Win Passes to the Kansas City Premiere of “Summer of Soul”

Media Mikes has teamed up with their friends at Searchlight Pictures to give (15) readers and a guest the chance to be among the first to see the musical event of the summer, “Summer of Soul.”

The film, directed by Questlove, the film will screen on Tuesday, June 29th at the AMC Town Center 20 in Leawood, Kansas. The screening begins at 7:00 pm.

To attend, all you need to do is click HERE. The first 15 readers to do so will receive a pass for (2) to attend the screening. This is a first come/first serve giveaway. Once the allotted passes have been claimed the giveaway has ended. Good luck!

SUMMER OF SOUL (…OR, WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED)

In his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson presents a powerful and

transporting documentary—part music film, part historical record created around an epic event that

celebrated Black history, culture and fashion. Over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, just

one hundred miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Mount Morris Park

(now Marcus Garvey Park). The footage was never seen and largely forgotten–until now …

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Filed Under: Kansas City Tagged With: city, kansas, passes, premiere, soul, summer, ...

Television/Streaming Review: ESPN 30 for 30 – “Long Gone Summer’

On September 8, 1998 my son Phillip, his friend Bobby and I drove from Kansas City to St. Louis to take in that evening’s Cardinals/Cubs match-up. We witnessed baseball history when J.D. Drew hit his first career home run. I’ve told this story for over two decades.

Most people know Todd MacFarlane as the creator of the popular SPAWN comics and his amazing toys. He is also a huge baseball fan. We learn that as the film begins with McFarlane bidding almost $3 million to purchase a baseball. But not any baseball. This is the ball hit by Mark McGwire for his 70th home run, at the time a new record. The summer of 1998 was a big one for baseball. After the players strike in 1994 caused the cancellation of the World Series for the first time in history, the game began to draw fans back in 1995 when Baltimore Oriole Cal Ripken, Jr. played in his 2131st consecutive game. But the summer of 1998 is the one that drew fans, old and new, to the game. It was the summer McGwire and Chicago Cub Sammy Sosa swung their way into the history books.

“Long Gone Summer” not only chronicles both players assault on Roger Maris’ then-record of 61 home runs in a season, but the effect the challenge had on America. People that had sworn off baseball after the strike left a bitter taste in their mouth began to pay attention to the game again, while people who had never shown interest began to watch. Having been in Camden Yards when Ripken set his milestone I was already a fan so I followed the exploits of McGwire and Sosa daily, ensuring that ESPN’s SPORTCENTER was a must-see every night.

As the film follows McGwire, Sosa and, for a time, Ken Griffey, Jr, it also talks with some baseball fans who are household names, among them Bob Costas and George Will. Also interviewed are Roger Maris’ sons, as well as Cardinal’s broadcasters Jack Buck (though archival footage) and Mike Shannon. The race had a personal feel to Shannon, who had been a Cardinal teammate of Roger Maris in the mid 1960s.

But the big voices here belong to the two players themselves. McGwire explains his lifelong desire to hit the ball far while Sosa talks about the fun he had. What they don’t talk about are the accusations that both were using performance enhancing drugs. In fact, in a show that runs almost 1 3/4 hours, PED’s are not mentioned until the 45 minute mark, when a container of Androstenedione is spotted in McGwire’s locker. He brushes the questions off, noting that Andro is available over the counter. It’s almost another 45 minutes before the subject comes up again.

Of the two players, McGwire comes off the best. He is insightful in looking back at what he describes as both the best, and worst, time of his life. Sosa, speaking perfect English – when he testified before Congress he had to have his attorney read his statement, as he felt his English wasn’t strong -is more concerned with relaying the fun times he had that summer. Archival interviews with both – again with Sosa speaking English like a native – gives a look into the love and respect Big Mac and Slammin’ Sammy had for each other. As the season ends, McGwire finishes with 70 home runs, Sosa with 66. Sosa would hit 63 the next year and Baroid Bonds would hit 73 in 2001. By then, the PED cat was out of the bag and, in the almost 20 years since Bonds, no one has hit 60 home runs in a season.

Given an opportunity to confirm whether or not he juiced, Sosa will only say that “Everybody was doing them.” After years of denial, in 2010 McGwire admitted to using PED’s. His admission and apology seemed sincere to me. So much so that I can tell you that, on September 8, 1998, my son Phillip, his friend Bobby and I drove from Kansas City to St. Louis to take in that evening’s Cardinals/Cubs match-up. We witnessed baseball history when Mark McGwire hit his 62nd home run of the season over the left field fence, directly below where we were sitting. No disrespect to J.D. Drew, but this story is more exciting.

