SEBASTIAN BACH TO PLAY 1ST SKID ROW ALBUM IN ENTIRETY IN CELEBRATION OF 30TH ANNIVERSARY ON UPCOMING TOUR

CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF SKID ROW’S LANDMARK, SELF-TITLED DEBUT WITH U.S. TOUR TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY!

Revered vocal powerhouse SEBASTIAN BACH will celebrate the 30th anniversary of SKID ROW’s acclaimed, self-titled breakout debut album with a U.S. Tour where he’ll be performing the record in its entirety plus other songs from his celebrated catalog. The tour will kick off in Nashville, TN on August 30th and will end in Pinellas Park, FL on November 2nd. Tickets and VIP Meet N’ Greet upgrades go on sale Friday, June 7th at http://www.sebastianbach.com/. 

In a statement from Bach: “In 1989 we put out the first record ‘Skid Row’. 30 years later, people still dig the music we created in a garage all those years ago. In commemoration of this 30th Anniversary digital deluxe release, my band is going to perform the first Skid Row record, in its entirety, on the road, LIVE this fall! It’s going to be fun to do something that has never been done live before! We are looking forward to seeing you all for this one time event! Note: This concert is 100% live in every way! All real! All the time! No tapes! No fakes! Come and see a real rock band while they still exist! We give it to you straight from the heart ‘cuz that’s the only way we know how! See you on the road!” 

Released in the winter of 1989, SKID ROW’s self-titled record is one of heavy rock’s most successful debut albums, landing in Billboard’s Top 10 and going on to sell millions of copies around the world.  The record transformed the band from local New Jersey quintet into a global phenomenon whose rebellious attitude and jaw-dropping talent set the bar and tone for rock music in the late 80’s and early 90’s. SKID ROW’s singles, “18 and Life,” “Youth Gone Wild” and “I Remember You,” are among the decade’s most recognizable rock anthems that still receive heavy airplay on radio stations across the country. The group again achieved commercial success with its second record Slave to the Grind (1991) certified multi-platinum, reaching number one on the Billboard 200.  

SEBASTIAN BACH is recognized globally as a vocalist, television star, actor and beyond! Bach hit the spotlight in the late 1980’s as the iconic frontman for mainstream heavy metal / hard rock act SKID ROW. Since his departure from Skid Row in the mid 90’s, SEBASTIAN BACH still remains one of the most relevant rock figures in pop culture today, with over 20 million records sold, three solo records, network television appearances on AXS.tv, MTV, VH1 and CMT, guest appearances on “Gilmore Girls,” “Trailer Park Boys,” “Californication” and other popular television shows, and several acting stints on and off Broadway. BACH’s last album, Give ‘Em Hell, impressively, landed on the U.S. Top Hard Rock and Top 200 Billboard charts, proving his prowess decades after his initial debut. BACH’s critically acclaimed Harper Collins memoir “18 And LIFE on Skid Row” was released December 6, 2016. 

SEBASTIAN BACH’s band is : 

Drums: Bobby Jarzombek (HALFORD, FATES WARNING) 2005-2019

Bass: Rob DeLuca (UFO, SPREAD EAGLE) 2005-2019

Guitar / Backing Vocals: Brent Woods (VINCE NEIL, CHEVY METAL) 2012-2019 

SEBASTIAN BACH Tour Dates:
Aug 29 – Nashville, TN – Mercy Lounge
Aug 30 –  Anderson, SC – William A Floyd Amphitheater
Aug 31 –  Charlotte, NC – Amos Southend
Sep 2 – Huntsville, AL – Side Tracks Music Hall
Sep 3 – Columbus, OH – Skully’s
Sep 4 – Cleveland, OH – Phantasy
Sep 6 – Stafford Springs, CT – Palace Theater
Sep 7 – Block Island, RI – Ballard’s (afternoon show)
Sep 9 – Laconia, NH – Granite State Music Hall
Sep 10 – Hampton Beach, NH – Wally’s
Sep 11 – Portland, ME – Aura
Sep 13 – Harrison, OH – The Blue Note
Sep 14 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop
Sep 15 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
Sep 18 – Kansasville, WI – 1175
Sep 19 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
Sep 20 – Lombard, IL – Brauer House
Sep 21 – Dubuque, IA – Q Casino
Sep 22 – Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall
Sep 25 – New York, NY – Sony Hall
Sep 26 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live
Sep 27 – Lynchburg, VA – Phase 2
Sep 28 – Waterloo, NY – The Vine at Del Lago
Sep 29 – Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s
Oct 1 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
Oct 3 – Wichita, KS – WAVE
Oct 5 – Golden, CO – Dirty Dogs Roadhouse (Outdoor)
Oct 6 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
Oct 10 – Ramona, CA – Ramona Mainstage
Oct 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Whisky A Go Go (Night 1)
Oct 12 – Los Angeles, CA – Whisky A Go Go (Night 2)
Oct 17 – Roswell, NM – Liberty Theater
Oct 18 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
Oct 19 – Waco, TX – The Backyard
Oct 20 – Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill
Oct 22 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
Oct 23 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theater
Oct 24 – Corpus Christi, TX – House of Rock
Oct 25 – Lafayette, LA – The District
Oct 26 – Miramar Beach, FL – Village Door Music Hall
Oct 28 – Miami, FL – KISS Kruise Pre Party @ Double Tree
Oct 30 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock
Oct 31 – Savannah, GA – Victory North
Nov 1 – Ft. Myers, FL – The Ranch
Nov 2 – Pinellas Park, FL – England Brothers Park 

For More Information:http://www.sebastianbach.com/

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4 Tips To Renting A Party Bus For A Celebration Of Life Service

Do you have someone special you want to celebrate? It may be a friend or relative who has just completed their studies or is getting married or has a birthday party. Whatever the occasion may be, a party bus will crown the event for you. If you have a group of people with you, you’ll need to rent one.

To guide you further, here are 4 tips to renting a party bus for a celebration of life service:

1.    Know The Number Of People You’ll Be Carrying In It

The purpose of the party bus will be to carry people and so you want to rent one that has enough capacity to hold everyone you plan to have on board. It is important that you know the number of people you intend to carry in the party bus to avoid any inconveniences.

You don’t want to hire a 50 seater bus and yet you’ll be carrying 20 people since the renting cost will be higher or hire a 33 seater bus yet you have a group of 50 people with you. Determine the right capacity before hiring the party bus.

2.    Know The Cost

The cost of hiring a party bus will cut across several areas. The company renting you the bus will most likely charge you on an hourly basis. It’s important therefore to know the total time span you’ll have the bus with you.

Other charges that you may incur include gratuity to the party bus driver, taxes, and other costs such as fuel or parking fees at your target destination depending on the terms of the agreement.

