Thursday, April 18, 2019

Michael's Musings

It Ain't Heavy, It's My Crown
Michael Shinafelt
When Paris is actually burning, the Kavanaugh/Blasey Ford hearing is a focus on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and my Freeform app on my computer isn't loading this weeks episode of Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists (other apps are working, so this is on you Freeform) - you just know you are in for something extra this week!

Notre Dame, Notre Dame (insert these two words into Prince's classic, in lieu of Purple Rain, it gels)

Lisa Rinna's  Mom Lois is the definition of amazing!

WTF?! "Yes" Freeform I'm talking to you...

Take a look at Teddi Mellencamp on this weeks RHOBH at Camille (blech) Grammar's shower and you will wonder why she wasn't hired as fake Melania 

I see transvestite hookers

Where's Eddie Murphy when you need him?

Honestly this weeks episode of RHOBH went political, like a virgin, for the very first time touching on the Kavanugh/Blasey Ford hearing. It was the show I never knew I needed, but did. One of the best of all seasons!

Still can't view PLL: The Perfectionists - Freeform can you hear me??? 

Well my new TV arrives this week, it had better be ON DEMAND or you will be hearing from me, wait you already have and (silence like the plethora of thrillers of late)

Camille Grammar, thanks for reminding me why I initially couldn't stand you on RHOBH. Just when I was actually starting to like you, you had to go and compare yourself to Brett Kavanaugh and side with him. The charade has ended, please let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.

Michelle Williams killing it as Gwen Verdon in Fosse/Verdon (see Freeform my other apps do work)

Patricia Mae Andrzejewski = Pat Benatar's real name

TMZ has been notified - a text I received from someone working on a current project with the Kardashians. This is all part of the way they do business.

Just like the white winged dove

That's a wrap! Come dish with me at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt  

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

The BBMAK Is Back!

BBMAK Attack!
Photo:
Andy Earl
BBMAK READY FIRST NEW MUSIC IN 16 YEARS
 NEW SINGLE "BULLET TRAIN" SET FOR APRIL 26 RELEASE  NEW ALBUM TO BE RELEASED IN AUGUST
2019 “Back Here” NORTH AMERICAN TOUR BEGINS MAY 6
BBMAK, Mark Barry, Christian Burns and Stephen McNally who reunited in 2018 after a 15-year hiatus have revealed they will release a brand new album this August on Triple Jet Music with their first new single, “Bullet Train”arriving April 26.  The band are also set to embark on the first leg of their North America tour beginning May 6. The tour, dubbed “Back Here” after their massive 1999 worldwide hit, will travel through the northeast with an already sold-out show in Boston as well as dates in New York, Nashville & Austin, TX and more.  
All dates on sale now - https://www.bbmak.com/#tour
“We are very busy in the studio putting the finishing touches to our third studio album which is set for release later this summer. We are so thrilled to be hitting the road for a full tour in May since we absolutely loved our first few shows last November, and were blown away seeing all the fans come out after all those years away. We’re excited to get back on stage and play, as we have a special set of shows planned, which will include brand new BBMAK music. Our fans have really stood with us and we can’t wait for them to hear it!”said Ste, Mark & Christian
"Bullet Train" BBMAK
Photo:
Alister Ann
In addition, the group has one-of-a-kind unique items up for grabs to coincide with the album release.  The BBMAK Vintage Merch Bundle includes; 1 vintage signed postcard, 2 vintage stickers, set of four pins, and three guitar picks, in addition, fans can choose one of BBMAK’s songs and they will record an acoustic performance of that song just for you!, Or receive one short video message from the band or send one to a friend!, Receive one disposable camera from the band, filled with images taken in the studio, on tour, or around town. 
As previously announced, other exclusive items include; handwritten & signed lyric sheet for one BBMAK song of your choosing, signed polaroid photo (no two are alike) of the band and, of course, the new album signed by the band. 
Click here to view all items & orderwww.bbmak.com/merch 
The multi-platinum selling English pop group has sold more than three million albums, and had hit singles worldwide between 1999 and 2003, when they disbanded.
Best known for their self-penned infectious guitar driven hits “Back Here,” “Out of My Heart“ and “The Ghost of You and Me,” BBMAK was one of the few bands from that genre to play their own instruments.  Billboard Magazine named “Back Here” the 9th Greatest Boy Band Song of All Time. 
“Back Here” – official video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l95MMbls0GQ

