Best Music Live

THE VANS WARPED TOUR 15th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DVD/CD IS SET FOR RELEASE ON MARCH 30 (U.S. AND CANADA)

vieking — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:58:00 GMT

DVD WITH BONUS CD INCLUDES PERFORMANCES FROM ALL AMERICAN REJECTS, THE AGGROLITES, BAD RELIGION, BLINK 182, ICE-T, NOFX, OZOMATLI, PENNYWISE, PETE WENTZ AND THE DECAYDENCE ALL STARS, RISE AGAINST AND UNDEROATH

Fans of the VANS WARPED TOUR^®--North America's longest-running touring music festival--will have the chance to check out exclusive performances from some of their favorite artists filmed during the Vans Warped Tour’s 15^th Anniversary Birthday Bash with the release of a high definition DVD/CD, the VANS WARPED TOUR 15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. The DVD/CD is set for release on March 30 (U.S. and Canada) and will be distributed via EMI Label Services on Warped M17 (a label partnership between the Vans Warped Tour and Spencer Proffer’s Meteor 17). The CD’s music will also be available online. Vans Warped Tour fans who purchase tickets for this summer’s tour--during the forthcoming pre-sale on March 30--will also have the option of buying the DVD/CD for a fan-friendly $15.00. In addition, the DVD/CD will be available for purchase onsite at all Vans Warped Tour dates all summer long.

The DVD/CD chronicles the legendary private birthday bash held last fall at Club Nokia at L.A. Live, which featured performances from artists including All American Rejects, The Aggrolites, Bad Religion, Blink 182, Ice-T, Nofx, Ozomatli, Pennywise, Pete Wentz and The Decaydence All Stars (with Pete Wentz and members of Panic At The Disco), Rise Against and Underoath. The DVD/CD also includes archival footage from the Vans Warped Tour feature film, past Vans Warped Tour shows from FUSE, and behind-the-scenes interviews with Vans Warped Tour performers such as NOFX and Bad Religion, as well as with tour founder Kevin Lyman and other key tour personnel.

"This DVD captures the 15 years of the tour in the best way possible, by acknowledging the history, diversity and the future of the tour,” says tour founder Kevin Lyman.

EMI Label Services will be distributing the trailer for the DVD/CD at retail and other online outlets and is working closely with the Vans Warped Tour team to build out sweepstakes, newsletters, and an active online presence throughout multiple social networking sites. A micro site has been created which will deliver the latest news, house exclusive video clips from the release, and provide a platform for both fans and bands to share their favorite memories from the past 15 years of the legendary tour. The release will have a home at www.vanswarped15th.com.

"The Vans Warped tour has become an annual touring tradition and has served as a platform for breaking countless acts over the years. EMI Label Services & Caroline Distribution are looking forward to working with the Vans Warped Tour to celebrate the 15 Anniversary release," explains Dominic Pandiscia, Senior Vice President & General Manager EMI Label Services & Caroline Distribution.

All parties also plan to work closely with the various labels that are home to the well-known artists participating in order to build additional consumer and industry awareness of this tent pole project.

The VANS WARPED TOUR 15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DVD/CD release is produced by music and media producer, Spencer Proffer and event producer, filmmaker Hank Neuberger. It is Executive Produced by Vans Warped Tour Co-Founder Kevin Lyman and 4fini head of marketing, Sarah Baer. It was shot by Neuberger’s Springboard Productions in multi camera HD. B roll and bonus features were provided by New Wave Entertainment. The commemorative DVD will also be available on Blu Ray DVD via Concert Hot Spot who will market the disc, while being distributed by Summit Entertainment, the distributors of the highly successful “Twilight” movies franchise.

About the VANS WARPED TOUR®
The VANS WARPED TOUR® is well established as America’s longest-running touring festival, breaking up-and-coming indie talent as well as showcasing established artists since 1995. It has cemented its place in history by playing a major role in bringing punk-rock/skate/action sports culture from the underground to the forefront of American youth culture, while at the same time creating awareness and taking action towards environmental and causes and helping those in need. The traveling punk rock summer camp features a diverse array of artists every year as well as a variety of lifestyle attractions for its traditionally low ticket price. For more information on the tour that Alternative Press readers voted the “Best Tour/Festival” of 2009 and Rolling Stone called “America’s most successful festival” (2005), go to: www.warpedtour.com.

About Spencer Proffer/Meteor 17
Headquartered in Los Angeles, this convergence and production venture is helmed by innovative media and music producer Spencer Proffer. M17 is producing and is developing an ambitious slate of projects across music, TV, film, Internet, live event, and other platforms, integrating brand marketing and music as organic components. M17 is a full service organization that actively participates from conception and architecture through all phases of deal making, production, distribution, promotion and merchandising. M17 has deep long term alliances and partnerships with multiple leading media and music production, marketing and distribution entities highlighted on www.meteor17.com.

