On Episode #208 of “Behind the Mikes” Moviemike and Jeremy talk about AD ASTRA, documentaries on DAVID CROSBY and LINDA RONDSTADT and ask the question: “Which director’s first film showed promise, only to have is following films disappoint?” Give a listen HERE
Episode # 207 of “Behind the Mikes” takes a look at “Angel Has Fallen,” reminisces about the classic horror film “Creepshow” and asks listeners the question: “Who is the most bad-ass movie President in film history?” Click HERE to listen!
MAPLEWOOD, N.J. – Aug. 20, 2019 – Saber Interactive has announced that pre-orders for Ghostbusters™: The Video Game Remastered, the HD re-release of the acclaimed action-adventure game featuring the original cast of Columbia Pictures’ classic films, are available today on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows PC.
Saber has also dropped a new pre-order trailer featuring Dan Aykroyd himself to celebrate: https://youtu.be/mHl1ZlDeL7k.
Fans can pre-order Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered today for $29.99 via the PlayStation®Store, Nintendo eShop, and Microsoft Store, as well as $24.99 via the Epic Games store. Physical copies of the game can also be pre-ordered on consoles exclusively at GameStop in the United States, EB Games in Canada, and a variety of retailers in Europe.
Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered delivers a unique story from Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis that captures the supernatural comedic fun and fright fans love from the franchise, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. As the new rookie on the Ghostbusters crew, you’ll team up with your favorite characters from the films, reunited by the voices of Aykroyd, Ramis, Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson as Stantz, Spengler, Venkman and Zeddemore, alongside Annie Potts, Brian Doyle-Murray, William Atherton and Max von Sydow.
Manhattan is overrun once more by ghosts, demons and other paranormal creatures unleashed by a mysterious force, and only the Ghostbusters can drive this evil back to whatever dimension it crawled from. Hunt and trap a variety of new and infamous ghouls and phantasms — all remastered in HD resolution — with cool gadgets, upgradeable weapons, thrilling boss fights and widely destructible environments. Scan and analyze targets with the P.K.E. Meter and Paragoggles, then use your Proton Pack’s blast and capture streams to wrangle them into submission.
Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered launches on Oct. 4, 2019. For more information, visit www.PlayGhostbusters.com, and follow the game on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Saber Interactive
Based in the U.S., Russia and Spain, Saber Interactive is an independent developer whose credits include the 2019 hit World War Z, Quake Champions, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo: The Master Chief Collection and others. Saber’s NBA Playgrounds is one of the best-selling digital console titles of 2017. The company has multiple development studios across the world making great games and bringing fun interactive experiences to life.
About Sony Pictures Consumer Products
Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) is the licensing and merchandising division of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group and Sony Pictures Television for Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.
About Ghost Corps
Ghost Corps, Inc., a subsidiary of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., is focused on expanding the Ghostbusters brand with live-action feature films, animated motion pictures, television, merchandise, and other new entertainment products. Ghost Corps is headquartered on the Sony Pictures Studios lot in Culver City, Calif.
This week’s episode takes a look at the films “Good Boys,” “Hobbs and Shaw” and “A Score to Settle.” This week’s question – “What film did you love as a child but today you realize it’s a bad movie?” We also mention the film “Grease” no less than four times. Click HERE to listen!
In this episode, we talk Tarantino, “The Lion King” and pose the question “which animated feature would you like to see made into a live-action film. Enjoy. Click HERE to listen!
First of all, a little about me. I love theater, animals and my friends and family. I’m 12 years old and this is the first major concert I ever went to. On top of that, it was three acts! So for a first concert, this one was AMAZING!!! Allen Stone opened with a short set and then Goo Goo Dolls came on. I got to hear all my favorites from Sirius XM. “Black Balloons” had dozens of black balloons bouncing around the audience, which was a lot of fun. I got to hit a few. “Slide” was really good and the first encore was “Iris” which was epic!
After a short intermission, Train hit the stage. The sound of a train filled the room and they started right into “Calling all Angels”. I loved this opening and it was my favorite non-song part. “50 ways to Say Goodbye” kicked off next with clips from the music video backing them up. It was awesome. In the middle of the set, Bruises was performed with Allen Stone taking on the female part, which Patrick Monahan said “wasn’t awkward at all”! THEN, the lead guitarist, who was a Tampa native, performed “Under Pressure” with Patrick and his bass player. It was my Dad’s favorite moment of the night and I loved it too. “Play that song” was my absolute favorite and I sang it all the way home.
