Checking In With: Traci Lords

Traci Lords is back! After taking some “Mommy Time“, the notorious TL hit the dance floors last year with her smash single “Last Drag”.

Well Traci has more things coming your way … we checked in with each other this week via phone.

Time to get your chat on with Traci Lords.

MS: How’s everything going with you?

TL: Everything is wild! I got off a plane last night around midnight, and now I am driving to Santa Monica, CA. I was in North Carolina at this insane Monster Mash convention. It was with all kinds of wild people, like Linda Blair…all of these horror people. Who would have thought that the fans in North Carolina would be some of the dirtiest MotherF#%kers on the planet!
(both laugh)

MS: That’s Hilarious!

TL: It’s the middle of the Bible Belt! I’m like wow! I told this last night to my husband and he’s like: “Well of course it‘s the Bible Belt”! (laughs) I saw some really interesting and shocking things…it was like “Oh my God, my eyes”!

MS: So, how your trip to Sundance with the horror movie you star in “Excision”?

TL: Absolutely amazing! All kinds of things happened, I swear I’m going to write a book one day, like “Tales From The Trenches” or something…about the stuff that happens behind the scenes when you are doing it all. Things like getting stuck in a blizzard and Me, my Manager & my Publicist having to dig our car out. I was wearing faux fur and I looked like a Russian Mobsters wife or something. (laughs) There was a blizzard and we couldn’t get our car up the hill, so we had to hike down the side of the mountain, it was seriously action packed! (laughs)

MS: La Femme‘s Nakita ! (laughs)…how was the screening of “Excision”?

TL: One of my favorite moments, and it has nothing to do with me. When John Waters comes on the screen and he doesn’t do anything, he just raises one eyebrow and the whole place went wild! He wasn’t there because he had a speaking engagement someplace else. I called him and I told him “People really miss you in independent films”. I told him about the reaction and the whole thing, he was really pleased. This was the little movie that shouldn’t have and I was really proud of what we all did.

MS: I heard that people walked out because they found it disgusting.

TL: That didn’t happen at the screening I was at, but it did happen at the press screening. A friend of mine in the press, a French Man, told me about 1/3 of the audience disappeared in the beginning because they could not handle the horror. What’s really horrifying to me about “Excision” is it could happen, the truth of the film is what’s really terrifying.

MS: The truth is a terrifying thing on many levels.

TL: Every time I see it, I’ve seen it now 4 or 5 times. Every time my eyes well up, it’s just that powerful.

MS: Spill about your gig this Friday, March 30th - The Miss Hooker Pageant at The Dragonfly in Hollywood, CA.

TL: It’s me Dave Navarro & Alexis Arquette judging. I love Lexi and I love Dave, who I haven’t seen in years, so it’s going to be a good time!

MS: The other option I had for tomorrow night was an art opening, I’m weird about those, it’s too much of a crap shoot.

TL: Yeah, it can be really painful.

MS: When this came up I said to a friend: “What does it say about me that I would rather go see “The Miss Hooker Pageant” than go to an art opening?

TL: I want to warn you I am driving through Santa Monica, CA right now and I might lose you.

MS: As I was saying… it says, I want to have a fun time!

TL: Yes, exactly! You know there is going to have to be latex and whips involved! With Lexi, Dave Navarro & Me, C’mon ! I know I am wearing my latex corset.

MS: I remember when they used to hold Club F#$k at The Dragonfly on occasion - I used to think they staged the sex stuff until one night I saw, to put I politely, a full figured woman in a tight bondage outfit being whipped, who was grunting like a pig, that guy was really hitting her hard! I was surprised they were doing that.

TL: I’m surprised she liked it.

MS: She must have or she would not have kept participating.

TL: Ya know Michael, I’m telling you human nature, the freakiness of people, it’s just so fascinating.

MS: I agree with you.

TL: Most of the time I’m like “Wow, did that just that happen”?

MS: We are so complex, aren’t we?

