Chicago's Insider

Tickets On Sale | Week of 3.10.09

2009-03-10T21:47:00.001-05:00

New York Yankees Regular Season Single Game Tickets Onsale Sunday
Nickelback 23+ shows onsale Saturday

Taylor Swift Madison Square Garden, Charlotte, Alabama and Maryland shows

Keith Urban Charlotte, Denver, New York, Salt Lake City
Dave Matthews Band 20+ shows
Dane Cook 18+ shows, tickets are expensive

Wicked : A New Musical Norfolk, VA & San Francisco (onsales for extended dates for SF)

George Strait Hidalgo, TX
Kenny Chesney Dallas, San Antonio, TX and Indianapolis
Mets April and May regular season home games Sunday
Def Leppard – tickets are cheap
Depeche Mode
The Fray - ticket prices expensive for them
U.S. National Soccer Team V. Honduras Chicago
Joel Osteen Yankee Stadium
Alan Jackson Beaumont, TX

Michael Jackson O2 London public onsales begin 7am London time Friday (3am edt)
U2 public onsales begin March 30^th

Jonas Brothers announce world tour dates Wednesday

U2 Tour Dates

2009-03-09T08:52:00.001-05:00

U2 Tour Dates, additional US dates to come at a later date.

Date Venue City State Country PUBLIC ON-SALE
30 June 2009 Camp Nou Barcelona ES ON SALE SOON!
07 July 2009 San Siro Milan IT Fri. 13 March
11 July 2009 Stade De France Paris FR ON SALE SOON!
15 July 2009 Parc des Sports Charles Ehrmann Nice FR ON SALE SOON!
18 July 2009 Olympic Stadium Berlin DE ON SALE SOON!
20 July 2009 Arena Amsterdam NL Sat. 14 March
24 July 2009 Croke Park Dublin IE ON SALE SOON!
31 July 2009 Ullevi Stadium Gothenburg SE Fri. 13 March
06 August 2009 Slaski Stadium Chorzow PL ON SALE SOON!
10 August 2009 Stadium Makimir Zagreb HR ON SALE SOON!
14 August 2009 Wembley Stadium London GB ON SALE SOON!
18 August 2009 Hampden Park Glasgow GB ON SALE SOON!
20 August 2009 Don Valley Stadium Sheffield GB ON SALE SOON!
22 August 2009 Millenium Stadium Cardiff Wal. GB ON SALE SOON!
12 September 2009 Soldier Field Chicago IL US ON SALE SOON!
16 September 2009 Rogers Centre Toronto ON CA ON SALE SOON!
20 September 2009 Gilette Stadium Boston MA US ON SALE SOON!
24 September 2009 Giants Stadium New York NY US ON SALE SOON!

Jonas Brothers to headline Stadium of Fire

2009-03-03T20:32:00.001-06:00

Saturday July 4, 2009 at 8:00pm in the BYU LaVell Edwards Stadium

This year's Stadium of Fire will be headlined by the superstar concert

and recording artists Jonas Brothers, whose new concert movie "Jonas

Brothers: 3D Concert Experience" delivered the second highest 3D

concert opening in history this past weekend. Returning to host the

2009 event will be the engaging talk radio and cable news personality

Glenn Beck. Traditional elements of the show including a cast of

thousands, a military flyover and the biggest stadium fireworks show

in America will continue.

Tickets for Stadium of Fire go on sale this Friday, March 6th at

5:00pm and will be sold simultaneously online at www.byutickets.com

and at the BYU Marriott Center ticket office. Be aware that tickets

are purchased much faster over the internet and require much more time

to purchase in-person. Ticket purchasers will be limited to 8 tickets

per transaction. Due to the incredible popularity of the Jonas

Brothers, organizers expect a quick sellout of this event.

Tickets On Sale | Week of 3.2.09

2009-03-02T21:11:00.000-06:00

U2 to announce tour dates this week, presales to begin March 9th or sooner.

