Monday, February 27, 2012

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Opening reception - Sidney Pink


 

Join us Thursday March 1st  6pm - 9pm  for the opening reception of WELCOME TO THE WORLD new works by SIDNEY PINK.  Music, Drinks, and awesome affordable art. Sidney Pink will be present.

See our studio visit and interview with Sidney Pink here:

Sidney Pink's Biography:
Sidney Pink (born 1979) grew up in Maryland in the United States. He received his BFA in 2001 from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. After graduating from MICA Pink worked as a Production Coordinator at the fringe style performing arts center, Theatre Project in Baltimore. During this time Pink also worked as the Curator of the John Fonda Gallery located at Theatre Project. Pink's prime initiative as curator was to focus on curating group exhibitions that supported emerging artists. In 2003 Pink went to work as the Assistant to the Managing Director at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington D.C. In 2004 Pink moved to Japan and decided to focus on his art. While in Japan, Pink has exhibited at the Design Festa Gallery and had a solo exhibition at The Pink Cow in Tokyo. In a review of Pink's work Japanzine magazine described Pink as, "one of Japan's most inspirational gaijin [foreign] artists."

Sidney Pink's Artist Statement:
I create small pencil and watercolor drawings. Japanese school girls, salary men, spacemen and strange animals inhabit my compositions. I place my figures on the white ground of my paper in a kind of visual isolation. 

Living in Japan for the past four years has been a huge inspiration for my work. Influences from Japanese popular culture such as anime, manga, and retro science fiction can be see in my drawings. Japanese street graphics, architecture, and fashion can also be seen in my work. Even the mundane aspects of life in Japan, like seeing a weird guy standing on the train or the way a school girl squats at a crosswalk, can become inspiration for a drawing.  

In addition to the imagery of my drawings the aesthetic qualities are an important part of the content. Like Japanese prints I want the drawings to have a flatness that is a part of the visual vocabulary of my work. A school girl shoots a blue squid with a ray gun in the piece, "Drawn Roughly Life-Size." A dotted red line connects the ray gun and the edge of the squid and then bursts out into a series of circles in an almost geometric way. By using a simple line to create the focal point of the drawing the image takes on a graphic quality.

Two men in suits bow to a giant owl and a school girl in the drawing "Meeting Lancelot Hogben." Many of my drawings, like this image, have an illustrative quality that implies a narrative. But I want there to be an obscurity to that narrative which will ignite the viewers imagination.

Artist's website: www.sidneypink.com

  
BOLD HYPE GALLERY | 547 W. 27th St. 5th Floor  New York, NY 10001 | T. 212-868-2322
Tue - Sat  12-6 pm | info@boldhype.com | www.boldhype.com ;


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

THE NEW GRAVEYARD EXAMINER ISSUE #2


It is time once again for that Monster Stew we lovingly refer to as THE GRAVEYARD EXAMINER. In case you missed it, the EXAMINER now comes out every two weeks so we can throw a little more meat in the Stew for all of you. This edition we are featuring part 2 of our exclusive interview with 30 DAYS OF NIGHT creator Steve Niles. There is also a wrap-up of your favorite TV shows like THE WALKING DEAD, ALCATRAZ, and more. We've got some more exclusive reviews, previews, and all the best in horror news. 

"But wait," you shout. "What about the free stuff!?" We've got you covered. Check out the contest page for this issue's scavenger hunt (don't worry, you don't need to leave your computer to go on the hunt). Follow the clues and you may end up winning one of MEZCO TOYS exclusive keychains from the New York Toy Fair. And if you're really good, you may even win your very own copy of Titan Books' HAMMER VAULT, an incredible coffee table book loaded with amazing research and never-before-seen images from one of horror's most famous studios. Happy hunting!

THE GRAVEYARD GOES iOS (BETA)

I know, I know, those of you with iOS devices have felt pretty left out when it comes toThe Graveyard Examiner. Guess what, we just got our BETA up and working. You can now read GE on all of your iOS devices (iPad, iPod, iPhone). As of now you won't be able to click on the links, but you certainly can catch up on all the news, reviews, and previews. There may be a few gremlins in the gears, but we're working on getting you a fully functioning version as soon as possible (or shoot the windows out of the plane trying). 


GOT SUGGESTIONS?  
  
Don't forget to head on over to the Famous Monsters Forums and let us know any thoughts, questions, or suggestions you may have. While you're there, feel free to poke around and check out other people's thoughts and opinions on all things monster. Be sure to make your voice heard!

Don't miss an issue! Subscribe today!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Hellzapoppin Sideshow in Jax Beach March 2nd


The World's Best Touring Sideshow - HELLZAPOPPIN A SIDESHOW REVUE - is dropping anchor pulling off the road for a night in Jax Beach, FL.

Known as “THE GREATEST SHOW IN HELL”… Hellzapopin Sideshow presents a menagerie of strange people and novel entertainers!

This globally renowned pirate ship of a circus sidehow recalls the heyday of circus mixed with modern presentations and performers. New and traditional attractions and acts are performed by the biggest and the best of the sideshow world! Hellzapoppin is an underground rock-n-roll circus sideshow performing the deadliest stunts in live entertainment, performed to the sounds and style of the modern music scene.

This dark humor/vaudeville/freakshow features the most famous sideshow performer in the world, Zamora the Torture King.
He was The Man Who Feels No Pain on one of the highest rated episodes of Stan Lee’s Superhumans. Do you have what it takes to see him live and up-close?

You’ll see other unusual artists such as the infamous Sword Swallower from New Orleans, Miss Chelsea NoPants.
Straight off of the carnival midway, Chelsea toured for years with the only remaining fairground sideshows before jumping ship to Hellzapoppin.

