Friday, January 6, 2017

Countdown With Kiefer

He's More Than A Little Bit Country
Kiefer Sutherland
Photo:
Chris Hollo

It's time to countdown with Kiefer, you know you want to

You’ve seen him in the hit ABC series “Designated Survivor,” but Kiefer Sutherland continues to pursue his musical passion as he opens up on Great American Country’s Top 20 Countdown about his critically-acclaimed debut album DOWN IN A HOLE.

Sutherland sits down for an intimate discussion with host Suzanne Alexander about the inspiration behind DOWN IN A HOLE, a passion project chock-full of 11 co-written tracks.

GAC Air Dates
Jan. 6    6p EST
Jan. 7    10am and 12pm EST
Jan. 8    9am and 11am EST
Click here for local listings

Recently, Sutherland performed “Can’t Stay Away” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Calling Out Your Name” on “The View.” Sutherland also graced the cover of Guitar Aficionado, Goldmine Magazine and Collectible Guitar issues.

DOWN IN A HOLE was recently featured in People, Wall Street Journal, Billboard, Huffington Post, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Wall Street Journal, Guitar Player, The Boot, Vice/Live Nation TV, Closer Weekly, US Weekly, Sounds Like Nashville, Nashville Country Club, Taste of Country, The Pickup, Paste, Bella Magazine, Celebrity Page, Consequence of Sound, Associated Press and more.

Sutherland will be back on the road this spring with a North American tour. Dates will be announced soon. Keep up with Sutherland by visiting kiefersutherlandmusic.com or connect with him on social media by following him on Twitter and Facebook.

Reviewers are applauding Sutherland’s vocals, guitar licks and songwriting style:

“Kiefer Sutherland...slows down and unwinds on his debut album, a collection of 11 rough-edged country songs…The album has an unexpected, unvarnished authenticity that is pleasant, if sometimes familiar.”
-Jill Lawless, Associated Press

“The perfect soundtrack for your Americana, dive bar road trip, “All She Wrote” starts off with an intro that would sound right at home during the duel scene in a modern western. Sutherland’s gritty vocals overlap electric guitar and crashing drums…”
-Kat Harlton, Lithium Magazine

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Michael's Musings

Hazy Shade Of Winter
Michael Shinafelt
We are a mere five days into 2017 and no celebrity deaths have occurred. Give it time it's still too soon after the three major ones at the end of 2016.

If only I could give you a juicy bone to gnaw on, but alas there is not too much to say at this premature stage of the NY. Give it some time, there is going to be plenty to rant about, love and be grateful for, soon. 

So here are my meager offerings as of now, drama free and without interruption.

Best thing about New Year's weekend? The Twilight Zone marathon on the SyFy Network

Mariah Carey really needs a reality check and to change her first name to Pariah.

Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher & Debbie Reynolds on HBO. Can't wait!

Honestly, if you haven't seen Leah Remini exposing Scientology on her A&E docu-series you haven't lived. Cross my heart.

If you take quotes from Law & Order: SVU out of context, they are really quite funny.

Quote of the Week: "It makes me sad when anyone calls LGBTQ people perverts, because that means they don't know that straight people can have good sex too" - Faith Choyce, Comedian 

BTW the Golden Globes are this Sunday, in case you care. 
Vanderpump Rules
Not So Much Anymore
Is it me or is Vanerpump Rules really fucking staged this season. Transparently so, I have now dubbed the show A Gaggle Of Twats.

Just the other day I was "lucky" enough to board a subway car with a black gentleman bellowing to another how white people disrespect him all the time. Really? You mean you talking shit at the top of your lungs in a public place isn't disrespecting anyone???

Which reminds me I got an PM on Facebook the other day from someone chiding me for the use of #hastags - really. If that is your biggest issue in life go Fuck yourself.

Monkey Mat Mama's, why not I ask you?

"The Best Time of my Life is Now" - Marilyn Monroe

I will leave with the sage words of wisdom from the formidable Ms. Marilyn Monroe. Until next week, yeah, you know what's coming. Ciao!

