Crimes of Fashion

WTF?!
Kirstin Maldonado & Mitch Grassi

OK, as you all know I like the acapella group super group Pentatonix. Also some of you may know I was there from the start before they became worldwide superstars. "Yes" I covered them and know them and have the photos on this blog to prove it.

I will be the first to admit that even though their casual sense of style needed a little oomph in the beginning it was who they were and quite charming. Well that all changed after they signed with RCA a stylist stepped in and has been doing them no favors ever since.

Bear witness to the featured pic. Who in the F#ck told Mitch to sport the look of a 70's porn star, complete with a porn stache accessory?

Oh Kirstie, while I know you have eclectic fashion taste Morticia Addams called and she wants her look back.

Seriously you know I love you guys but it's time for a little push back on whoever is advising you on what to wear. 

Trust. That is all Michael has left the building.

Mitch on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mitchgrassi/?hl=en

Kirstie on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kirstin/?hl=en

As If, Dolly Parton Is #1!

Left to right: Danny Nozell, CEO, CTK Management; Dolly Parton; and, Kirt Webster, President/CEO, Webster Public Relations

Because she can, can, can...

World-renowned singer/songwriter/entertainer Dolly Parton has a worldwide #1 album to celebrate this week. The superstar’s new release Pure & Simple debuts at #1 not only in the U.S., but, also on the national country charts in Canada, U.K. and Australia.

Dolly’s 43rd studio recording and the first release of her recently-announced joint venture between Dolly Records and Sony Music Nashville, achieves #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart with first-week sales of 20,000 units! This marks the first time Dolly has topped Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart in the 25-year history of SoundScan.

The new album which released August 19th on Dolly Records/RCA Nashville lands the #11 slot on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart with a first-week total consumption of 21,000. On Billboard’s Americana/Folk Albums chart, the disc debuts at #1. In the UK, Pure & Simple enters the all-genre album sales chart at #2, behind Frank Ocean’s Blonde.

Upon hearing the news, Dolly Parton, who co-produced and wrote every song on Pure & Simple, enthused, "Boy, it's a good day for me. I am a happy girl!" She continued, "It feels great to be #1 as it's been a long time and it feels so good to still be in the game after all this time."

Remarked Doug Morris, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, “Congratulations, Dolly, for your stunning debut with Pure & Simple.You put your heart and soul in this album, and we join you in celebrating a long-overdue #1 on the country album chart.”

“I thought it was a magical time back in 1981, when I first started working with Dolly as we set up her Best Little Whorehouse album on RCA, right after her huge hit, ‘9 To 5,’” reflected Randy Goodman, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville. “I spent a week with her on the RCA jet visiting radio and retail all over the country.” Goodman continued, “But, to be reunited with Dolly and have a #1 debut is wonderful. Thank you, Doug Morris for bringing Dolly back to RCA.”

CTK Management CEO Danny Nozell said, "There is nobody more deserving of this tremendous success. Having worked with Dolly for the past 13 years, I have never met any person that works harder than her.” Nozell added, “She is a businesswoman that understands her brand and knows exactly what to do and when to do it, and once again, she proves it with a #1 album."

Last week, Dolly Parton made appearances on NBC’s Today and Tonight Show, among other TV shows.

Fans can link to purchase Pure & Simple and the various versions available by exclusive partners below:

Cracker Barrel: smarturl.it/dollycbps
Walmart: smarturl.it/walmartdolly
Amazon Music: smarturl.it/amzmusicdolly
Amazon Physical: smarturl.it/amazondolly
Apple Music: smarturl.it/dollypartonps
Google: smarturl.it/gpdolly
Spotify: smarturl.it/spotifydolly  

Domestic Abuse

Johnny Depp & Amber Heard

The subject of Domestic Abuse has grabbed worldwide focus again in the divorce of world famous superstar Johnny Depp and his Wife Amber Heard. 

Johnny has been vehemently defended by friends and his former partner Vanessa Paradis with whom he has two children. Many of Depp's friends calling Heard a manipulative gold digger.

Let's put the mud slinging and the whole taking sides thing away for a moment to focus on a subject that should always be treated respectfully and with sensitivity. This commentary is not about lying whores or evil pricks. It's about being aware that this is an issue that affects 1 in 4 Women and 3 million Men. 

It's about those who take advantage of someone else's emotional and physical vulnerability. Again this is not about side taking, or about Depp and Heard, it is about educating. Just because someone does not abuse all of their partners, does not mean they will not abuse others.

My good friend Romi Simmons wrote this account about her Mother in the wake of all this:

"Just weighing in .... From personal experience ... Some people don't behave the same with other partners... Usually the dynamics... Brought out by each other.....My Dad beat my Mom... But he didn't beat his other wife or his GF. They never believed the stories I told them. Nor did our community.... Plus they always said women who stay with Men who abuse them Must like it... Lol... I remember that always pissed me off... That statement... We didn't like it.. We just didn't know we had a way out...."