· No Doubt W/Paramore 30+ dates, No Doubt very popular on the west coast

· Leonard Cohen Canada and some major US cities onsale today, NYC and LA presales begin today

· Bon Jovi Summerfest Milwaukee

· George Strait Raleigh

· Def Leppard / Poison / Cheap Trick

· Keith Urban: Escape Together World Tour w/Taylor Swift Auburn Hills

· Kenny Chesney Omaha

· Elton John Laramie, WY onsale today

· Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood Oakland

· Fall Out Boy New Orleans

· Jerry Seinfeld Toronto

· Lil Wayne

· Reo Speedwagon

· Robin Williams Rosemont, Washington

· Rod Stewart Auburn WA

· Sugarland

· Taylor Swift Charleston, WV

· The 14th Dalai Lama Foxboro

· 2009 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament Atlanta

· NY / NJ Red Bulls

· An Evening with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean & Harry Shearer is Spinal Tap reunion should be able to get cheap clicks

· Per Don Michael Jackson UK onsales begin March 9th

› U2 tour - last tour was #1 in ticket

2009-02-28T14:13:00.002-06:00

A MAJOR U2 ANNOUNCEMENT! THIS MONDAY MORNING AT 6AM

HUGE U2 announcement coming on Monday morning at 6am! This isn't a

regular concert announcement, this is something extra special! We

can't give you any hints, but if you're a U2 fan, you'll want to be a

part of this amazing U2 experience.

If you love the music of U2 then our annual U2.Com Subscription deal

is well worth checking out. The package gives access to U2 Online, On

Tour and On Disc with a Rare and Remastered CD Collection

The deeper you dig on our subscriber site, the more you discover, the

harder to leave. All the band's music streaming all the time; full

length, full-screen video including exclusive clips shot by the band;

archived news going back through the years; interviews with the band

and those they work with. Plus Zootopia - 24/7 chat in the busiest

community of U2 fans anywhere with your own blog and galleries. And

your own email address ('yournamehere@U2.Com').

ON TOUR

When the tour is announced, U2.com Subscribers will have access to a

subscriber only ticket pre-sale. Tour coverage will include virtual

access all areas when the band hit the road: exclusive photography,

show reports, backstage video and the legendary tour diaries of U2

Show Designer Willie Williams. And if you want to wear the Tour

T-shirt to the show - use our 25% discount coupon for your first

purchase in the U2.Com Store

Leonard Cohen's 2009 North American Tour

2009-02-21T08:27:00.001-06:00

Here are Leonard Cohen's North American tour dates:

April 2: Austin, Texas (Long Center)

April 3: Grand Prairie, Texas (Nokia Theatre)

April 5: Phoenix (Dodge Theatre)

April 7: San Diego (Copley Hall)

April 10: Los Angeles (Nokia Theatre)

April 13: Oakland, Calif. (Paramount Theatre)

April 17: Indio, Calif. (Coachella Festival)

April 19: Vancouver (GM Place)

April 21: Victoria, B.C. (Save-On Foods Memorial Centre)

April 23: Seattle (WaMu Theatre)

April 25: Edmonton, Alberta (Rexall Place)

April 26: Calgary, Alberta (Jack Singer Hall)

April 28: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Credit Union Centre)

April 30: Winnipeg, Manitoba (MTS Centre)

May 3: Minneapolis (Orpheum Theatre)

May 5: Chicago (Chicago Theatre)

May 9: Detroit (Fox Theatre)

May 11: Columbia, Md. (Merriweather Post Pavilion)

May 12: Philadelphia (Academy of Music)

May 14: Waterbury, Conn. (Palace Theatre)

May 16: New York (Radio City Music Hall)

May 19: Hamilton, Ontario (Copps Coliseum)

May 21: Quebec City, Quebec (Pavillon de la Jeunesse)

May 22: Kingston, Ontario (K-Rock Centre)

May 24: London, Ontario (Labatt Centre)

May 25: Ottawa, Ontario (National Arts Centre)

May 29: Boston (Wang Theatre)

June 2: Morrison, Colo. (Red Rocks)

Jennifer Hudson / Robin Thicke tour dates, according to Hudson's label

2009-02-18T18:04:00.000-06:00

Jennifer Hudson/ Robin Thicke tour dates, according to Hudson's label:

