown (Mustang)
7:30pm Kid Rock (Mane)
7:40pm Jim Lauderdale (Palomino)
8:50pm Dale Watson (Palomino)
9:15pm Kenny Chesney (Mane)

Queensryche in-store Signing in Hollywood

Earlier this week Rock legends Queensryche stopped by Sam Ash in Los Angeles. With a gap in their schedule, and in town for two shows at the House of Blues in Anaheim and Hollywood, the band held a meet and greet with fans.


photos by Chris Loomis

Tenative Stage Coach Festival Set Times

Here are the rumored set times as reported on the Stage Coach Festival message boards. These have not been confirmed yet, and may be subject to change.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

MANE STAGE
Brad Paisley 9:30pm
Reba McEntire 8:00pm
Little Big Town 6:30pm
Darius Rucker 5:00pm
Danielle Peck 3:50pm
Randy Houser 2:15pm

PALOMINO STAGE
Charlie Daniels Band 7:25pm
Reverend Horton heat 6:00pm
Kevin Costner & Modern West 4:45pm
Lynn Anderson 3:35pm
The Sacred Cowboys 2:30pm
Maxim Ludwig and the Santa Fe Seven 1:35pm
John Linn Band 12:45pm
James Intveld 12:40pm

MUSTANG STAGE
Earl Scruggs 6:30pm
Doyle Lawson 4:50pm
The Infamous String dusters 3:25pm
Chris Stuart and Back Country 2:20pm
Waddie Mitchell 1:30pm

SUNDAY, APRIL 26

MANE STAGE
Kenny Chesney 9:15pm
Kid Rock 7:30pm
Miranda Lambert 6:00pm
Lady Antebellum 4:40pm
Zac Brown Band 3:25pm

PALOMINO STAGE
Dale Watson 8:50pm
Jim Lauderdale 7:40pm
Knitters 6:30pm
Poco 5:00pm
Pure Prairie League 3:45pm
Jerry Jeff Walker 2:35pm
The Duhks 1:30pm
James Intveld 12:40pm

MUSTANG STAGE
Hot Club of Cowtown 7:30pm
Ralph Stanley 6:00pm
Ricky Scaggs 4:25pm
Peter Rowan 2:50pm
Greensky Bluegrass 1:30pm


And in case you want it sorted by time

SATURDAY, APRIL 25
Brad Paisley 9:30pm (MANE STAGE)
Reba McEntire 8:00pm (MANE STAGE)
Charlie Daniels Band 7:25pm (PALOMINO STAGE)
Little Big Town 6:30pm (MANE STAGE)
Earl Scruggs 6:30pm (MUSTANG STAGE)
Reverend Horton heat 6:00pm (PALOMINO STAGE)
Darius Rucker 5:00pm (MANE STAGE)
Doyle Lawson 4:50pm (MUSTANG STAGE)
Kevin Costner & Modern West 4:45pm (PALOMINO STAGE)
Danielle Peck 3:50pm (MANE STAGE)
Lynn Anderson 3:35pm (PALOMINO STAGE)
The Infamous String dusters 3:25pm (MUSTANG STAGE)
The Sacred Cowboys 2:30pm (PALOMINO STAGE)
Chris Stuart and Back Country 2:20pm (MUSTANG STAGE)
Randy Houser 2:15pm (MANE STAGE)
Maxim Ludwig and the Santa Fe Seven 1:35pm (PALOMINO STAGE)
Waddie Mitchell 1:30pm (MUSTANG STAGE)
John Linn Band 12:45pm (PALOMINO STAGE)
James Intveld 12:40pm (PALOMINO STAGE)


