Wednesday, February 29, 2012

"Geek Out"! Geeks - The Musical

They're here, They're ....uh, Geeks, get used to it! I hereby declare, March 1st 2012 shall forever go down in Theatre History as the premiere of: "Geeks - The Musical".

And it's about time, we have had everything in the history of the whole world turned into a musical, from "Cats" to "Spiderman" but what about the Geeks? What about the Geeeeeeks?!

Well, woot, here it is! You may remember my chat with one of it's stars, and self confessed "Geek" Jonathan "JB" Brett prior to the opening - you don't?! In the words of the delusional Mariah Carey speaking of those who did not know her dog's name was "Jack"  "You must be living under a rock"....

So here it is, get yourself some! http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2012/02/checking-in-with-jonathan-brett.html

All geeks celebrate and be celebrated - Every March 1st shall be National Geek day from here forward. "Entertain Me" has declared it so.

www.geeksthemusical.com

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

It's A "Spunk Pumper" Mr. Duffy ...!



"Entertain Me"s favorite "Homosapien" - Matthew Duffy, became the proud father of his very own little " Spunk Pumper" today....it's time everyone...unite!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MATTHEW DUFFY
SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE!
AVAILABLE DIGITALLY
2-28-2012
Matthew Duffy is back with his latest collection of music, SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE! For SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE!, Matthew has created music art that fuses sound, imagery, & life into an instrument of rebellious energy. Duffy conceived, wrote, played, and produced SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE! in NYC. The collection is kicked off by HOMOSAPIEN, originally recorded in 1981 by Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks. Duffy's new version is an invitation to question acceptance and champion diversity.

"I just hope and pray that the day of our love is at hand. You and I, me an you we will be one from two understand?" -HOMOSAPIEN

SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE! is about celebration.
SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE! is about liberation.
SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE! is about kicking ass.
SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE! is about right here, right now.
Let's be free. Let's dance. Let's get loud.

SPUNK PUMPERS UNITE!

EP release date: February 28, 2012

REVIEWS:

"about to explode with tension that is palpable in the music" -arjanwrites.com
"a pioneer of indie electronica" -eqmusicblog.com
"hot, hot, hot artist" -aerialnoise.com

LINKS:

FACEBOOK:

http://www.facebook.com/matthewduffymusic

SOUNDCLOUD:

http://soundcloud.com/matthew-duffy-music

ITUNES:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/matthew-duffy/id65368752

FREE DOWNLOADS:

http://soundcloud.com/matthew-duffy-music/man-out-of-u-spunky
http://soundcloud.com/matthew-duffy-music/homosapien-the-sanfernando


CONTACT:

matthew@matthewduffy.com

Friday, February 24, 2012

T.G.I.F: Jennifer Aniston Gets Her Star

Wednesday the 22nd I received a really cool invite from my friend Jim McConville to meet him at the W Hotel on Hollywood and Vine to see former "Friends" alumni  and now mega-star, Jennifer Aniston get herself one, a star that is, in front of the W on the Hollywood Walk of Fame....

Thanks Jim for the invite and wished I could have been there! As usual I was busy, working....boo!

Jim took these really great photos of Ms. A and her star - oh and let's remember "Wanderlust" opens today - discuss.

T.G.I.F!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

James Durbin Takes A Stand Against Bullying


AMErican idol's JAMES DURBIN to be
celebrity spokesperson for
anti-bullying alliance, be a STAR

Me, James & Brittney
STAMFORD, Conn., February 23, 2012 – Rock musician James Durbin announced today that he will serve as a celebrity spokesperson for the be a STAR Alliance, an anti-bullying initiative, cofounded by The Creative Coalition and WWE. The former American Idol Season Ten fan favorite joins more than 50 alliance members, including GLAAD, STOMP Out Bullying, Scholastic, Inc and United Federation of Teachers in an effort to prevent bullying in schools and communities around the world.

Having been a victim of bullying while dealing with Asperger's Syndrome and Tourette's Syndrome, Durbin’s refusal to be sidelined by medical hurdles lends an inspiring image to the core message of be a STAR, which stands for Show Tolerance And Respect.” In his role, Durbin will contribute to be a STAR’s mission to ensure a positive and equitable social environment for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation through education and awareness.