“Long Gone Summer” airs this Sunday night at 8:00 pm EST on ESPN and will stream directly afterwards on ESPN+.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews, Streaming, TV Headlines Tagged With: 30, espn, long, review, summer, televisionstreaming, ...

Le Matos talks about scoring EXODE web series and movies TURBO KID and SUMMER OF ’84

Analog synths are the unstoppable weapons of the french canadian electronic band from Montreal, Le Matos. Its musical imprint is a powerful dancemachine, mix of pop melodies and melancholic sounds inspired by 80’s movie soundtrack composers such as Vangelis, John Carpenter, Tangerine Dream, Shuki Levy and Goblin.

The band scored films like “Turbo Kid”, “Summer of ’84” and the recently released “EXODE”, the haunting sci-fi web series. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with the men behind the band, Jean-Philippe Bernier and Jean Nicolas Leupi to discuss their music, how they got their band name and what is it was like working on these films/web series.

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: 84, exode, kid, le, matos, movies, ...

Film Review: “The Girls of Summer”

THE GIRLS OF SUMMER
Starring:  Tori Titmas, Jeff Puckett and Nathan Hosner
Directed by: John D. Hancock
Rated:  Not Rated
Running time:  1 hr 33 mins
Indie Rights

It’s a beautiful day in Indiana.  Working on their family sod field, the Taylor sisters are looking forward to the coming evening with both joy and sadness.  Soon two of them will be leaving home to pursue other endeavors but first, for the last time, tonight The Girls of Summer will take the stage.

Beautifully photographed and smoothly paced, “The Girls of Summer” follows oldest sister Maren (Tori Titmas, who also wrote the screenplay) as she embarks on the journey of life.   A chance meeting at their last gig with former country star Luke Thomas (Hosner) offers her the opportunity to join his touring band – he’s on the comeback trail, an opportunity she originally turns down to stay home and care for her father (Puckett), still grieving for his late wife and now heavily dependent on drugs and alcohol to get through the day.  Dad convinces her to follow her dreams.  But, as with many dreams, they don’t always come true.

I think what made this film so enjoyable to me is that it is the finished product of a “Community Project.”  As with his previous films, “The Looking Glass” and “A Piece of Eden,” director Hancock and crew prove that not all the talent in the world resides in Hollywood.  From his headquarters in Indiana he has put together some amazing local talent and their freshness and enthusiasm fill the screen.  The performances are strong, the songs are catchy and the countryside is beautiful.  Hancock has always been at his best when tackling “real life.”  His camera seems to give you a look into the hearts of the characters, giving the viewer an emotional attachment to what they are seeing. 

This time of year usually signals the beginning to the upcoming summer movie season, filling theatres with loud, multi-million dollar extravaganzas.  “The Girls of Summer” is a welcome respite from those films.

“The Girls of Summer” is currently available on Amazon Prime.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, girls, review, summer

KORN AND FAITH NO MORE ANNOUNCE CO-HEADLINE NORTH AMERICAN SUMMER TOUR

SPECIAL GUESTS SCARS ON BROADWAY, HELMET, SPOTLIGHTS & ‘68 TO SUPPORT ON SELECT DATES

Tickets On Sale To General Public Starting Friday, Feb. 21 at LiveNation.com		 
 

Grammy award-winning heavyweights Korn and the iconoclastic, platinum-selling Faith No More today announced their epic co-headline North American tour. The tour will see both bands traversing the continent this summer and will give fans the chance to see two of the biggest forces in rock perform on the same stage each night. The tour will also feature special guests Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway, Helmet, Spotlights, and ’68 on select dates [full itinerary below].

Produced by Live Nation, the coast-to-coast 26-city outing will kick off Aug. 7 in Denver, Colo. and make stops in Irvine, Phoenix, Dallas, Brooklyn, Toronto and more, before wrapping up with a performance at St. Louis’ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre on Sept. 17.

Citi is the official presale credit card of the tour. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 12:00PM local time until Thursday, Feb. 20 at 10PM local time through Citi EntertainmentSM. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Feb. 21 at 10AM local time at LiveNation.com.