You will see Multi Guinness World Record holder Frank Simon. This madman from Budapest starts out balancing a toothpick on his nose and follows that by balancing a motorscooter, a four-burner kitchen stove and a member of the audience on his teeth. Everybody will clap for him!! Simon has traveled the world and been of TV shows from China to America's Got Talent.

Seductive Maryanne Magdalen has traveled all the way from the North of Sweden to be part of Hellzapoppin.

Known as a talented singer in her native land, she has added flames, broken glass, machetes and swords to her repertoire. Her stage experience and deadly acts make for the ultimate combination in her display of flaming passion and ice cold body control. You will see why theSwedish News says "...her act is tough, hard, seductive and yes, just a little bit too dangerous...“

… and of course Hellzapoppin’s mascot, Mr. Buggles the Wonder Dog. He steals the show and has hundreds of followers on social media sites.

This amazing show is presented by The Master of Ceremonies & Sideshow Stuntman Bryce “The Govna” Graves.
Hold on tight as he takes you on a wanderlust filled journey that will amaze and amuse you, confound and confuse you in ways most would deem humanly impossible. It all makes one hell of a party filled with mystery & mayhem that have captivated concert goers and circus enthusiasts all over the world.

You’ll witness strange, odd, and unusual feats of mind over matter and death defying stunts. You will see Zamora lying on a bed of nails while 4 of the biggest audience members stand on top of him, he’ll even lie on a bed of razor sharp swords and have a giant brick crushed on his chest by a sledge hammer. You will see Zamora perform the feats that earned him the title The Man Who Feels No Pain and emerge unscathed and unharmed and all in the name of entertainment.

Prepare yourself as Chelsea NoPants, our Dame of Danger, performs intense fire eating and fire breathing, contortion and walks and jumps on broken shards of glass. Hold on to your hats as she walks up a ladder of sharp machetes barefoot. You’ll see beautiful burlesque dancers, glass eating and other bizarre acts.

Hellzapoppin’s performers have toured on rock tours and festivals all over the North America and Europe including OZZFestWarped Tour,KORN’s Family Values TourLollapaloozaMetal Town (Swedish Festival, 5 years in a row), G-Fest (Faroe Islands), The Pedal to the Metal TourWest Coast Riot Festival (Scandinavia), Peace and Love Fest (Sweden’s largest music festival) and much more. They’ve been featured on shows worldwide alongside bands including MudvayneStatic XMarilyn MansonSlipknotOZZY OsbourneBlack Label SocietySocial DistortionKORNDeftones and scores more…

www.hellzapoppin.com, www.facebook.com/hellzapoppinsideshow

DAYS OF THE DEAD HORROR CONVENTION PRESENTS JOHN WATERS! // LAST CHANCE FOR DAYS OF THE DEAD ATLANTA ADVANCE TICKETS



JOHN WATERS To Make A Special Appearance At DAYS OF THE DEAD III In July


It is with IMMENSE honor that we announce the schedules appearance of iconic filmmaker, JOHN WATERS, Saturday, July 7th at DAYS OF THE DEAD III in Indianapolis, IN.

John Waters will be bringing his highly acclaimed, "This Filthy World" show to DAYS OF THE DEAD for a special one night only limited engagement. Dubbed, "THIS FILTHY WORLD: Filthier and More Horrible," Waters promises to be as comedically witty and salacious as ever, bringing an act that is often reserved for large theater houses across the world into a small and intimate setting at DAYS OF THE DEAD.

Attendees of "THIS FILTHY WORLD: Filthier and More Horrible" will not only be treated to the 90 minute performance and post-show Q&A, but will also be able to come face to face with John Waters himself during a special 2 hour meet and greet prior to the show, at which time Mr. Waters will sign autographs on personal items for FREE. 

Tickets for "THIS FILTHY WORLD: Filthier and More Horrible" are ON SALE NOW, for only $60 - included with the performance and autograph signing will be a special limited edition event poster designed by DAYS OF THE DEAD. All DAYS OF THE DEAD VIP Pass holders will receive preferred seating to the event, after which seating will be on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED basis.

You can get your tickets for this very special event by going to http://www.DaysoftheDead.net/Indianapolis and clicking "TICKETS."

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------LAST CHANCE TO PRE-BUY YOUR DISCOUNT TICKETS FOR DAYS OF THE DEAD II IN ATLANTA, HAPPENING MARCH 9TH-11TH!

DAYS OF THE DEAD II promises to be an epic event, standing as Georgia's first ever horror convention and featuring such celebrity guests as GARY BUSEY, RODDY PIPER, SID HAIG, BILL MOSELEY, and many more!

You can pre-purchase your advanced tickets to DAYS OF THE DEAD II in Atlanta through March 1st, by visiting http://www.DaysoftheDead.net/Atlanta and clicking "TICKETS."

 

LOOK FOR OUR AD IN THIS MONTH'S FANGORIA AND STIFF MAGAZINES!