SUNDAY, APRIL 26


Kenny Chesney 9:15pm (MANE STAGE)
Dale Watson 8:50pm (PALOMINO STAGE)
Jim Lauderdale 7:40pm (PALOMINO STAGE)
Kid Rock 7:30pm (MANE STAGE)
Hot Club of Cowtown 7:30pm (MUSTANG STAGE)
Knitters 6:30pm (PALOMINO STAGE)
Miranda Lambert 6:00pm (MANE STAGE)
Ralph Stanley 6:00pm (MUSTANG STAGE)
Poco 5:00pm (PALOMINO STAGE)
Lady Antebellum 4:40pm (MANE STAGE)
Ricky Scaggs 4:25pm (MUSTANG STAGE)
Pure Prairie League 3:45pm (PALOMINO STAGE)
Zac Brown Band 3:25pm (MANE STAGE)
Peter Rowan 2:50pm (MUSTANG STAGE)
Jerry Jeff Walker 2:35pm (PALOMINO STAGE)
The Duhks 1:30pm (PALOMINO STAGE)
Greensky Bluegrass 1:30pm (MUSTANG STAGE)
James Intveld 12:40pm (PALOMINO STAGE)

Beyonce Brings tour to Southern California and offers Fans Exclusive Backstage Access to Meet the Superstar and Front Row Seats

International pop icon, Beyonce, is offering fans exclusive opportunities that include front row seats and backstage access for an in-person meeting, autograph and photo at the upcoming 2009 "I AM..." concert tour. The limited VIP packages will also offer concertgoers pre-show parties, special edition Dereon bags, fanclub memberships and collectables.

The 19 city 2009 "I AM..." World Tour comes to Southern California in July.

Experience Beyonce up-close and personal with premium packages that include fan club memberships and pre-sale tickets for the "I AM..." Tour. VIP Packages and pre-sale tickets are on sale now www.ticketmaster.com/beyonce. Pre-sale tickets are available for fan club members. During April 20-24, fan club memberships are being offered for only $19.99 at www.ticketmaster.com/beyonce. As a special offering, in order to make the concerts affordable to all her fans, there will be a select number of seats available at each venue for $20 (plus applicable service charges). Information on tickets for the four-night residency at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas is available at www.encorelasvegas.com.

2009 "I AM..." Concert Tour VIP premium packages will be offered on a limited basis in each market:

"I AM... BEYONCE" - MEET & GREET PACKAGE
-- Front Row Ticket
-- Meet & Greet with Beyonce
-- Photo with Beyonce
-- Special entrance for VIPs
-- Pre-show party in exclusive VIP room
-- Limited Edition Dereon bag (including autographed tour book and more)
-- Collectible laminate and/or wristband
-- One year membership to the official Beyonce fan club

-- Onsite event management staff


"I AM... FIERCE" - ON-STAGE PACKAGE
-- On-Stage ticket in the Diva Zone - the ultimate fan experience
-- Special entrance for VIPs
-- Pre-show party in exclusive VIP room
-- Limited Edition Dereon bag (including tour book and more)
-- Collectible laminate and/or wristband
-- One year membership to the official Beyonce fan club

-- Onsite event management staff


"I AM... BOLD" - HOT SEAT PACKAGE
-- Premium ticket in the first three rows
-- Limited Edition Dereon bag (including tour book and more)
-- Collectible laminate and/or wristband

-- One year membership to the official Beyonce fan club


Beyonce sold-out arenas around the world in 2007 with "The Beyonce Experience." Two years later, the "I AM..." World Tour is the most anticipated event of summer 2009. The shows will premiere live performances by the star joined by her all-female band and feature her classic mega-hits and new songs from her international #1 album, I AM... Sasha Fierce. Adopting a full fan experience, winners of the Beyonce "Single Ladies" Video Dance contest will see themselves on-screen during one of the centerpiece sections of the "I AM..." concert.

Beyonce is co-sponsoring food drives along her tour itinerary as part of the Show Your Helping Hand(TM) initiative, a national hunger relief campaign created by General Mills' Hamburger Helper(R), in partnership with Beyonce and her Survivor Foundation. The campaign goal is to help Feeding America(TM) deliver more than 3.5 million meals to local food banks. Consumers can get involved in the effort by submitting codes on specially marked boxes of Hamburger Helper(R), by donating non-perishable food items at Beyonce's concerts in select cities across the U.S., or by donating money at www.showyourhelpinghand.com. Beginning April 25, visit www.showyourhelpinghand.com for more information.