Korn and Faith No More North American Summer Tour Dates

8/7 – 8/27: with Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway & Spotlights

8/29 – 9/17: with Helmet & ‘68

8/7/2020 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center

8/9/2020 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre

8/11/2020 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre

8/13/2020 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre

8/14/2020 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

8/16/2020 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre

8/17/2020 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion

8/19/2020 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

8/21/2020 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

8/22/2020 – Del Valle, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater

8/23/2020 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

8/25/2020 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

8/27/2020 – Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain

8/29/2020 – Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion

8/30/2020 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

9/1/2020 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

9/2/2020 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

9/3/2020 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

9/5/2020 – Burgettstown, PA – S&T Bank Music Park

9/6/2020 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater

9/9/2020 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

9/10/2020 – Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre

9/12/2020 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

9/13/2020 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center

9/15/2020 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

9/17/2020 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

About Korn

KORN changed the world with the release of their self-titled debut album. It was a record that would pioneer a movement and blur genres, while the band’s enduring success points to a larger cultural moment. The FADER notes, “There was an unexpected opening in the pop landscape and KORN articulated a generational coming-of-angst for a claustrophobic, self-surveilled consciousness. KORN became the soundtrack for a generation’s arrival as a snarling, thrashing, systemically-restrained freak show.” Since forming, KORN has sold 40 million albums worldwide, collected two GRAMMYS, toured the world countless times, and set many records in the process that will likely never be surpassed. Vocalist Jonathan Davis, guitarists James “Munky” Shaffer and Brian “Head” Welch, bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, and drummer Ray Luzier, have continued to push the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres, while remaining a pillar of influence for legions of fans and generations of artists around the globe. The level of KORN’s reach transcends accolades and platinum certifications. They are “a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now,” attests The Ringer. They represent a new archetype and radical innovation, their ability to transcend genre makes barriers seem irrelevant.

About Faith No More

Faith No More is Mike Bordin (drums), Roddy Bottum (keyboards), Bill Gould (bass), Jon Hudson (guitar), and Mike Patton (vocals). The San Francisco-born, platinum-selling band have released seven studio albums: We Care A Lot (1985), Introduce Yourself (1987), The Real Thing (1989), Angel Dust (1992), King For A Day… Fool For A Lifetime (1995), Album of the Year (1997) and Sol Invictus (2015). Sol Invictus debuted atop the international sales charts: #2 in Australia, #4 in Germany, and #6 in both the U.S. and UK. Rolling Stone dubbed the 10-song album “triumphant,” the New Yorker called it “a reminder of everything that made Faith No More great in the first place,” and the Los Angeles Times said, “Faith No More has a history of defying expectations, and that’s what it’s doing again with Sol Invictus.”

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: american, announce, coheadline, faith, korn, north, ...

LIZ PHAIR TO JOIN ALANIS MORISSETTE ON HER JAGGED LITTLE PILL TOUR SUMMER 2020

DEBUT MEMOIR, HORROR STORIES (RANDOM HOUSE) OUT NOW

This coming summer, Liz Phair will join Alanis Morissette on her newly announced 31-date North American tour which kicks off June 2nd, 2020 in Portland, OR. Produced by Live Nation, the tour will celebrate 25 years of JAGGED LITTLE PILL and will also feature Phair and Morisette contemporaries, Garbage. It will hit cities like Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, and Chicago before wrapping in Nashville, TN on July 25th, 2020.

The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter whose debut album, Exile In Guyville, is considered by music critics to be a landmark of indie rock, has been a recording artist and touring performer for twenty-five years, paving the way for countless music artists, particularly women, who count her among their major influences. 2018 marked the 25th Anniversary of Exile in Guyville and to celebrate, Matador Records reissued the record along with a box-set of Phair’s earlier work, entitled Girly-Sound to Guyville, which was met with rapturous response upon its release. Phair’s debut was released to international acclaim; it has been ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, by Pitchfork as one of the 100 Greatest albums of the 90’s and is considered one of the most accomplished debut albums for any artist in any genre to date. 

Phair has sold over five million records worldwide, with three US gold albums and two Grammy nominations. More than two decades after the release of her debut, Phair’s influence in contemporary music, and particularly over female voices in alternative music, can be felt today more than ever.

In 2019, Liz Phair released her critically revered memoir, Horror Stories. In their review, NPR said, “there are so many things to admire about ‘Horror Stories’, it’s hard to list them all. But the real star of Horror Stories is Phair’s elegant but unpretentious writing, which proves she’s as adept at writing prose as she is at writing songs. And anyone familiar with her music knows how great a thing that is.”

This year, she also released her first new music in years, the single “Good Side.” “Good Side” found her reunited with producer Brad Wood, who she teamed up with on Exile In Guyville, Whip-Smart, and whitechocolatespaceegg. After a long hiatus from working together, they’re now nearly finished with a new album that’s due out in 2020.

Presales for the tour will begin on December 10 at 11 AM local time and tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, December 13th at 11 AM local time at LiveNation.com.

