A Poetic Vision

BELLA GAIA Choreographer & dance artist Irina Akulenko

BELLA GAIA show at Eyebeam Art + Technology Center NYC

Photo credit: Anna Galuza

Thunder only happens when it's raining...

BELLA GAIA, the renowned audiovisual experience lead by director-composer Kenji Williams and the BELLA GAIA Ensemble, will present BELLA GAIA - A Poetic Vision of Earth From Space for one night only on Saturday, April 15, 2017. The immersive event combines NASA satellite imagery, time-lapse nature photography, cultural heritage footage, and live performances of music and dance to form an unprecedented and powerful exploration of the beauty and interconnectedness of all things on Earth. The award-winning show will take place at Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium in Pasadena, California. The performance will start at 8:00pm, and tickets range from $35 to $45 with certain exceptions (see “Ticketing & Venue Details” towards the bottom of this press release). For additional information on BELLA GAIA, please visit http://www.bellagaia.com.

Rooted in the stories of astronauts who described the life-changing experience of seeing Earth from space, director-composer Williams developed BELLA GAIA to communicate this same transformative sense of wonder and awe. The event’s stunning fusion of human art, scientific data, and cultural tradition guides audiences through an emotional journey that culminates with a positive message of care and respect for our surroundings and planet.

“BELLA GAIA shows you how humans and nature are connected, and how art and science are connected,” says Williams. "It's an exploration of the relationship between human civilization and our ecosystem through time and space.”

Williams is joined by an all-star cast of artists, including Sound Healing vocalist and composer Kristin Hoffmann (as seen composing works performed at The Sydney Opera House, and sharing stages with The Wallflowers, Feist, and Brandi Carlile), Japan ese 20-string Koto master Yumi Kurosawa (who has toured internationally with countless symphony orchestras including Suntory Hall Opening Gala with Tokyo Symphony Orchestra), dance artists Mariyah, and choreographer Irina Akulenko, (one of the principal dancers and choreographers with Bellyqueen Dance Theater, and an alumni member of Alchemy Dance Theater). 

BELLA GAIA –

BELLA GAIA is an unprecedented NASA-powered immersive experience that communicates without words, the BEAUTY (BELLA) of the planet – both natural and cultural – and the INTERCONNECTEDNESS of all things on Earth (GAIA).

A visceral flow of unencumbered beauty manifests for all the senses by combining supercomputer data-visualizations from NASA, high-fidelity orbital views of Earth, cultural photography, and stirring LIVE performances of music and dance from around the world, with an “iridescent landscape of gossamer melodi es and labyrinthine rhythms” (Nooga.com).

The award-winning BELLA GAIA tells a cosmic story and explores both human and natural expressions of the Living Universe, illuminating the relationship between civilization and nature as we enter the Anthropogenic Age by visualizing our effects on the biosphere, all while celebrating the evolution of art and culture.

Inspired by astronauts who spoke of the life-changing power of seeing Earth from space, BELLA GAIA successfully simulates this Overview Effect* from space flight, and makes audiences “Discover what it’s like to be an astronaut” (Washington Post). The experience leaves audiences with a transformative sense of wonder and inspiration, and the ability to see the Earth as a multifaceted yet cohesive working organism. Attendees will realize deeply and emotionally that there IS something to lose, and therefore that there IS something to preserve and to steward.

Crafted by the neuroscience-driven methodology of director-composer Kenji Williams, the transcendental effect of  BELLA GAIA has been proven to generate the elusive but critical emotional response: A Reason to Care.

Ticketing & Venue Details –
General admission ti ckets for BELLA GAIA’s immersive audiovisual experience range from $35 to $45 for adults. Children’s tickets are $10. To purchase advance tickets, please visit http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?pid=8270068 or call the Beckman Auditorium box office at 626-395-4652. Seniors and Caltech staff can receive a special discount on tickets by calling the box office. Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium is located at 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena, CA 91125. Free parking is provided on the Caltech campus near the Beckman Auditorium.