I loved the lights, the constant video and effects above the band. This was a daddy daughter date with my Dad and he totally surprised me. The only song I missed was “Mermaid” which it doesn’t seem like they play much anymore. Train ended the night with “Drops of Jupiter” which was a great song for a great night.
When we heard New Kids were touring with the likes of Salt-N-Pepa, Debbie Gibson, Tiffany and Naughty By Nature, we just new we had to be there! This was the show that all girls, and boys, who grew up in the 80s, only dreamed about! The Amway Center in Orlando, FL was hopping and all of the performers were on fire and the energy was just unbelievable. This show did not disappoint!
Illtown Sluggaz made sure the crowd was pumped as they played a set of songs every person at Amway could sing and dance along to! When New Kids came out, they kept that energy going until their final bow! New Kids set included hits like: “Dirty Dancing,” “Hangin’ Tough,” “Remix,” and “Block Party.” Throughout their sets, Debbie Gibson and Tiffany took to stages A and B and each took turns singing their hits. Salt-N-Pepa came out and absolutely brought the house down with their hits : “Push It,” “Whatta Man,” “Let’s Talk About Sex,” and “Shoop.” Naughty By Nature got the crowd hyped with “O.P.P,” “Jump Around,” and “Hip Hop Hooray.”
The entire tour came out at the end to sing along to “80s Baby” and man it was fun watching this group enjoy being on stage together! The concert was great as every act sang throughout the entire show. The energy levels never dropped and the fun never stopped! This concert was incredible! Here’s to many more mixtape tours!!
Orlando, Fla. – Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures will whisk families away on an immersive getaway chock-full of magical participatory moments. Featuring new and classic tales, this multigenerational experience visits Orlando from September 6-8, 2019 for six performances at Amway Center.
Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures. Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and guests of all ages embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations. See the world from the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins and Jack and his band of dancing lamplighters. Travel to the sun-soaked Motunui and help Moana restore the heart of Te Fiti. Set off on a safari and snap unforgettable photos of wild cheetahs and monkeys when guests traverse through the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa. Discover a whole new world and be swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade filled with spectacular stunts, magical moments with Genie, and a brand-new song from Jasmine that will render the audience “Speechless.” Mosey on over to a larger-than-life comedic carnival and team up with Woody and Bo Peep as they search for their new friend Forky. Fans will hit a high note with Mickey and pals during the Disney edition of Road Trip Karaoke as they introduce Rapunzel, Belle, Ariel, Mulan and Tiana. Families should be prepared for a getaway jam-packed with unexpected hijinks and surprise, upclose character interaction as Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures makes a pitstop right in Orlando!
Orlando Show Times: Friday, September 6, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 7, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, September 8, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Venue: Amway Center, 400 W. Church Street #200, Orlando, FL 32801
For ticket information, visit DisneyOnIce.com.
To learn more about Disney On Ice, go to DisneyOnIce.com. Stay current on the latest developments through social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce
Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #DisneyOnIce #RoadTripAdventures
YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce
Instagram: @DisneyOnIce
This week we talk MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL, discuss the “Weird” Al Yankovic film UHF, tell some Chuck Norris jokes and discuss which comedy film directors have made a successful jump to more serious fare. Enjoy! Click HERE to listen.
ALBUM PRODUCED BY AND FEATURING GRAMMY®WINNER SHOOTER JENNINGS
ON TOUR NOW – PLAYING DC TONIGHT
SEATTLE MARINERS HOSTING “DUFF McKAGAN NIGHT” ON JUNE 17 @ T-MOBILE PARK
McKAGAN TEAMS WITH NON-PROFITS FOR SOCIAL CAUSE CAMPAIGN
Today sees the release of TENDERNESS, the much-anticipated solo album from Guns N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan – click HERE to stream/purchase.
Produced by (and featuring) recent Grammy winner Shooter Jennings, TENDERNESS (UMe) sees McKagan reflecting on his experiences traveling the globe over two and a half years on Guns N’ Roses’ Not In This Lifetime tour. Encountering heartbreak, anger, fear, confusion and divide on his travels during this tumultuous time in our world history, McKagan channeled a collective hurt into songs of monolithic power.
