Melissa Rycroft, NOKIA Lumia LA Event

Melissa Rycroft (DWTS Winner) greeted fans and showed off the the NOKIA Lumia 920 at her event on Thursday (12/20) at the Northridge Fashion Center in Los Angeles.








The "Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars" winner and former "Bachelor" contestant said she will be at home in Dallas with her husband, Tye Strickland, and their 22-month-old daughter, Ava.




"We have our entire family -- my family, Tye's family -- all together. It's going to be fun to be able to see everybody," she told CBSNews.com.

 Rycroft said she'll be "putting all emails on hold," "hanging up the phone" and will be deciding what holiday traditions she and Strickland want to begin, now that their daughter is getting older.

"This will be the first year that Ava is really going to be able to enjoy Christmas. She's old enough to get it. So Tye and I are discussing now what traditions we want to start with her," she added.

As she prepares for the holiday, Rycroft has shared some new personal photos with fans. She snapped the images for the photo diary with the Nokia Lumia 920 phone, which she is promoting and calls a "great last-minute gift" for the holidays (she also said it will be her gift for Strickland this year).

She used the phone's camera to take photos of
Ava opening an early Christmas present


a family dinner









and other snapshots from "the chaos and the calmness" in her life.

Holiday Ice Skating Party at the Toyota Sports Center

PADRES CONTRA EL CÁNCER® PROVIDES HOPE TO CHILDREN WITH CANCER AND THEIR FAMILIES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

PADRES CELEBRITY AMBASSADORS & SUPPORTERS JOIN FAMILIES AT PADRES’ HOLIDAY ICE SKATING PARTY

On December 22nd PADRES CONTRA EL CÁNCER (PADRES) will host over 300 children with cancer and their families at their Holiday Ice Skating Party at the Toyota Sports Center.

Celebrity Ambassadors and Supporters scheduled to appear include: BETO CUEVAS (musician); ENRIQUE GUTIERREZ (sports anchor); ANDY VARGAS (musician); KEVEN RAMIREZ (radio host) and ENRIQUE CASTILLO (actor).

The Holiday Ice Skating Party will provide the children with an opportunity to enjoy the holidays with their family in a fun-filled and safe environment. Families will enjoy a day filled with ice skating, arts & crafts, music, family holiday photos and a visit and toys from Santa. PADRES’ Ice Skating Party offers families a moment to get away from the stress, celebrate the holidays and commemorate PADRES’ message of HOPE.

PADRES Contra El Cáncer’s Holiday Ice Skating Party Sponsors include:
Verizon, Toyota Sports Center, LA Kings, Kaiser Permanente and AEG

ABOUT PADRES:
PADRES Contra El Cáncer (PADRES) is an organization committed to improving the quality of life for Latino children with cancer and their families. PADRES programs, activities and services, while primarily oriented to the Latino community, serve childhood cancer patients from ALL races and ethnic origins. No family is turned away. Celebrating 27 of years of service, PADRES brings together children, families, healthcare professionals and community leaders to promote a comprehensive understanding of childhood cancer and other blood disorders as well as effective methods for treatment. Please join our National Spokesperson Eva Longoria in the fight against childhood cancer.

To learn more about PADRES, visit www.IAmHOPE.org.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/IAmHOPE.org
Twitter: @IAmHOPE

Clive Davis and The Recording Academy® will present the annual Pre-GRAMMY® Gala on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013

PREEMINENT EVENT TO FEATURE 2013 GRAMMY SALUTE TO INDUSTRY ICONS® HONORING EPIC RECORDS' CHAIRMAN AND CEO ANTONIO "L.A." REID

Clive Davis and The Recording Academy® will present the annual Pre-GRAMMY® Gala on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif., the evening before the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (www.grammy.com). Sponsored by Harman, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hyundai, and MasterCard Worldwide, this exclusive, star-studded celebration will feature special musical performances and will be attended by the world's most renowned artists and top industry VIPs in music, film, television and new media. For updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

As part of the evening's celebration, the 2013 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons® will honor Epic Records' Chairman and CEO Antonio "L.A." Reid. The Recording Academy will present Reid with the President's Merit Award in recognition of his significant contributions to the music industry and the impact his efforts have had on music and the business of music. Past recipients include Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, Sir Richard Branson, Clive Davis, Ahmet Ertegun, David Geffen, Berry Gordy, Doug Morris, and Mo Ostin.

