www.monroenews.com stories: Arts and Entertainment

Spyro Gyra brings back jazz fans

Alex Alusheff — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 18:00:00 -0400

Alex Alusheff

Michelle McFarland rocked to the drum beat of Spyro Grya during one of its Latininfused jams.

“Right now it’s mellow. Then they’ll get into some really groovy kind of stuff then mellow out again,” said the Detroit resident.

Ms. McFarland has come to the River Raisin Jazz Festival every year since its inception 13 years ago and has seen Spyro Gyra a handful of times.

“As soon as I saw they were playing, I said I got to be there today,” she said. “This is the place to be.”

For many fans of the band, it was the place to be as Spyro Gyra celebrated its 40th year as a group and the 35th year anniversary of their hit song “Morning Dance” during the festival.

“I like their style,” said Ms. MacFarland, who was equipped with binoculars to get a better view of the musicians. “It’s funk-jazz that gets me out of my seat.”

Ms. McFarland’s mood was what John Patterson, festival organizer, was planning on when he booked the group to play the festival for the second time.

“Everyone likes them,” said Mr. Patterson, who is also the president and chief executive officer of the Monroe County Convention & Tourism Bureau, which sponsors the festival. “ We don’t repeat artists, but we’ll start to bring some back that are popular with the fans.”

Because the lineup was so diverse, Mr. Patterson said they appealed to larger audiences, drawing in more people. He estimated tens of thousands people attended the festival from Friday through Sunday.

“This is where legends come to play,” he said, citing the past performances of Kenny G, Spyro Gyra and The Rippingtons. “This has also become a tradition now; people love this and mark their calendars for it.”

Kevin Perkins of Plymouth has marked his calendar for roughly five years and said he is always impressed with the lineup.

“I really liked Alexander Zonjic; he seemed to be the heart of (the festival) coming together.” Mr. Perkins said. “It brings a lot of energy.”

Mr. Zonjic, a jazz flutist who also helps organize the festival, traditionally closes out Saturday night’s entertainment as he did this year.

Mr. Patterson also said the large turnout was because of the nice weather during the weekend.

“This is the first year where I’ve not had to stress over or worry about a pop-up storm,” he said. “I spent a lot of time in the crowd and everyone was happy.”

Downtown art fair offers one-of-a-kind handmade works

Alex Alusheff — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 09:30:00 -0400

Alex Alusheff

Of the roughly 100 artists gathered at the Downtown Monroe Fine Art Fair, not many can say their work wants to eat you.

That’s the basis of Christian McKenzie’s You Look Delicious Toys.

His handmade stuffed animals include zombie penguins and man-eating arctic unicorns and can be bought for $20 at his tent near E. Front and Washington Sts.

“ They’re inanimate objects that want to eat you because life is more fun that way,” said Mr. McKenzie, 27, of Brownstown Township. “This is not your everyday stuffed animal.”

One of the ideas for his stuffed animals spawned from when he babysat two girls. He told them a story about the unicorn while he drew them one.

When they asked why it had udders, Mr. McKenzie told them that’s how ice cream is made, but they don’t make as much ice cream as they used to because they’re main food source is dwindling — humans.

“Some people get really excited when they see the toys,” Mr. McKenzie said, who has been making them since 2007.

“Little kids will run up and grab them all; it’s really fun. I think they like them because they are different,” he said.

Another oddity at the fair this year is Zeffy the wooden robot.

Zeffy is made by Joseph Bert of Monroe, who is selling wood art at his tent on Washington St. His work ranges from crosses, boxes, signs and a solar-powered wishing well.

“ With wood, I get to do whatever I want,” said Mr. Bert, who is at the fair for his second year. “ The possibilities are endless.”

The robot’s face is made with an old doorbell, his one arm is made with old wrenches and a deadbolt sits on his chest. The rest of him is made with pine, cedar, walnut, maple and oak wood.

The wishing well is made with cedar wood and has solar panels on the roof that charge a pump battery, which sends water into a bucket and back into the well.

Mr. Bert’s work ranges from $5 to $900, he said.

“This year we have some of the highest quality art we’ve had in years,” said Christy LaRoy, an art fair committee member who is also displaying some of her own pottery. “It gives local artists a chance to display their work in the community and it gives the community the chance to view fine art.”

People can even see art in the making.

Mary Minney can be seen spinning yarn to create her fiber wares at her tent at Washington and E. First Sts.

“I want to show the heritage of fiber arts and show people the time and effort it takes to make things people take for granted,” said Ms. Minney, a science teacher at Jefferson High School.

Ms. Minney is offering a range of goods, including yarn, rugs, hats, gourds and little yarn caterpillars and butterflies. The price ranges from $1 to $60.

While some come to the fair to appreciate fine art, others come to do some shopping like Shelley Devereaux.

Ms. Devereaux had two bags filled with a handmade purse, note cards sewn with little dogs on them, jewelry and bookmark magnets.

“I look forward to coming every year,” Ms. Devereaux said, who makes rugs. “It’s affordable and there’s a variety. There is something for everyone.”

Summer and Shout! go hand in hand

Suzanne Nolan Wisler — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:00:00 -0400

Suzanne Nolan Wisler http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4v1Kxdhdsk

For some, it wouldn’t be summer without a Shout! concert.

On July 24, the Hillsdale-based Beatles tribute band will return to St. Mary’s Park as part of the Summer Entertainment in the Park series. It’s the group’s 14th year in the series.

“Shout! is one of the highlights of our concert series,” said Loretta LaPointe, recreation manager for the City of Monroe. “This group does a fantastic job as a Beatles tribute band.”

Shout! plays popular Beatles hits from all eras with a few rare songs. This year’s show also will focus on the Beatles’ recent 50th annivesrary.

“We’ll basically run through the hit songs again, similar to last year,” said John Manier, who performs as Paul McCartney. “ We’ll pay homage to some of the Ed Sullivan show songs. We’ll bring them back to the 50th anniversary to commemorate that.”

Other band members are Greg Gersabeck ( John Lennon), Kevin Kogut (Ringo Starr) and Jim Wilcox (George Harrison).

The show will run two hours or more.

“It’s usually later than normal. The crowd demands it. We’re there to accommodate,” said Mr. Manier.

Shout! began in 1996.

Besides sounding like the Beatles, band members look like Beatles, wearing custom-made replica clothing and playing the same instruments as the original band, including amps, drums and guitars.

The group tours frequently but recently life demands have caused them to cut back. All the men have teenage children.

“We’re pulled apart, not to the point of breaking up; (just) getting back to our families. It’s hindered our ability to schedule performances,” said Mr. Manier. “ We’ve cut down on the number of shows. Hopefully we’ll be able to turn that around.”

Still, members are coming back to Monroe.

“It’s one of our favorite shows of the year,” said Mr. Manier.“Every year, it’s a pretty good show in Monroe. It’s a learned crowd (about Beatles).”

Also tonight at St. Mary's Park: Fourth annual Pizza Challenge tonight at St. Mary's Park (click for information).

Ford Mustang grabs starring role in "Need For Speed"

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 16:08:46 -0400

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — The new movie "Need For Speed" is Aaron Paul's vehicle, but it was the Ford Mustang that received the star treatment.