I Tweet and Instagram at:
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/  

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Slow & Steady Wins The Grammy...Margaret Cho!


It's that time of the year again, awards season and as you may, or perhaps not know one Ms. Margaret Cho is nominated for a Best Comedy Album Grammy for her effort American Myth.

Margaret has had an amaze balls 20 plus year career that has always been steadfast and true. This is also her 5th nomination so all you Cho Ho's out there who have a Grammy ballot, you'd better cast your vote for her because isn't it about time the woman won?!?! Hell yes it is!!!

Of note Margaret and the Fashion Police return on January 9th and she will be on Access Hollywood Live on January 5th.

Remember this is the year white people are supposed to get their comeuppance during award season and what better way to do that than cast your Grammy ballot for Margaret in the Best Comedy Album category. 

All kidding aside, just do it!

Get social with Margaret at:

https://twitter.com/margaretcho
https://www.facebook.com/officialmargaretcho/
https://www.instagram.com/margaret_cho/?hl=en   

Monday, January 2, 2017

Miley & Liam Sitting In A Tree...

Swapping Spit
Liam Hemsworth & Miley Cyrus
K-I-S-S-I-N-G! Since most people have today off for the New Year being that it fell on Sunday I felt like slacking somewhat today as well.

"Somewhat" meaning I still did post today, but it wasn't anything terribly taxing. Today I bring you Miley Cyrus and beau Liam Hemsworth ringing in 2017 with a big ole kiss.

Can I get an Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.... and so there is no confusion this kiss was indeed on NYE there is a big ass sign that says it in blazing lights behind them, so there!

I hope each and everyone of you got yourself some New Year's tongue, and tomorrow let the 2017 truly games begin!

Miley on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mileycyrus/?hl=en  

Sunday, January 1, 2017

It's 2017! "Send In The Clowns"




Wait! They're already here!

A Love Letter to Stephen Sondheim was filmed in May 2016 at The Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver, CO. Judy Collins takes the audience through Sondheim's remarkable treasure-trove of music, interweaving stories of Broadway with her personal anecdotes. 

"I have loved the songs and the shows of Stephen Sondheim since recording "Send in the Clowns" in my album Judith in 1974," said Collins "My version of the great Sondheim ballad has garnered a Grammy, the top ten slot in Billboard twice in a decade, and is still played on the radio all over the world. Ever since the success of "Send in the Clowns" I have longed to sing the rest of Sondheim's greatest songs. Now, I have the opportunity do to that. These songs glow with familiarity and inhabit the rooms and vistas of all our lives, scenes and melodies from "Little Night Music," "Sweeney Todd," "Sundays in the Park with George," "Company," "Merrily We Roll Along" and "Into the Woods." I pray to do justice to these great songs, and to their composer, one of our National Treasures, Stephen Sondheim."

All orchestrations are by Jonathan Tunick, who has been orchestrating Stephen Sondheim's musicals for decades. Tunicks's orchestration was used by Collins for "Send in the Clowns, " bring Sondheim his only chart topping song in his esteemed history. Collins is joined on the program by the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Glen Cortese.

The DVD can be ordered at the MVD Shop or on Amazon 

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Happy F@#king 2017!

2017 Here We Come!!!
Ryan Seacrest & Jenny McCarthy
Tonight's the night we ring in the New Year, a night collectively referred to around the world as New Year's Eve

What are your plans tonight? Any traditions? Well whether my plans have been staying in or spending time with friends for it, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve in Times Square, New York City has always been my go to show to the count down to midnight. I mean who can resist watching a ball drop slowly? Admit it you know you can't.

The only time I have never watched it was when the world rang in 2000. I was in a club with three levels that had different music themes, and yes I am going to stop there. That was the exception to this my otherwise steadfast unofficial tradition.

While things have changed over the years about the show it still remains the best way to rock in the upcoming year.

So, if I don't fall asleep before the clock strikes twelve on January 1st 2017, I plan to hang with Ryan Seacrest & Jenny McCarthy and a dropping ball with whoever else may be with me.

Let's hope 2017 errs on the side of good shall we?

Enjoy your NYE!