TL: Yes, here I am the token ex-porn star in the room and I am like the most normal, sane person in it. 20 years ago John Waters said to me: “One of the great things about your past, is you will never ever have to do another bad thing in your life, people will just assume you are a bad ass and you can just relax”. I didn’t understand it then, but now I totally get it.

MS: You took some "Mommy Time" for a bit which is so cool.

TL: I've come out of the "Mommy Cage" (laughs) my son is 4 1/2 now, oh honey he knows everything. the quote of the week, they were talking about this in preschool, they asked, what do your parents do for a living? He said" My Daddy walks in high places, My Mommy walks in high heels". My husband is an iron worker, that's the information he has been able to process, it's pretty extraordinary.

If you live in Los Angeles, CA check Traci out tomorrow night, she will be judging....The Miss Hooker Pageant at The Dragonfly.

www.tracilords.com

For Immediate Release: James Durbin On Tour

Hey Durbin, catch you at The Viper Room On April 12th !

James Durbin Announces National Tour in Support of “Memories of a Beautiful Disaster”

Rocker Set To Return to American Idol for Special Live Performance on Thursday, April 12

“Love Me Bad” Single Cracks The Hot Adult Top 40 chart

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

March 2012- Los Angeles, CA – American Idol finalist James Durbin has announced he will hit the road for his first-ever national tour this Spring in support of his Wind-Up Records debut album Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster.

Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster broke into the Top 10 on Billboard’s Rock Album chart at #8 and debuted at #36 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album chart. The disc is nearing the 100,000 sales mark, while his current single, “Love Me Bad,” recently cracked the Hot Adult Top 40 chart.

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

James Durbin waved the flag for rock music on American Idol. It was his devotion to rock that helped him overcome his private struggles with tourette’s and aspergers syndrome. James touched the hearts of people everywhere while on the show, and is ready to rock for America again when he launches his tour on April 12 in Los Angeles at the famed Viper Room. James and his band will also open for Evanescence as well as various dates with Buckcherry through May and also perform at Rock On The Range music festival May 20.

Prior to rocking stages across America this Spring & Summer, James will return to the Idol stage Thursday, April 12^th, for a special live performance with his band. In addition, James has been nominated for a Golden Gods Award in the Best Lead Vocalist category and will also be a presenter on the show. The Golden Gods Awards will take place on April 11th at Club Nokia, Los Angeles, 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. To vote for James please visit: http://www.revolvermag.com/goldengods/vote/

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. People magazine gave Memories Of a Beautiful Disaster 3 out of 4 stars saying “Durbin is one of the best voices to come out of Idol. His debut packs metallic muscle.”

Tour dates

April 12 Los Angeles, CA The Viper Room

April 17 Austin, TX Stubbs w/Evanescence

Apr 18 Corpus Christi, TX Brewster St. Ice House

April 21 Lubbock, TX Xfest – radio show – pavilion stage at Lonestar Amp
Apr 24 Odessa, TX Dos Amigos

Apr 25 Houston, TX Warehouse Live
Apr 27 St Louis, MO Pops Nite Club
Apr 28 Concho, OK Lucky Star Casino
May 11 Clear Lake, IA Surf Ballroom
May 16 Winston Salem, NC Ziggys
May 17 Baltimore, MD The Power Plant Live
May 18 Huntington, NY Paramount
May 19 Santa Cruz, CA Beach Boardwalk
May 20 Columbus, OH Rock On The Range 
May 21 Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights
May 23 Knoxville, TN Valarium
May 24 Biloxi, MS Hard Rock Live
May 27 Carlsbad, NM Walter Gerels PAC

*Dates in “red” are performances with Buckcherry

Follow James on Twitter and Facebook here: http://twitter.com/durbinrock, http://facebook.com/durbinrock, http://www.durbinrock.com

For Immediate Release: Get Your "Dead Head" On !