Before he even cast a single actor, director Scott Waugh traveled to Detroit to meet with Ford Motor Co. executives about using the Mustang in his movie that opened domestically Friday. The film begins in a blue-collar town and stars Paul as a car-loving, hard-working street racer.

The Mustang was the perfect fit for his lead character.

"He was looking for a car that was iconic and definitive of American racing, and when it came to Ford, he was thinking specifically Mustang," Ford marketing manager Mary Ellen Abraham said Friday. "We were really excited about the opportunity. It gave the Mustang an opportunity to be used well outside the typical product placement, and the Mustang was cast as a leading character in this film."

The movie is based on the popular EA Entertainment racing game, and as the main car in the film, the Mustang outshines six European super cars that are also featured.

The Mustang in "Need For Speed" is based on the 2013 Shelby GT500 and billed in the film as the final car famed designer Carroll Shelby was working on at the time of his 2012 death. Shelby was working on 50th anniversary edition of the Mustang when he died at the age of 89, but the car in the movie is a fictionalized.

"It's the mythology of the story," said Abraham. "It's entertainment."

But Waugh felt it was important element of the story. "If you wanted a Mustang, you always wanted the Shelby Mustang because it was an amazing car," he said.

Both Ford and the "Need For Speed" production team were eager to respect the vision Shelby might have had for the "hero" Mustang. They didn't want to make the car look too futuristic, and also kept two of Shelby's signature design elements — the blue stripes and chrome.

The frame was altered by celebrated Ford designer Melvin Betancourt and built by Techno Sports in Detroit. Among the custom alterations were a wider body, 20-inch alloy wheels, a V8 engine, heavier compression rates on the springs, high-charged Bilstein shocks and thicker sway bars. The interior console was adapted to accommodate an iPad for Paul's character to use when communicating with his crew and the futuristic side-view mirrors were turned into cameras.

Seven different Mustangs were built, each serving specific purposes ranging from beauty shots, stunts and driving shots to a model that could be lifted by and hung from a helicopter.

"We made several, and some of them were pretty roughed up," said Abraham. "But a few vehicles still remain. We used two last week at the premiere, one that was being driven and one that was on the red carpet."

Ford also used one as the pace car last November during NASCAR's championship weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where the manufacturer is the title sponsor.

"Need For Speed" marks roughly the 3,000th appearance in a feature film for the Mustang, but one that Ford is particularly proud of.

"We think that this one is truly unique and very special," Abraham said. "Now one of the cars is driven by a really, really popular actor and it is based on a game that has over 17 million followers. So we've reached followers and customers and we're breeding Mustang lovers and sharing why Mustang has been such an iconic brand."

Utah polygamous family says going on TV liberating

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:00:00 -0400

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The newest Utah polygamous family featured in a reality TV show says sharing their story with a wide audience has been liberating.

Brady Williams and his five wives were a bit apprehensive ahead of the airing of a pilot episode in September, but they said this week an interview with The Associated Press that it felt liberating to be open about who they are and what they believe.

"It really is like coming out of the closet," said Brady Williams, 43. "It's very liberating. You don't worry if somebody thinks you're a polygamous anymore because everyone knows."

His wives feel the same way, including his second, Robyn Williams, 40, who said: "I feel more free to just be who I am and not be so afraid."

The first of nine episodes of the show, "My Five Wives," airs Sunday on TLC. It chronicles the life of Brady Williams, his five wives and their 24 children who live in a small rural community outside of Salt Lake City dominated by a branch of the fundamentalist Mormon church.

The family once belonged to the group, known as the Apostolic United Brethren, but withdrew during the mid-2000s after re-evaluating their core beliefs. Now, they practice polygamy not because they think they must to get to heaven, and avoid hell, but because they prefer the lifestyle.

Their show begins airing in a social and political climate that has softened significantly toward plural families in recent years.

A federal judge in Utah struck down key parts of the state's polygamy laws in December, marking a victory for the Williams and hundreds of other polygamous families in the state. The ruling decriminalizes polygamy, making only bigamy — holding marriage licenses with multiple partners —illegal.

The family that brought that lawsuit against the state of Utah, Kody Brown and his four wives from TLC's "Sister Wives," is credited with helping create greater acceptance for plural families. Their show, which debuted in 2010 with footage of the family at their house in northern Utah, was ground-breaking in demonstrating to viewers across the country that not all polygamists are child predators like Warren Jeffs, the imprisoned leader of a polygamous sect on the Utah -Arizona border.

The Williams family members said they don't expect viewers to be surprised by much, other than maybe how similar they are to non-polygamous families. It's normal times five, the family jokes. Viewers will see tears, joy and quarrels, they said.

TLC is banking on viewers being fascinated by the unique dynamics of a plural family: regular family sit-down meetings among the adults where Brady Williams follows an agenda written on a notepad; side-by-side multi-plexes where they live; and nightly family dinners where the children line up like kids in a school cafeteria to get their food.

Then there's the always-intriguing dynamic among the wives who share a husband. In the first episode, Brady Williams suggests the women work out their issues directly with one another rather than always coming to him, only to see it lead to hurt feelings and shouting.

Among the topics discussed by the family during the season is a possible move out of Utah, maybe even to Washington state.

The Browns of "Sister Wives" fled Utah for Las Vegas after their show aired under the threat of prosecution from a county official. The Williams aren't terribly worried about that happening to them, as long as the recent court ruling stands. But they say they don't feel welcomed in the tight-knit community where almost everyone but them belongs to the church.

"There haven't been any overt acts of disapproval," Brady Williams said. But he added: "We want to be able to feel comfortable in our own skin."

Aaron Bronson, a principal at the school in the community and member of the Apostolic United Brethren, said he doesn't begrudge the Williams family for doing the show. He said the production crews have been respectful, and he's heard no complaints from the Williams family's neighbors.

"If they want to go public with what they believe, it's their choice," Bronson said. "It's not something I would choose to do with my family. It's a rocky road."

Campaign brings ‘God’s Not Dead’ to Monroe

Caitlin VanOverberghe — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 12:00:00 -0500

Caitlin VanOverberghe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqf5gAYcFWs

Movie patrons can usually predict the types of blockbusters that will grace their local theater screens each year.

But every so often a campaign pops up and a group of people fight to make sure a film is brought to their town.

Recently, coalitions of Monroe County Christians have banded together to bring “God’s Not Dead,” a Pure Flix production, to Phoenix Theaters in the Mall of Monroe.

“Once a movie is made, ( deciding where it is shown) is at the mercy of the distributors,” said Jason Jones, who led the charge to bring “God’s Not Dead” to Monroe. “(Pure Flix) used private distribution, which causes a grassroots movement and gets the people involved with bringing the film to their local theater.”

“The best thing we can do to support these film companies is to make sure they know there is an audience for films like these,” Mr. Jones said.

“God’s Not Dead” follows the story of a college student who encounters prejudice from his philosophy professor. The young man must defend his faith to the professor and explain his beliefs before a classroom of his peers.

Mr. Jones said the film centers around the debate between Christianity and science.

