Pop Culture Video Magazine

R.I.P 24 Year Old Frank Almonte

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 01:35:00 +0000

Today we received news of a devastating loss of one of our alumni, Frank Almonte, Jr.

Frank was the fist Latin percussionist in our school. He came to us in the 2003-2004 school year, shortly after we left teaching at our house and set up the studio in a church in Hartsdale. Frank came with his parents, Maria and Frank Sr. and little 11 year-old brother Anthony.

Frank made Latin percussion hip at Lagond. We hired so many wonderful teachers to help bring Latin music to our program, but it wasn't until Frank and Anthony joined us that our students turned their heads and listened.

Maria and Frank Sr. came to Lagond three to four days a week for over six years, bringing both of their boys for their private lessons, bands, performing bands and college prep. Frank worked his way up to be an outstanding member of our Ultimate Performance band, The Element. He shared many wonderful moments on and off stage with us all over Manhattan and on tour throughout the US and Canada. Together, he and Anthony were a whirlwind of energy, style, talent and smiles - on stage and off.

Early this year Frank decided to join the Navy and was stationed in Spain where he was loving life. Apparently he was the victim of an automobile accident, struck by a car while hailing a cab, though we have limited details at this time. The Almonte family has traveled to Spain and we will keep you informed of the memorial arrangements once the family returns with Frank.

Our love and prayers are now with the Almonte family, one of the cornerstone families who helped to build Lagond Music and brought with them talent, support and a sense of commitment and community that has meant so much to us.

Frank will be remembered, loved, missed and cherished by all who knew him.

We are heartbroken.

Charlie, Rosanne and the Lagond community

by Adriana Kaegi

Gangnam Style 1 Year 3 Billion Views

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 18:07:00 +0000

Today is what we call a "slow news day," where you will be hearing about "Gangnam Style" hitting its first birthday. It was a year ago today that Psy unleashed what would be the first video to a billion views, and his follow-up, "Gentleman," has amassed over 480 million since it was released in April. With a grand total of over 3 billion views, Psy has a huge presence on YouTube. Yes, over 2.2 billion of those views are from just two videos, but that means he's got 800 million from others. The channel constantly provides content, many times live appearances, that have helped make it the 5th most-viewed channel on YouTube.

Source: Has It Been A Year Already? Gangnam Style A Year Old, Psy's Channel at 3 Billion Views http://www.reelseo.com/year-gangnam-style-year-psys-channel-3-billion-views/#ixzz2ZEUw9sa5
©ReelSEO.com, All Rights Reserved

by Adriana Kaegi

Mr. 305, Pitbull and David Rush Return

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 23:23:00 +0000

Mr. 305 as Pitbull and David Rush return with the music video for the steamy summer anthem, "All Night" from the forthcoming International Takeover album.http://gallery.mailchimp.com

June 26, 2013—New York, NY— Fresh off last week’s Idolator.com premiere of the inspiring new single “Driving Around” http://snd.sc/1aO68kk, Pitbull is back with a brand new music video for “All Night,” featuring David Rush http://youtu.be/U1lsexMI7Xk. The visuals for this surefire club banger tantalizingly tease viewers with an assortment of beautiful women who all vie for the attention of Rush. Most known for the remix of his top ten hit single “Shooting Star” on the U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 40 chart, this is one of seven songs where Rush joins Pitbull on the album.

International Takeover features dance production from GRAMMY Award-winning producer and owner of Rebel Rock Records, Jim Jonsin as well as remix teams Starkillers and Providers. Arguably one of the hottest dance album to drop this summer, International Takeover features a wide variety of influential artists including Pitbull and some of his artist friends including Trina, David Rush, Trick Daddy, Qwote, Jump Smokers, Baby Bash, Vein and many more. International Takeover is available for pre-order on June 25 via iTunes http://smarturl.it/t0hro5, and hits shelves on July 9.