Dick Clark's NYRE at:
https://www.facebook.com/NewYearsRockinEve/

Friday, December 30, 2016

Praise The Lourd

Three Women
l-r Billie Lourd, Debbie Reynolds & Carrie Fisher
With all of the mourning of Debbie Reynolds and daughter Carrie Fisher's death this week, I though a little levity was needed regarding the two.

Thus when I came across Carrie's daughter & Debbie's granddaughter Billie Lourd promoting Scream Queens on Late Night with Seth Meyers telling how her grandmother tried to scare her off from acting I just had to post it!

Billie proves a sense of humor runs in the family.

Let's let the clip do it's own talking shall we? Jump to it below!

T.G.I.F!


Billie on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/praisethelourd/?hl=en  

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Michael's Musings

Halo
Michael Shinafelt
With only three days left of 2016 could we please not have anymore beloved celebrity deaths? Yes, Grim Reaper I'm calling you out, enough!!!

2016 how do I put this to you delicately? Fuck off! I am ready for something new, and while there are reasons to tread with extreme caution moving forward into 2017 there are a few things I am grateful to be armed with going into it, that I reclaimed this past year.

Here on the 29th of December I am giving the ultimate kiss off to 2016, I'm so over you!

Debbie Reynolds passing away the day after her daughter Carrie Fisher died. So sad.

Ringing in the New Year early with Scott Jacobs last night via wine, cheese and German Chocolate Cake, was a welcome escape.

Even though 2016 was a pretty lame year, at least Donald Trump was not President.

Speaking of which, I am shocked that Orange Cosby didn't Tweet what a "Nasty Woman" Carrie Fisher was after her passing. She did call him out as a coke addict after all.

I'm grateful to have regained my sense of self this year, I'm going to need it in 2017.

Dear Rockettes, I advise you on not doing any high kicks during your performance at Trump's inauguration

The people I meet out and about everyday keep my faith in humanity alive.

Hitting spin class today, as you might imagine it is much needed.

Billy Idol said it best: "With a rebel yell more, more, more!"

Middle Creek exploded because of the Beaver Dams, sounds like innuendo to me.

Just because I grab a pole on the subway and gyrate, that does not make me Nomi Malone

2017 does not hold a lot of promise for anything in particular but trust me when I say there are going to be a lot of surprises. That my friends is as sure of a thing that you can count on. Let's hope they err more on the side of good than awful.

Get your last Thursday of 2016 on!

Join me won't you? at:

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/   

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Sh!t Carrie Fisher Said

What A Dame
Carrie Fisher
The passing of Carrie Fisher is truly epic. Not only did she play the iconic role of Princess Leia in the Star Wars films, she was also a writer with a sharp wit and even sharper tongue. Her candor about being being mentally ill gave others the courage to face their challenges by owning them.

I think the best way to honor her passing is to let her own brilliant words speak for themselves...Carrie On!

"I always wrote. I wrote from when I was 12. That was therapeutic for me in those days. I wrote things to get them out of feeling them, and onto paper. So writing in a way saved me, kept me company. I did the traditional thing with falling in love with words, reading books and underlining lines I liked and words I didn't know"

"I am mentally ill. I can say that. I am not ashamed of that. I survived that, I'm still surviving it, but bring it on. Better me than you"

"No, as it turns out, I really like being congratulated on my weight loss. I like it so much, it's tragic"

"I was street smart, but unfortunately the street was Rodeo Drive"

"The world of manic depression is a world of bad judgment calls"

"Leia follows me like a vague smell"

"I'll never be known for my work with boundaries" 

"I'm very sane about how crazy I am"

"Anything you can do in excess for the wrong reasons is exciting to me"

"I am truly a product of Hollywood in-breeding. When two celebrities mate, someone like me is the result" 

Carrie on IMDB
www.imdb.com/name/nm0000402/   

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Just Because, Lady Gaga & Elton John

Ladies Who Lunch
Lady Gaga & Elton John
Today is one of those nebulous Post Holiday/Pre-Holiday days. Yes kids it's the first Tuesday after Christmas and the Tuesday that falls before New Year's Eve aka 2017.