“College philosophy classes are supposed to support critical thinking,” Mr. Jones said. “ The movie does a good job of framing the narrative that Christians can articulate their belief outside of a church.”

Mr. Jones has been involved with movie ministry at Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church in Newport for many years. He was instrumental in bringing other Christianbased motion pictures to Lakeside for private showings, but he had never worked with a film of this magnitude before.

He said his efforts were met with great support from Monroe County residents.

Mr. Jones used Facebook to spread word of the film. His event page drew the attention of 100 people in just 24 hours and it took only 10 days for 500 people to commit to seeing the movie. After two weeks, the film was officially scheduled to show in Monroe.

“I haven’t seen a push like this ( to see a film) in a long time,” said Jordan Hohman, general manager of Phoenix Theaters.

Mr. Hohman said “ God’s Not Dead” is scheduled to open March 21 and will be at Phoenix Theaters until at least March 27, but may stay longer if enough people show interest. At least five showings opening weekend have already sold out with advanced ticket purchases.

Melanie Mann of Monroe, who assists with youth ministry at Redeemer Fellowship, bought 54 tickets for her church’s youth group. Ms. Mann said she is excited to take young people from her church to see the film so they gain confidence in voicing opinions about their faith.

“There are a lot of people out there who will not know the Lord and will try to teach these kids things that don’t align with Scripture,” she said. “I want to encourage them to hold on to the truth and stand firm in their faith.”

Elvis Jr. to perform at MCCC Saturday

Caitlin VanOverberghe — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 10:00:00 -0500

Caitlin VanOverberghe

For nearly 20 years from the 1950s to the 1970s, Elvis Presley ruled as the king of rock ’n’ roll, earning 14 Grammy nominations and three wins, starring in more than 30 films and selling billions of records. He stole the hearts of many young women in that time and became the envy of many young men.

If Elvis Presley was the king of rock ’n’ roll, then his son, Elvis Aaron Presley Jr., would be the prince.

Monroe County Community College will host this member of the rock royalty bloodline Saturday at Monroe County Community College.

Mr. Presley Jr., who has made a career for himself as a singer, will entertain the audience with his musical talent and sense of humor, a press release from the college said.

Mr. Presley Jr. spent the first 21 years of his life not knowing he had a famous father, according to his Web site ElvisAaronPresleyJr.com.

He was born Phillip Stanic on Dec. 24, 1961, in Gary, Ind., to a young woman who had been an extra in the film “Blue Hawaii.”

Supposedly to spare Elvis’ career, Baby Phillip was given up for adoption and raised by a Yugoslavian couple who worked as circus performers. Elvis reportedly never knew about the child.

As a boy, Phillip traveled the country with his adoptive parents, performing as a clown and animal trainer. At 16, he discovered a passion for singing and began performing in clubs, the site said.

Who: Elvis Aaron Presley Jr.

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Meyer Theater, La-Z-Boy Center, Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd.

Tickets: Reserved seats, $22; VIP seats in balcony with cash bar and munchies, $32. Available at online at www.monroeccc. edu/theater, in person at the cashier’s office in the Warrick Student Services/ Administration Building or by calling the 384-4272.

On his 21st birthday, he was told of the adoption and that his father was Elvis Presley. In 1985, he was granted legal rights use the name Elvis Aaron Presley Jr.

Now, Mr. Presley Jr. travels the country performing his late father’s hits.

He also has recorded 34 CDs of both live and studio performances.

When Mr. Presley Jr. isn’t singing, he is the curator of the Private Collection of the King on Tour — a 53-foot $500,000 “mobile museum” with a huge private collection of Elvis memorabilia.

The museum was stationary for 18 years in Niagara Falls, Ontario, before Mr. Presley Jr. put it on wheels.

For more information, about the performer, his life and his museum, visit elvisaaronpresleyjr.com.

Elvis Aaron Presley Jr.’s setlist includes many of Elvis’s signature rock and roll classics including Blue Hawaii, Viva Las Vegas, Return to Sender and G. I. Blues.

Idina Menzel, 'Frozen' heat up pop charts

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 13:00:00 -0500

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK (AP) — Tony-winning Idina Menzel — or Adele Dazeem if you're John Travolta — is enjoying massive success with "Let It Go" from the animated film "Frozen," but the entertainer is still perplexed that she's finally triumphing on the pop charts with a show tune-esque track.

"I've had a lot of self-introspection about this. This business is so hard, especially the music business, and I've tried so hard to crossover, to convince people just because I was in a Broadway show I didn't have the street cred to be a rock or a pop singer," she said in a recent interview. "And then the one time I have it, it's the arrangement from the Disney movie."

"I'm singing at the Oscars — I've never sang at the Grammys," Menzel added, laughing.

Menzel's musical moment grew even stronger when "Let It Go" won best original song at Sunday's Academy Awards (the Oscar went to the songwriters and producers, Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez). The song has sold close to 1.5 million tracks and is a Top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The "Frozen" album, a platinum success, is the soundtrack to spend the most time at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with five weeks and counting; it recently beat the record set by the "Titantic" soundtrack, which featured Celine Dion's epic, Oscar-winning "My Heart Will Go On."

"I've had ups and downs ... and I'm aware of when something's happening and has an energy of its own," said Menzel, who voices the lead character Elsa in the film, which won the best animated feature Oscar. "I'm aware enough to know of something special and to try and be in the moment."

Menzel is having more than a moment in music though, thanks to Travolta, who uttered "Adele Dazeem" at the Oscars instead the singer's name. He has since apologized.

But Slate magazine created the ultrapopular "Travoltified" tool, where you can put in your name and see what Travolta would call you, and it has been dominating on Facebook and Twitter this week (side note: Travolta would call himself "Jan Thozomas.")

But after that fades, Menzel still has "Let It Go," which is having a pop culture moment because of the thousands of videos posted of young girls and boys — and some adults — singing covers of the song. Cutely, Menzel took her younger sister, a second grade teacher, to the Oscars as her date ("Frozen" is about two sisters who are best friends, but have to keep distance because of Elsa's uncontrollable powers).

Menzel's song has even eclipsed Demi Lovato's version of "Let It Go" — technically the "single version." Disney Music Group president Ken Bunt said he's not surprised Menzel's song has become more successful commercially, and adds that the soundtrack is a winner because the film plays like a cartoon musical.

"The songs are part of the storytelling. They're helping to tell the story of the film and I think that's different then what we've seen in the last 15-plus years in animated movies," Bunt said.

Menzel, who has released three albums, said some members of her team want her to capitalize on her recent pop star fame: "I'd like to, but also, that's the trap."

"Like, 'I better get in there and oh, make an album now. I have some success and attention,'" she recalled.

The 42-year-old does plan to record more music, but right now she's focused on "If/Then," the new Broadway musical she stars in. She will play the role of Elizabeth, a women returning to New York City to rebuild her life after a divorce, and she's been rehearsing for weeks at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, where she has nicely decorated room — or mini apartment — set up to help make her comfortable since the show begins previews Wednesday and officially opens March 30.

"We're hoping the show runs," Menzel says, knocking on the coffee table for good luck.