"We are thrilled to once again collaborate with Clive Davis on this legendary gala filled with unique performances and stories," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "With his keen ability to foster and guide young artists, Antonio 'L.A.' Reid has brought to the world some of the most accomplished and beloved musicians. We are delighted and excited to pay tribute to this luminary who has shaped the contemporary music landscape with his passion, diversity, dedication, and musical judgement."

Before becoming the consummate executive, Reid was a recording artist, drummer, songwriter, and producer. In 1989 he co-founded LaFace Records with Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, in partnership with Clive Davis and Arista Records and introduced a string of multi-platinum artists, including Toni Braxton, OutKast, TLC, and Usher. The label, which reshaped R&B and hip-hop, became one of the premier record companies of its time
In 2000 Reid was named president and CEO of Arista Records and brought successes to the label by signing such multi-platinum artists as P!nk, Ciara and Avril Lavigne. Additionally, during his tenure at Arista he oversaw OutKast's GRAMMY-winning album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below and executive produced Usher's Confessions, which went on to win a GRAMMY and sell more than 10 million copies in the United States.

As chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group, reins he took in 2004, Reid supervised the revitalization of Mariah Carey's career with The Emancipation Of Mimi; helped Kanye West achieve multi-platinum status and worldwide recognition with Late Registration and its follow-up Graduation; nurtured Bon Jovi's platinum selling album Have A Nice Day and their platinum follow-up Lost Highway; managed the Killers' 2004 triple-platinum debut Hot Fuss and Fall Out Boy's 2005 major label debut album, From Under The Cork Tree; and he signed and oversaw Justin Bieber's multi-platinum, GRAMMY-nominated My World and Never Say Neverand Rihanna's succession of worldwide multi-platinum best-sellers Music Of the Sun, A Girl Like Me, Good Girl Gone Bad, and Loud.

Throughout his illustrious career, Reid has produced and co-written more than 30 No. 1 singles and garnered three GRAMMY Awards. In 1999 he was accepted into Harvard Business School's prestigious Advanced Management Program and received intensive MBA training. And in 2006, Reid was honored with the Music Visionary of the Year Award from the UJA-Federation of New York and the Music for Youth Foundation for making quality music education available to underprivileged young people. As chairman and CEO of Epic Records and a judge on "The X Factor," Reid continues to develop and guide young artists and inspire music fans around the world.

Clive Davis began his career at Columbia Records where he was appointed president in 1967 and signed such legendary rock artists as Janis Joplin, Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Earth Wind & Fire. In 1974, Davis went on to co-found Arista Records where he signed Barry Manilow, Patti Smith and Whitney Houston and developed the careers of The Kinks, The Grateful Dead, Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin. His business ventures include forming LaFace Records in 1989 with Babyface and L.A. Reid, and creating Bad Boy Records in 1994 with Sean "Diddy" Combs. In 2000, J Records was born (in partnership with BMG) and emerged as a dominant force, producing the works of Alicia Keys and Maroon 5. Davis was then appointed Chairman/CEO of BMG U.S. Label Group in which he oversaw an expanded RCA Music Group including J Records, RCA Records, and Arista Records. After BMG and Sony Music merged, in 2008 Davis was appointed Chief Creative Officer, Sony Music Worldwide, where he continues to nurture and develop talent. In 2000, Davis received the Trustees Award from The Recording Academy and was recognized as the 2009 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons®.   As a humanitarian, Davis has made tireless efforts in the battle against AIDS, spearheading donations of millions of dollars for AIDS research. In 2002, the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music was created at his undergraduate alma-matter, New York University. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube

The 24th annual Guitar Center’s Drum-Off competition Tickets on Sale

GUITAR CENTER’S DRUM-OFF FINALS TO FEATURE LIVE PERFORMANCES BY STEVE GADD, JOHN BLACKWELL, KEITH CARLOCK, GERALD HEYWARD, DARREN KING, & MORE IN LOS ANGELES JAN.19th

 Top Undiscovered Drummers In The Country Compete In The World’s Premier Drum Competition, Plus An Evening Packed With Performances By The Drumming Elite

 The Legendary Steve Gadd will be honored at the Drum-Off Grand Finals with an induction to Guitar Center’s RockWalk


WHAT:              Now in it’s 24th year, Guitar Center’s nationwide search for the next great undiscovered drummer has chosen the 2012 grand finalists. Starting in August, drummers from across the nation signed up to compete in the world’s largest drum competition, vying for thousands of dollars in cash and prizing as well as the coveted title of Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Champion. After multiple qualifying rounds, five drummers will now go on to fight for the title and the grand prize package valued at nearly $50,000.