Im honored to align myself with be a STAR in the effort to change the way people treat each other, said Durbin. Having been a victim of bullying, Im excited to share my story and encourage people to put an end to bullying.’”

Durbin will begin his advocacy by visiting Los Coyotes Middle School in La Mirada, CA today to address 650 students about bullying’s severe consequences and effects. Also speaking at today’s event, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, Two and a Half Men star Angus T. Jones, WWE Superstar The Miz and WWE Diva Eve.

In addition, Durbin recently filmed a PSA for be a STAR that will air nationally on WWE’s weekly programming in the spring.

About be a STAR Alliance
be a STAR (beastaralliance.org) is an anti-bullying alliance co-founded by The Creative Coalition and WWE. Its mission is to ensure a positive and equitable social environment for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation through grassroots efforts beginning with education and awareness. be a STAR, which stands for "Show Tolerance And Respect," promotes positive methods of social interaction and encourage people to treat others as equals and with respect because everyone is a star in their own right.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Ariel Beez: "Snow White" Goes Solo

Ariel Beez formerly of “Snow White & The 7 Slutz” is now flying solo - ya know, the usual band disbanded for various reasons sort of thing.

This weekend she has a gig at “Hillbillyhip” in Topanga, CA, Saturday February 25th 2012, let’s check in with the now Slutz- less “Snow White”.

MS: So what happened to the Slutz?

AB: Well, our bassist moved to Orange County, and I kind of wanted to pursue solo stuff.

MS: Cool, so are you still going to be doing punk at your upcoming gig?

AB: Yeah, the upcoming show is like a punk/folk show - my part, I’m not really sure how to describe it, I play ukulele, I am opening for a big band on the punk scene called “Ramshackle Glory” It’s a good opportunity to be opening for them. Part of the show is electric and part of it is acoustic.

MS: I love acoustic! Do you remember me from your childhood at all? It has been a while.

AB: Were you in Uncle Phil’s (Esposito) acting class?

MS: Yes, I was that is how I met your Mom (Nina Savelle- Rocklin).

AB: Vaguely, I was really little.

MS: I’ve actually met your Dad too (Matt Earl Beesley, Producer on
“Revenge“) and “Revenge” is one of my favorite shows.

AB: Oh, that’s awesome!

MS: Speaking of Phil, you, like myself, love tattoos and your first one was honoring him, tell us about it.

AB: Phil was very important in my life, he was like a Father Figure, he and his partner Joseph. The tattoo I got to honor him is on my forearm, it’s an infinity sign, but I had it done like a vine, and it has his birth date written in the infinity.

MS: Very nice.

AB: Also I have another quote tattooed on my back, it’s from “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” the quote is “It’s the truth, even if it didn’t happen”. It has to do with my past and the fact that I’m a writer. So to have such an amazing piece of literature on my body by such an amazing author like Ken Kesey is really important to me.

MS: Obviously you write all your own songs.

AB: Yes, I do.

MS: That is awesome! So other than acoustic what can people expect from your show this Saturday?

AB: All around the show is going to be an amazing time, because it is so many different groups of artists. One of the bands is my boyfriend performing with a friend of mine and an accordion. My music? I wouldn’t really know how to categorize it, I wouldn’t call it punk, it’s more quirky and a little bit whimsical. Folk/Punk is something I really like, it’s fun to take punk subjects like: Drugs, Sex & Rock-N-Roll and then put them across in a folky way.

MS: Sounds Great! I am making a point of being there Saturday.

AB: Thank you so much for this opportunity, hope to see you there!

Get hip this Saturday: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002517776293

Thursday, February 16, 2012

For Immediate Release: James Durbin Keeps On Rockin'


James & Mick Mars


Wow! "Entertain Me" favorite James Durbin is one busy guy - check in and catch up with everything he's been up to lately....Rock On James!


American Idol’s James Durbin Cracks The Hot Adult Top 40 chart with his “Love Me Bad” single

James Receives a Best Lead Vocalist Nomination from the Golden Gods Awards

Revolver Magazine names James one of the “100 Greatest Living Rock Stars”

February 2012- Los Angeles, CA – American Idol finalist, James Durbin, shot to fame in 2011 and then released his Wind-Up Records debut album Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster. The album broke into the Top 10 on Billboard’s Rock Album chart at #8 and #36 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album chart. Meanwhile, his current single, “Love Me Bad” has cracked the Hot Adult Top 40 chart this week and Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster is quickly approaching 100,000 in sales.