Spencer Proffer is a highly regarded media producer and strategist with a long history of connecting with audiences. His productions have garnered Academy, Golden Globe, Emmy, Grammy and Tony awards and nominations, and as music producer, Spencer has sold millions of gold and platinum records.

About Springboard Productions
Springboard Productions (www.springboardproductions.net), has served as the film and production unit for artists and events such as the Grammys, Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Prince, Smashing Pumpkins, Jack Johnson, Enrique Iglesias, Lenny Kravitz, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Plain White T's, AEG-Live Control Room, Austin City Limits Festival, Dave Matthews Band, Lollapalooza Festival, Brad Paisley, Ellen Degeneres, Fuse TV, etc.)

About EMI Music
EMI Music is one of the world's leading music companies. EMI Music represents artists spanning all musical tastes and genres. Its record labels include Angel, Astralwerks, Blue Note, Capitol, Capitol Latin, Capitol Nashville, EMI Classics, EMI CMG, EMI Records, Manhattan, Mute, Parlophone and Virgin. Its EMI Music Services unit provides EMI's roster of artists-as well as independent labels and artists-with a global menu of commercial services and seamless access to an expanding range of revenue streams.

post Erik Thureson
source MSOPR

LILTH TOUR ANNOUNCES NEWEST LINE-UP ADDITIONS KELLY CLARKSON, THE BANGLES, THE GO-GO’S, COURTYARD HOUNDS AND MARTINA MCBRIDE

vieking — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:37:00 GMT

New York, NY – The 2010 Lilith Tourannounces some major additions to the already eclectic and notable listof confirmed female acts. Newly added artists include: Kelly Clarkson,The Bangles, The Go-Go’s, Courtyard Hounds (Emily Robison and MartieMaguire of the Dixie Chicks), Martina McBride, Suzanne Vega, Anjulie,Anya Marina, Jesca Hoop, Kate Miller-Heidke, Lucy Schwartz, Miranda LeeRichards, Nikki Jean and The Rescues.

Additionally, Birmingham, AL joins the list of cities the tour will go through this summer.

Full list of artists announced so far (visit lilithfair.com to view artist pages):

AFine Frenzy, Anjulie, Ann Atomic, Anya Marina, Ash Koley, The Bangles,Beth Orton, Brandi Carlile, Butterfly Boucher, Cat Power, Ceci Bastida,Chairlift, Chantal Kreviazuk, Colbie Caillat, Corinne Bailey Rae,Courtyard Hounds, Donna Delory, Elizaveta, Emmylou Harris, ErinMcCarley, Erykah Badu, Frazey Ford, The Go-Go’s, Gossip, Grace Potterand The Nocturnals, Heart, Ima, Indigo Girls, Ingrid Michaelson,Janelle Monae, Jennifer Knapp, Jesca Hoop, Jill Hennessy, Jill Scott,Julia Othmer, Kate Miller-Heidke, Kate Nash Katzenjammer, KellyClarkson, Ke$ha, La Roux, Lights, Lissie, Loretta Lynn, Lucy Schwartz,Marina & The Diamonds, Martina McBride, Mary J. Blige, MeaghanSmith, Melissa McClelland, Metric, Miranda Lambert, Miranda LeeRichards, Missy Higgins, Nikki Jean, Nneka, Norah Jones, PriscillaRenea, The Rescues, Rosie Thomas, Sara Bareilles, Sarah McLachlan,Serena Ryder, Sheryl Crow, Sia, Sugarland, Susan Justice, Suzanne Vega,Tara MacLean, Tegan and Sara, Toby Lightman, Vedera, Vita Chambers, TheSubmarines, The Weepies, Ximena Sarinana, Zee Avi.

Full list of cities revealed so far:

Atlanta,Austin, Birmingham, Boston, Calgary, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas,Denver, Detroit, Edmonton, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, London, LosAngeles, Minneapolis, Montreal, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia,Phoenix, Portland, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco,Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Toronto, Vancouver, DC and West Palm Beach.

Stay tuned for information regarding tour dates and ticket on-sales in the coming weeks!

