South Florida Insider

Hawks Cay Resort

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:07:50 +0000

Hawks Cay Resort Celebrates 500 Years of Florida!

In celebration the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s quest for the Fountain of Youth and discovery of Florida, Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys has released a new offer for couples to experience the Fountain of Youth Florida Keys style! Guests looking to refresh and reconnect can take a dip in Hawks Cay’s emerald Saltwater Lagoon - their Fountain of Youth - and enjoy rest, relaxation and romance at the 60-acre destination resort.

The package includes:

Accommodations in a premium king lanai room, situated along the adults-only Tranquility Pool
One 50 minute couple’s Swedish massage at the award-winning Calm Waters Spa, voted best U.S. hotel spa by the readers of Travel + Leisure

Admission for two to set sail on a sunset cruise with complimentary beer, wine and champagne toast at sunset

While RR&R are the keys to rejuvenation, guests who are young at heart can recapture the playfulness of their childhood after enjoying a dip with the resort’s resident dolphins at the on-site Dolphin Connection program, paddling through an eco-kayak tour through the Florida Key’s mangroves, setting out on a jet ski adventure, pedaling through Duck Key on a leisurely bike ride, experiencing a standup paddleboard, zipping around on a Segway and much more.

For more information or to book, guests can visit www.hawkscay.com or call 877) 484-9342.

Hawthorne Heights

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:02:05 +0000

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS Takes Over @VansWarpedTour Twitter TODAY; New Single ‘Golden Parachutes’ Streaming NOW via VansWarpedTour.com

#ASKHHVWT To Ask a Question

New Album ‘Zero’ Hits Stores on June 25, 2013

It was recently announced that Dayton, OH rock ringleaders HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS would be a stage headliner at this year’s Vans Warped Tour. While preparing for the June 25th release of their new concept album Zero, which is poised to mark the pinnacle of the band’s career, the band has been eager to share new, complete music with fans. Well, wait no longer HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS fanatics, because the band and the Vans Warped Tour are revealing a new track from Zero, entitled ‘Golden Parachutes’ at 1pm ET/10am PT today. Listen then at http://www.vanswarpedtour.com/.

Now, don’t you wish you could tell the band what you think of the track? You can! Vans Warped Tour is giving way to HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS on Twitter, who will be hosting the @VansWarpedTour account today! Want to ask a question? Make sure to hashtag #ASKHHVWT. Head directly to the Vans Warped Tour Twitter page here: https://twitter.com/VansWarpedTour

Zero, a concept album which will serve as the band’s 5th full-length release, is produced by Brian Virtue (30 Seconds To Mars, Chevelle,Audioslave) and promises to be the band’s most ambitious record yet! This album is set to shatter all previous records and add to the already 1.7 million albums that the band has sold in the U.S. alone. Zero poses a theme that, no matter how hard life gets or how many seemingly insurmountable odds you may encounter, everyone can get a fresh start. This theme is set against a dystopian, war-ravaged background.

If you can’t wait for Zero, take a listen to the first and second album teasers on the band’s official Soundcloud here: 1) http://snd.sc/10gPmWg and 2)http://snd.sc/12AKjNM. Pre-order the album directly from the band today and get exclusive updates and digital copy before anyone else! Exclusive fan experience packages are available as well. Get started at www.hawthorneheights.com.

To pre-order Zero, head to www.hawthorneheights.com now! The band will be adding several new packages to the pre-order. Stay tuned for new incentives coming soon!

See below for all currently confirmed 2013 Vans Warped Tour dates, and stay tuned for updates.

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS on the 2013 VANS WARPED TOUR:

6/15 - Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheatre

6/16 - Portland, OR @ Portland Expo Center Concourse

6/19 - Chula Vista, CA @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre

6/20 - Pomona, CA @ Pomona Fairplex

6/21 - Pomona, CA @ Pomona Fairplex

6/22 - Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre

6/23 - Ventura, CA @ Seaside Park

6/26 - Las Cruces, NM @ NMSU Practice Field

6/27 - Mesa, AZ @ Quail Run Park

6/28 - Las Vegas, NV @ Silverton Casino

6/29 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Utah State Fair Park

6/30 - Denver, CO @ Sports Authority Field at Mile High

7/3 - Noblesville, IN @ Klipsch Music Center

7/5 - Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

7/6 - Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

7/7 - Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center

7/9 - Virginia Beach, VA @ Farm Bureau Live

7/10 - Washington, DC @ Merriwheater Post Pavilion

7/11 - Masfield, MA @ Comcast Center

7/12 - Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center

7/13 - Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

7/14 - Hartford, CT @ Comcast Theatre

7/16 - Scranton, PA @ Toyota Pavilion

7/17 - Burgettstown, PA @ First Niagra Pavilion

7/18 - Cleveland, OH @ Blossom Music Center

7/19 - Detroit, MI @ The Palace of Auburn Hills

7/20 - Chicago, IL @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

7/21 - Minneapolis, MN @ Canterbury Park

7/23 - Bonner Springs, KS @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre

7/24 - St. Louis, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

7/25 - Atlanta, GA @ Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood

7/26 - St. Petersburg, FL @ Vinoy Park

7/27 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheatre

7/28 - Orlando, FL @ Central Florida Fairgrounds

7/29 - Charlotte, NC @ Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

7/30 - Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center

7/31 - Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Amphitheater

8/2 - Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion

8/3 - San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center

8/4 - Houston, TX @ Reliant Center Parking Lot

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS is:

Mark McMillon - Guitar

Micah Carli – Guitar

JT Woodruff - Guitar/Vocals

Matt Ridenour - Bass

Eron Bucciarelli - Drums

Learn more about HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS here:

www.facebook.com/HawthorneHeights ‎

www.twitter.com/HawthorneHgts

www.myspace.com/hawthorneheights

ALX

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:18:16 +0000

New Resident at Club Space

Tapped To Become The Newest Resident Of Club Space, ALX Plans To Unveil A Concept That Will Open The Door To The Darker Sounds Of The Electronic Music Craft.

It’s lights out for the Techno Loft at Club Space this weekend as ALX marks the beginning of his residency at the top-ranked venue with Shadows, his first conceptualized event. This new series opens the door to a step outside of the ordinary nightclub experience.

Following a number successful musical appearances and ALX’s growing relationship with Club Space, ALX’s monthly residency takes off on Saturday, May 11th, 2013. Put away all the extravagant effects that have been spoiling the masses, ALX’s Shadows will have minimal diversions and more sounds to return the focus on what truly started it all, the music.

The Shadows sound carries listeners into the darker realms of techno, deep into basslines where a track’s complexity is hiding in details. This approach will emphasize the subtle intricacies of the music and bring out the unique character of each track. Minimal diversions and more sounds make the Shadows experience unlike what is found it today’s lavish nightclubs.

Statement by ALX:

“I’m humbled to become a resident at a venue that has such a rich history in the nightlife industry. Some of the greatest sets from my favorite DJs have been at Club Space and it’s an honor to finally be a part of it and work alongside their team of seasoned veterans.”

“I have really high hopes for the Shadows concept because it’s about getting rid of unnecessary diversions like over-the-top effects. The dark theme of Shadows suppresses visual elements that distract audiences from real music. The main focus here is the character of each track. You don’t need extravagant lights to appreciate the artistic nature of music- and that’s what is embodied by my Shadows concept.”

A lifelong music lover, Alex Sanchez, dubbed ALX, is known for deep techno beats combined with energetic grooves. His reputation for distinctive sounds peppered throughout his tracks has made him stand out from the rest and moved him up the nightlife ladder. From the internationally acclaimed venues in Miami Beach to the sands of Mexico during the BPM Festival, ALX continues to capture the hard-to-please crowds of the underground electronic music scene.

War Horse

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:37:23 +0000

Horses take over Broadway!
-review of the show at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (Ft. Lauderdale).

As if turning through the script pages of the box office smash movie, War Horse comes alive with a stage performance unlike anything else. However, it's that surreal nature that really mesmerizes audiences. Afterall, there probably aren't going to be many times you see large horse structures parading around a Broadway stage. Manned by three puppeteers, the horses showcase a number of fun physical displays from their tail wagging, head dipping down for food or simply walking across the stage. But, those theatrics are just one of many exciting moments in the emotional production.

At times there's some hilarious moments and they come without a word ever said. Such mime-like work is the result of the titled character, but also a scene-stealing duck who kind of just appears from time to time. With a simple waddle, flapping of the feathers and a comical shriek, it was really impossible not to laugh.

Yet, the human counterparts more than filled their roles adequately. Led by Alex Morf (Dracula, Romeo & Juliet) who played the wide-eyed farm lad Albert and Todd Cerveris (South Pacific) who played his drunken father, emotion raged from all over. The connections of not only the father and son, but also the horse Joey and Albert are likely tearjerkers. I swear there are a handful of times that you could find yourself in tears.

WAR HORSE is a story of unwavering love and persistence in hardened, often impractical times. The thing about the story that is so different than most is that the connection Joey and Albert have transcends across the stage without both of them sharing it during much of the play. Even while kept apart Albert never loses hope that they'll one day be reunited.