L'Oreal Paris, one of the co-sponsors of Beyonce's "I AM..." North American Tour, is celebrating 100 years of legendary beauty with the iconic superstar. Concertgoers will be invited into the L'Oreal Paris Glam Station where the LP Pro Team will provide mini makeovers and touch-ups. Then, fans will walk out onto the red carpet in front of the L'Oreal Paris Infallible Step and Repeat banner for a VIP photo session and reception.

Concertgoers can enter the L'Oreal Paris 100th Anniversary Legendary Beauty Sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize, a fabulous 5 day/4 night trip for two to Paris including a beauty makeover. They could also win one of L'Oreal's 100 anniversary gift baskets, which include L'Oreal Paris products.

The Beyonce "I AM..." North American Concert Tour is co-sponsored by L'Oreal Paris and General Mills and produced by Live Nation and Music World Entertainment.

Beyonce "I AM..." 2009 NORTH AMERICAN CONCERT DATES*

DATE CITY VENUE
Sun/Jun-21 New York City, NY Madison Square Garden
Wed/Jun-24 Washington DC Verizon Center
Fri/Jun-26 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center**
Sat/Jun-27 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Mon/Jun-29 Ft Lauderdale, FL Bank Atlantic Center
Wed/Jul-1 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
Fri/Jul-3 New Orleans, LA Superdome (Essence Music Festival)
Sat/Jul-4 Houston, TX Toyota Center**
Sun/Jul-5 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
Tue/Jul-7 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center
Thu/Jul-9 Sacramento, CA Arco Arena
Fri/Jul-10 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena
Sat/Jul-11 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
Mon/Jul-13 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
Thu/Jul-16 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
Fri/Jul-17 Chicago, IL United Center
Sat/Jul-18 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
Thu/Jul-23 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
Thu/Jul-30 Las Vegas, NV Encore Theater, Wynn Las Vegas
Fri/Jul-31 Las Vegas, NV Encore Theater, Wynn Las Vegas
Sat/Aug-1 Las Vegas, NV Encore Theater, Wynn Las Vegas
Sun/Aug-2 Las Vegas, NV Encore Theatre, Wynn Las Vegas

*Future dates may be added.

UCLA Announces the Full Line-Up for The 23rd JAZZ REGGAE FESTIVAL at UCLA Presented by SCION

As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, anticipation and excitement is rapidly mounting for The 23rd Annual Jazz Reggae Festival at UCLA presented by SCION. The student run festival, which has attracted an average of 30,000 attendees annually over the past 6 years, features the most prominent and critically acclaimed artists from around the world, along with an international food, arts, and crafts fair. As we enter a new era, this year's festival has been carefully programmed as "A Culture of Change" with all artists, vendors, sponsors and messages cohesive in support of social and environmental change. With this in mind, the festival's production team is proud to present this year's line-up for both days:

Jam Day (May 24): ERYKAH BADU, DE LA SOUL, LEELA JAMES, PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS, AYO, NINO MOSCHELLA, NK BAND, MATEO, LOUDER THAN WORDS, KALIL WILSON & THE BERKLEY EVERETT SEXTET

Music By: LISTEN Recovery Crew, Batucada Com Discos

Reggae Day (May 25): MAVADO*, Peetah and Mojo Morgan of MORGAN HERITAGE, ASSASSIN, CHERINE ANDERSON, TANTO METRO AND DEVONTE, PANGEA COLLECTIVE, NOLA DARLING, ELJAI, DAN MARCUS I

* performing for the first time in LA with his Live Band

Music By: JAMAICAN GOLD Sound, DJ's White Lightning, Q Bwoy, Edley Shine & Higher, Emcee: MoneyD outta Miami, Early Music Warmup by: Selector EzB & DJ Soldier

In addition to booking this elite line up and maintaining the art production value with two LED screens, the production team has continued efforts to make the festival environmentally progressive. Our specified Sustainability Team is working alongside many non-profit organizations to ensure that all aspects of the show are eco-friendly through means such as waste-separation and direct recycling, along with strong encouragement to our vendors to use biodegradable materials. A sustainability tent will provide attendees with information on fair-trade products, energy and water conservation, and the benefits of using locally grown products.