A few days before the Oscars, Menzel was doing triple duty: She was readying her performance that would put her in front of 43 million faces; she was gearing up for the new musical; and the third — and leading — priority was motherhood. This particular day, she kept her son Walker from school and cancelled her nail appointment to "play dinosaurs" with her 4-year-old.

"We keep missing each other," she explained.

Menzel said she usually learns a thing or two from the characters she portrays — whether it was her breakthrough as Maureen Johnson in "Rent" or Elphaba in "Wicked," which won her a Tony in 2004. She has also starred on Fox's "Glee," playing the mother of Lea Michele's character.

Her latest role as Elizabeth — who is being pulled in two directions in "If/Then" — may seem parallel to Menzel's personal life, since she and actor Taye Diggs announced they were separating after 10 years of marriage last year.

"I've been lucky to have roles that teach me about myself at a time when I need to hear it — so I am learning while I'm in the role creating and rehearsing. Then I find a way in my own process to be able to leave it at the door and move on," she said. "But I also find a way to integrate it into what I need to do as a human being to evolve and become a better person. This particular show ... it's about a woman starting over and not trying to control every outcome and the choices we make as opposed to fate and what's destined and what isn't."

Menzel even says she's been able to relate to her young character in "Frozen": "I always say, when I was younger I was more fierce than I am now. I wouldn't have taken no for an answer. It's the older you get, and even more successful, that you start to doubt yourself."

But Menzel isn't living in regrets — and she even has useful advice for young performers, and her younger self.

"You just have to keep doing what you love and try not to worry about following the rules," she said. "And it may not work out, but if you're really good at some point the stars align and then things happens."

Online:

http://idinamenzel.com

http://music.disney.com/frozen-original-motion-picture-soundtrack

'12 Years a Slave' rises up at Academy Awards

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 06:00:00 -0500

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Best Picture: "12 Years a Slave."

Actor: Matthew McConaughey, "Dallas Buyers Club."

Actress: Cate Blanchett, "Blue Jasmine."

Supporting Actor: Jared Leto, "Dallas Buyers Club."

Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong'o, "12 Years a Slave."

Directing: Alfonso Cuaron, "Gravity."

Foreign Language Film: "The Great Beauty," Italy.

Adapted Screenplay: John Ridley, "12 Years a Slave."

Original Screenplay: Spike Jonze, "Her."

Animated Feature Film: "Frozen."

Production Design: "The Great Gatsby."

Cinematography: "Gravity."

Sound Mixing: "Gravity."

Sound Editing: "Gravity."

Original Score: "Gravity," Steven Price.

Original Song: "Let It Go" from "Frozen."

Costume: "The Great Gatsby."

Makeup and Hairstyling: "Dallas Buyers Club."

Animated Short Film: "Mr. Hublot."

Documentary Feature: "20 Feet from Stardom."

Documentary (short subject): "The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life."

Film Editing: "Gravity."

Live Action Short Film: "Helium."

Visual Effects: "Gravity."

Honorary Oscars:

— Peter W. Anderson.

— Film-processing labs over past century.

— Angelina Jolie.

— Angela Lansbury.

— Steve Martin.

— Piero Tosi.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Perhaps atoning for past sins, Hollywood named the brutal, unshrinking historical drama "12 Years a Slave" best picture at the 86th annual Academy Awards.

Steve McQueen's slavery odyssey, based on Solomon Northup's 1853 memoir, has been hailed as a landmark corrective to the movie industry's virtual blindness to slavery, instead creating whiter tales like 1940 best-picture winner "Gone With the Wind." ''12 Years a Slave" is the first best-picture winner directed by a black filmmaker.

"Everyone deserves not just to survive, but to live," said McQueen, who dedicated the honor to those, past and present, who have endured slavery. "This is the most important legacy of Solomon Northup."

The normally reserved McQueen promptly bounced up and down on stage, later matter-of-factly explaining his joy physically took over: "So, Van Halen. Jump."

A year after celebrating Ben Affleck's "Argo" over Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln," the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences opted for stark realism over more the plainly entertaining candidates: the 3-D space marvel "Gravity" and the starry 1970s caper "American Hustle."

Those two films came in as the leading nominee getters. David O. Russell's "American Hustle" went home empty-handed, but "Gravity" triumphed as the night's top award-winner. Cleaning up in technical categories like cinematography and visual effects, it earned seven Oscars including best director for Alfonso Cuaron. The Mexican filmmaker is the category's first Latino winner.

"It was a transformative experience," said Cuaron, who spent some five years making the film and developing its visual effects. "For a lot of people, that transformation was wisdom. For me, it was the color of my hair." To his star Sandra Bullock, the sole person on screen for much of the lost-in-space drama, he said: "Sandra, you are 'Gravity.'"

But history belonged to "12 Years a Slave," a modestly budgeted drama produced by Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B, that has made $50 million worldwide — a far cry from the more than $700 million "Gravity" has hauled in.

Ellen DeGeneres, in a nimble second stint as host that seemed designed as an antidote to the crude humor of Seth MacFarlane last year, summarized the academy's options in her opening monologue: "Possibility number one: '12 Years a Slave' wins best picture. Possibility number two: You're all racists."

DeGeneres presided over a smooth if safe ceremony, punctuated by politics, pizza and photo-bombing. Freely circulating in the crowd, she had pizza delivered, appealing to Harvey Weinstein to pitch in, and gathered stars to snap a selfie she hoped would be a record-setter on Twitter. (It was: Long before midnight, the photo had been retweeted more than 2 million times and momentarily crashed Twitter.) One participant, Meryl Streep, giddily exclaimed: "I've never tweeted before!"

But in celebrating a movie year roundly considered an exceptionally deep one, the Oscars fittingly spread the awards around. The starved stars of the Texas AIDS drama "Dallas Buyers Club" were feted: Matthew McConaughey for best actor and Jared Leto for best supporting actor.

McConaughey's award capped a startling career turnaround, a conscious redirection by the actor to tack away from the romantic comedies he regularly starred in, and move toward more challenging films.

"It sort of feels like a culmination," he said backstage.

Leto passed around his Oscar to members of the press backstage, urging them to "fondle" it. The long-haired actor, who has devoted himself in recent years to his rock band 30 Seconds to Mars, gravely vowed: "I will revel tonight."

Cate Blanchett took best actress for her fallen socialite in Woody Allen's "Blue Jasmine," her second Oscar. Accepting the award, she challenged Hollywood not to think of films starring women as "niche experiences": "The world is round, people!" she declared to hearty applause.

Draped in Nairobi blue, Lupita Nyong'o — the Cinderella of the awards season — won best supporting actress for her indelible impression as the tortured slave Patsey. It's the feature film debut for the 31-year-old actress.

"It doesn't escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else's, and so I want to salute the spirit of Patsy for her guidance," said Nyong'o. She also thanked director Steve McQueen: "I'm certain that the dead are standing about you and they are watching and they are grateful, and so am I."

John Ridley won best adapted screenplay for "12 Years a Slave," shifting praise to Northup: "Those are his words. That is his life." Spike Jonze took best original screenplay for his futuristic romance "Her," the category Russell had the best chance of winning.