On June 17th, the Seattle Mariners will celebrate the release of TENDERNESS by hosting “Duff McKagan Night” at T-Mobile Park. Package options include a ticket to see the game, a ticket to Duff’s June 16th gig at Showbox, a limited edition Mariners/Duff t-shirt, a copy of TENDERNESS and more – click HERE for additional info. McKagan’s Seattle takeover includes an instore at local music shop Easy Street Records on June 18th.
The June 16th Showbox date is part of McKagan’s North American tour, which kicked off last night in Philadelphia and will be followed by a European run that begins August 22 in Poland. All tour dates see Duff backed by Shooter Jennings and his band (see itinerary below). The shows will see McKagan bringing TENDERNESS to life, along with a few surprises.
The album, meanwhile, is getting rave reviews. Here’s what the press is saying:
“McKagan and Jennings have crafted an acoustic-Thunderous masterwork. Urgently and unflinchingly addressing the pressing issues of this bleak political era,
Tenderness is one of the most crucial and topical albums of 2019 — yet its heart-on-leather-sleeve vulnerability also makes it an instant Americana classic.”
– Lyndsey Parker, Yahoo Entertainment
“…a superb set of roots-rock ruminations…with Jennings’ help, [McKagan] crafted a mix of rock and Americana evoking both the Glimmer Twins and the Gutter Twins…”
– Sarah Rodman, Entertainment Weekly
“On Tenderness, Duff McKagan takes a hard look at some of the most important issues facing our country right now, and delivers his message with a musical vibe that’s equal parts Rolling Stones, Lou Reed, and Lies-era Guns N’ Roses.”
– Spencer Kaufman, Consequence of Sound
“The record is miles away from the type of hard rock McKagan is known for playing with Guns N’ Roses or Velvet Revolver, or the more gritty and punky sounds he immersed himself in as a teenager in Seattle or with his own 2000s-era solo band, Loaded. Rather, these are intimate, stripped-down compositions, centered around McKagan’s strummed acoustic guitar and raw vocals, that run the gamut from the piano-based title track to the Rolling Stones–like “Chip Away,” a call to strength in the face of social and cultural injustice. Other standouts include the pedal steel–inflected “Last September,” which tells the story of an abusive relationship, and the haunting “Parkland,” which captures the dichotomous feelings of shock and numbness that characterize the American reaction to school shootings and other acts of mass violence. To be sure, these are big-picture songs that focus on topics affecting all people.”
– Rich Bienstock, Guitar Player
“People are going to herald this as one of the best albums of the year. This is Americana-Duff McKagan. It’s not what you expect.”
– Larry Flick, SiriusXM radio host
“Best Crossover Album” (Best of LA Music Issue)
– Brett Callwood, LA Weekly
“..A somber, deliberate work…evokes Mark Lanegan-style Americana…”
– Alison Stewart, Chicago Tribune
McKagan has created a campaign that puts the album’s themes into action and he’s inviting fans to join him in an effort to give support to organizations doing great work. Those include Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, 320 Changes Direction, and To Write Love on Her Arms, among others. For more information, please visitpropeller.la/duff.
Tour Dates
Friday May 31st – City Winery, Washington, DC
Saturday June 1st – City Winery, Boston, MA
Monday June 3rd – Irving Plaza, New York, NY
Thursday June 6th – Thalia Hall, Chicago, IL
Saturday June 8th – Cannery Ballroom, Nashville, TN
Monday June 10th – Historic Scoot Inn, Austin, TX
Thursday June 13th – El Rey, Los Angeles, CA
Friday June 14th – Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA
Saturday June 15th – Aladdin Theater, Portland, OR
Sunday June 16th – Showbox Presents, Seattle, WA
Thursday August 22nd – Stodola, Warsaw POLAND
Friday August 23rd – Astra, Berlin GERMANY
Saturday August 24th – Blue Moon Festival, Amsterdam HOLLAND
Monday August 26th – Gloria, Cologne GERMANY
Tuesday August 27th – Alte Feurwache, Mannheim GERMANY
Thursday August 29th – Islington Assembly Hall, London UK
Saturday August 31st – Electric Picnic Festival, Dublin EIRE
Sunday September 1st – Academy, Manchester UK
Tuesday September 3rd – Le Trabendo, Paris FRANCE
Wednesday September 4th – Ancienne Belgique, Brussels BELGIUM
Friday September 6th – Dynamo, Zurich SWITZERLAND
Sunday September 8th – Saniera Club, Milan ITALY
As Memorial Day has come and gone, it’s time once again to take a look at some of the films being offered to us for our air conditioned enjoyment. As always, special thanks to our friends at the Internet Movie Database for some synopsis information. Opening dates shown are subject to change at the whim of the studios.