The tour of WAR HORSE, which was adapted from the book by Morpurgo by Nick Stafford, is directed by Bijan Sheibani based on the original Tony® Award-winning direction by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, and presented in association with Handspring Puppet Company.

In addition to Best Play, WAR HORSE received Tony® Awards for Best Direction of a Play (Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris), Best Scenic Design of a Play (Rae Smith), Best Lighting Design of a Play (Paule Constable), and Best Sound Design of a Play (Christopher Shutt). A Special Tony® Award was given to Handspring Puppet Company for their integral work on the production.

WAR HORSE received its World Premiere in a limited engagement at the National’s Olivier Theatre in 2007. The play returned to the National Theatre for a second run playing from 2008-2009 before transferring to the West End’s New London Theatre in Spring 2009 where it continues to play an open-ended run.

WAR HORSE will play Tuesday, May 7th through Sunday, May 19th at Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00pm and Sunday May 12th at 7:30pm. Matinee performances are all Saturdays and Sundays and Wednesday, May 15th at 2:00pm. Tickets are $39.50 - $79.50 and are now on sale at the Broward Center Box Office Monday through Friday 10AM - 5PM, Saturday and Sunday 12 Noon - 5PM and 1 ½ hours prior to show times; or on-line at www.browardcenter.org; by phone 954-462-0222. Groups of 10+ are invited to call 954-626-7814 or 954-462-0222

Ultimate Miami Dessert with Rob Schneider

Sat, 04 May 2013 17:25:32 +0000

Mellowed, but still pretty damn funny.

-review of the show at Magic City Casino (Miami).

www.robschneider.com

Kendrick Lamar, Reel Big Fish, Shifta, Less Than Jake, Jimmy Cliff, Barenaked Ladies

Sun, 05 May 2013 16:13:28 +0000

Nostalgia and new wave power Sunfest.

-review of the final day of Sunfest (downtown West Palm Beach).

My Sunfest experience began with the breakthrough 90's alternative act the Barenaked Ladies. While their set included staples If I Had a $1,000,000, Brian Wilson, Pinch Me and the award-winner One Week, the performance definitely had to be remembered for all the shenanigans in between songs. The most notable had to be their hilarious rendition of You are my Sunshine, which for Sunfest turned into You are my Sunfest.

Soon thereafter I took in the legendary reggae artist Jimmy Cliff who might just be one of the most iconic figures to ever play at Sunfest. He's one of only fifteen living people to receive Jamaica's prestigious award called the Order of Merit and many Jamaicans and simply reggae enthusiasts were there to celebrate. It might have to do with that fact that he's been jammin' music since the late 60's and even now today at 65.

Next, it was time to start skankin' to Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish Jake, who back in the 90's helped to lead a huge radio wave of ska music behind staples like Automatic and Sell Out. Now, nearly 15 years later the insane fun of yesteryear is still prevalent today as fans ranging from the late 20's, early 30's to even today's teenagers got crazy showcasing the unique dance moves.

Pouring through a large catalog of radio hits and fan-favorites, LTJ traveled back in time with songs like History of a Boring Town, My Own Worst Enemy (which they claimed they have no idea how the radio played it), All My Friends are Metalheads, Help Save The Youth Of America From Exploding, Gainesville Rock City, Johnny Quest Thinks We're Sellouts, Plastic Cup Politics and even Cinco de Mustache. However, not all music dated back years before as recent material like Goodbye Mr. Personality made it's round along with a collection of zany TV tunes like Animaniacs and Spongebob Squarepants. It was just crazy watching a huge circle pit of people dancing to those songs.

Yet, the fun never wavered as ska dynamos Reel Big Fish kept the party going behind anthems like Sell Out, Everything Sucks, Trendy (which the Florida Marlins used to play), She Has A Girlfriend Now, I Want Your Girlfriend to be my Girlfriend Too, Your Guts (i Hate 'em) and Beer Song. However, much like LTJ's flair for cover songs, Reel Big Fish had plenty of their own like Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl, Callie Rae Jespen's Call Me Maybe, A-Ha's Take On Me, The Champs' Tequila and riffs from Ritchie Valens' La Bamba, Star Wars and Superman.

Closing out the night, rapper Kendrick Lamar took the stage a little after his slated start time, but due in large to his DJ churning out a plethora of sick mixes of some of today's biggest hits. By the time the crowd's adrenaline was on overdrive, the once dubbed “fast-rising artist” hit the stage. You couldn't help but notice he was having as much fun performing as the crowd was watching him. Troughout his show, he was grinning just as much as them. It's really amazing how much Lamar's accomplished in so short a time. At just the age of 25, he's already been labeled by MTV as the Hottest MC in the Game with tracks like Hol' Up, A.D.H.D, Swimming Pools (Drank) and The Recipe swarming over the masses.