Follow @lilithfair on Twitter for the most up to date information.

www.lilithfair.com

www.facebook.com/lilithfairtour

www.myspace.com/lilithfairtour

http://twitter.com/lilithfair

THE DISCO BISCUITS ANNOUNCE FIRST ROUND OF PERFORMERS FOR CAMP BISCO 9, Early Bird Ticket Pre-Sale Ending Soon

vieking — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:27:00 GMT

Atlanta, Georgia - The Disco Biscuits have confirmed the first round of performers slated for Camp Bisco 9, the ninth annual three-day music and arts festival in Mariaville, New York this July 15-17, 2010. The 50+ performer lineup at the multi-stage camping festival includes: The Disco Biscuits - All 3 Nights; LCD Soundsystem; Ween; Thievery Corporation; Girl Talk; Bassnectar; Pretty Lights; Major Lazer; The New Deal; Diplo; Aeroplane; Rusko; Sunrise Silent Disco; The Album Leaf; Brothers Past; Dieselboy; Gift of Gab (of Blackalicious); Future Rock; SOJA; Telepath; Felix Cartal; Two Fresh; Kill the Noise; Eskmo; Orchard Lounge; Rubblebucket Orchestra; Emancipator; Spiritual Rez; Sub Swara; Derek Plaslaiko; Big Gigantic; Earl Greyhound; The Black Seeds; Grimace Federation; C-mon & Kypski; Nobody Beats the Drum; King Britt; Dubskin; Woodhands; Justin Paul; Mimosa; Lee Mayjahs and DJ Everyday. The wide range of artists reflect the Biscuits' eclectic tastes, and their vision of unifying the various scenes in which their fans take part. More artists and festival details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Camp Bisco 9 will once again be held at the picturesque Indian Lookout Country Club in Mariaville, New York. The expanded setup will include: a second stage in the main field, an improved location for the DJ and late night dance tent - complete with a surround sound system, a local artists and performance art stage. Indian Lookout Country Club is located approximately 20 minutes travel time from Albany, New York, and sits on 200 acres of rolling, grass fields. The grounds come equipped with full bathrooms; which include flush toilets and showers, as well as 24/7 bathroom attendants. Festival goers will have access to a full bar on site and a general store, which sells almost every necessity for a comfortable and care free experience.

Early bird tickets are on sale now for a limited time only and begin at $135. Tickets are available online at www.campbisco.net and 1-800-594-TIXX, as well as at all FYE stores in New England and select outlets in New York state. There will be two levels of VIP packages this year. Level One, the VIP Experience, will be made available for $199 in addition to the 3-day festival pass and Level Two is a Platinum Experience, available for $349 in addition to the 3-day festival pass. 50 cents of every ticket sold will be donated to Headcount, a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization devoted to voter registration and participation in democracy.

Camp Bisco 9 is promoted by MCP Presents and hosted by The Disco Biscuits, who's upcoming release, Planet Anthem, will be out on Diamond Riggs Records March 16th. Visit www.campbisco.net for the most up to date information.

post by Erik Thureson
source MSOPR

BILLY IDOL TO DEBUT NEW BAND ON SUMMER 2010 WORLD TOUR, ANNOUNCE EUROPEAN DATES

vieking — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:05:45 GMT

British singer-songwriter and rock icon BILLY IDOL will debut a new powerhouse band when he hits the road this summer with performances at major music festivals throughout Europe, with North American dates set to follow. In addition to his longtime guitarist Steve Stevens,Stephen McGrath on bass and Derek Sherinian on keyboards, IDOL will be joined on this trek by acclaimed guitarist Billy Morrison and drummer Jeremy Colson. Morrison, one of the founders of Camp Freddy and frontman for Circus Diablo, has previously played in The Cult, Stimulator,Doheny and Into a Circle, while Colson is Morrison’s collaborator in Circus Diablo and is known for his work with Steve Vai, with whom he’s worked since 2002.

The legendary rocker’s 2010 summer trek willkick off with a pair of shows in Russia (Moscow on June 5 and St.Petersburg on June 7), to be followed with a performance at the Malmo Sweden Rock Festival and his second appearance at the Download Festival at Donington Park in his native U.K.

European tour stops include multiple dates in Germany, along with Switzerland, Serbia,Macedonia, Czech Republic, among others. Look for the U.S. dates to be announced in the coming weeks.

Photograph: Barry Brecheisen

Along the tour, IDOL will be performing classics from his storied career. As leader of the group responsible for starting a youth cult, Generation X, he was one of the original British punks who gave the rock establishment a good kick up the arse with such classics as "Ready, Steady, Go," "Wild Youth," "Your Generation" and "Dancing With Myself," the latter of which marked the transition to IDOL's solo career when it appeared in remixed version on his 1981 DON'T STOP EP.