The Grateful Dead "Dawn of the Dead" Documentary to be Released on DVD May 22 An in-depth analysis of the rise of the San Francisco underground

To all you "Dead Heads" out there, say hey! In the mid-1960s a new twist on contemporary rock music emerged out of San Francisco. Known as 'psychedelia', it was pioneered by a close-knit community of local bands who merged traditional American forms such as folk, country, blues and rock & roll with new sounds often developed under the influence of psychedelic drugs. Bound up with the social and cultural changes for which San Francisco was also the focal point, it was a combination that made for a radical re-imaging of youth culture. This film traces the movements, events and sounds of those heady days, and traces the story of the definitive band of the psychedelic age, The Grateful Dead. Giving time too for the involvement of Frisco's other lead players such as Big Brother & The Holding Company, Jefferson Airplane, The Charlatans and Quicksilver Messenger Service, the program explores what it was that, for a while, turned San Francisco into a 1960s Shangri-La. Featuring brand new interviews with Grateful Dread manager Rock Scully; the Dead's experimental professor, Tom 'T.C.' Constanten; Big Brother's Peter Albin; Mike Willlhelm from The Charlatans; publicist and official Dead biographer, Dennis McNally; Counter-Culture and Dead author and journalist (and host of 'The Grateful Dead Hour'), David Gans; Merry Prankster and best friend of the late Ken Kesey, Ken Babbs, plus comment, criticism and review from Rolling Stone's Anthony De Curtis, Village Voice's Robert Christgau and Mojo's Ritchie Unterberger. Also including the rarest archive in existence, live and studio footage of Grateful Dead and the other Frisco bands, vintage interviews, location shoots, news reports plus the music that soundtracked the entire movement, which all together make for the most detailed overview yet of the social upheaval on America's West Coast which ultimately changed the world forever. Official Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_ZzSpNC1Ks Link to Purchase: http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=SIDVD569

The Muppets: Get Their Star...!

Why are there so many songs about rainbows,and what's on the other side? Rainbows are visions, but only illusions, and rainbows have nothing to hide....

M-U-P-P-E-T-S What's that spell? Muppets! Yay Muppets!

My favorite mafia of the felt got their much deserved star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame this week in front of Disney's El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. (Since Disney now owns the right to The Muppets, smells like Disney spirit)...

Last year's reboot of "The Muppets" was one of my favorite movies ever check out the link if you don't believe me: http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/11/reel-life-muppets.html

There is a sequel in the pipeline proving how timeless and enduring this rag tag team is, if that does not say star, I don't know what does....Hey, Miss Piggy should be a contestant on the next season of "Dancing With The Stars" come to think of it..!

Sorry guys I could not make it in time for your awesome honor, I guess I should have traveled by map!

Dancing With The Stars: Get Yourself Some Matt Nathanson

MATT NATHANSON TO PERFORM ON
DANCING WITH THE STARS THE RESULTS SHOW
TUESDAY, MARCH 27th

Occasionally I have found a random reason to tune in to a portion of the show they call "Dancing With The..."Stars".


That would be the times they had an actual star on it...the lovely and super sweet, Pamela Anderson, who I have had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing. The amazing Margaret Cho, who I have interviewed several times and know - and of course the awesome Kirstie Alley, who I, sadly do not know, nor have I ever interviewed her, Hey Kirstie if you are reading this, contact me! Well here is another reason to watch on March 27th get yourself some Matt Nathanson...Woot!


March 20, 2012 - MATT NATHANSON is scheduled to perform on the premiere of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show, ” Tuesday, March 27th (9:00- 10:00 p.m. ET/PT).

NATHANSON’S performance on DANCING WITH THE STARS comes in the midst of his North American tour with Kelly Clarkson and his headlining 2012 ‘All Night Noise’ tour.