» March 31 - Albany, NY @ Palace Theatre

» April 2 - Newark, NJ @ New Jersey Performing Arts Center

» April 3 - Philadelphia, PA @ Tower Theater

» April 4 - Baltimore, MD @ Lyric Theatre

» April 5 - Washington, D.C. @ DAR Constitution Hall

» April 9 - Mashantucket, CT @ MGM Grand at Foxwoods

» April 10 - New York, NY @ WAMU Theater at Madison Square Garden

» April 12 - Norfolk, VA @ Chrysler Hall

» April 15 - Atlanta, GA @ Fox Theatre

» April 17 - Charlotte, NC @ Ovens Auditorium

» April 18 - Greensboro, NC @ Special Events Center

» April 19 - Richmond, VA @ Landmark Theater

» April 23 - St Louis, MO @ Fox Theatre

» April 24 - Detroit, MI @ Opera House

» April 25 - Chicago, IL @ Arie Crown Theater

» May 2 - Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

» May 3 - Oakland, CA @ Paramount Theatre

» May 7 - Dallas, TX @ Nokia Theatre

» May 8 - Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless Theater

Clapton and Winwood

2009-02-18T18:03:00.000-06:00

Here is a complete list on Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood shows onsale this weekend. Hollywood Bowl, Jersey and DC shows will do the best. All shows should have good volume and order size.

2.20 10a Eric Clapton And Steve Winwood Verizon Center Washington, DC live
2.21 10a Eric Clapton And Steve Winwood Izod Center East Rutherford, NJ live
2.21 10a Eric Clapton And Steve Winwood Schottenstein Center Columbus, OH live
2.21 11a Eric Clapton And Steve Winwood American Airlines Center Dallas, TX tmas
2.21 12p Eric Clapton And Steve Winwood Pepsi Center Denver, CO tmas
2.22 1p Eric Clapton And Steve Winwood Hollywood Bowl Hollywood, CA tmas
2.23 12p Eric Clapton And Steve Winwood Jobing.com Arena Glendale, AZ live

Single game Phillies tickets go on sale Thursday morning

2009-02-17T20:00:00.001-06:00

Phillies tickets onsale Thursday. Hot games are Opening Night and games versus the Mets and Red Sox.

Single game Phillies tickets go on sale Thursday morning.

Thursday is going to be a big day for Phillies phans wanting to get in

on that Championship feeling in person.

Single game Phillies tickets go on sale Thursday morning.

Among the games going on sale include every New York Mets game. But,

some of the big draws could be the giveaways including a Charlie

Manuel bobblehead, World Series pennant, Jayson Werth Fleece Blanket

and of course fireworks.

(They totally should have included a Phillies Phanatic beating up Mr.

Met figurine this season.)

But it's supposed to be about the baseball -- not the promos -- so how

can phans get tickets?

If you want to see the Boys of Summer in person there are plenty of

options for buying tickets Thursday.

The first chance to grab tickets (assuming you didn't get tickets

through one of the various presales or ticket packages) will be

online. Tickets go on sale at Phillies.com starting at 7:30 a.m.

Phils phans can also purchase tickets over the phone (215-463-1000)

from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

But if you see ticket buying as an event than the Citizens Bank Park

box office is the place for you. The West Ticket Windows next to the

Majestic Clubhouse Store will be open on Thursday only for phans to

buy tickets from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Phans should plan on getting to the Park early -- the Majestic

Clubhouse Store will open at 7 a.m. The entire store will be on sale

Thursday only as phans will get 15-percent off any purchase.

The only games that won't be going on sale are Opening Night against

Atlanta and the three-game series against the Boston Red Sox in June.

Grab a season-ticket plan if you want into these games.

There is an eight-ticket limit for the following game dates: April 8,

May 1-3, July 3-5, July 9-10, Sept. 11-13 and Oct. 4.

Tickets On Sale | Week of 2/16/09

2009-02-16T12:07:00.000-06:00

Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood Columbus, Dallas and possibly others
Chicago Cubs Single Game Tickets
Kenny Chesney 5 shows - Columbia MD, Kanata ON, Louisville, Stateline NV, Toronto
The Dead at Mt View, Chicago and George, WATaylor Swift San Diego
Coldplay Carson, Tampa, Woodlands
Beyonce Seattle and possibly others
Jennifer Hudson / Robin Thicke Greensboro, NC and possibly others
Keith Urban Cleveland
Mamma Mia! Hollywood
Monster Jams Lexington, Tampa
The Decemberists Boston, Upper Darby
Kings Of Leon