Links –
• BELLA GAIA - http://www.bellagaia.com
• Event tickets - http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?pid=8270068
• Venue event page - https://www.caltech.edu/content/bella-gaia-beautiful-earth-poetic-vision-earth-space
• Artist event page - http://www.bellagaia.com/la.html
• Facebook event page - https://www.facebook.com/events/1034439539937057
• BELLA GAIA Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bellagaia
• BELLA GAIA Twitter - https://twitter.com/BellaGaia
• BELLA GAIA SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/bellagaiamusic/sets/bella-gaia-beautiful-earth

The Hunk Of The Irish

Not An Irish Hunk

Happy St. Patrick's Day! You'd better wear your green or live in fear of getting pinched, or don't wear green and love the masochism of it all. 

Today is the day we wish people the luck of the Irish and that they find their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Whatever...Here at Entertain Me I am taking a different approach and wishing all of you The Hunk Of The Irish. What's that you say, you've never heard of such a thing, well guess what? Now you have.

Hence for your viewing pleasure I have got four, yes count em' four Hollywood Hunks who are, drum roll please, Irish for your St. Patty's Day viewing pleasure. A special shout out to author M.E. Franco as her personal fave and mine, Gerard Butler is present and accounted for.

Feast your eyes on these pots of gold! 

Gerard Butler

Colin  Farrell

Jamie Dornan 

Jonathan Rhys Myers


Now that you are all hot & bothered cool off Irish Style, translation: drink mass quantities of beer. Have Fun and be safe! 

Michael's Musings

Want Some Candy?
Michael Shinafelt

This week I became acutely aware that my microwave was quietly judging others. Damn! That is pretty motherfucking impressive for something that cost me a mere sixty dollars when I bought it over ten years ago!

Now if only I could get it to print money, hey if it can judge others I bet I can coax it into doing that, riiiiiiiiight?!?!

Hereeeeeeeeeeee's Michael!

Kyle Richards blocked Eden Sassoon on Twitter. I would too, she's so creepy, not to mention she will one day die of a one night stand.

"Fingers are for Lesbians" - The More You Know

Am I the only one who does not get the appeal of This Is Us???

A certain sexy boy who met Bette Davis told me that Susan Sarandon's portrayal of her on Feud is awful, that Susan is playing a character, not Bette at all. As if we all need another reason to think Susan Sarandon is lame. 

Trump supporters are like a white trash Braveheart

Scarlett! Ivanka! Scarlett! Ivanka!

Some idiot blasted me for posting the SNL skit with Scarlett Johansson as Ivanka Trump on my Facebook page. She stated I was a bully. I deleted the comment. Overreact much?

Why does anyone give a rat's ass about The Bachelor? On the plus side it  does make a case for legalized prostitution, which I am for.

Things that make you go shhhhhhh......

I use my small snowblower, it gets the work done - weirdest post I saw on Facebook this week

According to an online quiz I took, I am "Wild Sexy" - Duh!

Sweet Baby Elephant! That one's for you Shani Bayne!

"I wish I was like you, Easily amused" - All Apologies, Nirvana - because you can never have enough Nirvana in your life

My ideas for this column were so much sharper earlier in the day, but I was nowhere near a computer to write. Guess I have to record them on my phone and let people think I am conversing with myself in public...now that's Entertain Me!

Follow me, I'll give you candy at:

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt  

Things That Make You Go Shhhhhhh...

Got A Tattoo?
l-r Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, Shay Mitchell, Sasha Pieterse,
Lucy Hale & Janel Parrish  

The final season of Pretty Little Liars is already wrapped and ready for it's eagerly anticipated April 18th premiere date, yes I said eagerly anticipated premiere date, don't judge me. What's a "Liar" to do after seven successful seasons? Why commemorate the show with a tattoo of course!

Where are they?! What are they?! You beg to ask. Well being as the show is about secrets and keeping them and the iconic opening credits show all the "Liars" wagging there Shhhhhhh finger at you to keep your mouth shut, each of the cast members got the the first letter of the name of their respective characters tattooed on their, what else, Shhhhhhh finger, naturally.