Though the ceremony lacked a big opening number, it had a steady musical beat to it. To a standing ovation, Bono and U2 played an acoustic version of "Ordinary Love," from "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom." Pharrell Williams had Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio dancing in the aisles with "Happy" from "Despicable Me 2."

Pink was cheered for her rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," part of a 75th anniversary tribute to "The Wizard of Oz." And Bette Midler sang — what else? — "Wind Beneath My Wing" for the in memoriam segment — an especially heartfelt one, considering the deaths of Philip Seymour Hoffman, Harold Ramis, James Gandolfini and others.

Best documentary went to the crowd-pleasing backup singer ode "20 Feet From Stardom." One of its stars, Darlene Love, accepted the award singing the gospel tune "His Eye Is on the Sparrow": "I sing because I'm happy/ I sing because I'm free."

Disney's global hit "Frozen" won best animated film, marking — somewhat remarkably — the studio's first win in the 14 years of the best animated feature category. (Pixar, which Disney owns, has regularly dominated.) The film's hit single, "Let It Go," won best original song.

"We're all just trying to make films that touch people," said co-director Chris Buck backstage. "Once in a while, you get lucky."

Though the Oscar ceremony is usually a glitzy bubble separate from real-world happenings, international events were immediately referenced. In his acceptance speech, Leto addressed people in Ukraine and Venezuela.

"We are here and as you struggle to make your dreams happen, to live the impossible, we're thinking of you," said Leto.

Russian state-owned broadcaster Channel One Russia said it would not broadcast the Oscars live because of the necessity for news coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula. It will instead transmit the Oscars early Tuesday morning, local time.

Venezuelan protesters, via social media, urged Oscar winners to bring attention to their plight. Anti-government protests have roiled the country in recent weeks.

Italy's "The Great Beauty" won the Oscar for best foreign language film. In accepting the award for his rumination on life and Rome's decadence, director Paolo Sorrentino thanked his heroes, including Federico Fellini, Martin Scorsese and soccer star Diego Maradona.

In her opening, DeGeneres gently mocked Hollywood's insularity, referring to the headlines that have swamped the Los Angeles area lately with a slightly less serious news event.

"It has been raining," said DeGeneres. "We're fine. Thank you for your prayers."

ABC, which aired the ceremony, hoped the drama of a razor-thin best-picture race would be enough to entice viewers. The show last year drew an audience of 40.3 million, up from 39.3 million the year before when the silent-film ode "The Artist" won best picture.

There was a sense of deja vu Sunday. As she hit the red carpet, "American Hustle" star Jennifer Lawrence briefly collapsed in a heap of laughter, just as she tripped ascending the stairs last year to accept best actress for "Silver Linings Playbook."

"If you win tonight," said DeGeneres, "I think we should bring you the Oscar."

No delivery was needed, as the night belonged to "12 Years a Slave."

Surprises at Academy Awards may be few

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 15:55:01 -0500

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOS ANGELES (AP) — After a blustery few days of torrential downpours, Hollywood appears ready for smooth sailing at the Academy Awards. But things got off to a soggy start on Sunday morning when a passing shower dampened portions of the red carpet that had been uncovered in anticipation of clearing skies.

The 86th annual Oscars will begin with late-afternoon arrivals at the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard before the three and a half-hour ceremony starts at 8:30 p.m. EST.

Unlike the stormy hosting of Seth MacFarlane last year, this Oscar show with host Ellen DeGeneres has a deliberately safe vibe of cheery song-and-dance.

The nimble and amiable DeGeneres is expected to return the broadcast to more traditional territory. Many of the night's biggest categories, too, seem to hold little chance for surprise.

The well-established favorites include Matthew McConaughey, Cate Blanchett, Lupita Nyong'o and Jared Leto. Each comes into Oscar Sunday having won a parade of awards over the last few months, including honors at Saturday's Spirit Awards.

The night's biggest question mark won't come until the very end. The historical drama "12 Years a Slave," the 3-D space spectacle "Gravity" and the con-artist caper "American Hustle" are vying for best picture in the night's closest contest.

"Gravity" is expected to lead the ceremony in total awards, cleaning up in technical categories like visual effects and cinematography. Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron is considered a lock for best director for seamlessly marshalling new digital technology to render the lost-in-space drama. He would be the first Latino to win the category.

While the global hit easily topped the other eight best-picture nominees at the box office, the lower budget, less widely seen "12 Years a Slave" is believed to have a narrow edge for the academy's top honor.

Though voters last year chose entertainment over history lesson (Ben Affleck's "Argo" over Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln"), many see Steve McQueen's brutal adaptation of Solomon Northup's memoir as a landmark film difficult to watch but impossible to overlook.

ABC, which is telecasting the ceremony, hopes the drama of the best-picture race will be enough to entice viewers. The show last year drew an audience of 40.3 million, up from 39.3 million the year before when the silent-film ode "The Artist" won best picture.

A new guy brings the news on 'Saturday Night Live'

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 11:00:00 -0500

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK (AP) — A new guy was presiding at the "Weekend Update" news desk on "Saturday Night Live."

Colin Jost (johst), the NBC comedy show's head writer, made his first appearance on the spoof newscast, seated alongside co-anchor Cecily Strong.

The baby-faced, anchor-handsome Jost began by voicing gratitude for his new on-air role. He called it "a dream come true."

Among his news items was the 50th anniversary of Pop-Tarts, which he described as "the official breakfast of kids whose parents are in way over their heads."

He succeeds longtime "Update" anchor Seth Meyers, who exited a month ago and last week debuted as host of the network's "Late Night."

Jost joined the "SNL" writing staff in 2005. He wrote and appears in the upcoming film "Staten Island Summer."

Re-release of 'Anchorman 2' features 763 new jokes

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 17:00:00 -0500

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhC_tuO68Q0

NEW YORK (AP) — With nearly every joke substituted for a new one, "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" will return to movie theaters for one week.

Paramount Pictures announced Friday that an R-rated version of "Anchorman 2" with 763 new jokes will play in the U.S. and Britain beginning Feb. 28.

Director Adam McKay improvises heavily while making a film, and found he could swap out practically every joke in the film for an alternative. In a statement, McKay recommended die-hard "Anchorman" fans see the new version, but "if you're not, stay very far away."

Starring Will Ferrell as TV news anchor Ron Burgundy, "Anchorman 2" has made about $170 million worldwide since opening in December.

Blues series Big Gig! promises night of 'electrifying,' dancing music

Danielle Portteus — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 12:00:00 -0500

Danielle Portteus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diUXnJOHySQ

The audience at this year’s Big Gig! better be prepared to get out of their seats.

The Rev. Gean West of the headlining grouping the Relatives warns “ you’re gonna dance.”

IF YOU GO ...

What: The Big Gig! featuring the Relatives, the Heritage Blues Trio, the Third Coast Kings and the Rev. Robert B. Jones. Part of the Monroe County Black History Month Blues Series.

When: 7 p. m. Saturday, doors open at 6. Seating is first come, first served.

Where: Meyer Theater, La-Z-Boy Center, Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd.