Defining these costs earlier in advance will help you raise the money to rent the bus more so if you are sharing the cost with the people who you’ll be going with to the celebration of life service.

3.    Know Your Destination

You’ll definitely be driving off on the party bus to a specified destination or several destinations. It is advisable that you map out these destinations earlier in advance and discuss them with the rental company.

They’ll be able to advise you on which bus best suits your needs in terms of flexibility moving around, comfort, safety, and speed in getting to the various destinations. It also helps the rental company to prepare the bus driver in advance on the routes which will be more convenient to use.

4.    Comfort And Entertainment

Your main purpose for renting the party bus is to celebrate a life. As such, entertainment is a necessity to crown the whole agenda of the day. You’ll want to rent a bus with good looks to start with. The bus should have some class and glamor with comfortable seats and enough room for everyone to pump up and have some fun.

Music is a must-have. You want a bus with a good music system. Satellite television is also a plus to have on the bus for those who would want to watch, say, a game. Entertainment also comes with refreshments such as drinks and snacks. You can organize for these with the rental company.

Conclusion

There you have it. These four tips will guide you as you seek to rent a good party bus. If you’re not sure which rental company to approach, here’s one with the best party bus rentals.  

 

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Dead Kennedys Continue 40th Anniversary Celebration With DK40

Three-CD set, capturing classic San Francisco punk band live in its prime, will be released April 26 on Manifesto Records. Digital version to follow on May 10. PurchaseEPK Out of the hundreds of punk bands that emerged from the late ’70s punk scene, only about a dozen or so have achieved iconic status four decades later. They include the Sex Pistols, the Clash and the Damned from the U.K.; the Ramones and Patti Smith Group from New York; X, the Germs and Black Flag from Los Angeles; and from San Francisco, the Dead Kennedys. The DKs embodied the spirit of punk from the get-go. Their very name was a shocking reminder of the collapse of the American Dream. Then again, the name would be nothing if the Dead Kennedys didn’t have the goods to back it up. DK40, a three-CD live collection due April 26 from Manifesto Records, offers the aural evidence that the Dead Kennedys were one of the most potent punk bands — period.  It features the band serving up amped-up live versions of all their classic tracks, free from the constraints of the recording studio. 

Formed in 1978 after guitarist East Bay Ray’s ad in The Recycler attracted the attention of singer Jello Biafra, they were soon joined by bassist Klaus Flouride; guitarist 6025 and drummer Ted.   D.H Peligro soon took over the rule of the drum chair. After gigging around the Bay Area, they soon built a reputation cemented by the release of their first single, “California Über Alles,” on their own DIY label, within a year of their formation. Over a boleroesque rhythm consisting of pounding drums, throbbing bass and jagged guitar lines, Biafra lays into then-and-future California Governor Jerry Brown and the hippy dream.

The song includes such memorable lines as “It’s the suede denim secret police / They have come for your uncool niece.” With their follow-up, 1980’s “Holiday in Cambodia,” the DKs showed no signs of letting up. It offered a brutal take on the powers behind the Vietnam War, with East Bay Ray’s iconic guitar parts showing people that the DKs were very much a musical force to be reckoned with. The band went onto release their debut album, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables, in 1980, featuring newly recorded versions of “California Über Alles” and “Holiday in Cambodia,” along with other classics such as “Kill the Poor,” “Let’s Lynch the Landlord” and a notable cover of the Elvis Presley hit “Viva Las Vegas.” The subsequent releases, the 1981 EP, In God We Trust, Inc., 1982’s Plastic Surgery Disasters and 1985’s Frankenchrist albums followed.  Live versions of the material from these releases are showcased on DK40. 

Disc 1 captures the DKs at the Paradiso in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 1982, with a 13-song set, including “Holiday in Cambodia,” “Nazi Punks Fuck Off” and “Too Drunk to Fuck.” The second disc has the DKs at Alabama Halle in Munich, Germany, also in 1982, with an 18-track set, including “Man With the Dogs,” “Police Truck” and “Chemical Warfare.” The final disc of DK40 captures the band back on its home turf, at the Farm in San Francisco in 1985, with a 16-song romp that includes “Soup Is Good Food,” “Stars And Stripes Of Corruption” and “MTV Get Off The Air.” While the DKs continue on following lineup changes, including the departure of Jello Biafra – vocalist Skip McSkipster of the Wynona Riders now bringing the songs to thousands of fans — DK40 captures the band at the height of their youthful exuberance, with the classic lineup of Jello Biafra, East Bay Ray, Klaus Flouride and D.H Peligro. 

You’ll find DK40 even more fun than a holiday in Cambodia and the band’s blistering counsel is even more relevant today.  They are here to remind us, “It’s never too late to think.” Paradiso (December 5, 1982): 

1. Moral Majority
2. Am the Owl
3. Life Sentence
4. Police Truck
5, Riot
6. Bleed For Me
7. Holiday in Cambodia
8. Let’s Lynch the Landlord
9. Chemical Warfare
10. Nazi Punks Fuck Off
11. Kill The Poor
12. We’ve Got A Bigger Problem Now
13. Too Drunk To Fuck Skateboard Party (December 13, 1982):

1. Skateboard Talk+Intro Noise
2. Man With The Dogs
3. Forward to Death
4. Kepone Factory
5. Life Sentence
6. Trust Your Mechanic
7, Moral Majority
8. Forest Fire
9. Winnebago Warrior
10. Police Truck
11. Bleed For Me
12. Holiday In Cambodia
13. Let’s Lynch the Landord
14. Chemical Warfare
15. Nazi Punks
16. We’ve Got A Bigger Problem Now
17. Too Drunk to Fuck
18. Kill the Poor The Farm (May 25, 1985):

1. Darren’s Mom
2. Goons of Hazard
3. Hellnation
4. This Could Be Anywhere
5. Soup Is Good Food
6. Chemical Warfare
7. Macho Insecurity
8. A Growing Boy Needs His Lunch
9. Forest Fire
10. Moon Over Marin
11. Jack-O-Rama12. Encore 
13. Stars and Stripes of Corruption
14. Second Encore
15. MTV Get Off the Air
16. Holiday In Cambodia

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Vans Warped Tour 25th Anniversary Celebration

The Vans Warped Tour® Prepares For A 25th Anniversary Celebration

Location & Venue Details To Be Announced Monday, January28th

Artist Lineup Announced & Tickets On Sale Early March

Following the announcement that 2018 would be its final cross-country run, the Vans Warped Tour headed out for a final summer of music, philanthropy, and community.

Looking back on it now, Lyman shares, “It was truly an honor to do a final cross-country run of Warped in 2018; to see fans from all eras of the tour come out for a day to celebrate an event that meant so much to them. I walked away from the final show with a true sense that the Vans Warped Tour became the community I had always hoped for.”