International Takeover Tracklist:
1. Superstar feat. Pitbull, David Rush, Qwote, and Vein
2. Girls Gone Wild feat. Pitbull, Qwote, Jump Smokers, & Baby Bash
3. All Night feat. Pitbull & David Rush (Starkillers Remix)
4. Kiss From Those Lips feat. Pitbull & Qwote (DJ Rebel Remix)
5. Driving Around featl Pitbull, David Rush & Vein (Providers Remix Radio Edit)
6. Okay feat. Pitbull & Trina
7. Forever Your Girl feat, Pitbull & Ty
8. Esta Loca feat. Pitbull, David Rush, Vein
9. Girls Gone Wild Remix feat. Pitbull, David Rush, Qwote, Vein
10. Waiting feat. Selena Serrano and Pitbull
11. Miami Boys feat, Pitbull & Trick Daddy

Bonus Tracks:
1. All Night feat. Pitbull & David Rush (Album Version)
2. Kiss From Those Lips feat, Pitbull & Qwote (Album Version)
3. Driving Around feat, Pitbull, David Rush & Vein (Album Version)

By Adriana Kaegi

"HOMELESS ROMANTIC"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 17:16:00 +0000

UK artist ITCH has been building buzz for his newest US single "Homeless Romantic" featuring Adam Lazzara of Taking Back Sunday since he premiered the audio with MTV Buzzworthy last week. Today, we get the music video featuring Lazzara's soaring chorus, which complements ITCH's high-velocity rhymes. Check out the music video, which was shot by Hannah Lux Davis in Los Angeles, CA

"Working with Adam was awesome," says ITCH about the collaboration. "Adam is such a soulful person and we clicked right away. He has a lot of pain in his voice which comes through - he left the booth on fire! He's a very down to earth, humble man, but he becomes a different person with a mic in his hand."

ITCH has been nonstop this past year with a European tour opening for AWOLNATION and festival shows such as Facedown and Slam Dunk, where during an intense live show, he jumped off a balcony and shattered his heel. Slated to play the 2013 Vans Warped Tour shortly after, the injury put a hold on a few dates of the tour until the successful surgery and approval from medical experts to fly to the States. ITCH made his debut on the highly anticipated summer festival tour in Pomona, CA last week in a golden wheelchair to high praise and will be on the Spotify Stage all summer long playing "Homeless Romantic" for audiences across the country.

In addition to "Homeless Romantic," the London wordsmith already released two EPs, respectively titled Manifesto Part 1: How To Fucking Rule At Life and Manifesto Part 2: We're All In The Gutter earlier this year - both are available for free download at www.itchofficial.com.

ITCH, signed to Red Bull Records, has become known for his notorious, aggressive danceable beats and in-your-face, politically charged lyrics. ITCH raps with a captivating energy that must be seen live.

Check out more from ITCH here:
www.itchofficial.com
www.facebook.com/itchsmixes
www.twitter.com/itchsspeeches
www.redbullrecords.com
#homelessromantic


Vans Warped Tour 2013:

Wed June 26
NMSU Practice Field
Las Cruces, NM
Thur June 27
Quail Run Park
Phoenix, AZ
Fri June 28
Silverton Casino
Las Vegas, NV
Sat June 29
Utah State Fairpark
Salt Lake City, UT
Sun June 30
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Denver, CO
Wed Jul 3
Klipsch Music Center
Indianapolis, IN
Fri Jul 5
Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
Toronto, ON
Sat Jul 6
Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
Buffalo, NY
Sun Jul 7
PNC Bank Arts Center
Holmdel, NJ
Tues Jul 9
Farm Bureau Live
Virginia Beach, VA
Wed Jul 10
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Columbia, MD
Thur Jul 11
Comcast Center
Boston, MA
Fri Jul 12
Susquehanna Bank Center
Camden, NJ
Sat Jul 13
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Uniondale, NY
Sun Jul 14
Comcast Theatre
Hartford, CT
Tues Jul 16
Toyota Pavilion
Scranton, PA
Wed Jul 17
First Niagara Pavilion
Pittsburgh, PA
Thur Jul 18
Blossom Music Center
Cleveland, OH
Fri Jul 19
The Palace of Auburn Hills
Detroit, MI
Sat Jul 20
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Chicago, IL
Sun Jul 21
Canterbury Park
Minneapolis, MN
Tues Jul 23
Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
Kansas City, KS
Wed Jul 24
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
St. Louis, MO
Thur Jul 25
Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood
Atlanta GA
Fri Jul 26
Vinoy Park
Tampa, FL
Sat Jul 27
Cruzan Amphitheatre
West Palm Beach, FL
Fri July 28
Central Florida Fairgrounds
Orlando, FL
Mon Jul 29
Charlotte Verizon Wireless
Charlotte, NC
Tues Jul 30
Riverbend Music Center
Cincinnati, OH
Wed Jul 31
Marcus Amphitheater
Milwaukee, WI
Fri Aug 2
Gexa Energy Pavilion
Dallas, TX
Sat Aug 3
AT&T Center
San Antonio, TX
Sun Aug 4
Reliant Center
Houston, TX

Marc Anthony back on Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:55:00 +0000

Pop Icon to Travel Across 3 Continents and 15 Countries

U.S. Tour to Kick Off August 23 in Miami

New Single “Vivir Mi Vida” Remains No. 1 Latin Song in the U.S.