VIP packages will be available starting with the presale. Citi is the official presale credit card for the tour. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase U.S. presale tickets beginning Wednesday, December 11th at 11 AM local time until Thursday, December 12th at 12 PM local time through Citi’s Entertainment program.

For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

Tour Dates:

06/02/20 – Portland, OR @ Sunlight Supply Amphitheatre – Tickets

06/03/20 – Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheatre – Tickets

06/05/20 – Concord, CA @ Concord Pavilion – Tickets

06/07/20 – Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheatre – Tickets

06/09/20 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl – Tickets

06/10/20 – Phoenix, AZ @ Ak-Chin Pavilion – Tickets

06/12/20 – Austin, TX @ Austin360 Amphitheater – Tickets

06/13/20 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP – Tickets

06/14/20 – Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion – Tickets

06/17/20 – Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre – Tickets

06/18/20 – West Palm Beach, FL @ Coral Sky Amphitheatre – Tickets

06/20/20 – Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre – Tickets

06/21/20 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion – Tickets

06/23/20 – Raleigh, NC @ Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek – Tickets

06/26/20 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Tickets

06/27/20 – Hartford, CT @ XFINITY Theatre – Tickets

06/28/20 – Camden, NJ @ BB&T Pavilion – Tickets

07/01/20 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center – Tickets

07/02/20 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion – Tickets

07/03/20 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater – Tickets

07/06/20 – Gilford, NH @ Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion – Tickets

07/08/20 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Tickets

07/09/20 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center – Tickets

07/11/20 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage – Tickets

07/16/20 – Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center – Tickets

07/17/20 – Tinley Park, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Tickets

07/18/20 – Maryland Heights, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Tickets

07/21/20 – Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre – Tickets

07/23/20 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center – Tickets

07/24/20 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center – Tickets

07/25/20 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena – Tickets

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: 2020, alanis, jagged, join, liz, morissette, ...

Concert Review: “Summer Slaughter” Syracuse, NY

“2019 Summer Slaughter”

Cattle Decapitation, Carnifex, The Faceless, Rivers of Nihil, Nekrogoblikon, Lorna Shore, Brand of Sacrifice
Friday, July 26th, 2018
The Westcott Theater, Syracuse, NY

Our score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

The 13th annual Summer Slaughter tour made a stop at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, NY on July 26th as part of the tours 23 stop run. Being billed as “the most extreme tour of the year” we were anxious to see if this year’s package which is headlined by Cattle Decapitation, Carnifex, The Faceless and Rivers of Nihil could deliver an experience worthy of the aforementioned moniker.

As the vintage doors of the Westcott Theater came squeaking open on fairly normal Upstate, NY summer afternoon something stuck out amidst the horde of black t-shirt wearing metal heads. No it was not the over the top graphics or the hard to read fonts which adorned said shirts instead it was a unique sense of camaraderie that seemed to occur between both bands and fans as they mixed and mingled cohesively through out the day long event which made for a nice friendly gathering of metal lovers.

Opening up the tour billing was Brand of Sacrifice who performed a spattering of tracks from their most recent album “God Hand” to the incoming crowd. New Jersey’s Lorna Shore would follow promptly not allowing the energy dip too low with a high impact thirty minute set. Goblin-Metal forefathers Nekrogoblikon would hit the stage next complete with the bands loveable mascot John Goblikon who leaped and bounded across the stage as the band shredded through songs like “We Need a Gimmick”, “Dressed As Goblins”  and  “Powercore”.  The saxophone laden River of Nihil was up next performing songs from their latest offering “Where Owls Know My Name” which filled the dank theater with jazz infused metal. The Faceless would be up next banging out a somewhat lack luster set which featured very little movement from the band themselves. Carnifex took the stage next and singlehandedly brought the energy back and to a whole new level. Makeup clad front man Scott Ian Lewis worked the stage like a maniacal mad man while the rest of the band did their duty of laying down a thunderous, circle pit ensuing dirge that commanded attendees attention. Closing out the 8 plus hour day was tour headliner Cattle Decapitation who despite the dwindling crowd size hit the stage running blasting through songs like “The Prophets of Lost”, “Times Cruel Curtain” and “Pacific Grim” before leaving the stage at a prompt 11 pm.

With our ears ringing and our brains rattled we made our way out of the venue while trying to process just what our senses were put through over the course of the day. What we were able to piece together is this. Summer Slaughter is not for the faint of heart or for the casual death/extreme metal listener and, this tour could very well be as the banner boast’s the most “Extreme” musical offering this summer. With the tour running through mid August you still have time to catch a show and experience this for yourself, If you dare.

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Filed Under: Concert Reviews, Music Tagged With: concert, ny, review, slaughter, summer, syracuse, ...