The location and venue details for the Warped Tour 25th Anniversary shows will be announced on Monday January 28th.  Tickets and the artist lineup will be available by early March.

For many, this announcement comes as no surprise; the Vans Warped Tour 25th Anniversary Celebration was eluded to in Lyman’s original statement about the end of the Vans Warped Tour:

“I sit here reflecting on the tour’s incredible history, what the final run means for our community, and look forward to what’s to come as we commemorate the tour’s historic 25th anniversary in 2019. […] The enduring spirit of the Vans Warped Tour remains as bright as ever, continuing to inspire creativity and ambition in new and exciting ways as we prepare for a 25th anniversary celebration in 2019.’”

VANS WARPED TOUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY DATES:

6.08 CLEVELAND, OH
6.29 “EAST COAST” (LOCATION TBA)
6.30 “EAST COAST” (LOCATION TBA)
7.20 “WEST COAST” (LOCATION TBA)
7.21 “WEST COAST” (LOCATION TBA)

About Vans Warped Tour:

The Vans Warped Tour was the largest traveling music festival in the United States, and the longest-running touring music festival in North America.Originally conceived by founder Kevin Lyman in 1995 as an eclectic alternative rock festival, with a focus on punk rock, over the years the tour grew to include a multitude of genres, including metal, hip hop, reggae, pop and more.It established itself as one of the best tours to attend to discover emerging acts, to learn more about wonderful non-profits and companies who are working to make a positive impact on the world that surround them, and to meet like-minded friends.

The tour also cemented its place in history by bringing alternative rock and skate culture from the underground to the forefront of global youth culture, while at the same time helping those in need through non-profit and eco initiatives.

Over the past two decades, Vans Warped Tour built a legacy as the must attend summer festival for rock and music lovers alike. Since its start in 1995,it provided a platform for established as well as up-and-coming artists, with alumni including blink182, No Doubt, Sublime, Beck, Katy Perry, NOFX, Limp Bizkit,Black Eyed Peas, Green Day, Eminem, Yellowcard, Bad Religion, and countless others.Alternative Press readers voted the Vans Warped Tour as the “Best Tour/Festival” and Rolling Stone called it “America’s Most Successful Festival”. 

Learn more about theVans Warped Tour:
www.vanswarpedtour.com

Follow the VansWarped Tour: 

www.facebook.com/warpedtour

www.twitter.com/vanswarpedtour

www.instagram.com/vanswarpedtour

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Album Review: Rob Zombie “The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser”

“The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser”
Rob Zombie
Zodiac Swan
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Master of the macabre Rob Zombie is back with his 6th studio album titled “The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser”. As the follow up to his 2013 release “Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor” the new album features 12 tracks from the former White Zombie front man which blend his unique brand of 70’s tinged rock and roll with eerie b-movie samplings which seem to permeate from every crack and crevice.

With an album title like “The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser” one would hope for the music to be equally as impressive. Sadly this is not the case as the new album from Rob Zombie is an uneven blend of chaotic, multi layered samples that lack any real musical substance. Over the course of the albums twelve tracks which only clock in at a measly thirty one minutes Zombie’s once unique blend of horror infused rock comes off as stale and tiresome. Despite a few shining moments in the way of tracks like “Well Everybody’s Fucking in a U.F.O.” and “The Hideous Exhibitions of a Dedicated Gore Whore” the album seemed to be absent of any real hook or catchiness and, instead comes off as a scattered mess. Even with such an impressive band behind him consisting of bassist Piggy D, guitarist John 5 and drummer Ginger Fish there still just wasn’t enough musical appeal to warrant a second listen.

Some impressively wordy titles are about all you will find in the latest release from Rob Zombie. With a three year lapse between albums I was certainly hoping for more and, in the case of “The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser” I needed a lot more. The albums lack of focus and its brief runtime really left me unfulfilled. This is easily Zombie’s weakest release however if you’re a long time fan and want it for your collection go for it but, if you are just know checking out Rob’s work I highly recommend skipping this and going to his impressive back catalog.

Track Listing:


1.) The Last of the Demons Defeated
2.) Satanic Cyanide! The Killer Rocks On!
3.) The Life and Times of a Teenage Rock God
4.) Well Everybody’s Fucking in a U.F.O.
5.) A Hearse That Overturns with the Coffin Bursting Open
6.) The Hideous Exhibitions of a Dedicated Gore Whore
7.) Medication for the Melancholy
8.) In the Age of the Consecrated Vampire We All get High
9.) Super-Doom-Hex-Gloom, Pt. 1
10.) In the Bone Pile
11.) Get Your Boots On! That’s the End of Rock and Roll
12.) Wurdalak

 

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‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Cirque Dreams Unwrapped and the Elf on the Shelf Set to Wow Guests at the Annual Christmas at Gaylord Palms Celebration

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, CIRQUE DREAMS UNWRAPPED AND   THE ELF ON THE SHELF® SET TO WOW GUESTS AT THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD PALMS CELEBRATION

KISSIMMEE, Fla.  – (July 15, 2015) – ‘Twas the summer before Christmas and all throughout the 4.5 glass-enclosed atrium, everyone was stirring with anticipation over the 2015 Christmas at Gaylord Palms season.  With ICE! in the tent, snow tubing in the hall and 2-million lights strung with care, everyone wondered – could there be more to this holiday affair? But of course…

Don a kerchief and get to the Gaylord Palms Resort to experience the astonishment of everyone’s favorite poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in nearly 2 million pounds of hand-carved vibrant ice sculptures. This year’s ICE! presented by Pepsi attraction will also feature four slippery ice slides, live carving stations inside of the Artisans in Action Frostbite Factory and back by popular demand, On the Blocks, the exclusive adult-only ICE! bar.

Christmas at Gaylord Palms includes myriad offerings for every age. Guests can experience the adrenaline of Alpine Rush Snow Tubing – an 18’ 8-lane giant snow hill created with 1.5 million pounds of real Florida snow.

Not a thrill seeker? How about an elf seeker? The all new The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt ignites the inner sleuth and takes guests on a journey throughout the holiday-clad hotel. Participants will follow clues and scan the hotel to spot the 10 scout elves who have landed at Gaylord Palms. By solving puzzles and finding all of the elves, guests will reveal the elves’ names so they can report back to Santa. All families that complete the scavenger hunt will win a special prize.

Once you have found the last scout elf, make your way over to the Emerald Bay Stage for the world premiere of the all-new Cirque Dreams Unwrapped. Guests will be dazzled by an array of seasonal characters brought to life in a dreamscape of imaginative costumes and creativity, while stunning feats of showmanship are unwrapped, performed on stage and in the air, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.   Broadway director and Cirque Dreams founder Neil Goldberg is bringing the famed entertainment brand to Orlando for the first time in the company’s 22 years with this exclusive show. The entire family can enjoy this uniquely inspired 25-minute Christmas dream presented with the Broadway style and inventive theatrics for which Cirque Dreams is renowned.