Since the release of his latest album, Modern Love, Nathanson has performed on numerous television shows including Jimmy Kimmel, Leno, Conan, Rachael Ray, VH1’s Big Morning Buzz Live and The Bachelor to name a few. He has appeared on Howard Stern and nationally syndicated radio programs such as Billy Bush, Kidd Kraddick and Fox All Access. He also participated in the recent TEDx conference joining some of the world’s top speakers on a panel discussing the creative process.

www.mattnathanson.com

For Immediate Release: Chris Rene Soars

CHRIS RENE’S “YOUNG HOMIE” VIDEO PREMIERES ON VEVO

SINGLE SOARS UP THE ITUNES CHART

Chris Rene to Cheer on X Factor Hopefuls at Austin Auditions Tomorrow

( New York , NY ) – Today, Epic Records recording artist Chris Rene unveils the music video for his first single “Young Homie” on VEVO. Following his charismatic performance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, 

“Young Homie” skyrocketed up the iTunes pop chart landing in the Top 20. The video for the feel-good, pop-driven track was shot in his hometown of Santa Cruz , CA by renowned director, Jeremy Rall (Jay-Z, Snoop Dog, Ludacris). The video gives viewers a snapshot of Chris’ hometown, the places and people Chris grew up with and the inspiration for the song.

Click here to view the video for "Young Homie."

“Young Homie,” produced by JR Rotem, is a fresh take on the original song penned by Chris became a fan favorite throughout X Factor’s debut season. Chris Rene won over America ’s hearts from day one with his inspirational story, charisma and original songs, finishing third overall. The road to success has not been an easy one. The Santa Cruz , California native has struggled with numerous addictions, but with the support of his family and drive to change his life, Chris made a decision to enter into rehab. With just 70 days sober under his belt, Chris took a leap of faith to pursue his dream and auditioned for The X Factor performing “Young Homie.” His audition and performance footage became the most watched out of all The X Factor contestants and has since seen over 25 million views on YouTube.

Tomorrow, March 21st 2012. Chris Rene will be in Austin , Texas surprising and hanging out with X Factor hopefuls at the auditions.

www.chrisreneofficial.com

On The Radio: Show Me Talk Radio

• 

  Donna Linn of "Show Me Talk Radio"

  Donna Linn is the Queen of Internet Radio - Show Me Talk Radio with "Entertain Me" favorites Sandy with a "Y" Zacky, Mike Clifford and recent addition Mary Wilson...
  
  Let's get the scoop from Donna herself"
  
  "Showmetalkradio has something for everyone- in depth interviews, old time radio, food chat, politics, music and more. Some of our interviews include actress Kathy Garver, AKA Cissy of "Family Affair" fame and Don Grady and Stanley Livingston, of My Three Sons".
  
  Tell us more, Ms. Linn...
  
  "Our Jukebox program showcases singers, songwriters and musicians from a variety of musical genres. Most recently, we featured singer, recording artist Sandy Zacky out of Los Angeles, as well as songstress Mary Wilson, founding member of "The Supremes." Other artists include Mel Carter, Mike Clifford and The Buckinghams".
  
  Extrapolate please...
  
  "Our mission at Showmetalkradio is to provide excellent programming, superb interviewing and the ongoing development of shows that entertain, educate and inspire"....
  
  Keep Rockin' and check out Show Me Talk Radio!
  
  www.showmetalkradio.com
  
  

TV Watch: GCB = WTF?!

Our society has been reduced to acronym’s, hell I even use them when I write my interviews from OMG to BTW….Well the best acronym that fit’s the self tilted  TV debacle GCB is - WTF?!

GCB - ooooooooh, let’s make it an acronym, maybe no one will know it stands for “Good Christian B!tches” because we know we could not possibly offend the church ladies, even though this is a parody and a spoof - if only this show were remotely that clever…NOT!

ABC has produced a ½ assed quite predictable show that truly wastes a few of my favorite actresses (Annie Potts - oh, and Leslie Bibb are you listening) ?

This show = FAIL on a lot of levels , the writing, the concept & the cowardice on, I am guessing the networks part (hey creative types we all know about the “corporate thing” )

Having acted and loving most of the performers in the show and knowing they have to work like everyone, I will let that slide.