This is something that most people do not consider when they hear that someone is being abusive to another human being that has never done the same to them. It's an important point that needs to be addressed more in the press by those who report it. The sensationalism, insensitivity and ignorance toward this has got to stop. 

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, there is a way out. 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233   

Do You Remember "Trio?" You Are Old.

One Awesome Menage 

DOLLY PARTON, LINDA RONSTADT, AND EMMYLOU HARRIS:

THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION

Both Legendary Albums Recorded By The Female Country Holy Trinity
Newly Remastered For Three-Disc Set Packed With Rare And Unreleased Music

Three Different Versions Will Be Released On September 9 From Rhino
 

"Yes" I remember them too, can I join the AARP now? Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris have three careers unparalleled in music history. Together they have sold over 200 million albums worldwide and performed for decades in front of countless fans around the globe. It’s no surprise that when their three voices united to release their debut collaboration, the results were remarkable. The threesome released two albums together, Trio (1987) and Trio II(1999), which have combined to sell more than five million copies worldwide and win three Grammy® Awards. Both of these classic albums have been newly remastered for a three-CD collection packed with rare and unreleased music. Produced by Harris, THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION will be available on September 9 for a list price of $29.98. On the same date, a single-disc set will also be available entitled MY DEAR COMPANION: SELECTIONS FROM THE TRIO COLLECTION, featuring a mix of songs taken from the three-disc set, as will FARTHER ALONG, a double-LP set of all the bonus material from THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION. Trio II will also be released on vinyl for the first time. Even though Parton, Ronstadt, and Harris began recording together in the 1970s, a full album proved elusive. When the stars aligned and the friends were finally able to record a full album, a powerhouse sound of country and Americana was born. The results were remarkable. Trio arrived in 1987; sold more than four million copies; won two Grammy Awards; and topped the country album chart for five consecutive weeks. Among the standout tracks are “To Know Him Is to Love Him,” “Wildflowers,” and “Farther Along.” It would be more than a decade before the group released a follow-up, but when Trio II arrived in 1999 it did not disappoint. The album won a Grammy Award and peaked in the Top Five of the country album chart. It sold more than one million copies worldwide on the strength of tracks like “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” the Carter family’s “Lover’s Return” and a cover of Neil Young’s “After The Gold Rush.” The bonus disc is loaded with 20 songs, including alternate takes of album tracks like “I’ve Had Enough,” “Making Plans” and “My Dear Companion.” Also featured are 11 completely unreleased recordings from the trio spanning both album sessions including “Waltz Across Texas Tonight,” “Pleasant As May,” “Are You Tired of Me,” and the gospel standard “Softly And Tenderly.” Among the unreleased material is also an alternate version of “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” featuring Parton on lead vocals and a stunning acapella version of “Calling All My Children Home.” # # # FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DOLLY PARTON, VISIT: www.dollypartonentertainment.com   Facebook: Facebook.com/DollyParton Instagram: Instagram.com/DollyParton Twitter: Twitter.com/DollyParton Tumblr: OfficialDollyParton.tumblr.com Google+: Plus.Google.com/+DollyParton

KC "Get's Down" With Elton John

Preach!
Harry Wayne "KC" Casey
Photo: Jeremy Westby

GRAMMY-Award Winning Band Delivers Electrifying Live Show As Event's Leading Entertainment; Inspires Hope to End AIDS Epidemic

Inspiration is a theme this week, let's continue it. Shall we?