How much: Free.

Sponsors: Monroe County Library System and 2014 Blues Coalition of community cosponsors: Monroe County Community College, DTE Energy Foundation, Detroit Blues Society and Friends of Bedford, Friends of Carleton, Friends of the Dorsch Memorial Branch Library, Friends of Ellis & Friends of Ida.

Supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

More information: 734-241-5277, http://monroe.lib.mi.us/blues/

“We want to make people happy so we try to do songs that will make them happy,” the Rev. West said from his home in Texas. “ Most people will enjoy the exercise.”

The Big Gig! starts at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Monroe County Community College LaZBoy Center’s eyer Theater.

The show is free and seating is first come, first served.

Known for its gospel funk, the Rev. West said the nine member group is looking forward to making its Monroe debut as part of the 27th annual Black History Month Blues Series.

Bill Reiser, manager of Ellis Library & Reference Center and coordinator of the series, said the group is “ one of the most electrifying acts I’ve ever seen.”

“I saw them rock the rear ends off a big, open field full of Wilco fans under a hot Massachusetts sun last summer and knew I had to try to bring them to town to headline the Big Gig!,” he said.

Founded by the Rev. West, a Dallas gospel singer, and his brother, the Rev. Tommie West, in 1970, the Relatives combine gospel and soul music with what they call “ psychedelia.”

After touring in the ’ 70s and a few singles that did well in Texas, the group disbanded in 1980. They reunited in 2009 after a person at their record label found old copies of their singles in a thrift store and called the Rev. West.

When he, in turn, called the band members, they thought it was a joke.

“They didn’t believe me,” he said.

In the past few years, the Relatives have toured the globe spreading funky soul music with special messages.

“ We have one song called ‘Evil World’ that says to be careful of the world we live in,” the Rev. West said.

Other songs are about devoting time and caring for others and about love.

The upcoming performance will be a mix of high-energy songs, ballads and one a cappella performance.

The 77-year-old said the music moves him to get out and continue to perform. “It seems to put a spark in me,” he said.

The Rev. West said he enjoys when people relate to the music.

“I really enjoy seeing people receive the messages,” he said. “People come up to us after the performance and tell us stories of what they are going through and what they feel when they hear our songs.”

The Big Gig! also will feature Heritage Blues Trio and Third Coast Kings. Mr. Reiser called them “very different acts,” but they have lots of energy.

“ They’re all passionate about the music and bring the emotion to the stage,” he said. “I doubt any other musical event in the country would ever put the two groups on the same stage on the same night — and that’s a badge of honor for us.”

The Rev. Robert B. Jones, who has appeared during every blues month since its inception, will host The Big Gig! once again.

This year’s blues series, as in previous years, has mixed musicians who portray the sound in a variety of ways, including incorporating jazz, bluegrass and country music elements.

“The unique role blues music has played in American music and the mission of the blues series to explore how blues relates to so many other genres of music creates an enormous foundation on which to build. Bringing all the same acts back each year to do the same music would grow tiresome and not be much of a challenge,” Mr. Reiser said.

Some acts such as the Rev. Jones or harmonica player Peter (Madcat) Ruth are frequent visitors, but the series likes to showcase different acts.

“And the touchstone acts like those fellows make it more comfortable for our audiences to take the ride with us and embrace groups like The Relatives that may not be obvious choices for a blues series anywhere, let alone Monroe County, Mich.,” he said.

The series has been successful because it isn’t just blues music — a fact that Mr. Reiser said has “broadened the audiences and opened it up to people who’ve never considered themselves blues fans.

“Monroe County is proud of the event, and word of mouth about it has spread regionally and nationally. Internationally, even,” he said.

“And, simplistic as this sounds, it’s fun.”

'Juno' actress Ellen Page comes out as gay

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 06:49:19 -0500

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actress Ellen Page who won the hearts of moviegoers as the pregnant teenager in the film "Juno" has come out as gay.

"I'm here today because I am gay," the 26-year-old actress said Friday — speaking to a Las Vegas conference of counselors who work with teenagers who identify as lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual or queer, known as LGBTQ.

A video of her speech was posted on the Los Angeles Times website.

Page says that she suffered for years because she was afraid to come out.

"I'm standing here today, with all of you, on the other side of all that pain."

The paper's report says that at one point the audience rose to its feet in applause.

Fox's 'The X Factor' ending after 3 seasons

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 17:00:00 -0500

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOS ANGELES (AP) — "The X Factor" is ending after three seasons.

Fox and the show's production companies announced Friday that the U.S. edition of the singing competition won't be coming back this fall.

"X Factor" head judge and creator-executive producer Simon Cowell, who served as a judge on Fox's "American Idol" for nine seasons, will instead return to the U.K. version of "X Factor" later this year.

"I've had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on 'The X Factor' and 'American Idol,' " Cowell said in a statement. "And apart from being lucky enough to find some amazing talent on the shows, I have always had an incredible welcome from the American public — most of the time!"

The acerbic judge initially predicted that "X Factor" would be a major hit before its 2011 debut, but the show never garnered stellar ratings, which continued to dip in last year's third season. "X Factor" also failed to produce a winner as successful as past "Idol" champions.

The show's hosts and judging panel was revamped each season with Paul Abdul, Antonio "L.A." Reid, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato and Kelly Rowland among those joining Cowell on the panel.

South Rockwood teen continues on in 'American Idol'

Thu, 06 Feb 2014 11:24:40 -0500

The number of local singers hoping to become the next American Idol was whittled down to one Wednesday.

Taylor Walls, a South Rockwood resident and Flat Rock High School graduate, is the only Monroe County native to continue on the show.

The 19-year-old is currently studying music management at Madonna University.

“Group rounds, here I come!” Ms. Walls tweeted following the episode.

UPDATE: Ms. Walls made it through the group rounds during "Hollywood Round #1," which aired Feb. 6. Although her group was not featured on the episode, Ms. Walls tweeted a photo of herself with fellow contestants Brandy Neelly and Ethan Harris, announcing that all three had made it through to the next round.

During “Hollywood or Home,” which aired Feb. 5, a portion of the contestants were asked to perform for the celebrity judges a second time to decide whether or not they would continue on. After performing, contestants were then separated and told to board one of two buses; one which took them to a hotel in Hollywood, the other took them back to the airport.

Jade Lathan, 20, of Monroe was eliminated during that round. She is currently a student at Wayne State University studying music.

Ms. Walls was taken to the Hollywood hotel.

Julian Miller, 18, of Monroe told the Monroe News he did not participate in the Hollywood rounds because he received “a better offer” to advance his musical career.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDgZmZC81Vs

WATCH: 10 Super Bowl Ads to watch out for

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 09:00:00 -0500

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK (AP) — Actress Scarlett Johansson gives SodaStream some sex appeal in a controversial spot, Kia revives actor Laurence Fishburne's "Matrix" character Morpheus in its commercial. And cute puppies and kids abound in ads for Cheerios to Anheuser-Busch.

Advertisers are planning to pull out the tools in their arsenal during Super Bowl time this Sunday, including celebrities, A-list rock bands and cinematic story lines.