But really can you not tell that Leslie Bibb’s (love her) character is going to sleep with the mousey brown haired character’s husband who is 10 times hotter than she is…??? Oh and that there is a reason this mismatched couple is married to begin with, money, dark secrets….Seriously, how hard would it be to steal a stud like that from that thing?!

Send me a telegram, better yet don’t - this show and it’s outline is more transparent than “The Invisible Man”.

Oh and BTW am I the only Moe out there that thinks Kristin Chenoweth is a disturbing, anorectic, Oompa Loompa - who must suck helium before she speaks?

GCB or whatever the F#$k you want to call it, sucks sh!t -

They say all publicity is good publicity, and here at “Entertain Me” I usually only try to write about things I like, but….here’s hoping this puts a knife in the heart of what is one of the worst shows I have ever seen.

Discuss…

10 Seconds With: Tyrone Wells

Tyrone Wells’ fourth full-length album, “Where We Meet“, ushers in a new beginning for the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter. Not only is it his first full-length release since leaving a major label, it signifies his next evolution. Embracing both sides of his sound,

Wells seamlessly balances acoustic vulnerability and pop rock irresistibility over the course of eleven unforgettable anthems. Ultimately, Where We Meet is the perfect place for Wells to start anew while keeping the same ethic that has won him his loyal fan base from his early independent days.


MS: I’ve been watching much of “The Voice” this year, way more than I ever paid attention to “American Idol” - at least they don’t put people on there that can’t sing, I feel that is such a waste of  my time as a viewer. Tell me how you relate to shows like that?

TW: Ya know, I have some good friends that are on “The Voice” this year, actually. Tony Lucca, he’s opened for me a few times, and I know some other people, but I think Tony has gotten the furthest so far. More power to them, I think it’s just another way to do what we do. You just want to get your music and your voice out there. As someone who has been out there touring, and working really hard and playing literally hundreds of shows every year, for the last several years, it does feel like a bit of a short cut when they get on that show as they have millions upon millions of viewers, just like that. But, that does no always mean ongoing success. I happened to be at a club where one of the winners of “American Idol” was playing and I was blown away that I happen to do as well or better in ticket sales, I couldn’t believe it, I’m not saying which one it was.

MS: Yeah, no worries you don’t have to.

TW: I’m not saying I’m better than this person, I’m simply saying that that type of exposure doesn’t always create lasting fans.

www.tyronewells.com

Happy Monday: James Durbin Gets His Ozzy On...!

Don't say I never did anything for you - here is James Durbin's cover of Ozzy Osbourne's "Mama I'm Coming Home" - in case you can't tell, "Entertain Me" thinks James raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahwwwwwks! B Fabulous!!!

For Immediate Release: Chris Rene

CHRIS RENE SET TO RELEASE FIRST SINGLE,

“YOUNG HOMIE” OFF FORTHCOMING DEBUT ALBUM

THE X FACTOR FINALIST TO PLAY ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW

 Epic Records recording artist, Chris Rene has released "Young Homie" the highly anticipated first single off his forthcoming debut album following his groundbreaking run on The X Factor. Chris will release his first single on iTunes and perform on the Ellen DeGeneres Show March 14^th.

Produced by JR Rotem, the new studio version of “Young Homie” is a fresh take on the original song penned by Chris and performed on The X Factor. Becoming a fan favorite throughout the show’s debut season, his audition and performance footage became the most watched out of all The X Factor contestants and has since seen over 25 million views on YouTube. Rarely has an original song ever led to a spot on a talent competition show and Chris’ introduction of “Young Homie” garnered him a deserving place in the live shows where he continued to showcase his unique talents.

“Chris Rene's unique voice and identity constantly communicate his heartfelt message of love, positivity, and an overcoming of personal adversities,” says producer JR Rotem. “You can't help but be inspired by his energy and touched by the genuine and natural quality of his voice.”

The charismatic pop-driven track which hits airwaves today will be available for fans to purchase on iTunes March 13^th. The video for the track was recently shot in Chris’ hometown of Santa Cruz, CA by renowned director, Jeremy Rall (Jay-Z, Snoop Dog, Ludacris). The video gives viewers a snapshot of Chris’ hometown, the places and people Chris grew up with and the inspiration for the song.