March Anthony (@marcanthony) has sold over 12 million albums worldwide, making him one of the most influential artists of his time and a true ambassador of Latin music and culture. He has been awarded countless standard gold and platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His most recent accolades include the 2012 ASCAP Founders Award for his exceptional contributions to music and an induction into the Billboard Hall of Fame in April 2012 for his global influence as a performer in both the Spanish-speaking and mainstream markets. He has now surpassed 3.5 million followers on Twitter and 2.7 million on Facebook.

A passionate humanitarian, Anthony launched the Maestro Cares Foundation in January 2012 in a joint endeavor with business associate Henry Cardenas to assist disadvantaged children in Latin America. The pop star donated proceeds from his sold-out show at the Barclays Center earlier this year, and has also hosted fundraisers to support the charity’s first major project—the construction of a new orphanage that will house more than 100 neglected children in La Romana, Dominican Republic.

Anthony, who has also established a highly credible acting resume, was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in Washington D.C. in September 2009.

Tour:
Chicago/New York, June 17, 2013 – Cardenas Marketing Network (CMN), the nation’s leading multicultural marketing agency, announced that it is set to produce global pop icon Marc Anthony’s’ highly anticipated world tour, “Vivir Mi Vida,” which will see the multi Grammy Award-winner and his band travel across three continents and 15 countries, visiting places of great significance to the artist as well as new locations, most notably Australia. The 12-city stateside trek is set to kick off on Friday, August 23 at Miami’s American Airlines Arena. See full schedule below.

Tickets to all 14 U.S. shows go on sale this Thursday, June 20 at 10:00 a.m. and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

“This new tour, ‘Vivir Mi Vida,’ is extremely special because it gives me the opportunity to present songs from my first production of original music in almost 10 years,” said Anthony. “I am really excited to meet again with all my fans and look forward to sharing with them my music’s journey.”

The tour will feature a state-of-the-art, never before seen production from one of the most beloved voices in popular music, with Anthony set to perform songs spanning his career as well as new songs from his new album, to be released July 23. His new single, “Vivir Mi Vida,” debuted to astounding success on April 25 at the 2013 Billboard Latin Music Awards and has taken over Billboard’s No. 1 Hot Latin Songs for four consecutive weeks.

“We’re incredibly excited to produce Marc’s new tour and are eager to go back on the road with him,” said Henry Cardenas, President and Chief Executive Officer of CMN. “Fans should expect to see a new live experience, and, as always, Marc’s signature, class act.”

Last year the singer, actor, philanthropist and fashion icon performed before an impressive range of venues and locations during CMN’s record-breaking international tour, GIGANT3S, as he starred alongside fellow pop legends Chayanne and Marco Antonio Solis, picking up the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot Tours list after grossing more than $10 million at the box office in the U.S. alone.

The New York native has already taken to the stage this year for two monumental performances in Mexico, playing before a colossal crowd of 125,000 during the International Salsa Festival in Veracruz and before more than 100,000 fans at Mexico City’s famed Zocalo.