Other show-stoppers will likely include hits from the Grammy and MTV nominee’s multi-platinum selling career including “Hot In The City,” “White Wedding,” “Eyes Without A Face,” “Flesh For Fantasy,” “To Be A Lover” and the #1 smash “Mony Mony.” He long ago found a way to take that sneering punk attitude in to the pop and rock mainstream, carving out songs that have lasted a lifetime. All of these classics are included on 2008’s The Very Best Of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself, a career-spanning CD, Deluxe Edition CD/DVD and digital collection (Capitol/EMI). His immortal “Rebel Yell”was also featured on 2008’s Guitar Hero® World Tour game. In 2009,Eagle Rock Entertainment released IDOL’s first in-concert DVD “In Super Overdrive Live” (filmed at the Congress Theatre in Chicago).

DATE            CITY                                VENUE
Sat   6/5       Moscow, Russia                 SCCH Russia
Mon   6/7       St. Petersburg, Russia       Ice Hall
Wed   6/9      Helsinki, Finland                 Ice Hall
Sat   6/11      Malmo, Sweden                 Sweden Rock Festival
Sun   6/13   Donington Park, UK         Download Festival
Wed   6/16    NR Nurenburg, Germany    Arbenburg, Burg
Fri   6/18       Athens, Greece                 Karaiski Stadium
Sun   6/20   Skopje, Macedonia            Skopsko Lizgaliste
Mon   6/21   Belgrade, Serbia               Belgrade Arena
Tue   6/22      Zagreb, Croatia               T Music Festival
Thu   6/24   Ljubjiana, Slovenia           Hala Tivoli
Fri   6/25       Vienna, Austria                Danube Island Free Festival
Sun   6/27   Prague, Czech Republic   Sasazu
Tue   6/29   Ravensburg, Germany      Oberschubenhalle
Thu   7/1       Sopron, Hungary             Volt Festival
Sat   7/3       Germany                         TBA
Sun   7/4      Bremen, Germany            Freeload Festival
Thu   7/8      Bonn, Germany                Museumplatz
Fri   7/9       Huttweil, Switzerland        Rocksound Festival
Sun   7/11    Weert, Holland                 Bospop Festival

post by Erik Thureson
sources - MSOPR, Billy Idol, RS

THE ROXY THEATRE & KROQ LOCALS ONLY PRESENTS THE THIRD ANNUAL ‘AUSTINROX’ MUSIC SHOWCASE

vieking — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:49:00 GMT

3rd ANNUAL AUSTIN ROX SHOWCASE PRESENTED BY:

WITH STREET SWEEPER SOCIAL CLUB, THE GLITCH MOB, SHE WANTS REVENGE, ORGONE, SAINT MOTEL, CARNEY AND CRASH KINGS THURSDAY, MARCH 18 @ RUSTY SPURS IN AUSTIN

The famed ROXY THEATRE on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip is once again packing up and heading east to Austin for the third annual AUSTINROX music showcase. Returning again this year to Rusty Spurs (405 East 7th Street in Austin), The Roxy and co-presenter KROQ Locals Only is bringing along some of the finest musicians from Los Angeles to entertain Thursday, March 18.  Kicking off the party at AUSTINROX are the Crash Kings, pop rockers whose “infectious grooves and hooks” mean “big things lie on the road ahead for this trio.” (Creative Loafing, 1/20/10). Also taking the stage is self-described “rock, blues, French pop” group Carney; nine-member Orgone whose soulful, funky beats are sure to keep the party going late into the night, showcasing the talents of their members who’ve recorded with Alicia Keys, Estelle, Jennifer Hudson and many more; LA’s new indie rock darlings Saint Motel who are known for their energetic and uniquely themed shows which push boundaries theatrically and musically; She Wants Revenge, a duo whose music proudly defies genres and takes influence from Depeche Mode, David Bowie and Sonic Youth among others; Street Sweeper Social Club, Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine) and Boots Riley (The Coup) who together have been storming the streets with their experimental party jams; and crunkers The Glitch Mob, who along with Street Sweeper Social Club are also slated to perform at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
  LINE-UP FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 18: 
8:00 PM     CRASH KINGS                              http://www.myspace.com/crashkings 
8:45 PM   CARNEY                                        http://www.myspace.com/carneytheband
 9:30 PM   ORGONE                                       http://www.myspace.com/orgone 
10:15 PM   SAINT MOTEL                               http://www.myspace.com/saintmotel 
11:05 PM   SHE WANTS REVENGE               http://www.myspace.com/shewantsrevenge 
12:05 PM   STREET SWEEPER SOCIAL CLUB http://www.myspace.com/streetsweepersocialclub
 1:05 AM   THE GLITCH MOB                         http://www.myspace.com/theglitchmob 