ZURU Toys Delivers the Summer Fun with Great New Bunch O Balloons Products!

Who’s ready for a Bunch O Balloons Party?! Party planning can be tons of fun, but the execution itself can literally take your breath away, especially when it comes to balloons, but there is a magical game-changer to it all! With Bunch O Balloons Self Sealing Party Balloons you can fill, tie and string 40 balloons in only 40 seconds. There is literally no more blowing, no more tying and no need to add ribbon or string! Simply attach the stems to our Electric Party Pump nozzle and press GO! Within seconds, your Bunch O Balloons Party stems will fill and selftie with ease and convenience and once inflated, you can cut the stems (hard cord) and the ribbon remains! All our Balloons are totally reusable and refillable and come in so many colors and themes. Our Electric Party Pump is also compatible with helium tanks for even more fun and convenience! Whatever you choose, make sure you join the party and fill, tie and string up to 40 balloons in just 40 seconds! See it for Yourself – BOB Party In Action for a WOW Factor:

Bunch O Balloons Party is available in Walmart. The ZURU Bunch O Balloons Party Pump Starter Pack with attachment accessories and two balloon stems (16 balloons) SRP $16.99 and ZURU Bunch O Balloons 3 stem (24 Balloon) packs including a helium adaptor will be offered in various colors for SRP $9.99. Shop Walmart at and Target.

Bunch O Balloons 100 Self-Sealing Water Balloons – Unleash the thrill of summer with ZURU Bunch O Balloons! Fill and Tie 100 water balloons in less than 60 seconds with these sensational self-tying water balloons! With innovative O-Ring technology and Rapid Fill capabilities, say goodbye to the stress and mess of filling individual water balloons and say hello to never ending splash out loud fun! Simply connect to a tap or a hose, fill and make hundreds of water balloons with no hand- tying. Take them to a pool party, to your backyard, to a barbecue, the beach or anywhere else to unleash summer no matter where you are! Summer’s too short, make sure you spend it having splashing refreshing fun! This pack includes 3 Bunch O Balloons (100 Self-tying, Rapid Fill Water Balloons). Bunch O Balloons are the award-winning (Toy of the Year) patented invention that helps you make the most out of summer with friends and family! Ages 3+, 3 pack $9.99, Available at Target, Walmart and Amazon.

Bunch O Balloons Rotten Eggs – Calling all Pranksters! Who will get hit with the surprise stinky water balloons!? Fill and Tie 100 stinky Rotten Eggs scented water balloons in less than 60 seconds with these sensational self-tying water balloons, the latest from ZURU’s Bunch O Balloons line, revolutionary self-sealing and biodegradable water balloons that quickly and easily fills and ties 100 water balloons in less than one minute. Ages 5+, 3 pack $7.99 Available at Costco, Walmart, and Target.

 

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Filed Under: Toys Tagged With: balloons, bunch, delivers, fun, great, products, ...

“Toy Story 4” Summer Road Trip Rolls into Kansas City on June 23rd

 Attention “Toy Story” fans, this announcement is for YOU!

  On Sunday, June 23rd, the “Toy Story 4” Summer Road Trip will be making a stop in the Kansas City area. A “Toy Story 4”-themed RV will roll into Kansas City, featuring photo opportunities for fans, film-themed prizes, carnival games and lots of family-friendly fun.     

Local “Toy Story” fans are invited to take part in the activities. Two film ambassadors will be on hand to share details about fan-favorite characters—Woody, Buzz, Bo Peep—as well as new characters coming to the big screen—Forky, Bunny, Ducky and Duke Caboom, among others—learn more about this all-new adventure.     

The event will be held at the AMC Town Center 20, 11701 Nall Ave. in Leawood, Kansas and will run from 10:00 am through 3:00 pm.

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Filed Under: Featured, Film Headlines Tagged With: 23rd, 4, city, june, kansas, road, ...

2019 Summer Movie Preview

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.

MAY 31st

*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.

JUNE 7th

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.

JUNE 14th

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.

JUNE 21st

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.

JUNE 28th

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.

JULY 2nd

*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.

JULY 12th

*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!

JULY 19th

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.”

JULY 26th

*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”).

AUGUST 2nd

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.

AUGUST 9th

*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.

AUGUST 16th

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.

AUGUST 30th

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.