 

If you missed the first DAYS OF THE DEAD show in Indianapolis, read what some people are saying about it:

- "I've been doing shows for 20 years, and this was one of the most enjoyable and well organized I have ever done. Thanks!" -*GINGER LYNN ALLEN *(*Devil's Rejects*, adult film star)

- "Out of every appearance I've ever done anywhere, this was by far the best!" - *MARC PRICE* (*Trick or Treat, Family Ties*)

- "Days of the Dead did it right! This is what every convention should be like." - *ANDREW BRYNIARSKI *(*Texas Chainsaw Massacre*)

- "Congrats, DAYS OF THE DEAD! Now THAT'S how you host a horror convention if you're trying to raise the dead!" - *BRIAN STEELE* (*Hellboy
I and II, Predators, Underworld*)

- "DAYS OF THE DEAD was one of the best conventions I've ever been a part of - lots of room for the huge fan turnout, easy access to everything going
on, and a great hotel restaurant. I can't wait until the next one!" - *PJ SOLES* (*Halloween, Carrie, Rock and Roll High School*)

- "DAYS OF THE DEAD was a blast for both the fans and the invited guests. Extremely well done!" -* LITO VELASCO* (*Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street
Legacy, Scream: The Inside Story*)

Brutal and Bloody Regards,
Adolfo G. Dorta

Days of the Dead
http://www.DaysoftheDead.net

From Dusk till Con
http://www.FromDuskTillCon.com

Do-It-Yourself Guide to Booking, Surviving, and Making a Profit on Your Own Indie Tour


EASY TO READ GUIDEBOOK HELPS INDIE MUSICIANS REACH NUMBER ONE WITH A BULLET
Low-Budget ROCKSTAR:
The Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide to Booking, Surviving, and Making a Profit on Your Own Indie Tour

By Scott Ibex, J.D.

Over the course of the last decade, the music industry has changed dramatically. International record sales are down fifty percent, labels do not have the budgets they once did, and many deserving groups have been forced to fend for themselves. In this age of YouTube and digital music stores, how does an Indie band sustain a career?

Professional touring artist Scott Ibex, who also holds a law degree, provides that solution with his practical, organized guide for musicians, Low Budget ROCKSTAR: The Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide to Booking, Surviving, and Making a Profit on Your Own Indie Tour(Orange Moon Press). This book enables musicians to control their own destiny, preserve ownership of their work, and complete profitable national tours.

“The internet gives bands the opportunity to maintain creative control of their music, publishing, royalties, and merchandise,” says Ibex.  “My guidebook teaches artists how to build a full-time career by utilizing practical knowledge and valuable legal resources, something similar books do not share.”

Low Budget ROCKSTAR: The Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide to Booking, Surviving, and Making a Profit on Your Own Indie Tour , provides step-by-step instructions on everything from setting up a “road-ready” digital office to planning a tour schedule, budgeting, drafting electronic press kits, merchandising, self-promotion, and much more.

Speaking to entrepreneur’s as well as business principals, Low Budget Rockstar: The Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide to Booking, Surviving, and Making a Profit on Your Own Indie Tour , also explores:
  • What it takes to be a true, professional musician
  • How to land more gigs with insider booking secrets
  • How to $ave big on tour lodging, meals, and transportation
  • Failsafe methods to get price breaks on all essential touring supplies
  • What gets bands noticed on the web by the industry’s best venues
  • The quintessential advertising, marketing, and promotional campaign
  • How to draft, negotiate, and execute performance contracts
  • Creative ways to generate additional revenues
  • How to survive a tour on a DIY budget
“As I was beginning my professional music career, I read many DIY books,” adds Ibex. “Those guides were helpful from a grass-roots perspective, but they have become significantly dated. Since technology has become a driving force in the music industry, there hasn’t been a comprehensive DIY book written for the 21st century band. I felt compelled to change that with Low-Budget ROCKSTAR.”

Scott Ibex is an author and national touring artist. He has played with members of Chicago, The Rastafarians, Pato Banton and other famous artists, and has licensed original music to MTV. In addition to completing multiple national U.S. tours, he has personally drafted, reviewed, and executed complex performance contracts, liability disclaimers, work-for-hire agreements, technical riders, and other essential music business legal documentation. He also provides consulting services to independent record labels, artists, and has presented music business seminars at universities and public libraries throughout the country. He is a graduate of Earlham College, Whittier Law School, and, when not on tour, resides in Costa Mesa, CA.

Low Budget ROCKSTAR: The Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide to Booking, Surviving and Making a Profit on Your Own Indie Tour is available for purchase at...


Sunday, February 19, 2012

FAMOUS MONSTERS FORUM IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!


You asked, we answered. Our all new forum is officially open for business. Head on over to chat about all things monster. Ask questions of the FM staff. Give suggestions on what you'd like to see. And, as a special bonus, check out our FM EXCLUSIVES section for some surprises. First, take a behind-the-scenes look atMEZCO TOYS latest project. It's something that our classic monster lovers will drool over. And for our more "sophisticated" fans, check out an exclusive image from our art book-concept art from the film HELLRAISER, never before released. It's as epic as it comes. It's your turn to make your voice heard. Head on over to the forum today and remember, on our forum. . . everyone can hear you scream!

 CLOTHING SALE!  

This is the last week for our super clothing and accessories sale. Take 20% off of any and all shirts, hats, and hoodies. These are the last we have and one they're gone we won't be re-printing. Get yours before it's too late! Use code MUMMYKNOWSBEST at checkout to claim your discount.

DARK ARTS 2!
  
Did you see that amazing piece of concept art from HELLRAISER? That is just the tip of the monsterberg in DARK ARTS 2. From the classics like FRANKENSTEIN, Amicus, and Vincent Price, to contemporary films like HELLRAISER, and even to the projects that never were like AKIRA, DA2 sports one of the greatest collections of personal and concept art from some of Hollywood's most important imaginations. William Stout, Dave Elsey, John Gallagher, Aaron Sims, Simon Thorpe, and John Gallagher bring some of their most dynamic and horrifying works of art to our beautiful, full-color, glossy pages. Supplies are limited and going fast, get yours today at www.captainco.com.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

THE GRAVEYARD EXAMINER RETURNS!!


The Graveyard Examiner
Bigger and better than before, it's the GRAVEYARD EXAMINER! Your online noosepaper for all things horror, sci-fi, and fantasy-now with 40% more Monsters! Coming to you every two weeks, GE will feature all the best in movies, comics, video games, books, TV and more, while also featuring exclusive articles, interviews, and even contests where we'll be giving away some of the most envied prizes in the Monsterverse. But you can't win if you don't read! With further ado, here is - THE GRAVEYARD EXAMINER!