(*) denotes a film that one of Media Mikes’ critics are especially looking forward to.
*ROCKETMAN
Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell and Bryce Dallas Howard
Directed by: Dexter Fletcher
At first I was shocked when I heard about this film. Harlan Williams playing Elton John??? Then I realized it was a different Rocketman. Following in the footsteps of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” this bio-pic tells the story of one Reginald Dwight, who the world knows as Sir Elton John. Director Fletcher took over for Bryan Singer on “Bohemian Rhapsody” and early reviews say this film is equally good.
GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS
Starring: Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra
Directed by: Michael Dougherty
The big guy is back and he’s bringing his pals with him.
MA
Starring: Octavia Spencer, Juliette Lewis
Directed by: Tate Taylor
The Podcast gang spent a lot of time trying to come up with the plot to this one. Give it a listen and let us know if we got it right.
DARK PHOENIX
Starring: Sophie Turner, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender
Directed by: Simon Kinberg
Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix. Now the X-Men will have to decide if the life of a team member is worth more than all the people living in the world. Though it’s being released by Disney, this was originally a 20th Century Fox property. Now that the MCU is ALMOST one big happy family, I’m curious if the X-men will show up in a future Avengers film.
*LATE NIGHT
Starring: Mindy Kaling, John Lithgow and Emma Thompson
Directed by: Nisha Ganatra
A late night talk show host suspects that she may soon be losing her long-running show. Kaling is always fun to watch and I’ve been in love with Emma Thompson since “The Tall Guy!”
*THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2
Starring the voices of: Kevin Hart and Patton Oswalt
Directed by: Chris Renaud, Jonathan del Val
Continuing the story of Max and his pet friends, following their secret lives after their owners leave them for work or school each day. Hopefully in this one, Hart’s Snowball isn’t homicidal.
AMERICAN WOMAN
Starring: Sienna Miller, Aaron Paul
Directed by: Jake Scott
A woman raises her young grandson after her daughter goes missing.
*MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL
Starring: Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson
Directed by: F. Gary Gray
The Men in Black have always protected the Earth from the scum of the universe. In this new adventure, they tackle their biggest threat to date: a mole in the Men in Black organization. Sadly, the newbies won’t be trained by agents J or K.
CHILD’S PLAY
Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Tim Matheson
Directed by: Lars Klevberg
Hollywood again picks the bones of a dead franchise and tries to breathe new life into it. The bad news: Brad Dourif is not the voice of Chucky. The good news: Mark Hamill is.
TOY STORY 4
Starring the voices of: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen
Directed by: Josh Cooley
When a new toy called “Forky” joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy. Disney’s movie about toys dolls is going to kick the crap out the Universal’s movie about a toy doll at the box office.
ANNABELLE COMES HOME
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson
Directed by: Gary Dauberman
Determined to keep Annabelle from wreaking more havoc, demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren bring the possessed doll to the locked artifacts room in their home, placing her “safely” behind sacred glass and enlisting a priest’s holy blessing. But an unholy night of horror awaits as Annabelle awakens the evil spirits in the room, who all set their sights on a new target-the Warrens’ ten-year-old daughter, Judy, and her friends. The real Lorraine Warren recently passed away, for those of you keeping score at home.
*YESTERDAY
Starring: Himesh Patel, Lily James
Directed by: Danny Boyle
A struggling musician realizes he’s the only person on Earth who can remember The Beatles after waking up in an alternate timeline where they never existed. Written by the great Richard Curtis – who also wrote “The Tall Guy,” the movie I first fell in love with Emma Thompson with.
*SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME
Starring: Tom Holland, Jacob Batalon and Marisa Tomei
Directed by: Jon Watts
Following the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever. I’m guessing the start of Phase 3 of the MCU? Love Holland as Spidey and Batalon’s Ned is one of my favorite movie side-kicks ever.