Tickets Available Now: Advanced Tickets $25, Day of Event Tickets $35, Two-day passes $45, Deluxe Two-day passes $115. Early Bird specials available April 15, 2009 - April 22, 2009 through Ticketmaster and other participating vendors. Online presale tickets available April 23, 2009-May 24, 2009. For more information, press passes, or vendor and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.jazzreggaefest.com.

http://www.jazzreggaefest.com/

Source: The 23rd Annual Jazz Reggae Festival at UCLA

Grammy Award Winning Singer/Songwriter Anthony Hamilton Bring the 'Playin' It Cool' Tour to Club Nokia

So So Def/Jive Records platinum recording artist Anthony Hamilton is confirmed to headline the extended "Playin' It Cool" tour which comes to Club Nokia on June 6th. The line-up includes Musiq Soulchild and special guest Chrisette Michele. The tour is a continuation of last year's successful "Playin' It Cool" dates which showcased the artist in intimate venues.

The tour comes as Hamilton promotes his newest single, the title track, "The Point Of It All" and his previous hit, "Cool" featuring David Banner which remains a Top 10 staple on Urban Adult Contemporary radio airplay charts. Both songs are from his current album, The Point Of It All, which was released in December, 2008 and met with critical acclaim. The New Yorker declared, "Hamilton makes like a modern-day Curtis Mayfield...;" The Boston Globe described the album as "flawless and expressive" and went on to proclaim, "Hamilton has proven himself to be one of the logical heirs to Marvin Gaye;" USA Today proclaimed him as "one of the genre's rare singers."

Widely known for his electric, soul-inspiring live performances Hamilton has gained a steady and loyal fan base throughout his career beginning with his 2003 platinum-certified debut album Comin' From Where I'm From, which spawned the chart-topping song, "Charlene." In 2005, the Charlotte, North Carolina native followed up with his gold-certified sophomore album Ain't Nobody Worryin' which featured the #1 hit, "Can't Let Go."

In addition to the accolades the seven-time Grammy nominee has earned for his albums and live shows, Hamilton won his first Grammy Award this year for his collaboration on Al Green's, "You Got The Love I Need".


For more information: playinitcooltour.blogspot.com

On Sale April 25th - Huey Lewis and The News - 2009 OC Fair

Huey Lewis and The News will perform at the Summer Concert Series at Pacific Amphitheatre as part of the 2009 OC Super Fair. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday, April 25, at 10 a.m. Guests can sign up for future pre-sale email alerts at ocfair.com. All concert tickets include Fair admission.

Tickets will be available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at (714) 740-2000 or (213) 480-3232 and at the OC Fair & Event Center Box Office at the Pacific Amphitheatre (Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Huey Lewis and The News
Thursday, July 30, 8 p.m.
Tickets start at $19.50


Gates open 60 minutes before show time. Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early to avoid traffic and parking delays. The remaining concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2009 OC Super Fair, July 10 - Aug. 9, will bring 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music and fun, as well as the world premiere of Al's Brain, the Super Fair Season Pass, Pacific Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series, and the Action Sports Arena. The Fair is open Wednesday-Sunday beginning July 10.

The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com or follow them on Twitter - twitter.com/ocfair09.