That's correct minions Shay Mitchell, Ashley Benson, Troian Bellisario, Lucy Hale, Janel Parrish and Sasha Pieterse got themselves a tattoo artist to inscribe their pointer finger with the first letter of their character from the shows first name. How could they not after all "A" has put them through?!

Enjoy the photo above of all the girls sharing their pseudo matching tatts, because sharing is caring after all.

Pretty Little Liars on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/prettylittleliars/  

What Comes Between You & Your Calvin's?

Nothing Comes Between Brooke & Her Calvin
Brooke Shields & Calvin Klein

Here is an image only a certain segment of the populace will understand the significance of. I present to you Brooke Shields and old friend Calvin Klein meeting up at Sirius XM in New York City. 

As you may or may not recall Klein did a series of racy ads featuring Brooke in 1981 for his line of jeans. Personally I loved the campaign where "nothing" came between Brooke and her Calvin's, it was total genius. Quite racy while being sexy without the use of gratuitous skin.

What's that you say? You've never heard or seen the scandalous TV spot? Well never fear that's why I'm here. Like I've pointed out so boastfully before I'm a giver and never want to leave anyone wanting. Thus you can view the ad below.

No need to thank me, you can just spank me.

I know you like to watch...

Brooke on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/brookeshields/?hl=en  

"I Do" Colton Haynes

I Got You Babe
Colton Haynes, Jeff Leatham & Cher

It's just another Manic Monday, time to start a new week, yadda yadda, yadda...actor Colton Haynes of Arrow and Teen Wolf fame is engaged to his boyfriend Jeff Leatham, three cheers for the happy couple!

Jeff proposed to Colton on the beach at the Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos, Mexico Saturday night. Oh what a proposal it was, Cher was even involved in a video message lead in singing I Got You Babe. This of course was followed by fireworks and being that that groom is a celebrity and Four Seasons Hotel floral designer, yes there were flowers.

Colton & Jeff

What's a boy to do? Say "Yes" naturally.

Colton & Jeff sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!

Colton on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/coltonlhaynes/?hl=en

Sunday Schwing! John Cena

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Go "Barenaked"!

•  

Dive into the Barenaked Ladies pond!

Barenaked Ladies have announced a very special collaboration with the legendary “Kings of A cappella” titled, Ladies And Gentlemen: Barenaked Ladies And The Persuasions to be released April 14, 2017. Produced by Gavin Brown, the album features 14 tracks re-imagined BNL’s award-winning catalogue and the classic ‘Good Times’. BNL recorded the album live off the floor with The Persuasions last Fall at Noble Street Studios in Toronto.

Ladies And Gentlemen: Barenaked Ladies And The Persuasions is available to pre-order on iTunes on March 10. Album and bundles featuring exclusive merchandise of Barenaked Ladies and The Persuasions will also be available worldwide through PledgeMusic. Each pre-order includes four instant-grat downloads of “The Old Apartment”, “Odds Are”, “Keepin’ It Real”, and “Don’t Shuffle Me Back”.

The video streaming app Sessions X filmed the entire session and will feature full-length performances, interviews, and behind the scenes moments. Sessions X will launch their BNL content on Wednesday, March 22.

WATCH + SHARE SESSIONS X TEASER TRAILER HERE

The seed for Ladies and Gentlemen: Barenaked Ladies & The Persuasions was planted when Kevin Hearn befriended The Persuasions at Lou Reed’s memorial held at the legendary Apollo Theatre in 2013. The friendship led to an invitation for The Persuasions to perform with BNL at Central Park Summerstage during the Barenaked Ladies 2016 Last Summer On Earth tour. Both bands had such a fun time, they all agreed to “do more” together. Before hitting the studio together, and after running through about 25 songs from the BNL catalogue, both BNL and the Persuasions’s excitement grew and the songs were narrowed down to the final 15 tracks featured on the LP.