So I thought I would run this image of Lady Gaga & Elton John out and about in Aspen, CO.

Why? Just because the two of them together represent so much talent and creativity it would make a pig in lipstick jealous, and look, it's two icons who are still alive, together!

Hey, it's great to be here! 

Have a TT! Terrific Tuesday, in case you didn't get the gist.

Go Gaga at:
https://www.instagram.com/ladygaga/?hl=en

Go to the John at: 
https://www.instagram.com/eltonjohn/?hl=en 

Monday, December 26, 2016

"Father Figure" George Michael


Daddy
George Michael
It's the day after Christmas and I am sure a majority of you, like me, are saddened by the passing of pop icon George Michael, on, well of all things Christmas Day.

He was truly one of the greatest musical artists of all time, not to mention he was also quite ahead of it as well.

George was a Father Figure of sorts to up and coming performers looking for someone to emulate. Which happens to be my favorite song by Mr. Michael, for it's daring to touch a certain subject matter that most artists wouldn't ever dream of going near, especially in this day and age of mediocrity.

I could go on and on about this unique, one of a kind, legendary talent, but what's the point?  Every one of you has your own feelings and impressions of what he meant to your lives. This post is done to honor an individual whose influence on the world around them was truly epic.

Thus I leave you with my favorite George Michael song Father Figure

R.I.P.


www.georgemichael.com/   

Saturday, December 24, 2016

"You Didn't Give Them A Chance"


Hello Everyone, we all know what today is don't we? Why it's Christmas Eve and the first day of Hanukkah. Yes, that's right peeps this year they both fall on the same day, which is pretty cool actually.

Which brings me to an E-mail I received the other day from my buddy Tom Connan, it goes something like this...

Hi Michael,

Hope you're well! As you may have noticed, I just released my new single 'You Didn't Give Them A Chance' and the music video is doing great on YouTube already. 

I'd be more than happy to have a post about this on your blog.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Cheers,
Tom Connan

But of course I will and just have. Thanks Tom for alerting me to your hot new song, oh and the look, that look you've got going on, very, um, edgy, not to mention sexy.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm a giver! Let's kick off the Holidays with Tom's latest single "You Didn't Give Them A Chance."

Celebrate Below!


Tom on Social Media:

Friday, December 23, 2016

Encore, Dolly, Encore!

Nobody does Christmas better than Dolly Parton, that's why their airing her latest Holiday blockbuster special again, tonight!!!

NBC is set to re-air their blockbuster special: “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” starring Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, and Gerald McCraney. The 2-hour special will air again on Friday, December 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The DVD of the movie, which also features a guest appearance by Dolly Parton, is available at retailers nationwide.

“Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” tells the story of when the Partons, a family of humble means living in the mountains of Tennessee, face a devastating event that challenges their will. But when they experience a bewildering Christmas miracle, the Partons are drawn closer together than ever — with deepened faith and love for one another.

Available now on Digital HD

DVD & Blu-Ray Available Today


Or you can use this link that takes you directly to the proper place at each retailer:
gwi.io/DollyChristmas
 
 

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Michael's Musings

Motley Crue
l-r Shauna Waters, Me, Lindley Waters & Kelly Waters
Since this will be my thoughts and impressions going into Christmas I thought to myself that I may try to curtail any cynicism I may be possessed by at present by posting an image of me and my three angels aka my nieces from Christmas two years ago in my home state of Washington

Like that will ever happen, yep get ready because here I come!!!

When I was a kid I used to think the red light flashing on a nearby radio tower was Rudolph's nose, yes really.

Parents teach their kids not to lie, yet they perpetuate the myth of Santa Claus. How many children has that fucked up?!

A virgin birth, yeah right.

What did I do for my Birthday? So glad you asked. I had a wonderful lunch with my friend Mike Clifford and an even better dessert later, not Mike...Yes, Daddy has a secret.

Lunch Time!
Me & Mike Clifford
Pentatonix has a new Christmas album out. It's what they do best.

Riot On Sunset by my buddy James Durbin is another album I highly recommend.