The season’s hottest couple, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also be a part of the festivities. Photos with Santa will take place in Santa’s Workshop located in Alpine Village and Mrs. Claus will be a part of the all-new Brunch with Mrs. Claus at the award-winning Villa de Flora.

Alpine Village, the holiday attraction hub, will also feature the Gingerbread Decorating Corner presented by PEEPS ®, Snowy’s Snack Shack and holiday shopping galore.

If that’s not enough, wander through the atrium’s lush gardens (over 500,000 plants) sprinkled with poinsettias, grand holiday displays, the famous 54-foot-tall majestic Christmas tree and more than 2 million twinkling lights.

In addition to the holiday happenings, hotel guests can enjoy fish and alligator feedings, relax at Relâche Spa with themed-seasonal treatments, plunge into Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park and indulge in holiday dining at our eight delectable restaurants. Whether you enjoy a filet, fresh seafood, pasta or a burger – we guarantee there is something to whet your appetite.

Christmas at Gaylord Palms is open daily from November 24, 2015 – January 3, 2016, including holidays. Packages are on sale today. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com.

Gaylord Palms Resort is located five minutes from the gates of Walt Disney World at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746.

Be sure to “Like” Gaylord Palms on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the most up-to-date information and special deals and promotions!

 

About Gaylord Hotels®

Gaylord Hotels® is a collection of hotels and upscale resorts that affords endless opportunities for leisure travelers and conventioneers. The brand’s hallmark—“everything in one place”—provides guests with diverse dining options, quality spa and fitness center services, top-notch entertainment, on-site shopping and endless activities. Gaylord Hotels is a pioneer in the hotel and convention industry with properties in the nation’s most desirable destinations. Gaylord Hotels include Gaylord Opryland® in Nashville, Tenn.; Gaylord Palms® in Kissimmee, Fla., near Orlando; Gaylord Texan® on Lake Grapevine, Texas; Gaylord National® on the Potomac River in National Harbor, Md.; and The Inn at Opryland® in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit www.GaylordHotels.com.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,000 properties in 78 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $13 billion in fiscal year 2013. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at  www.Marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.MarriottNewsCenter.com.

 

About Cirque Dreams

Over 50 million people have experienced a Cirque Dreams show in theatres, casinos, theme parks, cruise lines, and on Broadway.  Now in its 22nd Year, Cirque Dreams shows have garnered the praise of critics around the country from USA Today, Associated Press and the New York Times to CNN, Today Show and Fox & Friends.  Producer and Director Neil Goldberg has been declared “One of today’s leading theatrical impresarios” by The LA Times and “Uniquely ingenious” by the New York Daily News. The Cirque Dreams franchise is a globally recognized entertainment brand including, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, Cirque Dreams Rocks, Cirque Dreams Holidaze and Cirque Dreams & Dinner onboard Norwegian Cruise Line.

For more information, visit www.cirqueproductions.com.

The Elf on the Shelf ® and © (2015) CCA and B, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

 

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Universal Orlando Resort And Warner Bros. To Host Second Annual “A Celebration Of Harry Potter” Event In January 2015

“A Celebration of Harry Potter” will Feature Incredible Experiences at Both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida Jan. 30 – Feb. 1

Vacation Packages with Exclusive Benefits, Including Exclusive Q&A Sessions with Harry Potter Film Talent, Go on Sale Thursday, August 21 at Noon EST

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. announced today that they will host the second annual “A Celebration of Harry Potter” event – a special event for fans celebrating the global phenomenon that is Harry Potter.

Beginning January 30, 2015, fans will enjoy three days of incredible experiences – including the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo, Q&A sessions with Harry Potter film talent and more. Special vacation packages, including annual passholder packages, will go on sale August 21 and will include exclusive benefits such as access to an exclusive evening event in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and the all-new The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.  Full vacation package details are below.

All general admission park guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Attend Q&A sessions with Harry Potter film talent and other special guests (talent attendees will be announced at a later date)
  • Experience and participate in the interactive and unique exhibits of the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo
  • Enjoy special discussions regarding various aspects of the Harry Potter franchise
  • Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. Plus, ride the Hogwarts Express between the two lands with a park-to-park ticket.
  • And much more!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley officially opened in Universal Studios Florida on July 8, 2014 bringing even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life at Universal Orlando Resort. The new land features incredible shops with windows full of magical surprises, authentic dining experiences, a fire-breathing dragon and the new multi-dimensional thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Guests with a park-to-park ticket will also be able to board the iconic Hogwarts Express and enjoy a unique journey as they travel between London and Hogsmeade. The new immersive area expands upon The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, launched in 2010 in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and doubles the size of the sweeping area already dedicated to Harry Potter’s adventures to create a spectacularly themed environment across both Universal theme parks.

While most of the activities for “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will be open to all Universal Orlando park guests and annual passholders, only guests who purchase the exclusive event vacation package or annual passholder package will enjoy certain special benefits and reserved seating for select events. Packages are limited and will go on sale at noon EST on Thursday, August 21, 2014. See below for full package details.

Packages for “A Celebration of Harry Potter” at Universal Orlando Resort

On Sale at Noon EST on August 21, 2014

On-Site Hotel Celebration Vacation Package ~ Starts at  $219 per adult per night, tax inclusive
  • 3-night on-site hotel accommodations at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Orlando Resort’s all-new retro-themed moderate & value priced hotel
  • 3-day park-to-park ticket to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure (includes access to the Hogwarts Express)
  • Exclusive Q&A session with select Harry Potter film talent
  • Access to an exclusive evening event in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, including light desserts and Butterbeer
  • Specially themed Welcome Parcel and complimentary commemorative merchandise item
  • Special Guest access to the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo
  • Reserved seating or viewing area for select Celebration events
  • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the parks open
  • Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, one per person
  • Complimentary on-site transportation to and from both theme parks and Universal CityWalk
  • Note: This package does not include complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access

On-Site Deluxe Hotel Celebration Vacation Package ~ Starts at   $285 per adult per night, tax inclusive
  • 3-night on-site hotel accommodations at one of Universal Orlando’s spectacular deluxe on-site hotels:  Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort
  • 3-day park-to-park ticket to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure (includes access to the Hogwarts Express)
  • Complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines in both theme parks for all three days – a FREE benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day
  • Exclusive Q&A session with select Harry Potter film talent
  • Access to an exclusive evening event in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, including light desserts and Butterbeer
  • Specially themed Welcome Parcel and complimentary commemorative merchandise item
  • Special Guest access to the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo
  • Reserved seating or viewing area for select Celebration events
  • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the parks open
  • Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, one per person
  • Complimentary on-site transportation to and from both theme parks and Universal CityWalk