Click here to watch the “Love Me Bad” video: http://www.vevo.com/watch/james-durbin/love-me-bad/USWV41100047

Revolver magazine recently named James one of the “100 Greatest Living Rock Stars” alongside other rock icons including Ozzy Osbourne, Gene Simmons and Dave Grohl. In addition, Revolver announced today that James has been nominated for a Golden Gods Award in the Best Lead Vocalist category. James will also be a presenter on the show. The Golden Gods Awards will take place on April 11 in Los Angeles at Club Nokia and for the first time ever, the event will be broadcast live in its entirety on Xbox LIVE, as well as on the Xbox and Revolver Facebook pages. Voting begins today and will end on April 1. To vote for James please visit: www.GoldenGods Awards.com.


Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster features not one, but two lead singles with the power-charged ballad “Love Me Bad” at Top 40/Hot AC radio and the anthemic rock single, “Stand Up” which is a gleaming showcase for Durbin’s signature rock-star yowl and powerful, energetic voice. People magazine gives Memories Of a Beautiful Disaster a 3 out of 4 star review and says “Durbin is one of the best voices to come out of Idol. His debut packs metallic muscle.”

Unforgettable performances on the Idol stage with legends such as Judas Priest and Zakk Wylde led Durbin’s own “Idols” to support the rocker’s first ever release. Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe, songwriters James Michael (Sixx A.M, Mötley Crüe) and Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Buckcherry, Ozzy Osbourne) along with Swedish rock band Hardcore Superstar all contributed to the making of Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster. Durbin, who co-wrote five of the albums tracks exclaimed it was “surreal” to be working with this bevy of rock royalty and recalls, “When Mick Mars started shredding on his guitar I literally lost my mind.” The long-time Mötley Crüe fan continued saying, “He’s a true rock legend and he’s playing on my record. It doesn’t get any cooler than that.” Mick Mars echoed the same fervor, “It was sick to have played on James’ debut album. To be the only featured guest artist on the record was really cool as I know a lot of others wanted to be on it. James Durbin kicks ass, he’s the real deal.”

On American Idol, James Durbin waved the flag for rock and it was that devotion to rock that helped him overcome his private struggles with tourette’s and aspergers syndrome. He touched the hearts of people everywhere while on the show, and with the release of Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster he is proudly waving that flag high again.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

For Immediate Release: Conspirator Is On The Road Again

Conspirator
ROCKING THEIR WAY ONTO YOUR STEREO, THE DANCE FLOOR AND YOUR HEARTS:


CONSPIRATOR (FEATURING MEMBERS OF THE DISCO BISCUITS) PREPARE TO UNLEASH UNLOCKED: LIVE FROM THE GEORGIA THEATER APRIL 10 WITH CROSS COUNTRY TOUR DATES TO SUPPORT THE RELEASE


Conspirator features Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein (The Disco Biscuits keyboardist and bass player) as an outlet to channel their electronic mad scientist personae. Formed in 2004 with New York DJ/producer DJ Omen, Conspirator has taken on many forms through the years. With the recent addition of virtuoso guitarist Chris Michetti and a rotating cast of some of the country's best drummers – Darren Shearer (the New Deal), Mike Greenfield (Lotus), KJ Sawka (Pendulum) and Adam Deitch (Break Science, Pretty Lights) – Conspirator has reached another level.

2011 was a seminal year for the group with groundbreaking performances at the Ultra Music Festival, Nocturnal Festival, Electric Forest Festival and Camp Bisco 10 as well as sold out shows at the Gramercy Theatre in NYC, Pearl Street in Northampton, MA, the Fox Theater in Boulder and the Bluebird Theatre in Denver. As a full band, the music is hitting new highs and killing in the live show. With the addition of an arsenal of new material, more crowds across the nation have begun to embrace this remarkable outfit.


Unlocked - Live from the Georgia Theatre (release date April 10, 2012) captures the spirit of these true genre blenders. The collection is a smorgasbord of electronic rock bliss, delving, twisting and diving effortlessly between house, dub-step, drum and bass, and electro. Coming off of break-out performances at Ultra Music Festival and Nocturnal Festival, Conspirator has begun to catch the eye of electronic music aficionados everywhere. Upcoming tour date highlights will include headlining shows at Irving Plaza, The Trocadero, The Orange Peel, Georgia Theater, the Fox Theater and more as well as supporting slots with Lotus at the Congress Theater and The Pageant.