Linkin Park

Thu, 09 May 2013 17:14:07 +0000

Two chances to hang with Linkin Park

When Linkin Park rose to fame from their breakthrough album, Hybrid Theory, they gained an immense following, who to this day, cherish the band for their nu metal and rap metal qualities. Today, after collaborating with artists such as Jay-Z, selling over 50 million albums worldwide, and winning two Grammy Awards, the band is making themselves to you. Omaze.com is offering anyone not just one but two chances to kick it with the guys from Linkin Park.

Omaze.com has partnered with Linkin Park and MusiCares to offer a chance to win 2 front row VIP balcony tickets to the MusiCares Benefit Concert on May 30 in LA. The concert is honoring Linkin Park's Chester Bennington and skateboarder, surfer and musician Tony Alva. Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda and Red Hot Chili Pepper's Anthony Kiedis will be presenting with special performances by Chester Benningfield, Slash, and more surprise guests! One lucky entry and their guest will learn what it feels like to experience an historical event in person while helping people in need, only for $10. For more details visit HERE.

For private access to Linkin Park’s new music album, Omaze is offering anyone the chance to win VIP access to a live recording session and the chance to win a rare autographed poster or drum head, all for just $10. The winner and their guest will hear material that the band is working for their next album and kick with the guys between sets. And, as an added bonus, each entry to this experience also helps provide necessary services for children and their families recovering from Hurricane Sandy.

About Music for Relief

Founded by Linkin Park, Music for Relief is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing aid to victims of natural disasters and the prevention of such disasters. Since its inception in 2005, Music for Relief has raised over $5 million for survivors of multiple disasters across four continents including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, hurricane Katrina, China’s Wenchuan earthquake, a cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the 2011 earthquake & tsunami in Japan. Music for Relief also supports environmental programs as a means of disaster risk mitigation including the planting of over 1 million trees to help reduce global warming. The organization was recently recognized by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon for the Download to Donate program.

About Omaze.com

Omaze offers everyone the opportunity to engage in once-in-a-lifetime experiences with celebrities, athletes and the world’s greatest thinkers with the proceeds benefiting a social cause. The process works similar to a charity raffle. The user-friendly site allows anyone to enter to win an Omaze experience of their choice by donating just $5-$10. Once the deadline to enter for the experience passes, Omaze collects all the entries and selects the winners through a third party computer-generated random selection process. The proceeds are delivered to benefit a specific social cause. The goal of the campaign is clearly quantified and they track the impact overtime so participants can see how their donations are impacting lives

Lana Del Rey

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:45:17 +0000

Sensual, lovely, Lana hits all the right notes.

-review of the album Paradise.

I admit it – I have a tendency to be a little bit behind the times. However, I couldn’t resist an album that shares my last name. What am I talking about? Lana Del Rey’s 2012 EP, PARADISE.

The first word that comes to mind is “sultry.” There’s no question that PARADISE is dripping with sexuality in addition to vacillating emotions. The first track, Ride, which was produced by Rick Rubin, foreshadows the tone for the EP, in terms of both content and style. There’s no doubt in my mind from the sound of this track that PARADISE is music I have to be in the right mood to not just listen to, but appreciate and there is an element of appreciation that must exist in order to understand the EP.

Del Rey’s voice on American is beautifully haunting and soft. This is the one track that sticks in my mind when the album is over, thanks to that sultry chorus. Cola is as unapologetic as they come – if you don’t know what that means, go look up the first line of lyrics. Bel Air closes the album in an ethereal way – as if to keep Del Rey’s music alive whether or not she produces another album (and let’s be honest, we know she will).

But this is all nothing you haven’t already heard.

Seriously, if you haven’t taken the opportunity to make friends with the sultry Lana Del Rey, go do it. Better late than never, right?

Memphis

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:37:10 +0000

Breaking barriers with a toe-tapping good ol' time!!!

-review of the show at the Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts (Miami).

The closing performance of the season goes off with a bang. From the opening number Underground to the sensational vocals and choreography during the final scenes Memphis Lives in Me and Steal Your Rock 'n' Roll, the show just wows you on and on again. The casting company, Telsa + Company and Rachel Hoffman, CSA deserve as much credit for putting this together as anybody else, because the chemistry of its characters really is unparalleled. Whether singing or dancing, the ensemble and all of the cast truly shines.