*STUBER
Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Dave Bautista
Directed by: Michael Dowse
A detective recruits his Uber driver into an unexpected night of adventure. As someone that has driven for Uber I will admit I’m intrigued. The most exciting thing that ever happened to me was a woman breaking up with her boyfriend in the back of my car!
THE LION KING
Starring the voices of: Seth Rogen, Donald Glover and Beyonce’
Directed by: Jon Favreau
For those of you who have been on Mars for the last 25 years: After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery. Favreau worked miracles with his version of “The Jungle Book” and Disney is hoping this is another “Aladdin,” not “Dumbo.”
*ONCE UPON A TIME IN… HOLLYWOOD
Starring: Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Margo Robbie
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
It’s the summer of 1969 and a lot of things are happening in Hollywood. Sex. Drugs. And Charles Manson. As advertised, this is the 9th film directed by Tarantino, who has always said he plans on making 10 and retiring. I challenge you to find a filmmaker that has made as many films as he has without making a dud. Even my favorite director, Steven Spielberg, has made a misstep (I’m looking at YOU, “Hook”).
FAST AND FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS and SHAW
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham and lots of cars
Directed by: David Leitch
When the eighth film in this franchise came out I joked on our Podcast that the next one would be called “Fine and Furious,” because “fine” rhymes with “nine.” However, to avoid paying me money, Universal has chosen this title. Lawman Luke Hobbs and outcast Deckard Shaw form an unlikely alliance when a cyber-genetically enhanced villain threatens the future of humanity. I’ve only seen the original and part 5. However, the addition of Idris Elba as the villain might pull me into the theatre for this one.
*SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK
Starring: Michael Garza and Austin Zajur
Directed by: André Øvredal
A group of teens face their fears in order to save their lives. Podcast co-host Loey Lockerby says that these books scared the hell out of her when she was a kid.
47 METERS DOWN: UNCAGED
Starring: John Corbett, Nia Long
Directed by: Johannes Roberts
Four teen girls diving in a ruined underwater city quickly learn they’ve entered the territory of the deadliest shark species in the claustrophobic labyrinth of submerged caves. Why isn’t this being called “48 Meters Down?”
*WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kristin Wiig and Laurence Fishburne
Directed by: Richard Linklater
A loving mom becomes compelled to reconnect with her creative passions after years of sacrificing herself for her family. Her leap of faith takes her on an epic adventure that jump-starts her life and leads to her triumphant rediscovery.
PLAYMOBIL THE MOVIE
Starring the voices of: Daniel Radcliffe and Kenan Thompson
Directed by: Lino DiSalvo
Animated feature film inspired by the Playmobil brand toys. Are you ****ing kidding me??? PLAYMOBIL THE MOVIE???? A movie about the little toys my grandchildren play with?? Quick, get me Hollywood…I want to make a movie about the game of Jacks! Believe it or not, Daniel Radcliffe was not only Harry Potter but did “Equus” on Broadway. How the mighty have fallen. Look for him to reprise the role of Harry Potter when he leads tours around Universal Orlando.
Yet despite the fact that most modern heist films are all based on this similar premise, that doesn’t make them any less enjoyable. There are certainly a few films that stand out from the crowd, not to mention standing the test of time incredibly well. We’ve grouped together three main categories – the bank heist, the casino heist and the gang heist – and selected the most honourable mentions within each. Let’s dive straight in.
A heist movie like no other, it’s easy to forget that Reservoir Dogs was Quentin Tarantino’s first foray into the world of directing. In many ways it set the tone for Tarantino’s reputation as an auteur: unconventional, violent and unique. When you think of the standard heist movie, you think of three main sections: the plan, the execution and the aftermath. Reservoir Dogs almost completely does away with the ‘main’ second section, jumping between the events before and after the heist.
In doing so, we get a completely different take on the characters involved, their motivations and their allegiances. It’s a film where, for the most part, the action takes a back seat to the dialogue. We’re also still hoping for that Vega Brothers movie that’s long been talked about.