Universal Partner Hotel Celebration Vacation Package ~ Starts at $185 per adult per night, tax inclusive
  • 3-night accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel near Universal Orlando
  • 3-day park-to-park ticket to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure (includes access to the Hogwarts Express)
  • Exclusive Q&A session with select Harry Potter film talent
  • Access to an exclusive evening event in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, including light desserts and Butterbeer
  • Specially themed Welcome Parcel and complimentary commemorative merchandise item
  • Special Guest access to the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo
  • Reserved seating or viewing area for select Celebration events
  • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the parks open
  • Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, one per person
  • Free scheduled transportation between the hotel and Universal Orlando Resort
  • Note: This package does not include complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access

 To book special annual passholder event vacation packages, please call 1-888-343-8991 starting August 21, 2014 at noon EST.

Access to select events within “A Celebration of Harry Potter” is included in regular admission to Universal Orlando or with an annual pass. For more information about the event, tickets and vacation packages, visit www.universalorlando.com/celebration.

About the Harry Potter Series
Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. Each of the seven books by author J.K. Rowling has broken sales records, with the series to date having sold over 450 million copies worldwide and translated into 77 languages. The Harry Potter films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $7.7 billion to date worldwide at the box office, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history.

About Universal Orlando Resort
Vacation like you mean it at Universal Orlando Resort – where every heart pounding, jaw-dropping, goose-bumping second counts. It is the only place where you can turn spending time with your family into spending time as a family. Together, you can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, become a Minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, and join Optimus Prime in the fight to save mankind on the new mega-attraction, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D. And now, you can step into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

Universal Orlando Resort is home to two incredible theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure; four magnificently themed on-site hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and the newest addition, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort; and Universal CityWalk – a unique dining and entertainment complex featuring one-of-a-kind restaurants, shops and nightclubs.  And located just minutes from Universal Orlando Resort is Wet n’ Wild, Orlando’s premier waterpark.

Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company.  Follow Universal Orlando Resort on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Warner Bros. Entertainment
Warner Bros. Entertainment is a global leader in all forms of entertainment and their related businesses across all current and emerging media and platforms. A Time Warner Company, the fully integrated, broad-based studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, digital distribution, animation, comic books, video games, product and brand licensing, international cinemas and broadcasting.

HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.

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Concert Review: Thomas Nicholas Band, Mulligan’s Pub – Celebration, FL

Thomas Nicholas Band
Mulligan’s Pub
Celebration, FL
April 23, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

You might recognize Thomas Ian Nicholas from his film roles in the “American Pie” films or the baseball classic “Rookie of the Year”, but he is also a singer/songwriter and has a band, TNB aka Thomas Nicholas Band. I had the privilege of meeting Thom back in 2010 and have become friends over the years. I never really knew he was into music until that time, I was just a fan of his films. Let’s just say that besides being a talented actor…this guy can fucking sing! I have been to tons of concerts and I really haven’t had an experience like when I go to one of Thom’s shows. He not only sings songs from his five albums, he also does a ton of amazing (and spot on) covers. He just got finished touring the UK and if you can get a chance to catch one of his shows, you will not be sorry.

At this particular show, it was a stripped down acoustic solo act but he had such presence behind him that it felt far from a one-man show. Throughout the show he used a looper pedal to add to his songs and I can’t even tell you how amazing it was. I first saw him live last summer and I was blown away then with his performance. This time we brought some friends along and when he looped his guitar and voice on songs like “Security”, our friends literally whipped around to us and were flipping out. He literally sounds like he has a whole band along with him and if you just walked in from outside you would have thought the same.

I am a big believer in inspiration behind music and really getting into a song when listening and you can tell when Thom is up there jamming that he also escapes into his music. With songs like “Heroes Are Human” and “Terrified”, there is so much heart poured out into these songs. His vocal range is really impressive as well especially on his covers of Tom Petty’s “Free Falling”, Weezer’s “Say it Ain’t So” and (my favorite) Foo Fighters’ “Everlong”. Thom if you are reading this bro, you need to get these recorded! This guy also has the endurance of a bull (even while drinking) playing for for nearly three hours with only a short break. I am not just saying this either as a friend, I literally will go out of my way just to catch a show of Thom’s because he is such a talent artist and his shows leave you pumped.

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Universal Orlando and Warner Bros. announce “A Celebration of Harry Potter” in January 2014

Universal Orlando and Warner Bros. to Host Celebration of Harry Potter in January 

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT AND WARNER BROS. TO HOST AN EVENT IN CELEBRATION OF HARRY POTTER IN JANUARY 2014

“A Celebration of Harry Potter” will Feature Exciting Activities Across Both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure from Jan. 24 – 26

Vacation Packages with Exclusive Benefits, Including Access to a Private Evening Reception in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Go on Sale Thursday, August 22 at Noon EST

Orlando, Fla. (August 7, 2013) – Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. announced today that they will host “A Celebration of Harry Potter” – a special event for fans of all ages that will celebrate all of Harry’s adventures, from the beloved books to the Warner Bros. feature films.

Beginning January 24, 2014, fans will enjoy three days of unforgettable experiences – including interactive Q&As with Harry Potter talent and more. Special event vacation packages will go on sale August 22 and will include exclusive benefits such as access to a private evening reception held in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Full vacation package details are below.

Guests will have the opportunity to:

Attend Q&A sessions with Harry Potter talent, filmmakers, and other special guests (talent attendees will be announced at a later date)
Revisit some of their favorite Harry Potter film moments during a film tribute with Harry Potter talent and filmmakers (talent attendees will be announced at a later date)
Learn the art of “duelling” at a wand masterclass that’s featured at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and hosted by Paul Harris – the choreographer who trained the cast of the Harry Potter films
And much more!
Guests will also have access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where they can soar above Hogwarts on the thrilling attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, sip Butterbeer at the Hog’s Head pub, see a wand choose a wizard in Ollivanders, explore iconic shops like Honeydukes, Zonko’s, and more.

While most of the activities for “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will be open to all Universal Orlando park guests and annual passholders, only guests who purchase the special event package will enjoy exclusive benefits and reserved seating for select events. Packages are extremely limited and go on sale at noon EST on Thursday, August 22. See below for full package details.