“Out of My Heart” (Live at 8 Track Tapes) 2019:

“Back Here” Tour Dates
Mon, May 6   -  Boston,MA I City Winery
Tue May 7th - Boston, MA | City Winery –SOLD OUT
Wed May 8th -  New York, NY | Gramercy Theatre
Thu May 9th -  Wilmington, DE (Philly market) | The Queen
Sat May 11th - Vienna, VA | Jammin' Java
Sun May 12th - Cleveland, OH | Cambridge Room @ HOB
Tue May 14th - Detroit, MI | Shelter
Wed May 15th - Chicago, IL | Back Porch w. VIP
Fri May 17th - Nashville, TN | City Winery
Sat May 18th - Atlanta, GA | The Loft
Mon May 20th -  Dallas, TX | Cambridge Room
Tue May 21st - Austin, TX | Stubb's Indoor
Wed May 22nd - Houston, TX | Bronze Peacock
Follow BBMAK:

Monday, April 15, 2019

Monday Motivation

Flirty 30
Meg Ryan & Billy Crystal
Today's Monday Motivation comes in the form of leaving a lasting impression...for example the movie When Harry Met Sally which just celebrated it's thirty year anniversary with stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan in attendance.

I mean who could ever forget Meg's fake orgasm scene smack dab in the middle of a deli. Or the chemistry she and Crystal had. "Yes" this is one of those movies that left and impression and still resonates with fans and audiences today.

Thus today's task is to be the best you, you can possibly be and leave a positive lasting impression on someone, or someones. 

We are all unique and have a quality that is ours and nobody else's - but please note that I said make a lasting positive impression. Negative ones stick to you like super glue and are not what you want peeps to remember you for.

It's time to Monday, cheers!

When Harry Met Sally on IMDB:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098635/

Sunday, April 14, 2019

On Top Of Mount Wilson...

Mt. Wilson Observatory Presents
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome
Held Inside the Iconic Dome of the 100” Telescope
~
The 3rd Season of This Six-Concert Series
Kicks-off with Hot Jazz on a Cool Spring Afternoon
Featuring Ben Powell, Roch Lockyer and Brian Netzley
Sunday, May 5, 2019
~
The Concert Series Runs May Through October; First Sunday of Each Month
Performances at 3:00pm and 5:00pm
Mount Wilson Observatory – the scientific marvel above Pasadena, atop Mount Wilson – is pleased to announce the third season of its Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome, which will take place on the first Sunday of each month, inside the iconic vaulted dome of the 100-inch Hooker telescope. A wide range of musical adventures, thoughtfully curated by Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan, will be presented in this acoustically remarkable venue during the six-month run of the 2019 season, which concludes on October 6th. See the Concert Series schedule and line-up below. Poised for rediscovery, the grounds of the legendary observatory— founded in 1904 by astrophysical pioneer George Ellery Hale—are open for free to the public year round. For visitor information please see https://www.mtwilson.edu/visiting.

“The inaugural concert of the season, on Sunday, May 5, 2019, is inspired by the Hot Club de France,” notes Tsan. The afternoon concerts will feature music by and in the style of the great guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli. Violinist Ben Powell and guitarist Roch Lockyer will be joined by Brian Netzley on bass for hot gypsy jazz on a cool spring afternoon. In addition, concert-goers will be treated to an exhibition featuring rare scientific artifacts, drawings, and illustrations from the Observatory’s collection. The program will be offered in two performances, one at 3:00 PM and one at 5:00 PM. There will be a reception with the artists at 4:00 PM. Seating inside the historic dome is limited. Tickets cost $50 each and must be purchased in advance. For more information on the concert series, please visit https://www.mtwilson.edu/concerts. From there, you can purchase tickets to the May 5th 3:00 PM performance or the 5:00 PM show.