The annual competition was created to support talented drummers, providing them an outlet to be heard, giving them the gear and exposure they need to be a successful professional drummer.  Past Guitar Center Drum-Off winners have gone on to have successful professional careers in music including Cora Coleman-Dunham (Prince, Beyonce), Tony Royster Jr, (Jay Z), Eric Moore II (Suicidal Tendencies), Thomas Pridgen (The Mars Volta). For more information please visit: http://gc.guitarcenter.com/drum-off-2011/

WHO:               The 24th annual Guitar Center’s Drum-Off competition will host five of the nation’s greatest undiscovered drummers at the competition’s Grand Finals event. In addition to the competitors, the night will feature live performances by drumming greats including the legendary Steve Gadd with Pedro Martinez, John Blackwell, Gerald Heyward, and many more. Additional guest performers as well as the panel of celebrity judges soon to be announced.

 Finalists:
Aric Improta (Hometown – Fullterton, CA)

Robert “Diamond” Johnson (Hometown – Gardner, KS)

Alphonso Lovelace (Hometown – Houston, TX)

Devon Taylor (Hometown – Fayetteville, GA)

Juan Mendoza (Hometown –Perth Amboy, NJ)


Guest Performers:

·         Steve Gadd – A seasoned session and studio player, the legendary Steve Gadd is regarded as one of the most influential drummers of all time. Most well known for playing with Paul Simon, Gadd has also played with such greats as Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, George Benson, James Taylor, Kate Bush, Paul McCartney and more. Gadd will be honored at the Drum-Off Grand Finals with a special induction to Guitar Center’s RockWalk.

·         Pedrito Martinez – The New York-based world class Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez is a mainstay in the Cuban Rumba style and a former member of Afro-Beat band Yerba Buena. Martinez has been featured on more than 100 records, six of which have received Grammy nominations.

·         John Blackwell - A world-class groove master/drummer most well-known for playing with Prince, John Blackwell has also drummed for Justin Timberlake, Patti LaBelle, P Diddy, Cameo and more.

·         Zigaboo Modeliste - Zigaboo is a legendary New-Orleans drummer for the influential and iconic funk group The Meters.

·         Keith Carlock – Carlock has recorded and toured with such musical luminaries as Sting, Steely Dan, James Taylor, Diana Ross, Faith Hill, among others.

·         Darren King – As the official drummer for the electro-alt rock band Mute Math, Darren King was nominated for a Grammy in 2007.

WHEN:              January 19, 2013
                        Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
                        Showtime at 7:30 p.m.                                           
WHERE:            Club Nokia at L.A. Live

800 W Olympic Blvd # 335 

Los Angeles, CA 90015

TICKET

INFO:               Tickets are available now for $15 including taxes and fees and can be purchased at http://www.ticketmaster.com/Guitar-Centers-Drumoff-Grand-Finals-tickets/artist/1810218

ADDITIONAL

INFO:               The annual Drum-Off competition was created to support talented drummers, providing them an outlet to be heard, giving them the gear and exposure they need to be a successful professional drummer.  Past Guitar Center Drum-Off winners have gone on to have successful professional careers in music including Cora Coleman-Dunham (Prince, Beyonce), Tony Royster Jr, (Jay Z), Eric Moore II (Suicidal Tendencies), Thomas Pridgen (The Mars Volta). The Drum-Off is one example of Guitar Center’s commitment to fostering growth and success within the music community. Guitar Center’s commitment to unsigned artists runs deep with a full calendar year of programs that aim to provide musicians with the opportunity and exposure they need to be successful. For more information please visit: http://gc.guitarcenter.com/drum-off-2011/

Guitar Center's RockWalk is dedicated to honoring those artists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution of Rock 'n' Roll, Blues and R&B. Guitar Center's RockWalk became a reality on November 13, 1985 with inaugural inductions including Stevie Wonder, Eddie Van Halen, Creator of the Gibson Les Paul guitar Ted McCarty, Martin Guitar founder C.F. Martin III, Marshall Amplifier creator Jim Marshall. At last, the Rock 'n Roll world could claim for itself an institution every bit as compelling as Mann's Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Located at Guitar Center’s Hollywood location on Sunset Boulevard, all Guitar Center RockWalk inductees are chosen solely by past honorees. In this way, inductees are chosen by real "music authorities," those who would best be able to gauge his or her contribution to music history.

As the latest inductee, Steve Gadd’s handprints will reside in the RockWalk alongside other accomplished musicians and innovators such as, Eric Clapton, George Martin, Jimmy Page, Iron Maiden, Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash, Van Halen, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, Run-D.M.C. and Queen, among numerous others.