Top Selling Events Nationwide 2/9/09

2009-02-09T22:28:00.000-06:00

Bruce Springsteen

Wicked

Jimmy Buffett

Elton John

Billy Joel

Elton John & Billy Joel

Los Angeles Lakers

New York Yankees

Il Divo

Boston Red Sox

Fleetwood Mac

Flight Of The Conchords

Britney Spears

Cleveland Cavaliers

Jersey Boys

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Nickelback

Kenny Chesney

Boston Celtics

Lion King

Taylor Swift

Pussycat Dolls

Phish

WWE

The Eagles

Daytona 500

Houston Rodeo

New York Rangers

Phantom of the Opera

NBA All Star Game

Ama Supercross

New York Knicks

Rascal Flatts

WWE Survivor Series

Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)

Monster Jam Trucks

Boston Bruins

Monster Truck Racing and Freestyle Competitions

Manny Pacquiao

Ricky Hatton

The Dead

Robin Williams

Phoenix Suns

San Antonio Spurs

Dirty Dancing

Tampa Bay Rays

New York Mets

Cher

Philadelphia Flyers

Detroit Pistons

Coldplay 2009 North American Tour

2009-02-07T08:37:00.001-06:00

Here are the dates for Coldplay's 2009 tour of North America, in

support of the "Viva La Vida (Or Death And All His Friends)" album.

Coldplay's July tour dates

10th: Portland, OR - The Amphitheater at Clark County (on sale Feb 14)

11th: George, WA - The Gorge Amphitheatre (on sale Feb 14)

13th: San Francisco, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre (on sale Feb 14)

16th: San Diego, CA - Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre (on sale Feb 13)

18th: Carson, CA - Home Depot Center (on sale Feb 21)

21st: Dallas, TX - Superpages.com Center (on sale 14th Feb)

22nd: Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (on sale Feb 21)

24th: Maryland Heights, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (on sale Feb 14)

25th: East Troy, WI - Alpine Valley Music Theatre (on sale Feb 14)

29th: Toronto, ON - Venue TBA (on sale Feb 13)

Coldplay's August tour dates

3rd: Mansfield, MA - Comcast Center (on sale Feb 13)

6th: Raleigh, NC - Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion (on sale Feb 13)

7th: Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (on sale Feb 13)

9th: Tampa, FL - Ford Amphitheatre (on sale Feb 21)

These Coldplay concert tickets will be available via LiveNation.

Jimmy Buffett Tour Dates - 2009

2009-02-02T19:42:00.001-06:00

02.24.09
MAUI ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER
Maui, HI
Tickets on sale 01/31 at 10:00am.
02.28.09
WAIKIKI SHELL
Honolulu, HI
Tickets on sale 01/31 at 9:00am.
04.16.09
LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATRE
Atlanta, GA
2002 Lakewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA
Tickets on sale 02/07 at 10:00am.
04.18.09
PIZZA HUT PARK
Dallas, TX
9200 World Cup Way, Frisco, TX 75034
Tickets on sale 02/09 at 10:00am.
04.21.09
VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE
Charlotte, NC
04.23.09
TWC MUSIC PAVILION AT WALNUT CREEK
Raleigh, NC
04.25.09
FORD AMPHITHEATRE
Tampa, FL
4802 US 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610
05.14.09
CRICKET WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE
Phoenix, AZ
2121 North 83rd Ave., Phoenix, AZ
05.16.09
MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA
Las Vegas, NV
3799 Las Vegas Blvd So., Las Vegas, NV 89109
05.19.09
SLEEP TRAIN PAVILLION
Concord, CA
2000 Kirker Pass Rd, Concord, CA 94521
05.21.09
VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATER
Irvine, CA
8808 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
06.18.09
SUSQUEHANNA BANK CENTER
Camden, NJ
1 Harbour Blvd, Camden, NJ 08103
06.20.09
06.23.09
POST-GAZETTE PAVILION
Pittsburgh, PA
PO Box 431, Rt. 18 at Rt. 22, Burgettstown, PA 15021
06.25.09
COMCAST CENTER
Mansfield, MA
885 South Main Street, Mansfield, MA 02048
06.27.09
08.06.09
RIVERBEND MUSIC CENTER
Cincinnati, OH
6295 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45228
08.08.09
TOYOTA PARK
Bridgeview, IL
7300 W. 71st St., Bridgeview, IL 60455
08.11.09
VERIZON WIRELESS MUSIC CENTER
Indianapolis, IN
9100 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, IN 46240
08.13.09
DTE ENERGY MUSIC THEATRE
Detroit, MI
08.15.09
08.23.09
BOARDWALK HALL
Atlantic City, NJ
2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
On-sale date TBD.
08.26.09
NIKON AT JONES BEACH THEATRE
Wantagh, NY
Jones Beach State Park, Wantaugh, NY 11793
08.29.09
ALPINE VALLEY MUSIC THEATER
East Troy, WI
2699 Hwy D, East Troy, WI 53120
09.03.09
NISSAN PAVILION
Bristow, VA
7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow, VA 20136
09.05.09
10.15.09
Chula Vista, CA
2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista, CA 91911
10.17.09
10.21.09
KEY ARENA AT SEATTLE CENTER
Seattle, WA
305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
10.24.09
On-sale date TBD.
11.19.09
AIR CANADA CENTRE
Toronto, Ontario
40 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2X2
11.21.09
MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
Uncasville, CT
1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT 06382
11.24.09
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
New York, NY
2 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10121