Just in time for Valentine's Day FM is here to bring a little of those good vibes to all of our monster-loving couples out there. For the next week all of our clothing and hats will be 20% off. Pick up one of those nice, lightweight tank tops for your sweety. Maybe get that Basil Gogos-rendered Bela Lugosi shirt for the man in your life. It's hard to go wrong and you'll always look crazy sexy in your FM gear! But hurry, we can't do this forever. Sale ends in one week or when supplies run out! 
Use code: MUMMYKNOWSBEST at checkout in order to get your discount.

#260 HAS LEAPT INTO STORES!
 

Reports are coming in from all over the world that a half-naked man and his green friend have been spotted jumping through bookstores. Fear not! For it is only our JOHN CARTER cover as painted by fantasy maestro Sanjulian, now in stores. And for those of you who like your FM with a helping of classic horror, comic book shops, wholesalers, and our very own www.captainco.com has our second cover, Christopher Lee sporting his Hammer fangs from Oscar-winning creature man, Dave Elsey. Head to your local store or logon now to track down your copy today!

As always, don't forget to stop by www.famousmonsters.com for the latest news and reviews from the worlds of Sci-Fi, Horror, and Fantasy! It's the site where everyone can hear you scream! 

Don't miss an issue! Subscribe today!


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Tuesday, February 7, 2012

METALLICA ANNOUNCE THE CREATION OF NEW ANNUAL MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL TO TAKE PLACE THIS SUMMER


ORION MUSIC + MORE HEADLINEDBY METALLICA TO BE HELD AT BADER FIELD IN ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY ON JUNE 23 AND 24, 2012

IN ADDITION TO METALLICA THE LINE UP WILL INCLUDE ARCTIC MONKEYS, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, AND MORE

METALLICA MET CLUB FAN CLUB PRESALE TO BEGIN 
FEBRUARY 8, 2012 10AM EST


Los Angeles, CA - February 7, 2012 - Metallica, in conjunction with friends C3 Presents, today announced the creation of Orion Music + More, a new annual music, arts, and lifestyle festival founded and headlined by the band, a natural progression for a band that has headlined legendary festivals around the world for years.  Orion Music + More will take place June 23-24 at Bader Field in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

"We've had the idea of doing our own lifestyle festival with lots of diverse music and fun and games for years," said Lars Ulrich.  "Finally this year all the practical ducks lined up in a row, and we are beyond psyched to bring Orion to our fans, friends and the curious.   After the most incredible of weeks ever in December 2011 celebrating our 30th anniversary at the Fillmore in San Francisco, CA, bringing the spirit of that week, the looseness of that week, the possibilities of that week, the fan interactive elements of that week, and the (fill in your own blank here) of that week to a festival setting is so exciting we can hardly contain ourselves."

Orion Music + More will feature multiple live music stages plus a lifestyle element that reflects each of Metallica's band members many personal interests.  Metallica will headline both nights of Orion Music + More and play "The Black Album" in its entirety one night Ride The Lightning in its entirety the other.  This will be the only time the band will perform these albums in North America in 2012.   The lineup for Orion Music + More will span multiple musical genres.   From punk to country, over 20 bands will perform, including:  Arctic Monkeys, Avenged Sevenfold, Modest Mouse, The Gaslight Anthem, Cage The Elephant, Fucked Up, Best Coast, Hot Snakes, Titus Andronicus, Gary Clark Jr., Lucero, Roky Erickson, The Black Angels, The Sword, Liturgy, and more to be announced in the coming weeks.
  
The Metallica Met Club fan club presale starts tomorrow - February 8th at 10am (Eastern) and runs through Friday, February 10th at 10pm (Eastern).  Met Club members get first dibs on buying festival tickets and with a couple of options to choose from.

- A Super Special Price at $125 including all fees for a 2-Day pass OR
- The MET CLUB ULTRA 2-DAY PASS, which includes Front of Stage Viewing Area Access, Exclusive Ultra Lounge Access & More for $225 including all fees!
  
Tickets will go on-sale to the public on Saturday, February 11th at 10 am (Eastern) for $150 for a 2-Day Pass including all fees.  Visit www.orionmusicandmore.com to buy tickets. 

Stay tuned for additional Orion Music + More announcements.

ABOUT METALLICA
Formed in 1981 by drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield, Metallica (www.metallica.com) have become one of the most influential and commercially successful rock bands in history, having sold 100 million albums worldwide and playing to millions of fans the world over. They have scored almost a dozen multi-platinumalbums, including 1991's Metallica (commonly referred to as "The Black Album"), which is the best selling album in history of Soundscan scanning almost 15.7 million albums in the United States alone, and over 28 million worldwide.  In October 2008, their latest album, DeathMagnetic, debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart and in 27 additional countries around the world.  It was certified platinum in the United States just six weeks later.  Metallica have also garnered numerous awards and accolades, including nine Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, and multiple MTV Video Music Awards.  They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.  Metallica recentlycelebrated its 30th anniversary as a band last month, performing four shows at the Fillmore Theatre in San Francisco, CA, exclusively for members of their fan club, the Metallica Club.  They released the Beyond Magnetic EP via digital retailers on December 13, 2011 after giving the songs away to their fan club members.  A CD version of the Beyond Magentic EP was released on January 31, 2012. 