Top Celebs will Tee it up for Melanoma at 6th annual Hack n' Smack

Joe Pesci (Goodfellas), Dennis Haysbert (The Unit), Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), J.K. Simmons (The Closer/Juno), Kenny Lofton (MLB - Indians) and Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy/Hellboy), will be teeing it up on Monday, May 11th for Melanoma research at the 6th Annual Hack n' Smack Celebrity Golf Classic. Hack n' Smack was named TOP 10 in SoCal by Southland Golf Magazine in 2008. The Celebrity parade continues as they're joined by Christopher Gorham (Harper's Island/Ugly Betty), Anthony Anderson (The Departed), Jeremy Sumpter (Friday Night Lights), Richard Karn (Home Improvement), Adam Baldwin (Chuck), Jeffrey Nordling (24), Grant Show (Private Practice), Scott Elrod (Men in Trees), Paula Trickey (The O.C.), Kevin Sorbo (Hercules), Alfonso Ribeiro (Fresh Prince), Joel Murray (Mad Men), Harold Greene (LA News Anchor), Lorenzo Neal (NFL Ravens - Pro Bowler), Gregory Itzin (Mentalist), David Rees Snell (The Shield), Shawn Ryan (Exec Prod, The Unit/The Shield), Drew Lachey (Dancing with the Stars), Gordon "Lugnutzz" Stewart (Motorsports Personality, Host), Brian Krause (Charmed), Dave Coulier (Full House), Kevin Weisman (Alias), James Hyde (Passions) Regan Burns (Halfway Home), Jaime Gomez (Nash Bridges), Kevin Dobson (Knots Landing), Robert Hays (Airplane), Daniel Baldwin (The Closer) and Dan Moriarty (Host - Fox Sports Game Time) join in the fun!

Registration is still open at, www.hacknsmack.org. Hack n' Smack, honors Kerry Daveline, & Benefits the Melanoma Research Foundation (www.melanoma.org) "The cancer we can see, but no one talks about." The 6th Annual Hack n' Smack is presented by The Actors' Network on Monday, May 11, 2009 at El Caballero C.C. In Tarzana. 2009 event HONOREE is, Christopher Gorham (Harper's Island), and this year's WARRIOR AWARD recipient is, Harold Greene (Former News Anchor).

Dark Horse Unveils 2009 Comic Con Exclusive

Dark Horse will offer attendees of this year’s Comic-Con International the chance to grab a special exclusive variant of their upcoming series of Domo “Qee” toys, a translucent variant produced in conjunction with Hong Kong based Toy2R. This special version will only be available at this year’s event, held in San Diego, from July 23-26, 2009.

The special 2” version of the lovable mascot turned iconic viral superstar from Japan’s NHK television network is growing in popularity in the United States. Dark Horse has been an early licensee of Domo, under the auspices of licensing agency Big Tent Entertainment, and has already produced sold-out limited editions of Domo as flocked vinyl figures, stationery, journals and sculpted magnet products.

The Domo Qee program, to be launched nationwide in August, is Dark Horse’s first try at the popular “blind box” or “mystery box” format. Individual figures are packed in small boxes; the only way to know which particular figure is inside a particular box is to purchase and open the box. In the Domo blind box assortment, figures are sold in counter displays of 15, and each display box of 15 figures is further packed into a master carton of four cases.

In addition, the boxes each contain one component of a “Build-A-Domo” clear transparent figure. When the correct six components are accumulated, the buyer can put together the complete bonus Domo. There will not be a “Build-A-Domo” component in the Comic-Con Exclusive figure.

“We presented a Comic-Con exclusive 5.5” Domo vinyl figure last year,” recalls Dark Horse VP of Product Development, David Scroggy, “and were blown away as all of the limited-edition sold out. This year, with an entirely new toy, we expect an even faster depletion of our Comic-Con stock. Since last year’s was a yellow variant, we chose the same color for the Qee toy.”