The 100-inch Hooker telescope is the instrument with which astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered our place in an expanding universe and so expanded our comprehension. The dome for the telescope—designed by famed Chicago architect D.H. Burnham—is a 20th century temple to science whose acoustics rival the great cathedrals of Europe and provides a unique setting for this ambitious music series. 

Albert Einstein wrote that, “There exists a passion for comprehension, just as there exists a passion for music.” This extraordinary venue, a monument to the pursuit of comprehension, energizes that passion for music.

All proceeds go to support the Mt. Wilson Institute in its mission to preserve, protect and promote the Observatory and the science accomplished there.

Please be advised that access to the dome performances is via a 53-step staircase. There is no ADA-compliant access.

2019 Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome include:

Sunday, May 5
Hot gypsy jazz on a cool spring afternoon with violinist Ben Powell, guitarist Roch Lockyer and bassist Brian Netzley playing music by and in the style of the great guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli.

Sunday, June 2
Leslie Reed, oboe, Roger Wilkie, violin, Alma Fernandez, viola and Cécilia Tsan, cello, in a program of oboe quartets by Mozart and Britten and a Beethoven string trio.

Sunday, July 7
Voices in the Dome with Hila Plitmann, soprano, Sangeeta Kaur, soprano, Sara Andon, flute, Reina Inui, violin, Jacqueline Marshall, harp and Shea Welsh, guitar. On the program are compositions by Danaë VlasseTodd MasonBruce BabcockMark McEncroe and Anthony Constantino.

Sunday, August 4
Schubert’s String Quintet in C major performed by the Lyris Quartet featuring Alyssa ParkShalini Vijayan, violins, Luke Maurer, viola, Timothy Loo, cello and Cécilia Tsan, cello.

Sunday, September 1
Cello duets performed by Eric Byers and Cécilia Tsan featuring works by Bach,Barriere and Offenbach.

Sunday, October 6
The concert series wraps up the summer season with Mozart and Brahms Quintets for clarinet and strings. The artists include Pierre Génisson, clarinet, Ambroise Aubrunand Henry Gronnier, violins, Virginie d’Avezac, viola and Cécilia Tsan, cello.
 

Mount Wilson Observatory (est. 1904):
For the first half of the 20th Century, Mount Wilson was the most famous observatory in the world. The biggest telescopes were here, and their new optical designs were changing the way astronomy was done. Among the many discoveries made on the mountain, a few revolutionized our understanding of our place in the Universe. Here, for the first time, Harlow Shapley measured the size of the Milky Way Galaxy and located our position in it, far from the center. Then astronomer Edwin Hubble proved that the mysterious spiral nebulae, which astronomers had speculated about for decades, were in fact distant galaxies similar to our own. Then Hubble teamed up with Milton Humason to discover that this immense Universe was expanding. Space itself was getting bigger. This finding, when run backwards in time, led straight to the Big Bang Theory. This is where modern cosmology began. In the history of human progress, Mount Wilson holds a special cultural place in the history of human knowledge.

Mount Wilson Institute has independently operated and maintained the Mount Wilson Observatory since 1989 under a long-term agreement with the Carnegie Institution of Washington. The mission of Mount Wilson Institute is – as originally laid out in the Observatory’s founding lease terms of 1904 – to sustain, improve, and promote the Observatory; that is, to conduct science, to educate the public about the work, and to maintain the grounds for public use and enjoyment.

This legendary observatory just beyond Pasadena, is poised for rediscovery by the entire family.

LINKS:
• Mt. Wilson Observatory - https://www.mtwilson.edu
 Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome - https://www.mtwilson.edu/concerts

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Elise Testone - "This Is Love"

Elise Testone
ELISE TESTONE, ‘SASSY’ SOUL SINGER/SONGWRITER AND FORMER
‘AMERICAN IDOL’ FINALIST, TO RELEASE HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED
2ND ALBUM “THIS IS LOVE” ON APRIL 17

EAST COAST TOUR TO BEGIN IN CHARLESTON, SC ON APRIL 17; MULTIPLE PERFORMANCES SCHEDULED DURING NEW ORLEANS JAZZ FEST


Soulful singer/songwriter ELISE TESTONE, a former American Idol finalist and powerhouse vocalist whose incredible stage presence and bluesy maturity rank with the best, is releasing her long-awaited sophomore album, This Is Love, on April 17 and immediately mounting an East Coast Tour that includes special performances during the world-renowned New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Elise has toured extensively, with high profile TV appearances on The Tonight ShowEllenLive! with KellyAccess HollywoodGood Morning America and others.