Packages for “A Celebration of Harry Potter” at Universal Orlando Resort On Sale at Noon EST on August 22, 2013

On-Site Hotel Celebration Vacation Package ~ Starts at $675 per adult, tax inclusive

  • · 3-night accommodations at one of Universal Orlando’s award-winning on-site hotels – including complimentary Universal Express access to select rides and attractions
  • 3-day park-to-park ticket to both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida
  • Access to the exclusive evening reception held in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • Reserved seating for select events – including the Harry Potter film tribute, Q&A sessions and the wand masterclass
  • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and breakfast at the Three Broomsticks

Off-Site Hotel Celebration Vacation Package ~ Starts at $395 per adult, tax inclusive

  • 3-night accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel near Universal Orlando
  • 3-day park-to-park ticket to both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida
  • Access to all celebration activities– including reserved seating for select events and access to the exclusive evening reception in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and breakfast at the Three Broomsticks
  • Note: This package does not include complimentary Universal Express access

Access to select events within “A Celebration of Harry Potter” is included in regular admission to Universal Orlando or with an annual pass. For more information about the event, tickets and vacation packages, visit www.universalorlando.com/celebration.

About the Harry Potter series
Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. Each of the seven books by author J.K. Rowling has broken sales records, with the series to date having sold over 450 million copies worldwide and translated into more than 70 languages. The Harry Potter films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $7.7 billion to date worldwide at the box office, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history.

###
About Universal Orlando Resort
Vacation like you mean it at Universal Orlando Resort – where every heart pounding, jaw-dropping, goose-bumping second counts. With two incredible theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex, Universal Orlando is the only place where you can turn spending time with your family into spending time as a family. Together, you can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, be transformed into a banana-loving minion in the hilarious Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, and join Optimus Prime in the fight to save mankind on the new mega-attraction, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D.

Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company. Follow Universal Orlando Resort on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Warner Bros. Entertainment
A Time Warner Company, the fully integrated, broad-based studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, digital distribution, animation, comic books, video games, product and brand licensing, international cinemas and broadcasting.

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Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: 2014, announced, bros, celebration, harry, january, ...

Book Review "Firefly: A Celebration (Anniversary Edition)"

Author: Joss Whedon
Hardcover: 544 pages
Publisher: Titan Books; Anv edition
Release Date: October 2, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Is it possible to give six stars? Because this book is one of the finest I have received in a long time. “Firefly” is really such a phenomenon. The series was canceled before it even finished airing its first season, which is now over 10 years ago, yet this show is still more popular then ever. “Firefly: A Celebration”, the anniversary edition, was released last year to celebrate 10 years. I spent the better part of 5 months trying to get my hand on this book, but it was well worth the time and effort. If you are a fan of Joss Whedon or his work, then this book should be on your must-have list!

“Firefly: A Celebration” includes Titan Books’s three bestselling Firefly titles together in one place including “Firefly: The Official Companion- Volume 1 & 2” and “Firefly: Still Flying- A Celebration of Joss Whedon’s Acclaimed TV Series”. These books were only previously released in softcover, so this is a real treat but there are a few extras treats. This gigantic collection of Joss Whedon’s work now spans over 500 full color pages. Let me tell you full color doesn’t even give it justice. The pages are extremely hard stock and the images are beyond pristine. The presentation of the book is yet another marvel. It comes in a foil-stamped leather-effect binding, which is just so classy and earns it spot right on the top of my coffee table.

There are several in-depth interviews with Joss Whedon and the cast and crew. There are full and uncut shooting scripts from every episode in the series. There are also new stories from the writers of the original TV episodes, which is a must-read for any fans. Like I mentioned of course the images in the book are to die for. There are tons of rare photos including production art and behind-the-scenes. There is also a character profile for each main cast member from the show and also showcases on their props and costumes.

If all that above is not enough to make you run out to buy this book. There is also an exclusive bonus for this edition, including a pocket at the back of the book which contains 9 frameable photo prints of the cast. These are rare and previously unseen images, which makes is a main draw for this book as well. Lastly, there is a facsimile of one of the prop banknotes used in the show. I mean honestly, what more can you ask for? I was literally jumping around like a little kid with this book, but not for a long time since the sucker weighs like 5 lbs. Easily one of the most impressive books ever produced for a TV show. I commend Titan Books on another amazing release and thanks for helping keep “Firefly” alive for its fans.

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Complimentary Passes to One Night Only Screening in Orlando and Kansas City of “Star Trek: The Next Generation – A Celebration of Season 2” [ENDED]

NCM Fathom Events and CBS Home Entertainment are coming together again to celebrate Season 2 of the iconic series Star Trek: The Next Generation in a special one night big screen event.

Star Trek: The Next Generation – A Celebration of Season 2
In Select Movie Theaters Nationwide
Thursday, November 29th at 7:00 PM (local time)
Only One Night
This not to be missed movie theatre event will feature two of the most popular Next Generation episodes, Q Who? and The Measure of a Man which will include, for the very first time, about 13 minutes of never before seen additional content.

If you would like to enter for a chance to win free passes to see to attend the one night only screening, please follow the following instructions.

  • For Orlando, please leave a comment below and let us known what is your favorite “Star Trek” character. 
  • For Kansas City, text the word ENERGIZE to 43549.  Winner will be picked and notified on November 27. There is no charge to text 43KIX.  Message and data rates from your wireless carrier may apply.

Winners will be chosen on a RANDOM BASIS on November 25th. ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON/PER HOUSEHOLD PLEASE! OTHERWISE ALL ENTRIES WILL BE DISREGARDED. The winners will be will notified via email if chosen to win. Good luck and thanks for supporting MediaMikes.com

This special event will also include exclusive looks at the extensive restoration taken to make Season 2 look better than ever before, never-before-seen interviews with the original cast members, a behind-the-scenes look at the artists who created the original FX elements and photography and a reunion with the original cast members, captured in April 2012, as they celebrate 25 years of this unforgettable series.

Set in the 24th century, The Next Generation was created by Gene Roddenberry over 20 years after the original Star Trek series. The Next Generation became the longest running series of the Star Trek franchise, consisting of 178 episodes over 7 seasons. Star Trek: The Next Generation – A Celebration of Season 2 is the first opportunity to see a transcendent digital presentation and the world premiere of the extended cut of The Measure of a Man in select movie theaters nationwide on Thursday, November 29th at 7:00 PM (local time).

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“Star Wars Celebration VI” Wrap-Up Report

 Star Wars Celebration VI
August 23-26, 2012
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida

When I was asked to cover “Star Wars Celebration VI”, I was nervous but also very excited.  I have been a “Star Wars” fan from before I could walk.  Now with a daughter of my own, I am able to introduce her to these same films.  When I arrived at the event early Friday morning, we were instantly surrounded by many fans dressed as Storm Troopers and Slave Leia’s (not all were women…yikes!).  Since we missed the events of Thursday, we immediately ran to the Celebration merchandise booth.  We were very disappointed to find that most of the official Celebration shirts were sold out before Friday even started.  I think that was very poor planning since at $30 a pop and three more days to day they could have made A LOT more money.  We all know that “Star Wars” fans have very deep pockets.  After getting some merchandise it was off to the main hall to check for cool vendors and hit up some panels.