Starting from a very unusual place as an advertising icon, Domo’s unique look and personality has catapulted the character from 400 television spots in Japan into one of the Internet’s biggest sensations, sparking worldwide recognition. As the poster child for personalized, user-generated content, Domo has been able to transition from popularity within Japan to a worldwide following, spawning countless fan-made images, websites and videos, along with a first-ever licensed product line including plush, toys, fashion and collectibles selling at major trend retailers nationwide. Most recently, Domo has taken America by storm, being featured prominently at major retailers all over the U.S. and even starring in his first worldwide manga.

Cycle of Pain puts the Soul back in Metal

Hard rocking band Cycle of Pain released their self-titled debut album yesterday. The album which has been 10+ years in the making, has finally hit stores. I sat down and had a conversation with Cycle of Pain founding member and bassist John J.D. DeServio last Thursday on the making of the album, touring with Black Label Society and the state of Metal today.

For more information on Cycle of Pain visit them online at www.myspace.com/cycleofpain or www.cycleofpain.net. Cycle of Pain will visit Los Angeles at the Wiltern on May 2 with Black Label Society.

-------------------------------

Paul Hebert / Southern California Entertainment Blog: Tell me a little bit of the album, how excited are you to finally get this thing out?

JD / Cycle of Pain – It’s like giving birth, you know. It look me even longer than nine months though, so it’s even worse than giving birth. I’m like an elephant, whatever an elephant takes to give birth I guess that’s what I am.

So you guys have been working on this album since you have been teens, how did you decide to finally hook it all together and get the album out?

Like you said we have been jamming on it together, Me, Joe and Greg, since we were 14-15 years old and I had a meeting with this record label in Jersey and I played them a bunch of music I had recorded over the years, a bunch of jazz-funk bass music , and a bunch of rock stuff and they loved it all. So they signed me and said ‘You can do whatever you like, a bass record or rock record, or whatever’. So I was like, I’ll do a rock record, and I want to get my brothers involved, from when we were kids, so here it is.



Describe the sound, it sounds like you guys have a lot of different influences, tell us a little bit about what the sound of “Cycle of Pain” is going to be like?

Ultimately it’s definitely a rock band. We have a lot of different influences like you said, a lot of Jazz, Folk, Fusion, Metal, Blue, Soul, it’s all in there man. Ultimately it’s all rock.

You guys have some pretty interesting guest appearances, you have guys who have played with Cypress Hill, Korn, and Billy Idol, how did you pick those guys, tell me a little bit about working with them?

Their all friends of mine, it was kind of easy to just ask a bunch of buds to get together. Greg my singer wrote “Do my work”, he wrote that in ’03 and then day he showed it to me I was like ‘Man I gotta get the guys from Cypress Hill on this one because it sounds like Cypress. Greg’s voice sounds like B-Real on that track, you think its B-Real, but it’s Greg singing and then Sen Dog does the that little bit in the middle, that rap. I’ve been friends with Sen Dog for a couple years now so that was cool, I was friends with Ray Luzir from Korn for a long time, and Brian Tichy went to Berkeley with me and he plays in Billy Idol, so it was all just asking friends, that’s about it.

Some of the songs you had written forever ago, I think one of them was over 10 years ago?

Yeah 2 of them ‘Down Witcha Pain’ and ‘Tungle’ I had written in ‘99

Now how have those songs evolved, have they changed much since you wrote them back in ’99 to what they are now?

‘Down Witcha Pain’ is pretty much exact, I put the piano in the middle now so that was a little bit different. ‘Pungle’ - those drum tracks were done in like 2000 or 2001, its crazy man. The arrangement didn’t change at all, it’s basically the same arrangement, we just re-recorded a bunch of things, however we did keep the original drum track, and I just blew samples on top of it to beef it up a bit, but it’s crazy there is shit from 1999 that is on my record. ‘Down Witcha Pain’ the ending keyboard little part is from ’99 actually.

During this tour you are going to be doing some double duty playing with Black Label Society and Cycle of Pain, how is that going to affect you? Is it going to be a little overwhelming doing that double duty?