ABOUT C3 PRESENTS
C3 Presents (www.c3presents.com) creates, books, markets and produces live experiences, concerts, events, and just about anything that makes people stand up and cheer. C3 produces the Austin City Limits Music Festival and Lollapalooza in Chicago.  Along with these multi-day, multi-stage festivals, C3 books and promotes more than 1,000 concerts in arenas, theaters, casinos, and clubs across the US. In 2011, C3 was the number three promoter by sales in the US, and the number seven worldwide. In addition to event creation and booking, C3 manages the careers of select artists.

 

www.orionmusicandmore.com
www.facebook.com/orionmusicandmore
 www.twitter.com/orionmusicmore
 www.youtube.com/orionmusicandmore

Monday, February 6, 2012

An Evening With Roddy Piper at DAYS OF THE DEAD

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper once again brings his one man show to DAYS OF THE DEAD in an event that promises to be a one of a kind convention experience as the convention invades the Atlanta area, March 9th-11th.

You've seen him wreck havok in the ring. You've seen him bring hell to Frogtown. You've seen him kick ass and not chew bubblegum. But come March 9th, genre fans will see "Rowdy" Roddy Piper do something they have likely not seen him do before:

Performing as a stand up comedian.

Yes, you read that correctly. Roddy Piper will once again be bringing his talents to DAYS OF THE DEAD for "An Evening With Roddy Piper," a one man entertainment show that will be part comedy act, part retrospective, and all "Rowdy," for a one of a kind night of laughs that you will ONLY see at DAYS OF THE DEAD

"An Evening With Roddy Piper," will be a very exclusive event with limited to 200 fans and held at the Caledonian Amphitheater inside the convention area of DAYS OF THE DEAD, Friday, March 9th at 11:30pm. TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR FOR JUST $10 ($5 FOR VIP PASS HOLDERS), AN HOUR BEFORE THE EVENT ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERED BASIS. A LINE WILL BE FORMED OUTSIDE THE CALEDONIAN AMPHITHEATER FOR THIS PURPOSE. Comedian BRAD THACKER, who has opened up for such comedians as Dave Chapelle and Andrew Dice Clay, will serve as an opening act.

Aside from performing, Roddy will be available all weekend at DAYS OF THE DEAD II to meet fans and sign autographs. He will be joining other special celebrity guests such as Derek Mears, Gary Busey, PJ Soles, Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, and more!

For more info on DAYS OF THE DEAD II, happening March 9th-11th in Peachtree City, GA, visit the convention's official website at http://www.DaysoftheDead.net.


FREEDOM CALL Debut New Video


Land of the Crimson Dawn In Stores February 28th on SPV/Steamhammer


There can be no doubt that FREEDOM CALL, in addition to their many other irrefutable fortes, are also a first-rate live act. Their concerts see the melodic metal outfit from Southern Germany deliver a veritable a riot of musical zest, positive energy and personal optimism. So it's not surprising that vocalist/guitarist Chris Bay and his team have been wanting to add this dynamic flair to one of their studio productions without neglecting their familiar love of detail - which the band from Nuremberg have skilfully accomplished on Land Of The Crimson Dawn.

Today FREEDOM CALL is pleased to debut their new video for the song "Hero On Video". Heavy Metal and Hard Rock Hub Noisecreep is hosting an exclusive premiere of the video HERE. Land of the Crimson Dawn is available for pre-order on AMAZON.

"The new tracks simply have more of that rock'n'roll feel," says Bay, "everything sounds much rawer, there's more focus on the guitars than before, and the musicians had more freedom during the recordings than they used to have." This added independence has paid off for FREEDOM CALL: Land Of The Crimson Dawn is definitely one of the band's most dynamic productions since their 1999 debut Stairway To Fairyland, combining the passion of their live shows with carefully intricate arrangements and technical finesse.

The new album will be available from SPV/Steamhammer February 28th in three versions: as a jewel case featuring 14 songs, as a limited double CD digipak including six additional bonus tracks - which have chums such as Powerworld, Secret Sphere, Downspirit, Manimal, Neonfly and Hannes Braun (Kissin' Dynamite) deliver their versions of popular Freedom Call numbers - and on double coloured vinyl LP.

________________________________________________________________

www.freedom-call.net   
www.spv.de 

ERNIE KOVACS: THE ABC SPECIALS


KOVACS’ MOST LAUDED BODY OF WORK IN STORES FROM SHOUT! FACTORY APRIL 17

ERNIE KOVACS RENAISSANCE CONTINUES AS iTUNES RELEASES EXCLUSIVE DIGITAL COLLECTION

On April 17 Shout! Factory will release a DVD featuring most of the prime time ABC Specials that helped cement Ernie Kovacs' legacy as a comic artist who broke the rules of television before they were made. Produced and distributed by Shout! Factory in association with Ediad Productions, Inc., The ABC Specials is a single-disc DVD broken out from the critically acclaimed 6-DVD box set Ernie Kovacs Collection, released by Shout! Factory in 2011. The new DVD is designed to appeal to a broader audience not already familiar with Kovacs' work.

Additionally, the renaissance of Kovacs makes its first foray into the digital realm today with the exclusive iTunes release Best of The Ernie Kovacs Collection, featuring 10 episodes from the Ernie Kovacs Collection.

Before his untimely death at the age of 42, television pioneer Ernie Kovacs left us with a sublime body of comedy work whose influence can be seen on everything from Monty Python to SNL and David Letterman. He made eight TV specials for ABC in 1961, the final year of his life, and these show Kovacs at the peak of his creative experimentation with the medium, featuring many of his comic masterpieces and iconic set pieces. Five of these programs are presented here in complete uncut form, along with many of his celebrated — and delightfully offbeat — commercials for Dutch Masters cigars. 

With a gift for inventive comedy that was alternately cerebral, goofy and just plain absurd, Ernie Kovacs transformed television's early era into his own personal playground---and invited viewers to enjoy every sight gag and loony character.