New to this year’s SXSW showcase, The Roxy partnered with D'Addario, Planet Waves and Evans on the hunt for hot, new, upcoming bands with the "Rock the Roxy” contest. Groups were encouraged to post a music video on YouTube for a chance to win tons of gear and a one-year endorsement with D'Addario, Planet Waves and Evans, plus a coveted spot on the AUSTINROX line-up. Jacob Jeffries won the contest and will get the chance to prove himself in Austin this March.  Other Roxy happening at SXSW is with the venue’s owner Nic Adler who will be participating in a panel Thursday, March 18 at 3:30 pm at the Convention Center titled “The Social Strip: A Social Media Case Study of L.A.’s Sunset Strip” about the utilization of online networking as a major marketing tool in revitalizing the live entertainment industry. What once was a "stay in your lane" mentality has turned into a shared community banding together all businesses on the Sunset Strip in an effort to continue the long successful history that has made the Sunset Strip a world-wide name. Along with Adler participants in this panel will include Alf Lamont of The Comedy Store and Nathan Levinson of The Viper Room, mediated by Kyra Reed of Markyr Media.   More information can be found at: http://my.sxsw.com/events/eid/6473.

For admission to the AUSTINROX shows without a SXSW badge, please RSVP via FaceBook at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=341448011459

The Roxy Theatre’s Third Annual AustinRox is in partnership with: Swing House, The Musebox, D'Addario Strings, Evans Drumheads, Planet Waves Cables, Zildjian Cymbals, Soundcraft, Marshall Amplifiers, Vox Amplifiers, Aguilar Bass Amplifiers, Korg and Tama.

Connect with THE ROXY
 Twitter: @theroxy 
http://theroxyonsunset.com
http://www.myspace.com/theroxyonsunset  
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theroxyblog
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheRoxyTheatre

About THE ROXY THEATRE: Opened in 1973, The Roxy Theatre is Sunset Strip’s premier music venue. The intimate 7,500 square foot room has played host to everyone from Bob Marley to MSTRKRFT. Independently owned and operated, The Roxy is known for it’s eclectic, must-see line-ups that have included debut gigs from Gnarls Barkley, Mickey Avalon and the first (and only) LA club performance by Amy Winehouse, landmark performances from icons like Dolly Parton, The Sex Pistols and Bob Dylan, plus recent shows from Them Crooked Vultures, AFI, Wolfmother, Flo Rida, Mika, Keane and many more. The Roxy is the #1 club on Twitter.

post - Erik Thureson
source - MSO PR

TEARS FOR FEARS ANNOUNCE SPRING / SUMMER WORLD TOUR 2010

vieking — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:15:00 GMT

Los Angeles, CA - For those who are fans of the 80's music, Tears for Fears and Spandau Ballet are back. According to Curt Smith's official MySpace blog, he has confirmed that TFF will be touring in support of Spandau Ballet for a number of dates in Australia and New Zealand this spring in addition to their own headlining shows in SouthEast Asia and North America. This happens to kick off in just a couple of weeks here in Los Angeles, CA at the Wiltern Theater. This is a culmination of events over the past ten years.

In 2000, routine paperwork obligations led to Orzabal and Smith's first conversation in almost a decade. The two patched up their differences and Orzabal flew to Smith's home (now in Los Angeles) for what they assumed would be a hesitant attempt at songwriting.

The songwriting sessions included Charlton Pettus (Smith's collaborator since the mid-1990s), and went so well that fourteen songs were written and recorded in less than six months. The ensuing album, Everybody Loves a Happy Ending, was scheduled for release on Arista Records in late 2003, but a change in management at Arista led to a last-minute label switch to New Door, a new offshoot of Universal, and delayed the release until September 14, 2004. Two U.S. tours followed, and the 2004 tour included an unrehearsed guest appearance by Oleta Adams at the Kansas City show for a performance of "Woman in Chains". The song "Who Killed Tangerine?" was used in the movie Fever Pitch.

Everybody Loves a Happy Ending was released in the UK and Europe in March 2005 on Gut Records, shortly after the comeback single "Closest Thing To Heaven" became the first Tears for Fears UK Top 40 hit in a decade. The promo video for the single was a colourful fantasy, featuring Hollywood actress Brittany Murphy, riding in a hot air balloon. The European releases of the album contained all fourteen tracks recorded during the ELAHE sessions. A brief tour of larger UK venues followed in April.

In 2005, the band began discussions for the release of a comprehensive anthology of their work to date, including a new track entitled "Floating Down The River". However, the subsequent release was a compilation issued as part of Hip-O's generic "Gold" series.
A performance at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, recorded in June 2005, was released on CD and DVD in France and Benelux. Entitled Secret World - Live in Paris, it was released on the XIII Bis label in early 2006 and became a bestseller, with over 70,000 physical copies sold in addition to downloads. The CD contained the aforementioned new studio song, "Floating Down the River", and a remastered Curt Smith/Mayfield track, "What Are We Fighting For?". The relationship with XIII Bis proved so successful that Smith chose the comparatively small French label to release his 2007 solo album, Halfway, Pleased.