The main hall was jam packed with great vendors, including Hallmark, LEGO and Disney…just to name a few.  These had the longest lines just to even get near due to selling exclusive merchandise.   There were also various  “Star Wars” sets and photo ops available to fans…and for FREE!!  I have attended many horror conventions and nothing is free.  This was a real treat for us “Star Wars” fans. The highlight for me was the life-size Rancor named Roxi, thanks to the 501st Legion.  There was also live tattooing going on, which was very tempting for me to finally get my Imperial logo tattoo (but I couldn’t get the nerve).  Next up, we went over to the autograph hall to catch a glimpse of our favorite talent from the films.  Signing at the event was  Mark Hamill, Carrie Fischer, Anthony Daniels, Ian McDiarmid and Warwick Davis.  Personally, I immediately sought out the line for Tim Rose or better known as Admiral Akbar.  Let me tell you this guy had a constant steady line ALL weekend non-stop.  I guess people didn’t know that it was a trap (HAHA, sorry).

Throughout the weekend, we attended some really interesting and fun panels.  One of my favorites was the “Super Secret Star Wars Panel!” with Todd Grimes, Seth Green and Matt Senreich.  They gave us an exclusive first look at their top secret animated “Star Wars” project, now we know is called “Detours”.  This is a new computer animated television series, which is going to take “Star Wars” into a whole new world of possibilities.  It is mashin up the “Star Wars” universe and bringing back all of our favorite characters and putting them in a social setting when their is no war going on.  It is a super cool idea and going to be airing in 2013, which is definitely not soon enough.  Check out the trailer here:

We also had the really cool opportunity to attend an invitation only press conference for “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”.  The talent attending were Ashley Eckstein, Dave Filoni, Dee Bradley Baker, Joel Aron, Matt Lanter and Sam Witwer.  It was a very informative panel and the cast was just having a blast chatting about what we can expect from season 5.  Besides the press conference, we had the chance to interview Matt Lanter, voice of Anakin Skywalker on “Star Wars: Clone Wars” one-on-one.  He is one of the nicest guys and just so humble.  We were lucky enough to chat with Anthony Daniels, who played C3PO in the series.  Mr. Daniels was nice enough to chat with us one-on-one about his role in the series.  Both these interviews will be posted the first week of September…so check back!

The highlight of the show had to be “The Clone Wars: Season Five Premiere”. The energy in the room was just so extraordinary and the show has never looked better. It is easily going to be the best season yet. Speaking of “Clone Wars”, if you were able to catch the panel on Saturday then you had the chance to see and hear the creator of “Star Wars” George Lucas stop in for a chat.  This had to be the total dream for all fans of the series.  I had the chance to catch a glimpse of Mr. Lucas walking around the main hall before opening on Saturday morning and it was such a thrill.  Another very cool panel was The Future of “Star Wars 3D”, which gave a sneak peak into what we can expect from “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones”.  This panel also provided us with super cool exclusive collectible 3D glasses.  If you attended the closing ceremony, they announced there that they are bringing both “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” and “Star Wars: Episode III -Revenge of the Sith” to theaters back-to-back in the Fall of 2013. What an announcement!

Overall the event was a blast and I hope to attend this event again in the near future.  Though it is doubtful to be next year since Celebration will be returning to Europe comes 2013, but I say share the “Star Wars” love.  I would like to thank everyone at Lucas Film & ReedPop for allowing us a chance to cover this amazing event.  “Star Wars” fans are very devoted people and the people behind “Star Wars Celebration VI” really appreciate that and delivered a very impressive event.

…..

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Ashley Eckstein Reveals Special Events and Exclusive Her Universe Merchandise for Star Wars Celebration VI

NEW YORK, NY – August 14, 2012 – The largest gathering of Star Wars fans, Star Wars Celebration VI, is about to take place again in Orlando, Florida August 23rd through the 26th and Ashley Eckstein announced today that she and her fangirl apparel company, Her Universe™, will be there in a big way with a special event, a panel and exclusive merchandise.

• After receiving hundreds of requests from female fans all over the country to be a Her Universe model, Eckstein (the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars) is offering a free Her Universe photo shoot on Saturday, the 25th from 10am till 7pm in room W305A. Girls are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Her Universe top or hoodie to be photographed by professional photographer Preston Mack (www.pmack.com). Her Universe shirts will be provided just for the photo shoot if girls do not have one on that day. A sign-up sheet will be posted outside of room W305A that morning for those wishing to reserve a time slot and it will be first come, first served. The completed photos will be posted to a special photo board following the event on Facebook so girls can tag, share and download their photos. “Her Universe is a brand for the fans, and when the fans overwhelmingly tell me what they want, I do my best to make it happen,” said Ashley Eckstein. “It’s important to me that I am not the only Her Universe model because fangirls come in all ages, shapes and sizes and I want to represent the entire fangirl community by using real fans as my models. I am also so excited to have Preston Mack! He is such an accomplished photographer and I am honored that he will be sharing his time and talents with us!”

• In addition, Eckstein will be hosting a very special panel with author Carrie Goldman based on her new book, Bullied – What Every Parent, Teacher, and Kid Needs to Know About Ending the Cycle of Fear. Carrie is the mother of Katie Goldman, the little girl who was bullied for carrying a Star Wars water bottle to school. Carrie has spent the past year and a half researching and writing about this topic and Ashley encourages fans to come and join the conversation. The panel will take place on Thursday, the 23rd from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM in room W311 ABCD.

• Celebration would not be complete without exclusive Star Wars merchandise and Eckstein divulged that Her Universe will have two exclusives that fans have been asking for at the Her Universe booth #915. One of the most popular characters from the Star Warsexpanded universe, Mara Jade, will be featured on a stunning new V-neck shirt with original art by renowned artist, Cat Staggs. Only 300 of these shirts will be available at CVI. “This is a shirt I was very excited to do,” said Cat Staggs. “I love Mara and wanted to depict her as both beautiful and powerful. She, like Leia, is such a fantastic character that while charming your socks off she can also take you down… I hope fans enjoy the shirt just as much as I did creating it.” Second, to accent the Mara Jade V-neck shirt, fans will have one more chance to pick up the exclusive R2-D2 3D Sterling Silver plated charm to add to the existing Star Wars by Her Universe charm bracelet. Standing 3/4” in height, there will be only 300 of these adorable little droid charms available at the convention. However, Eckstein recognizes that not all fans have the opportunity to join the fun and travel to Celebration VI, so she is making available a limited number (50 of each) of the two exclusive CVI items on www.heruniverse.com. The exclusives will be available starting at 10 AM EST on August 23rd. First come, first served. In addition to these exclusives, fans can buy Her Universe merchandise at booth #915 for female fans of all ages, including babies and plus sizes. Ashley will also debut two new tank top designs where fangirls can show their allegiance to the Republic or make a statement that they prefer the dark side.