Kovacs, whose offbeat humor graced the airwaves for just a decade in the 1950s and 60s, served healthy portions of the offbeat to his audiences, who had never seen anything quite like this cigar-wielding charmer. Wickedly funny but not offensive, Kovacs' unique humor and flair for improvisation would ripple across generations, influencing TV funnymen from Johnny Carson to Pee Wee Herman.

Ernie Kovacs: The ABC Specials
Kovacs Special #4 September 21, 1961
Kovacs Special #5 October 28, 1961
Kovacs Special #6 November 24, 1961
Kovacs Special #7 December 12, 1961
Kovacs Special #8 January 23, 1962

Bonus Feature:

Dutch Masters Commercials

Program Running Time: +/- 145 minutes

About Ediad Productions, Inc.
Formed by the late entertainer & Muriel Cigar girl Edie Adams and currently run by her son Joshua Mills, Ediad Productions is home to what is likely the largest independent archive of early American television in existence. With more than 150 half-hours of content from legendary comedian Ernie Kovacs as well as two seasons of Edie Adams' prime time variety show from the mid-1960's, Ediad Productions is a treasure trove of classic popular entertainment. Titles in the archive include, The Ernie Kovacs Show, Ernie in Kovacsland, Take A Good Look (clues), the Kovacs specials for ABC, The Edie Adams Show, Here's Edie! And much more. Ediad Productions is the go-to archive for television, digital & mobile entertainment content and is based in Los Angeles, California.

About Shout! Factory
Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory's DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company's audio catalogue boasts GRAMMY®-nominated box sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable 'best of' compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit shoutfactory.com.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with The Miami Symphony Orchestra!


Valentine's Day is just around the corner and what could be more romantic than the beautiful music of The Miami Symphony Orchestra!

Share a Valentine's Day gift of music with your special someone. Program includes Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story and other romantic favorites. 

Listen to the podcast hosted by MISO's composer-in-residence, Carlos Rafael Rivera

Please note: February 11th concert is sold out. Tickets for Sunday, February 12th show at the spectacular New World Center in Miami Beach are still available.  

For tickets and information, please visit: www.themiso.org

Friday, February 3, 2012

The Industry Presents The World Premiere Of Crescent City, A Hyperopera Set Within Cityscape Installations By Six LA-Based Contemporary Artists Thursday, May 10 – Sunday, May 27, 2012 At Atwater Crossing in Los Angeles


The Industry pre sents the world premiere of Crescent City, a hyperopera by composer Anne LeBaron and librettist Douglas Kearney, under the direction of Yuval Sharon, from Thursday, May 10 to Sunday, May 27, 2012 at Atwater Crossing in Los Angeles.  The massive new site-specific production, which audiences will experience in 360-degrees, is set in a mythical cityscape with abstract sets by an extraordinary group of six LA-based installation artists. The installations will be on view on select days for the run of the production, then transformed in the evening with performances of the opera.  For more information, www.TheIndustryLA.org.

With a gala opening of the opera on Thursday, May 10, 2012, Crescent City will run for three weeks, Thursdays through Sundays, closing on May 27, 2012.   All performances begin at 8:00pm.& nbsp; Ticket prices range from $25 to $100 and will be available via Brown Paper Tickets  starting April 1, 2012.  Performances are suitable for audience members 12-years-old or older.  Collaborating visual artists include Mason CooleyBrianna GortonKatie GrinnanAlice KonitzJeff Kopp and Olga Koumoundouros – all members of the vibrant Los Angeles art scene.  On Friday, May 11, 2012, The Industry will host an artists’ reception on set, inviting guests to see the installations up close.  Installations are on view to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from noon to 6:00pm, with guided tours hourly during the run of the production.  Atwater Crossing is located at 3245 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90039 (www.atwatercrossing.com).

More About Crescent City –
In the wake of a devastating hurricane, Crescent City is a shell of its former self where the few remaining inhabitants struggle for survival.  The bad waters of an impending new storm wake up the notorious ghosts of the city’s past, including the legendary voodoo goddess Marie Laveau (played by Gwendolyn Brown).   Marie pleads with the awakened voodoo gods to save the city. They agree to come to her aid on one condition: they must be able to find one good person among the ragtag and desperate citizenry.  Crescent City becomes a travelogue in search of the one who will make the city worthy of salvation.

Anne LeBaron’s hybrid sound world encompasses an otherworldly brew of electronica, bluegrass, jazz, and improvisation. The production include s a live 16-piece orchestra (including Timur and the Dime Museum) with such diverse instrumentation as laptop, chromelodeon, and shakuhachi.

Audience members will be seated in and around the city, seeing and hearing the action in every other part of the city through live video streams and sophisticated sound technology.

"I’m excited by the different ways audiences will be able to experience the work,” says Director Yuval Sharon. “Letting imaginations run wild when the space is open during the day should increase people’s curiosity about how the opera plays out by night.”

To listen to “The Nurses’ Scene,” an excerpt from a Crescent City workshop performance at New York City Opera’s VOX in 2006, please click http://theindustryla.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Crescent-City-excerpt-nurses.mp3.

A detailed synopsis of Crescent City can be viewed at http://www.annelebaron.com/Crescent_City_synopsis.pdf

Hyperopera –
Hyperopera, a concept that has evolved in LeBaron’s work and teaching at California Institute of the Arts, is a mega collaboration bringing together artists from many different disciplines.  Crescent City unites not only the creative voices of the writers and producers, but also contemporary visual artists with the set, lighting, video, and sound designers.  Crescent City is LeBaron’s most ambitious experiment with this theory to-date.