Nah it’s going to be awesome. Once my band plays our first show “Cycle of Pain” I’ll be able to like rest, you know what I mean. Until that happens I am freaking out. Once that is in the bag then I’ll be like ‘OK cool we did it, that’s cool’ now I gotta go sell merch and then I gotta get back on stage and play with Black Label.

So you going to be actually out selling merch between?

I’m going to go out to the merch booth and sign a bunch of things for the fans, and hopefully they can pick up the record there too.

During the tour you are also going to be having some bass clinics tell me about those and where people can get more information.


I do them at Sam Ash primarily. I got one more in Vegas at the end of the month. It’s killer I get to do a lot of fun stuff, some Jazz-Fusion shit and I get to show the kids about the different influences we all have, and the different styles of music and just educate them about what we dug.


Metal today is totally different then when we grew up.


Right

What do you think about Metal today, it’s all this scream ‘til it hurts kind of metal?


It lost the soul aspect of music, totally. You know the blues. That’s where it came from the blue man, it’s kind of missing big time in today’s music and it needs to come back man. “Black Label” always had it and hopefully “Cycle of Pain” will help to strengthen that as well. There are not many bands with soul and blues that are killing it, and the players really playing. There are some bands that have great guitar players that are technical, but they lack the soul man. Soul is what really gets in each person, they really react to it and they don’t even know it, they just feel it.

Growing up who was your biggest mentor and how did they shape you into who you are today, not musically but just as a person?

As a person, it’s funny to say this but I used to watch ‘Good Times’ when I was a kid and just the message that John Amos had being the father of that house, and keeping everybody in line and getting through no matter what it took man, and that was pretty much an amazing role model for me growing up, just as a kid watching ‘Good Times’ and learning lessons from that show. That was a huge one. My family, growing up and being raised right was huge. The discipline aspect of having to work hard for shit, I got that from my family.

Do you think that is lacking in youths today?

Oh without a doubt, totally.

A lot of kids are stuck in front of a TV and there aren’t really any good messages out there.

Dude it sucks man, even just television shows like you said. Years ago they all had really cool messages, and real issues and shit, and it was more heartfelt and more soul full. Today it is just lacking dude, and the work ethic is gone, because these kids fucking they don’t to do shit, they can just go on the computer and watch anything they want from any artist they want. You know when I was a kid I would have died if I would have had that opportunity. Me and Zack we just practiced our asses off, you know what I mean. Nowadays with all the technology, I would have been even better, because we had that work ethic. With the technology if you have the work ethic you are going to be slammin.

We need to get the kids working again.

That’s what I’m saying, I try to tell them in my clinics. That’s a major reason I do it because I want to educate and inspire.

The tour kicks off in a couple of days?


Yeah dude, Tuesday bro.

The same day the album drops?

I know I'm friggin’ shitting myself, it’s amazing because I am running around with toilet paper because I shit myself daily. I can’t believe it is finally here man.

What can fans expect on this tour, a half hour set, or what can they expect?

I said this in another interview, and it was a good line. We are going to perform a human sacrifice each night for 30 minutes.

I am just so honored and blessed to be in a position I am in. Black Label fans are the best fans in the world and I keep telling everybody that, and it’s the truth. I’m just psyched to get this opportunity to open up for Black Label and hopefully start a little branch off the black label tree. It all came from Ozzy, and from Ozzy with Randy, and then Ozzy with Zack and now Zack to Black Label, and now hopefully I’ll have a little branch off the tree.

Long Beach Fight Night 4 - 4/19/2009

Long Beach Fight Night returned to the Long Beach City College Hall of Champions for its fourth installment on Sunday Night. The night featured 9 action packed professional Mixed Martial Arts fights.

Topping Events, Inc. has made turned LBFN into one of the premier MMA events in the Southern California area. The crowds are considerably larger today than when they put on their first event back in August of 2008.

“At least from the very first show we have doubled,” says Jason De La O, Topping Events. “Every one gets a little bit better, as we learn what people are looking for.”

While promotion through advertising definitely helps an event like this become a success nothing is more valuable than word of mouth.