Phish On-Sales Tax Live Nation's Ticketing System

2009-01-30T22:34:00.001-06:00

Billboard

Ticket sales for the upcoming tour by the reunited Phish exploded

today (Jan. 30), with all shows selling out in minutes and severely

testing Live Nation's new ticketing system.

"We sold out everywhere we went on sale," Phish agent Chip Hooper at

Paradigm tells Billboard.com. "We put up two Jones Beaches, a Camden,

N.J., an Asheville, N.C., Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Indianapolis.

Every show sold out very quickly. [Phish manager] Coran Capshaw and I

are very happy."

But the blogosphere was blistering with frustrated fans unable to get

tickets on the new LiveNation.com ticketing system, which seemed to

crack under the strain of the massive demand.

"We're really excited about the response," Hooper says. "This was a

uniquely high-demand situation, so I'm not surprised that the system

was taxed to the max. They probably got a million hits in the first

minute. The folks at Live Nation are well aware of what happened and

worked really quickly to rectify the traffic jam. I have all the

confidence in the world that they'll have the system working as smooth

as silk very soon."

Phish returns to live duty March 7-9 in Hampton, Va. The summer tour

begins June 4 at Jones Beach in Wantagh, N.Y.

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE: US TOUR ANNOUNCED

2009-01-27T12:51:00.001-06:00

Death Cab for Cutie is pleased to announce 2009 US tour dates.

Ticket links and the current tour information will be available athttp://www.deathcabforcutie.com/tours.

Saturday, March 7th @ Miami, FLLangerado Music FestivalBuy Tickets
Tuesday, April 7th @ Upper Darby, PA/Philadelphia, PATower Theatrew/ Cold War Kids, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/30

Wednesday, April 8th @ Washington, DCDAR Constitution Hallw/ Cold War Kids, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 2/7

Thursday, April 9th @ Davidson, NCJohn Belk Arenaw/ Cold War Kids, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 2/2

Friday, April 10th @ Louisville, KYThe Louisville Palacew/ Cold War Kids, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/30

Saturday, April 11th @ Memphis, TNOrpheum Theatrew/ Cold War Kids, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/30

Sunday, April 12th @ Tulsa, OKThe Brady Theaterw/ Cold War Kids, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/30

Monday, April 13th @ Omaha, NEHolland Centerw/ Cold War KidsFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/30
Wednesday, April 15th @ St. Paul, MNRoy Wilkins Auditoriumw/ Cold War Kids, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/31

Friday, April 17th @ Chicago, ILAragon Ballroomw/ Cold War Kids, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/31
Saturday, April 18th @ East Lansing, MIBreslin Events Centerw/ Cold War Kids, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/31

Sunday, April 19th @ Waukesha, WIVan Male Fieldhousew/ Cold War Kids, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 2/4, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 2/7

Friday, April 24th @ Spokane, WAMcCarthey Athletic Centerw/ Cold War Kids, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/30

Saturday, April 25th @ Boise, IDThe Morrison Centerw/ Cold War Kids, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/30

Monday, April 27th @ Sacramento, CAMemorial Auditoriumw/ Cold War Kids, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/31

Wednesday, April 29th @ San Diego, CARIMAC ArenaSupport: TBAFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/31