Crescent City Credits –
 - Composer - Anne LeBaron - www.annelebaron.com
 - Librettist - Douglas Kearney - www.douglaskearney.com
 - Director - Yuval Sharon - www.yuvalsharon.com
 - Conductor – Marc Lowenstein
 - Producer - Laura Kay Swanson
 - Curator - Brianna Gorton - http://briannagorton.otherpeoplespixels.com/home.html
 - Set Designer - Sibyl Wickersheimer - www.sawgirl.com
 - Costume Designer – Ivy Chou
 - Lighting Designer - Elizabeth Harper - www.eharperdesign.com
 - Sound Designer - Martin Gimenez
 - Video Designer - Jason Thompson

Visual Installation Artists –
 - Mason Cooley - http://masoncooley.blogspot.com
 - Brianna Gorton - http://briannagorton.otherpeoplespixels.com/home.html
 - Katie Grinnan - http://www.artnet.com/magazine/features/honigman/honigman8-4-04.asp
 - Alice Konitz - alicekonitz.com
 - Jeff Kopp - http://redlingfineart.com/artists/jeff-kopp
 - Olga Koumoundouros - www.vielmetter.com/artists/olga-koumoundouros.html

Timur & the Dime Museum (photo credit: Sand ra Powers)

Cast –
The cast of 18 includes:
 - Marie Laveau - Gwendolyn Brown - http://www.gwendolynbrown.com
 - The Good Man - Cedric Berry - http://www.cedricberry.com/Cedric_Berry/Home.html
 - Deadly Belle - Timur Bekbosunov - www.theoperaoftimur.com
 - Homesick Woman - Lillian Sengpiehl - http://tinyurl.com/Robert-Gilder-L-Sengpiehl
 - Jesse - Anthony Faatolia - http://www.ashleyfaatoalia.com
 - The Nurses - Maria Elena Altany and Ji Young Yang

Anne LeBaron 
Anne LeBaron’s compositions embrace an exotic array of subjects encompassing vast reaches of space and time, ranging from the mysterious Singing Dune of Kazakhstan, to probes into physical and cultural forms of extinction, to legendary figures such as Pope Joan, Eurydice, Marie Laveau, and the American Housewife.  Widely recognized for her work in instrumental, electronic, and performance realms, she has earned numerous awards and prizes, including a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship, the Alpert Award in the Arts, a Fulbright Full Fellowship, an award from the Rockefeller MAP Fund for her opera, Sucktion, and a 2009-2010 Cultural Exchange International Grant from the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs for The Silent Steppe Cantata.  Also an accomplished harpist, LeBaron is renowned for her pioneering methods of developing and implementing extended harp techniques, electronic enhancements, and notation in compositional and improvisational contexts.  She currently teaches composition and related subjects, such as Concert Theater and Hyperopera, at the California Institute of the Arts. http://www.annelebaron.com

Douglas Kearney –
Douglas Kearney’s work as a poet, performer and librettist has been featured in many fine publications and venues in print, in-the-flesh and in digital code.  His first full-length collection of poems,Fear, Some, was published in 2006 (Red Hen Press).  His second manuscript, The Black Automaton, was chosen by Catherine Wagner for the National Poetry Series and was published by Fence Books in December 2009.  In 2010, i t was named a finalist for the Pen Center USA Literary Award in poetry.  In 2008, he was honored with a Whiting Writers’ Award. He lives in the San Fernando Valley with his family and teaches courses in African American poetry, opera and myth at California Institute of the Arts. http://www.douglaskearney.com

Yuval Sharon –
Yuval Sharon’s directorial work has been described as "magical" (The Village Voice), "ingenious" (San Francisco Chronicle) and “a major event, where surprise sidesteps operatic convention” (Los Angeles Times).  He has worked both with international houses like the San Francisco Opera, the Mariinsky Theater, the Bregenzer Festspiele in Austria, and the Komische Oper Berlin, as well as experimental venues like Berkeley Opera, Le Poisson Rouge, and the Deitch Projects. He was A ssistant Director to Achim Freyer on the Los Angeles Ring Cycle. Sharon was Project Director for four years of New York City Opera’s VOX, an annual workshop of new American opera, which became the most important crucible for new opera in the country under his direction.  Sharon will also be directing Jessye Norman, Meredith Monk, and Joan LaBarbara in John Cage’s Song Books this March as part of San Francisco Symphony’s Mavericks Festival, which includes a Carnegie Hall performance.  The Los Angeles Times also just named Sharon a "Face to Watch" in 2012. More information is at http://www.yuvalsharon.com.

Marc Lowenstein –
Marc Lowenstein conducted the world premieres of several new operas including The Mortal Thoughts of Lady Macbeth, Dice Thrown, WET, The Scarlet Letter,  and The Peach Blossom Fan, as well as the American premieres of R. Murray Schaefer’s Loving and Georges Aperghis’ Sextuor.  For four years, he conducted with the New York City Opera’s new music festival VOX and conducted on the Monday Evening Concert Series, with Jacaranda, the California Ear Unit, the Vinny Golia Ensemble, the Kadima Conservatory, the CalArts New Century Players, and Ensemble Green.  He was the founder and music director of the Berkeley Contemporary Opera, a company that produced four seasons of contemporary operas.  As a singer, he specializes in contemporary music and has performed over twenty-five opera roles including the premiere of What to Wear by Michael Gordon and Richard Foreman and he recently sang the American premiere of Frank Denyer’s Out of the Shattered Shadows.  Lowenstein has written a full-length opera based on the screenplay of The Fisher King and is working on two others.  He has written several shorter chamber works as well. He occasionally moonlights as a professional whistler and amateur Klezmer clarinetist. He teaches theory, conducting, composition and history at California Institute of the Arts.