 
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Filed Under: Film Headlines, Uncategorized Tagged With: 2019, movie, preview, summer

GWAR Kicks Off Summer Tour

GWAR Kicks Off Summer Tour Tonight

Human Scum! We appreciate your efforts to save up money to buy concert tickets to see GWAR, rather than wasting your hard earned duckets on crystal meth, medical care, and infant formula. Now, at last, the the long wait is over, as GWAR kicks off their Summer tour this evening in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. This run includes festival appearances at Rock Festi n Cadott, WI., a return to the family friendly, body-positive, funfest known as The Gathering of the Juggalos and an appearance at the The Growler’s Beach Goth Festival.

All dates are listed below:

Bohabs can expect to hear all the familiar ear-spasm, rage inducing favorites, as well as tracks from GWAR’s latest magnum opus “The Blood of Gods”

“You pathetic worms need to dig your way to this show! We will blow your minds like a $20 crack whore sucking for a rock,” says vocalist The Berserker Blothar.

For all GWAR headline dates, the band is once again offering the:

“GWAR LORDS & MASTERS VIP EXPERIENCE PACKAGE”

-One (1) General Admission Ticket with Venue Early Entry

-Exclusive access to GWAR soundcheck where you will pledge allegiance to your Lords & Masters!

-Invitation to play a GWAR instrument onstage at soundcheck

-Tour of the weapons of your Lords & Masters

-Early Merch Access to avoid the crowds

-One (1) Souvenir item signed by members of GWAR

-One (1) Souvenir GWAR laminate

-Photo opportunity with GWAR before the show

-You will be killed by GWAR on stage during the show.

-Designated Slave Pit Area to pledge your allegiance

-Get killed on stage by GWAR! (18+ only)

VIP Packages are available exclusively at https://www.gwarvip.com.

Be on the lookout for GWAR headline dates this fall!

GWAR:
7/11: Ft. Wayne, IN @ Piere’s#^
7/12: Cadott, WI @ Rock Fest*^
7/13: Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection^
7/14: Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s^
7/15: Lincoln, NE @ The Bourbon Theatre^
7/16: Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note^
7/17: Springfield, MO @ The Complex^
7/19: Thornville, OH @ Legend Valley – Gathering of the Juggalos*
7/20: Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel^
8/5: Los Angeles, CA @ The Growler’s Beach Goth*

9/13: Norfolk, VA @ The Norva
9/14: Millvale, PA @ Mr. Small’s Theatre
9/29: Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life Festival*
10/6: Camden, NJ @ Rock Allegiance*
10/10: Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall+
10/13: Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival*

#DevilDriver Appears this date only
^Light The Torch on July Dates Only
*Festival Appearance
+With Hatebreed

 

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: gwar, kicks, summer, tour

ACT OF DEFIANCE To Kick Off North American Summer Tour With Armored Saint

ACT OF DEFIANCE To Kick Off North American Summer Tour With Armored Saint

ACT OF DEFIANCE — featuring within its ranks the talents of Chris Broderick (ex-Megadeth), Shawn Drover (ex-Megadeth), Matt Bachand (Shadows Fall, Times Of Grace), and Henry Derek (Scar The Martyr) — will kick off their North American summer tour on 7/2. The journey begins in Denver, Colorado where the band will play the first of four headlining shows before joining Armored Saint on their previously announced Symbol Of Salvation tour beginning July 10th in Poughkeepsie, New York. See all confirmed dates below.

ACT OF DEFIANCE:
7/02/2018 Streets Of London Pub – Denver, CO
7/06/2018 Rockhaus – Dundee, IL
7/07/2018 Cheers – South Bend, IN
7/08/2018 Hard Rock Café – Pittsburgh, PA
w/ Armored Saint:
7/10/2018 The Chance – Poughkeepsie, NY
7/11/2018 Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA
7/13/2018 The Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY
7/14/2018 Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA
7/15/2018 Petite Campus – Montreal, QC
7/16/2018 The Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON * ACT OF DEFIANCE only
7/17/2018 Mod Club – Toronto, ON
7/18/2018 The Cambridge @ House Of Blues – Cleveland, OH
7/20/2018 Shelter – Detroit, MI
7/21/2018 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL
7/22/2018 Shank Hall – Milwaukee, WI
8/16/2018 Count’s Vamp’d – Las Vegas, NV
8/17/2018 Parish @ House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA
8/18/2018 The Regent – Los Angeles, CA

ACT OF DEFIANCE released their latest studio album, Old Scars, New Wounds, via Metal Blade Records in September of 2017. The record debuted at #20 on the Billboard Top New Artist Albums Charts, as well as #58 on the Canadian Hard Music Charts upon its first week of release. Gushed Alternative Press of the record, “Fans of the band’s 2015 debut, Birth And The Burial — as well as AOD guitarist Chris Broderick and drummer Shawn Drover’s previous stints in Megadeth — will be blown away by the record’s instrumental dexterity and topical urgency…”

Preview and purchase Old Scars, New Wounds via metalblade.com/actofdefiance.

http://www.facebook.com/actofdefiancemusic
http://instagram.com/actofdefiance
http://twitter.com/actofdefiance

 

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: act, american, armored, defiance, kick, north, ...