Arguably the film that sparked the entire heist movie trend, Ocean’s Eleven was an immediate sensation upon its release back in 1960. Of course, the younger among us may be more familiar with the 2001 remake, starring the likes of George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon. The remake stands on its own as a modern classic, transporting us back to the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip. We get a more in-depth look at the way modern casinos operate, specifically the Bellagio, The Mirage and the MGM Grand. It’s hard to find a more thrilling setting than that.
More recently, the legacy of the Ocean’s series has even reached beyond the silver screen into the rapidly evolving world of iGaming, with sites offering a range of heist-inspired games that draw on elements from Ocean’s Eleven, perfect for any film fan looking to get a taste of the casino heist thrill for themselves.
Another debut film from one of the most important British directors of the past few decades, Guy Ritchie. The film helped launch the careers of the likes of Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones, not to mention Ritchie himself. Interesting to think that it might not have been made if it wasn’t for a little help from Tom Cruise.
Loaded with unforgettable characters and a great soundtrack, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels follows the path of a group of young schemers on a mission to repay the £100,000 they lost to an East London card-shark. It’s one of those films that leaves the audience wondering just who will come out on top.
So, there we have it, three top movies from three main genres of heist film. We’d be tempted to say we’ve seen it all, but the evolving nature of the heist movie probably means there’s much more to come.
RENT
Music Hall – Kansas City, Missouri
April 29, 2019
The Broadway (and off-Broadway) stage has often been the place where a generation can speak without rebuke. The 1990’s saw the production of two very important shows that shed light on the, at the time, the little discussed subject of AIDS. The first show was Tony Kushner’s epic “Angels in America.” The other? Jonathan Larson’s “RENT.”
Opening off-Broadway on January 25, 1996, “RENT” tells the story of a group of struggling artists (filmmaker, musician, performance art) living in the SoHo area of New York City. Their goal is to present their art to the world without compromising – to not “give into” the man. This week, the 20th Anniversary Tour is in Kansas City, with moderate success.
To me, the evening, like the show, was in two acts. The first act, in this writer’s opinion, was slow, which is a word I normally would not apply to a musical where the cast moves non-stop while performing dozens of songs. I’m not sure if it was opening night jitters, or bus-lag, but several of the characters just didn’t seem to be “into it” during the first act. The performances were fine…it’s just that many seemed to be a beat behind.
Musically, the show is magnificent. I’m sure everyone has heard “Seasons of Love” at least once in their life, and this song, which opens Act II, is performed with heart to spare. Other favorites were “Santa Fe,” “Take Me or Leave Me,” and “La Vie Boheme.” Highlights in the cast were Lyndie Moe as Maureen and Devinre Adams as Collins, who is my favorite character in the show.
Sadly, Jonathan Larson never saw “RENT” performed before a live audience. On the morning of January 25, 1996, Larson died after two different hospitals mis-diagnosed a heart condition. With his parent’s consent, the show went on that night. For his work, Larson posthumously won 3 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize.
“RENT’ continues it’s run in Kansas City through Sunday, May 5th.
The World’s Best-Selling Reggae Album Of All Time Is Anointed With
A Special 35th Anniversary 2LP 180-Gram Vinyl Reissue On June 14
Los Angeles – April 24, 2019 – On June 14, The Marley Family, Island Records and UMe join collective forces to observethe 35th anniversary of Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Legend with a double 180-gram vinyl reissue. Initially released on May 8, 1984, Legend holds the distinction of being the world’s best-selling reggae album of all time with over 15 million copies sold in the United States alone, and over 28 million worldwide. A greatest hits compilation for the ages, Legend is the soundtrack to the remarkable life and recording career of one of reggae music’s most important and influential figures. This iconic collection not only serves as the perfect introduction to the music of Bob Marley, it has also become an essential element of every reggae fan’s permanent collection.
This vinyl-only 35th anniversary reissue comprises the original “BMW1” version of Legend with the addition of two original U.K.-only cassette bonus tracks (“Easy Skanking” and “Punky Reggae Party”). Taken as a whole, the 16 songs thatcomprise Legend have literally defined a genre. Among the album’s instantly recognizable tracks are “Get Up Stand Up,” “One Love / People Get Ready,” “I Shot The Sheriff,” “Three Little Birds,” “Jammin,” and “Exodus.” Other Legend anthems like “No Woman No Cry” and “Is This Love” feature backing vocals from The I Threes, an all-female trio comprised of Marley’s wife Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, and Marcia Griffiths. Mrs. Rita Marley’s own career retrospective, quite aptly dubbed Lioness of Reggae, is being released on limited-edition vinyl by Tuff Gong Worldwide on May 3.