Of course, there will still be ad surprises on Sunday with major brands like Chrysler and Coca-Cola staying mum on at least one of their ads. But the ones that are already out use a variety of tactics to draw viewers' attention.

Overall, marketers are doing a better job getting their branding message across — while still entertaining — than previous years when a cheap joke or gag ruled supreme, says Kelly O'Keefe, professor of brand strategy at the Virginia Commonwealth University Brand Center.

"This year there's much more focus on brand personality: the spot has to be both interesting and funny and link back to the core assets of the brand," he said. "I'm predicting a stronger Super Bowl than last year."

Advertisers are in the game to win. The Super Bowl is advertising's biggest showcase, with more than 108 million people expected to tune into the game. And companies are paying an estimated $4 million to have their ads be a part of the action.

Here are 10 ads to watch for on Sunday.

1. Anheuser-Busch: The biggest Super Bowl advertiser's ad in the fourth quarter shows an adorable Golden Labrador becoming enamored with one of the beermaker's iconic Clydesdales to the tune of "Let Her Go" by Passenger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQB7QRyF4p4&feature=youtu.be

1. General Mill's Cheerios: The cereal maker brings back an interracial family that starred in a prior spot. This one shows a father telling his daughter that they're going to have an addition to the family, a baby boy. Then, the little girl strongly suggests they also get a puppy. The ad airs during the first unscheduled time-out of the game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKuQrKeGe6g&feature=youtu.be

1. Bank of America: The bank will promote its partnership with AIDS nonprofit (RED) by having music group U2 sing their new single "Invisible." between the first and second quarter. The song will be a free download on iTunes during the game and for the following 24 hours. Bank of America will donate $1 each time it is downloaded to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS.

1. SodaStream: The Israeli at-home soda maker company has stirred up controversy on two fronts. Their ad features "Her" actress Scarlett Johansson touting the health and environmental benefits of the soda maker and will run in the fourth quarter. The ad first made waves when the company said it would delete its last line, "Sorry, Coke and Pepsi," at a request by Fox. Then on Thursday, Johansson resigned her Oxfam ambassadorship. The nonprofit was unhappy she was linked with SodaStream, which operates in Israeli settlements in the West Bank of Palestine. Oxfam is opposed to that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxq4ziu-wrI

1. H&M: The clothing maker's ad in the second quarter features nifty technology that will allow people with some Samsung Smart TVs to order soccer star David Beckham's Bodywear products with their remote control in real time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHxCELegDz4

1. Nestle's Butterfinger: A suggestive teaser ad showed a couple, "Chocolate" and "Peanut Butter," in 70s-style couple's therapy talking about the need for "change" and "excitement." The actual ad in the third quarter will have a related theme and Butterfinger is expected to introduce its Peanut Butter Cups with some tongue-in-cheek double entendres.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1ZCl-NkQuU

1. Beats Music: Ellen DeGeneres reimagines the Little Red Riding Hood tale in this ad running in the third quarter that introduces Beats Music, a streaming music service.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJR6YV4WAnM&feature=youtu.be

1. Wonderful Pistachios: The snack producer showcases comedian Stephen Colbert running amok in two 15-second ads in the second quarter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKAG7UJ-NWk

1. Kia: In the carmaker's third-quarter ad to introduce its K900 luxury sedan, Laurence Fishburne reprises his "Matrix" role as Morpheus and displays some surprising operatic skills.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob-wn52Dkmk

10. Chrysler: The automaker is bound to surprise. Always mum ahead of the game, Chrysler has produced some of the best loved and most remembered spots during the big game, from Eminem's "Imported from Detroit" ad in 2011 to last year's "Farmer" ad featuring scenes of American farmland and a voiceover by conservative radio broadcaster Paul Harvey. Look for another surprising spot or two this year.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SUPERBOWL COMMERCIALS

1 Broadway show really hopes to rock Super Bowl

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 07:00:00 -0500

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK (AP) — On Super Bowl Sunday, there will be a group of people sweating out in the cold in front of millions, doing what they do best. And that group is, of course, the Broadway cast of "Rock of Ages."

Fourteen singers and dancers from the Tony-nominated show will be performing two hair-band-centric 30-minute sets live outside MetLife Stadium in the hours before kickoff, braving the elements but also giving incredible attention to the 5-year-old show.

"Everyone keeps saying it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing that the Super Bowl is in New York, so to have 'Rock of Ages' perform on Super Bowl Sunday is amazing," said Matthew DiCarlo, the show's production stage manager.

The second show will close out the Fox live pre-game show from 5:10-5:40 p.m., a coveted slot. Other musical acts include Phillip Phillips and The Band Perry, and Bill O'Reilly will conduct a live sit-down interview with President Barack Obama. Millions of people will be tuned in.

At a recent rehearsal in midtown, DiCarlo watched as cast members ran through their crowded set, which includes songs such as "I Wanna Rock," ''Here I Go Again," ''I Can't Fight This Feeling" and "Don't Stop Believin.'"

They've had to adjust to a smaller space — masking tape on the floor marked off a new 12-by-32-foot stage — and sing into wooden sticks to help them get familiar with using microphones, which they don't use on Broadway.

They've also learned new choreography — including some nods to the game itself, including mimicking an extra-point kick — and a new set list, since the songs in the show are in a different order. Thermal underwear may also be needed.

The cast, which includes Kate Rockwell, Aaron C. Finley, Joey Calveri, Genson Blimline and Adam Dannheisser, says it will be ready. After all, they're Broadway pros.

"It's almost become second nature, in a way," said Blimline, who plays the narrator and, for the record, is a Jets fan. "The venue around you may change but essentially the material is always the same."

Dannheisser, who plays the owner of a rock club in the show, can't let a reference like that pass. He jokingly jumps in with the Bon Jovi lyric from "Dead or Alive": "It's always the same, only the names have changed."

The high exposure for "Rock of Ages" is part of a push by Broadway producers to grab the attention of football fans crowding the New York-New Jersey area. A 13-block stretch of Broadway encompassing Times Square has been closed to traffic, renamed Super Bowl Boulevard and converted into a rollicking theme park. The cast of "Rock of Ages" will do a 30-minute set there on Thursday afternoon, too.

Other shows including "Pippin," ''Newsies," ''Motown the Musical," ''Rocky," ''Mamma Mia!" and "Chicago" will be appearing at nearby Bryant Park. "Jersey Boys" will join "Rock of Ages" on Super Bowl Sunday outside MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

"Rock of Ages," which was made into a film starring Tom Cruise and Alec Baldwin, tells the story of small-town girl and an aspiring rocker who share the dream of fame and whose paths cross at a legendary rock club.

Their glittery romance is set to a rock 'n' roll soundtrack that includes "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," ''Cum on Feel The Noize" and "I Wanna Know What Love Is."

Dannheisser, who grew up outside Philadelphia and has been with "Rock of Ages" since it opened in 2009, says the show is a perfect match for fist-pumping football fans who already know the soundtrack.

"There's nothing pretentious about our show. It makes fun of itself," said Dannheisser, who shares a hysterical duet with Blimline of "I Can't Fight This Feeling" in the mini-show while both wear the NFL jerseys of the opposing quarterbacks. "It knows what it is and it's of the people."