KC and The Sunshine Band’s mission has always been to inspire happiness through music. With uplifting, upbeat dance hits like “Shake, Shake, Shake (Shake Your Booty), “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s The Way I Like It,” “Boogie Shoes,” and others, it is no wonder they’ve been able to succeed. But on Monday evening at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 14thAnnual An Enduring Vision New York Benefit Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, the GRAMMY® Award-winning group shined their bright light on the crowd for a different reason – to help inspire hope in an end to the worldwide AIDS epidemic. The event was hosted by award-winning CNN anchor Anderson Cooper and featured Ford Foundation President Darren Walker as a special speaker. KC and The Sunshine Band took the stage as the evening’s lead entertainer, performing well-known hits "Shake Your Booty," "Boogie Shoes," I’m Your Boogie Man,” “Give It Up,” "That's The Way (I Like It)" and “Get Down Tonight,” leading celebrity guests and attendees to get out of their seats and dance. Harry Wayne “KC” Casey, the group’s lead singer, who lost a cousin to AIDS in the 90s, as well as many friends, said the disease has touched him deeply and personally. “I am passionate about awareness, prevention and am hopeful for a cure, because it is a disease which is preventable through education. I applaud the great work that Sir Elton John and his foundation has accomplished. The foundation has changed the global face of the disease by reaching out to patients, even at a time when fear and misunderstanding were commonplace. So much progress has been made on the fight against AIDS, but the research, patient-support and access to information must continue until a cure is found,” Casey said. Threesome David Furnish, KC & Elton John Photo: Jeremy Westby Recipients of the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Enduring Vision Awards included M. Michele Burns, Robert J. Coury and Tracey Emin. M. Michele Burns is an internationally recognized corporate and philanthropic leader who played an integral part in EJAF’s inception, serving as an Executive Board Member and Treasurer throughout the Foundation’s 23-year history. Robert J. Coury, Executive Chairman of Mylan, continues to be a visionary in leading the company into areas where it can make a difference, such as improving global health and helping to end the AIDS epidemic. Tracey Emin is a highly renowned and respected artist, who is also a fierce humanitarian and tireless advocate for human rights causes. For more information on KC and The Sunshine Band, please visit  www.heykcsb.com. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook! Upcoming KC and The Sunshine Band Tour Dates 11.13 Paragon Casino | Marksville, La. 11.20 Prairie Band Casino & Resort | Mayetta, Kansas 11.21 First Council Casino | Newkirk, Okla. 12.31 Thunder Valley Casino | Lincoln, Calif. 02.13 IP Resort and Casino | Biloxi, Miss. 03.19 Ocean Reef Cultural Center | Key Largo, Fla. 03.20 Seminole Hard Rock | Hollywood, Fla.

Paint Your Nails For Bruce

Bruce Jenner & Diane Sawyer

Who knew that the simple everyday act of polishing one's nails could take on a larger meaning? Well it has...

Men are getting their Instagram & Tweet on and painting their finger nails in support of Bruce Jenner's transition to a woman.  #PaintYourNailsforBruce

The social media movement originated at KIIS 1065 in Sydney as a way to show solidarity with Jenner. Women are now joining the ranks as well. 

The KIIS Gang!

Nail polish was the chosen symbol of oneness because as Bruce pointed out in his interview with Diane Sawyer: 

"I'd like to be able to have my nail polish on long enough that it actually chips off." 

Bruce Jenner has had the full support of his family and friends behind him, with this he now knows people have his back worldwide.

I think I'll paint mine black  #PaintYourNailsforBruce

"Evil Dead" The Mini-Series, Because They Can

Bruce Campbell Is Back To Kick Some Ash

OMG! This is very cool news indeed! I remember when I saw the first Evil Dead movie in 1981 with it's unique blend of horror, camp and over the top gore it was unlike any thing I had ever seen before, I was hooked!

Of course I saw the equally loopy and freaky Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness.

Well all of you "Dead Beats" get ready here comes Ash vs. Evil Dead. The Starz Network announced its plan to air the 10 half-hour episode miniseries, with the 1981 film's star Bruce Campbell back as Ash and director Sam Raimi executive-producing. Raimi will also direct the pilot. Raise a bloody stump and say Hallelujah!

"I'm really excited to bring this series to the Evil Dead fans worldwide," Campbell said in a statement. "it's going to be everything they have been clamoring for: serious deadite ass-kicking and plenty of outrageous humor."

Raimi added, "Evil Dead has always been a blast. Bruce, Rob Tapert, and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the next chapter in Ash's lame, but heroic saga. With his chainsaw arm and his ‘boomstick,' Ash is back to kick some monster butt. And brother, this time there's a truckload of it."

Set 30 years after the first film, Ash vs. Evil Dead will follow Ash, who has spent the last three decades "avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of Evil Dead," as he is forced to finally face his demons after a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind. "Destiny, it turns out, has no plans to release the unlikely hero from its 'Evil' grip," states the press release.

They're going to get you on Starz in 2015, take me, I'm ready!

We're Evil, We're Dead Get Used To It! at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083907/

Dolly Parton Turns 100, 100 Million That Is

Dolly Celebrating 100 Million!!!

Yes, you heard correctly Ms. Dolly Parton has had more than 100 million album sales worldwide!!!

While attending the historic Glastonbury Music Festival, Dolly took time to speak to journalists before hitting the Pyramid stage in front of a crowd exceeding 100,000 music loving fans.  During Dolly’s press event, BBC2 Radio’s Lauren Laverne introduced CTK Management CEO and Dolly Records President Danny Nozell and Glastonbury owner Michael Eavis who made the special plaque presentation which commemorated her sales of 100 million albums worldwide.
 
“I’ve been so busy making records for the past several decades, I didn’t realize I had racked up so many sales.  What a great honor to know that I have so many fans that have supported me through the years.  Thanks to the RIAA for the acknowledgment and the plaque I feel very honored and proud," says Parton 

What do Dolly Parton and the Energizer Bunny have in common? They keep going and going and going...

Remember to always "Keep Calm and Dolly Parton"

Keep up with the unsinkable Dolly at: 

http://www.dollyparton.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DollyParton
https://twitter.com/DollyParton