Elise’s debut album, In This Life, released in 2014, received rave reviews, celebrating her ability to “wail the blues, rock like a b*tch and purr sexily” (Goldmine Magazine). Her unique style owes more to Ella Fitzgerald, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, James Brown and Amy Winehouse than today’s disposable hit-makers.
This Is Love is the perfect combination of soul, rock, attitude and restraint ― a distinct fusion of R&B and rock, subtly influenced by funk and hip-hop that best complements her longstanding reputation as a “sassy” (Yahoo! Entertainment) soul siren. Equally as impressive and at ease at belting James Brown style over a relentless funk groove as she is gently resting her voice over a tender ballad, Testone’s range of influences and vocal capacity know few limits.

“Love has come in and out of our lives in many different ways,” says the New Jersey native, now living in Brooklyn after establishing deep career roots in Charleston, SC. “Sometimes the love is real and sometimes we are bound together by an unhealthy passion or aggression and become trapped under the illusion that what we have is true, when in fact it is the opposite. This Is Love is an artistic expression of those experiences, starting with ‘Flying High,’ a composition focused on the most important love ― self-love.”

Co-written with guitarist Adam Fallen (Clay Aiken, Eric Benet) and Brooklyn jazz, hip-hop, and electronica multi-instrumentalist Jesse Fischer, and featuring Daru Jones (Jack White, Pete Rock) on drums, “Flying High,” starts the album floating joyously through a jazz-flavored, flute-enhanced classic soul orchestral groove. Other players on the album include Broadway’s School of Rock teen guitar phenom Brandon “Taz” Niederauer (also co-writer of album closer, “Tell Me Now”), drummer Robert “Sput” Searight (Snarky Puppy, Ghost Note) and bassist and experimental musician MonoNeon (Prince).

Of special note on This Is Love is “Holly,” written to honor the memory of Elise’s best friend and Charleston roommate, who committed suicide in 2015, two years after surviving life-threatening brain surgery.

“Holly had a light around her that was like no one I know,” Elise recalls. “She could make anyone smile within the first few seconds of seeing her. We bonded instantly and had a relationship built on honesty and playfulness. We looked out for each other. We were family. Both of us young at heart, we shared a deep passion for music. Holly always dreamed of being a music star but was always a little afraid to perform.


“Two years after her surgery, I moved to New York and she moved to Texas. She was very unhappy and ended up shooting herself in the head, or at least that is the story I was told. I know if I was near her that never would have happened. I felt like I mourned her twice in a way. And in no way did I think I would lose her that soon after I almost already did. This song took me three years to write because it was so important, but also because I had a real tough grieving process and felt stuck. I am so happy with how it turned out. I am so confident that every lyric was the right lyric, and I am so grateful to have had the time with her that I did. Hopefully this song can convey the positive mark she has left on me and the world.”

Elise Testone returns to the road, where she continues to wow audiences, when her tour commences April 17 with an Album Release Party, backed by an 11-piece band, at the Pour House in her “second” hometown of Charleston. Two weeks later, she heads to New Orleans with Doug Wimbish of Living Colour, Nigel Hall of Lettuce, and Leo Nocentelli of The Meters, among others, for several performances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Her heart more exposed with every note, it’s not uncommon to find Elise on her knees and out of breath at the end of a hard-driving soul tune – all in service of the music. A Top Six Finalist on American Idol in 2012, she has a wide range of fans that knows few barriers, from young festival goers to older music veterans, to jazz and hip-hop lovers.