MARC ANTHONY 2013 “VIVIR MI VIDA” WORLD TOUR (Date, City/Country, Venue):
8/6/13, Medellin, Colombia, Estadio de Envigado
8/9/13, Bogota, Colombia, Estadio Simon Bolivar
8/14/13, Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Estadio Aguilera
8/17/13, Callao, Peru, Estadio Miguel Grau
8/23/13, Miami, FL, American Airlines Arena
8/24/13, Miami, FL, American Airlines Arena
8/25/13, Orlando, FL, Amway Center
8/30/13, Curaçao, Curaçao, North Sea Jazz Festival
9/1/13, Long Island, NY, Nassau Coliseum
9/5/13, Houston, TX, Toyota Center
9/7/13, Chicago, IL, Allstate Arena
9/8/13, Toronto, Canada, TBD
9/10/13, Vienna, VA, Filene Center
9/13/13, Las Vegas, NV, Mandalay Bay
9/14/13, Tucson, AZ, Anselmo Valencia Amphitheatre
9/20/13, Cali, Colombia, Rumbodromo del Sur
9/21/13, Bucaramanga, Colombia, Plaza de Toros
9/27/13, Oakland, CA, Oracle Arena
9/28/13, Los Angeles, CA, Nokia Theatre
9/29/13, Los Angeles, CA, Nokia Theatre
10//4/13, San, Juan, Puerto Rico, Choliseo
10/5/13, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Choliseo
10/15/13, Panama City, Panama, Estadio Roberto Duran
10/19/13, Guadalajara, Mexico, Arena VFG
10/23/13, Mexico City, Auditorio Nacional
10/24/13, Mexico City, Auditorio Nacional
10/25/13, Mexico City, Auditorio Nacional
11/1/13, Cuenca, Ecuador, Estadio Serrano Aguilar
11/2/13, Guayaquil, Ecuador, Explanada Feria de Duran
11/6/13, Santiago, Chile, Arena Movistar
11/8/13, Mostazal, Chile, Casino Monticello
11/10/13, Asuncion, Paraguay, Club Olimpia
11/14/13, Montevideo, Uruguay, Estadio Centenario
11/16/13, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Estadio Geba
11/17/13, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Estadio Geba
11/19/13, Lima, Peru, Estadio Nacional de Lima
12/3/13, Maracaibo, Venezuela,
12/4/13, Valencia, Venezuela, Forum
12/5/13, Caracas, Venezuela, Poliedro
12/12/13, Brisbane, Australia, Brisbane Entertainment Center
12/13/13, Sydney, Australia, Sydney Entertainment Center
12/15/13, Melbourne, Australia, Hisense Arena
12/18/13, Adelaide, Australia, Adelaide Entertainment Center

Keep up with Marc Anthony at:
www.marcanthonyonline.com
www.twitter.com/marcanthony
www.facebook.com/officialmarcanthony

-New single “Vivir Mi Vida” is now available on iTunes-

By Adriana Kaegi

“Pack Your Trunk” Featuring Jem Stone

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:07:00 +0000

Kid Creole and the Coconuts are back with a Summer dance hit that will put a smile on your face and make your feet dance. It is one of these ear worms, one of these WEE OHH everyone shouts out together at a Party or Dance floor. In typical Kid Creole style, there is a story line to the song, and a beat that is infectious.
More info Http://Kidcreoleandthecoconuts.com

by Chichi Divotts

Protect Library Funding

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:21:00 +0000

On Tuesday, May 7, 2013, hundreds of people will gather in Washington, D.C. to tell Congressmen to protect library funding. To mark the annual day, we think your readers would be interested in an article or photo slideshow that lists facts about celebrities who love libraries, including:

*Beyoncé has her own personal librarian that catalogues nearly 50,000 reams of footage of herself that she amassed for ten years.

*Bill Cosby, winner of the Library of Congress' "Living Legend" award, has raised funds for the

Brooklyn Public Library's Support Our Shelves fundraising campaign.

*NBA player and Olympic gold medalist Dwayne Wade was the Honorary Chair of the American Library Association’s Library Card Sign-up Month.

*Bestselling author Ray Bradbury has said “Most of you can afford to go to college, but if you want to educate yourself completely, go to the library and educate yourself. When I was 28 years old, I graduated from Library.”

*Karl Lagerfeld, Rod Stewart, Diane Keaton, Woody Allen, Joan Rivers, Kelsey Grammer and Oprah all own large, private libraries.

*Oprah’s large library collection contains autographed first editions of “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee and John Steinbeck’s “Cup of Gold.”

*Kirk Douglas has said “"My mother and father were illiterate immigrants from Russia. When I was a child they were constantly amazed that I could go to a building and take a book on any subject. They couldn't believe this access to knowledge we have here in America. They couldn't believe it was free.”

To get more names of entertainers who support libraries, go to www.ilovelibraries.org/libraryquotes/libraryquotes. To learn more about National Library Legislative Day, go to http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/nlld/press.

Pls, support Library Funding.

By Adriana Kaegi

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:21:00 +0000

Kaizers Orchestra, a unique Norwegian band who are playing the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 16th. I thought you might be interested discovering them.

This video will help you get a feel for the group's music and energetic performance style: The song is included in their trilogy of albums, Violeta, Violeta, which tells the sinister story of the devil and a very supernatural family.

Kaizers Orchestra has decided to part ways after the completion of Violeta, Violeta and 6 number one studio albums in Norway. Their show at the Met is the first and last opportunity to experience them live here in the US!

As you know, I love to cover the more unusual Popcutlure, not the kind you will find in the Wallmart Newspaper Stands.

by Adriana Kaegi

I Am Aan Opera

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 05 May 2013 00:04:00 +0000

Beckoning the audience into a labyrinth of memories and visions, award-winning singer, interdisciplinary artist, and writer Joseph Keckler performs his own radical rendition of an opera. Follow @josephkeckler and on Facebook.