Friday, May 1st @ Austin, TXAustin Music Hallw/ Matt Costa, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/30

Saturday, May 2nd @ New Orleans, LAContemporary Arts Centerw/ Matt CostaFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/31

Monday, May 4th @ Nashville, TNRyman Auditoriumw/ Matt Costa, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/30

Tuesday, May 5th @ Birmingham, ALBJCC Concert Hallw/ Matt Costa, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/30

Wednesday, May 6th @ Atlanta, GAFox Theatrew/ Matt Costa, Ra Ra RiotFan club pre-sale begins 1/28, 3PM local time at:https://tixx1.artistarena.com/dcfc/General on-sale date: 1/31

Also, fans can enter to win 2 tickets to the Langerado Music Festivalto see Death Cab for Cutie live. Entries must be received by midnighton February 15th.

Pacquiao-Hatton clash Limited tickets for the public

2009-01-25T10:52:00.000-06:00

Only 2,000 to 3,000 tickets for the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton clash set for May 2 in Las Vegas will be made available to the public starting Friday (Jan. 30), Top Rank chief Bob Arum disclosed yesterday.

Arum said the MGM Grand Garden Arena can accommodate more than 17,000 but it will be reconfigured to 16,000-plus and the Hall of Fame promoter is more than confident that there'll be a mad rush to purchase the limited number of seats since Pacquiao and Hatton are both crowd-drawers.

When Pacquiao fought Oscar De La Hoya last year, there were only about 500 tickets that were sold to the public as the event organizers anticipated bulk orders. In two hours, not one ticket was left and when Pacquiao and De La Hoya answered the bell for the first round, it was announced that 15,001 were in attendance.

Demand for ticket for the Pacquiao-Hatton brawl is high, according to Arum.

The MGM/Mirage has already purchased $ 2 million worth of tickets, while Top Rank - this early - has been given an allotment of $ 500,000 worth of tickets in anticipation of a sellout come fight night.

Arum said Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions (GBP), which are co-promoting the bout but with the Las Vegas-based Top Rank as lead organizer, have agreed that the most expensive tickets be priced at $ 1,000 each, while the remaining will be retailed at $ 750, $ 500, $ 300 and $ 150.

As in his last four appearances in Sin City, Arum said Pacquiao will stay at The Hotel at Mandalay Bay, which the New York-bred lawyer labeled as "the Philippine headquarters" during fight week. Hatton and his party and his supporters from England will stay at the MGM Grand.

The MGM/Mirage group also owns Mandalay Bay.

To kick off the hype, Arum, Pacquiao and Freddie Roach will travel to London and then to Manchester in the third week of February to be with Hatton and then onwards to America for the US end of the press tour with New York as kick-off point.

Following the tour, Pacquiao will show up at the doorsteps of the Wild Card Boxing Club to start two months of hard training under Roach's watchful eyes.

"I need at least eight weeks to prepare for Hatton, who is a tough guy and extremely dangerous," said Pacquiao on Friday night when he dropped by the Wild Card Gym in Paranaque to fulfill a promise he made to former chief handler Rod Nazario and long-time pals Moy Lainez, Gerry Garcia and Lito Mondejar.

The 30-year-old Pacquiao said he will get a guarantee of $ 13 million plus a 52-48 cut in the pay-per-view buys and ringsiders expect the Filipino pound-for-pound king to earn the biggest paycheck in his storied career in this fight.

Bears Can't Hold On - 2008 Season Over

2008-12-29T18:01:00.005-06:00

It was a sad day in Chicago yesterday, as the Chicago Bears officially ended their 2008 season without making the playoffs. They ended up in 2nd place in the NFC North, notably one of the worst divisions in the whole NFL. Chicagoans tried and tried again to have faith that our Bears could make the playoffs. Even though announcers were laying out a whole string of possible ways we could make the post-season, we needed to start with a victory over the Houston Texans. Our loss may be a blessing in disguise, as the Bears would have been embarrassed in the post-season, as we still have no quarterback, receivers and our defense are not what they used to be. We have a long (and very cold) off-season ahead of us. What will we do to occupy ourselves? There are always the Blackhawks and Bulls. On new years day the Chicago Blackhawks will be playing the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field, which should be interesting to catch.