Destined to be a musician, finalist Chris Rene won over America’s hearts from day one with his inspirational story, charisma and original songs, finishing third overall. The road to success has not been an easy one. The Santa Cruz, California native has struggled with numerous addictions, but with the support of his family and drive to change his life, Chris made a decision to enter into rehab. With just 70 days sober under his belt, Chris took a leap of faith to pursue his dream and auditioned for The X Factor performing “Young Homie.”

Globally, more than 100 million records have been sold by artists launched through The X Factor series, including over 100 No.1 singles and albums and more than 150 Top Ten records.

www.chrisreneofficial.com

www.epicrecords.com

TV Watch: Jessica Lange Returns To "American Horror Story''

The best surprise is no surprise - the amazing Jessica Lange will be returning  for season two of "American Horror Story", duh, there's a no brainer, as a new character of course -

But oh the MotherF$#king horror if they did not drag the two time Oscar winner back, who of course slammed dunked an Emmy and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role as "Constance" on the show...

Like, OMG - Ms. Lange, I would L-O-V-E to sit you down for a intimate chat over some tea fit for the devil sometime...

Thanks Ryan Murphy and FX for giving a die hard AHS fan another reason to check in for the next horrific season...Jessica Lange, Jessica Lange, Jessica Lange...discuss.

http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/ahs/

For Immediate Release: "Bless This Mess" Prima Donna On Tour

Prima Donna set to tour on "Bless This Mess" Kicking off at SXSW March 15th  "Packed with pop hooks and preening attitude, Bless This Mess is sinfully delicious." - Michael Toland, THE BIG TAKEOVER Call them punk, glam punk, rock n' roll... any way you cut it Prima Donna channels such influential groups such as X-Ray Spex, Ramones and Sex Pistols, as well as '70s glitter idols Mott the Hoople, T. Rex and David Bowie. But it's their sharp, concise songwriting, that separates the band from the pack and sidesteps any notions of the group simply being "retro." After extensive European and Asian touring with longtime supporters, GREEN DAY, Prima Donna were invited to record at their Oakland, CA studio with head-engineer Chris Dugan (Iggy Pop, Green Day) producing and Willie Samuels mixing. The result is "Bless This Mess" - 12 tracks of catchy, hook-laden, high-intensity Rock n' Roll! Little Steven's Underground Garage is spinning 4 tracks from the record, including "Puta, Te Amo" as the "Coolest Song Of The Week". Other influential stations have come aboard as well, including KPNT (St. Louis), WEND (Charlotte) and KROQ (Los Angeles). Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Prima-Donna/54937229876 SXSW Shows: Thursday, March 15 @ Legendary White Swan - 1906 East 12th Street Set Time: 12:30am *Also on the bill, Jesse Malin Friday, March 16 @ Rusty's - 405 E 7th St Set Times: 6PM and 10PM TOUR: Mar 17, 2012 - Oklahoma City, OK @ The Blue Note Mar 19, 2012 - Tulsa, OK @ Treehouse Mar 20, 2012 - Columbia, MO @ The Blue Fugue Mar 22, 2012 - Kansas City, MO @ Davey's Uptown Rambler's Club Mar 23, 2012 - Clive, IA @ Bombay Bicycle Club Mar 24, 2012 - Lombard, IL @ Brauer House Mar 27, 2012 - Cleveland, OH @ Now That's Class Mar 28, 2012 - Lansing, MI @ Mac's Bar Mar 29, 2012 - Indianapolis, IN @ The Melody Inn Mar 30, 2012 - Rockford, IL @ Kryponite Mar 31, 2012 - Green Bay, WI @ Crunchy Frog Apr 01, 2012 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry Apr 02, 2012 - Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium (Dempsey's Upstairs) Apr 06, 2012 - Spokane, WA @ Carr's Corner Apr 07, 2012 - Bremerton, WA @ Manette Saloon Apr 09, 2012 - Seattle, WA @ Funhouse Apr 10, 2012 - Everett, WA @ Tony V's Garage Apr 12, 2012 - Redding, CA @ Bombay's Apr 13, 2012 - Stockton, CA @ Blackwater Cafe Apr 14, 2012 - Oakland, CA @ Uptown Apr 27, 2012 - Los Angeles, CA @ Redwood Bar # # #