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS,
APRIL 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20 and 26 & 27 at 7:30PM

written, composed, & performed by
JOSEPH KECKLER

JOSEPH IS EVERYWHERE!
Read interviews with him in The New York Times, on HuffPo, The L Magazine, the latest Lo-Down and in INTERVIEW!

Directed by UWE MENGEL
Music Direction by PATRICK GRANT

Lighting Design by BEN KATO
Video in collaboration with NED STRESEN-REUTER & LAURA TERRUSO
Featuring Costume Elements by ANDREW JORDAN

TICKETS:
\$15 (advance), $18 (door), $12 (stu / sen) or TDF

JOSEPH KECKLER is a singer, writer, and performer. His shows have recently been seen at The New Museum, BAM Fischer Center, SXSW Music, Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, Afterglow Festival, Cameo Gallery, La MaMa ETC, PS 122, The Stone, Theatre Bellevue in Amsterdam, Abrons Art Center and various other music venues, galleries, theaters, and museums across the country and abroad. He has been awarded residencies at MacDowell Artist Colony and Yaddo Artist Colony and has received a 2012 NYFA Fellowship in Interdisciplinary Work as well as a grant from the Franklin Furnace Fund for performance art. Joseph is currently under commission by Dixon Place. He is in the process of creating on a new performance piece, videos, recordings, and a collection of stories.

This DP commission is supported by public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; and with private funds from the Jerome Foundation.

This work was made possible, in part, by Mixed Blessing Theater e.V., Berlin Germany; and by The Franklin Furnace Fund supported by Jerome Foundation; the Lambent Foundation, and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Pop's New Tripple Threat

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:28:00 +0000

Dubbed by Maria Menounos as “Pop’s New Triple Threat” and the “Israeli Lady Gaga” on EXTRA in the United States, this star of Showtime’s Weeds turned international pop star, Meital Dohan, has teamed up with the acclaimed DJ and Record Producer R3hab, widely known for working with Madonna, LMFAO, Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry, to debut the R3hab Remix of Meital’s hit original single “On Ya” that already has over 5 million YouTube views! Catchy beat, well produced video, but she is no Lady Gaga!

Extra: http://youtu.be/sDmyuTHIaBQ
R3hab Remix: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcIm2sNiW_U
Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bryan-cainjackson/meital-dohan-weeds_b_2947704.html

Both MTV and VEVO are massive champions of Meital and are supporting/featuring the “On Ya” music video across the board on all of their major platforms including MTV, MTV Logo (New Now Next), MTVU, MTV.com, MTV Buzzworthy, and have been featured on the front page of VEVO.com. The R3hab remix video was directed by the acclaimed Ray Kay (Britney Spears “Till The World Ends” / Lady Gaga “Pokerface”), and as MTV Buzzworthy puts it, “always fly in a bedazzled get-up so that if your plane crashes and you're forced to jump out of it, you'll land looking totally chic! #Wordstoliveby.

In addition, the Brass Knuckles and Brian Cid who produced “On Ya” single just hit #5 on the UK Club Pop Chart. Debuted on the US Billboard Club Play chart and is currently impacting with club and mix-show jocks nationwide including Sirius XM’s “20 on 20” and is in rotation on top radio stations across America from Miami to Chicago and Los Angeles.

Known from the Showtime hit series Weeds and her role on Woke Up Dead, Meital has received many awards including an “Israeli Tony” award and two Israeli 'Academy Award' nominations for Best Actress. Meital’s last single entitled “YUMMY,” the song behind her viral video, “Yummy Boyz,” circulated in clubs and radio stations nationwide, including KIIS FM and has been remixed by numerous DJs including: Danny Verde, Electrolightz, Hector Fonseca, and Chew Fu (Rihanna, Timbaland, Katy Perry, Gossip, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga). Her music and lyrics are catchy, upbeat and exude a Borat meets Portishead kind of vibe.

by Adriana Kaegi

“Epic Rap Battles of History” Season Finale

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 23:56:00 +0000

SEASON FINALE WITH “RASPUTIN VS. STALIN”

“Epic Rap Battles of History” (ERB), Maker Studios’ record-breaking series created by Peter Shukoff (aka Nice Peter) and Lloyd Ahlquist (aka EpicLLOYD) returns today with Rasputin vs. Stalin. “ERB” features comedic altercations between historical and/or pop culture figures in a rap music format.