In 2006, the Songs from the Big Chair album got the deluxe treatment with additional B-sides and rarities added, expanding further than the 1999 remastered version. The release did not include the lyrics as the band had intended with the original release, but came with a 24 page booklet including rare photographs and newly written liner notes. The two-disc set contained four sections, with the first disc containing the original album and various B-sides taken from the earlier 1999 remastered edition. It also included the piano version of "The Working Hour" which had previously only been available as a rare promotional item. The second disc contained various 7" versions of the singles (including the aforementioned "The Way You Are", the re-recording of "I Believe", and the 1986 U.S. remix of "Mothers Talk"), followed by various 12" remixes from the era.

In August 2009, the Raoul and the Kings of Spain album was also re-issued by Cherry Pop Records, featuring seven bonus B-side tracks from the time of its original release. 

2010 TOUR DATES:

Mar 21: The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA
Apr 17: Perth, AU - Opening for Spandau Ballet
Apr 19: Adelaide, AU - Opening for Spandau Ballet
Apr 21: Melbourne, AU - Opening for Spandau Ballet
Apr 23: Sydney, AU - Opening for Spandau Ballet
Apr:27: Brisbane, AU - Opening for Spandau Ballet
Apr 29: Auckland, NZ - Opening for Spandau Ballet
May 2: Manila Araneta Coliseum, Manila, PI
May 4: Fort Canning, Singapore
May 6: Star Hall, Hong Kong
May 8: Tai-Da Gym Taipei, Taiwan
July 10: Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, WA
July 11: Oregon Zoo Amphitheater, Portland, OR
July 14: Wells Fargo Center, Santa Rosa, CA
July 15: The Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA
July 17: Pacific Amphitheatre, Costa Mesa, CA
July 18: Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa, Henderson, NV
July 20: Humphrey's, San Diego, CA

post Erik Thureson
sources Curt Smith Site, Wikipedia, MySpace

BEN HARPER AND RELENTLESS7 RELEASE CD/DVD LIVE FROM THE MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL ON MARCH 9

vieking — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:29:00 GMT

photo courtesy Erik Thureson / LB57.com

On the heels of an incredible first year as a band and the release of their powerful album, White Lies For Dark Times,Ben Harper and Relentless7 is hitting fans with a one-two punch bydelivering a commanding documentation of one of their most incredibleperformances of 2009 with the combination CD/DVD, Live from the Montreal International Jazz Festival on March 9th.   Pre-orders are available now at www.BenHarper.com.

In addition, Ben Harper’s live performance of “My Father’s House” andEddie Vedder’s version of “My City of Ruins” is now available as asplit digital single on iTunes and AmazonMP3 to benefit Artists forPeace and Justice Haiti Relief. “My Father’s House” was written byBruce Springsteen and performed by Harper live at the Kennedy CenterHonors on December 6, 2009, in front of an extraordinary audienceincluding The Boss and President Barack Obama. Exclusive video of theperformance can be seen on www.BenHarper.com http://www.BenHarper.com> .

The new video “Lay There and Hate Me,” the third single from White Lies For Dark Times,premiered on YouTube and was directed by James Frost (Radiohead /‘House of Cards’, Coldplay / “Yellow”). Check out the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijAai55TbfI. An explicit version of the video is currently available on Playboy.com.

On January 4th, Harper performed the duet “Old Enough” on the EllenDegeneres Show, and on January 22nd, Ben joined an all star bandincluding Will Ferrell, Billy Gibbons, Beck and Conan O’Brienperforming “Freebird” to close out the final Tonight Show with ConanO’Brien.

A truly honored Ben Harper recently performed what Rolling Stone calleda “stirring version” of the Crosby, Stills, Nash song “Ohio” at theMusicCares Person of the Year event honoring Neil Young.

In addition, Ben Harper and Relentless7 served as backing band forseveral amazing promotional appearances by Ringo Starr in the lastseveral weeks including The Daily Show, The Late Show with JimmyFallon, The Jay Leno Show, Artists Den and a very special performanceat the Grammy Museum. Harper was also invited to speak at RingoStarr’s induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 8th.

Ben Harper and Relentless7 will headline this summer’s CampusConsciousness Tour. Created by non-profit group Reverb, CCT is halfmusic, half environmental campaign aiming to inspire and activatestudents in a fun and exciting atmosphere while leaving a positiveimpact on each community and college that the tour reaches.