For Immediate Release: Merle Haggard

COUNTRY LEGEND MERLE HAGGARD
IS BACK IN ACTION AND ON THE ROAD
STARTING FEBRUARY 28
IN TUCSON, ARIZONA

MERLE HAGGARD is gearing up for the road once again after a brief illness had him sidelined for several shows. The dates which were postponed in January are being rescheduled for April and Merle’s previously booked tour with his longtime band, The Strangers, begins as planned on February 28 in Tucson, Arizona at the Fox Theatre.

“I’m feeling good and ready to get back on the bus. Thanks to all for their powerful prayers that led to my speedy recovery. I’m rehearsing with the band and looking forward to playin’ and singin’ again.”

Meanwhile, his critically acclaimed latest album, Working in Tennessee is available now.

Tour dates are as follows with more dates being added:

DATE CITY/STATE VENUE

2/28 Tucson, Arizona Fox Theatre
2/29 Anaheim, CA The Grove
3/1 San Diego, CA Balboa Theatre
3/2 Laughlin, NV Edgewater Casino
3/3 Rancho Mirage, CA Agua Caliente Casino
3/5 & 3/6 Folsom, CA Three Stages at Folsom Lake College
4/11 Nashville, TN The Ryman Auditorium
4/12 Pigeon Forge, TN Country Tonite Theatre
4/13 Florence, IN Ballerra Casino & Resort
4/14 Greensboro, NC War Memorial Auditorium
4/15 Columbia, SC The Township Auditorium
4/16 Annapolis, MD Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
4/17 Shippensburg, PA The H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center
4/19 Torrington, CT Warner Theatre
4/20 Portsmouth, NH The Music Hall
4/21 Atlantic City, NJ Harrah’s Atlantic City-The Concert Venue
4/22 Springfield, OH Clark State Performing Arts Center
4/25 Macon, GA Macon City Auditorium
4/26 Paducah, KY Four Rivers Center
4/27 Lula, MS Isle of Capri Casino

www.merlehaggard.com

10 Random Thoughts: Eric Himan

Eric Himan is a musician whose star is on the rise. The crooner of such popular songs as "Gonna Make It Work," "Little Boy Blue" & "Dust” is about to release a concert DVD “Under The Ink”- which refers to amongst other things, Eric’s many tattoos.

This writer had the pleasure of catching Mr. Himan in concert at Room 5 in Los Angeles, CA recently on what ended up being the evening of Whitney Houston’s passing.

OK, Eric, the time has come for your 10 Random Thoughts…

MS: It was great to finally catch a show of yours at Room 5, I have heard about you for a while, it was a great gig!

EH: Thank you.

MS: How wild it happened to fall on the evening of Whitney Houston’s death.

EH: Yeah, it was nice to come on stage though and do something in her honor considering it was something that was on every body’s mind.

MS: Ready to get random?

EH: Sure!

MS: Tulsa, OK

EH: Indie

MS: Psychology

EH: Mathematical

MS: Thumbcrown Records

EH: Eric Himan

Photo: Jeremy Charles

MS: Fort Walton Beach, FL

EH: The Beach

MS: Madonna

EH: Timeless

MS: Whitney Houston

EH: Sad

MS: Tattoos

EH: Expansive

MS: Pride

EH: Proud

MS: Performing

EH: Live

MS: Under The Ink

EH: Tender

MS: Oh, Eric that was soooooo random.

EH: Ha!

Get under Eric’s ink more at: www.erichiman.com
“Under The Ink” is out on DVD March 6th