“We try and promote as much as we can, and word of mouth is helping us a lot,” says De La O.

Not only do the fans enjoy the event, but the fighters appreciate it as well.

“They just basically have a really good experience with us win or lose. They like the way they are treated,” De La O explains.

The evening got off to a great start, when heavyweight Manny “Bam Bam” Lara fighting in only his second professional fight, defeated Anthony Apello, when referee Mike Beltran stopped the beating at 2:24 of the first round.

“It’s really intimate, it feels kind of good knowing a lot of the people here. It’s cool,” Lara explained after his fight.

While the fighters physically abuse each other in the ring, many of them realize it is a business, and do not hold any resentment towards their fellow combatants.
“MMA is a sport, it’s not murder,” Lamar Jiles, fighter for Team Wildman explains. “We go out here and we have a good time, my opponent I just fought, I would take him out to eat because it’s not personal.”

Ticket prices for LBFN range from $25-80, the latter of puts you ringside, compared to tickets to the upcoming UFC event which range from $75-$800, LBFN is a bargain. Smaller promotions such as these help grow the sport from the ground up, introducing MMA to people who may not have otherwise experienced a live fight.

“It gets the name out there, and that’s what we are trying to [do],” explains Jiles.

If LBFN keeps doing what it is doing, it may soon need to look for a larger venue.

“We are aways from that, but I think we are heading in the right direction,“ countered De La O. “Just keep after it, and give southern California a good venue for entry level to minimally skilled athletes to show their skills.”

If you missed this one, you can catch one of the next event on July 19 or October 18, 2009. For more information visit www.longbeachfightnight.com

Discount tickets available for Unwigged & Unplugged

UNWIGGED & UNPLUGGED

Christopher Guest, Michael McKean & Harry Shearer performing songs from SPINAL TAP,

A MIGHTY WIND & more!

SPECIAL $25 TICKETS FOR STUDENTS!

$25 tickets will be offered at the box office only for students who show their school I.D. for Unwigged & Unplugged at the Grove of Anaheim on Thursday, April 23rd.

Actors/Directors/Musicians and Comedy Icons Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer are doing something they have never done before; performing a six-week, 30-city multi-media acoustic tour without wigs and electric instruments. UNWIGGED & UNPLUGGED: An Evening with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer has the legendary musical and comedic trio performing music from heavy metal’s loudest band Spinal Tap along with the folk music from A Mighty Wind, and more—making a stop at the Grove of Anaheim on Thursday, April 23 at 8:00 PM.

UNWIGGED & UNPLUGGED are the guys behind Spinal Tap and The Folksmen (from "A Mighty Wind") coming out from behind the hair, the facial hair, and the absence of hair, to perform as themselves songs from both films, and more, in a rare acoustic setting. You'll never hear Tap songs less loud!

UNWIGGED & UNPLUGGED will feature songs from the original soundtrack This Is Spinal Tap (1984), the studio album Break Like The Wind (1992), and A Mighty Wind (2003) along with some special surprises and rarities thrown in.

Avenged Sevenfold ends tour with a bang

Orange County hard rockers Avenged Sevenfold ended their 18-month long tour Thursday with a bang.

As the smoke began to billow from under the curtain that was concealing the stage the crowd began to go wild. Soon thereafter the curtain pulled back as flames erupted from the stage, and Avenged pounded out "Critical Acclaim", off their most recent self titled album which when released in 2007, debuted at #4 on the billboard top 200.

The band continued to pound out songs mostly from their recent album, intermixed with favorites off their 2005 release “City of Evil”, and their 2003 "Walking the Fallen."

Flames and concussion effects pounded the audience throughout the night , keeping everyone on their feet. The highlight of the night was when Guns N’ Roses top-hat wielding axe man Slash joined A7X for an hard rocking rendition of the GnR hit "It’s so Easy."

A7X will not waste much time after the tour, and will get in the studio soon to begin working on their next album.