SPONSORS:      Guitar Center Drum-Off is presented by: DW, Pro-Mark, Orange County Drum & Percussion, LP, Meinl, Roland, Gretsch, Pearl, Modern Drummer, Shure, Vic Firth, Zildjian, DW, Sabian, Remo, Tama, Evans

Brooke White to perform live on Good Day L.A. 12/18/2012

BROOKE WHITE TO PERFORM LIVE ON “GOOD DAY LA”MORNING SHOW

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 AT 9 AM PT

FIRST-EVER HOLIDAY ALBUM ‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’ GARNERS 

OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE REVIEWS

Tune in to watch singer-songwriter-musician-actress BROOKE WHITE perform live on “GOOD DAY LA” morning show on Tuesday, December 18 during the 9:00 AM PT hour. BROOKE will perform “California Christmas” from her first-ever holiday album WHITE CHRISTMAS (out now via June Baby), available on iTunes, Amazon, Google, and all online retailers. For more information and to preview the album, click: http://smarturl.it/whitechristmas.

WHITE CHRISTMAS is BROOKE’s first full-length album since the release of her acclaimed debut album High Hopes & Heartbreak (June Baby, 2009). BROOKE teamed with Chris Seefried who produced WHITE CHRISTMAS, (Fitz and The Tantrums, Haley Reinhardt).  The holiday collection is garnering overwhelmingly positive reviews for its modern take on both Christmas favorites and three original songs written by BROOKE which include “California Christmas,” “Christmas Card” and “I Love Christmas.” Check out a sample of what critics are saying so far about WHITE CHRISTMAS:


“White’s crystalline voice has a crisp quaver, and her delivery a reverent intent, ideal for songs of the season.”

--Jim Farber, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS (12/9/12)



“…she exhibits a real flair for injecting new ideas into ultra-familiar music, and adds three tunes of her own to further stir the pot. A nice surprise for ‘Idol’ and non-‘Idol’ obsessives.”

--Randy Lewis, LOS ANGELES TIMES (11/23/12)



“It's a [Brooke] White Christmas with this hip holiday album from one of the hippest contestants to ever grace the ‘Idol’ stage. The Season 7 songstress puts her own spin on some traditional fare, including a couple of the aforementioned staple songs covered by Kris Allen, along with wonderful covers of Wham!'s ‘Last Christmas’ and Paul McCartney's ‘Wonderful Christmastime’ and originals like ‘I Love Christmas (The Girls With Glasses)’ and ‘California Christmas.’ An instant indie classic!”

-- Lyndsey Parker, YAHOO! MUSIC (12/11/12)



“…a folky, homey, near-country approach to the bunch…”

--Rod Lott, OKLAHOMA GAZETTE (12/5/12)



“By adorning most of these songs (three originals and a mix of Christmas favorites) with piano or acoustic guitar, her pretty voice and light backing vocals, White provides a nice change from the heavy production of many holiday albums.”

--Alan Sculley, SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL (12/5/12)



“Producer Chris Seefried adds tasteful, mostly understated arrangements to support White's appealing singing voice. His use of supporting vocal harmonies, mostly sung by White herself, works particularly well, giving the album a light, airy feel. You can hear it in the way they buoy White's gorgeous version of ‘Christmas Time Is Here,’ the Vince Guaraldi/Lee Mendelson song from ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ and add shimmer to the traditional carol ‘O Come All Ye Faithful.’ White also displays astuteness in song selection, balancing hymns with sprightly versions of more recent secular tunes such as George Michael's ‘Last Christmas’ and, miraculously, a nearly treacle-free rendition of Paul McCartney's ‘Wonderful Christmastime.’ She also includes three new songs from her own pen, and all three are excellent. ‘Christmas Card’ wraps hopes of reconciliation and renewal into the simple act of writing a Christmas card; the bright ‘I Love Christmas’ sounds like a long-lost seasonal standard; and ‘California Christmas,’ the best tune of the three, aptly captures the uniqueness of our snowless yuletides through a sparkling musical track and perceptive lyrics. White's voice has a clarity and purity unsullied by showy affectations of any sort. She concentrates on just flat-out singing these songs, be they secular or religious, and the resulting album belongs in everyone's collection of Christmas music.”