STYX, Joan Jett & Tesla Announce 2018 Summer Tour

STYX, JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS TO CO-HEADLINE
U.S. SUMMER TOUR KICKING OFF MAY 30 WITH TESLA
TICKETS ON SALE STARTING FEBRUARY 16 ON LIVENATION.COM

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 13, 2018) – Legendary rockers STYX and JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS are teaming up with TESLA for a summer U.S. tour that kicks off May 30 in Irvine, CA at the FivePoint Amphitheatre.

Tickets for various cities of the tour, produced by Live Nation, will go on sale starting Friday, February 16 at 10am local time at Livenation.com. STYX and TESLA will be offering VIP packages via their own exclusive pre-sales beginning Wednesday, February 14 at 10am local time at StyxWorld.com and Teslatheband.com. Fans can explore JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS VIP packages available at the time of ticket purchase and at VIPNation.com.

Check out this video to learn more about the STYX/JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS/TESLA tour:
https://youtu.be/qelxkiMjhdk.

Tour Dates:

* Wed 5/30 Irvine, CA FivePoint Amphitheatre
* Fri 6/1 Concord, CA Concord Pavilion
* Sat 6/2 Sacramento, CA Toyota Amphitheatre
Mon 6/4 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
** Tue 6/5 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Thu 6/7 Oklahoma City, OK Chesapeake Energy Arena
Sat 6/9 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Presented by Huntsman
Sun 6/10 Dallas, TX The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Tue 6/12 Nashville, TN Ascend Amphitheater
Wed 6/13 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
Thu 6/14 Raleigh, NC Costal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
** Sat 6/16 Atlanta, GA Verizon Amphitheatre
Sun 6/17 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Wed 6/27 Boston, MA Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
Thu 6/28 Syracuse, NY Lakeview Amphitheater
Fri 6/29 Wantagh, NY Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Sat 6/30 Hershey, PA GIANT Center
Tue 7/3 Montreal, QUE. Place Bell at Laval
Wed 7/4 Toronto, ONT. Budweiser Stage
Fri 7/6 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
Sat 7/7 Chicago, IL Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Sun 7/8 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Tue 7/10 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre
Wed 7/11 Indianapolis, IN Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
* Fri 7/13 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
Sat 7/14 Pittsburgh, PA KeyBank Pavilion
Sun 7/15 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center

* For these shows, VIP packages will be available starting Wednesday, February 21 at 10am local time, and general on-sale will be Friday, February 23 at 10am local time.

** Not a Live Nation show. Atlanta show’s general on-sale is February 16 at 9am local time.

 

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: 2018, announce, jett, joan, styx, summer, ...

Poison, Cheap Trick and Pop Evil Join Forces For “Poison…Nothin’ But A Good Time” Summer Tour

POISON, CHEAP TRICK AND POP EVIL
JOIN FORCES FOR “POISON…NOTHIN’ BUT A GOOD TIME 2018” U.S. SUMMER TOUR
STARTING MAY 18 IN IRVINE, CA
TICKETS ON-SALE STARTING FEBRUARY 9 AND 10

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 6, 2018) — Music fans wanting a little variety with their summer tour package will get that very thing with the “Poison…Nothin’ But A Good Time 2018” tour. Iconic rock band POISON, with all original members, will be joined by CHEAP TRICK and POP EVIL on its trek across the U.S. this summer. The tour is set to launch May 18 in Irvine, CA at Five Points Amphitheatre.

Check out this video to learn more about the “Poison…Nothin’ But A Good Time 2018” tour here:

Produced by Live Nation, tickets for various cities will go on sale starting Friday, February 9 and Saturday, February 10. Each band will be offering their own exclusive VIP packages and meet & greet opportunities beginning February 6 at 12pm local time. POISON will be offering direct-to-fan access to the best seats in the house via their own exclusive pre-sales at PoisonOfficial.com for access to exclusive content, ticket pre-sales and VIP packages. VIP Packages for CHEAP TRICK will be available for all dates, details for which can be found at www.CheapTrick.com. POP EVIL will also be offering VIP meet & greets at PopEvilVIP.com. For more information about the “Nothin’ But A Good Time 2018” tour, please visit Livenation.com.