Watch as USSR de facto leader Joseph Stalin (EpicLLOYD) unleashes an iron fist of rhyme against Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin (Nice Peter), along with a few other surprise appearances, during this Season 2: Part 3 season finale showdown. One of the most requested battles since the end of the first season, the finale episode features a full lineup of characters from Russia’s political history spanning from World War I to the present.

Enjoy the fun and laughter....
by Adriana Kaegi

DJ Mark Kamins lives on

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 02:56:00 +0000

I must say, the celebration party of Mark Kamins live in New York's Santos Party House was the best and most fun I have had in a very very long time.
DJ's came from far away places to pay tribute and bands like Konk who has not performed since the 80's did a live show, including Coati Mundi and Lady Miss Kier etc. etc. etc. it was endless fun and felt like some sort of re union of Danceteria, the Mudd Club and Paladium, all landmark nightclubs in the 80's in New York.
Have a look at my video coverage and personal interviews with legends who have stories to share about the legendary DJ Mark Kamins. He will be missed but never forgotten find out why.

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTdljAaTNwE62KQ6XdV0lBHpquJhNPbj1

DJ Mark Kamins influenced so many people all around the world with his infectious musical taste and happy smile.

by Adriana Kaegi

Legendary 80's band still kicking it up

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:11:00 +0000

The legendary band Kid Creole and the Coconuts, have been releasing more singles in the last month than in years, thanks to Tommy Boy Entertainment. Have a look at this funny video Muchachacha and tell me what you think? Kid Creole has performed for Presidents and Kings, and for the masses in stadiums worldwide, they are known to be ecclectic and electric on stage as well as on recordings. I love them just as much today then yesterday...For tour dates and news of upcoming release "Pack your Trunk" go to their website and make sure to sign their mailing list for free downloads.

By Adriana Kaegi

Lennon's "Someday" New Single Release

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:41:00 +0000

"Someday" is Julian Lennon's latest single in 30 years.
The track features Lennonesque lyrics, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and stately strings.

If you like this song, there is more to come in "Everything Changes" his new album, which has a timely message" "We're all in it together"

I am glad he found his way back to expressing himself with music, after all he has it in his blood.

By Adriana Kaegi

High Fashion - Eighteen new music video

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:09:00 +0000

Great humor, great sound, the band is looking for money on kick-starter to finish their album, make a donation if you can, they totally deserve to be able to share more of their talents with the planet.

In my world they are better then some bands with major record deals.
Goes to show, what you can get away with, when you do not have anyone to answer to.
Creativity at large. Watch this video......
http://youtu.be/eTsFP7xRCwY

This song is one of High Fashion's best yet. The only thing I can say is, pls. get out of my ears.....
by
Adriana Kaegi

"Searching for Sugar Man" React to Film Screening at the MOMA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 04:47:00 +0000

The recent React to Film screening at the MOMA, was the amazing Oscar Award winning documentary film "Searching for Sugar Man"

As always, React to Film show films that expose, engage and inspire, I have been a fan since their beginning.

This was my first time attending one of their screening at the MOMA, the house was packed and the response was loud.

If you have not seen Searching for Suger Man, you simply must.
This unbelievable story, made me believe in miracles again.
A magical tale of a humble talented man who got what he deserves, thanks to far away fans who made it all possible and a film maker who fell for the story and ended up winning an Oscar.

The most touching keyword I took away from this experience is ACCEPTANCE.

The after screening Q&A was conducted by Soledad O'Brian and the films director Malik Bendjelloul who had worked 6 years to make this film. I filmed the Q&A with my Iphone.

Having made my own documentary film in the past, I was intrigued by Malik's story of relentless persistence. A true inspiration, well done!

Thank you React to Film for showing an other amazing documentary film.

Please become a member of React to Film, find out more about this fab..org and the amazing work they do. http://reacttofilm.com/

By Adriana Kaegi

Vice a must see new HBO series

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 03:31:00 +0000

VICE, a news magazine series that will premiere exclusively on HBO, smashes barriers of decorum to cover such stories as out-of-control political assassinations in the Philippines, the sumo/Mixed Martial Arts craze that has swept Senegal and the precarious nuclear stare-down in Kashmir.

VICE is executive produced by Bill Maher, Shane Smith and Eddy Moretti, VICE's chief creative officer, with CNN's Fareed Zakaria serving as consultant.

I saw the screening tonight and can highly recommend it. Watch the premiere 11pm April 5th and you will be hooked.