CAMPUS CONSCIOUNESS TOUR with BEN HARPER AND RELENTLESS7:
Apr 15                        Dekalb, IL                        Illinois Univ / Convocation Center
Apr 16                        Athens, OH                        Ohio Univ / Templeton-Blackburn Auditorium
Apr 17                        Williamsport, PA            Lycoming College
Apr 20                        Baltimore, MD            Pier Six Pavilion
Apr 21                        Winston-Salem, NC            Wake Forrest/Wait Chapel
Apr 24                        Nashville, TN                        Vanderbilt Univ / Alumni Lawn

ALICIA KEYS LATEST HEADLINER ANNOUNCED FOR 2010 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, ESSENCE CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY AND 40 YEARS OF MUSIC WITH ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL JULY 2 - 4 IN NEW ORLEANS

vieking — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:10:00 GMT

Grammy Award-winner and multi-platinum superstar Alicia Keys is the latest headliner announced for the 2010 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL set for this July 2, 3 and 4 in New Orleans. The three-time ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL performer joins a line-up featuring some of today's greatest African-American artists including previously announced headliner and official spokesperson Mary J. Blige, along with Earth, Wind and Fire, Gladys Knight, Keri Hilson, Jill Scott, Raphael Saadiq, Charlie Wilson, De La Soul, Chrisette Michele, Joe, Laura Izibor and Melanie Fiona.

This year’s multi-generational list of performers not only celebrates ESSENCE’s 40-year commitment to music, but also honors the local music of New Orleans. Other acts just added to the annual weekend-long celebration of music, culture and community include Arrested Development, Big Sam's Funky Nation, DJ Soul Sister, Estelle, Hot 8 Brass Band, Irma Thomas, Irvin Mayfield and NOJO, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, Lalah Hathaway, Leo Jackson and the Melody Clouds, Little Freddie King, LL Cool J, Mary Mary, Mint Condition, Monica, Rebirth Brass Band, Sam & Ruby, Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs, Soul Rebels Brass Band, Trey Songz and WAR.

For additional information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, visit www.essence.com/festival.

Last year, the ultimate destination for entertainment, empowerment, culture and community celebrated its 15th anniversary with a record-breaking 428,000 attendees. What began in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ESSENCE magazine has now grown into one of the country's "Top 10 Leading Brand Events" by Advertising Age.

The ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL is the nation's largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture; in its 16-year history, it has featured an array of performers including Alicia Keys, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, Chaka Khan, Destiny's Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, Kanye West, The Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Maxwell, The O'Jays, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton, Patti LaBelle and Yolanda Adams.

The presenting sponsor for the 2010 Essence Music Festival is Coca-Cola. Other 2010 sponsors include Coors Light, CoverGirl Queen, Ford, McDonald's, Olay, Pantene, U.S. Army and My Black is Beautiful.

Additional information about ESSENCE is available at www.essence.com.

PUBLIC IMAGE LTD (PIL) ANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2010 AFTER 18 YEAR HIATUS

vieking — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:24:00 GMT

Since returning in December 2009 for seven monumental concerts in the United Kingdom–their first shows in 17 years–PUBLIC IMAGE LTD (PiL) now continue into 2010 with a headlining North American tour starting Saturday, April 17 in San Francisco.

After fronting the Sex Pistols, John Lydon formed Public Image Ltd in 1978. With their experimental sound fusing Rock, Dance, Folk, Ballet, Pop and Dub, PiL are regarded as producing some of the most diverse music of the 70s and 80s. As a band, the music and vision constantly evolved like no other, culminating in an incredible live experience.

The North American tour will be preceded by a special performance at the COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL on Friday, April 16 (opening day of the three-day event) in Indio, CA. It marks their first show in the United States in 18 years.

Cited as one of the most innovative and influential bands in music history, PiL return to a country where they enjoyed a special relationship throughout their career for what are set to be stunning shows. The North American dates will be followed by a series of high-profile summer European Festival appearances.

John Lydon (vocals), Lu Edmonds (guitar), Bruce Smith (drums) and Scott Firth (bass) earned critical and public acclaim for their concerts in December 2009, with many British media outlets championing them as the shows of the year.

John Lydon: “I sound like a bag of kittens thrown down the staircase.”

2010 sees the 30th anniversary of the band’s first U.S. tour and also their U.S TV debut on “American Bandstand,” where singer John Lydon invited the audience onstage to dance with the band! Host Dick Clark famously introduced their appearance as "a memorable moment in rock n roll, something special and interesting.”

With a wide and varied back catalogue spanning three decades, Public Image Ltd will be showcasing the unique sounds of tracks such as “Public Image,” “This Is Not A Love Song,” “Rise,” and “Disappointed,” with many further surprises in store.