Elise has opened for B.B. King, Taj Mahal, Snoop Dogg, Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds, and Dumpstaphunk, and has performed with Stevie Nicks, Bernie Worrell, Bernard Purdie, Stanton Moore, Skerik, Robert Randolph, The James Brown Band, Ghost Note; and members of Queen, The Meters, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Living Colour, Trey Anastasio Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Galactic, Van Halen, Turquaz, D’Angelo, Pete Rock, Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles, Snarky Puppy, Soulive and Lettuce, among others. 

Indeed, nothing compares to seeing Elise Testone live. Her voice fully resonates as she seizes the moment to let the improvs naturally flow.

“I never know what I might do with my voice, and sometimes I’m personally shocked in a positive way when the notes bend unexpectedly,” she says.  “I am also so grateful to a have a strong, passionate, talented and soulful group of musicians, who I call friends, available to play on stage with me in any situation. You never know what special guest may come through either. Always good energy and musicality!”

This Is Love will be available on all online platforms, as CD’s and Vinyl. Learn more at www.elisetestone.com

Wed, April 17th - Charleston Pour House, Charleston, SC (Southeast Album Release)
Thu, April 18th - Dead Dog Saloon, Murrells Inlet, SC (Southeast Album Release)
Sat, April 27th - Howlin' Wolf, New Orleans w/Bonerama Brass Band
Mon, April 29th – Blue Nile, New Orleans, LA (Wimbash, with Doug Wimbish of Living Colour)
Fri, May 3rd - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival w/ Leo Nocentelli
Sat, May 4th - One Eyed Jax w/Ghost Note
Fri, May 17th - Camp Jam, Hammonton, NJ
Sat, May 18th – Rhythm & Brews Festival, Haddon Heights, NJ w/Philthy
Sun, May 19th - Nublu, NYC , Album Release Show co-bill w/Philthy

Elise Testone on the Web
Facebook │ Twitter │ Instagram │ YouTube │Vimeo │Pinterest

Friday, April 12, 2019

The Hillbilly Moon Explosion

To the moon, Hillbillies!


The Hillbilly Moon Explosion are a European band who just came to the US to play their own unique version of Rockabilly to Americans.

They've long held the US in their hearts. Way back in 2006 they traveled to San Diego to record an album 'All Grown Up' with producer Mark Neill (Black Keys).

Since then they've become a viral phenomenon, with their 'My Love For Evermore' inspiring myriad tattoos, cover versions, 7" pressings and sixteen million Youtube views.

That track was their first duet with Mark 'Sparky' Phillips, the wayward singer from Welsh psychobilly band Demented Are Go. His well-worn vocals contrasting with the sultry Emanuela Hutter made the pairing one that had to be repeated on their next two albums.

Now they are to release a whole album of duets with Sparky, tellingly titled The Sparky SessionsIt includes "Jackson" and the "My Love For Evermore" vinyl and video hit. Seven new tracks are added to the previous Sparky collaborations.

Tonight (April 10th) they embark on a 11-day west coast tour, concluding at the renowned 'Viva Las Vegas' Rockabilly Festival on April 20th.

Sparky however will remain a mystery for Americans. He's barred from the country after multiple arrests and jail terms during earlier Demented Are Go US tours. (see story HERE

The Hillbilly Moon Explosion are comprised of two Englishmen living abroad - Oliver Baroni, double bass & vocals, and Duncan James, guitar; a French drummer Sylvain Pettitte, and their captivating Italian/Swiss chanteuse, Emanuela Hutter. Their home town is Zurich in Switzerland.

USA TOUR DATES:
with Lara Hope & The Ark-Tones and The Delta Bombers (Select dates):
4/12 - Santa Ana CA - Yost Theatre - TICKETS
4/13 - Lancaster CA - VFW Post 300 - TICKETS
4/14 - Riverside CA - Romano's Concert Lounge - TICKETS
4/16 - San Diego CA - Soda Bar - TICKETS
4/18 - Scottsdale AZ - Pub Rock Live - TICKETS
4/19 - Bullhead City AZ - Lazy Harry's
4/20 - Las Vegas NV - Viva Las Vegas Festival

MUSIC VIDEOS:
My Love For Evermore - https://youtu.be/2rlYPb2plaY?t=16