--Sam Gnerre, LONG BEACH PRESS TELEGRAM (12/4/12)



After finishing in the Top 5 on “American Idol’s seventh season BROOKE teamed with Randy Jackson, who executive-produced her acclaimed album High Hopes & Heartbreak (June Baby, 2009). Miami Herald praised for its “…infectious melody and reliance on timeless instrumentation--as opposed to trendy hardware…” (Howard Cohen, 6/18/09). Elsewhere, the Boston Herald hailed the album as “…a delightful throwback to ‘70s singer/songwriter fare” (7/17/09). After nationwide tours and TV/radio appearances for “American Idol” and  High Hopes & Heartbreak, BROOKE briefly took some time off from music, to film her first movie Change of Plans, which aired last year on FOX. In addition to acting in the film, BROOKE managed to write, record and perform three original songs in the movie and on the CD soundtrack. Shortly after the film’s debut, BROOKE gave birth to her first child, daughter London Ray in May.



Following is the complete tracklisting for BROOKE WHITE’s WHITE CHRISTMAS:



1.         Christmas Time Is Here
2.         Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
3.         Come All Ye Faithful
4.         Last Christmas
5.         Christmas Card*
6.         Silent Night
7.         Wonderful Christmastime
8.         I Love Christmas*
9.         Blue Christmas
10.       California Christmas*
11.       What Child Is This?
12.       Away In The Manger (iTunes Bonus Track)



www.brookewhite.com
www.facebook.com/brookewhite
twitter.com/brookewhite 

Glenn Close was honored with the AGA Leadership Award

The 2nd Annual American Giving Awards were held earlier tonight at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, CA. The carpet was full celebrities and other amazing people not always thought of as celebrities,but some amazing people none the less.

©Michael Germana / Superstar Images

Six-time Oscar nominated, Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award winning actress Glenn Close was honored with the AGA Leadership Award for her philanthropic endeavors.

©Michael Germana / Superstar Images

Joining Glenn was her sister Jessie Close who is a writer, and has lived with bipolar illness for most of her life, but wasn’t properly diagnosed until a stay at McLean Hospital in 2004.  She had been diagnosed with bipolar 1 but still struggled to live. At McLean, the doctors addressed the psychotic element of her illness and began an anti-psychotic medication.  Today, even though she and her doctors still occasionally adjust her medications, Jessie is successfully managing her illness. She posts articles at http://www.bringchange2mind.org/blog/author/jessie-close

©Michael Germana / Superstar Images

Also attending with Glenn was her
daughter Annie Starke ( Her father is John Starke).




The event was hosted by Joel McHale.

© Michael Germana / Superstar Images

The presenters included:            

Anthony Anderson (Guys with Kids)

©Michael Germana / Superstar Images

Olivia Culpo (Miss USA 2012

©Michael Germana / Superstar Images

 Jenna Elfman (1600 Penn)

©Michael Germana / Superstar Images

        Jamie-Lynn Sigler
              (Guys with Kids)

©Michael Germana / Superstar Images

 

 
The night included performances by: 

 Colbie Caillat

©Michael Germana / Superstar Images

©Michael Germana / Superstar Images

Lifehouse with

Natasha Bedingfield

and Darius Rucker

©Michael Germana / Superstar Images

The JHRTS 10th Annual Holiday Party

The Junior Hollywood Radio & Television Society (JHRTS), comprised of junior executives and coordinators from all areas of the entertainment industry, will host its 10th Annual Holiday Party to celebrate the hard work and commitment from its members throughout the year. JHRTS strives to unify young executives of television, film and radio by creating educational opportunities – from lectures with leaders of the industry to networking events and philanthropy. This annual holiday event is one of the many year-round activities that help foster the development of the next generation of industry leaders.

In keeping with JHRTS’ philanthropic initiatives and tradition, guests are invited to bring canned and non-perishable food donations at the door to support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. For every two items of food donated, attendees will get one raffle ticket and be entered to win a prize of a 2-night stay at the Encore Hotel in Las Vegas.  Additionally, a portion of the monetary proceeds will benefit Adopt A Classroom, which increases opportunity for student success by empowering teachers with community partners and funds to purchase resources for the classroom.
Guests can enjoy complimentary drinks (2 hours), DJ, and food thanks to PopChips and Georgetown Cupcakes, plus additional entertainment to be announced.

Tickets prices are $25.00 for current JHRTS members, $45.00 for non-members, and a package deal of $65.00 for non-members, which includes a 1-year membership for JHRTS. For additional details, please see the official JHRTS holiday party website www.jhrtsholidayparty.com; and for tickets: jhrtsholidayparty2012.eventbrite.com.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, for additional details and levels of participation, please visit www.jhrtsholidayparty.com.