Yes, it is the Year of the Dragon but barring the Mayan prediction coming true for 2012, this should be Conspirator’s year as well.


Tour dates are as follows:
2/15/12 Turner Hall Milwaukee, WI
2/16/12 The Cabooze Minneapolis, MN
2/17/12 The Congress Theater Chicago, IL
2/18/12 The Pageant St. Louis, MO
2/19/12 Bell’s Brewery Kalamazoo, MI
3/01/12 Toad's Place New Haven, CT
3/02/12 Sherman Theater Stroudsburg, PA
3/03/12 Wescott Theater Syracuse, NY
3/08/12 The Note West Chester, PA
3/09/12 Mr. Smalls Pittsburgh, PA
3/10/12 Town Ballroom Buffalo, NY
3/16/12 LIFT Festival Enfield, NH
3/22/12 Belly Up Solano Beach, CA
3/23/12 Roxy Theatre Los Angeles, CA
3/24/12 The Independent San Francisco, CA
3/25/12 The Arcata Theatre Arcata, CA
3/26/12 Crystal Bay Casino Ballroom Crystal Bay, NV
3/31/12 Rock and Roll Resort v2 Kerhonkson NY
4/01/12 Rock and Roll Resort v2 Kerhonkson NY
4/18/12 Pour House Charleston, SC
4/19/12 Wanee Music Festival Live Oak, FL
4/20/12 Georgia Theater Athens, GA - 2 SET SHOW
4/21/12 Orange Peel Asheville, NC - 2 SET SHOW
4/27/12 The Trocadero Philadelphia, PA - 2 SET SHOW
4/28/12 Irving Plaza New York, NY - 2 SET SHOW

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Love Is Everything



While debating whether or not to post something in honor of Valentine's Day today, thinking "'is it really necessary, will it really matter"? I got inspired.

"Entertain Me" staple Sandy, with a "Y" not "E" Zacky performed a show a few years back with her singing partner, Mike Clifford at Vitello's in Studio City, CA on Valentine's Day.

Nobody does a love song better than Ms. Z, and the CD she cut with Clifford bears the title "Love Is Everything" ...in celebration of that notion, I bring you Sandy Zacky & Mike Clifford crooning that very song, don't say I never did you any favors.

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone....Enjoy!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Get Ready For: Air Collision!

 
Writer/Director: Liz Adams
Remember my groovy chat with friend and "Entertain Me" favorite, writer/director Liz Adams?

Well in case you don't click on the link 3 times and say: Air Collision, Air Collision, Air Collision...

http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/11/checking-in-with-filmmaker-liz-adams.html

The trailer for Liz's directorial debut from The Asylum is out & it looks mega-eXciting! (not Mega Shark)

If you have a fear of flying, cover your eyes you wimp! Otherwise get ready for a bumpy ride this March 27th.


Thursday, February 9, 2012

Eric Himan Takes Los Angeles ...!

Popular musician Eric Himan is back in Los Angeles, CA and he is here to rock your world! The singer of such hit songs as "Gonna Make It Work," "Little Boy Blue" & "Dust" is laying it down this Saturday February 11th at "Room 5" 9 pm.

Oh and hey LA Eric has something he wants to say to all of you: "I am excited to be back in LA and this will be first time through playing Room 5! Already thinking it will be a sold out show! Hope to catch you there"!!!

Got that? Be there or be perpendicular....word!

Hang with Eric at: http://www.erichiman.com/

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Gossip: Mary Wilson (Of The Supremes) Wants An Oscar


Not sure if it was the recent Screen Actors Guild wins of Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer in "The Help" - or the fact that former rival and band mate Diana Ross has been nominated and she has not.

But word on the street is, former Supreme, Mary Wilson is taking acting classes in Los Angeles, CA at present with a vengeance. Whatever the gold, I mean goal Mary, you go, and go - chase it Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrl!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Checking In With: Jonathan Brett


It’s time, give you a formal intro to Mr. Jonathan Brett, an “Entertain Me” staple for his YouTube show “Mr. Meatballs Takes on Life”.

Well JB (as his friends know him) is an actor/performer with much more diversity and talent than just his “Meatballs”.