A new visual for “Satisfy My Soul” was recently shot by Pantera as directed by Brian Kazez and produced by Propaganda Films, serving as a conceptual interpretation of the song to show what it means to “feel alright” in Jamaica. This also happens to be the same directorial team that shot a new clip for “Easy Skanking,” which was filmed in Kingston and garnered much acclaim earlier this year for the way it shared an authentic look at a day in the life of Jamaica and the indefatigable, uprising spirit of the people who live, love, and work there the whole year round.
To this day, Bob Marley remains one of popular culture’s most important and influential entertainment icons. His lifestyle and music continue to inspire new generations around the world. Marley was the first Jamaican artist to give voice to the struggles of his people and introduce Rastafarian culture to the world at large, and his expansive music catalog has sold millions of albums all across the globe.
Bob Marley’s legacy truly lives on in the artists and generations he has influenced. Today, the spiritual, political, and musical resonance of the man’s work continues to be felt around the world, and Legend is the one true collection that cements his perpetual global legacy.
Preorder and listen to the 35th Anniversary of Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Legend here:
bobmarley.com
facebook.com/BobMarley
twitter.com/bobmarley
instagram.com/bobmarley
youtube.com/bobmarley
Bob Marley & The Wailers LEGEND [double 180g vinyl]:
Side A
Side B
Side C
Side D
ABOUT BOB MARLEY:
Bob Marley, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is notable not only as the man who put reggae on the global map, but, as a statesman in his native Jamaica, he famously brought together the country’s warring factions and simultaneously became a symbol of freedom and justice globally. Today, Bob Marley remains one of the 20th century’s most important and influential entertainment icons. Marley’s lifestyle and music continue to inspire new generations as his legacy lives on through his music. In the digital era, he has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity, with the official Bob Marley Facebook page drawing more than 71 million fans, ranking it among the Top 20 of all Facebook pages and Top 10 among celebrity pages. Marley’s music catalog has sold millions of albums worldwide. His iconic collection LEGEND holds the distinction of being the longest-charting album in the history of Billboard magazine’s Catalog Albums chart and remains the world’s best-selling reggae album. Marley’s accolades include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994) and ASCAP Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010), a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), multiple entries in the GRAMMY® Hall Of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2001). Marley was also awarded the UN Peace Medal of the Third World for his efforts in Jamaica. For more information visit: bobmarley.com and facebook.com/bobmarley.
PHOTOS BY DAN LYBARGER
I had just begun my position as Director of Marketing for Dickinson Theatres in early 1999 when I received a phone call from a gentleman named Chris Jackson, who explained to me that he had an idea for a local convention that would continue to grow into something amazing. Wanting to be involved, I sent Chris a lot of promotion posters (I’m thinking THE MATRIX, THE MUMMY, and STAR WARS: EPISODE I were included) to give away. Chris even arranged for one of the guests, actor Kenny Baker – he played R2D2 in the various STAR WARS films, to sign some posters for me to use as a giveaway. And so it began.
This past weekend, Chris’ vision, PLANET COMICON KANSAS CITY, celebrated it’s 20th Anniversary with another convention that cements PCKC as not only the best convention in the Midwest, but one of the best in the country.
The guest list was a virtual honor role of some of the biggest celebrities in film and television. Such icons as Linda Blair, William Shatner and Henry Winkler made appearances (this was Winkler’s first visit to Kansas /City since early
2010, when he graciously became the first ever interview for Media Mikes).
Mr. Shatner had been at PCKC in the past,but you wouldn’t know it from the legion of fans that lined up to greet him. Other celebrity guests included Oscar-nominee Chris Sarandon, PRINCESS BRIDE co-stars Cary Elwes and Wallace Shawn, “Super-men” Dean Cain and Tom Welling as well as well as WWE Wrestling Hall of Famer Mick Foley.
Graphic art fans were also treated to a bevy of comic and graphic novel artists, and an amazing array of fans dressed as their favorite characters.
The vendor selection, as in the past, was varied, with tables offering pretty much everything for everyone.
All in all, it was an amazing weekend. I can’t wait to see what Chris Jackson has in store for the next 20 years!