Laura Kay Swanson –
Laura Kay Swanson brings a wide range of experience to The Industry. A recent graduate of the MFA Producing Program at California Institute of the Arts, she produced Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, Fassbinder’s The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant and was musical director and assistant producer for Hellzapoppin’, a musical adaptation based on the 1941 film. She was the associate producer for the world premiere of the CalArts Center for New Performance production of Brewsie and Willie, winner of three 2011 LA Weekly Theater Awards.  She also produced and directed a music video of the aria, “Hymn to the Sun” from Akhnaten by Philip Glass, which premiered at REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater) in Walt Disney Hall in 2011 as part of the CalArts Film/Video showcase. Other producing credits include Rain Coloring Forest at REDCAT, featuring Indonesian artist and choreographer Sardono Kusumo and lighting designer Jennifer Tipton, andThe Mortal Thoughts of Lady Macbeth, a contemporary chamber opera by Veronika Krausas. Prior to becoming a producer, she was a professional opera singer and has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles Opera, REDCAT, Carnegie Hall, and New York City Opera.

The Industry –
Founded by Artistic Director Yuval Sharon and Producing Director Laura Kay Swanson, The Industry produces new interdisciplinary work that merges music, visual arts, and performance to expand the traditional definition of opera. The Industry is a recipient of the MAP Grant from The Doris Duke Foundation and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.  http://theindustryla.org 

Atwater Crossing –
Spanning five industrial buildings across two city blocks, Atwater Crossing houses an array of creative offices and studios, artisanal manufacturing facilities, locations for photography and film shoots, theaters showcasing original productions, LEED platinum loft homes and Atwater Crossing Kitchen, serving wood-fired, Mediterranean-inspired fare. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (atxkitchen.com).  Public programs, events, and workshops feed the evolving culture and community of ATX.  Learn more at http://www.atwatercrossing.com.

Links –
 - Website - www.TheIndustryLA.org
 - Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Industry/124606140952622
 - Twitter - TheIndustry_LA
 - YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/TheindustryArts
 - Tickets - http://www.brownpapertickets.com (sales start 4/1/12)


Thursday, February 2, 2012

DAYS OF THE DEAD, the most talked about horror convention of 2011, is coming to the Atlanta, GA area!

ATLANTA'S FIRST EVER HORROR CONVENTION INVADES THE SOUTH EAST, MARCH 9th-11th!

After a very successful first outing in Indianapolis, IN over last year’s July 4th weekend, DAYS OF THE DEAD has set its sites towards expansion and is bringing its highly acclaimed show to the Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center in Peachtree City, GA, March 9th-11th, 2012, in what marks the first ever horror convention to come to the greater Atlanta area!

Fans will be treated to a full weekend of horror related festivities and events, including film screenings, celebrity autograph signings and Q&A panels, a costume contest, tattoo contest, seminars, a collectibles dealer room, and more!

Special celebrity guests scheduled to be present to meet and greet fans include GARY BUSEY (Silver Bullet, Point Break), "ROWDY" RODDY PIPER (They Live, WWF Legend), SID HAIG (Devil’s Rejects, Spiderbaby), BILL MOSELEY (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Devil’s Rejects), LINNEA QUIGLEY (Return of the Living Dead, Night of the Demons), DEREK MEARS (Friday the 13th), PJ SOLES (Halloween, Carrie), BARBARA CRAMPTON (Re-Animator, From Beyond), TYLER MANE (Rob Zombie’s Halloween), a WALKING DEAD reunion, and MUCH MUCH MORE!

Pre-sale discounted tickets - including Single Day, Weekend, and VIP Passes - are available now through March 1st.

For a full guest list, event schedule, and ticket and hotel information, visit the convention’s official website at http://www.DaysoftheDead.net/Atlanta.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Last chance to apply for Red Bull Candola, South Florida!


 
Applying is very easy, you just have to visit redbullusa.com/candola 
and fill out the online form and upload a sketch of your craft.   

Check out  Like us on Facebook  to RSVP and for more info!



 
About Red Bull Candola
You're sure to be singing, "Mama Mia!" as Red Bull Candola (can- doh-la) returns to the Venice of America April 14, 2012. The city known for its scenic canals and Intracoastal Waterway will host an event that will have gondoliers racing their manmade, human-powered gondolas down the New River. Teams of three - two mates and a captain - will be challenged with the task of creating, building, and rowing their crafts down a .33 mile course between Huizenga Plaza and Esplanade Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Interested gondoliers can apply on-line at www.redbullusa.com/candola between now and January 31, 2012. A total of only 30 teams will be chosen to participate so make sure your gondola stands out above the rest. Rumor has it you can score some extra wings for including a certain 8.4 oz can in the design for your craft.
  
SET SAIL OR SINK
While your boat must float, there are a few other water safety regulations required before castoff. All boats must be entirely human-powered - in other words, no motors or stored energy - and cannot exceed 100 pounds (without passengers), must be between six and twelve feet long and must be at least 2 feet above water, with a maximum of 6 feet tall. Your vessel should also be made using light weight and environmentally safe materials. While in theory we want all of your gondolas to stay afloat, it's not very likely and we need to keep the water safe for its inhabitants. Oh, and strong swimming skills are required by all aboard.

Not too confident you can master the skill of making the fastest gondola on the planet? Don't worry. Your race time isn't the only criteria your team will be judged on - creativity and showmanship will also play a big part into which group gets crowned the Big Bambino. To win over the amoré of the crowd and the judges, each team will perform a 30 second skit before their race time.

MAN OVERBOARD
Does all of this sound familiar? That's because the event concept is inspired by one of the wackiest events around, Red Bull Flugtag. However, in Red Bull Candola teams are trying to keep their crafts on the water, not from crashing into it.

For more information on how to apply and to find a full list of rules about Red Bull Candola, check out www.redbullusa.com/candola.