David Bowie does it again

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 03:14:00 +0000

David Bowie is my hero. I am so thrilled he released this amazing new album, which seems to have created a renaissance. If you listen closely, you will hear subtle references to his earlier work. There are many artists who have mixed art and music, but to me David Bowie embodies both mediums the best.
Now go out and get his new album.

Written by Adriana Kaegi

Allen Stone Gives Us More Soul With His New Video, "Celebrate Tonight"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:05:00 +0000

Out of small town Washington state, Alan Stone brings us a new soul hit, "Celebrate Tonight". The video, directed by Jon Augustavo, shot in the low, warm light of what appears to be a home for the elderly, Stone coos and encourages us to "Just celebrate tonight, there's reason to feel right". The delighted expressions of the residents bloom to the surface as Stone's set plays to an easy, swaying beat; nobody can help but smile. With this release, we are reminded that smoothing away the edges can be as inspiring as it is relieving. Allen Stone, as unusual and charming as the round-edged square coke-bottle glasses and buttery voice that characterize him, revives for us a Wonder-esq sound and it is beautiful.

Written by Elizabeth Scales

100 Years Ago Today

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:59:00 +0000

Here are 5 news stories from around the world 100 years ago.

What was happening in the world one hundred years ago? Hi this is Matt and here are 5 New York Times headlines from March 12th, 1913.

Number 5 - War clouds were hanging over Europe about a year before the First World War would begin. That chatter was affecting financial markets and one report noted German market's negative reaction to some news out of France. 'The Cologne Gazette's warning of the "inevitability" of trouble with France was the primary cause of the nervousness.

Number 4 - Here's an intriguing headline pertaining to academic performance - 'Foreign children make good showing'. One would assume the data compares to kids in the US to those in China, India, and other parts of the world. But interestingly, that distinction is for kids within America. As the article notes, two "jewish", one "German", two "italian" and two "American" elementary schools were picked for the tests.

Number 3 - Custom tailoring was all the rage in 1913 but this ad tried to convince you otherwise. It noted - There are a good many men who are right up-to-date in all but one thing; they're behind the times in buying clothes, and they don't know it. They haven't discovered that for $25 they can get ready, a suit of clothes, equal of anything their custom tailor can produce at $40 or $50.

Number 2 - While one would assume medical science was much more elementary in 1913 as compared to what we see today. This example contradicts that assumption - Dr. S. J. Crowe of the Johns Hopkins Hospital had successfully performed a complicated operation on a young girl. A large growth had formed at the edge of the brain, wedging against the thin wall of bone protecting it. He removed the growth with the aid of an illuminating apparatus, the rays of which were so powerful as to make the roof of the girl's mouth transparent.

Number 1 - Motor Polo - a hot new sport was on the horizon and an American was out enthusiastically promoting it in Europe. As the name suggests, it's just like polo but the players are on cars rather than horses. It was popular for some time but gradually faded over the year.

Monday's Makeup Moment: Drew Barrymore Flower

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 03:31:00 +0000

Drew Barrymore has a lot going on this year what with getting married and having her first baby. The new mom to four month old Olive is adding a new activity to her already busy life as an actress, producer, director, wife, and mother. She has just created her very own makeup line called Flower.

The affordable makeup will be sold at Walmart. Unlike many other celebrities, she isn't just adding her name to a brand without being involved creative. The line that launched a week ago is Barrymore's other baby, and she was completely involved in its creation from the very beginning. In addition to lip colors, cheek colors, and foundations, there are also sixteen different nail colors.

See the video below for more info about the new makeup line.

Altogether, the line includes over 181 eye, face, lip, and nail products that range from $4.98 to $13.98. They can be found at any of the 1,500 Walmart stores in the U.S. or at Walmart.com.

-Francisca Stewart

Was Milan Men's Fashion Week A Bore?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 18:55:00 +0000

Backstage at the Versace show looked like fun as the hot foreign models got ready and talked about their experience with Milan fashion week.

But according to some, the collections at this years men's fashion week in Milan have been less exciting than usual. And apparently this has to do with money. Italy's fashion houses are choosing to play it safe so their sales will go back up. They have stuck to designing and showing pieces that are wearable for every man, not just extremely couture pieces that are less likely to appeal to the masses. Traditional and classic were key themes throughout the week.

Nonetheless, there were still some racy items that stood out, like Versace's lacy underwear for men.

And German designer Philipp Plein's envelope pushing machine gun-wielding models. Many of the models also donned gas masks or ski masks. Only problem with his approach is that no one's really talking about his clothes.