Taking myself to see La La Land today, in case you are interested.

My niece Shauna Waters pictured above is getting married in Cabo in June, and to think I knew her when she...

Kelly Waters, my other niece pictured is an accomplished make-up artist, so proud of her.

Now let's talk about my niece Lindley Waters, also pictured above. She now calls Berlin her home base. I want to come visit you my spirit animal! Let's go hang gliding grrrrrrrrrrrl! 

Elf on a Shelf is so tired ass, I move we shift our attention to the Whore in a Drawer. Doesn't that sound a lot more merry???


Due to the PC movement Christmas can no longer be referred to as "White" 

Tis' the season for back door crack whores

I love Lady Gaga's song A-Yo, did you know it's about smoking pot?!

My gift to you is me on Social Media. You can keep tabs on me at the following WWW addresses. Merry Christmas

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Holiday Cheer With James Durbin

Ho, Ho, Ho!
James, Heidi, Hunter & Kinzee Durbin w/Santa Claus
Hey Durbinators, it's Christmas Time! Do you ever sit and wonder what your "Idol" James Durbin does this time of year? Well I know the answer to that...

Of course you do! Here to tell you what the Durbin family does for December 25th is, well who else other than James himself!!!


MS: What is your family Christmas tradition?

JD: The last few years we’ve gone and chopped down our own tree as a family.
There’s a great tree farm in the Santa Cruz mountains called Crest Ranch Tree Farm that we’ve made a tradition of going to. We also ride the Holiday Lights Train as guests of Santa Claus, so it’s extra special.

MS: Do you or Heidi play Santa Claus?
JD: We could never “play” the big man in red..(wink,nudge).
We do enjoy the extra element of surprise at Christmas time.

MS: Can you tell us what you got for Heidi?
JD: I can’t tell you lol. Though I can say, we’ve been getting into minimalism lately and have agreed to get each other one thing that we really really want. Something that will serve us well and bring us joy. Ya know, not just a bunch of crap hahaha.

MS: If you could give a gift to all those Durbinators out there what would it be?
JD: The gift I can give is just more honest music. I’ve got a new project I’m recording in Vegas this January that I believe will make my rock n rollers extremely happy. More details to come :)

MS: What does James Durbin want for Christmas most of all? 
JD: This year I just want to stay home, open presents, watch movies and not have to put on pants.

PS If you haven't gotten your copy of James' current album Riot On Sunset that would make an awesome Christmas gift. Take it from Santa Michael, it's his best to date! Ho, Ho, Ho!

"Riot" on iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/riot-on-sunset/id1132264028

James on Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/DurbinRock/
https://twitter.com/DurbinRock
https://www.instagram.com/durbinrock/    

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

All I Want For Christmas...

No Fluorescent Lighting!
Mariah Carey
Right off the bat let me make this declaration that I have never been, nor will I ever be a fan of Mariah Carey. That being stated, who doesn't think of her song All I Want For Christmas this time of year?! Of course you do!

James Corden brilliantly paid homage to it in a recent edition of his too cool Carpool Karaoke series. Where it looked like Mariah's right breast was ready to cause a huge wardrobe malfunction the entire time.

Which brings us to the curious fact that I am watching her eight part series Mariah's World on E! It's the proverbial train wreck you can't tear your eyes away from. 

Also, since I have never really cared about or followed Ms. Carey's career, there are a few interesting revelations here and there. My personal gem was how former husband Tommy Mottola basically kept her under lock and key when they were married making her write music all the time and because of that she never really toured. Yeah, I never noticed, but apparently she didn't tour until recent years.

Then there is the usual diva biz, like only being photographed in fluorescent light with her sunglasses on. If I have to explain the reason behind that to you...I didn't think so.

Only five more days until Christmas, check out Mariah, James and a whole bunch of other big names sing All I Want For Christmas below!


Remember it's Mariah's World you just live in it at:
www.eonline.com/shows/mariahs_world

Monday, December 19, 2016

On Mondays We Wear Paisley


Yee Haw!!! It's time to get your Paisley on!