Can We Persuade You To Get "Barenaked"?
Barenake Ladies & The Persuasions
Photo: Matt Barnes

Although The Persuasions enjoy a long, storied career, the group has admittedly never recorded an album in a room live, with the band performing the songs. Says Dave Revels, lead vocalist for The Persuasions “…with Barenaked Ladies, [their] music is passionate so I guess that’s why we identify with it…because we can feel passion so I think that’s why it was a natural union.” Says BNL drummer Tyler Stewart, “To actually play with these guys who are veterans of music making for so long… everything that comes out of their mouths is dripping with soul and you can’t help but absorb some of that when you’re in the room.” 

Considering the once-in-a-lifetime feel of a musical project between two groups who have collectively released 40 albums across their careers, Sessions X, which is an online subscription music series that features intimate performances straight from the stage or studio, was an opportunity to document the recording session, all of which was recorded over two days in October, 2016 in Toronto. Tyler Stewart described the collaboration as “Top three most fun things I’ve done” in his twenty six years of performing. Dave Revels, lead singer for The Persuasions described the collaboration as a “beautiful chemical reaction”.

Founded in 1962, The Persuasions first came together on the street corners of Brooklyn with a musical inventory deep rooted in gospel, with a major measure of soul, and a dose of pop. Featuring original members Jimmy Hayes and Jayotis Washington, along with Raymond Sanders and Dave Revels, their eclectic repertoire has drawn from country to blues to gospel to rock to jazz. The group has released 26 albums, performed in concert halls worldwide, and shared stages with such seminal artists as Lou Reed, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Richard Pryor and Frank Zappa.

Currently, Barenaked Ladies are putting the finishing touches on their 16^th studio album, Fake Nudes, expected to be released later this Fall. More information will be announced in the coming weeks.

  

Catch the Barenaked Ladies and The Persuasions (select dates only) on tour this spring.

4/21/17	Albany, NY	The Egg w/The Persuasions
4/22/17	Valley Forge, PA	Valley Forge Casino
4/25/17	Huntington, NY	Paramount Theatre w/The Persuasions
4/27/17	Ridgefield, CT	Ridgefield Playhouse
4/28/17	Englewood, NJ	Bergen PAC w/The Persuasions
4/29/17	Burlington, VT	Flynn Theatre
4/30/17	Ithaca, NY	State Theatre
5/2/17	Rocky Mount, VA	Harvester Center
5/4/17	Catoosa, OK	The Joint at the Hard Rock
5/5/17	Tunica, MS	Bluesville at Horseshoe Casino
5/10/17	Des Moines, IA	Hoyt Sherman Palace
5/12/17	Deadwood, SD	Deadwood Mountain Grand
5/13/17	Colorado Springs, CO	Pikes Peak Center
5/15/17	St.Louis, MO	Peabody Opera House
5/16/17	Waukegan, IL	Genesee Theater

http://barenakedladies.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/barenakedladies

https://twitter.com/barenakedladies | https://instagram.com/barenakedladiesmusic/

Margaritaville w/Oprah Winfrey

On The Rocks, Or Blended?
Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is a woman of many talents, who knew one of them was making a kick ass margarita?!

Well according to Reese Witherspoon's Instagram post not only does Oprah make margaritas she "makes the BEST margarita" and so the story goes from this pic of Oprah exhibiting her bartender skills at the Wrinkle in Time wrap party while on location in New Zealand.

Being that it's Friday and all, I surely had to help you start your weekend on a positive, not to mention thirsty note. 

Who knew the refreshing tequila concoction was part of the Weight Watchers program...not!!!

Cheers!

What will Oprah do next? Find out at:
https://www.instagram.com/oprah/?hl=en 

Michael's Musings

Don't Worry,  I Bite
Michael Shinafelt

We meet again my faithful minions. Yesterday was International Women's Day and it was also my Mom's 78th Birthday. Coincidence? Probably, but from where I sit it was kismet.

So, it's that time again to see things from my unique POV and take the good and take the bad and there you have my facts of life. Be brave little buckaroos...!

Even though I gave my Mom well wishes on her Birthday yesterday another shout out to her today since she got the extra momentum from it landing on International Women's Day. She's my Mom hear her roar!