Leading the way is the hilarious DJ Huey Calhoun played by Bryan Fenkart (TV's Law & Order: Criminal intent) and the stunning vocals of Felicia played by Felicia Boswell (Dreamgirls, Aida). The two actors feed off each other to near perfection through heartfelt lyrics and conversations, but also plenty of strong physical cues. That's the thing about Memphis, the characters often showcase plenty of raw emotion without even a whisper from their mouths.

With fun, innovative sets and a few razzle dazzle special effects, there's sure to be something to invoke anybody's excitement.

The story of Memphis takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated ‘50s, where a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun fell in love with everything he shouldn’t: rock ‘n’ roll and an electrifying black singer.

Critically-acclaimed, MEMPHIS won four 2010 Tony® Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score (David Bryan and Joe DiPietro), Best Book (Joe DiPietro), and Best Orchestrations (David Bryan and Daryl Waters). MEMPHIS won four Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Performance by an Actress (Montego Glover), Outstanding Music (David Bryan) and Outstanding Orchestration (David Bryan and Daryl Waters). MEMPHIS has also won four Outer Critic Circle Awards including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Score (David Bryan & Joe DiPietro), Outstanding Actress (Montego Glover) and Outstanding Choreography (Sergio Trujillo).

The show features a brand new Tony-winning score with music by Bon Jovi’s founding member and keyboardist David Bryan and lyrics by Bryan and Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change), who also pens the musical’s book. Bryan and DiPietro also collaborated on the award-winning off-Broadway hit, The Toxic Avenger. MEMPHIS is based on a concept by the late George W. George (producer of the Tony-nominated Bedroom Farce and the film My Dinner With Andre), with direction by Tony nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu) and choreography by Sergio Trujillo, who is currently represented by three shows on Broadway (Memphis, Jersey Boys and The Addams Family).

Scenic Design for MEMPHIS is by Tony® Award winner David Gallo (The Drowsy Chaperone, Reasons to Be Pretty), Costume Design is by Tony nominee Paul Tazewell (In The Heights), Lighting Design is by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley (Jersey Boys) and Sound Design is by Ken Travis (The Threepenny Opera).

In Miami, MEMPHIS will begin May 7th and run until May 12th . The shows on Tuesday through Saturday evenings are at 8 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Performances on Sunday, May 12 are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

www.memphisthemusical.com

Diamond Strike Lanes

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:09:54 +0000

BLAST FROM THE PAST: BOWLING ALLEY BANDS ARE BACK!

WHAT:

When they weren’t performing with B.B. King or Reverend Horton Heat, Joel DaSilva and the Midnight Howl toured the country as the opening act for The White Stripes and Black Crowes. Locals can enjoy the soulful quartet live on stage at Rip’s Sports Bar & Grill, located at Diamond Strike Lanes, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday, May 17th.

Diamond Strike prides itself on its billing as a live music venue as much as a bowling and entertainment center. Diamond Strike’s Debbie Feder, has secured international artists such as Danny Nova (returning May 29th), Ralph Curtis, Vince Rayburn and Shawn Beamer (Molly Hatchet Band) as well as up-and-coming independent artists to take the “diamond” stage.

“Diamond Strike Lanes offers events seven nights a week and we have created a strong following with live music enthusiasts who come here to watch their favorite bands play,” explains Feder. “We are helping put Pompano Beach on the radar as a local tour stop for musicians.”

The best part: Rip’s weekly concerts are free of charge, open to the public and can be enjoyed over dinner.

ABOUT RIP’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL

Located in Diamond Strike Lanes, Rip’s Sports Bar & Grill is open Monday through Sunday 11a.m. to 2 a.m. Rips offers a wide range of traditional “bar bites”, specialty menu items, a full bar and beer on tap. Take advantage of the Daily Happy Hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. where all cocktails are two-for-one and select menu items are free. For more information, please visit, http://www.diamondstrikelanes.com.

ABOUT DIAMOND STRIKE LANES

Since 1959, Diamond Strike Lanes has been the number one epicenter of entertainment for all ages in South Florida. Located in Pompano Beach, at 2200 N. Federal Highway, the 40,000 sqft. venue features 32 lanes, a dynamic arcade, video jukebox, pro shop, sound and light shows, a sports bar, restaurant and more. Diamond Strike Lanes is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. For more information please visit, http://www.diamondstrikelanes.com or call 954-941-0968.

WHEN:

Friday, May 17th

9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

WHERE:

Rip’s Sports Bar & Grill located at Diamond Strike Lanes

2200 N. Federal Highway

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Phone: 954-941-0968 www.diamondstrikelanes.com