About Star Wars Celebration 
The biggest party this side of the galaxy, Star Wars Celebration VI brings fans of all ages together, from all points of the globe, to celebrate the pop-culture phenomenon that is Star Wars. Both hardcore and casual fans will gather to have fun while celebrating their passion for all things Star Wars, discovering what’s new, and being the first to see what’s next. It’s four fun-filled days of exhibits, a vibrant, interactive show floor, screenings, exclusive merchandise, celebrity guests, panels, autograph sessions, fan-inspired activities, and other surprises. The event runs from August 23rd to August 26th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. More info visit www.starwarscelebration.com .

About Her Universe
Her Universe was launched in 2009 by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, and her partner, The Araca Group, known as one of the most innovative theatrical production and merchandise companies in the world. Her Universe was created to directly address the expanding market of female fans by entering into its first agreement with Lucas Licensing to develop and produce a line of female-centered Star Wars apparel and accessories. The success of that line was followed up with a collection for the Syfy network including such shows as Battlestar Galactica and with BBC America for its Doctor Who franchise and with CBS Consumer Products for Star Trek. You can learn more about Her Universe and purchase the current line of fangirl apparel and accessories by going towww.heruniverse.com and by following Eckstein on Twitter and visiting the Her Universe Facebook page.

About Photographer Preston Mack 
Preston Mack is a professional photographer based in Orlando, FL. He shoots for advertising agencies such as Yellow Shoes Creative, The Meyocks Group, GSD&M, Carol H Williams Agency, PUSH and Fry Hammond Barr. His corporate clients include MLB Advanced Media, ECCO Shoes, Southwest Airlines, Kraft, Hy-Vee and Walt Disney World. For more info visit www.pmack.com/Facebook/Twitter:@photopreston

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: ashley, celebration, eckstein, events, exclusive, merchandise, ...

Win Tickets for Martha Vineyard’s “JawsFEST: The Tribute” [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

Da-dum.  Can you hear it? Da-dum, Da-dum   It’s getting closer!  DA-DUM, DA-DUM, DA-DUM!

“IT” is the upcoming “JawsFEST: The Tribute,” which in less than two weeks will be taking over the island of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts from August 9 through August 12.  MediaMikes’ Mike Smith and Dave Picton will be there from beginning to end to bring you non-stop coverage of all of the exciting events.  And they want to take two lucky readers with them!

That’s right.  Thanks to the fine people behind “JawsFEST: The Tribute,” MediaMikes.com is giving away two (2) General Admission bracelets to get you into the greatest celebration of all things “Jaws.”  Winners will have access to the opening ceremonies, a chance to tour the “Behind the Screams” display of photographs and memorabilia from the filming of the movie, an afternoon of fun activities at “Shark in the Park,” the opportunity to see “Jaws” on the big screen at Ocean Park and much, much more.   Also included will be special tributes to author Peter Benchley and stars Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw

For the opportunity to win one of these bracelets, just do the following:

“LIKE” our MediaMikes.com Facebook Page. Once there, in three sentences or less, tell us who your favorite “Jaws” character is and why.  If you’re already a Facebook friend, just visit our page and let us know your favorite “Jaws” character.

This contest is open until 12:00 a.m. (Midnight) Sunday, August 5, 2012.  Winners will be notified no later than noon (12:00 p.m.) on Monday, August 6, 2012.

This contest prize only consists of General Admission Bracelets to “JawsFEST: The The Tribute.”  Please note, it is the winner’s responsibility for travel and hotel accommodations.

For more information on “JawsFEST: The Tribute,” please go to www.jawstribute.com

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CD Review “A Tribute to John Williams: An 80th Birthday Celebration”

Conductor: John Williams
Composer: John Williams
Label: Sony Music Masterworks
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Tracks: 15
Running Time: 68 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love the scores from John Williams. He is such a legend with his music. The new collection is a celebration of Williams’ 80th birthday and is a real wonderful tribute to his career to date. Over almost six decades, John Williams has composed score to some of the biggest films in history including the “Star Wars” series, “Jaws”, the “Indiana Jones” series, “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” and the first three “Harry Potter” films. The guy literally shows no signs of slowing down either with 2011 proving to me a very busy year for him with “The Adventures of Tintin” and “War Horse”. Both of them were even were nominated for Oscars in the 84th Academy Awards. So sit back and get ready to celebrate the works of one of our greatest composers.

For the man that has won twenty-one Grammy® awards, four Golden Globe awards and five Academy Awards®, you can’t encompass every known track but this does a really great job. I actually really enjoyed the specific track selections especially from the film “Jaws”. The obvious choice was to use the theme that we all know…”duh nah”. But instead they included the track “Out to Sea/The Shark Cage Fugue” and I really enjoyed that decision. It is not what you would expect and was a great change. The choice to use a track from “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” was an interesting choice, it is different and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I also enjoyed the tracks from “The Adventures of Tintin” and “War Horse”, I haven’t had much exposure of the score prior and I loved them.

This collection of songs include guest appeared from both Itzhak Perlman and Yo-Yo Ma. Perlman plays violin beautiful on both the themes from “Sabrina” and “Schindler’s List”. Yo-Yo plays cello on two tracks also “Elegy for Cello and Ochestra” and “Going to School” from the film “Memoirs of a Geisha”. This release is all the first time that Williams’s recording on his “Happy Birthday Variations” track has been recorded and released. Overall this release is a celebration and it definitely succeeds in doing that and encompasses the massive career of this amazing legend. I very much recommend this for all fans of film scores and the work of John Williams.

Track Listing:
1. Sound the Bells! from American Journey
2. Out to Sea/Shark Cage Fugue from Jaws
3. Theme from Sabrina (w/Itzhak Perlman, violin)
4. March from 1941
5. Adventures on Earth from E.T.: The Extra-terrestrial
6. Dartmoor, 1912 from War Horse
7. The Adventures of Mutt from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
8. Harry’s Wondrous World from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
9. Elegy for Cello & Orchestra -Yo-Yo Ma, cello
10. Going to School from Memoirs of a Geisha (w/Yo-Yo Ma, cello)
11. The Mission Theme (Theme for NBC News)
12. Theme from Schindler’s List (w/Itzhak Perlman, violin)
13. The Adventure Continues from The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn
14. Throne Room & Finale from Star Wars
15. Happy Birthday Variations (Previously Unreleased)

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: 80th, birthday, cd, celebration, john, review, ...
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