I have so many amazing women who have influenced my life that I can't name them all in one column.But I am sure they are aware of who they are, because I let them know. I said it before and I'll say it again, I'm a giver.

Why is it that the current administration is hellbent on taking away Women's Rights? If it wasn't for a woman carrying your sorry ass for nine months you the fuck wouldn't be here!

A shout out to my buddy Tom Connan regarding his current single Beautiful Day. Check it, don't wreck it.

Real men wear plaid, ask any lumberjack you happen to see...

Trivia: The upcoming Sharknado movie bears the title: Sharknado 5, People 0. Did you know after Jaws 2 they were going to originally going to do a parody flick titled: Jaws 3, People 0 starring Bo Derek? The more you know.

Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers once signed an autograph to a woman I know "wake up and smell your pussy burning" 

You're weird, I like you

I had the pleasure of taking spin this past Tuesday sandwiched between two of my favorite women, Shani Bayne & Maresa Wickham, holler!

Everything I wear is Bitch Face. The colors are styling and the style is popping.

Finally I saw a few episodes of Girls. The show made me realize how truly annoying millennials are. Thanks Lena Dunham.

Aren't you glad tomorrow is Friday?

Join me on the Dark Side of the Moon at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt   

Remember "Donnie Darko"?

Can We Be Frank? The World Is Going To End...

I remember seeing "Donnie Darko" when it first came out and being blown away by it. A film that was definitely ahead of it's time, and now timely. Oh by the way, "Frank" is dope!!!

DONNIE DARKO LIMITED EDITION [Blu-ray + DVD] (April 18th)

Fifteen years before Stranger Things combined science-fiction, Spielberg-ian touches and 80s nostalgia to much acclaim, Richard Kelly set the template - and the high-water mark - with his debut feature, Donnie Darko. Initially beset with distribution problems, it would slowly find its audience and emerge as arguably the first cult classic of the new millennium.

Donnie is a troubled high school student: in therapy, prone to sleepwalking and in possession of an imaginary friend, a six-foot rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world is going to end in 28 days 06 hours 42 minutes and 12 seconds. During that time he will navigate teenage life, narrowly avoid death in the form of a falling jet engine, follow Frank's maladjusted instructions and try to maintain the space-time continuum.

Jake Gyllenhaal & Jena Malone

Described by its director as "The Catcher in the Rye as told by Philip K. Dick", Donnie Darko combines an eye-catching, eclectic cast - pre-stardom Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, heartthrob Patrick Swayze, former child star Drew Barrymore, Oscar nominees Mary McDonnell and Katherine Ross, and television favourite Noah Wyle - and an evocative soundtrack of 80s classics by Echo and the Bunnymen, Tears for Fears and Duran Duran. This brand-new 4K restoration, carried out exclusively for this release by Arrow Films, allows a modern classic to finally receive the home video treatment it deserves. 

FEATURES

- Brand new 4K restorations of both the Theatrical Cut and the Director's Cut from the original camera negatives produced by Arrow Films exclusively for this release, supervised and approved by director Richard Kelly and cinematographer Steven Poster

- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentations of both cuts

- Original 5.1 audio

- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

- Audio commentary by writer-director Richard Kelly and actor Jake Gyllenhaal on the Theatrical Cut

- Audio commentary by Kelly, producer Sean McKittrick and actors Drew Barrymore, Jena Malone, Beth Grant, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne, Katharine Ross and James Duval on the Theatrical Cut

- Audio commentary by Kelly and filmmaker Kevin Smith on the Director's Cut

- Brand-new interviews with Richard Kelly and others

- The Goodbye Place, Kelly's 1996 short film, which anticipates some of the themes and ideas of his feature films

- The Donnie Darko Production Diary, an archival documentary charting the film's production with optional commentary by cinematographer Steven Poster

- Twenty deleted and alternate scenes with optional commentary by Kelly

- Archive interviews with Kelly, actors Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, James Duval, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Holmes Osborne, Noah Wyle and Katharine Ross, producers Sean McKittrick, Nancy Juvonen, Hunt Lowry and Casey La Scala, and cinematographer Steven Poster