More than any show on Broadway, "Rock of Ages" has pulled out the stops when it comes to welcoming football fans. In addition to the new live sets, producers have managed to persuade three current and former NFL stars — Randall Cobb, Joique Bell and Ahman Green — to do cameos on Broadway this week. They'll all play a bartender with four short scenes.

"Anybody who knows me knows I'm really random and I do some of the most random things ever. I'll just add this to my list," Cobb, a Green Bay Packer wide receiver, said before his stint. "I want to be as diverse as I can."

Just be careful about hoping he and his fellow players break a leg, as the old theater idiom goes. "I hope not," Cobb said. "I already broke one last year. Let's break something else."

Online: http://www.rockofagesmusical.com

Justin Bieber charged with assault in Canada

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 21:06:09 -0500

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

TORONTO (AP) — Justin Bieber has been charged with assault for allegedly hitting a Toronto limousine driver several times in the back of the head last month, the second arrest in a week for the baby-faced 19-year-old pop star.

Bieber turned himself in to a police station Wednesday evening, arriving amid a crush of media and screaming fans. He was charged with one count of assault and is scheduled to appear in court in Toronto on March 10.

Police allege Bieber was one of six people who were picked up by a limousine from a nightclub in the early morning hours of Dec. 30, and there was an altercation while en route to a hotel.

Police said during the altercation one of the passengers hit the limo driver in the back of the head several times.

"The driver stopped the limousine, exited the vehicle and called police," a statement said. "The man who struck him left the scene before police arrived."

Howard Weitzman, Bieber's attorney in California, said his client is innocent and declined to comment on the allegations against Bieber or any potential defense, saying it was now a matter for the court to handle.

Weitzman said he expects the case to be treated as a summary offense, which is the equivalent of a misdemeanor in the United States. "The Toronto Police Service requested that Justin Bieber appear in Toronto today to face an allegation of assault relating to an incident on December 29, 2013. We anticipate that this matter will be treated as a summary offense, the equivalent of a misdemeanor in the United States," he said in a statement.

Brian Greenspan, Bieber's Canadian attorney, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Toronto police said in late December they were looking into allegations that a member of Bieber's entourage assaulted a limo driver who was ferrying the Canadian pop star and several others. Police said at the time it was unclear whether Bieber was involved. Bieber emerged from a black SUV wearing a winter coat and a backwards ball cap before being led through a throng of police and reporters. Many waited for his arrival for more than an hour in freezing temperatures. He spent about an hour and a half in the police station before leaving through a back exit.

It was yet another sign of the crazy lifestyle that has taken over Bieber's image.

Earlier on Wednesday, Bieber pleaded not guilty in Florida to charges of driving under the influence after driving nearly twice the speed limit on a Miami Beach street. He also pleaded not guilty to resisting arrest and driving with an expired license.

The Canadian pop star lately has drawn more attention for his brushes with the law than for his music. His arrival at the Toronto police station was no different — the singer debuted a music video for his song "Confident" on Wednesday afternoon, just as news of his expected arrest was breaking.

Bieber remains under investigation for felony vandalism in Los Angeles County over an egg-tossing episode that damaged his neighbor's home. Detectives searched his home on Jan. 14, and prosecutors have sought additional information before determining whether to pursue charges.

The cases have overshadowed the recent release of his latest album. Its reception has been far from the chart-topping success Bieber had after he debuted in 2009, with multiple platinum albums.

Last year, Bieber made headlines for everything from clashing with a paparazzo to fainting at a show to being photographed smoking marijuana. The paparazzo is suing Bieber for assault and battery.

German authorities charged him thousands of dollars after he abandoned a pet monkey that they seized from him for failing to have proper vaccination papers.

The singer also had to apologize to Bill Clinton after cursing the former president and spraying his photo with cleaning fluid in a New York City restaurant kitchen.

Bieber was discovered through a YouTube video of him performing, and his career has been guided by a pair of music industry heavyweights, singer Usher and manager Scooter Braun. He has been nominated for two Grammy Awards for his 2010 full-length album debut "My World 2.0," but his popularity has waned.

Braun tweeted Wednesday evening, "i ask people to be kind and hope for the best in people. not assume the worst. Thanks."

Jon Bollock, a 14-year-old fan waiting for Bieber to arrive outside the Toronto police station, said he wanted to see Bieber but said "it's pretty embarrassing for Canada."

Stars serenade The Beatles

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 18:02:04 -0500

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOS ANGELES (AP) — There’s an easy way to give pop music’s most performance-hardened stars a case of the butterflies: Ask them to perform in front of The Beatles.

Many of today’s top artists gathered Monday night to honor The Beatles’ legacy, with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr in attendance and late members John Lennon and George Harrison always in mind, at The Recording Academy’s taping of “The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles.”

John Legend and Alicia Keys sang “Let It Be.” Katy Perry performed “Yesterday,” while her boyfriend, John Mayer, teamed with Keith Urban on “Don’t Let Me Down.” And Brad Paisley and Pharrell Williams took on the challenge of “Here Comes the Sun,” a song well-known to millions of music fans.

“We are honoring the most important band of all time and trying to do justice to their song while two of them sit there,” Paisley said in an interview before his performance.

It was not until McCartney and Starr took the stage — turning what had been a fairly sedate affair into an arm-in-arm singalong of hits “Hey, Jude,” “Sgt. Pepper” and “Yellow Submarine” — that movie stars and Grammy Award-winning musicians alike were prompted to sing along like giddy kids.

The telecast will air Feb. 9, 50 years after The Fab Four made their first appearance in front of an American TV audience on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” It was a historic moment with more than 73 million Americans tuning in, changing pop culture in profound ways.

Even so, McCartney told the crowd he was hesitant to agree to commemorate it.

“What can I say about this evening? It’s just amazing,” he said. “At first when I was asked to do the show, I was wondering if it was the right thing to do. Was it seemly to tribute yourself?”

Grammy producer Ken Ehrlich said the tribute event was more than a decade in the making and was produced at the Los Angeles Convention Center with archival footage from the band’s “Ed Sullivan” era as well as their psychedelic and hirsute, hipster periods.

Maroon 5 kicked off the show by re-creating the opening moments of the Feb. 9, 1964, appearance with “All My Loving,” then “Ticket to Ride.” Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics reunited to play “The Fool on the Hill.”

Harrison’s son Dhani joined Lynne and Joe Walsh on his father’s classic “Something.” Stevie Wonder performed “We Can Work It Out.”

Starr took the stage next and marveled at Wonder’s appearance: “I’ve got to tell you, what a thrill following Stevie Wonder.”

The drummer performed three songs alone, including “Yellow Submarine” at the request of Foo Fighters’ founder Dave Grohl’s young daughter. McCartney took the stage next for five songs of his own before Starr returned for a finale that included a group sing-along of “Hey, Jude.” It was the first time the two had performed together since 2010.

“We were in a band. It’s called The Beatles,” Starr said near the end of the show. “And if we play, John and George are always with us. It’s always John, Paul, George and Ringo.”