Lu Edmonds: Multi instrumentalist and former guitarist in The Damned Lu joined PiL in 1986 recording and playing on the album Happy? and co-writing the album 9 adding yet another dimension to the PiL sound. Lu is also associated with a variety of eclectic and acoustic bands including The Mekons and Siberian band Yat-Kha.

Bruce Smith: Former drummer in The Pop Group and The Slits became percussionist for PiL also in 1986 playing and recording on the albums Happy? and 9. Seen as a drumming virtuoso, Bruce Smith brought his unique style into the fold. Bruce has also played with the likes of Björk and Terence Trent D’Arby.

Scott Firth: A bass player/multi instrumentalist that has collaborated and played with a variety of top musicians and bands including Steve Winwood, John Martyn, Elvis Costello and The Spice Girls. Scott’s arrival into the band in 2009 resulted in John Lydon declaring him “Genius at work!”

The preliminary North American tour dates are as follows, with more shows to be added:

DATE	CITY	VENUE
Fri 4/16	Indio, CA	Empire Polo Field/Coachella
Sat 4/17	San Francisco, CA	Grand Ballroom @ Regency Center
Tue 4/20	Seattle, WA	Showbox at The Market
Wed 4/21	Portland, OR	Crystal Ballroom
Fri 4/23	Salt Lake City, UT	The Depot
Sat 4/24	Denver, CO	Ogden Theatre
Mon 4/26	Kansas City, MO	Midland Theatre
Sun 5/2	Chicago, IL	House of Blues
Tue 5/4	Boston, MA	Royale Boston
Wed 5/5	Boston, MA	Royale Boston
Fri 5/7	Toronto, ON	Kool Haus
Sat 5/8	Montreal, QC	Theatre L'Olympia de Montreal
Tue 5/11	Baltimore, MD	Rams Head Live
Wed 5/12	Washington, DC	9:30 Club
Fri 5/14	Pittsburgh, PA	Club Zoo
Sat 5/15	Atlantic City, NJ	The Borgata Music Box
Tue 5/18	New York, NY	Terminal 5

For further PiL information, see: www.pilofficial.com

post by Erik Thureson

sources PIL & MSOPR

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM RELEASE AND TOUR

vieking — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:32:00 GMT

photo courtesy of Erik Thureson / LB57.com

The long awaited album of new Stone Temple Pilots music (9 years) ended last week in New York.

During a listening party at the Gramercy Park Hotel's Rose Bar the band debuted their self-titled reunion album and announced it would be released on May 25. The entire band was in attendance.

The new album is classic STP. Its 12 tracks have the band's signature blend of tuneful melodies and rock guitar crunch, psychedelic solos and impressive crooning courtesy of Scott Weiland, who looked healthy and dapper in a snazzy suit coat. A few hard-hitting tracks featured tuneful, Beatles-esque songwriting, and a pair of songs on the album's second half slowed the tempo, a la "Sour Girl," with acoustic guitar and strong lead vocals from Weiland.

Among the 12 songs are "Huckleberry Crumble" and "Between the Lines," which Robert DeLeo recently described to SPIN as "musically like Paul Revere and the Raiders, with that '60s sound that I've always been a fan of."

"Fans are going get a great STP record… a really cohesive record with songs that are going to be lasting," he added. "We know what STP sounds like -- we have a sonic blueprint."

After a full play of the new album, Weiland took the mic at the Rose Bar to address the crowd. He thanked the attendees for their unwavering support and praised his band members' top-notch work with the instrumentation. "What about the vocals! The vocals! The vocals!" Dean DeLeo shouted from the back of the room. "Well, I've never been one to flatter myself," joked Weiland.

Stone Temple Pilots - Stone Temple Pilots

Between the Lines
Take a load off
Huckleberry Crumble
Hickory Dichotomy
Dare if You Dare
Cinnamon
Hazy Daze
Bagman
Peacoat
Fast as I can
First Kiss on Mars
Maver

Tour Dates

Mar. 18 – Austin, TX @ Austin Music Hall – SXSW
Mar. 19 – Bossier City, LA @ Horseshoe Casino
Mar. 20 – Thackerville, OK @ WinStar Casino
Mar. 22 – Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theatre
Mar. 24 – Sioux City, IA @ Tyson Events Centre
Mar. 26 – Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
Mar. 27 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
Mar. 30 – Louisville, KY @ Palace Theater
Mar. 31 – Detroit, MI @ Fillmore
Apr. 2 – Indianapolis, IN @ White River State Park
May 22 – Washington, DC @ RFK Stadium
May 23 – Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center

post - Erik Thureson

sources - FuseTV, STP website, Spin