Life Amplified World Tour: Live at WVU is the new live concert DVD and CD from multi-platinum country superstar, Brad Paisley. Paisley returned to his roots by going home to West Virginia for a special outdoor concert at West Virginia University. Straight off the wildly successful "Life Amplified World Tour," the show was shot with 20 cameras in front of a hometown crowd of over 15,000 people. Paisley played an electrifying 2 hour show that included many of his 23 number one singles, such as "Mud on the Tires," "Then," and a surprise rendition of "I'm Still A Guy," featuring Chris Young.  The show also includes a very special version of the John Denver song "Take Me Home, Country Roads," which has become an anthem for WVU.
 
The concert will air on PBS on Friday, January 27, 9:00 - 10:00pm EST and is titled Brad Paisley - Landmarks Live In Concert: A Great Performances Special. Paisley takes his unique skills as singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer back to his home state as well as to viewers everywhere.
 
The concert special was produced by award-winning director Daniel E Catullo III (Rush, Rage Against The Machine, Dave Matthews Band).

"I am so pleased to be partnering with Brad on the WVU show," said Catullo III, who is also the CEO of City Drive Films. "Being an alumnus of WVU this show is very special for me. To be able to bring WVU to the world stage is something I am proud to do and I couldn't think of a better artist to do it with than Brad, who has similar feelings of WVU, having grown up not too far from the campus. It has been a dream of mine to go back to WVU and put on a huge show, free for the students."
Songs included in the show are: Crushin' It, American Saturday Night, Water, Online, Perfect Storm, Letter to Me, This is Country Music, I'm Still a Guy (featuring Chris Young), She's Everything, Ticks, Country Nation, Old Alabama, Then, Beat This Summer, I'm Gonna Miss Her, River Bank, Take Me Home, Country Roads, Southern Comfort Zone, Mud on the Tires, and Alcohol.

Both the DVD and the CD/DVD can be ordered at the MVD Shop or on Amazon   

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Happy Birthday To Me!

Baby It's Cold Outside
Michael Shinafelt
Since today is my 51st Birthday I thought: "why should I celebrate anything but myself?" Especially since the past four years have been the most challenging of my life and I have survived them. Which has made me stronger, it has also brought me to the best place I have ever been in my entire life. 

Yes, it is a day for me to celebrate indeed. I am someone who has went through a clinical depression and came out the other end of it. It took a lot of work, therapy and self examination. There were a lot of times I never thought my life would ever be good again. 

Let me say to those of you out there who may be in the same situation. Never give up! It may seem bleak, but if you hang in there and give it time, care and mostly be kind to yourself, it will get better. Sure there are things I still want that I don't have, but I know I will get them. Why? Because when you overcome it you will have the power to achieve anything! 

It's 44 degrees at 5:03 ayem here in Los Angels, CA on December 18th 2016, the day of my 51st Birthday. I am thankful for my Family, Friends and most of all my amazing Life! 

My wish for my Birthday is for all of you to have one of the best days of the rest of your lives.

Happy Birthday Everyone!

Follow me at:
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/

Saturday, December 17, 2016

It's Santa Mickey!

Not A Creature Was Stirring, Except For Mickey Mouse!
Ryan Reynolds, Mickey Mouse & Blake Lively
Santa made me post this. Blame it on the spirit of Christmas taking possession of me, but I just had to post this way too cute photo of Ryan Reynolds & Blake Lively striking a pose with Santa Mickey in front of the castle at Disneyland

Apparently the twosome were there celebrating their daughter James' second Birthday. Happy, Happy James

What made me cross over to the saccharine side? If you have ever been to Disneyland at Christmas time you would understand just how much more magical it is this time of year. It can turn any Scrooge into a Tiny Tim. I was there last year in December and had a truly enchanted day. 

The theme park's halls are decked with the most festive of decor and the happy factor is off the hook!

Speaking of which, Happy Saturday to and to all a good one!

PS Although I had a blast, I must say I am a bit grouchy that I did not get a photo with Santa Mickey too...Bah Humbug!

Disneyland on the WWW:
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/