JHRTS is the junior membership of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society (HRTS).   Launched in 2000, JHRTS is the premier networking and information forum for assistants and coordinators from all areas in the entertainment industry, especially assistants from television studios, networks, agencies, production companies and other related fields.  JHRTS’ year round activities include panels and roundtable discussions with entertainment industry leaders, networking events and various other social and charitable activities to help foster the development of the next generation of industry leaders.
For more info go to  www.jhrts.com

The great contribution the Hollywood Radio and Television Society (HRTS) has made to its members, the entertainment industry and the community at large is well recognized. The creation of a junior membership division continues this tradition of community-building, and allows HRTS to do what no other organization ever has; to nurture those young professionals working in the industry who are not yet executives, the future of HRTS and the television, radio, new media and advertising industries.

The Impossible Limited U.S. Release, December 12th

This movie about a tragic situation with a happy ending had a special screening at the The American Film Institute’s AFI FEST 2012 on Sunday November 4th, along with the film Room 237.

Monday December 10th The Impossible will be getting a Hollywood red carpet premiere all by itself.
Check with us Tuesday for photos from the red carpet.

A powerful story based on one family’s survival of the 2004 tsunami, THE IMPOSSIBLE stars Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, and Tom Holland and is directed by J.A. Bayona (THE ORPHANAGE).

Maria (Naomi Watts), Henry (Ewan McGregor) and their three sons begin their winter vacation in Thailand, looking forward to a few days in tropical paradise. But on the morning of December 26th, as the family relaxes around the pool after their Christmas festivities the night before, a terrifying roar rises up from the center of the earth. As Maria freezes in fear, a huge wall of black water races across the hotel grounds toward her.

Based on a true story, THE IMPOSSIBLE is the unforgettable account of a family caught, with tens of thousands of strangers, in the mayhem of one of the worst natural catastrophes of our time. But the true-life terror is tempered by the unexpected displays of compassion, courage and simple kindness that Maria and her family encounter during the darkest hours of their lives. Both epic and intimate, devastating and uplifting, THE IMPOSSIBLE is a journey to the core of the human heart.
 
TheImpossible-Movie.com
 
Rated PG-13 for intense realistic disaster sequences, including disturbing injury images and brief nudity.  Limited U.S. release December 21, 2012.  

Stone Sour and Papa Roach to Hit LA on February 13

It has been anounced that Los Angeles’ CLUB NOKIA will have a night of hard rock with STONE SOUR and PAPA ROACH Wednesday, February 13.  Tickets for the show go on sale Friday, December 7 at 10:00 AM.

courtesy of http://www.stonesour.com

Stone Sour has the #1 Active Rock track in the country for the second week in a row with “Absolute Zero” which Billboard magazine calls “A ruthless hard rocker, the track pummels the listener in the gut…"  They released House of Gold & Bones Part 1, the first installment of their two album series, House of Gold & Bones, on Roadrunner Records, October 22, 2012; it debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200 album charts.  House of Gold & Bones Part 2 will be released spring 2013.  Recorded at Sound Farm Studios just outside of the band's native Des Moines, Iowa with producer David Bottrill (Tool, Muse) at the helm, the album has met with early rave reviews worldwide: "...by far the most accomplished album of Stone Sour's career.  Depth, emotion and spirit seem to infuse everything.  2013 has 'Stone Sour' written all over it." - 4Ks - KERRANG! (UK)

The gold-selling Iowa hard rock outfit has sold over four million albums worldwide over the course of three full-length releases. Their self-titled debut and sophomore effort Come What(ever) May both were certified Gold, while 2010's Audio Secrecy debuted at #6 on the Billboard Top 200. Their arsenal includes "Absolute Zero", as well as previous number one singles "Through Glass," "Say You'll Haunt Me" and "Bother.

Papa Roach © Michael Germana

Papa Roach’s current single, “Where Did the Angels Go” is the #1 most added Active Rock track for 2 weeks in a row, following the 11 top 10 hits in their career. The band’s most recent album, The Connection (Eleven Seven Music, October 2012), which Revolver proclaims “Is a fist-pumping return to form,” and adds the tracks are “grittier and crunchier, akin to those on their breakout albums,” debuted top 20 on the Billboard Top 200. The album’s lead single “Still Swingin” peaked at #3 on the Active rock chart the current single, “Angels” is the #1 most added single at Active rock for the second week in a row.  “Still Swingin’” was also chosen as #6 on Kerrang’s 250 Greatest Rock Songs of 2012. Known for their electrifying and explosive live shows, Papa Roach have become the common denominator for some of the most successful rock tours in recent years and have critics worldwide hailing them as “the best live band.” In August ’10, Papa Roach released Time For Annihilation…On the Record and On the Road (Eleven Seven Music), which debuted as the #1 Independent Rock, #23 Top 200, #4 Hard Rock and #5 Alternative Album on Billboard’s charts. The album’s singles “Kick in the Teeth” and “Burn” both remained in the Top 5 at the active rock radio format for over 8 weeks straight, joining eight additional Top 10 hits throughout the band’s career with songs such as “Last Resort” and “Scars.” With more than 10 years of success including highlights such as 10 million in album sales worldwide, two Grammy nominations, an MTV VMA nomination, 11 Top 10 rock hits, seven Top 10 alternative hits, the Most Played Alternative Song of the Decade (BDS), over 260 million online plays, 6.3 million combined fans, a hosting gig on MTV’s “Scarred” and countless sold out shows.