- Three archive featurettes: They Made Me Do It, They Made Me Do It Too and #1 Fan: A Darkomentary

- Storyboard comparisons

- B-roll footage

- Cunning Visions infomercials

- Music Video: Mad World by Gary Jules

- Galleries

- Trailers

- TV spots

- Illustrated collector's booklet containing new writing by Nathan Rabin

- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Candice Tripp

Pre-order at the MVD SHOP or on Amazon  

Road Trip! Romy & Michele

Shall We Dance?
Lisa Kudrow & Mira Sorvino

I bet when you saw my byline you thought I was going to announce a follow-up to the movie Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, correct? 

Sadly that is not the case, but April 2017 will mark an anniversary for the awesome twosome, it will have been 20 years, yes 20, since they took their hilarious road trip to Sagebrush High for their High School Reunion! File this under one more thing that makes me feel old.

Who could forget these two wild and crazy gals and how much fun they were? Mira Sorvino as Romy White &  Lisa Kudrow as Michele Weinberger were one of the most memorable dream teams to hit the silver screen.

So start planning those 20th anniversary screening parties and know that I'm the Mary and your the Rhoda!

Romy & Michele on IMDB:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120032/ 

Chained To The Rhythm

Let's Get Political
Katy Perry & Friends

"Stumbling around like a wasted zombie, Yeah, we think we're free, Drink, this one is on me" - Chained To The Rhythm, Katy Perry 

Being that it's Monday and such, I thought it appropriate to kick off the week with Katy Perry performing her latest song Chained To The Rhythm at the iHeartRadio Music Awards last night.

Ms. Perry has come a long way from when she was a mere pop tart singing I Kissed A Girl. First off she is no longer a brunette, she is now platinum blonde. Also her music as an artist has grown to new heights with her current 80's style political song Chained To The Rhythm.

Part of the video depicts the customers at the amusement park where it is set going round in circles on a hamster wheel, thus my feeling it is the perfect song to kick off Monday, or not depending on your world view. I personally try to live my life to the fullest and stay positive. Part of that is being aware of everything and taking it all in not just the "good" - I firmly believe part of being happy is being aware.

I will confess I am currently obsessed with this single, I can't get enough of it I think it's brilliant. Yep,I just used the "B" word. It reminds me not to view everything with rose colored glasses on using my favorite medium, music.

Since I am a giver you can check out the song and the tubular video below.

Happy Monday Minions! 

Katy on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/katyperry/?hl=en 

It's "Feud" Sunday!

Kiernan Shipka
as
BD Hyman

In case you have been living under a rock tonight the FX limited series Feud premieres. What's it about you ask, boy you really need to get out more. It's about the legendary Hollywood feud between Bette Davis & Joan Crawford.

The show has been getting a lot of hype due in no small part to the fact that it pairs two real life acting legends Jessica Lange as Crawford and Susan Sarandon as Davis. While that is all well and a good reason to tune in, there is someone else in the cast who is deserving of just as much attention.

Kiernan Shipka who portrayed Sally Draper on Mad Men is going to set her relationship status to complicated when she appears as the daughter of Bette Davis BD Hyman. 

Shipka is a quite magnetic and gifted actress and is sure to chew her fair share of scenery when she spars with Sarandon as her on screen Mother (read into that word choice what you will.)

Tonight's the night, let the games begin!

Start your own "Feud" at:

http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/feud  

Real Men Wear Plaid

Ryan Gosling, Ryan Gosling, Ryan Gosling

Yes, it's the truth. Real men do wear plaid. Ryan Gosling, pictured above is proof of this. See Ryan walking in LA, see him wearing plaid while doing so, walk Ryan, walk...

I really like Gosling as an actor and as eye candy and he could pretty much wear anything he wants and still catch my attention. But when he goes all lumberjack on us well it has that extra added something now doesn't it kids?

Of course my favorite thing to see Ryan in is his Birthday Suit, as if you didn't know that already.

Have a Sexy Saturday!

Ryan on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/ryangosling