The bands are fired up to make the journey across the U.S. together. Bret Michaels, POISON lead singer and noted philanthropist says, “The all original POISON is headlining again this summer. It’s going to be a mega concert and party combined. We will be playing all the hits and bringing high energy rock and roll good times. I promise this will be awesome. My friends CHEAP TRICK and POP EVIL will be joining us as well as some special guests on select dates. Again, I know all the bands with all the hits will be giving 1000%!!! Over the last years, POISON has got to co-headline with some great bands: Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Kiss, Lynyrd Skynyrd, to name a few, but I promise again, C.C., Bobby, Rikki and myself together will bring NOTHING BUT A GOOD TIME!!!”

“POISON is a just great American Rock and Roll Band,” declares Bob Roux, President of U.S. Concerts, Live Nation. “Along with CHEAP TRICK, this show is going to be Nothing But A Good Time – The Full Tilt Party of the Summer. POISON and CHEAP TRICK always deliver the goods.”

Rick Nielsen, CHEAP TRICK (lead guitar) proclaims, “Another Poison/Cheap Trick Tour!!! It’s always been FUN with these guys!”

While POP EVIL singer Leigh Kakaty concludes, “This summer is going to be an exciting one for POP EVIL, that’s for sure! What a fantastic opportunity to bring our live show across the country on the big stage with such legends like POISON and CHEAP TRICK.”

Check out the “Poison…Nothin’ But A Good Time 2018” tour at any of the following stops.

DATE CITY VENUE

Fri 5/18 Irvine, CA Five Points Amphitheatre
* Sat 5/19 Las Vegas, NV The Joint
* Sun 5/20 Reno, NV Grand Sierra Resort
Tue 5/22 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
Wed 5/23 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Fri 5/25 Kansas City, KS Sprint Center
* Sat 5/26 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Thu 5/31 Nashville, TN Ascend Amphitheatre
* Sat 6/2 Dallas, TX Toyota Pavilion at Irving Music Factory
* Sun 6/3 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
* Tue 6/5 Atlanta, GA Verizon Amphitheatre
Thu 6/7 Indianapolis, IN Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
* Fri 6/8 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
* Sat 6/9 Chicago, IL Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
* Sun 6/10 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
* Tue 6/12 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center
Wed 6/13 Syracuse, NY Lakeview Amphitheatre
Thu 6/14 Hartford, CT The Xfinity Theatre
Fri 6/15 Gilford, NH Bank of NH Pavilion
* Sun 6/17 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
Tue 6/19 Toronto, ONT. The Budweiser Stage
* Thu 6/21 Wantagh, NY Northwell Health at Jones Beach
Fri 6/22 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
* Sat 6/23 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
Sun 6/24 Allentown, PA PPL Center

* POISON, CHEAP TRICK, to be announced

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: cheap, evil, forces, good, join, poison, ...

New Netflix Original Series inspired by the music of the Beatles, “Beat Bugs” Airing Now!

 Netflix has been known for their original series content. They have come up with some truly amazing shows like “Marvel’s Daredevil” or “Orange is the New Black”. One of their latest their latest though is aimed at a slightly younger audience yet has stolen the hearts of the entire family. The new preschool-targeted animated children’s show is called “Beat Bugs”, it is a Netflix Original Series inspired by the music of the Beatles. That’s right the Beatles. Each episode is specifically titled after a song and it also re-recorded and sang throughout the episode. I cannot recommend this show any more! Fun for the whole family!

This show follows five friendly, child-like bugs that learn big lessons about the world around them, all from the safety of their own backyard. There is no shortage of talent either, this Emmy Award-winning series features the talents of P!nk, Sia, Eddie Vedder, James Corden as well as other big-name stars who cover the Beatles songs in each episode. The main reason why “Beat Bugs” is so important because it introduces a whole new generation to one of the most influential band in rock history (and my favorite), The Beatles.

I have a five year old daughter and she doesn’t like The Beatles…she LOVES them! From the moment she was born literally, we had Beatles lullabies playing in the hospital and flash forward five years, she is gearing up to see Paul McCartney live in concert this Summer! She is non-stop singing their songs. So when I introduced this show to her and the she heard the theme song “All You Need is Love” kick off, her eyes lit up…let’s just say that it took literally six episodes before we could get her away from the TV!

Netflix really has a huge hit on their hands here and I know that there is lots more planned for this show in the future with cool consumer products outside of the episodes. If you want to find out more about this show please check it out via the following links: Official Website / Netflix Page. Stay tuned also to MediaMikes.com as we will be covering this show with all their excited new products coming out this Summer.

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Filed Under: TV Tagged With: beat, beatles, bugs, inspired, music, netflix, ...
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