Stone Sour singer, songwriter and lyricist Corey Taylor, himself a bestselling author courtesy of last year's “Seven Deadly Sins,” wrote the lyrics for the 23 tracks that make up House of Gold & Bones  which follows the compelling story of a character created by Taylor.  Music is just one of the mediums used to tell the story; Corey Taylor recently revealed details of the new project with Dark Horse Comics, House of Gold & Bones which follows, and expands on, the story contained within the albums.  With stunning covers from Jason Shawn Alexander (Empty Zone, Batman, Spider-Man), this limited four-issue series marks Corey Taylor’s debut in the comics genre.

Ticket prices are PIT & VIP Balcony $43.50, GA $33.50 advance/$36 day of show.  Tickets for Club Nokia events are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.com and from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Mon-Fri at the STAPLES Center Box Office located at 1111 S. Figueroa St.  No fees are charged at the STAPLES Center box office or at the Club Nokia box office on show days (open after 5 PM).

About Club Nokia: Club Nokia, a multi-use concert and entertainment venue--located in the heart of the acclaimed L.A. LIVE sports, residential and entertainment district--accommodates over 2,300 guests.  Featuring state-of-the-art acoustics designed for live entertainment, Club Nokia opened in November 2009 and is the perfect venue for emerging music acts, iconic artists, cultural shows and special events while also providing excellent space for corporate events and private parties.  The theatre brings the latest technology to music enthusiasts including an innovative interactive experience embedded in foot-controlled floor interfaces, touchscreens, and a large LED installation within the lobby of the Club Nokia space.  This interactive experience allows users to scroll through the history and the future of Club Nokia events and interact with pictures, video and text messages submitted by fellow concert fans. Since its opening, Club Nokia has hosted a massive array of eclectic events: packed concerts of every musical genre (Band of Horses, Motorhead, Adam Lambert, Drake, Matisyahu, Queens of the Stone Age, Vince Gill, The Specials, La Roux, to name but a few); comedians (Lisa Lampanelli, Sarah Silverman, Jim Jefferies and more); special month-long residencies (The Pee-wee Herman Show, Cirque Berzerk); awards shows (Grammy nominations concert, Revolver Golden Gods Awards) and private events.

Club Nokia was awarded “Best New Major Concert Venue” in 2009 at the Pollstar Concert Industry Awards and won “Nightclub of the Year” at the 2010 Pollstar Awards.

www.clubnokia.com    www.stonesour.com    paparoach.com/

CLUB NOKIA Presents: 'Ludacris & Kelly Rowland' on Sunday, December 30

It was recently announced that Los Angeles’ CLUB NOKIA will be hosting host two GRAMMY® award-winning artists:

© Michael Germana

LUDACRIS & KELLY ROWLAND

© Michael Germana

on Sunday, December 30 

as part of the 1st Annual 

Kevin Hart NYE Block 

Party--a 3-day 

extravaganza including 

celebrity-packed events 

hosted by Hart--at 

L.A.  LIVE from 

December 29-31

Tickets for this show go on sale Friday, December 7 at 10:00am.


Recording artist, actor, philanthropist and restaurateur Chris “Ludacris” Bridges first gained worldwide acclaim more than 10 years ago with his debut album, Back for the First Time (2000).  Ever since, his unrivaled lyrical prowess, dynamic performances and timeless hits in
cluding “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Number One Spot,” “Money Maker” and “My Chick Bad,” have solidified him as one of music’s best entertainers and led to the sale of more than 20 million albums domestically.  With the 2013 release  of LUDAVERSAL, fans can look forward to more great music from Ludacris. In addition to immense commercial success, Ludacris’ consistent output of stellar music has garnered the admiration of his peers, as well as numerous awards and honors including three Grammys.