Check Flight Cancellations

2008-12-23T14:30:00.003-06:00

http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp

Travelling over the holidays can be stressful, especially when inclimate weather delays or cancels your flights. Here in Chicago we have had an extremely cold and snowy December, and today (one of the busiest travel days of the year) we have already received a couple inches of snow. Check out the FAA.gov link above to see how the delays will affect you and your loved ones.

Bears Win a Cold One!

2008-12-07T19:51:00.003-06:00

It was a cold one at Soldier Field today, which did not stop thousands of fans from showing up to watch the Chicago Bears beat the Jacksonville Jaguars. Devin Hester had moments of brilliance, but he too was subject to the cold. He muffed two punt returns and missed a pass that hit him right on the hands.

Both teams were slipping and sliding on the natural field, which had the commentators pondering when Soldier Field would go turf. Nevertheless, the Chicago Bears defense were looking unstoppable on the run and pass defense. They continued their streak of consecutive games with a takeaway to 22 (longest current run in the NFL).

Kyle Orton also had his moments today. He did let up an interception, but he also had two touchdown passes. He mounted some impressive drives, and hit receivers with dead-on precision.

Will the Bears be able to run the rest of their schedule for a chance at the playoffs? Time will only tell, but they have inched ever closer. There are only 3 games left in the season, and fortunately for the Bears, they have an easier schedule. They have to run through the New Orleans Saints next Thursday, beat the Green Bay Packers the following Monday Night Football game, and finish up with the Houston Texans.

Obama's Acceptance Speech

2008-11-05T16:53:00.001-06:00

Obama:
Hello, Chicago.
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.
It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.
We are, and always will be, the United States of America.
It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.
A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.
Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.
I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.
Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House.
And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.
And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.
To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.
To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.
It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.
It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.
This is your victory.
And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.
You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.
Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.
There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.
There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.
I promise you, we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.
But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.
This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.
It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.
Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.
In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.
Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.
Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.
As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.
And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.
To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.
That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.
And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.
Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.
This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.
Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

President-Elect Obama

2008-11-05T08:34:00.002-06:00

A new world is upon us. One filled with hope and ambition, as opposed to the fear we have been living in for the last 8 years. We are all optimistic (well, most of us anyway), that Barack Obama will be able to steer this country in the right direction.

Last night, the world witnessed history. For the first time in American history, an African-American was elected into the White House. This is monumental in so many ways. The world was watching as Barack Obama gave what will go down in history as one of the best acceptance speaches in history. It was inspiring and sincere, and gives hope to all people of America that he will make a difference.

Obama in Grant Park

2008-11-04T08:14:00.003-06:00

For those who haven't heard, Barack Obama will be in Grant Park this evening. They are expecting a million people, so get there early, as they will be turning people away when the lot fills up. For those lucky enough to have a ticket, get ready, because I believe you will experience an unparallelled moment in US history up close and personal.

VOTE

2008-11-04T08:11:00.005-06:00

Chicagoans, nay, Americans. Duty calls today so, get out and vote. This election will have a serious effect on each of our lives, and this is no time to forget about our democratic system. Whomever you feel is best fit to run our country deserves your vote today.

Summer in September?

2008-09-23T19:44:00.002-05:00

So, its supposed to be fall here in Chicago (and probably many other places), but its 80 degrees. Being born and raised in Chicago, I will not look a gift horse in the mouth, but what gives? I know that global warming has affected overall global temp, but mainly in the caps (I'm guessing not Lincoln Square Chicago in particular).

The weather here in our fine City is fickle (is that how you spell it?), so we should all be used to this by now. I would believe 30 degrees or 70. That is how September in Chicago goes. So with baseball winding down and football now in full swing (for the rest of the NFL anyway), we must look towards the holidays. I know many of us are looking forward to the fourth quarter for various reasons (vacation, holidays, upswing in busines), but who is looking forward to the fourth quarter Chicago weather? This lady in the elevator today, that's who. She can't wait for snow and bone chilling cold. I am used to it by now, so it doesn't bother me too much, but looking forward to it? I wouldn't go that far. I will just have to put my jacket back in the closet and sport the shorts for a bit longer.

"All the Way" - A Chicago Cubs tribute by Eddie Vedder

2008-09-21T23:45:00.001-05:00

Haven't seen it yet? Eddie Vedder sings an ode to our ye' ole Cubbies.