From guest starring on the CBS series “Cold Case” to the indie horror comedy “Stupid Teenagers Must Die” - J. Brett has proven himself a talented actor who can take on a variety of roles.

This is especially apparent with his two current projects, a role in a movie from The Asylum: “Celebrity Sex Tape” and a lead in the premiere play “Geeks - The Musical”.

OK - JB, let’s do it!

MS: Hey JB where are you right now?

JB: I just got finished with an audition for a Toyota commercial.

MS: Very cool, glad to catch you in the car, Mr. Busy! So you are in the Valentine’s Day video release from The Asylum “Celebrity Sex Tape.”

JB:  Yes I am!
"Celebrity Sex Tape"

MS: Why is that a Valentine’s Day release?

JB: Ya know, I couldn’t tell you actually (laughs) It’s a one of those “geek falls in love and gets his love” type of things…so, it kind of is a Valentine’s Day release, with a lot of sex in it! (laughs) A good Valentine’s Day for most people is sex so…

MS: Tell people a little about your character.

JB: His name is Ed, his nickname is “Sex Ed” he gets that nickname toward the middle of the movie. Basically if this were “American Pie” he would be the “Stifler” character. He’s always talking about sex, everything is about how he can get laid. Ed is a cool sex guy (laughs)

MS: Rumor has it The Asylum is a great movie company to work with.

JB: The Asylum is great, they’re a group of professionals. I never thought you could knock out a 120 page script in 10 shooting days. They knew how to do it, and they did it with class and integrity and I am sure it will turn out fantastic.

MS: My friend Liz Adams (Director, of The Asylum’s “Air Collision”) really liked working with them too.

JB: They were truly great people to work with, I made a lot of lasting friendships out of it. It was a lot of fun and these are people I will know for the rest of my life.

MS: It’s like the old Roger Corman system.

JB: Yes, they crank out a lot of good material for a low budget and are very successful, they know what they are doing.

MS: Well, I have a feeling you have told us as much about “Celebrity Sex Tape” that you are able to.

"Celebrity Sex Tape"
JB: Yeah, before something is out, you aren’t really sure what you can and can’t say, I don’t think I gave too much away.

MS: Nah, you didn’t - How excited are you to be the lead in a brand new musical BTW?

JB: I’m very excited about it! It’s called “Geeks - The Musical” which I think has the potential to go to, at least Off-Broadway. The concept has yet to make it to a Broadway stage, there are so many geeks in the world it’s about time they had a musical!

MS: When does it open?

JB: March 1st at Write Act Reparatory Theatre in Hollywood, CA. It’s up on Plays 411 now which is also very exciting!

MS: How many musical numbers do you have?

JB: So far I’ve got 9. They are also thinking about adding me to the opening number too, normally every character is in the opening number and that would bring it up to 10. I’m really excited for it, it’s going to be a lot of fun! It also takes place somewhere really geeky, the Comi-Con Convention.

MS: Perfect! You have done a lot of varied things in the body of your work. What would be your ultimate dream gig to have?

JB: My ultimate dream, and I am going to do this, is to be a cast member on “Saturday Night Live.”

MS: How cool!

JB: SNL is so influential, and they’ve gotten very political over the years, which is fine. But I would really like to be part of bringing SNL back to it’s roots, when it was good sketch comedy that was timeless.

Follow JB on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jonathanjbbrett

Check into The Asylum at: http://www.theasylum.cc/

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Imperial Teen: Feel The Sound

Imperial Teen
Did you just say Yoo-Hoo? Uh, OK - well kids after a long wait the seminal group Imperial Teen is back with a new album to rock your socks off!

One of the coolest bands evuh whose biggest hit the "Yoo-Hoo" song was featured in the movie "Jawbreaker" with Rose McGowan (hey she was even in the video) - presents for your consideration their latest opus "Feel the Sound".

The current single from it titled - "Runaway" is sure to catch your fancy. Having interviewed the ubiquitous and talented Imperial Teen Leader Roddy Bottum years ago (for a now defunct piece of crap magazine that shall remain nameless) I wanted to give him and the other "Teens" a shout out and show of support - that's correct, you heard me... get your teen on b!tches and tell them Michael Shinafelt sent you. Check out "Runaway" and check it out now!



Go "Teen" at : http://imperialteen.com/