Traditional and classic don't necessarily mean boring, and designers like Prada were able to pull off some great timeless looks without being dull.

With Vittorio Missoni and his wife still missing, the Missoni show had a mournful feeling to it. The music was somber and the mood was, too.

Calvin Klein kept things cool and simple, sticking to what he knows best instead of trying to change things up too much. Sometimes this can be the best decision, and in this case his suits will probably be some of the hottest ones of the season.

You can see the schedule for all the up coming fashion weeks for Fall/Winter 2013 collections here.

-Francisca Stewart

Sunday's Are For Seeing Something New: Freeze Tag

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 18:40:00 +0000

Like being a kid all over again. Today from 1-3 pm you can go play freeze tag like you did when you were younger. Just go to the corner of Wall Street and Broad Street.

This was last year's freeze tag on Wall Street.

The 2 hour game time is hosted by Levi's New York, and everyone is invited from kids to adults. This is a perfect way to let loose, enjoy your Sunday like you should, and act immature for all the right reasons.

It's actually not just freeze tag that's played, but also Red Rover, Blob-Tag, and Wolf-Sheep Rock. Don't know what the last one is but it's sure to be a good time.

There a few standard rules that you'll find out about when you're there, but the main one that everyone should follow is to not knock over civilians or tourists who are taking photos with Stock Exchange Bull.

Now get out there!

-Francisca Stewart

Video: In The Eye of the Spiral

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:12:00 +0000

In The Eye of the Spiral is a film that deals with the philosophy of Spiralism (Le Spiralisme) and examining humanity's creativity. This examination is a way to delve into how art is able to face the chaos and challenges of the realities of the world. One such place that struggles with these chaoses and challenges is Haiti.

Check out the trailer from In The Eye of the Spiral, which is narrated by Oscar winning and multiplatinum singer-songwriter Annie Lennox.
http://vimeo.com/56801406

If you would like to donate on behalf of this cause for Haitian art, please go here.

-Francisca Stewart

Interview with Movie Composer Heather McIntosh: The New Musician In Town

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:05:00 +0000

Remember Heather McIntosh's name, because this Georgia native is making a name for herself in the movie and music industry that won't be soon forgotten. I got a chance to talk to the composer and musician who wrote the score for the critically acclaimed film Compliance, shown at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012. The haunting score that set the undertone for the movie got rave reviews from The New York Times, Time Magazine, Variety, and more.

Compliance trailer

Before McIntosh wrote her first movie score, she was already leaving an indelible mark in the music scene. Heather has toured with the likes of Lil' Wayne, created beautiful music with great indie bands like Animal Collective, and has performed on stage with musical artists such as M. Ward and Cat Power. The list of amazing artists she has worked with is long and refreshingly varied.

When she talks about her many musical collaborations, her passion for music shines through. But besides her love for music is her love for film. Having worked at a video store in Georgia when she was younger, it quickly becomes obvious as she talks about cult films and alt films that she is a film connoisseur. It seems almost impossible that her passion for music could be outweighed by any other medium, but film seems to definitely be tied for first place.

Heather McIntosh

When Heather moved to Los Angeles not too long ago to follow her dream of writing movie scores, that dream quickly turned into a reality. She has taken her two biggest loves, music and movies, and has created a blossoming career. She is currently working on a bunch of new films, including The Rambler starring Dermot Mulroney and Natasha Lyonne, which will be going to Sundance Film Festival in 2013.

The girl who got her start playing music in Athens, Georgia, has found a way to play nearly every instrument one can think of. For the Compliance soundtrack, she played everything from a glockenspiel to the piano. Credit goes to Heather's mom for teaching her piano at the young age of 4. "She loves seeing my trajectory with music, and seeing how far I've come" Heather says of her mother's musical influence.

Having toured with Lil' Wayne on his 'I Am Music' tour in 2008 and 2009, I ask her what it was like to be a part of a record-breaking top grossing tour. "We were playing arenas with thousands of people, standing on these crazy platforms with big jumbotron screens. I'd never done anything like that before, and it was an amazing experience."

Just as her musical resume is unique, so is her taste in music. Some of her favorite music to listen to at the moment is English musician Robert Wyatt of the band Soft Machine, American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Shuggie Otis, and the German experimental rock band Faust.

Talking with Heather makes it apparent just how easy and unforced her relationship with film and music is. Some people are just meant to be in a certain field, and Heather is one of those people who makes an example of this.

-Francisca Stewart