For a Grammy-award winner who has been part of one of the most successful groups of all time, a solo star in her own right, with roles in motion pictures and television, Kelly Rowland isn’t kidding when she says, “This is a fresh start for me. I’m in a fantastic place right now.” Kelly launched her post-Destiny’s Child solo career by teaming up with rapper Nelly in 2002, recording the vocals for the track “Dilemma” for his album Nellyville. The song ended up with a Grammy nomination for “Record of the Year” and earned Rowland an award in the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration category. After three successful solo albums--2002’s RIAA-gold certified Simply Deep, which reached #12 on the Billboard chart, 2007’s Ms. Kelly, which went on to sell 1.2 million worldwide and 2011’s Here I Am, featuring the slow, steamy single "Motivation," (featuring Lil Wayne), which rode to the top of Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for several weeks and crossed into the Top 20 of the Hot 100--Kelly premiered "Ice," featuring Lil Wayne in July, as the lead single from her upcoming fourth album, Year of the Woman, scheduled to be released in 2013. Also in 2012, Rowland has been featured on Ludacris' single "Representin,” Sean Paul's "How Deep Is Your Love,” Big Boi's "Mama Told Me" and Future's "Neva End (Remix).”

Ticket prices for this show range from $29.50 to $60. Tickets for Club Nokia events are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.com and from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Mon-Fri at the STAPLES Center Box Office located at 1111 S. Figueroa St.  No fees are charged at the STAPLES Center box office or at the Club Nokia box office on show days (open after 5 PM).

About Club Nokia:Club Nokia, a multi-use music, entertainment and concert venue--located in the heart of the acclaimed L.A. LIVE sports, residential and entertainment district--accommodates over 2,300 guests.  Featuring state-of-the-art acoustics designed for live entertainment, Club Nokia is the perfect venue for emerging music acts and cultural shows while also providing excellent space for corporate events and private parties.  The theatre brings the latest technology to music enthusiasts including an innovative interactive experience embedded in foot-controlled floor interfaces, touchscreens, and a large LED installation within the lobby of the Club Nokia space.  This interactive experience allows users to scroll through the history and the future of Club Nokia events and interact with pictures, video and text messages submitted by fellow concert fans.  Club Nokia has been honored two consecutive years at the annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards-in 2009 as “Best New Major Concert Venue” and in 2010 as “Nightclub Of The Year”; along with a Zagat Award for Best Live Music Club in Los Angeles (2009).

Since its opening, Club Nokia has hosted a massive array of eclectic events: packed concerts of every musical genre (Band of Horses, Motorhead, Adam Lambert, Drake, Matisyahu, Queens of the Stone Age, Vince Gill, The Specials, La Roux, to name but a few); comedians (Lisa Lampanelli, Sarah Silverman, Jim Jefferies and more); special month-long residencies (The Pee-wee Herman Show, Cirque Berzerk); awards shows (Grammy nominations concert, Revolver Golden Gods Awards) and private events.

www.ludaversal.com
   www.kellyrowland.com     
www.clubnokia.com

MIB 3: Review

Boris, Clawfant, Frog Guy, Fly Guy © Bob Freeman

In Men in Black 3, Agents J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) are back... in time. J has seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with the Men in Black, but nothing, not even aliens, perplexes him as much as his wry, reticent partner. But when K's life and the fate of the planet are put at stake, Agent J will have to travel back in time to put things right. J discovers that there are secrets to the universe that K never told him -- secrets that will reveal themselves as he teams up with the young Agent K (Josh Brolin) to save his partner, the agency, and the future of humankind. The film is directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. The screenplay is written by Etan Cohen, based on the Malibu Comic by Lowell Cunningham. The producers are Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald, and the executive producers are Steven Spielberg and G. Mac Brown.

The third MIB installment, released directly to DVD & Blu-Ray does not have quite the same feel as the first two. 
Most noticeable is the lack of a female victim or female "bad guy" which the first two had.  Nicole Scherzinger has a brief role as decoy for a prison escape, however she doesn't last long.  Jemaine Clement plays Boris the Animal and while his character is mostly make-up and visual effects, his performance was excellent. Tommy Lee Jones is replaced early on by Josh Brolin who plays the role of a younger Agent K for most of the film. Josh's performance was very good. Even though he does not look like Tommy Lee, his voice patterns, facial expressions and body language were very much Agent K.  The addition of time travel to the story and the revelations of events tying Agent J & Agent K even close together made for an interesting story. 
This movie seems to be a showcase for Rick Baker and his amazing makeup skills. It seems to me we were given much longer glimpses of much more complex extraterrestrials in this version.

Lots of excitement, lots of very beleivable special effects and great acting make this one worth renting.